Electrode production device, battery cell comprising electrode produced thereby, and battery pack and vehicle comprising battery cell

Abstract

Disclosed are an electrode production apparatus, a battery cell including an electrode produced by the electrode production apparatus, and a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery cell. An electrode production apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a transfer member for transferring an electrode foil coated with an electrode active material; a laser member for emitting laser light toward the electrode foil; and a jig member for supporting the electrode foil and provided so as to be in contact with the electrode foil, in which the jig member is provided with a foreign matter attachment prevention unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application is based on and claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0191780 filed on December 26, 2023, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0033438 filed on March 8, 2024, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an electrode production device, a battery cell including an electrode produced using the electrode production device, and a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery cell, and more particularly, the present disclosure relates to an electrode production device capable of improving electrode quality, a battery cell including an electrode produced using the electrode production device, and a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery cell. Background Art

[0003] Generally, a secondary battery refers to a battery that can be repeatedly charged and discharged, such as a lithium-ion battery, a lithium-polymer battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-zinc battery, and the like.

[0004] According to the shape of the battery case, secondary batteries can be classified into cylindrical or prismatic batteries and pouch-type secondary batteries. In the cylindrical or prismatic battery, the electrode assembly is housed in a cylindrical or prismatic metal can, and in the pouch-type secondary battery, the electrode assembly is housed in a pouch-type case of an aluminum laminate sheet.

[0005] These secondary batteries may be manufactured by storing an electrode assembly including a positive electrode and a negative electrode laminated with a separator therebetween, and an electrolyte in a case of various shapes and sealing the case.

[0006] An electrode (positive electrode or negative electrode) of a secondary battery may include a coated portion in which a coating layer of an electrode active material is formed by pressing an electrode mixture onto a surface of an electrode foil, and an uncoated portion in which no coating layer is formed.

[0007] In addition, the electrodes of the secondary battery can be produced by a roll-to-roll process, in which an electrode foil having a coating layer of an electrode active material formed on the surface is wound around a roll and moved. In addition, in order to manufacture an electrode assembly, the electrode can be partially cut by, for example, a laser.

[0008] Here, when cutting an electrode using laser, a jig may be used to prevent vibration or shaking of the electrode, and a conventional jig has a problem in that foreign matter such as smoke generated by laser cutting adheres to the jig, which causes defects in the electrode. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Technical issues

[0010] The present disclosure aims to solve the problems of the related art, and therefore the present disclosure aims to provide an electrode production device that can prevent foreign matter from adhering to a clamp member used in a process of cutting an electrode during an electrode production process, a battery cell including electrodes produced using the electrode production device, and a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery cell, the electrode production device.

[0011] In addition, the present disclosure also aims to provide an electrode production device that can prevent foreign matter from adhering to a clamp member, thereby avoiding electrode defects and ultimately improving electrode quality, a battery cell including electrodes produced using the electrode production device, and a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery cell.

[0012] However, the technical problems that the present disclosure seeks to solve are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and other problems not mentioned above will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the present invention described below.

[0013] Technical Solution

[0014] In one aspect of the present disclosure, an electrode production device is provided, comprising: a conveying member configured to convey an electrode foil coated with an electrode active material; a laser member configured to irradiate the electrode foil with laser light; and a clamping member disposed in contact with the electrode foil and configured to support the electrode foil, wherein a foreign matter adhesion prevention portion is formed on the clamping member.

[0015] In an embodiment, the clamp member may include: a first portion disposed in a vertical direction and having an inner groove formed thereon; a second portion coupled to the first portion on an upper side; and a third portion coupled to the first portion on a lower side.

[0016] In an embodiment, the second portion may include: a second portion body coupled to the first portion; and a second portion protrusion protruding downward from the second portion body.

[0017] In an embodiment, the third portion may include: a third portion body coupled to the first portion; and a third portion protrusion protruding upward from the third portion body.

[0018] In an embodiment, a gap may be formed between the second portion protrusion and the third portion protrusion.

[0019] In an embodiment, the foreign matter adhesion preventing portion may be configured as a first inclined portion formed at an end portion of the second portion protrusion.

[0020] In an embodiment, the foreign matter adhesion preventing portion may be configured as a second inclined portion formed at an end portion of the third portion protrusion.

[0021] In an embodiment, the foreign matter adhesion preventing portion may be configured as a third inclined portion formed in the inner groove so that the foreign matter slides downward.

