BATTERY CELL AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING A BATTERY CELL

Abstract

A method for manufacturing a battery cell includes preparing a housing with a bottom plate, arranging an insulator on the bottom plate of the housing using a first adhesive element, arranging an electrode array on the insulator, and injecting an electrolyte into the housing. The adhesive element can be melted by the electrolyte.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The disclosure and implementations disclosed in this patent document generally relate to a battery cell and a method for manufacturing a battery cell. BACKGROUND

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be recharged and discharged, making them suitable for various applications such as digital cameras, mobile phones, laptops, hybrid and electric vehicles, and energy storage systems (ESS). Secondary batteries can be lithium-ion, nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride, or nickel-hydrogen. SUMMARY

[0003] The present disclosure can be implemented in several embodiments to provide a battery cell comprising an electrode assembly, a housing (for example, a can), and an insulator. The insulator can be constructed by sitting on the bottom of the housing. However, if the insulator is located on the bottom of the housing, the position of the insulator and the electrode assembly cannot be adjusted, which may reduce the structural stability of the battery cell. Furthermore, if the insulator is located on the bottom of the housing, a separate process is required to adjust the position of the insulator, which may increase the cost of the battery cell manufacturing process. To adjust the position of the insulator, it can be constructed by bonding it to the bottom of the housing. However, the adhesive inside the housing may chemically react with the electrolyte.This chemical reaction between the adhesive and the electrolyte can impede current flow and reduce the performance of the battery cell.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing a battery cell with reduced manufacturing costs and a battery cell produced thereby can be provided.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing a battery cell with a reduced manufacturing defect rate and a battery cell produced thereby can be provided.

[0006] The battery cell and method for manufacturing a battery cell in the present disclosure can be extensively applied to devices in green technology fields, such as electric vehicles, battery charging stations, and other battery-based solar and wind power generation devices. Furthermore, the cell and method for manufacturing a battery cell in the present disclosure can be used in environmentally friendly electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and the like, which aim to prevent climate change by reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

[0007] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing a battery cell comprises preparing a housing with a lower plate, arranging an insulator on the lower plate of the housing using a first adhesive element, arranging an electrode assembly on the insulator, and injecting an electrolyte into the housing. The adhesive element is configured to be liquefied by the electrolyte.

[0008] In one embodiment, the first adhesive element may comprise at least one made of polyethylene terephthalate, epoxy, polyethylene, polyimide, polyvinyl chloride, polyacrylonitrile or polycarbonate.

[0009] In one embodiment, the method for manufacturing a battery cell may further include arranging the first adhesive element by attaching the first adhesive element to the lower plate.

[0010] In one embodiment, the first adhesive element can be in contact with the housing while it adheres to the insulator.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first adhesive element can be an adhesive tape, an adhesive or a coating material.

[0012] In one embodiment, the electrode assembly can be arranged by attaching it to the insulator using a second adhesive element. This second adhesive element can be configured to be melted by the electrolyte.

[0013] In one embodiment, the second adhesive element can be in contact with the electrode arrangement while it adheres to the insulator.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a battery cell comprises an electrode arrangement, a housing with a lower plate supporting the electrode arrangement, an insulator positioned at least partially between the electrode arrangement and the lower plate, and an adhesive element which is melted by an electrolyte and mixed with the electrolyte after the insulator has been attached to the lower plate.

[0015] In one embodiment, the adhesive element may comprise at least one made of polyethylene terephthalate, epoxy, polyethylene, polyimide, polyvinyl chloride, polyacrylonitrile or polycarbonate.

[0016] In one embodiment, the battery cell may further comprise a current collector plate connected to an uncoated section of the electrode arrangement and an end section that is in contact with the current collector plate and coupled to the lower plate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Certain aspects, features and advantages of the present disclosure are illustrated by the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery cell according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 is a flowchart of a process for manufacturing a battery cell according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic representation illustrating the arrangement of a battery cell with a first adhesive element according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic representation illustrating the arrangement of a battery cell with a first adhesive element and a second adhesive element according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a battery cell with a molten adhesive element according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Features of the present disclosure, which are disclosed in this patent document, are described by means of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] The present disclosure is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these are for illustrative purposes only, and the present disclosure is not limited to the detailed embodiments illustrated here.

