Cylindrical battery cell processing apparatus and cylindrical battery cell processing method using the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cylindrical battery cell processing apparatus and a cylindrical battery cell processing method using the same, the apparatus including a compression portion for pressing an upper portion of a cylindrical battery cell to reduce an outer diameter of the cylindrical battery cell, and a fixing portion located below the compression portion, on which the compression portion is mounted, wherein the compression portion includes a plurality of separable sections coupled such that a gap is formed between the plurality of separable sections, an elastic member is added to each of the gaps, and the plurality of separable sections are connected via the elastic member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0177693, filed on December 3, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] This invention relates to a cylindrical battery cell processing apparatus and a method for processing cylindrical battery cells using the cylindrical battery cell processing apparatus. More specifically, this invention relates to a cylindrical battery cell processing apparatus and a method for processing cylindrical battery cells using the cylindrical battery cell processing apparatus described above, which can compress cylindrical battery cells to reduce the outer diameter of the cylindrical battery cells, thereby improving the space utilization rate in a battery pack comprising multiple cylindrical battery cells. Background Technology

[0003] Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, which charge and discharge by the migration of lithium ions, are used not only in small battery cells but also in medium and large battery packs due to their high energy density and high charging voltage. Small battery cells are used in mobile devices and small electronic products, while medium and large battery packs are used as energy sources for electric vehicles and energy storage systems that require high power and high voltage.

[0004] Based on the shape of the battery casing, lithium-ion secondary batteries are classified into: cylindrical battery cells, which have electrode assemblies mounted in a cylindrical metal can; prismatic battery cells, which have electrode assemblies mounted in a prismatic metal can; and pouch battery cells, which have electrode assemblies mounted in a pouch-shaped box made of aluminum laminate. Among these battery cells, cylindrical battery cells have the advantages of relatively large capacity and structural safety.

[0005] Cylindrical battery cells are manufactured using standardized height and diameter specifications. When multiple cylindrical battery cells are arranged in close contact with each other, space utilization may be reduced if the diameter of the upper end of the battery canister is large. In particular, the diameter of the upper portion of the rolled edge may increase during the top-down pressing process performed to ensure a uniform height of the cylindrical battery canister. For this reason, a diameter equalization process is performed after the height equalization process.

[0006] in this regard, Figure 1 This is a front view of a conventional cylindrical battery cell processing equipment.

[0007] Reference Figure 1A conventional cylindrical battery cell processing device includes: a fixing unit 120 located at the lower end of the cylindrical battery cell processing device, the fixing unit having a uniform diameter; a compression unit 110 configured to be pressed along the central direction to reduce the diameter of the cylindrical battery cell; and a connecting unit 130 configured to connect the fixing unit 120 and the compression unit 110 to each other, the connecting unit having a plurality of stamped portions 131 formed therein, and the connecting unit being able to move freely in the radial direction.

[0008] The cylindrical battery cell can be configured such that the top cover faces downwards, the rolled edge portion can be fixed in the upper end of the compression unit 110, and the compression unit 110 can be pressed along the central direction to reduce the diameter of the cylindrical battery cell.

[0009] The compression unit 110 includes a plurality of forming units 140 separated by gaps 141. As the compression unit 110 moves along the central direction to press the cylindrical battery cell, the gaps 141 between the forming units 140 narrow. External defects may occur when the cylindrical battery cell is pushed into the gaps 141.

[0010] Conventional cylindrical battery cell processing equipment is manufactured by heat-treating all compression units 110, fixing units 120, and connecting units 130, and then mounting them to a pressing member to press the cylindrical battery cell. During the simultaneous heat treatment of the entire compression unit 110, localized machining deviations may occur in the compression unit 110 and the stamping portion 131, separated by the gap 141. Therefore, when the battery cell is pressed, wear on the compression unit 110 in a specific direction may increase, thereby increasing the impact load on the compression unit 110. This may lead to accelerated wear of the pressing member in a specific direction, potentially reducing the service life of the pressing member.

[0011] In this regard, Patent Document 1 relates to a cylindrical battery box processing apparatus and a method for manufacturing cylindrical battery cells using the cylindrical battery box processing apparatus, wherein, while pressing the side surface of the cylindrical battery box using a pressing clamp, the distance between the inner surface of the cylindrical battery box and the wound electrode assembly is monitored in order to minimize the distance.

