Battery sealing device and battery manufacturing system

Abstract

A battery sealing device according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a magnetic core configured to generate a magnetic field in the form of a closed loop passing through a target portion of a battery; an induction coil wound around the magnetic core; and a pressing pad having elasticity and disposed between the magnetic core and the target portion so as to press the target portion.

Description

Battery sealing device and battery manufacturing system

[0001] This application claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0104718, filed August 6, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery sealing device and a battery manufacturing system, and more particularly, to a battery sealing device configured to seal a battery by induction heating, and a battery manufacturing system including the battery sealing device.

[0003] In general, a secondary battery refers to a battery that can be repeatedly charged and discharged, such as a lithium-ion battery, a lithium polymer battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, a nickel-hydrogen battery, or a nickel-zinc battery.

[0004] Recently, as these secondary batteries are applied to not only small devices such as mobile phones, tablet PCs, and laptops, but also large devices such as electric vehicles and ESS (Energy Storage Systems) that require high output voltage and large charging capacity, there is increasing interest in and demand for battery manufacturing technology that can improve battery yield while increasing battery production rate and guaranteeing the intended performance and safety of the battery.

[0005] Meanwhile, batteries are manufactured through a series of processes, including placing the electrode assembly, including the current collector, and the electrolyte material in a case, and sealing the case by pressurizing and / or heating. Therefore, the quality of a battery's sealing is a critical factor in determining its yield, performance, and safety.

[0006] However, the existing technology of sealing a battery using a bar-shaped sealing tool heated by a heater has the problem of low battery production rates because the heating and cooling time of the sealing tool is long and it is difficult to use the sealing tool for a long time due to the problem of overheating of the sealing tool.

[0007] In addition, the existing technology has a problem in that if the sealing target portion of the battery has a step or curve and the battery is not set accurately in the designated position, the contact between the entire sealing target portion and the sealing tool becomes uneven, resulting in poor sealing, which in turn reduces the yield of the battery and does not guarantee the performance and safety of the battery.

[0008] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery sealing device capable of increasing the battery production rate while improving the yield of the battery and ensuring the intended performance and safety of the battery, and a battery manufacturing system including the battery sealing device.

[0009] A battery sealing device according to one aspect of the present invention is a device configured to seal a target portion of a battery corresponding to a sealing target portion by induction heating while applying pressure to the target portion, the device comprising: a magnetic core configured to generate a closed-loop magnetic field penetrating the target portion; an induction coil wound around the magnetic core; and a pressure pad having elasticity and arranged between the magnetic core and the target portion to apply pressure to the target portion.

[0010] In one embodiment, the magnetic core may include a main magnetic core configured to generate a first magnetic field having a predetermined magnetic flux density; and at least one sub-magnetic core arranged adjacent to the main magnetic core and configured to generate a second magnetic field having a lower magnetic flux density than the first magnetic field.

[0011] In one embodiment, the main magnetic core includes a plurality of first metal plates stacked side by side with each other, and the at least one sub-magnetic core includes a plurality of second metal plates stacked side by side with each other, and the thickness of each of the plurality of first metal plates may be configured to be thinner than the thickness of each of the plurality of second metal plates.

[0012] In one embodiment, the target portion includes a first portion having a relatively long penetration distance of the magnetic field and a second portion having a relatively short penetration distance, the main magnetic core may be arranged at a position corresponding to the first portion, and the at least one sub-magnetic core may be arranged at a position corresponding to the second portion.

[0013] In one embodiment, the main magnetic core and the at least one sub-magnetic core each have a partially disconnected loop shape, and the main magnetic core may be configured to protrude further in a predetermined direction than the at least one sub-magnetic core.

[0014] In one embodiment, the induction coil may include a first induction coil that is commonly wound around the main magnetic core and the at least one sub-magnetic core; and a second induction coil that is wound only around the main magnetic core.

[0015] In one embodiment, the amplitude of the second AC current flowing in the second induction coil may be greater than the amplitude of the first AC current flowing in the first induction coil.

[0016] In one embodiment, the frequency of the second alternating current may be lower than the frequency of the first alternating current.

[0017] In one embodiment, the induction coil may have a tube shape with a hollow space provided inside.

