Activation apparatus, activation method and secondary battery therefrom

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an activation apparatus, and the technical problem to be solved is to provide a secondary battery which has a stable structure and / or film and of which lifespan characteristics is improved by applying an activation process. To this end, the present disclosure provides an activation apparatus comprising: a chamber in which a secondary battery is accommodated; and an activation unit which charges the secondary battery accommodated in the chamber to a first potential or discharges the secondary battery.

Description

Activation device, activation method and secondary battery manufactured thereby

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an activation device, an activation method, and a secondary battery manufactured thereby.

[0002]

[0003] Secondary batteries, unlike non-rechargeable primary batteries, are rechargeable and dischargeable. Low-capacity secondary batteries are used in small, portable electronic devices such as smartphones, feature phones, laptop computers, digital cameras, and camcorders. Large-capacity secondary batteries are also widely used as power sources for motor drives and power storage in hybrid and electric vehicles. These secondary batteries include electrodes, including a positive electrode and / or a negative electrode, an electrode assembly, a case housing the electrodes, and electrode terminals connected to the electrode assembly.

[0004] Secondary batteries undergo an activation process once the electrode assembly is formed or the electrode assembly is housed in a case and assembled. The activation process (or formation process) is a step in which electrical energy is applied to the secondary battery to activate it and / or confirm its stability.

[0005] Typically, the activation process is conducted at a fixed potential, regardless of the operating potential of the secondary battery. This is because, if the activation process proceeds at a high potential, the stability of the secondary battery may be compromised. However, this process can lead to the formation of a dense film on the electrodes within the secondary battery and / or the exclusion of structural activation, which can degrade cell characteristics.

[0006] The above-described information disclosed in the background technology of this invention is only intended to improve understanding of the background of the present invention and may therefore include information that does not constitute prior art.

[0007]

[0008] The present invention relates to an activation device, an activation method, and a secondary battery manufactured through the same, which perform an activation process by taking into account the operating potential of each secondary battery.

[0009] The present invention relates to an activation device that provides a variation on the Mars method, an activation method, and a secondary battery manufactured thereby.

[0010] However, the technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0011]

[0012] An activation device according to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the above technical problem is characterized by including a chamber in which a secondary battery is accommodated; and an activation unit for charging the secondary battery accommodated in the chamber to a first potential or discharging the secondary battery.

[0013] An activation method according to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the above technical problem is characterized by including a step of charging a secondary battery to a first potential; and a step of discharging the secondary battery.

[0014] A secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the above technical problem is characterized in that it is manufactured by performing activation by the above-described method.

[0015]

[0016] According to the present invention, an activation device, an activation method, and / or a secondary battery manufactured according to the same can be provided, which allows a dense film to be formed on an electrode and / or a structure to be stably formed.

[0017] According to the present invention, an activation device, an activation method, and / or a secondary battery manufactured according to the same can be provided to improve cell characteristics.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, a battery pack having a secondary battery having an improved structure and / or a vehicle including such a battery pack can be provided.

[0019] However, the effects that can be obtained through the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and other technical effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0020]

[0021] 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.

[0022] Figures 1 to 4 are schematic drawings showing a lithium secondary battery according to one embodiment.

[0023] Figure 5 is a graph explaining a conventional activation process.

[0024] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an activation device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an activation method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating an activation method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 9 is a graph illustrating an activation process according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating a body and body parts according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 14 is a drawing illustrating a body and body parts according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033]

[0034] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings, and should be interpreted with meanings and concepts that conform to the technical spirit of the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of a term to best explain his or her own invention. Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are only some of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical spirit of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modified examples may exist that can replace them at the time of this application.

[0035] Also, when used herein, the terms "comprise", "include" and / or "comprising", "including" specify the presence of stated features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, elements and / or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, operations, elements, elements and / or groups thereof.

[0036] Additionally, to facilitate understanding of the invention, the attached drawings may not be drawn to scale and some components may be exaggerated in size. Furthermore, identical components may be assigned the same reference numbers in different embodiments.

[0037] The statement that two compared objects are "identical" implies "substantially identical." Therefore, "substantially identical" may encompass deviations considered low in the art, such as deviations of less than 5%. Furthermore, uniformity of a parameter over a given range may imply uniformity on average.

[0038] Although terms like "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise specified, a "first" component may also be a "second" component.

[0039] Unless otherwise specifically stated throughout the specification, each component may be singular or plural.

[0040] Any configuration being placed "on (or under)" or "above (or below)" a component may mean not only that any configuration is placed in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface) of said component, but also that other configurations may intervene between said component and any configuration placed on (or below) said component.

[0041] Additionally, when it is described that a component is "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the components may be directly connected or connected to one another, but that other components may also be "interposed" between the components, or that each component may be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" through another component. Furthermore, when it is said that a part is electrically coupled to another part, this includes not only cases where they are directly connected, but also cases where they are connected with another element in between.

[0042] When reference is made throughout the specification to "A and / or B," this means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise stated. That is, "and / or" includes all or any combination of the listed items. When reference is made to "C through D," this means C or more and D or less, unless otherwise stated.

