Battery manufacturing device and battery manufacturing method using the same

Abstract

The present invention provides a battery manufacturing apparatus and a battery manufacturing method using the same. The battery manufacturing apparatus of the present invention at least includes the following units: a plate group manufacturing unit that forms a plate group by interposing a separator between a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate; a case insertion unit that inserts the plate group into a battery case having one end open; a lead wire welding unit that connects the lead wire of the plate group to a sealing plate by welding; a liquid injection unit that injects an electrolyte into the battery case, and a sealing unit that seals the battery case using the sealing plate, characterized in that, on the upstream side of the production lines of the liquid injection unit and the sealing unit, there is also provided one or more dust collection units that collect and remove foreign substances inside the battery case. By the battery manufacturing apparatus and the battery manufacturing method of the present invention, it is possible to provide a battery in which fine foreign substances inside the battery are greatly reduced and the safety is excellent.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery manufacturing apparatus and a battery manufacturing method using the same. Specifically, the present invention relates to a battery manufacturing apparatus including a dust collection unit and a battery manufacturing method including a dust collection process using the same. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, with the rapid development of the lithium battery industry, lithium ion secondary batteries have been widely used in various fields of society. Therefore, the safety of batteries has become crucial. If there are foreign matters inside the battery, it will have a great impact on battery safety. Therefore, a method for removing foreign matters inside the battery needs to be considered.

[0003] Foreign matters inside the battery refer to dust, metal chips generated during the processing, or other impurities existing inside the battery. These foreign matters are more likely to be mixed into the battery during the battery assembly process. For example, in the shell groove process of manufacturing a cylindrical battery, when necking the side surface of a battery shell made of a metal material, fine metal chips may be generated as foreign matters. Since the particle size of these fine foreign matters is small (about 60 μm to 200 μm), it is easy to be mixed into the battery shell and difficult to remove. The voltage defect rate of the batteries produced in this way is sometimes as high as about 2%, and the safety of the batteries is difficult to ensure.

[0004] In the manufacturing process of batteries in the prior art, there is no particularly effective device for removing fine foreign matters generated during the battery assembly process, resulting in foreign matters being easily mixed into the battery, which poses a risk of poor battery voltage. Summary of the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a battery manufacturing apparatus including one or more dust collection units and a battery manufacturing method including one or more dust collection processes, whereby the presence of fine foreign matters inside the battery can be greatly reduced, and a battery with more excellent safety can be provided.

[0006] The battery manufacturing apparatus of the present invention at least includes the following units:

[0007] A plate group manufacturing unit that forms a plate group by interposing a separator between a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate;

[0008] A case insertion unit that inserts the plate group into a battery case having one end open;

[0009] A lead welding unit that welds the leads of the plate group to a sealing plate;

[0010] An electrolyte injection unit that injects an electrolyte into the battery case, and

[0011] A sealing unit that seals the battery case using the sealing plate,

[0012] It is characterized in that

[0013] On the upstream side of the production lines of the liquid injection unit and the sealing unit, there is also provided one or more dust collection units to collect and remove foreign matters inside the battery case.

[0014] Preferably, the battery manufacturing device of the present invention is a battery manufacturing device for manufacturing cylindrical batteries, and further includes the following units:

[0015] A bottom spot welding unit that spot-welds the lower end of the plate group to the bottom surface of the battery case; and

[0016] A case groove unit that performs necking processing on the side surface of the battery case to form a groove,

[0017] Among them, at least one of the dust collection units is arranged on the downstream side of the production line of the case groove unit.

[0018] Preferably, the dust collection unit includes one or more dust collection heads, the dust collection head has at least one suction hole, and at least a part of the inner wall surface of the suction hole forms an angle of 60-90° with the horizontal direction.

[0019] Preferably, the dust collection head is a blow-suction dust collection head, which has more than 2 suction holes and air blowing holes located between adjacent suction holes.

[0020] Preferably, the dust collection unit further includes an electrostatic elimination head, which is located on the upstream side of the production line of the dust collection head.

[0021] Preferably, the dust collection head is set upright, and the battery case is hung upside down by a bottom fixture on a conveyor belt running from the upstream side to the downstream side of the production line and passes above the dust collection head.

[0022] Preferably, the suction hole of the dust collection head is 6-10 mm away from the opening of the battery case.

