Battery cell pressurizing jig and battery cell gas removal system including the same

Abstract

A battery cell pressurizing jig according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first pressurizing section for pressurizing one side of a battery cell, which includes an electrode assembly, a pair of lead tabs electrically connected to the electrode assembly, and a cell case surrounding the electrode assembly; and a second pressurizing section disposed opposite the first pressurizing section for pressurizing the other side of the battery cell, wherein the first pressurizing section includes a first assembly block section provided to pressurize the assembly region on one side of the battery cell where the electrode assembly is arranged, and a pair of first tab block sections provided to pressurize a pair of lead tab regions, each including the boundary region between the respective lead tab and the cell case.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery cell pressing jig and a battery cell gas removal system including the same, and more particularly, to a battery cell pressing jig capable of individually pressing an assembly region and a lead tab region on one side and the other side of a battery cell, and a battery cell gas removal system including the same.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0066310 filed on May 23, 2023, and all the contents disclosed in the literature of the Korean patent application are included as part of this specification.

Background Art

[0003] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a general pouch-type battery cell, FIG. 2 is a plan view of a pouch-type battery cell in a state where degassing holes are provided in gas pockets, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 2.

[0004] The pouch-type battery cell 10 includes a cell case 11, an electrode assembly 15, and a pair of lead tabs 16 electrically connected to the electrode assembly. The electrode assembly 15 is accommodated in the cell case 11. The electrode assembly 15 is formed by alternately laminating a positive electrode, a separator, and a negative electrode.

[0005] In addition, the pouch-type battery cell 10 has a receiving groove 12 in which the electrode assembly 15 is disposed and a sealed frame portion 13. The pair of lead tabs 16 are exposed to the outside of the cell case 11 through the frame portion 13. In addition, the receiving groove 12 has a structure protruding in the thickness direction T of the battery cell 10 with respect to the frame portion 13.

[0006] In this specification, the symbol L shown in the orthogonal coordinate system indicates the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 10 (the direction connecting the pair of lead tabs), the symbol W means the width direction of the battery cell 10, and the symbol T indicates the thickness direction of the battery cell 10.

[0007] The method for manufacturing the pouch-type battery cell 10 includes a packaging step, an aging step, a primary gas removal step, an activation step, a secondary gas removal step, and a sealing step.

[0008] The packaging process involves placing the electrode assembly 15 in a pouch together with the electrolyte, and the aging process involves aging the packaged battery cell 10 for a predetermined amount of time.

[0009] Furthermore, the primary gas removal process is a process of expelling internal gas G generated inside the battery cell 10 during the packaging process and aging process, and the activation process is a process of activating the battery cell 10 by charging and discharging it.

[0010] Furthermore, the secondary gas removal process is a process of discharging the internal gas G generated during the activation of the battery cell 10 to the outside, and the sealing process is a process of sealing the degassing holes 18 of the gas pocket 17 after the gas removal process.

[0011] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing one operating state of a conventional battery cell pressurizing jig 20.

[0012] In the case of the pouch-type battery cell 10, if the gas G generated inside the battery cell 10 during the activation process is not efficiently removed, the gas G will occupy a certain amount of space inside the battery cell 10, causing the central part of the cell case 11 to bulge and deforming the battery.

[0013] Furthermore, the presence of gas G in the pouch-type battery cell 10 will adversely affect battery performance such as capacity and output, as well as battery life.

[0014] The gas removal process for the pouch-type battery cell 10 is carried out as follows.

[0015] At least one degassing hole 18 is formed in the gas pocket 17 of the battery cell 10, and the degassing hole 18 is fluidly connected to the internal space 14 of the pouch-type battery cell 10.

[0016] The gas G generated during the activation process is discharged to the outside of the battery cell 10 through the degassing holes 18 in the gas pocket 17. At this time, the pouch-type battery cell 10 is pressurized by the battery cell pressurizing jig 20 with predetermined forces F1 and F2 so that the gas G is smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery cell 10. The pressurizing device 20 pressurizes both sides of the battery cell 10 via a plurality of pressurizing plates 21 and 22 to push out any gas G remaining in the battery cell 10.

[0017] However, the conventional battery cell pressurizing jig 20 pressurizes the central part of the battery cell 10 where the electrode assembly 15 is located, causing the gas G generated during the activation process to move to the periphery of the central part of the battery cell.

[0018] Therefore, the gas present in the frame portion 13 of the pouch-type battery cell 10 is unable to move to other parts and the frame portion 13 expands, which in some cases may damage the frame portion 13 of the pouch-type battery cell 10.

[0019] In particular, damage to the pair of lead tabs 16 and the adjacent frame E (see Figure 2) reduces the insulation resistance of the pouch-type battery cell 10, which can lead to electrolyte leakage through the damaged frame E and a decrease in productivity due to product defects.

