Apparatus for applying pressure to battery cell

Abstract

An apparatus for applying pressure to a battery cell, according to one embodiment of the present invention, comprises: a pressure applying unit applying pressure to a battery cell; and a pressure reducing member input unit providing a pressure reducing member to the pressure applying unit. The pressure applying unit comprises: a mounting part for mounting the battery cell or the pressure reducing member; and a pressure applying jig moving toward the mounting part and applying pressure to the battery cell or the pressure reducing member. The pressure reducing member input unit comprises at least one grip part automatically gripping and moving the pressure reducing member.

Description

Battery cell pressurization device

[0001] Cross-citation with related application(s)

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0014962, filed January 31, 2024, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0007876, filed January 20, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] The present invention relates to a pressurizing device for a battery cell, and more particularly, to a pressurizing device for simply and accurately measuring the flatness and pressing force of a jig before mounting a battery cell on the jig.

[0004] In modern society, the widespread use of portable devices like cell phones, laptops, camcorders, and digital cameras, as well as energy storage systems (ESS), has led to active development of related technologies. Furthermore, rechargeable secondary batteries are increasingly being used as power sources for electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (P-HEVs) to address air pollution issues caused by conventional gasoline-powered vehicles. This, in turn, heightens the need for further development of these batteries.

[0005] Currently commercialized secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries. Among these, lithium secondary batteries are receiving the most attention due to their advantages of free charging and discharging, low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0006] The manufacturing process for these lithium secondary batteries is broadly divided into three stages: electrode manufacturing, assembly, and activation. In the cell activation stage, the battery cell is mounted on a pressurized device and charged and discharged. This process of performing a predetermined charge and discharge cycle using a pressurized device to activate the battery is called the formation process or formation process.

[0007] During the above formation process, a pressurizing means, such as a jig including a flat pressurizing plate, can be used to pressurize both sides of the battery cell during activation charging, which is also referred to as a jig formation. This jig formation prevents expansion of the negative electrode during the activation process, promotes the chemical reaction of the battery to induce gas generation, and moves this internal gas to the gas pocket portion.

[0008] Fig. 1 illustrates a pressurizing device according to the prior art. The pressurizing device of Fig. 1 includes a plurality of mounting units (1), a pressurizing jig (2), and a driving unit (3). A plurality of battery cells are respectively mounted on each of the plurality of mounting units (1). The pressurizing jig (2) pressurizes the plurality of mounting units (1) on which the plurality of battery cells are respectively mounted. The pressurizing jig (2) can be moved toward the mounted battery cells by the driving unit (3) to pressurize the battery cells. Charging and discharging of the battery cells is performed while the plurality of battery cells are pressurized by the pressurizing jig (2).

[0009] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a pressurizing device that can easily and accurately measure the flatness and pressing force of a jig before mounting a battery cell.

[0010] However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the problems described above and can be expanded in various ways within the scope of the technical ideas included in the present invention.

[0011] A pressurizing device for a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a pressurizing unit for pressurizing the battery cell and a pressure-sensitive member insertion unit for providing a pressure-sensitive member to the pressurizing unit, wherein the pressurizing unit includes a mounting portion for mounting the battery cell or the pressure-sensitive member and a pressurizing jig for moving toward the mounting portion to pressurize the battery cell or the pressure-sensitive member, and the pressure-sensitive member insertion unit may include at least one grip portion for automatically gripping and moving the pressure-sensitive member.

[0012] The grip part includes a grip part body and at least one gripper coupled to the grip part body, and the gripper can grip the pressure-sensitive member.

[0013] The above grip portion may be provided in multiple numbers and may be provided symmetrically along the width direction of the pressure reducing member or may be arranged at a predetermined interval.

[0014] The above-mentioned mounting portion of the above-mentioned pressurizing unit is provided in a plurality of pieces, the above-mentioned pressure-reducing member is provided in a plurality of pieces, and the above-mentioned grippers are provided in a plurality of pieces per grip portion, so that the above-mentioned pressure-reducing members can be gripped at once by the above-mentioned plurality of grippers.

[0015] While the gripper grips the pressure-sensitive member, the grip body can move from the pressure-sensitive member input unit to the jig unit or vice versa.

[0016] While the gripper grips the pressure reducing member, the grip body can move into the mounting portion of the jig unit or in the opposite direction.

[0017] The above grip body is movable in the height direction, length direction, and width direction of the pressure reducing member insertion unit, respectively, and accordingly, after the pressure reducing member is positioned on the mounting portion of the jig unit, alignment between the pressure reducing member and the mounting portion is possible.

[0018] The above pressure-sensitive member may be a sensor that detects pressure electrically.

[0019] The above pressure-sensitive member may be a surface pressure sensor or an electronic pressure-sensitive paper.

[0020] The above pressure-sensitive member includes at least one pressure sensor arranged over a large area of ​​the main body, and can sense a pressure value applied to the pressure-sensitive member mounted on the mounting portion.

[0021] The pressure-sensitive member includes a plurality of pressure sensors arranged over a large area of ​​the main body, the plurality of pressure sensors being arranged in at least one row and at least one column, and each of the plurality of pressure sensors being capable of sensing a pressure applied to each sub-region of the pressure-sensitive member.

[0022] The above pressure-sensitive member may further include: a detection unit that receives pressure data from the plurality of pressure sensors and determines whether the pressure data falls within a predetermined range; and a connection unit that electrically connects the detection unit and the plurality of pressure sensors.

[0023] The above pressure reducing member may further include a transmission unit that transmits pressure data from the detection unit.

[0024] The pressure-sensitive member further includes a first connecting portion arranged in the row direction of the pressure-sensitive member and a second connecting portion arranged in the column direction, wherein the first connecting portion electrically connects at least one pressure sensor arranged in each row, and the second connecting portion electrically connects at least one pressure sensor arranged in each column.

