Battery monomer formation equipment

Abstract

The battery cell formation apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a jig unit including a plurality of pressing plates provided to be movable so as to press a plurality of battery cells; a degassing part provided so as to be movable together with one of the plurality of pressing plates, and connected to the pressing plate so as to face an airbag in the battery cell in contact with the pressing plate; and the position adjusting part is arranged to adjust the position of the degassing part on the extrusion plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery cell formation device, and more particularly, to a battery cell formation device capable of performing a gas removal process on each individual battery cell during the activation process of a plurality of battery cells, and particularly, to a battery cell formation device in which a jig part for pressurizing the battery cell and a gas removal part are combined.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0061390, filed on May 11, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0003] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a general pouch-type battery cell (1).

[0004] Reference Figure 1 , the pouch-type battery cell (1) includes an electrode assembly (2), a pouch case (6) surrounding the electrode assembly (2), and a pair of electrode tabs (3, 4) electrically connected to the electrode assembly (2). The pouch case (6) may have a cup part (8) in which the electrode assembly (2) is accommodated, and an airbag (7) in which gas is collected during the activation process.

[0005] The electrode assembly (2) is accommodated in the pouch case (6), and some regions of the electrode tabs (3, 4) are exposed to the outside of the pouch case (6). The electrode assembly (2) is an assembly in which a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator are cross-laminated. The electrode assembly (2) is impregnated with an electrolyte solution in the internal space of the pouch case (6).

[0006] If the assembly of the pouch-type battery cell (1) is completed, the activation process of the pouch-type battery cell (1) is performed. The activation process stabilizes the structure of the battery cell and makes the battery cell (1) available by charging, aging, and discharging the pouch-type battery cell (1).

[0007] During the activation process, a large amount of gas is generated inside the pouch-type battery cell (1).

[0008] When the pouch-type battery cell (1) expands due to the pressure of the gas during the activation process, the bonding force between the active material and the current collector may be weakened, and at the same time, the negative electrode plate, the separator, and the positive electrode plate are lifted in the lamination direction. Therefore, a gas removal process is performed to remove the gas generated during the activation process.

[0009] If the gas generated inside the pouch-type battery cell (1) is not efficiently removed during the activation process, the gas occupies a certain space inside the pouch-type battery cell (1), thereby hindering uniform formation and adversely affecting battery performance (such as capacity and output) and battery life.

[0010] The gas removal process is a process of removing the gas trapped inside the pouch cell unit (1). In this process, the pouch case (6) is pressurized so that the gas is collected in the airbag (5), then the airbag (5) is punctured to create a degassing hole (7), and after the gas is discharged, the degassing hole (7) is heat-sealed.

[0011] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a conventional unit gas removal device (20), Figure 3 is Figure 2 a plan view of the shown unit gas removal device.

[0012] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the conventional unit gas removal device (20) is installed on top of the unit charging jig (10). The unit charging jig (10) is a device that performs the activation process of the pouch cell unit (1), and it includes a plurality of pressure plates (11) that pressurize the cell unit (1).

[0013] The unit gas removal device (20) is a device separate from the unit charging jig (10), and it includes a position adjustment part (30) and a gas removal part (70).

[0014] The position adjustment part (30) is a device that adjusts the position of the gas removal part (70) so that the gas removal part (70) faces the airbag (5) of the cell unit (1).

[0015] The conventional unit gas removal device (20) has a structure separate from the unit charging jig (10), and this structure is configured to adjust the position of the gas removal part (70) on three axes. Specifically, the position adjustment part (30) includes an x-axis drive part (50), a y-axis drive part (60), and a z-axis drive part (40). Therefore, the conventional unit gas removal device (20) has the problem that the layout of its components becomes too complex.

[0016] Therefore, it becomes difficult to ensure the worker's field of vision, and it is difficult to ensure sufficient space for replacing parts, etc., making it not easy for the worker to perform maintenance and repair management.

[0017] Since the conventional unit gas removal device (20) is configured to simultaneously perform the gas removal process on a plurality of pouch cell units (1) arranged in the unit charging jig (10), there is a problem that the size of the entire device increases. Summary of the Invention

[0018] Technical Problem

[0019] The present invention aims to provide a battery cell formation device in which a gas removal part is integrated with a pressure plate for pressing a battery cell.

[0020] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a battery cell formation device that can simplify the position adjustment structure of the gas removal part and adjust the position of the gas removal part only by moving in one axial direction.

[0021] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a battery cell formation device that can perform a gas removal process on a plurality of battery cells on which an activation process has been performed.

[0022] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a battery cell formation device that can differently adjust the position of the gas removal part relative to the airbag of the battery cell for each process such as a piercing process, a gas suction process, and a sealing process.

[0023] Technical solution

[0024] A battery cell formation device according to an example of the present invention includes: a jig part including a plurality of pressure plates movably arranged to press a plurality of battery cells; a gas removal part arranged to be movable together with one of the plurality of pressure plates and connected to the pressure plate to face the airbag of the battery cell in contact with the pressure plate; and a position adjustment part arranged to adjust the position of the gas removal part on the pressure plate.

[0025] The position adjustment part may be arranged to be movable together with the pressure plate.

[0026] The battery cell formation device may include: a first track extending along the moving direction of the pressure plate and arranged on the pressure plate to guide the movement of the gas removal part; and a frame part placed separately from the pressure plate and provided with a guiding track for guiding the movement of the position adjustment part in the moving direction of the pressure plate.

[0027] The gas removal part may include a first exhaust module and a second exhaust module, each of the first exhaust module and the second exhaust module being arranged to perform a gas removal process in the airbag of the battery cell placed on the first surface facing the pressure plate and in the airbag of the battery cell placed on the second surface opposite to the first surface in the direction opposite to the pressure plate.