[0023] Preferably, the battery manufacturing device of the present invention further includes one or more foreign matter detection mechanisms to detect foreign matters existing around the battery case.

[0024] Preferably, the battery manufacturing device of the present invention further includes one or more foreign matter detection mechanisms, and at least one foreign matter detection mechanism is arranged in the case groove unit to detect foreign matters generated around the battery case through the necking processing.

[0025] Preferably, the battery manufacturing device of the present invention further includes a control unit to control the working mode of the dust collection unit according to the concentration of foreign matters detected by the foreign matter detection mechanism.

[0026] Preferably, the foreign object detection mechanism includes a detection paper with adhesiveness on both sides, and one side is used to adhere foreign objects.

[0027] The battery manufacturing method of the present invention at least includes the following processes:

[0028] The electrode plate group manufacturing process, in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate are used to form an electrode plate group through a separator;

[0029] The case insertion process, in which the electrode plate group is inserted into a battery case with one end open;

[0030] The lead welding process, in which the lead of the electrode plate group is connected to a sealing plate by welding;

[0031] The liquid injection process, in which electrolyte is injected into the battery case; and

[0032] The sealing process, in which the battery case is sealed by using the sealing plate,

[0033] It is characterized in that

[0034] Before the liquid injection process and the sealing process, there is also one or more dust collection processes to collect and remove foreign objects in the battery case.

[0035] Preferably, the battery manufacturing method of the present invention is a battery manufacturing method for manufacturing a cylindrical battery, and further includes the following processes:

[0036] The bottom spot welding process, in which the lower end of the electrode plate group is connected to the bottom surface of the battery case by spot welding; and

[0037] The case groove process, in which the side surface of the battery case is necked down to form a groove,

[0038] Among them, at least one of the dust collection processes is carried out after the case groove process.

[0039] Preferably, in the dust collection process, before collecting and removing the foreign objects by using a dust collection head, it further includes a step of eliminating the static electricity carried by the battery case and the foreign objects by using an electrostatic elimination head.

[0040] Preferably, in the dust collection process, the dust collection head is set upright, the battery case is hung upside down by a bottom fixture on a conveyor belt running from the upstream side to the downstream side, and passes above the dust collection head.

[0041] Preferably, the battery manufacturing method of the present invention further includes a foreign object detection process and a control process. The foreign object detection process detects foreign objects existing around the battery case, and the control process controls the working mode of the dust collection process according to the detection result of the foreign object detection process.

[0042] According to the battery manufacturing apparatus and the battery manufacturing method of the present invention, since one or more dust collection units are added to the battery manufacturing apparatus and one or more dust collection processes are added to the battery manufacturing method, fine foreign matters (for example, having a particle size of 60 μm or more) generated during the battery assembly process can be sufficiently and promptly removed, effectively achieving the effect of reducing fine foreign matters and ensuring the safety of the battery. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Figure 1 It is a schematic view showing a state in which foreign matters are generated in the can groove process of a cylindrical battery.

[0044] Figure 2 It is a schematic view showing an example of the structure of a single suction dust collection head used in the dust collection unit of the battery manufacturing apparatus of the present invention. (a) is a cross-sectional view, and (b) is a bottom view.

[0045] Figure 3 It is a schematic view showing an example of the structure of a blow-suction dust collection head used in the dust collection unit of the battery manufacturing apparatus of the present invention. (a) is a top view, (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in (a), and (c) is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in (a).

[0046] Figure 4 It is a schematic view showing an example of the structure of an electrostatic elimination head used in the dust collection unit of the battery manufacturing apparatus of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 5 It is a schematic view showing an example of the working state of the dust collection unit in the battery manufacturing apparatus of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0048] The inventors of the present invention have conducted in-depth research on the above problems in the prior art, and proposed a battery manufacturing apparatus and a battery manufacturing method. By adding a dust collection unit and a dust collection process for collecting and removing fine foreign matters existing inside the battery, the occurrence of fine foreign matters inside the battery is greatly reduced, and the safety of the battery is excellent, thus completing the present invention.

