Jig for extracting electrolyte
By designing a fixture for extracting electrolyte, the safety and accuracy issues of electrolyte extraction in large-size batteries were solved, enabling efficient and safe electrolyte collection and analysis.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-15
AI Technical Summary
Existing technologies pose safety issues when extracting electrolytes, especially in large-size batteries, potentially leading to side reactions and electrode short circuits, and making it difficult to accurately analyze electrolyte components.
Design a fixture for extracting electrolyte, including a main body and a support. The support has an electrolyte discharge path to ensure that the electrolyte does not react with the battery casing or electrode assembly during centrifugation, and prevents electrolyte loss and short circuit through a special discharge tank and outlet structure.
It enables efficient extraction of electrolyte in a short time, reduces side reactions, enhances safety and analytical accuracy, prevents electrode short circuits, and improves electrolyte collection efficiency.
Smart Images
Figure CN122055852A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0098434, filed on July 25, 2024, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0161264, filed on November 13, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0002] This disclosure relates to a jig for extracting electrolyte, and to a jig for extracting electrolyte mounted on a cylindrical secondary battery or a wound electrode assembly in an electrolyte extraction system utilizing centrifugation to facilitate electrolyte extraction. Background Technology
[0003] Generally speaking, a rechargeable battery is a battery that can be reused through a discharge process that converts chemical energy into electrical energy and a charging process that is the reverse process. Commonly known types include nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries, nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries, lithium metal batteries, lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, and lithium-ion polymer batteries. Among these rechargeable batteries, lithium rechargeable batteries have been commercialized and are widely used due to their high energy density and voltage, long cycle life, and low self-discharge rate.
[0004] Secondary batteries are typically manufactured by housing an electrode assembly, in which a cathode, separator, and anode are stacked and assembled, along with an electrolyte, in a casing such as a cylindrical can or a square pouch.
[0005] Specifically, cell units are manufactured by cutting and stacking the cathode, separator, and anode in a pre-designed manner. Electrode assemblies can be manufactured by stacking, folding, or winding a predetermined number of the manufactured cell units.
[0006] In the case of cylindrical batteries, the individual cell can be fabricated as an electrode assembly in the form of a wound core, and the electrode assembly and electrolyte can be contained in a container to manufacture the battery.
[0007] As lithium ions repeatedly insert and extract from the lithium metal oxide at the cathode into the anode, the lithium secondary battery is charged and discharged.
[0008] In a secondary battery, lithium ions move between the anode and cathode through the electrolyte, enabling the battery to charge and discharge. During this charging or discharging process, the electrolyte may decompose, or gas may be generated inside the secondary battery due to side reactions between the electrodes and the electrolyte. The continuous generation of gas may lead to an increase in the internal pressure of the battery, which may cause battery deformation, such as expansion of the battery thickness. Furthermore, the adhesion between the electrode surfaces inside the battery may change locally, resulting in uneven electrode reactions across the entire electrode surface.
[0009] Therefore, qualitative and quantitative analysis of the main components of the electrolyte used in secondary batteries is performed, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) is usually used to analyze the type and content of carbonate compounds, which are the main components of the electrolyte.
[0010] In order to perform this analysis of the electrolyte, it is necessary to extract the electrolyte from the secondary battery used.
[0011] Electrolyte extraction from secondary batteries is mainly carried out by the following methods: directly extracting the electrolyte by drilling fine holes in the secondary battery casing or separating the electrode assembly from the secondary battery casing and centrifuging it; and extracting the electrolyte contained in the electrodes by removing the electrodes from the battery and then immersing them in a solvent.
[0012] For the 21700 type cylindrical lithium-ion secondary batteries currently under development (21mm diameter, 70mm length) and the 18650 type (18mm diameter, 65mm length), specific methods for electrolyte extraction using centrifugation have been established. Furthermore, when secondary batteries are applied in various fields, it is necessary to accurately analyze the consumption and degradation of electrolyte components in various sizes of cylindrical secondary battery types. Therefore, electrolyte extraction for cylindrical batteries of various sizes is required. For example, as battery capacity increases, the size and characteristics of the batteries differ significantly from existing batteries (e.g., 21700 and 18650 types), making it difficult to directly apply existing extraction and analysis methods. In particular, in the case of medium to large-sized batteries, due to the large weight and volume of the batteries, electrolyte extraction via centrifugation may pose safety issues.
[0013] Furthermore, existing methods may cause undesirable side reactions when the electrolyte extracted from the battery reacts with the metal parts of the battery casing, thereby reducing the accuracy of the analysis.
