Battery cell aging device and battery cell aging method using same

Abstract

According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a battery cell aging device is provided. The battery cell aging device may comprise: a plastic cover including an opening into which an electrode terminal is inserted; and a moisture supply layer in the plastic cover.

Description

Battery cell aging device and battery cell aging method using the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery cell aging device and a battery cell aging method using the same. This application claims the benefit of Korean Application No. 10-2024-0086439, filed July 1, 2024, and Korean Application No. 10-2025-0020979, filed February 18, 2025, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. They are widely used as a power source for various wireless devices, including handsets, laptops, and cordless vacuum cleaners. Recently, improved energy density and economies of scale have dramatically reduced the per-unit manufacturing cost of secondary batteries. Furthermore, as the range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has increased to match that of fuel-powered vehicles, the primary use of secondary batteries is shifting from mobile devices to mobility.

[0003] Secondary batteries are manufactured through electrode processes, assembly processes, and activation processes. In the electrode process, an electrode assembly including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator may be provided. In the assembly process, the electrode assembly and electrolyte may be housed in a case. In the activation process, the assembled battery cell may undergo charging, discharging, and aging processes. The activation process activates and stabilizes the battery cell with electrical energy.

[0004] The technical idea of ​​the present invention is to provide a battery cell aging device capable of providing a battery cell with improved performance and reliability.

[0005] The technical idea of ​​the present invention is to provide a battery cell aging method capable of providing a battery cell with improved performance and reliability.

[0006] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, a battery cell aging device is provided. The battery cell aging device may include a plastic cover including an opening for inserting an electrode terminal; and a moisture supply layer within the plastic cover.

[0007] An anti-oxidation layer may further be included on the moisture supply layer.

[0008] The above antioxidant layer may include a transition metal.

[0009] The electrode terminal is connected to an electrode, the electrode includes a first metal, the oxidation-preventing layer includes a second metal, and the second metal may have a standard reduction potential lower than that of the first metal.

[0010] The above moisture supply layer may be interposed between the above oxidation prevention layer and the above plastic cover.

[0011] The above electrode terminal is a negative terminal connected to the cathode, and the negative electrode may include a first metal.

[0012] The first metal may include copper (Cu), and the anti-oxidation layer may include at least one selected from magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), and zinc (Zn).

[0013] The above moisture supply layer may include a hydrocolloid.

[0014] The plastic cover further includes a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side defining the opening, wherein the first side and the third side face each other, the second side and the fourth side face each other, and the moisture supply layer can be interposed on the first side and the third side.

[0015] The second side and the fourth side may include at least a portion in which the moisture supply layer is not interposed.

[0016] On the first side and the third side, an anti-oxidation layer on the moisture supply layer may be further included.

[0017] The area of ​​the first surface may be greater than the area of ​​the second surface.

[0018] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, a battery cell aging method is provided. The battery cell aging method includes the steps of assembling a battery cell including an electrode assembly and an electrode terminal; the step of injecting an electrolyte into the battery cell; the step of charging or discharging the battery cell; and the step of aging the battery cell, wherein in the pre-aging step, the electrode terminal of the battery cell is covered by a battery cell aging device, and the battery cell aging device is characterized in that it includes a plastic cover including an opening for inserting the electrode terminal and a moisture supply layer within the plastic cover.

[0019] The above battery cell aging device may further include an anti-oxidation layer on the moisture supply layer.

[0020] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a battery cell aging device may be provided that includes an anti-oxidation layer and a moisture supply layer. The anti-oxidation layer includes a metal with a higher reducibility than the electrode of the battery cell, and the moisture supply layer supplies moisture to the anti-oxidation layer to promote oxidation of the anti-oxidation layer. This prevents oxidation of the electrode during the pre-aging stage. This improves the performance and reliability of the battery cell.

[0021] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a battery cell aging method utilizing a battery cell aging device including an anti-oxidation layer and a moisture supply layer can be provided. This can prevent electrode oxidation during the pre-aging stage. This can improve the performance and reliability of the battery cell.

[0022] The effects that can be obtained from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure pertain from the following description. In other words, unintended effects resulting from practicing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating a battery cell aging device according to embodiments of the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery cell for explaining a battery cell aging device according to embodiments of the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a battery cell aging device according to embodiments of the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0026] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Ⅰ-Ⅰ' of Figure 3.

