Battery cell pressurization jig and battery cell gas removal system including same

Abstract

A battery cell pressurizing jig related to one example of the present invention comprises: a first pressurizing member for pressurizing one surface of a battery cell, the battery cell comprising an electrode assembly, a pair of lead tabs electrically connected to the electrode assembly, and a battery cell case surrounding the electrode assembly; and a second pressing member provided to face the first pressing member and for pressing the other surface of the battery cell, in which the first pressing member includes a first assembly block portion for pressing an assembly region on one surface of the battery cell, in which the electrode assembly is provided, and a pair of first tab block portions for pressing the assembly region on the other surface of the battery cell, the pair of first tab block portions are each used to pressurize a pair of lead tab regions including a boundary region between each lead tab and the battery cell case.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery cell pressurizing fixture and a battery cell gas removal system including the battery cell pressurizing fixture, and more specifically to a battery cell pressurizing fixture and a battery cell gas removal system including the battery cell pressurizing fixture capable of individually pressurizing component areas and lead patch areas on one surface and another surface of a battery cell.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0066310, dated May 23, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

[0003] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a typical pouch cell. Figure 2 This is a plan view of a pouch-type battery cell with vent holes installed inside the air bag. Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view taken from line AA.

[0004] The pouch-type battery cell 10 includes a battery cell housing 11, an electrode assembly 15, and a pair of lead contacts 16 electrically connected to the electrode assembly. The electrode assembly 15 is housed within the battery cell housing 11. The electrode assembly 15 is fabricated by alternately stacking a positive electrode, a separator, and a negative electrode.

[0005] Furthermore, the pouch-type battery cell 10 has a receiving groove 12 and a sealed edge portion 13, in which the electrode assembly 15 is disposed. A pair of lead contacts 16 are exposed to the outside of the battery cell housing 11 through the edge portion 13. Additionally, the receiving groove 12 has a structure that protrudes relative to the edge portion 13 in the thickness direction T of the battery cell 10.

[0006] In this paper, the symbol L in the Cartesian coordinate system indicates the length direction of the battery cell 10 (the direction in which a pair of lead contacts are connected), the symbol W indicates the width direction of the battery cell 10, and the symbol T indicates the thickness direction of the battery cell 10.

[0007] The method for manufacturing the pouch cell 10 includes an encapsulation process, an aging process, a primary gas removal process, an activation process, a secondary gas removal process, and a sealing process.

[0008] The encapsulation process is the process of housing the electrode assembly 15 together with the electrolyte in a bag, and the aging process is the process of aging the encapsulated battery cell 10 for a predetermined time.

[0009] In addition, the primary gas removal process is a process that discharges the internal gas G generated inside the battery cell 10 during the packaging and aging processes to the outside, and the activation process is a process that activates the battery cell 10 by performing charging and discharging of the battery cell 10.

[0010] In addition, the secondary gas removal process is a process of venting the internal gas G generated during the activation of the battery cell 10 to the outside, and the sealing process is a process of sealing the degassing hole 18 of the gas bag 17 after the gas removal process.

[0011] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing an operating state of a conventional battery cell pressurizing clamp 20.

[0012] In the case of the pouch-type battery cell 10, if the gas G generated inside the battery cell 10 during the activation process is not effectively removed, the gas G occupies a certain space inside the battery cell 10, thereby causing the battery to deform while the central part of the battery cell housing 11 expands.

[0013] Furthermore, if gas G is present in the pouch cell 10, it adversely affects battery performance (such as capacity and output) and battery life.

[0014] The gas removal process for the pouch cell 10 is as follows.

[0015] At least one degassing hole 18 is formed in the air bag 17 of the battery cell 10, and the degassing hole 18 is connected to the internal space 14 of the pouch battery cell 10 to achieve fluid communication between them.

[0016] During the activation process, the gas G generated is discharged to the outside of the battery cell 10 through the degassing port 18 of the gas bag 17. At this time, the pouch-type battery cell 10 is pressurized by the battery cell pressurizing clamp 20 with predetermined forces F1 and F2, so that the gas G can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery cell 10. The battery cell pressurizing clamp 20 pressurizes both sides of the battery cell 10 through multiple pressure plates 21 and 22 to perform the operation of expelling the residual gas G in the battery cell 10.

[0017] However, the conventional battery cell pressurizing fixture 20 pressurizes the central portion of the battery cell 10 where the electrode assembly 15 is located, so the gas G generated during the activation process moves to the periphery of the central portion of the battery cell.

[0018] Therefore, the gas present in the edge portion 13 of the pouch cell 10 is prevented from moving to other parts, and the edge portion 13 expands, which in some cases may damage the edge portion 13 of the pouch cell 10.

[0019] Specifically, the edge portion E adjacent to the pair of lead contacts 16 (see...) Figure 2 Damage to the pouch cell 10 may reduce its insulation resistance, and the electrolyte may leak through the damaged edge portion E, subsequently leading to reduced productivity due to product defects.

