Battery cell alignment device

Abstract

A battery cell alignment device according to an embodiment of the disclosure includes a seating member on which a battery cell is seated, an alignment member for aligning the battery cell, and a coupling bracket to which the alignment member is pivotably coupled. The battery cell alignment device according to an embodiment of the disclosure has the effect of precisely aligning the battery cell and shortening the alignment time thereof.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a battery cell alignment device, and more specifically, to a device for aligning battery cells during battery manufacturing. Background Technology

[0002] Unlike non-rechargeable primary batteries, secondary batteries are rechargeable and dischargeable batteries, and they are used not only in portable devices but also in vehicles powered by electric drive sources, such as electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).

[0003] Currently widely used types of rechargeable batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of such individual rechargeable battery cells (i.e., single-cell batteries) is approximately 2.5 V to 4.6 V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, multiple cells are connected in series to form a battery pack. Alternatively, depending on the required charge / discharge capacity of the battery pack, multiple cells can be connected in parallel to configure the battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in a battery pack can be determined in various ways based on the required output voltage and / or charge / discharge capacity.

[0004] When multiple battery cells are connected in series and / or parallel to form a battery pack, a battery module comprising at least one, preferably multiple battery cells, is typically configured first, and then the battery pack is configured using at least one such battery module and additional components. Here, a battery module refers to a component in which multiple battery cells are connected in series and / or parallel, and a battery pack refers to a component in which multiple battery modules are connected in series and / or parallel to increase capacity and output.

[0005] Secondary batteries are classified into button batteries, cylindrical batteries, prismatic batteries, and pouch batteries based on the shape of the battery casing that houses the electrode components.

[0006] The electrode assembly housed in the battery casing is a power generation element capable of charging and discharging. The electrode assembly includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator inserted between the positive and negative electrodes. Electrode assemblies are classified into wound electrode assemblies and stacked electrode assemblies. Wound electrode assemblies are formed by winding a long sheet-shaped positive electrode coated with active material and a long sheet-shaped negative electrode with a separator sandwiched between them. Stacked electrode assemblies have multiple positive electrodes and multiple negative electrodes of a predetermined size stacked sequentially with a separator between them.

[0007] In these batteries, battery modules composed of pouch cells can be formed as a stack of battery cells stacked in one direction.

[0008] Furthermore, when manufacturing such battery modules or battery packs, it is necessary to stack the individual battery cells or to align the individual battery cells.

[0009] Defects may occur if the battery cells are not accurately aligned during the battery cell stacking process or the battery cell alignment process. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Technical issues

[0011] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a battery cell alignment device that can shorten the alignment time of battery cells and enable precise alignment of battery cells.

[0012] Technical solution

[0013] A battery cell alignment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a placement member on which a battery cell is placed; an alignment member for aligning the battery cell; and a coupling bracket to which the alignment member is pivotally coupled.

[0014] In addition, the alignment member can be pivotally coupled to the coupling bracket via a pivot pin.

[0015] Additionally, the alignment component includes rollers that can move along the outer surface of the mounting component.

[0016] In addition, the battery cell alignment device also includes an elastic member connected to the alignment member.

[0017] In addition, after the alignment member pivots, the elastic member restores the alignment member to its initial position.

[0018] Alternatively, the elastic component can be a spring.

[0019] In addition, the battery cell alignment device also includes a support bracket that restricts the unidirectional rotation of the alignment components.

[0020] In addition, the support bracket is located below the alignment component.

[0021] In addition, the battery cell alignment device also includes a cylinder for moving the bonding bracket.

[0022] In addition, the mounting components include the mounting surface for mounting individual battery cells.

[0023] In addition, the mounting components also include a side support surface that supports the side of the battery cell on one side of the mounting surface.

[0024] In addition, multiple mounting surfaces are spaced apart at predetermined angles within the mounting member.