[0020] Terms and words used in this description and in the claims described below are not to be interpreted as being limited to their conventional or dictionary-like meanings. Based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best describe his or her invention, the meanings and concepts are to be interpreted in accordance with the technical content of the present disclosure.

[0021] Therefore, the embodiments described in this description and the configurations shown in the drawings represent only appropriate embodiments of the present disclosure and do not constitute the entire technical content of the present disclosure. It is understood that various equivalents and modifications may exist at the time of filing.

[0022] Detailed descriptions of well-known functions and configurations, which may obscure the essence of this disclosure, are omitted. In the accompanying drawings, some components are exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated, and the dimensions of the respective components do not fully reflect their actual size.

[0023] Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery cell according to one embodiment.

[0024] With reference to Fig. 1 can comprise a battery cell 100, a housing 110 and an end section 120.

[0025] Battery cell 100 can be a secondary battery. For example, battery cell 100 can be a lithium-ion battery, but it is not limited to that. For example, battery cell 100 can be a nickel-cadmium battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, or a nickel-hydrogen battery that can be charged and discharged.

[0026] The casing 110 can represent at least part of the appearance of the battery cell 100.

[0027] The housing 110 can provide an interior space that accommodates components of the battery cell 100 (for example, an electrode arrangement 130 and electrolytes made of Fig. 3) The housing 110 can have a substantially cylindrical exterior. In one embodiment, the housing 110 can be referred to as a can.

[0028] The end section 120 can provide a path for transferring current to the outside of the battery cell 100. The end section 120 can be electrically connected to the electrode assembly 130.

[0029] Fig. Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a battery cell according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic representation illustrating the arrangement of a battery cell with a first adhesive element according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic representation illustrating the arrangement of a battery cell with a first adhesive element and a second adhesive element according to one embodiment. Fig. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of a battery cell with the adhesive element in a molten state according to one embodiment.

[0030] With reference to Fig. The battery cell 100 can be used for 3 to 5 applications together with Fig. 1 comprising a housing 110, an electrode assembly 130 and / or an insulator 140. The description of the battery cell 100 of Fig. 1 can be applied to battery cell 100 of Fig. 3 to 5 can be applied.

[0031] The housing 110 can include a lower plate 111. The lower plate 111 can support the electrode assembly 130. The lower plate 111 can accommodate the end section 170.

[0032] The housing 110 can include a wall section 112 extending from the lower plate 111.

[0033] The electrode arrangement 130 can comprise a cathode plate, an anode plate, and a separator. The separator can prevent contact between the cathode plate and the anode plate. Those skilled in the art will understand that the electrode arrangement 130 can be manufactured using various methods. According to exemplary embodiments, an electrode arrangement can be formed by repeatedly arranging a cathode, an anode, and a separator. In some embodiments, the electrode arrangement can be of a wound type, a stacked type, a Z-folded type, or a stacked-folded type.

[0034] In one embodiment, the battery cell 100 can be a tabless battery cell. For example, the battery cell 100 can comprise a current collector plate 132 connected to an uncoated section 131 of the electrode assembly 130. The electrode assembly 130 can be electrically connected to the current collector plate 132 using the uncoated section 131. The uncoated section 131 can be connected to the current collector plate 132 (for example, by laser welding) while being at least partially folded. The battery cell 100 can be configured without an electrode tab connecting the uncoated section 131 of the electrode tab 130 and the current collector plate 132. Since the battery cell 100 is configured in a tabless form in the present disclosure, the internal resistance of the battery cell 100 can be reduced.

[0035] The battery cell 100 can have an end section 170 (for example, the end section 120 of Fig. 1) comprise. The end section 170 can be attached to the housing 110. In one embodiment, the end section 170 can be a riveted connection. The end section 170 can be in contact with the current collector plate 132 and can be coupled to the lower plate 111. The end section 170 can be coupled to the lower plate 111 of the housing 110 by rivets. The end section 170 can be inserted into the through-hole 113 of the housing 110. The end section 170 can be welded to the current collector plate 132, which is connected to the electrode assembly 130. The end section 170 can be electrically connected to the exterior of the battery cell 100.