[0043] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

[0044] Meanwhile, the activation device and / or activation method described herein include a device and / or method for performing all steps performed after the secondary battery is manufactured and before the secondary battery is shipped as a product. In this case, all steps may include at least one or more of the steps performed to evaluate the performance of the secondary battery and improve the stability of the secondary battery, for example.

[0045] Figures 1 to 4 are cross-sectional views schematically showing a lithium secondary battery according to one embodiment.

[0046] Lithium secondary battery (100)

[0047] The lithium secondary battery (100) can be classified into a cylindrical shape, a square shape, a pouch shape, a coin shape, etc. according to its shape. FIGS. 1 to 4 are schematic diagrams illustrating a lithium secondary battery according to an embodiment, in which FIG. 1 can be said to be a cylindrical shape, FIG. 2 a square shape, and FIGS. 3 and 4 a pouch shape. Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the lithium secondary battery (100) may include an electrode assembly (40) having a separator (30) interposed between a positive electrode (10) and a negative electrode (20), and a case (50) in which the electrode assembly (40) is built. The positive electrode (10), the negative electrode (20), and the separator (30) may be impregnated with an electrolyte (not shown). The lithium secondary battery (100) may include a sealing member (60) that seals the case (50) as shown in FIG. 1. In addition, in FIG. 2, the lithium secondary battery (100) may include a positive lead tab (11), a positive terminal (12), a negative lead tab (21), and a negative terminal (22). As in FIGS. 3 and 4, the lithium secondary battery (100) may include electrode tabs (70), i.e., a positive tab (71) and a negative tab (72), which serve as electrical paths for inducing current formed in the electrode assembly (40) to the outside.

[0048] positive electrode active material

[0049] A compound capable of reversible intercalation and deintercalation of lithium (a lithiated intercalation compound) can be used as a cathode active material. Specifically, one or more of a composite oxide of lithium and a metal selected from cobalt, manganese, nickel, and combinations thereof can be used.

[0050] The above composite oxide may be a lithium transition metal composite oxide, and specific examples thereof include lithium nickel-based oxide, lithium cobalt-based oxide, lithium manganese-based oxide, lithium iron phosphate-based compound, cobalt-free nickel-manganese-based oxide, or a combination thereof.

[0051] As an example, a compound represented by any one of the following chemical formulas may be used: Lia A 1-b X b O 2-c D c (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.05); Li a Mr 2-b X b O 4-c D c (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.05); Li a Ni 1-b-c Co b X c O 2-α D α (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.5, 0<α<2); Li a Ni 1-b-c Mr b X c O 2-α D α (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.5, 0<α<2); Li a Ni b Co c L 1 d G e O2(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.9, 0≤c≤0.5, 0≤d≤0.5, 0≤e≤0.1); Li a NiG b O2(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a CoG b O2(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a Mr 1-b G b O2(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a Mn2G b O4(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1); Li a Mr 1-g G g PO4(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤g≤0.5); Li (3-f) Fe2(PO4)3(0≤f≤2); Li a FePO4(0.90≤a≤1.8).

[0052] In the above chemical formula, A is Ni, Co, Mn, or a combination thereof; X is Al, Ni, Co, Mn, Cr, Fe, Mg, Sr, V, a rare earth element, or a combination thereof; D is O, F, S, P, or a combination thereof; G is Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Mg, La, Ce, Sr, V, or a combination thereof; L 1 is Mn, Al or a combination thereof.

[0053] For example, the cathode active material may be a high-nickel cathode active material in which the nickel content is 80 mol% or more, 85 mol% or more, 90 mol% or more, 91 mol% or more, or 94 mol% or more and 99 mol% or less, based on 100 mol% of metals excluding lithium in the lithium transition metal composite oxide. The high-nickel cathode active material can realize high capacity and thus can be applied to high-capacity, high-density lithium secondary batteries.

[0054] Bipolar (10)

[0055] A positive electrode (10) for a lithium secondary battery (100) may include a current collector and a positive electrode active material layer formed on the current collector. The positive electrode active material layer includes a positive electrode active material and may further include a binder and / or a conductive material.

[0056] For example, the anode may further include an additive that can act as a sacrificial anode.

[0057] The content of the positive electrode active material may be 90 wt% to 99.5 wt% with respect to 100 wt% of the positive electrode active material layer, and the contents of the binder and conductive material may be 0.5 wt% to 5 wt%, respectively, with respect to 100 wt% of the positive electrode active material layer.

[0058] The above binder serves to adhere the positive electrode active material particles well to each other and also to adhere the positive electrode active material well to the current collector. Representative examples of the binder include, but are not limited to, polyvinyl alcohol, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, diacetyl cellulose, polyvinyl chloride, carboxylated polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl fluoride, polymers containing ethylene oxide, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyethylene, polypropylene, styrene-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylated styrene-butadiene rubber, epoxy resin, (meth)acrylic resin, polyester resin, nylon, etc.

