Battery cell manufacturing apparatus, battery cell manufactured thereby, battery pack including the battery cell, and vehicle

Abstract

The battery cell manufacturing apparatus of the present invention includes: a main body unit configured to assemble a battery cell including a battery can and a cover in which electrode assemblies are housed; and a pressurizing unit coupled to one end of the main body unit, the pressurizing unit including a stepped portion with a predetermined inclination in an edge region, and the pressurizing unit being configured to press-fit the cover toward an opening disposed at an axial end of the battery can.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a battery cell manufacturing apparatus, battery cells manufactured therefrom, and battery packs and vehicles including therefrom, and more specifically, to a battery cell manufacturing apparatus for improving welding quality, battery cells manufactured therefrom, and battery packs and vehicles including therefrom.

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0009702, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on January 22, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] Secondary batteries, with their high applicability across product groups and electrical characteristics such as high energy density, are commonly used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electric drive sources. These secondary batteries have attracted attention as a new energy source for improving eco-friendliness and energy efficiency because they offer the major advantage of significantly reducing fossil fuel use and produce no byproducts from energy consumption.

[0004] Currently widely used rechargeable batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. Lithium-ion batteries primarily utilize lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively. A lithium-ion battery comprises: an electrode assembly in which positive and negative electrode plates (coated with these positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively) are arranged with a separator in place; and a casing (i.e., the battery housing), which seals and encapsulates the electrode assembly and electrolyte together. Furthermore, based on the shape of the casing, lithium-ion batteries can be classified as can-type batteries and pouch-type batteries. In can-type batteries, the electrode assembly is housed in a metal can, while in pouch-type batteries, the electrode assembly is housed in a pouch made of aluminum laminate.

[0005] Meanwhile, battery cans, typically used as casings for can-type batteries, are manufactured by forming a flat steel sheet into a roughly cup shape through a deep drawing process, followed by a finishing process that precisely cuts the opening end of the battery can. Typically, during the deep drawing process, an extended scrap (the part to be cut) with an angle of approximately 45 degrees is formed at the end of the opening of the battery can. This scrap is removed using a finishing punch during the finishing process, thereby finishing the end of the opening of the battery can.

[0006] However, when the cap is inserted into the opening of the battery can, the battery cell manufacturing equipment may be physically stuck at the end of the opening cut by the trimming process. Therefore, there is a possibility that the cap may not be able to be stably inserted into the opening of the battery can, and if there is a gap between the battery can and the cap, there is a risk that the diaphragm in the electrode assembly inside the battery can will be damaged during the welding process between the battery can and the cap.

[0007] Therefore, a new battery cell manufacturing equipment is needed to stably insert the cap into the opening of the battery can and ensure stability during the assembly process. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] This disclosure is designed to address problems in related technologies, and therefore relates to providing a battery cell manufacturing apparatus for improving the welding quality of battery cells through an inclined structure of a pressure clamp, battery cells manufactured therefrom, and battery packs and vehicles including the battery cells.

[0010] Additionally, this disclosure relates to a battery cell manufacturing apparatus that provides an insertable cover for a battery cell, a battery cell manufactured therefrom, and a battery pack and vehicle including the battery cell.

[0011] Additionally, this disclosure relates to a battery cell manufacturing apparatus capable of flatly assembling a cover for a battery cell, a battery cell manufactured therefrom, and a battery pack and vehicle including the battery cell.

[0012] Additionally, this disclosure relates to a battery cell manufacturing apparatus capable of preventing damage to the separator during the welding of battery cells, a battery cell manufactured therefrom, and a battery pack and vehicle including the battery cell.

[0013] However, the technical problems to be solved by this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand from the following description of this disclosure other problems not mentioned herein.

[0014] Technical solution

[0015] To address the aforementioned problems, this disclosure provides a battery cell manufacturing apparatus comprising: a main body unit configured to assemble a battery cell including a battery can and a cover comprising receiving electrode assemblies; and a pressurizing unit coupled to one end of the main body unit and having a stepped portion with a predetermined inclination in an edge region, the pressurizing unit being configured to press-fit the cover toward an opening disposed at an axial end of the battery can.

[0016] For example, the main body unit can be configured to have a length in the radial direction that is longer than the inner diameter of the battery can.

[0017] For example, the pressurizing unit can be configured to have a length in the radial direction that is shorter than the outer diameter of the battery can in the area in contact with the cover.

[0018] For example, the pressurizing unit may have a shape corresponding to the opening and extend outward from the main body unit toward the opening.

[0019] For example, the length of the pressurizing unit can decrease radially inward as the pressurizing unit extends axially outward from the main unit.

[0020] For example, the pressurizing unit can be configured to contact the cover in the axial direction at least in a portion of the area.

[0021] For example, the pressurizing unit may have a textured surface in the area that contacts the cover.

[0022] For example, the stepped portion can be formed along the outer peripheral surface of the pressurization unit.

[0023] For example, the stepped portion can be configured to not contact the open end of the battery canister.

[0024] For example, the stepped portion can be configured to contact the open-side end of the battery can at least in a partial area, and the shape of the contacted area can correspond to the shape of the open-side end of the battery can.

[0025] For example, the stepped portion can have a concave shape in the radial inward direction.

[0026] For example, the pressurizing unit can be configured to press the cover into place to a predetermined depth from the opening of the battery can in an axial inward direction.

