Battery cell sizing device, battery cell sizing method using same, and battery cell manufactured using same

Abstract

The battery cell sizing device according to the present invention is a battery cell sizing device configured to be able to perform a sizing process by compressing a can housing of a battery cell in a vertical direction, the battery cell sizing device comprising: a support pusher supporting the lower portion of the can housing in the upward direction in a state where the support pusher is not in contact with a rivet terminal protruding from the lower portion of the can housing; a lifting pusher for pressing the lower portion of the can housing in the upward direction; a lowering pusher for pressing the upper portion of the can housing in the downward direction; and a beading guide member having an insertion support part of which at least a portion is inserted into a beading part of the can housing to be able to support at least a portion of the beading part, and an elastic support part elastically supporting the insertion support part in the vertical direction.

Description

A battery cell sizing device, a battery cell sizing method using the same, and a battery cell manufactured using the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery cell sizing device, a battery cell sizing method using the same, and a battery cell manufactured using the same. More specifically, the invention relates to a battery cell sizing device capable of manufacturing a battery cell with improved external quality, a battery cell sizing method using the same, and a battery cell manufactured using the same.

[0002] This application is a priority claim application for Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0182552 filed on December 10, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of said application are incorporated into this application by reference.

[0003] Recently, as the demand for portable electronic products such as laptops, video cameras, and mobile phones has increased rapidly, and the development of electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, robots, and satellites has accelerated, research on high-performance secondary batteries capable of repeated charging and discharging is actively underway.

[0004] Currently commercialized rechargeable batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium-ion batteries. Among these, lithium-ion batteries are gaining attention for their advantages, such as the ability to freely charge and discharge with almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based batteries, a very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0005] These lithium-ion secondary batteries primarily use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as the positive and negative active materials, respectively. Additionally, the lithium-ion secondary battery comprises an electrode assembly in which a positive plate and a negative plate, each coated with the positive and negative active materials, are arranged with a separator in between, and an outer casing that seals and encloses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0006] Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries can be classified according to the shape of the battery case into pouch-type rechargeable batteries, in which the electrode assembly is embedded in a pouch made of aluminum laminate sheets, and can-type rechargeable batteries, in which the electrode assembly is embedded in a metal can. Furthermore, can-type rechargeable batteries can be further classified into cylindrical batteries and prismatic batteries depending on the shape of the metal can. These lithium-ion rechargeable batteries are utilized as battery modules or battery packs, which are assembled into a dense structure by overlapping or stacking multiple battery cells—either directly or mounted in cartridges—and then electrically connected to provide high voltage and high current.

[0007] A cylindrical secondary battery may include an electrode assembly, a can housing, and rivet terminals. The can housing may accommodate the electrode assembly, and an inwardly recessed beading portion may be formed in the can housing. The rivet terminal is electrically connected to the electrode assembly, and at least a portion may be exposed to the outside from one side of the can housing. Such a cylindrical secondary battery may generally be manufactured through a sizing process. The sizing process may be a process of compressing the can housing by pressing it up and down to adjust the height of the cylindrical secondary battery to the design form factor.

[0008] Meanwhile, conventional cylindrical secondary batteries could be damaged externally during the sizing process. For example, as the sizing process progressed, the sizing device could come into direct contact with the rivet terminals, raising concerns about potential damage such as scratches. If such damage occurred to the rivet terminals, the welding quality of the terminals could deteriorate during the manufacturing of battery packs. Furthermore, for instance, the beading portion of the can housing might not be formed into a consistent shape and dimensions during the sizing process.

[0009] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a sizing device that can improve the external quality of cylindrical secondary batteries by preventing external damage during the sizing process.

[0010] The present invention was conceived in consideration of the aforementioned problems and aims to provide a battery cell sizing device capable of producing a battery cell with improved external quality, a battery cell sizing method using the same, and a battery cell produced using the same.

[0011] The technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0012] A battery cell sizing device according to the present invention is a battery cell sizing device configured to perform a sizing process by compressing a battery cell can housing in an upward and downward direction, comprising: a support pusher that supports the lower part of the can housing in an upward direction without contacting a rivet terminal protruding from the lower part of the can housing; an upward pusher that presses the lower part of the can housing in an upward direction; a downward pusher that presses the upper part of the can housing in a downward direction; and a beading guide member having an insertion support member configured such that at least a portion of the insertion support member is inserted into the beading part of the can housing to support at least a portion of the beading part, and an elastic support member that elastically supports the insertion support member in an upward and downward direction.

