Apparatus for manufacturing battery cell

Abstract

According to the present disclosure, an apparatus for manufacturing a battery cell can be provided, the apparatus comprising: a guide part supporting one side of the battery cell to align the center position of the battery cell, and guiding insertion of a welding rod into the battery cell; and a moving part for moving the guide unit in a first direction including a forward direction toward the battery cell and a backward direction away from the battery cell, wherein the guide part comprises: a centering guide including a battery support part for supporting one side of the battery cell; a guide holder which includes an accommodation part for accommodating the centering guide, and which is moved in the first direction by the moving part; an elastic member disposed between the centering guide and the guide holder so as to buffer supporting of the battery cell of the centering guide; and a sub-guide disposed between the centering guide and the guide holder so as to guide relative movement between the centering guide and the guide holder in the first direction.

Description

Battery cell manufacturing device

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0190359 dated December 18, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the document of said Korean patent application are incorporated herein as part of this specification.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a battery cell manufacturing apparatus.

[0003] Secondary batteries are rechargeable and dischargeable, so they are widely used in mobile devices such as digital cameras, mobile phones, and laptops. In particular, they are recently attracting attention as an energy source for electric vehicles and Energy Storage Systems (ESS).

[0004] Battery cells can be classified according to the shape of the case into cylindrical battery cells or prismatic battery cells in which the electrode assembly is embedded in a cylindrical or prismatic metal can, and pouch-type batteries in which the electrode assembly is embedded in a pouch-type case made of a film sheet.

[0005] In the process of manufacturing cylindrical battery cells, a process of welding the current collector of the cylindrical battery cell to a rivet provided to transmit electrical energy to the outside is being carried out.

[0006] To carry out the above process, a welding rod is inserted into the interior of a cylindrical can. At this time, a guide part is used to align the positions of the can and the welding rod and to insert the welding rod into a specific position in the can.

[0007] The guide section includes a guide holder and a centering guide configured to be received in the guide holder and support one side of a battery cell. At this time, during the process in which the centering guide supports one side of the battery cell, friction occurs between the centering guide and the guide holder while their surfaces are in contact. Due to repeated friction, damage accumulates on each surface, forming scratches. Consequently, jamming occurs between the centering guide and the guide holder, preventing smooth slip. This jamming causes the centering guide to press the can excessively, resulting in a defect.

[0008] The present invention is devised to solve at least some of the problems of the prior art described above, and provides a battery cell manufacturing device capable of preventing jamming by avoiding surface contact between a centering guide and a guide holder.

[0009] In addition, the present invention provides a battery cell manufacturing device that prevents foreign substances from entering the interior of the guide section, or conversely, prevents foreign substances inside the guide section from entering the interior of the battery cell.

[0010] A battery cell manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a guide member configured to support one side of a battery cell to align the center position of the battery cell and guide the insertion of a welding rod into the battery cell, and a moving member configured to move the guide member in a first direction including a forward direction approaching the battery cell and a reverse direction moving away from the battery cell. The guide member may include a centering guide including a battery support member configured to support one side of the battery cell, a guide holder including a receiving member that accommodates the centering guide and configured to move in the first direction by the moving member, an elastic member disposed between the centering guide and the guide holder to cushion the support of the battery cell by the centering guide, and a sub-guide disposed between the centering guide and the guide holder to guide relative movement in the first direction between the centering guide and the guide holder.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the guide holder may include a first holder coupled to the moving part and including the receiving part, and a second holder covering the upper part of the receiving part, into which at least a part of the elastic member and at least a part of the sub-guide are inserted.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the centering guide may be positioned so as to be spaced apart from the inner surface of the first holder with respect to a second direction which is a direction intersecting the first direction.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the sub-guide may be configured to constrain the position of the centering guide in the second direction.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the first holder may include a support rib that limits the travel distance of the centering guide in the forward direction.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the elastic member may be disposed between the second holder and the centering guide to press the centering guide in the forward direction.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the guide holder may further include a third holder coupled to the upper part of the second holder and configured to cover at least a portion of the sub-guide.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the battery support may include a first surface that contacts the upper part of the battery cell and a second surface that guides the upper part of the battery cell to contact the first surface and is positioned at an angle to the first surface.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the elastic member and the sub-guide are provided in multiple numbers and may be arranged alternately along the circumferential direction of the guide portion.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the moving part may further include a rotating part, and the moving part may be configured to rotate around the rotating part and move in the first direction by a cam movement method.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the welding rod is inserted into the battery cell through the guide portion, and the welding portion may be further configured to be movable in the first direction.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the welding part may be configured to rotate around the rotating part and move in the first direction.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the guide portion includes a welding hole into which the welding rod is inserted, and the center of the welding hole may be positioned to coincide with the center of the aligned battery cell.

