Battery cell manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method

Abstract

A battery cell manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention may comprise: a vacuum chamber in which a battery cell semi-finished product that includes an accommodation part accommodating an electrolyte and an electrode assembly and a gas pocket part connected to the accommodation part and positioned above the accommodation part is disposed; a piercing unit for perforating a degassing hole in the gas pocket part; a sealing tool for forming a temporary sealing part that crosses between the degassing hole and the accommodation part, and forming a sealing area that includes the temporary sealing part while rising in contact with the gas pocket part; a cutting unit for forming an opening by cutting a portion of the upper end of the gas pocket part after the temporary sealing part is formed; and an injection unit for injecting gas into the opening.

Description

Battery cell manufacturing device and manufacturing method

[0001] Cross-citation with related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0091254, filed July 10, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Technology field

[0004] The present invention relates to a manufacturing device and a manufacturing method for a battery cell in which an electrode assembly is impregnated with an electrolyte.

[0005] Typically, a secondary battery can supply electrical energy by including a positive electrode and a negative electrode separated by a separator, and an electrolyte that enables ion transfer between the two electrodes. Conventional secondary batteries use a liquid electrolyte to facilitate ion movement within the battery.

[0006] A battery cell may include an electrode assembly including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator that blocks the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and an outer case in which the electrode assembly is accommodated.

[0007] The manufacturing process of a battery cell includes a degassing process for discharging gas generated by activation of an electrode assembly, and a sealing process for sealing the battery cell after the degassing process.

[0008] This degassing process is achieved by forming degassing holes in the battery cells within a vacuum chamber, and causing gas to be discharged into the degassing holes due to the pressure difference inside and outside the battery cells.

[0009] However, in the past, during the degassing process, there was a high possibility that some of the electrolyte would be discharged or splashed out along with the gas and remain on the inner surface of the battery cell. Therefore, during the sealing process of the battery cell, the electrolyte remaining on the inner surface of the sealing area of ​​the battery cell would vaporize due to the high temperature, resulting in a bubble-shaped unsealing, which resulted in a deterioration in the sealing quality and a decrease in the insulation resistance of the battery cell.

[0010] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery cell manufacturing device and manufacturing method capable of improving the sealing quality of a sealing area by removing the electrolyte remaining on the inner surface of a gas pocket portion.

[0011] A battery cell manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a vacuum chamber in which a battery cell semi-finished product is placed, the battery cell including a receiving portion for receiving an electrolyte and an electrode assembly, and a gas pocket portion connected to the receiving portion and positioned above the receiving portion; a piercing unit for perforating a degassing hole in the gas pocket portion; a sealing tool for forming a temporary sealing portion crossing between the degassing hole and the receiving portion, and forming a sealing area including the temporary sealing portion while rising in contact with the gas pocket portion; a cutting unit for cutting off a portion of an upper end of the gas pocket portion to form an opening after the temporary sealing portion is formed; and an injection unit for injecting gas into the opening.

[0012] The above injection unit may include a main body; and a nozzle provided at the lower end of the main body and injecting gas through the opening.

[0013] The above injection unit may be configured to inject a high temperature gas higher than room temperature.

[0014] The above battery cell manufacturing device may further include a suction unit that sucks the electrolyte dispersed by the gas injected from the injection unit.

[0015] The above suction unit may include first and second suction units arranged on both sides with the injection unit in between.

[0016] The first suction unit and the second suction unit may include a main body and an inclined portion connected to the lower end of the main body and inserted into the opening so that the opening opens. The inclined portion of the first suction unit and the inclined portion of the second suction unit may become closer to each other as they go downward.

[0017] The lower end of the above-mentioned slope may be positioned lower than the lower end of the injection unit.

[0018] A suction hole for sucking the scattered electrolyte may be formed on the inner surface of the above-mentioned inclined portion.

[0019] The horizontal thickness of the above-mentioned inclined portion may become thinner as it goes downward.

[0020] The above injection unit and suction unit can rise while maintaining a distance from the sealing tool when the sealing tool rises.

[0021] The above sealing tool can form the temporary sealing portion at a location closer to the receiving portion among the degassing hole and the receiving portion.

[0022] The above cutting unit can cut off a portion of the upper part of the gas pocket portion along a virtual cutting line passing between the degassing hole and the temporary sealing portion.

