Battery cell formation device

Abstract

A battery cell formation device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a jig unit including a plurality of pressure plates movably mounted to pressurize a plurality of battery cells, a gas removal unit movably mounted together with one of the pressure plates and connected to the pressure plate to face a gas pocket of a battery cell that contacts the pressure plate, and a position adjustment unit mounted to adjust the position of the gas removal unit on the pressure plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a formation device for battery cells, and more particularly, to a formation device for battery cells capable of performing a gas removal process for each individual battery cell during the activation process of a plurality of battery cells. In particular, the present invention relates to a formation device for battery cells in which a jig part for pressing the battery cells and a gas removal part are integrated.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0061390 filed on May 11, 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 1.

[0004] Referring to FIG. 1, the pouch-type battery cell 1 includes an electrode assembly 2, a pouch case 6 surrounding the electrode assembly 2, and a pair of electrode tabs 3 and 4 electrically connected to the electrode assembly 2. The pouch case 6 may have a cup part 8 for accommodating the electrode assembly 2 and a gas pocket 7 for collecting gas during the activation process.

[0005] The electrode assembly 2 is housed in the pouch case 6, and a part of the electrode tabs 3 and 4 is exposed outside the pouch case 6. The electrode assembly 2 is an assembly in which a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator are cross-laminated. The electrode assembly 2 is impregnated with an electrolytic solution in the internal space of the pouch case 6.

[0006] When the assembly of the pouch-type battery cell 1 is completed, an activation process of the pouch-type battery cell 1 is performed. The activation process is to stabilize the structure of the battery cell through the processes of charging, aging, and discharging of the pouch-type battery cell 1, and to make the battery cell 1 in a usable state.

[0007] During the activation process, a large amount of gas is generated inside the pouch-type battery cell 1.

[0008] During the activation process, when the pouch-type battery cell 1 expands due to gas pressure, the negative electrode plate, separator membrane, and positive electrode plate may lift in the stacking direction, potentially reducing the bonding force between the active material and the current collector. As a result, a gas removal process is performed to remove the gas generated during the activation process.

[0009] During the activation process, if the gas generated inside the pouch-type battery cell 1 is not efficiently removed, the gas will occupy a certain space inside the pouch-type battery cell 1, preventing uniform formation and negatively affecting battery performance such as capacity and output, as well as battery life.

[0010] The gas removal process is a process for removing gas collected inside the pouch-type battery cell 1, in which the pouch case 6 is pressurized to collect the gas in the gas pocket 5, the gas pocket 5 is then pierced to form a degassing hole 7, the gas is discharged and then the degassing hole 7 is heat-sealed.

[0011] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a conventional cell gas removal device 20, and Figure 3 is a plan view of the cell gas removal device shown in Figure 2.

[0012] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the conventional cell gas removal device 20 is installed on top of the cell charging jig 10. The cell charging jig 10 is a device used to perform an activation process on pouch-type battery cells 1 and includes a plurality of pressure plates 11 for pressurizing the battery cells 1.

[0013] The cell gas removal device 20 is a separate device from the cell charging jig 10 and includes a position adjustment unit 30 and a gas removal unit 70.

[0014] The position adjustment unit 30 is a device that adjusts the position of the gas removal unit 70 so that the gas removal unit 70 faces the gas pocket 5 of the battery cell 1.

[0015] Conventional cell gas removal devices 20 have a structure separate from the cell charging jig 10, and are provided to adjust the position of the gas removal unit 70 in three axes. Specifically, the position adjustment unit 30 includes an x-axis drive unit 50, a y-axis drive unit 60, and a z-axis drive unit 40. As a result, the cell gas removal device 20 has the problem of having an overly complex layout of its components.

[0016] Consequently, securing sufficient visibility for workers was difficult, and securing adequate space for tasks such as parts replacement was also difficult, making maintenance and upkeep management by workers challenging.

[0017] Conventional cell gas removal devices 20 are designed to perform the gas removal process simultaneously on multiple pouch-type battery cells 1 arranged in the cell charging jig 10, which leads to the problem of the overall size of the device being large. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0018] The present invention aims to provide a battery cell formation device in which a gas removal unit is integrally provided on a pressure plate for pressurizing battery cells.

[0019] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a battery cell formation device that simplifies the position adjustment structure of the gas removal unit and allows the position of the gas removal unit to be adjusted by only one axial movement.

[0020] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a battery cell formation device that can perform a gas removal process individually on multiple battery cells that have undergone an activation process.

[0021] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a battery cell formation device that can adjust the position of the gas removal section relative to the gas pocket of the battery cell to be different for each process, such as the piercing process, the gas suction process, and the sealing process. [Means for solving the problem]

[0022] A battery cell formation device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a jig portion including a plurality of pressure plates that are movable to pressurize a plurality of battery cells, a gas removal portion that is movable together with one of the plurality of pressure plates and connected to the pressure plate so as to face the gas pocket of the battery cell that is in contact with the pressure plate, and a position adjustment portion that is provided to adjust the position of the gas removal portion on the pressure plate.

[0023] The position adjustment unit may be provided so as to be movable together with the pressure plate.