[0025] The pressure reducing member includes a first detection unit electrically connected to the first connecting unit and a second detection unit electrically connected to the second connecting unit, and the first detection unit can determine whether pressure data received by the first connecting unit falls within a predetermined range, and the second detection unit can determine whether pressure data received by the second connecting unit falls within a predetermined range.

[0026] The first detection unit can transmit the pressure data of the row and corresponding row of the first connection unit that transmits the pressure data that does not fall within the predetermined range among the first connection units of the plurality of rows, and the second detection unit can transmit the pressure data of the column and corresponding row of the second connection unit that transmits the pressure data that does not fall within the predetermined range among the second connection units of the plurality of columns.

[0027] The above pressure data may be at least one of a pressure value sensed from each of the plurality of pressure sensors, a sum or average value of the pressure values ​​of the plurality of pressure sensors, and a maximum value or minimum value among the pressure values ​​sensed from the plurality of pressure sensors.

[0028]

[0029] Depending on the pressure data detected in the above pressure reducing member, the pressing force or flatness of the pressing jig of the jig unit or the pressing force or flatness of the mounting portion can be calculated.

[0030] The pressurizing device of the battery cell further includes a control unit integrated into or remotely connected to the jig unit, wherein the control unit can control the pressing force or flatness of the pressurizing jig of the jig unit or the pressing force or flatness of the mounting portion according to the pressure detected by the pressure reducing member.

[0031] The pressurizing device of the battery cell can perform charging and discharging while pressurizing the battery cell, and the pressurizing unit additionally includes at least two cell pressurizing units per the mounting portion, and the cell pressurizing units include charge and discharge terminals, and when the battery cell is pressurized by the pressurizing jig, the charge and discharge terminals can come into contact with the electrode leads of the battery cell.

[0032] According to the present invention, electronic pressure sensitive paper is automatically inserted to measure the flatness and pressure of the jig before mounting the battery cell on the pressurizing device, thereby facilitating a simpler and more efficient process and enhancing measurement accuracy. This maximizes the efficiency of the activation process, thereby improving the quality of the final battery cell produced.

[0033] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

[0034] Figure 1 illustrates a pressurizing device according to the prior art.

[0035] Figure 2 illustrates a pressurizing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the jig unit of the pressurizing device of Figure 2.

[0037] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the jig unit of FIG. 3, which is a component of the jig unit, when a battery cell is mounted on the mounting member, the cell pressurizing portion, and the mounting member.

[0038] Figure 5 illustrates a state in which a pressure reducing member is mounted on a mounting member instead of a battery cell in Figure 4.

[0039] FIG. 6 is a reference drawing of FIG. 4, showing the mounting member, the cell pressurizing portion, and the battery cell when the battery cell is viewed from inside the mounting member of FIG. 4.

[0040] FIG. 7 is a reference drawing of FIG. 5, showing the mounting member, the cell pressurizing portion, and the pressure reducing member when the pressure reducing member is viewed from inside the mounting member of FIG. 5.

[0041] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the pressure reducing member injection unit of the pressurizing device of Fig. 2.

[0042] Figure 9 illustrates a grip portion, which is a component of the pressure relief member injection unit of Figure 8.

[0043] FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of a pressure reducing member according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Fig. 11 is a reference drawing schematically illustrating one embodiment of the transmission part of the pressure reducing member of Fig. 10.

[0045] FIG. 12 is a reference drawing of FIG. 5, and illustrates one embodiment of a case in which multiple mounting parts are individually adjusted in the above-described embodiment.

[0046] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the invention. The present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0047] In order to clearly explain the present invention, parts that are not related to the description are omitted, and the same reference numerals are used for identical or similar components throughout the specification.

[0048] Furthermore, the sizes and thicknesses of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily indicated for convenience of explanation, and thus the present invention is not necessarily limited to the illustrated components. In the drawings, the thicknesses are enlarged to clearly represent various layers and regions. Furthermore, in the drawings, the thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated for convenience of explanation.

[0049] Furthermore, when we say that a layer, membrane, region, plate, or other part is "on" or "over" another part, this includes not only cases where it is "directly on" the other part, but also cases where there are other parts in between. Conversely, when we say that a part is "directly on" another part, it means that there are no other parts in between. Furthermore, saying that a part is "on" or "over" a reference part means that it is located above or below the reference part, and does not necessarily mean that it is located "above" or "over" the direction opposite to gravity.

[0050] Additionally, throughout the specification, whenever a part is said to "include" a component, this does not mean that it excludes other components, but rather that it may include other components, unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0051] Additionally, throughout the specification, when we say "in plan", we mean when the target portion is viewed from above, and when we say "in cross section", we mean when the target portion is viewed from the side in a cross-section cut vertically.

[0052] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0053] Figure 2 illustrates a pressurizing device for a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] The pressurizing device (10) of FIG. 2 includes a jig unit (200) and a pressure reducing member input unit (200) that provides a pressure reducing member (300) to the jig unit (100).

[0055] At least one battery cell (20, see FIG. 4) is mounted on a jig unit (100) and the battery cell (20) is pressurized at both ends. After pressurizing the battery cell (20), charging and discharging of the battery cell (20) may be performed, and inspection of the battery cell (20) may be performed as needed.

[0056] At this time, before mounting the battery cell (20) on the jig unit (100) and pressurizing the battery cell (20), the pressure-sensitive member (300) is mounted on the jig unit (100) to first measure the flatness and / or the pressing force of the jig (130) of the jig unit (100). To this end, the pressure-sensitive member insertion unit (200) of the pressurizing device (10) inserts the pressure-sensitive member (300) into the jig unit (100).

