Apparatus and method for manufacturing battery cell

Abstract

An apparatus for manufacturing a battery cell, according to an embodiment of the present invention, may manufacture a battery cell comprising: an electrode assembly; an accommodation part in which the electrode assembly is accommodated; and a pouch-type battery case having a terrace part located around the accommodation part. The apparatus for manufacturing a battery cell comprises: an alignment unit that aligns the battery cell; a squeezing unit that pushes an electrolyte remaining in the terrace part toward the accommodation part; and a sealing unit that forms a main sealing portion forming a first gap with the accommodation part in the terrace part after the squeezing unit pushes out the electrolyte. The squeezing unit may be configured to push the electrolyte to an area more interior in the terrace portion than a region that is to become the main sealing portion.

Description

Battery cell manufacturing device and manufacturing method

[0001] Cross-citation with related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0156414, filed November 13, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Technology field

[0004] The present invention relates to a device and method for manufacturing a pouch-type battery cell.

[0005] Secondary batteries can be classified according to the structure of the positive electrode / separator / cathode electrode assembly. Representative examples include a jelly-roll (winding type) electrode assembly having a structure in which long sheet-shaped positive and negative electrodes are rolled up with a separator interposed therebetween, a stacked (laminated) electrode assembly having a plurality of positive and negative electrodes cut into units of a predetermined size and sequentially stacked with a separator interposed therebetween, and a stacked / folding type electrode assembly having a structure in which bi-cells or mono-cells in which positive and negative electrodes of a predetermined size are rolled up with a separator interposed therebetween are used.

[0006] Secondary batteries can be classified into cylindrical batteries, prismatic batteries, and pouch-type batteries depending on the shape of the battery case. Among them, pouch-type batteries use a pouch-type battery case composed of a multilayer film of a metal layer (foil) and a synthetic resin layer coated on the upper and lower surfaces of the metal layer to form the exterior. Therefore, the weight of the battery can be significantly reduced compared to cylindrical or prismatic batteries that use a metal can, enabling lightweight batteries and allowing for changes in various shapes.

[0007] A pouch-type battery case generally consists of a first case that houses the electrode assembly and a second case that seals the upper portion of the lower outer shell. The electrode assembly is housed in the housing of the first case, then the terrace portion surrounding the housing portion of the first case and the corresponding terrace portion of the second case are brought into close contact, the closed portion is heat-sealed, an electrolyte is added, and the remaining portion is sealed, thereby pre-assembling the secondary battery.

[0008] In the activation process, the secondary battery is mounted on a designated jig to ensure smooth current flow, and processes such as charging and discharging are performed under the conditions necessary for activation. Due to the nature of secondary batteries, this activation process must precede them to activate the positive active material and form a stable surface film (SEI, Solid Electrolyte Interface) on the negative electrode during the first cycle. During the activation process, a large amount of gas is generated inside the secondary battery. Afterwards, the generated gas is removed through an opened or incised exhaust port, and the gas exhaust area is heat-sealed again to seal it. The process of releasing the gas inside the secondary battery as described above is commonly referred to as the degassing process, and sealing is performed after the degassing process to complete the secondary battery.

[0009] In the past, during the degassing process, some of the electrolyte would remain within the terrace portion during the gas discharge process, and the sealing force of the terrace portion could be significantly reduced due to the electrolyte remaining within the terrace portion. As a result, there were problems such as the quality of the sealing portion formed within the terrace portion deteriorating and the insulation being reduced.

[0010] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery cell manufacturing device and manufacturing method for manufacturing a battery cell with improved quality of a sealing portion.

[0011] Another problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery cell manufacturing device and manufacturing method capable of reliably removing electrolyte remaining within an area to be a sealing portion.

[0012] A battery cell manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present invention can manufacture a battery cell including an electrode assembly, a pouch-shaped battery case having a receiving portion for receiving the electrode assembly, and a terrace portion positioned around the receiving portion. The battery cell manufacturing device may include an alignment unit for aligning the battery cell; a squeezing unit for pushing an electrolyte remaining in the terrace portion toward the receiving portion; and a sealing unit for forming a main sealing portion in the terrace portion, which forms a first gap with the receiving portion, after the squeezing unit pushes out the electrolyte. The squeezing unit may be configured to push the electrolyte to an area within the terrace portion that will become the main sealing portion.

[0013] The alignment unit may include a nest in which the battery cell is placed; and a pusher that presses the battery cell toward the nest to fix it.

[0014] In the above nest, a catch may be formed to prevent the battery cell from being pushed by the squeezing unit.

[0015] The above squeezing unit includes a pressure roll that pressurizes the terrace portion and moves toward the receiving portion, and the radius of the pressure roll may be smaller than the first gap.

[0016] The above pressure roll may include a main body; and a contact portion provided on the outer circumference of the main body and having a higher coefficient of friction than the main body.

[0017] The above contact portion may include a material that is elastically deformable.

[0018] The squeezing unit may include a support member located on one side of the terrace portion; and a pressing member located on the other side of the terrace portion, pressing the terrace portion toward the support member and moving toward the receiving portion. An end of the pressing member may be formed to be rounded.

[0019] The above-mentioned pressing member may have a shape in which the cross-sectional area decreases toward the end.

[0020] The radius of curvature of the end of the above-mentioned pressing member may be smaller than the first gap.

[0021] At the end of the above pressing member, a contact portion having a lower coefficient of friction than the above pressing member may be provided.

[0022] The above battery cell manufacturing device may further include a pre-sealing unit that seals the terrace portion so that a pre-sealing portion forming a second gap with the receiving portion is formed before the squeezing unit pushes out the electrolyte. The second gap may be larger than the first gap.

[0023] The above squeezing unit can move from an initial position to a final position inside the area where the main sealing portion will be.