[0020] If the gas generated inside the pouch cell 10 during the activation process is not effectively removed, the gas G occupies a certain space inside the pouch cell 10, thereby preventing homogenization and adversely affecting battery performance (such as capacity and output) and battery life. Summary of the Invention

[0021] Technical issues

[0022] The present invention aims to provide a battery cell pressurizing fixture capable of separately pressurizing each region separated from the pressurizing area of ​​the battery cell, namely the electrode assembly region and the lead patch region, and a battery cell gas removal system including the battery cell pressurizing fixture.

[0023] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a battery cell pressurizing fixture that prevents gas in the battery cell from moving to the edge portion of the battery cell adjacent to the lead tab by pressurizing the component area and lead tab area of ​​the battery cell with multiple blocks mounted on a pressurizing plate, and a battery cell gas removal system including the battery cell pressurizing fixture.

[0024] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a battery cell pressurizing fixture and a battery cell gas removal system including the battery cell pressurizing fixture, which can prevent gas from being trapped in the edge portion of the battery cell adjacent to the lead tab and improve the gas removal efficiency of the battery cell in the gas removal process.

[0025] The present invention aims to provide a battery cell gas removal system that can prevent the gas bag of the battery cell from wrinkling during the gas removal process and improve the insulation of the battery cell during sealing.

[0026] Technical solution

[0027] According to an example of the present invention, a battery cell pressurizing fixture may include: a pair of pressurizing plates for pressurizing both sides of a battery cell disposed between the pair of pressurizing plates, the battery cell including an electrode assembly, a pair of lead contacts and a battery cell housing; and a plurality of block portions mounted in each pressurizing plate, dividing the pressurizing area of ​​the battery cell housing into n unit regions (n>2, where n is an integer), and configured to pressurize each unit region of the battery cell housing.

[0028] The unit area may include a component area where the electrode assembly is disposed and a lead contact area where each lead contact is disposed.

[0029] In addition, the plurality of block portions may include: a component block portion for pressurizing the component region where the electrode assembly is disposed; and a patch block portion for pressurizing the lead patch region where each lead patch is disposed.

[0030] Furthermore, the component block portion can be elastically connected to the pressure plate to protrude in the thickness direction of the battery cell.

[0031] Furthermore, each tab block portion can be disposed separately from the component block portion and can be flexibly connected to the pressure plate to protrude in the thickness direction of the battery cell.

[0032] A battery cell pressurizing fixture associated with an example of the present invention includes: a first pressurizing member for pressurizing one surface of a battery cell, the battery cell including an electrode assembly, a pair of lead tabs electrically connected to the electrode assembly, and a battery cell housing surrounding the electrode assembly; and a second pressurizing member configured to face the first pressurizing member and for pressurizing another surface of the battery cell. Furthermore, the first pressurizing member may include a first component block portion and a pair of first tab block portions, the first component block portion for pressurizing a component region on one surface of the battery cell where the electrode assembly is disposed, and each of the pair of first tab block portions for pressurizing a pair of lead tab regions, the lead tab regions including boundary regions between each lead tab and the battery cell housing.

[0033] In addition, the first pressurizing component may include a first pressurizing plate and a first driving component, wherein the first component block portion and the pair of first contact block portions are respectively connected to the first pressurizing plate, and the first driving component is used to move the first pressurizing plate toward one surface of the battery cell.

[0034] In addition, the first component block portion and the pair of first connector block portions can each be connected to the first pressure plate via elastic members.

[0035] Furthermore, the first component block portion and the pair of first contact block portions may be configured to move toward the first pressure plate when they each contact a surface of the battery cell, and each elastic member may be configured to be compressed.

[0036] Furthermore, the first pressurizing component may be configured such that the pair of first contact block portions protrude more toward one surface of the battery cell than the first component block portions.

[0037] Furthermore, the first pressurizing component can be configured such that when the first pressurizing plate moves toward a surface of the battery cell, the pair of first contact blocks first contact each lead contact area, and then the first component block contacts the component area.

[0038] Furthermore, the first component block portion and the pair of first contact block portions can be arranged separately from each other at a predetermined interval. As an example, the first component block portion and the pair of first contact block portions can be arranged separately from each other at a predetermined interval along the length direction of the battery cell.

[0039] Furthermore, the first component block portion may be configured to have a larger contact area with one surface of the battery cell than the first tab block portion. As an example, when pressure is applied to one surface of the battery cell, the first component block portion may be configured such that its contact area with one surface of the battery cell is larger than the contact area of ​​the first tab block portion with one surface of the battery cell.

[0040] In addition, the second pressurizing component may include a second component block portion and a pair of second contact block portions. The second component block portion is used to pressurize a component area on another surface of the battery cell where the electrode assembly is disposed. The pair of second contact block portions are each used to pressurize a pair of lead contact areas, the lead contact areas including the boundary area between each lead contact and the battery cell housing.

