Battery cell manufacturing apparatus, battery cell manufactured thereby, battery pack comprising same, and vehicle

Abstract

A battery cell manufacturing apparatus of the present invention comprises: a main body unit configured to assemble a battery cell including a battery can in which an electrode assembly is accommodated, and a lead; and a pressing unit coupled to one end portion of the main body unit, including a stepped portion having a predetermined inclination in an edge region thereof, and configured to press-fit the lead toward an opening provided at one axial end portion of the battery can.

Description

Battery cell manufacturing device, battery cell manufactured through the same, battery pack including the same, and automobile

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery cell manufacturing apparatus, a battery cell manufactured therefrom, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile, and more specifically, to a battery cell manufacturing apparatus for improving welding quality, a battery cell manufactured therefrom, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile.

[0002] This application is a priority claim application for Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0009702 filed on January 22, 2025, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of said application are incorporated into this application by reference.

[0003] Secondary batteries, which possess electrical characteristics such as high energy density and high applicability across product groups, are widely applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electric sources. These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for enhancing eco-friendliness and energy efficiency, not only for the primary advantage of drastically reducing the use of fossil fuels but also because they generate no by-products from energy use.

[0004] Currently, widely used types of rechargeable batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium-polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. Lithium-ion batteries primarily utilize lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as the positive and negative active materials, respectively. A lithium-ion battery comprises an electrode assembly in which a positive plate and a negative plate, coated with these positive and negative active materials respectively, are arranged with a separator in between, and an outer casing, or battery case, that seals and encloses the electrode assembly along with the electrolyte. Furthermore, depending on the shape of the outer casing, lithium-ion batteries can be classified into can-type batteries, in which the electrode assembly is housed in a metal can, and pouch-type batteries, in which the electrode assembly is housed in a pouch made of aluminum laminate sheets.

[0005] Meanwhile, generally, battery cans used as cases for can-type batteries are manufactured by forming a flat steel plate into a roughly cup shape through a deep drawing process, and then precisely cutting the open end of the battery can through a trimming process. Typically, during the deep drawing process, an expanded scrap portion (the part to be cut) with an angle of inclination of about 45 degrees is formed at the end of the battery can's opening. This scrap portion is removed using a trimming punch during the trimming process, thereby finishing the end of the battery can's opening.

[0006] However, when inserting the lid into the opening of the battery can, the battery cell manufacturing device may physically get caught on the end of the opening cut by the trimming process. As a result, there is a possibility that the lid may not be stably inserted into the opening of the battery can; consequently, if a gap exists between the battery can and the lid, there is a problem in that there is a risk of damage to the separator inside the electrode assembly within the battery can during the welding process between the battery can and the lid.

[0007] Therefore, a design for a new battery cell manufacturing device is required that can stably insert a lead into the opening of a battery can and ensure stability during the assembly process.

[0008] Accordingly, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery cell manufacturing device for improving the welding quality of a battery cell through the inclined structure of a pressure jig, a battery cell manufactured therefrom, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile.

[0009] In addition, the invention provides a battery cell manufacturing device capable of improving the insertability of the lead of a battery cell, a battery cell manufactured thereby, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile.

[0010] In addition, the invention provides a battery cell manufacturing device capable of flatly assembling the leads of a battery cell, a battery cell manufactured thereby, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile.

[0011] In addition, the invention provides a battery cell manufacturing device capable of preventing damage to the separator during battery cell welding, a battery cell manufactured thereby, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile.

[0012] However, 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.

[0013] To solve the above objective, the present invention provides a battery cell manufacturing apparatus characterized by comprising: a main body portion configured to assemble a battery cell including a battery can and a lead, in which an electrode assembly is accommodated; and a pressurizing portion coupled to one end of the main body portion and having a stepped portion having a predetermined inclination in an edge region, and configured to press the lead toward an opening provided at one end in the axial direction of the battery can.

[0014] For example, the main body may be provided with a length longer than the inner diameter of the battery can in the radial direction.

[0015] For example, the pressurizing part may be provided with a length shorter than the outer diameter of the battery can in the area in contact with the lead in the radial direction.

[0016] For example, the pressurizing part may have a shape corresponding to the opening and may extend axially outward from the main body part toward the opening.

[0017] For example, the length of the above-mentioned pressurizing part may decrease in the radially inward direction as it extends axially outward from the main body part.

[0018] For example, the pressurizing member may be configured to contact the lead axially in at least some area.

[0019] For example, the above-mentioned pressure part may have an uneven shape in the area in contact with the lead.

[0020] For example, the step portion may be formed along the outer surface of the pressurizing portion.

[0021] For example, the step portion may be configured so as not to come into contact with the end of the opening side of the battery can.

[0022] For example, the step portion is configured to contact the opening-side end of the battery can in at least a portion of the area, and the shape of the contacting area may correspond to the shape of the opening-side end of the battery can.

[0023] For example, the above-mentioned step portion may have a shape that is concave inward in the radial direction.

[0024] For example, the pressurizing member may be configured to press the lead axially inward to a predetermined depth from the opening of the battery can.