[0023] A battery cell manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention may include the steps of: placing a battery cell semi-finished product including a receiving portion for receiving an electrolyte and an electrode assembly, and a gas pocket portion connected to the receiving portion and positioned above the receiving portion, in a vacuum chamber; punching a degassing hole in the gas pocket portion; forming a temporary sealing portion by a sealing tool that crosses between the degassing hole and the receiving portion; forming an opening by cutting off a portion of an upper end of the gas pocket portion; and forming a sealing area including the temporary sealing portion. The forming of the sealing area may include the steps of: injecting a gas into the opening by an injection unit; and ascending the sealing tool toward the opening while in contact with the gas pocket portion.

[0024] The above injection unit can inject a high temperature gas higher than room temperature.

[0025] The step of forming the sealing area may further include a step of having the suction unit suck in the electrolyte dispersed by the gas injected from the injection unit.

[0026] The above opening is opened by the above suction unit, and the above injection unit can inject gas into the opened opening.

[0027] The above injection unit and suction unit can rise while maintaining a distance from the sealing tool.

[0028] In the step of forming the above opening, the gas pocket portion can be cut along an imaginary cutting line passing between the degassing hole and the temporary sealing portion.

[0029] In the step of forming the temporary sealing portion, the temporary sealing portion may be formed at a position closer to the receiving portion among the degassing hole and the receiving portion.

[0030] The above battery cell manufacturing method may further include a step of trimming an upper portion of the sealing area.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, since the residual electrolyte within the gas pocket portion is removed by the injection unit, the sealing area can be formed without any residual electrolyte. This improves the sealing quality of the sealing area, thereby eliminating concerns about reduced insulation resistance of the battery cell or moisture infiltration from the outside of the battery cell.

[0032] Additionally, the suction unit can suck up the electrolyte dispersed by the gas injected from the injection unit. This prevents the surrounding area of ​​the battery cell from being contaminated with the electrolyte.

[0033] In addition, the configurations according to preferred embodiments of the present invention may include effects that can be easily predicted by those skilled in the art.

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

[0035] Figure 1 is an assembly diagram of a battery cell.

[0036] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a battery cell placed within a vacuum chamber.

[0037] FIGS. 3 to 8 are cutaway perspective views of a battery cell for sequentially explaining the operation of a battery cell manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 9 is a flowchart of a battery cell manufacturing method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 10 is a specific flowchart of step S50 shown in Figure 9.

[0040] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the invention. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited or restricted by the following examples.

[0041] In order to clearly explain the present invention, a detailed description of a part that is irrelevant to the description or a related known technology that may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention has been omitted, and when adding reference signs to components of each drawing in this specification, the same or similar reference signs are attached to the same or similar components throughout the specification.

[0042] In addition, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to their usual or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts that conform to the technical idea of ​​the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the term to explain his or her own invention in the best way.

[0043] In the drawing, each component of a secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention is schematically illustrated, and the size of the component or the thickness of the line may be expressed somewhat exaggerated for the convenience of understanding.

[0044] Figure 1 is an assembly drawing of a battery cell, and Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a battery cell placed in a vacuum chamber.

[0045] The battery cell (1) described in this specification may be in a state at a specific point in time during the manufacturing process and may be appropriately interpreted depending on the context or necessity. That is, the battery cell (1) may be a battery cell semi-finished product.

[0046] The battery cell (1) may include an electrode assembly (10) and an outer material (20) for a secondary battery (hereinafter referred to as “outer material”).

[0047] The electrode assembly (10) may be formed by alternately stacking positive and negative electrodes with a separator in between. That is, the electrode assembly (10) may include a plurality of electrodes and a separator interposed between the plurality of electrodes to mutually insulate the plurality of electrodes. The electrode assembly (10) may be accommodated together with an electrolyte in an outer material (20), more specifically, in a storage portion (23) described below.

[0048] The electrode assembly (10) can be provided in various types, such as stack type, jelly roll type, stack and folding type, and the type of the electrode assembly (10) is not limited.

[0049] The electrode assembly (10) may include an electrode tab (11). The electrode tab (11) is connected to the positive and negative electrodes of the electrode assembly (10), respectively, and may protrude outward from the electrode assembly (10) to act as a path through which electrons can move between the inside and the outside of the electrode assembly (10).

[0050] The electrode tab (11) can be formed by cutting the non-conductive part of the electrode collector or by connecting a separate conductive member to the non-conductive part by ultrasonic welding, etc.

[0051] The electrode tab (11) may include a positive electrode tab (11a) connected to the positive electrode, and a negative electrode tab (11b) connected to the negative electrode. The positive electrode tab (11a) and the negative electrode tab (11b) may protrude in different directions of the electrode assembly (10), but are not limited thereto, and may be formed to protrude in various directions, such as protruding in parallel in the same direction from one side.