[0041] In addition, the second pressurizing component may include a second pressurizing plate and a second driving component, the second component block portion and the pair of second contact block portions being respectively connected to the second pressurizing plate, and the second driving component being used to move the second pressurizing plate toward the other surface of the battery cell.

[0042] Furthermore, the second component block portion and the pair of second tab block portions can each be connected to the second pressure plate via elastic members.

[0043] Additionally, the second component block portion and the pair of second contact block portions may be configured to move toward the second pressure plate when they each contact the other surface of the battery cell, and each elastic member may be configured to be compressed.

[0044] Furthermore, the second pressurizing component can be configured such that the pair of second contact block portions protrude more toward the other surface of the battery cell than the second component block portion.

[0045] Furthermore, the second pressurizing component can be configured such that when the second pressurizing plate moves toward the other surface of the battery cell, the pair of second contact blocks first contact the respective lead contact areas, and then the second component block contacts the component area.

[0046] In addition, the second component block portion and the pair of second contact block portions can be arranged separately from each other at a predetermined interval. As an example, the second component block portion and the pair of second contact block portions can be arranged separately from each other at a predetermined interval in the length direction of the battery cell.

[0047] Furthermore, the second component block portion can be configured to have a larger contact area with the other surface of the battery cell than the second contact block portion. As an example, when pressure is applied to the other surface of the battery cell, the second component block portion can be configured such that its contact area with the other surface of the battery cell is larger than the contact area of ​​the second contact block portion with the other surface of the battery cell.

[0048] Additionally, a battery cell gas removal system according to an example of the present invention may include: a vacuum chamber; a battery cell pressurizing fixture disposed in the vacuum chamber; a perforating component for forming at least one degassing hole in a battery cell disposed in the battery cell pressurizing fixture; a sealing component for sealing the degassing hole; and a vacuum pressure applying component for providing vacuum pressure to the vacuum chamber.

[0049] Beneficial effects

[0050] As described above, the battery cell pressurizing fixture and the battery cell gas removal system including the battery cell pressurizing fixture associated with at least one example of the present invention have the following effects.

[0051] The pressurization area of ​​the battery cell can be divided into an electrode assembly area and a lead contact area, and each area can be pressurized separately.

[0052] Furthermore, since multiple blocks mounted on the pressure plate individually pressurize the component area and lead contact area of ​​the battery cell, it can prevent gas in the battery cell from moving to the edge portion of the battery cell adjacent to the lead contact and can prevent the battery cell from deforming.

[0053] In addition, it can prevent gas from being trapped in the edge portion of the battery cell adjacent to the lead tab, and can improve the gas removal efficiency of the battery cell in the gas removal process.

[0054] In addition, wrinkling in the gas bag of the battery cell can be prevented during the gas removal process of the battery cell, and the insulation of the battery cell can be improved during sealing. Attached Figure Description

[0055] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a typical pouch-type battery cell.

[0056] Figure 2 This is a plan view of a pouch-type battery cell with degassing holes in the air bag.

[0057] Figure 3 It is along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view taken from line AA.

[0058] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram showing an operating state of a conventional battery cell pressurizing fixture.

[0059] Figure 5 This is a configuration diagram of a battery cell gas removal system related to an example of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a battery cell pressurizing fixture associated with an example of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 7 This is a front view showing one surface of the battery cell.

[0062] Figure 8 It is along Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the line A1-A1 cutoff point.

[0063] Figure 9 It is along Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing the section cut off by line A2-A2 in the diagram.

[0064] Figure 10 yes Figure 6 The diagram shows a plan view of the battery cell pressurization fixture.

[0065] Figure 11 It is used for explanation Figure 10 The diagram shows an operating state of the battery cell pressurizing fixture.

[0066] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram used to explain the gas removal process inside a battery cell.

[0067] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram used to explain the sealing process after the gas removal process is completed. Detailed Implementation

[0068] In the following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, an example of a battery cell pressurizing fixture and a battery cell gas removal system including the battery cell pressurizing fixture will be described.

[0069] Furthermore, regardless of the reference numerals used, identical or corresponding parts are given by the same or similar reference numerals, and their repeated descriptions will be omitted. In addition, for ease of interpretation, the size and shape of each component shown in the figures may be enlarged or reduced.

[0070] Figure 5 This is a configuration diagram of a battery cell gas removal system 100 associated with an example of the present invention.

[0071] The battery cell gas removal system 100 may include a vacuum chamber 110, a battery cell pressurizing clamp 200 disposed in the vacuum chamber 110, a perforating member 130 for forming at least one degassing hole in the battery cell disposed in the battery cell pressurizing clamp 200, a sealing member 140 for sealing the degassing hole, and a vacuum pressure applying member 120 for providing a vacuum pressure P to the vacuum chamber 110.