[0025] Beneficial effects

[0026] The battery cell alignment device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure has the effect of accurately aligning battery cells and shortening their alignment time. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the interior of a pouch cell in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the electrode assembly in an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 3 This is a plan view of a pouch cell in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0030] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a battery cell alignment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A detailed view of a part of the image.

[0032] Figure 6 A diagram illustrating a battery cell aligned using a battery cell alignment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0033] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A detailed view of a part of the image. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The advantages and features of this disclosure, as well as methods for achieving these advantages and features, will become apparent from the embodiments described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be implemented in various other forms. The embodiments are provided merely to ensure the completeness of this disclosure and to fully inform those skilled in the art of its scope. This disclosure is defined only by the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, in some embodiments, well-known process steps, well-known equipment structures, and well-known technologies have not been described in detail to avoid obscuring this disclosure. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals denote the same elements.

[0035] In the accompanying drawings, the thickness of layers and regions may be enlarged for clarity. Throughout the specification, similar parts are indicated by the same reference numerals. When an element such as a layer, film, region, or plate is referred to as being "on" another element, it may be directly disposed on the other element, or one or more intermediate elements may exist between the element and the other element. In contrast, when a portion is referred to as being "directly situated" on another portion, it means that there is no intermediate portion between the portion and the other portion. Similarly, when an element is referred to as being "below" another element, it may be directly situated below the other element, or intermediate elements may exist. In contrast, when a portion is referred to as being "directly situated" below another portion, it means that there is no intermediate portion.

[0036] Before describing the battery cell alignment device 2000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery cell 1000 will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the interior of a pouch cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 This is a plan view of a pouch cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] In this embodiment, the battery cell 1000 can be a pouch cell 1000. However, the battery cell 1000 is not necessarily limited to the pouch type and can be configured in various forms, such as prismatic, cylindrical or other shapes.

[0039] In this embodiment, the pouch cell 1000 includes an electrode assembly 200 and a battery casing 100 that houses the electrode assembly 200.

[0040] The battery housing 100 is used to house the electrode assembly 200, and may be a pouch-type battery housing 100.

[0041] In embodiments of this disclosure, the battery housing 100 includes a lower housing 110 and an upper housing 120 covering the lower housing 110, and the lower housing 110 and the upper housing 120 can be integrally formed. Furthermore, as... Figure 1 As shown, the lower housing 110 and the upper housing 120 can be connected to each other, and the connection between the lower housing 110 and the upper housing 120 can be bent to form a structure folded along the fold line 190.

[0042] Both the lower housing 110 and the upper housing 120 can have a laminated structure including an inner resin layer, a metal layer and an outer resin layer.

[0043] In the battery housing 100, the inner resin layer is located inside the battery housing 100 relative to the metal layer. Since the inner resin layer is in direct contact with the electrode assembly 200, it needs to have insulation and electrolyte resistance. Furthermore, in order to achieve external sealing, the sealing characteristics, i.e., the sealing portion of the thermally bonded inner layer, require excellent thermal bonding strength.

[0044] Materials used for the inner resin layer can be selected from polyolefin-based resins, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene acrylic acid, and polybutene; as well as polyurethane resins and polyimide resins, which have excellent chemical resistance and sealing properties. Polypropylene (PP) is the most preferred material due to its excellent mechanical properties, such as tensile strength, stiffness, surface hardness, and impact resistance, as well as its chemical resistance.

[0045] The metal layer is located between the inner and outer resin layers and serves as a barrier layer to prevent moisture or various gases from penetrating into the battery from the outside. A preferred material for the metal layer in contact with the inner resin layer is a lightweight aluminum (Al) film, which exhibits excellent formability.

[0046] The outer resin layer is located on the outside of the battery housing 100 relative to the metal layer. To protect the electrode assembly 200 and ensure heat and chemical resistance, a heat-resistant polymer with excellent tensile strength, moisture permeability, and gas permeability can be used for the outer resin layer. For example, nylon or polyethylene terephthalate can be used, but the material is not limited to these.

