Electrolyte injection jig and electrolyte injection method

Abstract

An electrolyte injection jig according to one embodiment of the present invention connects an electrolyte supply device for supplying an electrolyte and an opening part formed in one side of a battery case, and includes a device coupling part coupled to the electrolyte supply device, and a battery insertion part for inserting the electrolyte supply device into the battery case, and a battery insertion portion inserted into the opening portion so as to be in close contact with an inner surface of the battery case, in which the battery insertion portion may have a protruding portion provided at a portion in contact with the battery case.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The disclosure relates to an electrolyte injection jig and an electrolyte injection method.

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0152121, filed on November 6, 2023, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. BACKGROUND

[0003] The electrolyte can be accommodated inside the battery together with the electrode assembly. In the manufacturing of the battery, the sealing of the case constituting the battery is completed, and then a hole for injecting the electrolyte can be formed again, or the electrolyte can be injected before the sealing of the case is completed, and then the case can be sealed.

[0004] For example, in the case of a cylindrical battery, the electrolyte can be injected after the electrode assembly is inserted through an opening on one side of the battery case. The electrolyte can be injected by inserting one side of an electrolyte injection jig configured to connect an electrolyte supply device and the battery into the opening of the battery case and supplying the electrolyte using the electrolyte supply device connected to the other side of the electrolyte injection jig.

[0005] During the electrolyte injection process, it is necessary to prevent the electrolyte from leaking out of the battery. In order to prevent electrolyte leakage, it is necessary to seal the connection part between the injection device and the battery well.

[0006] In particular, if the sealing is released at any part between the battery case and the electrolyte injection jig, the electrolyte flows out, which can cause a problem of weakening the overall sealing.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need to develop an electrolyte injection jig having a structure capable of solving these problems. SUMMARY

[0008] TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0009] The disclosure was designed to solve the problems of the related art, and thus the disclosure relates to providing an electrolyte injection jig configured to enhance the sealing force at the connection part with the battery case.

[0010] However, the technical problems to be solved by the disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and other problems not mentioned herein can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description of the disclosure.

[0011] TECHNICAL SOLUTION

[0012] An electrolyte injection jig according to an embodiment of the disclosure for solving the above-described problem is configured to connect an electrolyte supply device that supplies an electrolyte and an opening formed on one side of a battery case,

[0013] The electrolyte injection jig can include a device coupling portion coupled to the electrolyte supply device and a battery insertion portion configured to be inserted into the opening and to be in close contact with an inner surface of the battery case,

[0014] The battery insertion portion can have a protrusion at a portion in contact with the battery case.

[0015] The protrusion can have a first protrusion at a portion in contact with an upper portion of a crimp portion provided in the battery case.

[0016] The protrusion can have a second protrusion at a portion in contact with an inner surface adjacent to an end portion of the battery case.

[0017] The first protrusion includes a plurality of wing portions extending along a circumference of the battery case and disposed adjacent to each other along a radial direction of the battery case.

[0018] As the plurality of wing portions are pressed toward the crimp portion, the plurality of wing portions can be configured to slide inward or outward along the radial direction of the battery at end portions of the plurality of wing portions to be in close contact with the crimp portion of the battery case.

[0019] The device coupling portion can be configured to surround an end portion of the battery case.

[0020] The device coupling portion can have an insertion slot formed along a circumference of the battery insertion portion and configured to allow an end portion of the battery case to be inserted into the insertion slot.

[0021] The insertion slot can have a width corresponding to a thickness of the battery case.

[0022] An electrolyte injection method according to an embodiment of the disclosure for solving the above-described problem is a method for injecting an electrolyte into a battery through an opening formed on one side of a battery case,

[0023] The electrolyte injection method can include an insertion step of inserting an electrolyte injection jig into the opening, a seating step of inserting a battery insertion portion provided in the electrolyte injection jig into the opening and seating the battery insertion portion on a crimp portion provided in the battery case, a close contact step of pressing the electrolyte injection jig toward an insertion direction to allow an end portion of the battery insertion portion to slide and be in close contact with an upper portion of the crimp portion, and an injection step of injecting the electrolyte into the battery through the electrolyte injection jig.

[0024] The close contact step can be a step for allowing the end portion of the battery insertion portion to be folded inward or outward of the battery at the upper portion of the crimp portion.