[0028] Moreover, the first exhaust module and the second exhaust module can each be configured to be movable on the pressure plate, and the position adjustment portion can be configured to adjust the gap between the first exhaust module and the second exhaust module. That is to say, the position adjustment portion can also increase the gap between the first exhaust module and the second exhaust module by moving the first exhaust module and the second exhaust module away from each other, and can decrease the gap between the first exhaust module and the second exhaust module by moving the first exhaust module and the second exhaust module closer to each other.

[0029] In addition, the first exhaust module may include: a piercing unit configured to form an air vent hole in the airbag of the battery cell; a vacuum unit configured to apply a vacuum pressure to the air vent hole and suck the gas in the airbag; and a sealing unit configured to seal the air vent hole.

[0030] Furthermore, the second exhaust module may include: a piercing unit configured to form an air vent hole in the airbag of the battery cell; a vacuum unit configured to apply a vacuum pressure to the air vent hole and suck the gas in the airbag; and a sealing unit configured to seal the air vent hole.

[0031] Moreover, the vacuum unit may be configured to surround the piercing unit, and the sealing unit may be configured to surround the vacuum unit.

[0032] In addition, the sealing unit may be configured to seal an area with a diameter larger than the diameter of the air vent hole.

[0033] Furthermore, the vacuum unit may be configured to protrude more toward the airbag of the battery cell than the sealing unit.

[0034] Moreover, the first exhaust module and the second exhaust module may be configured such that the centers of the corresponding piercing units are not on the same side.

[0035] In addition, the position adjustment portion may be configured to adjust the gap between the first exhaust module and the second exhaust module to a first gap when the piercing unit operates, and the position adjustment portion may be configured to adjust the gap between the first exhaust module and the second exhaust module to a second gap when the vacuum unit operates, and the second gap is narrower than the first gap.

[0036] In addition, the position adjustment portion may be configured to adjust the gap between the first exhaust module and the second exhaust module to a third gap when the sealing unit operates, and the third gap is larger than the first gap.

[0037] The position adjustment part may include: a module driving part, which is movably coupled to the guide rail; a first connecting member that connects a first exhaust module provided on the pressure plate and the module driving part; and a second connecting member that connects a second exhaust module provided on the pressure plate and the module driving part.

[0038] Moreover, the module driving part may be configured to adjust the gap between the first connecting member and the second connecting member.

[0039] In addition, the module driving part may include a motor or a cylinder. The module driving part may be movably mounted along the guide rail of the frame part. Thus, when the pressure plate moves, the first exhaust module and the second exhaust module move together with the pressure plate, and the module driving part moves along the guide rail in the moving direction of the pressure plate.

[0040] As an example, the cylinder may include a pneumatic cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder, one end of which may be mounted on the first connecting member and the other end of which may be mounted on the second connecting member. In this structure, the gap between the first connecting member and the second connecting member can be adjusted by the cylinder, and correspondingly, the gap between the first exhaust module and the second exhaust module on the pressure plate can be adjusted.

[0041] As another example, the module driving part may include a motor, and the motor may be an electric motor capable of rotating in the forward and reverse directions. The motor may be connected to a gearbox configured to convert the rotational force of the motor into an axial linear motion through gears. At this time, one end of the gearbox may be mounted on the first connecting member and the other end may be mounted on the second connecting member. In this structure, the gap between the first connecting member and the second connecting member can be adjusted by the cylinder, and correspondingly, the gap between the first exhaust module and the second exhaust module on the pressure plate can be adjusted.

[0042] Moreover, the position adjustment part may include one or more joints that connect the first connecting member and the second connecting member.

[0043] In addition, the joint may include: a first link rod that is hingedly connected to each of the first connecting member and the second connecting member; a second link rod that is placed to intersect with the first link rod and is hingedly connected to each of the first connecting member and the second connecting member; and a hinge shaft that connects the first link rod and the second link rod in the intersecting area of the first link rod and the second link rod.

[0044] In addition, multiple gas removal parts can be provided, and a gas removal part can be provided individually for each pressure plate. Moreover, multiple position adjustment parts can be provided, and the position adjustment parts can be provided individually for each gas removal part. At this time, the module driving parts of the multiple position adjustment parts can each be set to be movable along the guiding track of the frame part. In this structure, the battery single cell forming device can include: a jig part including multiple pressure plates that are arranged to pressurize multiple battery cells and are arranged to perform an activation process on the multiple battery cells; multiple gas removal parts that are arranged in each pressure plate to face the airbag of the battery cell and are arranged to perform a gas removal process for the activation process of each battery cell; and multiple position adjustment parts that are connected to each gas removal part and adjust the position of each gas removal part along the moving direction of the pressure plate.

[0045] In addition, the battery single cell forming device can include a control part that individually controls the operations of each gas removal part and each position adjustment part so that a gas removal process is performed on one or more of the multiple battery cells arranged in the jig part.

[0046] Advantageous Effects

[0047] As described above, the battery single cell forming device related to at least one example of the present invention has the following effects.

[0048] Since the gas removal part is integrated into the pressure plate for pressurizing the battery cell, the miniaturization of the device can be promoted.

[0049] Moreover, by performing a gas removal process on each battery cell during the activation process of the multiple battery cells, the activation efficiency of the battery cell can be improved.

[0050] In addition, the conventional single cell gas removal device consists of a device separate from the battery cell charging jig to adjust the position of the single cell gas removal device in three axial directions. In the present invention, first, the gas removal part can move together with the pressure plate, and second, the position adjustment part can adjust the position of the gas removal part in one axial direction (for example, the moving direction of the pressure plate).