[0047] Receiving grooves 130 may be formed in the lower housing 110 and / or the upper housing 120. The receiving grooves 130 are used to accommodate the electrode assembly 200 inside the battery housing 100. The receiving groove 130 of the upper housing 120 may be located above the receiving groove 130 of the lower housing 110, and the electrode assembly 200 may be accommodated within the receiving grooves 130 of the upper housing 120 and the lower housing 110.

[0048] Additionally, the protective strip 150 can be attached to each of the lower housing 110 and the upper housing 120. The protective strip 150 protects the battery housing 100 from welding debris generated during the formation of the weld portion 230 of the electrode assembly 200, and also protects the battery housing 100 when a seal is formed by heat-welding the edges of the battery housing 100. The protective strip 150 can be attached to the lower housing 110 and the upper housing 120, respectively.

[0049] In the lower housing 110 and the upper housing 120, a protective strip 150 is attached to the welding portion 230 of the electrode assembly 200 of the lower housing 110 or the edge where the electrode leads 231 and 232 are located. For example... Figure 2As shown, the two electrode leads 231 and 232 in the electrode assembly 200 can extend in opposite directions, and the protective strip 150 can be attached to the two side edges of the lower housing 110 and the upper housing 120 where the welding part 230 or the electrode leads 231 and 232 are provided.

[0050] Therefore, the protective strip 150 can be located at the edge of the upper housing 120 between the upper end of the receiving groove 130 formed in the upper housing 120 and the lower end of the receiving groove 130 and the lower end of the upper housing 120. In the plan view, the protective strip 150 can have a larger area than the welding portion 230 of the electrode assembly 200.

[0051] The electrode assembly 200 housed in the battery casing 100 can be selected from the group consisting of: a wound electrode assembly having a structure in which a separator is inserted between an elongated positive electrode and an elongated negative electrode and then wound; a stacked electrode assembly consisting of a single cell having a structure in which rectangular positive and rectangular negative electrodes are stacked with a separator in between; a stacked-folded electrode assembly in which the single cell is wound with an elongated separator membrane; and a layered-stacked electrode assembly in which the single cell is stacked with a separator in between and attached to each other.

[0052] In this disclosure, the electrode assembly 200 may include, for example, an electrode stack 210 and a retaining strip 220 wound around the electrode stack 210, such as Figure 2 As shown.

[0053] The electrode stack 210 may include a positive electrode 211, a negative electrode 213 and a diaphragm 212 disposed between the positive electrode 211 and the negative electrode 213, and may be formed in a shape in which the length in the longitudinal direction is relatively longer than the length in the width direction.

[0054] The fixing strap 220 is used to fix the electrode stack 210, which has a positive electrode 211, a separator 212 and a negative electrode 213 stacked together, and fixes the electrode stack 210 by wrapping it around the outside of the electrode stack 210.

[0055] In addition, the electrode assembly 200 may include two electrode tabs 201 and 202 and two electrode leads 231 and 232.

[0056] Electrode terminals 201 and 202 are formed to protrude outward from the electrode stack 210. One of the two electrode terminals 201 and 202, electrode terminal 201, can be a positive terminal terminal connected (extending) to the positive electrode 211, and the other electrode terminal terminal 202 can be a negative terminal terminal connected (extending) to the negative electrode 213.

[0057] Electrode leads 231 and 232 are connected to electrode terminals 201 and 202, and can be soldered to them. The materials used for electrode leads 231 and 232 are not particularly limited, as long as they are conductive. For example, the materials for electrode leads 231 and 232 may include at least one of copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), carbon (C), chromium (Cr), and manganese (Mn). However, electrode leads 231 and 232 are not limited to the materials mentioned above, and can be selected differently considering mechanical strength, flexibility, machinability, etc.

[0058] For example, predetermined portions of electrode leads 231 and 232 may overlap with predetermined portions of electrode tabs 201 and 202 in the vertical direction to form a weld portion 230, and electrode tabs 201 and 202 may be connected to electrode leads 231 and 232 through the weld portion 230.