[0018] In one embodiment, the induction coil may have an inlet for introducing a cooling material into the interior of the induction coil; and an outlet for discharging the cooling material introduced into the interior of the induction coil to the exterior of the induction coil.

[0019] In one embodiment, the device may further include an insulating block having insulating properties and surrounding the exterior of the magnetic core and the induction coil.

[0020] In one embodiment, the pressure pad may be disposed on an outer surface of the insulating block.

[0021] In one embodiment, the pressure pad may be made of a material including silicone.

[0022] A battery manufacturing system according to another aspect of the present invention includes the battery sealing device described above.

[0023] According to the present invention, a battery sealing device is configured to seal by directly heating a target portion of a battery corresponding to a sealing target portion by induction heating while applying pressure to the target portion, thereby reducing the time and power required for heating and cooling a conventional sealing tool, enabling long-term use of the battery sealing device, and improving battery production rates.

[0024] In addition, since a pressure pad having elasticity is arranged between a magnetic core that generates a magnetic field and a target portion of the battery and configured to pressurize the target portion, even when the target portion of the battery has a step or curve or the battery is not set exactly at a predetermined position, the entire target portion can be appropriately pressed to prevent sealing failure, thereby improving the yield of the battery and ensuring the performance and safety of the battery.

[0025] In addition, since the magnetic core generating the magnetic field includes a main magnetic core configured to generate a magnetic field having a relatively high magnetic flux density and at least one sub magnetic core configured to generate a magnetic field having a relatively low magnetic flux density, uniform sealing is possible even when the target portion of the battery includes a relatively thick portion and a relatively thin portion, and the sealing quality of the battery can be further improved.

[0026] In addition, since the induction coil wound around the magnetic core has a tube shape with a hollow space therein, a cooling material can be supplied to the inside of the induction coil to efficiently cool the induction coil and the magnetic core, and as a result, the continuous use time of the battery sealing device can be further extended.

[0027] In addition, since the pressure pad is made of a material including silicone having insulating properties, heat loss generated in the target portion can be prevented, and the power required for the sealing process can be reduced.

[0028] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will readily understand from the following description that various embodiments of the present invention can solve various technical problems not mentioned above.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a battery sealing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a battery requiring a sealing process.

[0031] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an example of an assembled battery.

[0032] Figure 4 is a front view of the battery illustrated in Figure 3.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an induction heating module of a battery sealing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 6 is a side view of the induction heating module illustrated in Figure 5.

[0035] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing an example of a main magnetic core applicable to the present invention.

[0036] Figure 8 is a side view of the main magnetic core illustrated in Figure 7.

[0037] Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing an example of a sub-magnetic core applicable to the present invention.

[0038] Fig. 10 is a side view of the sub-magnetic core illustrated in Fig. 9.

[0039] Fig. 11 is a drawing showing an example of a first induction coil applicable to the present invention.

[0040] Fig. 12 is a drawing showing an example of a second induction coil applicable to the present invention.

[0041] Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing an induction heating module according to a modified embodiment.

[0042] Fig. 14 is a side view showing the main magnetic core of the induction heating module illustrated in Fig. 13.

[0043] Figure 15 is a block diagram showing a battery manufacturing system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings to clarify solutions corresponding to the technical challenges of the present invention. However, when describing the present invention, descriptions of related known technologies may be omitted if they obscure the gist of the present invention. Furthermore, the terms used in this specification are defined in consideration of their functions in the present invention and may vary depending on the intentions or practices of designers, manufacturers, etc. Therefore, the definitions of terms described below should be based on the contents throughout this specification.

[0045] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a battery sealing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a battery sealing device (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured to seal a target portion of a battery (20) corresponding to a sealing target by induction heating while applying pressure thereto. For example, the target portion of the battery (20) corresponding to the sealing target may be a rim portion of a case forming the body of the battery (20).

[0047] To this end, the battery sealing device (10) includes an induction heating module (100). As will be described again below, the induction heating module (100) can generate an electric field penetrating a target portion of the battery (20), thereby generating an induced current in the target portion.

[0048] In one embodiment, the battery sealing device (10) may include an automated jig (200) configured to support the induction heating module (100) and move it to a target portion of the battery (20) to bring the induction heating module (100) into contact with the target portion.

