Battery cell folding device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an electrode assembly folding apparatus, and an electrode assembly folding apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first guide member determining a first folding line on a first face of a sealing portion of an electrode assembly, a second guide member determining a second folding line on the first face of the sealing portion, a first bending member determining the first folding line on a second face of the sealing portion and bending the sealing portion along the second folding line, and a second bending member bending the sealing portion by 180 degrees along the first folding line.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a folding device for folding the sealing portion of a pouch-type battery cell. Background Technology

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged, making them suitable for various applications such as digital cameras, mobile phones, laptops, hybrid vehicles, and electric vehicles. Secondary batteries can be nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, lithium-ion batteries, etc.

[0003] Among these secondary batteries, a lot of research is being conducted on lithium secondary batteries with high energy density and discharge voltage. In recent years, lithium secondary batteries have been manufactured using flexible pouch-type cells or rigid prismatic or cylindrical can-type cells.

[0004] In this type of battery cell, a space for accommodating an electrode assembly is formed within the film casing, and at least a portion of the periphery of the electrode assembly is sealed to form a sealing section. Electrode leads are connected to the electrode assembly, and these leads are exposed to the outside through the sealing section. Within the sealing section, portions of the sealing section without electrode leads are folded to improve sealing reliability and minimize the volume occupied by the sealing section. Utility Model Content

[0005] (a) Technical problems to be solved According to one aspect of this disclosure, the folding operation of the sealing portion of the pouch-type battery cell can be performed quickly, thereby shortening the manufacturing time of the battery cell.

[0006] The battery cells manufactured using this disclosure can be widely used in electric vehicles, battery charging stations, and other green technology fields such as solar power generation and wind power generation that utilize batteries. Furthermore, the battery cells manufactured using this disclosure can be used in eco-friendly electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, which prevent climate change by suppressing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

[0007] (II) Technical Solution The battery cell folding device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a first guiding member that defines a first fold line on a first surface of a sealing portion of the battery cell; a second guiding member that defines a second fold line on the first surface of the sealing portion; a first bending member that defines the first fold line on a second surface of the sealing portion and bends the sealing portion along the second fold line; and a second bending member that bends the sealing portion 180 degrees along the first fold line.

[0008] In one embodiment, the second bending member can move along the thickness direction of the battery cell, i.e., the first direction, and bend the sealing portion for the first time, and can move along the surface direction of the battery cell, i.e., the second direction, and bend the sealing portion for the second time.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first bending member can move along the first direction and bend the sealing portion.

[0010] In one embodiment, the first guide member may be configured to move linearly along the first direction and to rotate about a third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first guide member may include: a first frame disposed parallel to the second direction; a second frame extending from the first frame toward the cell side; and a third frame extending from the second frame and forming an acute angle with the sealing portion, wherein the end of the third frame contacts the sealing portion to define the first fold line.

[0012] In one embodiment, the rotation axis of the first guide member may be formed on the first frame.

[0013] In one embodiment, the first bending member and the second bending member may each include a heat source that applies heat to the sealing portion.

[0014] In one embodiment, the second bending member may include: a first surface disposed parallel to the first direction; and a second surface and a third surface extending from the first surface and disposed parallel to the second direction, wherein the first surface, the second surface and the third surface may form a flat plane, and a chamfered surface may be formed at the edge where the first surface and the second surface intersect.

[0015] In one embodiment, with the second direction as a reference, the tilt angle of the chamfered surface can be equal to or greater than the tilt angle of the third frame.

[0016] In one embodiment, the edge portion where the first surface and the third surface intersect can form a chamfered surface or a curved surface.

[0017] In one embodiment, the second guide member may be disposed between the first guide member and the cell body of the battery cell, and the first surface of the second guide member facing the first guide member may form a plane parallel to the first surface of the second bending member.

[0018] Additionally, the battery cell folding device according to embodiments of this disclosure may include: a first guiding member configured to be linearly movable and rotatably movable, and pressurizing a first fold line of the sealing portion on a first surface of the sealing portion of the battery cell; a first bending member disposed on a second surface of the sealing portion and supporting the sealing portion; and a second bending member moving along the thickness direction of the battery cell, i.e., a first direction, and performing a first bending of the sealing portion, and moving along the surface direction of the battery cell, i.e., a second direction, and performing a second bending of the sealing portion, wherein the first guiding member may support the first fold line during the movement of the second bending member along the first direction, and rotate when the second bending member moves along the second direction to be separated from the sealing portion.

[0019] In one embodiment, the cell folding device may further include: a second guiding member that applies pressure to a second fold line of the sealing portion on a first surface of the sealing portion, and the first bending member that can move along the first direction and bend the sealing portion along the second fold line.

[0020] (III) Beneficial Effects According to one embodiment of this disclosure, the speed of the folding operation of the bag-type battery cell seal can be increased, thereby shortening the battery cell manufacturing time and increasing the battery cell yield. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the shape of the pouch cell before the folding process is performed.

