Tray for activating battery cell and battery cell produced using same, and battery pack and vehicle comprising battery cells

Abstract

Disclosed are a tray for activating a battery cell and a battery cell produced using same, and a battery pack and a vehicle comprising battery cells. A tray for activating a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which the battery cell is seated and an activation process is performed, comprises: a pair of inner frames supporting both ends of the battery cell, respectively; an outer frame to which the inner frames are coupled; and a pressing member disposed between the pair of inner frames and pressing the center of the battery cell.

Description

Battery cell activation tray and battery cells produced using the same, and battery packs and vehicles including battery cells

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0052875, filed on April 19, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery cell activation tray and a battery cell produced using the same, a battery pack including the battery cell, and a vehicle, and more particularly, to a battery cell activation tray capable of improving impregnation of an electrolyte, a battery cell produced using the same, and a battery pack including the battery cell and a vehicle.

[0003] Secondary batteries, which have high applicability according to product group and electrical characteristics such as high energy density, are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) driven by electrical power sources.

[0004] These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for environmental friendliness and energy efficiency because they not only have the primary advantage of drastically reducing the use of fossil fuels, but also have the advantage of producing no byproducts from energy use.

[0005] Commonly used secondary battery types include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of these unit secondary battery cells ranges from approximately 2.5 V to 4.5 V.

[0006] Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery module or battery pack. Furthermore, depending on the required charge / discharge capacity, a number of battery cells are connected in parallel to form a battery module or battery pack. Accordingly, the number and electrical connection configuration of battery cells included in a battery module or battery pack can be varied depending on at least one of the required output voltage and charge / discharge capacity.

[0007] Meanwhile, pouch-shaped, cylindrical, and square-shaped secondary battery cells are known as types of secondary battery cells. The process of assembling a battery cell involves placing an electrode assembly, including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the positive and negative electrodes, in a case and then injecting and impregnating the electrode assembly with an electrolyte.

[0008] And, after impregnating the case with electrolyte, the battery cell is activated. For example, the activation process of the battery cell is performed by applying current to the battery cell using a charging / discharging device equipped with charging / discharging pins.

[0009] Here, the battery cells are placed on the activation tray to activate the battery cells.

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a conventional battery cell activation tray.

[0011] Referring to FIG. 1, an activation tray (2) of a conventional battery cell (1) includes a main body (3) and a pair of supports (4) that are inserted into the main body (3) and support both ends of the battery cell (1), respectively.

[0012] However, the conventional activation tray (2) has a pair of supports (4) that only support both ends of the battery cell (1), and does not support or pressurize the center (5) of the battery cell (1), so that the electrolyte is not impregnated in any part of the center (4) of the battery cell (1) or the impregnation is insufficient, and accordingly, there is a problem in that lithium is precipitated from the final battery cell (1), causing a defect in the battery cell (1).

[0013] Accordingly, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery cell activation tray capable of improving impregnation of an electrolyte, a battery cell produced using the same, and a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery cell.

[0014] In addition, the present invention provides a battery cell activation tray capable of preventing lithium precipitation from a final battery cell and thus preventing defects in the battery cell, a battery cell produced using the same, and a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery cell.

[0015] In addition, the present invention provides a battery cell activation tray that is advantageous in terms of cost, as electrolyte impregnation can be improved simply by adding a pressurizing member to an existing battery cell activation tray, and a battery cell produced using the same, and a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery cell.

[0016] 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.

[0017] According to one aspect of the present invention, a battery cell activation tray on which a battery cell is mounted and an activation process is performed may be provided, the battery cell activation tray including a pair of inner frames each supporting both ends of the battery cell; an outer frame to which the inner frames are coupled; and a pressing member disposed between the pair of inner frames and pressing a central portion of the battery cell.

[0018] In one embodiment, the pressurizing member may include a bottom portion coupled to the outer frame; and a plurality of pressurizing members coupled to the bottom portion.

[0019] In one embodiment, the plurality of pressurized portions are spaced apart at a preset interval, and the battery cell can be inserted into the interval between the plurality of pressurized portions.

[0020] In one embodiment, the battery cell can be inserted into the gap between the plurality of pressurized portions in a force-fit manner.

[0021] In one embodiment, the pressurizing portion may be formed in a flat plate shape.

[0022] In one embodiment, the plurality of pressurizing members may have elasticity.

[0023] In one embodiment, the plurality of pressurizing members may be formed in the form of a plate spring.

[0024] In one embodiment, at least one of the plurality of pressurizing portions may have a plurality of protrusions formed thereon.

[0025] In one embodiment, the plurality of pressurizing portions may be configured to move toward or away from each other so that the gap between the plurality of pressurizing portions is adjusted.