[0049] For example, the induction heating module (100) may include an upper module and a lower module that contact the target portion of the battery (20) from opposite sides and generate an electric field that penetrates the target portion. In this case, the automated jig (200) may include a first support (210) and a second support (220) that are coupled to the induction heating module (100) and support the induction heating module (100).

[0050] The first support member (210) may include a first mounting frame (212) on which the upper module of the induction heating module (100) is mounted, and a first stopper (214) that limits the range of movement of the first mounting frame (212).

[0051] In addition, the second support member (220) may include a second mounting frame (222) on which the lower module of the induction heating module (100) is mounted, and a second stopper (224) that limits the range of movement of the second mounting frame (222).

[0052] Additionally, the automated jig (200) may include a first actuator (230) configured to raise or lower the first support member (210). According to an embodiment, the automated jig (200) may include a second actuator (240) configured to raise or lower the second support member (220).

[0053] For example, when the battery (20) to be sealed arrives at a predetermined position, the first actuator (230) lowers the first support (210) to bring the upper module of the induction heating module (100) mounted on the first support (210) into close contact with the upper surface of the target portion of the battery (20), and the second actuator (240) raises the second support (220) to bring the lower module of the induction heating module (100) mounted on the second support (220) into close contact with the lower surface of the target portion. Then, the upper module and the lower module of the induction heating module (100) can heat the target portion of the battery (20) by induction heating while applying pressure to the target portion, thereby sealing the target portion.

[0054] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a battery requiring a sealing process.

[0055] As illustrated in FIG. 2, a battery (20) may generally include an electrode assembly (22) formed by stacking positive and negative plates with a separator between them, and a case (28) that accommodates the electrode assembly (22) together with an electrolyte material in an internal space (A1).

[0056] Additionally, the battery (20) may further include an electrode lead (24) electrically connected to the electrode assembly (22), and a sealing tape (26) sealing the circumference of the electrode lead (24).

[0057] The case (28) of the battery (20) may include a first case portion (28a) and a second case portion (28b) that are mutually coupled to form an internal space (A1). When the electrode assembly (22) and the electrolyte material are accommodated in the internal space (A1) formed between the first case portion (28a) and the second case portion (28b), the edge portion of the first case portion (28a) and the corresponding edge portion of the second case portion (28b) are hermetically coupled to each other, thereby completing the sealing of the battery (20).

[0058] To this end, the case (28) of the battery (20) may have a multi-layer structure. For example, the first case portion (28a) of the case (28) may include an aluminum sheet that provides the rigidity required for protecting the electrode assembly (22), an insulating material layer laminated on the outer surface of the aluminum sheet to insulate the aluminum sheet, and a bonding material layer laminated on the inner surface of the aluminum sheet to be bonded to the second cable portion (28b).

[0059] For example, the insulating material layer may include an insulating material such as PET (PolyEthylene Terephthalate) or nylon. In addition, the bonding material layer may include a heat-sealable material such as CPP (Casted PolyPropylene) or PP (PolyPropylene).

[0060] Meanwhile, the second case portion (28b) of the case (28) may also have a multilayer structure identical to or similar to the first case portion (28a) described above.

[0061] In Fig. 3, the battery (20) requiring the sealing process is illustrated as a pouch-shaped battery or a square battery, but the shape or type of the battery that can be sealed by applying the present invention can of course be changed in various ways depending on the embodiment.

[0062] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing an example of an assembled battery.

[0063] As illustrated in Fig. 3, the target portion (S) of the assembled battery (20) corresponding to the sealing target is the edge portion of the case (22) forming the outer body of the battery (20). This target portion (S) can be divided into a first portion in which an electrode lead (24) and a sealing tape (26) are interposed between aluminum sheets forming the case (22), and a second portion in which only the aluminum sheets overlap.

[0064] Figure 4 is a front view of the battery illustrated in Figure 3.

[0065] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the thickness (TH1) of the first portion (S1) of the target portion (S) of the battery (20) in which the electrode lead (24) and the sealing tape (26) are interposed between the aluminum sheets is thicker than the thickness (TH2) of the second portion (S2a, S2b) in which only the aluminum sheets are overlapped. In other words, a step occurs between the first portion (S1) and the second portion (S2a, S2b).