[0036] The current collector plate 132 can electrically connect the electrode assembly 130 and the end section 170. For example, the current collector plate 132 can contact (e.g., weld) the uncoated section 131 of the electrode assembly 130 and the end section 170. At least one section of the current collector plate 132 can be positioned between the uncoated section 131 of the electrode assembly 130 and the end section 170. The current collector plate 132 can be made of a conductive material.

[0037] The battery cell 100 can include an insulator 140. The insulator 140 can prevent unintentional electrical contact between components of the battery cell 100. For example, the insulator 140 can prevent contact between the current collector plate 132 and the housing 110. The insulator 140 can surround at least one section of the end section 170. At least one section of the insulator 140 can be positioned between the housing 110 (for example, the bottom plate 111) and the electrode assembly 130. The insulator 140 can be made of an insulating material.

[0038] The battery cell 100 can include a seal 180. The seal 180 can close the gap between the housing 110 and the end section 170. The seal 180 can have a substantially closed curved shape. The seal 180 can prevent electrolyte from leaking inside the battery cell 100. The seal 180 can prevent foreign substances from entering the battery cell 100.

[0039] A method (200) for manufacturing a battery cell can comprise a casing preparation process (210), an insulator assembly process (220), an electrode assembly process (230), and an electrolyte injection process (240). A battery cell 100 can be manufactured using the method (200) for manufacturing a battery cell.

[0040] The enclosure preparation process (210) can be a process for preparing an enclosure 110 with a bottom plate 111. The enclosure 110 can comprise a bottom plate 111 and a wall section 112 extending from the bottom plate 111.

[0041] The battery cell 100 can include a first adhesive element 150. The first adhesive element 150 can be arranged between the insulator 140 and the lower plate 111 of the housing 110.

[0042] The insulator arrangement process (220) can be a process for arranging the insulator 140 on the lower plate 111 of the housing 110 using the first adhesive element 150. In the insulator arrangement process (220), the insulator 140 can be arranged on the upper surface 111a of the lower plate 111.

[0043] In one embodiment, the first adhesive element 150 can cover at least a section of the lower plate 111. For example, the first adhesive element 150 can cover 60% or more of the upper surface 111a of the lower plate 111. By covering 60% or more of the upper surface 111a with the first adhesive element 150, a bonding force between the insulator 140 and the housing 110 can be ensured.

[0044] In one embodiment, the first adhesive element 150 can be provided on the housing 110. For example, the first adhesive element 150 can be attached to the lower plate 111. The method (200) for manufacturing a battery cell can further comprise a first adhesive element arrangement process for attaching the first adhesive element 150 to the lower plate 111.

[0045] In one embodiment, the first adhesive element 150 can be provided on the insulator 140. For example, the first adhesive element 150 can be in contact with the housing 110 while adhering to the insulator 140. The first adhesive element 150 can comprise an adhesive material. The first adhesive element 150 can be an adhesive tape, an adhesive, or a coating agent. The type of adhesive element can be selected depending on process characteristics, and the coating agent or adhesive can be applied through a nozzle. If automated processes are not feasible, the process can be simplified and implemented by attaching adhesive tape to the insulator or the current collector plate.

[0046] The first adhesive element 150 can improve the arrangement accuracy of the battery cell 100. For example, the first adhesive element 150 can secure the position of the insulator 140 relative to the housing 110. In one embodiment, the first adhesive element 150 can connect the electrode assembly 130 and the insulator 140 before electrolyte injection. Damage to components of the battery cell 100 during transport can be prevented by the first adhesive element 150.

[0047] The electrode assembly process (230) can be a process for arranging the electrode assembly 130 on the insulator 140. In the electrode assembly process (230), the electrode assembly 130 can be arranged inside the housing 110 while in contact with the current collector plate 132. For example, in the electrode assembly process (230), the electrode assembly 130 can be moved in the first direction (-Z direction).

