Thickness and OCV control unit in li-ion battery cells

Abstract

The invention relates to a thickness and OCV control unit (1) in li-ion battery cells, comprising a lower bedding (1.1) and upper bedding (1.2) controlling the volume accuracy by being placed within the battery cell; thickness measurement probe (1.3) detecting whether the battery cell is within the specified thickness tolerance range; current measuring probe (1.4) measuring the open circuit voltage (OCV) of the battery cell; load cell (1.5) applying the pressure required for the measurement without damaging the battery cell; centering ball (1.6) ensuring even force distribution and centering; corner bedding (1.7) individually measuring the thickness of the four corners of the battery cell; barcode reader (1.8) reading the serial number specific to each battery cell and presenting it for integration into the system, and an activator (1.9) providing the movement required for the pressing force.

Description

[0001] THICKNESS AND OCV CONTROL UNIT IN LI-ION BATTERY CELLS

[0002] Technical Field:

[0003] This invention relates to a unit which performs thickness control and open circuit voltage (OCV) control on li-ion battery cells before the li-ion battery cells are fed into a conveyorized automatic module assembly line.

[0004] State of the Art:

[0005] Batteries are devices that allow electrical energy to be stored and used when needed.

[0006] Lithium-ion batteries, or li-ion batteries for short, are fastrecharging batteries. Li-ion batteries provide a significant amount of power for a long time for their size and weight.

[0007] On the other hand, li-ion batteries have significantly lower carbon emissions and toxic values than other battery types.

[0008] Due to said features, li-ion batteries are used in many electronic devices, especially tablets and cell phones.

[0009] Today, li-ion batteries are also used in hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles, of which use increases.

[0010] Current li-ion battery production employs separate control mechanisms, such as open circuit voltage (OCV) control, thickness control, and barcode reading. However, implementing these methods separately necessitates more physical space for the systems and the coordinated work of multiple operators. This slows down the workflow, makes the process more complicated, and raises production and equipment costs . On the other hand, existing systems require operators to manually carry out the processes . Performing each process separately and controlling it by di f ferent operators may cause delays and errors in information flow .

[0011] The Object of the Invention :

[0012] The invention aims to create a fast and ef ficient process by enabling OCV current control and cell thickness determination from a single unit , eliminating errors caused by separate controls .

[0013] Another aim of the invention is to reduce equipment procurement costs , maintenance and repair costs and installation space requirements by eliminating the use of multiple pieces of equipment caused by separate control processes .

[0014] Another aim of the invention is to detect the battery cells that are not suitable for the assembly line in the control unit and to ensure that they are sorted out with the help of the operator and to minimi ze the errors in the production process .

[0015] Another aim of the invention is to reduce operator intervention, lower error rates , and create a fast and smooth production line by providing quick approval or rej ection information to the operator as a result of the measurements .

[0016] Description of The Figures :

[0017] Figure 1 . Perspective view of the control unit ,

[0018] Figure 2 . Side view of the control unit ,

[0019] Figure 3 . Front view of the control unit Reference Numbers:

[0020] 1. Control unit

[0021] 1.1. Lower bedding

[0022] 1.2. Upper bedding

[0023] 1.3. Thickness measurement probe

[0024] 1.4. Current measurement probe

[0025] 1.5. Load cell

[0026] 1.6. Centering ball

[0027] 1.7. Corner bedding

[0028] 1.8. Barcode reader

[0029] 1.9. Activator

[0030] Description of the Invention:

[0031] In the li-ion battery cells of the invention, the thickness and OCV control unit (1) comprises, within its structure, the lower bedding (1.1) and the upper bedding (1.2) controlling the volume accuracy by being placed within the battery cell; thickness measurement probe (1.3) detecting whether the battery cell is within the specified thickness tolerance range; current measurement probe (1.4) measuring the open circuit voltage (OCV) of the battery cell; load cell (1.5) applying the pressure required for the measurement without damaging the battery cell; centering ball (1.6) ensuring even force distribution and centering; corner bedding (1.7) individually measuring the thickness of the four corners of the battery cell; barcode reader (1.8) reading the serial number specific to each battery cell and presenting it for integration into the system, and the activator (1.9) providing the movement required for the pressing force. Before starting to operate the control unit (1) , the battery cells are stacked near the operator to prepare for the operation. Each battery cell is placed on the lower beddings (1.1) by the operator, one by one. The lower beddings (1.1) and the upper beddings (1.2) of the control unit (1) are made of cestamite material to minimize the possibility of a short circuit. During this process, the serial number specific to each battery cell is introduced into the system via the barcode reader (1.8) and integrated into the automation.

[0032] The pressing process required for control is provided by the activator (1.9) . The control unit (1) of the invention has a rod-type electric activator (1.9) connected perpendicular to the motion axis.

[0033] A load cell (1.5) is integrated between the activator (1.9) and the upper bedding (1.2) to maintain a specific Newton range during pressing. This prevents damage to the battery cell and prepares it for measurement. The load cell (1.5) limits the required force and applies precise pressure to the battery cell. This pressure ensures that the battery cell is placed uniformly.

[0034] Shaft end bedding is applied with the centering ball (1.6) for even distribution of the centering and force. The lower bedding (1.1) and upper bedding (1.2) between the battery cell are then closed, and the thickness measurement probe (1.3) is brought into full and high-precision contact with the machined surface by moving the activator (1.9) , which is connected to the four corners for thickness measurement. The measuring probes (1.3) take individual measurements from the four corners to determine whether the battery cell falls within the specified thickness tolerance range. Meanwhile, the wide tolerance corner bedding (1.7) measures the thickness of all four corners of the battery cell separately. This improves the reliability of the control.

[0035] When the lower bearing (1.1) and upper bearing (1.2) between the battery cells are closed, the open circuit voltage (OCV) of the battery cell is measured using the current control probe (1.4) , which also contacts the battery cells' tabs. The control unit (1) has a current control probe (1.4) with a spring-loaded structure . Following the completion of the aforementioned thickness and current controls, the battery cell is stacked based on rejection or approval.

[0036] These control processes, which are performed separately in existing production systems, can be combined into a single process thanks to the control unit (1) of the invention. This reduces the number of operators, accelerates the manufacturing process, lowers costs, and maximizes production efficiency.

Claims

CLAIMS1. The invention is a thickness and OCV control unit (1) in li- ion battery cells, characterized in that it comprises, within its structure, a lower bedding (1.1) and upper bedding (1.2) controlling the volume accuracy by being placed within the battery cell; thickness measurement probe (1.3) detecting whether the battery cell is within the specified thickness tolerance range; current measurement probe (1.4) measuring the open circuit voltage (OCV) of the battery cell; load cell (1.5) applying the pressure required for the measurement without damaging the battery cell; centering ball (1.6) ensuring even force distribution and centering; corner bedding (1.7) individually measuring the thickness of the four corners of the battery cell; barcode reader (1.8) reading the serial number specific to each battery cell and presenting it for integration into the system, and an activator (1.9) providing the movement required for the pressing force.

2. The control unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it has lower beddings (1.1) and upper beddings (1.2) made of cestamite material to minimize the possibility of short circuit.

3. The control unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a rod-type electric activator (1.9) connected perpendicular to the motion axis.

4. The control unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a current control probe (1.4) with a spring- loaded structure.

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