[0049] Generally, a lithium ion battery is manufactured by a battery manufacturing method that at least includes the following processes: manufacturing a plate group by laminating or winding positive and negative plates via a separator (plate group manufacturing process); inserting the manufactured plate group into a battery can with one end open (can insertion process); connecting the lead wires of the plate group (i.e., the positive lead wire or the negative lead wire) to the sealing plate by welding (lead wire welding process); injecting an electrolyte into the battery can through the opening of the battery can or the liquid injection hole on the sealing plate (liquid injection process); and sealing the opening of the battery can with the sealing plate (sealing process), thereby completing the assembly of the battery (naked battery).

[0050] Among them, for a square battery, after the lead wire welding process, it further includes steps of cutting and bending the lead wire, and welding a sealing plate with a liquid injection port on the opening of the battery case. Then, in the above liquid injection process, electrolyte is injected into the battery interior through the liquid injection hole on the sealing plate. Finally, the liquid injection hole is sealed by plug welding to obtain a sealed square battery. In this specification, for a square battery, the above sealing process includes the step of plug welding the liquid injection hole on the sealing plate.

[0051] For a cylindrical battery, after the case insertion process and before the liquid injection process, it further includes: a bottom spot welding process of connecting the lower end of the electrode plate group to the bottom surface of the battery case by spot welding; and a case groove process of necking down the side surface of the battery case located at the upper end of the electrode plate group to form a groove. After forming the groove, electrolyte is injected into the battery case from the opening of the battery case. Finally, the sealing plate is inserted into the opening of the battery case for sealing and crimping to obtain a sealed cylindrical battery. In this specification, for a cylindrical battery, the above sealing process includes the steps of sealing and crimping the sealing plate on the opening of the battery case.

[0052] Each of the above battery manufacturing processes may generate foreign matter during operation. Therefore, in order to remove the foreign matter generated during battery manufacturing, one or more dust collection processes can be set to collect and remove the foreign matter existing in the battery case. Regarding the timing of performing the dust collection process, in order to conveniently remove the foreign matter in the battery case, the dust collection process is preferably performed at least before injecting the electrolyte into the battery case (liquid injection process) and before sealing the opening of the battery case with the sealing plate (sealing process).

[0053] In particular, in the manufacturing method of a cylindrical lithium battery, in order to reduce the internal resistance of the battery and stabilize the electrode plate group, the above bottom spot welding process and case groove process are usually further included after the case insertion process. In these two processes, since welding and machining are required, it is particularly easy to generate foreign matter such as metal chips or welding slag. If these foreign matters remain inside the battery, it is likely to cause a decrease in the safety of the battery.

[0054] Specifically, as Figure 1As shown, in the process of forming a shell groove of a cylindrical battery, a high-speed rotating punch 1 presses against the side surface of the battery case 2 for necking processing, thereby forming a groove 3 on the side surface of the battery case located at the upper end of the electrode plate group. Since the battery case 2 is made of a metal material, in this processing, a large amount of fine metal chips 4 may be generated due to the high-speed friction between the battery case 2 and the punch 1. Such metal chips 4 generally have a very small particle size, for example, 60 μm or more, and thus float in the air and gradually fall near the bottom fixture 5 below the battery case 2, but a part of the metal chips 4 enters the opening of the battery case 2 through diffusion. If these fine metal chips (foreign matters) are not removed, in the subsequent liquid injection process and the sealing process, these foreign matters will be mixed in the electrolyte or sealed in the battery case. In this way, the assembled battery may cause a sudden drop in voltage, posing a safety hazard. Therefore, in the manufacturing method of a cylindrical battery, it is preferable that at least one dust collection process is performed after the shell groove process and before the liquid injection process and the sealing process.

[0055] Next, the battery manufacturing apparatus and the battery manufacturing method of the present invention will be described by way of embodiments. However, the present invention is not limited to the following specific embodiments.

[0056] <Battery Manufacturing Apparatus>

[0057] (Embodiment 1)

[0058] In the battery manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, at least the following units are provided: a plate group manufacturing unit that forms a plate group by interposing a separator between a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate; a case insertion unit that inserts the plate group into a battery case having one end open; a lead welding unit that welds the lead of the plate group to a sealing plate; a liquid injection unit that injects an electrolyte into the battery case, and a sealing unit that seals the battery case with the sealing plate.

[0059] There are no particular limitations on the above plate group manufacturing unit, case insertion unit, lead welding unit, liquid injection unit, and sealing unit. Units commonly used in the field of battery manufacturing can be adopted. Depending on the type of battery to be manufactured, the installation positions (for example, the upstream side and the downstream side) and installation methods of these units on the production line can also be adjusted, and other necessary constituent units can be added.