[0014] Furthermore, when the amount of electrolyte extracted is small, it may be blocked by the bottom surface structure of the secondary battery or electrode assembly, preventing proper extraction. Additionally, if the bottom shape is pushed during separation, centrifugal extraction of the core structure may lead to a short circuit.
[0015] Therefore, there is a need for a technology that can enhance the extraction safety of various types of batteries and prevent contamination of the electrolyte during the extraction process. Summary of the Invention
[0016] Technical issues
[0017] This disclosure relates to a jig for extracting electrolyte, and provides a jig for extracting electrolyte that is mounted on a cylindrical secondary battery or a wound-core electrode assembly in an electrolyte extraction system utilizing centrifugation to facilitate electrolyte extraction.
[0018] The technical objectives to be achieved by this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other technical objectives not mentioned may be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.
[0019] Technical solution
[0020] The jig for extracting electrolyte disclosed herein can be configured to extract electrolyte from an analytical target sample provided as a cylindrical battery or wound electrode assembly in the vertical direction as the length direction.
[0021] The fixture disclosed herein for extracting electrolyte may include: The main body has a cylindrical battery receiving groove formed on its upper surface with the vertical direction as its central axis; and The support is configured to support the lower end of the target sample within the battery housing. An electrolyte discharge path is formed on the upper surface of the support. A first electrolyte outlet is formed in the support section, which penetrates the support section in the vertical direction. A second electrolyte outlet is formed in the battery housing of the main body for discharging electrolyte. The inlet of the first electrolyte outlet is connected to the electrolyte discharge path, and The outlet of the first electrolyte outlet is connected to the second electrolyte outlet.
[0022] In the fixture for extracting electrolyte disclosed herein, the support portion may be configured in the shape of a disc, wherein the upper surface of the support portion is formed as a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction.
[0023] In the fixture for extracting electrolyte disclosed herein, the diameter of the upper surface of the support portion can be the same as the inner diameter of the battery receiving tank.
[0024] In the jig for extracting electrolyte disclosed herein, the upper surface of the support portion can be formed into a planar shape, and the lower end of the support portion can be formed into a conical shape.
[0025] In the jig for extracting electrolyte disclosed herein, an electrolyte discharge groove can be formed on the upper surface of the support portion as an electrolyte discharge path.
[0026] In the jig for extracting electrolyte disclosed herein, the first electrolyte outlet can be located at the center of the support, the length direction of the electrolyte discharge tank can be the diameter direction of the upper surface of the support, and one end of the electrolyte discharge tank can be connected to the inlet of the first electrolyte outlet.
[0027] In the jig for extracting electrolyte disclosed herein, a support member may be provided on the upper surface of the support portion to space the lower end of the target sample being analyzed from the upper surface of the support portion, and the electrolyte discharge path may be formed as a space spaced between the upper surface of the support portion and the lower end of the target sample being analyzed through the support member.
[0028] In the jig for extracting electrolyte disclosed herein, the support member can be formed with the diameter direction of the upper surface of the support portion as the length direction, and multiple support members can be provided.
[0029] As another embodiment, the fixture for extracting electrolyte disclosed herein may include: The main body has a cylindrical battery receiving groove formed on its upper surface with the vertical direction as its central axis; and A support surface is formed on the bottom surface of the battery housing to support the lower end of the target sample for analysis. An electrolyte discharge groove is formed on the support surface as an electrolyte discharge path. An inlet for electrolyte discharge is formed on the support surface, extending vertically through the support portion. An electrolyte outlet is formed in the battery housing of the main body for discharging electrolyte, and The inlet of the electrolyte outlet is connected to the electrolyte discharge path.
[0030] Beneficial effects
[0031] The jig for extracting electrolyte disclosed herein can extract electrolyte in a short time, thereby preventing electrolyte loss and electrode short circuits, and reducing the side reactions caused thereby.
[0032] The jig for extracting electrolyte disclosed herein can enhance safety when using a centrifuge by minimizing vibration with an external container specifically designed for centrifugation.
[0033] The fixture disclosed herein for extracting electrolyte can be mounted on a cylindrical secondary battery or a wound electrode assembly in an electrolyte extraction system utilizing centrifugation to facilitate electrolyte extraction. Attached Figure Description
[0034] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing the fixture for extracting electrolyte according to the present disclosure.
[0035] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view showing the main body and support parts separated.
[0036] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the support portion.
[0037] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the support portion. Detailed Implementation
[0038] In the following description, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be illustrated in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this process, the dimensions or shapes of components shown in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity and ease of explanation. Furthermore, the terminology specifically defined in consideration of the configuration and operation of this disclosure may vary according to the intentions or habits of the user and operator. The definitions of these terms should be based on the entire contents of this specification.