[0057] First, Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the jig unit of the pressurizing device of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 illustrates a side view of the components of the jig unit of Fig. 3, namely the mounting member, the cell pressurizing portion, and the mounting member, when a battery cell is mounted on the mounting member. Fig. 5 illustrates a state in which a pressure-reducing member is mounted on the mounting member instead of the battery cell in Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a reference drawing of Fig. 4, and illustrates the mounting member, the cell pressurizing portion, and the battery cell when the battery cell is viewed from inside the mounting member of Fig. 4. Fig. 7 is a reference drawing of Fig. 5, and illustrates the mounting member, the cell pressurizing portion, and the pressure-reducing member when the pressure-reducing member is viewed from inside the mounting member of Fig. 5.

[0058] The jig unit (100) includes a frame (110), a pressurizing jig (120), a mounting portion (130), a cell pressurizing portion (140), a jig guide shaft (150), a mounting portion (160), and a jig driving portion (170).

[0059] A pressure jig (120) is placed at one or both ends of the frame (110). FIG. 3 illustrates, as an example, a case where one pressure jig (120) is provided and the pressure jig (120) is placed at one end in the longitudinal direction (vertical direction) of the frame (110).

[0060] The mounting portion (130) may be provided as one or as multiple mounting portions. Each mounting portion (130) is arranged across the width direction (horizontal direction) of the frame (110). FIG. 3 illustrates, as an example, a case in which multiple mounting portions (130) are provided so that multiple battery cells (20) can be mounted and pressurized at once, and the multiple mounting portions (130) are arranged along the length direction of the frame (110). In FIGS. 4 and 5, among the multiple mounting portions (130) of FIG. 3, one mounting portion (130) is representatively illustrated.

[0061] The mounting portion (130) is, for example, a folded plate, and has a V shape when viewed from the side as illustrated in FIG. 4, so that the battery cell (20) can be inserted and mounted into the concave portion of the V-shaped mounting portion (130). Similarly, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the pressure-sensitive member (300) can be inserted and mounted into the concave portion of the mounting portion (130). The mounting portion (130) may be, for example, a piece of paper, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and any structure, shape, or material that allows the battery cell (20) and the pressure-sensitive member (300) to be mounted and pressurized by the pressurizing jig (120) is sufficient.

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 6, when a battery cell (20) is inserted and mounted in the mounting portion (130), the pressing jig (120) moves toward the mounting portion (130) along the jig guide shaft (150) to pressurize the battery cell (20). A cell pressing portion (140) is coupled to the mounting portion (130), and the cell pressing portion (140) may additionally include a charge / discharge terminal (141). The charge / discharge terminal (141) is provided at a position corresponding to the electrode lead (21) of the battery cell (20) mounted in the mounting portion (130). When the mounting portion (130) is pressed by the pressing jig (120), the battery cell (20) is pressed, and the charge / discharge terminal (141) provided in the cell pressing portion (140) comes into contact with the electrode lead (21) of the battery cell (20). Accordingly, charging and discharging of the battery cell (20) can be performed. The cell pressurizing unit (140) may be formed in a bar shape, for example, but the present invention is not limited to the illustrated shape. At least two cell pressurizing units (140) may be provided per one mounting unit (130), and may be provided symmetrically at least on both sides of the mounting unit (130). In the embodiment of the present invention, as an example, a case in which two cell pressurizing units (140) are provided on both sides of a battery cell (20) to be mounted on the mounting unit (130) is illustrated, and these are distinguished and indicated as “140a” and “140b”, respectively.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 7, similarly, when the pressure-sensitive member (300) is inserted and mounted in the mounting portion (130), the pressurizing jig (120) moves toward the mounting portion (130) along the jig guide shaft (150) to pressurize the pressure-sensitive member (300). The pressure-sensitive member (300) inserted into the mounting portion (130) is inserted so as not to overlap with the cell pressurizing portion (140). This is to prevent the pressure sensor (320) of the pressure-sensitive member (300) from being damaged when pressurized by the cell pressurizing portion (140). The detailed configuration of the pressure-sensitive member (300) will be described in more detail later.

[0064] Referring again to FIG. 3, the pressurizing jig (120) has through holes symmetrically provided on both sides in the width direction of the frame (110), and a jig guide shaft (150) passes through the through holes of the pressurizing jig (120). The number of through holes of the pressurizing jig (120) and the jig guide shafts (150) can be adjusted as needed. The jig driving unit (170) may include a linear driving motor, and when the pressurizing jig (120) is pushed toward the mounting unit (130) by the driving of the jig driving unit (170), the pressurizing jig (120) can pressurize the battery cell (20) and / or the pressure reducing member (300) while moving along the jig guide shaft (150).

[0065] At this time, it is important that the pressurizing jig (120) moves without being tilted to either side so as to evenly pressurize a large area of ​​the battery cell (20). Accordingly, the jig guide shafts (150) are symmetrically provided on both sides, and the pressurizing jig (120) moves along the jig guide shafts (150) on both sides so as not to be tilted to either side. Nevertheless, an error may occur in which the pressurizing jig (120) and / or the mounting portion (130) are tilted to either side. Therefore, before inserting the battery cell (20), the pressure-reducing member (300) is first inserted into the mounting portion (130) and pressurized with the pressurizing jig (120), while detecting the pressure from the pressurizing jig (120), thereby measuring the pressurization degree and / or flatness of the pressurizing jig (120) and / or the pressurization degree and / or flatness of the mounting portion (130). Accordingly, the pressure and / or flatness of the pressure jig (120) is corrected, the pressure and / or flatness of the mounting portion (130) is corrected, or the pressure of each of the cell pressure portions (140; 140a, 140b) provided on both sides of the mounting portion (130) or the pressure difference between the cell pressure portions (140; 140a, 140b) provided on both sides is corrected.

