Electrode production apparatus and battery cells comprising electrodes produced thereby, and battery pack and vehicle comprising battery cells

Abstract

Disclosed are an electrode production apparatus, battery cells comprising the electrodes produced thereby, and battery packs and vehicles comprising the battery cells. The electrode production apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a transport member for transporting an electrode foil coated with electrode active material; a laser member for emitting laser toward the electrode foil; and a jig member for supporting the electrode foil, being disposed so as to be in contact therewith, wherein the jig member is provided with a foreign substance adhesion prevention unit.

Description

Electrode production device and battery cell including electrode produced using the same, and battery pack and vehicle including battery cell

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0191780, filed December 26, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0033438, filed March 8, 2024, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to an electrode production device and a battery cell including an electrode produced using the same, and a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery cell, and more particularly, to an electrode production device capable of improving electrode quality and a battery cell including an electrode produced using the same, and a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery cell.

[0003] In general, a secondary battery refers to a battery that can be repeatedly charged and discharged, such as a lithium-ion battery, a lithium polymer battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, a nickel-hydrogen battery, or a nickel-zinc battery.

[0004] Secondary batteries can be classified into cylindrical and prismatic batteries, in which the electrode assembly is built into a cylindrical or prismatic metal can, and pouch-type batteries, in which the electrode assembly is built into a pouch-type case made of aluminum laminate sheet, depending on the shape of the battery case.

[0005] These secondary batteries can be manufactured by housing an electrode assembly including a positive electrode and a negative electrode that are mutually laminated with a separator between them, and an electrolyte material in a case of various shapes, and sealing the case.

[0006] The electrode (positive electrode or negative electrode) of a secondary battery may include a support portion on which a coating layer of an electrode active material is formed by pressing an electrode mixture onto the surface of an electrode foil, and a non-support portion on which the coating layer is not formed.

[0007] Meanwhile, secondary battery electrodes can be produced through a roll-to-roll process, in which electrode foil, on the surface of which a coating layer of electrode active material is formed, is wound and moved between rolls. Furthermore, to manufacture electrode assemblies, the electrodes can be partially cut, for example, by laser cutting.

[0008] Here, when cutting an electrode using a laser, a jig may be used to prevent shaking or shaking of the electrode, and conventional jigs have a problem in that foreign substances (e.g., fume) generated by laser cutting become stuck, causing defects in the electrode.

[0009] Accordingly, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an electrode production device capable of preventing foreign substances from sticking to a jig member used in the process of cutting an electrode during an electrode production process, a battery cell including an electrode produced using the same, and a battery pack and an automobile including the battery cell.

[0010] In addition, the present invention provides an electrode production device capable of preventing foreign substances from adhering to a jig member, thereby preventing electrode defects and ultimately improving electrode quality, and a battery cell including an electrode produced using the same, and a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery cell.

[0011] 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.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, an electrode production device may be provided, comprising: a conveying member for conveying an electrode foil coated with an electrode active material; a laser member for irradiating a laser toward the electrode foil; and a jig member for supporting the electrode foil by being positioned so as to be in contact with the electrode foil, wherein a foreign matter adhesion prevention portion is formed on the jig member.

[0013] In one embodiment, the jig member may include a first portion arranged in a vertical direction and having an inner groove formed therein; a second portion coupled to the first portion from above; and a third portion coupled to the first portion from below.

[0014] In one embodiment, the second portion may include a second main body portion coupled to the first portion; and a second protrusion portion protruding downward from the second main body portion.

[0015] In one embodiment, the third portion may include a third main body portion coupled to the first portion; and a third protrusion portion protruding upward from the third main body portion.

[0016] In one embodiment, a gap may be formed between the second protrusion and the third protrusion.

[0017] In one embodiment, the foreign substance adhesion prevention portion may be provided as a first inclined portion formed at the end of the second protrusion portion.

[0018] In one embodiment, the foreign substance adhesion prevention portion may be provided as a second inclined portion formed at the end of the third protrusion portion.

[0019] In one embodiment, the foreign substance adhesion prevention portion may be provided with a third inclined portion formed in the inner groove to allow the foreign substance to slide downward.