[0027] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Ⅱ-Ⅱ' of Figure 3.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a battery cell aging device according to other embodiments of the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a battery cell aging device according to other embodiments of the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a battery cell aging method using a battery cell aging device according to embodiments of the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0031] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, it should be noted that the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings. Based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best explain his or her invention, they should be interpreted in a way that aligns with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0032] Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0033] In addition, when describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description is omitted.

[0034] Since the embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the present invention to those skilled in the art, the shapes and sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated for clearer explanation. Accordingly, the sizes and proportions of each component do not fully reflect the actual sizes or proportions.

[0035]

[0036] (Example 1)

[0037] FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating a battery cell aging device (200) according to embodiments of the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery cell (121) for explaining a battery cell aging device (200) according to embodiments of the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a battery cell aging device (200) according to embodiments of the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0040] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Ⅰ-Ⅰ' of Figure 3.

[0041] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Ⅱ-Ⅱ' of Figure 3.

[0042]

[0043] Referring to FIG. 1, a battery cell aging device (200) covering an electrode terminal of a battery cell (121) may be provided.

[0044] Specifically, the battery cell (121) may include a positive terminal (121P) and a negative terminal (121N). The battery cell aging device (200) may cover the negative terminal (121N) of the battery cell (121).

[0045] Hereinafter, the battery cell (121) will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2, and the battery cell aging device (200) will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5.

[0046]

[0047] Referring to FIG. 2 together, the battery cell (121) may include a case (121C), an electrode assembly (121EA), a positive terminal (121P), and a negative terminal (121N). The battery cell (121) may further include an electrolyte.

[0048] According to exemplary embodiments, the battery cell (121) may include one of a cylindrical battery cell, a prismatic battery cell, and a pouch-type battery cell. The electrode assembly of the cylindrical battery cell is housed in a cylindrical metal can. The electrode assembly of the prismatic battery cell is housed in a prismatic metal can. The electrode assembly of the pouch-type battery cell is housed in a pouch case including an aluminum laminate sheet. Hereinafter, the technical idea of ​​the present invention will be described based on an example in which the battery cell (121) includes a pouch-type battery cell, but one of ordinary skill in the art will be able to easily arrive at an example in which the battery cell (121) includes one of a cylindrical battery cell and a prismatic battery cell based on the description herein.

[0049] The electrode assembly (121EA) may include a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The electrode assembly (121EA) may be either a jelly-roll type or a stack type. The jelly-roll type electrode assembly (121EA) may include a winding structure of the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the separator interposed therebetween. The stack type electrode assembly (121EA) may include a plurality of sequentially stacked positive electrodes, a plurality of negative electrodes, and a plurality of separators interposed therebetween. In the present specification, an electrode may refer to an positive electrode and / or a negative electrode. For example, an electrode may refer to a negative electrode, a positive electrode, or a positive electrode and a negative electrode together. For example, an electrode includes a term referring to a negative electrode, and descriptions of an electrode and an electrode terminal in the present specification may include those that also apply to a negative electrode and a negative electrode terminal.

[0050] The positive electrode may include a positive current collector and a positive active material. The negative electrode may include a negative current collector and a negative active material.

[0051] The thickness of the positive electrode current collector may range from about 3 μm to about 500 μm. The positive electrode current collector may not cause chemical changes in the secondary battery to be ultimately manufactured and may have high conductivity. The positive electrode current collector may include, for example, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, calcined carbon, and aluminum. The positive electrode current collector may also include stainless steel surface-treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, or the like. The surface of the positive electrode current collector may include a micro-roughened structure to increase the adhesion of the active material. The positive electrode current collector may have a shape such as a film, a sheet, a foil, a net, a porous material, a foam, or a non-woven fabric.

[0052] The thickness of the negative electrode current collector may be in the range of about 3 μm to about 500 μm. The negative electrode current collector may not cause chemical changes in the secondary battery ultimately manufactured and may have high conductivity. The negative electrode current collector may include copper, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, sintered carbon, and an aluminum-cadmium alloy. The negative electrode current collector may also include stainless steel surface-treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, etc. The surface of the negative electrode current collector may include a micro-roughened structure to increase the adhesion of the active material. The negative electrode current collector may have a shape such as a film, a sheet, a foil, a net, a porous material, a foam, or a non-woven fabric.