[0027] Additionally, this disclosure provides a battery cell comprising: an electrode assembly in which a first electrode, a second electrode, and a separator inserted between the first and second electrodes are wound around a winding axis; a battery can housing the electrode assembly through an opening formed in one side; and a cover covering the opening of the battery can and press-fitting it axially inward to a predetermined depth from the opening of the battery can based on the winding axis direction and welding it to the battery can.

[0028] For example, a battery can may include a trimming section that extends to have a length that increases as the trimming section travels from the opening in an axially inward direction and then in a radially inward direction.

[0029] For example, the press fit depth of the cover can be greater than or equal to the height of the trimmed part in the axial direction.

[0030] For example, the outer peripheral surface of the cover can be in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the battery can and welded to the inner peripheral surface of the battery can.

[0031] In addition, this disclosure provides a battery pack including battery cells according to this disclosure.

[0032] In addition, this disclosure provides a vehicle equipped with at least one battery pack according to this disclosure.

[0033] Beneficial effects

[0034] The battery cell manufacturing apparatus according to various embodiments of this disclosure, the battery cells manufactured therefrom, and the battery packs and vehicles including the battery cells can improve the welding quality of the battery cells through the design of a pressurizing device.

[0035] Furthermore, the battery cell manufacturing equipment according to various embodiments, the battery cells manufactured therefrom, and the battery packs and vehicles including the battery cells have the effect of improving the insertability of the battery cell cover.

[0036] Furthermore, the battery cell manufacturing equipment according to various embodiments, the battery cells manufactured therefrom, and the battery packs and vehicles including the battery cells have the effect of being able to flatly assemble the battery cells.

[0037] Furthermore, the battery cell manufacturing equipment according to various embodiments, the battery cells manufactured therefrom, and the battery packs and vehicles including the battery cells have the effect of preventing damage to the separator when the battery cells are welded.

[0038] However, the effects to be achieved by this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand from the following description of this disclosure other technical effects not mentioned herein. Attached Figure Description

[0039] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the foregoing disclosure, serve to provide a further understanding of the technical features of the present disclosure; therefore, the present disclosure is not to be construed as limited to the drawings.

[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a battery cell manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 2 It shows through Figure 1 A diagram showing the assembly of battery cells using battery cell manufacturing equipment.

[0042] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the cover of the battery cell, which is constructed by... Figure 1 The battery cell manufacturing equipment presses the cells into the battery canister.

[0043] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the electrode assembly of a battery cell.

[0044] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 4 A diagram showing the structure of the electrode assembly.

[0045] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the battery cell and battery canister.

[0046] Figure 7 and Figure 8 It is shown Figure 2 A diagram of the cover of the battery cell, which is constructed using... Figure 1 The battery cell manufacturing equipment presses the cells into the opening.

[0047] Figure 9 and Figure 10 It is shown Figure 2 A diagram of a cover for a battery cell, which is press-fitted into an opening by a battery cell manufacturing apparatus according to another embodiment.

[0048] Figure 11 and Figure 12 This is a diagram showing a cover for a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the cover being press-fitted into an opening by the battery cell manufacturing apparatus of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the welding state of a battery cell assembled using the battery cell manufacturing equipment disclosed herein.

[0050] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram showing a battery pack including the battery cells of this disclosure.

[0051] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle equipped with the battery pack disclosed herein. Detailed Implementation

[0052] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the terminology used in the specification and appended claims should not be construed as limited to its general and dictionary meaning, but rather is interpreted according to the meaning and concept corresponding to the technical concept of the present disclosure, based on the principle that inventors are allowed to appropriately define the terminology for the best interpretation.

[0053] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are only some of the most preferred embodiments of this disclosure and are not intended to fully represent the technical concept of this disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications can be made thereto when this application is filed.

[0054] Furthermore, this disclosure includes various embodiments. For each embodiment, repeated descriptions of substantially the same or similar configurations will be omitted, and the differences will be primarily described.

[0055] Additionally, to aid in understanding this disclosure, the accompanying drawings are not shown to scale, and the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated. Furthermore, the same reference numerals may be assigned to the same components in different embodiments.

[0056] Although terms like "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, it is clear that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise explicitly stated, it is obvious that a first component can be a second component.

[0057] Throughout this instruction manual, unless otherwise expressly stated, each component may be singular or plural.

[0058] In the following text, when any configuration is set on the “upper (or lower)” or “top (or bottom)” of a component, it may mean not only that any configuration is set to contact the upper (or lower) surface of the component, but also that other configurations may be inserted between the component and any configuration set above (or below) the component.

[0059] Additionally, when describing a component as “connected,” “linked,” or “in contact” with another component, the components may be directly connected or in contact with each other, but it should be understood that other components may be “inserted” between each component, or each component may be “connected,” “linked,” or “in contact” with another component.

[0060] As used herein, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, the terms “comprising” or “including” should not be construed as necessarily including all the various components or steps described in the specification, but should be construed as excluding some components or steps, or including additional components or steps.

[0061] At the same time, directional terms such as up, down, left, right, front and back may be used in this disclosure, but these terms are only for ease of description and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these terms may vary depending on the position, arrangement or rotation of the reference object or the position of the observer.