[0051] In addition, since the position adjustment part can individually adjust the position of the gas removal part, the exhaust position of the gas removal part can be precisely controlled, and the gas removal efficiency of the gas removal part can be improved.

[0052] In addition, the plurality of gas removal parts can be operated independently, and the gas removal process can also be performed independently only on some of the plurality of battery cells on which the activation process has been performed. Description of the Drawings

[0053] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a general pouch-type battery cell.

[0054] Figure 2 is a schematic view showing a conventional single-cell gas removal device.

[0055] Figure 3 is Figure 2 a plan view of the single-cell gas removal device shown.

[0056] Figure 4 is a configuration diagram of a battery cell formation device according to an example of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 5 is a perspective view schematically showing the connection state of the gas removal part and the position adjustment part connected to any one of the plurality of pressure plates.

[0058] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the first exhaust module.

[0059] Figure 7 is Figure 5 a schematic plan view of the device shown in

[0060] Figure 8 is schematically showing the state of being cut along the Figure 5 line A-A in

[0061] Figure 9 is a view for explaining an operation state of the jig part during the activation process in a battery cell formation device related to an example of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 10 is a view for explaining an operation state of the position adjustment part during the gas removal process in a battery cell formation device related to an example of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 11 is a view showing the state of introducing a battery cell into the jig part.

[0064] Figure 12 is a view for explaining the piercing step during the gas removal process.

[0065] Figure 13 is a view for explaining the exhaust step during the gas removal process.

[0066] Figure 14 This is a diagram for explaining the sealing step during the gas removal process. Detailed implementation

[0067] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a battery cell formation device according to an example of the present invention will be described.

[0068] In addition, regardless of the reference numerals, the same or corresponding components are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and their repeated descriptions will be omitted. For ease of explanation, the size and shape of each component shown in the drawings may be exaggerated or reduced.

[0069] The battery cell formation device related to an example of the present invention can perform a gas removal process on each battery cell during or after the activation process of a plurality of battery cells.

[0070] Figure 4 This is a configuration diagram of a battery cell formation device (100) according to an example of the present invention, and Figure 5 This is a perspective view schematically showing the connection state of the gas removal part and the position adjustment part connected to any one of a plurality of pressure plates.

[0071] Refer to the attached Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the battery cell formation device (100) may include a jig part (110), one or more gas removal parts (130), and one or more position adjustment parts (150).

[0072] In addition, the battery cell formation device (100) may include a charging part (119) for charging a plurality of battery cells (1A to 1C) arranged in the jig part (110), a frame part (170) placed separately from the jig part (110), and a control part (180). In addition, the control part (180) is configured to control the operations of the jig part (110), the charging part (119), the gas removal part (130), and the position adjustment part (150).

[0073] In addition, Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the first exhaust module (133), Figure 7 This is Figure 5 a schematic plan view of the device shown in Figure 8 and Figure 5 This is a diagram schematically showing the state of being cut along line A - A in

[0074] Refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5, the jig part (110) is a device for performing the battery cell activation process. The jig part (110) may include a plurality of pressure plates (111 to 114) and a jig driving part (118) for moving the pressure plates (111 to 114). The plurality of battery cells (1A to 1C) are arranged within the jig part (110).

[0075] Each battery cell (1A to 1C) may be placed in the space between two adjacent pressure plates (111 to 114). Additionally, each battery cell (1A to 1C) is the same as the battery cell (1) described with reference Figure 1 and, for ease of explanation, has been given different reference numerals depending on their order of arrangement in the jig part (110).

[0076] The jig driving part (118) may include a driving motor and a driving shaft, and when the driving shaft rotates by the rotation of the driving motor, the plurality of pressure plates (11 to 114) engaged therewith move in one direction. Thus, the jig part (110) can apply pressure to both sides of the battery cells (1A to 1C). In this way, during the activation process, the jig driving part (118) moves the plurality of pressure plates (111 to 114) in one direction (x-axis direction) and provides a predetermined pressure (F) to the battery cells (1A to 1C) placed between two adjacent pressure plates (111 to 114).

[0077] Reference Figure 1 , the pouch-type battery cell (1) related to this example includes an electrode assembly (2), a pouch case (6) surrounding the electrode assembly (2), and a pair of electrode tabs (3, 4) electrically connected to the electrode assembly (2). The pouch case (6) may have a cup part (8) for accommodating the electrode assembly (2) therein and an airbag (7) for collecting gas during the activation process.

[0078] In this document, the x-axis direction represents the thickness direction of the battery cell (1), the y-axis direction represents the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (1) (the direction connecting the pair of electrode tabs), and the z-axis direction represents the width direction of the battery cell (1). Additionally, the x-axis direction represents the arrangement direction of the pressure plates or the moving direction of the pressure plates.

[0079] The cup part (8) and the airbag (7) may be positioned separately from each other along the width direction of the battery cell (1).

[0080] The plurality of battery cells (1A to 1C) are arranged in an upright state within the jig part (110), and the upright state of the battery cells means that the airbag (5) is located above and the cup part (8) is located below.

[0081] At this time, each pressure plate (111 to 114) can be set to pressurize the cup portion (8) of the battery cell (1). When the pressure plates (111 to 114) pressurize the cup portion (8) during the activation process, the gas generated inside the battery cell (1) can move to the airbag (5), and the airbag (5) expands.

