Battery manufacturing apparatus and battery manufacturing method

Abstract

The present disclosure may provide a battery manufacturing apparatus, comprising: a laser cutting device for irradiating a laser beam to a tab included in a battery cell, the laser beam cutting at least a portion of the tab along a predetermined cutting line; and the bending device is used for bending at least one part of the tab.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery manufacturing device and a battery manufacturing method. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the demand for mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, and wireless headphones has continued to increase. In addition, with the rapid development of electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, robots, and satellites, research on high-performance secondary batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged as energy sources is also being actively carried out.

[0003] Currently, commercial secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries and lithium secondary batteries. Among them, compared with nickel-based secondary batteries, lithium secondary batteries have the advantages of free charge and discharge due to almost no memory effect, very low self-discharge rate and high energy density.

[0004] When manufacturing batteries, problems sometimes occur due to assembly tolerances. For example, when bending or cutting specific parts for product applications, it is best to minimize assembly tolerances. If assembly tolerances occur, they may cause short circuits, voltage differences, reduced joint quality, occurrence of cutting scatter, or mold damage.

[0005] Prior art literature

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] (Patent Document 1) Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2022-0136260 (Invention Title: Battery Cell Manufacturing Method and Battery Cell Manufacturing Device) Summary of the invention

[0008] 1. Technical issues to be resolved

[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery manufacturing device and a battery manufacturing method can be provided, which can minimize the problems caused by assembly tolerances. In addition, specifically, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery manufacturing device and a battery manufacturing method can be provided, which can minimize the problems caused by assembly tolerances, such as short circuits, voltage differences, reduced joining quality, the occurrence of cutting spreads, or mold damage. In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a battery manufacturing device and a battery manufacturing method can be provided, which can achieve precise and diverse shapes through laser cutting. In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a battery manufacturing device and a battery manufacturing method can be provided, which can improve manufacturing stability by shielding spatter that may be generated by the laser cutting method.

[0010] In addition, the battery manufacturing device and the battery manufacturing method according to one aspect of the present disclosure can be widely used in electric vehicles, battery charging stations, other green technology fields such as solar power generation and wind power generation using batteries. In addition, the battery manufacturing device and the battery manufacturing method according to one aspect of the present disclosure can be applied to eco-friendly electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles that prevent climate change by suppressing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

[0011] (II) Technical solution

[0012] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery manufacturing device may include: a laser cutting device that irradiates a laser beam onto a tab included in a battery cell, wherein the laser beam cuts at least a portion of the tab along a predetermined cutting line; and a bending device that bends at least a portion of the tab.

[0013] In a battery manufacturing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the laser cutting device may include a laser device that irradiates a laser beam, and the laser device may include one or more selected from a fiber laser device, a disk laser device, and a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser device.

[0014] In the battery manufacturing apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the laser beam may satisfy one or more conditions selected from the following conditions i) to iv),

[0015] Condition i) Spot size: 10μm to 30μm;

[0016] Condition ii) Power: 700W to 1300W;

[0017] Condition iii) Speed: 60 mm / sec to 500 mm / sec; and

[0018] Condition iv) Focal length: -1.5mm to 1.5mm.

[0019] In the battery manufacturing apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the laser cutting apparatus may include a gas injection apparatus that injects gas to an area irradiated with a laser beam.

[0020] In the battery manufacturing apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the pressure of the gas injected by the gas injection device may be 5 bar or more.

[0021] In the battery manufacturing apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the gas injected by the gas injection device may include one or more selected from dry air, air, nitrogen (N2), oxygen (O2) and argon (Ar).

[0022] In the battery manufacturing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the laser cutting device may include a shielding portion that shields at least a portion of the battery cell.

[0023] In the battery manufacturing apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the laser cutting apparatus may include a pressurizing portion that pressurizes the tab.

[0024] In the battery manufacturing apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the predetermined cutting line may be located at a position spaced apart from a standard line, and the standard line may be determined by a bending device.

[0025] In the battery manufacturing apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the battery cell may include an outer packaging material in which the electrode assembly is built, and the electrode tab may protrude from at least one side of the outer packaging material.

[0026] In the battery manufacturing apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the predetermined cutting line may be located at a position spaced apart from a reference line in a direction in which the tab protrudes.

[0027] In the battery manufacturing apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the predetermined cutting line may be farther from the exterior material than the reference line.

[0028] In the battery manufacturing apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the bending device may be in contact with the tab to bend at least a portion of the tab.

[0029] In the battery manufacturing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the reference line may be located on a region where the bending device contacts the tab.

[0030] In the battery manufacturing apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the reference line may be located on the tab.

[0031] In the battery manufacturing device according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the bending device may include a first bending portion having a protrusion and a second bending portion having a recess, and the protrusion and the recess may be disposed opposite to each other.

[0032] In the battery manufacturing apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the bending device may pressurize at least a portion of the electrode tab located between the first bending portion and the second bending portion to bend at least a portion of the electrode tab.

[0033] A battery manufacturing method according to one aspect of the present disclosure may include: a step of bending at least a portion of a tab included in a battery cell; and a step of cutting at least a portion of the tab along a predetermined cutting line.

[0034] The battery manufacturing method according to one aspect of the present disclosure may further include the step of setting a reference line, and the predetermined cutting line may be located at a position spaced apart from the reference line.

[0035] In the battery manufacturing method according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the step of setting the reference line may be determined in the bending step.

[0036] In the battery manufacturing method according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the bending step and the cutting step may be performed simultaneously.

[0037] (III) Beneficial effects

[0038] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, problems caused by assembly tolerances can be minimized. In addition, specifically, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, problems such as short circuits, voltage differences, reduced bonding quality, occurrence of cutting spread, or mold damage caused by assembly tolerances can be minimized. In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, precise and diverse shapes can be achieved by laser cutting. In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, manufacturing stability can be improved by shielding spatter that may be generated by the laser cutting method. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] The drawings shown in the present disclosure are drawn according to the examples of the present disclosure, and the ratios of the length, width or thickness (or height) of each component are intended to illustrate the present disclosure in detail, and their ratios may be different from the actual ones. In addition, in the coordinate system shown in the figure, the axes may be perpendicular to each other, the direction indicated by the arrow may be the + direction, and the direction opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow (rotated 180 degrees) may be the - direction.

[0040] Figure 1 and Figure 2 is a plan view schematically showing a portion of a battery manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 1 is a plan view schematically showing a part of a battery manufacturing apparatus and a part of a battery manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 6 is a photograph showing a portion of a cut surface of a tab cut by a battery manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 7 is a photograph showing a portion of a cut surface of a tab cut under conditions different from those of one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 8 1 is a plan view schematically showing a part of a battery manufacturing apparatus and a part of a battery manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Fig. 9 is a plan view schematically illustrating a portion of a bent tab according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Fig.10 is a plan view schematically showing the structure of a battery cell in a part of a battery manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Fig.11 and Fig.12 1 is a plan view schematically showing a part of a battery manufacturing apparatus and a part of a battery manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Fig.13 and 14 is a plan view schematically showing a portion of a battery manufacturing apparatus and a portion of a battery manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure ( Fig.12 (enlarged view of part A).

[0049] Fig.15 and 16 1 is a plan view schematically showing a part of a battery manufacturing apparatus and a part of a battery manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Fig.17 is a plan view schematically showing the structure of a battery cell in a part of a battery manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Fig.18 is a perspective view schematically showing a portion of the structure of a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] Fig.19 is a plan view schematically showing a portion of the structure of a battery assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure ( Fig.18 SS' cross-section diagram).

[0053] Fig. 20 and 21 is a flow chart schematically showing a part of the steps of a battery manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] Fig. 22 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] Fig.23is a diagram schematically showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] Description of reference numerals:

[0057] 1: Battery module

[0058] 2: Battery Pack

[0059] 10: Battery manufacturing equipment

[0060] 50: Battery components

[0061] 100: Laser cutting device

[0062] 110: Laser device

[0063] 120: Gas injection device

[0064] 130: Mirror

[0065] 140: Lens

[0066] 150: Shielding

[0067] 160: Pressurization unit

[0068] 170: Support

[0069] 200: Bending device

[0070] 210: First bend

[0071] 211: The bulge

[0072] 220: Second bend

[0073] 221: Depression

[0074] 300: Battery Cell

[0075] 310: Tab

[0076] 320: Exterior materials

[0077] 400: Visual Installation

[0078] 500: Busbar

[0079] 510: Busbar hole

[0080] L: Laser beam

[0081] G: Gas

[0082] CL: Predetermined cutting line

[0083] SL: Baseline DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0084] Hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, but this is merely exemplary and the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described exemplarily.

[0085] Among the physical properties mentioned in this specification, when measuring the influence of temperature on the physical property, the physical property is a physical property measured at normal temperature and pressure unless otherwise defined.

[0086] The term "normal temperature" used in this specification refers to a natural temperature without heating or cooling, for example, a temperature in the range of 10°C to 30°C, for example, a temperature of about 15°C or more, about 18°C ​​or more, about 20°C or more, about 23°C or more, about 27°C or less, or 25°C. In this specification, unless otherwise defined, the unit of temperature is Celsius (°C).

[0087] Among the physical properties mentioned in this specification, when measuring the influence of pressure on the physical property, the physical property is the physical property measured under normal pressure unless otherwise defined.

[0088] The term "normal pressure" used in the present disclosure refers to a natural pressure without being pressurized or reduced, and generally, a gas pressure within a range of about 700 mmHg to 800 mmHg is referred to as normal pressure.