[0062] This disclosure can be implemented independently of each of the following embodiments. Furthermore, this disclosure can be implemented by combining two or more of the following embodiments. Each of the following embodiments can be implemented independently and can also be freely combined with each other.

[0063] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a battery cell manufacturing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 It shows through Figure 1A diagram of a battery cell manufacturing equipment 100 assembling battery cell 1, and Figure 3 This shows the passage of battery cell 1. Figure 1 The diagram shows the cover 30 being press-fitted into the battery canister 10 by the battery cell manufacturing equipment 100.

[0064] The battery cell manufacturing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is an apparatus for manufacturing various components of a battery cell 1 by applying pressure.

[0065] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The battery cell 1 manufactured using the battery cell manufacturing equipment 100 can be of various types of cylindrical battery cells. However, the shape of the battery cell 1 assembled by the battery cell manufacturing equipment 100 of this disclosure is not limited as described above, and can be applied to batteries of other shapes.

[0066] A battery cell 1 manufactured using battery cell manufacturing equipment 100 may include a battery canister 10, an electrode assembly 20, and a cover 30.

[0067] The battery can 10 may have a cylindrical structure for cylindrical battery cells. Sidewall members 11 form the sides of the cylinder of the battery can 10, and a bottom member 12 may be connected to the sidewall members 11 to form one end of the cylinder. That is, the bottom member 12 becomes the closed portion of the battery can 10, and the other end of the battery can 10 opposite to the bottom member 12 is open and may be an opening. The battery can 10 may contain an electrolyte inside.

[0068] The electrode assembly 20 can be housed inside the battery can 10 through an opening in the battery can 10. The electrode assembly 20 can have a structure in which a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator inserted between the positive and negative electrode plates are wound in one direction. After winding, the electrode assembly 20 can be in the form of a wound core.

[0069] The cover 30 can be configured to cover the opening of the battery can 10. That is, the cover 30 can be configured as a lid structure that effectively seals the opening of the battery can 10. In this way, the battery cell 1 is sealed, and the internal electrolyte and electrode assembly 20 are protected from the influence of the external environment, and the long-term performance of the battery cell 1 can be maintained.

[0070] The battery cell manufacturing equipment 100 of this embodiment mainly includes a main body unit 110 and a pressurizing unit 120.

[0071] The main unit 110 forms the basic base structure of the battery cell manufacturing equipment 100 and can be configured to support the pressurization unit 120 while providing stability to the battery cell manufacturing equipment 100.

[0072] The main unit 110 can be configured to hold the battery canister 10 in a specific position or keep it aligned. This allows each component of the battery cell 1 to be manufactured to be precisely positioned as needed during the manufacturing process.

[0073] The pressurizing unit 120 can be attached to one end of the main body unit 110 and is configured to press against the opening of the battery canister 10 with the cap 30. For ease of explanation, the main body unit 110 and the pressurizing unit 120 are separated by a solid line, but the main body unit 110 and the pressurizing unit 120 can be manufactured as a single unit, or they can be manufactured separately and configured to be detachable.

[0074] As an example, the pressurization unit 120 may include a stepped portion 121 with a predetermined inclination in the edge region.

[0075] The stepped portion 121 can be formed such that when the pressurizing unit 120 presses the cover 30, the pressurizing unit 120 will not get stuck on the sidewall member 11 on the opening side of the battery can 10. Therefore, the pressurizing unit 120 can be guided to press the cover 30 inwardly and flatly in the axial direction of the battery can 10, while maintaining a non-contact or contact state with the structure around the opening of the battery can 10. This prevents misalignment or insertion failure of the cover 30 during the pressurization process and ensures a precise connection or tight seal between the battery can 10 and the cover 30.

[0076] Furthermore, the inclined structure provided in the stepped portion 121 can cause a relatively stable press fit by adapting to the shape of the battery can 10 during the pressurization process of the pressurizing unit 120 pressurizing the cover 30. Therefore, the cover 30 is precisely inserted into the opening of the battery can 10, and can provide optimal conditions for subsequent processes such as welding.

[0077] Therefore, the battery cell manufacturing equipment 100 of this embodiment can improve the assembly quality of the battery cell 1 by minimizing the alignment error that may occur during the process of press-fitting the cover 30 into the battery can 10 and by achieving sufficient contact between the battery can 10 and the cover 30, and can also improve the welding quality in the welding process between the assembled battery can 10 and the cover 30.

[0078] Below, each component of the battery cell manufacturing apparatus 100 disclosed herein will be described in detail.

[0079] The main body unit 110 can be formed into a cylindrical structure corresponding to the shape of the battery cell 1. Furthermore, the main body unit 110 is designed to be longer than the inner diameter of the battery canister 10 in the radial direction, allowing the pressurizing unit 120 to maintain stable support and alignment during the pressurizing process. This effectively prevents vibration, positional deformation, or misalignment that may occur during the pressurizing process and helps improve the accuracy and repeatability of the pressurizing process.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the main body unit 110 may include a lifting unit (not shown) configured to move the pressurizing unit 120 toward the opening of the battery can 10 or return the pressurizing unit 120 to its initial position after the pressurizing process is completed. Therefore, the main body unit 110 can enable the pressurizing unit 120 to stably press the cover 30 into the battery can 10 through precise position control.