[0022] Figure 2 It is shown in sequence in the pair Figure 1 When the sealing part of the bag-type battery cell shown is folded, along... Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating an example of the shape variation of the seal section as shown by the I-I' line.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a schematic side view of the battery cell folding device according to this embodiment.

[0024] Figures 4 to 12 It is used to illustrate the use Figure 3 A diagram showing the folding method of the folding device.

[0025] Figure 13 It is used to illustrate the use Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating the folding method of the folding device shown.

[0026] Figure 14 It is shown in magnification Figure 1 An enlarged view of part A.

[0027] Figures 15 to 17It is used to illustrate the use Figure 3 A diagram illustrating the folding method of the shark fin in the folding device.

[0028] Figure 18 It is used to illustrate the use Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating the shark fin folding method of the folding device shown.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1: Battery Cell 3: Sealing part 8: Shark fin 10: Folding device 20: First guiding component 23: First Framework 24: Second Framework 25: The Third Framework 30: Second guiding component 40: First bending component 45: Primary heat source 50: Second bending component 55: Second heat source 60: Cooling device F1: First fold line F2: Second fold line F3: Third fold line Detailed Implementation

[0030] The present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these are merely examples, and the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein.

[0031] First, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The bag-type battery cell 1 manufactured by this disclosure will be described.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the shape of the pouch-shaped battery cell before the folding process. Figure 2 It is shown in sequence in the pair Figure 1 When the sealing part of the bag-type battery cell shown is folded, along... Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating an example of the shape variation of the seal section as shown by the I-I' line.

[0033] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2The pouch-type battery cell 1 may include: a cell body 2, which internally houses an electrode assembly 6; and a sealing portion 3, which seals at least a portion of the periphery of the cell body 2 to block the electrode assembly 6 from the outside. The sealing portion 3 may be formed on a portion of the cell body 2 exposed in a flange form to the outside. Electrode leads 5 are connected to the electrode assembly 6, and the electrode leads 5 have a shape that exposes to the outside through a portion of the sealing portion 3.

[0034] Figure 1 The illustrated pouch-type battery cell 1 shows an example of forming the cell body 2 and the sealing portion 3 by folding a film casing. In this case, the sealing portion 3 can be formed on three sides of the cell body 2 (on...). Figure 1 On the upper and left and right sides of the main body of the battery cell.

[0035] However, the structure of the sealing portion 3 in the pouch-type battery cell 1 of this invention is not limited to this. For example, the pouch-type battery cell 1 can be formed by joining two membrane outer packaging materials together to form the battery cell body 2 and the sealing portion 3. In this case, the sealing portion 3 can be formed on the four sides of the battery cell body 2.

[0036] The sealing portion 3 can be folded to improve the engagement reliability of the sealing portion and minimize the volume occupied by the sealing portion 3. That is, at least a portion of the plurality of sealing portions 3 can have a shape that is folded at least once. For example, the sealing portion 3 located in the portion where the electrode lead 5 is not provided can have a shape that is folded at least once.

[0037] Reference Figure 2 After undergoing at least one folding process, the sealing portion 3 of the pouch-type battery cell 1 will have a folded structure 4 folded at a specific angle. For example, if the state of the sealing portion before the folding process (hereinafter, the initial state) is determined to be 0 degrees, in the first folding process, with the first fold line F1 as a reference, the outer region A1 (hereinafter, the first region) of the sealing portion 3 can be folded by approximately 90 degrees, and in the second folding process, the first region A1 of the sealing portion 3 can be folded by another 90 degrees. Therefore, after completing the second folding process, the first region A1 can be in a state where it has been folded by 180 degrees based on the initial state of the sealing portion 3. In addition, in the third folding process, with the second fold line F2 as a reference, the outer region A3 (hereinafter, the third region) of the sealing portion 3 can be further folded by 90 degrees. In this case, the first region A1 can be in a state where it has been folded by 270 degrees based on the initial state, and finally, the first region A1 of the sealing portion 3 can be disposed adjacent to the side wall of the battery cell body 2.

[0038] In this embodiment, the folding process of the sealing part 3 can be any one of the first to third folding processes described above. However, in this embodiment of the present invention, the folding process of the sealing part 3 is not limited to the above-described processes of folding at specific angles such as 90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 270 degrees. In addition, the number of times the folding process is performed can also be varied, changing to one or more times.

[0039] As described above, the setting of the folding angle of the sealing part 3 or the number of folding operations can be varied according to the final specifications of the battery cell 1. Furthermore, the folding operation of the sealing part 3 can be performed by the folding device 10 described later.

[0040] Figure 3 This is a schematic side view of the battery cell folding device according to this embodiment.

[0041] Simultaneously refer to Figure 3 According to this embodiment, the battery cell folding device 10 may include: a first guiding member 20, which defines a first fold line F1 on a first surface of the sealing portion 3 of the battery cell 1; a second guiding member 30, which defines a second fold line F2 on the first surface of the sealing portion 3; a first bending member 40, which defines the first fold line F1 on a second surface of the sealing portion 3 and bends the sealing portion 3 along the second fold line F2; and a second bending member 50, which bends the sealing portion 3 180 degrees along the first fold line F1. Furthermore, it may include a placement portion 11, on which the battery cell 1 is placed, so that the sealing portion 3 of the battery cell 1 protrudes outward.

