System for pressurizing and cooling battery cell and operating method thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system for pressurizing and cooling a battery cell and an operating method thereof. The system for pressurizing and cooling a battery cell shortens the process time required for cooling and pressurizing a pouch battery cell during an activation process of the pouch battery cell, and significantly shortens process time by simultaneously measuring the voltage of the battery cell.

Description

Battery cell pressurization and cooling system and its operating method

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 2024-0108099, filed August 13, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery cell pressurization and cooling system and an operating method thereof, and more particularly, to a battery cell pressurization and cooling system and an operating method thereof that shortens the process time required for cooling and pressurizing a pouch battery cell during an activation process of the pouch battery cell and also performs voltage measurement of the battery cell simultaneously, thereby drastically shortening the process time.

[0003]

[0004] Recently, due to the development of alternative energy sources to address air pollution and energy depletion caused by the use of fossil fuels, demand for secondary batteries that can store generated electric energy is increasing.

[0005] Secondary batteries, the energy source for various electronic devices indispensable in modern society, are seeing increased capacity requirements due to the increasing use and complexity of mobile devices and the development of electric vehicles. To meet user demand, small devices are equipped with multiple battery cells. However, automobiles and other devices utilize battery modules, which electrically connect multiple battery cells, or battery packs comprising multiple such modules.

[0006] Recently, the use of pouch-type batteries with a structure in which a stacked or stacked / folded electrode assembly is embedded in a pouch-type battery case is gradually increasing due to low manufacturing cost, small weight, and easy shape deformation.

[0007] Meanwhile, in the pouch battery cell manufacturing process, the electrode assembly is housed in a pouch case, an electrolyte is injected, and the edge of the pouch case is heated and pressurized to form a sealing portion. At this time, the sealing portion may include an electrode lead, one end of which is connected to the electrode tab of the electrode assembly and the other end of which protrudes outward from the pouch case, and an insulating film positioned between the sealing portion and the electrode lead.

[0008] These pouch-type battery cells are activated by pouring an electrolyte into a pouch-type case containing an electrode assembly. This activation process is an important step for imparting electrical properties to the battery cell and creating an electrode SEI layer. During the activation process, gas is generated within the cell due to charging and discharging of the battery cell, causing the cell to swell, resulting in a swelling phenomenon. In areas where this gas is generated, an SEI layer (Solid Electrolyte Interphase Layer) may form unevenly.

[0009] Therefore, in the activation process, a pressurizing and cooling operation is performed to pressurize the swollen battery cell due to the swelling phenomenon caused by charging and discharging, or to cool the heated battery cell to prevent gas from being trapped in the battery cell, uniformly create an SEI layer, and improve the impregnation property of the electrolyte by pressing both sides of the pouch battery cell.

[0010] However, the pressurization and cooling processes during the conventional activation process have a long process time, which has a negative impact on the production efficiency of battery cells, such as PPM (Parts per minute), which is the number of battery cells produced per minute, or Tack time, which is the process time compared to the total logistics time, and the process area required.

[0011] Korean Patent Publication No. 2022-0153289 discloses a conveyor system for a battery activation process applied to a battery activation process that minimizes vibration of a cell transport tray when the cell transport tray moves horizontally, diverts, or rotates, and also prevents impact with a preceding cell transport tray.

[0012] Korean Patent Publication No. 2004-0026543 discloses a battery manufacturing device comprising: a tray input unit; a tray transfer unit for transferring empty trays from the tray input unit to another location; a battery input unit for allowing batteries to be input into a manufacturing process from the tray input unit; a gas discharge and seal unit for puncturing and sealing batteries transferred from the battery input unit to discharge gas; a buffer area for temporarily waiting batteries for which the gas discharge and sealing have been completed; a heat seal unit for re-heating and sealing the edges of batteries transferred from the buffer area; and a cooling unit for cooling the portion of the heat-sealed batteries.

[0013] However, the above-mentioned prior art documents do not disclose a battery cell pressurization and cooling system and an operating method thereof in which a pressurization and cooling process of a plurality of battery cells is performed while reflecting the transport flow of a tray including a plurality of battery cells of the present invention and voltage measurement of the battery cells is simultaneously performed during the process.

[0014] Therefore, there is a need for the development of a battery cell pressurization and cooling system and its operation method that can shorten the process time required for cooling and pressurizing a pouch battery cell during the activation process of the pouch battery cell and can also measure the voltage of the battery cell simultaneously to drastically shorten the process time.