[0013] The above beading portion can be compressed and deformed in the vertical direction by the pressure of the above lifting pusher and the above lowering pusher, and the above beading guide member can be configured to guide the deformation of the above beading portion.

[0014] The support pusher may comprise: a rivet terminal insertion groove formed by recessing so as to have an inner diameter larger than or equal to the outer diameter of the rivet terminal so as to allow the rivet terminal to be inserted; and a can housing support portion configured to surround the rivet terminal insertion groove portion and support the lower part of the can housing.

[0015] A battery cell sizing device characterized in that the depth of the rivet terminal insertion groove is formed deeper than the length of the rivet terminal protruding from the lower part of the can housing.

[0016] The above-mentioned beading guide member may be provided in multiple numbers.

[0017] The above elastic support member may comprise a first elastic support member that elastically supports the upper part of the insertion support member; and a second elastic support member that elastically supports the lower part of the insertion support member.

[0018] At least one of the first elastic support member and the second elastic support member may be provided as a coil spring.

[0019] The above elastic support member may be provided with an elastic pressure member configured to elastically press the insertion support member toward the beading member to the extent that it does not deform the beading member.

[0020] The above elastic pressure member may be provided as a coil spring.

[0021] The end of the beading portion of the insertion support portion can be formed in a rounded shape.

[0022] A battery cell sizing method according to the present invention is a battery cell sizing method using a battery cell sizing device according to the present invention, comprising: (a) a step of supporting the lower part of the can housing in an upward direction while the support pusher is not in contact with the rivet terminal protruding from the lower part of the can housing; (b) a step of pressing the lower part of the can housing in an upward direction with the lifting pusher; (c) a step of supporting at least a part of the insertion support member by inserting at least a part of the insertion support member into the beading part of the can housing while the insertion support member is elastically supported in an up-down direction by the elastic support member; and (d) a step of pressing the upper part of the can housing in a downward direction with the lowering pusher, wherein step (c) is performed prior to step (d).

[0023] A battery cell according to the present invention is manufactured using a battery cell sizing device according to the present invention.

[0024] According to the present invention, a battery cell sizing device capable of producing a battery cell with improved external appearance quality, a battery cell sizing method using the same, and a battery cell produced using the same can be provided.

[0025] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, a battery cell sizing device capable of performing an effective sizing process, a battery cell sizing method using the same, and a battery cell manufactured using the same can be provided.

[0026] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, a battery cell sizing device in which a can housing can be stably supported during a sizing process, a battery cell sizing method using the same, and a battery cell manufactured using the same can be provided.

[0027] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, a battery cell sizing device capable of effectively preventing external damage to a rivet terminal, a battery cell sizing method using the same, and a battery cell manufactured using the same can be provided.

[0028] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, a battery cell sizing device in which the dimensions and shape of the beading portion can be formed uniformly, a battery cell sizing method using the same, and a battery cell manufactured using the same can be provided.

[0029] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, a battery cell sizing device that allows for easy design changes, a battery cell sizing method using the same, and a battery cell manufactured using the same can be provided.

[0030] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, a battery cell sizing device in which damage to the beading portion can be minimized, a battery cell sizing method using the same, and a battery cell manufactured using the same can be provided.

[0031] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0032] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further enhance understanding of the technical concept of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention provided below; therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a battery cell applied to a battery cell sizing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing the overall appearance of a battery cell applied to a battery cell sizing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of a battery cell before and after the sizing process.

[0036] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of a battery cell sizing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 5 illustrates the process of a support pusher supporting the lower part of a can housing upward in a battery cell sizing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 6 illustrates the process of an upward pusher pressing the lower part of a can housing upward in a battery cell sizing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 7 illustrates the process of a downward pusher pressing the upper part of a can housing downward in a battery cell sizing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 8 illustrates the process in which a beading guide member supports at least a portion of a beading part in a battery cell sizing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a battery cell sizing method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of a support pusher of a battery cell sizing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view showing the support pusher of a battery cell sizing device according to one embodiment of the present invention supporting the lower part of a can housing.

[0044] Figure 12 shows a further enlarged view of a part of the support pusher in Figure 11.