[0072] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a battery cell pressurizing clamp 200 associated with an example of the present invention.

[0073] According to one example of the invention, the battery cell pressurizing clamp 200 can be a device for pressurizing the battery cell, such that gases generated during the activation process are discharged to the outside through degassing holes in the battery cell's gas bag.

[0074] In this paper, the symbol L in the Cartesian coordinate system indicates the length direction of the battery cell 10 (the direction in which a pair of lead contacts are connected), the symbol W indicates the width direction of the battery cell 10, and the symbol T indicates the thickness direction of the battery cell 10.

[0075] Figure 7 This is a front view showing one surface of the battery cell 10. Figure 8 It is along Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing the section cut off by line A1-A1 in the diagram. Figure 9 It is along Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing the section cut off by line A2-A2 in the diagram.

[0076] refer to Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 The battery cell 10 includes a battery cell housing 11, an electrode assembly 15 housed inside the battery cell housing 11, and a pair of lead contacts 16 electrically connected to the electrode assembly 15.

[0077] The battery cell housing 11 may have a receiving groove 12 for accommodating the electrode assembly 15 and an edge portion 13 surrounding the receiving groove 12. The receiving groove 12 may be configured to protrude from the edge portion 13 in the thickness direction T of the battery cell. The battery cell 10 may be a pouch-type battery cell 10.

[0078] Figure 10 yes Figure 6 The diagram shows a plan view of the battery cell pressurization fixture. Figure 11 It is used for explanation Figure 10 The diagram shows an operating state of the battery cell pressurizing fixture.

[0079] As described above, the battery cell 10 may include an electrode assembly 15, a pair of lead contacts 16 electrically connected to the electrode assembly 15, and a battery cell housing 11 surrounding the electrode assembly 15. Some areas of each lead contact 16 may extend through the edge portion 13 to be exposed to the outside of the battery cell housing 11.

[0080] The battery cell pressurizing fixture 200 may include a pair of pressurizing components 300 and 400. Specifically, the battery cell pressurizing fixture 200 may include a first pressurizing component 300 for pressurizing one surface 11a of the battery cell 10, and a second pressurizing component 400 configured to face the first pressurizing component 300 and for pressurizing the other surface 11b of the battery cell 10.

[0081] One surface 11a and the other surface 11b of the battery cell 10 can be positioned in opposite directions along the thickness direction T.

[0082] A pair of pressurizing components 300, 400 can be provided to pressurize both sides (one surface and the other surface) of the battery cell 10 in the gas removal process, thereby pushing the gas G generated in the activation process of the battery cell 10 from the internal space 14 of the battery cell housing 11 into the gas bag 17.

[0083] refer to Figures 7 to 9 The gas bag 17 is used to collect the gas G inside the battery cell 10 and then discharge the gas G to the outside space. The gas bag 17 can be located above the receiving groove 12 in which the electrode assembly 15 is disposed, along the width direction W of the battery cell 10.

[0084] The first pressurizing component 300 is disposed on one side of the battery cell 10 (the side facing one surface of the battery cell), and the second pressurizing component 400 is disposed on the other side of the battery cell 10 (the side facing the other surface of the battery cell).

[0085] The first pressurizing member 300 and the second pressurizing member 400 are arranged facing each other, with the battery cell 10 placed between them. The first pressurizing member 300 and the second pressurizing member 400 may have the same structure and operation method, and may be arranged symmetrically about the battery cell 10 along the thickness direction T of the battery cell 10.

[0086] The first pressurizing component 300 may include a first pressurizing plate 310, a plurality of first blocks 330, 340, 350, and a first driving component 370. The plurality of first blocks 330, 340, 350 may be connected to a surface of the first pressurizing plate 310. In this case, the plurality of first blocks 330, 340, 350 are arranged to face a surface 11a of the battery cell housing 11.

[0087] The first drive member 370 may be configured to move the first pressure plate 310 along the thickness direction T of the battery cell 10 in a first direction F1. When the first pressure plate 310 moves toward a surface of the battery cell 10, each of the plurality of first block portions 330, 340, 350 contacts a surface 11a of the battery cell 10 and performs pressurization of the battery cell 10. The first drive member 370 may include a known cylinder device.

[0088] During the pressurization operation of the first drive component 370, the first pressure plate 310 can apply pressure to the battery unit 10 via a plurality of first blocks 330, 340, 350 while moving toward the battery unit 10 in the first direction F1.

[0089] Multiple first sections 320 mounted on the first pressure plate 310 can individually contact each unit area of ​​the battery cell 10 and simultaneously or sequentially provide pressure from the first drive component 370 to each unit area.

[0090] Multiple first sections can be provided to individually contact multiple areas of the battery cell housing 11.

[0091] The pressurized area of ​​the battery cell housing 11 can be divided into n unit regions (n>2, where n is an integer). Multiple regions disposed on a surface 11a of the battery cell housing 11 may include a first component region A11 surrounding the electrode assembly 15 and a first lead contact region A21 and a second lead contact region A31 respectively adjacent to a pair of lead contact tabs 16.