[0052] An electrode lead (12) for supplying electricity to the outside of a battery cell (1) may be connected to an electrode tab (11) of an electrode assembly (10). In addition, a portion of the electrode lead (12) may be surrounded by an insulating member (14). The insulating member (14) may be sealed between the first sheet portion (21) and the second sheet portion (22). Therefore, the insulating member (14) may insulate the electrode lead (12) and the outer material (20) and maintain the sealing of the outer material (20). In general, as the insulating member (14), an insulating tape that is easy to attach to the electrode lead (12) and has a relatively thin thickness is often used, but the present invention is not limited thereto and various members may be used as long as they can insulate the electrode lead (12).

[0053] The electrode lead (12) may have one end connected to the electrode tab (11) and the other end protruding outward from the outer material (20). The electrode lead (12) may include a positive lead (12a) connected to the positive tab (11a) and a negative lead (12b) connected to the negative tab (11b).

[0054] The electrode lead (12) can electrically connect the electrode assembly (10) to an external load. In addition, since the positive electrode tab (11a) and the negative electrode tab (11b) are formed to protrude in various directions, the positive electrode lead (12a) and the negative electrode lead (12b) can also extend in various directions, respectively.

[0055] The outer material (20) can accommodate the electrode assembly (10) within it. For example, the outer material (20) can be a pouch-shaped case formed by molding a laminate sheet. More specifically, when a flexible laminate sheet is subjected to drawing molding using a die, a punch, or the like, a portion thereof is stretched to form a storage portion (23) having a pocket-shaped storage space, thereby manufacturing the outer material (20).

[0056] However, the configuration of the storage portion (23) is not limited thereto, and may be formed in a manner different from that illustrated in the drawing. For example, it may be possible for the storage portion (23) to be formed by folding the laminate sheet into a predetermined shape.

[0057] Hereinafter, the outer covering (20) may be in a state at a specific point in the manufacturing process or in a final, completed state. That is, the description of the outer covering (20) may encompass both the unfolded state as illustrated in FIG. 1 and the sealed state as illustrated in FIG. 2, and may be appropriately interpreted depending on the context or need.

[0058] The outer material (20) can accommodate and seal the electrode assembly (10) such that a portion of the electrode lead (12) is exposed.

[0059] The outer material (20) may include a first sheet portion (21) and a second sheet portion (22) that are sealed to each other with the electrode assembly (10) interposed therebetween.

[0060] The first sheet portion (21) and the second sheet portion (22) can be connected to each other by a folding portion (27). However, this is not limited to this, and it is also possible for the first sheet portion (21) and the second sheet portion (22) to be separate members.

[0061] When the folding portion (27) is folded, the first sheet portion (21) and the second sheet portion (22) can face each other. The folding portion (27) can extend parallel to the longitudinal direction of the electrode assembly (10), but is not limited thereto.

[0062] A storage portion (23) can be formed in the first sheet portion (21), and the second sheet portion (22) can cover the storage portion (23). The storage portion (23) can have a sunken shape.

[0063] As illustrated in Fig. 1, a receiving portion (23) may also be formed in the second sheet portion (22). The receiving portion (23) of the first sheet portion (21) and the receiving portion (23) of the second sheet portion (22) may be connected to each other to form a receiving space in which the electrode assembly (10) is received. However, this is not limited thereto, and it may also be possible for the receiving portion (23) to be formed only in the first sheet portion (21) and for the second sheet portion (22) to be formed flat.

[0064] In each sheet portion (21)(22), the surrounding area of ​​the storage portion (23) may form a terrace portion (24). That is, the exterior material (20) according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a storage portion (23) having a sunken shape and a terrace portion (24) located around the periphery of the storage portion (23).

[0065] The terrace section (24) may include a pair of first terrace sections (25) located on both sides with the storage section (23) in between, and a second terrace section (26) connecting the pair of first terrace sections (25).

[0066] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, a pair of first terrace sections (25) may be provided on both sides of the length direction of the storage section (23), and a second terrace section (26) may be provided to connect a pair of first terrace sections (25) and may be located on one side of the width direction of the storage section (23). The second terrace section (26) may be located on the opposite side of the folding section (27) with respect to the storage section (23).

[0067] When the folding portion (27) is folded, the terrace portions (24) of the first sheet portion (21) and the second sheet portion (22) can be in contact with each other. At this time, the electrode lead (12) of the electrode assembly (10) can pass between the first terrace portions (25) of the first and second sheet portions (21)(22). The insulating member (14) can be positioned between the first terrace portions (25) of the first and second sheet portions (21)(2).