[0020] If the gas generated inside the pouch-type battery cell 10 during the activation process is not efficiently removed, the gas G will occupy a certain amount of space inside the pouch-type battery cell 10, hindering uniform formation and negatively affecting battery performance such as capacity and output, as well as battery life. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0021] The present invention aims to provide a battery cell pressurizing jig and a battery cell gas removal system including the same, which divide the pressurized region of a battery cell into an electrode assembly region and a lead tab region, and allows each region to be pressurized individually.

[0022] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a battery cell pressurizing jig and a battery cell gas removal system including the same, which can prevent gas inside the battery cell from moving to the frame portion of the battery cell adjacent to the lead tab by individually pressurizing the assembly region and the lead tab region of the battery cell with a plurality of block portions provided on the pressurizing plate.

[0023] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a battery cell pressurizing jig and a battery cell gas removal system including the same, which can prevent gas from being trapped in the frame portion of the battery cell adjacent to the lead tab, and can improve the gas removal efficiency of the battery cell in the gas removal process.

[0024] The present invention aims to provide a battery cell gas removal system that can prevent wrinkles from forming in the gas pockets of battery cells during the gas removal process and improve the insulation performance of battery cells during sealing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0025] A battery cell pressurizing jig according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a pair of pressurizing plates for pressurizing both sides of a battery cell, which includes an electrode assembly, a pair of lead tabs, and a cell case, and a plurality of block sections installed on each pressurizing plate, which divide the pressurizing area of ​​the cell case into n (n>2, n is an integer) unit areas and pressurize each unit area of ​​the cell case.

[0026] The unit area can include an assembly area where the electrode assembly is disposed and a lead tab area where each of the lead tabs is disposed.

[0027] Further, the plurality of block portions can include an assembly block portion provided to pressurize the assembly area where the electrode assembly is disposed and a pair of tab block portions provided to pressurize the lead tab area where each of the lead tabs is disposed.

[0028] Further, the assembly block portion can be elastically connected to the pressure plate so as to protrude in the thickness direction of the battery cell.

[0029] Further, each tab block portion can be disposed away from the assembly block portion and can be elastically connected to the pressure plate so as to protrude in the thickness direction of the battery cell.

[0030] A battery cell pressurizing jig according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first pressurizing portion for pressurizing one surface of a battery cell including an electrode assembly, a pair of lead tabs electrically connected to the electrode assembly, and a cell case surrounding the electrode assembly, and a second pressurizing portion disposed opposite to the first pressurizing portion for pressurizing the other surface of the battery cell. Further, the first pressurizing portion can include a first assembly block portion provided to pressurize the assembly area where the electrode assembly is disposed on one surface of the battery cell, and a pair of first tab block portions provided to pressurize each of a pair of lead tab areas including a boundary area between each lead tab and the cell case.

[0031] Further, the first pressurizing portion can include a first pressure plate to which the first assembly block portion and the pair of first tab block portions are individually connected, and a first driving portion for moving the first pressure plate to one surface of the battery cell.

[0032] Further, the first assembly block portion and the pair of first tab block portions can be connected to the first pressure plate via elastic members, respectively.

[0033] Furthermore, the first assembly block and the pair of first tab block sections are movably provided on the first pressure plate side when they are in contact with one surface of the battery cell, and each elastic member may be provided to be compressible.

[0034] Furthermore, the first pressurizing section may be provided such that a pair of first tab block sections protrude further toward one side of the battery cell than the first assembly block section.

[0035] Furthermore, the first pressurizing portion may be configured such that, when the first pressurizing plate moves toward one surface of the battery cell, the pair of first tab block portions first contact their respective lead tab regions, and then the first assembly block portion contacts the assembly region.

[0036] Furthermore, the first assembly block and the pair of first tab block sections may be arranged at predetermined intervals. For example, the first assembly block and the pair of first tab block sections may be arranged at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell.

[0037] Furthermore, the first assembly block portion may be provided so as to contact one surface of the battery cell over a larger area than the first tab block portion. For example, when pressurizing one surface of the battery cell, the area of ​​the first assembly block portion that contacts one surface of the battery cell may be provided as larger than the area of ​​the first tab block portion that contacts one surface of the battery cell.

[0038] Furthermore, the second pressurizing section may include a second assembly block section provided to pressurize the assembly region on the other side of the battery cell where the electrode assembly is arranged, and a pair of second tab block sections provided to pressurize a pair of lead tab regions, each including the boundary region between the respective lead tab and the cell case.

[0039] Furthermore, the second pressurizing unit may include a second pressurizing plate in which a second assembly block and a pair of second tab block sections are individually connected, and a second drive unit for moving the second pressurizing plate to the other side of the battery cell.