[0026] In one embodiment, round portions may be formed in the plurality of pressurized portions to facilitate insertion of the battery cells.

[0027] In one embodiment, the bottom portion may be formed with a rib portion for being fixed to the outer frame as a fastening member.

[0028] In one embodiment, a plurality of through holes may be formed in the bottom portion.

[0029] Meanwhile, according to another aspect of the present invention, a battery cell produced using the above-described battery cell activation tray can be provided, and further, a battery pack including at least one of the above-described battery cells can be provided, and further, a vehicle including at least one of the above-described battery cells can be provided.

[0030] Embodiments of the present invention have the effect of improving impregnation of an electrolyte.

[0031] Additionally, it has the effect of preventing lithium precipitation from the final battery cell, thereby preventing defects in the battery cell.

[0032] In addition, it is advantageous in terms of cost because electrolyte impregnation can be improved simply by adding a pressurizing member to an existing battery cell activation tray.

[0033] 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.

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

[0035] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a conventional battery cell activation tray.

[0036] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a battery cell activation tray according to one embodiment of the present invention, wherein a battery cell is separated from the activation tray.

[0037] Figure 3 shows the battery cells in Figure 2 mounted on the activation tray.

[0038] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a battery cell activation tray according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 5 is a partial view showing a battery cell mounted on an inner frame and a pressure member in a battery cell activation tray according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of Figure 5.

[0041] Fig. 7 is a drawing illustrating a modified embodiment of Fig. 6.

[0042] FIG. 8 is a drawing of a battery cell activation tray according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above, showing a battery cell mounted on a pressure member.

[0043] FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating a modified embodiment of one embodiment of the present invention, in which the spacing between a plurality of pressurizing portions of a pressurizing member is adjusted.

[0044] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing another modified embodiment of one embodiment of the present invention, in which a plurality of protrusions are formed on a pressing portion of a pressing member.

[0045] Figure 11 is another modified embodiment of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' of Fig. 11, illustrating a process in which a battery cell is inserted into a plurality of elastic pressurized portions.

[0047] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a battery pack including battery cells produced using a battery cell activation tray according to each embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 14 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle including a battery pack according to each embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a battery cell activation tray according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein a battery cell is separated from the activation tray, FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a battery cell in FIG. 2 seated on the activation tray, FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a battery cell activation tray according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a drawing showing only a portion of a battery cell in an activation tray according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein a battery cell is seated on an inner frame and a pressing member, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A' of FIG. 5, FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of FIG. 6, and FIG. 8 is a drawing of a battery cell in an activation tray according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein a battery cell is seated on a pressing member, as seen from above.

[0053] A battery cell activation tray (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention is a tray on which a battery cell (20) is installed, electrolyte impregnation is performed, and an activation process is also performed.

[0054] As described above, in the manufacturing process of a battery cell (20), an electrolyte is injected through one side of the case of the battery cell (20) in which the electrode assembly is housed, and then the cell case is sealed. Then, the battery cell (20) into which the electrolyte has been injected is placed on the battery cell activation tray (10), and impregnation with the electrolyte takes place inside the cell case.

[0055] A battery cell activation tray (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention can improve the impregnation of electrolyte by pressurizing the center (22) of a battery cell (20) mounted on the activation tray. This will be described in detail below.

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, a battery cell activation tray (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a pair of inner frames (100), an outer frame (200), and a pressure member (300).

[0057] The inner frame (100) is configured as a pair and supports each end of the battery cell (20). Then, the inner frame (100) is connected to the outer frame (200).

[0058] Here, the battery cell (20) can be configured in various ways, and may be a pouch-type battery cell (20), but is not limited thereto.

[0059] The battery cell (20) may have a structure in which a plurality of unit cells arranged in the order of positive plate-separator-negative plate or bi-cells arranged in the order of positive plate-separator-negative plate-separator-positive plate-separator-negative plate are stacked according to the battery capacity.

[0060] The battery cell (20) may be equipped with an electrode lead (21). The electrode lead (21) is a type of terminal that is exposed to the outside and connected to an external device, and may be made of a conductive material. The electrode lead (21) may include a positive electrode lead and a negative electrode lead.

[0061] The positive electrode lead and the negative electrode lead may be positioned in opposite directions with respect to the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (20), or the positive electrode lead and the negative electrode lead may be positioned in the same direction with respect to the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (20).

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, for example, the inner frame (100) can support the battery cell (20) at a position close to the electrode lead (21) of the battery cell (20).

[0063] An inner frame (100) is coupled to an outer frame (200). In addition, a pressure member (300) may be coupled thereto. That is, the outer frame (200) is configured to support the inner frame (100) and the pressure member (300). However, if necessary, the pressure member (300) may be configured to be coupled to the inner frame (100) rather than the outer frame (200).