[0092] The first pressurizing component 300 may include a first component block portion 330 and a pair of first contact block portions 340 and 350. The first component block portion 330 is used to pressurize a first component region A11 of a surface 11a of the battery cell 10. The pair of first contact block portions 340 and 350 are used to pressurize a first lead contact region A21 and a second lead contact region A31. The first lead contact region A21 and the second lead contact region A31 respectively include the boundary region between each lead contact 16 and the battery cell housing 11.

[0093] Similarly, multiple regions disposed on another surface 11b of the battery cell housing 11 may include a second component region A12 surrounding the electrode assembly 15 and a third lead patch region A22 and a fourth lead patch region A32 respectively adjacent to a pair of lead patch 16.

[0094] The second pressurizing component 400 may include a second component block portion 430 and a pair of second contact block portions 440 and 450. The second component block portion 430 is used to pressurize the second component region A12 on the other surface 11b of the battery cell 10 where the electrode assembly 15 is provided. The pair of second contact block portions 440 and 450 are used to pressurize the third lead contact region A22 and the fourth lead contact region A32. The third lead contact region A22 and the fourth lead contact region A32 respectively include the boundary region between each lead contact 16 and the battery cell housing 11.

[0095] The first pressurizing component 300 will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0096] The first component block portion 330 can be configured to connect to the first pressure plate 310 and pressurize the first component region A11 of the battery cell housing 11 where the electrode assembly 15 is located. Furthermore, the first component block portion 330 can be elastically connected to the first pressure plate 310 to protrude from one surface of the first pressure plate 310 in the thickness direction T of the battery cell 10. The first component block portion 330 can be elastically connected to the first pressure plate 310 by an elastic member 335, such as a spring.

[0097] The first component block portion 330 can be configured such that the portion of it in contact with the battery cell housing 11 is flat.

[0098] A protective pad 333 may be disposed on the first component block portion 330. The protective pad 333 may be disposed on the contact surface of the first component block portion 330 that contacts the first component region A11. The protective pad 333 may be made of a compressible material; as an example, a sponge may be used as the protective pad 333.

[0099] The first component region A11 is the part where the electrode assembly 15 is disposed, which may be the part that protrudes more in the thickness direction T of the battery cell than the first lead patch region A21 and the second lead patch region A31.

[0100] The first component block portion 330 may have a long side extending along the length direction L of a pair of lead contacts 16 connecting the battery cell.

[0101] In addition, the first component block portion 330 may be positioned away from each of the first bonding block portions 340, 350 in the length direction L of the battery cell.

[0102] As an example, the first component block portion 330 may have the same width as the first tab block portions 340 and 350 in the width direction W of the battery cell.

[0103] During the pressurization operation of the first drive member 370, the first component block portion 330 can contact the first component region A11 on one surface of the battery cell housing 11. The first component block portion 330 can pressurize the first component region A11 of the battery cell housing 11 while the elastic member 335 is elastically compressed by the pressure of the first drive member 370.

[0104] By the pressure applied by the first component block portion 330 and the second component block portion 430, the gas G present in the internal space 14 of the battery cell housing 11 where the electrode assembly 15 is provided can move toward the gas bag 17, and the gas G that has moved to the gas bag 17 can be discharged to the outside of the battery cell 10 through the degassing hole 18.

[0105] A pair of first contact block portions 340 and 350 can be configured to apply pressure to the first lead contact area A21 and the second lead contact area A31, respectively.

[0106] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 10 Each of the first contact block portions 340 and 350 can be connected to the first pressure plate 330. Each first contact block portion 340 and 350 can be configured such that the portion of it in contact with the battery cell housing 11 is flat.

[0107] In addition, the first lead patch area A21 and the second lead patch area A31 are areas that are spaced apart from each other in the length direction L of the battery cell 10 relative to the first component area A11, and can each refer to an area including some areas of the lead patch 16.

[0108] The first contact block portions 340 and 350 can be connected to the first pressure plate 310, such that it protrudes further toward one surface of the battery cell 10 than the first component block portion 330.

[0109] Each first contact block portion 340, 350 may be elastically connected to the first pressure plate 310 via elastic members 345, 355. Each first contact block portion 340, 350 may be elastically connected to the first pressure plate 310 to move toward the first pressure plate 310 when in contact with a surface 11a of the battery cell 10.

[0110] A pair of first contact block portions 340, 350 can be resiliently connected to the first pressure plate 310 to protrude more in the thickness direction T of the battery cell through the step between the first component region A11 and the first lead contact region A21 and the step between the first component region A11 and the second lead contact region A31.