[0040] Furthermore, the second assembly block and the pair of second tab block sections can each be connected to the second pressure plate via an elastic member.

[0041] Furthermore, the second assembly block and the pair of second tab block sections are movably provided toward the second pressure plate when they are in contact with the other surface of the battery cell, and each elastic member may be provided to be compressible.

[0042] Furthermore, the second pressurizing portion may be provided such that a pair of second tab block portions protrude further toward the other side of the battery cell than the second assembly block portion.

[0043] Furthermore, the second pressurizing portion may be configured such that, when the second pressurizing plate moves toward the other side of the battery cell, the pair of second tab block portions first contact their respective lead tab regions, and then the second assembly block portion contacts the assembly region.

[0044] Furthermore, the second assembly block and the pair of second tab block parts may be arranged at predetermined intervals. For example, the second assembly block and the pair of second tab block parts may be arranged at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell.

[0045] Furthermore, the second assembly block portion may be provided so as to contact the other surface of the battery cell over a larger area than the second tab block portion. For example, when pressurizing the other surface of the battery cell, the area of ​​the second assembly block portion that contacts the other surface of the battery cell may be provided as larger than the area of ​​the second tab block portion that contacts the other surface of the battery cell.

[0046] Furthermore, a battery cell gas removal system according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a vacuum chamber, a battery cell pressurizing jig disposed within the vacuum chamber, a piercing portion provided to form at least one degassing hole in the battery cells arranged within the battery cell pressurizing jig, a sealing portion provided to seal the degassing hole, and a vacuum pressure applying portion that provides vacuum pressure to the vacuum chamber. [Effects of the Invention]

[0047] As described above, the battery cell pressurizing jig and the battery cell gas removal system including the same, according to at least one embodiment of the present invention, have the following effects.

[0048] The pressurized area of ​​the battery cell is divided into an electrode assembly area and a lead tab area, and each area can be pressurized individually.

[0049] Furthermore, by individually pressurizing the assembly region and lead tab region of the battery cell with multiple block sections provided on the pressure plate, it is possible to prevent gas inside the battery cell from moving to the frame portion of the battery cell adjacent to the lead tab, thereby preventing deformation of the battery cell.

[0050] Furthermore, it is possible to prevent gas from being trapped in the frame of the battery cell adjacent to the lead tab, thereby improving the gas removal efficiency of the battery cell during the gas removal process.

[0051] Furthermore, this process prevents wrinkles from forming in the gas pockets of the battery cells during the gas removal process, thereby improving the insulation properties of the battery cells during sealing. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0052] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a typical pouch-type battery cell.

[0053] [Figure 2] This is a plan view of a pouch-type battery cell with a degassing hole provided in the gas pocket.

[0054] [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in Figure 2.

[0055] [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram showing one operating state of a conventional battery cell pressurizing jig.

[0056] [Figure 5] This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a battery cell gas removal system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of a battery cell pressurizing jig according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] [Figure 7] This is a front view showing one side of a battery cell.

[0059] [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram of the state after cutting along the line A1-A1 in Figure 7.

[0060] [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram of the state after cutting along the line A2-A2 in Figure 7.

[0061] [Figure 10] Figure 6 is a plan view of the battery cell pressurization jig.

[0062] [Figure 11] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating one operating state of the battery cell pressurizing jig.

[0063] [Figure 12]This is a schematic diagram illustrating the gas removal process inside a battery cell.

[0064] [Figure 13] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the sealing process after the gas removal process is completed. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0065] A battery cell pressurizing jig and a battery cell gas removal system including the same, according to one embodiment of the present invention, will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0066] Furthermore, regardless of the reference numeral used in the drawings, identical or corresponding components are assigned the same or similar reference numerals, redundant explanations are omitted, and the size and shape of each component shown for the convenience of explanation may be exaggerated or reduced.

[0067] Figure 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of a battery cell gas removal system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] The battery cell gas removal system 100 may include a vacuum chamber 110, a battery cell pressurizing jig 200 disposed within the vacuum chamber 110, a piercing section 130 provided to form a degass hole in at least one of the battery cells disposed within the battery cell pressurizing jig 200, a sealing section 140 provided to seal the degass hole, and a vacuum pressure application section 120 that provides vacuum pressure P to the vacuum chamber 110.

[0069] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a battery cell pressurizing jig 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] A battery cell pressurizing jig 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention may be a device that pressurizes a battery cell in such a way that gas generated during the activation process is discharged to the outside through the degassing holes in the gas pockets of the battery cell.