[0089] The term "a to b" used in the present disclosure refers to a range between and including a and b. For example, comprising a to b in parts by weight has the same meaning as being within the range of a to b in parts by weight.

[0090] Unless otherwise specified, the terms length, width and thickness (or height) used in this specification refer to average values ​​and can be measured in the manner of the art by measuring instruments capable of measuring length, width and thickness, respectively. The length, width and thickness (or height) may refer to the lengths measured along mutually perpendicular axes in the coordinate system shown in the figure.

[0091] In this specification, the meanings of battery and cell may be the same. In addition, the battery or cell may also be a general term for a battery cell as their unit, a battery assembly including the battery cell, a battery module or a battery pack. Here, a battery assembly may refer to a structure in which more than one battery cell is assembled with a bus bar or a structure in which multiple battery cells are stacked.

[0092] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery manufacturing device 10 and a battery manufacturing method may be provided, which can minimize problems caused by assembly tolerances. Specifically, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery manufacturing device 10 and a battery manufacturing method may be provided, which can minimize problems such as short circuits, voltage differences, reduced joining quality, the occurrence of cutting spread, or mold damage caused by assembly tolerances. In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a battery manufacturing device 10 and a battery manufacturing method may be provided, which can achieve precise and diverse shapes through laser cutting. In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, a battery manufacturing device 10 and a battery manufacturing method may be provided, which can improve manufacturing stability by shielding spatter that may be generated by the laser cutting method (refer to Figure 1 ).

[0093] Each component of the battery manufacturing device 10 according to one aspect of the present disclosure may be automated. The term "automation" used in this specification may refer to operating the components included in the battery manufacturing device 10 by running software such as a computer program to perform the process of the present disclosure. The components of the battery manufacturing device 10 may be appropriately connected so that the components are organically operated by running the software. Each component included in the battery manufacturing device 10 may each include a sending and receiving device, and when necessary, the sending and receiving device may send and receive electronic data generated or converted according to the software. In addition, each component included in the battery manufacturing device 10 may also each include a control unit, and when necessary, the control unit may convert the electronic data so that each component operates. In addition, each component included in the battery manufacturing device 10 may also include a storage medium, and when necessary, the storage medium may store electronic data generated or converted according to the software. There is no particular limitation on the method for sending and receiving the electronic data, and the methods available in the art may be applied. The storage medium may be a known memory device, such as a cache memory, a buffer memory, a magnetic disk, a hard disk, a solid state drive (SSD), etc.

[0094] Figure 1 and Figure 2 is a plan view schematically showing a portion of a battery manufacturing apparatus 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0095] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a battery manufacturing device 10 may include a laser cutting device 100. In addition, the battery manufacturing device 10 may include a bending device 200. The laser cutting device 100 may irradiate a laser beam L to a tab 310 included in a battery cell 300. In addition, the bending device 200 may bend at least a portion of the tab 310. In addition, the laser beam L may be directed along a predetermined cutting line CL (refer to Figure 3 ) cutting at least a portion of the tab 310.

[0096] In the battery manufacturing device 10 according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the battery cell 300 may include the tab 310 as described above, and may further include an outer packaging material 320 of a built-in electrode assembly. Here, the tab 310 may protrude from at least one side of the outer packaging material 320. The battery cell 300 may include an outer packaging material 320 of a built-in electrode assembly and a tab 310 protruding from at least one side of the outer packaging material 320. Depending on the situation, the battery cell 300 may be in a product state that has undergone a formation process, or may be in a semi-product state that has not undergone a formation process.

[0097] On the other hand, the battery cell 300 may include one or more tabs 310. As described above, the tabs 310 of the battery cell 300 may protrude from at least one side of the outer material 320. The battery cell 300 may include a plurality of tabs 310, and the protruding directions of the tabs 310 may be independent of each other. Figure 1 , the cell 300 may have two tabs 310, one of which may protrude in the +DR2 direction, and the other tab 310 may protrude in the -DR2 direction. Here, each of the tabs 310 may protrude in directions opposite to each other. A cell 300 having such a tab 310 direction may generally be referred to as a bidirectional cell 300. However, it is not limited thereto, and the multiple tabs 310 may protrude in the same direction. For example, the multiple tabs 310 may all protrude in the +DR2 direction. A cell 300 having such a tab 310 direction may generally be referred to as a unidirectional cell 300. In a cell 300 according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the number of tabs 310 and their respective protruding directions are not particularly limited, and may be either the above-mentioned bidirectional cell 300 or a unidirectional cell 300. Although the accompanying drawings illustrate a bidirectional cell 300, it is obvious to a person skilled in the art that the present invention is also applicable to a cell 300 or a unidirectional cell 300 having tabs 310 protruding in other directions.

[0098] In addition, the outer packaging material 320 of the battery cell 300 may have an electrode assembly and an electrolyte built in. The electrode assembly may include an electrode. The electrode may include a positive electrode and a negative electrode. The electrolyte may be a liquid or solid substance at room temperature. If it is a liquid phase, it may be called an electrolyte, and if it is a solid phase, it may be called a solid electrolyte. If the electrolyte is a liquid phase at room temperature, the battery cell 300 may further include a separator between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. If the electrolyte is a solid phase at room temperature, the battery cell 300 may further include a solid electrolyte with a layer morphology between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The positive electrode (cathode) refers to a reduction electrode where an electron transfer substance receives electrons when the battery cell 300 is discharged, and the negative electrode (anode) refers to an oxidation electrode where an electron transfer substance transfers electrons when the battery cell 300 is discharged. In the above, the electron transfer substance may be a lithium ion (Li+).

[0099] In addition, the electrode assembly can be manufactured, for example, by winding a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator (or a solid electrolyte layer) in the form of a longitudinally long sheet. In addition, the electrode assembly can also be manufactured by inserting a positive electrode and a negative electrode cut to a suitable size between separators (or solid electrolyte layers) in the form of longitudinally long sheets (sheets) in a stacking manner (for example, a Z-type stacking manner).

[0100] In addition, the tab 310 may be electrically connected to the electrode of the electrode assembly. Specifically, there may be two tabs 310, one of which may be electrically connected to the positive electrode of the electrode assembly, and the other tab 310 may be electrically connected to the negative electrode of the electrode assembly. Figure 1 The battery cell 300 may include two tabs 310 protruding in opposite directions, one of which may be electrically connected to the positive electrode of the electrode assembly, and the other tab 310 may be electrically connected to the negative electrode of the electrode assembly. The tab 310 electrically connected to the positive electrode may be referred to as a positive tab 310-1, and the tab 310 electrically connected to the negative electrode may be referred to as a negative tab 310-2. The electrical connection method may be used in a manner known in the art (see Figure 6 ).

[0101] In addition, the pole tab 310 may have an appropriate thickness. For example, the thickness of the pole tab 310 may be greater than 0.1 mm, greater than 0.11 mm, greater than 0.12 mm, greater than 0.13 mm, greater than 0.14 mm, greater than 0.15 mm, greater than 0.16 mm, greater than 0.17 mm, greater than 0.18 mm, greater than 0.19 mm, or greater than 0.2 mm, or less than 2 mm, less than 1.9 mm, less than 1.8 mm, less than 1.7 mm, less than 1.6 mm, less than 1.5 mm, less than 1.4 mm, less than 1.3 mm, less than 1.2 mm, less than 1.1 mm, or less than 1 mm. The thickness of the pole tab 310 may be within a range formed by appropriately selecting the above upper and lower limits. If the thickness of the pole tab 310 satisfies the above range, excellent cutting surface quality of the pole tab 310 may be ensured under the conditions of the laser beam L described later. For example, the thickness of the pole tab 310 may refer to the thickness along the Figure 1 The length in the DR1 direction.

[0102] In addition, the tab 310 may include metal. For example, the positive tab 310-1 may include aluminum (Al), and the negative tab 310-2 may include copper (Cu). However, this is not limited to this (see Figure 6 ).

[0103] The electrical connection mentioned in the present disclosure refers to a state in which a circuit is formed when the connected objects are connected by a connecting means so that current can flow through the connected objects. The connecting means is not particularly limited as long as the connecting means can achieve electrical connection, and the connecting means can be direct contact between the connected objects, or a wire through which current can flow.

[0104] In addition, the battery cell 300 may be classified according to the form of the outer packaging material 320. According to the form of the outer packaging material 320, the battery cell 300 may be a prismatic battery cell 300, a cylindrical battery cell 300, a coin-shaped battery cell 300, or a bag-shaped battery cell 300. For the contents of the positive electrode, the negative electrode, the separator, and the electrolyte, reference may be made to the contents known in the art. Figure 1 The battery cell 300 shown in FIG. 1 is a pouch-shaped battery cell 300 , but is not particularly limited thereto. The battery manufacturing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may also be applicable to manufacturing various types of battery cells 300 .

[0105] Reference Figure 1According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery manufacturing device 10 may include the laser cutting device 100 as described above. At least a portion of the laser cutting device 100 may be movable, for example, the laser cutting device 100 may be movable by being connected to a guide rail or the like. However, the movement of the laser cutting device 100 is not limited to the above means, but may be performed by an appropriate method in consideration of the art and the design of the battery manufacturing device 10.

[0106] Reference Figure 1 The laser cutting device 100 may include a laser device 110, and the laser device 110 may output a laser beam L. The laser device 110 may include a light source unit, and the light source unit includes a laser element for generating the laser beam L. Specifically, cutting may be performed by the laser beam L generated by the laser element of the light source unit.

