Battery monomer aging device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery cell aging apparatus, comprising: a main body having a hollow portion in which a battery cell is accommodated; a heater positioned on an inner surface of the main body or inside the main body to control a temperature of the battery cells; and a sensor in contact with a portion of the battery cell to measure a temperature of the battery cell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0118522, filed on September 2, 2024, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This invention relates to a battery cell aging device. Background Technology

[0003] In recent years, rechargeable and discharging secondary batteries have been widely used as power sources for wireless mobile devices. Furthermore, secondary batteries have also attracted attention as power sources for electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, and other vehicles proposed as a solution to air pollution caused by conventional gasoline and diesel vehicles using fossil fuels. Therefore, the applications of secondary batteries are becoming increasingly diversified due to their advantages, and it is expected that secondary batteries will be used in even more fields and products in the future than currently are.

[0004] Depending on the composition of the electrodes and electrolyte solution, these secondary batteries are classified as lithium-ion batteries, lithium-ion polymer batteries, lithium polymer batteries, etc. The use of lithium-ion polymer batteries has increased due to their low probability of electrolyte solution leakage and ease of manufacture. Generally, depending on the shape of the battery casing, secondary batteries are classified as cylindrical and prismatic batteries in which the electrode assembly is housed in a cylindrical or prismatic metal can, and pouch batteries in which the electrode assembly is housed in a pouch-shaped casing made of aluminum laminate. The electrode assembly housed in the battery casing is a power-generating element capable of charging and discharging and having a structure including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator between the positive and negative electrodes. It is classified as jelly roll type and stacked type. In the jelly roll type, the separator is between a long sheet-like positive and negative electrode coated with active material, and the resulting laminate is wound. In the stacked type, multiple positive and negative electrodes (each with a predetermined size) are stacked sequentially, with a separator between the positive and negative electrodes.

[0005] Typically, such secondary batteries undergo an activation process after the electrolyte solution is injected. During the activation process, an SEI film is formed in the battery cells through initial charging, followed by rapid rinsing off of metallic foreign matter through high-temperature aging, thereby preventing the occurrence of low-voltage defects.

[0006] High-temperature aging is typically performed at 60°C or higher, thus requiring a constant temperature environment. However, in the prior art, trays containing multiple battery cells are placed one on top of the other, and temperature regulation is performed using a standard thermometer.

[0007] However, in this situation, among the battery cells in the high-temperature aging chamber, those located at the center of the tray are more susceptible to thermal cycling than those at the outer edges, leading to excessive temperature increases. This results in a reduction in the capacity of the centrally located battery cells due to irreversible reactions. Summary of the Invention

[0008] [Technical Issues]

[0009] In view of the problems of the above-mentioned related technologies, the present invention aims to provide a battery cell aging device that minimizes the temperature difference between battery cells by adjusting the temperature of each battery cell, and improves energy efficiency by adjusting the temperature of each battery cell.

[0010] [Technical Solution]

[0011] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a battery cell aging apparatus, the battery cell aging apparatus comprising: a body having a hollow portion formed therein for accommodating a battery cell; a heater positioned on an inner surface of the body or inside the body and configured to regulate the temperature of the battery cell; and a sensor configured to measure the temperature of the battery cell while in contact with one side of the battery cell.

[0012] [Beneficial Effects]

[0013] The battery cell aging apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention has the effect of minimizing the temperature difference between battery cells by adjusting the temperature of each battery cell and improving energy efficiency by adjusting the temperature of each battery cell. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a battery cell aging device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the invention in which a battery cell is being housed in a hollow portion of the body.

[0016] Figure 3 (a) is a transparent view showing the body according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 3 (b) is a transparent view showing the body according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 4 This is a bottom view showing the main body according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] <Explanation of Figure Markers>

[0019] 1: Battery cell

[0020] 10: Main Body

[0021] 11: Hollow section

[0022] 20: Heater

[0023] 30: Sensors

[0024] 40: Pallet

[0025] 100: Battery cell aging device Detailed Implementation

[0026] The detailed description of this invention is intended to fully explain the invention to those skilled in the art. Throughout the specification, unless explicitly stated otherwise, when a component “comprises” another component or “characterizes” having a particular structure and shape, it means that other components, structures, and shapes may be included without exclusion.