[0071] In this specification, the symbol L, as shown in the Cartesian coordinate system, indicates the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 10 (the direction in which the pair of lead tabs are connected), the symbol W indicates the width direction of the battery cell 10, and the symbol T indicates the thickness direction of the battery cell 10.

[0072] Figure 7 is a front view showing one side of the battery cell 10, Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the battery cell cut along the line A1-A1 in Figure 7, and Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the battery cell cut along the line A2-A2 in Figure 7.

[0073] Referring to Figures 2, 3, 7, and 8, the battery cell 10 includes a cell case 11, an electrode assembly 15 housed inside the cell case 11, and a pair of lead tabs 16 electrically connected to the electrode assembly 15.

[0074] The cell case 11 may have a housing groove 12 in which the electrode assembly 15 is housed and a frame portion 13 surrounding the housing groove 12. The housing groove 12 may be provided so as to protrude from the frame portion 13 in the thickness direction T of the battery cell. The battery cell 10 may be a pouch-type battery cell 10.

[0075] Figure 10 is a plan view of the battery cell pressurizing jig shown in Figure 6, and Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating one operating state of the battery cell pressurizing jig shown in Figure 10.

[0076] As described above, the battery cell 10 may include an electrode assembly 15, a pair of lead tabs 16 electrically connected to the electrode assembly 15, and a cell case 11 surrounding the electrode assembly 15. Each lead tab 16 may have a portion of its area exposed to the outside of the cell case 11 by passing through the frame portion 13.

[0077] The battery cell pressurizing jig 200 may include a pair of pressurizing sections 300 and 400. Specifically, the battery cell pressurizing jig 200 may include a first pressurizing section 300 for pressurizing one side 11a of the battery cell 10 and a second pressurizing section 400 positioned opposite the first pressurizing section 300 for pressurizing the other side 11b of the battery cell 10.

[0078] One surface 11a and the other surface 11b of the battery cell 10 can be positioned in opposite directions along the thickness direction T.

[0079] A pair of pressurizing sections 300 and 400 may be provided to pressurize both sides (one side and the other side) of the battery cell 10 during the gas removal process, thereby pushing the gas G generated during the activation process of the battery cell 10 from the internal space 14 of the cell case 11 into the gas pocket 17.

[0080] Referring to Figures 7 to 9, the gas pocket 17 is a space for discharging gas G from inside the battery cell 10 to the outside after it has accumulated, and the gas pocket 17 can be located above the housing groove 12 in which the electrode assembly 15 is arranged along the width direction W of the battery cell 10.

[0081] The first pressurizing section 300 is located on one side of the battery cell 10 (the side facing one surface of the battery cell), and the second pressurizing section 400 is located on the other side of the battery cell 10 (the side facing the other surface of the battery cell).

[0082] The first pressurizing section 300 and the second pressurizing section 400 are arranged to face each other with the battery cell 10 in between. The first pressurizing section 300 and the second pressurizing section 400 can have the same structure and operating method, and can be arranged symmetrically along the thickness direction T of the battery cell 10 with respect to the battery cell 10.

[0083] The first pressurizing unit 300 may include a first pressurizing plate 310, a plurality of first block sections 330, 340, 350, and a first drive unit 370. The plurality of first block sections 330, 340, 350 may be connected to one surface of the first pressurizing plate 310. In this case, the plurality of first block sections 330, 340, 350 are arranged to face one surface 11a of the cell case 11.

[0084] The first drive unit 370 may be configured to move the first pressure plate 310 in a first direction F1 along the thickness direction T of the battery cell 10. When the first pressure plate 310 is moved toward one surface of the battery cell 10, the multiple first block portions 330, 340, and 350 come into contact with one surface 11a of the battery cell 10, respectively, and the battery cell 10 is pressurized. The first drive unit 370 may include a known cylinder device.

[0085] When the first drive unit 370 is pressurized, the first pressurizing plate 310 can move toward the battery cell 10 in the first direction F1, and apply pressure to the battery cell 10 via the multiple first block sections 330, 340, and 350.

[0086] Multiple first block sections 320 installed on the first pressure plate 310 can individually contact each unit region of the battery cell 10, and can simultaneously or sequentially provide the pressurizing force of the first drive unit 370 to each unit region.

[0087] Multiple first block sections may be provided to individually contact multiple regions of the cell case 11.

[0088] The pressurized area of ​​the cell case 11 can be divided into n unit areas (n > 2, where n is an integer). The multiple areas provided on one surface 11a of the cell case 11 may include a first assembly area A11 surrounding the electrode assembly 15, a first lead tab area A21 adjacent to a pair of lead tabs 16, and a second lead tab area A31.

[0089] The first pressurizing section 300 may include a first assembly block section 330 provided to pressurize the first assembly region A11 on one surface 11a of the battery cell 10, and a pair of first tab block sections 340 and 350 provided to pressurize the first and second lead tab regions A21 and A31, respectively, which include the boundary regions between the respective lead tabs 16 and the cell case 11.