[0020] In one embodiment, the third inclined portion may be formed to slope downward from the first portion toward the third portion.

[0021] In one embodiment, a foreign matter accumulation area where foreign matter collects may be formed at the end of the third inclined portion.

[0022] In one embodiment, a suction member for sucking up the foreign substance is provided, and the suction member can be positioned close to the foreign substance accumulation portion.

[0023] In one embodiment, the transfer member includes a first transfer roll disposed on the upper side and a second transfer roll disposed on the lower side, and the electrode foil can be moved from the upper side to the lower side by the first transfer roll and the second transfer roll.

[0024] In one embodiment, the laser member can irradiate the laser in a transverse direction toward the electrode foil.

[0025] Meanwhile, according to another aspect of the present invention, a battery cell including an electrode produced using the electrode production device described above may be provided, and further, a battery pack including at least one battery cell described above may be provided, and further, an automobile including at least one battery cell described above may be provided.

[0026] Embodiments of the present invention have the effect of preventing foreign substances from sticking to a jig member used in the process of cutting an electrode during an electrode production process.

[0027] In addition, it has the effect of preventing foreign substances from sticking to the jig member, thereby preventing electrode defects and ultimately improving electrode quality.

[0028] However, the effects that can be obtained through the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and other technical effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0029] 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.

[0030] Figure 1 is a schematic front view of an electrode production device according to one embodiment of the present invention, with the suction member omitted.

[0031] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a jig member in an electrode production device according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which a foreign substance is sliding along a third inclined portion.

[0032] Figure 3 is a drawing showing the foreign matter in Figure 2 moving along the third slope and then gathering in the foreign matter accumulation area.

[0033] Figure 4 is an enlarged view of part B of Figure 3.

[0034] Figure 5 is a drawing viewed in the direction of arrow A of Figure 2, showing a suction member.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a battery pack including a battery cell equipped with an electrode produced using an electrode production device according to each embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle including the battery pack of FIG. 6.

[0037] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted with 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 best explain his or her own invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and various equivalents and modifications may exist as of the time of this application.

[0038] In the drawings, the sizes of each component or specific parts of that component are exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated for convenience and clarity of explanation. Therefore, the size of each component does not entirely reflect its actual size. If a detailed description of a related known function or configuration is deemed to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, such description will be omitted.

[0039] The term 'joint' or 'connection' as used herein includes not only cases where one member is directly joined or directly connected to another member, but also cases where one member is indirectly joined or indirectly connected to another member through a connecting member.

[0040] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of an electrode production device according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the suction member omitted; FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a jig member in an electrode production device according to an embodiment of the present invention, with foreign substances sliding along a third inclined portion; FIG. 3 is a drawing showing foreign substances moving along the third inclined portion in FIG. 2 and then gathering in a foreign substance accumulation portion; FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of part B of FIG. 3; and FIG. 5 is a drawing viewed along part A of FIG. 2, with the suction member shown.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 1, an electrode production device (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention relates to a device for producing an electrode (positive electrode or negative electrode) by transporting an electrode foil (600) on which a coating layer formed by an electrode active material is formed. The electrode is a concept that includes both a wet electrode and a dry electrode.

[0042] For example, a wet electrode is manufactured by applying an electrode mixture in a slurry state including a solvent to the surface of an electrode substrate such as an electrode foil (600) to form a coating layer, and then drying the coating layer.

[0043] And, the dry electrode is manufactured through a process of forming a coating layer by pressing an electrode mixture in a powder state (powder mixture) that does not contain a solvent onto the surface of an electrode foil (600). That is, the electrode mixture is mixed without a liquid medium such as a solvent or dispersion medium, and then pressed while passing the electrode mixture in a powder state through a rolling roll.

[0044] Here, the electrode foil (600) may include a holding portion having a coating layer of electrode active material formed on the surface, and a non-conductive portion (e.g., both ends of the electrode foil (600)) having no coating layer of electrode active material formed.