[0045] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a plurality of beading guide members provided in a battery cell sizing device according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 14 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of a beading guide member of a battery cell sizing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 15 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of a beading guide member of a battery cell sizing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 16 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of a beading guide member of a battery cell sizing device according to another variation of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, and should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention.

[0050] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely some of the most preferred embodiments of the invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the invention, and that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0051] In this specification, unless otherwise specified, the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction are referred to as the left-right direction and the front-back direction, respectively, or the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction are referred to as the front-back direction and the left-right direction, respectively. Additionally, the Z-axis direction, which is orthogonal to the XY plane, is described as the up-down direction (vertical direction).

[0052] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall appearance of a battery cell applied to a battery cell sizing device according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing the overall appearance of a battery cell applied to a battery cell sizing device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the appearance of a battery cell before and after the sizing process.

[0053] A battery cell sizing device (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be a battery cell sizing device (20) configured to perform a sizing process by compressing the can housing (200) of a battery cell (10) in the up and down direction.

[0054] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, a battery cell (10) applied to a battery cell sizing device (20) according to the present invention will be described in detail. The battery cell (10) may include a can housing (200) and a rivet terminal (300). The battery cell (10) may be a secondary battery configured to be capable of charging and discharging.

[0055] An electrode assembly (100) can be accommodated inside the can housing (200). The interior of the can housing (200) can be configured to be empty to accommodate the electrode assembly (100).

[0056] The electrode assembly (100) may include electrodes and a separator. The electrodes may include a first electrode and a second electrode. The separator may be interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The first electrode may have a first polarity, and the second electrode may have a second polarity opposite to the first polarity. For example, the first electrode may be a positive electrode and the second electrode may be a negative electrode.

[0057] The electrode assembly (100) may have a jelly-roll structure. That is, the electrode assembly (100) may be manufactured by winding a laminate formed by stacking a first electrode and a second electrode having a sheet shape at least once with a separator interposed between them, with the laminate being wound with respect to a central winding axis. The central winding axis may be formed parallel to the Z-axis direction. Any jelly-roll structure known in the art may be applied to the present invention without limitation.

[0058] The can housing (200) may be provided in a cylindrical shape, for example. The battery cell (10) may be provided as a cylindrical battery cell (10).

[0059] An opening may be formed in the upper part of the can housing (200) (e.g., the part in the +Z direction). A closed part may be formed in the lower part of the can housing (200) (e.g., the part in the -Z direction).

[0060] A beading portion (210) may be formed in the can housing (200). The beading portion (210) may be formed by being indented inward from the side of the can housing (200). The beading portion (210) may be formed by being indented inward along the perimeter of the can housing (200). The beading portion (210) may be formed in the upper part of the can housing (200) or in an area adjacent to the opening. The beading portion (210) may secure the electrode assembly (100). When the can housing (200) is pressed in the vertical direction, the degree of indentation of the beading portion (210) increases, and the beading portion (210) may be further indented inward.

[0061] The rivet terminal (300) may be positioned in the lower or closed portion of the can housing (200). The rivet terminal (300) may be positioned through the can housing (200) such that at least a portion protrudes outward and the remaining portion is inserted into the interior of the can housing (200). The protruding portion of the rivet terminal (300) may be exposed to the outside of the can housing (200).

[0062]

[0063] In particular, referring to FIG. 3, the battery cell (10) can be manufactured through a sizing process. FIG. 3 (a) shows the appearance of the battery cell (10) before the sizing process, and FIG. 3 (b) shows the appearance of the battery cell (10) after the sizing process.

[0064] The sizing process may be a process of compressing the can housing (200) in the direction of the winding center axis of the electrode assembly (100) or in the vertical direction to adjust the height of the battery cell (10) to the design form factor. The total height of the battery cell (10) before the sizing process may be H (see FIG. 3 (a)), and the total height of the battery cell (10) after the sizing process may be H', which is smaller than H (see FIG. 3 (b)). After the sizing process, the total height of the battery cell (10) may be measured to determine OK or NG, and if it is determined to be NG, the sizing process may be repeated until it is determined to be OK.

[0065] The sizing process of the battery cell (10) can be performed after the beading portion (210) is formed while the electrode assembly (100) is accommodated inside the can housing (200). When the sizing process is performed, the degree of indentation of the beading portion (210) increases, and the beading portion (210) can be further indented inward.

