Secondary battery pressing device and secondary battery pressing method using same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pressing device for a secondary battery comprising a battery case for accommodating an electrode assembly in which a pair of electrode leads are positioned to face each other, and a sealing part at the edge of the battery case, and a pressing method using same, wherein the secondary battery pressing device is characterized by comprising: a pair of pressing plates positioned in one side direction and the other side direction of the battery case; a pair of contact plates coming into close contact with the battery case by means of the pair of pressing plates; and a pair of contact members coming into close contact with corner parts of the battery case by means of the pair of pressing plates.

Description

Secondary battery pressurizing device and secondary battery pressurizing method using the same

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0084227, filed June 27, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a secondary battery pressurizing device and a secondary battery pressurizing method using the same, and more specifically, to a secondary battery pressurizing device capable of uniformly pressurizing a secondary battery as a whole, and a secondary battery pressurizing method using the same.

[0003]

[0004] As technological development and demand for mobile devices increase, rechargeable secondary batteries are increasingly being used as energy sources for a variety of mobile devices. Secondary batteries are also attracting attention as an energy source for electric and hybrid electric vehicles, offering an alternative to conventional gasoline and diesel vehicles that rely on fossil fuels.

[0005] Secondary batteries are classified into cylindrical and prismatic batteries, in which the electrode assembly is built into a cylindrical or prismatic metal can, and pouch-type batteries, in which the electrode assembly is built into a pouch-type case made of aluminum laminate sheet, depending on the shape of the battery case.

[0006] A typical pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing process includes inserting an electrode assembly into a battery case accommodating space made of a laminate sheet, injecting an electrolyte inside the battery case, sealing it, and performing an activation process. In this activation process, a formation jig that pressurizes the battery cell is used.

[0007] Fig. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a part of a pouch-type secondary battery pressurizing device according to the prior art, Fig. 2 is a plan view for explaining a pouch-type secondary battery, and Fig. 3 is a side view for explaining a pouch-type secondary battery.

[0008] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the activation process of the secondary battery (10) can be performed by pressing a secondary battery (10) placed between a plurality of pressurizing plates (1) with the pressurizing plates (1).

[0009] However, when manufacturing an electrode that constitutes an electrode assembly, the electrode material is coated in a slurry state, and at this time, due to the fluidity of the slurry, the central part of the electrode may be flat, but the ends of the electrode may be thin, thereby forming a so-called sliding region of the electrode.

[0010] Due to this sliding area, the secondary battery (10) has a thickness deviation in the central portion and near the tab portion, forming a step, and during the process using the formation jig, pressure is applied unevenly due to the step, which causes a problem in that quantifiable pressurization is impossible.

[0011]

[0012] (Prior art literature)

[0013] (Patent Document 1) Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2024-0044781

[0014]

[0015] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a secondary battery pressurizing device capable of uniformly applying pressure to the central portion and the vicinity of the tab portion of a pouch-type secondary battery during an activation process, and a secondary battery pressurizing method using the same.

[0016]

[0017] As a technical means for achieving the above purpose, a secondary battery pressurizing device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a pressurizing device for a secondary battery including a battery case (11) that houses an electrode assembly in which a pair of electrode leads (12) are positioned facing each other, and a sealing portion (S) at an edge of the battery case (11), characterized by including: a pair of pressurizing plates (100) positioned on one side and the other side of the battery case (11); a pair of contact plates (200) that are in contact with the battery case (11) by the pair of pressurizing plates (100); and a pair of contact members (300) that are in contact with a corner portion (11b) of the battery case (11) by the pair of pressurizing plates (100).

[0018] In addition, in the secondary battery pressurizing device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the pair of contact members (300) are characterized in that they are made of a shape memory alloy material.

[0019] In addition, in a secondary battery pressurizing device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the shape memory alloy material is characterized in that it includes Cu, Zn, and Al materials.

[0020] In addition, in the secondary battery pressurizing device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the pair of contact plates (200) includes a first contact plate (210) and a second contact plate (220) positioned to face one side and the other side of the battery case (11), respectively, and the pair of contact members (300) includes a first contact member (310) and a second contact member (320) provided on the first contact plate (210) and the second contact plate (220), respectively, to face one side and the other side of the battery case (11), respectively.

[0021] In addition, in the secondary battery pressurizing device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the first contact member (310) is characterized by including a 1a member (311) fixed to the first contact plate (210) so as to be in close contact with a corner part (11b) located on one side of the corner parts (11b) formed on one side of the battery case (11), and a 1b member (312) that is in close contact with a corner part (11b) located on the other side of the corner parts (11b) formed on one side of the battery case (11), and is movable along the longitudinal direction of the 1a member (311).

[0022] In addition, in the secondary battery pressurizing device according to one embodiment of the present invention, each of the first a member (311) and the first b member (312) is provided in a square frame shape, and the thickness of each side frame in close contact with the corner portion (11b) of the first a member (311) and the first b member (312) is provided to be greater than the thickness of the corner portion (11b).