[0045] An electrode production device (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention relates to a device capable of preventing foreign substances (700) from adhering to a jig member (300) supporting an electrode foil (600) when the electrode foil (600) is cut by a laser while being transported. This will be described in detail below.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 1, an electrode production device (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to include a transfer member (100), a laser member (200), and a jig member (300).

[0047] The conveying member (100) conveys an electrode foil (600) coated with an electrode active material. The conveying member (100) may vary, and may include, for example, a plurality of rollers to convey the electrode foil (600) in a roll-to-roll manner. Although the conveying member (100) is not limited thereto, for convenience of explanation, an embodiment in which the conveying member (100) includes a plurality of rollers will be described below.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 1, the transfer member (100) may include a first transfer roll (110) and a second transfer roll (120). Here, the first transfer roll (110) and the second transfer roll (120) may be positioned at various positions, for example, as in FIG. 1, the first transfer roll (110) may be positioned at the upper side, and the second transfer roll (120) may be positioned at the lower side.

[0049] In this embodiment, the electrode foil (600) is transferred from the first transfer roll (110) on the upper side to the second transfer roll (120) on the lower side. That is, the electrode foil (600) moves from the upper side to the lower side by the first transfer roll (110) and the second transfer roll (120).

[0050] Referring to Fig. 1, the laser member (200) is arranged to irradiate a laser toward the electrode foil (600). The laser member (200) may include various types of laser equipment. Referring to Fig. 1, when the electrode foil (600) moves from the upper side to the lower side by the first transport roll (110) and the second transport roll (120), the laser member (200) may be configured to irradiate a laser toward the electrode foil (600) in a horizontal direction with reference to Fig. 1.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 1, the jig member (300) is positioned to contact the electrode foil (600) and supports the electrode foil (600). The jig member (300) prevents the electrode foil (600) from shaking or vibrating when the electrode foil (600) is cut by the laser member (200), thereby preventing cutting defects such as uneven cutting or cutting of a part different from a preset part when the electrode foil (600) is cut by the laser member (200).

[0052] In addition, a foreign substance adhesion prevention part (350) is formed on the jig member (300). The foreign substance adhesion prevention part (350) will be described later.

[0053] The jig member (300) can be configured in various ways, and may include, for example, a first part (310), a second part (320), and a third part (330). Here, the first part (310), the second part (320), and the third part (330) are merely formal distinctions of the jig member (300) for the convenience of explanation, and the criteria for distinguishing the first part (310), the second part (320), and the third part (330) are not clear. For example, the first part (310), the second part (320), and the third part (330) may be manufactured separately and then combined to form the jig member (300), but the first part (310), the second part (320), and the third part (330) may also be formed as one piece from the manufacturing stage.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the first portion (310) is arranged in the vertical direction. In addition, an inner groove (311) is formed in the first portion (310). Here, the inner groove (311) may be formed over the entire first portion (310), the second portion (320), and the third portion (330), or may be formed over any one portion of the first portion (310), the second portion (320), and the third portion (330), or may be formed over two portions of the first portion (310), the second portion (320), and the third portion (330). That is, the inner groove (311) may be formed over one or more portions of the first portion (310), the second portion (320), and the third portion (330).

[0055] The second part (320) is coupled to the first part (310) from the upper side of the third part (330) based on Fig. 2. And, the third part (330) is coupled to the first part (310) from the lower side of the second part (320) based on Fig. 2.

[0056] That is, based on Fig. 2, the second part (320) is placed on the upper side, and the third part (330) is placed on the lower side, and they are each connected to the first part (310).

[0057] Referring to FIG. 2, the second part (320) may include a second main body part (321) and a second protrusion part (322). The second main body part (321) is coupled to the first part (310). That is, the second main body part (321) is coupled to the first part (310) from the upper side of the third main body part (331). In addition, the second protrusion part (322) protrudes downward from the second main body part (321).

[0058] Referring back to FIG. 2, the third portion (330) may include a third main body portion (331) and a third protrusion portion (332). The third main body portion (331) is coupled to the first portion (310). That is, the third main body portion (331) is coupled to the first portion (310) from the lower side of the second main body portion (321). In addition, the third protrusion portion (332) protrudes upward from the third main body portion (331).