[0024] The above initial position may be a position on the free sealing portion.

[0025] When the squeezing unit is in the final position, the squeezing unit may be adjacent to or in contact with the receiving portion.

[0026] A battery cell manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention can manufacture a battery cell including an electrode assembly, a pouch-type battery case having a receiving portion for receiving the electrode assembly, and a terrace portion positioned around the receiving portion. The battery cell manufacturing method can include a step of aligning the battery cell; a step of using a squeezing unit to push out an electrolyte remaining in the terrace portion toward the receiving portion; and a step of forming a main sealing portion in the terrace portion, the main sealing portion forming a first gap with the receiving portion. In the step of pushing out the electrolyte, the squeezing unit can push the electrolyte to an area within the terrace portion that is to become the main sealing portion.

[0027] The above battery cell manufacturing method may further include a step of forming a pre-sealing portion forming a second gap with the receiving portion on the terrace portion before the step of pushing out the electrolyte. The second gap may be larger than the first gap.

[0028] In the step of pushing out the electrolyte, the squeezing unit can move from an initial position to a final position inside the area where the main sealing portion will be.

[0029] The above initial position may be a position on the free sealing portion.

[0030] When the squeezing unit is in the final position, the squeezing unit may be adjacent to or in contact with the receiving portion.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the squeezing unit can push the electrolyte further into the area of ​​the terrace section that will become the main sealing section. This allows the electrolyte remaining within the area to be reliably removed, and prevents the sealing force of the main sealing section formed thereafter from being reduced.

[0032] In addition, it is possible to prevent micro cracks that may occur when the polymer layer within the main sealing portion is not evenly bonded, and the resulting deterioration in insulation.

[0033] In addition, the configurations according to preferred embodiments of the present invention may include effects that can be easily predicted by those skilled in the art.

[0034] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention, and together with the detailed description of the invention described below, serve to further understand the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to matters described in such drawings.

[0035] Figure 1 is an assembly diagram of a battery cell.

[0036] Figure 2 is a plan view of a battery cell.

[0037] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a pressure roll of a battery cell manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the pressure roll and its surroundings shown in Figure 3.

[0039] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a sealing unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a support and a pressure member of a battery cell manufacturing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Fig. 7 is an enlarged drawing of the pressurizing member and its surroundings shown in Fig. 6.

[0042] Figure 8 is a flowchart of a battery cell manufacturing method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the invention. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited or restricted by the following examples.

[0044] In order to clearly explain the present invention, a detailed description of a part that is irrelevant to the description or a related known technology that may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention has been omitted, and when adding reference signs to components of each drawing in this specification, the same or similar reference signs are attached to the same or similar components throughout the specification.

[0045] In addition, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to their usual or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts that conform to the technical idea of ​​the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the term to explain his or her own invention in the best way.

[0046] In the drawing, each component of a secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention is schematically illustrated, and the size of the component or the thickness of the line may be expressed somewhat exaggerated for the convenience of understanding.

[0047] Figure 1 is an assembly drawing of a battery cell, and Figure 2 is a plan view of the battery cell.

[0048] The battery cell (1) described herein can be manufactured using a manufacturing device and / or manufacturing method according to the present invention. The battery cell (1) may be in a state at a specific point in time during the manufacturing process or in a final, completed state, and may be appropriately interpreted depending on the context or necessity.

[0049] The battery cell (1) may include an electrode assembly (10) and a pouch-type battery case (20) (hereinafter, “battery case”).

[0050] The electrode assembly (10) may be formed by alternately stacking positive and negative electrodes with a separator in between. That is, the electrode assembly (10) may include a plurality of electrodes and a separator interposed between the plurality of electrodes to mutually insulate the plurality of electrodes. The electrode assembly (10) may be accommodated together with an electrolyte in a battery case (20), more specifically, in a receiving portion (22) described below.

[0051] The electrode assembly (10) can be provided in various types, such as stack type, jelly roll type, stack and folding type, and the type of the electrode assembly (10) is not limited.

[0052] The electrode assembly (10) may include an electrode tab (11). The electrode tab (11) is connected to the positive and negative electrodes of the electrode assembly (10), respectively, and may protrude outward from the electrode assembly (10) to act as a path through which electrons can move between the inside and the outside of the electrode assembly (10).

[0053] The electrode tab (11) can be formed by cutting the non-conductive part of the electrode collector or by connecting a separate conductive member to the non-conductive part by ultrasonic welding, etc.

[0054] The electrode tab (11) may include a positive electrode tab (11a) connected to the positive electrode, and a negative electrode tab (11b) connected to the negative electrode. The positive electrode tab (11a) and the negative electrode tab (11b) may protrude in different directions of the electrode assembly (10), but are not limited thereto, and may be formed to protrude in various directions, such as protruding in parallel in the same direction from one side.

[0055] An electrode lead (12) for supplying electricity to the outside of a battery cell (1) may be connected to an electrode tab (11) of an electrode assembly (10). In addition, a portion of the electrode lead (12) may be surrounded by an insulating member (14). The insulating member (14) may be sealed together with the first case (20a) and the second case (20b). Therefore, the insulating member (14) may insulate the electrode lead (12) from the battery case (20) and maintain the sealing of the battery case (20). In general, as the insulating member (14), an insulating tape that is easy to attach to the electrode lead (12) and has a relatively thin thickness is often used, but the present invention is not limited thereto and various members may be used as long as they can insulate the electrode lead (12).

[0056] The electrode lead (12) may have one end connected to the electrode tab (11) and the other end protruding outward from the battery case (20). The electrode lead (12) may include a positive lead (12a) connected to the positive tab (11a) and a negative lead (12b) connected to the negative tab (11b).