[0039] In the description of this disclosure, it should be noted that the orientations or positional relationships indicated by terms such as “center,” “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “right,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “inner,” “outer,” “one surface,” and “another surface” are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings or the orientations or positional relationships typically arranged when using the products of this disclosure, and are intended only to explain and briefly describe this disclosure and should not be construed as limiting this disclosure, as it does not suggest or imply that the devices or elements shown must be configured or operated in a particular orientation.
[0040] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view showing the fixture for extracting electrolyte according to the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing the main body 100 separated from the support 200. Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the support portion 200. Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing another embodiment of the support portion 200.
[0041] In the following text, refer to Figures 1 to 4 The present disclosure will describe a jig for extracting electrolyte. Figures 1 to 4 In this context, the z-axis direction can be the up or down direction as described below.
[0042] When extracting electrolyte from a cylindrical secondary battery using a centrifuge, the jig for extracting electrolyte disclosed herein can be used. Specifically, to extract electrolyte from a cylindrical secondary battery, the battery casing can be perforated to extract the electrolyte, or a wound-core electrode assembly can be removed from the battery casing to extract the electrolyte from the electrode assembly. In this case, the secondary battery or electrode assembly can be rotated by a centrifugal separation device that provides centrifugal force while stored in a cylindrical centrifugal separation container (not shown), so that centrifugal force can be applied. For example, the wound-core electrode assembly can be an electrode assembly manufactured by winding a unit cell in which a [diaphragm]-[anode]-[diaphragm]-[cathode] is stacked.
[0043] When centrifugal force is applied to a secondary battery or electrode assembly, the extracted electrolyte is collected at the end of the centrifugal separation container, and the collected electrolyte can be used for analysis.
[0044] The fixture disclosed herein for extracting electrolyte can fix a cylindrical secondary battery or a wound electrode assembly in a centrifugal separation container without shaking.
[0045] In addition, the jig for extracting electrolyte disclosed herein can prevent the electrolyte extracted from the battery from reacting with the metal parts of the battery casing or electrode assembly in the centrifugal separation container, thereby preventing undesirable side reactions and reducing the accuracy of the analysis.
[0046] Furthermore, the jig for extracting electrolyte disclosed herein can prevent the electrolyte from being improperly extracted due to obstruction by the bottom surface structure of the secondary battery or electrode assembly when the amount of electrolyte to be extracted is small.
[0047] As described above, the length direction of the analytical target sample 10, which is provided as a jig for extracting electrolyte using the present disclosure, can be vertical.
[0048] Implementation of this disclosure
[0049] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the fixture for extracting electrolyte disclosed herein may include: The main body 100 has a cylindrical battery receiving groove 110 formed on its upper surface with the vertical direction as its central axis; and The support 200 is configured to support the lower end of the analytical target sample 10 within the battery receiving groove 110.
[0050] The lower end of the target sample 10 can be inserted into the battery receiving groove 110 of the main body 100 along with the support 200 and simultaneously contained in the centrifugal separation container. A flow path is formed between the support 200 and the main body 100, so that when centrifugal force is applied, the electrolyte can be discharged to the lower end of the main body 100.
[0051] Specifically, an electrolyte discharge path 210 may be formed on the upper surface of the support portion 200, a first electrolyte outlet 220 extending through the support portion 200 in the vertical direction may be formed in the support portion 200, and a second electrolyte outlet 120 for discharging electrolyte may be formed in the battery receiving tank of the main body. Here, the inlet 221 of the first electrolyte outlet 220 may be connected to the electrolyte discharge path, and the outlet 222 of the first electrolyte outlet 220 may be connected to the second electrolyte outlet.
[0052] The main body 100 and the support 200 can be made of chemically and corrosion-resistant materials, and may include one or more of PTFE, FEP, PFA, and PVDF. Therefore, even if the electrolyte comes into contact with the outer surface of the main body 100 after being discharged, the electrolyte will not deteriorate because it will not react with the main body 100.
[0053] The inner diameter of the main body 100 (the inner diameter of the battery receiving groove 110) can be designed to match the outer diameter of the target sample 10. The outer diameter of the main body 100 can be designed to match the inner diameter of the centrifuge container. The inner and outer diameters of the main body 100 can be determined by considering the specifications of the target sample 10. In particular, as the specifications increase to medium to large-sized batteries, vibration problems in centrifugation may directly lead to accidents. Therefore, the main body 100 can enhance the stability of extraction by firmly fixing the target sample 10 inside the centrifuge container.
