Battery cell insulation insertion device and method

Abstract

The present invention provides a battery cell insulator insertion device (10) including a carrier (100) having a seating space open toward a first side and in which a battery cell (50) having an inside open toward the first side is seated, and an arm (200) provided on the first side with respect to the carrier (100), having an insulator (70) adsorbed to a first end surface (S1) on a second side opposite to the first side of the arm (200), and relatively moving toward the second side to insert the insulator (70) into the battery cell (50). The insulator (70) can include a through hole (72) formed through the insulator (70) toward the first side and the second side. The arm (200) can include an exhaust hole (210) formed through the arm (200). One end of the exhaust hole (210) can be formed on the first end surface (S1) and communicate with the through hole (72) toward the first side and the second side. The other end of the exhaust hole (210) can be formed on an outer surface of the arm (200) and on the first side with respect to the first end surface (S1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0029246, filed on February 28, 2024, the entire contents of which are included as part of this specification.

[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for inserting an insulating member into a battery cell, wherein the insulating member does not move or rotate and does not detach from the arm when inserted into the battery cell. Background Technology

[0003] Cylindrical battery cells are easy to manufacture and have the advantage of high energy density per unit weight, and are used as an energy source for a variety of devices, from portable computers to battery-powered vehicles.

[0004] Cylindrical battery cells are manufactured by housing a wound electrode assembly in a cylindrical box, inserting upper and lower insulating members at both ends of the electrode assembly, injecting electrolyte, and assembling a top cover on the top of the cylindrical box.

[0005] In conventional devices for inserting insulating components, the insertion involves a vertically movable arm moving downwards while the insulating component is held by suction on its lower surface to insert it into a battery cell fixed below the arm. Here, eddies are generated around the insulating component, allowing it to move, rotate, or detach from the arm. Consequently, the insulating component may become stuck on a support holding the battery cell or on the upper end of the battery cell, or the battery cell may be damaged by the rotating insulating component. This increases the defect rate of the battery cells and necessitates stopping the manufacturing process.

[0006] Therefore, a method is needed to prevent the movement, rotation, and detachment of the insulating member from the arm during insertion of the insulating member.

[0007] The relevant prior art is Korean Patent No. 10-0158396. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention aims to provide an apparatus and method for inserting an insulating member into a battery cell, wherein the insulating member can remain stationary and not rotate during insertion, and can remain attached to the arm, even when inserted into the battery cell while being held on an arm.

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for inserting an insulating member into a battery cell, wherein eddy currents may not be generated or may be reduced around the insulating member.

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for inserting an insulating member for a battery cell, wherein the insulating member can be stably held on the arm even when an vent hole is formed in the arm, and the holding state can be stably maintained.

[0012] The object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for inserting an insulating member into a battery cell, wherein air inside the carrier or battery cell can be easily discharged to the outside through an exhaust port.

[0013] The object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for inserting an insulating member for a battery cell, wherein an vent hole can be easily and cost-effectively implemented in the arm.

[0014] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is not limited to the objectives described above, and other objectives and advantages of the present invention not described herein may be understood through the following description and will become clearer through examples of the invention. Furthermore, it is clear that the objectives and advantages of the present invention may be embodied by means of the claims and combinations thereof.

[0015] Technical solution

[0016] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides an apparatus 10 for inserting an insulating member into a battery cell, the apparatus comprising: a carrier 100; and an arm 200.

[0017] The carrier 100 may have a receiving space that is open toward the first side.

[0018] The battery cell 50, which has an internal space open toward the first side, can be housed in the housing space.

[0019] The arm 200 can be positioned on the first side of the carrier 100.

[0020] The arm 200 may have a first end surface S1 on a second side opposite to the first side, wherein the insulating member 70 is held on the first end surface S1.

[0021] Arm 200 can move relative to the second side to insert insulating member 70 into battery cell 50.

[0022] The insulating member 70 may include a through hole 72 formed through the insulating member 70, wherein the through hole 72 extends toward a first side and a second side.

[0023] The arm 200 may include an exhaust port 210 formed through the arm 200.

[0024] The vent 210 may have a first end formed in the first end surface S1.

[0025] The first end of the vent 210 can communicate with the through hole 72 facing the first side and the second side.

[0026] The vent 210 may have a second end formed in the outer surface of the arm 200.

[0027] The second end of the vent 210 may be formed on the first side of the first end surface S1.

[0028] In one embodiment, the vent 210 and the through hole 72 face each other.

[0029] In one embodiment, arm 200 may include: one or more suction holes 220; and one or more connection holes 230.

[0030] Each of the one or more suction holes 220 may have a first end formed in the first end surface S1.