[0022] In an embodiment, the third inclined portion may be formed to be inclined downward from the first portion toward the third portion.

[0023] In an embodiment, a foreign matter accumulation portion where foreign matter accumulates may be formed at an end portion of the third inclined portion.

[0024] In an embodiment, a suction member for sucking foreign matter may be provided, and the suction member may be provided close to the foreign matter accumulation portion.

[0025] In an embodiment, the conveying member may include a first conveying roller disposed at an upper side and a second conveying roller disposed at a lower side, and the electrode foil may be moved from the upper side to the lower side by the first and second conveying rollers.

[0026] In an embodiment, the laser member may be configured to irradiate the electrode foil with laser light in a horizontal direction.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there may be provided a battery cell including an electrode produced using the electrode production apparatus, a battery pack including at least one battery cell, and a vehicle including at least one battery cell.

[0028] Beneficial effects

[0029] The embodiment of the present disclosure has an effect of preventing foreign matter from adhering to a jig member used in a process of cutting an electrode during an electrode production process.

[0030] In addition, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from being attached to the jig member, thereby avoiding electrode defects and ultimately improving electrode quality.

[0031] However, effects obtainable from the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned above will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the present invention described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the detailed description of the present disclosure, serve to provide further understanding of the technical concept of the present disclosure, and thus the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] Figure 1is a schematic front view of an electrode production apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in which a suction member is omitted.

[0034] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a jig member in an electrode production apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in which foreign matter slides along a third inclined portion.

[0035] Figure 3 Is showing foreign matter along Figure 2 A diagram of a state in which the third inclined portion in the embodiment moves and then accumulates in the foreign matter accumulation portion.

[0036] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An enlarged view of part B.

[0037] Figure 5 It shows that when Figure 2 Figure 1 shows the suction member when viewed in the direction of arrow A.

[0038] Figure 6 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a battery pack including a battery cell having an electrode manufactured using the electrode production apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 7 It is shown that Figure 6 Diagram of a vehicle with a battery pack in it. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the terms used in the specification and the appended claims should not be interpreted as limited to the general meaning and dictionary meaning, but should be interpreted based on the meaning and concept corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure on the basis of the principle that allows the inventor to appropriately define the terms to obtain the best interpretation. Therefore, the configurations proposed in the embodiments of this specification and the drawings only indicate the most preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and do not represent all technical concepts of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications may be made to them when filing an application.

[0041] For ease of explanation and clarification, the dimensions of the various elements or specific parts of each element shown in the drawings are exaggerated, omitted, or simplified. Therefore, the dimensions of the various elements do not fully reflect their actual dimensions. Descriptions of related known functions or configurations that may obscure the subject matter of this disclosure will be omitted.

[0042] The expression “an element is 'coupled' or 'connected' to another element” should be understood that the elements may be directly coupled or connected to each other, and the elements may be indirectly coupled or connected through a connecting member.

[0043] Figure 1is a schematic front view of an electrode production apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in which a suction member is omitted, Figure 2 is a diagram showing a jig member in an electrode production apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in which foreign matter slides along a third inclined portion, Figure 3 Is showing foreign matter along Figure 2 A diagram of a state in which the third inclined portion in FIG. 1 moves and then accumulates in the foreign matter accumulation portion, Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A magnified view of part B, and Figure 5 It shows that when Figure 2 Figure 1 shows the suction member when viewed in the direction of arrow A.

[0044] Reference Figure 1 The electrode production apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for producing an electrode (positive electrode or negative electrode) by conveying an electrode foil 600 on which a coating layer is formed using an electrode active material. The electrode may include a wet electrode and a dry electrode.

[0045] For example, the wet electrode is manufactured through a process of applying an electrode mixture in a slurry state including a solvent onto the surface of an electrode substrate such as the electrode foil 600 to form a coating layer, and then drying the coating layer.

[0046] In addition, a dry electrode is manufactured by forming a coating layer by pressing a solvent-free powdered electrode mixture (powder mixture) onto the surface of the electrode foil 600. That is, the electrode mixture is mixed without a liquid medium such as a solvent or a dispersion medium, and then the powdered electrode mixture is pressed while passing through a roller, thereby manufacturing the electrode.

[0047] Here, the electrode foil 600 may include a coating portion where a coating layer of an electrode active material is formed on a surface thereof and an uncoated portion (eg, both ends of the electrode foil 600 ) where the coating layer of the electrode active material is not formed.