[0023] According to one embodiment, at least a portion of the inner surface of the welding hole may be inclined toward the center of the welding hole so that the welding rod is inserted along the center of the welding hole.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the guide member may further include a lower support member that supports the side opposite to one side of the battery cell supported by the guide member.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the lower support member may be configured to rotate around the rotating member together with the guide member.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the manufacturing defect rate of a battery cell can be reduced by preventing jamming between the centering guide and the guide holder.

[0027] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent foreign substances from entering the interior of the guide portion.

[0028] In addition, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, foreign matter of the guide portion can be prevented from entering the battery cell.

[0029] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a side view of a battery cell manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of part A of Figure 1.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an exploded guide portion according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of part B of Figure 3.

[0033] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the upper part of a guide portion according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the first sequence of operation of a guide part according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the second sequence of operation of a guide part according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of section C of Figure 7.

[0037] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the third sequence of operation of a guide part according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the fourth sequence of operation of a guide part according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] In describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, the terms used have been selected to be as widely used as possible, taking into account their functions within the present disclosure; however, these terms may vary depending on the intent of those skilled in the art, case law, the emergence of new technologies, etc. Additionally, in specific cases, terms may be selected at the applicant's discretion, and in such cases, their meanings may be described in detail in the relevant explanatory section. Therefore, the terms used in the present disclosure are not merely names, but may be defined based on their meanings and the overall content of the present disclosure.

[0040] The suffix "part" for components used in this specification is assigned or used interchangeably solely for the sake of ease of drafting the specification and may not have a distinct meaning or role in itself. Furthermore, in describing the embodiments included in this disclosure, if it is determined that a detailed description of related prior art could obscure the essence of the embodiments included in this disclosure, such detailed description may be omitted. Additionally, the attached drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments included in this disclosure, and the technical concept of this disclosure is not limited by the attached drawings; it should be understood that the technical concept and scope of this disclosure include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions.

[0041] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms, and said terms may be used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0042] When it is stated that a component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it can be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, or that there may be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that a component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it can be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0043] In this specification, singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0044] Terms such as "comprising" or "having" as used in this specification are intended to indicate the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should not be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0045] The expression "at least one of a, b, and c" as described in this specification may include 'a alone', 'b alone', 'c alone', 'a and b', 'a and c', 'b and c', or 'a, b, and c all'.

[0046] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0047] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0048]

[0049] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the side of a manufacturing apparatus for a battery cell (20) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of portion A of FIG. 1.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2, a battery cell manufacturing apparatus (10) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a guide portion (100).

[0051] A guide member (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to align the center position of a battery cell (20). The guide member (100) may align the center position of the battery cell (20) by supporting one side of the battery cell (20). At this time, the battery cell (20) may be a cylindrical secondary battery. The battery cell (20) includes a cylindrical can (22), and a wound jelly-roll type electrode assembly (21) may be accommodated inside. In a manufacturing apparatus for a battery cell (20) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, one side of the cylindrical can (22) may be open so that a welding rod (420) is inserted.