[0107] Reference Figure 1 , the laser cutting device 100 may further include necessary components so as to irradiate the laser beam L generated by the laser device 110 to the pole lug 310. For example, the laser cutting device 100 may further include a mirror 130, which reflects the laser beam L generated by the laser device 110. Through the mirror 130, the path of the laser beam L can be changed to a direction toward the pole lug 310. In addition, the laser cutting device 100 may further include a lens 140 to focus the laser beam L generated by the laser device 110 and reflected by the mirror 130. Through the lens 140, the focal length or width (spot size) of the laser beam L can be controlled within an appropriate range.

[0108] In the laser cutting device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the type of the laser device 110 is not particularly limited, as long as the laser device 110 can irradiate the laser beam L for cutting, and the laser device 110 can apply the laser device used in the art. For example, the laser device 110 may include one or more selected from a fiber type laser device, a disk type laser device, and a carbon dioxide (CO2) type laser device. In addition, the laser cutting device 100 may further include necessary components according to the type of the laser device 110.

[0109] The laser cutting device 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can cut the tab 310 along the thickness direction. Figure 1 The laser cutting device 100 can cut at least a portion of the electrode tab 310 along the thickness direction, that is, the DR1 direction.

[0110] In the laser cutting device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the laser beam L may satisfy one, two or more than three conditions selected from the following conditions i) to iv). In another example, the laser beam L may satisfy all of the following conditions i) to iv).

[0111] Condition i) Spot size: 10μm to 30μm;

[0112] Condition ii) Power: 700W to 1300W;

[0113] Condition iii) Speed: 60 mm / sec to 500 mm / sec; and

[0114] Condition iv) Focal length: -1.5mm to 1.5mm.

[0115] On the other hand, the laser beam L can apply heat energy to the tab 310 to a degree that enables cutting, and the area of ​​the tab 310 irradiated by the laser beam L is melted, thereby enabling cutting.

[0116] In the above conditions, the power and speed of the laser beam L can determine the input heat required to cut the pole tab 310. If the input heat applied to the pole tab 310 is large, scorch marks may be generated, and thermal damage may cause the shape of the cut surface to be uneven. In addition, if the input heat applied to the pole tab 310 is small, cutting may not be performed normally, and large burrs may be generated. Therefore, by appropriately adjusting the laser beam L within the range of the above conditions, the pole tab 310 can be cut while preventing the above problems from occurring.

[0117] In the above conditions, the focal length of the laser beam L may also determine the input heat required to cut the pole tab 310. In addition, the focal length may directly affect the cutting quality of the pole tab 310. Depending on the focal length, the size of the light spot may also be different, which may result in different input heat applied to the pole tab 310, thereby possibly causing problems such as failure to cut or uneven cutting. Therefore, by appropriately adjusting the laser beam L within the range of the above conditions, the pole tab 310 may be cut without causing the above problems.

[0118] If the laser beam L satisfies one, two or three or more conditions selected from the above conditions i) to iv), or satisfies all the conditions, excellent cross-sectional (cut surface) quality of the cut tab 310 can be ensured. Excellent cut surface quality may refer to a case where the size of the burr caused by the laser beam L is less than 50 μm. In another example, excellent cut surface quality may refer to a uniform shape of the cut surface.

[0119] On the other hand, the laser beam L may include one or more selected from radio waves, microwaves, infrared rays, visible light, and ultraviolet rays. The radio waves may have a wavelength of about 0.1 m or more and 10 3 m or less. The microwave may refer to light with a wavelength of about 0.1 cm or more and 1 m or less. The infrared may refer to light with a wavelength of about 700 nm or more and 1 mm or less. The visible light may refer to light with a wavelength of about 380 nm or more and 700 nm or less. The ultraviolet may refer to light with a wavelength of about 100 nm or more and 380 nm or less.

[0120] Preferably, the laser beam L contains infrared rays to ensure excellent cutting surface quality and uniform shape of the cutting surface. In addition, specifically, the laser beam L may contain one or more selected from a first infrared ray and a second infrared ray. The wavelength of the first infrared ray may be above 800nm, above 810nm, above 820nm, above 830nm, above 840nm, above 850nm, above 860nm, above 870nm, above 880nm, above 890nm, above 900nm, above 910nm, above 920nm, above 930nm, above 940nm, above 950nm, above 960nm, above 970nm, above 980nm, above 990nm, above 1000nm, The wavelength of the first infrared ray may be within the range formed by appropriately selecting the upper and lower limits. In addition, the wavelength of the second infrared ray can be 8 μm or more, 8.1 μm or more, 8.2 μm or more, 8.3 μm or more, 8.4 μm or more, 8.5 μm or more, 8.6 μm or more, 8.7 μm or more, 8.8 μm or more, 8.9 μm or more, 9.0 μm or more, 9.1 μm or more, 9.2 μm or more, or 12 μm or less, 11.9 μm or less, 11.8 μm or less, 11.7 μm or less, 11.6 μm or less, 11.5 μm or less, 11.4 μm or less, 11.3 μm or less, 11.2 μm or less, 11.1 μm or less, 11 μm or less, 10.9 μm or less, 10.8 μm or less, 10.7 μm or less, or 10.6 μm or less. The wavelength of the second infrared ray can be within the range formed by appropriately selecting the upper and lower limits. In addition, when the wavelengths of the first infrared ray and the second infrared ray are within the above range, excellent cut surface quality and uniform shape of the cut surface can be ensured.

[0121] In addition, in another example, the laser beam L may include the first infrared ray and the second infrared ray. In this way, excellent cutting surface quality and uniform cutting surface shape can be ensured.

[0122] In addition, the amplitude and frequency of the laser beam L can be appropriately selected according to the design. In particular, the laser beam L can have a continuous wave (CW) form. That is, the laser beam L can be irradiated to the pole ear 310 in a form with a constant amplitude and a constant frequency.

[0123] The laser cutting device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a gas injection device 120. The gas injection device 120 may inject gas G to the area irradiated by the laser beam L. In addition, the gas injection device 120 may inject the gas G after irradiating the laser beam L. In another example, the gas injection device 120 may inject the gas G while irradiating the laser beam L.

[0124] The gas injection device 120 may include various components such as a nozzle to inject the gas G into the area irradiated by the laser beam L, and the gas injection device 120 may also include a gas tank for storing the gas G. In addition, the gas injection device 120 may also include a compressor to increase or decrease the injection pressure of the gas G. The injection pressure of the gas G may be controlled by the degree of opening or closing of the nozzle, the pressure in the gas tank, or the output degree of the compressor. However, this is only an example, and the injection pressure of the gas G may also be controlled in other ways. In addition, the gas injection device 120 may additionally include components required to inject the gas G into the area irradiated by the laser beam L.

[0125] The gas injection device 120 can assist the cutting of the laser beam L. The gas injection device 120 can improve the cutting quality by assisting the laser beam L in cutting the pole tab 310. That is, the laser beam L irradiates the pole tab 310, applies thermal energy to the pole tab 310, and the gas G is injected into the area of ​​the properly melted pole tab 310, and the melted pole tab 310 is instantly cut, thereby improving the cutting quality.

[0126] The position of the gas injection device 120 is not particularly limited, as long as the gas injection device 120 can inject the gas G to the area irradiated by the laser beam L. Figure 1 The gas injection device 120 is installed on a part of the laser device 110, which is just an example. The gas injection device 120 can also be provided as a separate device.

[0127] In addition, the pressure of the gas G injected by the gas injection device 120 may be 5 bar or more. The upper limit of the pressure of the gas G is not particularly limited, for example, it may be 15 bar or less. The pressure of the gas G may refer to the pressure just after being discharged from the gas injection device 120. That is, the pressure of the gas G may refer to the injection pressure of the gas G. In addition, for example, if the gas G is injected through a nozzle, the pressure of the gas G may refer to the pressure of the gas G just after being injected from the nozzle. In addition, the pressure of the gas G may be measured by a pressure measuring instrument for measuring the pressure of the injected gas, etc. If the pressure of the gas G satisfies the above range, excellent cutting surface quality can be ensured.

[0128] In addition, the gas G injected by the gas injection device 120 may include one or more selected from dry air, air (containing moisture), nitrogen (N2), oxygen (O2) and argon (Ar). The dry air may be substantially free of moisture. Specifically, the dry air may be free of moisture, or even if it contains moisture, it may contain less than 0.1 volume percent (volume %), less than 0.01 volume percent or less than 0.001 volume percent based on the total volume of the dry air. As is well known, the air may contain moisture at an appropriate ratio.

[0129] Figure 6 is a photograph showing a portion of a cut surface of a tab 310 cut by the battery manufacturing apparatus 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 is a photograph showing a portion of a cut surface of a tab 310 cut under conditions different from one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0130] Reference Figure 6 If the laser beam L satisfies one, two or three or more conditions selected from the above conditions i) to iv), or satisfies all the conditions, excellent cutting surface quality can be ensured. In addition, if the pressure of the gas G under the above conditions of the laser beam L also satisfies the above range, more excellent cutting surface quality can be ensured. Figure 6 The cut surfaces of the positive electrode tab 310 - 1 and the negative electrode tab 310 - 2 have no large burrs, showing an excellent cutting state.

[0131] Reference Figure 7 , shows the cutting surface of the electrode tab 310 cut by the laser beam L under conditions other than the above conditions (i) to (iv). Figure 7 It can be seen that the cut surface quality of the positive electrode tab 310-1 and the negative electrode tab 310-2 is very poor (refer to Figure 7 shaped in the box).