[0015]

[0016] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention aims to provide a battery cell pressurization and cooling system and its operating method that shortens the process time required for cooling and pressurizing a pouch battery cell during the activation process of the pouch battery cell and also performs voltage measurement of the battery cell simultaneously, thereby drastically shortening the process time.

[0017]

[0018] In order to achieve the above object, the battery cell pressurization and cooling system according to the present invention comprises: a tray (100) for storing a plurality of battery cells (C); a conveyor (200) for transporting the tray; a P&P (Pick and Place) unit (300) formed on the conveyor; one or more gripper units (400) for moving the positions of the battery cells; and one or more cooling units (500) for pressurizing and cooling the battery cells of the tray; wherein the transport line of the conveyor is configured in a “ㄷ” shape, and the cooling unit is characterized in that it is a battery cell pressurization and cooling system located in a space inside the “ㄷ” shape of the transport line.

[0019] In addition, the conveyor may include a first conveyor (210) that moves the tray in a horizontal (x-axis) direction; a second conveyor (220) that is connected orthogonally to the first conveyor and moves the tray in a vertical (y-axis) direction; and a third conveyor (230) that is connected orthogonally to the second conveyor and moves the tray in a horizontal (x-axis) direction; and a first switching unit (211) that changes the direction of the tray and moves it to the second conveyor is positioned on a first side of the first conveyor that is in contact with the second conveyor, and a second switching unit (231) that changes the direction of the tray and moves it to the third conveyor is positioned on a first side of the third conveyor that is in contact with the second conveyor.

[0020] In addition, the P&P unit includes a P&P sensor (310) that senses the input and output of the tray; a base plate (320) on which the tray is positioned; a P&P position adjustment unit (330) that adjusts the x-axis and y-axis positions of the tray; and a P&P discharge unit (340) that discharges the tray; and the P&P position adjustment unit can finely adjust the position of the tray for the gripper unit to grip the battery cell.

[0021] In addition, the gripper unit may include a first support (410) for moving in the up-and-down (z-axis) direction; a second support (420) for moving in the horizontal (x-axis) and vertical (y-axis) directions; and a gripper (430) for simultaneously gripping a plurality of battery cells in the tray located on the base plate; and the gripper may include a plurality of gripping portions (431) in the shape of the letter “ㄷ” that contact both sides of each battery cell; a pressing portion (432) that transmits a driving force so that the width of the gripping portions is adjusted so that the width can grip the battery cells; and a pressure sensor (433) on the inside of the gripping portions that contact both sides of the battery cells.

[0022] In addition, the cooling unit is arranged to face the rectangular planes of the plurality of battery cells and includes a plurality of pressurizing bodies (510) for pressurizing the battery cells, and a plurality of battery cell support parts (520) that move in the pressing direction together with the battery cells when the battery cells are pressed by the pressurizing bodies, and the battery cell support parts (520) include a base frame (521) positioned below the pressurizing body (510); and a battery cell support frame (522) that raises and lowers the battery cells in the vertical (z-axis) direction based on the base frame; and the pressurizing body may have a coolant passage (not shown) formed therein.

[0023] Additionally, electrode contact units (530) for measuring the voltage of the battery cell when the pressurized body pressurizes and cools the battery cell may be formed at both longitudinal ends of the pressurized body.

[0024] In addition, the electrode contact unit attached and fixed to one surface of the pressurized body includes a lead insertion portion (531) in the shape of the letter “ㅅ” for inserting a lead of the battery cell; a voltage sensing terminal located inside the lead insertion portion and in contact with the lead; and a driving portion that moves the lead insertion portion toward the direction in which the lead is located or in the opposite direction; and when the battery cell is at a position where it is pressed by the pressurized body, the driving portion can move the lead insertion portion in the direction of the lead to contact the lead with the voltage sensing terminal.

[0025] In addition, it includes a chiller unit (600) for supplying refrigerant to the pressurized body, and the chiller unit includes a cooling tank (610) capable of accommodating the refrigerant, and the cooling tank is provided with a return port through which refrigerant that has undergone heat exchange from the pressurized body of the cooling unit is supplied through a return line (620), and a supply port through which refrigerant cooled in the cooling tank is discharged through a supply line (630), and a refrigerant line (611) for heat exchange with the refrigerant is formed inside the cooling tank, and a refrigerator (640) for supplying cold heat to the cooling tank through the refrigerant line may be included.