[0052] A guide member (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to guide the insertion of a welding rod (420) into the battery cell (20). For example, the guide member (100) may support one side of the battery cell (20) to align the position of the battery cell (20), and then guide the welding rod (420) to be inserted into the center of the battery cell (20) through a welding hole. At this time, a central hole (23), which is an empty space through which the welding rod (420) can pass, may be located at the center of the electrode assembly (21) wound in a jelly roll shape. After the welding rod (420) is inserted into the battery cell (20) through the central hole (23), it may weld the current collector of the battery cell (20) and the rivet.

[0053] A battery cell manufacturing device (10) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a moving part (200). The moving part (200) may be configured to move the guide part (100) in a first direction. The first direction referred to herein may include a forward direction and a reverse direction. The forward direction may mean a direction that moves closer to the battery cell (20), and the reverse direction may mean a direction that moves away from the battery cell (20). The forward direction may be a direction parallel to the -Z axis direction in the drawing, and the reverse direction may be a direction parallel to the +Z axis direction in the drawing. The moving part (200) may move in the first direction while coupled with the guide part (100) and may move the guide part (100) in the first direction.

[0054] A battery cell manufacturing device (10) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a rotating part (300). The rotating part (300) may serve as an axis for rotating the moving part (200), the welding part (400) and the lower support part (500) to be described later. The moving part (200), the welding part (400), and the lower support part (500) rotate around the rotating part (300) and may each move up and down along a predetermined path. The moving part (200), the welding part (400), and the lower support part (500) may be configured to move in a first direction using a cam movement method. Specifically, the rotating part (300) may include a cam body (310). The cam body (310) may include a groove (320) and may be a body formed along the circumference of the rotating part (300). The groove (320) is formed along the circumference of the rotating part (300), and the groove (320) can be formed such that its height from the ground varies depending on the angle of rotation. The moving part (200), the welding part (400), and the lower support part (500) are each coupled with a follower (210), and each follower (210) can be inserted into the groove (320). The follower (210) rotates around the rotating part (300) and can move in a first direction according to the height of the groove (320). The height of each moving part (200), the welding part (400), and the lower support part (500) can be determined according to the angle of rotation.

[0055] A battery cell manufacturing device (10) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a welding section (400). The welding section (400) may be configured to insert a welding rod (420) into the battery cell (20). For example, the welding section (400) may be located above the guide section (100). The welding section (400) and the guide section (100) rotate around the rotating section (300), and the welding section (400) may move in a forward direction toward the guide section (100). At this time, the welding rod (420) may be inserted into the battery cell (20) through the guide section (100). Specifically, the guide section (100) includes a welding hole into which the welding rod (420) is inserted, and the welding rod (420) may be inserted into the central hole (23) of the battery cell (20) through the welding hole of the guide section (100). The welding hole may include at least one of the first welding hole (111) or the second welding hole (1221) to be described later. At this time, the center of the welding hole may be positioned to coincide with the center of the aligned battery cell (20). The welding part (400) may be configured to allow the welding rod (420) to move in a first direction. The welding part (400) may move the welding rod (420) in a forward direction to bring one end of the welding rod (420) into contact with the current collector. After welding is performed, the welding part (400) may move in a reverse direction to remove the welding part (400) from the battery cell (20).

[0056] A battery cell manufacturing device (10) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a lower support member (500). The lower support member (500) may support a side opposite to one side of the battery cell (20) supported by the guide member (100). For example, if the guide member (100) supports the upper part of the battery cell (20), the lower support member (500) may support the lower part of the battery cell (20). The lower support member (500) may rotate around the rotating member (300) while supporting the lower part of the battery cell (20). At this time, the guide member (100) also rotates around the rotating member (300), and the guide member (100), the battery cell (20), and the lower support member (500) may be aligned in a first direction.

[0057]

[0058] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an exploded guide section (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of part B of FIG. 3; FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the upper part of the guide section (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the first step of the operation sequence of the guide section (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the second step of the operation sequence of the guide section (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged view of part C of FIG. 7; FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the third step of the operation sequence of the guide section (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the fourth step of the operation sequence of the guide section (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 10, a guide portion (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a centering guide (110).