[0132] Reference Figure 1 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery manufacturing device 10 may include the bending device 200 as described above. At least a portion of the bending device 200 may be movable, for example, the bending device may be movable by being connected to a guide rail or the like. However, the movement of the bending device 200 is not limited to the above means, but may be performed by an appropriate method in consideration of the art and the design of the battery manufacturing device 10.

[0133] Reference Figure 1 , the bending device 200 can bend at least a portion of the pole tab 310. Here, bending can refer to bending to form or change the curvature. In addition, the bending device 200 can bend the pole tab 310 in the area not irradiated by the laser beam L. Specifically, the laser beam L cuts at least a portion of the pole tab 310, and the bending can be performed on the pole tab 310 in the residual area left after the cutting.

[0134] On the other hand, the bending method of the bending device 200 is not particularly limited, as long as at least a portion of the tab 310 is bent to form or change the curvature. Figure 1 , the bending device 200 may include a first bending portion 210 having a protruding portion 211 and a second bending portion 220 having a recessed portion 221. Here, the protruding portion 211 and the recessed portion 221 may be disposed opposite to each other. Figure 2 , the bending device 200 may contact the tab 310 to bend at least a portion of the tab 310. Figure 2 , the bending device 200 may pressurize at least a portion of the tab 310 located between the first bending portion 210 and the second bending portion 220 to bend at least a portion of the tab 310. However, as described above, according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The bending manners of the first curved portion 210 and the second curved portion 220 shown are only examples, and the tab 310 may also be bent in other manners.

[0135] Specifically, refer to Figure 2 , the bending device 200 can bend the tab 310 by the protrusion 211 of the first bending portion 210 contacting the tab 310 and introducing it into the recess 221 of the second bending portion 220 arranged opposite to the protrusion 211 of the first bending portion 210. Here, the size of the protrusion 211 can be the extent to which it can be introduced into the recess 221, and can be determined in consideration of the bending degree (i.e., curvature) of the tab 310. On the other hand, referring to Figure 2 For safety reasons, the bending device 200 may not contact the outer packaging material 320 of the battery cell 300 .

[0136] On the other hand, at least one of the first curved portion 210 and the second curved portion 220 may be movable, for example, by being connected to a guide rail or the like. However, the movement is not limited to the above means, but may be performed by an appropriate method in consideration of the art and the design of the battery manufacturing apparatus 10. Figure 2 , the first bent portion 210 may be fixed, and the second bent portion 220 may move along the −DR1 direction to form a bent region 310B at a portion of the tab 310 .

[0137] In addition, the position where the bending area 310B is to be formed can be preset. The first bending portion 210 and the second bending portion 220 can determine the position with preset coordinates by a visual device or the like. In addition, the first bending portion 210 and the second bending portion 220 located at the appropriate position bend the tab 310, so that the bending device 200 can form the bending area 310B at the preset position. Through the above operation, the problems caused by assembly tolerance can be minimized. The visual device can set the coordinates based on a captured image of at least a portion of the battery manufacturing device 10 captured by a shooting device (e.g., a camera, etc.). The captured image can be a two-dimensional image or a three-dimensional image, and the set coordinates can also be different according to the dimension of the captured image. In addition, the visual device may include a control unit, which acquires the captured image as described above to set the coordinates, and converts the preset position into the set coordinates to generate position information. In addition, the visual device can transmit the position information generated by the control unit to the bending device 200. The bending device 200 can move to an appropriate position through the position information so as to form the bending area 310B at the preset position.

[0138] Reference Figure 2 The first curved portion 210 and the second curved portion 220 pressurize the tab 310, so that the tab 310 may include a curved region 310B. The curvature R of the curved region 310B may be greater than 0.1 mm, greater than 0.2 mm, greater than 0.3 mm, greater than 0.4 mm, greater than 0.5 mm, or greater than 0.6 mm, or less than 5 mm, less than 4.5 mm, less than 4 mm, less than 3.5 mm, less than 3 mm, less than 2.5 mm, or less than 2 mm (see Fig. 9). The curvature R may be within a range formed by appropriately selecting the upper and lower limits. The size and shape of the protrusion 211 of the first curved portion 210 and the size and shape of the recess 221 of the second curved portion 220 may be determined to form the curvature R of the curved region 310B within the above range. If the curvature R of the curved region 310B satisfies the above range, damage to the battery cell 300 and the like due to external shock and vibration may be prevented, thereby ensuring stability. With regard to the curved region 310B, reference will be made later to Fig. 9 Provide explanation.

[0139] On the other hand, the battery manufacturing device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a laser cutting device 100 and a bending device 200, and the laser cutting device 100 may cut the tab 310 and the bending device 200 may bend the tab 310 at the same time. Figure 2 The battery manufacturing device 10 can simultaneously execute cutting of the electrode tab 310 by the laser cutting device 100 and bending of the electrode tab 310 by the bending device 200 .

[0140] The bending device 200 may be configured to be closer to the cutting line CL (refer to Figure 3 ) is closer to the outer packaging material 320 in the direction in which the tab 310 protrudes. Figure 2 , the bending device 200 may be closer to the outer material 320 than the laser cutting device 100. Figure 2 , relative to the tab 310 protruding in the -DR2 direction, the bending device 200 may be located further away in the +DR2 direction than the laser cutting device 100. Figure 2 , relative to the pole ear 310 protruding along the +DR2 direction, the bending device 200 can be located farther in the -DR2 direction than the laser cutting device 100.

[0141] Generally speaking, cutting with the laser beam L of the laser cutting device 100 generates spatters, which may splash onto the outer packaging material 320 of the battery cell 300 or, in certain cases, be introduced into the inner part of the outer packaging material 320 , thereby causing safety problems.

[0142] As described above, when the laser cutting device 100 cuts the tab 310 and the bending device 200 bends the tab 310 simultaneously, if the bending device 200 is closer to the outer packaging material 320 than the laser cutting device 100, the safety problem caused by the splashes splashing onto the outer packaging material 320 or being introduced into the inner part of the outer packaging material 320 can be prevented. That is, the bending device 200 can prevent the splashes from damaging the battery cell 300. In addition, the bending device 200 can have an appropriate size to prevent the splashes from damaging the battery cell 300.

[0143] Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 1 is a plan view schematically showing a part of a battery manufacturing apparatus 10 and a part of a battery manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0144] As described above, in the battery manufacturing device 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the laser cutting device 100 may irradiate the laser beam L to the electrode tab 310 along a predetermined cutting line CL. The predetermined cutting line CL may be located on the electrode tab 310.

[0145] Reference Figure 3 The battery manufacturing device 10 may store the shape of the predetermined cutting line CL in the form of electronic data. The battery manufacturing device 10 may include a computer device, and the computer device includes a control unit to store the shape of the predetermined cutting line CL in the form of electronic data. As described above, the battery manufacturing device 10 may execute the process of the present disclosure by running software such as a computer program to achieve automation, and for this purpose, the computer device may be included.

[0146] The shape of the predetermined cutting line CL is not particularly limited. Figure 3 As shown, in order to cut the tab 310 into a chamfer shape, the predetermined cutting line CL may have a chamfer shape. In addition, as another example, Figure 5 As shown, the predetermined cutting line CL may have a straight line shape or a zigzag shape. In the case of the bidirectional battery cell 300, the predetermined cutting line CL of each tab 310 may also be different. In addition, the shape of the predetermined cutting line CL is not limited to Figure 3 and Figure 5 The shape shown may also have various forms such as curves, polygons, etc. Since the shape of the predetermined cutting line CL can be realized by the laser beam L, it may have the above-mentioned various forms.

[0147] Reference Figure 3 , the battery manufacturing device 10 may include a visual device 400. Through the visual device 400, the predetermined cutting line CL can be moved to a preset position. As described later, the preset position can be determined by a standard line SL. The visual device 400 can set coordinates based on an image of at least a portion of the battery manufacturing device 10 captured by a capturing device (e.g., a camera, etc.). The captured image may be two-dimensional or three-dimensional, and the set coordinates may also be different depending on the dimension of the captured image. In addition, the visual device 400 may include a control unit, which acquires the captured image to set coordinates as described above, and converts the preset position into the set coordinates to generate position information. In addition, the visual device can transmit the position information generated by the control unit to the battery manufacturing device 10 (specifically, a computer device). Therefore, the battery manufacturing device 10 can move the predetermined cutting line CL to a predetermined position on the tab 310. Referring to Figure 3 , the predetermined cutting line CL can be moved to a predetermined position on the tab 310 .

[0148] In the battery manufacturing device 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the predetermined cutting line CL may be located at a position spaced apart from the reference line SL. The reference line SL may be determined by the bending device 200.

[0149] Reference Figure 3 , the visual device 400 can acquire the captured image through the control unit as described above to set the coordinates, and can set the position of the baseline SL based on the coordinates. When the visual device 400 sets the position of the baseline SL, the bending device 200 can be considered. Specifically, the baseline SL can be located on the area where the bending device 200 contacts the pole tab 310 in order to bend the pole tab 310. In addition, the baseline SL can be located on the pole tab 310. On the other hand, the battery manufacturing device 10 can store the position of the baseline SL in the form of electronic data, and the position of the baseline SL can be predetermined within the range of the area where the bending device 200 contacts the pole tab 310 in order to bend the pole tab 310.