[0066] A battery cell (10) according to the present invention can be manufactured using a battery cell sizing device (20) according to the present invention.

[0067]

[0068] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of a battery cell sizing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 shows the process of a support pusher supporting the lower part of a can housing upward in a battery cell sizing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 shows the process of an upward pusher pressing the lower part of a can housing upward in a battery cell sizing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 shows the process of a downward pusher pressing the upper part of a can housing downward in a battery cell sizing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 shows the process of a beading guide member supporting at least a part of a beading portion in a battery cell sizing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Hereinafter, a battery cell sizing device (20) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 to 8. First, as shown in FIG. 4, a battery cell sizing device (20) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a support pusher (400), a lifting pusher (500), a lowering pusher (600), and a beading guide member (700).

[0070] Referring mainly to FIGS. 4 to 6, the support pusher (400) may be configured to support the lower part of the can housing (200) in an upward direction. The support pusher (400) may be provided on the lower side of the battery cell (10).

[0071] The support pusher (400) may be configured to be able to rise and fall from the lower side of the battery cell (10), as shown in FIG. 5. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5 (a), the support pusher (400) may be provided in a lowered state spaced apart from the lower part of the can housing (200), or as shown in FIG. 5 (b), it may be provided in a raised state to come into contact with the lower part of the can housing (200). When the support pusher (400) is in a raised state, the support pusher (400) can support the lower part of the can housing (200) in an upward direction.

[0072] The support pusher (400) can support the lower part of the can housing (200) in an upward direction without contacting the rivet terminal (300) protruding from the lower part of the can housing (200). The rivet terminal (300) can be inserted into the support pusher (400). When the rivet terminal (300) is inserted into the support pusher (400), the support pusher (400) may be spaced apart from the rivet terminal (300) in the horizontal and vertical directions so as not to contact the rivet terminal (300). That is, the support pusher (400) can support the lower part of the can housing (200) in an upward direction by avoiding the rivet terminal (300).

[0073] Referring mainly to FIGS. 4 to 6, the lifting pusher (500) may be configured to press the lower part of the can housing (200) upward. The lifting pusher (500) may be provided on the lower side of the battery cell (10).

[0074] The lifting pusher (500) can be configured to be able to rise from the lower side of the battery cell (10), as shown in FIG. 6. Specifically, the lifting pusher (500) can be raised toward the battery cell (10) so as to come into contact with the lower part of the can housing (200), as shown in FIG. 6 (a). Then, the lifting pusher (500) can be raised further than in the case of FIG. 6 (a), as shown in FIG. 6 (b), and in this case, the lifting pusher (500) can move the battery cell (10) upward. The lifting pusher (500) can press the lower part of the can housing (200) upward in the state shown in FIG. 6 (a) or FIG. 6 (b).

[0075] The lifting pusher (500) may be provided in a lowered state spaced downward from the battery cell (10), as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. That is, the lifting pusher (500) may be configured to be able to rise and fall.

[0076] Referring mainly to FIGS. 4 and 7, the downward pusher (600) may be configured to press the upper part of the can housing (200) downward. The downward pusher (600) may be provided on the upper side of the battery cell (10).

[0077] The lowering pusher (600) can be configured to descend from the upper side of the battery cell (10), as shown in FIG. 7. Specifically, the lowering pusher (600) can be lowered toward the battery cell (10) so as to come into contact with the upper part of the can housing (200), as shown in FIG. 7 (a). Then, the lowering pusher (600) can descend further than in the case of FIG. 7 (a), as shown in FIG. 7 (b), and in this case, the lowering pusher (600) can move the battery cell (10) downward. The lowering pusher (600) can press the upper part of the can housing (200) downward in the state shown in FIG. 7 (a) or FIG. 7 (b).

[0078] The lowering pusher (600) may be provided in a raised state spaced upward from the battery cell (10), as shown in FIG. 4. That is, the lowering pusher (600) may be configured to be able to lower and raise.

[0079] The can housing (200) can be compressed in the vertical direction by the pressure of the lifting pusher (500) and the lowering pusher (600). When the can housing (200) is compressed, the overall height of the battery cell (10) can be reduced.

[0080] Referring mainly to FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 8, the beading guide member (700) may have an insertion support member (710) and an elastic support member (720). The beading guide member (700) may be provided at a location adjacent to the beading member (210).