[0060] A centering guide (110) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a battery support member (117) configured to support one side of a battery cell (20). The battery support member (117) may include a first surface (114) and a second surface (115). The first surface (114) may be a surface that contacts the upper part of the battery cell (20), and the second surface (115) may be a surface arranged to be inclined with respect to the first surface (114). Based on the longitudinal section of the guide member (100), the second surface (115) may be formed to become narrower as it faces the first surface (114). The second surface (115) may guide the upper part of the battery cell (20) to contact the first surface (114). For example, when the centering guide (110) descends in the forward direction, the upper part of the battery cell (20) comes into contact with the second surface (115) and can come into contact with the first surface (114) by riding along the second surface (115). The battery cell (20) comes into contact with the first surface (114) so ​​that its center position can be aligned with the center position of the guide part (100).

[0061] A centering guide (110) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may have a stepped structure formed such that the upper part is relatively wide and the lower part is relatively narrow. In this case, the first surface (114) and the second surface (115) described above may be located at the lower part of the centering guide (110). The first surface (114) may be positioned to face the battery cell (20).

[0062] A guide portion (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a guide holder (120). The guide holder (120) may include a receiving portion (1212). A centering guide (110) may be received in the receiving portion (1212). The receiving portion (1212) may include a shape corresponding to the centering guide (110). For example, the receiving portion (1212) may be a stepped structure formed such that the upper part is relatively wide and the lower part is relatively narrow.

[0063] A guide holder (120) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to be moved in a first direction by a moving member (200). The guide holder (120) may be configured to be moved in a first direction by a moving member (200) while a centering guide (110) is accommodated inside. For example, the guide holder (120) may move in a forward or reverse direction together with the centering guide (110) while accommodating the centering guide (110) inside. At this time, it is also possible for the centering guide (110) to move in the opposite direction to the guide holder (120). For example, while the guide holder (120) is moving in a forward direction, the centering guide (110) may move in a reverse direction. A detailed explanation thereof will be provided later.

[0064] A guide member (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an elastic member (130) and a sub-guide (140). The elastic member (130) and the sub-guide (140) may be disposed between a centering guide (110) and a guide holder (120). The elastic member (130) and the sub-guide (140) may be configured to move the centering guide (110) relative to the guide holder (120) in a first direction. The elastic member (130) may be configured to cushion the support of the battery cell (20) of the centering guide (110). The sub-guide (140) may guide relative movement in a first direction between the centering guide (110) and the guide holder (120).

[0065] An elastic member (130) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to elastically deform and press the centering guide (110). For example, the elastic member (130) may be a spring. The elastic member (130) may be positioned between the guide holder (120) and the centering guide (110) and configured to press the centering guide (110) in a forward direction.

[0066] A sub-guide (140) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be configured to guide movement in a first direction within a guide holder (120) of a centering guide (110). For example, the sub-guide (140) may be composed of a guide shaft (141) and a bush (142). One end of the guide shaft (141) is fixed to the centering guide (110), and the guide shaft (141) can move in a first direction relative to the bush (142) while inserted into the center of the bush (142). As the guide shaft (141) moves in a first direction relative to the guide holder (120), the centering guide (110) may also move in a first direction relative to the guide holder (120).

[0067] A sub-guide (140) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may restrict the position of the centering guide (110) in a second direction. The second direction referred to herein may be a direction intersecting the first direction. For example, the second direction may be a direction parallel to the X-axis direction in the drawing. A bush (142) may be fixed to a guide holder (120). Accordingly, the guide shaft (141) may be movable in the first direction relative to the bush (142), but its movement in the second direction may be restricted, and the centering guide (110) may also be movable in the first direction by the guide shaft (141), but its movement in the second direction may be restricted.