[0031] Each of the one or more suction holes 220 may extend at least partially toward the first side.

[0032] Each of the one or more suction holes 220 can form an airflow path for maintaining the insulating member 70.

[0033] One or more connection holes 230 may communicate with the second end of one or more suction holes 220.

[0034] One or more connection holes 230 can be connected to a pressure reducing source.

[0035] The pressure relief source can provide negative pressure to one or more suction ports 220 and one or more connection ports 230.

[0036] The vent 210 may be spaced apart from one or more suction holes 220 and one or more connection holes 230.

[0037] In one embodiment, the arm 200 may have a side surface S2 extending from the edge of the first end surface S1 toward the first side.

[0038] The vent 210 may include a main vent 212 and one or more extension vents 214.

[0039] The main hole 212 can be recessed from the end of the arm 200 located on the second side toward the first side and closed on the first side.

[0040] Each of one or more extension holes 214 may have a first end communicating with the main hole 212.

[0041] Each of the one or more extension holes 214 may extend at least partially in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the arm 200.

[0042] Each of the one or more extension holes 214 may have a second end formed in the side surface S2.

[0043] In one embodiment, the vent 210 may include a main vent 212 and a plurality of extension vents 214.

[0044] The cross-sectional area of ​​the main hole 212 can be greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the multiple extension holes 214.

[0045] In one embodiment, the vent 210 may include a main vent 212 and a plurality of extension vents 214.

[0046] Multiple extension holes 214 can be formed radially around the main hole 212.

[0047] In one embodiment, a plurality of extension holes 214 may be configured to be equally angularly spaced around the main hole 212 when projected onto a virtual plane perpendicular to the extension direction of the arm 200.

[0048] In one embodiment, the vent 210 may include a main vent 212 and a plurality of extension vents 214.

[0049] The arm 200 may include: a plurality of suction holes 220; and one or more connection holes 230.

[0050] Each of the plurality of suction holes 220 may have a first end formed in the first end surface S1.

[0051] Each of the plurality of suction holes 220 may extend at least partially toward the first side.

[0052] Each of the plurality of suction holes 220 can form an airflow path for maintaining the insulating member 70.

[0053] One or more connection holes 230 can communicate with the second end of multiple suction holes 220.

[0054] One or more connection holes 230 can be connected to a pressure reducing source.

[0055] The pressure relief source can provide negative pressure to multiple suction ports 220 and one or more connection ports 230.

[0056] The main hole 212 and multiple extension holes 214 may be formed to be spaced apart from multiple suction holes 220 and one or more connecting holes 230.

[0057] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of suction holes 220 may include a first hole 222.

[0058] The first hole 222 may have a first end formed in the first end surface S1.

[0059] The first hole 222 can extend toward the first side.

[0060] Multiple first holes 222 can be formed around the main hole 212, spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0061] Multiple extension holes 214 can be formed radially around the main hole 212.

[0062] Each of the plurality of extension holes 214 can be formed by passing through the portion between a pair of adjacent first holes 222 in the circumferential direction.

[0063] In one embodiment, a plurality of extension holes 214 and a plurality of first holes 222 may be alternately formed in the circumferential direction around the main hole 212 when projected onto a virtual plane perpendicular to the extension direction of the arm 200.

[0064] Multiple extension holes 214 and multiple first holes 222 can be alternately formed in the circumferential direction around the main hole 212 at equal angular intervals when projected onto the virtual plane.

[0065] In one embodiment, arm 200 may include a body 202 and a suction tip 204.

[0066] The suction tip 204 can be located on the second side of the main body 202.

[0067] The first end surface S1 may be the end surface of the suction tip 204 located on the second side.

[0068] The vent 210 can be formed through the suction tip 204.

[0069] The vent 210 may have a first end formed in the first end surface S1.

[0070] The vent 210 may have a second end formed in the outer surface of the suction tip 204.

[0071] To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a method S500 for inserting an insulating member into a battery cell, the method comprising: an insertion process S510.

[0072] During the insertion process S510, the arm 200 can move relative to the second side while the insulating member 70 is held on the first end surface S1, so as to insert the insulating member 70 into the battery cell 50.

[0073] In addition, when the insulating member 70 is inserted into the battery cell 50, the air inside the carrier 100 or the battery cell 50 can be discharged to the outside through the through hole 72 of the insulating member 70 and the vent hole 210 of the arm 200.