[0012] In Patent Document 1, the distance between the inner surface of the cylindrical battery case and the wound electrode assembly is minimized before the step of installing the cover assembly to the cylindrical battery cell and sealing the cylindrical battery cell. However, Patent Document 1 does not propose a method to prevent external defects of the cylindrical battery cell after the assembly of the cylindrical battery cell is completed and during the process of reducing the inner diameter of the cylindrical battery case.

[0013] Therefore, the following technology is needed: This technology can solve the problem of external deformation or wrinkling of cylindrical battery cells during the outer diameter reduction process after assembly.

[0014] (Existing technical documents)

[0015] (Patent Document 1) Korean Patent Application Publication No. 2023-0067936 (May 17, 2023) Summary of the Invention

[0016] Technical issues

[0017] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and the object of the present invention is to provide a cylindrical battery cell processing apparatus and a cylindrical battery cell processing method using the cylindrical battery cell processing apparatus, the cylindrical battery cell processing apparatus being able to prevent damage to the cylindrical battery cell during the process of pressing the upper portion of the cylindrical battery cell to reduce the outer diameter of the cylindrical battery cell.

[0018] Technical solution

[0019] The cylindrical battery cell processing apparatus according to the invention for achieving the above-mentioned objectives includes: a compression unit configured to press the upper portion of the cylindrical battery cell to reduce the outer diameter of the cylindrical battery cell; and a fixing unit located below the compression unit, the fixing unit configured to allow the compression unit to be mounted to the fixing unit, wherein the compression unit includes a plurality of separable units connected to each other such that gaps are formed between the plurality of separable units, an elastic member is added to each gap, and the plurality of separable units are interconnected via the elastic members.

[0020] In the cylindrical battery cell processing apparatus according to the present invention, the separable unit may include a first unit, a second unit, and a third unit.

[0021] In the cylindrical battery cell processing apparatus according to the present invention, the lower portions of each of the first, second, and third cells can be installed to the upper portion of the fixed cell by interlocking connection.

[0022] In the cylindrical battery cell processing apparatus according to the present invention, the inner diameter of the cell compression unit is reduced by an external force, and the compression unit can press the cylindrical battery cell. When the inner diameter of the compression unit is reduced by an external force, the compression unit can slide from the contact surface with the fixed unit along the central direction.

[0023] In the cylindrical battery cell processing apparatus according to the present invention, the elastic member can contract when the inner diameter of the compressed cell decreases.

[0024] The cylindrical battery cell processing apparatus according to the present invention may further include a pressing member having an internal space, the pressing member being configured to install a compression unit and a fixing unit in the internal space.

[0025] In the cylindrical battery cell processing apparatus according to the present invention, the fixing unit can be inserted into the internal space of the pressing member and fixed in the internal space of the pressing member. A recess can be formed in the upper end of the fixing unit, and a protrusion formed on the lower end of the compression unit can be inserted into the recess and fixed in the recess.

[0026] In the cylindrical battery cell processing apparatus according to the present invention, the pressing member can press the compression cell along the central direction, thereby reducing the inner diameter of the compression cell.

[0027] The cylindrical battery cell processing apparatus according to the invention may further include a contour jig configured to allow a pressing member, in which a compression unit and a fixing unit are received, to be mounted to the contour jig.

[0028] In the cylindrical battery cell processing apparatus according to the present invention, the cylinder can be connected by a contour jig to communicate with the pressing member, and the cylinder can press the pressing member so that the inner diameter of the pressing member decreases as the pressing member moves along the central direction.

[0029] The cylindrical battery cell processing apparatus according to the present invention may further include a battery cell clamp configured to receive a cylindrical battery cell in an inverted position and insert the upper portion of the cylindrical battery cell into a compression unit.

[0030] A method for processing cylindrical battery cells using a cylindrical battery cell processing apparatus according to the present invention includes: a first step of heat-treating a plurality of separable cells in a separated state; a second step of mounting the plurality of separable cells to a fixed unit for assembly; a third step of adding an elastic member to the gap formed between the plurality of separable cells to prepare a compressed cell; a fourth step of inserting the compressed cell and the fixed unit into a pressing member; a fifth step of setting the pressing member of the fourth step in a contour jig; a sixth step of inserting the cylindrical battery cell into a battery cell jig and inserting the cylindrical battery cell into the compressed unit; and a seventh step of pressing the pressing member along the central direction such that the compressed unit presses the cylindrical battery cell.

[0031] In the cylindrical battery cell processing method according to the present invention, the third step may include a process of fusing an elastic member into the gap.