[0150] For example, refer to Figure 3, when the bending device 200 and the pole tab 310 are in contact with each other in order to bend the pole tab 310, the reference line SL may be located on the pole tab 310 in the contact area. The position of the reference line SL may be predetermined within the range of contact between the bending device 200 and the pole tab 310 on the pole tab 310. The visual device 400 may define the position of the bending device 200 (predetermined position in the area in contact with the pole tab 310) using the set coordinates, and may set the reference line SL based on the position of the bending device 200 defined using the coordinates. In the above, defining using the set coordinates may refer to determining the position of the bending device 200 (determined position in the area in contact with the pole tab 310) based on the set coordinates obtained by the visual device 400.

[0151] Specifically, refer to Figure 3 , the reference line SL can be predetermined as the farthest end of the tab 310 contacted by the bending device 200 (i.e., the position farthest from the outer packaging material 320). The visual device 400 can automatically identify the position of the bending device 200 and the position of the farthest end of the tab 310 contacted by the bending device 200 (i.e., it can be defined by the predetermined coordinates). In this way, the visual device 400 can set the farthest end of the tab 310 contacted by the bending device 200 as the reference line SL. The reference line SL set in this way can be stored by the battery manufacturing device 10.

[0152] As described above, in the battery manufacturing device 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the predetermined cutting line CL may be located at a position separated by a predetermined interval based on the set reference line SL. Here, the visual device 400 may move the predetermined cutting line CL to a predetermined position based on the set reference line SL. Figure 3 It can be seen that the reference line SL and the predetermined cutting line CL are located on each pole ear 310 .

[0153] In the above, the predetermined separation distance between the cutting line CL and the reference line SL is not particularly specified and may be determined according to the design of the battery cell 300. For example, the separation distance may be designed to minimize problems such as short circuits, voltage differences, reduced bonding quality, occurrence of cutting spread, or mold damage due to assembly tolerances.

[0154] In addition, the positions of the predetermined cutting line CL and the reference line SL can be automatically set based on predetermined information and using coordinates obtained from the captured image by software built into the visual device 400. This method can be called an automatic positioning alignment (APA) method, and the tab 310 can be cut more accurately in this way.

[0155] On the other hand, refer to Figure 3 , the battery cell 300 may include a sealant 330. The sealant 330 may be formed on at least one of the tabs 310 included in the battery cell 300. For example, the sealant 330 may seal the gap between the tab 310 and the exterior material 320 to prevent problems such as foreign matter from entering the exterior material 320. Figure 3 As shown, the sealant 330 may be provided to seal at least a portion of the surface of the outer packaging material 320 from which the tab 310 protrudes. If the battery cell 300 includes the sealant 330, the bending device 200 may bend the tab 310 that is not in contact with the sealant 330. Although the bending device 200 does not pressurize and contact the sealant 330 in the thickness direction (e.g., DR1 direction), it may contact the sealant 330 in the lateral direction (e.g., DR2 direction) when bending the tab 310 that is not in contact with the sealant 330. In another example, the bending device 200 may not contact the sealant 330.

[0156] Reference Figure 3 , the predetermined cutting line CL may be located at a position spaced apart from the reference line SL in the direction in which the tab 310 protrudes. Figure 3 , relative to the tab 310 protruding in the +DR2 direction, the predetermined cutting line CL may be located at a position spaced apart from the reference line SL in the +DR2 direction. Figure 3 , relative to the tab 310 protruding in the - DR2 direction, the predetermined cutting line CL may be located at a position spaced apart from the reference line SL in the - DR2 direction.

[0157] Reference Figure 3 , the predetermined cutting line CL may be spaced apart from the reference line SL by a predetermined distance in a direction away from the outer packaging material 320 of the battery cell 300. Figure 3 , the predetermined cutting line CL may be further away from the exterior material 320 than the reference line SL.

[0158] Reference Figure 4, the laser cutting device 100 of the battery manufacturing device 10 can cut at least a portion of the tab 310 along the predetermined cutting line CL whose position is determined by the visual device 400. The laser cutting device 100 can recognize the position information of the cutting line CL predetermined by the visual device 400 and the computer device of the battery manufacturing device 10, and can cut the tab 310 along the predetermined cutting line CL while irradiating the laser beam L to the tab 310 along the predetermined cutting line CL.

[0159] In addition, refer to Figure 4 , the cutting of each pole ear 310 in the bidirectional battery cell 300 can be performed independently of each other. For example, the cutting of each pole ear 310 in the bidirectional battery cell 300 can be performed simultaneously or not simultaneously. Figure 4 In the multi-directional battery cell 300 and the unidirectional battery cell 300 of the bidirectional battery cell 300 shown, the cutting of each pole tab 310 can also be performed independently. The multi-directional battery cell 300 may refer to a battery cell 300 including a plurality of pole tabs 310 and the positions of the pole tabs 310 are not opposite to each other. Figure 4 The cell 300 after cutting may have Fig.17 The form shown (sealant 330 omitted).

[0160] On the other hand, the battery manufacturing device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a laser cutting device 100 and a bending device 200 . The bending device 200 may first bend the tab 310 , and then the laser cutting device 100 may cut the tab 310 .

[0161] Figure 8 1 is a plan view schematically showing a portion of a battery manufacturing device 10 and a portion of a battery manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As described above, the battery manufacturing device 10 may first bend the tab 310 by the bending device 200. Figure 8 The bending device 200 may include a first bending portion 210 and a second bending portion 220, and the first bending portion 210 and the second bending portion 220 may form a bending area 310B on the tab 310 while applying pressure to the tab 310. The details of the bending device 200 are the same as those described above, and thus will be omitted (refer to Figure 2 Related instructions).

[0162] Fig. 9 is a plan view schematically showing a portion of a bent tab 310 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The bent tab 310 may include a bent region 310B and a protruding region 310P that protrudes further outward from the bent region 310B. Fig. 9The tab 310 may include a bending region 310B protruding in the -DR2 direction and formed by the bending device 200 , and may include a protruding region 310P protruding more than the bending region in the -DR2 direction.

[0163] Reference Fig. 9 The laser cutting device 100 may cut at least a portion of the protruding region 310P. In addition, a predetermined cutting line CL may be located on the protruding region 310P.

[0164] Reference Fig. 9 The tab 310 may protrude from the exterior material 320 (specifically, the end of the exterior material 320, ie, the terrace T) in one direction. Fig. 9 , the tab 310 may protrude along the -DR2 direction.

[0165] In addition, refer to Fig. 9 , the length L1 of the tab 310 in the protruding direction (-DR2 direction) is not particularly specified and can be determined according to the design of the battery cell 300. For example, the length L1 can be 5 mm or more, 5.1 mm or more, 5.2 mm or more, 5.3 mm or more, 5.4 mm or more, 5.5 mm or more, 5.6 mm or more, 5.7 mm or more, 5.8 mm or more, 5.9 mm or more, or 8 mm or less, 7.9 mm or less, 7.8 mm or less, 7.7 mm or less, 7.6 mm or less, 7.5 mm or less, 7.4 mm or less, 7.3 mm or less, 7.2 mm or less, 7.1 mm or less, 7 mm or less, 6.9 mm or less, or 6.8 mm or less. The length L1 can be within the range formed by appropriately selecting the upper and lower limits above. If the length L1 is within the above range, problems such as short circuit, voltage difference, reduced bonding quality, occurrence of cutting spread, or mold damage caused by assembly tolerance can be minimized.

[0166] In addition, refer to Fig. 9, the length L2 of the protruding area 310P of the tab 310 in the protruding direction (-DR2 direction) is not particularly specified and can be determined according to the design of the battery cell 300. That is, the battery manufacturing device 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can adjust the position of the curved area 310B to be formed so that the length L2 of the protruding area 310P remains appropriate. For example, the length L2 can be greater than 0.5 mm, greater than 0.6 mm, greater than 0.7 mm, greater than 0.8 mm, greater than 0.9 mm, greater than 1 mm, greater than 1.1 mm, greater than 1.2 mm, greater than 1.3 mm or greater than 1.4 mm, or less than 3 mm, less than 2.9 mm, less than 2.8 mm, less than 2.7 mm, less than 2.6 mm, less than 2.5 mm, less than 2.4 mm, less than 2.3 mm or less than 2.2 mm. The length L2 can be within the range formed by appropriately selecting the above upper and lower limits. If the length L2 is within the above range, problems such as short circuit, voltage difference, joint quality reduction, occurrence of cutting spread, or mold damage due to assembly tolerance can be minimized.

[0167] As described above, the curvature R of the curved region 310B may be greater than 0.1 mm, greater than 0.2 mm, greater than 0.3 mm, greater than 0.4 mm, greater than 0.5 mm, or greater than 0.6 mm, or less than 5 mm, less than 4.5 mm, less than 4 mm, less than 3.5 mm, less than 3 mm, less than 2.5 mm, or less than 2 mm (see Fig. 9 ). The curvature R may be within a range formed by appropriately selecting the upper and lower limits. If the curvature R of the curved region 310B is within the above range, problems such as short circuit, voltage difference, reduced bonding quality, occurrence of cutting spread, or mold damage due to assembly tolerance can be minimized.

[0168] Fig.10 is a plan view schematically showing the structure of a battery cell 300 in a part of a battery manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.10 At least a portion of each tab 310 of the battery cell 300 may be formed into a bending region 310B by the bending device 200 .

[0169] As described above, the battery manufacturing device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can first bend the tab 310 by the bending device 200, and then cut the tab 310 by the laser cutting device 100. Fig.10 As shown, the battery manufacturing device 10 can use the laser cutting device 100 to cut at least a portion of the tab 310 for the battery cell 300 having the curved region 310B. Specifically, the portion of the tab 310 cut by the laser cutting device 100 can be Figure 8At least a portion of the protruding region 310P.