[0074] Technical effect

[0075] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a device for inserting an insulating member into a battery cell may include: a carrier 100 having a receiving space open toward a first side, in which a battery cell 50 having an internal space open toward the first side can be received; and an arm 200 disposed on a first side of the carrier 100 and having a first end surface S1 on a second side of the arm opposite to the first side, wherein an insulating member 70 is held on the first end surface S1, and the arm 200 is movable toward the second side to insert the insulating member 70 into the battery cell 50. The insulating member 70 may include a through hole 72 formed through the insulating member 70, the through hole 72 extending toward the first side and the second side. The arm 200 may include a vent 210 formed through the arm 200. The vent 210 may have a first end formed in the first end surface S1 and communicating with the through hole 72 toward the first side and the second side, and a second end formed in the outer surface of the arm 200 and on the first side of the first end surface S1.

[0076] Therefore, when the arm 200 moves relative to the second side and inserts the insulating member 70 into the battery cell 50, air inside the carrier 100 or the battery cell 50 can be easily discharged to the outside through the through hole 72 of the insulating member 70 and the vent hole 210 of the arm 200, so that eddies are not generated or are reduced around the insulating member 70. Therefore, even when the insulating member 70 is held on the arm 200 and inserted into the battery cell 50, the insulating member 70 can remain stationary and not rotate during insertion, and can remain attached to the arm 200. Thus, the defect rate of the battery cell 50 can be reduced, and productivity and quality can be improved.

[0077] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the vent 210 and the through hole 72 face each other.

[0078] Therefore, air inside the carrier 100 or battery cell 50 can be easily discharged to the outside through the through hole 72 of the insulating member 70 and the vent hole 210 of the arm 200. Therefore, eddies can be prevented or reduced around the insulating member 70.

[0079] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the arm 200 may include: one or more suction holes 220, each of the one or more suction holes 220 having a first end formed in a first end surface S1, each of the one or more suction holes 220 extending at least partially toward a first side and forming an airflow path for maintaining the insulating member 70; and one or more connecting holes 230 communicating with a second end of the one or more suction holes 220 and connected to a pressure reducing source. The pressure reducing source may provide negative pressure to the one or more suction holes 220 and the one or more connecting holes 230. An exhaust port 210 may be formed to be spaced apart from the one or more suction holes 220 and the one or more connecting holes 230.

[0080] Therefore, since the suction hole 220 and the connection hole 230 are separate from the exhaust hole 210, the insulating member 70 can be stably held on the arm 200 even when the exhaust hole 210 is formed in the arm 200, and this holding state can be stably maintained.

[0081] According to an embodiment of the invention, the arm 200 may have a side surface S2 extending from the edge of the first end surface S1 toward a first side. The vent 210 may include a main hole 212 and one or more extension holes 214. The main hole 212 may be recessed from the end of the arm 200 located on the second side toward the first side and closed on the first side. Each of the one or more extension holes 214 may extend at least partially in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the arm 200, and may have a first end communicating with the main hole 212 and a second end formed in the side surface S2.

[0082] Therefore, the length of the air path through the vent 210 can be reduced. For example, the length of the air path through the vent 210 can be shorter than the length of the arm 200. Therefore, air inside the carrier 100 or battery cell 50 can be easily discharged to the outside through the vent 210. Therefore, eddies can be prevented or reduced around the insulating member 70.

[0083] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the vent 210 may include a main hole 212 and a plurality of extension holes 214. The cross-sectional area of ​​the main hole 212 may be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the plurality of extension holes 214.

[0084] Therefore, air inside the carrier 100 or battery cell 50 can be easily discharged to the outside through the exhaust port 210. Thus, eddy currents can be prevented or reduced around the insulating member 70.

[0085] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the vent 210 may include a main hole 212 and a plurality of extension holes 214. The plurality of extension holes 214 may be formed radially around the main hole 212.

[0086] Therefore, air inside the carrier 100 or battery cell 50 can be easily discharged to the outside through the exhaust port 210. Thus, eddy currents can be prevented or reduced around the insulating member 70.

[0087] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of extension holes 214 may be formed to be equally angularly spaced around the main hole 212 when projected onto a virtual plane perpendicular to the extension direction of the arm 200.

[0088] Therefore, air inside the carrier 100 or battery cell 50 can be easily discharged to the outside through the exhaust port 210. Thus, eddy currents can be prevented or reduced around the insulating member 70.

[0089] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the exhaust port 210 may include a main port 212 and a plurality of extension ports 214. The arm 200 may include: a plurality of suction ports 220, each of the plurality of suction ports 220 having a first end formed in a first end surface S1, each of the plurality of suction ports 220 extending at least partially toward a first side and forming an airflow path for maintaining the insulating member 70; and one or more connecting ports 230 communicating with a second end of the plurality of suction ports 220 and connected to a pressure reducing source. The pressure reducing source may provide negative pressure to the plurality of suction ports 220 and one or more connecting ports 230. The main port 212 and the plurality of extension ports 214 may be spaced apart from the one or more suction ports 220 and one or more connecting ports 230.