[0023] In addition, in the secondary battery pressurizing device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the first contact member (310) is characterized in that it further includes a plurality of first fixing members (313) connected to the first contact plate (210) to fix the 1a member (311) to the first contact plate (210), and a plurality of first connecting members (314) connected to the 1b member (312) to the first contact plate (210).

[0024] In addition, in the secondary battery pressurizing device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the second contact member (320) is characterized by including a second a member (321) fixed to the second contact plate (220) so as to be in close contact with a corner part (11b) located on one side of the corner parts (11b) formed on the other surface of the battery case (11), and a second b member (322) that is in close contact with a corner part (11b) located on the other side of the corner parts (11b) formed on the other surface of the battery case (11), and is movable along the longitudinal direction of the second a member (321).

[0025] In addition, in the secondary battery pressurizing device according to one embodiment of the present invention, each of the second a member (321) and the second b member (322) is provided in a square frame shape, and the thickness of each side frame in contact with the corner portion (11b) of the second a member (321) and the second b member (322) is provided to be greater than the thickness of the corner portion (11b).

[0026] In addition, in the secondary battery pressurizing device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the second contact member (320) is characterized in that it further includes a plurality of second fixing members (323) connected to the second contact plate (220) to fix the second a member (321) to the second contact plate (220), and a plurality of second connecting members (324) connected to the second b member (322) to the second contact plate (220).

[0027] In addition, in the secondary battery pressurizing device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the pair of contact plates (200) includes a first contact plate (210) that presses one surface of the battery case (11) and a second contact plate (220) that presses the other surface of the battery case (11), and the first contact plate (210) and the second contact plate (220) are characterized in that they are made of a metal including an aluminum material.

[0028] In addition, a method for pressurizing a secondary battery using a secondary battery pressurizing device according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by including the steps of (S1) positioning the secondary battery (10) between a pair of contact plates (200) having the contact member (300) provided on the inner surface thereof; and (S2) pressing the secondary battery (10) by moving the pair of pressurizing plates (100).

[0029] In addition, the secondary battery pressurization method according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by further including, before the step (S1), a step of heating the pair of adhesive members (300) in a preset first temperature range to perform shape memory processing.

[0030] In addition, the secondary battery pressurization method according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the step (S2) is heated in a second temperature range lower than the first temperature range.

[0031] In addition, the secondary battery pressurization method according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by further including, before the step (S2), a step of varying the length of the sealing member (300) to correspond to the length of the first pocket portion that accommodates the electrode assembly of the battery case (11).

[0032]

[0033] As described above, according to the pressurizing device of the secondary battery and the pressurizing method using the same according to the present invention, a pair of contact members that contact the corners of the battery case are provided with a shape memory alloy material, so that the contact members can press the corners while changing their shape to correspond to the shape of the corners, thereby having the advantage of being able to press the flat portion and the corners of the secondary battery with uniform pressure.

[0034] In addition, according to the pressurizing device of the secondary battery and the pressurizing method using the same according to the present invention, since a pair of sealing members is provided so as to be variable in the direction of the entire length of the battery case, there is an advantage in that secondary batteries of various sizes can be pressurized by deforming the pair of sealing members to correspond to the length of the secondary battery.

[0035]

[0036] Figure 1 is a conceptual diagram showing a part of a pouch-type secondary battery pressurizing device according to the prior art.

[0037] Figure 2 is a plan view for explaining a pouch-type secondary battery.

[0038] Figure 3 is a side view illustrating a pouch-type secondary battery.

[0039] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a secondary battery pressurizing device according to the present invention.

[0040] Figure 5 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a sealing member is fixed to a sealing plate of a secondary battery pressurizing device according to the present invention.

[0041] Figure 6 is a front view illustrating a state in which a sealing member is fixed to a sealing plate of a secondary battery pressurizing device according to the present invention.

[0042] Figure 7 is a side view illustrating a state in which a sealing member is fixed to a sealing plate of a secondary battery pressurizing device according to the present invention.

[0043] Figure 8 is a front view illustrating a variable appearance of a sealing member fixed to a sealing plate of a secondary battery pressurizing device according to the present invention.

[0044] Figure 9 is a drawing of a secondary battery pressurizing device according to the present invention viewed from above, with the device positioned on one side and the other side of the secondary battery.

[0045] FIG. 10 is a drawing of a sealing member of a secondary battery pressurizing device according to the present invention, the length of which is variable to correspond to the length of the first pocket portion of the secondary battery, as viewed from above.

[0046] Figure 11 is a drawing of a secondary battery pressurizing device according to the present invention, viewed from above, showing a pressurizing plate pressurizing a contact plate and a contact member.

[0047] Figure 12 is a drawing of a secondary battery pressurizing device according to the present invention, showing a state in which a sealing member is in contact with a corner of a battery case of a secondary battery, as viewed from above.