[0090] Similarly, the multiple regions provided on the other side 11b of the cell case 11 may include a second assembly region A12 surrounding the electrode assembly 15, and a third lead tab region A22 and a fourth lead tab region A32 adjacent to the pair of lead tabs 16, respectively.

[0091] The second pressurizing section 400 may include a second assembly block section 430 provided to pressurize the second assembly region A12 on the other side 11b of the battery cell 10 where the electrode assembly 15 is located, and a pair of second tab block sections 440 and 450 provided to pressurize the third and fourth lead tab regions A22 and A32, respectively, which include the boundary regions between the respective lead tabs 16 and the cell case 11.

[0092] The first pressurizing section 300 will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0093] The first assembly block portion 330 may be connected to the first pressure plate 310 and provided to pressurize the first assembly region A11 of the cell case 11 where the electrode assembly 15 is located. The first assembly block portion 330 may also be elastically connected to the first pressure plate 310 so as to protrude from one surface of the first pressure plate 310 in the thickness direction T of the battery cell 10. The first assembly block portion 330 may also be elastically connected to the first pressure plate 310 by an elastic member 335 such as a spring.

[0094] The portion of the first assembly block 330 that contacts the cell case 11 may be provided flat.

[0095] A protective pad 333 may be provided on the first assembly block portion 330. The protective pad 333 may be provided on the contact surface of the first assembly block portion 330 that contacts the first assembly region A11. The protective pad 333 may be made of a compressible material, and as an example, sponge may be used as the protective pad 333.

[0096] The first assembly region A11 is the portion where the electrode assembly 15 is located, and may be a portion that protrudes in the thickness direction T of the battery cell more than the first lead tab regions A21 and A31.

[0097] The first assembly block portion 330 may have a long side that extends along the longitudinal direction L of the battery cell connecting the pair of lead tabs 16.

[0098] Furthermore, the first assembly block portion 330 may be positioned in the longitudinal direction L of the battery cell, away from the respective first tab block portions 340 and 350.

[0099] For example, the first assembly block 330 may have the same width as the first tab block 340 and 350 along the width direction W of the battery cell.

[0100] When the first drive unit 370 is pressurized, the first assembly block 330 can come into contact with the first assembly region A11 on one side of the cell case 11. The first assembly block 330 can pressurize the first assembly region A11 of the cell case 11 while the elastic member 335 is elastically compressed by the pressure applied by the first drive unit 370.

[0101] The gas G present in the internal space 14 of the cell case 11 in which the electrode assembly 15 is located can be moved toward the gas pocket 17 by the pressurizing force of the first assembly block 330 and the second assembly block 430, and the gas G that has moved toward the gas pocket 17 can be discharged to the outside of the battery cell 10 through the degassing hole 18.

[0102] A pair of first tab block portions 340 and 350 may be provided to pressurize the first lead tab region A21 and the second lead tab region A31, respectively.

[0103] Referring to Figures 6 and 10, a pair of first tab block portions 340 and 350 can be connected to the first pressure plate 330, respectively. Each of the first tab block portions 340 and 350 may have a flat surface where it contacts the cell case 11.

[0104] Furthermore, the first lead tab region A21 and the second lead tab region A31 are regions separated from the first assembly region A11 in the longitudinal direction L of the battery cell 10, and each can refer to a region that includes a part of the lead tab 16.

[0105] The first tab block portions 340 and 350 can be connected to the first pressure plate 310 so as to protrude further toward one side of the battery cell 10 than the first assembly block portion 330.

[0106] Each of the first tab block portions 340 and 350 can be elastically connected to the first pressure plate 310 by elastic members 345 and 355. Each of the first tab block portions 340 and 350 can be elastically connected to the first pressure plate 310 so as to move toward the first pressure plate 310 when in contact with one surface 11a of the battery cell 10.

[0107] A pair of first tab block portions 340 and 350 can be elastically connected to the first pressure plate 310 such that they protrude further in the thickness direction T of the battery cell by the difference in height between the first assembly region A11 and the first lead tab region A21 and the difference in height between the first assembly region A11 and the second lead tab region A31.

[0108] Each of the first tab block portions 340 and 350 may be provided with protective pads 343 and 353. The protective pads 343 and 353 may be provided on the contact surfaces where the first tab block portions 340 and 350 contact the first lead tab region A21 or the second lead tab region A31. The protective pads 343 and 353 may be made of a compressible material, and sponge may be used as the protective pads 343 and 353.