[0066] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the pressure reducing member injection unit of the pressurizing device of Fig. 2. Fig. 9 illustrates a grip portion, which is a component of the pressure reducing member injection unit of Fig. 8.

[0067] The pressure-sensitive member injection unit (200) of FIG. 8 includes a frame (210), a grip portion (220), and a coupling portion (230). The grip portion (220) automatically grips and moves the pressure-sensitive member (300). It includes a grip portion body (221) and at least one gripper (222).

[0068] The grip part (220) may be provided in one piece. That is, the grip part main body (221) and the gripper (222) may each be provided in one piece to grip the central portion of the upper end of the pressure-sensitive member (300). Alternatively, the grip part (220) may be provided in multiple pieces. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the grip part main body (221) and the gripper (222) may each be provided symmetrically as a pair to grip both sides of the pressure-sensitive member (300). Alternatively, for example, the grip part main body (221) and the gripper (222) may each be provided in three or four pieces and arranged at a predetermined interval along the width direction of the pressure-sensitive member (300) to grip the pressure-sensitive member (300), and various modifications and changes are possible.

[0069] Additionally, the number of grippers (222) per grip body (221) may be provided as many as the number of pressure-sensitive members (300) to be gripped at one time.

[0070] The gripper (222) is coupled to the grip part body (221). The gripper (222) may be provided, for example, at the lower end of the grip part body (221), but the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto, and it is sufficient if the gripper (222) is provided so that it can grip the pressure-sensitive member (300) and insert the pressure-sensitive member (300) into the mounting portion (130) of the jig unit (100) as described below.

[0071] The present invention is not necessarily limited to the number, shape, etc. of grippers (222), and can be variously changed and modified to suit the environment in which the present invention is implemented.

[0072] The examples of FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a case where multiple pressure-sensitive members (300) can be gripped at once, and one pair of grippers (222) is provided per pressure-sensitive member (300). For example, the number of pressure-sensitive members (300) may be the same as the number of mounting portions (130) of FIG. 3, but the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto, and may be variously modified to suit the environment in which the present invention is implemented.

[0073] The grip body (221) is movable in the height direction, length direction, and width direction of the frame (210) of the pressure-sensitive member injection unit (200), respectively. For reference, the height direction, length direction, and width direction of the frame (210) of the pressure-sensitive member injection unit (200) are respectively identical to the height direction, length direction, and width direction of the frame (110) of the jig unit (100).

[0074] The movement of the grip body (221) is exemplarily described as follows. For example, when the pressure-sensitive member (300) is stored in the lower part of the frame (210) and is in standby, the grip body (221) may move downward in the height direction of the frame (210) to grip the pressure-sensitive member (300), or the grip body (221) may move upward in the height direction of the frame (210) after gripping the pressure-sensitive member (300) with the gripper (222). In some cases, the grip body (221) may already be gripping the pressure-sensitive member (300) while initially moving upward in the height direction.

[0075] In a state where the pressure-sensitive member (300) is gripped by the gripper (222), the grip body (221) moves forward toward the jig unit (100) (for example, the grip body (221) moves forward in the longitudinal direction of the frame (210). The grip body (221) moves away from the frame (210) of the pressure-sensitive member input unit (200) and above the mounting portion (130) of the jig unit (100) of FIG. 3. Accordingly, the pressure-sensitive member (300) gripped by the grip body (220) is positioned above the mounting portion (130) of the jig unit (100). At this time, if the alignment between the mounting portion (130) of the jig unit (100) and the pressure reducing member (300) is not consistent, the grip body (221) may be aligned by slightly moving in the longitudinal direction of the frame (210) as needed, or the grip body (221) may be aligned by slightly moving in the width direction of the frame (210).

[0076] When the mounting portion (130) of the jig unit (100) and the pressure-sensitive member (300) are aligned, in one embodiment, the grip body (221) moves toward the mounting portion (130) (for example, the grip body (221) moves downward in the height direction of the frame (210)) so that the pressure-sensitive member (300) is inserted into the mounting portion (130) of the jig unit (100). Next, the gripper (222) releases the grip of the pressure-sensitive member (300) so that the pressure-sensitive member (300) is mounted on the mounting portion (130). The grip body (221) moves upward again in the height direction of the frame (210). Next, as described above in FIG. 3, the mounting portion (130) and the pressure-sensitive member (300) mounted on the mounting portion (130) are pressed by the pressurizing jig (120), and the pressing force and flatness of the pressurizing jig (120) are measured by the pressure-sensitive member (300). Next, the pressurizing jig (120) is released. The grip portion main body (221) moves downward in the height direction of the frame (210) to grip the pressure-sensitive member (300) with the gripper (222). The grip portion main body (221) moves again in the opposite direction of the mounting portion (130) from the mounting portion (130) (for example, upward in the height direction of the frame (210). Next, the grip portion main body (221) moves backward again from the jig unit (100) toward the pressure-sensitive member input unit (200) (for example, moves backward in the length direction of the frame (210). Accordingly, it returns to the inside of the frame (210) of the pressure relief member injection unit (200).

[0077] Alternatively, as another embodiment, the grip body (221) moves toward the mounting portion (130) (for example, the grip body (221) moves downward in the height direction of the frame (210)) and the pressure-sensitive member (300) is inserted into the mounting portion (130) of the jig unit (100). Next, while the gripper (222) grips the pressure-sensitive member (300), the mounting portion (130) and the pressure-sensitive member (300) mounted on the mounting portion (130) are pressed by the pressurizing jig (120) as described above in FIG. 3. At this time, since the gap between the plurality of pressure-sensitive members (300) is narrowed by the pressurizing jig (120), the gap between the plurality of grippers (222) coupled to the grip body (221) also needs to be adjusted. Next, the pressing force and flatness of the pressurizing jig (120) are measured by the pressure-sensitive member (300).

