Battery cell size adjusting apparatus, battery cell size adjusting method using the same, and battery cell manufactured using the same

Abstract

The battery cell size adjustment device according to the present invention is a battery cell size adjustment device configured to perform size adjustment processing by compressing the can housing of the battery cell in the vertical direction. The battery cell size adjustment device includes: a support pusher that supports the lower part of the can housing in an upward direction when the support pusher does not contact a rivet terminal protruding from the lower part of the can housing; a rising pusher for pressing the lower part of the can housing in an upward direction; a falling pusher for pressing the upper part of the can housing in a downward direction; and a pressing edge guide member having an insertion support portion and an elastic support portion, at least a portion of the insertion support portion being inserted into the pressing edge portion of the can housing to support at least a portion of the pressing edge portion, and the elastic support portion elastically supporting the insertion support portion in the vertical direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a battery cell sizing apparatus, a battery cell sizing method using the same, and a battery cell manufactured using the same apparatus. More specifically, it relates to a battery cell sizing apparatus capable of manufacturing battery cells with improved appearance quality, a battery cell sizing method using the same, and a battery cell manufactured using the same.

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0182552, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on December 10, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] With the rapid increase in demand for portable electronic products such as laptops, cameras, and mobile phones in recent years, the development of electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, robots, and satellites has also begun rapidly, and research on high-performance rechargeable and dischargeable batteries is also actively underway.

[0004] Currently commercially available rechargeable batteries include nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), nickel-zinc (NiZn), and lithium-ion batteries. Among these, lithium-ion batteries have attracted attention due to their virtually non-existent memory effect compared to nickel-based batteries, their advantages of free charging and discharging, very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0005] These lithium-ion secondary batteries primarily use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively. Furthermore, the lithium-ion secondary battery includes an electrode assembly and an outer packaging. The electrode assembly contains a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate coated with the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively, with a separator positioned between the positive and negative electrode plates. The outer packaging seals and contains the electrode assembly and the electrolyte solution together.

[0006] Based on the shape of the battery casing, lithium-ion secondary batteries can be divided into pouch-type secondary batteries and can-type secondary batteries. In pouch-type secondary batteries, the electrode assembly is embedded in a pouch of aluminum laminated sheets, while in can-type secondary batteries, the electrode assembly is embedded in a metal can. Furthermore, can-type secondary batteries can be further classified into cylindrical batteries and prismatic batteries based on the form of the metal can. These lithium-ion secondary batteries are assembled into a dense structure by individually or by stacking or overlapping multiple battery cells in a box to provide high voltage and high current, and are then electrically connected to form a battery module or battery pack.

[0007] A cylindrical secondary battery may include an electrode assembly, a can housing, and rivet terminals. The can housing may accommodate the electrode assembly and may have inwardly recessed pressing edges formed on the can housing. The rivet terminals are electrically connected to the electrode assembly, and at least a portion of the rivet terminals may be exposed to the outside on one side of the can housing. Such a cylindrical secondary battery can typically be manufactured through a dimensional adjustment process. The dimensional adjustment process may be a process of compressing the can housing by pressing it up and down to adjust the height of the cylindrical secondary battery to a designed form factor.

[0008] Furthermore, the dimensional adjustment process can damage the appearance of traditional cylindrical secondary batteries. For example, during the dimensional adjustment process, the dimensional adjustment device used for this process can directly contact the rivet terminals, raising concerns about potential damage such as scratches on the rivet terminals. When the rivet terminals are damaged in this way, the welding quality of the rivet terminals may be reduced during the manufacturing process of battery packs, etc. Additionally, for example, during the dimensional adjustment process, the pressed edge portion of the can casing may not be formed with a consistent shape and size.

[0009] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a sizing device that can prevent damage to the appearance of cylindrical secondary batteries during sizing processes, so as to improve the appearance quality of cylindrical secondary batteries. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Technical issues

[0011] This disclosure is designed to solve problems in related technologies, and therefore aims to provide a battery cell size adjustment device capable of manufacturing battery cells with improved appearance quality, a battery cell size adjustment method using the battery cell size adjustment device, and a battery cell manufactured using the battery cell size adjustment device.

[0012] The technical problems to be solved by this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other problems not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art based on the following description of this disclosure.

[0013] Technical solution

[0014] According to the present disclosure, a battery cell size adjustment device is configured to perform a size adjustment process by compressing a battery cell housing in a vertical direction. The device includes: a support pusher that supports the bottom of the housing upwards without contacting rivet terminals protruding from the bottom of the housing; an upward pusher that presses the bottom of the housing upwards; a downward pusher that presses the top of the housing downwards; and a pressing edge guide member, comprising an insertion support portion and an elastic support portion. The insertion support portion is configured to at least partially insert into the pressing edge portion of the housing to support at least a portion of the pressing edge portion, and the elastic support portion elastically supports the insertion support portion in the vertical direction.

