Apparatus and method for manufacturing a battery

Abstract

Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for manufacturing a battery, the apparatus comprising: a lower mold configured to support an electrode; an upper mold disposed above and connected to the lower mold while being vertically spaced apart from the lower mold; a lifter configured to move the upper mold upward or downward; a punch mounted on the upper die and inserted into the lower die to perform machining of the electrode; a sensor configured to detect a state of the punch; a controller configured to receive a detection signal of the sensor and monitor an insertion amount of the punch; and a corrector configured to correct a height of the punch according to a control signal of the controller. According to the invention, the state of the punch can be measured in real time by the sensor, and when the measured value is different from the predetermined value, the height of the punch can be adjusted by the corrector.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for manufacturing a battery. Background Art

[0002] In general, with the rapid increase in demand for portable electronic products such as laptop computers, camcorders, and mobile phones and the commercialization of robots and electric vehicles, research is being actively conducted to develop high-performance secondary batteries capable of repeated charge / discharge.

[0003] A battery pack suitable for medium-sized electronic devices and large-sized electronic devices such as laptop computers, camcorders, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and vehicle batteries includes a plurality of unit cells due to the limitation of the capacity of a single unit cell.

[0004] The electrode is provided in the battery as a unit cell. The electrode is manufactured by an electrode process, and the electrode process includes a process of machining the electrode.

[0005] The electrode shearing die performs a punching process for the electrode, and the insertion amount of the punch needs to be accurately measured to maintain the quality of the electrode shearing die and the electrode.

[0006] The information disclosed in this document is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the present invention and therefore may contain information that does not constitute prior art. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for manufacturing a battery, in which during the manufacture of an electrode, the insertion amount of a punch can be continuously observed to suppress electrode defects and improve the durability of a die.

[0008] These and other aspects and features of the present invention will be described in or will be apparent from the following description of embodiments of the present invention.

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for manufacturing a battery, the apparatus comprising: a lower mold configured to support an electrode; an upper mold disposed above and connected to the lower mold while being vertically spaced apart from the lower mold; a lifter configured to move the upper mold upward or downward; a punch mounted on the upper mold and inserted into the lower mold to perform machining of the electrode; a sensor configured to detect a state of the punch; a controller configured to receive a detection signal of the sensor and monitor an insertion amount of the punch; and a corrector configured to correct the height of the punch according to a control signal of the controller.

[0010] The lower mold may include: a lower base; a lower supporter mounted on the lower base and on which the electrode is seated; and a lower guide formed on the lower base and configured to guide the upper mold.

[0011] The upper mold may include: an upper retainer configured to be vertically movable by a lifter; an upper contact portion disposed to be spaced apart from a lower portion of the upper retainer and configured to support an electrode and allow a punch to pass through the upper contact portion; an upper elastic portion configured to connect the upper retainer and the upper contact portion and having an expandable / contractible length; and an upper guide member formed on the upper retainer and configured to be guided by a lower guide member.

[0012] The sensor may include a first sensor mounted on the upper holder and configured to detect a distance between the upper holder and the upper contact portion.

[0013] The first sensor may be provided as one or more first sensors arranged along the circumference of the punch.

[0014] The sensor may further include a second sensor mounted on the lower die and configured to detect a state in which the punch is inserted into the lower die.

[0015] The punch may include: a punch machining device configured to penetrate the upper die and perform machining of the electrode; and a punch connecting portion formed on the punch machining device and connected to the corrector.

[0016] The corrector may include: a correction support mounted on the upper die; and a correction rotating part configured to be supported by the correction support, connected to the punch, and rotated to adjust the height of the punch.

[0017] The correction rotating part may include: a rotating shaft rotatably mounted on the correction support; a rotating motor connected to the rotating shaft and configured to rotate the rotating shaft by control of the controller; and a rotating connecting body connected to the rotating shaft and to the punch.

[0018] The rotating connecting body may include: a pair of connecting plates coupled to the rotating shaft; and a connecting shaft configured to connect the pair of connecting plates, pass through the punch, and adjust the height of the punch according to the rotation of the pair of connecting plates.

[0019] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a battery is provided, the method comprising: an input operation, in which an electrode is placed on a lower mold; a measuring operation, in which a sensor measures a state of the punch when an upper mold arranged above the lower mold moves downward and the punch performs machining of the electrode; a monitoring operation, in which an insertion amount of the punch is calculated based on a detection signal of the sensor according to the thickness of the electrode and compared with a predetermined value; and a correction operation, in which, when the insertion amount of the punch is different from the predetermined value, a corrector corrects the position of the punch so that the insertion amount of the punch reaches the predetermined value.