[0060] In this specification, the "upstream side" and the "downstream side" refer to the upstream side and the downstream side of the battery manufacturing production line. The conveyor belt transports battery components from the upstream side of the production line to the downstream side, and battery assembly is sequentially performed in each unit.

[0061] The battery manufacturing apparatus according to the present embodiment is characterized in that, upstream of the liquid injection unit and the sealing unit, one or more dust collection units are further provided for collecting and removing foreign matters inside the battery case.

[0062] Next, the dust collection unit in the battery manufacturing apparatus of the present invention will be specifically described.

[0063] <Dust collection unit>

[0064] The dust collection unit of the present invention has one or more dust collection heads. The dust collection heads are connected to a dust collector through connecting pipes to generate vacuum suction for collecting and removing dust and foreign matters in the air. The dust collection unit can be provided between any two units of the battery manufacturing apparatus of the present invention, and can be provided with only one or multiple ones. In order to effectively remove fine foreign matters present in the battery case, at least one dust collection unit is provided upstream of the liquid injection unit and the sealing unit. In addition, in the battery manufacturing apparatus for cylindrical batteries, as described above, it is preferable that at least one dust collection unit is provided downstream of the case groove unit and upstream of the liquid injection unit and the sealing unit.

[0065] The structure of the dust collection head is as Figure 2 shown in the side view (a) and bottom view (b). The dust collection head 6 has a suction hole 7 at the center. The upper end of the suction hole 7 is open, and the lower end is connected to a dust collector (not shown) through a connecting pipe 8 to generate vacuum suction, sucking impurities, dust, etc. in the surrounding environment together with the connected air into the dust collector through the suction hole 7 for filtration and removal. In this specification, the dust collection head having only one suction hole is referred to as a single-suction dust collection head.

[0066] From the aspect of improving the dust collection effect, baffles 9 can be provided outside the suction hole 7. As Figure 2 shown, two opposing baffles 9 are provided in a direction orthogonal to the traveling direction of the battery. In the traveling direction of the battery, no baffle is provided or, although a baffle is provided, a notch is formed in the baffle so that the battery can pass through smoothly. Here, the traveling direction of the battery refers to the conveying direction of the battery on the conveyor belt.

[0067] By providing the baffles on both sides of the suction hole, a dust collection airflow can be better formed above the suction hole, effectively collecting and removing foreign matters in the battery opening.

[0068] The suction hole 7 can be in the shape of a cylinder with the same diameter at the top and bottom, or in the shape of a frustum of a cone with a larger top and a smaller bottom that gradually expands towards the orifice. In order to obtain a better dust collection effect, the angle between the inner wall surface of the suction hole 7 and the horizontal direction is preferably 60 to 90°, more preferably 60 to 80°, and particularly preferably 70°. When the angle is 90°, the suction hole 7 is formed in the shape of a cylinder with the same diameter at the top and bottom. When the angle is 70°, the best dust collection effect can be achieved. The inner wall surface of the suction hole 7 can be entirely formed as a cylindrical surface or a conical surface, or only a part of it can be formed as a conical surface with an angle of 60 to 80°.

[0069] The dust collection head of the present invention can be the above-mentioned single-suction dust collection head, or a dust collection head with a blowing hole in addition to the suction hole, that is, a blow-suction dust collection head.

[0070] As Figure 3 shown in the top view of (a), the dust collection head 6 is provided with two suction holes 7a, 7b and a blowing hole 10 located between two adjacent suction holes 7a, 7b. As Figure 3 shown in the cross-sectional view of (b), the suction holes 7a, 7b are connected at the bottom and are connected to a dust collector (not shown) through a common connecting pipe 8. In addition, as Figure 3 shown in the cross-sectional view of (c), the lower end of the blowing hole 10 is connected to a compressed air pump (not shown) from the side of the dust collection head.

[0071] As Figure 3 shown, it is preferred that the two suction holes 7a, 7b are arranged parallel to the traveling direction of the battery, and two opposing baffles 9 can also be arranged in a direction orthogonal to the traveling direction of the battery.