[0053] A cathode active material is a material that can cause an electrochemical reaction. The cathode active material may be a lithium transition metal oxide. The cathode active material may be, for example, a layered compound such as lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) and lithium nickel oxide (LiNiO2) substituted with one or more transition metals, lithium manganese oxide substituted with one or more transition metals, or a lithium manganese oxide having the chemical formula LiNi. 1-y M yLithium nickel oxide, Li, expressed as O2 (wherein, M is any one of Co, Mn, Al, Cu, Fe, Mg, B, Cr, Zn, and Ga, and 0.01≤y≤0.7) 1+z Ni 1 / 3 Co 1 / 3 Mn 1 / 3 O2, Li 1+zN i 0.4 Mn 0.4 Co 0.2 Li like O2 1+z Ni b Mn c Co 1-(b+c+d) M d O (2-e) A e (wherein, -0.5≤z≤0.5, 0.1≤b≤0.8, 0.1≤c≤0.8, 0≤d≤0.2, 0≤e≤0.2, b+c+d<1, M is any one of Al, Mg, Cr, Ti, Si, and Y, and A is any one of F, P, and Cl) Lithium nickel cobalt manganese composite oxide, chemical formula Li 1+x M 1-y M' y PO 4-z X z (wherein, M is a transition metal, more specifically, one of Fe, Mn, Co, and Ni, M' is one of Al, Mg, and Ti, X is one of F, S, and N, -0.5≤x≤+0.5, 0≤y≤0.5, and 0≤z≤0.1) and may include an olivine-based lithium metal phosphate.

[0054] The negative active material may include carbon, such as non-graphitizable carbon, graphitic carbon, etc. The negative active material may include, for example, Li x Fe2O3(0≤x≤1), LixWO2(0≤x≤1), Sn x Me 1-x Me' y O z(Here, Me is any one of Mn, Fe, Pb, and Ge, and Me' is any one of Al, B, P, Si, elements of group 1, 2, and 3 of the periodic table, and halogens, and 0 <x≤1 이고, 1≤y≤3 이며, 1≤z≤8) 등의 금속 복합 산화물을 포함할 수 있다. 음극 활물질은, 예컨대, 리튬 금속, 리튬 합금, 규소계 합금, 주석계 합금을 포함할 수 있다. 음극 활물질은, 예컨대, SnO, SnO2, PbO, PbO2, Pb2O3, Pb3O4, Sb2O3, Sb2O4, Sb2O5, GeO, GeO2, Bi2O3, Bi2O4, Bi2O5등의 금속 산화물을 포함할 수 있다. 음극 활물질은, 예컨대, 폴리아세틸렌 등의 도전성 고분자, Li-Co-Ni 계 재료 등을 포함할 수 있다.

[0055] In the stack type electrode assembly (121EA), a plurality of positive electrodes and a plurality of negative electrodes can be arranged in a first direction (X direction). In the stack type electrode assembly (121EA), a plurality of positive electrodes and a plurality of negative electrodes can be stacked in a first direction (X direction).

[0056] Each of the plurality of anodes of the electrode assembly (121EA) may include an anode tab (not shown). The anode tab (not shown) of each of the plurality of anodes of the electrode assembly (121EA) may be short-circuited with the anode terminal (121P). The anode tab (not shown) of each of the plurality of anodes of the electrode assembly (121EA) may be welded with the anode terminal (121P).

[0057] Each of the plurality of cathodes of the electrode assembly (121EA) may include a cathode tab (121NT). The cathode tab (121NT) of each of the plurality of cathodes of the electrode assembly (121EA) may be short-circuited with the cathode terminal (121N). The cathode tab (121NT) of each of the plurality of cathodes of the electrode assembly (121EA) may be welded with the cathode terminal (121N).

[0058] The case (121C) may include an inner resin layer, a metal layer, and an outer resin layer. An adhesive and an anti-corrosion layer may further be provided between the inner resin layer and the metal layer and between the outer resin layer and the metal layer.

[0059] The inner resin layer may have heat-sealing properties and may be referred to as a sealant layer. The inner resin layer enables sealing of the case (121C). The inner resin layer may include a polyolefin-based resin, such as polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE). The metal layer may include any one of an alloy of iron, carbon, chromium, and manganese, an alloy of iron, chromium, and nickel, and aluminum. The metal layer may be a gas barrier. The metal layer may block the ingress and egress of gas through the case (121C). The outer resin layer may be a surface protection layer. The outer resin layer may include a material having wear resistance and heat resistance, such as a nylon resin.

