Battery cell production equipment, battery cell produced by using battery cell production equipment, and battery pack and vehicle comprising battery cell

Abstract

The invention discloses battery cell production equipment, a battery cell produced by using the battery cell production equipment, and a battery pack and a vehicle comprising the battery cell. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the battery cell production apparatus produces a battery cell by using an electrode foil on which a coating layer is formed, the battery cell production apparatus comprising: an electrode generation means for generating the electrode foil; a winding member for winding the electrode generated by the electrode generating member into a winding core form; and a folding member for folding the electrode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0114152, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on August 26, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This disclosure relates to a battery cell manufacturing apparatus and a battery cell produced therefrom, as well as a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery cell. More specifically, it relates to a battery cell manufacturing apparatus capable of promoting electrode folding and a battery cell produced therefrom, as well as a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery cell. Background Technology

[0003] Generally, secondary batteries refer to batteries that can be recharged and discharged repeatedly (such as lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, etc.).

[0004] Based on the shape of the battery casing, secondary batteries can be divided into cylindrical battery cells and square battery cells with electrode assemblies embedded in cylindrical or square metal cans, as well as pouch battery cells with electrode assemblies embedded in pouch-shaped casings made of aluminum laminates.

[0005] Furthermore, the electrodes (positive or negative) of a secondary battery may include a coated portion in which a coating is formed by compressing an electrode mixture on the surface of an electrode foil, and an uncoated portion in which no coating is formed.

[0006] Traditional cylindrical battery cells involve coating positive or negative electrode active materials onto the electrodes, then cutting them (cutting the electrodes), and then pressing the cut ends of the electrodes (e.g., the uncoated portions) to bend them.

[0007] However, during the pressing process of the cut electrode ends, the cut electrode ends are excessively wrinkled, causing electrode damage, which has a negative impact on the overall quality of the battery cell. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] This disclosure is designed to solve the above-mentioned problems, and therefore aims to provide a battery cell manufacturing apparatus capable of promoting electrode folding by forming predetermined lines on the electrodes, a battery cell produced therefrom, and a battery pack and vehicle including the battery cell.

[0010] In addition, this disclosure aims to provide a battery cell manufacturing apparatus capable of preventing electrode damage during electrode folding and thereby improving the quality of the battery cell, as well as a battery cell produced therefrom, and a battery pack and vehicle including the battery cell.

[0011] However, the technical problems to be solved by this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other problems not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art based on the following description of this disclosure.

[0012] Technical solution

[0013] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a battery cell manufacturing apparatus may be provided, which is an apparatus for producing battery cells using coated electrode foil, the battery cell manufacturing apparatus comprising: an electrode forming unit that forms electrodes using the electrode foil; a winding unit that winds the electrodes formed by the electrode forming unit into a core shape; and a folding unit that folds the electrodes.

[0014] In one embodiment, the electrode forming unit may include: a conveying member for conveying the electrode foil; and a fold line forming member for forming fold lines on the electrode foil conveyed by the conveying member.

[0015] In one embodiment, the folded line forming member can be configured to press the electrode foil.

[0016] In one embodiment, the fold line forming member may include: a pressing portion that contacts the electrode foil to form a fold line on the electrode foil; and a supporting portion that is coupled to the pressing portion to support the pressing portion.

[0017] In one embodiment, the pressing portion may be configured such that its cross-sectional area decreases as it moves toward one end.

[0018] In one embodiment, one end of the pressing portion may be formed as a pointed tip.

[0019] In one embodiment, the electrode may include a coated portion on its surface where the coating is formed and an uncoated portion where the coating is not formed, and the fold line forming member may form the fold line on the uncoated portion.

[0020] In one embodiment, the pressing portions may be provided as a pair, and each pair of pressing portions may be provided on both sides of the electrode foil.

[0021] In one embodiment, the battery cell manufacturing equipment may include a folding line repressing member, which is spaced apart from the winding unit and represses the folding line along the folding line.

[0022] In one embodiment, the folding line pressing member can press the folding line again while the winding unit is winding the electrode and the diaphragm into a core-shaped electrode assembly.

[0023] In one embodiment, the folding unit can fold the electrode along the folding line.

[0024] In one embodiment, the folding unit may include a plurality of unit pressing portions, and the plurality of unit pressing portions may press the electrode while moving from the outside of the coiled electrode toward the center.