[0025] The battery can include a current collector electrically connected to an electrode assembly accommodated within a battery case,

[0026] The current collector can be located on the crimp portion.

[0027] The current collector can be discontinuously connected to the battery case on the crimp portion in a circumferential direction of the battery case.

[0028] Advantageous effects

[0029] According to one aspect of the disclosure, the protrusion can increase a contact area with the battery case. The protrusion can increase a frictional force with the battery case by protruding toward the battery case. Accordingly, the protrusion can enhance a sealing force of the battery insertion portion inserted into the battery case.

[0030] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a double seal can be achieved by the first protrusion being in contact with the crimp portion of the battery case and the second protrusion being in contact with an inner surface adjacent to the end portion of the battery case. Leakage of the electrolyte along the crimp portion of the battery case toward the opening of the battery case can be effectively prevented. In particular, the sealing force can be enhanced by the first protrusion consisting of a plurality of wing portions. The number of the plurality of wing portions of the first protrusion and the number of the plurality of protrusions of the second protrusion can be adjusted depending on a required sealing force.

[0031] According to still another aspect of the disclosure, an inner surface of the crimp portion formed by pressing the circumference of the battery case inward can not be a completely flat surface, and other components can be positioned on the crimp portion. Accordingly, even if the end portion of the battery insertion portion is in close contact with the crimp portion, there is a possibility that the sealing at the contact interface between the battery insertion portion and the crimp portion can not be complete. Accordingly, the end portions of the plurality of wing portions can be configured to slide inward or outward on the crimp portion in a radial direction of the battery to be in close contact with the crimp portion, thereby further enhancing the sealing force.

[0032] According to still another aspect of the disclosure, even if the electrolyte leaks through the first protrusion and the second protrusion, the battery case is fitted into the insertion slot, and thus leakage of the electrolyte to the outside of the battery case can be prevented. That is, the first protrusion, the second protrusion, and the insertion slot are disposed along a path through which the electrolyte can leak, and thus a triple seal can be achieved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 is a view showing a state before an electrolyte injection jig according to an embodiment of the disclosure is connected to a battery and an electrolyte supply device.

[0034] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the state in which the electrolyte injection clamp according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is connected to the battery and the electrolyte supply device.

[0035] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an electrolyte injection fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing a partial cross-section of an electrolyte injection fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of it.

[0038] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the state in which the electrolyte injection clamp according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is pressed toward the rolled edge of the battery casing.

[0039] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the state in which the electrolyte injection clamp according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is pressed toward the rolled edge of the battery casing.

[0040] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing a partial cross-section of an electrolyte injection fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 9 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the state in which the electrolyte injection fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is connected to the battery housing.

[0042] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing a battery equipped with a current collector. Detailed Implementation

[0043] In the following, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Since the accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the detailed description of the present disclosure described later, are used to further understand the technical aspects of the present disclosure, the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the contents shown in these drawings. The same reference numerals denote the same components. Additionally, in the drawings, the thickness, proportions, and dimensions of components may be enlarged for effective description of the technical content.

[0044] The terms and words used in the specification and appended claims should not be construed as limited to their general and dictionary meanings, but rather as being interpreted based on their meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of this disclosure, on the basis of allowing the inventors to appropriately define the terms for best interpretation.

[0045] The terms used herein to indicate directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are for ease of description only, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these terms may vary depending on the position of the element or the observer.

[0046] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are only the most preferred embodiments of this disclosure and are not intended to fully represent the technical aspects of this disclosure. It should be understood that various equivalent substitutions and modifications can be made to them when submitting this application.

[0047] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the state of the electrolyte injection clamp 1 before it is connected to the battery 100 and the electrolyte supply device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the state in which the electrolyte injection fixture 1 is connected to the battery 100 and the electrolyte supply device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the electrolyte injection fixture 1 can connect the electrolyte supply device 200 and the opening of the battery housing 110.

[0050] The electrolyte injection clamp 1 can be used as a connector to connect the electrolyte supply device 200 and the battery housing 110. The electrolyte injection clamp 1 may have a hollow structure to communicate with the internal space of the electrolyte supply device 200 where the electrolyte is injected. The electrolyte injection clamp 1 may have a nearly cylindrical and hollow center. The electrolyte injection clamp 1 may have a shape corresponding to one end of the electrolyte supply device 200. The electrolyte injection clamp 1 can be inserted into the battery housing 110. Electrolyte can be injected into the battery housing 110, which houses the electrode assembly 130, through the electrolyte supply device 200 and the electrolyte injection clamp 1.