[0025] In addition, the present invention provides a battery cell characterized by comprising: an electrode assembly in which a first electrode and a second electrode and a separator interposed between them are wound around a winding axis; a battery can that accommodates the electrode assembly through an opening formed on one side; and a lead that covers the opening of the battery can and is further pressed inwardly in the axial direction from the opening of the battery can to a predetermined depth with respect to the winding axis direction and welded to the battery can.

[0026] For example, the battery can may include a trimming portion that is extended such that its length increases radially inward as it extends axially inward from the opening.

[0027] For example, the insertion depth of the lead may be greater than or equal to the height of the trimming portion in the axial direction.

[0028] For example, the outer surface of the lead can be welded to the inner surface of the battery can in close contact.

[0029] In addition, the present invention provides a battery pack comprising a battery cell according to the present invention.

[0030] In addition, the present invention provides a vehicle equipped with at least one battery pack according to the present invention.

[0031] A battery cell manufacturing apparatus according to various embodiments of the present invention, a battery cell manufactured therefrom, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile have the effect of improving the welding quality of the battery cell through the design of a pressurizing device.

[0032] In addition, a battery cell manufacturing device according to various embodiments, a battery cell manufactured therefrom, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile have the effect of improving the insertability of the leads of the battery cell.

[0033] In addition, a battery cell manufacturing device according to various embodiments, a battery cell manufactured therefrom, a battery pack including the same, and a vehicle have the effect of being able to assemble the leads of the battery cell flatly.

[0034] In addition, a battery cell manufacturing device according to various embodiments, a battery cell manufactured therefrom, a battery pack including the same, and an automobile have the effect of preventing damage to the separator during battery cell welding.

[0035] However, the effects obtainable through the present invention are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned technical effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0036] The following drawings attached to this specification serve to further enhance understanding of the technical concept of the invention in conjunction with the detailed description of the invention set forth below; therefore, the invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a battery cell manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 2 is a drawing illustrating how a battery cell is assembled by the battery cell manufacturing device of Figure 1.

[0039] Figure 3 is a drawing to explain how the lead of a battery cell is pressed into the battery can of a battery cell by the battery cell manufacturing device of Figure 1.

[0040] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the electrode assembly of the battery cell of Figure 2.

[0041] Figure 5 is a drawing for explaining the configuration of the electrode assembly of Figure 4.

[0042] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the battery can of the battery cell of Figure 2.

[0043] Figures 7 and 8 are drawings illustrating the appearance of the lead of the battery cell of Figure 2 being pressed into the opening by the battery cell manufacturing device of Figure 1.

[0044] FIGS. 9 and FIGS. 10 are drawings illustrating the appearance of the lead of the battery cell of FIG. 2 being pressed into the opening by a battery cell manufacturing device according to another embodiment.

[0045] FIGS. 11 and 12 are drawings illustrating the appearance of a lead of a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present invention being pressed into an opening by the battery cell manufacturing device of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 13 is a drawing illustrating the welded appearance of a battery cell assembled by the battery cell manufacturing device of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a battery pack including a battery cell of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle equipped with a battery pack 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, but 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, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention; thus, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0051] In addition, the present invention includes various embodiments. For each embodiment, redundant descriptions of substantially identical or similar configurations are omitted, and the focus is on the differences.

[0052] Additionally, to aid in understanding the invention, the attached drawings are not drawn to actual scale, and the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated. Furthermore, the same reference numerals may be assigned to identical components in different embodiments.

[0053] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, it goes without saying that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another, and unless specifically stated otherwise, the first component may also be the second component.

[0054] Throughout the specification, unless specifically stated otherwise, each component may be singular or plural.

[0055] In the following, the statement that any configuration is placed on the "upper (or lower)" of a component or on the "upper (or lower)" of a component may mean not only that any configuration is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of said component, but also that another configuration may be interposed between said component and any configuration placed on (or below) said component.

[0056] In addition, where it is stated that one component is "connected," "combined," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while the components may be directly connected or connected to each other, another component may be "interposed" between each component, or each component may be "connected," "combined," or "connected" through another component.

[0057] Singular expressions used in this specification include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "composed of" or "comprising" should not be interpreted as necessarily including all of the various components or steps described in the specification, and should be interpreted as meaning that some of the components or steps may be omitted or additional components or steps may be included.

[0058] Meanwhile, although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back may be used in this specification, these terms are used merely for convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the position or arrangement, rotation, or position of the observer, as is obvious to those skilled in the art of this invention.

[0059] The present invention may be implemented in the following embodiments, each independently. Furthermore, the present invention may be implemented in combination of two or more of the following embodiments. Each of the following embodiments may not only be implemented independently but may also be freely combined with one another.

[0060]

[0061] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a battery cell manufacturing device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram explaining the appearance of a battery cell (1) being assembled by the battery cell manufacturing device (100) of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a diagram explaining the appearance of a lead (30) of a battery cell (1) being pressed into a battery can (10) by the battery cell manufacturing device (100) of FIG. 1.