[0048] Figure 13 is a drawing of the sealing member of the secondary battery pressurizing device according to the present invention being deformed at the corner of the battery case when pressed, as seen from above.

[0049] FIG. 14 is a drawing for explaining the state in which the sealing member of the secondary battery pressurizing device according to the present invention is deformed at the corner of the battery case due to pressure, and is a cross-sectional view viewed from above after cutting along the line II illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0050]

[0051] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail, so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. However, when describing the operating principles of preferred embodiments of the present invention in detail, if a detailed description of a related, known function or configuration is judged to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, such detailed description will be omitted.

[0052] Additionally, the same drawing reference numerals are used for parts with similar functions and actions throughout the drawings. Throughout the specification, when a part is said to be connected to another part, this includes not only direct connections but also indirect connections with other elements intervening. Furthermore, inclusion of a component does not exclude other components unless specifically stated otherwise, but rather implies the inclusion of additional components.

[0053]

[0054] Below, a pressurizing device for a secondary battery according to the present invention and a pressurizing method using the same are described.

[0055] First, referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the secondary battery (10) may be a pouch-type secondary battery configured to include a battery case (11) that houses an electrode assembly (not shown) in which a pair of electrode leads (12) are positioned facing each other, and a sealing portion (S) at the edge of the battery case (11). At this time, the battery case (11) may be configured with a first pocket portion that houses the electrode assembly and a second pocket portion (not shown) for gas collection.

[0056] A pair of electrode leads (12) may be provided as a positive electrode lead and a negative electrode lead.

[0057] Meanwhile, the battery case (11) is manufactured using a laminate sheet composed of an outer covering layer, a metal layer, and an inner covering layer.

[0058] Since the inner covering layer is in direct contact with the electrode assembly, it must have insulation and electrolytic resistance, and in order to seal it from the outside, the sealing area where the inner layers are thermally bonded must have excellent thermal bonding strength.

[0059] Materials for the inner covering layer may be selected from, but are not limited to, polyolefin resins such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene acrylic acid, and polybutylene, which have excellent chemical resistance and good sealing properties, polyurethane resins, and polyimide resins, and polypropylene, which has excellent mechanical properties such as tensile strength, rigidity, surface hardness, and impact strength, and excellent chemical resistance, is most preferable.

[0060] The metal layer in contact with the inner covering layer serves as a barrier layer that prevents moisture or various gases from penetrating into the battery from the outside, and a preferred material for this metal layer is an aluminum film that is lightweight and has excellent formability.

[0061] And the other side of the metal layer is provided with an outer covering layer, and this outer covering layer can use a heat-resistant polymer with excellent tensile strength, moisture permeability, and air permeability to protect the electrode assembly while ensuring heat resistance and chemical resistance, and examples thereof include, but are not limited to, nylon or polyethylene terephthalate.

[0062] Meanwhile, the electrode assembly housed in the battery case (11) may be formed of a jelly-roll type electrode assembly having a structure in which a separator is interposed between a long sheet-shaped negative electrode and a positive electrode and then rolled up, a stack type electrode assembly having unit cells having a structure in which rectangular positive and negative electrodes are stacked with a separator interposed between them, a stack-folding type electrode assembly in which the unit cells are rolled up by a long separator film, or a lamination-stack type electrode assembly in which the unit cells are stacked with a separator interposed between them and attached to each other, but is not limited thereto.

[0063] The positive electrode is composed of a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode active material applied to the upper and lower surfaces of the positive electrode current collector. A conductive material and a binder may be mixed with the positive electrode active material, and a filler may be further added as needed.

[0064] The negative electrode is composed of a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material applied to the lower and upper surfaces of the negative electrode current collector. A conductive material and a binder may be additionally mixed into the negative electrode active material and coated on the negative electrode current collector.

[0065] The separator prevents shorting between the aforementioned negative electrode and positive electrode and only allows the movement of lithium ions. The material of the separator is preferably one selected from among polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene / polypropylene double layer, polyethylene / polypropylene / polyethylene triple layer, polypropylene / polyethylene / polypropylene triple layer, and organic fiber filter paper, but is not limited thereto.

[0066] Meanwhile, when manufacturing an electrode that constitutes an electrode assembly, the electrode material is coated in a slurry state. At this time, due to the fluidity of the slurry, the central part of the electrode may be flat, but the edges of the electrode may be thin, thereby forming a so-called sliding region of the electrode.

[0067] Accordingly, the battery case (11) in which the electrode assembly is stored may be provided with a flat portion (11a) corresponding to the central region of the electrode where the slurry is evenly coated, and a corner portion (11b) formed corresponding to the sliding region of the electrode.

[0068]

[0069] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a secondary battery pressurizing device according to the present invention.

[0070] A secondary battery pressurizing device according to one embodiment of the present invention for pressurizing a secondary battery (10) having the aforementioned configuration may be configured to include a pair of pressurizing plates (100), a pair of contact plates (200), and a pair of contact members (300).