[0170] Fig.11 and Fig.12 1 is a plan view schematically showing a part of a battery manufacturing apparatus 10 and a part of a battery manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0171] Reference Fig.11 and Fig.12 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery manufacturing device 10 can cut at least a portion of the tab 310 for the battery cell 300 formed with the curved area 310B. In the above process, the battery manufacturing device 10 can first bend the tab 310, and then transport the battery cell 300 formed with the curved area 310B to the cutting process where the laser cutting device 100 is set. The conveying method is not particularly limited, for example, it can be transported by a pitch conveyor. In another example, the battery manufacturing device 10 can first bend the tab 310, and then move the laser cutting device 100 to the battery cell 300 and perform a cutting process to cut the battery cell 300 formed with the curved area 310B. The process of first bending the tab 310 by the bending device 200 and then cutting the tab 310 can be performed as described above. If there are other appropriate methods, the other methods can be applied, and it is not necessary to perform in a specific way.

[0172] Reference Fig.11 and Fig.12 , the laser cutting device 100 may include a shielding portion 150, and the shielding portion 150 shields at least a portion of the battery cell 300. Specifically, at least a portion of the battery cell 300 may refer to an area other than the tab 310. In addition, the shielding portion 150 may shield at least a portion of the battery cell 300. The shielding portion 150 may shield splashes that may be generated by the laser cutting method. That is, the shielding portion 150 may shield splashes that may be generated when the laser beam L cuts the tab 310, so as to prevent the splashes from splashing to areas other than the tab 310 in the battery cell 300 (for example, the outer packaging material 320). In addition, the shape and size of the shielding portion 150 are not particularly limited, as long as it can shield the splashes as described above to prevent the splashes from splashing to areas other than the tab 310 in the battery cell 300 (for example, the outer packaging material 320).

[0173] Reference Fig.11 and Fig.12 The shielding portion 150 may be configured to shield the splashes in both the +DR1 direction and the -DR1 direction based on the tab 310. Fig.11As shown, the shielding portion 150 may have a structure of an appropriate shape to shield the splashing material from splashing onto the outer packaging material 320 of the battery cell 300 (the surface in the +DR1 direction). Fig.11 The shielding portion 150 may include a curved shape, and the curved shape may shield the splashed material from splashing onto the outer packaging material 320 of the battery cell 300 (the surface in the +DR1 direction).

[0174] Reference Fig.11 and Fig.12 The laser cutting device 100 may include a pressurizing unit 160, and the pressurizing unit 160 pressurizes the tab 310. The pressurizing unit 160 may pressurize the tab 310 in the thickness direction. For example, referring to Fig.11 The pressurizing unit 160 can pressurize the tab 310 in the +DR1 direction and the -DR1 direction (ie, the thickness direction of the tab 310) to fix the tab 310. The pressurizing force of the pressurizing unit 160 is not particularly limited, as long as the pressurizing force is sufficient to fix the tab 310.

[0175] In addition, refer to Fig.11 and Fig.12 , the pressurizing portion 160 can contact and pressurize the pole tab 310 at an appropriate depth. For example, the depth of the pole tab 310 can refer to the length along the DR2 direction. The pressurizing portion 160 can be farther away from the outer packaging material 320 than the above-mentioned predetermined cutting line CL. That is, the depth at which the pressurizing portion 160 contacts and pressurizes the pole tab 310 can be determined by the predetermined cutting line CL. Therefore, the pressurizing portion 160 can fix the pole tab 310 before cutting the pole tab 310, and then quickly separate the cut area from the pole tab 310 after the laser cutting device 100 cuts the pole tab 310 along the predetermined cutting line CL. Through such an operation, the pressurizing portion 160 can help ensure excellent cutting surface quality.

[0176] In addition, refer to Fig.11 and Fig.12 , the pressurizing part 160 can contact and pressurize the tab 310 with an appropriate width. For example, the width of the tab 310 can refer to the width along the DR3 direction (refer to Fig.12 The pressurizing portion 160 may contact and pressurize at least a portion of the width of the tab 310 . In another example, the pressurizing portion 160 may contact and pressurize the entire width of the tab 310 .

[0177] Reference Fig.11 and Fig.12The laser cutting device 100 may include a support portion 170, and the support portion 170 may support at least a portion of the battery cell 300. The support portion 170 may contact at least one side surface of the battery cell 300 and support the side surface, and may support at least a portion of the side surface. In addition, there may be more than one support portion 170 or more than one support portion 170, and the number of the support portions 170 is not particularly specified and may be determined according to the design.

[0178] Reference Fig.11 and Fig.12 The battery manufacturing device 10 can cut the tab 310 along a predetermined cutting line CL for the battery cell 300 having a curved area 310B formed therein by the laser cutting device 100, shield possible splashes, and pressurize the tab 310 to be cut to fix it, so that the cutting can be performed more stably.

[0179] On the other hand, refer to Fig.11 and Fig.12 The shielding part 150 may pressurize the tab 310 in the thickness direction. The shielding part 150 may pressurize in the +DR1 direction and the -DR1 direction (i.e., the thickness direction of the tab 310) simultaneously to fix the tab 310. The pressurizing force of the shielding part 150 is not particularly limited, as long as the pressurizing force is sufficient to fix the tab 310.

[0180] Reference Fig.11 and Fig.12 The shielding part 150 can pressurize at least a portion of the protruding side surface of the tab 310 of the battery cell 300. Fig.11 and Fig.12 , the shielding part 150 can pressurize the side of the tab 310 protruding from the battery cell 300. For example, the shielding part 150 located in the -DR2 direction with respect to the center of the outer material 320 as a reference can pressurize the battery cell 300 in the +DR2 direction, and the shielding part 150 located in the +DR2 direction with respect to the center of the outer material 320 as a reference can pressurize the battery cell 300 in the -DR2 direction. In this way, problems such as short circuits, voltage differences, reduced joint quality, occurrence of cutting spread, or mold damage caused by assembly tolerances can be minimized, thereby enabling more accurate laser cutting.

[0181] Fig.13 and 14 1 is a plan view schematically showing a portion of a battery manufacturing apparatus 10 and a portion of a battery manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure ( Fig.12 (enlarged view of part A).

[0182] Reference Fig.13 and Fig.14 At least a portion of the tab 310 of the battery cell 300 forming the curved region 310B may be cut by the laser beam L irradiated by the laser device 110 of the laser cutting device 100. Here, the laser device 110 may cut the tab 310 along the predetermined cutting line CL.

[0183] Reference Fig.13 and Fig.14 , the shielding portion 150 may be configured to shield the splashes in both the +DR1 direction and the -DR1 direction with the tab 310 as a reference. Here, the shielding portion 150 that shields the splashes in the +DR1 direction may be referred to as a first shielding portion 150a or an upper shielding portion 150a. In addition, the shielding portion 150 that shields the splashes in the -DR1 direction may be referred to as a second shielding portion 150b or a lower shielding portion 150b. The shielding portion 150 may shield at least a portion of the battery cell 300 other than the tab 310 from the splashes, thereby allowing a safer cutting process to be performed.

[0184] On the other hand, refer to Fig.13 and 14 , the shielding portion 150 can pressurize the tab 310 in the thickness direction. Fig.13 and 14 The shielding part 150 can be independent of the pressurizing part 160 and simultaneously pressurize in the +DR1 direction and the -DR1 direction (i.e., the thickness direction of the tab 310) to fix the tab 310. The pressurizing force of the shielding part 150 is not particularly limited, as long as the pressurizing force is sufficient to fix the tab 310.

[0185] Reference Fig.13 and Fig.14 The pressurizing unit 160 may be movable, for example, the pressurizing unit 160 may be movable by being connected to a guide rail or the like. However, the movement of the pressurizing unit 160 is not limited to the above means, but may be performed by an appropriate method in consideration of the art and the design of the battery manufacturing apparatus 10. The pressurizing unit 160 may be movable to pressurize at least a portion of the tab 310 in the thickness direction.

[0186] Fig.15 and Fig.16 1 is a plan view schematically showing a part of a battery manufacturing apparatus 10 and a part of a battery manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0187] As described above, in the battery manufacturing device 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the laser cutting device 100 can irradiate the laser beam L along the predetermined cutting line CL to the pole tab 310. The predetermined cutting line CL can be located on the pole tab 310. Here, the shape of the predetermined cutting line CL and the way of moving it to a predetermined position are the same as those described above, and thus will be omitted.

[0188] Reference Fig.15 , each tab 310 of the battery cell 300 may be pressed in the thickness direction by the pressurizing portion 160 to be fixed. In addition, the shielding portion 150 may be appropriately configured to shield splashes.

[0189] Reference Fig.15 , the predetermined cutting line CL may be located at a position separated from the reference line SL. The reference line SL may be determined by the bending device 200. Specifically, referring to Fig.15 , the reference line SL may be located within the bending region 310B of the tab 310. That is, here, the position of the reference line SL may be predetermined within the bending region 310B formed by the bending device 200. Figure 3 ) The position of the bending area 310B can be defined by the set coordinates, and the reference line SL can be set based on the position of the bending area 310B defined by the coordinates. In the above, defining the position of the bending area 310B by the set coordinates can refer to determining the position of the bending area 310B based on the set coordinates when the visual device 400 acquires the captured image. In addition, more specifically, referring to Fig.15 , the reference line SL may be predetermined as the farthest end of the curved region 310B (i.e., the position farthest from the outer packaging material 320). The visual device 400 may automatically identify the position of the curved region 310B and the position of the farthest end of the curved region 310B (i.e., may be defined by the predetermined coordinates). In this way, the visual device 400 may set the farthest end of the curved region 310B as the reference line SL. The reference line SL thus set may be stored by the battery manufacturing device 10.