[0048] The electrolyte injection process (240) can be a process for injecting an electrolyte (EL) into the casing 110. For example, the electrolyte (EL) can be injected into the battery cell 100 through an electrolyte inlet (not shown).

[0049] The adhesive element (for example, the first adhesive element 150 and / or the second adhesive element 160) can be melted (for example, decomposed) by the electrolyte (EL). For example, the adhesive elements 150 and 160 can comprise at least one made of polyethylene terephthalate, epoxy, polyethylene, polyimide, polyvinyl chloride, polyacrylonitrile, or polycarbonate. For example, the adhesive element can comprise a porous copolymer polyimide or polyacrylonitrile with insulating properties and excellent thermal stability to prevent internal short circuits that may occur during the process and to prevent the insulator from being damaged by heat generated during the welding of the end and the current collector plate. Additionally, if the adhesive element, which experiences surface pressure during the process, requires elasticity or flexibility, it can also contain polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride.In one embodiment, a carbonate-based solvent of the electrolyte (EL) can penetrate between the polymers of the first adhesive element 150, thereby melting at least a section of the first adhesive element 150. By decomposing the adhesive elements 150 and 160, their influence on the finished battery cell 100 can be prevented.

[0050] In one embodiment (for example, in Fig. 4) The battery cell 100 can include a second adhesive element 160. For example, the second adhesive element 160 can be arranged between the insulator 140 and the electrode assembly 130. The electrode assembly process (230) can attach the electrode assembly 130 to the insulator 140 using the second adhesive element 160. At least some of the descriptions relating to the first adhesive element 150 can be applied to the second adhesive element 160.

[0051] In one embodiment, a second adhesive element 160 can be provided on the insulator 140. For example, the second adhesive element 160 can come into contact with the electrode assembly 130 while connected to the insulator 140. The second adhesive element 160 can be located inside the housing 110 during the insulator assembly process (220). At least one section of the insulator 140 can be positioned between the first adhesive element 150 and the second adhesive element 160.

[0052] The positioning accuracy of the battery cell 100 can be improved by the second adhesive element 160. For example, the second adhesive element 160 can secure the position of the electrode assembly 130 relative to the insulator 140. In one embodiment, the second adhesive element 150 can connect the electrode assembly 130 and the insulator 140 before electrolyte injection.

[0053] The battery cell 100 can optionally include a second adhesive element 160. For example, the second adhesive element 160 can improve the bond strength between the insulator 140 and the electrode assembly 130. In one embodiment, the battery cell 100 can include an electrode assembly 130 with a diameter greater than or equal to a specified size (for example, 40 mm). As the size of the electrode assembly 130 increases, positional control of the electrode assembly 130 relative to the insulator 140 may be necessary. In the battery cell 100, the electrode assembly 130, with a diameter greater than or equal to a specified size, can be attached to the insulator 140 using the second adhesive element 160.

[0054] The adhesive elements (for example, the first adhesive element 150 and / or the second adhesive element 160) can be melted by the electrolyte (EL) and mixed with the electrolyte (EL) after the insulator 140 has been attached to the lower plate 111.

[0055] Melting the adhesive elements 150 and 160 with the electrolyte (EL) prevents a chemical reaction between the adhesive elements 150 and 160 and the electrolyte (EL). Preventing this chemical reaction prevents interruptions in the current flow within the battery cell 100 and thus avoids performance degradation of the battery cell 100.

[0056] The adhesive elements 150 and 160, melted by the electrolyte (EL), can be identified using electrolyte composition analysis. For example, the electrolyte (EL) composition can be analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) or a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GS-MSD) instrument. The composition of the electrolyte (EL) containing the melted adhesive elements 150 and 160 may differ from the composition of the electrolyte in a battery cell 100 that does not use the adhesive elements 150 and 160 during its manufacturing process.

[0057] The above description is merely an example of the application of the principles of this revelation.

[0058] As explained above, one embodiment allows for a reduction in the manufacturing costs of a battery module.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the manufacturing process of a battery module can be simplified.