[0068] A guide holder (120) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first holder (121) and a second holder (122). The first holder (121) may be a portion that is coupled to a moving part (200) and includes a receiving part (1212). The first holder (121) may move in a first direction by the movement of the moving part (200). A centering guide (110) may be received inside the first holder (121). The second holder (122) may cover the upper part of the receiving part (1212). An elastic member (130) and a sub-guide (140) may be disposed between the second holder (122) and the centering guide (110). At least a portion of the elastic member (130) and at least a portion of the sub-guide (140) may be inserted into the second holder (122). For example, the second holder (122) may include a third hole (1222) and a fourth hole (1223), at least a portion of the elastic member (130) may be inserted into the third hole (1222), and a bush (142) of the sub-guide (140) may be inserted into the fourth hole (1223). At this time, the reverse movement of the elastic member (130) may be restricted by the third hole (1222), and the bush (142) may be fixed to the second holder (122) while inserted into the fourth hole (1223). The first holder (121) may include a first hole (112) and a second hole (113). At least a portion of the elastic member (130) may be inserted into the first hole (112), and forward movement may be restricted by the first hole (112). Accordingly, the upper part of the elastic member (130) can be inserted into the second holder (122), and the lower part can be inserted into the first holder (121). At this time, a pin (131) can be inserted into the interior of the elastic member (130). The pin (131) is positioned at the center of the elastic member (130) to restrict its position so that the elastic member (130) cannot be deformed or moved in the second direction. The pin (131) can be inserted into the first hole (112) and fixed.

[0069] A centering guide (110) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be positioned so as to be spaced apart from the inner surface of a first holder (121). Specifically, the centering guide (110) may be positioned so as to be spaced apart from the inner surface of the first holder (121) in a second direction. The centering guide (110) is restricted from moving in the second direction by contacting the sub-guide (140), while the outer surface of the centering guide (110) in the second direction may remain spaced apart from the inner surface of the centering guide (110). Therefore, even if the centering guide (110) moves in the first direction, friction between the outer surface of the centering guide (110) in the second direction and the inner surface of the first holder (121) may be prevented or reduced. As friction is not generated or is reduced between the outer surface of the centering guide (110) in the second direction and the guide holder (120), damage caused by friction and the generation of foreign matter may be prevented or reduced.

[0070] A first holder (121) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a support rib (1211). The support rib (1211) may limit the movement distance of the centering guide (110) in the forward direction. When the centering guide (110) is pressed in the forward direction by an elastic member (130), the centering guide (110) may not be separated from the first holder (121) by the support rib (1211). The support rib (1211) may be located at the bottom of the first holder (121) and may be in a shape that protrudes inward. At this time, the centering guide (110) may include a locking portion (116). The locking portion (116) may overlap with the support rib (1211) in the first direction. The locking portion (116) may protrude outward from the centering guide (110). The centering guide (110) moves in the forward direction, and the locking part (116) can restrict the movement of the centering guide (110) by contacting the support rib (1211). The aforementioned inner side may refer to a direction closer to the center based on the center facing the first direction of the guide part (100), and the outer side may refer to a direction away from the center.

[0071] A guide holder (120) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can prevent or reduce foreign substances from being discharged inside and entering the interior of a battery cell (20). For example, foreign substances that may be formed by the movement of an elastic member (130), a sub-guide (140), and a centering guide (110) may exist inside the receiving portion (1212). The support rib (1211) of the first holder (121) protrudes inward with respect to a direction intersecting the direction of gravity, and may serve to block foreign substances that may fall from the top toward the direction of gravity. Accordingly, foreign substances inside the receiving portion (1212) may remain on the upper side of the support rib (1211).

[0072] A guide holder (120) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a third holder (123). The third holder (123) may be coupled to the upper portion of the second holder (122). The guide holder (120) may be configured such that the first holder (121), the second holder (122), and the third holder (123) are stacked in order in a first direction. The third holder (123) may be configured to cover at least a portion of the sub-guide (140). For example, the third holder (123) may include a fifth hole (1232) and a sixth hole (1233). At least a portion of the bush (142) of the sub-guide (140) may be accommodated in the sixth hole (1233). Referring to FIG. 5, the upper portion of the sixth hole (1233) may be formed to be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the bush (142). The sixth hole (1233) can reduce the range over which the upper part of the sub-guide (140) can be exposed. The fifth hole (1232) is located above the third hole (1222) and can be formed to be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the elastic member (130). The fifth hole (1232) can reduce the range over which the upper part of the elastic member (130) can be exposed. The third holder (123) covers at least a portion of the upper part of the elastic member (130) and the sub-guide (140), thereby reducing the entry of foreign matter into the elastic member (130) and the sub-guide (140) and protecting the elastic member (130) and the sub-guide (140) from external impact.