[0026] In addition, the P&P unit includes a first P&P unit (300a) formed on the first conveyor and a second P&P unit (300b) formed on the third conveyor, and a plurality of trays sequentially introduced can be alternately gripped and processed for a plurality of battery cells by the first P&P unit and the second P&P unit.

[0027] In addition, the gripper unit can grip a plurality of the battery cells and position them between the plurality of pressurized bodies, and when pressurization and cooling of the battery cells are completed, the gripper unit can grip the battery cells again and move them to the tray.

[0028] In addition, the cooling unit may include a first cooling unit (500a) that is linked to the first P&P unit to pressurize and cool the battery cell, and a second cooling unit (500b) that is linked to the second P&P unit to pressurize and cool the battery cell.

[0029] In addition, the gripper unit may include a first gripper unit (400a) that is linked to the first P&P unit to grip the battery cell; and a second gripper unit (400b) that is linked to the second P&P unit to grip the battery cell.

[0030] In addition, the battery cell pressurization and cooling system control method according to the present invention comprises a first step in which a plurality of trays storing a plurality of battery cells are sequentially fed into a conveyor; a second step in which a P&P unit formed on the conveyor moves the trays to a predetermined position; a third step in which a gripper unit moves the plurality of battery cells from the trays to a cooling unit; a fourth step in which the plurality of battery cells are simultaneously pressurized and cooled in the cooling unit; a fifth step in which the gripper unit moves the plurality of battery cells, for which the pressurization and the cooling are completed, to the trays; and a sixth step in which the plurality of trays storing the plurality of battery cells are sequentially discharged from the conveyor, wherein the conveyor's transport line is configured in a "ㄷ" shape, the cooling unit is positioned in a space inside the "ㄷ" shape of the transport line, and the P&P unit, the gripper unit, and the cooling unit are each configured to include at least one.

[0031] The present invention can also be provided in a form in which various means for solving the above problem are combined.

[0032]

[0033] As described above, the battery cell pressurization and cooling system according to the present invention has the effect of dramatically reducing the time required for the activation process of a plurality of battery cells, thereby improving PPM (Parts per minute).

[0034] In addition, by configuring the conveyor line for transporting the trays in a “ㄷ” shape, the logistics configuration is improved, which has the effect of reducing the process time and process area of ​​the battery cell requiring pressurization and cooling treatment.

[0035] In addition, since the battery cells are constantly pressurized between pressurized bodies and cooling is simultaneously performed, there is an effect of being able to manufacture battery cells of uniform quality during the activation process, etc.

[0036] Additionally, since the voltage is measured simultaneously while the battery cell is pressurized and cooled simultaneously, there is an effect that allows monitoring of the status of the battery cell during the process.

[0037] In addition, two or more P&P units, gripper units, and cooling units are combined with a “ㄷ” shaped conveyor, which has the effect of reducing the pressurization and cooling processing time of battery cells per unit time.

[0038]

[0039] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a battery cell pressurization and cooling system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a gripper unit of a battery cell pressurization and cooling system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a gripper unit of a battery cell pressurization and cooling system according to one embodiment of the present invention gripping a plurality of battery cells.

[0042] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a cooling unit of a battery cell pressurization and cooling system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 5 is a plan view of an electrode contact unit of a cooling unit of a battery cell pressurization and cooling system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an electrode contact unit and an electrode lead connection portion of a cooling unit of a battery cell pressurization and cooling system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 7 is a configuration diagram of a chiller unit of a battery cell pressurization and cooling system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046]

[0047] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail, so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. However, when describing the operating principles of preferred embodiments of the present invention in detail, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known functions or configurations may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, such detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0048] Additionally, the same drawing reference numerals are used for parts with similar functions and actions throughout the drawings. Throughout the specification, when a part is said to be connected to another part, this includes not only direct connections but also indirect connections with other elements intervening. Furthermore, inclusion of a component does not exclude other components unless specifically stated otherwise, but rather implies the inclusion of additional components.

[0049] Hereinafter, a battery cell pressurization and cooling system and a control method thereof according to the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0050] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a battery cell pressurization and cooling system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] A battery cell pressurization and cooling system includes a tray (100) for storing a plurality of battery cells (C); a conveyor (200) for transporting the tray (100); a P&P (Pick and Place) unit (300) formed on the conveyor (200); one or more gripper units (400) for moving the positions of the battery cells (C); and one or more cooling units (500) for pressurizing and cooling the battery cells (C) of the tray (100). The transport line of the conveyor (200) may be configured in a “ㄷ” shape, and the cooling unit (500) may be a battery cell pressurization and cooling system located in a space inside the “ㄷ” shape of the transport line.