[0109] When the first drive unit 370 is pressurized, the pair of first tab block units 340 and 350 can come into contact with the first lead tab region A21 and the second lead tab region A31 on one surface of the cell case 11. The pair of first tab block units 340 and 350 can pressurize the first lead tab region A21 and the second lead tab region A31 on one surface 11a of the cell case 11 as the elastic members 345 and 355 are elastically compressed by the pressure applied by the first drive unit 370.

[0110] When the first drive unit 370 is pressurized, the pair of first tab block units 340 and 350 can be pressurized simultaneously or sequentially with the first assembly block unit 330. For example, the first tab block units 340 and 350 may be configured to pressurize the first lead tab region A21 and the second lead tab region A31 first, and then the first assembly block unit 330 may be configured to pressurize the first assembly region A11.

[0111] The gas G present in the frame portion 13 of the cell case 11 adjacent to the pair of lead tabs 16 is moved toward the housing groove 12 and gas pocket 17 by the pressurizing force of the first tab block portions 340, 350 and the second tab block portions 440, 450, and can be discharged to the outside of the battery cell 10 through the degassing hole 18.

[0112] The second pressurizing section 400 will be described below.

[0113] The second pressurizing unit 400 may include a second pressurizing plate 410, a plurality of second block units 430, 440, 450, and a second drive unit 470.

[0114] The second pressure plate 410 is positioned at a distance from the other surface 11b of the cell case 11. Multiple second block sections 430, 440, and 450 are installed on one surface of the second pressure plate 410 (the surface facing the other surface 11b of the cell case 11). A second drive unit 470 may be connected to the other surface of the second pressure plate 410.

[0115] The second drive unit 470 is configured to move the second pressure plate 410 in a second direction F2 along the thickness direction T of the battery cell. As the second pressure plate 410 moves in the second direction F2 by the second drive unit 470, it can provide pressure to the battery cell 10 via a plurality of second block units 430, 440, 450. The second drive unit 470 may include a known cylinder device.

[0116] The first direction F1 is the direction toward one side of the battery cell, and the second direction F2 is the direction toward the other side of the battery cell, and the first direction F1 and the second direction F2 may be opposite directions.

[0117] The multiple second block sections may include a second assembly block section 430 and a pair of second tab block sections 440, 450.

[0118] The second assembly region A12 refers to the assembly region on the other side 11b of the cell case 11, and the third lead tab region A22 and the fourth lead tab region A32 refer to a pair of lead tab regions on the other side of the cell case 11, respectively.

[0119] The second assembly block portion 430 is provided so as to be in contact with the second assembly region A12 of the cell case 11. The second assembly block portion 430 includes a protective pad 433 and can be connected to the second pressure plate 410 via an elastic member 435.

[0120] When the second drive unit 470 is pressurized, the second assembly block 430 contacts the second assembly region A12 on the other surface 11b of the cell case 11, and the elastic member 435 is elastically compressed by the pressure applied by the second drive unit 470, thereby pressurizing the second assembly region A12 of the cell case 11.

[0121] The second assembly block 430 can be elastically connected to the second pressure plate 410 so as to protrude in the thickness direction T of the battery cell 10. The second assembly block 430 may have a long side that extends along the longitudinal direction L of the battery cell, connecting a pair of lead tabs 16.

[0122] A protective pad 433 may be provided on the second assembly block portion 430. The protective pad 433 may be provided on the contact surface where the second assembly block portion 430 contacts the second assembly region A12. The protective pad 433 may be made of a compressible material. As an example, sponge may be used as the protective pad 433.

[0123] A pair of second tab block sections 440 and 450 are provided to pressurize the third lead tab region A22 and the fourth lead tab region A32, respectively.

[0124] The pair of second tab block sections 440 and 450 are positioned opposite the pair of first tab block sections 340 and 350, with the battery cell 10 in between.

[0125] A pair of second tab block portions 440, 450 are provided to contact the third lead tab region A22 and the fourth lead tab region A32 of the cell case 11. Each of the second tab block portions 440, 450 may include protective pads 443, 453 and may be individually connected to the second pressure plate 410 via elastic members 445, 455.

[0126] When the second drive unit 470 is pressurized, the pair of second tab block units 440 and 450 come into contact with the third lead tab region A22 and the fourth lead tab region A32 on the other surface 11b of the cell case 11, and the elastic members 445 and 455 are elastically compressed by the pressure applied by the second drive unit 470, thereby pressurizing the third lead tab region A22 and the fourth lead tab region A32 of the cell case 11, respectively.

[0127] When the second drive unit 470 is pressurized, the pair of second tab block units 440 and 450 can pressurize the third lead tab region A22 and the fourth lead tab region A32 simultaneously or sequentially with the second assembly block unit 430. For example, the second tab block units 440 and 450 may be configured to pressurize the third lead tab region A22 and the fourth lead tab region A32 first, and then the second assembly block unit 430 may be configured to pressurize the second assembly region A12.