[0081] At least a portion of the insertion support (710) may be inserted into the beading portion (210). For example, one end of the insertion support (710) near the battery cell (10) may be inserted into the beading portion (210). The insertion support (710) may be inserted from the outside of the beading portion (210) toward the beading portion (210) at the same height as the beading portion (210).

[0082] The insertion support member (710) may be configured to support at least a portion of the beading member (210). The beading member (210) may have an innermost portion which is the most recessed portion in the horizontal direction, an upper portion of the beading member (210) which is the upper portion of the innermost portion, and a lower portion of the beading member (210) which is the lower portion of the innermost portion. The insertion support member (710) may support, for example, at least one of the innermost portion, the upper portion of the beading member (210), and the lower portion of the beading member (210). The insertion support member (710) may be provided in a flat plate shape.

[0083] The elastic support member (720) can elastically support the insertion support member (710) in the vertical direction. The elastic support member (720) may include an elastic material or an elastic configuration. By means of the elastic support member (720), the insertion support member (710) may be allowed to move slightly in the vertical direction. The elastic support member (720) may be placed at the other end of the insertion support member (710).

[0084] In the process of the can housing (200) being compressed in the vertical direction, in particular, the beading portion (210) may be compressed and deformed in the vertical direction by the pressure of the lifting pusher (500) and the lowering pusher (600). In this case, the degree of indentation of the beading portion (210) becomes more severe, and the beading portion (210) may be further indented inward.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 8 (a), the beading guide member (700) can be inserted and positioned in the beading portion (210) before the beading portion (210) is compressed. Then, as shown in FIG. 8 (b), when the beading portion (210) is compressed in the vertical direction, the beading guide member (700) can support at least a part of the beading portion (210) to guide the deformation of the beading portion (210). Since the vertical movement of the insertion support member (710) can be slightly allowed by the elastic support member (720), the insertion support member (710) can continuously and stably support the beading portion (210) during the process of the beading portion (210) being compressed in the vertical direction.

[0086] A battery cell sizing device (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention can perform an effective sizing process of a battery cell (10) by means of an upward pusher (500) and a downward pusher (600). In addition, by means of a support pusher (400), the can housing (200) can be stably supported during the sizing process, and external damage such as scratches on the rivet terminal (300) can be effectively prevented. Furthermore, by means of a beading guide member (700), the beading portion (210) can be effectively supported during the sizing process, so that the dimensions and shape of the beading portion (210) can be formed uniformly. Accordingly, the battery cell sizing device (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention can produce a battery cell (10) with improved external quality.

[0087]

[0088] Meanwhile, the lifting pusher (500) may be provided with a can housing mounting portion (510). A lower corner area of ​​the can housing (200) may be mounted on the can housing mounting portion (510). The can housing mounting portion (510) may press the lower part of the can housing (200) upward. The can housing mounting portion (510) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the lower corner area of ​​the can housing (200), for example, having a cross-section inclined with respect to the vertical and horizontal directions (see FIG. 6).

[0089] Meanwhile, the support pusher (400) and the lifting pusher (500) can be moved independently of each other. That is, the support pusher (400) and the lifting pusher (500) can be raised and lowered independently of each other. A support pusher movement guide (520) capable of guiding the up and down movement of the support pusher (400) may be provided inside the lifting pusher (500) (see FIG. 5 and FIG. 6).

[0090] Meanwhile, the beading guide member (700) may be provided with a moving part (730) capable of moving the insertion support part (710). The moving part (730) can move the insertion support part (710) in a direction closer to or further away from the beading part (210) along the horizontal direction. The moving part (730) can also move the insertion support part (710) in the vertical direction. The other end of the insertion support part (710) far from the battery cell (10) may be disposed on the moving part (730). An elastic support part (720) may be disposed on the moving part (730) (see FIG. 8).

[0091] Meanwhile, the can housing (200) may be provided with a cap plate (220) and a crimping portion (230). The cap plate (220) may be positioned on the upper part of the can housing (200) to cover the opening of the can housing (200). The cap plate (220) may be provided with a notched vent notch portion so that it can be broken when the internal pressure of the battery cell (10) increases. A downward pusher (600) may press the cap plate (220) downward. The crimping portion (230) may be formed by extending and bending the upper part of the can housing (200) inward. The crimping portion (230) may cover at least a portion of the opening of the can housing (200). The crimping portion (230) may fix and seal the cap plate (220). The crimping process for forming the crimping portion (230) can be performed after the cap plate (220) is placed in the opening of the can housing (200). And, the sizing process can be performed after the crimping process (see FIG. 7 and FIG. 8).