[0073] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the elastic member (130) and the sub-guide (140) may be provided in multiple numbers. Referring to FIG. 5, the elastic member (130) and the sub-guide (140) may each be provided in multiple numbers. The elastic member (130) and the sub-guide (140) may be arranged alternately along the circumferential direction of the guide portion (100). The spacing between the elastic member (130) and the sub-guide (140) may be maintained constant, and the spacing between the elastic members (130) and the spacing between the sub-guides (140) may also be maintained constant.

[0074] A guide portion (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a welding hole. Referring to FIG. 3 and FIGS. 1 and 2 together, the welding hole may be a passage through which a welding support portion (410) of the welding portion (400) and a welding rod (420) pass. The welding support portion (410) may be configured to grip the upper part of the welding rod (420). The welding portion (400) may insert the welding rod (420) into the welding hole in a forward direction from the top. The welding rod (420) that has passed through the welding hole may be inserted into the central hole (23) of the battery cell (20).

[0075] A welding hole according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include a first welding hole (111). The first welding hole (111) may be formed in a centering guide (110). The welding hole may include a second welding hole (1221). The second welding hole (1221) may be formed in a second holder (122). The welding hole may include a third welding hole (1231). The third welding hole (1231) may be formed in a third holder (123). At least a portion of the inner surface of the welding hole may be inclined toward the center of the welding hole so that the welding rod (420) is inserted along the center of the welding hole. For example, if the cross-section of the welding hole is circular, the cross-sectional area of ​​the circle may be formed to become smaller as it faces the forward direction. The cross-section of the first welding hole (111) may be formed to become smaller toward the center as described above. The second welding hole (1221) is located above the first welding hole (111), and can be positioned so that the center of the first welding hole (111) and the center of the second welding hole (1221) coincide. The center of the third welding hole (1231) can be positioned so that it coincides with the center of the second welding hole (1221). The upper part of the second welding hole (1221) may include a shape protruding above the second holder (122). At this time, the protruding upper part of the second welding hole (1221) can be received in the third welding hole (1231).

[0076] The guide member (100) can be operated in the order of FIGS. 6, FIGS. 7, FIGS. 9, and FIGS. 10. FIGS. 6 illustrates the state before the guide member (100) moves in the forward direction, and FIGS. 7 illustrates the state after the guide member (100) moves in the forward direction and contacts one side of the battery cell (20). FIGS. 9 illustrates the state after the guide member (100) descends further in the forward direction and supports the battery cell (20) by applying pressure with a predetermined force. FIGS. 10 illustrates the state after the guide member (100) moves back in the reverse direction after performing welding.

[0077] With reference to FIGS. 6 to 7 and FIGS. 9 to 10, the operation sequence of a guide part (100) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be explained.

[0078] The guide portion (100) of the present disclosure can move in a forward direction while positioned on the upper part of the battery cell (20). The guide portion (100) descends along the forward direction, and the battery support portion (117) of the centering guide (110) can come into contact with the upper part of the battery cell (20). At this time, the upper part of the battery cell (20) is aligned along the second surface (115) of the battery support portion (117) and can come into contact with the first surface (114). The centering guide (110) can press the upper part of the battery cell (20) in a forward direction. At this time, the guide portion (100) can move further in the forward direction, and the centering guide (110) can move in a reverse direction relative to the guide holder (120) by compression of the elastic member (130). Therefore, even if the guide section (100) moves in the forward direction, the centering guide (110) moves in the reverse direction, thereby preventing the can (22) of the battery cell (20) from being damaged or the alignment from being disrupted by the pressure of the centering guide (110). As shown in FIG. 9, the centering guide (110) presses the battery cell (20) in the forward direction and can align the battery cell (20) so that the center of the battery cell (20) and the center of the centering guide (110) coincide. Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 together, with the battery cell (20) aligned, the welding section (400) can insert a welding rod (420) into the interior of the battery cell (20) and perform a welding process. After welding is performed, the guide section (100) moves in the reverse direction as shown in FIG. 10.