[0032] Furthermore, the present invention can provide various combinations of the above-described solutions.

[0033] Beneficial effects

[0034] According to the present invention, damage to the upper portion of the cylindrical battery cell can be prevented during the process of compressing the upper portion of the cylindrical battery cell to reduce its diameter after the assembly of the cylindrical battery cell.

[0035] In addition, the use of a compression unit that has undergone uniform heat treatment prevents excessive wear of the pressing member in a specific direction during the compression process of the cylindrical battery cell, thereby extending the service life of the pressing member. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Figure 1 This is a front view of a conventional cylindrical battery processing equipment.

[0037] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the cylindrical battery cell processing equipment according to the present invention.

[0038] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An exploded view of the separable unit of a cylindrical battery cell processing equipment.

[0039] Figure 4 This shows that the pressing component is added to Figure 2 A plan view of the state of the cylindrical battery cell processing equipment.

[0040] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Vertical cross-sectional view.

[0041] Figure 6This shows the contour jig being added to Figure 4 A 3D view of the state of the cylindrical battery cell processing equipment.

[0042] Figure 7 This shows the battery cell clamp being added to Figure 6 A 3D view of the state of the cylindrical battery cell processing equipment. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that these preferred embodiments can be readily implemented by those skilled in the art. However, in describing the operating principles of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, detailed descriptions of known functions and configurations included herein will be omitted where such detailed descriptions might obscure the subject matter of the invention.

[0044] Throughout the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to parts that perform similar functions or operations. Throughout the specification, where a part is referred to as being connected to another part, this part can be directly connected to said other part, and also indirectly connected to said other part via another part. Furthermore, including an element does not mean excluding other elements, but rather means that such elements may be included unless otherwise specified.

[0045] Unless otherwise specified, descriptions used to embody elements by limitation or addition can be applied to all inventions and do not limit any particular invention.

[0046] In the specification and claims of this application, unless otherwise stated, the singular form is intended to include the plural form.

[0047] In the specification and claims of this application, unless otherwise stated, "or" includes "and". Therefore, "including A or B" means three cases: including A, including B, and including both A and B.

[0048] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0049] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the cylindrical battery cell processing equipment according to the present invention, and Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An exploded view of the separable unit of a cylindrical battery cell processing equipment.

[0050] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3The cylindrical battery cell processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a compression unit 210 and a fixing unit 220. The compression unit 210 is configured to press the upper portion of the cylindrical battery cell to reduce the outer diameter of the cylindrical battery cell. The fixing unit 220 is located below the compression unit 210 and is configured to allow the compression unit 210 to be mounted to the fixing unit.

[0051] The compression unit 210 includes a forming unit 230, which includes: a plurality of separable units positioned to be movable along a central direction; and an elastic member 250 disposed between the plurality of separable units. Specifically, in the compression unit 210, the plurality of separable units are interconnected to form a gap 240 between the plurality of separable units, the elastic member 250 is added to the gap 240, and the plurality of separable units are interconnected via the elastic member 250 to form an integral structure.

[0052] During the mass production of cylindrical battery cells, wear on the cylindrical battery cell processing equipment is inevitable. To minimize wear, a heat treatment process is performed during the manufacturing process of cylindrical battery cells to adjust the physical properties of the mold, such as hardness and strength.

[0053] Conventionally, when the compression unit 210 is formed as a single unit, such as Figure 1 As shown, the entire compression unit 210 must undergo heat treatment. If processing deviations occur between the forming units 140 separated by gap 141 during the heat treatment process, additional processing is difficult. To solve this problem, in this invention, the forming unit 140 is configured to include multiple separable units, and heat treatment is performed with the separable units separated. Therefore, even if processing deviations occur between the separable units, additional processing is easy, thereby allowing for a reduction in processing deviations between the separable units.

[0054] like Figure 3 As shown, the separable units constituting the forming unit 230 include a first unit 231, a second unit 232, and a third unit 233, wherein the lower portion of each of the first unit 231, the second unit 232, and the third unit 233 is installed to the upper portion of the fixing unit 220 by interlocking connection.

[0055] The first unit 231, the second unit 232, and the third unit 233 are mounted to the fixing unit 220, forming a hollow space in its central portion, and the first unit 231, the second unit 232, and the third unit 233 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other. That is, gaps 240 are formed between adjacent units of the first unit 231, the second unit 232, and the third unit 233, and elastic members 250, such as rubber, are fused into each gap in the gaps 240, thereby fixing the first unit 231, the second unit 232, and the third unit 233 in place to form the compression unit 210.