[0059] Here, a gap (340) can be formed between the second protrusion (322) and the third protrusion (332), and the laser member (200) can irradiate the laser to the portion where the gap (340) between the second protrusion (322) and the third protrusion (332) is located.

[0060] And, referring to FIG. 4, the foreign substance adhesion prevention part (350) may be provided as a first inclined part (351) formed at the end of the second protrusion (322). Alternatively, the foreign substance adhesion prevention part (350) may be provided as a second inclined part (352) formed at the end of the third protrusion (332).

[0061] That is, foreign matter (700) generated when the electrode foil (600) is cut by a laser may be combined with and fixed to the jig member (300). In particular, since the second protrusion (322) or the third protrusion (332), which is a protruding portion of the jig member (300), is in direct contact with the electrode foil (600), if the foreign matter (700) is fixed to the second protrusion (322) or the third protrusion (332), it may cause a defect in the electrode foil (600).

[0062] An electrode production device (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention prevents foreign matter (700) from sticking by forming a first inclined portion (351) (foreign matter sticking prevention portion (350)) at the end of a second protrusion (322) or by forming a second inclined portion (352) (foreign matter sticking prevention portion (350)) at the end of a third protrusion (332).

[0063] That is, when the first inclined portion (351) is formed in the second protrusion (322) or the second inclined portion (352) is formed in the third protrusion (332), the area of ​​the second protrusion (322) is reduced compared to the case where the first inclined portion (351) is not formed, and also, the area of ​​the third protrusion (332) is reduced compared to the case where the second inclined portion (352) is not formed, thereby making it difficult to fix the foreign substance (700).

[0064] That is, if the first inclined portion (351) or the second inclined portion (352) is formed very sharply, it becomes difficult for the foreign substance (700) to stick to the first inclined portion (351) or the second inclined portion (352), making it difficult for the foreign substance (700) to stick. However, the degree of sharpness of the first inclined portion (351) or the second inclined portion (352) can be determined by considering the degree to which the electrode foil (600) is not damaged.

[0065] In addition, there is an effect of preventing foreign substances (700) from sticking to the jig member (300), thereby preventing electrode defects and ultimately improving electrode quality.

[0066] Meanwhile, the first inclined portion (351) may be formed in various ways. For example, the first inclined portion (351) may be formed to face the outside of the second protrusion (322), or may be formed to face the inside of the second protrusion (322), or may be formed entirely along the perimeter of the second protrusion (322).

[0067] In addition, the second inclined portion (352) may also be formed in various ways, similar to the first inclined portion (351). For example, the second inclined portion (352) may be formed to face the outside of the third protrusion (332), or may be formed to face the inside of the third protrusion (332), or may be formed entirely along the perimeter of the third protrusion (332).

[0068] That is, the slope direction of the first slope (351) and the second slope (352) can be any direction.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 2, in another embodiment, the foreign substance adhesion prevention portion (350) may be provided with a third inclined portion (353) formed in the inner groove (311) to allow the foreign substance to slide downward.

[0070] For example, a third inclined portion (353) may be formed in the inner groove (311) of the jig member (300) so that the foreign substance (700) slides downward. Here, the third inclined portion (353) may be formed to slope downward from the first portion (310) toward the third portion (330).

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3 together, the third inclined portion (353) formed in the inner groove (311) of the jig member (300) causes the foreign substance (700) introduced into the inner groove (311) to slide downward, thereby causing the foreign substance (700) to gather at a preset location.

[0072] That is, the third slope (353) can prevent foreign substances (700) from becoming fixed in the inner groove (311) of the jig member (300).

[0073] And, for example, a foreign substance accumulation portion (360) may be formed at the end of the third inclined portion (353), and foreign substances (700) sliding along the third inclined portion (353) are collected in the foreign substance accumulation portion (360) (see Fig. 3). When foreign substances (700) are collected in the foreign substance accumulation portion (360) in this way, there is an effect that it becomes easier to discharge the foreign substances (700).