[0057] The electrode lead (12) can electrically connect the electrode assembly (10) to the outside. In addition, since the positive electrode tab (11a) and the negative electrode tab (11b) are formed to protrude in various directions, the positive electrode lead (12a) and the negative electrode lead (12b) can also extend in various directions, respectively.

[0058] The battery case (20) can accommodate the electrode assembly (10) inside and can be formed by molding a laminate sheet. For example, when a flexible laminate sheet is subjected to drawing molding using a die, a punch, etc., a portion thereof is stretched to form a receiving portion (22) having a pocket-shaped receiving space, thereby manufacturing the battery case (20).

[0059] However, the configuration of the receiving portion (22) is not limited thereto, and may be formed in a manner different from that illustrated in the drawing. For example, it may be possible for the receiving portion (22) to be formed by folding the laminate sheet into a predetermined shape.

[0060] Hereinafter, the battery case (20) may be in a state at a specific point in the manufacturing process or in a final, completed state. That is, the description of the battery case (20) may encompass both a sealed state and an unfolded state as illustrated in FIG. 2, and may be appropriately interpreted depending on the context or need.

[0061] The battery case (20) can accommodate and seal the electrode assembly (10) so that a portion of the electrode lead (12) is exposed.

[0062] The battery case (20) may include a first case (20a) and a second case (20b) that are sealed to each other with an electrode assembly (10) therebetween.

[0063] Preferably, at least one of the first case (20a) and the second case (20b) may be formed with a receiving portion (22). In addition, the peripheral area of ​​the receiving portion (22) may form a terrace portion (23). That is, the battery case (20) may include a receiving portion (22) and a terrace portion (23) located outside the receiving portion (22).

[0064] The first case (20a) and the second case (20b) can be connected to each other by the folding part (21). However, this is not limited to this, and it is also possible for the first case (20a) and the second case (20b) to be separated from each other and manufactured separately.

[0065] The receiving portion (22) can define a receiving space capable of receiving the electrode assembly (10). The receiving portion (22) can have a pocket shape.

[0066] Hereinafter, a case in which a receiving portion (22) is formed in each of the first case (20a) and the second case (20b) will be described as an example. Those skilled in the art will also be able to easily understand a case in which a receiving portion (22) is formed in only one of a pair of cases (20a) (20b).

[0067] The receiving portions (22) of a pair of cases (20a) (20b) are arranged to face each other, so that they can accommodate the electrode assembly (10) together. That is, the receiving portions (22) of a pair of cases (20a) (20b) are arranged to face each other, so that they can define a receiving space in which the electrode assembly (10) is accommodated. In this case, compared to a case in which the receiving portion (22) is formed in only one of the pair of cases (20a) (20b), the electrode assembly (20) can accommodate an electrode assembly (10) that is thick and has a large capacity.

[0068] The first case (20a) and the second case (20b) can be connected by a folding part (21). When the first case (20a) and the second case (20b) are unfolded, a part of the folding part (21) can be positioned between the receiving part (22) of the first case (20a) and the receiving part (22) of the second case (20b), and another part of the folding part (21) can be positioned between the terrace part (23) of the first case (20a) and the terrace part (23) of the second case (20b).

[0069] When the folding part (21) is folded, the first case (20a) and the second case (20b) can face each other. The folding part (21) can extend parallel to the electric length direction of the electrode assembly (10), but is not limited thereto.

[0070] Each case (20a) (20b) may include a terrace portion (23) located around the periphery of the receiving portion (22). More specifically, the terrace portion (23) may include a first terrace portion (24) from which an electrode lead (12) protrudes, and a second terrace portion (25) connected to the first terrace portion (24).

[0071] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, a pair of first terrace sections (24) may be provided on both sides of the receiving section (22) in the full-length direction, and a second terrace section (25) may be provided to connect a pair of first terrace sections (24) and may be positioned on one side of the receiving section (22) in the full-width direction. In this case, the first terrace section (24) may extend in the full-width direction of the receiving section (22), and the second terrace section (25) may extend in the full-length direction of the receiving section (22).

[0072] As another example, if the first case (20a) and the second case (20b) are separate members that are not connected by the folding part (21), a pair of first terrace parts (24) may be provided located on both sides in the full-length direction of the receiving part (22), and a pair of second terrace parts (25) may be provided that connect a pair of first terrace parts (24) and are located on both sides in the full-width direction of the receiving part (22).

[0073] When the first case (20a) and the second case (20b) are connected by the folding part (21), either the first terrace part (24) or the second terrace part (25) may be located on the opposite side of the folding part (21) with respect to the receiving part (22).

[0074] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the second terrace portion (25) may be positioned on the opposite side of the folding portion (21) with respect to the receiving portion (22). In this case, a pair of first terrace portions (24) may connect the folding portion (21) and the second terrace portion (25). That is, a pair of electrode leads (12) may extend in opposite directions and protrude outward through each first terrace portion (24).

[0075] As another example, it is also possible for the first terrace portion (25) to be positioned on the opposite side of the folding portion (21) with respect to the receiving portion (22). That is, a pair of electrode leads (12) may extend in a direction away from the folding portion (21) in parallel with each other and protrude outward through the first terrace portion (24). In this case, a pair of second terrace portions (25) may be provided, and may connect the folding portion (21) and the first terrace portion (24).

[0076] In this way, the extension direction and position of the first terrace section (24) and the second terrace section (25) are not limited and can be formed differently as needed.

[0077] When the folding portion (21) is folded, the terrace portions (23) of the first case (20a) and the second case (20b) can be in contact with each other. At this time, the insulating member (14) of the electrode assembly (10) can be positioned between the terrace portions (23) of the pair of cases (20a) (20b). For example, the insulating member (14) can be positioned between the first terrace portions (24) of the pair of cases (20a) (20b).