[0060] The case (121C) may be provided by joining a first case (121C1) and a second case (121C2). In this example, the first case (121C1) may be substantially flat. The first case (121C1) may not include a receiving portion. The second case (121C2) may include a receiving portion (121R). The receiving portion (121R) may be formed by a pouch forming process. The receiving portion (121R) is a portion of the second case (121C2) formed into a bowl shape to receive the electrode assembly (121EA). Unlike the illustration in FIG. 2, each of the first case (121C1) and the second case (121C2) may include a receiving portion (121R) formed by a pouch forming process.

[0061] The terrace (121T) of the second case (121C2) can surround the receiving portion (121R). The terrace (121T) of the second case (121C2) can be joined to the edge of the first case (121C1), and thus, the case (121C) can be provided.

[0062] The case (121C) may have an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the first main surface (121FS1) and the second main surface (121FS2) of the case (121C) may be widest surfaces of the case (121C). The first main surface (121FS1) and the second main surface (121FS2) may be substantially parallel to at least one of the electrode assembly (121EA) or the plurality of positive electrodes and the plurality of negative electrodes included in the electrode assembly (121EA). The first main surface (121FS1) and the second main surface (121FS2) may be opposite to each other. The first main surface (121FS1) and the second main surface (121FS2) may be substantially perpendicular to the first direction (X direction), but are not limited thereto.

[0063] An insulating tape (121I) may be applied on the positive terminal (121P) and the negative terminal (121N). The positive terminal (121P) and the negative terminal (121N) may protrude outside the case (121C). The positive terminal (121P) and the negative terminal (121N) may protrude in a second horizontal direction (Y direction) from the case (121C). Accordingly, the resulting voltage and current of the battery cell (121) may be output through the positive terminal (121P) and the negative terminal (121N). The positive terminal (121P) may be a positive lead. The negative terminal (121N) may be a negative lead.

[0064] Hereinafter, the technical idea of ​​the present invention will be described based on an example in which each of the plurality of battery cells (121) is a bidirectional cell in which the positive terminal (121P) and the negative terminal (121N) of the battery cell (121) are formed on opposite sides of the case (121C). A person skilled in the art will be able to easily reach the unidirectional cell in which each of the plurality of battery cells (121) is a unidirectional cell based on the description herein. The positive terminal (121P) and the negative terminal (121N) may be spaced apart in a second direction (Y direction). The second direction (Y direction) may be substantially parallel to each of the plurality of positive electrodes of the electrode assembly (121EA) and each of the plurality of negative electrodes of the electrode assembly (121EA).

[0065]

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5 together, the battery cell aging device (200) may include a plastic cover (210) including an opening (OP) into which an electrode terminal is inserted. For example, the aforementioned negative terminal (121N) may be inserted into the opening (OP). The plastic cover (210) may include an insulating material. For example, the plastic cover (210) may include polyethylene or polypropylene.

[0067] In some embodiments, the opening (OP) may be defined by first to fourth sides (S1 to S4). The first to fourth sides (S1 to S4) may be inner surfaces of the plastic cover (210). The first side (S1) and the third side (S3) may be parallel to each other. For example, the first side (S1) and the third side (S3) may face each other. The first side (S1) and the third side (S3) may extend in the second direction (Y direction) and the third direction (Z direction). The second side (S2) and the fourth side (S4) may be parallel to each other. The second side (S2) and the fourth side (S4) may extend in the first direction (X direction) and the second direction (Y direction). For example, the second side (S2) and the fourth side (S4) may face each other. The first side (S1) can meet the second side (S2) and the fourth side (S4). The third side (S3) can meet the second side (S2) and the fourth side (S4).

[0068] In some embodiments, the areas of the first side (S1) and the third side (S3) may be greater than the areas of the second side (S2) and the fourth side (S4).

[0069] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5, the battery cell aging device (200) may further include a moisture supply layer (220) and an oxidation prevention layer (230) interposed within the plastic cover (210).

[0070] The moisture supply layer (220) may be interposed within the opening (OP) of the plastic cover (210). The moisture supply layer (220) may be interposed on a portion of the surface of the plastic cover (210). Specifically, the moisture supply layer (220) may be interposed on the first surface (S1) and the third surface (S3) of the plastic cover (210). In some embodiments, the moisture supply layer (220) may not be interposed on the second surface (S2) and the fourth surface (S4) of the plastic cover (210). For example, the second surface (S2) and the fourth surface (S4) may include at least a portion where the moisture supply layer (220) is not interposed.