[0068] The first sheet portion (21) and the second sheet portion (22) may be heat-welded to form a first sealing portion (31) at the edges of the portions where they are in contact with each other. More specifically, the outer material (20) may have the first sealing portion (31) formed at the portions where the edges of the terrace portions (24) of the respective sheet portions (21) and (22) are in contact with each other. For example, the first sealing portion (31) may be formed by fusion-welding the polymer layers (e.g., polypropylene) forming the innermost layers of each of the first sheet portion (21) and the second sheet portion (22).

[0069] The first sealing portion (31) may be formed in pairs positioned on both sides with the receiving portion (23) in between. The first sealing portion (31) may be formed to be long in the longitudinal direction of the first terrace portion (25) of the first and second sheet portions (21) (22). The first sealing portion (31) may be formed on both sides of the receiving portion (23) in the longitudinal direction. The electrode lead (12) may pass through the first sealing portion (31) and protrude to the outside of the outer material (20).

[0070] A gas pocket portion (40) may be formed between a pair of first sealing portions (31). The gas pocket portion (40) may be a portion where the second terrace portions (26) of each sheet portion (21) (22) face each other.

[0071] The interior of the gas pocket portion (40) may be communicated with the interior space of the storage portion (23). The gas pocket portion (40) may be located on one side (upper side with reference to FIG. 2) of the storage portion (23). The gas pocket portion (40) may be located on the opposite side of the folding portion (27) with respect to the storage portion (23).

[0072] The gas pocket portion (40) may have a roughly envelope shape. Before the second sealing portion (32) of FIG. 2 is formed, the upper end of the gas pocket portion (40) may be open. An electrolyte may be injected into the interior of the battery cell (1) through the open upper end of the gas pocket portion (40). The electrolyte may flow into the storage portion (23) and impregnate the electrode assembly (10) within the storage portion (23).

[0073] In order to ensure that the electrolyte flows smoothly into the storage compartment (23), the electrolyte injection may be performed while the battery cell (1) is standing vertically. At this time, the gas pocket compartment (40) may be positioned above the storage compartment (23).

[0074] When the injection of the electrolyte is completed, the open upper end of the gas pocket portion (40) may be sealed to form a second sealing portion (32). The second sealing portion (32) may be formed to be long in the length direction of the receiving portion (23). The second sealing portion (32) may connect a pair of first sealing portions (31). A battery cell (1) in which the first sealing portion (31) and the second sealing portion (32) are formed in this manner may be referred to as a battery cell semi-finished product. That is, the battery cell semi-finished product may include a receiving portion (23) in which the electrolyte and the electrode assembly (10) are accommodated, and a gas pocket portion (40) connected to the receiving portion (23).

[0075] After the second sealing portion (32) is formed, an activation process for charging and discharging the battery cell (1) can be performed, and the gas generated during such process can be captured in the gas pocket portion (40).

[0076] A battery cell manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a vacuum chamber (100).

[0077] To discharge the gas trapped within the gas pocket (40), the battery cell (1) may be placed within a vacuum chamber (100). As previously described, the battery cell (1) at this time may be referred to as a battery cell semi-finished product. The vacuum chamber (100) may refer to a chamber in which the internal pressure can be controlled to be lower than atmospheric pressure. The time at which the battery cell (1) is placed within the vacuum chamber (100) is not limited.

[0078] FIGS. 3 to 8 are cutaway perspective views of a battery cell for sequentially explaining the operation of a battery cell manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 3, a battery cell manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a piercing unit (200) that perforates a degassing hole (H) in a gas pocket portion (40).

[0080] The piercing unit (200) may be configured to perforate a degassing hole (H) in the gas pocket portion (40). Preferably, the piercing unit (200) may perforate a plurality of degassing holes (H) in the gas pocket portion (40). For example, the piercing unit (200) may include a plurality of penetrating bars extending toward the gas pocket portion (40). However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the configuration of the piercing unit (200) is not limited as long as it can perforate a degassing hole (H).

[0081] When a degassing hole (H) is perforated in the gas pocket portion (40), the internal pressure of the vacuum chamber (100) can be lowered. Alternatively, the degassing hole (H) may be perforated in the gas pocket portion (40) while the internal pressure of the vacuum chamber (100) is maintained low. Accordingly, due to the pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the battery cell (1), the gas inside the battery cell (1) can be discharged to the outside through the degassing hole (H). This discharge of gas can be referred to as degassing.