[0066] Therefore, the first part (S1) and the second parts (S2a, S2b) cannot be sealed simultaneously using a simple bar-shaped or flat-shaped sealing tool. In addition, when the first part (S1) and the second parts (S2a, S2b) are sealed simultaneously using a sealing tool having a groove formed concavely corresponding to the first part (S1), if the battery (20) is not precisely set at a predetermined position, the contact between the sealing target parts (S1, S2a, S2b) of the battery (20) and the sealing tool becomes uneven, resulting in a sealing defect, and as a result, the yield of the battery decreases, and the performance and safety of the battery are not guaranteed.

[0067] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an induction heating module of a battery sealing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the induction heating module (100) of the battery sealing device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a magnetic core (110), an induction coil (120), and a pressure pad (130).

[0069] In one embodiment, the induction heating module (100) may include an upper module (100A) and a lower module (100B). In this case, the upper module (100A) and the lower module (100B) may each include a magnetic core (110), an induction coil (120), and a pressure pad (130).

[0070] The magnetic core (110) is configured to generate a closed-loop magnetic field penetrating the target portion of the battery corresponding to the sealing target. This magnetic core (110) can be manufactured by stacking multiple metal plates of the same shape. In this case, the multiple metal plates can be manufactured from various materials. For example, the multiple metal plates can each be implemented as a silicon steel plate. Additionally, an insulating layer can be interposed between the metal plates.

[0071] In this way, since the magnetic core (110) has a laminated structure, the eddy current generated inside the magnetic core can be reduced, and as a result, the power consumed in the battery sealing device (10) can be reduced.

[0072] The above induction coil (120) is conductive and is wound around a magnetic core (110). When an alternating current flows through the induction coil (120), the direction of the magnetic field generated along the magnetic core (110) changes from time to time, and this magnetic field generates an induced current in a target portion of the battery, thereby directly heating the target portion.

[0073] The above-mentioned pressure pad (130) has elasticity and is configured to be positioned between the magnetic core (110) and the target portion of the battery to pressurize the target portion. For example, the pressure pad (130) can be made of a material including silicone.

[0074] In this way, the elastic pressure pad (130) is arranged between the magnetic core (110) that generates a magnetic field and the target portion of the battery, and is configured to pressurize the target portion, so that even when the target portion of the battery has a step or a curve or when the battery is not set exactly in a predetermined position, the entire target portion can be appropriately pressed to prevent sealing failure, and as a result, the yield of the battery can be improved and the performance and safety of the battery can be guaranteed.

[0075] In addition, since the pressure pad (130) is made of a material including silicone having insulating properties, heat loss generated in the target portion can be prevented, and the power required for the sealing process can be reduced.

[0076] In one embodiment, the magnetic core (110) may include a main magnetic core (112) and at least one sub-magnetic core (114).

[0077] The main magnetic core (112) may be configured to generate a first magnetic field having a predetermined magnetic flux density. In this case, the main magnetic core (112) may be configured to generate a first magnetic field having a relatively high magnetic flux density compared to the at least one sub-magnetic core (114).

[0078] Additionally, the sub magnetic core (114) may be arranged adjacent to the main magnetic core (112) to generate a second magnetic field having a lower magnetic flux density than the first magnetic field generated by the main magnetic core (112).

[0079] The magnetic flux density of each of the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field can be determined by considering the material and thickness of the case portion, electrode lead, sealing tape, etc. located at the target portion of the battery, which is the sealing target portion.

[0080] For example, the main magnetic core (112) may include a plurality of first metal plates stacked parallel to each other, and the sub magnetic core (114) may include a plurality of second metal plates stacked parallel to each other. In addition, the thickness of each of the plurality of first metal plates may be configured to be thinner than the thickness of each of the plurality of second metal plates.

[0081] As mentioned above, the target portion of the battery corresponding to the sealing target can be divided into a relatively thick first portion (e.g., S1 in FIG. 4) and a relatively thin second portion (e.g., S2a and S2b in FIG. 4).

[0082] In this case, the main magnetic core (112) may be arranged at a position corresponding to the first portion where the magnetic field penetration distance is relatively long, and the sub magnetic core (114) may be arranged at a position corresponding to the second portion where the magnetic field penetration distance is relatively short.