[0092] Meanwhile, the battery cell (10) may be equipped with a first current collector plate and a second current collector plate. The first current collector plate may be electrically connected to the first electrode and the rivet terminal (300). The second current collector plate may be electrically connected to the second electrode and the can housing (200).

[0093]

[0094] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a battery cell sizing method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 4 to 9, particularly FIG. 9, a battery cell sizing method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. The battery cell sizing method according to an embodiment of the present invention may utilize a battery cell sizing device (20) according to the present invention.

[0096] A battery cell sizing method according to one embodiment of the present invention may include steps (a), (b), (c), and (d).

[0097] (a) Step may be a step in which the support pusher (400) supports the lower part of the can housing (200) upward without contacting the rivet terminal (300) protruding from the lower part of the can housing (200). The support pusher (400) can rise toward the battery cell (10) to support the lower part of the can housing (200), and can support the lower part of the can housing (200) while avoiding the rivet terminal (300), thereby preventing external damage to the rivet terminal (300).

[0098] Step (b) is a step in which the lifting pusher (500) presses the lower part of the can housing (200) upward. In step (b), the battery cell (10) can be moved upward. Step (b) can be performed after step (a). That is, while the lower part of the can housing (200) is supported by the support pusher (400), the lifting pusher (500) can press the lower part of the can housing (200) upward.

[0099] (c) Step may be a step in which, while the insertion support member (710) is elastically supported in the vertical direction by the elastic support member (720), at least a portion of the insertion support member (710) is inserted into the beading portion (210) of the can housing (200) to support at least a portion of the beading portion (210). In step (c), slight vertical movement of the insertion support member (710) may be allowed by the elastic support member (720).

[0100] Step (d) may be a step in which the downward pusher (600) presses the upper part of the can housing (200) downward. Through steps (b) and (d), the can housing (200) may be compressed in the vertical direction. When the can housing (200) is compressed in the vertical direction, the beading portion (210) may be compressed in the vertical direction.

[0101] Step (c) can be performed prior to Step (d). That is, Step (d) can be performed with the beading guide member (700) inserted into the beading portion (210) first. Accordingly, while the beading portion (210) is supported by the beading guide member (700), it can be compressed in the vertical direction, so that the dimensions and shape of the beading portion (210) can be formed uniformly.

[0102]

[0103] FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of a support pusher of a battery cell sizing device according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the support pusher of a battery cell sizing device according to one embodiment of the present invention supporting the lower part of a can housing, and FIG. 12 is an even more enlarged view of a part of the support pusher in FIG. 11.

[0104] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12, a support pusher (400) of a battery cell sizing device (20) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail.

[0105] The support pusher (400) may be provided with a rivet terminal insertion groove (410) and a can housing support (420). A rivet terminal (300) may be inserted into the rivet terminal insertion groove (410). The rivet terminal insertion groove (410) may have a predetermined inner diameter (D1). The rivet terminal insertion groove (410) may be formed by being recessed so as to have an inner diameter (D1) that is larger than or equal to the outer diameter (D2) of the rivet terminal (300). The rivet terminal insertion groove (410) may be formed by being recessed downward, for example.

[0106] The can housing support portion (420) may be configured to surround the periphery of the rivet terminal insertion groove portion (410). The can housing support portion (420) may be formed to completely surround the rivet terminal insertion groove portion (410), as shown in FIG. 10. Alternatively, the can housing support portion (420) may be formed to partially surround the rivet terminal insertion groove portion (410), as shown in FIG. 10. The can housing support portion (420) may support the lower part of the can housing (200). The can housing support portion (420) may support the lower part of the can housing (200) by avoiding the rivet terminal (300).

[0107] When the support pusher (400) is configured as described above, the rivet terminal (300) can be easily inserted into the support pusher (400). Additionally, the lower part of the can housing (200) can be supported more stably.

[0108]

[0109] The depth (L1) of the rivet terminal insertion groove (410) can be formed deeper than the length (L2) of the rivet terminal (300) protruding from the lower part of the can housing (200).