[0062] A battery cell manufacturing device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention is a device for manufacturing each component of a battery cell (1) by applying pressure.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the battery cell (1) manufactured using the battery cell manufacturing device (100) may be a cylindrical battery cell of various types. However, the shape of the battery cell (1) assembled by the battery cell manufacturing device (100) of the present invention is not limited by the above and can be applied to batteries of other shapes.

[0064] A battery cell (1) manufactured using a battery cell manufacturing device (100) may include a battery can (10), an electrode assembly (20), and a lid (30).

[0065] The battery can (10) may be a cylindrical structure for a cylindrical battery cell. A side wall member (11) may form the side of the cylinder of the battery can (10), and a bottom member (12) may be connected to the side wall member (11) to form one end of the cylinder. That is, the bottom member (12) may be a closed part of the battery can (10), and the other end of the battery can (10) facing the bottom member (12) may be open to form an opening. Such a battery can (10) may contain an internal electrolyte.

[0066] The electrode assembly (20) can be received inside the battery can (10) through the opening of the battery can (10). The electrode assembly (20) may have a structure in which a positive plate, a negative plate, and a separator interposed between them are wound in one direction. After the winding is completed, the electrode assembly (20) may be in the form of a jelly roll.

[0067] The lid (30) can be configured to cover the opening of the battery can (10). That is, the lid (30) can be configured as a cover structure that effectively seals the opening of the battery can (10). Thus, the battery cell (1) is sealed, the internal electrolyte and electrode assembly (20) are protected from the external environment, and the long-term performance of the battery cell (1) can be maintained.

[0068] The battery cell manufacturing device (100) of the present embodiment mainly comprises a main body part (110) and a pressurizing part (120).

[0069] The main body (110) forms the basic base structure of the battery cell manufacturing device (100) and can be configured to support the pressurizing part (120) while providing stability to the battery cell manufacturing device (100).

[0070] The main body (110) can be configured to fix the battery can (10) in a specific position or maintain an aligned state. Through this, each component of the battery cell (1) to be manufactured can be precisely positioned as needed during the manufacturing process.

[0071] The pressurizing part (120) may be coupled to one end of the main body part (110) and configured to press the lid (30) toward the opening of the battery can (10). For convenience of explanation, the main body part (110) and the pressurizing part (120) are separated by a solid line, but the main body part (110) and the pressurizing part (120) may be manufactured as a single unit, or they may be manufactured separately and provided to be detachable.

[0072] As an example, the pressurizing part (120) may have a stepped part (121) having a predetermined slope in the edge area.

[0073] This step portion (121) can be formed so that when the lead (30) is pressed by the pressurizing portion (120), the pressurizing portion (120) does not catch on the side wall member (11) on the opening side of the battery can (10). As a result, the pressurizing portion (120) can be guided to press the lead (30) flatly into the axial inner side of the battery can (10) while maintaining a non-contact or contact state with the structure surrounding the opening of the battery can (10). Through this, misalignment or insertion failure of the lead (30) during the pressurizing process can be prevented, and a precise connection or close contact force between the battery can (10) and the lead (30) can be ensured.

[0074] Additionally, the inclined structure provided in the step portion (121) can induce a relatively stable press-fit by adapting to the shape of the battery can (10) during the process in which the press-fit portion (120) presses the lead (30). As a result, the lead (30) is accurately inserted into the opening of the battery can (10) and can provide an optimal state for other subsequent processes, such as welding.

[0075] Accordingly, the battery cell manufacturing device (100) of the present embodiment can improve the assembly quality of the battery cell (1) by minimizing alignment errors that may occur during the process of pressing the lead (30) into the battery can (10) and by achieving sufficient contact between the battery can (10) and the lead (30), and can improve the welding quality in the welding process between the battery can (10) and the lead (30) after assembly.

[0076]

[0077] Hereinafter, each configuration of the battery cell manufacturing device (100) of the present invention will be examined in detail.

[0078] The main body (110) can be formed into a cylindrical structure corresponding to the shape of the battery cell (1). Additionally, the main body (110) is designed to have a length longer than the inner diameter of the battery can (10) in the radial direction, so that the pressurizing part (120) can maintain stable support and alignment while performing the pressurizing process. This effectively prevents vibration, positional deformation, or misalignment that may occur during the pressurizing process and contributes to increasing the precision and repeatability of the pressurizing process.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the main body (110) may include a lifting unit (not shown) that moves the pressurizing unit (120) toward the opening of the battery can (10) or returns the pressurizing unit (120) to its original position after the pressurizing process is completed. By doing so, the main body (110) can enable the pressurizing unit (120) to stably press the lid (30) into the battery can (10) through precise position control.

[0080] Additionally, the main body (110) can be integrated with the position control system of the pressurizing unit (120) so that the lid (30) can be inserted into the interior of the battery can (10) to a desired depth. In this process, the main body (110) can precisely control the movement path of the pressurizing unit and minimize errors that may occur during the insertion process.

[0081] For example, a sensor (not shown) may be installed in the main body (110) to increase the reliability of the pressurization process. This sensor measures the pressurization force of the pressurization unit (120) in real time, and the measurement value transmitted from the sensor can be analyzed through a control unit (not shown). Based on the analyzed data, the control unit controls the lifting unit to adjust the pressurization force of the pressurization unit (120), thereby optimizing the pressurization quality of the lead (30).