[0025] In one embodiment, the plurality of unit pressing portions can press the electrodes simultaneously or sequentially.

[0026] In one embodiment, the plurality of unit pressing portions may have the same shape and size, and may press the electrode at the same speed.

[0027] Meanwhile, according to another aspect of the present invention, a battery cell produced using the aforementioned battery cell manufacturing equipment can be provided, a battery pack including at least one of the aforementioned battery cells can be provided, and a vehicle including at least one of the aforementioned battery cells can also be provided.

[0028] Beneficial effects

[0029] The embodiments disclosed herein have the effect of promoting electrode folding by forming preset lines on the electrodes.

[0030] In addition, it also has the effect of preventing electrode damage during electrode folding, thereby improving the quality of battery cells.

[0031] However, the effects obtained through this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other effects not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art based on the following description of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the foregoing disclosure, serve to provide a further understanding of the technical features of the present disclosure; therefore, the present disclosure is not to be construed as limited to the drawings.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of an electrode forming unit in a battery cell manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 2 It shows through Figure 1 A plan view of the state in which the electrode forming unit forms fold lines on the electrode foil.

[0035] Figure 3 It is seen along the arrow. Figure 2 The view of part A in the image.

[0036] Figure 4 (a) is a view showing a folding line forming member in a battery cell manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 4 (b) is a view showing a fold line forming member according to a variant embodiment.

[0037] Figure 5 This is a schematic perspective view showing the state in which electrodes are wound into a core shape by a winding unit in a battery cell manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 6 This is a plan view of a folding unit prior to folding electrodes in a battery cell manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 7 This is a plan view of a folding unit after folding electrodes in a battery cell manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 8 This is a side cross-sectional view showing the state in which the folding unit moves toward the electrode to fold the electrode in a battery cell manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 9 It is shown Figure 8 A side cross-sectional view of the state of the folded electrode in the folded unit.

[0042] Figure 10 It is shown Figure 9 A side cross-sectional view of the state after the folded electrode is separated from the electrode.

[0043] Figure 11 This is a schematic view illustrating the configuration of a battery pack including battery cells produced using battery cell manufacturing equipment according to each embodiment of this disclosure.

[0044] Figure 12 It is used to describe including Figure 11 A view of the vehicle with its battery pack. Detailed Implementation

[0045] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terminology used in the specification and appended claims should not be construed as limited to its general or dictionary meaning, but rather is interpreted based on the principle of allowing the inventor to appropriately define the terminology for the best interpretation, and on the meaning and concept corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are merely one of the most preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to fully represent the technical aspects of the present disclosure; thus, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications can be made thereto at the time of filing this application.

[0046] In the accompanying drawings, for ease of description and clarity, the dimensions of each component or specific part constituting that component are exaggerated, omitted, or shown schematically. Therefore, the dimensions of each component do not perfectly reflect the actual dimensions. Such detailed descriptions determining relevant known functions or configurations will be omitted if they unnecessarily obscure the gist of this disclosure.

[0047] As used herein, the terms “connection” or “link” refer not only to the direct connection or linking of one component to another, but also to the indirect connection or linking of one component to another through a joint component.

[0048] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of an electrode forming unit in a battery cell manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 It shows through Figure 1 A plan view showing the state of the electrode forming unit forming fold lines on the electrode foil. Figure 3 It is seen along the arrow. Figure 2 A view of part A in the image. Figure 4 (a) is a view showing a folding line forming member in a battery cell manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 4 (b) is a view showing a fold line forming member according to a variant embodiment.

[0049] Referring to the accompanying drawings, the battery cell manufacturing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure uses an electrode foil 500 with a coating 510 formed thereon to produce an electrode 600 (see also...). Figure 2 (positive or negative electrode), and uses electrode 600 to produce battery cell 20 (see Figure 11 Here, electrode 600 is a concept that includes both wet and dry electrodes.

[0050] For example, a wet electrode is manufactured by applying an electrode mixture in a slurry state, including a solvent, to the surface of an electrode substrate (such as an electrode foil 500) to form a coating 510 and then drying the coating 510.