[0015] The pressing portion can be vertically compressed and thus deformable by pressure applied by the rising pusher and the falling pusher, and the pressing guide member can be configured to guide the deformation of the pressing portion.

[0016] The support pusher may include: a rivet terminal insertion slot portion, the rivet terminal insertion slot portion being recessed to have an inner diameter greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the rivet terminal, thereby allowing the rivet terminal to be inserted; and a can housing support portion, the can housing support portion being configured to surround the periphery of the rivet terminal insertion slot portion and support the bottom of the can housing.

[0017] The depth of the rivet terminal insertion slot can be made deeper than the length of the rivet terminal protruding from the bottom of the can housing.

[0018] The pressure guide member can be configured in multiple ways.

[0019] The elastic support portion may include: a first elastic support portion that elastically supports the top of the insertion support portion; and a second elastic support portion that elastically supports the bottom of the insertion support portion.

[0020] At least one of the first elastic support portion and the second elastic support portion can be configured as a helical spring.

[0021] The elastic support portion may include an elastic pressing portion configured to elastically press the insertion support portion toward the pressing edge portion to a degree that does not deform the pressing edge portion.

[0022] The elastic pressing part can be set as a coil spring.

[0023] The end of the insert support portion on the pressure edge side can be rounded.

[0024] The battery cell size adjustment method according to this disclosure uses the battery cell size adjustment device according to this disclosure, and the battery cell size adjustment method includes: step (a) supporting the bottom of the can housing upward while the support push head does not contact the rivet terminal protruding from the bottom of the can housing; step (b) pressing the bottom of the can housing upward by the rising push head; step (c) inserting at least a portion of the insertion support portion into the pressing edge portion of the can housing to support at least a portion of the pressing edge portion, while the insertion support portion is elastically supported by the elastic support portion in the vertical direction; and step (d) pressing the top of the can housing downward by the descending push head, wherein step (c) is performed before step (d).

[0025] The battery cell according to this disclosure is manufactured using the battery cell size adjustment device according to this disclosure.

[0026] Beneficial effects

[0027] According to this disclosure, a battery cell size adjustment device capable of manufacturing battery cells with improved appearance quality, a battery cell size adjustment method using the battery cell size adjustment device, and a battery cell manufactured using the battery cell size adjustment device can be provided.

[0028] Additionally, according to one aspect of this disclosure, a battery cell size adjustment apparatus capable of performing effective size adjustment processing, a battery cell size adjustment method using the battery cell size adjustment apparatus, and a battery cell manufactured using the battery cell size adjustment apparatus can be provided.

[0029] Additionally, according to one aspect of this disclosure, a battery cell size adjustment device capable of stably supporting the can housing during a size adjustment process, a battery cell size adjustment method using the battery cell size adjustment device, and a battery cell manufactured using the battery cell size adjustment device can be provided.

[0030] Additionally, according to one aspect of this disclosure, a battery cell size adjustment device capable of effectively preventing damage to the appearance of rivet terminals, a battery cell size adjustment method using the battery cell size adjustment device, and a battery cell manufactured using the battery cell size adjustment device can be provided.

[0031] Additionally, according to one aspect of this disclosure, a battery cell size adjustment device capable of consistently forming the size and shape of the pressing portion, a battery cell size adjustment method using the battery cell size adjustment device, and a battery cell manufactured using the battery cell size adjustment device can be provided.

[0032] Additionally, according to one aspect of this disclosure, a battery cell size adjustment device capable of easily modifying its design, a battery cell size adjustment method using the battery cell size adjustment device, and a battery cell manufactured using the battery cell size adjustment device can be provided.

[0033] Additionally, according to one aspect of this disclosure, a battery cell size adjustment device capable of minimizing damage to the pressing edge portion, a battery cell size adjustment method using the battery cell size adjustment device, and a battery cell manufactured using the battery cell size adjustment device can be provided.

[0034] The effects obtained through this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other effects not mentioned herein can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art through this specification and the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0035] 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.

[0036] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a battery cell used in a battery cell size adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 2 This is a side cross-sectional view showing the overall appearance of a battery cell used in a battery cell size adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the state before and after the battery cell size adjustment process is performed.