[0090] Therefore, even when the vent 210 is formed in the arm 200, the insulating member 70 can be stably held on the arm 200 and can stably maintain this holding state.

[0091] Furthermore, since the vent 210 includes multiple extension holes 214, air inside the carrier 100 or battery cell 50 can be easily discharged to the outside through the vent 210. Therefore, eddies can be prevented or reduced around the insulating member 70.

[0092] In addition, since multiple suction holes 220 are provided, the insulating member 70 can be stably held on the arm 200 and the holding state can be stably maintained.

[0093] According to an embodiment of the invention, each of the plurality of suction holes 220 may include a first hole 222 extending toward a first side and having a first end formed in a first end surface S1. The plurality of first holes 222 may be formed spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction around a main hole 212. A plurality of extension holes 214 may be formed radially around the main hole 212. Each of the plurality of extension holes 214 may be formed through a portion between a pair of adjacent first holes 222 in the circumferential direction.

[0094] Therefore, the multiple suction holes 220 can be formed separately from the multiple extension holes 214. Therefore, even when the exhaust hole 210 is provided in the arm 200, the insulating member 70 can be stably held on the arm 200 and can stably maintain this holding state.

[0095] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of extension holes 214 and a plurality of first holes 222 may be alternately formed in the circumferential direction around the main hole 212 at equal angular intervals when projected onto a virtual plane perpendicular to the extension direction of the arm 200.

[0096] Therefore, the air inside the carrier 100 or battery cell 50 can be easily discharged to the outside through the exhaust port 210, and at the same time, the insulating member 70 can be stably held on the arm 200 and can stably maintain this holding state.

[0097] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the arm 200 may include a body 202 and a suction tip 204 disposed on a second side of the body 202. The first end surface S1 may be the end surface of the suction tip 204 located on the second side. The vent hole 210 may be formed through the suction tip 204, having a first end formed in the first end surface S1 and a second end formed in the outer surface of the suction tip 204.

[0098] Therefore, the vent 210 can be provided by simply replacing the suction tip 204. That is, conventional components other than the suction tip 204 can be used as is. Therefore, the vent 210 can be easily implemented in the arm 200 at low cost.

[0099] Furthermore, since the vent 210 is formed in the suction tip 204 at the tip of the arm 200, the length of the vent 210 can be reduced. Therefore, air inside the carrier 100 or the battery cell 50 can be easily discharged to the outside through the vent 210.

[0100] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method S500 for inserting an insulating member into a battery cell may include an insertion process S510, in which the arm 200 moves relative to the insulating member 70 toward a second side while the insulating member 70 is held on a first end surface S1, to insert the insulating member 70 into the battery cell 50. During the insertion process S510, when the insulating member 70 is inserted into the battery cell 50, air inside the carrier 100 or the battery cell 50 can be discharged to the outside through the through-hole 72 of the insulating member 70 and the vent 210 of the arm 200.

[0101] Therefore, when the arm 200 moves relative to the second side and inserts the insulating member 70 into the battery cell 50, air inside the carrier 100 or the battery cell 50 can be easily discharged to the outside through the through hole 72 of the insulating member 70 and the vent hole 210 of the arm 200, so that eddies are not generated around the insulating member 70 or can be reduced. Therefore, even when the insulating member 70 is held on the arm 200 and inserted into the battery cell 50, the insulating member 70 can remain stationary and not rotate during insertion, and can remain attached to the arm 200. Therefore, the defect rate of the battery cell 50 can be reduced, and productivity and quality can be improved.

[0102] In addition to the aforementioned advantages, the specific effects of the present invention will be further described in detail below. Attached Figure Description

[0103] Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an apparatus for inserting an insulating member into a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0104] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram. Figure 1 and Figure 2 A perspective view of the suction tip of the arm of a device for inserting an insulating component into a battery cell.

[0105] Figure 4 and Figure 5 The diagram shows the sections taken along lines 4-4' and 5-5'. Figure 3 The diagram shows the suction tip, in which the insulating component is adsorbed onto its cross-section.

[0106] Figure 6 yes Figures 3 to 5 A planar perspective view of the suction tip.