[0071] First, a pair of pressure plates (100) can be positioned on one side and the other side of the battery case (11) while the secondary battery (10) is positioned in a vertical direction (12 o'clock to 6 o'clock direction based on FIG. 4).

[0072] At this time, a pair of pressure plates (100) may include a first pressure plate (110) driven toward one side of the battery case (11) (10 o'clock direction as shown in FIG. 4) and a second pressure plate (120) driven toward the other side of the battery case (11) (4 o'clock direction as shown in FIG. 4). Here, the first pressure plate (110) and the second pressure plate (120) may be provided to drive toward the secondary battery (10) and transmit a pressure force to the secondary battery (10).

[0073] In addition, the first pressure plate (110) and the second pressure plate (120) may be provided with a material having rigidity so as to press one side and the other side of the battery case (11). More specifically, the first pressure plate (110) and the second pressure plate (120) may be provided with a metal, and for example, may be provided with a metal including aluminum.

[0074] A pair of contact plates (200) may be provided to be in contact with the battery case (11) by a pair of pressure plates (100). This pair of contact plates (200) may include a first contact plate (210) and a second contact plate (220) positioned facing one side and the other side of the battery case (11), respectively.

[0075] The first contact plate (210) is pressed to the other side (4 o'clock direction as shown in FIG. 4) by the first pressure plate (110) and can transmit a pressing force to one surface of the battery case (11). In addition, the second contact plate (220) is pressed to one side (10 o'clock direction as shown in FIG. 4) by the second pressure plate (120) and can transmit a pressing force to the other surface of the battery case (11). The first contact plate (210) and the second contact plate (220) may be provided to be in contact with each other with the secondary battery (10) therebetween.

[0076] In addition, the first contact plate (210) and the second contact plate (220) may be provided with a material having rigidity to press one side and the other side of the battery case (11). More specifically, the first contact plate (210) and the second contact plate (220) may be provided with a metal, and for example, may be provided with a metal including aluminum.

[0077]

[0078] Fig. 5 is a perspective view for explaining a state in which a sealing member is fixed to a sealing plate of a secondary battery pressurizing device according to the present invention, and Fig. 6 is a front view for explaining a state in which a sealing member is fixed to a sealing plate of a secondary battery pressurizing device according to the present invention. In addition, Fig. 7 is a side view for explaining a state in which a sealing member is fixed to a sealing plate of a secondary battery pressurizing device according to the present invention, and Fig. 8 is a front view for explaining a state in which a sealing member fixed to a sealing plate of a secondary battery pressurizing device according to the present invention is variable.

[0079] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 8 together, a pair of adhesion members (300) may be provided to adhere to a corner portion (11b) of a battery case (11) by a pair of pressure plates (100). This pair of adhesion members (300) may include a first adhesion member (310) and a second adhesion member (320) provided on a first adhesion plate (210) and a second adhesion plate (220), respectively, so as to face one side and the other side of the battery case (11), respectively.

[0080] First, the first adhesion member (310) may be provided on the other side (4 o'clock direction in Fig. 4) of the first adhesion plate (210) so as to face one side of the battery case (11). In addition, the first adhesion member (310) may be driven toward one side of the battery case (11) together with the first adhesion plate (210) by the first pressure plate (110) and may be provided so as to be in contact with the corner portion (11b) of one side of the battery case (11).

[0081] In more detail, the first adhesive member (310) may be configured to include a first a member (311) and a first b member (312), each of which is provided in a square frame shape.

[0082] The first a member (311) can be fixed to the first contact plate (210) so as to be in close contact with a corner portion (11b) located on one side (7 o'clock direction as of FIG. 4) of the corner portions (11b) formed on one side (10 o'clock direction as of FIG. 4) of the battery case (11). At this time, the first a member (311) can be fixed to the first contact plate (210) by the first fixing member (313).

[0083] In detail, the first fixing member (313) is connected to the first contact plate (210) to fix the first a member (311) to the first contact plate (210), and a plurality of first fixing members may be provided. For example, the first fixing member (313) may be provided such that one end is connected to the first a member (311), and the other end is connected to the other surface of the first contact plate (210), so that the first a member (311) is fixed to the first contact plate (210). Here, the first fixing member (313) may be provided as a wire member, for example, but is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0084] Accordingly, the first a member (311) is fixed to the first contact plate (210), and a side frame located on one side (7 o'clock direction in Fig. 4) of the first a member (311) can be fixed to a position corresponding to a corner portion (11b) located on one side of the corner portions (11b) formed on one surface of the battery case (11).

[0085] The thickness of the side frame located on one side that is in close contact with the corner portion (11b) of the first a member (311) may be greater than the thickness of the corner portion (11b). Here, the thickness of the corner portion (11b) may be the thickness from the sealing portion (S) of the edge of the battery case (11) to one side of the first pocket portion of the battery case (11) (thickness in the 12-6 o'clock direction based on FIG. 3).