[0083] In one embodiment, the main magnetic core (112) and the sub-magnetic core (114) may each have a partially disconnected loop shape. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the cross-section of the main magnetic core (112) and the cross-section of the sub-magnetic core (114) parallel to the YZ plane may each have an 'n' shape or a 'U' shape.

[0084] In this case, the main magnetic core (112) may be configured to protrude further in the Z-axis direction than the sub-magnetic core (114), so that a portion of the hollow space surrounded by the main magnetic core (112) is located outside the outer surface of the sub-magnetic core (114) with respect to the Z-axis direction.

[0085] In one embodiment, the induction coil (120) may include a first induction coil (122) and a second induction coil (124). The first induction coil (122) may be configured to be commonly wound around the main magnetic core (112) and the at least one sub-magnetic core (114). The second induction coil (124) may be configured to be wound only around the main magnetic core (112). In this way, since the main magnetic core (112) generates a magnetic field by using a plurality of induction coils (122, 124) wound at different positions, it may generate a magnetic field having a higher magnetic flux density than the magnetic field generated by the sub-magnetic core (114).

[0086] In one embodiment, the amplitude of the second AC current flowing in the second induction coil (124) may be greater than the amplitude of the first AC current flowing in the first induction coil (122). As a result, the main magnetic core (112) can easily generate a magnetic field having a higher magnetic flux density than the magnetic field generated by the sub magnetic core (114).

[0087] In one embodiment, the frequency of the second AC current flowing in the second induction coil (124) may be lower than the frequency of the first AC current flowing in the first induction coil (122). As a result, the destructive interference between the magnetic fields generated by the first induction coil (122) and the second induction coil (124) is reduced, while the penetrative power of the magnetic field generated by the main magnetic core (112) may be greater than the magnetic field generated by the sub magnetic core (114).

[0088] In one embodiment, the induction heating module (100) of the battery sealing device (10) may further include an insulating block (140) having insulating properties and surrounding the exterior of the magnetic core (110) and the induction coil (120). For example, the insulating block (140) may be a cast body formed through an insert molding process.

[0089] In this case, the pressure pad (130) may be placed on the outer surface of the insulating block (140).

[0090] In this way, since the insulating block (140) is configured to protect the magnetic core (110) and the induction coil (120) while supplementing the mechanical rigidity of the magnetic core (110) and the induction coil (120), not only can the electrical safety of the battery sealing device (10) be improved, but also the magnetic core (110) and the induction coil (120) can be manufactured using a relatively weak material. In addition, since the magnetic core (110), the induction coil (120), and the pressure pad (130) are integrated by the insulating block (140), the magnetic core (110), the induction coil (120), and the pressure pad (130) can be easily mounted on the above-described automated jig (200).

[0091] Figure 6 is a side view of the induction heating module (100) illustrated in Figure 5.

[0092] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the upper module (100A) and the lower module (100B) of the induction heating module (100) may each include the magnetic core (110), the induction coil (120), the pressure pad (130), and the insulation block (140) described above.

[0093] When a battery is placed at a predetermined position between the upper module (100A) and the lower module (100B), the upper module (100A) can press downwards the target portion of the battery, and the lower module (100B) can press upwards the target portion of the battery. As described above, the component of the induction heating module (100) that contacts the target portion of the battery and pressurizes the target portion is the pressurizing pad (130).

[0094] In this way, the induction heating module (100) can generate a closed-loop magnetic field penetrating the target portion by supplying an alternating current to the induction coil (120) while pressurizing the target portion of the battery. This magnetic field causes an induced current to be generated in the target portion, thereby increasing the temperature of the target portion, and as a result, the target portion is thermally fused to form a seal.

[0095] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing an example of a main magnetic core applicable to the present invention.

[0096] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the main magnetic core (112) can be manufactured by stacking a plurality of first metal plates (112a) of the same shape. In this case, the plurality of first metal plates (112a) can be manufactured from various materials. For example, the plurality of first metal plates (112a) can each be implemented as a silicon steel plate. Additionally, an insulating layer can be interposed between the first metal plates.

[0097] Figure 8 is a side view of the main magnetic core (112) illustrated in Figure 7.

[0098] As illustrated in FIG. 8, each first metal plate (112a) forming the main magnetic core (112) may generally have an 'n' shape or a 'U' shape.