[0082] In this document, the plurality of pressure plates (111 to 114) can include a first pressure plate (111) to a fourth pressure plate (114). The first pressure plate (111) to the fourth pressure plate (114) represent four pressure plates that are randomly consecutive along the arrangement direction of the plurality of pressure plates. In addition, the arrangement direction of the plurality of pressure plates and the moving direction of each pressure plate can be in the same direction (x-axis direction). Further, in this document, the corresponding battery cells placed between two adjacent pressure plates along the direction from the first pressure plate (111) toward the fourth pressure plate (114) are referred to as a first battery cell (1A) to a third battery cell (1C).

[0083] The first battery cell (1A) is placed between the first pressure plate (111) and the second pressure plate (112); the second battery cell (1B) is placed between the second pressure plate (112) and the third pressure plate (113); and the third battery cell (1C) is placed between the third pressure plate (113) and the fourth pressure plate (114).

[0084] The jig portion (110) operates the plurality of pressure plates (111 to 114) to be spaced apart at a predetermined interval so that the battery cells (1A, 1B, 1C) can be inserted when inserting the battery cells (1A, 1B, 1C). When charging / discharging the battery cells after the insertion of the battery cells (1A, 1B, 1C) is completed, the jig portion (110) operates the plurality of pressure plates (111 to 114) to pressurize the plurality of battery cells (1A, 1B, 1C).

[0085] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the gas removal portion (130) is provided to be movable together with one of the plurality of pressure plates (for example, 111) and is connected to the pressure plate (111) to face the airbag (5) of the battery cell (1A) in contact with the pressure plate (111). The gas removal portion (130) can be provided for each pressure plate, and in this structure, the battery cell forming device (100) can include a plurality of gas removal portions (130). Further, the plurality of gas removal portions (130: 130A to 130D) can be mounted on the corresponding pressure plates (111 to 114).

[0086] The position adjustment part (150) can be set to adjust the position of the gas removal part (130) on the pressure plate (111). Moreover, the position adjustment part (150) can be set to be movable together with the pressure plate (111). That is, when the pressure plate (111) is moved by the clamp driving part (118), the position adjustment part can be moved together by the driving force that moves the pressure plate (111). To this end, the position adjustment part (150) can be connected to the gas removal part (130). Additionally, in a state where the gas removal parts (130: 130A to 130D) are mounted on the corresponding pressure plates (111 to 114), the formation device (100) can be provided with a plurality of position adjustment parts (150: 150A to 150D).

[0087] Reference Figure 5 , the battery cell formation device (100) can include a first rail (131) and a frame part (170), wherein the first rail (131) extends along the moving direction of the pressure plate (111) and is provided on the pressure plate (111) to guide the movement of the gas removal part (130), and the frame part (170) is placed separately from the pressure plate (111) and is provided with a guide rail (171) for guiding the movement of the position adjustment part (150) in the moving direction of the pressure plate (111).

[0088] The position adjustment part (150) can be connected to the gas removal part (130), and move along the guide rail (171) in the moving direction of the pressure plate (111) by the movement of the gas removal part (130).

[0089] Reference Figure 5 、 Figure 7 and Figure 8, each gas removal part (130) is a device that performs the process of removing gas from the airbag (5) of the battery cells (1A to 1C) arranged in the jig part (110). The gas removal part (130) provided on any one of the pressure plates (111) may include a first exhaust module (133) and a second exhaust module (134), and the first exhaust module (133) and the second exhaust module (134) are each arranged to perform a gas removal process in the airbag (5) of the battery cell placed on the first surface (111a) of the pressure plate (111) and in the airbag (5) of the battery cell placed on the second surface (111b) of the pressure plate (111) in the direction opposite to the first surface (111a). At this time, the first exhaust module (133) and the second exhaust module (134) may each be arranged to be movable on the pressure plate (111). The first exhaust module (133) and the second exhaust module (134) may be arranged such that the position of the battery cell in the width direction (Z-axis direction) is maintained constant, and they can move in the thickness direction (x-axis direction, the moving direction of the pressure plate) of the battery cell.

[0090] The first rail (131) may be provided on the top of each pressure plate (111 to 114), and a pair of exhaust modules (133, 134) may be movably mounted on the first rail (131). The first rail (131) is arranged to guide the movement of the pair of exhaust modules (133, 134) in the arrangement direction (X) of the pressure plate (111).

[0091] In addition, the first exhaust module (133) may include a piercing unit (135), a vacuum unit (136), and a sealing unit (137), wherein the piercing unit (135) is arranged to form an air vent hole (7, see Figure 1 ) in the airbag (5) of the battery cell (1), the vacuum unit (136) is arranged to apply a vacuum pressure to the air vent hole (7) and suck the gas in the airbag (5), and the sealing unit (137) seals the air vent hole (7).

[0092] In addition, the second exhaust module (134) may include a piercing unit (135), a vacuum unit (136), and a sealing unit (137), wherein the piercing unit (135) is arranged to form an air vent hole (7, see Figure 1 ) in the airbag (5) of the battery cell (1), the vacuum unit (136) is arranged to apply a vacuum pressure to the air vent hole (7) and suck the gas in the airbag (5), and the sealing unit (137) seals the air vent hole (7).

[0093] The piercing unit (135), vacuum unit (136), and sealing unit (137) of the first exhaust module (133) are exposed toward the first surface (111a) of the pressure plate (111), and the piercing unit (135), vacuum unit (136), and sealing unit (137) of the second exhaust module (134) are exposed toward the second surface (111b) of the pressure plate (111).

[0094] The piercing unit (135) is a device that pierces the airbag (5) to form an air vent hole (7) in the airbag (5) of the battery cell. The vacuum unit (136) is a device that applies a vacuum pressure to the air vent hole (7) of the airbag (5) and sucks the gas in the airbag (5). And the sealing unit (137) is a device that seals the air vent hole (7) after the operation of the vacuum unit (136) is completed.