[0051] The electrolyte injection clamp 1 can be a sealing member used to prevent leakage of electrolyte in the area where it is injected. The electrolyte injection clamp 1 may include a flexible material for sealing. The electrolyte injection clamp 1 may include a rubber material.

[0052] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an electrolyte injection fixture according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] Reference Figure 3 According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the electrolyte injection fixture 1 may include a device connection portion 10 and a battery insertion portion 20.

[0054] The device connection portion 10 can be configured to connect to the electrolyte supply device 200. The device connection portion 10 may have a shape corresponding to one end of the electrolyte supply device 200.

[0055] The battery insertion portion 20 can be inserted into the opening of the battery housing 110. The battery insertion portion 20 can also be inserted into the inner side of the battery housing 110. The battery insertion portion 20 can have a shape corresponding to the opening of the battery housing 110. The battery insertion portion 20 can be configured to make tight contact with the inner surface of the battery housing 110. The battery insertion portion 20 can have a protrusion 21 at the portion contacting the battery housing 110. The battery insertion portion 20 can also have a protrusion 21 on its outer surface. The protrusion 21 can protrude toward the battery housing 110.

[0056] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, the protrusion 21 can increase the contact area with the battery housing 110. The protrusion 21 can increase the friction with the battery housing 110 by protruding toward the battery housing 110. Therefore, the protrusion 21 can enhance the sealing force of the battery insertion portion 20 inserted into the battery housing 110.

[0057] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing a partial cross-section of an electrolyte injection fixture 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of a portion of it.

[0058] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The protrusion 21 may have a first protrusion 23 and a second protrusion 25.

[0059] The first protrusion 23 may be provided on the lower surface of the battery insertion portion 20. The first protrusion 23 may be provided at the portion that contacts the upper part of the rolled edge portion 111 provided in the battery housing 110. The battery housing 110 may have a rolled edge portion 111 formed by pressing the periphery of the battery housing 110 inward. The first protrusion 23 may be formed by protruding toward the rolled edge portion 111.

[0060] The first protrusion 23 may extend along the periphery of the battery housing 110. The first protrusion 23 may include a plurality of wings A arranged adjacent to each other along the radial direction of the battery housing 110. The plurality of wings A may be arranged at equal intervals along the radial direction of the battery housing 110.

[0061] The second protrusion 25 may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the battery insertion portion 20. The second protrusion 25 may be provided at a portion that contacts the inner surface adjacent to the end of the battery housing 110. The second protrusion 25 may be configured to face the inner surface of the battery housing 110 between the open end of the battery housing 110 and the rolled edge 111 of the battery housing 110. The second protrusion 25 may be formed to protrude toward the inner surface of the battery housing 110. The second protrusion 25 may be formed to protrude outward along the radial direction of the battery housing 110. The second protrusion 25 may extend along the periphery of the battery housing 110. The second protrusion 25 may include a plurality of protrusions arranged adjacent to each other along the height direction of the battery housing 110. The plurality of protrusions may be arranged at equal intervals along the height direction of the battery housing 110.

[0062] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, a double seal can be achieved by the first protrusion 23 contacting the rolled edge 111 of the battery housing 110 and the second protrusion 25 contacting the inner surface adjacent to the end of the battery housing 110. This effectively prevents electrolyte leakage along the rolled edge 111 of the battery housing 110 toward the opening of the battery housing 110. In particular, the sealing force can be enhanced by the first protrusion 23 including a plurality of wings A. The number of the plurality of wings A of the first protrusion 23 and the number of the plurality of protrusions of the second protrusion 25 can be adjusted according to the required sealing force.

[0063] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the state in which the electrolyte injection clamp 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is pressed toward the rolled edge 111 of the battery housing 110. Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the state in which the electrolyte injection clamp 1, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, is pressed toward the rolled edge 111 of the battery housing 110.