[0099] In addition, when the main magnetic core (112) is stacked in parallel with the sub magnetic core (114) described later, the height of the main magnetic core (112), i.e., the length in the Z-axis direction, can be determined so that a portion of the hollow surrounded by the main magnetic core (112) can be located outside the outer surface of the sub magnetic core (114).

[0100] Additionally, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the above-described pressure pad (130) may be coupled to one end of the main magnetic core (112). In FIG. 8, the pressure pad (130) may be coupled to the lower right side of the main magnetic core (112).

[0101] Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing an example of a sub-magnetic core applicable to the present invention.

[0102] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the sub-magnetic core (114) can be manufactured by stacking a plurality of second metal plates (114a) of the same shape. In this case, the plurality of second metal plates (114a) can be manufactured from various materials. For example, the plurality of second metal plates (114a) can each be implemented as a silicon steel plate. Additionally, an insulating layer can be interposed between the second metal plates.

[0103] Fig. 10 is a side view of the sub-magnetic core (114) illustrated in Fig. 9.

[0104] As illustrated in FIG. 10, each second metal plate (114a) forming the sub-magnetic core (114) may generally have an 'n' shape or a 'U' shape.

[0105] In addition, when the sub magnetic core (114) is stacked in parallel with the above-described main magnetic core (112), the height of the sub magnetic core (114), i.e., the length in the Z-axis direction, can be determined so that a portion of the hollow surrounded by the main magnetic core (112) can be located outside the outer surface of the sub magnetic core (114).

[0106] Additionally, as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the above-described pressure pad (130) may be coupled to one end of the sub-magnetic core (114). In FIG. 10, the pressure pad (130) may be coupled to the lower right side of the sub-magnetic core (114).

[0107] Fig. 11 is a drawing showing an example of a first induction coil applicable to the present invention.

[0108] As illustrated in FIG. 11, the first induction coil (122) may be configured to be commonly wound around the main magnetic core (112) and at least one sub-magnetic core (114).

[0109] When current flows through the first induction coil (122), a magnetic field can be generated in the main magnetic core (112) and the at least one magnetic core (110). To this end, the first induction coil (122) can include an input terminal (122a) through which current is input and an output terminal (122b) through which current is output.

[0110] In one embodiment, the first induction coil (122) may have a tube shape with a hollow space formed therein. Since the first induction coil (122) has a tube shape, a cooling material can be supplied to the inside of the first induction coil (122) to efficiently cool not only the first induction coil (122) but also the magnetic cores (112, 114), thereby extending the continuous use time of the battery sealing device (10).

[0111] In this case, the first induction coil (122) may be provided with an inlet (122c) for introducing a cooling substance into the interior of the first induction coil (122), and an outlet (122d) for discharging the cooling substance introduced into the interior of the first induction coil (122) to the exterior of the first induction coil (122).

[0112] Fig. 12 is a drawing showing an example of a second induction coil applicable to the present invention.

[0113] As illustrated in FIG. 12, the second induction coil (124) may be configured to be wound only on the main magnetic core (112).

[0114] When current flows through the second induction coil (124), the magnetic field generated in the main magnetic core (112) by the first induction coil (122) can be strengthened. To this end, the second induction coil (124) can include an input terminal (124a) through which current is input and an output terminal (124b) through which current is output.

[0115] In this way, since the main magnetic core (112) generates a magnetic field using multiple induction coils (122, 124) wound at different locations, it can generate a magnetic field with a higher magnetic flux density than the sub magnetic core (114).

[0116] In one embodiment, the second induction coil (124) may have a tube shape with a hollow space formed therein. In this way, since the second induction coil (124) has a tube shape, not only can a cooling material be supplied to the interior of the second induction coil (124) to cool the second induction coil (122), but the main magnetic core (112) can also be efficiently cooled, and as a result, the continuous use time of the battery sealing device (10) can be extended.

[0117] In this case, the second induction coil (124) may be provided with an inlet (124c) for introducing a cooling substance into the interior of the second induction coil (124), and an outlet (124d) for discharging the cooling substance introduced into the interior of the second induction coil (124) to the exterior of the second induction coil (124).