[0039] Figure 4 This is a side cross-sectional view showing the overall structure of a battery cell size adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 5 The process of a support pusher supporting the bottom of the can housing in a battery cell size adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0041] Figure 6 The process of pressing the bottom of the can housing in the battery cell size adjustment device upward with an upward pusher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0042] Figure 7 The process of pressing down the top of the can housing in the battery cell size adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0043] Figure 8 The process of a pressing guide member supporting at least a portion of the pressing portion in a battery cell size adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0044] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for adjusting the size of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 10 This is an enlarged perspective view showing the support pusher of a battery cell size adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 11 This is an enlarged view showing the state of the bottom of the can housing in the battery cell size adjustment device supported by the support pusher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 12 It is shown Figure 11 Another enlarged view of the support pusher section.

[0048] Figure 13 This is a perspective view showing the state in which multiple pressure guide members are provided in a battery cell size adjustment device according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 14 This is an enlarged side cross-sectional view showing the pressing edge guide member of a battery cell size adjustment device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 15 This is an enlarged side cross-sectional view showing the pressing edge guide member of a battery cell size adjustment device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Figure 16 This is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of the pressure guide member of a battery cell size adjustment device, illustrating another modified example of an embodiment according to the present disclosure. 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 or dictionary meaning, but rather is interpreted based on the principle of allowing the inventors to appropriately define the terminology for the best interpretation, and on the meaning and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure.

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

[0054] In this specification, unless otherwise stated, the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction are referred to as the left-right direction and the front-back direction, respectively, or the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction are referred to as the front-back direction and the left-right direction, respectively. Furthermore, in this specification, the Z-axis direction, which is orthogonal to the XY plane, is referred to as the up-down direction (vertical direction).

[0055] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a battery cell used in a battery cell size adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a side cross-sectional view showing the overall appearance of a battery cell used in a battery cell size adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the state before and after the battery cell size adjustment process is performed.

[0056] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery cell size adjustment device 20 may be a battery cell size adjustment device 20 configured to perform size adjustment processing by vertically compressing the can housing 200 of the battery cell 10.

[0057] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 1 to 3 The battery cell 10 is described in detail in relation to the battery cell size adjustment device 20 according to this disclosure. The battery cell 10 may include a housing 200 and rivet terminals 300. The battery cell 10 may be a secondary battery configured to be charged and discharged.

[0058] The electrode assembly 100 can be housed within the tank housing 200. The interior of the tank housing 200 can be configured to be empty to accommodate the electrode assembly 100.

[0059] Electrode assembly 100 may include electrodes and a diaphragm. The electrodes may include a first electrode and a second electrode. The diaphragm may be inserted between the first electrode and the second electrode. The first electrode may have a first polarity, and the second electrode may have a second polarity opposite to the first polarity. For example, the first electrode may be a positive electrode, and the second electrode may be a negative electrode.

[0060] The electrode assembly 100 may have a core structure. That is, the electrode assembly 100 may be manufactured by winding a laminate around a central axis, the laminate being formed by laminating a first electrode and a second electrode having a sheet-like shape at least once and inserting a diaphragm between the first electrode and the second electrode. The central axis may be formed parallel to the Z-axis. Any core structure known in the art may be applied to this disclosure without limitation.

[0061] For example, the can housing 200 can be configured as a cylindrical shape. The battery cell 10 can be configured as a cylindrical battery cell 10.

[0062] An opening may be formed on the top of the tank housing 200 (e.g., the +Z direction side portion). A closed portion may be formed on the bottom of the tank housing 200 (e.g., the -Z direction side portion).

[0063] A retaining portion 210 can be formed on the can housing 200. The retaining portion 210 can be formed by recessing inward from the side of the can housing 200. The retaining portion 210 can also be formed by recessing inward along the periphery of the can housing 200. The retaining portion 210 can be formed on the top of the can housing 200 or in the region adjacent to the opening. The retaining portion 210 can secure the electrode assembly 100. When the can housing 200 is pressed vertically, the degree of recess in the retaining portion 210 becomes more pronounced, and therefore the retaining portion 210 can be further recessed inward.

[0064] The rivet terminal 300 may be disposed at the bottom or closed portion of the can housing 200. The rivet terminal 300 may be configured to pass through the can housing 200, with at least a portion protruding outward and the remainder inserted into the can housing 200. The protruding portion of the rivet terminal 300 may be exposed to the outside of the can housing 200.

[0065] Specifically, refer to Figure 3 The battery cell 10 can be manufactured through size adjustment processing. Figure 3 (a) shows the state of the battery cell 10 before the sizing process, and Figure 3 (b) shows the state of the battery cell 10 after the sizing process.