[0024] The battery cell formation device may include a first rail provided on the pressure plate that extends along the direction of movement of the pressure plate and guides the movement of the gas removal unit, and a frame portion provided with guide rails that are positioned away from the pressure plate and guide the movement of the position adjustment unit in the direction of movement of the pressure plate.

[0025] The gas removal unit may include first and second venting modules, which are provided to perform a gas removal process in the gas pockets of battery cells located on the first surface side of the pressure plate and in the gas pockets of battery cells located on the second surface side of the pressure plate opposite to the first surface.

[0026] Further, the first and second bending modules may be provided movably on the pressure plate, and the position adjusting unit may be provided to adjust the distance between the first and second bending modules. That is, the position adjusting unit can increase the distance therebetween by moving the first and second bending modules away from each other, and can decrease the distance therebetween by moving the first and second bending modules closer to each other.

[0027] Further, the first bending module may include a piercing unit provided to form a degassing hole in the gas pocket of the battery cell, a vacuum unit provided to apply a vacuum pressure to the degassing hole and suck the gas in the gas pocket, and a sealing unit to seal the degassing hole.

[0028] Further, the second bending module may include a piercing unit provided to form a degassing hole in the gas pocket of the battery cell, a vacuum unit provided to apply a vacuum pressure to the degassing hole and suck the gas in the gas pocket, and a sealing unit to seal the degassing hole.

[0029] Further, the vacuum unit may be provided to surround the piercing unit, and the sealing unit may be provided to surround the vacuum unit.

[0030] Further, the sealing unit may be provided to seal a region having a diameter larger than the degassing hole.

[0031] Further, the vacuum unit may be provided to protrude toward the gas pocket of the battery cell more than the sealing unit.

[0032] Further, the first and second bending modules may be provided such that the centers of their respective piercing units are not coaxially positioned.

[0033] Furthermore, the position adjustment unit may be provided to adjust the distance between the first and second venting modules to a first distance when the piercing unit is in operation, and the position adjustment unit may be provided to adjust the distance between the first and second venting modules to a second distance that is narrower than the first distance when the vacuum unit is in operation.

[0034] Furthermore, the position adjustment unit may be provided to adjust the distance between the first and second venting modules to a third distance that is larger than the first distance when the sealing unit is in operation.

[0035] The position adjustment unit may include a module drive unit movably coupled to the guide rail, a first connecting member connecting the first venting module provided on the pressure plate to the module drive unit, and a second connecting member connecting the second venting module provided on the pressure plate to the module drive unit.

[0036] Furthermore, the module drive unit may be provided to adjust the distance between the first and second connecting members.

[0037] Furthermore, the module drive unit may include a motor or a cylinder. The module drive unit may be mounted so as to be movable along the guide rail of the frame. As a result, when the pressure plate moves, the first and second venting modules move together with the pressure plate, and the module drive unit moves along the guide rail in the direction of movement of the pressure plate.

[0038] In one embodiment, the cylinder may include a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, one end of which may be attached to a first connecting member and the other end to a second connecting member. In such a structure, the distance between the first and second connecting members can be adjusted via the cylinder, thereby adjusting the distance between the first and second venting modules on the pressure plate.

[0039] In other embodiments, the module drive unit may include a motor, which may be an electric motor capable of forward and reverse rotation. The motor may be connected to a gearbox, which is configured to convert the rotational force of the motor into axial linear motion via gears. In this configuration, one end of the gearbox may be attached to a first connecting member and the other end to a second connecting member. In such a configuration, the distance between the first and second connecting members can be adjusted via a cylinder, thereby adjusting the distance between the first and second venting modules on the pressure plate.

[0040] Furthermore, the position adjustment section may include one or more joints that connect the first connecting member and the second connecting member.

[0041] Furthermore, the joint portion may include a first link hinged to the first connecting member and the second connecting member, a second link positioned to intersect the first link and hinged to the first connecting member and the second connecting member, and a hinge shaft connecting the first link and the second link in the intersection region between the first link and the second link.

[0042] Furthermore, there may be multiple gas removal units, and each pressure plate may have its own gas removal unit. Also, there may be multiple position adjustment units, and each gas removal unit may have its own position adjustment unit. In this case, the module drive units of the multiple position adjustment units may be provided so as to be movable along the guide rails of the frame. In such a structure, the battery cell formation device may include a plurality of pressure plates provided to pressurize the plurality of battery cells, a jig provided to perform an activation process for the plurality of battery cells, a plurality of gas removal units provided on each pressure plate so as to face the gas pockets of the battery cells and provided to perform a gas removal process for each battery cell during the activation process, and a plurality of position adjustment units connected to each gas removal unit to adjust the position of each gas removal unit along the direction of movement of the pressure plates.

[0043] Furthermore, the battery cell formation device may include a control unit that individually controls the operation of each gas removal unit and each position adjustment unit so that the gas removal process is performed on one or more of the multiple battery cells arranged in the jig. [Effects of the Invention]

[0044] As described above, the battery cell formation device according to at least one embodiment of the present invention has the following effects.

[0045] Since the gas removal unit is integrated into the pressure plate used to pressurize the battery cells, the device can be made smaller.

[0046] Furthermore, by performing a gas removal process for each battery cell during the activation process for multiple battery cells, the activation efficiency of the battery cells can be improved.