[0059] The conductive material is used to provide conductivity to the electrode, and any material that does not cause chemical changes and is electronically conductive can be used in the battery. Examples of the conductive material include carbon-based materials such as natural graphite, artificial graphite, carbon black, acetylene black, Ketjen black, carbon fiber, carbon nanofiber, and carbon nanotube; metal-based materials containing copper, nickel, aluminum, silver, etc. in the form of metal powder or metal fiber; conductive polymers such as polyphenylene derivatives; or mixtures thereof.

[0060] Al may be used as the above current collector, but is not limited thereto.

[0061] Negative active material

[0062] The negative electrode active material includes a material capable of reversibly intercalating / deintercalating lithium ions, lithium metal, an alloy of lithium metal, a material capable of doping and dedoping lithium, or a transition metal oxide.

[0063] The material capable of reversibly intercalating / deintercalating the lithium ions may include a carbon-based negative electrode active material, for example, crystalline carbon, amorphous carbon, or a combination thereof. Examples of the crystalline carbon include graphite such as natural graphite or artificial graphite in an amorphous, plate-like, flake-like, spherical, or fibrous form, and examples of the amorphous carbon include soft carbon or hard carbon, mesophase pitch carbide, calcined coke, and the like.

[0064] As the above lithium metal alloy, an alloy of lithium and a metal selected from Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Si, Sb, Pb, In, Zn, Ba, Ra, Ge, Al, and Sn can be used.

[0065] As the material capable of doping and dedoping the lithium, a Si-based negative electrode active material or a Sn-based negative electrode active material may be used. The Si-based negative electrode active material may be silicon, a silicon-carbon composite, SiOx (0 < x < 2), a Si-Q alloy (wherein Q is selected from alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, Group 13 elements, Group 14 elements (excluding Si), Group 15 elements, Group 16 elements, transition metals, rare earth elements, and combinations thereof), or a combination thereof. The Sn-based negative electrode active material may be Sn, SnO2, a Sn-based alloy, or a combination thereof.

[0066] The silicon-carbon composite may be a composite of silicon and amorphous carbon. According to one embodiment, the silicon-carbon composite may be in the form of silicon particles and amorphous carbon coated on the surface of the silicon particles. For example, the composite may include secondary particles (cores) in which silicon primary particles are assembled and an amorphous carbon coating layer (shell) positioned on the surface of the secondary particles. The amorphous carbon may also be positioned between the silicon primary particles, such that, for example, the silicon primary particles may be coated with amorphous carbon. The secondary particles may be dispersed and present in an amorphous carbon matrix.

[0067] The silicon-carbon composite may further comprise crystalline carbon. For example, the silicon-carbon composite may comprise a core comprising crystalline carbon and silicon particles and an amorphous carbon coating layer positioned on the surface of the core.

[0068] The above Si-based negative electrode active material or Sn-based negative electrode active material can be used in a mixture with a carbon-based negative electrode active material.

[0069] Cathode (20)

[0070] A negative electrode (20) for a lithium secondary battery (100) includes a current collector and a negative electrode active material layer positioned on the current collector. The negative electrode active material layer includes a negative electrode active material and may further include a binder and / or a conductive material.

[0071] For example, the negative electrode active material layer may include 90 to 99 wt% of the negative electrode active material, 0.5 to 5 wt% of the binder, and 0 to 5 wt% of the conductive material.

[0072] The above binder serves to adhere the negative electrode active material particles well to each other and also to adhere the negative electrode active material well to the current collector. The binder may be a non-aqueous binder, an aqueous binder, a dry binder, or a combination thereof.

[0073] Examples of the non-aqueous binder include polyvinyl chloride, carboxylated polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl fluoride, ethylene propylene copolymer, polystyrene, polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyamideimide, polyimide, or combinations thereof.

[0074] The above-mentioned aqueous binder may be selected from styrene-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylated styrene-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylic rubber, butyl rubber, fluoroelastomer, polyethylene oxide, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyepichlorohydrin, polyphosphazene, poly(meth)acrylonitrile, ethylene propylene diene copolymer, polyvinylpyridine, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, latex, polyester resin, (meth)acrylic resin, phenol resin, epoxy resin, polyvinyl alcohol, and combinations thereof.

[0075] When using an aqueous binder as the above-mentioned negative electrode binder, a cellulose-based compound capable of imparting viscosity may be further included. The cellulose-based compound may be a mixture of one or more of carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, or an alkali metal salt thereof. The alkali metal may be Na, K, or Li.

[0076] The above dry binder is a polymeric material capable of being fiberized, and may be, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymer, polyethylene oxide, or a combination thereof.

[0077] The conductive material is used to provide conductivity to the electrode, and any material that does not cause chemical changes and is electronically conductive can be used in the battery. Specific examples include carbon-based materials such as natural graphite, artificial graphite, carbon black, acetylene black, Ketjen black, carbon fibers, carbon nanofibers, and carbon nanotubes; metal-based materials in the form of metal powder or metal fibers, including copper, nickel, aluminum, and silver; conductive polymers such as polyphenylene derivatives; or mixtures thereof.

[0078] The negative electrode current collector may be selected from copper foil, nickel foil, stainless steel foil, titanium foil, nickel foam, copper foam, a polymer substrate coated with a conductive metal, and a combination thereof.