[0081] Furthermore, the main body unit 110 can be integrally formed with the position control system of the pressurizing unit 120, so that the cover 30 is inserted into the battery can 10 to the desired depth. In this process, the main body unit 110 can precisely control the movement path of the pressurizing unit and minimize errors that may occur during the insertion process.

[0082] For example, a sensor (not shown) can be mounted on the main unit 110 to improve the reliability of the pressurizing process. This sensor can measure the pressing force of the pressurizing unit 120 in real time, and the measured values ​​sent from the sensor can be analyzed by a control unit (not shown). Based on the analyzed data, the control unit can control the lifting unit to adjust the pressing force of the pressurizing unit 120, thereby optimizing the press-fit quality of the cover 30.

[0083] Therefore, the battery cell manufacturing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment ensures that the cover 30 is accurately inserted into the opening of the battery can 10, and is configured to precisely control the movement of the main body unit 110 and the pressing force of the pressurizing unit 120, thereby preventing excessive force or imbalance that may occur during pressurization.

[0084] The pressurizing unit 120 can be formed into a cylindrical shape corresponding to the shape of the battery cell 1, and can be configured as a pressure clamp. The pressurizing unit 120 can be designed to have a length in the radial direction shorter than the outer diameter of the battery can 10 in the area in contact with the cover 30. Therefore, interference such as jamming between the pressurizing unit 120 and the battery can 10 during the pressurizing process can be prevented, allowing the cover 30 to be stably inserted into the opening of the battery can 10.

[0085] Here, the left-right length of the lower part of the pressurizing unit 120 can be configured to correspond to the left-right length of the cover 30. The fact that the left-right length of the lower part of the pressurizing unit 120 corresponds to the left-right length of the cover 30 means that the pressurizing unit 120 can have various lengths that can contact and pressurize the cover 30, and does not necessarily mean that the left-right length of the lower part of the pressurizing unit 120 must be the same as the left-right length of the cover 30.

[0086] The pressurizing unit 120 can be coupled to the main body unit 110, or it can be integrally formed by extending from the main body unit 110. For example, the pressurizing unit 120 can extend axially outward from the main body unit 110 and can be configured to move toward the opening of the battery can 10. Additionally, the pressurizing unit 120 can be designed such that its length gradually decreases radially inward as it extends axially outward from the main body unit 110. Such structural characteristics minimize physical interference that may occur during the process of inserting the pressurizing unit 120 into the opening of the battery can 10 and allow the cover 30 to be press-fitted flatly.

[0087] The pressurizing unit 120 can move vertically in the up-down direction to contact the cover 30 in at least a portion of the axial direction, thereby allowing the cover 30 to be stably inserted into the opening of the battery can 10.

[0088] Furthermore, the pressurizing unit 120 may include an uneven structure in the area contacting the cover 30. This increases the friction between the pressurizing unit 120 and the cover 30, preventing the cover 30 from sliding or shifting during pressurization. This uneven structure can be customized to the material and surface conditions of the cover 30, and can minimize surface damage that may occur during the pressurization process while maintaining alignment between the cover 30 and the battery canister 10.

[0089] The step portion 121 may be formed along the outer peripheral surface of the pressurizing unit 120, and may be arranged, for example, in a ring shape.

[0090] As an example, the step portion 121 is a structural element of the pressurizing unit 120 and can be designed not to physically contact the open end of the battery can 10. Therefore, even when the pressurizing unit 120 pressurizes the cover 30 against the opening of the battery can 10, interference or damage caused by direct contact with the open end of the battery can 10 can be prevented.

[0091] Specifically, the battery cell manufacturing equipment 100 of this disclosure, including the step portion 121, is an apparatus for ensuring the welding quality in the battery can 10 that has undergone a finishing process, and the battery cells of this disclosure manufactured by the battery cell manufacturing equipment 100 will be described in detail.

[0092] In the following text, even when simply referred to as a battery cell, it should be understood to mean a battery cell manufactured by the battery cell manufacturing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0093] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the electrode assembly 20 of the battery cell. Figure 5 It is shown Figure 4 A diagram showing the configuration of the electrode assembly 20, and Figure 6 It is shown Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the battery canister 10 containing the battery cell.

[0094] The battery cell manufacturing apparatus 100 according to the embodiments of this disclosure can be used for various types of cylindrical battery cells.

[0095] Recently, with the application of cylindrical battery cells in electric vehicles, the form factor of cylindrical battery cells has been increasing. Here, the form factor refers to the value representing the diameter and height of a cylindrical battery cell. That is, in the form factor value, the first two digits indicate the cell's diameter, the next two digits indicate the cell's height, and the last digit "0" indicates that the cell's cross-section is circular. When the cell height exceeds 100 mm, three digits are needed to indicate the height, so the last digit can be omitted.

[0096] Furthermore, compared to conventional cylindrical battery cells with form factors such as 18650 and 21700, cylindrical battery cells have increased diameter and height. The cylindrical battery cells that can be manufactured using the aforementioned battery cell manufacturing equipment 100 can include not only cylindrical battery cells with conventional form factors, but also cylindrical battery cells with increased form factors, such as 48750 cells, 48110 cells, 48800 cells, and 46800 cells.

[0097] However, the shape of the battery cell 1 according to this disclosure is not limited to the above and can be applied to other types of batteries. For example, it can be applied to prismatic batteries.