[0054] like Figure 3 As shown, the support portion 200 can be arranged in a disk shape, with its upper surface formed as a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction. The support portion 200 can be a structure used to prevent the lower end of the analytical target sample 10 from completely contacting the bottom of the battery receiving tank 110, thereby hindering the flow of electrolyte to the second electrolyte outlet 120 for discharge.
[0055] Specifically, an electrolyte discharge path 210 through which the electrolyte can flow is formed in the support portion 200, and the electrolyte discharged from the target sample 10 can be easily discharged to the outside of the main body 100 through the space ensured by the electrolyte discharge path 210 of the support portion 200 via the second electrolyte discharge port 120. The electrolyte discharged to the outside of the main body 100 can be collected at the lower end of the centrifuge container and used for analysis.
[0056] The upper surface of the support portion 200 can be formed as a plane. For example, when the target sample 10 is a rolled-core electrode assembly, the upper surface of the support portion 200 can be formed as a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, preventing layer-pushing due to centrifugal force. The centrifugal separation device can rotate the centrifugal separation container about an axis of rotation perpendicular to the vertical direction. In other words, the direction of the centrifugal force can be vertical. Therefore, bending at the bottom surface of the sample, such as a rolled-core electrode assembly, is eliminated, and accidents caused by short circuits due to compression during centrifugation when the bottom surface of the sample is pressed are prevented.
[0057] like Figure 1 As shown, the diameter of the upper surface of the support portion 200 can be the same as the inner diameter of the battery receiving groove 110. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the support portion 200 from becoming loose from inside the battery receiving groove 110.
[0058] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the upper surface of the support portion 200 can be formed into a planar shape, and the lower end of the support portion 200 can be formed into a tapered shape. The bottom surface of the battery receiving groove 110 can also be formed to correspond to the bottom surface of the support portion 200. Specifically, the lower end of the support portion 200 can be formed into a tapered shape whose diameter decreases as it extends downward.
[0059] The support portion 200 may be provided with a structure that allows it to be attached to and detached from the main body portion 100. When the support portion 200 is used multiple times, it can be separated from the main body portion 100, washed, and reused. In this case, by forming the lower end of the support portion 200 into a tapered shape, it is easier to separate the support portion 200 from the main body portion 100, and when reattached, the support portion 200 can be more stably attached to the main body portion 100 when centrifugal force is applied.
[0060] By providing a support portion 200 with a structure that allows for easy attachment and separation from the main body 100 as described above, the cleanliness of the support portion 200 can be maintained during repeated extractions, and the analytical accuracy of the extracted electrolyte can be improved.
[0061] In another embodiment, the support portion 200 and the main body portion 100 can be manufactured as a single unit. For example, it can be manufactured by sintering in a single mold. The support portion 200 and the main body portion 100 are manufactured as a single unit to prevent foreign matter from seeping between the structures.
[0062] For example, a jig for extracting electrolyte, in which the support portion 200 and the main body portion 100 are manufactured as one unit, may include: The main body has a cylindrical battery receiving groove formed on its upper surface with the vertical direction as its central axis; and A support surface is formed on the bottom surface of the battery housing to support the lower end of the target sample for analysis. An electrolyte discharge groove is formed on the support surface as an electrolyte discharge path. An inlet for electrolyte discharge is formed on the support surface, extending vertically through the support portion. The outlet for discharging the electrolyte is formed in the battery housing of the main body, and The inlet of the electrolyte outlet is connected to the electrolyte discharge path. In other words, the support surface performs the function of the aforementioned support portion, and the first and second electrolyte outlets can be integrated into a single electrolyte outlet.
[0063] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the electrolyte discharge tank can be formed as an electrolyte discharge path 210 on the upper surface of the support 200.
[0064] The first electrolyte outlet 220 can be located at the center of the support 200, the length direction of the electrolyte discharge tank can be the diameter direction of the upper surface of the support 200, and one end of the electrolyte discharge tank can be connected to the inlet 221 of the first electrolyte outlet 220.
[0065] The electrolyte discharge tank can be configured as one or more. When multiple electrolyte discharge tanks are provided, they can be arranged at predetermined angular intervals, such as... Figure 3 As shown.
[0066] The electrolyte discharge tank can have a greater depth as it approaches the inlet 221 of the first electrolyte outlet 220 or the inlet of the electrolyte outlet. The shallowest part of the electrolyte discharge tank can have a depth of more than 1 mm. The depth of the electrolyte discharge tank can be formed sufficiently deep, and according to an embodiment, it can be formed sufficiently deep to penetrate the support or main body. The width of the electrolyte discharge tank can preferably be formed to be 1 mm to 10 mm. If the width of the discharge tank is less than 1 mm, there is a possibility that the electrolyte discharge tank may be squeezed by the core and the flow path may be blocked, and if the width of the discharge tank exceeds 10 mm, there is a risk of short circuit. In other words, the electrolyte discharge tank can have a depth of more than 1 mm and a width of 1 mm to 10 mm, and one or more electrolyte discharge tanks can be configured to connect to the inlet 221 of the first electrolyte outlet 220 or the inlet of the electrolyte outlet.