[0095] In this way, the gas removal process can be simultaneously performed on two battery cells placed on both sides (111a, 111b) of the pressure plate 111 by the first exhaust module (133) and the second exhaust module (134).

[0096] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 8 , the piercing unit (135) may include a needle portion (135a) for forming the air vent hole (7) and a predetermined space portion (135b) provided around the needle portion (135a).

[0097] The vacuum unit (136) may be arranged to surround the piercing unit (135). The vacuum unit (136) may have one or more discharge holes (136a) and may include a contact pad (136b) for contacting the airbag (5). The contact pad (136b) may be arranged to contact an area having a diameter larger than the diameter of the air vent hole (7), and may be arranged to surround the space portion (135b) of the piercing unit (135). The discharge hole (136a) is located inside the contact pad (136b), where the vacuum pressure can be applied through the discharge hole (136a). In addition, the contact pad (136b) may be arranged to be compressible.

[0098] Moreover, the sealing unit (137) may be arranged to surround the vacuum unit (136). The sealing unit (137) may include a heater, and the sealing unit (137) may be arranged to seal an area having a diameter larger than the diameter of the air vent hole (7). Additionally, the sealing unit (137) may be arranged to seal an area having a diameter larger than the area where the contact pad (136b) contacts the airbag (5).

[0099] The vacuum unit (136) and the sealing unit (137) may be arranged in concentric circles based on the piercing unit (135).

[0100] In addition, the vacuum unit (136) may be arranged to protrude more towards the airbag (5) of the battery cell than the sealing unit (137). As an example, the contact pad (136b) may be arranged to protrude more towards the airbag (5) of the battery cell than the sealing unit (137).

[0101] Reference Figure 8 , the first exhaust module (133) and the second exhaust module (134) may be arranged such that the centers of the respective piercing units (135) are not on the same side. That is, the virtual line segment (L1) passing through the center of the piercing unit (135) of the first exhaust module (133) and the virtual line segment (L2) passing through the center of the piercing unit (135) of the second exhaust module (134) do not coincide, and they may be spaced apart by a predetermined distance (h) along the width direction of the battery cell. That is, the piercing unit (135) of the first exhaust module (133) and the piercing unit (135) of the second exhaust module (134) may be spaced apart by a predetermined distance (h) along the width direction (z-axis direction) of the battery cell.

[0102] With this structure, when the piercing unit operates (piercing process), it is possible to prevent the piercing unit (135) of the second exhaust module (134A, see Figure 11 ) on the first pressure plate (111) and the piercing unit (135) of the first exhaust module (133B, see Figure 11 ) on the second pressure plate (112) from colliding.

[0103] Reference Figure 5 , a common pipeline (138) may be connected to the pair of exhaust modules (133, 134). The common pipeline (138) may also be built into the pressure plates (111 to 114), and may also be respectively connected to the pair of exhaust modules (133, 134). The common pipeline (138) may include a power supply pipeline (138A) and a vacuum pressure supply pipeline (138B).

[0104] The power supply pipeline (138A) may apply power to the piercing unit (135), the vacuum unit (136), and the sealing unit (137) respectively, and the vacuum pressure supply pipeline (138B) may supply vacuum pressure to the vacuum unit (136) and be connected to the discharge hole (136b).

[0105] Figure 9 is a diagram for explaining an operating state of a jig portion during an activation process in a battery cell forming device related to an example of the present invention, and Figure 10 is a diagram for explaining an operating state of a position adjusting portion during a gas removal process in a battery cell forming device related to an example of the present invention.

[0106] ReferenceFigure 5 and Figure 7 The position adjusting part (150) may include: a module driving part (151) movably coupled to a guide rail (171); a first connection member (153) connecting the module driving part (151) and a first exhaust module (133) disposed on a pressure plate (111); and a second connection member (154) connecting the module driving part (151) and a second exhaust module (134) disposed on the pressure plate (111). In addition, the module driving part (151) may be configured to adjust a gap between the first connection member (153) and the second connection member (154).

[0107] Moreover, the module driving part (151) may include a motor or a cylinder.

[0108] In addition, the module driving part (151) may be movably mounted along the guide rail (171) of the frame part (170). Thus, when the pressure plate (111) moves, the first exhaust module (133) and the second exhaust module (134) move together with the pressure plate (111), and the module driving part (151) moves along the guide rail (171) in the moving direction (x-axis direction) of the pressure plate (111).

[0109] In addition, the position adjusting part (150) may include one or more engaging parts (155) connecting the first connection member (153) and the second connection member (154).

[0110] In addition, the engaging part (155) may include: a first link (156) hingedly connected to each of the first connection member (153) and the second connection member (154); a second link (157) placed to intersect the first link (156) and hingedly connected to each of the first connection member (153) and the second connection member (54); and a hinge shaft (158) connecting the first link (156) and the second link (157) in an intersecting area of the first link (156) and the second link (157).

[0111] In a state where the pressure plate (111) is stopped, the pair of exhaust modules (133, 134) provided on the first rail portion (131) of the pressure plate (111) can be set such that the gap is adjusted along the arrangement direction (X) of the pressure plate (111) by the position adjustment portion (150). In addition, the pair of exhaust modules (133, 134) can be set to exhaust the airbags (5) of different battery cells placed on both sides (111a, 111b) of the pressure plate (111) during the gas removal process.

[0112] Figure 11 is a view showing a state in which a battery cell is introduced into a jig portion, Figure 12 is a view for explaining a piercing step during the gas removal process, Figure 13 is a view for explaining an exhaust step during the gas removal process, and Figure 14 is a view for explaining a sealing step during the gas removal process.