[0078] In the battery case (20), a sealing portion (30) may be formed in which the first case (20a) and the second case (20b) are sealed to each other. The sealing portion (30) may be located around the periphery of the receiving portion (22). More specifically, the terrace portions (23) of the first case (20a) and the second case (20b) may be sealed to each other, and the sealing portion (30) may be formed. The sealing portion (30) may be formed by fusing polymer layers (e.g., polypropylene) forming the innermost layers of each of the first case (20a) and the second case (20b) together.

[0079] In more detail, referring to FIG. 2, the sealing portion (30) may include a first sealing portion (31), a second sealing portion (32), a third sealing portion (33), a fourth sealing portion (34), and a fifth sealing portion (35).

[0080] The first sealing portion (31) may be formed by sealing the first terrace portion (24). The first sealing portion (31) may extend in one direction. The first sealing portion (31) may extend along the longitudinal direction of the first terrace portion (24) (e.g., the width direction of the receiving portion).

[0081] Some of the first sealing portions (31) may be formed by sealing the first terrace portion (24) with an insulating material (14). That is, the electrode lead (12) connected to the electrode assembly (10) may protrude to the outside through the first sealing portion (31).

[0082] The second sealing portion (32) may be formed by sealing the second terrace portion (25). The second sealing portion (32) may be connected to the first sealing portion (31). The second sealing portion (32) may be formed to be positioned approximately on the same line as the first sealing portion (31). The second sealing portion (32), like the first sealing portion (31), may extend in one direction. The second sealing portion (32) may extend along the width direction of the second terrace portion (25) (for example, the width direction of the receiving portion).

[0083] The first sealing portion (31) and the second sealing portion (32) can be formed simultaneously by a single sealing unit (not shown). When the first sealing portion (31) and the second sealing portion (32) are formed on both sides of the battery case, an opening can be formed at one end of the battery case (20). For example, the battery case (20) has a shape similar to an envelope. An electrolyte can be introduced into the battery case (20) through the opening. Thereafter, the opening can be sealed to form a third sealing portion (33).

[0084] The third sealing portion (33) may be formed by sealing the second terrace portion (25). The third sealing portion (33) may be formed at the outer end of the second terrace portion (25). The third sealing portion (33) may be connected to the second sealing portion (32). The third sealing portion (33) may extend in a different direction from the second sealing portion (32). That is, the third sealing portion (33) may extend in another direction. The third sealing portion (33) may extend along the longitudinal direction of the second terrace portion (25) (for example, the longitudinal direction of the receiving portion).

[0085] In the second terrace section (25), a portion located inside the third sealing section (33), i.e., an unsealed portion, can be defined as a gas pocket section. The gas pocket section is surrounded by the second sealing section (32) and the third sealing section (33) and can be communicated with the receiving section (22).

[0086] As previously described, the third sealing portion (33) may be formed after the electrolyte is injected into the battery case (20). When the activation process for the electrode assembly (10) is performed while the third sealing portion (33) is formed, gas may be generated, and the gas may be captured in the gas pocket portion.

[0087] Thereafter, a degassing hole (H) may be perforated in the gas pocket portion, and a degassing process may be performed in which the gas inside is discharged through the hole. More specifically, during the degassing process, the battery cell (1) may be introduced into a low-pressure chamber (not shown) in a state in which the first sealing portion (31), the second sealing portion (32), and the third sealing portion (33) are formed. A degassing hole (H) may be perforated in the gas pocket portion of the battery cell (1) located in the low-pressure chamber. Therefore, the gas inside the battery cell (1) may be discharged through the degassing hole (H) due to the pressure difference inside and outside the battery cell (1).

[0088] When the gas is sufficiently discharged, a fourth sealing portion (34) can be formed. The fourth sealing portion (34) can be formed by sealing the second terrace portion (25). The fourth sealing portion (34) can be formed to cross between the degassing hole (H) and the receiving portion (22). The fourth sealing portion (34) can be connected to the second sealing portion (32). The fourth sealing portion (34) can be formed parallel to the third sealing portion (33). The fourth sealing portion (34) can be formed with a sufficient gap from the receiving portion (22).

[0089] The fourth sealing portion (34) can be formed while the surrounding area of ​​the battery cell (1) is maintained at a low pressure. As a result, the fourth sealing portion (34) can prevent moisture from flowing into the receiving portion (22) through the degassing hole (H).

[0090] After the fourth sealing portion (34) is formed, the low pressure in the low pressure chamber is turned off and the battery cell (1) can be transferred to the outside of the low pressure chamber. Then, the portion of the second terrace portion (25) located outside the fourth sealing portion (34), i.e., the portion where the degassing hole (H) is perforated and the third sealing portion (33) can be cut off and removed.

[0091] Thereafter, a fifth sealing portion (35) may be formed. The fifth sealing portion (35) may be formed by sealing the second terrace portion (25). The fifth sealing portion (35) may be formed closer to the receiving portion (22) than the fourth sealing portion (34). In more detail, the fifth sealing portion (35) may form a first gap (g1) with the receiving portion (22), and the fourth sealing portion (34) may form a second gap (g2) with the receiving portion (22), and the second gap (g2) may be larger than the first gap (g1).

[0092] The fifth sealing portion (35) can be connected to the first sealing portion (31). The fifth sealing portion (35) can extend parallel to the fourth sealing portion (34). That is, the fifth sealing portion (35), like the fourth sealing portion (34), can extend in another direction. The fifth sealing portion (35) can extend along the longitudinal direction of the second terrace portion (25) (e.g., the longitudinal direction of the receiving portion).