[0071] The plastic cover (210) may further include a fifth surface (S5) that meets the first to fourth surfaces (S1 to S4). The fifth surface (S5) may extend in the first direction (X direction) and the third direction (Z direction). In some embodiments, the moisture supply layer (220) may not be interposed on the fifth surface (S5). For example, the fifth surface (S5) may include at least a portion where the moisture supply layer (220) is not interposed.

[0072] The anti-oxidation layer (230) may be interposed on the moisture supply layer (220) within the opening (OP) of the plastic cover (210). The anti-oxidation layer (230) may be interposed on some surfaces of the plastic cover (210). Specifically, the anti-oxidation layer (230) may be interposed on the first surface (S1) and the third surface (S3) of the plastic cover (210). In some embodiments, the anti-oxidation layer (230) may not be interposed on the second surface (S2) and the fourth surface (S4) of the plastic cover (210). For example, the second surface (S2) and the fourth surface (S4) may include at least a portion where the anti-oxidation layer (230) is not interposed. In some embodiments, the anti-oxidation layer (230) may not be interposed on the fifth surface (S5). For example, the fifth side (S5) may include at least a portion in which the anti-oxidation layer (230) is not interposed.

[0073] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5, a moisture supply layer (220) may be interposed between a plastic cover (210) and an anti-oxidation layer (230). The moisture supply layer (220) may serve to supply moisture to the anti-oxidation layer (230) while the battery cell aging device (200) covers the electrode terminal of the battery cell (121). For example, the moisture supply layer (220) may include a hydrocolloid.

[0074] In some embodiments, the oxidation prevention layer (230) may include a transition metal. Specifically, the oxidation prevention layer (230) may include a transition metal having a lower standard reduction potential than the electrode to which the electrode terminal covered by the battery cell aging device (200) is connected.

[0075] Referring to FIGS. 1, 3, and 5 together, a battery cell aging device (200) may cover a negative terminal (121N) connected to a negative electrode of a battery cell (121). For example, the negative electrode may include a first metal. The negative electrode includes a negative electrode collector, and descriptions of the negative electrode in this specification may include descriptions of the negative electrode collector. For example, the negative electrode collector may include the first metal. The oxidation prevention layer (230) may include a second metal having a lower standard reduction potential than the first metal.

[0076] Specifically, the second metal included in the oxidation prevention layer (230) has a lower standard reduction potential than the first metal of the cathode, and thus may have a greater reducibility than the first metal. That is, the second metal may be oxidized better than the first metal.

[0077] For example, the negative electrode may include copper (Cu). For example, the negative electrode current collector may include copper (Cu). The oxidation prevention layer (230) may include a metal having a lower standard reduction potential than copper (Cu). For example, the oxidation prevention layer (230) may include magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), or zinc (Zn).

[0078] In some embodiments, a battery cell aging device (200) according to embodiments of the technical idea of ​​the present invention covers an electrode terminal of a battery cell (121), thereby preventing an electrode connected to the electrode terminal from being oxidized while a pre-aging process of the battery cell is in progress.

[0079] Specifically, when the negative electrode current collector of the negative electrode is exposed to the electrolyte within the case (121C) during the pre-aging process of the battery cell (121), if the potential of the negative electrode current collector increases, a delamination phenomenon or dendrite formation may occur in which the metal (e.g., the first metal) included in the negative electrode current collector dissolves into the electrolyte. At this time, according to the battery cell aging device (200) according to embodiments of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, an oxidation prevention layer (230) including a metal (e.g., the second metal) having a higher reduction property than the metal (e.g., the first metal) included in the negative electrode current collector of the negative electrode is oxidized and can transfer electrons to the negative electrode terminal (121N), and these electrons can be transferred to the negative electrode current collector of the negative electrode connected to the negative electrode terminal (121N) within the case (121C). Thereby, oxidation of the negative electrode can be prevented. For example, oxidation of the negative electrode current collector can be prevented. In particular, the moisture supply layer (220) can supply moisture to the oxidation prevention layer (230) to promote oxidation of the oxidation prevention layer (230).