[0052] The above battery cell, preferably a pouch-type battery cell, has a gas pocket portion and a battery portion in which an electrode assembly is stored.

[0053] The tray (100) has an open top, and a plurality of battery cells (C) are mounted vertically arranged with the battery sections in contact with each other.

[0054] The battery activation process, which typically involves manufacturing battery cells, requires a variety of processes, including assembly, which involves moving cell transport trays. Conveyors used in manufacturing lines typically utilize free-flow chains, and buffer sections are essential. Therefore, stoppers utilizing air cylinders with cushioning functions are used.

[0055] Additionally, in the case of the direction change section of the conveyor, a roller drive system may be configured, and a turntable for rotating a cell transport tray made of synthetic resin may be placed.

[0056] The conveyor (200) includes a first conveyor (210) that moves the tray in a horizontal (x-axis) direction; a second conveyor (220) that is orthogonal to the first conveyor (210) and moves the tray (100) in a vertical (y-axis) direction; and a third conveyor (230) that is orthogonal to the second conveyor (220) and moves the tray (100) in a horizontal (x-axis) direction; and a first switching unit (211) that changes the direction of the tray (100) and moves it to the second conveyor (220) on a first side of the first conveyor (210) that is in contact with the second conveyor (220). The first side of the third conveyor (230) in contact with the second conveyor (220) may include a second switching unit (231) that changes the direction of the tray (100) and moves it to the third conveyor (230).

[0057] The battery cell pressurization and cooling system, which reflects the “ㄷ” shaped conveyor composed of the first conveyor to the third conveyor, can be arranged in various ways so that the plurality of conveyors are connected to each other along the horizontal direction and / or the vertical direction.

[0058] The above conveyor, preferably a roller conveyor, may be configured as a unit conveyor including a plurality of widthwise rollers arranged so that both ends of the roller axes are supported on conveyor supports installed in parallel on the upper side of a support so as to match the width of the tray for transporting battery cells, a guide rail coupled to the upper side of the conveyor supports on both sides to guide the tray for transporting battery cells, a power transmission means configured as a pulley and belt installed to provide driving force to the adjacent roller axes of the widthwise rollers, and a driving motor installed on one of the roller axes to provide driving force.

[0059] The first switching unit (211) and the second switching unit (231) may include at least two belt conveyors installed in the axial direction of the rollers between the width-direction rollers of the direction-changing roller conveyor for changing the direction of movement of the tray, a support member on which the belt conveyor is installed, a lifting plate coupled to the lower side of the support member, and an lifting cylinder installed on the support member to raise and lower the lifting plate.

[0060] A switching unit power transmission body and a switching unit rotation body for changing the direction of the above tray may be additionally configured. The switching unit power transmission body may be composed of a support body, multiple shafts, and a power transmission motor, and the switching unit rotation body may be composed of a support body, a rotation guide rail, and a power transmission motor.

[0061] The P&P unit (300) includes a P&P sensor (310) that senses the input and output of the tray (100), a base plate (320) on which the tray (100) is positioned, a P&P position adjustment unit (330) that adjusts the x-axis and y-axis positions of the tray (100), and a P&P discharge unit (340) that discharges the tray (100). The P&P position adjustment unit (330) can finely adjust the position of the tray (100) for the gripper unit (400) to grip the battery cell (C).

[0062] The P&P unit (Pick and Place) (300) performs a function of gripping a battery cell (C) from the tray (100) and transferring it to the cooling unit (500). The P&P sensor (310) senses the tray (100) entering the P&P unit (300) and transfers sensing information to a control unit (not shown) for determining whether to perform a battery cell gripping operation in the P&P unit (300).

[0063] The above P&P sensor (310) selects one of the two trays (100) that are sequentially transported and performs a battery cell gripping operation. For the tray that is not selected, the battery cell gripping operation is performed on the P&P unit (300) formed on the third conveyor (230) in the shape of the letter "ㄷ".

[0064] The P&P position adjustment unit (330) can perform fine position adjustment to position the selected tray at an accurate position for gripping the battery cell of the gripper unit (400) on the base plate (320) where the selected tray is located. The P&P position adjustment unit (330) can be equipped with a motor or hydraulic cylinder to move the base plate (320) for multiple position adjustments.

[0065] The P&P discharge unit (340) performs the function of discharging the tray (100) toward the first conveyor (210) linked to the rear end of the P&P unit (300) when the battery cell, which has undergone pressurization and cooling processing in the cooling unit (500), is moved back to the tray (100) via the gripper unit (400). The P&P discharge unit (340) may be formed with a motor or a pressurizing cylinder for moving the tray (100).