[0020] The measuring operation may include: a first measuring operation, in which the upper holder is set at a first height; a second measuring operation, in which a first sensor mounted on the upper holder measures a first distance between the upper holder and an upper contact portion, which is set below the upper holder, spaced apart from the upper holder, and connected to the upper holder through an upper elastic portion; a third measuring operation, in which the upper holder is moved downward to a second height and the upper contact portion contacts the upper side of the electrode; a fourth measuring operation, in which the upper holder is moved downward to a third height and the punch performs machining of the electrode; and a fifth measuring operation, in which the first sensor measures the second distance between the upper holder and the upper contact portion when machining of the electrode is completed.

[0021] The measuring operation may further include a sixth measuring operation in which a second sensor mounted on the lower die detects an insertion position of the punch.

[0022] The monitoring operation may include monitoring an amount of change in the distance between the upper retainer and the upper contact portion, a thickness of the electrode, and a third distance between a lowest point of the punch and a bottom surface of the upper contact portion.

[0023] The amount of change in the distance between the upper retainer and the upper contact portion may be a value obtained by subtracting a value of the second distance from a value of the first distance.

[0024] When the upper holder is located at the first height, the third sensor provided on the upper contact portion may detect the position of the punch to obtain a third distance.

[0025] When the upper holder is located at the first height, the fourth sensor mounted on the lower die may detect each of a position of the punch and a position of the upper contact portion to obtain a third distance.

[0026] When the upper holder is located at the first height, a fifth sensor provided on the corrector may detect the position of the punch to obtain a third distance.

[0027] In a case where the first distance is D1 , the second distance is D2 , the third distance is D3 , and D4 is the thickness of the electrode, the insertion amount of the punch may be D1 - D2 - D3 - D4 .

[0028] The correction operation may include: a first correction operation, in which the rotary motor is driven; a second correction operation, in which the rotary shaft connected to the rotary motor is rotated; and a third correction operation, in which the height of the punch is adjusted by a rotary connector connected to the rotary shaft and passing through the punch.

[0029] By the apparatus and method for manufacturing a battery according to the embodiments of the present invention, the state of the punch can be measured in real time by the sensor, and when the measured value is different from the predetermined value, the height of the punch can be adjusted by the corrector.

[0030] By the apparatus and method for manufacturing a battery according to the embodiments of the present invention, the measured value and the predetermined value of the punch are kept constant even during continuous operation, so manufacturing defects of the electrode can be suppressed and the durability of the mold can be improved.

[0031] According to still another aspect of the present invention, there may be provided a battery manufactured to have an improved structure, a battery pack manufactured using the battery, and a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0032] However, aspects and features of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned aspects and features, and other aspects and features not mentioned will be clearly understood from the details by those skilled in the art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the present invention, further describe aspects and features of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the drawings:

[0034] Figure 1 is a view schematically illustrating an apparatus for manufacturing a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 2 is a view schematically illustrating a lower mold according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 3 is a view schematically illustrating an upper mold according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 4 is a view schematically illustrating a first sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 5 is a schematic illustration Figure 4 A view of an arrangement state of a first sensor in;

[0039] Figure 6 is a view schematically illustrating a second sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 7 is a view schematically illustrating a punch according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 8 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a corrector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Fig. 9 is a side view schematically illustrating a corrector according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Fig.10 is a flow chart schematically illustrating a method for manufacturing a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Fig.11 is a flow chart schematically illustrating a measurement operation according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Fig.12 is a view schematically illustrating a measurement operation according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Fig.13 is a view schematically illustrating a third distance obtaining state according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0047] Fig.14 is a view schematically illustrating a third distance obtaining state according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

[0048] Fig.15 is a view schematically illustrating a third distance obtaining state according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0049] Fig.16 is a flow chart schematically illustrating a correction operation according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

[0050] Fig.17 is a view schematically illustrating a correction operation according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Herein, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to the ordinary meaning or dictionary meaning, and should be interpreted as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure based on the principle that the inventor can be his / her own lexicon compiler to appropriately define the concept of the term.

[0052] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are provided as some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and do not represent all technical ideas, aspects and features of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalent schemes and variations of the embodiments described herein may exist that may replace or modify the embodiments described herein when the present application is filed.

[0053] It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, connected to, or coupled to another element or layer, or one or more intervening elements or layers may also be present. When an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers. For example, when a first element is described as being "coupled to" or "connected to" a second element, the first element may be directly coupled or connected to the second element, or the first element may be indirectly coupled or connected to the second element via one or more intervening elements.