[0098] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The electrode assembly 20 can be configured such that the first electrode 21, the second electrode 22 and the diaphragm 28 inserted between the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 are wound around a winding axis.

[0099] The wound electrode assembly 20 can have a core shape. When viewed from the top or bottom, the outer shape of the electrode assembly 20 along the circumferential direction is circular. The structure of the electrode assembly 20 is not limited to any particular embodiment and can have a winding structure known in the art. Each of the first electrode 21, the second electrode 22, and the diaphragm 28 can be formed to have a predetermined width in the axial direction and extend to a predetermined length in the winding direction. The first electrode 21 can be a positive electrode plate, and the second electrode 22 can be a negative electrode plate. Of course, the reverse is also possible.

[0100] The first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 can be manufactured in sheet form. The first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 can be configured such that an active material layer is coated onto at least a portion of the surface of the metal foil 23. The first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 can have a coated portion 24 region and an uncoated portion 26 region, wherein the active material layer is coated in the coated portion 24 region and not coated in the uncoated portion 26 region.

[0101] The uncoated portion 26 is exposed to the outside of the separator 28, and forms multiple winding turns based on the winding axis of the electrode assembly 20, and can itself serve as an electrode tab. That is, the positive and negative electrode plates may each include an uncoated portion 26, where the active material is not coated at the end of the long side in the winding axis direction. Furthermore, the uncoated portions 26 of the first electrode 21 and the second electrode 22 can be configured to face opposite directions in the winding axis direction. The uncoated portion 26 of the first electrode 21 can be housed inside the battery canister 10 to be positioned at one end in the winding axis direction, and the uncoated portion 26 of the second electrode 22 can be housed inside the battery canister 10 to be positioned at the other end in the winding axis direction. Here, the positive electrode active material coated on the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode active material coated on the negative electrode plate can be used without limitation, as long as they are active materials known in the art.

[0102] Furthermore, the diaphragm 28 can be a porous polymer membrane, such as a porous polymer membrane made of polyolefin-based polymers (such as ethylene homopolymer, propylene homopolymer, ethylene / butene copolymer, ethylene / hexene copolymer, and ethylene / methacrylate copolymer, etc.), used alone or in its stacked structure. As another example, the diaphragm can be a conventional porous nonwoven fabric, such as a nonwoven fabric made of high-melting-point glass fiber, polyethylene terephthalate fiber, etc.

[0103] At least one surface of the diaphragm 28 may include a coating of inorganic particles. Alternatively, the diaphragm 28 itself may be formed from a coating of inorganic particles. The particles constituting the coating may have a structure bonded to an adhesive, such that there are gap volumes between adjacent particles.

[0104] The uncoated portion 26 can form multiple flag-shaped notched tabs 27 by forming notches at predetermined intervals along the winding direction. The multiple notched tabs 27 can be equilateral trapezoidal shapes arranged along the winding direction. However, they are not limited to this and can be formed into various shapes such as semicircles, semi-ovals, triangles, rectangles, parallelograms, etc.

[0105] Multiple slit tabs 27 can be bent radially and flattened within the electrode assembly 20. Additionally, the slit tabs 27 can be bent radially inward or outward within the electrode assembly 20.

[0106] In this way, the cut tabs 27 of the radially curved and overlapping first electrode 21 and the cut tabs 27 of the second electrode 22 can each provide a plane substantially perpendicular to the axial direction at both ends of the electrode assembly 20 in the axial direction.

[0107] At this time, refer to Figure 6 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery can 10 that houses the electrode assembly 20 may include a trimming section 15.

[0108] The battery canister 10 may have a sidewall member 11 that extends axially from the bottom member 12 by forming a flat steel sheet via a deep drawing process. In this case, the trimming portion 15 can be formed by precisely cutting the open-side end of the formed battery canister 10 through a trimming process. Through such a process, the open-side end of the battery canister 10 can have a smooth and uniform shape, thereby ensuring sealing and stability in subsequent processes.

[0109] The trimming part 15 can be formed to have various lengths in the axial direction according to the specific design requirements of the battery canister 10, and can have a length (d0) of, for example, 0.2 mm.

[0110] Furthermore, the trimming portion 15 can be formed as an inclined structure with a predetermined angle. For example, the trimming portion 15 can be formed with a length that increases radially inward as it extends axially inward from the opening of the battery can 10.

[0111] However, since the battery can 10 includes the trimming portion 15, it may be impossible or difficult to achieve a flat assembly during the process of press-fitting the cover 30 into the opening of the battery can 10. That is, due to structural features such as the trimming angle of the trimming portion 15, there is a possibility that the cover 30 may not be stably inserted into the opening of the battery can 10. For example, a portion of the cover 30 may be held in place by the trimming portion 15 and may be tilted instead of inserted in the axial direction.

[0112] As a result, the cap 30 inserted into the opening of the battery can 10 may be unstablely fixed or inserted at an angle, creating a small gap between the cap 30 and the battery can 10. Such a gap may cause the laser to be abnormally projected into the interior of the battery can 10 (where the electrode assembly 20 is housed during subsequent welding processes), thereby increasing the likelihood of damage to the diaphragm 28 of the electrode assembly 20.

[0113] Damage to the separator 28 can directly affect the performance and safety of the battery cell, and therefore can act as a factor that significantly increases the quality risk of the battery cell 1.