[0111] Protective pads 343 and 353 may be disposed on each of the first contact block portions 340 and 350. Protective pads 343 and 353 may be disposed on the contact surfaces of the first contact block portions 340 and 350 that contact the first lead contact area A21 or the second lead contact area A31. Protective pads 343 and 353 may be formed of a compressible material, and sponge may be used as protective pads 343 and 353.

[0112] During the pressurization operation of the first drive component 370, a pair of first contact block portions 340 and 350 can contact the first lead contact area A21 and the second lead contact area A31 on one surface of the battery cell housing 11. The pair of first contact block portions 340 and 350 can pressurize the first lead contact area A21 and the second lead contact area A31 on one surface 11a of the battery cell housing 11 while the elastic members 345 and 355 are elastically compressed by the pressure of the first drive component 370.

[0113] During the pressurization operation of the first drive component 370, a pair of first contact block portions 340, 350 can simultaneously or sequentially pressurize the regions with the first component block portion 330. As an example, the first contact block portions 340, 350 can first pressurize the first lead contact region A21 and the second lead contact region A31, and then the first component block portion 330 can pressurize the first component region A11.

[0114] Using the pressure of the first contact block portions 340, 350 and the second contact block portions 440, 450, the gas G present in the edge portion 13 of the battery cell housing 11 adjacent to the pair of lead contacts 16 can move toward the receiving groove 12 and the gas bag 17, and can be discharged to the outside of the battery cell 10 through the degassing hole 18.

[0115] The second pressurizing component 400 will be described below.

[0116] The second pressurizing component 400 may include a second pressurizing plate 410, a plurality of second blocks 430, 440, 450 and a second drive component 470.

[0117] The second pressure plate 410 is spaced apart from the other surface 11b of the battery cell housing 11. A plurality of second portions 430, 440, 450 are mounted on one surface of the second pressure plate 410 (the side facing the other surface 11b of the battery cell housing 11). The second drive member 470 can be connected to the other surface of the second pressure plate 410.

[0118] The second drive member 470 is configured to move the second pressure plate 410 along the thickness direction T of the battery cell in the second direction F2. While the second pressure plate 410 moves along the second direction F2 via the second drive member 470, the second pressure plate 410 can apply pressure to the battery cell 10 via a plurality of second portions 430, 440, 450. The second drive member 470 may include a known cylinder device.

[0119] The first direction F1 is the direction toward one surface of the battery cell, and the second direction F2 is the direction toward the other surface of the battery cell, wherein the first direction F1 and the second direction F2 can be opposite directions.

[0120] Multiple second block portions may include a second component block portion 430 and a pair of second patch block portions 440, 450.

[0121] The second component area A12 represents the component area on the other surface 11b of the battery cell housing 11, and the third lead patch area A22 and the fourth lead patch area A32 represent a pair of lead patch areas on the other surface of the battery cell housing 11, respectively.

[0122] The second component block portion 430 is configured to contact the second component region A12 of the battery cell housing 11. The second component block portion 430 may include a protective pad 433 and may be connected to the second pressure plate 410 via an elastic member 435.

[0123] During the pressurization operation of the second drive member 470, the second component block portion 430 can contact the second component region A12 on the other surface 11b of the battery cell housing 11, and can pressurize the second component region A12 of the battery cell housing 11 while the elastic member 435 is elastically compressed by the pressure of the second drive member 470.

[0124] The second component block portion 430 can be resiliently connected to the second pressure plate 410 to protrude in the thickness direction T of the battery cell 10. The second component block portion 430 may have a long side extending in the length direction L along the pair of lead contacts 16 connecting the battery cell.

[0125] A protective pad 433 may be disposed on the second component block portion 430. The protective pad 433 may be disposed on the contact surface of the second component block portion 430 that contacts the second component region A12. The protective pad 433 may be formed of a compressible material. As an example, a sponge may be used as the protective pad 433.

[0126] A pair of second contact block portions 440 and 450 are configured to apply pressure to the third lead contact area A22 and the fourth lead contact area A32, respectively.

[0127] A pair of second contact block portions 440, 450 are configured to face a pair of first contact block portions 340, 350, with the battery cell 10 placed between them.

[0128] A pair of second contact block portions 440, 450 are configured to contact the third lead contact area A22 and the fourth lead contact area A32 of the battery cell housing 11. Each second component block portion 440, 450 may include protective pads 443, 453 and may be individually connected to the second pressure plate 410 via elastic members 445, 455.

[0129] During the pressurization operation of the second drive component 470, a pair of second contact block portions 440, 450 can contact the third lead contact area A22 and the fourth lead contact area A22 on the other surface 11b of the battery cell housing 11, and can pressurize the third lead contact area A22 and the fourth lead contact area A32 of the battery cell housing 11 respectively while each elastic member 445, 455 is elastically compressed by the pressure of the second drive component 470.