[0054] In the figures, the sizes of various elements, layers, etc. may be enlarged for clarity of illustration. The same reference numerals represent the same or similar elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more related enumerated items. Further, when describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, the use of "may" relates to "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure". Expressions such as "at least one of ..." and "any of ...", when placed before or after the list of elements, modify the entire list of elements, not the individual elements of the list. When phrases such as "at least one of A, B, and C", "at least one of A, B, or C", "at least one selected from the group of A, B, and C", or "at least one selected from A, B, and C" are used to specify the list of elements A, B, and C, the phrase may refer to any and all suitable combinations or subsets of A, B, and C, such as A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. As used herein, the terms "use" and "used" may be considered as synonymous with the terms "utilize" and "utilize", respectively. As used herein, the terms "substantially," "about," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation and not as terms of degree, and are intended to take into account the inherent variations in measurements or calculations that one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize.

[0055] It should be understood that although the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments, the first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer or section.

[0056] For ease of description, spatial relative terms, such as "below", "below", "below", "above", "on", etc., may be used in this article to describe the relationship between an element or feature and another element or feature as shown in the figure. It should be understood that in addition to the orientation depicted in the figure, spatial relative terms are also intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figure flips, the element described as being "below" or "below" other elements or features will then be oriented "above" or "above" other elements or features. Therefore, the term "below" can include both above and below orientations. The device can be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptors used in this article should be interpreted accordingly.

[0057] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing the embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "one" and "an" are intended to also include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should be further understood that the terms "include" and / or "comprise", when used in this specification, indicate the presence of the features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or groups thereof.

[0058] In addition, any numerical range disclosed and / or recorded in this article is intended to include all sub-ranges of the same numerical precision contained in the recorded range. For example, the range of "1.0-10.0" is intended to include (and include) all sub-ranges between the recorded minimum value 1.0 and the recorded maximum value 10.0, that is, having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as, for example, 2.4-7.6. Any maximum numerical limit recorded in this article is intended to include all lower numerical limits contained therein, and any minimum numerical limit recorded in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limits contained therein. Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to modify this specification (including claims) to explicitly record any sub-ranges contained in the range explicitly recorded in this article.

[0059] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc. as "the same" may mean that they are "substantially the same." Thus, the phrase "substantially the same" may include situations where the art considers the deviation to be low, such as a deviation of 5% or less. In addition, when a parameter is referred to as being uniform in a given area, this may mean that it is uniform in terms of average value.

[0060] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specified, each element may be in the singular or in the plural.

[0061] When any element is referred to as being disposed (or located or positioned) “on (or below)” or “on (or below)” a component, this may mean that the any element is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the component, and may also mean that another component may be interposed between the component and any element disposed (or located or positioned) on (or below) the component.

[0062] Furthermore, it should be understood that when an element is referred to as being "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" to another element, the elements may be directly "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" to each other, or one or more intervening elements may be present therebetween, and an element may be "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" to another element through the intervening elements. Furthermore, when a portion is referred to as being "electrically coupled" to another portion, the portion may be directly electrically connected to the other portion, or one or more intervening portions may be present therebetween so that the portion and the other portion are indirectly electrically connected to each other.

[0063] Throughout the specification, when "A and / or B" is stated, it means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise specified. That is, "and / or" includes any or all combinations of the listed multiple items. When "C to D" is stated, it means C or greater and D or less, unless otherwise specified.

[0064] Figure 1 Schematically illustrates an apparatus for manufacturing a battery according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 , an apparatus 1 for manufacturing a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a lower mold 10, an upper mold 20, a lifter 30, a punch 40, a sensor 50, a controller 60, and a corrector 70. The electrode 100 may pass between the lower mold 10 and the upper mold 20. The electrode 100 may be punched while passing through the lower mold 10 and the upper mold 20.

[0065] The lower mold 10 may support the electrode 100. The lower mold 10 may have an upper side forming a flat surface to allow the electrode 100 to be seated thereon. The lower mold 10 may be fixed to a fixed object, and may be connected to the lifter 30 and vertically moved as needed.

[0066] The upper mold 20 may be disposed above and connected to the lower mold 10 while being vertically spaced apart from the lower mold 10. The lifter 30 may move the upper mold 20 upward or downward. The upper mold 20 may move downward and fix the electrode 100 seated on the lower mold 10.

[0067] The punch 40 may be mounted on the upper die 20 and inserted into the lower die 10 to perform machining of the electrode 100. The punch 40 may be provided as one or more punches 40 mounted on the upper die 20. The punch 40 may be directly coupled to the upper die 20. In addition, the punch 40 may be vertically movable from the upper die 20, and may be connected to the corrector 70 so as to be height-adjustable.