[0107] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a method for inserting an insulating member into a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] [Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures]

[0109] 10: A device for inserting insulating components into battery cells

[0110] 50: Battery cell; 52: Electrode connector

[0111] 70: Insulating components

[0112] 100: Load-bearing component

[0113] 200: Arm

[0114] 202: Body 204: Suction tip

[0115] 210: Exhaust port

[0116] 212: Main hole; 214: Extension hole

[0117] 220: Suction port

[0118] 222: First hole; 224: Second hole

[0119] 230: Connecting hole

[0120] S1: First end surface; S2: Side surface Detailed Implementation

[0121] The above-described objects, features, and advantages will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, enabling those skilled in the art to realize the technical concept of the invention. In describing the invention, detailed descriptions of prior art related to the invention will be omitted where it is determined that such detailed descriptions unnecessarily obscure the essential points of the invention. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same or similar parts.

[0122] Although terms such as "first" and "second" are used to describe various elements, these elements are of course not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another, and unless otherwise specified, the first element can also be the second element.

[0123] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be in singular or plural form.

[0124] In the following text, “arranging the element at the upper (or lower) portion of the element” or “arranging the element at the top (or bottom) of the element” means not only “arranging the element in contact with the upper (or lower) surface”, but also “arranging the element above the upper (or lower) surface in such a way that another element is inserted between the element and the upper (or lower) surface”.

[0125] Furthermore, when an element is described as “connected to another element,” “connected to another element,” or “in contact with another element,” it should be understood that the element may be “directly connected to another element,” “directly connected to another element,” or “directly in contact with another element,” or the element may be “connected to another element,” “connected to another element,” or “in contact with another element” by means of another element inserted between the element and the other element or via another element.

[0126] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular expressions used herein include the plural expressions. Terms such as “consisting of” or “comprising” as used herein should not be construed as including all elements or steps of the elements described in the specification, and should be construed as excluding some elements or steps of the elements, or including additional elements or steps.

[0127] Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of an apparatus for inserting an insulating member into a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram. Figure 1 and Figure 2 A perspective view of the suction tip of the arm of a device for inserting an insulating component into a battery cell. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The diagram shows the sections taken along lines 4-4' and 5-5'. Figure 3 The diagram shows the suction tip, in which the insulating component is adsorbed onto its cross-section. Figure 6 yes Figures 3 to 5 A planar perspective view of the suction tip. Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a method for inserting an insulating member into a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0128] [A device for inserting insulating components into battery cells]

[0129] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The device 10 for inserting the insulating member of the battery cell may include: a carrier 100; an arm 200; and a pressure reduction source (not shown).

[0130] The carrier 100 may have a receiving space that opens toward a first side (e.g., the upper side). The battery cell 50, which has an internal space that opens toward the first side, may be housed in the receiving space.

[0131] Here, the battery cell 50 may include an electrode tab 52 that protrudes upward toward the first side.

[0132] Arm 200 may be disposed on a first side of the support member 100. Arm 200 may have a first end surface S1 on a second side (e.g., the lower side) opposite to the first side. Insulating member 70 ( Figure 4 and Figure 5 It can be held on the first end surface S1. The arm 200 can be moved relative to the second side to insert the insulating member 70 into the battery cell 50.

[0133] Here, the insulating member 70 may have a plate shape. The insulating member 70 may have a ring shape. The insulating member 70 may include a through hole 72 formed through the insulating member 70, the through hole 72 extending toward a first side and a second side. Figure 4 and Figure 5 ).

[0134] Arm 200 may have a side surface S2 ( Figures 3 to 5 The side surface S2 can extend from the edge of the first end surface S1 toward the first side.

[0135] A pressure-reducing source can be connected to arm 200. The pressure-reducing source can provide a negative pressure to arm 200, causing the insulating member 70 to remain on the first end surface S1. Figure 4 ).

[0136] [arm]

[0137] The arm 200 may include a body 202 and a suction tip 204 disposed on a second side of the body 202.

[0138] The body 202 may extend toward a second side (e.g., the lower side). At least a portion of one or more connection holes 230 described below may be formed in the body 202.

[0139] The suction tip 204 can be provided on the second side of the body 202. The first end surface S1 described above can be the end surface of the suction tip 204 located on the second side.

[0140] Further reference Figures 3 to 6 Arm 200 may include an exhaust port 210. Here, arm 200 may correspond to the suction tip 204 of arm 200. The same applies below. Arm 200 may include one or more suction ports 220. Arm 200 may include one or more connection ports 230.

[0141] The vent 210 can be formed through the arm 200.

[0142] The vent 210 may have a first end formed in the first end surface S1. The first end of the vent 210 may communicate with a through hole 72 facing the first side and the second side. The vent 210 may have a second end formed in the outer surface of the arm 200 and on the first side of the first end surface S1.