[0066] The dimensional adjustment process can be a process of compressing the can housing 200 in the direction of the winding center axis of the electrode assembly 100 or in the vertical direction to adjust the height of the battery cell 10 to the designed shape factor. Figure 3 (a)), and the total height of the battery cell 10 after the dimensional adjustment process can be less than H' (see (a)). Figure 3(b)). After the dimensional adjustment process, the total height of the battery cell 10 can be measured and determined to be OK or NG. If it is determined to be NG, the dimensional adjustment process can be repeated until it is determined to be OK.

[0067] After the pressing portion 210 is formed, the size adjustment process of the battery cell 10 can be performed while the electrode assembly 100 is housed in the can housing 200. As the size adjustment process proceeds, the degree of concavity of the pressing portion 210 becomes more severe, so the pressing portion 210 can be further concave inward.

[0068] The battery cell 10 according to this disclosure can be manufactured using the battery cell size adjustment device 20 according to this disclosure.

[0069] Figure 4 This is a side cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of the battery cell size adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 The process of a support pusher supporting the bottom of the can housing in a battery cell size adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. Figure 6 The process of pressing the bottom of the can housing in the battery cell size adjustment device upward with an upward pusher according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. Figure 7 The process of pressing the top of the can housing in the battery cell size adjustment device downwards according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated, and Figure 8 This illustrates the process by which a pressing guide member, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, supports at least a portion of the pressing portion in a battery cell size adjustment device.

[0070] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 4 to 8 A detailed description of the battery cell size adjustment device 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. First, as... Figure 4 As shown, the battery cell size adjustment device 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a support pusher 400, a rising pusher 500, a falling pusher 600, and a pressing edge guide member 700.

[0071] Main reference Figures 4 to 6 The support pusher 400 can be configured to support the bottom of the can housing 200 upwards. The support pusher 400 can be positioned below the battery cell 10.

[0072] like Figure 5 As shown, the support pusher 400 can be configured to rise and fall below the battery cell 10. Specifically, as... Figure 5 As shown in (a), the support pusher 400 can be configured in a lowered state spaced apart from the bottom of the tank housing 200, or as... Figure 5As shown in (b), the support pusher 400 can be configured to be in an elevated state in contact with the bottom of the tank housing 200. When the support pusher 400 is in the elevated state, it can support the bottom of the tank housing 200 upwards.

[0073] The support push head 400 can support the bottom of the can housing 200 upwards without contacting the rivet terminal 300 protruding from the bottom of the can housing 200. The rivet terminal 300 can be inserted into the support push head 400. When the rivet terminal 300 is inserted into the support push head 400, the support push head 400 can be spaced apart from the rivet terminal 300 in both the horizontal and vertical directions and can avoid contact with the rivet terminal 300. That is, the support push head 400 can support the bottom of the can housing 200 upwards while avoiding the rivet terminal 300.

[0074] See also Figures 4 to 6 The lifting pusher 500 can be configured to press upwards onto the bottom of the can housing 200. The lifting pusher 500 can be positioned below the battery cell 10.

[0075] like Figure 6 As shown, the rising pusher 500 can be configured to rise below the battery cell 10. Specifically, as... Figure 6 As shown in (a), the rising pusher 500 can rise toward the battery cell 10 to contact the bottom of the can housing 200. And, as... Figure 6 As shown in (b), with Figure 6 Compared to case (a), the rising pusher 500 can rise further, and in this case, the rising pusher 500 can move the battery cell 10 in an upward direction. Figure 6 (a) or Figure 6 In the state shown in (b), the rising pusher 500 can press upward against the bottom of the tank housing 200.

[0076] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the rising pusher 500 can be set to a lowered state, spaced downwards from the battery cell 10. That is, the rising pusher 500 can be configured to rise and fall.

[0077] Main reference Figure 4 and Figure 7 The lowering pusher 600 can be configured to press down on the top of the can housing 200. The lowering pusher 600 can be positioned above the battery cell 10.

[0078] like Figure 7 As shown, the lowering pusher 600 can be configured to descend above the top of the battery cell 10. Specifically, as... Figure 7As shown in (a), the descending pusher 600 can descend toward the battery cell 10 to contact the top of the can housing 200. And, as... Figure 7 As shown in (b), the 600-degree drop pusher can be compared to Figure 7 The situation in (a) is further reduced, and in this case, the lowering pusher 600 can move the battery cell 10 in the downward direction. Figure 7 (a) or Figure 7 In the state shown in (b), the descending pusher 600 can press down on the top of the tank housing 200.

[0079] like Figure 4 As shown, the descent pusher 600 can be set to an upward state, spaced upward from the battery cell 10. That is, the descent pusher 600 can be configured to both descend and ascend.