[0118] In one embodiment, since both the first induction coil (122) and the second induction coil (124) are implemented in a tube shape, the cooling effect of the main magnetic core (112) can be increased, and the continuous use time of the battery sealing device (10) can be further extended.

[0119] As mentioned above, a first alternating current can be input to the first induction coil (122) described above, and a second alternating current can be input to the second induction coil (124).

[0120] The amplitude of the second AC current input to the second induction coil (124) may be greater than the amplitude of the first AC current input to the first induction coil (122). Accordingly, the main magnetic core (112) on which the first induction coil (122) and the second induction coil (124) are wound can easily generate a magnetic field having a higher magnetic flux density than the magnetic field generated by the sub magnetic core (114) on which only the first induction coil (122) is wound.

[0121] In one embodiment, the frequency of the second AC current may be lower than the frequency of the first AC current. As a result, the destructive interference between the magnetic fields generated by the first induction coil (122) and the second induction coil (124) is reduced, while the penetrative power of the magnetic field generated by the main magnetic core (112) may be greater than that of the magnetic field generated by the sub magnetic core (114).

[0122] Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing an induction heating module according to a modified embodiment.

[0123] As illustrated in FIG. 13, an induction heating module (100') according to a modified embodiment can be configured identically to the above-described induction heating module (100) except for the shape of the main magnetic core (112').

[0124] That is, the induction heating module (100') according to the modified embodiment may include a magnetic core (110), an induction coil (120), and a pressure pad (130), similar to the induction heating module (100) described above. Although not illustrated in FIG. 13, the induction heating module (100') according to the modified embodiment may further include an insulation block corresponding to the insulation block (140) described above.

[0125] The main magnetic core (112') of the induction heating module (100') according to the modified embodiment has a shape that shortens the path of the magnetic field, thereby improving the power efficiency of the battery sealing device (10).

[0126] Fig. 14 is a side view showing the main magnetic core (112') of the induction heating module illustrated in Fig. 13.

[0127] As illustrated in Fig. 14, the main magnetic core (112') may be manufactured by stacking a plurality of third metal plates (112'a) having the same shape. In this case, each third metal plate (112'a) may have a modified 'n' shape or a modified 'U' shape. That is, unlike the first metal plate (112a) described with reference to Fig. 8, the third metal plate (112'a) may have an inclined portion (112'b). This inclined portion (112'b) may shorten the path of the magnetic field formed along the main magnetic core (112'), thereby reducing the power required to generate a magnetic field having a predetermined magnetic flux density.

[0128] Fig. 15 is a block diagram showing a battery manufacturing system (2) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0129] As illustrated in FIG. 15, a battery manufacturing system (2) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes the battery sealing device (10) described above. That is, the battery manufacturing system (2) is configured to seal an electrode assembly formed by laminating positive and negative electrode plates with a separator interposed therebetween, and a battery case containing an electrolyte material, using the battery sealing device (10) according to the present invention.

[0130] In one embodiment, the battery manufacturing system (2) may further include an activation device (20). The activation device (20) may be configured to activate the battery by repeating charging, discharging, and recharging, and performing aging on the battery whose sealing has been completed by the battery sealing device (10).

[0131] To this end, the activation device (20) may include a charger / discharger for charging / discharging the battery, a chamber for accommodating the battery, a temperature controller for controlling the temperature of the chamber, etc.

[0132] As described above, according to the present invention, the battery sealing device is configured to seal by directly heating the target portion of the battery corresponding to the sealing target portion by induction heating while applying pressure to the target portion, thereby reducing the time and power required for heating and cooling the existing sealing tool, enabling the battery sealing device to be used for a long time, and improving the battery production rate.

[0133] In addition, since a pressure pad having elasticity is arranged between a magnetic core that generates a magnetic field and a target portion of the battery and configured to pressurize the target portion, even when the target portion of the battery has a step or curve or the battery is not set exactly at a predetermined position, the entire target portion can be appropriately pressed to prevent sealing failure, thereby improving the yield of the battery and ensuring the performance and safety of the battery.

[0134] In addition, since the magnetic core generating the magnetic field includes a main magnetic core configured to generate a magnetic field having a relatively high magnetic flux density and at least one sub magnetic core configured to generate a magnetic field having a relatively low magnetic flux density, uniform sealing is possible even when the target portion of the battery includes a relatively thick portion and a relatively thin portion, and the sealing quality of the battery can be further improved.