[0086] In addition, when the first adhesive member (310) is in contact with one surface of the battery case (11) to provide a pressing force, it is preferable that the remaining frames (upper frame, lower frame, and other side frame) that are not in contact with the corner portion (11b) of the first a member (311) be provided with the thinnest possible thickness so that the flat portion (11a) of the battery case is not locally excessively pressed by them.

[0087] In addition, the 1b member (312) is in close contact with a corner (11b) located on the other side (1 o'clock direction as of FIG. 4) of the corner (11b) formed on one side (10 o'clock direction as of FIG. 4) of the battery case (11), and can move along the longitudinal direction of the 1a member (311). Here, the longitudinal direction of the 1a member (311) corresponds to the full-length direction of the battery case (11).

[0088] This first b member (312) can move along the length direction of the first a member (311) to correspond to the length of the first pocket portion that stores the electrode assembly of the battery case (11).

[0089] That is, the length of the first adhesive member (310) can be adjusted to correspond to the full length of the first pocket portion of the battery case (11) through the separation distance between the first a member (311) and the first b member (312).

[0090] At this time, the first b member (312) can be connected to the first connecting member (314) so ​​as to be separated from the first a member (311). The first connecting member (314) connects the first b member (312) to the first contact plate (210), and may be provided in multiple numbers.

[0091] For example, the first connecting member (314) may have one end connected to the first b member (312) and the other end connected to the other surface of the first contact plate (210). At this time, the first b member (312) may be spaced apart from the first a member (311) in a manner corresponding to the length by which the other end of the first connecting member (314) penetrates the other surface of the first contact plate (210).

[0092] More specifically, for example, the first connecting member (314) can provide tensile force to the first connecting member (314) to correspond to the full length of the first pocket portion, thereby adjusting the separation distance between the first a member (311) and the first b member (312). In addition, for example, the first contacting member (310) can be provided with a first fixing block (not shown) at the other end of the first connecting member (314) so ​​that the separation distance between the first a member (311) and the first b member (312) is temporarily fixed. At this time, the first connecting member (314) can be provided as a wire member, for example.

[0093] Of course, it is not limited to the above-described configurations as long as the first connecting member (314) can be used to move and support the first b member (312) and also to temporarily fix it.

[0094] Accordingly, the 1b member (312) is positioned so as to be spaced apart from the 1a member (311), and the side frame located on the other side (1 o'clock direction in FIG. 4) of the 1b member (312) can be temporarily fixed so as to be spaced apart from the 1a member (311) so as to be positioned corresponding to the corner portion (11b) located on the other side among the corner portions (11b) formed on one surface of the battery case (11).

[0095] The thickness of the side frame located on the other side in close contact with the corner portion (11b) of the 1b member (312) may be provided to be greater than the thickness of the corner portion (11b).

[0096] In addition, when the first adhesive member (310) is in contact with one surface of the battery case (11) to provide a pressing force, it is preferable that the remaining frames (upper frame, lower frame, and one side frame) that are not in contact with the corner portion (11b) of the first b member (312) be provided with the thinnest possible thickness so that the flat portion (11a) of the battery case is not locally excessively pressed by them.

[0097] The second contact member (320) may be provided on one side (10 o'clock direction in Fig. 4) of the second contact plate (220) so as to face the other side of the battery case (11). In addition, the second contact member (320) may be driven toward the other side of the battery case (11) together with the second contact plate (220) by the second pressure plate (120) and may be provided so as to be in close contact with the corner portion (11b) of the other side of the battery case (11).

[0098] In more detail, the second adhesive member (320) may be configured to include a second a member (321) and a second b member (322), each of which is provided in a square frame shape.

[0099] First, the second a member (321) can be fixed to the second contact plate (220) so as to be in close contact with a corner (11b) located on one side (7 o'clock direction based on FIG. 4) of the corners (11b) formed on the other side (4 o'clock direction based on FIG. 4) of the battery case (11). At this time, the second a member (321) can be fixed to the second contact plate (220) by the second fixing member (323).

[0100] In detail, the second fixing member (323) is connected to the second contact plate (220) to fix the second a member (321) to the second contact plate (220), and a plurality of members may be provided. For example, the second fixing member (323) may be provided such that one end is connected to the second a member (321), and the other end is connected to one surface of the second contact plate (220), so that the second a member (321) is fixed to the second contact plate (220). At this time, the second fixing member (323) may be provided as a wire member, for example.

[0101] Accordingly, the second a member (321) is fixed to the second contact plate (220), and a side frame located on one side (7 o'clock direction in Fig. 4) of the second a member (321) can be fixed to a position corresponding to a corner portion (11b) located on one side of the corner portions (11b) formed on the other surface of the battery case (11).

[0102] The thickness of the side frame located on one side that is in close contact with the corner portion (11b) of the second a member (321) may be greater than the thickness of the corner portion (11b). Here, the thickness of the corner portion (11b) may be the thickness from the sealing portion (S) of the edge of the battery case (11) to the other surface of the first pocket portion of the battery case (11) (thickness in the 12-6 o'clock direction based on FIG. 3).