[0042] Additionally, the folding device 10 of this embodiment may include: a first guide member 20, which is linearly and rotatably disposed and pressurizes the first fold line F1 of the sealing portion 3 on the first surface of the sealing portion 3 of the battery cell 1; a first bending member 40, disposed on the second surface of the sealing portion 3 and supporting the sealing portion 3; and a second bending member 50, which moves along the thickness direction of the battery cell 1, i.e., the first direction, and performs a first bending of the sealing portion 3, and moves along the surface direction of the battery cell 1, i.e., the second direction, and performs a second bending of the sealing portion 3. The first guide member 20 may support the first fold line F1 during the movement of the second bending member 50 along the first direction and rotate when the second bending member 50 moves along the second direction to separate itself from the sealing portion 3.

[0043] In the following description, the first surface of cell 1 or sealing part 3 may be indicated Figure 3 The upper surface of the battery cell 1 shown, and the second surface of the battery cell 1 or the sealing part 3 can be represented as follows: Figure 3 The lower surface of cell 1 shown.

[0044] Additionally, in the following description, the first direction may refer to the thickness direction of cell 1 ( Figure 3The Z-axis direction or the up-down direction), the second direction is the direction in which the sealing part 3 protrudes from the main body 2 of the cell 1, which can represent the surface direction or the width direction of the cell 1 ( Figure 3 The Y-axis direction or the left-right direction). Additionally, a third direction can represent the length direction of cell 1 (the direction of the Y-axis or the left-right direction). Figure 1 (The X-axis direction or the left-right direction). Furthermore, the first direction to the third direction can simultaneously include the positive (+) direction and the negative (-) direction of the corresponding direction.

[0045] The placement portion 11 is the part that places the battery cell 1 during the process of folding the sealing portion 3 of the battery cell 1, and may include a flat plane for supporting the lower surface of the battery cell 1. When the battery cell 1 is placed in the placement portion 11, the sealing portion 3 of the battery cell 1 may protrude outward from the placement portion 11. Therefore, the placement portion 11 may not be provided in the area opposite to the sealing portion 3 of the battery cell 1.

[0046] In the following description, the position of each component is explained with reference to the battery cell 1 placed on the placement section 11. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the battery cell 1 mentioned in the following description refers to... Figure 3 The battery cell 1 is shown in the state of being placed on the placement section 11.

[0047] The first bending member 40 can be disposed on the second side of the battery cell 1, i.e., the lower part of the sealing part 3. The first bending member 40 can be configured to reciprocate in the thickness direction of the battery cell 1, i.e., the first direction (Z-axis direction). For this purpose, the first bending member 40 can be connected to a first moving device 41 for moving the first bending member 40. The first moving device 41 can be any known device such as a linear motor, hydraulic / pneumatic cylinder, or robotic arm, as long as it can reciprocate linearly along the first direction.

[0048] The first bending member 40 can be formed into a block shape, and the first surface 40a opposite to the sealing part 3 can be formed into a flat plane parallel to the sealing part 3.

[0049] The first bending member 40 may include a heat source that applies heat to the sealing portion 3. For example, a first heat source 45 may be provided on the first surface 40a of the first bending member 40. The first heat source 45 can heat the area near the first surface 40a of the first bending member 40, and may include a heater capable of generating heat.

[0050] The second surface 40b of the first bending member 40 can also form a flat plane. The second surface 40b of the first bending member 40 is a surface extending from the first surface 40a and can be arranged parallel to a plane defined by a first direction (Z-axis direction) and a third direction (X-axis direction). Figure 3In the context, the second surface 40b of the first bending member 40 can represent the right side surface of the first bending member 40 that is orthogonal to the first surface 40a of the first bending member 40.

[0051] The second surface 40b of the first bending member 40 may be arranged parallel to the first surface 50a of the second bending member 50, which will be described later. Furthermore, the second surface 40b of the first bending member 40 may be arranged along the first fold line F1, which serves as the bending line of the sealing portion 3.

[0052] Therefore, the first bending member 40 can be disposed between the cell body 2 and the first fold line F1, and thus, the width of the first bending member 40 can be less than the distance between the cell body 2 and the first fold line F1. Here, the width of the first bending member 40 and the width of the sealing part 3 can be expressed as the distance in the width direction of the cell 1, i.e., the second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0053] The first bending member 40 can contact the sealing portion 3 to fold the sealing portion 3. For example, the first bending member 40 can move in a first direction (Z-axis direction) and bend the sealing portion 3 along the second fold line F2. As an embodiment, the first bending member 40 can bend the third region ( Figure 2 (A3) bend 90 degrees.

[0054] Furthermore, the first bending member 40 can pressurize the bent sealing portion 3 and apply heat to the bent portion, thereby thermally pressurizing the sealing portion 3. For example, the first bending member 40 can work together with the second bending member 50 to thermally pressurize the sealing portion 3 bent along the first fold line F1.