[0078] Next, the pressurization of the pressurizing jig (120) is released. While the pressure-sensitive member (300) is gripped by the gripper (222), the grip body (221) moves from the mounting portion (130) in the opposite direction of the mounting portion (130) (for example, upward in the height direction of the frame (210). Next, the grip body (221) moves backward from the jig unit (100) back toward the pressure-sensitive member input unit (200) (for example, moves backward in the length direction of the frame (210). Accordingly, it returns back into the frame (210) of the pressure-sensitive member input unit (200).

[0079] The grip part (220) can be driven by being connected to a grip part driving part (not shown) that drives the grip part (220).

[0080] The coupling part (211) allows the pressure sensitive member injection unit (200) to be coupled and fixed to the jig unit (100). The coupling part (211) may be a part of the frame (210) of the pressure sensitive member injection unit (200) or may be provided separately. For example, the coupling part (211) may be coupled to the frame (110) of the jig unit (100). There is no limitation on the method by which the coupling part (211) of the pressure sensitive member injection unit (200) is coupled to the frame (110) of the jig unit (100), and it is sufficient as long as the pressure sensitive member injection unit (200) is coupled to the jig unit (100), and various coupling methods between two conventional components may be employed to implement the method.

[0081] Based on the pressure and / or flatness of the pressurizing jig (120) of the jig unit (100) measured by the pressure reducing member (300) and / or the pressure and / or flatness of the mounting portion (130), the pressure and / or flatness of the mounting portion (130) are corrected, and then the battery cell (20) is inserted into the mounting portion (130). For a description of the case where the battery cell (20) is inserted into the mounting portion (130), refer to the description above with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7.

[0082] The pressure-sensitive member (300) may be, for example, in the form of a plate, and may be a sensor that detects pressure electrically. The pressure-sensitive member (300) may be, for example, an electronic pressure-sensitive paper. Alternatively, the pressure-sensitive member (300) may be, for example, a surface pressure sensor arranged on a plate. Any other sensor that detects pressure electrically may be implemented as the pressure-sensitive member (300) of the present invention.

[0083] FIG. 10 illustrates one embodiment of a pressure reducing member according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 10, the pressure-sensitive member (300) includes a main body (310) and a pressure sensor (320). In addition, the pressure-sensitive member (300) may additionally include a connecting portion (330), a detection portion (340), and a transmission portion (350).

[0085] Pressurization is performed with a pressurizing jig (120) while a pressure reducing member (300) is mounted on the mounting portion (130) of the jig unit (100), and at this time, the pressure sensor (320) senses the pressure value applied to the pressure reducing member (300).

[0086] The pressure sensor (320) is arranged on a large area of ​​the main body (310) of the pressure-sensitive member (300) in at least one row and at least one column. That is, the pressure sensor (320) may be provided as one, but multiple pressure sensors (320) may be arranged in multiple rows and / or multiple columns. As exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 10, the pressure sensors (320) may be arranged in multiple rows and / or multiple columns. In some cases, the pressure sensors (320) may be arranged in one row and multiple columns, or in multiple rows and one column.

[0087] Each of the plurality of pressure sensors (320) can sense the pressure applied to each sub-region (sub-coordinate) of the pressure-sensitive member (300). For example, each of the plurality of pressure sensors (320) can be arranged at a predetermined interval for each row and / or each column.

[0088] The pressure sensor (320) is connected to a connecting portion (330). The connecting portion (330) transmits pressure data sensed by the pressure sensor (320) to the transmitting portion (350) and may be, for example, a conductor that transmits an electrical signal. The connecting portion (330) may be, for example, a conductor plated on the engraving of the main body (310), or a separate conductor added to the engraving of the main body (310). Alternatively, in some cases, the connecting portion may be a conductor plated without including an engraving on the surface of the main body (310), or a separate conductor added. The pressure data may be, for example, a pressure value sensed by the pressure sensor (320).

[0089] The connecting portion (330) includes a first connecting portion (331) arranged in the row direction of the pressure-sensitive member (300) and a second connecting portion (332) arranged in the column direction of the pressure-sensitive member (300). The first connecting portion (331) and the second connecting portion (332) may be provided as one, or may be provided as a plurality.

[0090] The case where the first connecting portion (331) is provided in multiple units is explained as follows. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the pressure sensors (320) may be arranged in multiple rows, and one first connecting portion (331) may be arranged in each row to electrically connect multiple pressure sensors (320) arranged in each row at once. Alternatively, although not illustrated in FIG. 10, one first connecting portion (331) may be electrically connected to one or several pressure sensors (320), and multiple first connecting portions (331) may be arranged in each row.

[0091] Likewise, the case where the second connecting portion (332) is provided in multiple numbers is as follows. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the pressure sensors (320) may be arranged in multiple rows, and one second connecting portion (332) may be arranged in each row to electrically connect multiple pressure sensors (320) arranged in each row at once. Alternatively, although not illustrated in FIG. 10, one second connecting portion (332) may be electrically connected to one or several pressure sensors (320), and multiple second connecting portions (332) may be arranged in each row.

[0092] The detection unit (340) includes a first detection unit (341) arranged in the column direction of the pressure-sensitive member (300) and a second detection unit (342) arranged in the row direction of the pressure-sensitive member (300).

[0093] The first detection unit (341) is provided between the first connection unit (331) arranged in the row direction of the pressure-sensitive member (300) and the transmission unit (350). That is, the first connection unit (331) electrically connecting the plurality of pressure sensors (320) arranged in a row is electrically connected to the first detection unit (341). Pressure data from the plurality of pressure sensors (320) arranged in a row is received by the first connection unit (331), and the first detection unit (341) determines whether the pressure data falls within a predetermined range.