[0064] Referring to FIG. 2, a pressure member (300) is placed between a pair of inner frames (100). And, referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, the pressure member (300) is configured to pressurize the center (22) of the battery cell (20).

[0065] Here, the center (22) of the battery cell (20) does not mean only the exact center of the battery cell (20) in the horizontal direction, and it should be understood that the center corresponds to a case where the exact center of the battery cell (20) and a non-center portion are included together.

[0066] In the case of a pouch-type battery cell, if a pair of inner frames (100) support only the ends on both sides, the electrolyte sags downward from the center (22) of the battery cell (20), so the electrolyte cannot move upward from the center (22), and thus a portion that is not impregnated occurs in the center (22) of the battery cell (20).

[0067] In this way, if impregnation is not performed or is insufficiently performed in the center (22) of the battery cell (20), as described above, there is a problem in that lithium is precipitated from the final battery cell (20) and a defect occurs in the battery cell (20).

[0068] To solve this problem, the pressurizing member (300) pressurizes the center (22) of the battery cell (20) to cause the electrolyte to move to the upper side of the battery cell (20), thereby ensuring sufficient impregnation even in the center (22) of the battery cell (20).

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the pressurizing member (300) may include a bottom portion (310) and a plurality of pressurizing members (320). The bottom portion (310) is coupled to the outer frame (200). There are various ways in which the bottom portion (310) is coupled to the outer frame (200). For example, a rib portion (311, see FIG. 8) may be formed on the bottom portion (310), and various types of fastening members, for example, bolts, may be configured to be fixed to the outer frame (200) through the rib portion (311).

[0070] In this way, by the method in which the pressure member (300) is connected to the outer frame (200) through the fastening member, it is possible to improve electrolyte impregnation by adding the pressure member (300) to the existing battery cell activation tray.

[0071] That is, if a fastening hole is formed in the existing battery cell activation tray to which a fastening member can be fastened, the pressing member (300) provided in the battery cell activation tray (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention can be fastened, so there is no need to separately manufacture the entire battery cell activation tray, and accordingly, there is an advantageous effect in terms of cost.

[0072] Referring to Fig. 8, a plurality of through holes (312) may be formed in the bottom portion (310). If the through holes (312) are formed in the bottom portion (310), the overall weight can be reduced, and there is an effect of reducing manufacturing costs.

[0073] A plurality of pressurizing parts (320) are provided, and are connected to the bottom part (310), as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Here, referring to FIGS. 6 and 8, the plurality of pressurizing parts (320) are spaced apart at preset intervals, and the battery cells (20) are inserted into the intervals between the plurality of pressurizing parts (320). And, as shown in FIG. 5, the pressurizing parts (320) pressurize the center (22) of the battery cells (20).

[0074] The battery cell (20) may be inserted into the gap between the plurality of pressurizing members (320) in a force-fit manner so that the pressurizing member (320) can pressurize the central portion (22) of the battery cell (20). In this way, when inserted in a force-fit manner, the pressurizing member (320) can sufficiently pressurize the battery cell (20), and impregnation with the electrolyte can be smoothly achieved in the central portion (22) of the battery cell (20).

[0075] The pressurizing portion (320) can be formed in various shapes, and can be formed in a flat plate shape so as to contact the battery cell (20) and pressurize the battery cell (20). However, the shape of the pressurizing portion (320) can be more diverse.

[0076] In addition, if the end of the pressurizing portion (320) is sharp, the battery cell (20) may be damaged when inserted between the pressurizing portions (320). To prevent this and facilitate insertion of the battery cell (20), referring to FIG. 7, round portions (321) may be formed on a plurality of pressurizing portions (320).

[0077] FIG. 9 is a drawing illustrating a modified embodiment of one embodiment of the present invention, in which the spacing between a plurality of pressurizing portions of a pressurizing member is adjusted.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 9, the plurality of pressurizing parts (320) may be configured such that the spacing between the plurality of pressurizing parts (320) is adjusted. For example, the plurality of pressurizing parts (320) may be configured to move toward or away from each other.

[0079] That is, the gap between the plurality of pressurizing parts (320) is widened to insert the battery cell (20) between the plurality of pressurizing parts (320), and then the gap between the plurality of pressurizing parts (320) can be narrowed. As a result, the insertion of the battery cell (20) between the plurality of pressurizing parts (320) becomes easier, and the gap between the plurality of pressurizing parts (320) is narrowed to sufficiently pressurize the center (22) of the battery cell (20).