[0143] Therefore, when the arm 200 moves relative to the second side and inserts the insulating member 70 into the battery cell 50, air inside the carrier 100 or the battery cell 50 can be easily discharged to the outside through the through hole 72 of the insulating member 70 and the vent hole 210 of the arm 200, so that eddies are not generated or are reduced around the insulating member 70. Therefore, even when the insulating member 70 is held on the arm 200 and inserted into the battery cell 50, the insulating member 70 can remain stationary and not rotate during insertion, and can remain attached to the arm 200. Thus, the defect rate of the battery cell 50 can be reduced, and productivity and quality can be improved.

[0144] If the insulating member 70 moves, rotates, or detaches from the arm 200 during insertion, it may become stuck on the carrier 100 or the upper end of the battery cell 50, or the electrode contacts 52 of the battery cell 50 may be damaged. Therefore, the defect rate of the battery cell 50 may increase, and the manufacturing process should be stopped.

[0145] Vent 210 and through hole 72 face each other.

[0146] Therefore, air inside the carrier 100 or battery cell 50 can be easily discharged to the outside through the through hole 72 of the insulating member 70 and the vent hole 210 of the arm 200. Therefore, eddies can be prevented or reduced around the insulating member 70.

[0147] The second end of the vent 210 may not be inserted into the carrier 100 or the battery cell 50.

[0148] The vent 210 may be spaced apart from one or more suction holes 220 and one or more connection holes 230, which will be described later.

[0149] Therefore, since the suction hole 220 and the connection hole 230 are separate from the exhaust hole 210, the insulating member 70 can be stably held on the arm 200 even when the exhaust hole 210 is formed in the arm 200, and this holding state can be stably maintained.

[0150] An vent 210 can be formed through the suction tip 204. The vent 210 can have a first end formed in the first end surface S1. The vent 210 can also have a second end formed in the outer surface of the suction tip 204. Figures 3 to 6 ).

[0151] Therefore, the vent 210 can be provided by simply replacing the suction tip 204. That is, conventional components other than the suction tip 204 can be used as is. Therefore, the vent 210 can be easily implemented in the arm 200 at low cost.

[0152] Furthermore, since the vent 210 is formed in the suction tip 204 at the tip of the arm 200, the length of the vent 210 can be reduced. Therefore, air inside the carrier 100 or the battery cell 50 can be easily discharged to the outside through the vent 210.

[0153] The vent 210 may include a main hole 212 and one or more extension holes 214. The vent 210 may include multiple extension holes 214.

[0154] The main hole 212 can be recessed from the end of the arm 200 located on the second side toward the first side. The main hole 212 can be closed at the first side. That is, the main hole 212 can have a first end formed in the first end surface S1 and a closed second end. The electrode tab 52 can be inserted into the main hole 212. Figure 2 ).

[0155] Each extension hole 214 may have a first end communicating with the main hole 212. Each extension hole 214 may extend at least partially in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the arm 200. Each extension hole 214 may have a second end formed in the side surface S2 of the arm 200.

[0156] Therefore, the length of the air path through the vent 210 can be reduced. For example, the length of the air path through the vent 210 can be shorter than the length of the arm 200. Therefore, air inside the carrier 100 or battery cell 50 can be easily discharged to the outside through the vent 210. Therefore, eddies can be prevented or reduced around the insulating member 70.

[0157] The cross-sectional area of ​​the main hole 212 can be greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the multiple extension holes 214.

[0158] Therefore, air inside the carrier 100 or battery cell 50 can be easily discharged to the outside through the exhaust port 210. Thus, eddy currents can be prevented or reduced around the insulating member 70.

[0159] Multiple extension holes 214 can be formed radially around the main hole 212.

[0160] Therefore, air inside the carrier 100 or battery cell 50 can be easily discharged to the outside through the exhaust port 210. Thus, eddy currents can be prevented or reduced around the insulating member 70.

[0161] Multiple extension holes 214 can be formed such that when projected onto a virtual plane perpendicular to the extension direction of arm 200, they are spaced at equal angles around the main hole 212. Figure 6 ).

[0162] Therefore, air inside the carrier 100 or battery cell 50 can be easily discharged to the outside through the exhaust port 210. Thus, eddy currents can be prevented or reduced around the insulating member 70.

[0163] The main hole 212 and the plurality of extension holes 214 may be formed to be spaced apart from one or more suction holes 220 and one or more connecting holes 230 as described below.

[0164] Therefore, even when the vent 210 is formed in the arm 200, the insulating member 70 can be stably held on the arm 200 and can stably maintain this holding state.