[0128] The third lead tab region A22 and the fourth lead tab region A32 are regions spaced apart from the second assembly region A12 in the longitudinal direction L of the battery cell 10, and refer to regions that include a portion of the lead tab 16.

[0129] As an example, a pair of second tab block sections 440 and 450 may be connected to the second pressure plate 410 such that they protrude further toward the other side 11b of the battery cell 10 than the second assembly block section 430.

[0130] Each of the second tab block portions 440 and 450 may be positioned spaced apart from the second assembly block portion 430 in the longitudinal direction L of the battery cell. Each of the second tab block portions 440 and 450 is elastically connected to the second pressure plate 410 so as to move toward the second pressure plate 410 when in contact with the battery cell 10.

[0131] Each of the second tab block portions 440 and 450 may be provided with protective pads 443 and 453. The protective pads 443 and 453 may be provided on the contact surfaces where each of the second tab block portions 440 and 450 contacts the third lead tab region A22 and the fourth lead tab region A32.

[0132] The protective pads 443 and 453 may be made of a compressible material, and as an example, sponge may be used as the protective pads 443 and 453.

[0133] The following describes the battery cell gas removal system 100.

[0134] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating the gas removal process within the battery cell, and Figure 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating the sealing process after the gas removal process is completed.

[0135] The battery cell gas removal system 100 is for performing a gas removal process to remove gas G generated during the activation process of the battery cell 10.

[0136] The battery cell gas removal system 100 may include a vacuum chamber 110, a vacuum pressure application unit 120, a piercing unit 130, a sealing unit 140, and a battery cell pressurizing jig 200.

[0137] The vacuum chamber 110 is a space in which a gas removal process is carried out. A battery cell pressurizing jig 200, a piercing section 130, and a sealing section 140 may be installed in the vacuum chamber 110.

[0138] The vacuum pressure application unit 120 is a device that applies vacuum pressure P to the vacuum chamber 110. The vacuum pressure application unit 120 can provide vacuum pressure P to the vacuum chamber 110 during the gas removal process.

[0139] The battery cell pressurizing jig 200 pressurizes both sides of the battery cell 10, sandwiching the battery cell 10, and pushes the gas G from the internal space 14 of the cell case 11 into the gas pocket 17.

[0140] The piercing portion 130 may be positioned on top of the battery cell pressurizing jig 200. The piercing portion 130 can penetrate the gas pocket 17 in the thickness direction T of the battery cell, forming at least one degassing hole 18 in the gas pocket 17. At this time, the gas G can be discharged to the outside of the battery cell 10 through the degassing hole 18.

[0141] The sealing portion 140 is provided to seal the degassing holes 18 of the gas pocket 17 once the gas discharge from the battery cell 10 is complete. The sealing process of the sealing portion 140 may be performed after the gas removal process. For example, during the sealing process, the battery cell pressurizing jig 200 may be provided to maintain the pressure applied to the battery cell 10.

[0142] When a battery cell 10 is placed in the space between the pair of pressurizing sections 300 and 400 of the battery cell pressurizing jig 200, the pair of pressurizing sections 300 and 400 are operated to pressurize both sides of the battery cell 10.

[0143] The piercing portion 130 can be operated while the battery cell pressurizing jig 200 is gripping and fixing the battery cell 10. The piercing portion 130 can penetrate the gas pocket 17 in the thickness direction T of the battery cell while the battery cell pressurizing jig 200 is gripping both sides of the battery cell 10, and form at least one degassing hole 18 in the gas pocket 17.

[0144] The first pressurizing unit 300 can be operated so that the first assembly block 330 and the first tab block 340, 350 contact each unit region A11, A21, A31 of the cell case 11 on one surface 11a of the cell case 11, and pressurize each unit region A11, A21, A31 of one surface of the cell case 10 simultaneously or sequentially.

[0145] The second pressurizing unit 400 can be operated so that, on the other surface 11b of the cell case 11, the second assembly block 430 and the second tab block 440, 450 come into contact with each unit region A12, A22, A32, and pressurize each unit region A12, A22, A32 on the other surface of the cell case 10 simultaneously or sequentially.

[0146] During the battery cell pressurization process, the first pressurization unit 300 pressurizes the battery cell 10 in the first direction F1, and the second pressurization unit 400 pressurizes the battery cell 10 in the second direction F2. The second direction F2 is opposite to the first direction F1.

[0147] When the battery cell pressurizing jig 200 pressurizes both sides of the battery cell 10, the gas G is discharged from the internal space 14 of the cell case 11 through the gas pocket 17 and then through the degassing hole 18 to the vacuum chamber 110.