[0047] Furthermore, in contrast to conventional cell gas removal devices, which are composed of a separate device from the cell charging jig and adjust the position of the cell gas removal device in three axes, the present invention allows the gas removal unit to be moved primarily together with the pressure plate, and secondarily, the position adjustment unit to adjust the position of the gas removal unit in one axis (for example, in the direction of movement of the pressure plate).

[0048] Furthermore, since the position adjustment unit can individually adjust the position of the gas removal unit, the venting position of the gas removal unit can be precisely controlled, thereby improving the gas removal efficiency of the gas removal unit.

[0049] Furthermore, multiple gas removal units can operate independently, allowing for the gas removal process to be performed individually on only some of the battery cells among the multiple battery cells that have undergone the activation process. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0050] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a typical pouch-type battery cell. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram showing a conventional cell gas removal device. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a plan view of the cell gas removal device. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing the configuration of a battery cell formation device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a schematic perspective view showing the coupling state between the gas removal unit and the position adjustment unit, which are connected to one of the multiple pressure plates. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view showing the first venting module. [Figure 7] Figure 5 is a schematic plan view of the apparatus shown. [Figure 8] This figure schematically shows the state when the image is cut along line AA in Figure 5. [Figure 9] This is a diagram illustrating one operating state of the jig section during the activation process in a battery cell formation device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This diagram illustrates one operational state of the position adjustment unit during the gas removal process in a battery cell formation device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This diagram shows the battery cells inserted into the jig. [Figure 12] This is a diagram illustrating the piercing step during the gas removal process. [Figure 13] This is a diagram illustrating the venting step during the gas removal process. [Figure 14] This is a diagram illustrating the sealing step during the gas removal process. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0051] The following describes a battery cell formation device according to one embodiment of the present invention, with reference to the attached drawings.

[0052] 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.

[0053] The battery cell formation device according to one embodiment of the present invention can perform a gas removal process for each battery cell during or after the activation process for multiple battery cells.

[0054] Figure 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of a battery cell formation device 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view showing the coupling state between a gas removal unit and a position adjustment unit, which are coupled to one of the multiple pressure plates.

[0055] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the battery cell formation device 100 may include a jig section 110, one or more gas removal sections 130, and one or more position adjustment sections 150.

[0056] Furthermore, the battery cell formation device 100 may include a charging unit 119 for charging a plurality of battery cells 1A to 1C arranged within the jig unit 110, a frame unit 170 positioned away from the jig unit 110, and a control unit 180. The control unit 180 is also provided to control the operation of the jig unit 110, the filling unit 119, the gas removal unit 130, and the position adjustment unit 150.

[0057] Furthermore, Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the first venting module 133, Figure 7 is a schematic plan view of the device shown in Figure 5, and Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the device cut along line AA in Figure 5.

[0058] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the jig section 110 is a device for performing a battery cell activation process. The jig section 110 may include a plurality of pressure plates 111 to 114 and a jig drive unit 118 for moving the pressure plates 111 to 114. A plurality of battery cells 1A to 1C are arranged within the jig section 110.

[0059] Each of the battery cells 1A to 1C can be placed in the space between two adjacent pressure plates 111 to 114. Each of the battery cells 1A to 1C is the same as the battery cell 1 described in Figure 1, and for the sake of explanation, different reference numerals are assigned to them according to the order in which they are arranged within the jig portion 110.

[0060] The jig drive unit 118 may include a drive motor and a drive shaft. When the drive shaft rotates due to the rotation of the drive motor, the multiple pressure plates 11 to 114 that engage with it move in one direction. This allows the jig unit 110 to pressurize both sides of the battery cells 1A to 1C. In this way, during the activation process, the jig drive unit 118 moves the multiple pressure plates 111 to 114 in one direction (in the x-axis direction), providing a predetermined pressure F to the battery cells 1A to 1C positioned between two adjacent pressure plates 111 to 114.

[0061] Referring to Figure 1, the pouch-type battery cell 1 according to this embodiment includes an electrode assembly 2, a pouch case 6 surrounding the electrode assembly 2, and a pair of electrode tabs 3 and 4 electrically connected to the electrode assembly 2. The pouch case 6 may have a cup portion 8 in which the electrode assembly 2 is housed and a gas pocket 7 in which gas is collected during the activation process.

[0062] In this specification, the x-axis direction indicates the thickness direction of the battery cell 1, the y-axis direction indicates the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 1 (the direction in which the pair of electrode tabs are connected), and the z-axis direction indicates the width direction of the battery cell 1. The x-axis direction also indicates the arrangement direction of the pressure plates or the movement direction of the pressure plates.

[0063] The cup portion 8 and the gas pocket 7 may be located apart along the width direction of the battery cell 1.

[0064] Multiple battery cells 1A to 1C are arranged upright within the jig portion 110, and the state in which the battery cells are upright means that the gas pocket 5 is located at the top and the cup portion 8 is located at the bottom.

[0065] At this time, each of the pressure plates 111 to 114 may be provided to pressurize the cup portion 8 of the battery cell 1. When the pressure plates 111 to 114 pressurize the cup portion 8 during the activation process, the gas generated inside the battery cell 1 can move to the gas pocket 5, causing the gas pocket 5 to expand.