[0055] The first guide member 20 can be disposed on the first side of the cell 1, i.e., on the upper part of the sealing part 3. The first guide member 20 can move linearly along a first direction and is rotatably disposed about a third direction (X-axis direction). Here, the third direction (X-axis direction) can be the length direction of the cell 1 or a direction orthogonal to the first direction (Z-axis direction) and the second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0056] For this purpose, the first guide member 20 can be connected to a second moving device 21 for moving the first guide member 20. The second moving device 21 may include a linear motor, a hydraulic / pneumatic cylinder, a robotic arm, etc., to cause the first guide member 20 to reciprocate linearly in a first direction, and may include a rotary drive device such as a rotary motor to cause the first guide member 20 to rotate in a second direction. In addition, the second moving device 21 may include a linearly movable support 22, and the first guide member 20 may be rotatably coupled to the support 22 via a rotary drive device.

[0057] The first guide member 20 may include: a first frame 23, disposed parallel to the second direction (Y-axis direction); a second frame 24, extending from the first frame 23 toward the cell 1 side; and a third frame 25, extending from the second frame 24 and forming an acute angle with the sealing portion 3, wherein the end of the third frame 25 contacts the sealing portion 3 to define a first fold line F1. Additionally, the rotation axis P of the first guide member 20 may be formed on the first frame 23.

[0058] The first frame 23 can be rotatably coupled to the aforementioned bracket 22. The rotation axis P of the first guide member 20 can be arranged parallel to a third direction (X-axis) and, with the first direction as a reference, can be located at the end of the first frame 23. In this case, the rotation axis P can be located at a position not opposite to the sealing part 3. For example, the rotation axis P can be located at a predetermined distance from the battery cell 1 along the second direction. However, this embodiment is not limited to this.

[0059] The second frame 24 can extend from the first frame 23 toward the cell 1 or the first bending member 40. The second frame 24 can be configured to face the sealing portion 3 of the cell 1. Therefore, the second frame 24 can extend from the area of ​​the first frame 23 facing the sealing portion 3, and the end of the second frame 24 can be positioned at a predetermined distance from the sealing portion 3.

[0060] The third frame 25 can extend obliquely from the end of the second frame 24, and the end of the third frame 25 can contact the sealing part 3. At this time, the third frame 25 can form an acute angle with the sealing part 3 in the initial state.

[0061] In this embodiment, the third frame 25 can be formed as a wedge shape that becomes thinner towards the ends. Therefore, the ends of the third frame 25 can be formed sharply.

[0062] During the folding process, the first guide member 20 can descend along a first direction and contact the sealing part 3. At this time, the end of the third frame 25 can pressurize the sealing part 3 to form a first fold line F1. For example, the pressure line formed by the end of the third frame 25 pressing the sealing part 3 can be formed as the first fold line F1.

[0063] In addition, when the first guide member 20 rotates with the aforementioned rotation axis P as a reference, the first guide member 20 can rotate in the direction of the third frame 25 toward or away from the cell body 2.

[0064] The second guide member 30 can be disposed on the upper part of the sealing part 3. The second guide member 30 can be disposed substantially parallel to the first guide member 20, and can be disposed between the first guide member 20 and the cell body 2 of the cell 1. In addition, the first surface 30a of the second guide member 30 facing the first guide member 20 can form a plane parallel to the first surface 50a of the second bending member 50 described later.

[0065] The second guide member 30 can be configured to move along a first direction (Z-axis direction) and its lower end can be positioned opposite the first surface of the sealing portion 3. Therefore, the lower end of the second guide member 30 can have a thickness corresponding to the gap between the second guide member 30 and the battery cell body 2.

[0066] As the second guide member 30 moves, its lower end can contact the sealing portion 3. Similar to the third frame 25, the second guide member 30 can be formed as a wedge shape that becomes thinner towards the lower end. Therefore, the lower end of the second guide member 30 can be formed sharply.

[0067] The first surface 30a of the second guide member 30, which faces the first guide member 20, can form a flat plane. For example, the first surface of the second guide member 30 can be arranged parallel to a plane defined by a first direction (Z-axis direction) and a third direction (X-axis direction).

[0068] To move the second guide component 30, the second guide component 30 can be connected to the third moving device 31. The third moving device 31 can use various known devices such as linear motors, hydraulic / pneumatic cylinders, and robotic arms, as long as they can reciprocate linearly along the first direction (Z-axis direction) to move the second guide component 30.

[0069] During the folding process, the second guide member 30 can move along the first direction (Z-axis direction) and contact the sealing part 3. At this time, the lower end of the second guide member 30 can contact the sealing part 3 to determine the second folding line F2. For example, the contact line where the lower end of the second guide member 30 contacts the sealing part 3 can be formed as the second folding line F2.