[0093] After the fifth sealing portion (35) is formed, a portion of the second terrace portion (25) located outside the fifth sealing portion (35) may be cut off and removed. More specifically, a trimming process may be performed to cut off and remove a portion of the second terrace portion (25) along a cutting line adjacent to or passing through the fifth sealing portion (35). The cutting line may be parallel to the fifth sealing portion (35). As a result, the size of the completed battery cell (1) may be compact and the energy density may be improved.

[0094] By the above trimming process, the second sealing portion (32) and the fourth sealing portion (34) may also be cut off. Therefore, in the completed secondary battery (1), the first sealing portion (31) and the fifth sealing portion (35) that are connected to each other may remain.

[0095] Hereinafter, the fourth sealing portion (34) formed before the fifth sealing portion (35) is formed is named as a pre-sealing portion, and the fifth sealing portion (35) is named as a main sealing portion.

[0096] Meanwhile, during the degassing process described above, when the gas inside the battery cell (1) is discharged into the degassing hole (H), a portion of the electrolyte inside the receiving portion may be discharged together toward the degassing hole. Therefore, even after the degassing process is completed, a portion of the electrolyte may remain in the terrace portion (23), more specifically, in the second terrace portion (25), which may lower the sealing quality of the main sealing portion (35). To alleviate this concern, it is necessary to remove the electrolyte remaining in the second terrace portion (25) before the formation of the main sealing portion (35).

[0097] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a pressure roll of a battery cell manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the pressure roll and its surroundings illustrated in FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a sealing unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] A battery cell manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an alignment unit (110), a squeezing unit (120), and a sealing unit (160).

[0099] The alignment unit (110) can be configured to align the battery cells (1).

[0100] The alignment unit (110) can align the battery cell (1) for which the degassing process has been completed. The alignment unit (110) can align the battery cell (1) in which the pre-sealing portion (34) is formed. At this time, the battery cell (1) may be in a state before the main sealing portion (35) is formed. In addition, a portion of the second terrace portion (25) of the battery cell (1) located outside the pre-sealing portion (34) may be cut off.

[0101] The alignment unit (110) may include a nest (112) in which a battery cell (1) is placed, and a pusher (111) that presses the battery cell (1) toward the nest (112) to fix it. The pusher (111) and the nest (112) may face each other in the thickness direction of the battery cell (1) with the battery cell (1) interposed therebetween.

[0102] A catch (113) may be formed in the nest (112) to prevent the battery cell (1) from being pushed by the squeezing unit (120) to be described later. That is, when the battery cell (1) is placed in the nest (112), the catch (113) may be located on the folding portion (21) side of the battery cell (1).

[0103] The squeezing unit (120) may be configured to push the electrolyte remaining in the terrace portion (23) toward the receiving portion (22). More specifically, the squeezing unit (120) may be configured to push the electrolyte remaining in the second terrace portion (25) of the battery cell (1) aligned by the alignment unit (110) toward the receiving portion (22).

[0104] The squeezing unit (120) can move while pressurizing the terrace section (23). As the squeezing unit (120) moves, the electrolyte remaining in the terrace section (23) can be pushed toward the receiving section (22) and removed from within the terrace section (23).

[0105] The squeezing unit (120) may be configured to push the electrolyte further inward than the area of ​​the terrace portion (23) that will become the main sealing portion (35). In Fig. 4, the area that will become the main sealing portion (35) is indicated by the same reference numeral '35' as the main sealing portion (35). This is for convenience of explanation. In practice, the squeezing unit (120) may pressurize the terrace portion (23) before the main sealing portion (35) is formed on the terrace portion (23).

[0106] The squeezing unit (120) can move from an initial position (Pi) to a final position (Pf) inside the area that will become the main sealing portion (35) (see Fig. 2). The initial position (Pi) and the final position (Pf) may refer to the point where the squeezing unit (120) contacts the terrace portion (23).

[0107] The initial position (Pi) may be outside the main sealing portion (35). For example, the initial position (Pi) may be a position on the free sealing portion (34).

[0108] When the squeezing unit (120) is in the final position (Pf), the squeezing unit (120) may be adjacent to or in contact with the receiving portion (22).

[0109] The final position (Pf) may be located inside the area that will become the main sealing portion (35). That is, the squeezing unit (120) can push the electrolyte to inside the area that will become the main sealing portion (35) among the terrace portions (23). As a result, the electrolyte remaining in the area can be reliably removed, and the sealing force of the main sealing portion (35) formed thereafter can be prevented from decreasing.

[0110] In one embodiment of the present invention, the squeezing unit (120) may include a pressure roll (130) that pressurizes the terrace portion (23) and moves toward the receiving portion (22). The pressure roll (130) may extend in a direction parallel to the main sealing portion (35) to be formed in the future, and may rotate around a rotation axis parallel to the main sealing portion (35).

[0111] A pair of pressure rolls (130) may be provided, facing each other with the terrace section (23) in between.

[0112] The distance between the pair of pressure rolls (130) can be adjusted, and the distance to the receiving portion (22) can be adjusted. More specifically, with reference to Fig. 3, the pair of pressure rolls (130) can move in the vertical and horizontal directions, respectively.

[0113] A pair of pressure rolls (130) can be initiated into contact with the terrace portion (23) at the initial position (Pi). More specifically, a pair of pressure rolls (130) can move in a direction closer to each other to initiate contact with the pre-sealing portion (34) of the terrace portion (23) and pressurize the terrace portion (23).

[0114] A pair of pressure rolls (130) can move toward the receiving portion (22) while maintaining pressure on the terrace portion (23). As a result, the electrolyte remaining in the terrace portion (23) can be pushed inward by the pair of pressure rolls (130) and removed.