[0051] Furthermore, a dry electrode is manufactured by compressing an electrode mixture in powder (powder mixture) formless form onto the surface of the electrode foil 500 to form a coating 510. That is, the electrode mixture is mixed in the absence of a liquid medium such as a solvent or dispersion medium, and then the electrode mixture in powder form is manufactured by compressing it while it passes through a roller.

[0052] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The electrode forming unit 100 is configured to form an electrode 600 using an electrode foil 500. The electrode forming unit 100 may include a conveying member 110 and a folding line forming member 120. Furthermore, the electrode forming unit 100 may include various types of coating forming members 130 for forming a coating 510 on the electrode foil 500.

[0053] The conveying member 110 conveys the electrode foil 500. The conveying member 110 can be various conveying members and, for example, may include multiple rollers 111 to convey the electrode foil 500 in a roll-to-roll manner. The conveying member 110 is not limited to this, but for ease of description, an embodiment in which the conveying member 110 includes multiple rollers 111 will be described below. Figure 1 The arrow in the image indicates the direction of transport of the electrode foil 500.

[0054] For example, when multiple rollers 111 rotate, the electrode foil 500 moves along... Figure 1 Move in the direction of the middle arrow.

[0055] The coating forming member 130 is configured to form a coating 510 on the electrode foil 500. The surface of the electrode foil 500 can be coated with an electrode active material via the coating forming member 130. (Refer to...) Figure 2 The electrode foil 500 may include a coated portion 520 on its surface of which an electrode active material coating 510 is formed and an uncoated portion 530 on which no electrode active material coating 510 is formed (e.g., both ends of the electrode foil 500).

[0056] Reference Figure 1 The fold line forming member 120 is configured to form fold lines 540 on the electrode foil 500 conveyed by the conveying member 110.

[0057] The method by which the fold line forming member 120 forms the fold line 540 on the electrode foil 500 can be various, and for example, such as Figure 1 As shown, the folded line forming member 120 can be configured to press the electrode foil 500.

[0058] The fold line forming member 120 can be configured in various ways, and for example, it can be configured to include a pressing portion 121 and a supporting portion 122.

[0059] like Figure 3 As shown, the pressing portion 121 contacts the electrode foil 500 and presses the electrode foil 500 with a predetermined pressure, thereby forming a fold line 540 on the electrode foil 500. The pressing portion 121 can be provided in various positions, and for example, it can be provided to press the upper side of the electrode foil 500.

[0060] Thus, when the pressing portion 121 presses the upper side of the electrode foil 500, the electrode foil 500 can be formed based on Figure 3 The shape that is pressed downwards, such as Figure 3 As shown.

[0061] When the electrode foil 500 is conveyed by the plurality of rollers 111 of the conveying member 110, the pressing portion 121 can press the electrode foil 500. Furthermore, depending on the conveying direction of the electrode foil 500, the pressing portion 121 can be provided at the front or rear of the coating forming member 130.

[0062] Reference Figure 4 (a) The pressing portion 121 can be formed such that its cross-sectional area decreases as it moves toward one end. Figure 4 In (a), the lower end of the pressing portion 121 may be formed as a point. Alternatively, refer to the following as a variant embodiment. Figure 4 (b) The lower end of the pressing portion 121 may be formed as a circle. However, the shape of the pressing portion 121 is not limited to this.

[0063] The pressing portions 121 can be provided as a pair. In this case, the pair of pressing portions 121 can each be provided on both sides of the electrode foil 500. Furthermore, the pressing portions 121 can press the uncoated portion 530 of the electrode 600 (or electrode foil 500) to form a fold line 540 on the uncoated portion 530.

[0064] The support portion 122 is connected to the pressing portion 121 to support the pressing portion 121. When the pressing portions 121 are arranged in a pair, each pair of pressing portions 121 can be connected to both sides of the support portion 122.

[0065] Figure 5 This is a schematic perspective view showing the state in which electrodes are wound into a core shape by a winding unit in a battery cell manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] Reference Figure 5 The winding unit 200 forms an electrode assembly 700 by winding the electrode 600 formed by the electrode forming unit 100 into a core shape. The electrode assembly 700 may have a core shape, wherein the positive electrode plate, the negative electrode plate, and the diaphragm inserted between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate are wound in one direction.