[0070] The second bending member 50 can be disposed on the side of the battery cell 1 where the sealing portion 3 is formed, and can be configured to move along the first direction (Z-axis direction) and the second direction (Y-axis direction), respectively. For this purpose, the second bending member 50 can be connected to the fourth moving device 51. The fourth moving device 51 can be any known device such as a linear motor, hydraulic / pneumatic cylinder, or robotic arm, as long as it can linearly move the second bending member 50 along the first direction (Z-axis direction) and the second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0071] The second bending member 50 can be formed into a block shape and may include a first surface 50a arranged parallel to a first direction (Z-axis direction), a second surface 50b extending from the first surface 50a and arranged parallel to a second direction (Y-axis direction), and a third surface 50c. The first surface 50a, the second surface 50b, and the third surface 50c of the second bending member 50 can form a flat plane. In addition, a chamfered surface 50d can be formed at the edge where the first surface 50a and the second surface 50b intersect, and a chamfered surface or curved surface 50e can be formed at the edge where the first surface 50a and the third surface 50c intersect. Here, a chamfered surface can refer to a surface in which the edge of the second bending member 50 is machined into a non-sharp bevel.

[0072] The first surface 50a opposite to the sealing part 3 can be arranged parallel to a plane defined by a first direction (Z-axis direction) and a third direction (X-axis direction). Figure 3 In the folding process, the first surface 50a can represent the left side surface of the second bending member 50. The first surface 50a can be defined as the surface opposite to the first surface 30a of the second guide member 30 and the second surface 40b of the first bending member 40. For example, the first surface 50a of the second bending member 50 can be a plane arranged parallel to the first surface 30a of the second guide member 30 and the second surface 40b of the first bending member 40.

[0073] The second bending member 50 may include a heat source that applies heat to the sealing portion 3. For example, a second heat source 55 may be provided on the first surface 50a of the second bending member 50. The second heat source 55 can heat the vicinity of the first surface 50a of the second bending member 50, and may include a heater capable of generating heat.

[0074] The second surface 50b and the third surface 50c of the second bending component 50 are surfaces orthogonal to the first surface 50a, so that... Figure 3 Based on this, the second surface 50b can represent the lower surface of the second bending member 50, and the third surface 50c can represent the upper surface of the second bending member 50. Furthermore, the second surface 50b of the second bending member 50 can form a plane parallel to the first surface 40a of the first bending member 40.

[0075] In the folding process, the chamfered surface 50d of the second bending member 50 can be opposite to one side of the third frame 25 of the first guide member 20. Therefore, with the second direction as a reference, the tilt angle of the chamfered surface 50d can be equal to or greater than the tilt angle of the third frame 25.

[0076] In addition, when the second bending member 50 bends the sealing part 3, in order to prevent the sealing part 3 from being damaged by the second bending member 50, the edge portion where the first surface 50a and the third surface 50c of the second bending member 50 intersect can be formed into a curved surface 50e or a chamfered surface 50e.

[0077] The second bending member 50 can contact the sealing part 3 to bend it. For example, the second bending member 50 can move along the thickness direction of the cell 1, i.e., the first direction (Z-axis direction), and bend the sealing part 3 for the first time, and move along the surface direction of the cell 1, i.e., the second direction, and bend the sealing part 3 for the second time. Therefore, the second bending member 50 can bend the sealing part 3 by 180 degrees with the first fold line F1 as a reference.

[0078] In addition, the second bending member 50 can apply heat to the bent portion of the sealing portion 3 and apply thermal pressure to the sealing portion 3. For example, the second bending member 50 can work together with the first bending member 40 or the second guide member 30 to apply thermal pressure to both sides of the sealing portion 3.

[0079] On the other hand, the folding device 10 of this embodiment may further include a cooling device 60. The cooling device 60 may be provided to fix the folded shape of the sealing part 3, for which cold air may be sprayed onto the sealing part 3. Therefore, the cooling device 60 of this embodiment may use various known devices, as long as they can supply cold air to the sealing part 3.

[0080] Next, the folding method using the folding device 10 of this embodiment will be described.

[0081] Figures 4 to 12 It is used to illustrate the use Figure 3 The diagram shows the folding method of the folding device. Figure 13 It is used to illustrate the use Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating the folding method of the folding device shown.

[0082] Simultaneously refer to Figures 4 to 13 The cell folding method according to this embodiment may include: a first fold line F1 determination step S1, in which a first guide member 20 applies pressure to a first surface of the sealing portion 3 of the cell 1, and a first bending member 40 applies pressure to a second surface of the sealing portion 3 to determine the first fold line F1; a first bending step S2, in which a second bending member 50 moves along the thickness direction of the cell 1, i.e., the first direction (Z-axis direction), and bends the sealing portion 3 along the first fold line F1; a second bending step S3, in which the second bending member 50 moves along the surface direction of the cell 1, i.e., the second direction (Y-axis direction), and bends the sealing portion 3 along the first fold line F1; and a third bending step S5, in which the first bending member 40 moves along the second fold line F2 determined by the second guide member 30 in the first direction (Z-axis direction) and bends the sealing portion 3.

[0083] Here, the first bending step can be a step of bending the sealing part 3 by 90 degrees relative to the initial state, and the second bending step can be a step of bending the sealing part 3 by 180 degrees relative to the initial state.