[0114] Therefore, the battery cell manufacturing equipment 100 of this disclosure may include a step portion 121, which is designed to have a step with a predetermined angle taking into account the trimming angle of the trimming portion 15, thereby ensuring the flat and stable assembly of the battery can 10 and the cover 30.

[0115] Figure 7 and Figure 8 It is shown Figure 2 The diagram shows the cover 30 of the battery cell 1, which is constructed using... Figure 1 The battery cell manufacturing equipment 100 press-fits the cells into the opening.

[0116] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 As an example, the step portion 121 can be designed not to directly contact the open end of the battery can 10. This non-contact design prevents interference between the step portion 121 and the open end of the battery can 10 (e.g., trim portion 15), thereby helping to improve the accuracy and stability of the assembly and pressurization processes.

[0117] The step portion 121 can extend from the main body unit 110 at a predetermined angle, while its width gradually decreases downward. This structure is designed so that the step portion 121 does not come into contact with the trim portion 15 of the battery can 10 during the pressurization process, thereby effectively preventing physical interference or assembly quality problems that may occur during the pressurization process.

[0118] Therefore, the stepped portion 121 allows the cover 30 to be stably and flatly inserted into the opening of the battery can 10 during pressurization by the pressurizing unit 120.

[0119] Therefore, the battery cell manufacturing equipment 100 according to this embodiment can improve the assembly quality between the battery canister 10 and the cover 30, and can prevent welding defects or internal damage that may occur in subsequent processes.

[0120] At this time, the battery cell manufacturing equipment 100 can press the cover 30 into the opening of the battery can 10 to a predetermined depth (d1) in the axial inward direction. As a result, the cover 30 can be stably inserted into the battery can 10, thereby ensuring the reliability of the press fit quality.

[0121] For example, the press-fit depth (d1) of the cover 30 can be designed to be greater than or equal to the height of the trimmed portion 15 of the battery can 10 in the axial direction. Figure 6 (d0 in the text). Thus, the cover 30 can avoid contact with the trimming part 15 and can be fully fitted and tightly adhered to the side wall member 11 of the battery can 10. In addition, the press-fit depth (d1) of the cover 30 can be set to be less than or equal to the thickness (d2) of the pressurizing unit 120 in the axial direction. This configuration allows the cover 30 to be fully press-fitted into the battery can 10.

[0122] Therefore, the battery cell manufacturing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment allows the cover 30 to adhere sufficiently to the side wall member 11 of the battery can 10 without contacting the trimmed portion 15 of the battery can 10, thereby effectively preventing the formation of a gap between the cover 30 and the battery can 10. Preventing the formation of such a gap reduces defects in subsequent welding processes and helps ensure the airtightness of the battery can 10.

[0123] Although not shown in the accompanying drawings, as another example, the step 121 may be designed to physically contact the open-side end of the battery can 10 in at least a partial area. In this case, the shape of the area contacted by the step 121 may be designed to substantially correspond to the shape of the open-side end of the battery can 10 (e.g., trim 15).

[0124] Therefore, by optimizing the contact area between the step portion 121 and the battery can 10, a stable insertion of the cover 30 can be achieved during the pressurization of the cover 30, and precise alignment between the opening of the battery can 10 and the cover 30 can be maintained.

[0125] Therefore, in the battery cell manufacturing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment, the shape of the step portion 121 is designed to correspond to the trim portion 15, thereby preventing uneven distribution of pressing pressure that may occur during contact, and further improving the stability of press fit during the pressing process.

[0126] Furthermore, such a structure can improve the quality of subsequent welding processes by ensuring close contact between the edge of the cover 30 and the side wall member 11 of the battery can 10 during the pressurization process. Therefore, the stepped portion 121 according to this embodiment can simultaneously improve the precision and reliability of the battery cell manufacturing process through its contact structure with the battery can 10.

[0127] Figure 9 and Figure 10 It is shown Figure 2 The figure shows the cover 30 of the battery cell 1, which is press-fitted into the opening by a battery cell manufacturing apparatus 200 according to another embodiment.

[0128] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 The description of the battery cell manufacturing apparatus 100 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure can also be applied to the battery cell manufacturing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment, and repeated descriptions are omitted below.

[0129] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 10According to this embodiment, the step portion 221 of the battery cell manufacturing apparatus 100 can have a concave shape in the radially inward direction. Therefore, the step portion 221 with a predetermined curvature can effectively contact the trim portion 15 of the battery can 10 with a corresponding curvature.

[0130] Specifically, the concave shape of the step portion 221 can effectively distribute the pressing force generated during the pressurization unit 220 press-fitting the cover 30 into the battery canister 10, and can cause stable insertion of the cover 30. Furthermore, this shape can minimize physical interference between the step portion 221 and the open-side end of the battery canister 10 during pressurization of the cover 30, and can improve the accuracy of the battery cell manufacturing process. For example, the radially inward concave shape can provide additional connectivity at the area where the step portion 221 contacts the cover 30, thereby preventing the cover 30 from wobbling or becoming misaligned during insertion.

[0131] At this time, the battery cell manufacturing equipment 200 can press the cover 30 into the battery can 10 from the opening in the axial direction to a predetermined depth (d1). As a result, the cover 30 can be stably inserted into the battery can 10, thereby ensuring the reliability of the press fit quality.