[0082] However, in the process of the gas being discharged through the degassing hole (H), the electrolyte may splash or stick to the inner surface of the gas pocket portion (40). According to the conventional method, after the degassing is completed, a sealing portion is formed across the storage portion (23) and the degassing hole (H) in the gas pocket portion (40), and a portion located outside the sealing portion is removed. However, there was a problem in that the sealing quality of the sealing portion was lowered due to the electrolyte remaining on the inner surface of the gas pocket portion (40). The present invention can solve this problem, which will be described in more detail below.

[0083] Referring to FIG. 4, a battery cell manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a sealing tool (300) that forms a temporary sealing portion (33) crossing between a degassing hole (H) and a receiving portion (23).

[0084] The sealing tool (300) can heat and pressurize the gas pocket portion (40) so that a temporary seal portion (33) is formed. For example, the sealing tool (300) can pressurize the gas pocket portion (40) while heated to 180 degrees Celsius.

[0085] The sealing tool (300) can be connected to a known moving device and can move in horizontal and vertical directions.

[0086] The sealing tool (300) can form a temporary sealing portion (33) at a location closer to the storage portion (23) among the degassing hole (H) and the storage portion (23). That is, the distance between the temporary sealing portion (33) and the storage portion (23) can be closer than the distance between the temporary sealing portion (33) and the degassing hole (H). This may be to smoothly form a sealing area (34) to be described later.

[0087] As will be described later, the sealing tool (300) may rise while in contact with the gas pocket portion (40) and form a sealing area (34) including a temporary sealing portion (33) (see FIG. 7). Therefore, the sealing tool (300) may have a relatively small thickness dimension (t) compared to the height dimension (h) of the sealing area (34). Accordingly, the height dimension of the temporary sealing portion (33) corresponding to the thickness dimension (t) of the sealing tool (300) may be formed to be relatively small. For example, the height dimension (h) of the sealing area (34) may be approximately 10 mm, and the thickness dimension (t) of the sealing tool (300), i.e., the height dimension of the temporary sealing portion (33), may be approximately 1 mm.

[0088] For example, the sealing tool (300) may include a horizontal plate portion. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the configuration of the sealing tool (300) is not limited as long as it can form a temporary sealing portion (33) and a sealing area (34).

[0089] In addition, although FIG. 4 illustrates an example in which the sealing tool (300) is positioned on both sides of the gas pocket portion (40), the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, a fixed support plate (not shown) may be provided on one side of the gas pocket portion (40), and the sealing tool (300) positioned on the other side of the gas pocket portion (40) may move toward the support plate to form a temporary sealing portion (33).

[0090] The storage portion (23) can be sealed by the temporary sealing portion (33) formed by the sealing tool (300). That is, the internal space of the storage portion (23) can be isolated from the outside. Accordingly, additional discharge or flow of electrolyte and gas within the storage portion (23) can be prevented.

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a battery cell manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a cutting unit (not shown) that cuts off a portion of the upper end of a gas pocket portion (40) to form an opening (41) after a temporary sealing portion (33) is formed.

[0092] For example, the cutting unit may include a knife or a laser cutter. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the configuration of the cutting unit is not limited as long as it can cut the gas pocket portion (40).

[0093] The above cutting unit can cut off a portion of the upper portion of the gas pocket portion (40) along an imaginary cutting line (CL) passing between the degassing hole (H) and the temporary sealing portion (33). That is, the degassing hole (H) and the second sealing portion (32) can be removed. In addition, an opening (41) corresponding to the cutting line (CL) can be formed. The opening (41) can mean a gap between the edges of the first sheet portion (21) and the second sheet portion (22).

[0094] Referring to FIG. 6, a battery cell manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an injection unit (400) that injects gas into an opening (41).

[0095] The injection unit (400) may be configured to inject gas into the opening (41). As a result, the electrolyte remaining on the inner surface of the gas pocket portion (40) may be vaporized and dispersed. In this way, since the electrolyte remaining on the inner surface of the gas pocket portion (40) is removed, when the sealing tool (300) subsequently forms the sealing area (34), the sealing quality of the sealing area (34) can be prevented from deteriorating.

[0096] Preferably, the injection unit (400) may be configured to inject a high-temperature gas higher than room temperature. For example, the injection unit (400) may inject heated air. As a result, the electrolyte remaining on the inner surface of the gas pocket portion (40) can be more effectively vaporized.

[0097] The injection unit (400) may be configured to be elevable. For example, the main body (410) of the injection unit (400) may be connected to a known elevating device.