[0080] The can housing 200 can be vertically compressed by the pressure applied by the rising pusher 500 and the falling pusher 600. When the can housing 200 is compressed, the total height of the battery cell 10 can be reduced.

[0081] Main reference Figure 4 and Figure 8 The pressing guide member 700 may include an insertion support portion 710 and an elastic support portion 720. The pressing guide member 700 may be disposed at a position adjacent to the pressing portion 210.

[0082] At least a portion of the insertion support portion 710 can be inserted into the pressing edge portion 210. For example, one end of the insertion support portion 710 near the battery cell 10 can be inserted into the pressing edge portion 210. The insertion support portion 710 can be inserted from the outside of the pressing edge portion 210 toward the pressing edge portion 210 at the same height as the pressing edge portion 210.

[0083] The insertion support portion 710 can be configured to support at least a portion of the pressing edge portion 210. The pressing edge portion 210 may include an innermost portion (i.e., the horizontally recessed portion), an upper portion (i.e., the upper portion of the innermost portion), and a lower portion (i.e., the lower portion of the innermost portion). The insertion support portion 710 can support at least one of, for example, the innermost portion, the upper portion of the pressing edge portion 210, and the lower portion of the pressing edge portion 210. The insertion support portion 710 can be configured as a flat plate.

[0084] The elastic support portion 720 can elastically support the insertion support portion 710 in the vertical direction. The elastic support portion 720 may include a resilient material or a resilient structure. The elastic support portion 720 allows the insertion support portion 710 to move slightly in the vertical direction. The elastic support portion 720 may be located at the other end of the insertion support portion 710.

[0085] Specifically, during the vertical compression of the tank shell 200, the pressing portion 210 can be vertically compressed into a deformable form by the pressure applied by the rising pusher 500 and the falling pusher 600. In this case, the degree of indentation of the pressing portion 210 becomes severe, so the pressing portion 210 can be further indented.

[0086] like Figure 8 As shown in (a), the blanking guide member 700 can be pre-inserted and positioned in the blanking portion 210 before the blanking portion 210 is compressed. Additionally, as... Figure 8 As shown in (b), when the pressing edge portion 210 is vertically compressed, the pressing edge guide member 700 can support at least a portion of the pressing edge portion 210 to guide the deformation of the pressing edge portion 210. Since the insert support portion 710 can be slightly allowed to move vertically by the elastic support portion 720, the insert support portion 710 can continuously and stably support the pressing edge portion 210 during the vertical compression of the pressing edge portion 210.

[0087] The battery cell size adjustment apparatus 20 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure can perform effective size adjustment processing of the battery cell 10 by means of an upward pusher 500 and a downward pusher 600. Furthermore, the support pusher 400 can not only stably support the can housing 200 during the size adjustment process, but also effectively prevent external damage such as scratches on the rivet terminals 300. Additionally, the edge-pressing guide member 700 can effectively support the edge-pressing portion 210 during the size adjustment process, thereby consistently forming the size and shape of the edge-pressing portion 210. Therefore, the battery cell size adjustment apparatus 20 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure can manufacture battery cells 10 with improved appearance quality.

[0088] Additionally, the rising pusher 500 may include a can housing mounting portion 510. The lower corner region of the can housing 200 may be mounted on the can housing mounting portion 510. The can housing mounting portion 510 may press upward against the bottom of the can housing 200. The can housing mounting portion 510 may be formed to have a shape corresponding to the lower corner region of the can housing 200, for example, having a cross-section inclined relative to the vertical and horizontal directions (see...). Figure 6 ).

[0089] Furthermore, the support push head 400 and the rising push head 500 can move independently of each other. That is, the support push head 400 and the rising push head 500 can move up and down independently of each other. A support push head motion guide 520 configured to guide the vertical movement of the support push head 400 can be disposed inside the rising push head 500 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 5 and 6 ).

[0090] Additionally, the pressing edge guide member 700 may include a movable portion 730 capable of moving the insertion support portion 710. The movable portion 730 can move the insertion support portion 710 horizontally in a direction closer to or further away from the pressing edge portion 210. The movable portion 730 can also move the insertion support portion 710 vertically. The other end of the insertion support portion 710, away from the battery cell 10, may be disposed on the movable portion 730. An elastic support portion 720 may be disposed on the movable portion 730 (see [link to original text]). Figure 8 ).