[0094] For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 10, a plurality of rows of first connecting portions (331) are electrically connected to a first detection portion (341). The first detection portion (341) receives pressure data from each of the plurality of rows of first connecting portions (331) and determines whether the pressure data falls within a predetermined range.

[0095] The pressure data transmitted by the first connecting portion (331) may be, for example, each pressure value sensed from each pressure sensor (320) connected by the first connecting portion (331), or in some cases, may be the sum or average of the pressure values, or may be the maximum or minimum value among the pressure values ​​sensed from each pressure sensor (320). This may be set by various modifications and changes to suit the environment in which the present invention is implemented.

[0096] Among the pressure data received from the first connecting portion (331) of each of a plurality of rows, if the pressure data received from the first connecting portion (331) of a specific row is outside a predetermined range, the position (or order, coordinates) of the corresponding row and the pressure data received from the first connecting portion (331) of the corresponding row are transmitted to the transmitting portion (350). A connecting portion (341a) may be electrically connected between the first detection portion (341) and the transmitting portion (350).

[0097] The pressure data transmitted to the transmission unit (350) may be, for example, pressure data transmitted from the first connection unit (331) of the corresponding row (e.g., a pressure value sensed by the pressure sensor (320) of the corresponding row), or an alarm indicating that a predetermined range has been exceeded. This may be set by various modifications and changes to suit the environment in which the present invention is implemented.

[0098] For example, when viewing the first connecting portions (331) of the plurality of rows in order from the bottom to the top in the embodiment of FIG. 10, if the pressure data received from the first connecting portions (331) of the first to third rows falls within a predetermined range, but the pressure data received from the first connecting portions (331) of the fourth and fifth rows does not fall within the predetermined range, the pressure data received from the first connecting portions (331) of the fourth and fourth rows and the pressure data received from the first connecting portions (331) of the fifth and fifth rows can be transmitted to the transmitting portion (350).

[0099] Likewise, the second detection unit (342) is provided between the second connection unit (332) arranged in the column direction of the pressure-sensitive member (300) and the transmission unit (350). That is, the second connection unit (332) electrically connecting the plurality of pressure sensors (320) arranged in a column is electrically connected to the second detection unit (342). Pressure data from the plurality of pressure sensors (320) arranged in a column is received by the second connection unit (332), and the second detection unit (342) determines whether the pressure data falls within a predetermined range.

[0100] For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 10, a plurality of rows of second connecting portions (332) are electrically connected to a second detection portion (342). The second detection portion (342) receives pressure data from each of the plurality of rows of second connecting portions (332) and determines whether the pressure data falls within a predetermined range.

[0101] The pressure data transmitted by the second connection part (332) may be, for example, each pressure value sensed from each pressure sensor (320) connected by the second connection part (332), or in some cases, may be the sum or average of the pressure values, or may be the maximum or minimum value among the pressure values ​​sensed from each pressure sensor (320). This may be set by various modifications and changes to suit the environment in which the present invention is implemented.

[0102] Among the pressure data received from the second connecting portions (332) of multiple columns, if the pressure data received from the second connecting portion (332) of a specific column is outside a predetermined range, the second detection portion (342) transmits the position (or order, coordinates) of the column and the pressure data received from the second connecting portion (332) of the column to the transmission portion (350). The second detection portion (342) and the transmission portion (350) may be electrically connected by a connecting portion (342a).

[0103] The pressure data transmitted to the transmission unit (350) may be, for example, pressure data transmitted from the second connection unit (332) of the corresponding column (e.g., a pressure value sensed from the pressure sensor (320) of the corresponding column), or may be an alarm indicating that a predetermined range has been exceeded. This may be set by various modifications and changes to suit the environment in which the present invention is implemented.

[0104] For example, when the second connecting portions (332) of the plurality of columns shown in the embodiment of FIG. 10 are viewed in order from left to right, if the pressure data received from the second connecting portions (332) of the first to third columns does not fall within a predetermined range, the pressure data received from the second connecting portions (332) of the first to third columns and the first to third columns can be transmitted to the transmission portion (350).

[0105] Meanwhile, the first detection unit (341) may be provided, for example, near either one of the two ends of the pressure-sensitive member (300). The second detection unit (342) may be provided, for example, near either the upper or lower end of the pressure-sensitive member (300). As illustrated in FIG. 10, when the second detection unit (342) is provided near the lower end of the pressure-sensitive member (300), unwanted damage to the detection unit (340) caused by the grip unit (220) when the pressure-sensitive member (300) is gripped by the grip unit (220) of the pressure-sensitive member insertion unit (200) can be prevented. However, the present invention is not limited to the above, and various modifications and changes are possible, such as the second detection unit (342) being provided near the upper end of the pressure-sensitive member (300), the second detection unit (342) being provided in an engraved or penetrating portion of the main body (210) of the pressure-sensitive member (300) and being implemented in a manner in which the surface of the detection unit (340) is coated so as to be protected from the grip of the grip unit (340), or the second detection unit (342) being positioned so as to avoid the area where the grip unit (340) grips the pressure-sensitive member (300).

[0106] The transmission unit (350) collects pressure data received from the detection unit (340) and transmits it to the control unit, which will be described later.

[0107] For example, in the above-described example referring to the embodiment of FIG. 10, the transmission unit (350) receives pressure data received from the first connection unit (331) of the fourth and fifth rows and the fourth and fifth rows, respectively, from the first detection unit (341), and receives pressure data received from the second connection unit (332) of the first to third columns and the first to third columns, respectively, from the second detection unit (342). This means that there is a high possibility that the pressure value sensed by the pressure sensor (320) at the point where the first to third columns and the fourth and fifth rows intersect is outside a predetermined range.

[0108] The transmission unit (350) may transmit the pressure data received from each of the first detection unit (341) and the second detection unit (342) as is, or may convert and transmit the pressure data received from each of the first detection unit (341) and the second detection unit (342).