[0098] The injection unit (400) may include a main body (410) and a nozzle (420). The main body (410) may be erected approximately vertically. The nozzle (420) may be provided at the lower end of the main body (410). The nozzle (420) may inject gas into the opening (41). The nozzle (420) may inject gas downward. The nozzle (420) may be formed to be long in the longitudinal direction of the opening (41), or a plurality of nozzles may be provided arranged in the longitudinal direction of the opening (41).

[0099] Referring to FIG. 6, the battery cell manufacturing device may further include a suction unit (500) that sucks the electrolyte dispersed by the gas injected from the injection unit (400).

[0100] The suction unit (500) is arranged around the injection unit (400) and can be configured to suck up the electrolyte sprayed from the opening (41). This can prevent the area around the battery cell (1) from being contaminated with the electrolyte.

[0101] In more detail, the suction unit (500) may include a first suction unit (500A) and a second suction unit (500B) arranged on both sides with the injection unit (400) in between. This allows for more reliable suction of the dispersed electrolyte.

[0102] The suction unit (500) may be configured to be liftable. For example, the main body (510) of the suction unit (500) may be connected to a known lifting device. It is also possible for the injection unit (400) and the suction unit (500) to be lifted together by a single lifting device.

[0103] The first suction part (500A) and the second suction part (500B) can be spaced apart in the direction in which the opening (41) opens, that is, in the direction in which the first sheet part (21) and the second sheet part (22) of the outer material (20) face each other.

[0104] Each of the first suction unit (500A) and the second suction unit (500B) may include a main body (510) and an inclined portion (520). The main body (510) may be erected approximately vertically.

[0105] The inclined portion (520) may be connected to the lower end of the main body (510). The inclined portion (520) may be inserted into the opening (41) so that the opening (41) opens. To this end, the inclined portion (520) of the first suction portion (500A) and the inclined portion (520) of the second suction portion (500B) may have a distance between them that becomes closer to each other as they go downward. In addition, the horizontal thickness of each inclined portion (520) may become thinner as they go downward.

[0106] In this way, the two slopes (520) can easily enter the opening (41), and when the suction unit (500) is lowered, the opening (41) can be opened.

[0107] The lower end of each inclined portion (520) may be positioned lower than the lower end of the injection unit (400). That is, the lower end of each inclined portion (520) may be positioned lower than the lower end of the nozzle (420). As a result, the nozzle (420) of the injection unit (400) can inject gas toward the space between the two inclined portions (520). As a result, the injection unit (400) can smoothly inject gas into the opening (41) formed by the two inclined portions (520), and the vaporization and scattering of the electrolyte remaining on the inner surface of the gas pocket portion (40) can be more actively performed.

[0108] A suction hole (521) for sucking up the scattered electrolyte may be formed on the inner surface of each inclined portion (520). The inner surface of the inclined portion (520) may refer to a surface where both inclined portions (520) face each other. It is preferable that a plurality of suction holes (521) be formed. This allows for more reliable sucking up of the scattered electrolyte.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 7, the sealing tool (300) can form a sealing area (34) including a temporary sealing portion (33) while rising in contact with the gas pocket portion (40).

[0110] The sealing tool (300) can rise while maintaining heating and pressurization of the gas pocket portion (40) and form a sealing area (34) having a predetermined height dimension (h).

[0111] As described above, since the remaining electrolyte within the gas pocket portion (40) is removed by the injection unit (400), the sealing area (34) can be formed without any remaining electrolyte. As a result, the sealing quality of the sealing area (34) is improved, so there is no concern that the insulation resistance of the battery cell (1) will be reduced or moisture will infiltrate from the outside of the battery cell (1).

[0112] When the sealing tool (300) rises, the injection unit (400) and the suction unit (500) can rise while maintaining a distance from the sealing tool (300). As a result, the injection unit (400) can completely and reliably remove the remaining electrolyte within the gas pocket portion (40), and the suction unit (500) can more reliably suck up the scattered electrolyte.

[0113] Referring to FIG. 8, a sealing region (34) is formed, and the battery cell (1) can be manufactured. Once the sealing region (34) is formed, the pressure within the vacuum chamber (100) (see FIG. 2) can be restored, thereby eliminating the low pressure state. Alternatively, the battery cell (1) can be transferred outside the vacuum chamber (100).

[0114] Additionally, if necessary, the upper portion of the sealing area (34) may be trimmed. This trimming may be performed by the cutting unit described above or by a separate trimming unit (not shown). For example, the trimming unit may include a knife or a laser cutter, but is not limited thereto.