[0132] For example, the press-fit depth (d1) of the cover 30 can be designed to be greater than or equal to the height of the trimmed portion 15 of the battery can 10 in the axial direction. Figure 6 The cover 30 can avoid contact with the trimming part 15 and can be fully fitted and tightly adhered to the side wall member 11 of the battery can 10. Furthermore, the press-fit depth (d1) of the cover 30 can be set to be less than or equal to the thickness (d3) of the pressurizing unit 220 in the axial direction. This configuration allows the cover 30 to be fully press-fitted into the battery can 10.

[0133] Therefore, the battery cell manufacturing apparatus 200 according to this embodiment allows the cover 30 to adhere sufficiently to the side wall member 11 of the battery can 10 without contacting the trimmed portion 15 of the battery can 10, thereby effectively preventing the formation of a gap between the cover 30 and the battery can 10. Preventing the formation of such a gap reduces defects in subsequent welding processes and helps ensure the airtightness of the battery can 10.

[0134] Figure 11 and Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the cover 31 of the battery cell 2 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The cover 31 is pressed into the opening by the battery cell manufacturing equipment 100, 200 of the present disclosure, and Figure 13 This is a diagram showing the welding state of battery cells 1 and 2 of this disclosure.

[0135] Reference Figures 1 to 10The description of the battery cell 1 manufactured by the battery cell manufacturing equipment 100 and 200 of this disclosure can also be applied to the battery cell 2 according to this embodiment, so redundant descriptions will be omitted below.

[0136] Reference Figure 11 and 12 The battery cell 2 manufactured by the battery cell manufacturing equipment 100 and 200 of this disclosure may include a battery canister 10, an electrode assembly 20 and a cover 31.

[0137] According to this embodiment, the battery cell manufacturing equipment 100 and 200 are configured to improve the welding quality in subsequent welding processes by applying a cover 31 stably and flatly to the battery canister 10 of the battery cell 2 to be assembled.

[0138] The battery cell manufacturing equipment 100 and 200 can press the cover 31 into the opening of the battery can 10 to a predetermined depth (d1) in the axial inward direction. As a result, the cover 31 can be stably inserted into the battery can 10, thereby ensuring the reliability of the press fit quality.

[0139] For example, the press-fit depth (d1) of the cover 31 can be designed to be greater than or equal to the axial height of the trimmed portion 15 of the battery can 10. Figure 6 The cover 31 can avoid contact with the trimming part 15 and can be fully fitted and tightly adhered to the side wall member 11 of the battery can 10. Furthermore, the press-fit depth (d1) of the cover 31 can be set to be less than or equal to the axial thickness (d4) of the pressurizing units 120, 220. This configuration allows the cover 31 to be fully press-fitted into the battery can 10.

[0140] Therefore, the battery cell manufacturing apparatus 100, 200 according to this embodiment allows the cover 31 to adhere sufficiently to the side wall member 11 of the battery can 10 without contacting the trimmed portion 15 of the battery can 10, thereby effectively preventing the formation of a gap between the cover 31 and the battery can 10. Preventing the formation of such a gap reduces defects in subsequent welding processes and helps ensure the airtightness of the battery can 10.

[0141] At this point, the cover 31 according to this embodiment can be designed to have an edge region arranged in a U-shape. Such a cover 31 can be designed to have a wider contact area that makes close contact with the sidewall member 11 of the battery can 10, thereby providing sufficient adhesion and compression fit even before welding. For example, the cover 31 can be formed to have a relatively large depth (d5) in the axial direction in the area to be welded later. This structure can help the cover 31 to be stably fixed during the welding process and can help improve the welding quality and bond strength.

[0142] Reference Figure 13The battery cells 1 and 2 manufactured by the battery cell manufacturing equipment 100 and 200 according to this embodiment are configured such that the covers 30 and 31 are press-fitted to a sufficient depth within the battery can 10 by the pressurizing units 120 and 220 including the stepped portions 121 and 221, as referred to above. Figures 1 to 12 In other words, in battery cells 1 and 2, covers 30 and 31 are press-fitted to a predetermined depth axially inward from the opening of the battery can 10 and welded to the battery can 10. Therefore, the outer peripheral surfaces of covers 30 and 31 can adhere tightly to the inner peripheral surface of the battery can 10, thereby providing an optimal assembly state during the welding process.

[0143] Therefore, the battery cells 1 and 2 manufactured by the battery cell manufacturing equipment 100 and 200 according to this embodiment have improved insertability by allowing the covers 30 and 31 to be smoothly and accurately inserted into the battery canister 10. That is, the tight adhesive contact between the covers 30 and 31 and the battery canister 10 can prevent imbalances or bonding defects that may occur during welding and can stabilize the welding quality.

[0144] Furthermore, since the covers 30 and 31 are fully press-fitted into the battery canister 10 and uniformly adhered to the inner circumferential surface, the structural stability of the battery cells 1 and 2 is enhanced, and the reliability of the assembly is ensured. Therefore, battery cells 1 and 2 manufactured in this manner can ensure high airtightness and durability, and can help improve the overall quality of the battery cells.

[0145] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram showing a battery pack P including battery cells 1 and 2 of this disclosure, and Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle V equipped with the battery pack P disclosed herein.