[0027] This invention can be modified in various ways and can have various exemplary embodiments, and specific exemplary embodiments will be presented and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to the exemplary embodiments, and it should be understood that all modifications, equivalents, or substitutions falling within the spirit and technical scope of the invention are thereby covered.

[0028] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be noted that the drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only, and the scope of the invention is not limited by the drawings.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing an exemplary embodiment of the invention, in which a battery cell 1 is being housed within a hollow portion 11 of the body. Figure 4 This is a bottom view showing a battery cell aging device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] The battery cell aging device 100 includes a main body 10, a heater 20, and a sensor 30.

[0031] The main body 10 is configured to accommodate, fix, and support battery cells, and has a hollow portion 11 for accommodating the battery cells. Specifically, the main body 10 may be in the form of a column. For example, the main body 10 may be in the form of a cylindrical column or a polygonal column. The hollow portion 11 may be arranged along the longitudinal direction of the main body 10. The hollow portion 11 may be arranged in the same form as the battery cells, and is preferably in the form of a circular column.

[0032] The body 10 prevents heat from escaping from the hollow portion 11 to the outside and prevents external current from flowing through the battery cell. Therefore, the body 10 may include a non-conductive material. Specifically, the body 10 may not conduct electricity, vibration, or shock, but it may conduct heat.

[0033] If the main body 10 is conductive, the secondary battery 1 may short-circuit due to external current, and if the main body 10 conducts vibration and impact, the secondary battery 1 may be damaged due to vibration and impact.

[0034] The heater 20 can raise the temperature of the battery cells by applying heat to them, thereby aging the battery cells at high temperatures. The heater 20 can be located on the inner surface of the body 10 and can apply heat to the battery cells.

[0035] Heater 20 may include a resistance heater. A resistance heater is a heater that converts electric current into heat. Heater 20 may be a wire type with a certain diameter.

[0036] The heater 20 may be configured to protrude from the inner surface of the body 10. For example, a portion of the heater 20 may be attached to the inner surface of the body 10, and the diameter of the heater 20 may protrude from the inner surface.

[0037] Alternatively, the heater 20 may be configured to be exposed on the inner surface of the body 10. For example, a groove having the same shape as the heater 20 and a depth equal to the diameter of the heater 20 may be formed in the inner surface of the body 10, and the heater 20 may be accommodated in the groove and exposed toward the hollow portion 11. In other words, the heater 20 may not protrude from the inner surface of the body 10 toward the center of the body 10, and the exposed surface of the heater 20 may be flush with the inner surface of the body 10.

[0038] Alternatively, the heater 20 can be positioned inside the body 10. For example, the heater 20 can be surrounded by the body 10 without protruding towards or being exposed to the hollow portion 11. In this case, the heater 20 can be positioned adjacent to the hollow portion 11 to efficiently conduct heat to the secondary battery 1. The thickness between the heater 20 and the outer surface of the body 10 can be less than the thickness of the body 10 between the heater 20 and the hollow portion 11.

[0039] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the maximum width of the hollow portion 11 of the body can be equal to or greater than the maximum width of the battery cell. In this case, the maximum width refers to the distance between two opposite ends of a plane perpendicular to the axis of the battery cell 1 and the body 10. Therefore, when the battery cell 1 is provided in the form of a cylinder, the maximum width of the battery cell can be the diameter of the battery cell.

[0040] For example, when the heater 20 is exposed on the inner surface of the body 10 and the maximum width of the hollow portion 11 is equal to the maximum width of the battery cell, the side surface of the battery cell and the heater 20 can contact each other, so that the heater 20 can directly supply heat to the battery cell.

[0041] Alternatively, when the heater 20 is exposed on the inner surface of the body 10 and the maximum width of the hollow portion 11 is greater than the maximum width of the battery cell, the side surfaces of the battery cell and the heater 20 are spaced apart from each other, so that the battery cell can be indirectly heated by heat emitted from the heater 20.

[0042] When the heater 20 protrudes from the inner surface of the main body 10 toward the hollow portion 11, the maximum width of the hollow portion 11 can be greater than the maximum width of the battery cell. For example, when the maximum width of the hollow portion 11 is Rh, the maximum width of the battery cell is Rc, and the diameter of the heater 20 is r, Rh ≥ Rc + 2r can be satisfied.

[0043] Figure 3 (a) is a transparent view showing the body 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 3 (b) is a transparent view showing the body 10 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] refer to Figure 3 (a) The shape of the heater 20 is not particularly limited, as long as it can heat the entire side surface of the battery cell. However, preferably, the heater 20 can be configured in a spiral shape.