[0082] Thus, the battery cell manufacturing device (100) of the present embodiment is configured to ensure that the lead (30) is accurately inserted into the opening of the battery can (10), and to precisely control the movement of the main body (110) and the pressure of the pressure part (120), thereby preventing excessive force or imbalance that may occur during pressure application.

[0083] The pressurizing part (120) may be formed in a cylindrical shape corresponding to the shape of the battery cell (1) and may be configured as a pressurizing jig. The pressurizing part (120) may be designed to have a length shorter in the radial direction than the outer diameter of the battery can (10) in the area in contact with the lead (30). By doing so, interference such as jamming between the pressurizing part (120) and the battery can (10) during the pressurizing process is prevented, thereby allowing the lead (30) to be stably inserted into the opening of the battery can (10).

[0084] Here, the left-right length of the lower side of the pressure part (120) may be configured to correspond to the left-right length of the lead (30). The fact that the left-right length of the lower side of the pressure part (120) corresponds to the left-right length of the lead (30) means that the pressure part (120) can have various lengths to contact and press the lead (30), and does not necessarily mean that the left-right length of the lower side of the pressure part (120) must be the same as the left-right length of the lead (30).

[0085] The pressurizing part (120) may be coupled to the main body part (110), but may also be manufactured integrally by extending from the main body part (110). For example, the pressurizing part (120) may be configured to extend axially outward from the main body part (110) and move toward the opening of the battery can (10). Additionally, the pressurizing part (120) may be designed so that its length gradually decreases radially inward as it extends axially outward from the main body part (110). These structural characteristics minimize physical interference that may occur during the process of inserting the pressurizing part (120) into the opening of the battery can (10) and allow the lid (30) to be pressed in flatly.

[0086] The pressurizing part (120) can stably insert the lead (30) into the opening of the battery can (10) by moving vertically in the up and down direction and making axial contact with the lead (30) in at least some area.

[0087] Additionally, the pressurizing part (120) may have an uneven shape in the area that contacts the lid (30). By doing so, the frictional force between the pressurizing part (120) and the lid (30) can be increased, thereby preventing the lid (30) from slipping or moving out of position during pressurization. This uneven shape can be customized according to the material and surface condition of the lid (30), and can minimize surface damage that may occur during the pressurization process while maintaining alignment between the lid (30) and the battery can (10).

[0088] The step portion (121) can be formed along the outer surface of the pressurizing portion (120) and, for example, can be provided in a ring shape.

[0089] As an example, the step portion (121) can be designed as a structural element of the pressurizing portion (120) so as not to physically come into contact with the end of the opening side of the battery can (10). Thus, even if the pressurizing portion (120) presses the lead (30) toward the opening of the battery can (10), interference or damage caused by direct contact with the end of the opening side of the battery can (10) can be prevented.

[0090] The battery cell manufacturing device (100) of the present invention, which is equipped with such a step portion (121), is, in particular, a device for ensuring welding quality in a battery can (10) that has undergone a trimming process, and the battery cell of the present invention manufactured by the battery cell manufacturing device (100) is examined in detail.

[0091] Hereinafter, even when simply referred to as a battery cell, it should be understood to mean a battery cell manufactured according to the battery cell manufacturing device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0092]

[0093] FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing of the electrode assembly (20) of the battery cell of FIG. 2, FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining the configuration of the electrode assembly (20) of FIG. 4, and FIG. 6 is a schematic drawing of the battery can (10) of the battery cell of FIG. 2.

[0094] A battery cell manufacturing device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can be used for various types of cylindrical battery cells.

[0095] With the recent application of cylindrical battery cells in electric vehicles, the form factor of cylindrical battery cells is increasing. Here, the form factor refers to a value representing the diameter and height of a cylindrical battery cell. That is, in the numerical value representing the form factor, the first two digits represent the cell diameter, the next two digits represent the cell height, and the last digit, zero, indicates that the cell's cross-section is circular. When the cell height exceeds 100mm, the last digit can be omitted, as three digits are required to represent the height.

[0096] In addition, the diameter and height of the cylindrical battery cell are increased compared to conventional cylindrical battery cells with form factors such as 18650 and 21700. The cylindrical battery cells to which the aforementioned battery cell manufacturing device (100) can be used may include not only cylindrical battery cells of the conventional form factor but also cylindrical battery cells with increased form factors, for example, 48750 cells, 48110 cells, 48800 cells, and 46800 cells.

[0097] However, the shape of the battery cell (1) according to the present invention is not limited by the above and can be applied to batteries of other shapes. For example, it can be applied to prismatic batteries.

[0098] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the electrode assembly (20) may be configured such that the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) and the separator (28) interposed between them are wound around a winding axis.

[0099] The electrode assembly (20) after the winding is completed may be in the form of a jelly-roll. When viewed from the top or bottom of the electrode assembly (20), the outer shape of the electrode assembly (20) along the circumferential direction is circular. The structure of the electrode assembly (20) is not limited by the embodiment and may have a winding structure well known in the art. The first electrode (21), the second electrode (22), and the separator (28) may each have a predetermined width along the axial direction and be formed to extend to a predetermined length along the winding direction. The first electrode (21) may be an anode plate, and the second electrode (22) may be a cathode plate. Of course, the opposite may also be true.