[0079]

[0080] Although the present disclosure has been illustrated and described in connection with preferred embodiments to illustrate the principles of the present disclosure, the present disclosure is not limited to the configuration and operation as illustrated and described. Rather, those skilled in the art will understand that numerous changes and modifications to the present disclosure are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A guide portion configured to support one side of a battery cell to align the center position of the battery cell and guide the insertion of a welding rod into the battery cell; and A moving part configured to move the above guide part in a first direction including a forward direction approaching the battery cell and a reverse direction moving away from the battery cell; comprising, The above guide part is, A centering guide including a battery support configured to support one side of the battery cell, A guide holder comprising a receiving portion for accommodating the centering guide and configured to be moved in the first direction by the moving portion, An elastic member disposed between the centering guide and the guide holder to cushion the support of the battery cell of the centering guide, and A battery cell manufacturing apparatus comprising a sub-guide disposed between the centering guide and the guide holder and guiding relative movement in the first direction between the centering guide and the guide holder.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above guide holder is, A first holder coupled to the moving part and including the receiving part, A battery cell manufacturing device comprising a second holder that covers the upper part of the above-mentioned receiving portion and into which at least a portion of the elastic member and at least a portion of the sub-guide are inserted.

3. In Paragraph 2, A battery cell manufacturing device in which the centering guide is positioned to be spaced apart from the inner surface of the first holder with respect to a second direction which is a direction intersecting the first direction.

4. In Paragraph 3, A battery cell manufacturing device configured such that the above sub-guide constrains the position of the above second direction of the above centering guide.

5. In Paragraph 2, A battery cell manufacturing device, wherein the first holder includes a support rib that limits the travel distance of the centering guide in the forward direction.

6. In Paragraph 2, A battery cell manufacturing device wherein the elastic member is disposed between the second holder and the centering guide to press the centering guide in the forward direction.

7. In Paragraph 2, A battery cell manufacturing device comprising a guide holder coupled to the upper part of the second holder and further comprising a third holder configured to cover at least a portion of the sub-guide.

8. In Paragraph 1, A battery cell manufacturing device comprising: a battery support member comprising a first surface that contacts the upper portion of the battery cell; and a second surface that guides the upper portion of the battery cell to contact the first surface and is positioned at an angle to the first surface.

9. In Paragraph 1, A battery cell manufacturing device comprising a plurality of elastic members and sub-guides, which are alternately arranged along the circumferential direction of the guide portion.

10. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a rotating part; and A battery cell manufacturing device configured such that the moving part rotates around the rotating part and moves in the first direction by a cam movement method.

11. In Paragraph 10, A battery cell manufacturing apparatus further comprising: a welding portion configured to be movable in the first direction, wherein the welding rod is inserted into the battery cell through the guide portion.

12. In Paragraph 11, A battery cell manufacturing device configured such that the welding part rotates around the rotating part and moves in the first direction.

13. In Paragraph 11, The above guide portion includes a welding hole into which the welding rod is inserted, and A battery cell manufacturing device in which the center of the above-mentioned welding hole is positioned to coincide with the center of the above-mentioned aligned battery cell.

14. In Paragraph 13, A battery cell manufacturing device, wherein at least a portion of the inner surface of the welding hole is inclined toward the center of the welding hole so that the welding rod is inserted along the center of the welding hole.

15. In Paragraph 11, A battery cell manufacturing device further comprising: a lower support member that supports the side opposite to one side of the battery cell supported by the guide member.

16. In Paragraph 15, A battery cell manufacturing device configured such that the lower support portion is configured to rotate around the rotating portion together with the guide portion.

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