[0072] In addition, the dust collection head 6 is not limited to forming two suction holes. It can also be provided with three or more suction holes, and blowing holes are formed between two adjacent suction ports. In this case, it is preferred that the arrangement direction of the plurality of suction holes is consistent with the traveling direction of the battery, and opposing baffles are arranged on both sides of the plurality of suction holes, that is, in a direction orthogonal to the traveling direction of the battery. The plurality of tandem suction holes blow and suck the battery for a longer time, so they have a better dust collection effect.

[0073] By providing a blowing hole located between adjacent suction holes and baffles located on both sides of the suction holes, a dust collection circulation can be better formed above the suction holes. Therefore, compared with the single-suction dust collection head, foreign matters in the battery opening can be more effectively collected and removed.

[0074] The blowing hole 10 located between two adjacent suction holes 7a, 7b can be formed as only one, or can be formed as a plurality. In addition, as long as the blowing hole 10 is formed between the suction holes 7a, 7b, it can be arranged flush with the orifice of the suction hole 7, or can be arranged protruding compared with the orifice of the suction hole 7.

[0075] The plurality of suction holes can be cylindrical with the same diameter up and down, or can be a frustum shape that gradually expands towards the orifice with a larger upper part and a smaller lower part. In order to obtain a better dust collection effect, the angle between the inner wall surface of the suction hole 7 and the horizontal direction is preferably 60 to 90°, more preferably 60 to 80°, and particularly preferably 70°. When the angle is 70°, the best dust collection effect can be achieved. The inner wall surfaces of the plurality of suction holes can all be formed as cylindrical surfaces (angle of 90°) or conical surfaces, or only a part of them can be formed as conical surfaces with an angle of 60 to 80°. As Figure 3 shown in the sectional views (b) and (c) of

[0076] When the dust collection head 6 is working, gas is blown in through the air blowing holes 10 and suction is carried out through the suction holes 7, so as to form a gas circulation above the suction holes 7, raise foreign matters and dust in the surrounding environment, and then suck them into the dust collector through the suction holes 7, thereby removing the foreign matters by blowing and sucking dust collection.

[0077] In the battery manufacturing device of the present invention, the battery is fixed on a conveyor belt that travels from the upstream side to the downstream side of the production line by a bottom fixture, and passes through the dust collection unit in such a way that the opening of the battery case faces the suction holes of the dust collection head, so as to collect and remove foreign matters in the battery case by using the dust collection head.

[0078] In addition, only a single dust collection head can be provided in the dust collection unit, or multiple dust collection heads can be arranged in series in the traveling direction of the battery for multi-stage dust collection to achieve a better dust collection effect. Considering the balance between the miniaturization of the device and the dust collection effect, it is preferable to provide 1 to 5 dust collection heads, and particularly preferably 2 to 3 dust collection heads.

[0079] The dust collection head only needs to be opposed to the opening of the battery case, and its installation method can be upright, or can be horizontally or inversely arranged. In order to better remove foreign matters in the battery case, it is preferable to adopt the installation method of upright dust collection head and inverted battery case. In this way, the fine foreign matters existing in the battery case are easily blown and sucked down under the action of gravity, and thus are collected and removed.

[0080] In this case, the battery case can be fixed upside down on the conveyor belt that runs from the upstream side to the downstream side of the production line by a bottom fixture, so that the opening of the battery case faces downward and passes through above the upright dust collection head.

[0081] The distance between the dust collection head and the opening of the battery case is not particularly limited. From the aspect of having a sufficient foreign object removal effect, the suction holes of the dust collection head are preferably 4 to 20 mm away from the opening of the battery case, more preferably 6 to 10 mm. When the suction holes of the dust collection head and the opening of the battery case are within this range, a sufficient dust collection airflow or dust collection circulation can be formed, and the dust collection effect on the metal foreign objects in the battery case is excellent.

[0082] (Embodiment 2)

[0083] In the battery manufacturing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention, the dust collection unit further includes an electrostatic eliminator head, and the electrostatic eliminator head is located on the upstream side of the production line of the dust collection head. Except for this, the configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment, and its description is omitted.

[0084] Since static electricity may be generated during the machining of the battery case, foreign objects such as metal chips are likely to adhere to the battery case or the plate group in the battery case by electrostatic adsorption and are difficult to remove. To solve the above problems, it is preferable that the dust collection unit further includes an electrostatic eliminator head located on the upstream side of the dust collection head.