[0115] A pair of pressure rolls (130) can be spaced apart from the terrace portion (23) at the final position (Pf). More specifically, a pair of pressure rolls (130) can be spaced apart from the terrace portion (23) by moving away from each other while in contact with the inner side of the area that will become the main sealing portion (35).

[0116] In this way, the movement of the pressure roll (130) from the initial position (Pi) to the final position (Pf) can be defined as one squeezing operation. By repeating this squeezing operation multiple times, the pressure roll (130) can more reliably remove the remaining electrolyte within the terrace section (23).

[0117] The pressure roll (130) may include a main body (131) and a contact portion (132) provided on the outer circumference of the main body (130). The contact portion (132) defines the outer circumference of the pressure roll (130) and may contact the terrace portion (23). The contact portion (132) may have a higher coefficient of friction than the main body (131). In addition, the contact portion (132) may have a material that is elastically deformable. For example, the contact portion (132) may include a material that has a high coefficient of friction and a cushioning effect, such as sponge, rubber, silicone, or urethane. As a result, since no slip occurs between the contact portion (132) and the terrace portion (23), the pressure roll (130) may effectively pressurize and move the terrace portion (23).

[0118] Meanwhile, as previously described, the squeezing unit (120) may be configured to push the electrolyte to an area inside the terrace section (23) that will become the main sealing section (35). To this end, the radius (R) of the pressure roll (130) may be smaller than the gap between the area and the receiving section (22). Since the main sealing section (35) to be formed thereafter forms a first gap with the receiving section (22), the gap may be equal to the first gap (g1).

[0119] That is, the radius (R) of the pressure roll (130) may be smaller than the first gap (g1). Therefore, when the pressure roll (130) moves to the final position (Pf), as illustrated in FIG. 4, the pressure roll (130) can pressurize an area inside the area that will become the main sealing portion (35). If the radius (R) of the pressure roll (130) is equal to or greater than the first gap (g1), even if the pressure roll (130) moves until it comes into contact with the receiving portion (22), it cannot pressurize an area inside the area.

[0120] When the pressure roll (130) is at the final position (Pf), the pressure roll (130) may be adjacent to or in contact with the receiving portion (22). The pressure roll (130) may push the electrolyte to an area inside the terrace portion (23) that will become the main sealing portion (35). As a result, the electrolyte remaining in the area can be reliably removed, and the sealing force of the main sealing portion (35) formed thereafter can be prevented from decreasing.

[0121] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 5, the sealing unit (160) may be configured to form a main sealing portion (35) that forms a first gap (g1) with the receiving portion (22) on the terrace portion (23) after the squeezing unit (120) pushes out the electrolyte. The sealing unit (160) may form the main sealing portion (35) by applying heat and pressure to the terrace portion (23), more specifically, the second terrace portion (25).

[0122] The detailed configuration of the sealing unit (160) is not limited. For example, the sealing unit (160) may include a pair of sealing tools extending parallel to the main sealing portion (35) to be formed. The pair of sealing tools may be arranged to face each other with the terrace portion (23) interposed therebetween, and a portion of the terrace portion (23) may be pressed between the pair of sealing tools to form the main sealing portion (35).

[0123] The battery cell manufacturing device may further include a pre-sealing unit (not shown). The pre-sealing unit may be configured to seal the terrace portion (23) so that a pre-sealing portion (34) forming a second gap (g2) with the receiving portion (22) is formed before the squeezing unit (120) pushes out the electrolyte. As described above, the second gap (g2) may be greater than the first gap (g1) between the main sealing portion (35) to be formed in the future and the receiving portion (22).

[0124] The pre-sealing unit can form a pre-sealing portion (34) by applying heat and pressure to the terrace portion (23), particularly the second terrace portion (25). As described above, the pre-sealing unit can form the pre-sealing portion (34) while the battery cell (1) is positioned within the low-pressure chamber.

[0125] A person skilled in the art will be able to easily understand the configuration of the free sealing unit from the configuration of the sealing unit (160) illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0126] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a support and a pressing member of a battery cell manufacturing device according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the pressing member and its surroundings illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0127] Another embodiment of the present invention is the same as the previously described embodiment except for the configuration of the squeezing unit (120), and therefore, the overlapping contents are cited.

[0128] In another embodiment of the present invention, the squeezing unit (120) may include a support member (140) located on one side of the terrace member (23), and a pressing member (150) located on the other side of the terrace member (23) that presses the terrace member (23) toward the support member (140) and moves toward the receiving member (22).

[0129] The support (140) may be located on the lower side of the terrace (23), particularly the second terrace (25). The support (140) may include a flat support surface that contacts the lower surface of the terrace (23).

[0130] The pressing member (150) may be positioned on the upper side of the terrace portion (23), particularly the second terrace portion (25). The pressing member (150) may contact the upper surface of the terrace portion (23) and press the terrace portion (23) toward the support portion (140).

[0131] The end of the pressure member (150) can contact the terrace portion (23). To prevent the terrace portion (23) from being damaged by the pressure member (150), the end of the pressure member (150) can be formed to be round.

[0132] The pressing member (150) may be formed wide in a direction parallel to the main sealing member (35) to be formed in the future, and may extend toward the terrace section (23). That is, the end of the pressing member (150) may face the terrace section (23). For example, the pressing member (150) may be a pressing knife.

[0133] The pressure member (150) may have a shape in which the cross-sectional area decreases toward the end. As a result, the radius of curvature (r) of the end of the pressure member (150) may be further reduced.

[0134] The distance of the pressing member (150) to the support member (140) and the receiving member (22) can be adjusted, respectively. More specifically, with reference to FIG. 6, the pressing member (150) can move in the vertical and horizontal directions, respectively.