[0110] When the support pusher (400) is configured as described above, when the rivet terminal (300) is inserted into the support pusher (400), the lower part of the rivet terminal (300) can be separated from the rivet terminal insertion groove (410), thereby preventing damage to the lower part of the rivet terminal (300).

[0111]

[0112] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a plurality of beading guide members provided in a battery cell sizing device according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 13, a battery cell sizing device (20) according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. In the battery cell sizing device (20) according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present invention, the beading guide member (700) may be provided in a plurality.

[0114] For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the beading guide member (700) may be provided in four numbers. However, the number of beading guide members (700) is not limited to FIG. 13 and may be provided in multiple numbers, more or fewer than four.

[0115] Multiple beading guide members (700) may be provided symmetrically to each other when viewed from the Z-axis direction.

[0116] As described above, when a plurality of beading guide members (700) are provided, when the can housing (200) to the beading part (210) is compressed and deformed in the vertical direction, the beading part (210) can be supported more evenly and uniformly.

[0117]

[0118] FIG. 14 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of a beading guide member of a battery cell sizing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0119] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 14, a battery cell sizing device (20) according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. In the battery cell sizing device (20) according to another embodiment of the present invention, the elastic support member (720) of the beading guide member (700) may have a first elastic support member (721) and a second elastic support member (722).

[0120] The first elastic support member (721) can elastically support the upper part of the insertion support member (710). The first elastic support member (721) can be connected to the upper part of the other end of the insertion support member (710) that is far from the battery cell (10).

[0121] The second elastic support member (722) can elastically support the lower part of the insertion support member (710). The second elastic support member (722) can be connected to the lower part of the other end of the insertion support member (710).

[0122] When the elastic support member (720) is configured as described above, the upper and lower parts of the insertion support member (710) can be elastically supported more effectively.

[0123]

[0124] At least one of the first elastic support member (721) and the second elastic support member (722) may be provided as a coil spring. For example, either only the first elastic support member (721) or the second elastic support member (722) may be provided as a coil spring, or the first elastic support member (721) and the second elastic support member (722) may each be provided as coil springs. The central axis of the coil spring applied to the first elastic support member (721) and the second elastic support member (722) may be formed parallel to the Z-axis direction.

[0125] When the first elastic support member (721) and the second elastic support member (722) are configured as described above, the upper and lower parts of the insertion support member (710) can be elastically supported more effectively, and since various coil springs can be applied, the elasticity of the elastic support member (720) can be easily changed in design.

[0126]

[0127] FIG. 15 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of a beading guide member of a battery cell sizing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0128] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 15, a battery cell sizing device (20) according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. In the battery cell sizing device (20) according to another embodiment of the present invention, the elastic support portion (720) of the beading guide member (700) may be provided with an elastic pressure portion (723).

[0129] The elastic pressure member (723) can be configured to elastically press the insertion support member (710) toward the beading member (210). When the insertion support member (710) is elastically pressed, the insertion support member (710) can be in close contact with the beading member (210) during the process of the beading member (210) being pushed into the inside of the can housing (200).

[0130] The elastic pressure member (723) can provide elastic force to the insertion support member (710) such that it does not deform the beading member (210). That is, the beading member (210) may not be pushed inward by the elastic force of the elastic pressure member (723) alone.

[0131] When the elastic support member (720) is configured as described above, unintended deformation of the beading member (210) by the elastic pressure member (723) can be prevented, and the insertion support member (710) can be continuously in close contact with the beading member (210), thereby allowing the beading member (210) to be supported more effectively.

[0132]

[0133] The elastic pressure member (723) may be provided as a coil spring. The central axis of the coil spring applied to the elastic pressure member (723) may be formed perpendicular to the Z-axis direction.

[0134] When the elastic pressure member (723) is configured as described above, the elastic pressure member (723) can more effectively apply elastic pressure to the insertion support member (710), and since various coil springs can be applied, the elasticity of the elastic pressure member (723) can be easily changed in design.

[0135]

[0136] FIG. 16 is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of a beading guide member of a battery cell sizing device according to another variation of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0137] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 16, a battery cell sizing device (20) according to another variation of an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. In the battery cell sizing device (20) according to another variation of an embodiment of the present invention, the end (711) of the insertion support portion (710) of the beading guide member (700) may be formed in a rounded shape.

[0138] Specifically, the end portion (711) on the beading portion (210) side of the insertion support portion (710) to the end portion (711) of the insertion support portion (710) may be formed with a rounded cross-section.