[0079] Electrolyte (not shown)

[0080] An electrolyte for a lithium secondary battery (100) includes a non-aqueous organic solvent and a lithium salt.

[0081] The above non-aqueous organic solvent acts as a medium through which ions involved in the electrochemical reaction of the battery can move.

[0082] The above non-aqueous organic solvent may be a carbonate-based, ester-based, ether-based, ketone-based, or alcohol-based solvent, an aprotic solvent, or a combination thereof.

[0083] As the above carbonate solvent, dimethyl carbonate (DMC), diethyl carbonate (DEC), dipropyl carbonate (DPC), methylpropyl carbonate (MPC), ethylpropyl carbonate (EPC), methylethyl carbonate (MEC), ethylene carbonate (EC), propylene carbonate (PC), butylene carbonate (BC), etc. can be used.

[0084] Ester solvents that can be used include methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, n-propyl acetate, dimethyl acetate, methyl propionate, ethyl propionate, decanolide, mevalonolactone, valerolactone, and caprolactone.

[0085] Examples of ether solvents that can be used include dibutyl ether, tetraglyme, diglyme, dimethoxyethane, 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, 2,5-dimethyltetrahydrofuran, and tetrahydrofuran. In addition, examples of ketone solvents that can be used include cyclohexanone. Examples of alcohol solvents that can be used include ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol, and examples of aprotic solvents that can be used include nitriles such as R-CN (where R is a linear, branched, or cyclic hydrocarbon group having 2 to 20 carbon atoms and may include a double bond, an aromatic ring, or an ether group); amides such as dimethylformamide; dioxolanes such as 1,3-dioxolane and 1,4-dioxolane; and sulfolanes.

[0086] The above non-aqueous organic solvents can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0087] In addition, when using a carbonate solvent, a cyclic carbonate and a chain carbonate can be mixed and used, and the cyclic carbonate and the chain carbonate can be mixed in a volume ratio of 1:1 to 1:9.

[0088] The above lithium salt is a substance that dissolves in an organic solvent and acts as a source of lithium ions in the battery, enabling the basic operation of a lithium secondary battery and promoting the movement of lithium ions between the positive and negative electrodes. Representative examples of lithium salts include LiPF6, LiBF4, LiSbF6, LiAsF6, LiClO4, LiAlO2, LiAlCl4, LiPO2F2, LiCl, LiI, LiN(SO3C2F5)2, Li(FSO2)2N (lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI), LiC4F9SO3, LiN(C x F 2x+1 SO2)(C y F 2y+1 SO2) (x and y are integers from 1 to 20), lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate, lithium tetrafluoroethanesulfonate, lithium difluorobis(oxalato)phosphate (LiDFOB), lithium bis(oxalato)borate (LiBOB).

[0089] Separator (30)

[0090] Depending on the type of lithium secondary battery (100), a separator (30) may be present between the positive electrode (10) and the negative electrode (20). As the separator (30), a multilayer film of two or more layers of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, or these may be used, and of course, a mixed multilayer film such as a polyethylene / polypropylene two-layer separator, a polyethylene / polypropylene / polyethylene three-layer separator, or a polypropylene / polyethylene / polypropylene three-layer separator may be used.

[0091] The above separator (30) may include a porous substrate and a coating layer including an organic material, an inorganic material, or a combination thereof located on one or both sides of the porous substrate.

[0092] The above porous substrate may be a polymer film formed of any one polymer selected from polyolefins such as polyethylene and polypropylene, polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate, polyacetal, polyamide, polyimide, polycarbonate, polyether ketone, polyarylether ketone, polyetherimide, polyamideimide, polybenzimidazole, polyethersulfone, polyphenylene oxide, cyclic olefin copolymer, polyphenylene sulfide, polyethylene naphthalate, glass fiber, Teflon, and polytetrafluoroethylene, or a copolymer or mixture of two or more thereof.

[0093] The organic material may include a polyvinylidene fluoride polymer or a (meth)acrylic polymer.

[0094] The above inorganic materials are Al2O3, SiO2, TiO2, SnO2, CeO2, MgO, NiO, CaO, GaO, ZnO, ZrO2, Y2O3, It may include inorganic particles selected from, but not limited to, SrTiO3, BaTiO3, Mg(OH)2, boehmite, and combinations thereof.

[0095] The organic and inorganic substances may be mixed and present in one coating layer, or a coating layer including an organic substance and a coating layer including an inorganic substance may be present in a laminated form.

[0096] A secondary battery (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. As described above, the secondary battery (100) includes an electrode assembly (40) and an electrolyte, and further includes a case in which the electrode assembly (40) and the electrolyte are housed. In this way, after the electrode assembly (40) and the electrolyte are housed and sealed in the case, the secondary battery (100) undergoes an activation process (formation process) to activate the secondary battery. Hereinafter, the activation process of the secondary battery will be described in detail.

[0097] Figure 5 is a graph explaining a conventional activation process.

[0098] The activation process is a process of activating a secondary battery (100) manufactured by sealing an electrode assembly (40) and an electrolyte within a case. Specifically, the activation process is a process of stabilizing the structure of the secondary battery (100) and making the secondary battery (100) usable by repeatedly charging and discharging the secondary battery (100).