[0059] For example, the weld portion 230 can be formed by ultrasonic welding. Ultrasonic welding applies high-frequency vibrations generated by high-frequency ultrasound of approximately 20 kHz, and the vibrational energy is converted into heat energy through friction at the interface between the electrode tabs 201 and 202 and the electrode leads 231 and 232, thereby achieving rapid welding. As another example, the weld portion 230 can be formed by laser welding.

[0060] One of the two electrode leads 231 and 232 may be a positive lead connected to the positive terminal, and the other electrode lead 232 may be a negative lead connected to the negative terminal. For example, the positive lead may be made of aluminum, and the negative lead may be made of copper or nickel-coated copper, but the materials are not limited to these.

[0061] although Figure 2 The two electrode leads 231 and 232 shown are positioned on both sides of the electrode assembly 200, but they can be positioned on one side of the electrode assembly 200, depending on the arrangement of the electrode tabs 201 and 202. That is, when the two electrode tabs 201 and 202 are positioned on one side of the electrode assembly 200, the two electrode leads 231 and 232 connected to the electrode tabs 201 and 202 can also be formed in the same direction of the electrode assembly 200.

[0062] like Figure 3 As shown, lead film 155 can be attached to each of electrode leads 231 and 232. Lead film 155, bonded to electrode leads 231 and 232, is located between electrode leads 231 and 232 and battery housing 100 to prevent short circuits between electrode leads 231 and 232 and battery housing 100, and to improve sealing to prevent electrolyte leakage.

[0063] In embodiments of this disclosure, the remaining portion of the battery housing 100 (excluding the folded portion connecting the lower housing 110 and the upper housing 120 constituting the battery housing 100) can be thermally compressed and sealed.

[0064] In other words, such as Figure 3 As shown, a sealing portion 160 for sealing may be provided in the remaining part of the battery housing 100, excluding the folded portion.

[0065] The sealing part 160 may be provided at the edge of the battery housing 100, and may be formed at the edge of the battery housing 100 other than the fold (fold line 190).

[0066] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown in the plan view, the battery housing 100 can be formed into a generally rectangular shape, and the battery housing 100 can have a pair of long sides 101 spaced apart from each other and a pair of short sides 102 spaced apart from each other. The pair of short sides 102 are provided on the left and right sides of the battery housing 100, and the pair of long sides 101 can be connected to each other.

[0067] Here, the fold line 190 can be provided on one long side 101, and the sealing part 160 can be formed on the other three sides 101 and 102, excluding the side with the fold line 190.

[0068] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 4 to 7 Detailed description of the battery cell alignment device 2000 according to this embodiment.

[0069] The battery cell alignment device 2000 may include a mounting member 2100 on which a battery cell 1000 is mounted, an alignment member 2200 for aligning the battery cell, a connecting bracket 2210, an elastic member 2220, a support bracket 2230, and a cylinder 2250.

[0070] A battery cell 1000 can be mounted on a mounting member 2100. The mounting member 2100 may include one or more mounting surfaces 2110 on which the battery cell 1000 is mounted. The mounting member 2100 may include a plurality of mounting surfaces 2110, and the mounting member 2100 may be rotatable about a central axis X. The plurality of mounting surfaces 2110 may be spaced apart about the central axis X at a predetermined angle. Figure 4 An example is shown where four mounting surfaces 2110 are spaced apart at 90-degree angles around the central axis X. As another example, multiple mounting surfaces 2110 may be spaced apart at different angles.

[0071] The mounting surface 2110 may include a flat surface, and the battery cell 1000 may be mounted on the mounting surface 2110. The width of the mounting surface 2110 may be equal to or greater than the width of the battery cell 1000. The width of the battery cell 1000 may be the distance between a pair of long sides 101. Two or more stacked battery cells 1000 may be mounted on the mounting surface 2110. The mounting surface 2110 may be formed as a recessed groove from the outer surface of the mounting member 2100.