[0060] Only specific examples of implementations of certain embodiments are described. Variations, improvements, and further developments of the disclosed embodiments and other embodiments can be made based on the disclosure of this patent document. For example, the present disclosure can be implemented by deleting some of the components in the embodiments described above, and the embodiments can be implemented in combination with one another.

[0061] (Aspect 1) A method for manufacturing a battery cell, comprising: preparing a housing with a bottom plate; arranging an insulator on the bottom plate of the housing using a first adhesive element; arranging an electrode assembly on the insulator; and injecting an electrolyte into the housing, wherein the adhesive element is configured to be melted by the electrolyte.

[0062] (Aspect 2) The method according to aspect 1, wherein the first adhesive element comprises at least one made of polyethylene terephthalate, epoxy, polyethylene, polyimide, polyvinyl chloride, polyacrylonitrile or polycarbonate.

[0063] (Aspect 3) The procedure according to aspect 1 or 2, further comprising arranging the first adhesive element by applying the first adhesive element to the lower plate.

[0064] (Aspect 4) The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the first adhesive element is in contact with the housing while it adheres to the insulator.

[0065] (Aspect 5) The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 4, wherein the first adhesive element is an adhesive tape, an adhesive or a coating material.

[0066] (Aspect 6) The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the arrangement of the electrode assembly is carried out by attaching the electrode assembly to the insulator using a second adhesive element, wherein the second adhesive element is configured to be melted by the electrolyte.

[0067] (Aspect 7) The method according to aspect 6, wherein the second adhesive element is in contact with the electrode arrangement while it adheres to the insulator.

[0068] (Aspect 8) A battery cell comprising: an electrode assembly; a housing with a bottom plate supporting the electrode assembly; an insulator positioned at least partially between the electrode assembly and the bottom plate; and an adhesive element which is melted by and mixed with an electrolyte after the insulator has been attached to the bottom plate.

[0069] (Aspect 9) The battery cell according to aspect 8, wherein the adhesive element comprises at least one made of polyethylene terephthalate, epoxy, polyethylene, polyimide, polyvinyl chloride, polyacrylonitrile or polycarbonate.

[0070] (Aspect 10) The battery cell according to aspect 8 or 9, further comprising: a current collector plate connected to an uncoated section of the electrode arrangement; and an end section in contact with the current collector plate and coupled to the lower plate.

Claims

[1] A method for manufacturing a battery cell, comprising: Preparing a case with a bottom plate; Arranging an insulator on the lower plate of the housing using a first adhesive element; Arranging an electrode array on the insulator; and Injecting an electrolyte into the casing, the adhesive element is configured so that it is melted by the electrolyte. [2] The method according to claim 1, wherein the first adhesive element comprises at least one made of polyethylene terephthalate, epoxy, polyethylene, polyimide, polyvinyl chloride, polyacrylonitrile or polycarbonate. [3] The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising arranging the first adhesive element by applying the first adhesive element to the lower plate. [4] The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first adhesive element is in contact with the housing while it adheres to the insulator. [5] The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first adhesive element is an adhesive tape, an adhesive or a coating material. [6] The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the arrangement of the electrode arrangement is carried out by attaching the electrode arrangement to the insulator using a second adhesive element, wherein the second adhesive element is configured to be melted by the electrolyte. [7] The method according to claim 6, wherein the second adhesive element is in contact with the electrode arrangement while it adheres to the insulator. [8] A battery cell comprising: an electrode arrangement; a housing with a lower plate that supports the electrode arrangement; an insulator that is positioned at least partially between the electrode array and the lower plate; and an adhesive element that is melted by an electrolyte and mixed with the electrolyte after the insulator has been attached to the lower plate. [9] The battery cell according to claim 8, wherein the adhesive element comprises at least one made of polyethylene terephthalate, epoxy, polyethylene, polyimide, polyvinyl chloride, polyacrylonitrile or polycarbonate. [10] The battery cell according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising: a current collector plate connected to an uncoated section of the electrode arrangement; and an end section that is in contact with the current collector plate and coupled to the lower plate.

Images