[0045] In other words, the heater 20 can be arranged in a spiral shape along the inner surface of the body 10 and can surround the entire side surface of the battery cell.

[0046] Alternatively, refer to Figure 3 (b) The heater 20 can be arranged in a straight line. That is, since the wire-type heater 20 is arranged in a straight line, the heater 20 can be arranged in the form of a column and can have a length and a diameter (or width). The heater 20 can be positioned on the inner surface of the body 10, and the length of the heater 20 can extend along the length of the body 10. The length of the heater 20 can be equal to or less than the length of the body 10.

[0047] Multiple straight heaters 20 can be provided. Multiple heaters 20 can be positioned spaced apart along the inner periphery of the main body 10.

[0048] Because the heater 20 is positioned on the side surface of the battery cell in the longitudinal direction of the battery cell, the entire battery cell can be heated to the same or similar temperature, thereby reducing temperature deviation problems. This can reduce the risk of defective products caused by the aging process.

[0049] Here, the side surface of a battery cell refers to the surface that extends along the axial direction of the battery cell and connects two opposite sides.

[0050] For example, a battery cell may include: a housing arranged in the form of a column and having at least one open side and a space formed therein for accommodating electrode components and an electrolyte solution; and a cover assembly coupled to the open side. In this case, the battery cell may include a side to which the cover assembly is coupled, an opposite side, and a side surface connecting the one side and the other side.

[0051] The sensor 30 is used to measure the temperature of the battery cell, and can measure the temperature of the battery cell while in contact with a portion of the battery cell. Preferably, the sensor 30 can contact at least one of the two opposite sides of the battery cell, and more preferably, it can contact the side other than the side on which the cover assembly is positioned.

[0052] In an exemplary embodiment, the sensor 30 may protrude from the edge of the lower surface of the body 10 in the direction forming the hollow portion 11. The sensor 30 may include a measuring unit that measures the temperature of the battery cell while in contact with the battery cell, and the connecting portion that protrudes from a portion of the measuring unit and supplies power.

[0053] The measuring unit can be located within the hollow portion 11 and can contact the other side of the battery cell. A connecting portion extends from the measuring unit toward the edge of the body 10 and can be connected to a power source. The connecting portion can be fixed to the lower surface of the body 10.

[0054] The battery cell aging apparatus 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may further include a control unit (not shown). The control unit can adjust the temperature of the heater 20 and control the cooling unit described below.

[0055] The aging temperature can be set in the control unit, and the control unit can control the heater 20 based on the set temperature. For example, when the aging temperature is set to 60°C in the control unit, the power supply to the heater 20 can be controlled so that the heater 20 maintains a temperature of 60°C.

[0056] Specifically, heater 20 can raise the temperature of a single battery cell to 60°C, and sensor 30 can measure the temperature of the single battery cell while heater 20 is operating. Sensor 30 transmits the temperature data of the single battery cell to control unit, and control unit stops supplying power to heater 20 when the temperature of a single battery cell exceeds 60°C.

[0057] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing a battery cell aging apparatus 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] The battery cell aging apparatus 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may further include a tray 40. The tray 40 may be provided with a plurality of recesses (not shown), in which the body 10 may be accommodated. The battery cell aging apparatus 100 can simultaneously age multiple battery cells through the tray 40. Since each battery cell is introduced into the hollow portion 11 of the body and a heater 20 is included in each body 10, the plurality of battery cells can be heated to the same temperature at all locations on the tray 40, thereby minimizing the temperature difference between battery cells depending on their position on the tray 40.

[0059] The tray 40 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be arranged in the same form as the production tray used in battery cell production. Therefore, when battery cell production is completed, a gripper capable of moving multiple battery cells simultaneously can grip multiple battery cells and move the multiple battery cells to the tray 40, thereby saving time in moving the battery cells.

[0060] The tray 40 can be made of thermal insulation material to prevent heat from the interior of the body 10 from radiating to the outside, which would otherwise result in energy loss.

[0061] The tray 40 and the body 10 can be made of the same material or different materials. Preferably, the tray 40 and the body 10 can be made of the same material that is neither electrically nor thermally conductive, so that the battery cell aging device 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can have a double thermal insulation structure. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the heat emitted from each heater 20 from raising the temperature of adjacent battery cells.