[0068] The sensor 50 may detect the state of the punch 40. The sensor 50 may be a distance sensor. The sensor 50 may detect the internal interval of the upper die 20 to detect the insertion depth of the punch 40. The sensor 50 may be provided as a plurality of sensors 50 mounted on the upper die 20 to measure the change in the internal interval of the upper die 20. The sensor 50 may be moved vertically to measure the real-time position of the punch 40 that performs machining of the electrode 100.

[0069] The controller 60 may receive the detection signal of the sensor 50 and monitor the insertion amount of the punch 40. The controller 60 may check the error of the value measured by the sensor 50 through the detection signal transmitted from each sensor 50. The controller 60 may calculate the insertion amount of the punch 40 according to a predetermined mathematical equation.

[0070] The corrector 70 may correct the height of the punch 40 according to a control signal of the controller 60. The corrector 70 may be mounted on the upper die 20 and connected to the punch 40. In the case where a predetermined insertion amount (predetermined value) and a measured insertion amount (measured value) are different, the corrector 70 may adjust the height of the punch 40 so that the predetermined insertion amount and the measured insertion amount match.

[0071] Figure 2 Schematically illustrates a lower mold according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 The lower mold 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a lower base 11 , a lower support member 12 , and a lower guide member 13 .

[0072] The lower base 11 may be installed on a fixed object such as the ground or a facility. The lower base 11 may be installed to be fixed to the fixed object. In addition, the lower base 11 may be assembled to the fixed object, and the installation position of the lower base 11 may be changed.

[0073] The lower support 12 may be mounted on the lower base 11, and the electrode 100 may be placed on the lower support 12. The lower support 12 may be assembled to the lower base 11 and replaced when worn or damaged. The lower support 12 may be designed to correspond to the shape of the electrode 100 and replaced according to the target to be machined.

[0074] The lower guide 13 may be formed on the lower base 11 and guide the upper mold 20. The lower support 12 may be disposed between the plurality of lower guides 13. The lower guide 13 may be formed in the shape of a tube extending upward.

[0075] In addition, the lower mold 10 may further include a lower hole portion 14. The lower hole portion 14 may include a first hole 141 formed in the lower base 11 and a second hole 142 formed in the lower support 12. The first hole 141 and the second hole 142 may be formed in a straight line, and a space may be provided in which waste material discarded after the punch 40 is inserted and machined by the punch 40 may be processed.

[0076] Figure 3 Schematically illustrates an upper mold according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 The upper mold 20 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an upper holder 21 , an upper contact portion 22 , an upper elastic portion 23 , and an upper guide 24 .

[0077] The upper retainer 21 may be vertically movable by the lifter 30. The upper retainer 21 may include a first retainer 211 coupled to the lifter 30 and a second retainer 212 coupled to a lower portion of the first retainer 211. The first retainer 211 may be designed to be larger than the second retainer 212. The second retainer 212 may be assembled to a lower portion of the first retainer 211. A retainer hole portion 213 may be formed in the upper retainer 21 to allow the punch 40 to pass therethrough.

[0078] The upper contact portion 22 may be provided to be spaced apart from the lower portion of the upper holder 21, may support the electrode 100, and may allow the punch 40 to pass through the upper contact portion 22. The upper contact portion 22 may have a shape corresponding to the second holder 212. The upper contact portion 22 may be provided to be spaced apart from the second holder 212 and to face the second holder 212. A contact hole portion 223, which is provided in line with the holder hole portion 213 and through which the punch 40 passes, may be formed in the upper contact portion 22.

[0079] The upper elastic portion 23 may connect the upper retainer 21 and the upper contact portion 22 and have an expandable / contractible length. The upper elastic portion 23 may include an elastic rod 231 coupled to the upper contact portion 22 and inserted into the first retainer 211 and an elastic spring 232 installed in the first retainer 211 and connected to the elastic rod 231.

[0080] The upper guide 24 may be formed on the upper holder 21 and guided by the lower guide 13. The upper guide 24 may protrude downward from the first holder 211, and the lower guide 13 may be inserted into the upper guide 24. The lower guide 13 and the upper guide 24 may restrict leftward and rightward movement of the upper mold 20 that moves vertically.

[0081] Figure 4 is a view schematically illustrating a first sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 5 This is a schematic illustration Figure 4 A view of the arrangement of the first sensor in FIG. Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the sensor 50 may include a first sensor 51. The first sensor 51 may be mounted on the upper holder 21, and detect the distance between the upper holder 21 and the upper contact portion 22, for example, the distance between the lower side surface of the upper holder 21 and the upper surface of the upper contact portion 22. The first sensor 51 may be mounted on the first holder 211, and detect the distance between the upper holder 21 and the upper contact portion 22 disposed below the second holder 212. In addition, the first sensor 51 may be mounted on the second holder 212, and detect the distance between the upper holder 21 and the upper contact portion 22 disposed below the second holder 212.