[0100] The first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) may be manufactured in the form of a sheet. The first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) may be configured such that an active material layer is applied to at least a portion of the surface of the metal foil (23). The first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) may have a retaining portion (24) where the active material layer is applied and a non-retaining portion (26) where the active material layer is not applied.

[0101] The uncoated portion (26) can be exposed to the outside of the separator (28) while forming a plurality of winding turns based on the winding axis of the electrode assembly (20), and can be used as an electrode tab itself. That is, the positive plate and the negative plate may each include an uncoated portion (26) in which no active material is coated at the long side end in the winding axis direction. In addition, the uncoated portions (26) of the first electrode (21) and the second electrode (22) may be configured to face opposite directions in the winding axis direction. The uncoated portion (26) of the first electrode (21) may be housed inside the battery can (10) so that it is located at one end in the winding axis direction and the uncoated portion (26) of the second electrode (22) may be located at the other end in the winding axis direction. Here, the positive active material coated on the positive plate and the negative active material coated on the negative plate may be used without limitation as long as they are active materials known in the art.

[0102] Also, the separator (28) may be a porous polymer film, for example, a porous polymer film made of a polyolefin-based polymer such as an ethylene homopolymer, a propylene homopolymer, an ethylene / butene copolymer, an ethylene / hexene copolymer, an ethylene / methacrylate copolymer, etc., used alone or in a laminated form. As another example, the separator may be a conventional porous nonwoven fabric, for example, a nonwoven fabric made of high-melting-point glass fibers, polyethylene terephthalate fibers, etc.

[0103] At least one surface of the separator (28) may include a coating layer of inorganic particles. Additionally, it is possible for the separator (28) itself to be composed of a coating layer of inorganic particles. The particles constituting the coating layer may have a structure combined with a binder such that interstitial volume exists between adjacent particles.

[0104] The unwound portion (26) can form multiple flag-shaped notching tabs (27) by forming notches at predetermined intervals along the winding direction. The multiple notching tabs (27) may be in the shape of an isosceles trapezoid arranged along the winding direction. However, they are not limited thereto and may be in various shapes such as a semicircle, semi-ellipse, triangle, rectangle, parallelogram, etc.

[0105] A plurality of notching tabs (27) can be flattened by bending them radially in the electrode assembly (20). Additionally, the notching tabs (27) can be bent radially inward or outward in the electrode assembly (20).

[0106] In this way, the notching tabs (27) of the first electrode (21) and the notching tabs (27) of the second electrode (22), which are bent and overlapped in the radial direction, can each provide a plane substantially perpendicular to the axial direction at both axial ends of the electrode assembly (20).

[0107]

[0108] At this time, referring to FIG. 6, a battery can (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention that accommodates an electrode assembly (20) may have a trimming part (15).

[0109] A battery can (10) may have a side wall member (11) extending axially from a bottom member (12) by forming a flat steel plate through a deep drawing process. At this time, the trimming portion (15) may be formed by precisely cutting the opening side end of the formed battery can (10) through a trimming process. Through such a process, the opening side end of the battery can (10) has a smooth and uniform shape, thereby ensuring sealing and stability in subsequent processes.

[0110] The trimming portion (15) can be formed with various lengths in the axial direction according to specific design requirements of the battery can (10), for example, may have a length (d0) of 0.2 mm.

[0111] Additionally, the trimming portion (15) may be formed with a sloped structure having a certain angle. For example, the trimming portion (15) may be formed such that its length gradually increases radially inward as it moves axially inward from the opening of the battery can (10).

[0112] However, since the battery can (10) is provided with a trimming part (15), it may be impossible or difficult to achieve a flat assembly during the process of pressing the lead (30) into the opening of the battery can (10). That is, due to structural characteristics such as the trimming angle of the trimming part (15), there is a possibility that the lead (30) may not be stably inserted into the opening of the battery can (10). For example, a part of the lead (30) may get caught on the trimming part (15) and may be tilted instead of being inserted in the axial direction.

[0113] As a result, the lead (30) inserted into the opening of the battery can (10) may be unstably fixed or inserted at an angle to one side, causing a small gap to form between the lead (30) and the battery can (10). This gap may cause the laser to be abnormally projected into the battery can (10) containing the electrode assembly (20) during a subsequent welding process, thereby increasing the likelihood of damage to the separator (28) of the electrode assembly (20).

[0114] Damage to the separator (28) can have a direct impact on the performance and safety of the battery cell, and consequently, can act as a factor that significantly increases the quality risk of the battery cell (1).

[0115] Accordingly, the battery cell manufacturing device (100) of the present invention can ensure a flat and stable assembly of the battery can (10) and the lead (30) by providing a step portion (121) designed to have a step difference of a certain angle, taking into account the trimming angle of the trimming portion (15).