[0066] In this specification, the plurality of pressure plates 111 to 114 may include the first pressure plate 111 to the fourth pressure plate 114. The first pressure plate 111 to the fourth pressure plate 114 refer to four pressure plates that are arbitrarily continuous depending on the arrangement direction of the plurality of pressure plates. The arrangement direction of the plurality of pressure plates and the direction of movement of each pressure plate may be the same direction (x-axis direction). In this specification, each battery cell arranged between two adjacent pressure plates along the direction from the first pressure plate 111 to the fourth pressure plate 114 is referred to as the first battery cell 1A to the third battery cell 1C.

[0067] The first battery cell 1A is positioned between the first pressure plate 111 and the second pressure plate 112, the second battery cell 1B is positioned between the second pressure plate 112 and the third pressure plate 113, and the third battery cell 1C is positioned between the third pressure plate 113 and the fourth pressure plate 114.

[0068] When battery cells 1A, 1B, and 1C are inserted, the jig section 110 operates with multiple pressure plates 111 to 114 spaced at predetermined intervals so that the battery cells 1A, 1B, and 1C can be inserted. After the insertion of battery cells 1A, 1B, and 1C is complete, the jig section 110 operates with multiple pressure plates 111 to 114 to pressurize the multiple battery cells 1A, 1B, and 1C during charging / discharging of the battery cells.

[0069] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the gas removal unit 130 is movably mounted together with one of the multiple pressure plates (for example, 111) and is connected to the pressure plate 111 so as to face the gas pocket 5 of the battery cell 1A that is in contact with the pressure plate 111. The gas removal unit 130 may be provided for each pressure plate, and in such a structure, the battery cell formation device 100 can include multiple gas removal units 130. Furthermore, multiple gas removal units 130:130A to 130D can be attached to their respective pressure plates 111 to 114.

[0070] The position adjustment unit 150 may be provided to adjust the position of the gas removal unit 130 on the pressure plate 111. The position adjustment unit 150 may also be provided to be movable together with the pressure plate 111. That is, when the pressure plate 111 is moved by the jig drive unit 118, the position adjustment unit may be moved together with the driving force that moves the pressure plate 111. For this purpose, the position adjustment unit 150 may be connected to the gas removal unit 130. Furthermore, with the gas removal units 130:130A to 130D mounted on their respective pressure plates 111 to 114, the formation device 100 may be equipped with a plurality of position adjustment units 150:150A to 150D.

[0071] Referring to Figure 5, the battery cell formation device 100 may include a first rail 131 provided on the pressure plate 111 and a frame portion 170 provided away from the pressure plate 111 and equipped with a guide rail 171 that guides the movement of the position adjustment portion 150 in the direction of movement of the pressure plate 111, so as to guide the movement of the gas removal portion 130.

[0072] The position adjustment unit 150 is connected to the gas removal unit 130 and can be moved along the guide rail 171 in the direction of movement of the pressure plate 111 by the movement of the gas removal unit 130.

[0073] Referring to Figures 5, 7, and 8, each gas removal unit 130 is a device that performs the process of removing gas from the gas pockets 5 of battery cells 1A to 1C arranged within the jig unit 110. A gas removal unit 130 provided on any one of the pressure plates 111 may include first and second venting modules 133 and 134, respectively, which are provided to perform the gas removal process in the gas pockets 5 of battery cells located on the first surface 111a side of the pressure plate 111 and in the gas pockets 5 of battery cells located on the second surface 111b side opposite the first surface 111a side of the pressure plate 111. In this case, the first and second venting modules 133 and 134 may each be provided so as to be movable on the pressure plate 111. The first and second venting modules 133 and 134 may be provided so as to be movable in the thickness direction (x-axis direction, direction of movement of the pressure plate) of the battery cells, while maintaining a constant position in the width direction (Z-axis direction) of the battery cells.

[0074] The first rail 131 may be provided on the upper part of each of the pressure plates 111-114, and a pair of venting modules 133, 134 may be movably mounted on the first rail 131. The first rail 131 is provided to guide the movement of the pair of venting modules 133, 134 in the direction X of the arrangement of the pressure plates 111.

[0075] Furthermore, the first venting module 133 may include a piercing unit 135 provided to form a degass hole 7 (see Figure 1) in the gas pocket 5 of the battery cell 1, a vacuum unit 136 provided to apply vacuum pressure to the degass hole 7 and suck out the gas in the gas pocket 5, and a sealing unit 137 for sealing the degass hole 7.

[0076] Furthermore, the second venting module 134 may include a piercing unit 135 provided to form a degass hole 7 (see Figure 1) in the gas pocket 5 of the battery cell 1, a vacuum unit 136 provided to apply vacuum pressure to the degass hole 7 and suck out the gas in the gas pocket 5, and a sealing unit 137 for sealing the degass hole 7.

[0077] The piercing unit 135, vacuum unit 136, and sealing unit 137 of the first venting module 133 are exposed on the first surface 111a side of the pressure plate 111, while the piercing unit 135, vacuum unit 136, and sealing unit 137 of the second venting module 134 are exposed on the second surface 111b side of the pressure plate 111.