[0099] Figure 5 illustrates each step of the activation process performed on a secondary battery (100). For example, the activation process includes an activation step (A). The activation process also includes a capacity test step (B) and / or an output test step (C).

[0100] The activation step (A) is a step for activating a secondary battery (100) that has been completely impregnated with an electrolyte. At this time, the secondary battery (100) that has been completely impregnated with an electrolyte is a secondary battery (100) manufactured by impregnating an electrode assembly (40) with an electrolyte and sealing the electrode assembly (40) and the electrolyte within a case. At this time, activation is a step for charging or discharging the secondary battery (100). Alternatively, activation is a step for charging and discharging the secondary battery (100) multiple times.

[0101] The capacity test step (B) is a step for testing the capacity of the activated secondary battery (100). Specifically, the capacity test step (B) includes a step for discharging the secondary battery (100) before the activated secondary battery (100) is shipped and charged. In addition, the capacity test step (B) includes a step for measuring the discharge capacity of the secondary battery (100) during this process. The discharge capacity measured in this way can be determined as the capacity of the secondary battery (100). At this time, the capacity of the secondary battery (100) may be equal to or similar to the potential at full charge of the secondary battery (100). In the case where the capacity is similar to the potential at full charge, it includes a potential of 98% or more of the potential at full charge.

[0102] The output inspection step (C) is an output inspection step that inspects the output of the secondary battery (100). At this time, the secondary battery (100) may be charged only to a portion of the SOC (State of Charge), and for example, 50% of the SOC may be charged as shown in FIG. 5.

[0103] Through this process, the secondary battery (100) is applied to a product by having its structure stabilized and / or forming a film.

[0104] However, as illustrated in FIG. 5, conventionally, in the activation step (A), activation proceeds to a fixed potential regardless of the operating potential (range) of the secondary battery (100). For example, even when the full charge potential of the secondary battery (100) is 4.4 V, activation proceeds to 4.21 V, which corresponds to a portion of the full charge potential of the secondary battery (100). In addition, conventionally, after activation is completed, charging and discharging for capacity confirmation is performed in the capacity check step (B).

[0105] This is in consideration of the stability aspect in the activation stage (A). However, if activation is not initially performed at the actual operating potential of the secondary battery (100), structural deactivation of the secondary battery (100) may occur. In addition, differences in film formation in the high-voltage region may occur for the secondary battery (100).

[0106] If the film is formed in a non-dense manner or structural deactivation occurs, the cell characteristics of the secondary battery (100) may deteriorate. Therefore, a method for activating the secondary battery (100) so that the cell characteristics are not deteriorated is required.

[0107] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an activation device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] FIG. 6 describes an activation device (200) that solves the problems described in FIG. 5. The activation device (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention can provide a method for enabling a secondary battery (100) to have a stable structure and / or a dense film.

[0109] For this purpose, the activation device (200) includes a chamber (210), an activation unit (220), and a degassing unit (230). The activation device (200) may further include a capacity inspection unit (240) and / or an environmental control unit (250). The activation device (200) may further include a sensor (260), a communication unit (270), and / or a processor (280).

[0110] The chamber (210) accommodates a secondary battery (100). The chamber (210) may be formed so that the space in which the secondary battery (100) is accommodated is sealed. The chamber (210) accommodates one or more secondary batteries (100) transported inside, for example, through a tray (not shown). At this time, the chamber (210) may further include a door (not shown) to allow the transported secondary batteries (100) to be introduced inside. The chamber (210) may be formed, for example, in the shape of a sphere or a square pillar in which the space in which the secondary battery (100) is accommodated is empty. However, the chamber (210) may have any shape and / or be formed of any material that provides a sealed and / or stable space.

[0111] The activation unit (220) charges the secondary battery (100) accommodated in the chamber (210) to a first potential and / or discharges the charged secondary battery (100). The activation unit (220) can charge and discharge the secondary battery (100) after the environment inside the chamber (210) is controlled by the environmental control unit (250) described below. However, the activation unit (220) can charge and discharge the secondary battery (100) even before the environment inside the chamber (21) is controlled by the environmental control unit (250). The environmental control inside the chamber (210) will be described below.

[0112] At this time, the first potential has a value equal to or similar to the full charge potential of the secondary battery (100). For example, the first potential is 98% or more and 100% or less of the full charge potential of the secondary battery (100). For example, when the full charge potential of the secondary battery (100) is 4.4 V, the first potential may be 4.3 V to 4.4 V, and preferably, the first potential may be 4.4 V, which is equal to the full charge potential.

[0113] Meanwhile, as described in FIGS. 1 to 4, the secondary battery (100) includes an electrode assembly (40) in which a cathode, a negative electrode, and a separator positioned between the positive electrode and the negative electrode are laminated. At this time, the electrode plate including the positive electrode and / or the negative electrode includes a substrate and an active material layer coated and / or attached to at least one surface of the substrate. At this time, the positive electrode includes, for example, at least one cathode material selected from among NMX, NCM, NCA, NCMA, LFP, LMR, and LCO. For example, the positive electrode may include NMX applicable to high voltage as a cathode material.