[0056] When an external force is applied to the compression unit 210, the inner diameter of the compression unit 210 decreases, thereby pressing the cylindrical battery cell and thus reducing the diameter of the cylindrical battery cell.

[0057] In this invention, gaps are formed between the compression units 210, and elastic members 250, such as rubber, are fused to each gap. Therefore, when the inner diameter of the compression unit 210 decreases, the elastic members 250 contract but do not detach from the gaps 240. Thus, the elastic members 250 can be provided to prevent the cylindrical battery case from deforming when it is inserted into the gaps 240.

[0058] Figure 4 This shows that the pressing component is added to Figure 2 A plan view of the state of the cylindrical battery cell processing equipment, and Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Vertical cross-sectional view.

[0059] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 as well as Figure 2 The cylindrical battery cell processing apparatus according to the present invention further includes a pressing member 300 having an internal space 211, the pressing member being configured to install a compression unit 210 and a fixing unit 220 in the internal space 211.

[0060] For example, after the forming unit 230 is connected to the fixing unit 220, an elastic member 250 is added to the forming unit 230 to form a compression unit 210. The compression unit 210 and the fixing unit 220 can move downward together along the Y-axis and be inserted into and fixed within the internal space 211 of the pressing member 300. Alternatively, the fixing unit 220 can first move downward along the Y-axis and be inserted into and fixed within the internal space 211 of the pressing member 300. The forming unit 230 can then move downward along the Y-axis and be connected to the fixing unit 220, and the elastic member 250 can be added to the gap in the forming unit 230.

[0061] Specifically, the fixing unit 220 is inserted into the internal space 211 of the pressing member 300 and fixed in the internal space 211 of the pressing member 300. A recess 221 is formed at the upper end of the fixing unit 220, and a protrusion 212 formed on the lower end of the compression unit 210 is inserted into the recess 221 and fixed in the recess 221.

[0062] With the cylindrical battery cell mounted on the compression unit 210, when an external force is applied to the pressing member 300 to reduce the diameter of the cylindrical battery cell, the compression unit 210 moves toward the inner space 211 due to the applied external force. At this time, the inner diameter of the compression unit 210 decreases, and therefore the compression unit 210 can slide from the contact surface 260 with the fixing unit 220 in the direction X toward the center of the inner space 211.

[0063] Figure 6 This shows the contour jig being added to Figure 4 A 3D view of the state of the cylindrical battery cell processing equipment.

[0064] Reference Figure 6 as well as Figure 2 The cylindrical battery cell processing equipment also includes a contour jig 400, which is configured to allow a pressing member 300, which internally houses a compression unit 210 and a fixing unit 220, to be installed into the contour jig 400.

[0065] A cylinder (not shown) is connected via a contour clamp 400 to communicate with a pressing member 300, and the cylinder can press the pressing member 300 such that the inner diameter of the pressing member 300 decreases as the pressing member moves in a direction toward the center of the internal space 211. The cylinder may be, for example, a pneumatic cylinder.

[0066] Figure 7 This shows the battery cell clamp being added to Figure 6 A 3D view of the state of the cylindrical battery cell processing equipment.

[0067] Reference Figure 7 The battery cell clamp receives a cylindrical battery cell in an inverted position with the top cover facing downwards. The battery cell clamp unit, which internally receives the cylindrical battery cell, is positioned above the compression unit 210. The compression unit 210 includes a first unit 231, a second unit 232, and a third unit 233, as well as an elastic member 250 inserted between the first unit 231, the second unit 232, and the third unit 233. Only the upper portion of the cylindrical battery cell is inserted into the compression unit 210. At this time, a clamp (not shown) configured to hold the battery cell can be operated to prevent the battery cell from falling out.

[0068] In this state, the pressing member 300 is pressed along the central direction indicated by the arrow to reduce the diameter of the upper portion of the cylindrical battery cell.

[0069] The cylindrical battery cell processing method according to the present invention includes: a first step of heat-treating a plurality of separable cells in a separated state; a second step of mounting the plurality of separable cells to a fixed cell for assembly; a third step of adding an elastic member to the gap formed between the plurality of separable cells to prepare a compressed cell; a fourth step of inserting the compressed cell and the fixed cell into a pressing member; a fifth step of setting the pressing member of the fourth step in a contour jig; a sixth step of inserting the cylindrical battery cell into a battery cell jig and inserting the cylindrical battery cell into the compressed cell; and a seventh step of pressing the pressing member along the central direction such that the compressed cell presses the cylindrical battery cell.