[0066] The P&P unit (300) may be arranged so that the selected tray is not located on the first conveyor (210) so that the individual trays do not become obstructed when moving a plurality of trays (100). For example, the P&P unit (300) may move the position of the selected tray up and down along the z-axis direction, or may move in the y-axis direction or the x-axis direction so that the selected tray is out of the moving path of the moving tray.

[0067] A control unit (not shown) for controlling the above-mentioned battery cell pressurization and cooling system may be additionally included. The control unit collects sensing information and driving information of the system's component units to perform functions of controlling the pressurization and cooling of the battery cells and the insertion and discharge of trays.

[0068] The above P&P unit includes a first P&P unit (300a) formed on the first conveyor and a second P&P unit (300b) formed on the third conveyor, and a plurality of trays sequentially introduced can be alternately gripped and processed for a plurality of battery cells by the first P&P unit (300a) and the second P&P unit (300b).

[0069] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a gripper unit of a battery cell pressurization and cooling system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 2, the gripper unit (400) includes a first support (410) for moving in the up-and-down (z-axis) direction, a second support (420) for moving in the horizontal (x-axis) and vertical (y-axis) directions; a gripper (430) for simultaneously gripping a plurality of battery cells in the tray located on the base plate, and the gripper (430) includes a plurality of gripping portions (431) in a “ㄷ” shape that contact both sides of each battery cell; a pressing portion (432) that transmits a driving force so that the width of the gripping portions (431) is adjusted so that the battery cells can be gripped; and a pressure sensor (433) located on the inside of the gripping portions (431) that contact both sides of the battery cells.

[0071] The first support (410) performs a function of moving the gripper (430) in the vertical (z-axis) direction to a position for gripping the battery cell (C) in the tray (100) through horizontal and vertical movement via the second support (420). By driving the first support (410), the gripper (430) and the battery cell (C) can actually come into contact. The second support (420) may include a motor, a guide rail, a sensor, etc. for moving the gripper (430).

[0072] The second support (420) can move the gripper (430) to a position for gripping the battery cell stored in the tray (100) in accordance with the horizontal (x-axis) direction, preferably the direction of movement of the tray (100) on the first conveyor (210) and the third conveyor (230), and the vertical (y-axis) direction, preferably the direction of movement of the tray (100) on the second conveyor (220). The second support (410) can include a motor, a guide rail, a sensor, etc. for movement of the gripper.

[0073] The gripper unit (400) grips a plurality of battery cells (C) and positions them between the plurality of pressurizing parts (432), and when pressurization and cooling of the battery cells (C) are completed, the gripper unit (400) grips the battery cells (C) again and moves them to the tray (100).

[0074] The gripper unit (400) may include a first gripper unit (400a) that is linked to the first P&P unit (300) to grip the battery cell (C), and a second gripper unit (400b) that is linked to the second P&P unit to grip the battery cell.

[0075] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a gripper unit of a battery cell pressurization and cooling system according to one embodiment of the present invention gripping a plurality of battery cells.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 3 together with FIG. 2, the gripper (430) includes a plurality of gripping portions (431) formed in a row at regular intervals, and when the gripper is positioned on the upper surface of the z-axis of the battery cells (C) arranged in a plurality on the tray, the gripping portions (431) are opened wider than the thickness of the battery cells (C) and enter between the battery cells (C).

[0077] Afterwards, the battery cell (C) is gripped by the gripping part (431) through the pressurizing part (432), and the pressure sensor (433) formed on the inside of the gripping part (431) monitors whether the gripping part (431) has gripped the battery cell with a predetermined pressure.

[0078] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a cooling unit of a battery cell pressurization and cooling system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 4, the cooling unit (500) is arranged to face the rectangular plane of a plurality of battery cells (C) and includes a plurality of pressurizing bodies (510 in FIG. 6) for pressing the battery cells (C), and a plurality of battery cell support parts (520) that move in the pressing direction together with the battery cells when the battery cells are pressed by the pressurizing bodies, and the battery cell support parts (520) include a base frame (521) positioned below the pressurizing body (510); and a battery cell support frame (522) that raises and lowers the battery cells in the vertical (z-axis) direction based on the base frame, and the pressurizing body (510) may have a coolant passage (not shown) formed therein.