[0048] The electrode production apparatus 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus capable of preventing foreign matter 700 from adhering to the jig member 300 supporting the electrode foil 600 when the electrode foil 600 is cut by laser while being conveyed. Hereinafter, the apparatus will be described in detail.

[0049] Reference Figure 1 , the electrode production apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to include a transfer member 100 , a laser member 200 , and a jig member 300 .

[0050] The conveying member 100 conveys the electrode foil 600 coated with the electrode active material. The conveying member 100 can be configured in various forms and can include, for example, a plurality of rollers to convey the electrode foil 600 in a roll-to-roll manner. Although the conveying member 100 is not limited thereto, for ease of explanation, an embodiment in which the conveying member 100 includes a plurality of rollers will be described below.

[0051] Reference Figure 1 The conveying member 100 may include a first conveying roller 110 and a second conveying roller 120. Here, the first conveying roller 110 and the second conveying roller 120 may be provided at various positions, for example, Figure 1 As shown, the first conveying roller 110 may be disposed on the upper side, and the second conveying roller 120 may be disposed on the lower side.

[0052] In this embodiment, the electrode foil 600 is conveyed from the upper first conveyor roller 110 to the lower second conveyor roller 120. That is, the electrode foil 600 is moved from the upper side to the lower side by the first and second conveyor rollers 110 and 120.

[0053] Reference Figure 1 The laser member 200 is configured to irradiate laser light toward the electrode foil 600. The laser member 200 may include various types of laser devices. Figure 1 When the electrode foil 600 is moved from the upper side to the lower side by the first conveying roller 110 and the second conveying roller 120, the laser member 200 may be configured to Figure 1 The electrode foil 600 is irradiated with laser light in the horizontal direction.

[0054] Reference Figure 1 The clamp member 300 contacts and supports the electrode foil 600. The clamp member 300 can prevent the electrode foil 600 from vibrating or shaking when the electrode foil 600 is cut by the laser member 200, thereby preventing cutting defects such as uneven cutting or cutting of an erroneous portion other than a predetermined portion when the electrode foil 600 is cut by the laser member 200.

[0055] In addition, a foreign matter adhesion preventing portion 350 is formed on the clamp member 300. The foreign matter adhesion preventing portion 350 will be described later.

[0056] The clamp member 300 can be configured in various ways and can include, for example, a first portion 310, a second portion 320, and a third portion 330. Here, the first portion 310, the second portion 320, and the third portion 330 are temporarily divided in the clamp member 300 for ease of explanation only, and the division of the first portion 310, the second portion 320, and the third portion 330 is not absolute. For example, the first portion 310, the second portion 320, and the third portion 330 can be manufactured separately from each other and then combined to form the clamp member 300, or the first portion 310, the second portion 320, and the third portion 330 can be integrally formed during the manufacturing stage.

[0057] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the first portion 310 is arranged in the vertical direction. In addition, an inner groove 311 is formed in the first portion 310. Here, the inner groove 311 can be formed on the entire first portion 310, the second portion 320, and the third portion 330, can be formed on any one of the first portion 310, the second portion 320, and the third portion 330, or can be formed on two of the first portion 310, the second portion 320, and the third portion 330. That is, the inner groove 311 can be formed on one or more of the first portion 310, the second portion 320, and the third portion 330.

[0058] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment, the second portion 320 is coupled to the first portion 310 at the upper side of the third portion 330. Figure 2 , the third portion 330 is coupled to the first portion 310 at a lower side of the second portion 320 .

[0059] That is to say, in Figure 2 In the embodiment, the second portion 320 is provided on the upper side, and the third portion 330 is provided on the lower side, and they are respectively coupled to the first portion 310 .

[0060] Reference Figure 2 The second portion 320 may include a second portion body portion 321 and a second portion protrusion 322. The second portion body portion 321 is coupled to the first portion 310. That is, the second portion body portion 321 is coupled to the first portion 310 on the upper side of the third portion body portion 331. In addition, the second portion protrusion 322 protrudes downward from the second portion body portion 321.

[0061] Return to reference Figure 2The third portion 330 may include a third portion body portion 331 and a third portion protrusion 332. The third portion body portion 331 is coupled to the first portion 310. That is, the third portion body portion 331 is coupled to the first portion 310 at a lower side of the second portion body portion 321. In addition, the third portion protrusion 332 protrudes upward from the third portion body portion 331.