[0064] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 As multiple wing portions A are pressed toward the rolled edge portion 111, the multiple wing portions A can slide inward or outward at their ends along the radial direction of the battery 1. The multiple wing portions A can undergo bending deformation as they are pressed toward the rolled edge portion 111. The multiple wing portions A can be configured to be in close contact with the rolled edge portion 111 as they are pressed toward it. Some of the multiple wing portions A can be configured to slide inward along the radial direction of the battery 1, and others can be configured to slide outward along the radial direction of the battery 1. For example, wing portions A adjacent on the inner side along the radial direction of the battery 1 can be configured to slide inward along the radial direction of the battery 1, and wing portions A adjacent on the outer side along the radial direction of the battery 1 can be configured to slide outward along the radial direction of the battery 1. Alternatively, the multiple wing portions A can be configured to all slide in the same direction.

[0065] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, the inner surface of the rolled edge 111 formed by pressing the periphery of the battery housing 110 inward may not be a completely flat surface, and other components may be positioned on the rolled edge 111 (e.g., the current collector 120, which will be described later, may be provided on at least a portion of the periphery of the rolled edge 111). Therefore, even if the end of the battery insertion portion 20 is in close contact with the rolled edge 111, there is a possibility that the seal at the contact interface between the battery insertion portion 20 and the rolled edge 111 may not be complete. Therefore, the ends of the plurality of wings A may be configured to slide inward and / or outward along the radial direction of the battery 1 on the rolled edge 111 to make close contact with the rolled edge 111, thereby further enhancing the sealing force.

[0066] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing a partial cross-section of an electrolyte injection fixture 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the state in which the electrolyte injection fixture 1 is connected to the battery housing 110 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0067] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 The device connection portion 10 can be configured to surround the end of the battery housing 110. The inner surface adjacent to the end of the battery housing 110 can be in close contact with the battery insertion portion 20, and the outer surface adjacent to the end of the battery housing 110 can be in close contact with the device connection portion 10. The device connection portion 10 can be formed along the periphery of the battery insertion portion 20. The device connection portion 10 can have an insertion groove 11 configured to allow the end of the battery housing 110 to be inserted therein. The insertion groove 11 can have a width corresponding to the thickness of the battery housing 110.

[0068] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, even if the electrolyte leaks through the first protrusion 23 and the second protrusion 25, the battery housing 110 is still fitted into the insertion groove 11, thus preventing the electrolyte from leaking to the outside of the battery housing 110. That is, the first protrusion 23, the second protrusion 25, and the insertion groove 11 are arranged along the path where the electrolyte may leak, thereby achieving a triple seal.

[0069] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing a battery 1 equipped with a current collector 120.

[0070] Reference Figure 10 The electrolyte injection fixture 1 can be applied to a battery 1 having a current collector 120 positioned on the rolled edge 111 of the battery housing 110. The battery 1 may include an electrode assembly 130, a battery housing 110 housing the electrode assembly 130, and a current collector 120 electrically connected to the electrode assembly 130 and configured to be connected to the rolled edge 111 of the battery housing 110.

[0071] In this configuration, the battery insertion portion 20 may have a protrusion 21 at the portion that contacts the battery housing 110 or the current collector 120. The battery insertion portion 20 may also have a first protrusion 23 at the portion corresponding to the upper part of the rolled edge 111 of the battery housing 110. That is, the first protrusion 23 may be configured such that a portion of the first protrusion 23 contacts the rolled edge 111 along its periphery, and the remaining portion of the first protrusion contacts the current collector 120.

[0072] The current collector 120 can be coupled to an uncoated portion disposed on a surface of the electrode assembly 130. The current collector 120 may have a current collector hole 121. The current collector hole 121 may be formed approximately at the center of the current collector 120.

[0073] Next, an electrolyte injection method according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. In describing the electrolyte injection method of the present disclosure, reference will be made throughout the present disclosure. Figures 1 to 10 .

[0074] The electrolyte injection method according to this disclosure is an electrolyte injection method for injecting electrolyte into battery 1 through an opening formed on one side of battery housing 110, and may include an insertion step, a placement step, a close contact step and an injection step.

[0075] The insertion step can be the step of inserting the electrolyte injection clamp 1 into the opening. The placement step can be the step of inserting the battery insertion part 20 provided in the electrolyte injection clamp 1 into the opening and placing the battery insertion part 20 on the rolled edge part 111 provided in the battery housing 110. The tight contact step can be the step of pressing the electrolyte injection clamp 1 in the insertion direction to allow the end of the battery insertion part 20 to slide and make tight contact with the upper part of the rolled edge part 111. The injection step can be the step of injecting electrolyte into the battery 1 through the electrolyte injection clamp 1.