[0084] In addition, after the second bending step, the process may further include step S4, in which the first bending member 40 and the second bending member 50 apply heat pressure to the sealing part 3 along the first direction (Z-axis direction). After the third bending step, the process may further include step S6, in which the second bending member 50 applies heat pressure to the sealing part 3 along the second direction (Y-axis direction).

[0085] More specifically, in the folding method of this embodiment, the first step S1, determining the first fold line F1, can be performed first. In this step, the first guide member 20 and the first bending member 40 can move towards the sealing part 3 to apply pressure to the sealing part 3. Therefore, as... Figure 4 As shown, the sealing part 3 disposed between the first guide member 20 and the first bending member 40 can be clamped by the first guide member 20 and the first bending member 40, thereby suppressing movement.

[0086] The first fold line F1 can be defined as the line where the plane formed by the lower end of the first guide member 20 and the second surface of the first bending member 40 intersects with the sealing part 3.

[0087] With the first fold line F1 determined, and using the first fold line F1 as a reference, the sealing part 3 can be divided into: Figure 2 The first region A1 and the second region A2 are shown. The first region A1 may represent the outer portion of the first fold line F1, which is exposed to the outside of the first bending member 40. The second region A2 may represent the inner portion of the first fold line F1, which is disposed between the cell body 2 and the first fold line F1, and at least a portion of it is in contact with the first bending member 40.

[0088] The first bending step S2 may include the step of the second bending member 50 being closely attached to the second surface of the first bending member 40, and the step of the second bending member 50 rising along the first direction (Z-axis direction) and bending the sealing part 3.

[0089] When the second bending member 50 is in close contact with the second surface 40b of the first bending member 40, the second bending member 50 can rise along the first direction (Z-axis direction) while in close contact with the second surface 40b of the first bending member 40, and apply pressure to the first region A1 of the sealing part 3. Therefore, as Figure 5 As shown, the first region A1 of the sealing part 3 can be folded while supporting the lower end of the first guide member 20.

[0090] In this step, since the second bending member 50 moves only along the first direction (Z-axis direction) and applies pressure to the sealing part 3, when the movement of the second bending member 50 is completed, the first region A1 can be folded at approximately 90 degrees relative to the second region A2.

[0091] Next, the second bending step S3 can be performed. In the second bending step, the second bending component 50 can move along the second direction (Y-axis direction), during which... Figure 6 As shown, the steps of forming an acute angle between the first region A1 and the second region A2, the step of the first guide component 20 returning to its initial position, and the step of pressing the first region A1 against the second region A2 can be performed.

[0092] As the second bending member 50 moves along a second direction (Y-axis direction) close to the cell body 2, the step of forming an acute angle between the first region A1 and the second region A2 can be performed. In this step, the first region A1 can be further bent by applying pressure to the second bending member 50, so that the first region A1 can form an acute angle with the second region A2.

[0093] In this step, the first region A1 can be supported on the inclined surface formed by the third frame 25 of the first guide member 20. Additionally, the first region A1 can be held in a bent state by one side of the third frame 25 and the chamfered surface 50d of the second bending member 50.

[0094] Next, the step of returning the first guide component 20 to its initial position can be performed. When the second bending component 50 moves along the second direction (Y-axis direction) to make the first region A1 and the second region A2 form an acute angle, as... Figure 7 As shown, the first guide member 20 can be rotated to be separated from the sealing part 3.

[0095] The first guide component 20 can rotate about the rotation axis P. The first guide component 20 can rotate in the direction away from the third frame 25 and away from the first region A1, that is, in the direction closer to the cell body 2. Therefore, the third frame 25 can be separated from the first region A1.

[0096] The first guide member 20, separated from the first region A1, can move linearly along the first direction (Z-axis direction) to return to its initial position. As the first guide member 20 returns to its initial position, the second bending member 50 can continue to move along the second direction (Y-axis direction) without interference from the first guide member 20.

[0097] Therefore, as Figure 8As shown, the second bending member 50 can be moved along the second direction (Y-axis direction) to press the first region A1 against the second region A2. This step may include step S4, in which the first bending member 40 and the second bending member 50 apply heat to the sealing part 3. While applying pressure to the sealing part 3, the first bending member 40 and the second bending member 50 can simultaneously apply heat to the sealing part 3 via the first heat source 45 and the second heat source 55, thus fixing the overlapping state of the first region A1 and the second region A2 of the sealing part 3.

[0098] On the other hand, in order to maintain the bent state of the first region A1, a step of cooling the first fold line F1 can be further performed. This step can be performed quickly after the hot pressurization process is completed. In this step, the cooling device 60 can spray cold air along the first fold line F1, and, if necessary, can also spray cold air into the first region A1.

[0099] Next, the third bending step S5 can be performed. This step may include the step of moving the second bending member 50 along a second direction (Y-axis direction) away from the cell body 2, the step of lowering the second guide member 30 to determine the second fold line F2, the step of moving the first bending member 40 along a first direction (Z-axis direction) to bend the sealing part 3, and the step of the second bending member 50 applying heat pressure to the third region A3.