[0082] The first sensor 51 may be provided as one or more first sensors 51 disposed along the circumference of the punch 40. In the case where the punch 40 has a rectangular cross section, the first sensor 51 may be disposed at each of the four sides of the punch 40 to detect the distance between the upper retainer 21 and the upper contact portion 22. In the case where the punch 40 has a circular cross section, a plurality of first sensors 51 may be disposed in the circumferential direction of the punch 40 to detect the distance between the upper retainer 21 and the upper contact portion 22.

[0083] Figure 6 Schematically illustrates a second sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 , the sensor 50 may further include a second sensor 52. The second sensor 52 may be mounted on the lower die 10 and detect a state in which the punch 40 is inserted into the lower die 10. The second sensor 52 may be mounted on the lower support 12 and detect whether the punch 40 is inserted into the second hole 142. In addition, the second sensor 52 may be provided as a plurality of second sensors 52 that are vertically disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the second hole 142 and that may detect an insertion depth of the punch 40.

[0084] Figure 7 Schematically illustrates a punch according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7The punch 40 may include a punch machining device 41 and a punch connecting portion 42 .

[0085] The punch machining device 41 may penetrate the upper die 20 and perform machining of the electrode 100. The punch machining device 41 may vertically move within the holder hole portion 213 formed in the upper die 20. The shape of the punch machining device 41 may be changed to various shapes according to the machining shape.

[0086] The punch connection portion 42 may be formed on the punch machining device 41 and connected to the corrector 70. The punch connection portion 42 may form a slot in a horizontal direction of the punch machining device 41.

[0087] Figure 8 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a corrector according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 9 is a side view schematically illustrating a corrector according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 , a corrector 70 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a correction support 71 and a correction rotating part 72 .

[0088] The correction support 71 may be mounted on the upper mold 20. The correction support 71 may be coupled to the upper side of the upper holder 21. The correction support 71 may be coupled to the upper side of the upper holder 21 and protrude in the z-axis direction. The correction support 71 may be disposed between a plurality of upper guides 24, and may be provided as a plurality of correction supports 71 spaced apart from each other in the y-axis direction of the upper holder 21.

[0089] The correction rotating part 72 may be supported by the correction support 71 and connected to the punch 40. The correction rotating part 72 may be rotated in the axial direction to adjust the height of the punch 40. The correction rotating part 72 may pass through the punch connecting part 42 having a length in the x-axis direction and remain connected to the punch machining device 41. The punch 40 may be raised or lowered according to the rotation direction of the correction rotating part 72.

[0090] The correction rotating portion 72 may include a rotating shaft 75 , a rotating motor 76 , and a rotating connecting body 77 .

[0091] The rotation shaft 75 may be rotatably installed on the correction support 71. The rotation shaft 75 may have a length in the y-axis direction and pass through the correction support 71. The rotation shaft 75 may be supported by a bearing provided on the correction support 71.

[0092] The rotary motor 76 may be connected to the rotary shaft 75 and rotate the rotary shaft 75 by the control of the controller 60. The rotary motor 76 may be coupled to the upper side of the upper holder 21. The rotary motor 76 may engage with a gear formed on the central portion of the rotary shaft 75 and rotate the rotary shaft 75.

[0093] The rotating connecting body 77 may be connected to the rotating shaft 75 and to the punch 40. The rotating connecting body 77 may include a connecting plate 771 and a connecting shaft 772.

[0094] The connection plate 771 may be coupled to the rotating shaft 75. The connection plate 771 may be provided as a pair of connection plates 771 disposed corresponding to each punch 40. The pair of connection plates 771 may extend in the x-axis direction, and the punch 40 may be disposed between the pair of connection plates 771. The pair of connection plates 771 may be interlocked with the rotating shaft 75.

[0095] The connection shaft 772 may connect the pair of connection plates 771 and pass through the punch 40. The connection shaft 772 may adjust the height of the punch 40 according to the rotation of the pair of connection plates 771. The connection shaft 772 may pass through the punch connection portion 42.

[0096] Fig.10 FIG. 1 is a flow chart schematically illustrating a method for manufacturing a battery according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig.10 A method for manufacturing a battery according to one embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0097] In the input operation S10, the electrode 100 may be seated on the lower mold 10. The upper mold 20 may be disposed above the lower mold 10, and the electrode 100 may be input between the lower mold 10 and the upper mold 20. The input electrode 100 may be seated on the lower support 12.