[0130] During the pressurization operation of the second drive component 470, a pair of second contact block portions 440, 450 can simultaneously or sequentially pressurize the third lead contact area A22 and the fourth lead contact area A32, together with the second component block portion 430. As an example, the second contact block portions 440, 450 can first pressurize the third lead contact area A22 and the fourth lead contact area A32, and then the second component block portion 430 can pressurize the second component area A12.

[0131] The third lead patch area A22 and the fourth lead patch area A32 are areas that are spaced apart from each other in the length direction L of the battery cell 10 relative to the second component area A12. They refer to areas that include some of the areas of the lead patch 16.

[0132] As an example, a pair of second contact block portions 440, 450 may be connected to the second pressure plate 410 to protrude more toward the other surface 11b of the battery cell 10 than the second component block portion 430.

[0133] Each second contact block portion 440, 450 may be configured to be spaced apart from the second component block portion 430 in the longitudinal direction L of the battery cell. Each second contact block portion 440, 450 is resiliently connected to the second pressure plate 410 to move toward the second pressure plate 410 when it contacts the battery cell 10.

[0134] Protective pads 443 and 453 can be disposed on each of the second contact block portions 440 and 450. Protective pads 443 and 453 can be disposed on the contact surfaces of each of the second contact block portions 440 and 450 that contact the third lead contact area A22 and the fourth lead contact area A32.

[0135] Protective pads 443 and 453 can be made of compressible materials; for example, sponge can be used as protective pads 443 and 453.

[0136] The battery cell gas removal system 100 will be described below.

[0137] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram used to explain the gas removal process inside a battery cell. Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram used to explain the sealing process after the gas removal process is completed.

[0138] The battery cell gas removal system 100 is used to perform a gas removal process to remove gas G generated in the activation process of the battery cell 10.

[0139] The battery cell gas removal system 100 may include a vacuum chamber 110, a vacuum pressure application component 120, a perforation component 130, a sealing component 140, and a battery cell pressurization clamp 200.

[0140] Vacuum chamber 110 is the space for performing gas removal processes. Battery cell pressurizing fixture 200, perforation component 130 and sealing component 140 can each be installed in vacuum chamber 110.

[0141] The vacuum pressure applying component 120 is a device that applies a vacuum pressure P to the vacuum chamber 110. The vacuum pressure applying component 120 can provide a vacuum pressure P to the vacuum chamber 110 in a gas removal process.

[0142] The battery cell pressurizing clamp 200 pressurizes both sides of the battery cell 10 while placing the battery cell 10 therein, thereby performing the operation of pushing gas G from the internal space 14 of the battery cell housing 11 into the gas bag 17.

[0143] The perforated component 130 can be disposed on the upper part of the battery cell pressurizing clamp 200. The perforated component 130 can penetrate the air bag 17 in the thickness direction T of the battery cell to form at least one degassing hole 18 in the air bag 17. At this time, gas G can be discharged to the outside of the battery cell 10 through the degassing hole 18.

[0144] A sealing member 140 is provided to seal the vent hole 18 of the gas bag 17 when gas venting within the battery cell 10 is complete. The sealing process of the sealing member 140 can be performed after the gas removal process. As an example, in the sealing process, the battery cell pressurizing clamp 200 can be configured to maintain pressure on the battery cell 10.

[0145] When the battery cell 10 is positioned in the space between a pair of pressurizing components 300 and 400, the battery cell pressurizing clamp 200 operates such that the pair of pressurizing components 300 and 400 pressurize both sides of the battery cell 10.

[0146] The perforating component 130 can operate while the battery cell 10 is held and fixed by the battery cell pressurizing clamp 200. With the battery cell pressurizing clamp 200 holding both sides of the battery cell 10, the perforating component 130 can penetrate the air bag 17 in the thickness direction T of the battery cell to form at least one degassing hole 18 in the air bag 17.

[0147] The first pressurizing component 300 is operable to make the first component block portion 330 and the first contact block portions 340, 350 contact each unit region A11, A21, A31 on a surface 11a of the battery cell housing 10, and simultaneously or sequentially pressurize each unit region A11, A21, A31 on a surface of the battery cell housing 10.

[0148] The second pressurizing component 400 is operable to make the second component block portion 430 and the second contact block portions 440, 450 contact each unit region A12, A22, A32 on the other surface 11b of the battery cell housing 10, and simultaneously or sequentially pressurize each unit region A12, A22, A32 on the other surface of the battery cell housing 10.

[0149] In the battery cell pressurization process, the first pressurizing component 300 pressurizes the battery cell 10 in the first direction F1, and the second pressurizing component 400 pressurizes the battery cell 10 in the second direction F2. The second direction F2 is the opposite direction to the first direction F1.

[0150] When the battery cell pressurizing clamp 200 pressurizes both sides of the battery cell 10, gas G is discharged from the internal space 14 of the battery cell housing 11 through the gas bag 17 and the degassing hole 18 into the vacuum chamber 110.

[0151] The gas G inside the battery cell housing 11 can be discharged into the vacuum chamber 110 through the pressure difference between the pressure in the internal space 14 of the battery cell housing 11 and the vacuum pressure P.