[0072] The mounting member 2100 can be configured in a wheel shape. That is, the mounting member 2100 can rotate about the central axis X, and a rounded connecting surface 2130 can be provided between the multiple mounting surfaces 2110. The distances between the multiple mounting surfaces 2110 and the central axis can be the same.

[0073] The mounting member 2100 may further include a side support surface 2120. The side support surface 2120 may be disposed at one end of each mounting surface 2110 and may be disposed perpendicular to one end of each mounting surface 2110. The side of the battery cell 1000 may be supported by the side support surface 2120.

[0074] The alignment member 2200 can be used to align the battery cell 1000 mounted on the mounting member 2100. The alignment member 2200 can be pivotally mounted on the coupling bracket 2210, and the alignment member 2200 can be pivotally coupled to the coupling bracket 2210 via a pivot pin 2211. The rear end of the alignment member 2200 can be coupled to the coupling bracket 2210. As described below, when the mounting member 2100 moves continuously toward the alignment member 2200, one end (front end) 2201 of the alignment member 2200 contacts the battery cell 1000, thereby aligning the battery cell 1000.

[0075] In this embodiment, the alignment member 2200 can be configured as a latch. Therefore, the alignment member 2200 can rotate in one direction and can restrict rotation in the opposite direction.

[0076] The alignment member 2200 may include a roller 2240. The roller 2240 may be disposed at the lower front part of the alignment member 2200 and may be rotatably disposed on the alignment member 2200.

[0077] As described below, when the mounting member 2100 moves toward the alignment member 2200, the roller 2240 contacts the connecting surface 2130 of the mounting member 2100. As the mounting member 2100 moves continuously toward the alignment member 2200, the roller 2240 can move relative to it along the connecting surface 2130. Therefore, the alignment member 2200 can move smoothly along the connecting surface 2130 with minimal friction via the roller 2240 and align with the battery cell 1000.

[0078] The coupling bracket 2210 can be disposed on the rear side of the alignment member 2200, and the alignment member 2200 can be pivotally coupled to the coupling bracket 2210. As described above, the rear end of the alignment member 2200 can be pivotally coupled to the coupling bracket 2210 via a pivot pin 2211.

[0079] The elastic member 2220 can be used to restore the alignment member 2200 to its initial position after the alignment member 2200 has been rotated. The elastic member 2220 can have an elastic restoring force and can be, for example, a spring. In this embodiment, one end of the elastic member 2220 can be coupled to the lower part of the alignment member 2200, and the other end of the elastic member 2220 can be coupled to the support bracket 2230.

[0080] Therefore, as Figure 7 As shown in Figure 8, when the roller 2240 of the alignment member 2200 moves relative to the connecting surface 2130 of the placement member 2100, the alignment member 2200 rotates about the pivot pin 2211. Then, when the placement member 2100 moves away from the alignment member 2200, the alignment member 2200 rotates back to its initial position via the elastic member 2220.

[0081] The support bracket 2230 can restrict the alignment member 2200 from rotating in one direction. The support bracket 2230 can be disposed below the alignment member 2200 and can support the alignment member 2200. As described above, when the alignment member 2200 rotates back to its initial position via the elastic member 2220, the alignment member 2200 is supported by the support bracket 2230, thus stopping the rotation of the alignment member 2200. Therefore, the support bracket 2230 can function as a limiter.

[0082] Additionally, one end of the elastic member 2220 can be connected to the support bracket 2230, and the support bracket 2230 can be connected to the connecting bracket 2210. The support bracket 2230 can be fixed to the connecting bracket 2210.

[0083] In this embodiment, cylinder 2250 is movably coupled to bracket 2210. Cylinder 2250 may include a cylinder body and a piston rod retractable into and extending from the cylinder body, and the coupling bracket 2210 may be coupled to the end of the piston rod.

[0084] Therefore, when the piston rod retracts into or extends from the cylinder body, the coupling bracket 2210 coupled to the piston rod can move forward and backward, and the alignment member 2200 coupled to the coupling bracket 2210 can move forward and backward.