[0091] Additionally, the can housing 200 may include a cover plate 220 and a rolled edge portion 230. The cover plate 220 may be disposed on the top of the can housing 200 to cover the opening of the can housing 200. The cover plate 220 may have a venting cutout portion, which is cut to be broken when the internal pressure of the battery cell 10 increases. A descending pusher 600 may press the cover plate 220 downwards. The rolled edge portion 230 may be formed by extending and bending the upper portion of the can housing 200 inwards. The rolled edge portion 230 may cover at least a portion of the opening of the can housing 200. The rolled edge portion 230 may secure and seal the cover plate 220. The rolling edge treatment for forming the rolled edge portion 230 may be performed after the cover plate 220 is disposed in the opening of the can housing 200. Furthermore, a dimensional adjustment treatment may be performed after the rolling edge treatment (see...). Figure 7 and 8 ).

[0092] Additionally, the battery cell 10 may include a first current collector and a second current collector. The first current collector may be electrically connected to the first electrode and the rivet terminal 300. The second current collector may be electrically connected to the second electrode and the can housing 200.

[0093] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for adjusting the size of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0094] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 4 to 9 , specifically refer to Figure 9 A battery cell size adjustment method according to embodiments of the present disclosure is described in detail. The battery cell size adjustment method according to embodiments of the present disclosure can be used with the battery cell size adjustment device 20 according to the present disclosure.

[0095] The battery cell size adjustment method according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include steps (a), (b), (c) and (d).

[0096] Step (a) can be a step of supporting the bottom of the can housing 200 upwards without the support pusher 400 contacting the rivet terminal 300 protruding from the bottom of the can housing 200. The support pusher 400 can rise toward the battery cell 10 to support the bottom of the can housing 200 and can avoid the rivet terminal 300 to support the bottom of the can housing 200, thereby preventing damage to the appearance of the rivet terminal 300.

[0097] Step (b) is the step of pressing the bottom of the can housing 200 upward by the rising push head 500. In step (b), the battery cell 10 can move upward. Step (b) can be performed after step (a). That is, when the bottom of the can housing 200 is supported by the support push head 400, the rising push head 500 can press the bottom of the can housing 200 upward.

[0098] Step (c) may be a step in which at least a portion of the insert support portion 710 is inserted into the pressure edge portion 210 of the tank shell 200 to support at least a portion of the pressure edge portion 210 while the insert support portion 710 is vertically elastically supported by the elastic support portion 720. In step (c), the elastic support portion 720 allows the insert support portion 710 to move slightly in the vertical direction.

[0099] Step (d) can be a step of pressing the top of the can housing 200 downward by lowering the pusher head 600. Through steps (b) and (d), the can housing 200 can be vertically compressed. When the can housing 200 is vertically compressed, the pressing edge portion 210 can also be vertically compressed.

[0100] Step (c) can be performed before step (d). That is, step (d) can be performed with the pressing guide member 700 first inserted into the pressing portion 210. Therefore, while supported by the pressing guide member 700, the pressing portion 210 can be vertically compressed, thereby uniformly forming the size and shape of the pressing portion 210.

[0101] Figure 10 This is an enlarged perspective view showing the support pusher of the battery cell size adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 11 This is an enlarged view showing the state of the bottom of the can housing in the battery cell size adjustment device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and... Figure 12 It is shown Figure 11 A further enlarged view of the support pusher section.

[0102] In the following text, reference will be made to Figures 10 to 12 The support pusher 400 of the battery cell size adjustment device 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is described in more detail.

[0103] The support pusher 400 may include a rivet terminal insertion slot portion 410 and a can housing support portion 420. The rivet terminal 300 can be inserted into the rivet terminal insertion slot portion 410. The rivet terminal insertion slot portion 410 may have a predetermined inner diameter D1. The rivet terminal insertion slot portion 410 may be formed to be recessed to have an inner diameter D1 greater than or equal to the outer diameter D2 of the rivet terminal 300. For example, the rivet terminal insertion slot portion 410 may be formed to be downwardly recessed.

[0104] The tank shell support portion 420 can be configured to surround the periphery of the rivet terminal insertion slot portion 410. For example... Figure 10 As shown, the tank shell support portion 420 can be formed to completely surround the rivet terminal insertion slot portion 410. Alternatively, with Figure 10 As shown, the can housing support portion 420 can be formed to partially surround the rivet terminal insertion slot portion 410. The can housing support portion 420 can support the bottom of the can housing 200. The can housing support portion 420 can bypass the rivet terminal 300 and support the bottom of the can housing 200.

[0105] When the support pusher 400 is constructed as described above, the rivet terminal 300 can be easily inserted into the support pusher 400. In addition, the bottom of the can housing 200 can be supported more stably.

[0106] The depth L1 of the rivet terminal insertion groove portion 410 can be formed to be deeper than the length L2 of the rivet terminal 300 protruding from the bottom of the can housing 200.