[0190] As described above, in the battery manufacturing device 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the predetermined cutting line CL may be located at a position separated by a predetermined interval based on the set reference line SL. Here, the visual device 400 may move the predetermined cutting line CL to a predetermined position based on the set reference line SL. Fig.15 It can be seen that the reference line SL and the predetermined cutting line CL are located on each pole ear 310 .

[0191] In the above, the predetermined separation distance between the cutting line CL and the reference line SL is not particularly specified and may be determined according to the design of the battery cell 300. For example, the separation distance may be designed to minimize problems such as short circuits, voltage differences, reduced bonding quality, occurrence of cutting spread, or mold damage due to assembly tolerances.

[0192] In addition, the positions of the predetermined cutting line CL and the reference line SL can be automatically set based on predetermined information by using the coordinates obtained from the captured image through the software built into the visual device 400. This method can be called an automatic positioning alignment (APA) method, and the tab 310 can be cut more accurately in this way.

[0193] Reference Fig.15 , the predetermined cutting line CL may be located at a position spaced apart from the reference line SL in the direction in which the tab 310 protrudes. Fig.15 , relative to the tab 310 protruding in the +DR2 direction, the predetermined cutting line CL may be located at a position spaced apart from the reference line SL in the +DR2 direction. Fig.15 , relative to the tab 310 protruding in the - DR2 direction, the predetermined cutting line CL may be located at a position spaced apart from the reference line SL in the - DR2 direction.

[0194] Reference Fig.15 , the predetermined cutting line CL may be spaced apart from the reference line SL by a predetermined distance in a direction away from the outer packaging material 320 of the battery cell 300. Fig.15 , the predetermined cutting line CL may be further away from the exterior material 320 than the reference line SL.

[0195] On the other hand, referring to Fig.15 , the pressurizing portion 160 may be located at a position spaced apart from a predetermined cutting line CL in the direction in which the tab 310 protrudes. Fig.15 , relative to the tab 310 protruding in the +DR2 direction, the pressurizing portion 160 may be located at a position spaced apart from the predetermined cutting line CL in the +DR2 direction. Fig.15 , relative to the tab 310 protruding in the -DR2 direction, the pressurizing portion 160 may be located at a position spaced apart from a predetermined cutting line CL in the -DR2 direction.

[0196] Reference Fig.15 , the pressurizing unit 160 may be spaced apart from the predetermined cutting line CL by a predetermined distance in a direction away from the outer packaging material 320 of the battery cell 300. Fig.15, the pressurizing portion 160 may be further away from the exterior material 320 than the predetermined cutting line CL.

[0197] Reference Fig.16 , the laser cutting device 100 of the battery manufacturing device 10 can cut at least a portion of the tab 310 along the predetermined cutting line CL whose position is determined by the visual device 400. The laser cutting device 100 can recognize the position information of the cutting line CL predetermined by the visual device 400 and the computer device of the battery manufacturing device 10, and can cut the tab 310 along the predetermined cutting line CL while irradiating the laser beam L to the tab 310 along the predetermined cutting line CL.

[0198] In addition, refer to Fig.16 As described above, the shielding portion 150 may shield splashes that may be generated by the cutting.

[0199] In addition, refer to Fig.16 , the cutting of each pole ear 310 in the bidirectional battery cell 300 can be performed independently of each other. For example, the cutting of each pole ear 310 in the bidirectional battery cell 300 can be performed simultaneously or at different times. Fig.16 In the multi-directional battery cell 300 and the unidirectional battery cell 300 of the bidirectional battery cell 300 shown, the cutting of each pole tab 310 can also be performed independently. The multi-directional battery cell 300 may refer to a battery cell 300 including a plurality of pole tabs 310b and the positions of the pole tabs 310 are not opposite to each other. Fig.16 The cell 300 after cutting may have Fig.17 The form shown.

[0200] Fig.17 is a plan view schematically showing the structure of a battery cell 300 in a part of a battery manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.17 The tab 310 of the battery cell 300 may be bent and cut by the battery manufacturing device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.17 , both ends of each tab 310 may have a shape cut by a laser beam, and the cut shape may be determined according to the above-mentioned predetermined cutting line CL. Fig.17 Each electrode tab 310 may include a bending region 310B formed by the bending device 200 .

[0201] Reference Fig.17A battery cell 300 having a tab 310 processed by a battery manufacturing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be provided. The tab 310 may be processed by the battery manufacturing apparatus 10 and a battery manufacturing method described later, so that precise and diverse shapes may be achieved by laser cutting.

[0202] Fig.18 is a perspective view schematically showing a portion of the structure of a battery assembly 50 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.19 is a plan view schematically showing a portion of the structure of a battery assembly 50 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure ( Fig.18 SS' cross-section diagram).

[0203] In the above, the battery assembly 50 may refer to a structure in which more than one battery cell 300 is assembled with a bus bar 500 as described above or a structure in which a plurality of battery cells 300 are stacked. The plurality of battery cells 300 may be stacked in one direction by means of an adhesive such as an adhesive pad or a double-sided tape. At this time, among the stacked plurality of battery cells 300, adjacent battery cells 300 may or may not be in contact with each other. In addition, among the stacked plurality of battery cells 300, only a portion of the adjacent battery cells 300 may be in contact with each other, while another portion of the battery cells 300 may not be in contact with each other.

[0204] In addition, the stacking direction of the battery cell 300 may refer to the direction in which the surface of the main chamber with the largest area faces. In the above, the main chamber may refer to the area of ​​the battery cell 300 including the electrode assembly in the outer packaging material 320 except the tab 310. Fig.18 The stacking direction may be the DR2' direction. The number of the battery cells 300 included in the battery assembly 50 is not particularly limited and can be appropriately selected as needed.

[0205] Reference Fig.18 The battery assembly 50 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a battery cell 300 and a bus bar 500. Here, the battery cell 300 may refer to a battery cell 300 in a state where a tab 310 is processed by the battery manufacturing apparatus 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0206] Reference Fig.18, the busbar 500 may include a busbar hole 510, and at least a portion of the pole lug 310 of the battery cell 300 may be inserted into the busbar hole 510. The size (length, width, thickness, etc.) of the busbar hole 510 may be designed to be suitable for the size (length, width, thickness, etc.) of the pole lug 310 to be inserted. In addition, the number of the busbar holes 510 may be determined based on the number of pole lugs 310 protruding on one side of each of the battery cells 300 and the number of the battery cells 300. The number of the busbar holes 510 may be equal to or greater than the total number of the pole lugs 310 protruding on one side. Referring to Fig.18 , two battery cells 300 are provided, and a tab 310 protrudes from one side of each battery cell 300. Fig.18 There are two busbar holes 510 , and each of the tabs 310 protruding from one side of the two battery cells 300 can be inserted into the busbar holes 510 respectively.

[0207] On the other hand, refer to Fig.18 The number of the busbars 500 may be determined by considering the shape of the battery cell 300 , the number of the tabs 310 , the protruding direction of the tabs 310 , etc. The busbars 500 may be designed to have a suitable shape and number according to the battery cell 300 , etc.

[0208] In addition, refer to Fig.18 , the tab 310 may be inserted through the busbar hole 510, and the busbar hole 510 may be a through hole. On the other hand, for safety reasons, each tab 310 may be inserted into one or more busbar holes 510. Two or more tabs 310 may not be inserted into one busbar hole 510. At least a portion of the tab 310 inserted into the busbar hole 510 may contact and weld a portion of the surface of the busbar 500. But not limited thereto.

[0209] Reference Fig.19 The tab 310 may include a bent region 310B and a protruding region 310P. The protruding region 310P is similar to the above Fig. 9 Compared with the example shown in FIG. 1 , the protruding area 310P may be in a state where at least a portion thereof is cut off. Fig.19 Due to the bending area 310B, the tab 310 will not completely pass through the bus bar 500, but only a portion of it can pass through the bus bar 500. The stopper area ST of the bending area 310B can contact the bus bar 500, so that the tab 310 no longer passes through the bus bar 500. The tab 310 of the battery cell 300 can be processed by the battery manufacturing device 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, so that problems such as short circuit, voltage difference, reduction in joint quality, occurrence of cutting scatter, or mold damage caused by assembly tolerance can be minimized.

[0210] Fig. 20 and Fig.21 1 is a flowchart schematically showing a part of the steps of the battery manufacturing method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The contents described later only record the operation sequence of the battery manufacturing device 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and the principle and method of the battery manufacturing method are the same as those described in the battery manufacturing device 10, so all the above contents can be referred to.

[0211] Reference Fig. 20 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery manufacturing method may include: a step (S100) of bending at least a portion of a pole tab 310 included in a battery cell 300; and a step (S200) of cutting at least a portion of the pole tab 310 along a predetermined cutting line CL. Here, the bending step (S100) and the cutting step (S200) may be performed simultaneously or at different times. In addition, the order of processes performed in the bending step (S100) and the cutting step (S200) may not be fixed. For example, the bending step (S100) may be performed first, and then the cutting step (S200). In another example, the cutting step (S200) may be performed first, and then the bending step (S100) may be performed.