[0116]

[0117] FIGS. 7 and FIGS. 8 are drawings for explaining how the lead (30) of the battery cell (1) of FIG. 2 is pressed into the opening by the battery cell manufacturing device (100) of FIG. 1.

[0118] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, as an example, the step portion (121) may be designed so as not to come into direct contact with the opening-side end of the battery can (10). This non-contact design prevents the step portion (121) from interfering with the opening-side end of the battery can (10), for example, the trimming portion (15), thereby contributing to increasing the precision and stability of the assembly and pressurization process.

[0119] The stepped portion (121) can be extended downward at a certain angle from the main body portion (110) while gradually decreasing in width. This structure is designed so that the stepped portion (121) does not come into contact with the trimming portion (15) of the battery can (10) during the process of pressing the lid (30), thereby effectively preventing physical interference or assembly quality issues that may occur during the pressing process.

[0120] Thus, the step portion (121) can allow the lead (30) to be inserted stably and flatly into the opening of the battery can (10) when pressurized by the pressurizing portion (120).

[0121] Accordingly, the battery cell manufacturing device (100) of the present embodiment can improve the assembly quality between the battery can (10) and the lead (30) and prevent welding defects or internal damage that may occur in subsequent processes.

[0122] At this time, the battery cell manufacturing device (100) can press the lead (30) axially inward from the opening of the battery can (10) to a predetermined depth (d1). Through this, the lead (30) is stably inserted into the battery can (10), thereby ensuring reliability of the press-fit quality.

[0123] For example, the insertion depth (d1) of the lid (30) can be designed to be greater than or equal to the height (d0 in FIG. 6) of the trimming portion (15) of the battery can (10) in the axial direction. This allows the lid (30) to avoid contact with the trimming portion (15) and to be sufficiently fitted and adhered to the side wall member (11) of the battery can (10). Additionally, the insertion depth (d1) of the lid (30) can be set to be smaller than or equal to the thickness (d2) of the pressing portion (120) in the axial direction. This configuration allows the lid (30) to be sufficiently inserted into the interior of the battery can (10).

[0124] Accordingly, the battery cell manufacturing device (100) of the present embodiment can effectively prevent the formation of a gap between the lead (30) and the battery can (10) by ensuring that the lead (30) does not come into contact with the trimming portion (15) of the battery can (10) and is sufficiently in contact with the side wall member (11) of the battery can (10). Preventing such gap formation contributes to reducing defects in the subsequent welding process and ensuring airtightness inside the battery can (10).

[0125] Although not illustrated in the drawing, as another example, the step portion (121) may be designed to physically contact the opening-side end of the battery can (10) in at least some area. In this case, the shape of the area contacted by the step portion (121) may be designed to substantially correspond to the shape of the opening-side end of the battery can (10), for example, the trimming portion (15).

[0126] Thus, the contact area between the step portion (121) and the battery can (10) is optimized to induce stable insertion of the lead (30) when the lead (30) is pressed, and to maintain precise alignment between the opening of the battery can (10) and the lead (30).

[0127] Accordingly, the battery cell manufacturing device (100) of the present embodiment is designed so that the shape of the step portion (121) corresponds to the trimming portion (15), thereby preventing uneven distribution of pressure that may occur upon contact and further increasing the press-fit stability during the pressurization process.

[0128] In addition, this structure can improve the quality of the subsequent welding process by ensuring close contact between the edge of the lead (30) and the side wall member (11) of the battery can (10) during the pressurization process. Thus, the step portion (121) of the present embodiment can simultaneously improve the precision and reliability of the battery cell manufacturing process through the contact structure with the battery can (10).

[0129]

[0130] FIGS. 9 and FIGS. 10 are drawings for explaining how the lead (30) of the battery cell (1) of FIG. 2 is pressed into an opening by a battery cell manufacturing device (200) according to another embodiment.

[0131] The description of the battery cell manufacturing device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention with reference to FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 can also be applied to the battery cell manufacturing device (200) according to this embodiment, and redundant descriptions are omitted below.

[0132] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the stepped portion (221) of the battery cell manufacturing device (100) of the present embodiment may have a shape that is concave inward in the radial direction. By doing so, the stepped portion (221) having a certain curvature can be efficiently made to contact the trimming portion (15) structure of the battery can (10) having a certain curvature.

[0133] Specifically, the concave shape of the step portion (221) can effectively disperse the pressure generated during the process in which the pressurizing portion (220) presses the lead (30) into the battery can (10), and can induce stable insertion of the lead (30). In addition, this shape can minimize physical interference between the step portion (221) and the end of the opening side of the battery can (10) when the lead (30) is pressed, and can increase the precision of the battery cell manufacturing process. For example, the concave shape radially inward provides additional bonding in the area where the step portion (221) contacts the lead (30), thereby preventing the lead (30) from shaking or becoming unstable in alignment during insertion.

[0134] At this time, the battery cell manufacturing device (200) can press the lead (30) axially inward from the opening of the battery can (10) to a predetermined depth (d1). Through this, the lead (30) is stably inserted into the battery can (10), thereby ensuring reliability of the press-fit quality.