[0103] In addition, when the second contact member (320) is in contact with the other surface of the battery case (11) to provide a pressing force, it is preferable that the remaining frames (upper frame, lower frame, and other side frame) that are not in contact with the corner portion (11b) of the second a member (321) be provided with the thinnest possible thickness so that the flat portion (11a) of the battery case is not locally excessively pressed by them.

[0104] In addition, the second b member (322) is in close contact with a corner (11b) located on the other side (1 o'clock direction as of FIG. 4) of the corners (11b) formed on the other side (4 o'clock direction as of FIG. 4) of the battery case (11), and can move along the longitudinal direction of the second a member (321). Here, the longitudinal direction of the second a member (321) corresponds to the full length direction of the battery case (11).

[0105] This second b member (322) can move along the length direction of the second a member (321) to correspond to the length of the first pocket portion that stores the electrode assembly of the battery case (11).

[0106] That is, the length of the second adhesive member (320) can be adjusted to correspond to the full length of the first pocket portion of the battery case (11) through the separation distance between the second a member (321) and the second b member (322).

[0107] At this time, the second b member (322) can be connected to the second connecting member (324) so ​​as to be separated from the second a member (321). The second connecting member (324) connects the second b member (322) to the second contact plate (220), and may be provided in multiple numbers.

[0108] For example, the second connecting member (324) may have one end connected to the second b member (322) and the other end connected to the other surface of the second contact plate (220). At this time, the second b member (322) may be spaced apart from the second a member (321) by a length corresponding to the length at which the other end of the second connecting member (324) penetrates one surface of the second contact plate (220).

[0109] More specifically, for example, the second connecting member (324) can provide tensile force to the second connecting member (324) to correspond to the full length of the first pocket portion, thereby adjusting the separation distance between the second a member (321) and the second b member (322). In addition, for example, the second sealing member (320) can be provided with a second fixing block at the other end of the second connecting member (324) so ​​that the separation distance between the second a member (321) and the second b member (322) is temporarily fixed. At this time, the second connecting member (324) can be provided as a wire member, for example.

[0110] Of course, it is not limited to the above-described configurations as long as the first connecting member (314) can be used to move and support the first b member (312) and also to temporarily fix it.

[0111] Accordingly, the 2b member (322) is positioned so as to be spaced apart from the 2a member (321), and the side frame located on the other side (1 o'clock direction in FIG. 4) of the 2b member (322) can be temporarily fixed so as to be spaced apart from the 2a member (321) so as to be positioned corresponding to the corner portion (11b) located on the other side among the corner portions (11b) formed on the other surface of the battery case (11).

[0112] The thickness of the side frame located on the other side in close contact with the corner portion (11b) of the second b member (322) may be provided to be greater than the thickness of the corner portion (11b).

[0113] In addition, when the second contact member (320) is in contact with the other surface of the battery case (11) to provide a pressing force, it is preferable that the remaining frames (upper frame, lower frame, and one-side frame) that are not in contact with the corner portion (11b) of the second b member (322) be provided with the thinnest possible thickness so that the flat portion (11a) of the battery case is not locally excessively pressed by them.

[0114] In addition, in the secondary battery pressurizing device according to one embodiment of the present invention, the first a member (311) and the second a member (321) are arranged to be located on one side of the battery case (11), and the first b member (312) and the second b member (322) are arranged to be located on the other side of the battery case (11), so that the first connecting member (314) and the second connecting member (324) can be adjusted from the other side to separate the first b member (312) and the second b member (322) from the first a member (311) and the second a member (321), respectively. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first a member (311) and the second a member (321) can be arranged at opposite positions, and the first b member (312) and the second b member (322) can be arranged at opposite positions.

[0115] A pair of such contact members (300) may be provided with a shape memory alloy material. For example, a pair of contact members (300) are brought into contact with corner portions (11b) located on one side and the other side of the battery case (11) respectively by a pair of pressure plates (100), and can be deformed into a shape corresponding to the shape of the corner portion (11b) by the pressure force applied by the pressure plates (100), thereby applying a uniform pressure force to the corner portion (11b).

[0116] For example, the side frame that is in close contact with the corner portion (11b) of a pair of adhesion members (300) may be provided as a rectangular parallelepiped frame extending along the full width direction of the corner portion (11b), or may be provided as a frame having a shape that can be more easily transformed into a shape corresponding to the shape of the rounded corner portion (11b) by wrapping a part of the corner portion (11b).

[0117] In addition, when a pair of sealing members (300) pressurizes a corner portion (11b), a pair of sealing plates (200) may also pressurize one side and the other side of the battery case (11), so that the length in the full width direction of the pair of sealing members (300) may be provided to be longer than the length in the full width direction of the battery case (11).