[0067] The winding unit 200 can be of various types, and for example, it can be formed in a rod shape, such as... Figure 5 As shown. However, the winding unit 200 is not limited to a rod shape, but for ease of description, the following description will focus on the case where the winding unit 200 is rod-shaped.

[0068] The winding unit 200 is inserted into the center hole of the electrode assembly 700 and the electrode assembly 700 is wound around while rotating. Here, when the winding unit 200 and the electrode assembly 700 rotate, the fold line re-pressing member 400 can be set to press the fold line 540 formed by the fold line forming member 120 again.

[0069] Reference Figure 5 The fold line is then pressed again, spaced apart from the winding unit 200, and the fold line 540 is pressed again along the fold line 540. Therefore, the fold line 540 can be formed more clearly.

[0070] That is, when the winding unit 200 winds the electrode 600 and the diaphragm into a core-shaped electrode assembly 700, the folding line pressing member 400 presses the folding line 540 again.

[0071] However, it is not necessary to set the fold line and press the member 400, and the fold line and press the member can be set selectively as needed.

[0072] Since the fold line repressing member 400 has a similar configuration to the fold line forming member 120, the description of the fold line repressing member 400 is replaced by the description of the fold line forming member 120 described above.

[0073] Figure 6 This is a plan view of a folding unit in a battery cell manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, prior to the folding of electrodes. Figure 7 This is a plan view of a folding unit after folding electrodes in a battery cell manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 This is a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which a folding unit moves toward the electrode to fold the electrode in a battery cell manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 It is shown Figure 8 A side cross-sectional view of the state of the folded electrode in the middle folded unit, and Figure 10 It is shown Figure 9 A side cross-sectional view of the state after the folded electrode is separated from the electrode.

[0074] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 The folding unit 300 folds the electrode 600. That is, the folding unit 300 presses and folds the electrode 600, so that the electrode 600 is folded along the folding line 540 formed on the electrode 600 by the folding line forming member 120.

[0075] Multiple unit pressing portions 310a, 310b, 310c, 310d, 310e, and 310f can be disposed in the folding unit 300. Furthermore, as... Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, multiple unit pressing portions 310a, 310b, 310c, 310d, 310e, and 310f can be configured to press the electrode 600 while moving from the outside of the coiled electrode 600 toward the center.

[0076] Figure 8 It is along Figure 6 The cross-sectional view taken by line B-B'. (Refer to...) Figure 8 Multiple unit pressing portions 310a, 310b, 310c, and 310d press the electrode 600, causing the electrode 600 to fold along the fold line 540 of the electrode 600, while moving obliquely from the top to the bottom toward the center of the electrode 600.

[0077] However, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the plurality of unit pressing portions 310a, 310b, 310c, 310d, 310e, 310f can be positioned at the same height as the fold line 540 instead of being positioned on the upper side, and can be configured to move horizontally toward the center of the electrode 600.

[0078] Reference Figure 9 Multiple pressing units 310a, 310b, 310c, and 310d press the fold lines 540 of the electrode 600, causing the electrode 600 to be folded. Thus, when the multiple pressing units 310 move from the outside of the electrode 600 towards the center while pressing the fold lines 540 formed on the electrode 600, the electrode 600 can be folded uniformly, thereby preventing damage to the electrode 600 due to tearing or uneven folding of the uncoated portion 530.

[0079] Reference Figure 10 After the electrode 600 is folded, the multiple unit pressing parts 310a, 310b, 310c, and 310d separate from the electrode 600.

[0080] Multiple unit pressing portions 310a, 310b, 310c, 310d, 310e, and 310f can press the electrode 600 in various ways. For example, the multiple unit pressing portions 310a, 310b, 310c, 310d, 310e, and 310f can press the electrode 600 simultaneously or sequentially. Alternatively, the multiple unit pressing portions 310a, 310b, 310c, 310d, 310e, and 310f can have the same shape and size, and can press the electrode 600 at the same speed. However, the pressing method of the multiple unit pressing portions 310a, 310b, 310c, 310d, 310e, and 310f is not limited to this.

[0081] At the same time, Figure 6 and Figure 7 In this invention, the multiple unit pressing parts 310a, 310b, 310c, 310d, 310e, and 310f are composed of six units, but this disclosure is not limited to this, and the number of unit pressing parts 310a, 310b, 310c, 310d, 310e, and 310f can vary.