[0165] Furthermore, since the vent 210 includes multiple extension holes 214, air inside the carrier 100 or battery cell 50 can be easily discharged to the outside through the vent 210. Therefore, eddies can be prevented or reduced around the insulating member 70.

[0166] In addition, since multiple suction holes 220 are provided, the insulating member 70 can be stably held on the arm 200 and the holding state can be stably maintained.

[0167] As described above, a plurality of extension holes 214 may be formed radially around the main hole 212. Here, each of the plurality of extension holes 214 may be formed through a portion between a pair of adjacent first holes 222, which surround the main hole 212 in the circumferential direction, and will be described later.

[0168] Therefore, the multiple suction holes 220 can be formed separately from the multiple extension holes 214. Therefore, even when the exhaust hole 210 is provided in the arm 200, the insulating member 70 can be stably held on the arm 200 and can stably maintain this holding state.

[0169] Multiple extension holes 214 and multiple first holes 222 can be alternately formed at equal angular intervals in the circumferential direction around the main hole 212 when projected onto a virtual plane perpendicular to the extension direction of the arm 200.

[0170] Therefore, the air inside the carrier 100 or battery cell 50 can be easily discharged to the outside through the exhaust port 210, and at the same time, the insulating member 70 can be stably held on the arm 200 and can stably maintain this holding state.

[0171] Each of the one or more suction holes 220 may have a first end formed in the first end surface S1 of the arm 200. Each of the one or more suction holes 220 may extend at least partially toward the first side. Each of the one or more suction holes 220 may form an airflow path for retaining the insulating member 70.

[0172] Each suction hole 220 may include a first hole 222. Each suction hole 220 may include a second hole 224. The first hole 222 may have a first end formed in a first end surface S1. The first hole 222 may extend toward a first side.

[0173] Multiple first holes 222 can be formed around the main hole 212, spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction.

[0174] The second hole 224 may have a first end communicating with the second end of the first hole 222. The second hole 224 may have a second end communicating with the connecting hole 230. The second hole 224 may extend at least partially in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the arm 200.

[0175] One or more connection holes 230 may be provided at the body 202 and / or the suction tip 204. One or more connection holes 230 may communicate with the second end of one or more suction holes 220. One or more connection holes 230 may be connected to a pressure reduction source.

[0176] The pressure reducing source can provide negative pressure to one or more suction ports 220 and one or more connection ports 230.

[0177] [Method for inserting insulating components into battery cells]

[0178] Reference Figure 7 The method S500 for inserting an insulating member of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an insertion process S510.

[0179] During the insertion process S510, the arm 200 can move relative to the second side while the insulating member 70 is held on the first end surface S1, so as to insert the insulating member 70 into the battery cell 50.

[0180] Here, when the insulating member 70 is inserted into the battery cell 50, the air inside the carrier 100 or the battery cell 50 can be discharged to the outside through the through hole 72 of the insulating member 70 and the vent hole 210 of the arm 200.

[0181] Therefore, when the arm 200 moves relative to the second side and inserts the insulating member 70 into the battery cell 50, air inside the carrier 100 or the battery cell 50 can be easily discharged to the outside through the through hole 72 of the insulating member 70 and the vent hole 210 of the arm 200, so that eddies are not generated or are reduced around the insulating member 70. Therefore, even when the insulating member 70 is held on the arm 200 and inserted into the battery cell 50, the insulating member 70 can remain stationary and not rotate during insertion, and can remain attached to the arm 200. Thus, the defect rate of the battery cell 50 can be reduced, and productivity and quality can be improved.

[0182] It should be understood that the described embodiments are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive, and the scope of the invention will be indicated by the appended claims rather than the detailed description described herein. Furthermore, the meaning and scope of the claims described later, as well as all variations and modifications derived from equivalent concepts, should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the invention.

[0183] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the illustrated drawings, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed in this specification, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope and concept of the invention. Furthermore, although the operational effects of the configuration according to the invention are not explicitly described in the description of embodiments of the invention, it should be understood that predictable effects will also be identified through this configuration.

Claims

1. An apparatus for inserting an insulating member into a battery cell, the apparatus comprising: A carrier (100) having a receiving space open toward a first side, wherein a battery cell (50) having an internal space open toward the first side is received; and An arm (200) is disposed on the first side of the support member (100) and has a first end surface (S1) on a second side opposite to the first side, on which an insulating member (70) is held. The arm (200) moves relative to the second side to insert the insulating member (70) into the battery cell (50). The insulating member (70) includes a through hole (72) formed through the insulating member (70), the through hole (72) extending toward the first side and the second side, and The arm (200) includes an exhaust port (210) formed through the arm (200), wherein the exhaust port (210) has a first end formed in the first end surface (S1) and communicating with the through hole (72) toward the first side and the second side, and a second end formed in the outer surface of the arm (200) and on the first side of the first end surface (S1).