[0080] The pressurizing body (510) may have a rectangular shape. The pressurizing body (510) is not limited in shape as long as it can uniformly pressurize and cool the battery cell (C). The pressurizing body (510) has a rectangular shape corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the battery cell (C), and the surface facing the battery cell may be flat or rounded corresponding to the swelling portion of the battery cell.

[0081] In order to pressurize both sides of a battery cell, a plurality of pressurizing bodies (510 in Fig. 6) are provided. Since the pressurizing bodies have a plate shape with both sides being flat, the battery cell can be pressed by both sides of the pressurizing bodies. The pressurizing bodies are configured to move horizontally (x-axis direction: pressing direction). The battery cell is inserted between the pressurizing bodies, and the pressurizing bodies can pressurize the battery cell by moving horizontally. In order to stably pressurize the battery cell, the area of ​​the pressurizing bodies is preferably at least larger than the battery section in which the electrode assembly of the battery cell is housed.

[0082] The battery cell support frame (522) can move up and down between a first height, which is the height of the battery cell support frame when the battery cell is pressed by the pressurizer, and a second height, which is the height of the battery cell support frame when the battery cell is received from the gripper unit.

[0083] An elevation shaft housing is coupled to the lower surface of the base frame (521), and an elevation shaft capable of being elevated through the base frame (521) from the elevation shaft housing is coupled to the battery cell support frame (522), and the battery cell support frame (521) can be elevated by the elevation of the elevation shaft. The battery cell support frame (521) and the base frame can be connected by a first guide shaft that guides the up and down movement of the battery cell support frame. A battery cell detection sensor that detects the presence or absence of a battery cell can be installed in the battery cell support frame (522).

[0084] Guide rails extending in the pressing direction (x) are installed on both sides of the pressurizing body (510), and when the battery cell is pressed using the pressurizing body (510), the base frame (521) moves in the pressing direction along the guide rail, thereby allowing the plurality of battery cell support parts (520) to move in the pressing direction.

[0085] A coolant path for cooling the battery cell (C) may be provided inside the pressurized body (510). A temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the pressurized body may be installed inside the pressurized body (510).

[0086] Referring to the above drawing 1, the cooling unit (500) may include a first cooling unit (500a) that is interlocked with the first P&P unit (300a) to pressurize and cool the battery cell, and a second cooling unit (500b) that is interlocked with the second P&P unit (300b) to pressurize and cool the battery cell.

[0087] FIG. 5 is a plan view of an electrode contact unit of a cooling unit of a battery cell pressurization and cooling system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 5, electrode contact units (530) for measuring the voltage of the battery cell when the pressurizing body pressurizes and cools the battery cell can be formed at both longitudinal ends of the pressurizing body.

[0089] The above electrode contact unit (530) can be formed by being fixed at a predetermined position on both sides of the pressurized body.

[0090] The electrode contact unit (530) attached and fixed to one surface of the pressurized body includes an “ㅅ” shaped lead insertion portion (531) into which a lead (1a of FIG. 4) of the battery cell is inserted, a voltage sensing terminal (532) located inside the lead insertion portion (531) and in contact with the lead (1a of FIG. 4), and a driving portion (533) that moves the lead insertion portion (531) forward and backward along the direction in which the lead (1a) is located, and when the battery cell is at a position pressed by the pressurized body, the driving portion (533) moves the lead insertion portion (531) in the lead direction so that the lead (1a) is inserted into the voltage sensing terminal (532) so that the lead (1a) and the voltage sensing terminal (532) can come into contact.

[0091] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an electrode contact unit and a lead joint portion of a cooling unit of a battery cell pressurization and cooling system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 6 together with FIG. 5, since the lead insertion portion (531) is formed in a form in which the front end is spread out, it performs the function of guiding the thin lead toward the voltage sensing terminal (532) even if the lead is bent in a specific direction.

[0093] During the pressurization and cooling process of the battery cell (C), the voltage sensing terminal (532) can collect the voltage value profile of the battery cell from the lead (1a) and transmit it to the control unit.

[0094] Figure 7 is a configuration diagram of a chiller unit of a battery cell pressurization and cooling system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 7, the chiller unit (600) for supplying refrigerant to the pressurized body is included, and the chiller unit includes a cooling tank (610) capable of accommodating the refrigerant, and the cooling tank (610) is provided with a return port through which refrigerant that has undergone heat exchange from the pressurized body of the cooling unit (500) is supplied through a return line (620), and a supply port through which refrigerant cooled in the cooling tank (610) is discharged through a supply line (630), and a refrigerant line (611) for heat exchange with the refrigerant is formed inside the cooling tank (610), and a refrigerator (640) for supplying cold heat to the cooling tank (610) through the refrigerant line (611) may be included.