[0098] In the measuring operation S20, when the upper die 20 disposed above the lower die 10 moves downward and the punch 40 performs machining of the electrode 100, the sensor 50 may detect the state of the punch 40. The sensor 50 may measure the height, insertion depth, etc. of the punch 40.

[0099] In the monitoring operation S30, the controller 60 may calculate the insertion amount of the punch 40 according to the thickness of the electrode 100 based on the detection signal of the sensor 50, and compare the calculated insertion amount with a predetermined value. That is, the controller 60 may receive the detection signal sent from the sensor 50, and obtain the current insertion amount of the punch 40. In addition, the controller 60 may compare the predetermined value of the insertion amount of the punch 40 set in advance with the calculated value of the insertion amount of the punch 40 as real-time measurement.

[0100] In the correction operation S40, when the insertion amount of the punch 40 calculated by the controller 60 according to the detection signal sent from the sensor 50 is different from the predetermined value, the corrector 70 can correct the position of the punch 40 so that the insertion amount of the punch 40 reaches the predetermined value. The correction device 70 can be installed on the upper mold 20 and adjust the height of the punch 40 according to the rotation direction and of the rotating connection body 77.

[0101] Fig.11 is a flow chart schematically illustrating a measurement operation according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig.12 FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a measurement operation according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig.11 and Fig.12 , the measuring operation S20 may include a first measuring operation S21 , a second measuring operation S22 , a third measuring operation S23 , a fourth measuring operation S24 , and a fifth measuring operation S25 .

[0102] In the first measurement operation S21, the upper holder 21 may be disposed at a first height H1. The upper holder 21 may be raised by the lifter 30 and reach the first height H1. When the upper holder 21 is at the first height H1, the upper contact portion 22 may be disposed above the electrode 100. The first height H1 may be a height of an upper side surface of the upper holder 21 from an upper side surface of the lower base 11. Such a reference point may be changed according to circumstances.

[0103] In the second measuring operation S22, the first sensor 51 mounted on the upper holder 21 may measure a first distance D1 between the upper holder 21 and an upper contact portion 22 that is disposed below the upper holder 21, is spaced apart from the upper holder 21, and is connected to the upper holder 21 through the upper elastic portion 23. The first distance D1 may be measured in a state where the upper holder 21 is disposed at the first height H1.

[0104] In the third measuring operation S23, the upper holder 21 may be moved downward to the second height H2, and the upper contact portion 22 may be in contact with the upper side of the electrode 100. A sensor configured to detect contact between the upper contact portion 22 and the electrode 100 may be further provided. In addition, a sensor configured to detect pressure applied by the upper contact portion 22 may be provided on the lower support 12.

[0105] In the fourth measuring operation S24, the upper holder 21 may move downward to the third height H3, and the punch 40 may perform machining of the electrode 100. When the upper holder 21 moves downward to the third height H3, the punch 40 may pass through the lower support 12 and punch the electrode 100.

[0106] In the fifth measuring operation S25, when machining of the electrode 100 is completed, the first sensor 51 may measure a second distance D2 between the upper holder 21 and the upper contact portion 22. Here, the second distance D2 may be a minimum distance between the upper holder 21 and the upper contact portion 22. That is, the second distance D2 may be a distance between the upper holder 21 and the upper contact portion 22 when the punch 40 reaches the lowest point to perform machining of the electrode 100.

[0107] The measuring operation S20 according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a sixth measuring operation S26 .

[0108] In the sixth measuring operation S26, the second sensor 52 mounted on the lower die 10 may detect the insertion position of the punch 40. The second sensor 52 may detect whether the punch 40 reaches a predetermined position.

[0109] The monitoring operation S30 may include monitoring the amount of change in the distance between the upper holder 21 and the upper contact portion 22, the thickness of the electrode 100, and a third distance D3 (eg, Figure 13 to Figure 15 ).

[0110] The amount of change in the distance between the upper retainer 21 and the upper contact portion 22 may be a value obtained by subtracting the value of the second distance D2 from the value of the first distance D1. The controller 60 may receive the first distance D1 measured in the second measuring operation S22 and the second distance D2 measured in the fifth measuring operation S25, and calculate the amount of change in the distance between the upper retainer 21 and the upper contact portion 22. The value obtained by subtracting the value of the second distance D2 from the value of the first distance D1 may be the amount of change in the distance between the upper retainer 21 and the upper contact portion 22.

[0111] The thickness D4 of the electrode 100 may be measured by a worker before the electrode 100 is input between the lower mold 10 and the upper mold 20. In addition, a third distance D3 between the lowest point of the punch 40 and the bottom surface of the upper contact portion 22 may be measured in the first measurement operation S21 or the second measurement operation S22. Before machining, the lowest point of the punch 40 may be set higher than the bottom surface of the upper contact portion 22.