[0113] In addition, the plurality of position adjustment portions (150: 150A to 150D) can be coupled to each gas removal portion (130). The plurality of position adjustment portions (150: 150A to 150D) adjust the gap between the pair of exhaust modules (133A and 134A, 133B and 134B) provided in each gas removal portion (130) during the gas removal process.

[0114] The plurality of position adjustment portions (150) can be movably mounted on the guide rail (171).

[0115] When the jig driving portion (181) operates, each position adjustment portion (150) moves along the guide rail (171) in the moving direction of each pressure plate (111 to 114). In addition, each position adjustment portion (150) is set to stop on the guide rail (171) when the movement of the pressure plate stops.

[0116] Each position adjustment portion (150) is set to adjust the gap between the pair of exhaust modules (133, 134) provided on the pressure plate along the moving direction (X) of the pressure plate.

[0117] Moreover, the position adjustment portion (150) can be set to adjust the gap between the first exhaust module (133) and the second exhaust module (134) to a first gap (Dp) when the piercing unit (135) operates, and the position adjustment portion (150) can be set to adjust the gap between the first exhaust module (133) and the second exhaust module (134) to a second gap (Dv) narrower than the first gap (Dp) when the vacuum unit (136) operates.

[0118] In addition, the position adjustment part (150) can be set to adjust the gap between the first exhaust module (133) and the second exhaust module (134) to a third gap (Ds) greater than the first gap (Dp) when the sealing unit (137) operates.

[0119] Reference Figure 12 , each position adjustment part (150) adjusts the positions of the pair of exhaust modules (133A and 134A, 133B and 134B) such that when the piercing units (135) of the gas removal parts (130A) provided on the first pressure plate (111) and the piercing units (135) of the gas removal parts (130B) provided on the second pressure plate (112) operate, the pair of exhaust modules (133A and 134A, 133B and 134B) are spaced apart from each other by the first gap (Dp, see Figure 11 (b)).

[0120] Here, the first gap (Dp) means the gap by which the pair of exhaust modules (133A and 134A, 133B and 134B) are spaced apart from each other when the piercing unit (135) of each exhaust module contacts the airbag (5) of the battery cell (1A).

[0121] Reference Figure 13 , each position adjustment part (150) adjusts the positions of the pair of exhaust modules (133A and 134A, 133B and 134B) such that when the vacuum unit (136) operates, the pair of exhaust modules (133A and 134A, 133B and 134B) are spaced apart from each other by a second gap (see Dv) narrower than the first gap (Dp).

[0122] Here, the second gap (Dv) means the gap by which the pair of exhaust modules (133, 134) are spaced apart from each other when the vacuum unit (136) of each exhaust module contacts the airbag (5) of the battery cell (1A). At the same time, when removing gas, the airbag (5) expands along the thickness direction of the battery cell.

[0123] Reference Figure 14 , each position adjustment part (150) adjusts the positions of the pair of exhaust modules (133A and 134A, 133B and 134B) such that when the sealing unit (137) operates, the pair of exhaust modules (133A and 134A, 133B and 134B) are spaced apart from each other by a third gap (Ds) greater than the first gap (Dp).

[0124] Here, the third gap (Ds) means the gap by which the pair of exhaust modules (133A and 134A, 133B and 134B) are spaced apart from each other when the sealing unit (137) of each exhaust module contacts the airbag (5) of the battery cell (1A).

[0125] In this way, each position adjusting part (150: 150A to 150D) can precisely adjust the gap between the pair of exhaust modules (133, 134) of each gas removing part (130). Additionally, each position adjusting part (150) can adjust the gap between the pair of exhaust modules (133, 134) differently according to each step of the gas removing process.

[0126] The operating direction of the module driving part (151) can be adjusted by the control part (180). The module driving part can include a motor and a gearbox, where when the motor rotates in a first operating direction, the gap between the first connecting member (153) and the second connecting member (154) can become wider, and when the motor rotates in a second operating direction opposite to the first operating direction, the gap between the first connecting member (153) and the second connecting member (154) can become narrower.

[0127] At least one engaging part (155) can connect the first connecting member (153) and the second connecting member (154), and can support the first connecting member (153) and the second connecting member (154).

[0128] Moreover, the first link (156) and the second link (157) can be arranged to cross each other in an X shape. The hinge shaft (158) can connect the intersecting part of the first link (156) and the second link (157). Depending on the gap between the first connecting member (153) and the second connecting member (154), the first link (156) and the second link (157) can be folded or unfolded around the hinge shaft (158).

[0129] Reference Figure 10 , when the gap between the first connecting member (153) and the second connecting member (154) becomes wider, the engaging part (155) is arranged such that the first link (156) and the second link (157) unfold. Alternatively, reference Figure 9 , when the gap between the first connecting member (153) and the second connecting member (154) becomes narrower, the engaging part (155) is arranged such that the first link (156) and the second link (157) fold.

[0130] The plurality of gas removal parts (130) may include a first gas removal part (130A) to a fourth gas removal part (130D) according to the arrangement order of the plurality of pressure plates (111 to 114). In this case, except for the different positions of the installed pressure plates, the first gas removal part (130A) to the fourth gas removal part (130D) have the same structure.

[0131] The plurality of position adjustment parts (150) may include a first position adjustment part (150A) to a fourth position adjustment part (150D) according to the arrangement order of the plurality of pressure plates (111 to 114).