[0062] Here, a gap 340 may be formed between the second partial protrusion 322 and the third partial protrusion 332 , and the laser member 200 may irradiate the laser to the gap 340 between the second partial protrusion 322 and the third partial protrusion 332 .

[0063] In addition, refer to Figure 4 , the foreign matter adhesion preventing portion 350 may be configured as a first inclined portion 351 formed at an end portion of the second partial protrusion 322. Alternatively, the foreign matter adhesion preventing portion 350 may be configured as a second inclined portion 352 formed at an end portion of the third partial protrusion 332.

[0064] That is, foreign matter 700 generated when cutting electrode foil 600 by laser may adhere to jig member 300. In particular, since second portion protrusion 322 or third portion protrusion 332 protruding from jig member 300 is in direct contact with electrode foil 600, if foreign matter 700 adheres to second portion protrusion 322 or third portion protrusion 332, defects may be caused in electrode foil 600.

[0065] The electrode production device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure has a first inclined portion 351 (foreign matter adhesion prevention portion 350) formed at the end of the second portion protrusion 322 or a second inclined portion 352 (foreign matter adhesion prevention portion 350) formed at the end of the third portion protrusion 332, thereby preventing the adhesion of foreign matter 700.

[0066] That is, when the first inclined portion 351 is formed in the second portion protrusion 322 or the second inclined portion 352 is formed in the third portion protrusion 332, the area of ​​the second portion protrusion 322 is reduced compared to the case where the first inclined portion 351 is not formed, and the area of ​​the third portion protrusion 332 is also reduced compared to the case where the second inclined portion 352 is not formed, making it difficult for foreign matter 700 to adhere.

[0067] That is, if the first inclined portion 351 or the second inclined portion 352 is formed very sharp, it is difficult for the foreign matter 700 to adhere to the first inclined portion 351 or the second inclined portion 352, and thus it is difficult for the foreign matter 700 to adhere. However, the sharpness of the first inclined portion 351 or the second inclined portion 352 can be determined in consideration of the extent to which the electrode foil 600 is not damaged.

[0068] In addition, there is an effect of preventing the foreign matter 700 from being attached to the jig member 300 , thereby preventing electrode defects and ultimately improving electrode quality.

[0069] In addition, the first inclined portion 351 can be formed in various ways. For example, the first inclined portion 351 can be formed to face the outside of the second portion protrusion 322, can be formed to face the inside of the second portion protrusion 322, or can be formed completely along the periphery of the second portion protrusion 322.

[0070] In addition, similar to the first inclined portion 351, the second inclined portion 352 can also be formed in various ways. For example, the second inclined portion 352 can be formed to face the outside of the third portion protrusion 332, can be formed to face the inside of the third portion protrusion 332, or can be formed completely along the periphery of the third portion protrusion 332.

[0071] That is, the inclination of the first inclined portion 351 and the second inclined portion 352 may be formed in any direction.

[0072] Reference Figure 2 In another embodiment, the foreign matter adhesion preventing portion 350 may be configured as a third inclined portion 353 formed in the inner groove 311 so that foreign matter slides downward.

[0073] For example, the third inclined portion 353 may be formed in the inner groove 311 of the clamp member 300 so that the foreign matter 700 slides downward. Here, the third inclined portion 353 may be formed to be inclined downward from the first portion 310 toward the third portion 330.

[0074] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 Both, the third inclined portion 353 formed in the inner groove 311 of the clamp member 300 causes the foreign matter 700 introduced into the inner groove 311 to slide downward so that the foreign matter 700 can be gathered at a predetermined position.

[0075] That is, the third inclined portion 353 may prevent the foreign matter 700 from being attached to the inner groove 311 of the clamp member 300 .

[0076] In addition, for example, a foreign matter accumulation portion 360 may be formed at the end of the third inclined portion 353 so that the foreign matter 700 sliding along the third inclined portion 353 is collected in the foreign matter accumulation portion 360 (see FIG. Figure 3 As described above, in the case where the foreign matter 700 is collected in the foreign matter accumulation portion 360, it is easy to discard the foreign matter 700.

[0077] Reference Figure 5The suction member 400 is provided to suck the foreign matter 700 and may be provided, for example, near the foreign matter accumulation portion 360. The suction member 400 may be configured in various ways and may include, for example, various suction devices (eg, vacuum suction devices).