[0096] The refrigerator (640) can cool the refrigerant by circulating it through a known refrigeration cycle, such as a condenser, a compressor, an evaporator, and an expansion valve. A refrigerant line that performs the function of an evaporator, which cools the refrigerant by evaporating it, is installed in the cooling tank (610), and by utilizing the principle of taking heat from the heat medium by the evaporated refrigerant, the heat medium, which is the refrigerant supplied to the cooling unit (500), can be cooled.

[0097] A medium circulation pump (650) can be installed in the supply line (630), and the medium circulation pump (650) can forcibly suck in a heat medium through the supply line (630) and discharge it to the cooling unit (500) through the supply line (630), and circulate the heat medium so that the heat medium discharged to the cooling unit (500) passes through a cooling path formed inside the pressurized body and returns to the cooling tank (610) through the return line (620).

[0098] The PPM of the battery cell pressurization and cooling system of the present invention was compared with that of a conventional battery cell pressurization and cooling system. The battery cell pressurization and cooling system of the present invention exhibited a processing speed of 20 to 25 PPM, while the conventional battery cell pressurization and cooling system exhibited a processing speed of 15 PPM.

[0099] Anyone with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains will be able to perform various applications and modifications within the scope of the present invention based on the above contents.

[0100]

[0101] (Explanation of symbols)

[0102] 1: All departments

[0103] 1a: Lead

[0104] 100: Tray

[0105] 200: Conveyor

[0106] 210: Conveyor 1

[0107] 211: First conversion unit

[0108] 220: Second conveyor

[0109] 230: Third Conveyor

[0110] 231: Second conversion unit

[0111] 300: P&P Unit

[0112] 300a: 1st P&P unit

[0113] 300b: 2nd P&P Unit

[0114] 310: P&P sensor

[0115] 320: Baseplate

[0116] 330: P&P position adjustment unit

[0117] 340: P&P discharge unit

[0118] 400: Gripper Unit

[0119] 400a: 1st gripper unit

[0120] 400b: Second gripper unit

[0121] 410: First support body

[0122] 420: Second support body

[0123] 430: Gripper

[0124] 431: The phasing department

[0125] 432: Pressurized section

[0126] 433: Pressure sensor

[0127] 500: Cooling unit

[0128] 500a: 1st cooling unit

[0129] 500b: Second cooling unit

[0130] 510: Pressurized body

[0131] 520: Battery cell support

[0132] 521: Base Frame

[0133] 522: Battery cell support frame

[0134] 530: Electrode contact unit

[0135] 531: Lead insertion section

[0136] 532: Voltage sensing terminal

[0137] 533: Drive unit

[0138] 600: Chiller Unit

[0139] 610: Cooling tank

[0140] 611: Refrigerant line

[0141] 620: Return line

[0142] 630: Supply line

[0143] 640: Freezer

[0144] 650: Media circulation pump

[0145] C: Battery cell

Claims

1. A tray for storing multiple battery cells; A conveyor for transporting the above tray; A P&P (Pick and Place) unit formed on the conveyor; One or more gripper units for moving the position of the battery cell; and comprising one or more cooling units for pressurizing and cooling the battery cells of the tray; The conveyor line of the above conveyor is configured in a “ㄷ” shape, and the cooling unit is a battery cell pressurization and cooling system located in the inner space of the “ㄷ” shape of the conveyor line.

2. In paragraph 1, The above conveyor is a first conveyor that moves the tray in the horizontal (x-axis) direction; A second conveyor that moves the tray, which is connected orthogonally to the first conveyor, in the vertical (y-axis) direction; A third conveyor is connected orthogonally to the second conveyor and moves the tray in the horizontal (x-axis) direction; A first switching unit is located on the first side of the first conveyor that is in contact with the second conveyor and changes the direction of the tray to move it to the second conveyor. A battery cell pressurization and cooling system including a second switching unit on the first side of the third conveyor in contact with the second conveyor to change the direction of the tray and move it to the third conveyor.

3. In paragraph 1, The above P&P unit comprises a P&P sensor that senses the input and output of the tray; A base plate on which the above tray is positioned; A P&P position adjustment unit for adjusting the x-axis and y-axis positions of the above tray; and It includes a P&P discharge unit that discharges the above tray; The above P&P position adjustment unit is a battery cell pressurization and cooling system that finely adjusts the position of the tray for the gripper unit to grip the battery cell.