[0107] If the support pusher 400 is configured as described above, when the rivet terminal 300 is inserted into the support pusher 400, the lower end portion of the rivet terminal 300 can be spaced apart from the rivet terminal insertion slot portion 410, thereby preventing damage to the lower end portion of the rivet terminal 300.

[0108] Figure 13 This is a perspective view showing the state in which multiple pressure guide members are provided in a battery cell size adjustment device according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0109] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 13 A battery cell size adjustment device 20 according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present disclosure is described in detail. In the battery cell size adjustment device 20 according to the modified example of an embodiment of the present disclosure, multiple pressing edge guide members 700 may be provided.

[0110] For example, such as Figure 13As shown, four pressure guide members 700 can be configured. However, the number of pressure guide members 700 is not limited to this. Figure 13 Furthermore, the multiple pressure guide members 700 can be set to more or less than four.

[0111] When viewed from the Z-axis direction, multiple pressure guide members 700 can be arranged symmetrically to each other.

[0112] As described above, if multiple edge-pressing guide members 700 are provided, the edge-pressing portion 210 can be supported more evenly and consistently when the tank shell 200 or the edge-pressing portion 210 is vertically compressed and deformed.

[0113] Figure 14 This is an enlarged side cross-sectional view showing the pressing edge guide member of a battery cell size adjustment device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0114] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 14 A detailed description of a battery cell size adjustment device 20 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. In the battery cell size adjustment device 20 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the elastic support portion 720 of the pressing edge guide member 700 may include a first elastic support portion 721 and a second elastic support portion 722.

[0115] The first elastic support portion 721 can elastically support the top of the insertion support portion 710. The first elastic support portion 721 can be connected to the top of the other end of the insertion support portion 710 away from the battery cell 10.

[0116] The second elastic support portion 722 can elastically support the bottom of the insertion support portion 710. The second elastic support portion 722 can be connected to the bottom of the other end of the insertion support portion 710.

[0117] When the elastic support portion 720 is configured as described above, the top and bottom of the insertion support portion 710 can be more effectively elastically supported.

[0118] At least one of the first elastic support portion 721 and the second elastic support portion 722 can be configured as a helical spring. For example, only one of the first elastic support portion 721 and the second elastic support portion 722 can be configured as a helical spring, or each of the first elastic support portion 721 and the second elastic support portion 722 can be configured as a helical spring. The central axis of the helical spring applied to the first elastic support portion 721 and the second elastic support portion 722 can be formed parallel to the Z-axis direction.

[0119] When the first elastic support portion 721 and the second elastic support portion 722 are configured as described above, the top and bottom of the insert support portion 710 can be more effectively elastically supported, and various helical springs can be applied, which allows for easy design and modification of the elasticity of the elastic support portion 720.

[0120] Figure 15 This is an enlarged side cross-sectional view showing the pressing edge guide member of a battery cell size adjustment device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0121] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 15 A detailed description is provided of a battery cell size adjustment device 20 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. In the battery cell size adjustment device 20 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the elastic support portion 720 of the pressing edge guide member 700 may include an elastic pressing portion 723.

[0122] The resilient pressing portion 723 can be configured to resiliently press the insertion support portion 710 against the pressing edge portion 210. When the insertion support portion 710 is resiliently pressed, the insertion support portion 710 can come into close contact with the pressing edge portion 210 as the pressing edge portion 210 is recessed into the tank shell 200.

[0123] The elastic pressing portion 723 can provide elastic force to the insertion support portion 710 to a degree that does not deform the pressing edge portion 210. That is, the pressing edge portion 210 may not be concave inward solely by the elastic force of the elastic pressing portion 723.

[0124] When the elastic support portion 720 is configured as described above, unwanted deformation of the pressing edge portion 210 caused by the elastic pressing portion 723 can be prevented, and the insertion support portion 710 can continuously and closely contact the pressing edge portion 210, thereby allowing the pressing edge portion 210 to be supported more effectively.

[0125] The elastic pressing portion 723 can be configured as a coil spring. The central axis of the coil spring applied to the elastic pressing portion 723 can be formed perpendicular to the Z-axis direction.

[0126] When the elastic pressing portion 723 is configured as described above, the elastic pressing portion 723 can more effectively and elastically press the insertion support portion 710, and various helical springs can be applied, which allows the elasticity of the elastic pressing portion 723 to be easily designed and modified.

[0127] Figure 16 This is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of the pressure guide member of a battery cell size adjustment device, illustrating another modified example of an embodiment according to the present disclosure.

[0128] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 16A battery cell size adjustment device 20 according to another modified example of an embodiment of the present disclosure is described in detail. In the battery cell size adjustment device 20 according to another modified example of an embodiment of the present disclosure, the end 711 of the insertion support portion 710 of the pressing guide member 700 may be rounded.