[0078] Figure 6 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a battery pack including a battery cell having an electrode produced using the electrode production apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0079] Reference Figure 6 The battery pack 30 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include one or more battery cells 20. Here, the battery cell 20 includes an electrode produced using the electrode production apparatus 10 according to each embodiment of the present disclosure described above.

[0080] In addition, the battery pack 30 may further include a battery pack case 31 for storing the battery cells 20 and various devices (such as a BMS, a current sensor, a fuse, etc.) for controlling the charge and discharge of the battery cells 20 .

[0081] In addition, despite the Figure 6 The medium cylindrical battery cells are disposed inside the pack case 31 , but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the battery cells 20 may include pouch-type battery cells or prismatic battery cells.

[0082] Figure 7 It is shown that Figure 6 Diagram of a vehicle with a battery pack in it.

[0083] Reference Figure 7 The vehicle 40 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include one or more battery cells 20 or battery packs 30 including electrodes produced using the electrode production apparatus 10 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Here, the vehicle 40 includes various vehicles intended to use electric power, such as electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles.

[0084] In addition, although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, and right are used in this specification, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms are only for convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the position of the target object or the position of the observer.

[0085] As described above, although the present disclosure has been described with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains may make various modifications and changes within the scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure and the equivalent scope of the claims to be described below. Therefore, the previously disclosed embodiments should be considered to be intended to describe the embodiments of the present disclosure, rather than to limit the embodiments of the present disclosure. In other words, the true scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure is shown in the claims, and all differences within the scope of equivalents thereto should be interpreted as included in the present disclosure.

[0086] Industrial Applicability

[0087] The present disclosure relates to an electrode production apparatus, a battery cell including an electrode produced using the electrode production apparatus, and a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery cell, and is particularly applicable to industries related to secondary batteries.

Claims

1. An electrode production device, comprising: a conveying member configured to convey the electrode foil coated with the electrode active material; a laser member configured to irradiate the electrode foil with laser light; as well as A clamp member is provided in contact with the electrode foil and configured to support the electrode foil, wherein a foreign matter adhesion preventing portion is formed on the clamp member.

2. The electrode production device according to claim 1, in, The clamp member comprises: a first portion, the first portion being arranged in a vertical direction and having an inner groove formed thereon; a second portion coupled to the first portion on an upper side; and A third portion is coupled to the first portion on an underside.

3. The electrode production device according to claim 2, in, The second part includes: a second portion body coupled to the first portion; and The second portion protrudes downward from the second portion main body.

4. The electrode production device according to claim 3, in, The third part includes: a third portion body coupled to the first portion; and The third portion protrudes, and the third portion protrudes upward from the third portion main body.

5. The electrode production device according to claim 4, in, A gap is formed between the second partial protrusion and the third partial protrusion.

6. The electrode production device according to claim 3, in, The foreign matter adhesion preventing portion is configured as a first inclined portion formed at an end portion of the second portion protrusion.

7. The electrode production device according to claim 4, in, The foreign matter adhesion preventing portion is configured as a second inclined portion formed at an end portion of the third portion protrusion.

8. The electrode production device according to claim 2, in, The foreign matter attachment preventing portion is configured as a third inclined portion formed in the inner groove so that foreign matter slides downward.

9. The electrode production device according to claim 8, in, The third inclined portion is formed to be inclined downward from the first portion toward the third portion.

10. The electrode production device according to claim 9, in, A foreign matter accumulation portion where the foreign matter accumulates is formed at an end portion of the third inclined portion.

11. The electrode production device according to claim 10, in, A suction member for sucking the foreign matter is provided, and Wherein, the suction member is arranged close to the foreign matter accumulation portion.

12. The electrode production device according to claim 1, in, The transmission member comprises: a first conveying roller provided at an upper side; and a second conveying roller, the second conveying roller being provided on the lower side, and The electrode foil is moved from an upper side to a lower side by the first conveying roller and the second conveying roller.

13. The electrode production device according to claim 12, in, The laser member is configured to irradiate the electrode foil with laser light in a horizontal direction. 14 . A battery cell comprising an electrode produced using the electrode production apparatus according to claim 1 .

15. A battery pack comprising at least one battery cell according to claim 14.

16. A vehicle comprising at least one battery cell according to claim 14.

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