[0135] The pressing member (150) can be initiated into contact with the terrace portion (23) at the initial position (Pi). More specifically, the pressing member (150) can move to initiate contact with the free sealing portion (34) of the terrace portion (23) and pressurize the terrace portion (23).

[0136] The pressure member (150) can move toward the receiving portion (22) while maintaining pressure on the terrace portion (23). As a result, the electrolyte remaining in the terrace portion (23) can be pushed inward by the pressure member (150) and removed.

[0137] The pressing member (150) can be spaced apart from the terrace portion (23) at the final position (Pf). More specifically, the pressing member (150) can be spaced apart from the terrace portion (23) while in contact with an area inside the area that will become the main sealing portion (35).

[0138] In this way, the movement of the pressure member (150) from the initial position (Pi) to the final position (Pf) can be defined as one squeezing operation. By repeating this squeezing operation multiple times, the pressure member (150) can more reliably remove the remaining electrolyte within the terrace portion (23).

[0139] At the end of the pressing member (150), a contact portion (151) having a lower coefficient of friction than the pressing member (150) may be provided. The contact portion (151) defines the end of the pressing member (150) and may contact the terrace portion (23). In order to prevent the terrace portion (23) from being damaged by the contact portion (151), the contact portion (151) may be formed to be round.

[0140] The contact portion (151) may have a low coefficient of friction. For example, the contact portion (151) may include a material having a low coefficient of friction, such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or Teflon. This allows the pressure member (150) to easily slide and move on the terrace portion (23), and prevents the terrace portion (23) from being damaged.

[0141] Meanwhile, as described above, the squeezing unit (120) may be configured to push the electrolyte to an area inside the terrace portion (23) that will become the main sealing portion (35). To this end, the radius of curvature (r) of the end of the pressing member (150) may be smaller than the gap between the area and the receiving portion (22). Since the main sealing portion (35) to be formed thereafter forms a first gap with the receiving portion (22), the gap may be equal to the first gap (g1).

[0142] That is, the radius of curvature (r) of the end of the pressing member (150) may be smaller than the first gap (g1). Therefore, when the pressing member (150) moves to the final position (Pf), as illustrated in FIG. 7, the pressing member (150) may pressurize an area inside the area that will become the main sealing portion (35).

[0143] In Fig. 7, as in Fig. 4, the area to be the main sealing portion (35) is indicated by the same drawing reference number '35' as the main sealing portion (35). This is for convenience of explanation. In reality, the pressing member (150) can pressurize the terrace portion (23) before the main sealing portion (35) is formed on the terrace portion (23).

[0144] When the pressure member (150) is at the final position (Pf), the pressure member (150) may be adjacent to or in contact with the receiving portion (22). The pressure member (150) may push the electrolyte to an area inside the terrace portion (23) that will become the main sealing portion (35). As a result, the electrolyte remaining in the area can be reliably removed, and the sealing force of the main sealing portion (35) formed thereafter can be prevented from decreasing.

[0145] Figure 8 is a flowchart of a battery cell manufacturing method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0146] Hereinafter, a battery cell manufacturing method performed by the battery cell manufacturing device described above will be described as another embodiment of the present invention.

[0147] A battery cell manufacturing method according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a step (S20) of aligning a battery cell (1), a step (S30) of using a squeezing unit (120) to push the electrolyte remaining in the terrace portion (23) toward the receiving portion (22), and a step (S40) of forming a main sealing portion (35) in the terrace portion (23) and forming a first gap (g1) with the receiving portion (22). The battery cell manufacturing method may further include a step (S10) of forming a pre-sealing portion (34) in the terrace portion (23) and forming a second gap (g2) with the receiving portion (22).

[0148] The step (S10) of forming the pre-sealing portion (34) can be performed before the step (S30) of pushing out the electrolyte, and more specifically, before the step (S20) of aligning the battery cell (1).

[0149] In the step (S10) of forming a pre-sealing portion (34), the pre-sealing unit can form a pre-sealing portion (34) in the terrace portion (23), particularly in the second terrace portion (25), of the battery cell (1) in the low-pressure chamber.

[0150] The pre-sealing portion (34) may be formed to cross between the degassing hole (H) and the receiving portion (22). The pre-sealing portion (34) may be formed with a sufficient distance, i.e., a second distance (g2), from the receiving portion (22).

[0151] Since the pre-sealing portion (34) can be formed while the surrounding area of ​​the battery cell (1) is maintained at a low pressure, it can prevent moisture from flowing into the receiving portion (22) through the degassing hole (H).

[0152] After the pre-sealing portion (34) is formed, the battery cell (1) can be transferred to the outside of the low-pressure chamber. Then, the portion of the second terrace portion (25) located outside the pre-sealing portion (34), i.e., the portion where the degassing hole (H) is perforated, can be cut off and removed.

[0153] In the step (S20) of aligning the battery cell (1), the alignment unit (110) can align the battery cell (1). In more detail, the step (S20) of aligning the battery cell (1) may include a process in which the battery cell (1) is placed in the nest (112), and a process in which the pusher (111) presses the battery cell (1) toward the nest (112) to fix it.

[0154] In the step of pushing out the electrolyte (S30), the squeezing unit (120) can push out the electrolyte remaining in the terrace portion (23) of the aligned battery cell (1) toward the receiving portion (22). More specifically, the squeezing unit (120) can push out the electrolyte to an area inside the terrace portion (23) that will become the main sealing portion (35).

[0155] To this end, the squeezing unit (120) can move while pressurizing the terrace portion (23). The squeezing unit (120) can move from an initial position (Pi) to a final position (Pf) inside the area that will become the main sealing portion (35). The initial position (Pi) may be outside the main sealing portion (35). For example, the initial position (Pi) may be a position on the pre-sealing portion (34).