[0135] For example, the insertion depth (d1) of the lid (30) can be designed to be greater than or equal to the height (d0 in FIG. 6) of the trimming portion (15) of the battery can (10) in the axial direction. This allows the lid (30) to avoid contact with the trimming portion (15) and to be sufficiently fitted and adhered to the side wall member (11) of the battery can (10). Additionally, the insertion depth (d1) of the lid (30) can be set to be smaller than or equal to the thickness (d3) of the pressing portion (220) in the axial direction. This configuration allows the lid (30) to be sufficiently inserted into the interior of the battery can (10).

[0136] Accordingly, the battery cell manufacturing device (200) of the present embodiment can effectively prevent the formation of a gap between the lead (30) and the battery can (10) by ensuring that the lead (30) does not come into contact with the trimming portion (15) of the battery can (10) and is sufficiently in contact with the side wall member (11) of the battery can (10). Preventing such gap formation contributes to reducing defects in the subsequent welding process and ensuring airtightness inside the battery can (10).

[0137]

[0138] FIGS. 11 and 12 are drawings for explaining how the lead (31) of a battery cell (2) according to another embodiment of the present invention is pressed into an opening by the battery cell manufacturing device (100, 200) of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining how the battery cells (1, 2) of the present invention are welded.

[0139] The description of the battery cell (1) manufactured by the battery cell manufacturing device (100, 200) of the present invention with reference to FIGS. 1 to 10 can also be applied to the battery cell (2) according to the present embodiment, and redundant descriptions are omitted below.

[0140] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, a battery cell (2) manufactured by the battery cell manufacturing apparatus (100, 200) of the present invention may include a battery can (10), an electrode assembly (20), and a lead (31).

[0141] The battery cell manufacturing device (100, 200) according to the present embodiment is configured to improve the welding quality in a subsequent welding process by stably and flatly pressing the lead (31) onto the battery can (10) of the battery cell (2) to be assembled.

[0142] The battery cell manufacturing device (100, 200) can press the lead (31) axially inward from the opening of the battery can (10) to a predetermined depth (d1). Through this, the lead (31) is stably inserted into the battery can (10), thereby ensuring reliability of the press-fit quality.

[0143] For example, the insertion depth (d1) of the lid (31) can be designed to be greater than or equal to the height (d0 in FIG. 6) of the trimming portion (15) of the battery can (10) in the axial direction. This allows the lid (31) to avoid contact with the trimming portion (15) and to be sufficiently fitted and in close contact with the side wall member (11) of the battery can (10). Additionally, the insertion depth (d1) of the lid (31) can be set to be smaller than or equal to the thickness (d4) of the pressing portion (120, 220) in the axial direction. This configuration allows the lid (31) to be sufficiently inserted into the interior of the battery can (10).

[0144] Accordingly, the battery cell manufacturing device (100, 200) of the present embodiment can effectively prevent the formation of a gap between the lead (31) and the battery can (10) by ensuring that the lead (31) does not come into contact with the trimming portion (15) of the battery can (10) and is sufficiently in contact with the side wall member (11) of the battery can (10). Preventing such gap formation contributes to reducing defects in the subsequent welding process and ensuring airtightness inside the battery can (10).

[0145] At this time, the lead (31) of the present embodiment may be designed to have an edge region provided in a U-shape. Such a lead (31) can be designed to have a wider contact area that comes into close contact with the side wall member (11) of the battery can (10), thereby providing sufficient adhesion and press-fit force even before welding. For example, the lead (31) may be formed to have a relatively large depth (d5) in the axial direction for the area to be welded later. This structure helps the lead (31) to be stably fixed during the welding process and can contribute to improving welding quality and bond strength.

[0146] Referring to FIG. 13, the battery cell (1, 2) manufactured by the battery cell manufacturing device (100, 200) of the present embodiment is configured such that the lead (30, 31) is pressed into the inside of the battery can (10) to a sufficient depth by means of a pressurizing part (120, 220) having a step portion (121, 221), as described above with reference to FIG. 1 to 12. In other words, the lead (30, 31) in the battery cell (1, 2) is pressed further into the axial inner side from the opening of the battery can (10) to a predetermined depth and welded to the battery can (10). As a result, the outer surface of the lead (30, 31) is in close contact with the inner surface of the battery can (10), thereby providing an optimal assembly state during the welding process.

[0147]

[0148] Accordingly, the battery cell (1, 2) manufactured by the battery cell manufacturing device (100, 200) of the present embodiment can have improved insertability by allowing the lead (30, 31) to be inserted smoothly and precisely into the interior of the battery can (10). That is, through the close contact state between the lead (30, 31) and the battery can (10), imbalance or poor bonding that may occur during welding can be prevented, and the welding quality can be stabilized.

[0149] In addition, the leads (30, 31) are sufficiently pressed into the battery can (10) and uniformly adhere to the inner surface, thereby reinforcing the structural stability of the battery cells (1, 2) and ensuring the reliability of the assembly. Through this, the manufactured battery cells (1, 2) can secure high airtightness and durability, and can contribute to improving the overall quality of the battery cells.

[0150]

[0151] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a battery pack (P) including battery cells (1, 2) of the present invention, and FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle (V) equipped with the battery pack (P) of the present invention.