[0118] In addition, it is preferable that the pair of adhesion members (300) be provided with a shape memory alloy material having high heat transfer. For example, the pair of adhesion members (300) may be provided with a shape memory alloy material including Cu, Zn, and Al materials having relatively high heat transfer compared to titanium alloy, and this may be provided so that after the pair of adhesion members (300) are in contact with the corner portion (11b) and deformed into a shape corresponding to the shape of the corner portion (11b), they are quickly deformed back to their original shape when heated to a certain temperature.

[0119]

[0120] FIG. 9 is a view from above showing a secondary battery pressurizing device according to the present invention positioned on one side and the other side of a secondary battery, and FIG. 10 is a view from above showing a state in which a length of a sealing member of a secondary battery pressurizing device according to the present invention is varied to correspond to the length of a first pocket portion of the secondary battery. In addition, FIG. 11 is a view from above showing a state in which a pressure plate presses a sealing plate and a sealing member in a secondary battery pressurizing device according to the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a view from above showing a state in which a sealing member is in close contact with a corner portion of a battery case of a secondary battery in a secondary battery pressurizing device according to the present invention. Also, FIG. 13 is a drawing showing a state in which a sealing member of a secondary battery pressurizing device according to the present invention is deformed at a corner of a battery case by being pressed, as seen from above, and FIG. 14 is a drawing for explaining a state in which a sealing member of a secondary battery pressurizing device according to the present invention is deformed at a corner of a battery case by being pressed, and is a cross-sectional view seen from above after cutting along line II illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0121] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 14 together, a method for pressing a secondary battery using a secondary battery pressing device according to the present invention includes (S1) a step of positioning a secondary battery (10) between a pair of pressing plates (200) having a pressing member (300) provided on the inner surface, and (S2) a step of pressing the secondary battery (10) by moving a pair of pressing plates (100).

[0122] In addition, prior to step (S1), a step of performing shape memory processing by heating a pair of adhesive members (300) to a preset first temperature range, for example, a range of 90°C to 110°C, may be further included.

[0123] In addition, step (S2) can pressurize the secondary battery (10) while heating a pair of adhesive members (300) to a second temperature range lower than the first temperature range for shape memory processing, for example, a range of 50°C to 80°C.

[0124] In addition, in step (S2), a pair of pressure plates (100) are moved toward the secondary battery (10), and a pair of contact plates (200) and a pair of contact members (300) can be moved according to the movement of the pair of pressure plates (100).

[0125] In addition, in step (S2), the first pressure plate (110) is moved to the other side (6 o'clock direction based on FIG. 12) to pressurize one side (12 o'clock direction based on FIG. 11) of the battery case (11), and at this time, the first pressure plate (110) presses the first contact plate (210) and the first contact member (310) together, and the first contact plate (210) and the first contact member (310) can be moved to the other side together.

[0126] In addition, in step (S2), the first pressure plate (110) presses one side (12 o'clock direction in Fig. 14) of the first contact plate (210) and simultaneously presses the first contact member (310), so that the first contact member (310) can press the corner portion (11b) of one side of the battery case (11).

[0127] At this time, the first adhesive member (310) is pressed by changing its shape to correspond to the shape of the corner portion (11b) of one side of the battery case (11), so that a uniform pressing force can be applied to the corner portion (11b).

[0128] Additionally, in step (S2), the first contact plate (210) can be pressed by the first pressure plate (110) to provide a pressing force to one surface of the battery case (11).

[0129] Also, in step (S2), the second pressure plate (120) is moved to one side (12 o'clock direction based on FIG. 12) to pressurize the battery case (11) surface (6 o'clock direction based on FIG. 11), and at this time, the second pressure plate (120) presses the second contact plate (220) and the second contact member (320) together, and the second contact plate (220) and the second contact member (320) can be moved to one side together.

[0130] In addition, in step (S2), the second pressure plate (120) presses the second contact plate (220) surface (6 o'clock direction in FIG. 14) and simultaneously presses the second contact member (320), so that the second contact member (320) can press the corner portion (11b) of the contact surface of the battery case (11).

[0131] At this time, the second adhesive member (320) is pressed by changing its shape to correspond to the shape of the corner portion (11b) of the other side of the battery case (11), so that a uniform pressing force can be applied to the corner portion (11b).

[0132] Additionally, in step (S2), the second contact plate (220) can be pressed by the second pressure plate (120) to provide a pressing force to the other surface of the battery case (11).

[0133] After the aforementioned (S2) step, for example, after the activation process is completed, in order to pressurize a new secondary battery, the first sealing member (310) and the second sealing member (320) may be heated to a first temperature range to restore the shapes of the first sealing member (310) and the second sealing member (320) to their original shapes.

[0134] In addition, prior to step (S2), a step of varying the length of a pair of adhesive members (300) to correspond to the length of a first pocket portion that accommodates the electrode assembly of the battery case (11) may be further included. Here, the length of the first pocket portion is the length of the first pocket portion in the full-length direction.