[0129] Specifically, the end 711 of the insertion support portion 710 on the side of the pressing edge portion 210 or one end 711 of the insertion support portion 710 can be formed with a rounded cross section.

[0130] If the insertion support portion 710 is configured as described above, damage to the pressing edge portion 210 due to contact with the insertion support portion 710 can be minimized when the insertion support portion 710 contacts the pressing edge portion 210 to support the pressing edge portion 210.

[0131] In this specification, terms indicating direction, such as up, down, left, right, front, and back, may be used, but these terms are merely for convenience of description and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these terms may vary depending on the position of the element or the observer.

[0132] 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 to it within the scope of the technical aspects of the present disclosure and the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0133] [List of reference numerals]

[0134] 10: Battery cells

[0135] 20: Battery cell size adjustment device

[0136] 100: Electrode assembly

[0137] 200: Tank shell

[0138] 210: Edge pressing section

[0139] 220: Cover plate

[0140] 230: Rolled edge section

[0141] 300: Rivet Terminal

[0142] 400: Support pusher

[0143] 410: Rivet terminal insertion slot portion

[0144] 420: Tank shell support section

[0145] 500: Rising Push

[0146] 510: Tank shell mounting section

[0147] 520: Support for push-head movement guide

[0148] 600: Descending pusher

[0149] 700: Edge clamping guide component

[0150] 710: Insert support section

[0151] 711: End

[0152] 720: Elastic support section

[0153] 721: First elastic support section

[0154] 722: Second elastic support section

[0155] 723: Elastic pressing part

[0156] 730: Moving Part

Claims

1. A battery cell size adjustment device, configured to perform a size adjustment process by compressing the can housing of a battery cell in a vertical direction, the battery cell size adjustment device comprising: A support pusher that supports the bottom of the tank housing upwards without contacting the rivet terminals protruding from the bottom of the tank housing; An upward pusher head presses upward against the bottom of the tank shell; A lowering pusher presses down on the top of the tank shell; and A pressing edge guide member includes an insertion support portion and an elastic support portion, the insertion support portion being configured to be at least partially inserted into the pressing edge portion of the tank shell to support at least a portion of the pressing edge portion, and the elastic support portion elastically supporting the insertion support portion in the vertical direction.

2. The battery cell size adjustment device according to claim 1, in, The pressure-pressing portion is vertically compressed by the pressure applied by the rising pusher and the falling pusher, thus enabling it to deform. The pressing edge guide member is configured to guide the deformation of the pressing edge portion.

3. The battery cell size adjustment device according to claim 1, in, The support pusher includes: A rivet terminal insertion slot portion, wherein the rivet terminal insertion slot portion is recessed and formed with an inner diameter greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the rivet terminal, thereby allowing the rivet terminal to be inserted; and A can housing support portion is configured to surround the periphery of the rivet terminal insertion slot portion and support the bottom of the can housing.

4. The battery cell size adjustment device according to claim 1, in, The depth of the rivet terminal insertion groove is formed to be deeper than the length of the rivet terminal protruding from the bottom of the can shell.

5. The battery cell size adjustment device according to claim 1, in, The pressing guide members are configured in multiple ways.

6. The battery cell size adjustment device according to claim 1, in, The elastic support portion includes: A first elastic support portion elastically supports the top of the insertion support portion; and The second elastic support portion elastically supports the bottom of the insertion support portion.

7. The battery cell size adjustment device according to claim 7, in, At least one of the first elastic support portion and the second elastic support portion is configured as a helical spring.

8. The battery cell size adjustment device according to claim 1, in, The elastic support portion includes an elastic pressing portion, which is configured to elastically press the insertion support portion against the pressing edge portion to a degree that does not deform the pressing edge portion.

9. The battery cell size adjustment device according to claim 8, in, The elastic pressing part is configured as a helical spring.

10. The battery cell size adjustment device according to claim 1, in, The end of the insert support portion on the pressure edge side is rounded.

11. A method for adjusting the size of a battery cell using the battery cell size adjustment device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the method comprising: Step (a): Support the bottom of the can housing upwards while the support push head does not contact the rivet terminal protruding from the bottom of the can housing; Step (b): The bottom of the tank shell is pressed upward by the rising pusher; Step (c): Insert at least a portion of the insertion support portion into the pressing edge portion of the tank shell to support at least a portion of the pressing edge portion, while the insertion support portion is elastically supported by the elastic support portion in the vertical direction; and Step (d): The top of the tank shell is pressed downward by the descending pusher. Step (c) is performed before step (d).

12. A battery cell manufactured using the battery cell size adjustment device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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