[0082] Figure 11 This is a schematic view illustrating the configuration of a battery pack including battery cells 20 produced using battery cell manufacturing equipment 10 according to each embodiment of this disclosure.

[0083] Reference Figure 11 The battery pack 30 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more battery cells 20. Here, the battery cells 20 are produced using the battery cell manufacturing apparatus 10 according to each embodiment of the present disclosure as described above.

[0084] Additionally, the battery pack 30 may further include a battery pack housing 31 for housing the battery cells 20 and various devices (such as a BMS, current sensor, fuse, etc.) for controlling the charging and discharging of the battery cells 20.

[0085] Figure 12 It is used to describe including Figure 11 A view of the vehicle with its battery pack.

[0086] Reference Figure 12 The vehicle 40 according to embodiments of this disclosure may include one or more battery cells 20 or battery packs 30 produced using the battery cell production equipment 10 according to each embodiment of this disclosure. Here, vehicle 40 includes various types of vehicles designed to use electricity, such as electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles.

[0087] The terms used herein to indicate direction (such as up, down, left, and right) are used merely for ease of description, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the terms may vary depending on the position of the element or the observer.

[0088] While this disclosure has been described above with reference to a limited number of embodiments and accompanying drawings, it is not limited thereto, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and alterations can be made to the technical aspects of this disclosure and to the scope of equivalents of the appended claims. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed above should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. That is, the scope of the true technical concept of this disclosure is shown in the claims, and all differences within the scope of equivalents should be interpreted as included in this disclosure.

[0089] Industrial applicability

[0090] This disclosure relates to a battery cell manufacturing apparatus and battery cells produced therefrom, as well as battery packs and vehicles including the battery cells, and is particularly applicable to industries related to secondary batteries.

Claims

1. A battery cell manufacturing apparatus, the battery cell manufacturing apparatus being used to produce battery cells using coated electrode foil, the battery cell manufacturing apparatus comprising: An electrode forming unit, wherein the electrode forming unit forms an electrode using the electrode foil; A winding unit that winds the electrode formed by the electrode forming unit into a core shape; as well as A folding unit that folds the electrode.

2. The battery cell production equipment according to claim 1, in, The electrode forming unit includes: A conveying member that conveys the electrode foil; and A fold line forming member forms fold lines on the electrode foil conveyed by the conveying member.

3. The battery cell production equipment according to claim 2, in, The fold line forming member is configured to press the electrode foil.

4. The battery cell production equipment according to claim 3, in, The fold line forming component includes: The pressing portion contacts the electrode foil to form a fold line on the electrode foil; and A support portion, which is connected to the pressing portion to support the pressing portion.

5. The battery cell production equipment according to claim 4, in, The pressing portion is formed such that its cross-sectional area decreases as it moves toward one end.

6. The battery cell production equipment according to claim 5, in, The pressing portion has one end that is pointed.

7. The battery cell production equipment according to claim 2, in, The electrode includes a coated portion on its surface where the coating is formed and an uncoated portion where the coating is not formed. The fold line forming member forms the fold line on the uncoated portion.

8. The battery cell production equipment according to claim 4, in, The pressing portion is configured as a pair of pressing portions, and The pair of pressing portions are each disposed on both sides of the electrode foil.

9. The battery cell production equipment according to claim 3, wherein the battery cell production equipment comprises: The fold line re-pressing member is spaced apart from the winding unit and presses the fold line again along the fold line.

10. The battery cell production equipment according to claim 9, in, The folding line pressing member presses the folding line again while the winding unit winds the electrode and diaphragm into a core-shaped electrode assembly.

11. The battery cell production equipment according to claim 2, in, The folding unit folds the electrode along the folding line.

12. The battery cell production equipment according to claim 11, in, The folding unit includes multiple unit pressing portions, and The plurality of unit pressing portions press the electrode while moving from the outside of the coil-shaped electrode toward the center.

13. The battery cell production equipment according to claim 12, in, The multiple unit pressing portions press the electrodes simultaneously or sequentially.

14. The battery cell production equipment according to claim 12, in, The multiple unit pressing portions have the same shape and size, and press the electrode at the same speed.

15. A battery cell manufactured using the battery cell manufacturing equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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

17. A vehicle comprising at least one battery cell according to claim 15.

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