[0100] like Figure 9 As shown, the second bending member 50 can move linearly along a second direction (Y-axis direction) away from the battery cell body 2. Therefore, the second bending member 50 can be positioned at a predetermined distance from the battery cell 1.

[0101] In the step of determining the second fold line F2, the second guide member 30 can be lowered to contact the sealing part 3. During this process, as... Figure 10 As shown, the lower end of the second guide member 30 can contact the portion of the second region A2 of the sealing part 3 that is adjacent to the cell body 2, and guide the second fold line F2.

[0102] On the other hand, Figures 10 to 12 The image shows the second fold line F2 separated from the first bending member 40. However, the thickness of the sealing part 3 is enlarged for ease of understanding. In reality, the thickness of the sealing part 3 is thin enough that the third surface of the first bending member 40 can overlap with or be sufficiently adjacent to the second fold line F2.

[0103] Next, the first bending component 40 can bend the sealing part 3 along the second fold line F2 while rising. For example... Figure 11 As shown, the first bending member 40 can move along the first direction (Z-axis direction) and to the third region of the sealing part 3 located outside the second fold line F2. Figure 2 Pressurization is applied to region A3, therefore, the third region A3 of the sealing portion 3 can be folded along the second fold line F2 supported by the lower end of the second guide member 30. As one embodiment, the third region A3 can be folded 90 degrees along the second fold line F2. However, it is not limited to this.

[0104] Next, step S6, in which the second bending component 50 applies heat pressure to the third region A3, can be performed.

[0105] In this step, the first bending component 40 can be lowered to return to its initial position, such as... Figure 12 As shown, the second bending member 50 can move towards the battery cell body 2 so that the first surface contacts the third region A3. At this time, due to the springback phenomenon, the second bending member 50 can contact the third region A3 before the third region A3 returns to its original position.

[0106] As the second bending member 50 moves along the second direction (Y-axis direction), the third region A3 can be positioned between the first surface of the second guide member 30 and the first surface of the second bending member 50. Both surfaces of the third region A3 can be pressurized by the second guide member 30 and the second bending member 50. During this process, the second bending member 50 can apply heat to the third region A3 and the second fold line F2. Therefore, the third region A3 can be fixed in a 90-degree bent state.

[0107] exist Figure 12 The image shows the second fold line F2 separated from the second bending member 50. However, the thickness of the sealing part 3 is enlarged for ease of understanding. In reality, the thickness of the sealing part 3 is thin enough that the second fold line F2 can be fully pressurized by the second bending member 50.

[0108] On the other hand, in order to maintain the folded state of the third region A3, a step of cooling the second fold line F2 can be further performed. This step can be performed quickly after the process of applying heat to the second fold line F2 by the second bending member 50 is completed. In this step, the cooling device 60 can spray cold air along the second fold line F2, and, if necessary, can also spray cold air into the third region A3.

[0109] The folding method of this embodiment described above can simultaneously perform a 180-degree fold of the first region A1 and a 90-degree fold of the third region A3 using a single folding device 10. Therefore, the folding process can be simplified, and the space occupied by the folding device 10 can be minimized.

[0110] Furthermore, in the folding method of this embodiment, the first guide member 20 rotates and is separated from the sealing portion 3. Therefore, damage to the sealing portion 3 caused by the first guide member 20 can be minimized.

[0111] The embodiments of this utility model will be further described below with reference to specific experimental examples. The embodiments and comparative examples included in the experimental examples are only for illustrating this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made to the embodiments within the scope and technical concept of this utility model, and such changes and modifications should also fall within the scope of the claims.

[0112] Figure 14 It is shown in magnification Figure 1 A magnified view of part A.

[0113] Reference Figure 14 In this embodiment, the battery cell 1 can be formed by folding an outer material to wrap the electrode assembly 6 and sealing three sides. In this case, due to the thickness difference between the battery cell body 2 that houses the electrode assembly 6 and the sealing part 3, it is possible that a gap will form in the direction towards the outside of the folded surface 7 (e.g., Figure 14 The part that protrudes further in the Y-axis direction. For example, as... Figure 3 As shown, a portion protruding outward from the folded surface 7, i.e., a shark fin 8, can be formed at the connection between the sealing part 3 and the folded surface 7. The shark fin may also be referred to by terms such as delta fin or bat ear, but in this embodiment, it will be described as a shark fin.

[0114] The shark fin 8 that protrudes outward from the folded surface 7 unnecessarily enlarges the overall shape of the cell 1, which may reduce the energy density or cooling efficiency of the battery module or battery pack that encapsulates the cell.

[0115] Therefore, the folding device 10 according to this disclosure can fold the shark fin 8 so that the shark fin 8, which is part of the edge of the battery cell 1, does not protrude outward.

[0116] The folding of the shark fin 8 can be performed in a similar manner to the process of folding the sealing part 3 along the second folding line F2 in the above embodiment.

[0117] Figures 15 to 17 It is used to illustrate the use Figure 3 The diagram shows the shark fin folding method of the folding device. Figure 18 It is used to illustrate the use Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating the shark fin folding method of the folding device shown.