[0070] The third step includes fusing the elastic member 250 into each gap in the gap, and the addition of the elastic member 250 to the gap prevents the cylindrical battery cell from being pushed into the gap. Additionally, when pressure is applied to the cylindrical battery cell, the elastic member 250 contracts, thereby reducing the diameter of the compression unit 210.

[0071] Those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the above description, various applications and modifications can be made within the scope of this invention.

[0072] (Description of reference numerals in the attached figures)

[0073] 110, 210: Compression unit

[0074] 120, 220: Fixed Units

[0075] 130: Connection Unit

[0076] 131: Stamping section

[0077] 140, 230: Forming unit

[0078] 141, 240: Gap

[0079] 211: Space

[0080] 212: Protrusion

[0081] 221: concave part

[0082] 231: Unit 1

[0083] 232: Unit Two

[0084] 233: Unit 3

[0085] 250: Elastic member

[0086] 260: Contact surface

[0087] 300: Pressing component

[0088] 400: Contouring Fixture

Claims

1. A cylindrical battery cell processing device, comprising: A compression unit configured to press the upper portion of a cylindrical battery cell to reduce the outer diameter of the cylindrical battery cell; as well as A fixing unit is located below the compression unit, and the fixing unit is configured to allow the compression unit to be mounted to the fixing unit, wherein... The compression unit includes a plurality of separable units connected to each other such that gaps are formed between the plurality of separable units, an elastic member is added to each of the gaps, and the plurality of separable units are interconnected via the elastic members.

2. The cylindrical battery cell processing equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The separable unit includes a first unit, a second unit, and a third unit.

3. The cylindrical battery cell processing equipment according to claim 2, wherein, The lower portions of each of the first unit, the second unit, and the third unit are installed to the upper portion of the fixed unit by interlocking connections.

4. The cylindrical battery cell processing equipment according to claim 1, wherein... The inner diameter of the compression unit is reduced by external force, while the compression unit presses down on the cylindrical battery unit. When the inner diameter of the compression unit is reduced by the external force, the compression unit slides from the contact surface with the fixing unit along the central direction.

5. The cylindrical battery cell processing equipment according to claim 4, wherein, The elastic member contracts when the inner diameter of the compression unit decreases.

6. The cylindrical battery cell processing equipment according to claim 1, the cylindrical battery cell processing equipment further includes a pressing member having an internal space, the pressing member being configured to install the compression unit and the fixing unit in the internal space.

7. The cylindrical battery cell processing equipment according to claim 6, wherein... The fixing unit is inserted into the internal space of the pressing member and fixed in the internal space of the pressing member. A recess is formed in the upper end of the fixing unit, and The protrusion formed on the lower end of the compression unit is inserted into the recess and fixed in the recess.

8. The cylindrical battery cell processing equipment according to claim 6, wherein, The pressing member presses the compression unit along the central direction, thereby reducing the inner diameter of the compression unit.

9. The cylindrical battery cell processing apparatus according to claim 6, further comprising a contouring fixture, the contouring fixture being configured to allow the pressing member, which internally receives the compression unit and the fixing unit, to be mounted to the contouring fixture.

10. The cylindrical battery cell processing equipment according to claim 9, wherein... A cylinder is connected via the contour clamp to communicate with the pressing member, and The cylinder presses the pressing member, causing the inner diameter of the pressing member to decrease as the pressing member moves along the central direction.

11. The cylindrical battery cell processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a battery cell clamp configured to receive the cylindrical battery cell in an inverted position and insert the upper portion of the cylindrical battery cell into the compression unit.

12. A method for processing cylindrical battery cells using the cylindrical battery cell processing equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the method comprising: First step: Heat treatment is performed on multiple separable units that are in a separated state; Second step: Install the plurality of separable units onto the fixed unit for assembly; Third step: Add elastic members to the gaps formed between the plurality of separable units to prepare a compression unit; Fourth step: Insert the compression unit and the fixing unit into the pressing member; Fifth step: Place the pressing component from the fourth step into the contour jig; Step 6: Insert the cylindrical battery unit into the battery unit clamp, and then insert the cylindrical battery unit into the compression unit; as well as Step 7: Press the pressing member along the center direction so that the compression unit presses the cylindrical battery unit.

13. The method for processing cylindrical battery cells according to claim 12, wherein, The third step includes the process of fusing the elastic member into the gap.

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