[0078] The piercing unit 135 is a device that pierces the gas pocket 5 of the battery cell so that a degassing hole 7 is formed in the gas pocket 5; the vacuum unit 136 is a device that applies vacuum pressure to the degassing hole 7 of the gas pocket 5 and sucks out the gas inside the gas pocket 5; and the sealing unit 137 is a device that seals the degassing hole 7 after the operation of the vacuum unit 136 is completed.

[0079] In this way, the gas removal process can be performed simultaneously on two battery cells located on both sides 111a and 111b of the pressure plate 111 via the first and second venting modules 133 and 134.

[0080] Referring to Figures 6 and 8, the piercing unit 135 may include a needle portion 135a for forming a degass hole 7 and a predetermined space portion 135b provided around the needle portion 135a.

[0081] The vacuum unit 136 may be provided to surround the piercing unit 135. The vacuum unit 136 may have one or more discharge holes 136a and may include a contact pad 136b for contacting the gas pocket 5. The contact pad 136b may be provided to contact an area with a diameter larger than the degas hole 7 and may be provided to surround the space 135b of the piercing unit 135. The discharge hole 136a is located inside the contact pad 136b and vacuum pressure may be applied through the discharge hole 136a. The contact pad 136b may also be provided to be compressible.

[0082] Furthermore, the sealing unit 137 may be provided so as to surround the vacuum unit 136. The sealing unit 137 may include a heater, and may be provided to seal an area with a diameter larger than the degas hole 7. Also, the sealing unit 137 may be provided to seal an area with a diameter larger than the area in which the contact pad 136b contacts the gas pocket 5.

[0083] The vacuum unit 136 and the sealing unit 137 can be arranged concentrically with respect to the piercing unit 135.

[0084] Furthermore, the vacuum unit 136 may be provided so as to protrude further toward the gas pocket 5 of the battery cell than the sealing unit 137. For example, the contact pad 136b may be provided so as to protrude further toward the gas pocket 5 of the battery cell than the sealing unit 137.

[0085] Referring to Figure 8, the first and second venting modules 133 and 134 may be arranged such that the centers of their respective piercing units 135 are not coaxial. That is, a virtual line segment L1 passing through the center of the piercing unit 135 of the first venting module 133 and a virtual line segment L2 passing through the center of the piercing unit 135 of the second venting module 134 do not coincide and can be separated by a predetermined distance h along the width direction of the battery cell. In other words, the piercing unit 135 of the first venting module 133 and the piercing unit 135 of the second venting module 134 can be separated by a predetermined distance h along the width direction (z-axis direction) of the battery cell.

[0086] Through this structure, it is possible to prevent the piercing unit 135 of the second venting module 134A (see Figure 11) on the first pressure plate 111 from colliding with the piercing unit 135 of the first venting module 133B (see Figure 11) on the second pressure plate 112 during the operation of the piercing unit (piercing process).

[0087] Referring to Figure 5, a utility line 138 may be connected to a pair of venting modules 133 and 134. The utility line 138 may be housed within the pressure plates 111 to 114 and connected to the pair of venting modules 133 and 134, respectively. The utility line 138 may include a power supply line 138A and a vacuum pressure supply line 138B.

[0088] The power supply line 138A supplies power to the piercing unit 135, the vacuum unit 136, and the sealing unit 137, respectively, and the vacuum pressure supply line 138B provides vacuum pressure to the vacuum unit 136, and the discharge hole 136b can be connected to it.

[0089] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating one operating state of the jig section during the activation process in a battery cell formation device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating one operating state of the position adjustment section during the gas removal process in a battery cell formation device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] Referring to Figures 5 and 7, the position adjustment unit 150 may include a module drive unit 151 movably coupled to the guide rail 171, a first connecting member 153 connecting the module drive unit 151 to the first venting module 133 provided on the pressure plate 111, and a second connecting member 154 connecting the module drive unit 151 to the second venting module 134 provided on the pressure plate 111. The module drive unit 151 may also be provided to adjust the spacing between the first and second connecting members 153 and 154.

[0091] Furthermore, the module drive unit 151 may include a motor or a cylinder.

[0092] Furthermore, the module drive unit 151 can be mounted so as to be movable along the guide rail 171 of the frame unit 170. As a result, when the pressure plate 111 moves, the first and second venting modules 133 and 134 move together with the pressure plate 111, and the module drive unit 151 moves along the guide rail 171 in the direction of movement of the pressure plate 111 (x-axis direction).

[0093] Furthermore, the position adjustment section 150 may include one or more joints 155 that connect the first connecting member 153 and the second connecting member 154.

[0094] Furthermore, the joint portion 155 may include a first link 156 hinged to the first connecting member 153 and the second connecting member 154, respectively; a second link 157 positioned to intersect with the first link 156 and hinged to the first connecting member 153 and the second connecting member 54, respectively; and a hinge shaft 158 ​​connecting the first link 156 and the second link 157 in the intersection region between the first link 156 and the second link 157.

[0095] The pair of venting modules 133 and 134 provided on the first rail portion 131 of the pressure plate 111 may be arranged so that their spacing is adjusted along the arrangement direction (X) of the pressure plate 111 by the position adjustment unit 150 when the pressure plate 111 is stopped. Furthermore, the pair of venting modules 133 and 134 may be arranged to vent the gas pockets 5 of different battery cells located on both sides 111a and 111b of the pressure plate 111, respectively, during the gas removal process.