[0135]

[0136] As described above, specific parts of the present invention have been described in detail. To those skilled in the art, such specific descriptions are merely preferred embodiments, and the scope of the present invention is not limited thereby. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications are possible within the scope and technical idea of ​​the present invention, and it is natural that such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the appended patent claims.

[0137] (Explanation of symbols)

[0138] 10: Secondary batteries

[0139] 11: Battery case

[0140] 11a: Flat area 11b: Corner area

[0141] 12: Electrode lead

[0142] 100: Pressurized plate

[0143] 110: First pressure plate

[0144] 120: Second pressure plate

[0145] 200: Adhesive plate

[0146] 210: First contact plate

[0147] 220: Second contact plate

[0148] 300: Adhesive member

[0149] 310: First adhesive member

[0150] 311: Absence of 1a 312: Absence of 1b

[0151] 313: First fixed member 314: First connecting member

[0152] 320: Second adhesive member

[0153] 321: Absence of 2a 322: Absence of 2b

[0154] 323: Second fixed member 324: Second connecting member

Claims

1. A pressurizing device for a secondary battery, including a battery case that houses an electrode assembly in which a pair of electrode leads are positioned facing each other, and a sealing portion at the edge of the battery case, A pair of pressure plates positioned on one side and the other side of the battery case; A pair of contact plates that are in close contact with the battery case by the pair of pressure plates; and A secondary battery pressurizing device characterized by including a pair of pressurizing plates and a pair of pressurizing members that are in close contact with the corners of the battery case.

2. In paragraph 1, A secondary battery pressurizing device characterized in that the above pair of adhesive members are made of a shape memory alloy material.

3. In paragraph 2, A secondary battery pressurizing device characterized in that the shape memory alloy material includes Cu, Zn, and Al materials.

4. In paragraph 2, The above pair of contact plates includes a first contact plate and a second contact plate positioned facing one side and the other side of the battery case, respectively, A secondary battery pressurizing device characterized in that the pair of above-mentioned adhesion members includes a first adhesion member and a second adhesion member respectively provided on the first adhesion plate and the second adhesion plate so as to face one side and the other side of the battery case, respectively.

5. In paragraph 4, The above first adhesive member is, A first member a fixed to the first contact plate so as to be in close contact with a corner portion located on one side of the corner portion formed on one side of the battery case, and A secondary battery pressurizing device characterized in that it includes a 1b member that is in close contact with a corner portion located on the other side of the corner portion formed on one side of the battery case and is movable along the longitudinal direction of the 1a member.

6. In paragraph 5, Each of the above-mentioned first a member and first b member is provided in a square frame shape, A secondary battery pressurizing device characterized in that the thickness of each side frame in contact with the corner portion of the first a member and the first b member is greater than the thickness of the corner portion.

7. In paragraph 5, The above first adhesive member is, A plurality of first fixing members connected to the first contact plate to fix the first a member to the first contact plate, and A secondary battery pressurizing device characterized in that it further includes a plurality of first connecting members connecting the first b member to the first contact plate.

8. In paragraph 5, The above second adhesive member is, A second member a fixed to the second contact plate so as to be in close contact with a corner portion located on one side of the corner portion formed on the surface of the battery case, and A secondary battery pressurizing device characterized in that it includes a second b member that is in close contact with a corner portion located on the other side of the corner portion formed on the other surface of the battery case and is movable along the longitudinal direction of the second a member.

9. In paragraph 8, Each of the above 2a member and 2b member is provided in a square frame shape, A secondary battery pressurizing device characterized in that the thickness of each side frame in contact with the corner portion of the second a member and the second b member is greater than the thickness of the corner portion.

10. In paragraph 8, The above second adhesive member is, A plurality of second fixing members connected to the second contact plate to fix the second a member to the second contact plate, and A secondary battery pressurizing device characterized in that it further includes a plurality of second connecting members connecting the second b member to the second contact plate.

11. In paragraph 2, The above pair of contact plates includes a first contact plate that presses one surface of the battery case and a second contact plate that presses the other surface of the battery case, A secondary battery pressurizing device, characterized in that the first contact plate and the second contact plate are made of a metal including aluminum material.

12. A secondary battery pressurizing method using a secondary battery pressurizing device according to any one of clauses 1 to 11, (S1) A step of positioning the secondary battery between the pair of contact plates (200) having the contact member provided on the inner surface; and (S2) A secondary battery pressurizing method, characterized by including a step of pressing the secondary battery by moving the pair of pressurizing plates.

13. In paragraph 12, A secondary battery pressurizing method characterized in that, prior to the above step (S1), it further includes a step of performing shape memory processing by heating the pair of adhesive members in a preset first temperature range.

14. In paragraph 13, A secondary battery pressurization method characterized in that the above step (S2) is heated in a second temperature range lower than the first temperature range.

15. In paragraph 14, A secondary battery pressurizing method characterized in that, prior to the above step (S2), it further includes a step of varying the length of the sealing member to correspond to the length of the first pocket portion that accommodates the electrode assembly of the battery case.

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