[0109] In the former case, for example, the pressure data transmitted from the transmission unit (350) to the control unit (not shown) may be pressure data received at the first connection unit (331) of the fourth and fifth rows and the fourth and fifth rows, respectively, from the first detection unit (341), and pressure data received at the second connection unit (332) of the first to third columns and the first to third columns, respectively, from the second detection unit (342).

[0110] In the latter case, for example, the pressure data transmitted from the transmission unit (350) to the control unit (not shown) may be data converted into (X, Y) coordinate information for the fourth and fifth rows and the first to third columns, and an alarm indicating that pressure and / or flatness adjustment is required for an area corresponding to the corresponding coordinates of the mounting unit (130) of the jig unit (100). That is, the (X, Y) coordinate information may be, for example, data that converts a column into an X-coordinate and a row into a Y-coordinate.

[0111] Whether it is the former or the latter, the pressure data transmitted from the transmission unit (350) to the control unit (not shown) may include the identification number (serial number) of the pressure reducing member (300), detection date and time, time, and other inspection-related data.

[0112] Fig. 11 is a reference drawing schematically illustrating one embodiment of the transmission part of the pressure reducing member of Fig. 10.

[0113] Fig. 11 (a) schematically illustrates a transmission unit (350) in the case of communicating via wireless communication. In this case, the transmission unit (350) includes a processing unit (351) and a wireless communication antenna (352). Fig. 11 (b) schematically illustrates a transmission unit (350) in the case of communicating via wired communication, and in this case, the transmission unit (350) includes a processing unit (351) and a wired communication terminal (353). A more detailed description of the processing unit (351), the wireless communication antenna (352), and the wired communication terminal (353) can be understood by referring to the components of a typical transmission unit.

[0114] The transmission unit (350) may communicate via a known wired or wireless communication interface that supports, for example, short-range or long-range communication. For example, the communication interface may be a CAN communication interface, a daisy-chain interface, an Ethernet communication interface, a short-range wireless communication interface such as WI-FI; Bluetooth; or Zigbee. The present invention is not limited to the above, and communication may be performed via a known wired or wireless communication interface according to an environment in which the present invention is implemented.

[0115] The pressurizing device of FIG. 2 additionally includes a control unit (not shown). The control unit may be integrated into the jig unit (100) or may be externally connected remotely via a wired or wireless communication interface. The control unit includes a processor capable of processing data and a transmission unit capable of transmitting and receiving data.

[0116] The control unit receives pressure data transmitted from the transmission unit (350) of the pressure reducing member (300), compares it with a preset value, and if it is out of the error range, transmits a control command to the jig unit (100) to adjust (control) the pressing force and / or flatness of the pressing jig (120) and / or the pressing force and / or flatness of the mounting unit (130).

[0117] As described above, the pressure data transmitted from the transmission unit (350) of the pressure-sensitive member (300) may include information about the row and / or column of the area where pressure data exceeding a predetermined range is detected, or (X, Y) coordinate information. In addition, the pressure data (pressure value) of the corresponding area may be included. Based on this, the control unit may calculate the degree of adjustment of the pressurization and / or flatness of the pressurization jig (120), or may calculate the degree of correction of the pressurization of each of the cell pressurization units (140; 140a, 140b) provided on both sides of each mounting unit (130). Based on the data calculated by the control unit, the pressurization force and / or flatness of the pressurization jig (120) and / or the pressurization and / or flatness of the mounting unit (130) may be automatically adjusted (controlled).

[0118] FIG. 12 is a reference drawing of FIG. 5, and illustrates one embodiment of a case in which multiple mounting parts are individually adjusted in the above-described embodiment.

[0119] In some cases, as illustrated in FIG. 12, when pressure data exceeding a predetermined range is detected only in the nth pressure-sensitive member (300n) mounted on the nth mounting member (130n) among the plurality of mounting members (130) of the jig unit (100), the pressure levels of the cell pressurization members (140n, 140n+1) at the front and rear ends of the mounting member (130n) may be adjusted, respectively. At this time, the cell pressurization members (140a, see FIG. 7) and the cell pressurization members (140b, see FIG. 7) may be adjusted differently, respectively, according to information about the row and / or column of the area in which the pressure data exceeding the predetermined range of the pressure-sensitive member (300) is detected or (X, Y) coordinate information.

[0120] Meanwhile, the pressurizing device of FIG. 2 may additionally include a storage unit (not shown) corresponding to a database, and the storage unit may be integrally integrated with the control unit or remotely connected from the outside. The storage unit may store various histories, such as data regarding the pressure value measured by the pressure reducing member (300), data regarding the flatness correction of the pressurizing jig (120), data regarding the progress of processes such as charging and discharging of the battery cell (20), etc.

[0121] In the specification of the present invention, the battery cell (20) is exemplarily illustrated as a pouch-shaped battery cell, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and can also be applied to a case where a pressure-reducing member (300) is first inserted before pressurizing a cylindrical or square battery cell with a jig.

[0122] The pressurizing device of Fig. 2 can be applied to a formation process in a manufacturing process of a secondary battery, for example, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and can be applied in various ways when it is necessary to adjust a pressurizing jig to pressurize a secondary battery.