[0115] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a battery cell manufacturing method according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a specific flowchart of step S50 shown in FIG. 9.

[0116] Hereinafter, a battery cell manufacturing method that can be implemented using the battery cell manufacturing device described above will be described as another embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, the content described above may be appropriately applied.

[0117] A battery cell manufacturing method (hereinafter, “manufacturing method”) according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a step (S10) of placing a battery cell (1) including a receiving portion (23) and a gas pocket portion (40) within a vacuum chamber (100). The battery cell (1) may have a first sealing portion (31) and a second sealing portion (32) formed therein, and may be in a state in which an activation process has been completed.

[0118] The above manufacturing method may include a step (S20) of perforating a degassing hole (H) in the gas pocket portion (40). The piercing unit (200) may perforate the degassing hole (H) in the gas pocket portion (40). Accordingly, due to the pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the battery cell (1), the gas inside the battery cell (1) may be discharged to the outside through the degassing hole (H).

[0119] The above manufacturing method may include a step (S30) in which a sealing tool (300) forms a temporary sealing portion (33) that crosses between the degassing hole (H) and the receiving portion (23). The sealing tool (300) may heat and pressurize the gas pocket portion (40) so that the temporary sealing portion (33) is formed. The temporary sealing portion (33) may be formed at a location closer to the receiving portion (23) among the degassing hole (H) and the receiving portion (23).

[0120] The above manufacturing method may include a step (S40) of cutting off a portion of the upper part of the gas pocket part (40) to form an opening (41). The cutting unit may cut off a portion of the upper part of the gas pocket part (40) along a virtual cutting line (CL) passing between the degassing hole (H) and the temporary sealing part (33). That is, the gas pocket part (40) may be cut off along the virtual cutting line (CL). As a result, an opening (41) corresponding to the cutting line (CL) may be formed.

[0121] The above manufacturing method may further include a step (S50) of forming a sealing area (34) including a temporary sealing portion (33).

[0122] In more detail, the step (S50) of forming a sealing area (34) may include a step (S51) in which the injection unit (400) injects gas into the opening (41) and a step (S53) in which the sealing tool (300) rises toward the opening (41) while in contact with the gas pocket portion (40). In addition, the step (S50) of forming a sealing area (34) may further include a step (S52) in which the suction unit (500) inhales the electrolyte dispersed by the gas injected from the injection unit (400).

[0123] Although steps S51 to S53 are shown to be performed sequentially in FIG. 10, this is not limited to the sequential execution of steps S51 to S53, and it is of course possible for two or more steps to be performed simultaneously.

[0124] The injection unit (400) can inject a high-temperature gas higher than room temperature. The electrolyte remaining on the inner surface of the gas pocket portion (40) can be vaporized and dispersed by the injection unit (400). Therefore, when the sealing tool (300) is raised (S53), the sealing quality of the sealing area (34) can be prevented from deteriorating.

[0125] The suction unit (500) can suck up the electrolyte dispersed by the gas injected from the injection unit (400). This can prevent the surrounding area of ​​the battery cell (1) from being contaminated with the electrolyte.

[0126] The opening (41) can be opened by the suction unit (500), and the injection unit (400) can inject gas into the opened opening (41). As a result, the vaporization and scattering of the electrolyte remaining on the inner surface of the gas pocket portion (40) can be more actively achieved.

[0127] In the step (S50) of forming the sealing area (34), the injection unit (400) and the suction unit (500) can rise while maintaining a distance from the sealing tool (300). As a result, the remaining electrolyte within the gas pocket portion (40) can be completely and reliably removed, and the scattered electrolyte can be more reliably sucked up.

[0128] Meanwhile, the above manufacturing method may further include a step (S60) of trimming an upper portion of the sealing area (34). As a result, the appearance quality of the battery cell (1) can be improved and the energy density can be reduced.

[0129] The above description is merely an example of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention.

[0130] Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical idea of ​​the present invention but to explain it, and the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention is not limited by these embodiments.

[0131] The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical ideas within the scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the rights of the present invention.