[0062] When the tray 40 and the body 10 are made of different materials, for example, the body 10 may be made of a non-conductive but thermally conductive material, and the tray 40 may be made of a heat-resistant material. In this case, the tray 40 is able to prevent each body 10 from being heated by the heater 20 included in the adjacent body 10.

[0063] The main body 10 is detachable from the tray 40. Therefore, the main body 10 introduced into the tray 40 can be replaced individually. In the event of a failure of the heater 20 and the sensor 30, it is possible to detach and replace only the main body 10 connected to the damaged heater 20 and the sensor 30 from the tray 40, rather than replacing the entire tray 40, which can produce favorable economic benefits.

[0064] The battery cell aging apparatus 100 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention may further include a cooling unit (not shown). The cooling unit is used to dissipate heat inside the hollow portion 11 of the body to the outside. For example, when the temperature of the battery cell exceeds the aging temperature, the control unit may cut off the power supply to the heater 20 to regulate the temperature of the battery cell so that the temperature does not rise further. However, in the battery cell aging apparatus 100, due to the thermal insulation between the body 10 and the tray 40, the temperature inside the hollow portion 11 may not decrease but remain unchanged, or the temperature of the battery cell may rise due to accumulated heat after the power supply is cut off.

[0065] Therefore, the cooling unit can prevent the temperature of the battery cells from rising by dissipating the heat of the hollow portion 11 to the outside, and can reduce the temperature of the battery cells and the temperature inside the hollow portion 11 in a short period of time.

[0066] The cooling unit is not particularly restricted, as long as it can reduce the temperature of the battery cells and the temperature inside the hollow part 11, and can have a structure with a fan or cooling water flowing in it.

[0067] In an exemplary embodiment, the cooling unit may be provided in the form of a pipe through which cooling water flows. The cooling unit may be positioned on the inner surface of the body 10 and may be configured in the same shape as the heater 20. For example, when the cooling unit and the heater 20 are configured in a spiral shape, the cooling unit may be positioned alternately with the heater 20 on the inner surface of the body 10 in the longitudinal direction of the body 10.

[0068] Alternatively, when the cooling unit and heater 20 are arranged in a straight line, the cooling unit may be positioned alternately with the heater 20 on the inner surface of the body 10 in the circumferential direction.

[0069] Alternatively, the cooling unit can be configured as a waveform, and in this case, the cooling unit and the heater 20 can be alternately positioned on the inner surface of the body 10 in the circumferential direction.

[0070] In another exemplary embodiment, the cooling unit may be configured as a fan. The cooling unit may be configured such that the fan is positioned at the center of a body having the same area as one surface of the tray 40. The cooling unit may be positioned on the lower surface of the tray 40.

[0071] Alternatively, the cooling unit may also include protrusions at the four corners of the body and may be positioned on the upper surface of the tray 40 such that the cooling unit is positioned at a height spaced apart from the tray 40 from the protrusions.

[0072] Although the invention has been described with reference to preferred exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and variations can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A battery cell aging device, comprising: The main body has a hollow portion formed therein for accommodating a single battery cell; A heater, which is located on the inner surface of the body or inside the body, and is configured to regulate the temperature of the battery cell; as well as A sensor configured to measure the temperature of the battery cell while in contact with a portion of the battery cell.

2. The battery cell aging device according to claim 1 further includes a tray having a plurality of grooves, the body being accommodated in each of the plurality of grooves.

3. The battery cell aging device according to claim 2, wherein, The tray includes thermal insulation material.

4. The battery cell aging device according to claim 1, wherein, The main body is made of a non-conductive material.

5. The battery cell aging device according to claim 1, wherein, The maximum width of the battery cell is less than the maximum width of the hollow portion of the main body.

6. The battery cell aging device according to claim 1, wherein, The sensor is in contact with at least one of the two opposite sides of the battery cell.

7. The battery cell aging device according to claim 1, wherein, The heater is arranged in a spiral shape on the inner surface of the body.

8. The battery cell aging device according to claim 1, wherein, The heaters are arranged in a straight line on the inner surface of the body in the longitudinal direction, and are arranged in multiple forms along the periphery of the inner surface of the body.

9. The battery cell aging device according to claim 1, wherein, The heater is a resistance heater.

10. The battery cell aging apparatus according to claim 1 further includes a cooling unit configured to cool the battery cell or to discharge heat from the hollow portion of the body to the outside.

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