[0080]

[0081] In the battery cell aging device (200) according to embodiments of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, the oxidation prevention layer (230) may include a metal having a higher reducibility than the electrode of the battery cell (121), thereby preventing the electrode from being oxidized. For example, the oxidation prevention layer (230) may include a metal having a higher reducibility than the negative electrode of the battery cell (121), thereby preventing the negative electrode from being oxidized. For example, the oxidation prevention layer (230) may include a metal having a higher reducibility than the negative electrode current collector of the battery cell (121), thereby preventing the negative electrode current collector from being oxidized.

[0082] In embodiments, the anti-oxidation layer (230) can oxidize and reduce the electrode, and the moisture supply layer (220) can supply moisture to the anti-oxidation layer (230) to promote oxidation of the anti-oxidation layer (230) and reduction of the electrode. For example, the moisture supply layer (220) can promote reduction of the negative electrode. For example, the moisture supply layer (220) can promote reduction of the negative electrode current collector.

[0083] According to embodiments of the technical idea of ​​the present invention described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, a battery cell aging device (200) covering an electrode terminal of a battery cell (121) and including an oxidation prevention layer (230) and a moisture supply layer (220) can be provided.

[0084] According to embodiments of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, a battery cell aging device (200) capable of providing a battery cell (121) with improved performance and reliability can be provided.

[0085]

[0086] (Example 2)

[0087] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a battery cell aging device (200A) according to other embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. Below, the differences from the battery cell aging device (200) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 will be primarily described.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 6, a battery cell aging device (200A) may include a plastic cover (210) including an opening (OP) for inserting an electrode terminal, a moisture supply layer (220A) and an oxidation prevention layer (230A) interposed within the plastic cover (210).

[0089] The opening (OP) can be defined by the first to fourth sides (S1 to S4).

[0090] The moisture supply layer (220A) may be interposed within the opening (OP) of the plastic cover (210). Specifically, the moisture supply layer (220A) may be interposed on the first to fourth surfaces (S1 to S4) of the plastic cover (210).

[0091] The anti-oxidation layer (230A) may be interposed on the moisture supply layer (220A) within the opening (OP) of the plastic cover (210). Specifically, the anti-oxidation layer (230A) may be interposed on the first to fourth surfaces (S1 to S4) of the plastic cover (210).

[0092] As illustrated in FIG. 6, a moisture supply layer (220A) may be interposed between a plastic cover (210) and an anti-oxidation layer (230A). The moisture supply layer (220A) may serve to supply moisture to the anti-oxidation layer (230A) while the battery cell aging device (200A) covers the electrode terminal of the battery cell (210, see FIG. 1).

[0093] In some embodiments, the oxidation prevention layer (230A) may include a transition metal. Specifically, the oxidation prevention layer (230A) may include a transition metal having a lower standard reduction potential than the electrode to which the electrode terminal covered by the battery cell aging device (200A) is connected.

[0094] According to embodiments of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, a battery cell aging device (200A) capable of providing a battery cell (121) with improved performance and reliability can be provided.

[0095]

[0096] (Example 3)

[0097] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a battery cell aging device (200B) according to other embodiments of the technical concept of the present invention. Specifically, Fig. 7 corresponds to a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' of Fig. 3. Below, the differences from the battery cell aging device (200) described with reference to Figs. 1 to 5 will be primarily described.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 7, the battery cell aging device (200B) may include a plastic cover (210) including an opening (OP) for inserting an electrode terminal, a moisture supply layer (220B) and an oxidation prevention layer (230B) interposed within the plastic cover (210).

[0099] The moisture supply layer (220B) may be interposed within the opening (OP) of the plastic cover (210). The moisture supply layer (220B) may be interposed on a portion of the surface of the plastic cover (210). The oxidation prevention layer (230B) may be interposed within the opening (OP) of the plastic cover (210) and on the moisture supply layer (220B). The oxidation prevention layer (230B) may be interposed on a portion of the surface of the plastic cover (210).

[0100] The opening (OP) of the plastic cover (210) may be defined by the first to fourth surfaces (S1 to S4, see FIG. 3). The plastic cover (210) may further include a fifth surface (S5) that meets the first to fourth surfaces (S1 to S4). The moisture supply layer (220B) and the oxidation prevention layer (230B) may also be interposed on the fifth surface (S5).