[0085] The working principle of the electrostatic eliminator head is to generate corona discharge by applying a tip high voltage to the electrostatic eliminator head, ionize the air into a large number of positive and negative ions, and then use the wind to blow a large number of positive and negative ions to the surface of the object to neutralize the static electricity carried by the object; or directly bring the electrostatic eliminator head close to the surface of the object to neutralize the charge, thereby eliminating the static electricity carried by the object.

[0086] The structure of the electrostatic eliminator head of the present invention is not particularly limited, and an electrostatic eliminator head commonly used in the art can be adopted. For example, as Figure 4 shown, the electrostatic eliminator head 11 includes a high-voltage power generator and a discharge electrode 12, and the discharge electrode 12 is generally in the form of an ion needle. By applying a tip high voltage to the discharge electrode 12, corona discharge is generated, and the supplied air is ionized into a large number of positive and negative ions. Then, the wind is used to blow a large number of positive and negative ions to the surfaces of the battery case, foreign objects, and plate group to neutralize the static electricity carried by the battery case, foreign objects, and plate group.

[0087] The voltage application method of the electrostatic eliminator head generally adopts the pulsed AC method. As a specific example, the power supply voltage is, for example, 24V DC, the output voltage is, for example, ±6kV, the ion balance control method is adopted, and the application time is about 0.5 s.

[0088] The distance between the electrostatic eliminator head and the opening of the battery case is not particularly limited, preferably 2 to 10 mm, more preferably 4 to 8 mm.

[0089] Figure 5It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the operating state of the dust collection unit in the battery manufacturing apparatus of the present invention. As Figure 5 shown, the dust collection unit includes two dust collection heads 6 and one static eliminator head 11 on the upstream side. A plurality of battery cases 2 are fixedly hung upside down by bottom jigs 5 on a conveyor belt running from the upstream side to the downstream side, and pass successively above the upright static eliminator head 11 and the two dust collection heads 6, and static elimination and two blowing and suction dust collections are performed successively. Thus, foreign matters in the battery case 2 are effectively removed, ensuring the safety of the battery.

[0090] (Embodiment 3)

[0091] In the battery manufacturing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention, there is also one or more foreign matter detection mechanisms for detecting foreign matters generated during the battery assembly process. Except for this, the configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment or the second embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0092] In the present invention, the foreign matter detection mechanism is a detection mechanism for monitoring the generation of foreign matters (for example, foreign matter concentration) during the battery manufacturing process. The specific configuration of the foreign matter detection mechanism is not limited as long as it can detect the presence of foreign matters. For example, the foreign matter detection mechanism may be a sticky detection paper placed around the battery case. Both sides of the sticky detection paper have stickiness. One side is attached to the periphery of the battery case, such as the bottom jig, and the other side can be used to adhere foreign matters such as metal chips falling from the air.

[0093] The foreign matter detection mechanism may be provided at only one place or at multiple places to monitor the generation of foreign matters in multiple manufacturing processes. As described above, since foreign matters inside the cylindrical battery are usually generated in the shell grooving process, in order to more effectively detect fine foreign matters inside the battery case, it is preferable that at least one of the foreign matter detection mechanisms is provided in the shell grooving unit, for example, on the bottom jig of the battery case being necking processed, to detect foreign matters generated around the battery case through the necking process.

[0094] Through the detection results of the foreign matter detection mechanism, the situation of foreign matters generated during the battery manufacturing process can be surely grasped, and appropriate countermeasures can be taken. For example, the sticky detection paper attached to the bottom jig of the battery case can be removed at regular intervals and observed with a microscope to count the foreign matter concentration per unit area; or a camera can be provided at a position opposite to the attached sticky detection paper to dynamically detect the foreign matter concentration on the surface of the sticky detection paper, and the results of the dynamic detection can be transmitted to the control unit described later in real time.