[0212] In the battery manufacturing method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the bending step (S100) and the cutting step (S200) are performed simultaneously, the method according to Figures 1 to 5 In addition, when the bending step (S100) and the cutting step (S200) are not performed at the same time, the battery manufacturing device 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can be referred to. Figures 8 to 16 A battery manufacturing apparatus 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

[0213] Reference Fig. 20 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery manufacturing method may further include a step of setting a baseline SL (S150). Here, the bending step (S100), the step of setting the baseline (S150) and the cutting step (S200) may be performed simultaneously or not simultaneously. In addition, the order of the steps may not be fixed. For example, the bending step (S100) may be performed first, then the step of setting the baseline (S150), and then the cutting step (S200). In addition, as described above, the predetermined cutting line CL may be located at a position separated from the baseline SL. The method of setting the predetermined cutting line CL and the baseline SL may refer to the method of combining Figures 3 to 5 and Figures 15 to 17 The above content of the description.

[0214] On the other hand, in a battery manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the step (S150) of setting the baseline line SL may be determined in the bending step (S100). That is, the step (S150) of setting the baseline line SL may be performed after performing the bending step (S100). In the above, the meaning that the step (S150) of setting the baseline line SL may be determined in the bending step (S100) may be the same as the meaning that the baseline SL is determined by the bending device 200 of the battery manufacturing device 10. The step (S150) of setting the baseline line SL determined in the bending step (S100) may refer to the step (S150) of setting the baseline line SL determined in the bending step (S100). Figure 3 The above content of the description.

[0215] Reference Fig.21 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery manufacturing method may include a step (SP100) of aligning the battery cell 300. In the step (SP100) of aligning the battery cell 300, the position of the battery cell 300 itself may be aligned by a cylinder or the like. In addition, the step (SP100) of aligning the battery cell 300 may be a step of aligning the battery cell 300 by a cylinder or the like based on a datum of the battery cell 300. The datum of the battery cell 300 may be a plane visible along DR2 and DR3 (reference Figure 3 ) is used as a reference, and the remaining area of ​​the battery cell 300 except the tab 310 is used as a reference. But it is not limited thereto.

[0216] Reference Fig.21 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery manufacturing method may include a step (SP200) of visually photographing the aligned battery cells 300. The step (SP200) of visually photographing may be performed after the step (SP100) of aligning the battery cells 300 is performed. In order to set the predetermined cutting line CL or the reference line SL, etc., or to set the position where the bending device 200 contacts the tab 310, etc., a photographed image may be acquired by a visual device 400 and coordinates may be set. In the step (SP200) of visually photographing, the above process may be performed for the aligned battery cells 300. But it is not limited thereto.

[0217] On the other hand, if necessary in the entire process of the battery manufacturing method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the visual photographing step (SP200) may be performed at any time.

[0218] Reference Fig.21According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a battery manufacturing method may include a step (S300) of visually inspecting a battery cell 300 that has been bent and cut. The battery cell 300 that has been bent and cut may specifically refer to a battery cell 300 that has been bent and cut at least a portion of a tab 310 of the battery cell 300. The visual inspection step (S300) may be a step of inspecting the state of the cut surface of the tab 310 and the curvature R of the bending area 310B by taking an image. The visual inspection step (S300) may further include the following steps: when the state of the cut surface of the tab 310 and the curvature R of the bending area 310B are within a preset standard range through the acquired captured image, it is judged as a qualified product; when the state of the cut surface of the tab 310 and the curvature R of the bending area 310B are not within the preset standard range, it is judged as an unqualified product. But it is not limited thereto.

[0219] Fig. 22 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a battery module 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.23 is a diagram schematically showing a battery pack 2 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0220] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the structure of the battery module 1 may be a known structure. Fig. 22 The battery module 1 may include a battery assembly 50 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a module housing 1A, a module top cover 1B, an inner side cover 1C, and an outer side cover 1D. The battery assembly 50 may include one or more battery cells 300, and the tabs 310 of the battery cells 300 are inserted into the busbar holes 510 of the busbar 500 and then appropriately welded to the busbar holes 510 (refer to Fig.18 ). In addition, through the welding, the tab 310 and the bus bar 500 can be electrically connected. The welding method can be a known method.

[0221] Reference Fig. 22 , the battery assembly 50 can be placed in the housing space of the module housing 1A, and then the battery assembly 50 can be covered with the module top cover 1B, the inner side cover 1C and the outer side cover 1D to protect the battery assembly 50 from external impact and vibration. Here, one or more inner side covers 1C can be provided to protect the area where the tab 310 protrudes in the battery assembly 50, referring to Fig. 22 The inner side cover 1C may include a first inner side cover 1C-1 and a second inner side cover 1C-2 for protecting the protruding area of ​​the tab 310. Fig. 22The outer side cover 1D may include a first outer side cover 1D-1 that once again covers the first inner side cover 1C-1 and a second outer side cover 1D-2 that once again covers the second inner side cover 1C-2. However, this is only an exemplary structure, and those skilled in the art may appropriately modify the structure of the battery module 1.

[0222] The structure of the battery pack 2 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be a known structure. Fig.23 The battery pack 2 may include a battery pack housing 2A, the battery pack housing 2A including a housing bottom surface 2A-1 and a housing side surface 2A-2. The battery pack housing 2A may include a cooling plate for dissipating heat generated in the battery pack 2. Fig.23 The battery pack 2 may include a module built-in space 2B formed inside the battery pack housing 2A, and the battery module 1 and electrical accessories 2E such as various control devices of a battery management system (BMS) may be arranged in the module built-in space 2B.

[0223] Reference Fig.23 , the battery pack 2 may further include various configurations to ensure the structural rigidity of the battery pack housing 2A. The battery pack 2 may include a cross member 2D that spans the interior of the battery pack housing 2A (module built-in space 2B) and protrudes from the housing bottom surface 2A-1. In addition, the battery pack 2 may further include a side wall 2C that is used to further divide the space divided by the cross member 2D according to the size of the battery module 1. Depending on the situation, one or more of the cross member 2D and the side wall 2C may be provided.

[0224] On the other hand, in some cases, the battery pack 2 may directly include the battery cell 300 or the battery assembly 50 without including the battery module 1. In this case, the battery pack 2 may be referred to as a cell to pack. The battery pack 2 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may also be a cell to pack as described above.

[0225] The electrical device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include one or more selected from a battery module 1 and a battery pack 2. The electrical device may refer to a device that operates by power generated by the battery module 1 or the battery pack 2. For example, the electrical device may be a mobile phone, a household appliance, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or an energy storage system (ESS).

[0226] The above description is only an example of applying the principles of the present disclosure, and other configurations may also be included without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A battery manufacturing device, comprising: A laser cutting device, irradiating a laser beam to a tab included in the battery cell, wherein the laser beam cuts at least a portion of the tab along a predetermined cutting line; as well as A bending device is used to bend at least a portion of the tab.

2. The battery manufacturing device according to claim 1, wherein: The laser cutting device comprises a laser device for irradiating a laser beam, The laser device includes at least one selected from a fiber laser device, a disk laser device, and a carbon dioxide laser device.

3. The battery manufacturing device according to claim 1, wherein: The laser beam satisfies one or more conditions selected from the following conditions i) to iv), Condition i) Spot size: 10μm to 30μm; Condition ii) Power: 700W to 1300W; Condition iii) Speed: 60 mm / sec to 500 mm / sec; and Condition iv) Focal length: -1.5mm to 1.5mm.

4. The battery manufacturing device according to claim 1, wherein: The laser cutting device includes a gas injection device, which injects gas to an area irradiated by a laser beam.

5. The battery manufacturing device according to claim 4, wherein: The pressure of the gas injected by the gas injection device is above 5 bar.

6. The battery manufacturing device according to claim 4, wherein: The gas injected by the gas injection device includes at least one selected from dry air, air, nitrogen, oxygen and argon.

7. The battery manufacturing device according to claim 1, wherein: The laser cutting device includes a shielding portion, and the shielding portion shields at least a portion of the battery core.

8. The battery manufacturing device according to claim 1, wherein: The laser cutting device includes a pressurizing portion, which pressurizes the tab.

9. The battery manufacturing device according to claim 1, wherein: The predetermined cutting line is located at a position spaced apart from the reference line, The reference line is determined by a bending device.

10. The battery manufacturing device according to claim 9, wherein: The battery cell includes an outer packaging material with a built-in electrode assembly, The tab protrudes from at least one side of the outer packaging material. The predetermined cutting line is located at a position spaced apart from the reference line in a direction in which the tab protrudes.

11. The battery manufacturing device according to claim 10, wherein: The predetermined cutting line is farther from the exterior material than the reference line.

12. The battery manufacturing device according to claim 9, wherein: The bending device contacts the tab to bend at least a portion of the tab.

13. The battery manufacturing device according to claim 12, wherein: The reference line is located on a region where the bending device contacts the tab.

14. The battery manufacturing device according to claim 13, wherein: The reference line is located on the tab.

15. The battery manufacturing device according to claim 1, wherein: The bending device comprises a first bending portion having a protruding portion and a second bending portion having a recessed portion, The protruding portion and the recessed portion are arranged opposite to each other.

16. The battery manufacturing device according to claim 15, wherein: The bending device presses at least a portion of the electrode tab located between the first bent portion and the second bent portion to bend at least a portion of the electrode tab.

17. A method for manufacturing a battery, comprising: The step of bending at least a portion of a tab included in the battery cell; as well as The step of cutting at least a portion of the tab along a predetermined cutting line.

18. The battery manufacturing method according to claim 17, further comprising: To set the baseline, The predetermined cutting line is located at a position spaced apart from the reference line.

19. The battery manufacturing method according to claim 18, wherein: The step of setting a reference line is determined during the bending step.

20. The battery manufacturing method according to claim 17, wherein: The bending step and the cutting step are performed simultaneously.

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