[0152] Referring to FIG. 14, a battery pack (P) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include at least one battery cell (1, 2) manufactured by a battery cell manufacturing device (100, 200) according to a prior embodiment and a pack case (C) that accommodates the same.

[0153] A battery pack (P) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include various other components of a battery pack known at the time of filing the present invention. For example, a battery pack (P) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include components such as a current sensor, a fuse, and a service plug.

[0154] Referring to FIG. 15, a vehicle (V) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include one or more battery packs (P) according to the present invention. In addition, a vehicle (V) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include various other components included in the vehicle in addition to the battery pack (P). For example, a vehicle (V) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include, in addition to the battery pack (P) according to one embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle body, a motor, an electronic control unit (ECU), or other control devices.

[0155] In addition, it is obvious that the battery pack (P) according to one embodiment of the present invention may also be provided in other devices, mechanisms, and facilities, such as an energy storage system using a secondary battery, in addition to the vehicle (V).

[0156] According to various embodiments as described above, at least one battery cell (1, 2) manufactured by a battery cell manufacturing device (100, 200) capable of maximizing welding quality, a battery pack (P) including the same, and a vehicle (V) can be provided.

[0157]

[0158] Although the present invention has been described above 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.

[0159] Furthermore, since the present invention described above allows for various substitutions, modifications, and changes within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention to those skilled in the art without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention, it is not limited by the aforementioned embodiments and attached drawings, but rather all or part of each embodiment may be selectively combined to allow for various modifications.

[0160] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0161] 1, 2: Battery cells

[0162] 10: Battery can

[0163] 11: Sidewall member

[0164] 12: Floor member

[0165] 15: Trimming section

[0166] 20: Electrode assembly

[0167] 21: First electrode

[0168] 22: Second electrode

[0169] 23: Metal foil

[0170] 24: Maintenance Department

[0171] 26: Mujibu

[0172] 27: Notching Tab

[0173] 28: Separator

[0174] 30, 31: Lead

[0175] 100, 200: Battery cell manufacturing device

[0176] 110, 210: Main body

[0177] 120, 220: Pressurizing part

[0178] 121, 221: Step section

[0179] W: Welding

Claims

1. A main body configured to assemble a battery cell comprising a battery can and a lid in which an electrode assembly is accommodated; and A battery cell manufacturing device characterized by including a pressurizing part coupled to one end of the main body and having a stepped portion having a predetermined inclination in the edge area, and configured to press the lead toward an opening provided at one end in the axial direction of the battery can.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above main body part is, A battery cell manufacturing device characterized by having a length longer than the inner diameter of the battery can in the radial direction.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned pressurizing unit is, A battery cell manufacturing device characterized by having a length shorter than the outer diameter of the battery can in the region in contact with the lead based on the radial direction.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned pressurizing unit is, A battery cell manufacturing device having a shape corresponding to the above-mentioned opening and extending axially outward from the main body portion toward the above-mentioned opening.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above-mentioned pressurizing unit is, A battery cell manufacturing device characterized by the length decreasing inwardly in the radial direction as it extends outwardly in the axial direction from the main body.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned pressurizing unit is, A battery cell manufacturing device characterized by being configured to make axial contact with the above lead in at least a portion of the area.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above-mentioned pressurizing unit is, A battery cell manufacturing device characterized by having an uneven surface shape in the area in contact with the above lead.

8. In Paragraph 1, The above step portion is, A battery cell manufacturing device characterized by being formed along the outer surface of the above-mentioned pressurizing part.

9. In Paragraph 1, The above step portion is, A battery cell manufacturing device characterized by being configured not to come into contact with the opening side end of the battery can.

10. In Paragraph 1, The above step portion is, A battery cell manufacturing apparatus configured to contact at least a portion of the opening-side end of the battery can, wherein the shape of the contacting area corresponds to the shape of the opening-side end of the battery can.

11. In Paragraph 1, The above step portion is, A battery cell manufacturing device characterized by having a concave shape in the radially inward direction.

12. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 11, The above-mentioned pressurizing unit is, A battery cell manufacturing device characterized by being configured to press the above lead into the axial inner side from the opening of the battery can to a predetermined depth.

13. An electrode assembly in which a first electrode and a second electrode and a separator interposed between them are wound around a winding axis; A battery can that accommodates the electrode assembly through an opening formed on one side; and A battery cell characterized by including a lead that covers the opening of the battery can and is further pressed inwardly in the axial direction from the opening of the battery can to a predetermined depth with respect to the winding axis direction and welded to the battery can.

14. In Paragraph 13, The above battery can is, A battery cell characterized by including a trimming portion that extends inwardly in the axial direction from the opening and increases in length in the radially inward direction.

15. In Paragraph 14, The insertion depth of the above lead is, A battery cell characterized by being greater than or equal to the height of the trimming portion based on the axial direction.

16. In Paragraph 13, The above lead is, A battery cell characterized in that the outer surface of the above lead is welded in close contact with the inner surface of the above battery can.

17. A battery pack characterized by including a battery cell according to any one of claims 13 to 16.

18. An automobile characterized by having at least one battery pack according to claim 17.

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