[0114] The degassing unit (230) discharges gas generated by charging and discharging of the secondary battery (100) to the outside of the chamber (210).

[0115] For example, the secondary battery (100) may generate gas from the secondary battery (100) as the environment inside the chamber (210) is controlled (changed). For example, the environment inside the chamber (210) may be controlled such that the pressure increases or the temperature inside the chamber (210) increases. In this case, the secondary battery (100) may also be pressurized and / or heated. During this process, gas may be generated from the secondary battery (100).

[0116] The degassing unit (230) can remove gas inside the chamber (210) by discharging gas generated from the secondary battery (100) to the outside of the chamber (210). For example, the degassing unit (230) can remove gas generated from the secondary battery (100) by discharging it to the outside of the chamber (210) by making the inside of the chamber (210) into a vacuum state. Meanwhile, although not shown, for this purpose, the degassing unit (230) may include a valve, pipe, or pump connected to the chamber (210) and / or form an openable passage for the chamber (210).

[0117] Meanwhile, the degassing unit (230) can remove gas inside the chamber (210) even when the secondary battery (100) is charged and discharged by the activating unit (220) and / or when charging and discharging are repeated. That is, the degassing unit (230) operates simultaneously with or sequentially to the activating unit (220) so that gas inside the chamber (210) is removed immediately without remaining for a long time.

[0118] Through this, the degassing unit (230) enables the secondary battery (100) to be stably activated even when the secondary battery (100) is repeatedly charged and discharged to a high potential by the activating unit (220). In addition, according to this, the activating device (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention enables a film to be densely formed on the secondary battery (100) and / or the secondary battery (100) to be structurally activated.

[0119] The capacity inspection unit (240) inspects the capacity of the secondary battery (100) at a second potential. At this time, the second potential is equal to or greater than the first potential. For example, the second potential is the potential of each secondary battery (100) when fully charged.

[0120] The environmental control unit (250) ensures that at least one of the temperature and / or pressure within the chamber (210) satisfies a predetermined condition. For example, the environmental control unit (250) ensures that the interior of the chamber (210) is at high temperature and / or high pressure. Through this, the environmental control unit (250) enables the activation device (200) to appropriately perform each step (e.g., activation step, capacity inspection step, etc.) for the secondary battery (100).

[0121] The sensor (260) senses the internal and external environment of the activator (200) and / or the state of the secondary battery (100) introduced into the activator (200).

[0122] For example, the sensor (260) can sense the appearance of the secondary battery (100) to inspect the degree of swelling of the secondary battery (100). To this end, the sensor (260) can include at least one of an image sensor, a vision sensor, and a thermal imaging sensor.

[0123] Or, for example, the sensor (260) can sense the full charge potential of the secondary battery (100). To this end, the sensor (260) can include at least one of a potential (voltage) sensor and an ion sensor.

[0124] Alternatively, for example, the sensor (260) may sense gas emitted from the secondary battery (100). To this end, the sensor (260) includes a gas sensor. The gas sensor may include, for example, at least one of a semiconductor method, a contact combustion method, an electrochemical method, an optical interference method, a thermal conductivity method, and an infrared absorption-scattering method.

[0125] The communication unit (270) enables the activation device (200) to transmit and receive data with an external server, external device, etc. For example, the communication unit (270) can transmit and receive data wired or wirelessly. For example, the communication unit (270) can transmit and receive data over short or long distances.

[0126] The processor (280) controls all or part of the components included in the activation device (200). For example, the processor (280) is at least one of a central processing unit (CPU), a microprocessor unit (MPU), a microcontroller unit (MCU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), a floating-point unit (FPU), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a field programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0127] Through such a configuration, the activation device (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention can improve the life characteristics of the secondary battery (100) by applying an activation process having a stable structure and / or film. In addition, the activation device (200) can protect and / or increase the activity of the positive / negative electrode active materials included in the secondary battery (100) through a dense film and structural activation.

[0128] Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an activation method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0129] FIG. 7 illustrates a method for activating a secondary battery (100) through the activation device (200) described in FIG. 6. However, the activation method according to an embodiment of the present invention described in FIG. 7 is not limited to being performed solely by the activation device (200), and may also be performed by a system including different, separate units and devices capable of performing each step.

[0130] An activation method according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a step (s101) of charging a secondary battery (100) to a first potential.

[0131] The activator (220) charges the secondary battery (100) to a first potential. At this time, the first potential is 98% or more and 100% or less of the full charge potential of the secondary battery (100). At this time, the full charge potential of the secondary battery (100) may be equal to the capacity of the secondary battery (100). For example, the activator (220) charges the secondary battery (100) to the full charge potential of the secondary battery (100). The details of s101 are the same as or similar to the description of the activator (220) described in FIG. 6.

[0132] An activation method according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a step (s102) of discharging a secondary battery (100). The activation unit (220) discharges the secondary battery (100) charged to a first potential. At this time, the activation unit (220) may completely discharge the secondary battery (100) from the first potential and / or may only partially discharge the secondary battery (100) from the first potential. Details regarding s102 are the same as or similar to the description of the activation unit (220) described in FIG. 6.