[0135] In addition, since the induction coil wound around the magnetic core has a tube shape with a hollow space therein, a cooling material can be supplied to the inside of the induction coil to efficiently cool the induction coil and the magnetic core, and as a result, the continuous use time of the battery sealing device can be further extended.

[0136] In addition, since the pressure pad is made of a material including silicone having insulating properties, heat loss generated in the target portion can be prevented, and the power required for the sealing process can be reduced.

[0137] Furthermore, it goes without saying that embodiments according to the present invention can solve various technical problems other than those mentioned in the present specification, not only in the relevant technical field but also in related technical fields.

[0138] The present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will clearly understand that various modifications can be implemented within the technical scope of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed above should be considered illustrative rather than limiting. In other words, the true scope of the present invention is set forth in the claims, and all differences within the scope equivalent thereto should be construed as being encompassed by the present invention.

[0139] [Explanation of symbols]

[0140] 2: Battery manufacturing system

[0141] 10: Battery sealing device

[0142] 100: Magnetic Core

[0143] 112, 112': Main magnetic core

[0144] 114: Sub-magnetic core

[0145] 120: Induction coil

[0146] 122: First induction coil

[0147] 124: Second induction coil

[0148] 130: Pressure pad

[0149] 140: Insulating block

Claims

1. A battery sealing device configured to seal a target portion of a battery corresponding to the sealing target portion by induction heating while pressurizing the target portion, A magnetic core configured to generate a closed-loop magnetic field penetrating the target portion; An induction coil wound around the magnetic core; and A battery sealing device comprising a pressure pad having elasticity and arranged between the magnetic core and the target portion to pressurize the target portion.

2. In paragraph 1, The above magnetic core, a main magnetic core configured to generate a first magnetic field having a predetermined magnetic flux density; and A battery sealing device characterized by comprising at least one sub-magnetic core arranged adjacent to the main magnetic core and configured to generate a second magnetic field having a lower magnetic flux density than the first magnetic field.

3. In paragraph 2, The above main magnetic core includes a plurality of first metal plates stacked parallel to each other, The at least one sub-magnetic core comprises a plurality of second metal plates stacked parallel to each other, A battery sealing device characterized in that the thickness of each of the plurality of first metal plates is thinner than the thickness of each of the plurality of second metal plates.

4. In paragraph 2, The above target portion includes a first portion having a relatively long magnetic field penetration distance and a second portion having a relatively short magnetic field penetration distance, The above main magnetic core is positioned corresponding to the first part, A battery sealing device, characterized in that the at least one sub-magnetic core is configured to be positioned corresponding to the second part.

5. In paragraph 2, The main magnetic core and the at least one sub-magnetic core each have a partially disconnected loop shape, A battery sealing device, characterized in that the main magnetic core is configured to protrude further in a predetermined direction than the at least one sub-magnetic core.

6. In paragraph 2, The above induction coil, A first induction coil commonly wound around the main magnetic core and at least one sub-magnetic core; and A battery sealing device characterized by including a second induction coil wound only on the main magnetic core.

7. In paragraph 6, A battery sealing device, characterized in that the amplitude of the second AC current flowing in the second induction coil is greater than the amplitude of the first AC current flowing in the first induction coil.

8. In paragraph 7 A battery sealing device, characterized in that the frequency of the second alternating current is lower than the frequency of the first alternating current.

9. In paragraph 1, A battery sealing device characterized in that the above induction coil has a tube shape with a hollow space provided inside.

10. In paragraph 9, The above induction coil, An inlet for introducing cooling material into the interior of the induction coil; and A battery sealing device characterized by having an exhaust port for discharging a cooling material introduced into the interior of the induction coil to the exterior of the induction coil.

11. In paragraph 1, A battery sealing device characterized in that it further includes an insulating block having insulating properties and surrounding the outside of the magnetic core and the induction coil.

12. In paragraph 11, A battery sealing device, characterized in that the above pressure pad is arranged on the outer surface of the above insulating block.

13. In paragraph 1, A battery sealing device, characterized in that the above pressure pad is made of a material containing silicone.

14. A battery manufacturing system comprising a battery sealing device according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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