[0080] Here, the method by which the gap between the plurality of pressurizing parts (320) is adjusted may vary. For example, the worker may manually hold the pressurizing part (320) and then move the pressurizing part (320), or the pressurizing part (320) may be connected to a motor or the like and moved along a guide (e.g., an LM guide).

[0081] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing another modified embodiment of one embodiment of the present invention, in which a plurality of protrusions are formed on a pressing portion of a pressing member.

[0082] Referring to Fig. 10, at least one of the plurality of pressurizing portions (320) may be formed with a plurality of protrusions (322). The protrusions (322) formed on the pressurizing portion (320) may more easily pressurize the battery cell (20), and further, the degree of pressurization may be adjusted by forming larger or more protrusions (322) in a portion of the battery cell (20) that requires more pressurization for impregnation.

[0083] FIG. 11 is another modified embodiment of one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B' of FIG. 11, illustrating a process in which a battery cell is inserted into a plurality of elastic pressurized portions.

[0084] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the plurality of pressurizing members (320) may be configured to have elasticity. For this purpose, the plurality of pressurizing members (320) may be formed in the form of a plate spring, but are not limited thereto.

[0085] That is, as shown in Fig. 12, when two adjacent pressurizing portions (320) are spread apart and a battery cell (20) is inserted between the two pressurizing portions (320), the pressurizing portion (320) having elasticity can sufficiently pressurize the battery cell (20) by elastic restoring force. However, the pressurizing portion (320) does not necessarily have to be formed in the shape of a plate spring, and various modified shapes are possible as long as it can have elasticity.

[0086] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a battery pack including battery cells produced using a battery cell activation tray according to each embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] Referring to FIG. 13, 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) are produced using a battery cell activation tray (10) according to each embodiment of the present invention as described above.

[0088] 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.

[0089] Referring to FIG. 13, the battery cell (20) is directly housed inside the pack housing (31), but the battery cell (20) may be housed in a module case, and the module case (battery module) in which the battery cell (20) is housed may be housed in the pack housing (31).

[0090] FIG. 14 is a drawing for explaining a vehicle including a battery pack according to each embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 14, a vehicle (40) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery packs (30) according to each of the embodiments described above. In addition, the battery pack (30) may include one or more battery cells (20) as described above.

[0092] Here, the battery cell (20) is produced using the battery cell activation tray (10) according to each embodiment of the present invention as described above.

[0093] The above-mentioned vehicle (40) may include various vehicles that are designed to use electricity, such as electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles.

[0094] 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.

[0095] 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.

[0096] The present invention relates to a battery cell activation tray and a battery cell produced using the same, and a battery pack and a vehicle including the battery cell, and is particularly applicable to industries related to secondary batteries.

Claims

1. A battery cell activation tray where battery cells are installed and the activation process is performed. A pair of inner frames each supporting one end of the battery cell; an outer frame to which the inner frame is coupled; and A battery cell activation tray disposed between the pair of inner frames and including a pressing member that pressurizes the center of the battery cell.

2. In paragraph 1, The above pressurizing member is, a bottom portion coupled to the outer frame; and A battery cell activation tray characterized by including a plurality of pressurizing members coupled to the bottom portion.

3. In paragraph 2, The above plurality of pressurized parts are spaced apart at preset intervals, A battery cell activation tray, characterized in that the battery cell is inserted into the gap between the plurality of pressurized portions.

4. In paragraph 3, A battery cell activation tray characterized in that the battery cell is inserted into the gap between the plurality of pressurized portions in a force-fit manner.

5. In paragraph 2, A battery cell activation tray characterized in that the above pressurized portion is formed in a flat plate shape.

6. In paragraph 2, A battery cell activation tray characterized in that the plurality of pressurizing parts have elasticity.

7. In paragraph 6, A battery cell activation tray characterized in that the plurality of pressurizing parts are formed in the shape of a plate spring.

8. In paragraph 2, A battery cell activation tray characterized in that at least one of the plurality of pressurized portions has a plurality of protrusions formed thereon.

9. In paragraph 2, A battery cell activation tray characterized in that the plurality of pressurizing parts are configured to be movable toward or away from each other so that the gap between the plurality of pressurizing parts is adjusted.

10. In paragraph 2, A battery cell activation tray characterized in that a round portion is formed in the plurality of pressurized portions to facilitate insertion of the battery cells.

11. In paragraph 2, A battery cell activation tray characterized in that a rib portion is formed on the bottom portion to be fixed to the outer frame as a fastening member.

12. In paragraph 2, A battery cell activation tray characterized in that a plurality of through holes are formed in the bottom portion.

13. A battery cell produced using a battery cell activation tray according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A battery pack comprising at least one battery cell according to paragraph 13.

15. A vehicle comprising at least one battery cell according to paragraph 13.

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