[0133] In this way, the activation method according to one embodiment of the present invention can activate the secondary battery (100) to a high potential so that a dense SEI film is formed on the secondary battery (100).

[0134] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating an activation method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0135] FIG. 8 describes a method for stably activating a secondary battery (100) through the activation device (200) described in FIGS. 6 and 7. However, the activation method according to an embodiment of the present invention described in FIG. 8 is not limited to being performed solely by the activation device (200), and may also be performed by a system including different, separate units and devices capable of performing each step.

[0136] An activation method according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a step (s201) ​​of charging and / or discharging a secondary battery. The description of s201 is identical or similar to the description of the activation unit (220) described in FIG. 6 and / or the description of s101 to s102 described in FIG. 7.

[0137] An activation method according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a step (s202) of determining whether gas has been generated from a secondary battery (100). A sensor (260) determines whether gas has been generated from the secondary battery (100). Alternatively, the sensor (260) determines whether new gas has been generated within a chamber (210). For this purpose, the sensor (260) may be positioned within the chamber (210) and / or disposed close to a degassing unit (230).

[0138] An activation method according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a step (s203) of removing gas when it is determined that gas has been generated from a secondary battery (100). The degassing unit (230) discharges gas to the outside of the chamber (210) when gas has been generated from the secondary battery (100) and / or gas has been generated inside the chamber (210). The description of step (s203) is the same as or similar to the description of the degassing unit (230) described in FIG. 6.

[0139] In this way, the degassing unit (230) is driven simultaneously with or sequentially from the activating unit (220) to discharge gas generated inside the chamber (210) to the outside. Through this, the degassing unit (230) can ensure that activation of the secondary battery (100) is stably performed even when activation is performed at high potential, high pressure, and / or high temperature.

[0140] An activation method according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a step (s204) of determining whether the number of charge / discharge cycles of the secondary battery (100) is equal to or greater than a preset number (N) if it is determined that gas has been removed and / or no gas has been generated from the secondary battery (100). For example, the processor (280) determines whether the secondary battery (100) has been sufficiently charged / discharged. At this time, the preset number of charge / discharge cycles (N) may be equal to or greater than 1 time, for example, equal to or greater than 2 times. Meanwhile, if the number of charge / discharge cycles of the secondary battery (100) is less than the preset number (N), the activation unit (220) may recharge / discharge the secondary battery (100) as in s201.

[0141] An activation method according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a step (s205) of checking the capacity of the secondary battery (100) if it is determined that the number of charge / discharge cycles of the secondary battery (100) is greater than or equal to a preset number (N). The capacity test unit (240) performs a capacity test on the secondary battery (100) in which a film is formed and / or structurally activated through activation. For example, the capacity test unit (240) tests the capacity of the secondary battery (100) at a potential that is the same as or similar to the full charge potential of the secondary battery (100). The description of s205 is the same as or similar to the description of the capacity test step (B) described in FIG. 5 and / or the capacity test unit (240) described in FIG. 6.

[0142] In this way, the activation method according to one embodiment of the present invention provides a method for activating the secondary battery (100) to a high potential in a stable environment, thereby enabling a dense SEI film to be formed on the secondary battery (100) and / or enabling the secondary battery (100) to be structurally activated.

[0143] Figure 9 is a graph illustrating an activation process according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0144] Figure 9 illustrates each step of the activation process performed on a secondary battery (100). Meanwhile, in the description of each step included in the activation process, content identical or similar to that described in Figure 5 may be omitted.

[0145] For example, the activation process includes an activation step (A). The activation process also includes a capacity check step (B) and / or an output check step (C).

[0146] As illustrated in FIG. 9, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the activation step (A) includes a process of charging the secondary battery (100) to a potential that is identical to or similar to the potential at full charge. For example, the capacity of the secondary battery (100) is 4.4 V. In this case, the activation unit (220) can activate the secondary battery (100) by charging the secondary battery (100) to 4.4 V, for example.

[0147] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 9, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the capacity inspection step (B) includes a process of inspecting the capacity of the secondary battery (100) by discharging the secondary battery (100) at a potential at the time of full charge of the secondary battery (100).

[0148] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 9, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the output inspection step (C) includes a process of inspecting the output of the secondary battery (100) by charging or discharging the secondary battery (100) to a potential that is a portion of the potential at the time of full charge of the secondary battery (100).

[0149] Thus, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided to enable a secondary battery (100) to be activated to a high potential in a stable environment, thereby enabling a dense SEI film to be formed on the secondary battery (100) and / or enabling the secondary battery (100) to be structurally activated. In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a secondary battery (100) with improved lifespan characteristics can be provided.

[0150] The activation device (200) and / or the activation method for activating the secondary battery (100) have been described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9. The secondary battery (100) according to the present invention can be activated by the activation device (200) and / or by the activation method. The secondary battery (100) can have a more stabilized structure and / or form an SEI film. Accordingly, one embodiment of the present invention can provide a secondary battery in which the positive electrode and / or the negative electrode operate more stably and / or have improved life characteristics.