[0112] Fig.13 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a third distance obtaining state according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Fig.13 When the upper holder 21 is at the first height H1, the third sensor 53 provided on the upper contact portion 22 may detect the position of the punch 40 to obtain the third distance D3. The third sensor 53 may be installed on the upper contact portion 22 and detect the position of the punch 40 inserted into the contact hole portion 223.

[0113] Fig.14 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a third distance obtaining state according to the second embodiment of the present invention. Fig.14 , when the upper holder 21 is located at the first height H1, the fourth sensor 54 installed on the lower mold 10 can detect each of the position of the punch 40 and the position of the upper contact portion 22 to obtain the third distance D3. The fourth sensor 54 may be installed on the lower base 11 or the lower support 12, and measure the height of the punch 40 set thereon and the height of the upper contact portion 22. Here, the fourth sensor 54 may be provided to prevent the electrode 100 from interfering with the fourth sensor 54. In addition, before the electrode 100 is input, the fourth sensor 54 may measure the height of the punch 40 and the height of the upper contact portion 22.

[0114] Fig.15 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a third distance obtaining state according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Fig.15 , when the upper holder 21 is located at the first height H1, the fifth sensor 55 provided on the corrector 70 can detect the position of the punch 40 to obtain the third distance D3. The fifth sensor 55 can measure the angle of the rotating shaft 75, or detect the rotation angle or height of the rotating connecting body 77 to measure the height of the punch 40. Here, the height of the bottom surface of the upper contact portion 22 can be measured in the early stage of the work.

[0115] Meanwhile, the insertion amount of the punch 40 may be the first distance D1 - the second distance D2 - the third distance D3 - the thickness D4 of the electrode 100. The controller 60 may calculate the insertion amount of the punch 40 using this equation.

[0116] Fig.16 is a flowchart schematically illustrating a correction operation according to one embodiment of the present invention, Fig.17 FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a correction operation according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig.16 and Fig.17 A correction process using the corrector 70 according to one embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0117] In the first correction operation S41, the rotary motor 76 may be driven. The controller 60 may calculate the insertion amount of the punch 40 using the detection signal of the sensor 50. When the calculated insertion amount of the punch 40 is different from a predetermined value, the controller 60 may control the rotary motor 76 so that the rotary motor 76 is driven.

[0118] In the second correction operation S42, the rotation shaft 75 connected to the rotation motor 76 may be rotated. When the rotation motor 76 is driven, the rotation shaft 75 supported by the correction support 71 may be rotated.

[0119] In the third correction operation S43, the rotating connection body 77 connected to the rotating shaft 75 and passing through the punch 40 can adjust the height of the punch 40. The rotating shaft 75 and the rotating connection body 77 can be interlocked. According to the rotation angle and direction of the rotating connection body 77, the punch 40 can be raised or lowered and reach a predetermined height.

[0120] By the apparatus and method for manufacturing a battery according to an embodiment of the present invention, the state of the punch can be measured by the sensor in real time, and when the measured value is different from the predetermined value, the height of the punch can be adjusted by the corrector.

[0121] By the apparatus and method for manufacturing a battery according to the embodiments of the present invention, the measured value and the predetermined value of the punch are kept constant even during continuous operation, so manufacturing defects of the electrode can be suppressed and the durability of the mold can be improved.

[0122] According to still another aspect of the present invention, there may be provided a battery manufactured to have an improved structure, a battery pack manufactured using the battery, and a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0123] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments and the accompanying drawings illustrating aspects thereof, the present invention is not limited thereto. A person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains may make various modifications and variations within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for manufacturing a battery, the device comprising: a lower mold configured to support an electrode; an upper mold, disposed above the lower mold and connected to the lower mold while being vertically spaced apart from the lower mold; an elevator configured to move the upper mold upward or downward; a punch mounted on the upper die and inserted into the lower die to perform machining of the electrode; a sensor configured to detect a state of the punch; a controller configured to receive the detection signal of the sensor and monitor the insertion amount of the punch; as well as A corrector is configured to correct the height of the punch according to a control signal from the controller.

2. The apparatus for manufacturing a battery according to claim 1, wherein the lower mold comprises: Lower base; A lower support member mounted on the lower base, and the electrode is placed on the lower support member; as well as A lower guide is formed on the lower base and is configured to guide the upper mold.