[0095] (Embodiment 4)

[0096] In the manufacturing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention, a control unit is further provided. The control unit is a unit for controlling the operation mode of the dust collection unit according to the occurrence of foreign matter in the battery case. Except for this, the configuration of this embodiment is the same as that of the first to third embodiments, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0097] The control unit of the present invention can control the operation mode of the dust collection unit (including whether to start, adjustment of wind force, voltage, etc.) according to visual estimation or according to the detection result of the foreign matter detection mechanism. When the estimated value or the detection value of the foreign matter detection mechanism is lower than a predetermined value, the control unit does not start the operation of the dust collection unit, or reduces the blowing and suction wind force of the dust collection unit and the applied voltage of the static elimination head, which can simplify the process, shorten the time, and reduce the manufacturing cost; when the estimated value or the detection value of the foreign matter detection mechanism reaches above the predetermined value, the operation of the dust collection unit is started, and the blowing and suction wind force of the dust collection unit and the applied voltage of the static elimination head are increased, which can more reliably manufacture a battery with high safety.

[0098] As described above, through multiple embodiments, the battery manufacturing apparatus of the present invention has been specifically described. However, the manufacturing apparatus of the present invention is not limited to the above specific embodiments, and each embodiment and the specific constituent elements therein can be freely combined, and these combined embodiments are also included in the protection scope of the present invention.

[0099] According to the battery manufacturing apparatus of the present invention, since a dust collection unit is provided, foreign matter generated during battery manufacturing can be removed in time, achieving the effect of reducing fine foreign matter (60 μm or more), and providing a battery with significantly reduced fine foreign matter inside the battery, a voltage defect rate of about 0.1%, and more excellent safety.

[0100] In addition, the battery manufacturing apparatus of the present invention is applicable to the manufacturing of all batteries that need to remove impurities or foreign matter inside the battery, and is particularly applicable to the manufacturing of cylindrical batteries that are prone to generating fine metal chips during necking processing.

[0101] <Battery manufacturing method>

[0102] (Embodiment 5)

[0103] The battery manufacturing method according to another embodiment of the present invention has the same or corresponding constituent elements as the battery manufacturing apparatuses of the above first to fourth embodiments, and sometimes the description thereof is omitted.

[0104] The battery manufacturing method of the present invention at least includes the following processes: a plate group manufacturing process, in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate are used to form a plate group via a separator; a case insertion process, in which the plate group is inserted into a battery case with one end open; a lead welding process, in which the lead of the plate group is connected to a sealing plate by welding; an electrolyte injection process, in which an electrolyte is injected into the battery case; and a sealing process, in which the battery case is sealed by using the sealing plate. It is characterized in that, before the electrolyte injection process and the sealing process, there is also one or more dust collection processes to collect and remove foreign matters in the battery case.

[0105] When used for manufacturing a cylindrical battery, the battery manufacturing method of the present invention further includes: a bottom spot welding process, in which the lower end of the plate group is connected to the bottom surface of the battery case by spot welding; and a case grooving process, in which the side surface of the battery case is necked down to form a groove. At this time, it is preferable that at least one of the dust collection processes is performed after the case grooving process and before the electrolyte injection process and the sealing process.

[0106] In the above-mentioned dust collection process, it is preferable that before removing the foreign matters by using a dust collection head, an electrostatic eliminator head is also used to eliminate the static electricity carried by the battery case and the foreign matters.

[0107] In addition, in the above-mentioned dust collection process, it is preferable that the dust collection head is set upright, the battery case is hung upside down by a bottom fixture on a conveyor belt running from the upstream side to the downstream side, and passes through above the dust collection head.

[0108] The battery manufacturing method of the present invention preferably further includes a foreign matter detection process and a control process. The foreign matter detection process detects the concentration of foreign matters existing around the battery case, and the control process controls the working mode (such as start or not, wind force, magnitude of applied voltage, etc.) of the dust collection process according to the result detected by the foreign matter detection process (such as the concentration of foreign matters).

[0109] Since the battery manufacturing method of the present invention includes one or more dust collection processes, foreign matters generated during battery manufacturing can be removed in time, effectively achieving the effect of reducing minute foreign matters (60 μm or more) in the battery. The voltage defect rate is 0.1%, ensuring the safety of the battery.

[0110] The battery manufacturing method of the present invention is applicable to all batteries that need to remove impurities or foreign matters inside the battery, and is particularly applicable to the manufacturing of cylindrical batteries that are prone to generate fine metal chips during necking down processing.