[0085] Next, a battery cell alignment method using the battery cell alignment apparatus 2000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0086] Battery cells 1000 can be transported by conveyor belt 1100 and placed on mounting member 2100 from conveyor belt 1100. Battery cells 1000 can be placed on mounting surface 2110 of mounting member 2100. At this time, the main surface (widest surface) of battery cell 1000 can be placed on mounting surface 2110 (where battery cell 1000 is in a flat state), a pair of long sides 101 can be placed along mounting surface 2110, and one long side 101 can be set to face the side support surface 2120.

[0087] With the battery cell 1000 mounted on the mounting member 2100, the roller 2240 of the alignment member 2200 contacts the connecting surface 2130 of the mounting member 2100 (see...). Figure 4 Subsequently, as the placement member 2100 moves toward the alignment member 2200, the roller 2240 can move relative to the connecting surface 2130, as... Figure 6 As shown. Then, the alignment member 2200 rotates about the pivot pin 2211. As the mounting member 2100 continues to move toward the alignment member 2200, the front end 2201 of the alignment member 2200 contacts and pushes the battery cell 1000 on the mounting member 2100. Then, the battery cell 1000 is aligned by being pushed by the front end of the alignment member 2200, while its side (long side 101) is supported by the side support surface 2110 of the mounting member 2100.

[0088] After the alignment of the battery cell 1000 is completed in this manner, when the placement member 2100 moves in a direction away from the alignment member 2200, the roller 2240 moves relative to the connecting surface 2130 by the elastic restoring force of the elastic member 2220, thereby causing the alignment member 2200 to rotate in the opposite direction (see...). Figure 4 Therefore, the alignment member 2200 can return to its initial position.

[0089] After the battery cells 1000 on a mounting surface 2110 are aligned, the mounting member 2100 can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise around the central axis X, and the battery cells 1000 on adjacent mounting surfaces 2110 can be aligned by the alignment member 2200 through the above process.

[0090] The battery cell alignment device 2000 according to this embodiment has the above-described configuration, thereby enabling accurate and rapid alignment of the battery cells 1000. Therefore, the manufacturing time of battery modules or battery packs can be shortened, and battery defects can be prevented.

[0091] In this embodiment, it has been described that the battery cell 1000 is aligned by moving the placement member 2100 toward the alignment member 2200, but the battery cell 1000 can also be aligned by moving the alignment member 2200 toward the placement member 2100.

[0092] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, this disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0093] [Industrial Applicability]

[0094] This disclosure provides a battery cell alignment device capable of accurately aligning battery cells and reducing the alignment time of battery cells.

Claims

1. A battery cell alignment device, comprising: A mounting component is provided on which individual battery cells are mounted. An alignment member for aligning the battery cell; as well as The alignment member is pivotally coupled to the mounting bracket.

2. The battery cell alignment device according to claim 1, wherein, The alignment member is pivotally coupled to the coupling bracket via a pivot pin.

3. The battery cell alignment device according to claim 1, wherein, The alignment member includes a roller capable of moving along the outer surface of the mounting member.

4. The battery cell alignment device according to claim 1 further includes an elastic member connected to the alignment member.

5. The battery cell alignment device according to claim 4, wherein, After the alignment member pivots, the elastic member returns the alignment member to its initial position.

6. The battery cell alignment device according to claim 5, wherein, The elastic component is a spring.

7. The battery cell alignment device according to claim 1 further includes a support bracket configured to restrict unidirectional rotation of the alignment member.

8. The battery cell alignment device according to claim 1, wherein, The support bracket is located below the alignment member.

9. The battery cell alignment device according to claim 1 further includes a cylinder for moving the coupling bracket.

10. The battery cell alignment device according to claim 1, wherein, The mounting component includes a mounting surface for mounting the battery cell.

11. The battery cell alignment device according to claim 10, wherein, The mounting component also includes a side support surface that supports the side of the battery cell on one side of the mounting surface.

12. The battery cell alignment device according to claim 10, wherein, The plurality of mounting surfaces are arranged at predetermined angles in the mounting member.

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