[0096] Figure 11 shows the state in which the battery cells are placed in the jig section, Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the piercing step during the gas removal process, Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating the venting step during the gas removal process, and Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating the sealing step during the gas removal process.

[0097] Furthermore, the multiple position adjustment units 150:150A to 150D can be coupled to their respective gas removal units 130. The multiple position adjustment units 150:150A to 150D adjust the spacing between the pairs of venting modules 133A and 134A, 133B and 134B provided in each gas removal unit 130 during the gas removal process.

[0098] Multiple position adjustment units 150 can be movably mounted on the guide rail 171.

[0099] Each position adjustment unit 150 moves along the guide rail 171 in the direction of movement of each pressure plate 111 to 114 when the jig drive unit 181 is in operation. Furthermore, each position adjustment unit 150 is positioned to stop on the guide rail 171 when the movement of the pressure plate stops.

[0100] Each position adjustment unit 150 is provided to adjust the distance between a pair of venting modules 133 and 134 provided on the pressure plate along the direction of movement X of the pressure plate.

[0101] Furthermore, the position adjustment unit 150 may be provided to adjust the distance between the first and second venting modules 133 and 134 to a first interval Dp when the piercing unit 135 is in operation, and the adjustment unit 150 may be provided to adjust the distance between the first and second venting modules 133 and 134 to a second interval Dv which is narrower than the first interval Dp when the vacuum unit 136 is in operation.

[0102] Furthermore, the position adjustment unit 150 may be provided to adjust the distance between the first and second venting modules 133 and 134 to a third distance Ds that is greater than the first distance Dp when the sealing unit 137 is in operation.

[0103] Referring to Figure 12, each position adjustment unit 150 adjusts the positions of the pair of venting modules 133A and 134A, 133B and 134B so that they are separated by a first interval Dp (see Figure 11) when the piercing unit 135 of the gas removal unit 130A provided on the first pressure plate 111 and the piercing unit 135 of the gas removal unit 130B provided on the second pressure plate 112 are activated.

[0104] Here, the first interval Dp refers to the distance between a pair of venting modules 133A, 134A, 133B, and 134B when the piercing unit 135 of each venting module is in contact with the gas pocket 5 of the battery cell 1A.

[0105] Referring to Figure 13, each position adjustment unit 150 adjusts the positions of the pair of venting modules 133A and 134A, 133B and 134B so that when the vacuum unit 136 is in operation, the pair of venting modules 133A and 134A, 133B and 134B are separated by a second interval (see Dv) that is narrower than the first interval Dp.

[0106] Here, the second interval Dv represents the distance between the pair of venting modules 133 and 134 when the vacuum unit 136 of each venting module is in contact with the gas pocket 5 of the battery cell 1A. Meanwhile, during gas removal, the gas pocket 5 is in an expanded state along the thickness direction of the battery cell.

[0107] Referring to Figure 14, each position adjustment unit 150 adjusts the positions of the pair of venting modules 133A and 134A, 133B and 134B so that when the sealing unit 137 is in operation, the pair of venting modules 133A and 134A, 133B and 134B are separated by a third interval Ds that is wider than the first interval Dp.

[0108] Here, the third interval Ds refers to the distance between a pair of venting modules 133A and 134A, 133B and 134B when the sealing unit 137 of each venting module is in contact with the gas pocket 5 of the battery cell 1A.

[0109] Thus, each position adjustment unit 150:150A~150D can precisely adjust the spacing between the pair of venting modules 133 and 134 for each gas removal unit 130. Furthermore, each position adjustment unit 150 can adjust the spacing between the pair of venting modules 133 and 134 to a different degree depending on each step of the gas removal process.

[0110] The operating direction of the module drive unit 151 can be adjusted by the control unit 180. The module drive unit may include a motor and a gearbox, in which case the distance between the first connecting member 153 and the second connecting member 154 may widen when the motor rotates in a first operating direction, and the distance between the first connecting member 153 and the second connecting member 154 may narrow when the motor rotates in a second operating direction opposite to the first operating direction.

[0111] At least one joint 155 can connect the first connecting member 153 and the second connecting member 154, and can support the first connecting member 153 and the second connecting member 154.

[0112] Furthermore, the first link 156 and the second link 157 may be arranged to intersect in an X shape. The hinge shaft 158 ​​can connect the intersection of the first link 156 and the second link 157. The first link 156 and the second link 157 can be folded or unfolded around the hinge shaft 158 ​​depending on the spacing of the first and second connecting members 153 and 154.

[0113] Referring to Figure 10, when the distance between the first connecting member 153 and the second connecting member 154 increases, the joint portion 155 is configured such that the first and second links 156 and 157 spread apart. In contrast, referring to Figure 9, when the distance between the first connecting member 153 and the second connecting member 154 decreases, the joint portion 155 is configured such that the first and second links 156 and 157 fold inward.

[0114] The multiple gas removal units 130 may include first gas removal units 130A to fourth gas removal units 130D depending on the arrangement order of the multiple pressure plates 111 to 114. In this case, the first gas removal units 130A to fourth gas removal units 130D have the same structure except for the position of the pressure plates installed.

[0115] The multiple position adjustment units 150 may include first position adjustment units 150A to fourth position adjustment units 150D, depending on the arrangement order of the multiple pressure plates 111 to 114.