[0156] When the squeezing unit (120) is in the final position (Pf), the squeezing unit (120) may be adjacent to or in contact with the receiving portion (22).

[0157] In the step (S40) of forming the main sealing portion (35), the sealing unit (160) can form the main sealing portion (35) forming a first gap (g1) with the receiving portion (22) in the terrace portion (23) after the squeezing unit (120) pushes out the electrolyte.

[0158] By the step of pushing out the electrolyte (S30), the electrolyte remaining in the terrace section (23) can be reliably removed, and the sealing force of the main sealing section (35) can be prevented from decreasing during the step of forming the main sealing section (S40).

[0159] The above description is merely an example of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention.

[0160] Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical idea of ​​the present invention but to explain it, and the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention is not limited by these embodiments.

[0161] The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical ideas within the scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the rights of the present invention.

[0162] [Explanation of symbols]

[0163] 1: Battery cell 10: Electrode assembly

[0164] 20: Pouch-type battery case 20a: First case

[0165] 20b: Second case 21: Folding section

[0166] 22: Reception area 23: Terrace area

[0167] 24: 1st Terrace 25: 2nd Terrace

[0168] 30: Sealing part 31: First sealing part

[0169] 32: Second sealing section 33: Third sealing section

[0170] 34: 4th sealing section, free sealing section

[0171] 35: Fifth sealing section, main sealing section

[0172] 110: Alignment unit 111: Pusher

[0173] 112: Nest 113: Jaw

[0174] 120: Squeezing unit 130: Pressurized roll

[0175] 131: Body 132: Contact

[0176] 140: Support member 150: Pressing member

[0177] 151: Contact part 160: Sealing unit

Claims

1. A device for manufacturing a battery cell including an electrode assembly, a pouch-shaped battery case having a receiving portion for receiving the electrode assembly, and a terrace portion located around the receiving portion, An alignment unit for aligning the above battery cells; A squeezing unit that pushes the electrolyte remaining in the terrace section toward the receiving section; and After the squeezing unit pushes out the electrolyte, the terrace section includes a sealing unit that forms a main sealing section that forms a first gap with the receiving section, A battery cell manufacturing device, wherein the squeezing unit is configured to push the electrolyte to an area inside the terrace section where the main sealing section will be located.

2. In paragraph 1, The above alignment unit, a nest in which the above battery cells are mounted; and A battery cell manufacturing device including a pusher that presses and fixes the battery cell toward the nest.

3. In paragraph 2, A battery cell manufacturing device, wherein a catch is formed in the nest to prevent the battery cell from being pushed by the squeezing unit.

4. In paragraph 1, The above squeezing unit, Including a pressure roll that pressurizes the above terrace section and moves toward the receiving section, A battery cell manufacturing device wherein the radius of the above pressurizing roll is smaller than the first gap.

5. In paragraph 4, The above pressurized roll, Body; and A battery cell manufacturing device comprising a contact portion provided on the outer periphery of the main body and having a higher coefficient of friction than the main body.

6. In paragraph 5, A battery cell manufacturing device, wherein the contact portion includes a material that is elastically deformable.

7. In paragraph 1, The above squeezing unit, A support located on one side of the above terrace section; and It includes a pressing member located on the other side of the above terrace section, pressurizing the terrace section toward the support section and moving toward the receiving section, A battery cell manufacturing device, wherein the end of the above pressurizing member is formed to be round.

8. In paragraph 7, A battery cell manufacturing device, wherein the above-mentioned pressurizing member has a shape in which the cross-sectional area decreases toward the end.

9. In paragraph 7, A battery cell manufacturing device, wherein the radius of curvature of the end of the pressurizing member is smaller than the first gap.

10. In paragraph 7, A battery cell manufacturing device, wherein a contact portion having a lower coefficient of friction than that of the pressurizing member is provided at an end of the pressurizing member.

11. In paragraph 1, Before the squeezing unit pushes out the electrolyte, it further includes a pre-sealing unit that seals the terrace portion so that a pre-sealing portion forming a second gap with the receiving portion is formed. A battery cell manufacturing device, wherein the second gap is larger than the first gap.

12. In paragraph 11, A battery cell manufacturing device in which the above squeezing unit moves from an initial position to a final position inside an area where the main sealing portion will be.

13. In paragraph 12, A battery cell manufacturing device, wherein the initial position is a position on the pre-sealing portion.

14. In paragraph 12, A battery cell manufacturing device, wherein when the squeezing unit is in the final position, the squeezing unit is adjacent to or in contact with the receiving portion.

15. A method for manufacturing a battery cell including a pouch-shaped battery case having an electrode assembly, a receiving portion for receiving the electrode assembly, and a terrace portion located around the receiving portion, A step of aligning the above battery cells; A step in which the squeezing unit pushes the electrolyte remaining in the terrace section toward the receiving section; and Including a step of forming a main sealing portion forming a first gap with the receiving portion in the above terrace portion, A battery cell manufacturing method, wherein, in the step of pushing out the electrolyte, the squeezing unit pushes the electrolyte to an area inside the terrace section that will become the main sealing section.

16. In paragraph 15, Before the step of pushing out the electrolyte, the step of forming a pre-sealing portion forming a second gap with the receiving portion in the terrace portion is further included. A method for manufacturing a battery cell, wherein the second gap is larger than the first gap.

17. In paragraph 16, A method for manufacturing a battery cell, wherein, in the step of pushing out the electrolyte, the squeezing unit moves from an initial position to a final position inside an area where the main sealing portion will be.

18. In paragraph 17, A method for manufacturing a battery cell, wherein the initial position is a position on the free sealing portion.

19. In paragraph 17, A method for manufacturing a battery cell, wherein when the squeezing unit is in the final position, the squeezing unit is adjacent to or in contact with the receiving portion.

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