[0148] Gas G can be discharged from inside the cell case 11 into the vacuum chamber 110 due to the pressure difference between the pressure in the internal space 14 of the cell case 11 and the vacuum pressure P.

[0149] Once the gas removal process is complete, heat Q may be applied to the degassing holes 18 of the sealing section 140 to perform a sealing process.

[0150] The preferred embodiments of the present invention described above are disclosed for illustrative purposes only, and a person skilled in the art with ordinary skill in the invention will know that various modifications, alterations, and additions are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention, and such modifications, alterations, and additions should be considered to fall within the claims below. [Industrial applicability]

[0151] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, a battery cell pressurizing jig and a battery cell gas removal system including the same, the pressurized region of the battery cell can be divided into an electrode assembly region and a lead tab region, and each region can be pressurized individually.

Claims

1. A first pressurizing section for pressurizing one side of a battery cell, which includes an electrode assembly, a pair of lead tabs electrically connected to the electrode assembly, and a cell case surrounding the electrode assembly, It includes a second pressurizing portion, which is positioned opposite the first pressurizing portion and pressurizes the other side of the battery cell, The battery cell pressurizing jig includes a first pressurizing section provided to pressurize an assembly region on one side of the battery cell where the electrode assembly is arranged, and a pair of first tab block sections provided to pressurize a pair of lead tab regions, each including the boundary region between the lead tab and the cell case.

2. The battery cell pressurizing jig according to claim 1, further comprising: a first pressurizing section, a first assembly block section, and a pair of first tab block sections, each individually connected; and a first drive section for moving the first pressurizing section to one side of a battery cell.

3. The battery cell pressurizing jig according to claim 2, wherein the first assembly block and the pair of first tab block portions are each connected to the first pressurizing plate via an elastic member.

4. The battery cell pressurizing jig according to claim 3, wherein the first assembly block and the pair of first tab block portions are movably provided toward the first pressurizing plate when they are in contact with one surface of the battery cell, and each of the elastic members is provided to be compressed.

5. The battery cell pressurizing jig according to claim 2, wherein the first pressurizing portion is provided such that a pair of the first tab block portions protrude further toward one side of the battery cell than the first assembly block portion.

6. The battery cell pressurizing jig according to claim 5, wherein the first pressurizing portion is provided such that when the first pressurizing plate moves toward one surface of the battery cell, the pair of first tab block portions contact their respective lead tab regions first, and then the first assembly block portion contacts the assembly region.

7. The first assembly block and the pair of first tab block sections are arranged at predetermined intervals. The battery cell pressurizing jig according to claim 1, wherein the first assembly block portion is provided so as to contact one surface of the battery cell over a larger area than the first tab block portion.

8. The battery cell pressurizing jig according to claim 1, wherein the second pressurizing portion includes a second assembly block portion provided to pressurize the assembly region on the other side of the battery cell in which the electrode assembly is arranged, and a pair of second tab block portions provided to pressurize a pair of lead tab regions, each including the boundary region between the respective lead tab and the cell case.

9. The battery cell pressurizing jig according to claim 8, further comprising: a second pressurizing plate to which the second assembly block and a pair of the second tab block portions are individually connected; and a second drive unit for moving the second pressurizing plate to the other side of the battery cell.

10. The battery cell pressurizing jig according to claim 9, wherein the second assembly block and the pair of second tab block portions are each connected to the second pressurizing plate via an elastic member.

11. The battery cell pressurizing jig according to claim 10, wherein the second assembly block and the pair of second tab block portions are movably provided toward the second pressurizing plate when they contact the other surface of the battery cell, and each of the elastic members is provided to be compressed.

12. The battery cell pressurizing jig according to claim 8, wherein the second pressurizing portion is provided such that a pair of the second tab block portions protrude further toward the other side of the battery cell than the second assembly block portion.

13. The battery cell pressurizing jig according to claim 9, wherein the second pressurizing portion is provided such that when the second pressurizing plate moves toward the other side of the battery cell, the pair of second tab block portions contact the respective lead tab regions first, and then the second assembly block portion contacts the assembly region.

14. The second assembly block and the pair of the second tab block are arranged at predetermined intervals. The battery cell pressurizing jig according to claim 8, wherein the second assembly block portion is provided so as to contact the other surface of the battery cell over a larger area than the second tab block portion.

15. vacuum chamber and Displaced within the vacuum chamber, the battery cell pressurizing jig according to any one of claims 1 to 14, A piercing portion is provided to form at least one degass hole in a battery cell placed within the battery cell pressurizing jig, A sealing portion provided to seal the aforementioned degass hole, A battery cell gas removal system comprising a vacuum pressure application unit that provides vacuum pressure to the vacuum chamber.

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