[0146] Reference Figure 14 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a battery pack P may include at least one battery cell 1, 2 manufactured by battery cell manufacturing equipment 100, 200 according to the foregoing embodiments, and a battery pack housing C that houses the battery cell.

[0147] The battery pack P according to embodiments of this disclosure may also include various other components of battery packs known at the time of filing of this disclosure. For example, the battery pack P according to embodiments of this disclosure may also include components such as current sensors, fuses, and service plugs.

[0148] Additionally, refer to Figure 15The vehicle V according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more battery packs P according to the present disclosure. Furthermore, in addition to the battery packs P, the vehicle V according to embodiments of the present disclosure may also include various other components included in a vehicle. For example, besides the battery packs P according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the vehicle V according to embodiments of the present disclosure may also include a body, a motor, control devices such as an electronic control unit (ECU), etc.

[0149] Furthermore, the battery pack P according to the embodiments of this disclosure can be installed in other devices, equipment, and facilities besides the vehicle V, such as energy storage systems using secondary batteries.

[0150] According to the various embodiments described above, at least one battery cell 1, 2 manufactured by battery cell manufacturing equipment 100, 200 capable of maximizing welding quality can be provided, as well as a battery pack P and a vehicle V including the battery cell.

[0151] The present disclosure has been described above with reference to a limited number of embodiments and accompanying drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made thereto within the scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure and the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0152] Furthermore, this disclosure is not limited to the foregoing embodiments and drawings, and those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains can make various substitutions, modifications, and changes without departing from the technical spirit of this disclosure. Therefore, all or part of each embodiment can be selectively combined to allow for various modifications.

[0153] [Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures]

[0154] 1, 2: Battery cells

[0155] 10: Battery canister

[0156] 11: Sidewall components

[0157] 12: Bottom components

[0158] 15: Repair Department

[0159] 20: Electrode assembly

[0160] 21: First electrode

[0161] 22: Second electrode

[0162] 23: Metal foil

[0163] 24: Coating Section

[0164] 26: Uncoated area

[0165] 27: Incision on the ear

[0166] 28: Diaphragm

[0167] 30, 31: Cover

[0168] 100, 200: Battery cell manufacturing equipment

[0169] 110, 210: Main Units

[0170] 120, 220: Pressurization unit

[0171] 121, 221: Step section

[0172] W: Welding

Claims

1. A battery cell manufacturing apparatus, the battery cell manufacturing apparatus comprising: A main unit, configured to assemble a battery cell including a battery can containing a cover and an electrode assembly; as well as A pressurizing unit, which is connected to one end of the main body unit and has a stepped portion with a predetermined inclination in the edge region, is configured to press-fit the cover toward an opening located at one axial end of the battery can.

2. The battery cell manufacturing equipment according to claim 1, in, The main body unit is configured to have a length in the radial direction that is longer than the inner diameter of the battery canister.

3. The battery cell manufacturing equipment according to claim 1, in, The pressurizing unit is configured to have a length in the radial direction that is shorter than the outer diameter of the battery can in the region that contacts the cover.

4. The battery cell manufacturing equipment according to claim 1, in, The pressurizing unit has a shape corresponding to the opening and extends outward from the main body unit toward the opening.

5. The battery cell manufacturing equipment according to claim 4, in, The length of the pressurizing unit decreases radially inward as it extends outward from the main body unit along the axial direction.

6. The battery cell manufacturing equipment according to claim 1, in, The pressurizing unit is configured to contact the cover in the axial direction at least in a portion of the region.

7. The battery cell manufacturing equipment according to claim 6, in, The pressurizing unit has an uneven structure in the area that contacts the cover.

8. The battery cell manufacturing equipment according to claim 1, in, The stepped portion is formed along the outer peripheral surface of the pressurizing unit.

9. The battery cell manufacturing equipment according to claim 1, in, The stepped portion is configured not to contact the open end of the battery can.

10. The battery cell manufacturing equipment according to claim 1, in, The stepped portion is configured to contact the open-side end of the battery can in at least a portion of the area, and the shape of the contacted area corresponds to the shape of the open-side end of the battery can.

11. The battery cell manufacturing equipment according to claim 1, in, The stepped portion has a concave shape in the radial inward direction.

12. The battery cell manufacturing equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 11, in, The pressurizing unit is configured to press the cover into place to a predetermined depth from the opening of the battery can in an axially inward direction.

13. A battery cell, the battery cell comprising: An electrode assembly in which a first electrode, a second electrode, and a diaphragm inserted between the first electrode and the second electrode are wound around a winding axis. A battery can housing the electrode assembly through an opening formed in one side; as well as A cover that covers the opening of the battery can and is press-fitted to a predetermined depth axially inward from the opening of the battery can based on the winding axis direction and welded to the battery can.

14. The battery cell according to claim 13, in, The battery can includes a trimming section that extends to have a length that increases as the trimming section travels axially inward from the opening and then radially inward.

15. The battery cell according to claim 14, in, The press-fit depth of the cover is greater than or equal to the height of the trimming part along the axial direction.

16. The battery cell according to claim 13, in, The outer peripheral surface of the cover is in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the battery can and is welded to the inner peripheral surface of the battery can.

17. A battery pack comprising battery cells according to any one of claims 13 to 16.

18. A vehicle equipped with at least one battery pack according to claim 17.

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