4. In paragraph 3, The above gripper unit, A first support for moving in the up-down (z-axis) direction; and A second support for moving in the horizontal (x-axis) and vertical (y-axis) directions; A gripper for simultaneously gripping a plurality of battery cells on the tray located on the base plate; The above gripper has a plurality of “ㄷ” shaped gripping portions that contact both sides of each battery cell; A pressurizing unit that transmits a driving force so that the width of the gripping unit is adjusted so that the width can grip the battery cell; and A battery cell pressurization and cooling system including a pressure sensor located on the inside of the gripping portion in contact with both sides of the battery cell.

5. In paragraph 4, The above cooling unit is arranged to face the rectangular plane of the plurality of battery cells and includes a plurality of pressurizing bodies for pressurizing the battery cells, and When the battery cells are pressed by the pressurizing body, a plurality of battery cell support parts are included that move in the pressing direction together with the battery cells, The above battery cell support part includes a base frame located at the lower part of the pressurized body; and a battery cell support frame that raises and lowers the battery cell in the vertical (z-axis) direction based on the base frame; The above pressurized body is a battery cell pressurization and cooling system having a refrigerant passage (not shown) formed inside.

6. In paragraph 5, A battery cell pressurization and cooling system in which electrode contact units are formed at both longitudinal ends of the pressurized body to measure the voltage of the battery cell when the pressurized body pressurizes and cools the battery cell.

7. In paragraph 6, The electrode contact unit attached and fixed to one surface of the pressurized body has a lead insertion portion in the shape of the letter “ㅅ” for inserting the lead of the battery cell; A voltage sensing terminal located on the inside of the lead insertion portion and in contact with the lead; and A driving unit that moves the lead insertion unit toward or in the opposite direction in which the lead is positioned; A battery cell pressurization and cooling system in which, when the battery cell is in a position where it is pressed by the pressurizing body, the driving unit moves the lead insertion unit in the lead direction to contact the lead with the voltage sensing terminal.

8. In paragraph 7, It further includes a chiller unit for supplying refrigerant to the above pressurized body, The above chiller unit includes a cooling tank capable of accommodating the refrigerant, The above cooling tank is provided with a return port through which the refrigerant that has undergone heat exchange from the pressurized body of the above cooling unit is supplied through a return line, and a supply port through which the refrigerant cooled in the above cooling tank is discharged through a supply line. A battery cell pressurization and cooling system including a refrigerant line formed inside the cooling tank for heat exchange with the refrigerant and a refrigerator supplying cold heat to the cooling tank through the refrigerant line.

9. In paragraph 8, The above P&P unit is the first P&P unit formed on the first conveyor. Includes a second P&P unit formed on the third conveyor, A battery cell pressurization and cooling system that grips and processes a plurality of battery cells by alternately feeding a plurality of trays sequentially from the first P&P unit and the second P&P unit.

10. In paragraph 9, The above gripper unit grips a plurality of the battery cells and positions them between the plurality of pressurized bodies, A battery cell pressurization and cooling system that re-gripped the battery cell and moved it to the tray when pressurization and cooling of the battery cell are completed.

11. In paragraph 10, The above cooling unit is a battery cell pressurization and cooling system including a first cooling unit that is interlocked with the first P&P unit to pressurize and cool the battery cell, and a second cooling unit that is interlocked with the second P&P unit to pressurize and cool the battery cell.

12. In paragraph 11, The above gripper unit is linked to the first P&P unit and is a first gripper unit that grips the battery cell. A battery cell pressurization and cooling system including a second gripper unit that is linked to the second P&P unit and grips the battery cell.

13. A first step in which multiple trays storing multiple battery cells are sequentially fed onto a conveyor; The P&P unit formed on the conveyor is a second step for moving the tray to a predetermined position; A third step in which the gripper unit moves a plurality of the battery cells from the tray to the cooling unit; In the above cooling unit, a fourth step in which the plurality of battery cells are pressurized and cooled simultaneously; A fifth step in which the gripper unit moves the plurality of battery cells, for which the pressurization and cooling have been completed, to the tray; and A sixth step in which a plurality of trays storing the plurality of battery cells are sequentially discharged from the conveyor, The conveyor's transfer line is configured in a "ㄷ" shape, and the cooling unit is located in the inner space of the "ㄷ" shape of the conveyor line. A method for controlling a battery cell pressurization and cooling system, wherein each of the above P&P unit, the above gripper unit, and the above cooling unit is configured to include at least one.

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