[0116] As shown in Figure 4, the first position adjustment unit 150A is connected to the first gas removal unit 130A, the second position adjustment unit 150B is connected to the second gas removal unit 130B, the position adjustment unit 150C is connected to the third gas removal unit 130C, and the fourth position adjustment unit 150D is connected to the fourth gas removal unit 130D.

[0117] During the activation process, the first battery cell 1A to the third battery cell 1C are pressurized by the first pressure plate 111 to the fourth pressure plate 114.

[0118] The control unit 180 can control the operation of the jig unit 110 so that the battery cell activation process is performed. The control unit 180 can also individually control the operation of the multiple gas removal units 130 and the multiple position adjustment units 150 so that the gas removal process is performed only on the selected battery cell from among the multiple battery cells 1A, 1B, and 1C.

[0119] For the sake of explanation, the following describes the process of activating and removing gases from the first battery cell 1A. The gas removal process for the first battery cell 1A can be performed by a first gas removal unit 130A and a second gas removal unit 130B.

[0120] Referring to Figures 11 to 14, the first gas removal unit 130A is mounted on the first pressure plate 111. The first pressure plate 111 is a pressure plate located on one side of the first battery cell 1A, which is one of the multiple battery cells 1A, 1B, and 1C. The second gas removal unit 130B is mounted on the second pressure plate 112. The second pressure plate 112 is a pressure plate located on the other side of the first battery cell 1A. The second gas removal unit 130B is positioned at a distance from the first gas removal unit 130A along the arrangement direction (x-axis direction) of the pressure plates.

[0121] The first gas removal unit 130A may include a first venting module 133A and a second venting module 134A. The first venting module 133A and the second venting module 134A are spaced apart on the first rail portion 131 of the first pressure plate 111 along the arrangement direction X of the pressure plate 111.

[0122] The second gas removal unit 130B may include a third venting module 133B and a fourth venting module 134B. The third venting module 133B and the fourth venting module 134B are spaced apart on the first rail portion 131 of the second pressure plate 112 along the arrangement direction X of the pressure plates 111 and 112.

[0123] A first position adjustment unit 150A is connected to the first gas removal unit 130A, and the first position adjustment unit 150A adjusts the distance between the first venting module 133A and the second venting module 134A. In addition, a second position adjustment unit 150B is connected to the second gas removal unit 130B, and the second position adjustment unit 150B adjusts the distance between the third venting module 133B and the fourth venting module 134B.

[0124] In this specification, the gas removal step may include a piercing step to form a degassing hole 7 in the gas pocket 5 of the battery cell 1A, a venting step to remove gas from the gas pocket 5 through the degassing hole 7, and a sealing step to seal the degassing hole 7.

[0125] Referring to Figures 10, 11, and 12, the first position adjustment unit 150A is operated to widen the gap between the first venting module 133A and the second venting module 134A during the piercing process. The second position adjustment unit 150B is operated to widen the gap between the third venting module 133B and the fourth venting module 134B during the gas removal process.

[0126] Referring to Figure 12, in the piercing step, the distance between the pair of venting modules in the first gas removal section 130A and the second gas removal section 130B is adjusted to the first interval Dp.

[0127] When the distance between the pair of venting modules in the first gas removal section 130A and the second gas removal section 130B is adjusted to the first distance Dp, the piercing unit 135 of the second venting module 134A and the piercing unit 135 of the third venting module 133B come into contact with both sides of the gas pocket 5 of the first battery cell 1A. At this time, the piercing units 135 of the second venting module 134A and the third venting module 133B can form degassing holes in the gas pocket 5 on both sides of the first battery cell 1A.

[0128] Referring to Figure 13, the first position adjustment unit 150A operates during the gas removal process after the piercing process so that the first venting module 133A and the second venting module 134A move closer together, narrowing the gap between them. The second position adjustment unit 150B also operates during the gas removal process after the piercing process so that the gap between the third venting module 133B and the fourth venting module 134B narrows.

[0129] In the venting step, the distance between the pair of venting modules in the first gas removal section 130A and the second gas removal section 130B is adjusted to a second distance Dv. The second distance Dv may be narrower than the first distance Dp.

[0130] For example, if the first interval Dp is 5.5 mm, the second interval Dv may be 2.5 mm. The second interval Dv takes into account the state in which the gas pocket 5 of battery cell 1A is expanded by gas.

[0131] After the piercing step and before the venting step, the first position adjustment unit 150A adjusts the distance between the pair of venting modules 133A and 134A of the first gas removal unit 130A to the second distance Dv, and the second position adjustment unit 150B adjusts the distance between the pair of venting modules 133B and 134B of the second gas removal unit 130B to the second distance Dv.

[0132] At this time, the vacuum unit 136 of the second venting module 134A and the vacuum unit 136 of the third venting module 133B are in contact with both sides of the gas pocket 5 of the first battery cell 1A. The vacuum units 136 of the second venting module 134A and the third venting module 133B are positioned to cover the degassing hole 7 of the first battery cell 1A. The vacuum units 136 suck in the gas in the gas pocket 5.

[0133] When the vacuum units 136 of the second venting module 134A and the third venting module 133B are activated, the gas generated from the first battery cell 1A during the activation process can be removed.