[0118] Reference Figures 15 to 18The battery cell folding method of this embodiment is a method for folding a shark fin of a battery cell. It may include the following steps: S11, a second guide member 30 disposed on the first side of the shark fin contacts the shark fin to determine a folding line; S12, a first bending member 40 disposed on the second side of the shark fin moves along the thickness direction of the battery cell 1, i.e., the first direction (Z-axis direction), and bends the shark fin; and S13, a second bending member 50 moves along the surface direction of the battery cell 1, i.e., the second direction (Y-axis direction), and applies heat pressure to the bent shark fin.

[0119] In step S11, the second guide member 20 can be lowered to contact the shark fin 8. During this process, the lower end of the second guide member 30 can contact the shark fin 8 and guide the third fold line F3.

[0120] Next, the first bending member 40 can be raised and bent to fold the shark fin 8. The first bending member 40 can move upward in the first direction (Z-axis direction) and apply pressure to the portion of the shark fin 8 located outside the third fold line F3. Therefore, the shark fin 8 can be folded along the third fold line F3 supported by the lower end of the second guide member 30.

[0121] Next, the second bending component 50 can be used to heat-pressurize the shark fin 8.

[0122] In this step, the first bending component 40 can descend to return to its initial position, and the second bending component 50 can move towards the battery cell body 2 so that the first surface contacts the shark fin 8. At this time, due to the springback phenomenon, the second bending component 50 can contact the shark fin 8 before the shark fin 8 returns to its original position.

[0123] As the second bending member 50 moves along the second direction (Y-axis direction), the shark fin 8 can be positioned between the first surface 30a of the second guide member 30 and the first surface of the second bending member 50. Both surfaces of the shark fin 8 can be pressurized by the second guide member 30 and the second bending member 50. During this process, the second bending member 50 can apply heat to the shark fin 8 and the third fold line F3. Therefore, the shark fin 8 can be fixed in a 90-degree bent state.

[0124] The embodiments of the present utility model have been described in detail above, but the scope of the present utility model is not limited thereto. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the technical concept of the present utility model as described in the claims.

[0125] For example, some components can be removed from the above embodiments, or the embodiments can be combined with each other.

Claims

1. A battery cell folding device, characterized in that, include: The first guiding component defines a first fold line on the first surface of the sealing portion of the battery cell; The second guide component defines a second fold line on the first surface of the sealing portion; A first bending component defines the first fold line on the second surface of the sealing portion and bends the sealing portion along the second fold line; as well as The second bending component bends the sealing portion 180 degrees along the first fold line.

2. The battery cell folding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second bending component moves along the thickness direction of the battery cell, i.e., the first direction, and bends the sealing part for the first time. It then moves along the surface direction of the battery cell, i.e., the second direction, and bends the sealing part for the second time.

3. The battery cell folding device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first bending component moves along the first direction and bends the sealing portion.

4. The battery cell folding device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first guide member is configured to be able to move linearly along the first direction and to rotate about a third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions.

5. The battery cell folding device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first guiding component includes: The first frame is arranged parallel to the second direction; A second frame extends from the first frame toward the cell side; and A third frame extends from the second frame and forms an acute angle with the sealing portion, and the end of the third frame contacts the sealing portion to define the first fold line.

6. The battery cell folding device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The rotation axis of the first guide component is formed on the first frame.

7. The battery cell folding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first bending component and the second bending component each include a heat source that applies heat to the sealing portion.

8. The battery cell folding device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second bending component includes: The first surface is arranged parallel to the first direction; and The second and third surfaces extend from the first surface and are arranged parallel to the second direction. The first surface, the second surface, and the third surface form a flat plane. A chamfered surface is formed at the edge where the first surface and the second surface intersect.

9. The battery cell folding device according to claim 8, characterized in that, With the second direction as a reference, the tilt angle of the chamfered surface is equal to or greater than the tilt angle of the third frame.

10. The cell folding device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The edge portion where the first surface and the third surface intersect forms a chamfered surface or a curved surface.

11. The battery cell folding device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The second guiding component is disposed between the first guiding component and the cell body of the battery cell. The first surface of the second guide member, which faces the first guide member, forms a plane parallel to the first surface of the second bending member.

12. A battery cell folding device, characterized in that, include: The first guide component is configured to be linearly movable and rotatably movable, and to pressurize the first fold line of the sealing portion on the first surface of the sealing portion of the battery cell; A first bending component is disposed on the second surface of the sealing portion and supports the sealing portion; as well as The second bending component moves along the thickness direction of the battery cell (i.e., the first direction) and performs a first bend on the sealing portion. It then moves along the surface direction of the battery cell (i.e., the second direction) and performs a second bend on the sealing portion. The first guide member supports the first fold line as the second bending member moves along the first direction, and rotates as the second bending member moves along the second direction to separate itself from the sealing portion.

13. The cell folding device according to claim 12, characterized in that, Further includes: The second guide component applies pressure to the second fold line of the sealing portion on the first surface of the sealing portion. The first bending member moves along the first direction and bends the sealing portion along the second fold line.

Images