[0132] Reference Figure 4 , the first position adjustment part (150A) is connected to the first gas removal part (130A), the second position adjustment part (150B) is connected to the second gas removal part (130B), the third position adjustment part (150C) is connected to the third gas removal part (130C), and the fourth position adjustment part (150D) is connected to the fourth gas removal part (130D).

[0133] During the activation process, the first battery cell (1A) to the third battery cell (1C) are pressurized by the first pressure plate (111) to the fourth pressure plate (114).

[0134] The control part (180) may control the operation of the jig part (110) so that the battery cell activation process is performed. In addition, the control part (180) may separately control the operation of the plurality of gas removal parts (130) and the plurality of position adjustment parts (150) so that the gas removal process is performed only on selected battery cells among the plurality of battery cells (1A, 1B, 1C).

[0135] Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the process of performing the activation process and the gas removal process of the first battery cell (1A) will be described. The gas removal process of the first battery cell (1A) may be performed by the first gas removal part (130A) and the second gas removal part (130B).

[0136] Reference Figures 11 to 14, the first gas removal part (130A) is installed on the first pressure plate (111). The first pressure plate (111) is a pressure plate placed on one side of the first battery cell (1A), and the first battery cell (1A) is any one of the plurality of battery cells (1A, 1B, 1C). Moreover, the second gas removal part (130B) is installed on the second pressure plate (112). The second pressure plate (112) is a pressure plate placed on the other side of the first battery cell (1A). The second gas removal part (130B) is placed at an interval from the first gas removal part (130A) along the arrangement direction (x-axis direction) of the pressure plates.

[0137] The first gas removal part (130A) may include a first exhaust module (133A) and a second exhaust module (134A). The first exhaust module (133A) and the second exhaust module (134A) are placed at an interval from each other on the first track part (131) of the first pressure plate (111) along the arrangement direction (X) of the pressure plate (111).

[0138] The second gas removal part (130B) may include a third exhaust module (133B) and a fourth exhaust module (134B). The third exhaust module (133B) and the fourth exhaust module (134B) are placed at an interval from each other on the first track part (131) of the second pressure plate (112) along the arrangement direction (X) of the pressure plates (111, 112).

[0139] The first position adjustment part (150A) is connected to the first gas removal part (130A), and the first position adjustment part (150A) adjusts the gap between the first exhaust module (133A) and the second exhaust module (134A). In addition, the second position adjustment part (150B) is connected to the second gas removal part (130B), and the second position adjustment part (150B) adjusts the gap between the third exhaust module (133B) and the fourth exhaust module (134B).

[0140] In this document, the gas removal process may include a piercing step of forming a vent hole (7) in the airbag (5) of the battery cell (1A), an exhaust step of removing the gas in the airbag (5) through the vent hole (7), and a sealing step of sealing the vent hole (7).

[0141] Reference Figure 10 , Figure 11 and Figure 12, the first position adjustment part (150A) operates to widen the gap between the first exhaust module (133A) and the second exhaust module (134A) during the piercing process. Moreover, the second position adjustment part (150B) operates to widen the gap between the third exhaust module (133B) and the fourth exhaust module (134B) during the gas removal process.

[0142] Reference Figure 12 , in the piercing step, the gap between the pair of exhaust modules in the first gas removal part (130A) and the second gas removal part (130B) is adjusted to a first gap (Dp).

[0143] When the gap between the pair of exhaust modules in the first gas removal part (130A) and the second gas removal part (130B) is adjusted to the first gap (Dp), the piercing units (135) of the second exhaust module (134A) and the piercing units (135) of the third exhaust module (133B) contact both sides of the airbag (5) of the first battery cell (1A). At this time, the piercing units (135) of the second exhaust module (134A) and the third exhaust module (133B) can form air removal holes in the airbag (5) on both sides of the first battery cell (1A).

[0144] Reference Figure 13 , the first position adjustment part (150A) operates such that during the gas removal process after the piercing process, the first exhaust module (133A) and the second exhaust module (134A) move in a direction closer to each other while narrowing the gap. In addition, the second position adjustment part (150B) operates to narrow the gap between the third exhaust module (133B) and the fourth exhaust module (134B) during the gas removal process after the piercing process.

[0145] In the exhaust step, the gap between the pair of exhaust modules in the first gas removal part (130A) and the second gas removal part (130B) is adjusted to a second gap (Dv). The second gap (Dv) can be narrower than the first gap (Dp).

[0146] For example, when the first gap (Dp) is 5.5 mm, the second gap (Dv) can be 2.5 mm. The second gap (Dv) takes into account the state in which the airbag (5) of the battery cell (1A) is inflated by gas.

[0147] After the piercing step and before the exhausting step, the first position adjusting part (150A) adjusts the gap between the pair of exhaust modules (133A, 134A) in the first gas removing part (130A) to a second gap (Dv), and the second position adjusting part (150B) adjusts the gap between the pair of exhaust modules (133B, 134B) in the second gas removing part (130B) to the second gap (Dv).

[0148] In this case, the vacuum units (136) of the second exhaust module (134A) and the third exhaust module (133B) contact both sides of the airbag (5) of the first battery cell (1A). The vacuum units (136) of the second exhaust module (134A) and the third exhaust module (133B) are positioned to cover the vent holes (7) of the first battery cell (1A). The vacuum unit (136) sucks the gas in the airbag (5).

[0149] When the vacuum units (136) of the second exhaust module (134A) and the third exhaust module (133B) operate, the gas generated in the first battery cell (1A) during the activation process can be removed.

[0150] Reference Figure 14 , in the sealing step, the gap between the pair of exhaust modules in the first gas removing part (130A) and the second gas removing part (130B) is adjusted to a third gap (Ds).