[0111] As mentioned above, the present invention has been described in detail through specific embodiments. Of course, the present invention is not limited to the above specific examples. Those skilled in the art can conceive of various variations or modifications within the scope of the appended claims, and these variations and modifications also belong to the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery manufacturing apparatus, which at least includes the following units: A plate group manufacturing unit that forms a plate group by interposing a separator between a positive plate and a negative plate; A case insertion unit that inserts the plate group into a battery case with one end open; A lead welding unit that connects the leads of the plate group to a sealing plate by welding; A liquid injection unit that injects electrolyte into the battery case, and A sealing unit that seals the battery case using the sealing plate, characterized in that on the upstream side of the production lines of the liquid injection unit and the sealing unit, there is also provided one or more dust collection units to collect and remove foreign matters inside the battery case; the dust collection unit includes one or more dust collection heads, and the dust collection heads are blow-suction dust collection heads, having two or more suction holes and air blowing holes located between two adjacent suction holes; when the battery case passes through the dust collection unit with its opening facing the suction holes of the dust collection head, the distance between the suction holes of the dust collection head and the opening of the battery case is 4 to 20 mm.

2. The battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein it is A battery manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing a cylindrical battery further includes the following units: A bottom spot welding unit that connects the lower end of the plate group to the bottom surface of the battery case by spot welding; and A case groove unit that performs necking processing on the side surface of the battery case to form a groove, wherein at least one of the dust collection units is provided on the downstream side of the production line of the case groove unit.

3. The battery manufacturing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, At least a part of the inner wall surface of the suction hole forms an angle of 60 to 90° with the horizontal direction.

4. The battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, On both sides in the direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the plurality of suction holes, there are provided opposed baffles.

5. The battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The dust collection unit further includes an electrostatic elimination head, and the electrostatic elimination head is located on the upstream side of the production line of the dust collection head.

6. The battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The dust collection head is set upright, and the battery case is hung upside down by a bottom fixture on a conveyor belt running from the upstream side to the downstream side of the production line and passes above the dust collection head.

7. The battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The distance between the suction holes of the dust collection head and the opening of the battery case is 6 to 10 mm.

8. The battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein There is also provided one or more foreign matter detection mechanisms to detect foreign matters existing around the battery case.

9. The battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein There is also provided one or more foreign matter detection mechanisms, and at least one of the foreign matter detection mechanisms is provided in the case groove unit to detect foreign matters generated around the battery case through the necking processing.

10. The battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, There is also provided a control unit to control the working mode of the dust collection unit according to the concentration of foreign matters detected by the foreign matter detection mechanism.

11. The battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The foreign matter detection mechanism includes a detection paper with adhesiveness on both sides, and one side is used to adhere foreign matters.

12. A battery manufacturing method, which at least includes the following steps: A plate group manufacturing step of forming a plate group by interposing a separator between a positive plate and a negative plate; A case insertion step of inserting the plate group into a battery case with one end open; A lead welding step of connecting the leads of the plate group to a sealing plate by welding; A liquid injection step of injecting electrolyte into the battery case; and A sealing step of sealing the battery case using the sealing plate, characterized in that Before the liquid injection process and the sealing process, there is also provided one or more dust collection processes, in which a dust collection head is used to collect and remove foreign matters in the battery case. The dust collection head is a blow-suction dust collection head, having two or more suction holes and air blowing holes located between two adjacent suction holes. When the opening of the battery case faces the suction holes of the dust collection head, the distance between the suction holes of the dust collection head and the opening of the battery case is 4 to 20 mm.

13. The battery manufacturing method according to claim 12, characterized in that it is A battery manufacturing method for manufacturing a cylindrical battery further includes the following processes: A bottom spot welding process of spot-welding the lower end of the electrode plate group to the bottom surface of the battery case; and A case groove process of necking down the side surface of the battery case to form a groove. Among them, at least one of the dust collection processes is performed after the case groove process.

14. The battery manufacturing method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, In the dust collection process, before collecting and removing the foreign matters by using the dust collection head, there is also included a step of eliminating the static electricity carried by the battery case and the foreign matters by using an electrostatic eliminator head.

15. The battery manufacturing method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, In the dust collection process, the dust collection head is set upright, and the battery case is hung upside down by a bottom fixture on a conveyor belt running from the upstream side to the downstream side and passes above the dust collection head.

16. The battery manufacturing method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, There are also provided a foreign matter detection process and a control process. The foreign matter detection process detects foreign matters existing around the battery case, and the control process controls the working mode of the dust collection process according to the detection result of the foreign matter detection process.

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