[0067] In another embodiment, such as Figure 4As shown, a support member for separating the lower end of the analytical target sample 10 from the upper surface of the support 200 may be provided on the upper surface of the support 200, and the electrolyte discharge path 210 may be formed as a space separated between the upper surface of the support 200 and the lower end of the analytical target sample 10 by the support member.
[0068] The support member can be formed with the diameter of the upper surface of the support portion 200 as its length direction, and multiple support members can be provided. For example... Figure 4 As shown, multiple support members can be arranged at predetermined angular intervals.
[0069] like Figure 4 As shown, the upper surface of the support member can have a constant area. For example, the upper surface of the support member can be formed in a fan shape. Because the upper surface of the support member has a constant area, it can prevent the bottom surface of the target sample 10 from being locally crushed and warped.
[0070] Although embodiments according to this disclosure have been described above, these embodiments are merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and embodiments with equivalent scope are possible. Therefore, the true technical scope of this disclosure should be defined by the appended claims.
[0071] <Explanation of Figure Markers>
[0072] 10...Analyze the target sample
[0073] 100...Main body
[0074] 110... Battery Reservoir
[0075] 120...Second electrolyte outlet
[0076] 200... Support section
[0077] 210... Electrolyte discharge path
[0078] 220...First electrolyte outlet
[0079] 221...Inlet of the first electrolyte outlet
[0080] 222... The outlet of the first electrolyte discharge port
Claims
1. A fixture for extracting electrolyte from an analytical target sample provided as a cylindrical battery or wound electrode assembly with the vertical direction as its length direction, the fixture comprising: The main body has a cylindrical battery receiving groove formed on the upper surface of the main body with the vertical direction as the central axis; as well as A support portion, configured to support the lower end of the analytical target sample within the battery receiving slot. An electrolyte discharge path is formed on the upper surface of the support. A first electrolyte outlet is formed in the support portion, extending through the support portion in the vertical direction. A second electrolyte outlet is formed in the battery receiving tank of the main body for discharging electrolyte. The inlet of the first electrolyte outlet is connected to the electrolyte discharge path, and The outlet of the first electrolyte outlet is connected to the second electrolyte outlet.
2. The fixture for extracting electrolyte according to claim 1, wherein, The support portion is configured in the shape of a disc, wherein the upper surface of the support portion is formed as a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction.
3. The fixture for extracting electrolyte according to claim 2, wherein, The diameter of the upper surface of the support is the same as the inner diameter of the battery receiving slot.
4. The fixture for extracting electrolyte according to claim 2, wherein, The upper surface of the support is formed into a planar shape, and The lower end of the support is formed into a tapered shape.
5. The fixture for extracting electrolyte according to claim 2, wherein, An electrolyte discharge groove is formed on the upper surface of the support, serving as the electrolyte discharge path.
6. The fixture for extracting electrolyte according to claim 5, wherein, The first electrolyte outlet is located at the center of the support portion. The length direction of the electrolyte discharge tank is the diameter direction of the upper surface of the support, and One end of the electrolyte discharge tank is connected to the inlet of the first electrolyte discharge outlet.
7. The fixture for extracting electrolyte according to claim 2, wherein, The upper surface of the support is provided with a support member for separating the lower end of the analytical target sample from the upper surface of the support. The electrolyte discharge path is formed as a space between the upper surface of the support and the lower end of the target sample through the support member.
8. The fixture for extracting electrolyte according to claim 7, wherein, The support member is formed with the diameter direction of the upper surface of the support portion as its length direction, and Multiple support members are provided.
9. A fixture for extracting electrolyte from an analytical target sample provided as a cylindrical battery or wound electrode assembly with the vertical direction as its length direction, the fixture comprising: The main body has a cylindrical battery receiving groove formed on the upper surface of the main body with the vertical direction as the central axis; as well as A support surface is formed on the bottom surface of the battery housing to support the lower end of the analytical target sample. An electrolyte discharge groove is formed on the support surface as an electrolyte discharge path. An inlet for an electrolyte outlet that extends vertically through the support portion is formed on the support surface. An electrolyte outlet for discharging the electrolyte is formed in the battery housing of the main body. The inlet of the electrolyte outlet is connected to the electrolyte discharge path.