[0134] Referring to Figure 14, in the sealing step, the first gas removal section 130A and the second gas removal section 130B are configured such that the distance between the pair of venting modules is adjusted to a third distance Ds.

[0135] After the venting test and before the sealing step, the first position adjustment unit 150A adjusts the distance between the first venting module 133A and the second venting module 134A of the first gas removal unit 130A to the third distance Ds. For example, if the first distance Dp is 5.5 mm, the third distance Ds may be 6.0 mm. The second position adjustment unit 150B also adjusts the distance between the third venting module 133B and the fourth venting module 134B to the third distance Ds.

[0136] When the pair of venting modules are adjusted to a third spacing Ds, the sealing unit 137 of the second venting module 134A and the sealing unit 137 of the third venting module 133B come into contact with both sides of the gas pocket 5 of the first battery cell 1A. Each sealing unit 137 provides heat to the area of ​​the gas pocket 5 containing the degass hole, thereby sealing the degass hole area of ​​the first battery cell 1A.

[0137] Once the sealing step for the first battery cell 1A is complete, the first position adjustment unit 150A adjusts the positions of the first venting module 133A and the second venting module 134A so that they are closer together. The second position adjustment unit 150B also operates in the same manner as the first position adjustment unit 150A, and the first gas removal unit 130A and the second gas removal unit 130B are separated from the first battery cell 1A.

[0138] 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]

[0139] According to the battery cell formation device of at least one embodiment of the present invention, a gas removal unit is integrally provided on the pressurizing plate for pressurizing the battery cells, so the device can be miniaturized, and the activation efficiency of the battery cells can be improved by performing a gas removal process for each battery cell during the activation process for multiple battery cells.

Claims

1. A jig section including multiple pressure plates that are movable to pressurize multiple battery cells, A gas removal unit is provided so as to be movable together with one of the plurality of pressure plates, and is connected to the pressure plate so as to face the gas pocket of the battery cell that is in contact with the pressure plate, A battery cell formation device, comprising: a position adjustment unit provided to adjust the position of the gas removal unit on the pressure plate; and a position adjustment unit provided to adjust the position of the gas removal unit on the pressure plate.

2. The battery cell formation device according to claim 1, wherein the position adjustment unit is provided to be movable together with the pressure plate.

3. A first rail is provided on the pressure plate, extending along the direction of movement of the pressure plate and guiding the movement of the gas removal unit, The battery cell formation device according to claim 2, further comprising a frame portion arranged away from the pressure plate and provided with guide rails that guide the movement of the position adjustment portion in the direction of movement of the pressure plate.

4. The battery cell formation device according to claim 3, wherein the gas removal unit includes first and second venting modules provided to perform a gas removal process in the gas pockets of battery cells arranged on the first surface side of the pressure plate and in the gas pockets of battery cells arranged on the second surface side opposite to the first surface of the pressure plate, respectively.

5. The first and second venting modules are each movably mounted on the pressure plate, The battery cell formation device according to claim 4, wherein the position adjustment unit is provided to adjust the distance between the first and second venting modules.

6. The first and second venting modules each include a piercing unit provided to form a degassing hole in the gas pocket of the battery cell, A vacuum unit is provided to apply vacuum pressure to the degass hole and suck out the gas in the gas pocket, A battery cell formation device according to claim 4 or 5, comprising a sealing unit for sealing the degass hole.

7. The vacuum unit is provided so as to surround the piercing unit, The battery cell formation device according to claim 6, wherein the sealing unit is provided so as to surround the vacuum unit.

8. The battery cell formation device according to claim 7, wherein the sealing unit is provided to seal an area with a diameter larger than the degass hole.

9. The battery cell formation device according to claim 7, wherein the vacuum unit is provided so as to protrude further toward the gas pocket of the battery cell than the sealing unit.

10. The battery cell formation device according to claim 6, wherein the first and second venting modules are provided so that the centers of their respective piercing units are not located coaxially.

11. The position adjustment unit adjusts the distance between the first and second venting modules to a first distance when the piercing unit is in operation. The battery cell formation device according to claim 6, wherein the position adjustment unit is provided to adjust the distance between the first and second venting modules to a second distance that is narrower than the first distance when the vacuum unit is in operation.

12. The battery cell formation device according to claim 11, wherein the position adjustment unit adjusts the distance between the first and second venting modules to a third distance that is greater than the first distance when the sealing unit is in operation.

13. The position adjustment unit comprises a module drive unit movably coupled to the guide rail, A first connecting member that connects the first venting module provided on the pressure plate and the module drive unit, The pressure plate includes a second venting module and a second connecting member that connects the module drive unit, The battery cell formation device according to claim 4, wherein the module drive unit is provided to adjust the distance between the first and second connecting members.

14. The battery cell formation device according to claim 13, wherein the module drive unit includes a motor or a cylinder.

15. The position adjustment section further includes one or more joints that connect the first connecting member and the second connecting member, The battery cell formation device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the joint portion includes a first link hinged to the first connecting member and the second connecting member, respectively; a second link positioned to intersect the first link and hinged to the first connecting member and the second connecting member, respectively; and a hinge shaft connecting the first link and the second link in the intersection region of the first link and the second link.

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