[0076] The tight contact step may be a step that allows the end of the battery insertion part 20 to fold inward or outward at the upper part of the rolled edge part 111 towards the battery 1.

[0077] In the electrolyte injection method of this disclosure, the battery 1 may include a current collector 120 electrically connected to an electrode assembly 130 housed within a battery housing 110. The current collector 120 may be located on a rolled edge 111. The current collector 120 may be discontinuously connected to the battery housing 110 along the peripheral direction of the battery housing 110 on the rolled edge 111.

[0078] As described above, although the present disclosure has been described primarily with reference to the accompanying drawings using preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various and obvious modifications can be made based on this description without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure should be interpreted by the claims, which are drafted to include examples of such numerous modifications.

[0079] [Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram]

[0080] 1: Electrolyte injection clamp

[0081] 10: Device connection part

[0082] 11: Insertion slot

[0083] 20: Battery insertion section

[0084] 21: Protrusion

[0085] 23: First protrusion

[0086] 25: Second protrusion

[0087] 100: Battery

[0088] 110: Battery casing

[0089] 111: Rolled edge

[0090] 120: Current collector

[0091] 121: Manifold orifice

[0092] 130: Electrode assembly

[0093] 200: Electrolyte supply device

[0094] A: Multiple wings

Claims

1. An electrolyte injection clamp configured to connect an electrolyte supply device for supplying electrolyte to an opening formed on one side of a battery housing, the electrolyte injection clamp comprising: The device connection portion is connected to the electrolyte supply device, and the battery insertion portion is configured to be inserted into the opening and in close contact with the inner surface of the battery casing. The battery insertion portion has a protrusion at the part that contacts the battery casing.

2. The electrolyte injection fixture according to claim 1, in, The protrusion has a first protrusion at the portion that contacts the upper part of the rolled edge provided in the battery housing.

3. The electrolyte injection fixture according to claim 1, in, The protrusion has a second protrusion at the portion that contacts the inner surface adjacent to the end of the battery casing.

4. The electrolyte injection fixture according to claim 2, in, The first protrusion includes a plurality of wings that extend along the periphery of the battery housing and are arranged adjacent to each other in the radial direction of the battery housing.

5. The electrolyte injection fixture according to claim 4, in, As the plurality of wings are pressed toward the rolled edge, the plurality of wings are configured to slide inward or outward at their ends along the radial direction of the battery to make close contact with the rolled edge of the battery housing.

6. The electrolyte injection fixture according to claim 1, in, The device connector is configured to surround the end of the battery casing.

7. The electrolyte injection fixture according to claim 6, in, The device connector has an insertion slot formed along the periphery of the battery insertion portion and configured to allow the end of the battery housing to be inserted into the insertion slot.

8. The electrolyte injection fixture according to claim 7, in, The insertion slot has a width corresponding to the thickness of the battery casing.

9. An electrolyte injection method, the electrolyte injection method being a method for injecting an electrolyte into a battery through an opening formed on one side of a battery casing, the electrolyte injection method comprising the following steps: The insertion step involves inserting the electrolyte injection fixture into the opening; The placement step involves inserting the battery insertion part, which is provided in the electrolyte injection fixture, into the opening and placing the battery insertion part on the rolled edge provided in the battery housing; A tight contact step is performed by pressing the electrolyte injection clamp toward the insertion direction to allow the end of the battery insertion portion to slide and make tight contact with the upper part of the rolled edge portion; as well as The injection step involves injecting the electrolyte into the battery using the electrolyte injection fixture.

10. The electrolyte injection method according to claim 9, in, The close contact step is a step used to allow the end of the battery insertion portion to fold inward or outward at the upper part of the rolled edge portion towards the inside or outside of the battery.

11. The electrolyte injection method according to claim 9, in, The battery includes a current collector electrically connected to an electrode assembly housed within the battery casing. The current collector is located on the rolled edge portion.

12. The electrolyte injection method according to claim 11, in, The current collector is discontinuously connected to the battery housing along the periphery of the battery housing on the rolled edge.

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