[0074] Referring to FIG. 5, a suction member (400) is provided to suck up foreign substances (700) and may be positioned, for example, close to a foreign substance accumulation unit (360). The suction member (400) may be configured in various ways and may include, for example, various suction devices (e.g., a vacuum suction device).

[0075] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a battery pack including a battery cell equipped with an electrode produced using an electrode production device according to each embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 6, a battery pack (30) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery cells (20). Here, the battery cells (20) include electrodes produced using the electrode production device (10) according to each embodiment of the present invention as described above.

[0077] In addition, the battery pack (30) may further include a pack housing (31) for storing the battery cells (20), and various devices for controlling charging and discharging of the battery cells (20), such as a BMS, a current sensor, a fuse, etc.

[0078] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 6, a cylindrical battery cell is illustrated inside the pack housing (31), but is not limited thereto, and the battery cell (20) may include a pouch-shaped battery cell or a square battery cell.

[0079] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle including the battery pack of FIG. 6.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 7, a vehicle (40) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery cells (20) or battery packs (30) including electrodes produced using an electrode production device (10) according to each embodiment of the present invention. Here, the vehicle (40) includes various types of vehicles that are designed to use electricity, such as electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles.

[0081] In this specification, when terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, and right are used, these terms are only for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms may vary depending on the location of the target object or the location of the observer.

[0082] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains may make various modifications and variations within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims to be described below. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed above should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. In other words, the true scope of the technical spirit of the present invention is set forth in the claims, and all differences within the scope of equivalents thereof should be construed as being included in the present invention.

[0083] The present invention relates to an electrode production device and a battery cell including an electrode produced using the same, and a battery pack and an automobile including the battery cell, and is particularly applicable to industries related to secondary batteries.

Claims

1. A transport member for transporting an electrode foil coated with an electrode active material; A laser member for irradiating a laser toward the electrode foil; and It includes a jig member that is positioned to contact the electrode foil and supports the electrode foil, An electrode production device characterized in that a foreign matter adhesion prevention portion is formed on the above jig member.

2. In paragraph 1, The above jig member is, A first part arranged in a vertical direction and having an inner groove formed; a second part coupled to the first part from above; and An electrode production device characterized by including a third part coupled to the first part from the lower side.

3. In paragraph 2, The second part above, A second main body part coupled to the first part; and An electrode production device characterized by including a second protrusion portion protruding downward from the second main body portion.

4. In paragraph 3, The third part above, A third main body part coupled to the first part; and An electrode production device characterized by including a third protrusion protruding upward from the third main body.

5. In paragraph 4, An electrode production device characterized in that a gap is formed between the second protrusion and the third protrusion.

6. In paragraph 3, An electrode production device characterized in that the foreign substance adhesion prevention portion is provided as a first inclined portion formed at the end of the second protrusion portion.

7. In paragraph 4, An electrode production device characterized in that the foreign substance adhesion prevention portion is provided as a second inclined portion formed at the end of the third protrusion portion.

8. In paragraph 2, An electrode production device characterized in that the above foreign substance adhesion prevention portion is provided with a third inclined portion formed in the inner groove to allow foreign substances to slide downward.

9. In paragraph 8, An electrode production device, characterized in that the third inclined portion is formed to slope downward from the first portion toward the third portion.

10. In paragraph 9, An electrode production device characterized in that a foreign matter accumulation area where foreign matters are collected is formed at the end of the third inclined section.

11. In paragraph 10, A suction member is provided to suck up the above foreign substances. An electrode production device, characterized in that the suction member is positioned close to the foreign material accumulation area.

12. In paragraph 1, The above transport material is, A first transfer roll arranged on the upper side; and Includes a second transfer roll arranged on the lower side, An electrode production device, characterized in that the electrode foil moves from upper to lower side by a first transport roll and a second transport roll.

13. In paragraph 12, An electrode production device, characterized in that the laser member irradiates a laser in a horizontal direction toward the electrode foil.

14. A battery cell comprising an electrode produced using an electrode production device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A battery pack comprising at least one battery cell according to paragraph 14.

16. A vehicle comprising at least one battery cell according to paragraph 14.

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