[0101] As illustrated in FIG. 7, a moisture supply layer (220B) may be interposed between a plastic cover (210) and an anti-oxidation layer (230B). The moisture supply layer (220B) may serve to supply moisture to the anti-oxidation layer (230B) while the battery cell aging device (200B) covers the electrode terminal of the battery cell (210, see FIG. 1).

[0102] In some embodiments, the oxidation prevention layer (230B) may include a transition metal. Specifically, the oxidation prevention layer (230B) may include a transition metal having a lower standard reduction potential than the electrode to which the electrode terminal covered by the battery cell aging device (200B) is connected.

[0103] According to embodiments of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, a battery cell aging device (200B) capable of providing a battery cell (121) with improved performance and reliability can be provided.

[0104]

[0105] (Example 4)

[0106] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a battery cell aging method (S10) using a battery cell aging device (200, see FIG. 1) according to embodiments of the technical idea of ​​the present invention. Hereinafter, the battery cell aging method (S10) using the battery cell aging device (200) will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIG. 8 together.

[0107] First, a step (S11) of assembling a battery cell including an electrode assembly and an electrode terminal can be performed.

[0108] Specifically, a battery cell (121) as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 can be assembled. The battery cell (121) may include an electrode assembly (121EA) and an electrode terminal. The electrode terminal may include, for example, a positive terminal (121P) and / or a negative terminal (121N).

[0109] In the step of assembling the battery cell (S11), an electrode process including a mixing process, a coating process, a roll pressing process, an optional slitting process, and a notching process may be performed. Next, a process of embedding the electrode assembly (121EA) into the case (121C) may be performed.

[0110] Next, a step (S12) of injecting an electrolyte may be performed. The electrolyte may be injected into the case (121C).

[0111] Next, a pre-aging step (S13) can be performed, waiting for the electrolyte to be impregnated into the battery cell. The key to the pre-aging process is to evenly distribute the electrolyte within the pouch cell, ensuring that it permeates both the positive and negative electrodes. The pre-aging process can improve lithium ion mobility.

[0112] The pre-aging step (S13) is a step that completes the electrical connection between the positive and negative electrodes before proceeding with the subsequent charging or discharging step (S14). If the electrolyte impregnation is not sufficient, problems such as dendrite formation and capacity reduction during battery operation may occur, affecting the performance and reliability of the secondary battery. To improve the electrolyte impregnation, it is possible to consider increasing the pre-aging temperature or increasing the pre-aging time.

[0113] However, if the pre-aging temperature is increased or the time is increased as described above, problems such as oxidation of the electrode metal due to an increase in electrode potential caused by exposure of the electrode to the electrolyte during the pre-aging process, and metal detachment or dendrite formation due to this may occur.

[0114] In order to improve the above-described problems, in the battery cell aging method (S10) according to embodiments of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, the electrode terminal of the battery cell (121) can be covered with a battery cell aging device (200) in the pre-aging step (S14). For example, in the pre-aging step (S14), the negative terminal (121N) of the battery cell (121) can be covered with a battery cell aging device (200).

[0115] As described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the battery cell aging device (200) may include an oxidation prevention layer (230) and a moisture supply layer (220). The oxidation prevention layer (230) may include a metal having a higher reducibility than the electrode of the battery cell (121), thereby preventing the electrode from being oxidized. For example, the battery cell aging device (200) covers the negative terminal (121N) of the battery cell (121), and the oxidation prevention layer (230) may include a metal having a higher reducibility than the negative electrode connected to the negative terminal (121N), thereby preventing the negative electrode from being oxidized. For example, the oxidation prevention layer (230) may include a metal having a higher reducibility than the negative electrode current collector connected to the negative terminal (121N), thereby preventing the negative electrode current collector from being oxidized.

[0116] In embodiments, the anti-oxidation layer (230) can oxidize and reduce the electrode, and the moisture supply layer (220) can supply moisture to the anti-oxidation layer (230) to promote oxidation of the anti-oxidation layer (230) and reduction of the electrode. For example, the moisture supply layer (220) can promote reduction of the negative electrode. For example, the moisture supply layer (220) can promote reduction of the negative electrode current collector.

[0117] By this, a battery cell aging method (S10) that can improve the performance and reliability of a battery cell (121) can be provided.

[0118] Following the pre-aging step (S13), a step (S14) of charging or discharging the battery cell (121) may be performed.