[0123] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention defined in the following claims also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0124] [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 10: Battery cell pressurization device

[0126] 20: Battery cell

[0127] 100: Jig Unit

[0128] 110: Frame

[0129] 120: Pressurized jig

[0130] 130: Mounting part

[0131] 140: Cell pressurization section

[0132] 150: Jig guide shaft

[0133] 160: Mounting section

[0134] 170: Jig drive unit

[0135] 200: Pressure relief unit

[0136] 210: Frame

[0137] 220: Grip

[0138] 221: Grip body

[0139] 222: Gripper

[0140] 230: Joint

[0141] 300: Decompression member

[0142] 310: Body

[0143] 320: Pressure sensor

[0144] 330: Connection

[0145] 340: Detection unit

[0146] 350: Transmission unit

Claims

1. In the pressurizing device of the battery cell, It includes a pressurizing unit that pressurizes the battery cell and a pressure reducing member input unit that provides a pressure reducing member to the pressurizing unit, The pressurizing unit includes a mounting portion for mounting the battery cell or the pressure-sensitive member, and a pressurizing jig that moves toward the mounting portion to pressurize the battery cell or the pressure-sensitive member. A pressurizing device for a battery cell, wherein the pressure reducing member insertion unit includes at least one gripping portion that automatically grips and moves the pressure reducing member.

2. In paragraph 1, The grip part includes a grip part body and at least one gripper coupled to the grip part body, The above gripper is a pressurizing device for a battery cell capable of gripping the pressure-sensitive member.

3. In paragraph 2, A pressurizing device for a battery cell, wherein the grip portion is provided in multiple pieces and is symmetrically provided along the width direction of the pressure reducing member or is arranged at a predetermined interval.

4. In paragraph 2, The above mounting portion of the above pressurizing unit is provided in multiple pieces, The above pressure reducing member is provided in multiple pieces, A pressurizing device for a battery cell, wherein a plurality of grippers are provided per grip portion, and the plurality of pressure-sensitive members can be gripped at once by the plurality of grippers.

5. In paragraph 2, A battery cell pressurizing device, wherein the gripper grips the pressure reducing member, and the grip body is capable of moving from the pressure reducing member input unit to the jig unit or in the opposite direction.

6. In paragraph 2, A battery cell pressurizing device, wherein the gripper grips the pressure reducing member, and the grip body is movable into the mounting portion of the jig unit or in the opposite direction.

7. In paragraph 1, A battery cell pressurizing device in which the grip body is movable in the height direction, length direction, and width direction of the pressure reducing member insertion unit, and accordingly, the pressure reducing member is positioned on the mounting portion of the jig unit, and alignment is possible between the pressure reducing member and the mounting portion.

8. In paragraph 1, The above pressure reducing member is a pressure pressurizing device of a battery cell, which is a sensor that detects pressure in an electrical manner.

9. In paragraph 8, The above pressure-sensitive member is a pressure sensor or an electronic pressure-sensitive device, a pressurizing device for a battery cell.

10. In paragraph 1, A pressurizing device for a battery cell, wherein the pressure-sensitive member includes at least one pressure sensor arranged over a large area of the main body and senses a pressure value applied to the pressure-sensitive member mounted on the mounting portion.

11. In paragraph 1, The above pressure reducing member includes a plurality of pressure sensors arranged over a large area of the main body, A pressurizing device for a battery cell, wherein the plurality of pressure sensors are arranged in at least one row and at least one column, and each of the plurality of pressure sensors senses a pressure applied to each sub-region of the pressure-sensitive member.

12. In paragraph 11, The above pressure reducing member: A detection unit that receives pressure data from the plurality of pressure sensors and determines whether the pressure data falls within a predetermined range; and A pressurizing device for a battery cell, further comprising a connecting portion electrically connecting between the detection portion and the plurality of pressure sensors.

13. In paragraph 12, A pressurizing device for a battery cell, wherein the pressure reducing member further includes a transmission unit that transmits pressure data from the detection unit.

14. In paragraph 11, The above pressure reducing member further includes a first connecting portion arranged in the row direction of the pressure reducing member and a second connecting portion arranged in the column direction, A pressurizing device for a battery cell, wherein the first connecting portion electrically connects at least one pressure sensor arranged in each row, and the second connecting portion electrically connects at least one pressure sensor arranged in each column.

15. In paragraph 14, The above pressure reducing member includes a first detection unit electrically connected to the first connecting unit and a second detection unit electrically connected to the second connecting unit, The first detection unit determines whether the pressure data received by the first connection unit falls within a predetermined range, A battery cell pressurizing device, wherein the second detection unit determines whether the pressure data received by the second connection unit falls within a predetermined range.

16. In paragraph 15, The first detection unit transmits the pressure data of the row of the first connection unit that transmits the pressure data that does not fall within the predetermined range among the first connection units of the plurality of rows and the pressure data of the corresponding row, The second detection unit is a battery cell pressurizing device that transmits the pressure data of the second connection unit that transmits the pressure data that does not fall within the predetermined range among the second connection units of the plurality of rows and the pressure data of the corresponding row.

17. In paragraph 15, A pressurizing device for a battery cell, wherein the pressure data is at least one of the pressure values sensed from each of the plurality of pressure sensors, the sum or average value of the pressure values of the plurality of pressure sensors, and the maximum or minimum value among the pressure values sensed from the plurality of pressure sensors.

18. In paragraph 1, A pressurizing device for a battery cell, wherein the pressing force or flatness of the pressurizing jig of the jig unit or the pressing force or flatness of the mounting portion is calculated based on the pressure data detected in the pressure reducing member.

19. In paragraph 11, The pressurizing device of the battery cell further comprises a control unit integrated into or remotely connected to the jig unit, A pressurizing device for a battery cell, wherein the control unit controls the pressing force or flatness of the pressurizing jig of the jig unit or the pressing force or flatness of the mounting portion according to the pressure detected by the pressure reducing member.

20. In paragraph 1, The pressurizing device of the above battery cell can perform charging and discharging while pressurizing the battery cell, The pressurizing unit further comprises at least two cell pressurizing units per mounting portion, A battery cell pressurizing device, wherein the cell pressurizing unit includes a charge / discharge terminal, and when the battery cell is pressurized by the pressurizing jig, the charge / discharge terminal comes into contact with the electrode lead of the battery cell.

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