2. The apparatus for inserting an insulating member into a battery cell according to claim 1, wherein, The vent (210) and the through hole (72) face each other.

3. The apparatus for inserting an insulating member into a battery cell according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The arm (200) includes: one or more suction holes (220), each of the one or more suction holes (220) having a first end formed in the first end surface (S1), each of the one or more suction holes (220) extending at least partially toward the first side and forming an airflow path for maintaining the insulating member (70); and one or more connecting holes (230), the one or more connecting holes (230) communicating with a second end of the one or more suction holes (220) and connected to a pressure reduction source. The pressure reduction source provides negative pressure to the one or more suction ports (220) and the one or more connection ports (230), and The vent (210) is formed to be spaced apart from the one or more suction holes (220) and the one or more connection holes (230).

4. The apparatus for inserting an insulating member into a battery cell according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The arm (200) has a side surface (S2) extending from the edge of the first end surface (S1) toward the first side, and The vent (210) includes a main hole (212) and one or more extension holes (214). The main hole (212) is recessed from the end of the arm (200) located on the second side toward the first side and is closed on the first side. Each of the one or more extension holes (214) extends at least partially in a direction intersecting the extension direction of the arm (200), and has a first end communicating with the main hole (212) and a second end formed in the side surface (S2).

5. The apparatus for inserting an insulating member into a battery cell according to claim 4, wherein, The vent (210) includes the main hole (212) and a plurality of the extension holes (214), wherein the cross-sectional area of ​​the main hole (212) is greater than the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the plurality of extension holes (214).

6. The apparatus for inserting an insulating member into a battery cell according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, The vent (210) includes the main hole (212) and a plurality of extension holes (214) formed radially around the main hole (212).

7. The apparatus for inserting an insulating member into a battery cell according to claim 6, wherein, The plurality of extension holes (214) are formed to be equally angularly spaced around the main hole (212) when projected onto a virtual plane perpendicular to the extension direction of the arm (200).

8. The apparatus for inserting an insulating member into a battery cell according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein, The vent (210) includes the main hole (212) and the plurality of extension holes (214). The arm (200) includes: a plurality of suction holes (220), each of the plurality of suction holes (220) having a first end formed in the first end surface (S1), each of the plurality of suction holes (220) extending at least partially toward the first side and forming an airflow path for maintaining the insulating member (70); and one or more connecting holes (230), the one or more connecting holes (230) communicating with the second end of the plurality of suction holes (220) and connected to a pressure reduction source. The pressure reduction source provides negative pressure to the plurality of suction holes (220) and the one or more connection holes (230), and The main hole (212) and the plurality of extension holes (214) are formed to be spaced apart from the plurality of suction holes (220) and the one or more connecting holes (230).

9. The apparatus for inserting an insulating member into a battery cell according to claim 8, wherein, Each of the plurality of suction holes (220) includes a first hole (222) extending toward the first side and having a first end formed in the first end surface (S1). The plurality of first holes (222) are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction around the main hole (212). The plurality of extension holes (214) are formed radially around the main hole (212), each of the plurality of extension holes (214) being formed through a portion between a pair of adjacent first holes (222) in the circumferential direction.

10. The apparatus for inserting an insulating member into a battery cell according to claim 9, wherein, When the plurality of extension holes (214) and the plurality of first holes (222) are projected onto a virtual plane perpendicular to the extension direction of the arm (200), they are alternately formed at equal angular intervals around the main hole (212) in the circumferential direction.

11. The apparatus for inserting an insulating member into a battery cell according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The arm (200) includes a body (202) and a suction tip (204) disposed on the second side of the body (202). The first end surface (S1) is the end surface of the suction tip (204) located on the second side, and The vent (210) is formed through the suction tip (204), has a first end formed in the first end surface (S1), and has a second end formed in the outer surface of the suction tip (204).

12. A method (S500) for inserting an insulating member of a battery cell using an apparatus for inserting an insulating member according to any one of claims 1 to 11, the method comprising: In the insertion process (S510), while the insulating member (70) is held on the first end surface (S1), the arm (200) moves relative to the second side to insert the insulating member (70) into the battery cell (50). During the insertion process (S510), when the insulating member (70) is inserted into the battery cell (50), the air inside the carrier (100) or the battery cell (50) is discharged to the outside through the through hole (72) of the insulating member (70) and the vent hole (210) of the arm (200).

Images