[0132] [Explanation of symbols]

[0133] 1: Battery cell 10: Electrode assembly

[0134] 12: Electrode lead 20: Sheath

[0135] 21: First sheet section 22: Second sheet section

[0136] 23: Storage section 31: First seal section

[0137] 32; Second sealing section 33: Temporary sealing section

[0138] 34: Sealing area 40: Gas pocket area

[0139] 41: Aperture 100: Vacuum chamber

[0140] 200: Piercing unit 300: Sealing tool

[0141] 400: Injection unit 410: Body

[0142] 420: Nozzle 500; Suction unit

[0143] 500A: First suction part 500B: Second suction part

[0144] 510: Body 520: Slanted part

[0145] 521: Suction hole

Claims

1. A vacuum chamber in which a battery cell semi-finished product is placed, the vacuum chamber including a storage portion for accommodating an electrolyte and an electrode assembly and a gas pocket portion connected to the storage portion and positioned above the storage portion; A piercing unit for punching a degassing hole in the above gas pocket portion; A sealing tool that forms a temporary sealing portion crossing between the degassing hole and the receiving portion, and forms a sealing area including the temporary sealing portion while rising in contact with the gas pocket portion; A cutting unit that cuts off a portion of the upper part of the gas pocket portion to form an opening after the temporary seal portion is formed; and A battery cell manufacturing device including an injection unit that injects gas into the above opening.

2. In paragraph 1, The above injection unit, body; and A battery cell manufacturing device comprising a nozzle provided at the lower end of the main body and injecting gas through the opening.

3. In paragraph 1, The above injection unit is a battery cell manufacturing device configured to inject a high-temperature gas higher than room temperature.

4. In paragraph 1, A battery cell manufacturing device further comprising a suction unit that sucks the electrolyte dispersed by the gas injected from the above injection unit.

5. In paragraph 4, The above suction unit, A battery cell manufacturing device including first and second suction units arranged on both sides with the above-mentioned injection unit in between.

6. In paragraph 5, The above first suction part and second suction part, body; and It is connected to the lower part of the main body and includes a sloped portion inserted into the opening so that the opening opens, A battery cell manufacturing device in which the inclined portion of the first suction portion and the inclined portion of the second suction portion become closer to each other as they go downward.

7. In paragraph 6, A battery cell manufacturing device in which the lower end of the above-mentioned inclined portion is located lower than the lower end of the above-mentioned injection unit.

8. In paragraph 6, A battery cell manufacturing device having a suction hole formed on the inner surface of the above-mentioned inclined portion to suck up the dispersed electrolyte.

9. In paragraph 6, A battery cell manufacturing device in which the horizontal thickness of the above-mentioned inclined portion becomes thinner as it goes downward.

10. In paragraph 4, A battery cell manufacturing device in which the above injection unit and suction unit rise while maintaining a distance from the sealing tool when the sealing tool rises.

11. In paragraph 1, The above sealing tool is a battery cell manufacturing device that forms the temporary sealing part at a location closer to the receiving part among the degassing hole and the receiving part.

12. In paragraph 1, The above cutting unit is a battery cell manufacturing device that cuts off a portion of the upper part of the gas pocket part along a virtual cutting line passing between the degassing hole and the temporary sealing part.

13. A step of placing a battery cell semi-finished product including a storage portion for accommodating an electrolyte and an electrode assembly and a gas pocket portion connected to the storage portion and positioned above the storage portion in a vacuum chamber; A step of drilling a degassing hole in the above gas pocket portion; A step in which a sealing tool forms a temporary sealing portion crossing between the degassing hole and the receiving portion; A step of forming an opening by cutting off a portion of the upper part of the gas pocket portion; and Comprising a step of forming a sealing area including the temporary sealing portion, The step of forming the above sealing area is: a step in which the injection unit injects gas into the opening; and A battery cell manufacturing method comprising a step of raising the sealing tool toward the opening while in contact with the gas pocket portion.

14. In paragraph 13, The above injection unit is a battery cell manufacturing method that injects a high-temperature gas higher than room temperature.

15. In paragraph 13, The step of forming the above sealing area is: A battery cell manufacturing method further comprising a step of having a suction unit suck up the electrolyte dispersed by the gas injected from the injection unit.

16. In paragraph 15, The above opening is opened by the above suction unit, A method for manufacturing a battery cell in which the above injection unit injects gas into the opened opening.

17. In paragraph 15, A method for manufacturing a battery cell in which the above-mentioned injection unit and suction unit rise while maintaining a distance from the above-mentioned sealing tool.

18. In paragraph 13, A battery cell manufacturing method in which, in the step of forming the opening, the gas pocket portion is cut along an imaginary cutting line passing between the degassing hole and the temporary sealing portion.

19. In paragraph 13, A battery cell manufacturing method wherein, in the step of forming the temporary sealing portion, the temporary sealing portion is formed at a position closer to the receiving portion among the degassing hole and the receiving portion.

20. In paragraph 13, A method for manufacturing a battery cell further comprising the step of trimming an upper portion of the sealing area.

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