[0152] When the gas removal process is complete, the sealing component 140 can perform the sealing process by applying heat Q to the degassing port 18.

[0153] Preferred examples of the invention described above have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, and those skilled in the art with ordinary knowledge of the invention will be able to make various modifications, alterations and additions within the spirit and scope of the invention, and such modifications, alterations and additions should be considered to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0154] Industrial applicability

[0155] According to a battery cell pressurizing fixture and a battery cell gas removal system including the battery cell pressurizing fixture associated with at least one example of the present invention, the pressurizing area of ​​the battery cell can be divided into an electrode assembly area and a lead patch area, and each area can be pressurized individually.

Claims

1. A battery cell pressurizing clamp, comprising: A first pressurizing component is used to pressurize a surface of a battery cell, the battery cell including an electrode assembly, a pair of lead contacts electrically connected to the electrode assembly, and a battery cell housing surrounding the electrode assembly; and A second pressurizing component is configured to face the first pressurizing component and to pressurize another surface of the battery cell, wherein... The first pressurizing component includes a first component block portion and a pair of first contact block portions. The first component block portion is used to pressurize a component area on one surface of the battery cell where the electrode assembly is disposed. The pair of first contact block portions are each used to pressurize a pair of lead contact areas. The lead contact areas include the boundary areas between each lead contact and the battery cell housing.

2. The battery cell pressurizing fixture according to claim 1, wherein... The first pressurizing component further includes a first pressurizing plate and a first driving component. The first component block portion and the pair of first contact block portions are respectively connected to the first pressurizing plate. The first driving component is used to move the first pressurizing plate toward one surface of the battery cell.

3. The battery cell pressurizing fixture according to claim 2, wherein... The first component block portion and the pair of first tab block portions are each connected to the first pressure plate via an elastic member.

4. The battery cell pressurizing fixture according to claim 3, wherein... The first component block portion and the pair of first contact block portions are configured to move toward the first pressure plate when they each contact a surface of the battery cell, and each elastic member is configured to be compressed.

5. The battery cell pressurizing fixture according to claim 2, wherein... The first pressurizing component is configured such that the pair of first contact block portions protrude more toward one surface of the battery cell than the first component block portion.

6. The battery cell pressurizing fixture according to claim 5, wherein... The first pressurizing component is configured such that when the first pressurizing plate moves toward a surface of the battery cell, the pair of first contact blocks first contact each lead contact area, and then the first component block contacts the component area.

7. The battery cell pressurizing fixture according to claim 1, wherein... The first component block portion and the pair of first connector block portions are separated from each other at a predetermined interval. The first component block portion is configured to contact a surface of the battery cell with a larger area than the first tab block portion.

8. The battery cell pressurizing fixture according to claim 1, wherein... The second pressurizing component includes a second component block portion and a pair of second contact block portions. The second component block portion is used to pressurize a component area on another surface of the battery cell where the electrode assembly is disposed. The pair of second contact block portions are each used to pressurize a pair of lead contact areas, the lead contact areas including the boundary area between each lead contact and the battery cell housing.

9. The battery cell pressurizing fixture according to claim 8, wherein... The second pressurizing component further includes a second pressurizing plate and a second driving component. The second component block portion and the pair of second contact block portions are respectively connected to the second pressurizing plate. The second driving component is used to move the second pressurizing plate toward the other surface of the battery cell.

10. The battery cell pressurizing fixture according to claim 9, wherein... The second component block portion and the pair of second tab block portions are each connected to the second pressure plate via an elastic member.

11. The battery cell pressurizing fixture according to claim 10, wherein... The second component block portion and the pair of second contact block portions are configured to move toward the second pressure plate when they each contact the other surface of the battery cell, and each elastic member is configured to be compressed.

12. The battery cell pressurizing fixture according to claim 8, wherein... The second pressurizing component is configured such that the pair of second contact block portions protrude further toward the other surface of the battery cell than the second component block portion.

13. The battery cell pressurizing fixture according to claim 12, wherein... The second pressurizing component is configured such that when the second pressurizing plate moves toward the other surface of the battery cell, the pair of second contact blocks first contact each lead contact area, and then the second component block contacts the component area.

14. The battery cell pressurizing fixture according to claim 8, wherein... The second component block portion and the pair of second connector block portions are arranged separately from each other at a predetermined interval. The second component block portion is configured to have a larger contact area with the other surface of the battery cell than the second tab block portion.

15. A battery cell gas removal system, comprising: Vacuum chamber; The battery cell pressurizing fixture according to claim 1 is disposed in the vacuum chamber; A perforated component for forming at least one degassing hole in a battery cell arranged in the battery cell pressurizing fixture; A sealing component for sealing the degassing pore; and A vacuum pressure applying component is used to provide vacuum pressure to the vacuum chamber.

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