[0151] After the exhausting step and before the sealing step, the first position adjusting part (150A) adjusts the gap between the first exhaust module (133A) and the second exhaust module (134A) in the first gas removing part (130A) to the third gap (Ds). For example, when the first gap (Dp) is 5.5 mm, the third gap (Ds) can be 6.0 mm. Additionally, the second position adjusting part (150B) adjusts the gap between the third exhaust module (133B) and the fourth exhaust module (134B) to the third gap (Ds).

[0152] When the pair of exhaust modules are adjusted to the third gap (Ds), the sealing units (137) of the second exhaust module (134A) and the third exhaust module (133B) contact both sides of the airbag (5) of the first battery cell (1A). Each sealing unit (137) provides heat to the area including the vent holes of the airbag (5), thereby sealing the vent hole area of the first battery cell (1A).

[0153] When the sealing step of the first battery cell (1A) is completed, the first position adjustment part (150A) adjusts the positions of the first exhaust module (133A) and the second exhaust module (134A) so that the first exhaust module (133A) and the second exhaust module (134A) become closer to each other. In addition, the second position adjustment part (150B) operates in the same manner as the first position adjustment part (150A), and the first gas removal part (130A) and the second gas removal part (130B) are separated from the first battery cell (1A).

[0154] The preferred embodiments of the present invention described above are disclosed for illustrative purposes, and those of ordinary skill in the art can make various modifications, changes, and additions within the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such modifications, changes, and additions should be regarded as falling within the scope of the appended claims.

[0155] Industrial applicability

[0156] According to the battery cell formation device related to at least one example of the present invention, the gas removal part is integrated into the pressure plate for pressurizing the battery cell, thereby promoting the miniaturization of the device, and by performing the gas removal process on each battery cell during the activation process of the plurality of battery cells, the activation efficiency of the battery cell can be improved.

Claims

1. A battery monomer formation device, comprising: a fixture portion including a plurality of pressure plates movably disposed to pressurize the plurality of battery cells; a gas removal portion disposed to be movable together with one of the plurality of pressure plates and connected to the pressure plate to face an air bag of the battery cell in contact with the pressure plate; as well as A position adjustment portion is provided to adjust a position of the gas removal portion on the pressure plate.

2. The battery monomer formation equipment according to claim 1, wherein: The position adjustment portion is provided to be movable together with the pressure plate.

3. The battery cell formation equipment according to claim 2, further comprising: a first rail extending along a moving direction of the pressure plate and provided on the pressure plate to guide movement of the gas removal portion; as well as A frame portion is disposed separately from the pressure plate and is provided with a guide rail that guides movement of the position adjustment portion in the moving direction of the pressure plate.

4. The battery monomer formation equipment according to claim 3, wherein: The gas removal part includes a first exhaust module and a second exhaust module, and the first exhaust module and the second exhaust module are respectively configured to perform a gas removal process in the air bag of the battery cell placed toward the first surface of the pressure plate and to perform a gas removal process in the air bag of the battery cell placed toward the second surface of the pressure plate in a direction opposite to the first surface.

5. The battery monomer formation equipment according to claim 4, wherein: The first exhaust module and the second exhaust module are each configured to be movable on the pressure plate, and The position adjustment portion is configured to adjust a gap between the first exhaust module and the second exhaust module.

6. The battery monomer formation equipment according to claim 4, wherein: The first exhaust module and the second exhaust module each include: a piercing unit configured to form a degassing hole in the air bag of the battery cell; a vacuum unit configured to apply vacuum pressure to the degassing holes and to suck gas in the airbag; and A sealing unit is provided to seal the degassing hole.

7. The battery monomer formation equipment according to claim 6, wherein: The vacuum unit is arranged to surround the piercing unit, and The sealing unit is provided to surround the vacuum unit.

8. The battery monomer formation equipment according to claim 7, wherein: The sealing unit is configured to seal a region having a diameter greater than a diameter of the degassing hole.

9. The battery monomer formation equipment according to claim 7, wherein: The vacuum unit is disposed to protrude further toward the air bag of the battery cell than the sealing unit.

10. The battery monomer formation equipment according to claim 6, wherein: The first exhaust module and the second exhaust module are arranged such that centers of corresponding piercing units are not located on the same side.

11. The battery monomer formation equipment according to claim 6, wherein: The position adjustment portion adjusts the gap between the first exhaust module and the second exhaust module to a first gap when the piercing unit is operated, and The position adjustment portion is configured to adjust the gap between the first exhaust module and the second exhaust module to a second gap narrower than the first gap when the vacuum unit is operated.

12. The battery monomer formation equipment according to claim 11, wherein: The position adjustment portion adjusts the gap between the first exhaust module and the second exhaust module to a third gap, which is larger than the first gap, when the sealing unit operates.

13. The battery monomer formation equipment according to claim 4, wherein: The position adjustment part includes: a module drive portion movably coupled to the guide rail; a first connecting member connecting the first exhaust module disposed on the pressure plate and the module driving portion; and a second connecting member connecting the second exhaust module disposed on the pressure plate to the module driving portion, and The module driving portion is configured to adjust a gap between the first connecting member and the second connecting member.

14. The battery monomer formation equipment according to claim 13, wherein: The module driving part includes a motor or a cylinder.

15. The battery monomer formation equipment according to claim 13, wherein: The position adjustment portion further includes one or more joints connecting the first connection member and the second connection member, and The joint includes: a first link, which is hingedly connected to each of the first connecting member and the second connecting member; a second link, which is placed to intersect with the first link and is hingedly connected to each of the first connecting member and the second connecting member; and a hinge axis, which connects the first link and the second link in an intersection area of ​​the first link and the second link.

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