[0151] Below, examples of a battery module, a battery pack, and / or a means of transportation to which the secondary battery (100) according to the present invention is applied are described.

[0152] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0153] Referring to FIG. 10, a battery module (1000) according to the present invention includes a plurality of battery cells (100) arranged in one direction (e.g., a (lithium) secondary battery (100) described in FIGS. 1 to 9) and a housing (1061, 1062, 1063, 1064) in which a plurality of battery cells (100) are accommodated therein.

[0154] The housing (1061 to 1064) may include a pair of end plates (1061, 1062) facing a wide surface of the battery cell (100), a side plate (1063) connecting the pair of end plates (1061, 1062), and a bottom plate (1064). The side plate (1063) may support the side surface of the battery cell (100), and the bottom plate (1064) may support the bottom surface of the battery cell (10). In addition, the pair of end plates (1061, 1062), the side plate (1063), and the bottom plate (1064) may be connected by a member such as a bolt (1065).

[0155] FIG. 11 is a drawing illustrating a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0156] FIG. 12 is a drawing illustrating a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0157] A battery pack (2000) according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a battery pack comprising individual batteries electrically connected to each other and a pack case housing the batteries. For convenience of illustration, components such as bus bars, cooling units, and external terminals for electrical connection between the batteries are omitted in the drawing.

[0158] Specifically, the battery pack (2000) may include a plurality of battery modules (1000) (e.g., including the battery module (1000) described in FIG. 10) and a pack case (2100) for accommodating the battery modules (1000). For example, the pack case (2100) may include first and second pack cases (2101, 2102) that are coupled in a direction facing each other with the plurality of battery modules (1000) interposed therebetween. The plurality of battery modules (1000) may be electrically connected to each other using a bus bar (2200), and the plurality of battery modules (1000) may be electrically connected to each other in a series / parallel or series-parallel mixed manner to obtain a required electrical output.

[0159] FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating a body and body parts according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0160] FIG. 14 is a drawing illustrating a body and body parts according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0161] The battery pack (2000) according to one embodiment of the present invention described in FIGS. 11 and 12 may be mounted on a vehicle (3000). The vehicle (3000) may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle may include a four-wheel vehicle or a two-wheel vehicle.

[0162] As illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14, a vehicle (3000) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery module (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention and / or a battery pack (2000) including the battery module (1000). The vehicle (3000) operates by receiving power from the battery module (1000) according to one embodiment of the present invention and / or the battery pack (2000) including the battery module (1000).

[0163] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the equivalent scope of the patent claims to be described below by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

[0164]

[0165] One embodiment of the present invention has industrial applicability.

Claims

1. A chamber in which a secondary battery is accommodated; and An activation unit for charging a secondary battery accommodated in the chamber to a first potential or discharging the secondary battery; Activator.

2. In paragraph 1, The above activating device is, A capacity test unit for testing the capacity of the secondary battery at a second potential; Activator.

3. In paragraph 1, The second potential above is, An activating device having a first potential equal to or greater than the first potential.

4. In paragraph 1, An activating device wherein the first potential is 98% or more and 100% or less of the full charge potential of the secondary battery.

5. In paragraph 1, The above first potential is an activating device of 4.3 V to 4.4 V.

6. In paragraph 1, The above secondary battery, An electrode assembly comprising a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator positioned between the positive electrode and the negative electrode; An activator, wherein the cathode comprises at least one cathode material selected from the group consisting of NMX, NCM, NCA, NCMA, LFP, LMR, and LCO.

7. In paragraph 1, The above activating device is, An activation device further comprising a degassing unit for discharging gas generated by charging and discharging the secondary battery to the outside of the chamber.

8. In paragraph 7, The above degassing part is, The gas is emitted while the secondary battery is being charged or discharged by the above activating unit. Activator.

9. In paragraph 1, The above activating device is, Further comprising an environmental control unit that ensures that at least one of the temperature and pressure within the chamber satisfies a predetermined condition; Activator.

10. A step of charging the secondary battery to the first potential; and An activation method, comprising: a step of discharging the secondary battery; 11. In Article 10, The above activation method is, A step of repeating the step of charging and discharging the secondary battery at least twice; further comprising; How to activate.

12. In paragraph 10, The above activation method is, A step of checking the capacity of the secondary battery at a second potential; further comprising; The second potential is equal to or greater than the first potential, How to activate.

13. In paragraph 10, An activation method wherein the first potential is 98% or more and 100% or less of the full charge potential of the secondary battery.

14. In paragraph 10, The above first potential is 4.3 V to 4.4 V, How to activate.

15. In paragraph 10, The above activation method is, A step of discharging gas generated from the secondary battery while charging and discharging the secondary battery is further included; How to activate.

16. A secondary battery manufactured by performing activation by any one of the activation methods according to claims 10 to 15.

17. In paragraph 16, The above secondary battery, An electrode assembly comprising a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator positioned between the positive electrode and the negative electrode; The above cathode comprises at least one cathode material among NMX, NCM, NCA, NCMA, LFP, LMR, and LCO. Secondary battery.

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