[0139] When the insertion support member (710) is configured as described above, when the insertion support member (710) contacts the beading member (210) to support the beading member (210), damage to the beading member (210) caused by contact with the insertion support member (710) can be minimized.

[0140]

[0141] In this specification, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back have been used; however, these terms are used merely for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that they may vary depending on the location of the object or the position of the observer.

[0142] As described above, although the present invention has been explained by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims described below by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs.

[0143] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0144] 10: Battery cell

[0145] 20: Battery Cell Sizing Device

[0146] 100 : Electrode assembly

[0147] 200 : Can housing

[0148] 210 : Bidding Section

[0149] 220 : Cap plate

[0150] 230 : Crimping part

[0151] 300 : Rivet terminal

[0152] 400 : Jiji Pusher

[0153] 410 : Rivet terminal insertion groove

[0154] 420 : Can housing support

[0155] 500 : Lifting pusher

[0156] 510 : Can housing mounting part

[0157] 520 : Jiji Pusher Movement Guide

[0158] 600 : Downward pusher

[0159] 700 : Absence of bidding guide

[0160] 710 : Insertion support

[0161] 711 : End

[0162] 720 : Elastic support

[0163] 721 : 1st elastic support

[0164] 722 : Second elastic support

[0165] 723 : Elastic pressure part

[0166] 730 : Moving part

Claims

1. A battery cell sizing device configured to perform a sizing process by compressing the can housing of a battery cell in the vertical direction, A support pusher that supports the lower part of the can housing upward while not in contact with a rivet terminal protruding from the lower part of the can housing; An upward pusher that presses the lower part of the above can housing upward; A downward pusher that presses the upper part of the above can housing downward; and A battery cell sizing device characterized by comprising a beading guide member having an insertion support member configured such that at least a portion of the insertion support member is inserted into the beading portion of the can housing to support at least a portion of the beading portion, and an elastic support member that elastically supports the insertion support member in the vertical direction.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above beading part is, It can be compressed and deformed in the vertical direction by the pressure applied by the above-mentioned lifting pusher and the above-mentioned lowering pusher, and The above-mentioned beading guide member is, A battery cell sizing device characterized by being configured to guide the deformation of the above-mentioned beading portion.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above support pusher is, A rivet terminal insertion groove formed by a recess having an inner diameter larger than or equal to the outer diameter of the rivet terminal so that the rivet terminal can be inserted; and A battery cell sizing device characterized by having a can housing support portion configured to surround the periphery of the rivet terminal insertion groove portion and to support the lower part of the can housing.

4. In Paragraph 1, The depth of the above rivet terminal insertion groove is, A battery cell sizing device characterized by being formed deeper than the length of the rivet terminal protruding from the lower part of the can housing.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned beading guide member is, A battery cell sizing device characterized by being provided in multiple units.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above elastic support member is, A first elastic support member elastically supporting the upper part of the insertion support member; and A battery cell sizing device characterized by having a second elastic support member that elastically supports the lower part of the insertion support member.

7. In Paragraph 7, At least one of the first elastic support member and the second elastic support member is, A battery cell sizing device characterized by being equipped with a coil spring.

8. In Paragraph 1, The above elastic support member is, A battery cell sizing device characterized by having an elastic pressure member configured to elastically press the insertion support member toward the beading member to the extent that the beading member is not deformed.

9. In Paragraph 8, The above elastic pressurizing part is, A battery cell sizing device characterized by being equipped with a coil spring.

10. In Paragraph 1, The beading portion side end of the insertion support portion above is, A battery cell sizing device characterized by being formed in a round shape.

11. A battery cell sizing method using a battery cell sizing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein (a) supporting the lower part of the can housing upward while the support pusher is not in contact with the rivet terminal protruding from the lower part of the can housing; (b) step in which the above lifting pusher presses the lower part of the can housing upward; (c) step in which, while the insertion support member is elastically supported in the vertical direction by the elastic support member, at least a portion of the insertion support member is inserted into the beading portion of the can housing to support at least a portion of the beading portion; and The above downward pusher includes step (d) of pressing the upper part of the can housing downward, and The above step (c) is, A battery cell sizing method characterized by being performed prior to step (d) above.

12. A battery cell manufactured using a battery cell sizing device according to any one of paragraphs 1 through 10.

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