[0119] While the battery cell (121) is being charged or discharged, the battery cell (121) may be pressurized by a pressurizing jig. Pressurizing the battery cell can prevent gas traps and lithium plating, and improve the uniformity of the SEI (Solid Electrolyte Interphase) film. A battery cell (121) including a uniform SEI film can have a relatively short charge or discharge time.

[0120] An SEI film may be formed on the surface of the negative electrode during the first charge. SEI is a thin film that forms on the surface of the negative electrode material when the battery cell (121) is first charged after manufacturing. When the battery cell (121) is charged, lithium ions in the battery cell move to the negative electrode, and in the process, a chemical reaction that occurs when substances in the electrolyte are electrolyzed for the first time may form an SEI film on the surface of the negative electrode material. SEI may be a type of separator. SEI can prevent further decomposition reactions of the electrolyte during the process of lithium ions moving from the positive electrode to the negative electrode for battery charging.

[0121] Next, a step (S15) of aging the battery cell (121) can be performed.

[0122] In the aging process, the battery cell (121) may be stored at room temperature for a predetermined period of time so that the charged or discharged battery cell (121) is stabilized.

[0123]

[0124] According to embodiments of the technical idea of ​​the present invention described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIG. 8, a battery cell aging method (S10) using a battery cell aging device (200) can be provided. The battery cell aging device (200) can cover the negative terminal of a battery cell (121) while a pre-aging step (S14) is performed, thereby preventing oxidation of the negative terminal of the battery cell (121) connected thereto.

[0125] According to embodiments of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, a battery cell aging method (S10) capable of providing a battery cell (121) with improved performance and reliability can be provided.

[0126]

[0127] The present invention has been described in more detail through drawings and examples. However, the configurations described in the drawings or examples described in this specification are merely embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modified examples may exist as of the time of this application.

Claims

1. A plastic cover including an opening for inserting an electrode terminal; and A battery cell aging device comprising a moisture supply layer within the above plastic cover.

2. In paragraph 1, A battery cell aging device characterized in that it further comprises an anti-oxidation layer on the moisture supply layer.

3. In paragraph 2, A battery cell aging device, characterized in that the above-mentioned anti-oxidation layer comprises a transition metal.

4. In paragraph 3, The above electrode terminal is connected to the electrode, The above electrode comprises a first metal, The above antioxidant layer comprises a second metal, A battery cell aging device, wherein the second metal has a lower standard reduction potential than the first metal.

5. In paragraph 2, A battery cell aging device characterized in that the moisture supply layer is interposed between the oxidation prevention layer and the plastic cover.

6. In paragraph 2, The above electrode terminal is a negative terminal connected to the cathode, A battery cell aging device, characterized in that the cathode comprises a first metal.

7. In paragraph 6, The above negative electrode includes a negative electrode current collector including the first metal, The first metal includes copper (Cu), A battery cell aging device, characterized in that the above-mentioned anti-oxidation layer comprises at least one selected from magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), and zinc (Zn).

8. In paragraph 1, A battery cell aging device, characterized in that the moisture supply layer comprises a hydrocolloid.

9. In paragraph 1, The plastic cover further includes a first side, a second side, a third side, and a fourth side defining the opening, The first side and the third side face each other, The second side and the fourth side face each other, A battery cell aging device, characterized in that the moisture supply layer is interposed on the first side and the third side.

10. In paragraph 9, A battery cell aging device characterized in that the second side and the fourth side include at least a portion in which the moisture supply layer is not interposed.

11. In paragraph 9, A battery cell aging device characterized in that it further comprises an anti-oxidation layer on the moisture supply layer on the first side and the third side.

12. In paragraph 9, A battery cell aging device, characterized in that the area of ​​the first surface is larger than the area of ​​the second surface.

13. A step of assembling a battery cell including an electrode assembly and an electrode terminal; A step of injecting electrolyte into the above battery cell; A step of pre-aging the above battery cell; a step of charging or discharging the battery cell; and comprising a step of aging the above battery cell, In the above pre-aging step, the electrode terminal of the battery cell is covered by a battery cell aging device, A battery cell aging method, characterized in that the battery cell aging device comprises a plastic cover including an opening for inserting the electrode terminal and a moisture supply layer within the plastic cover.

14. In paragraph 13, A battery cell aging method, characterized in that the battery cell aging device further includes an anti-oxidation layer on the moisture supply layer.

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