3. The apparatus for manufacturing a battery according to claim 2, wherein the upper mold comprises: an upper holder configured to be vertically movable by the lifter; an upper contact portion disposed to be spaced apart from a lower portion of the upper holder and configured to support the electrode and allow the punch to pass through the upper contact portion; an upper elastic portion configured to connect the upper retainer and the upper contact portion and having an expandable / contractable length; as well as An upper guide is formed on the upper holder and is configured to be guided by the lower guide. 4 . The apparatus for manufacturing a battery according to claim 3 , wherein the sensor comprises a first sensor mounted on the upper holder and configured to detect a distance between the upper holder and the upper contact portion. 5 . The apparatus for manufacturing a battery according to claim 4 , wherein the first sensor is provided as one or more first sensors disposed along a circumference of the punch. 6 . The apparatus for manufacturing a battery according to claim 4 , wherein the sensor further comprises a second sensor mounted on the lower die and configured to detect a state in which the punch is inserted into the lower die.

7. The apparatus for manufacturing a battery according to claim 1, wherein the punch comprises: a punch machining device configured to penetrate the upper die and perform machining of the electrode; as well as A punch connecting portion is formed on the punch machining device and connected to the corrector.

8. The apparatus for manufacturing a battery according to claim 1, wherein the corrector comprises: A correction support member, mounted on the upper mold; as well as A correction rotating portion, configured to be supported by the correction support, is connected to the punch and is rotated to adjust the height of the punch.

9. The apparatus for manufacturing a battery according to claim 8, wherein the correction rotating part comprises: A rotating shaft rotatably mounted on the correction support; a rotary motor connected to the rotary shaft and configured to rotate the rotary shaft through control of the controller; as well as A rotating connecting body is connected to the rotating shaft and to the punch.

10. The apparatus for manufacturing a battery according to claim 9, wherein the rotating connector comprises: a pair of connecting plates connected to the rotating shaft; as well as A connecting shaft, configured to connect the pair of connecting plates, passes through the punch, and adjusts the height of the punch according to the rotation of the pair of connecting plates.

11. A method for manufacturing a battery, the method comprising: an input operation in which the electrode is placed on the lower mold; a measuring operation in which a sensor measures a state of the punch while an upper die disposed above the lower die moves downward and the punch performs machining of the electrode; A monitoring operation, in which the insertion amount of the punch is calculated according to the detection signal of the sensor based on the thickness of the electrode and compared with a predetermined value; as well as A correction operation in which, when the insertion amount of the punch is different from the predetermined value, a corrector corrects the position of the punch so that the insertion amount of the punch reaches the predetermined value.

12. The method for manufacturing a battery according to claim 11, wherein the measuring operation comprises: a first measurement operation in which the upper holder is disposed at a first height; a second measuring operation in which a first sensor mounted on the upper holder measures a first distance between the upper holder and an upper contact portion, the upper contact portion being disposed below the upper holder, spaced apart from the upper holder, and connected to the upper holder through an upper elastic portion; a third measuring operation in which the upper holder is moved downward to a second height and the upper contact portion is in contact with an upper side of the electrode; a fourth measuring operation in which the upper holder is moved downward to a third height and the punch performs machining of the electrode; as well as A fifth measuring operation in which, upon completion of the machining of the electrode, the first sensor measures a second distance between the upper holder and the upper contact portion. 13 . The method for manufacturing a battery according to claim 12 , wherein the measuring operation further includes a sixth measuring operation in which a second sensor mounted on the lower die detects an insertion position of the punch.

14. The method for manufacturing a battery according to claim 12, wherein the monitoring operation includes monitoring an amount of change in the distance between the upper retainer and the upper contact portion, a thickness of the electrode, and a third distance between a lowest point of the punch and a bottom surface of the upper contact portion. 15 . The method for manufacturing a battery according to claim 14 , wherein the amount of change in the distance between the upper retainer and the upper contact portion is a value obtained by subtracting a value of the second distance from a value of the first distance.

16. The method for manufacturing a battery according to claim 14, wherein: When the upper holder is located at the first height, a third sensor provided on the upper contact portion detects the position of the punch to obtain the third distance.

17. The method for manufacturing a battery according to claim 14, wherein: When the upper holder is located at the first height, a fourth sensor mounted on the lower die detects each of the position of the punch and the position of the upper contact portion to obtain the third distance.

18. The method for manufacturing a battery according to claim 14, wherein: When the upper holder is located at the first height, a fifth sensor provided on the corrector detects the position of the punch to obtain the third distance.

19. The method for manufacturing a battery according to claim 14, wherein: In a case where the first distance is D1, the second distance is D2, the third distance is D3, and D4 is the thickness of the electrode, the insertion amount of the punch is D1-D2-D3-D4.

20. The method for manufacturing a battery according to claim 11, wherein the correction operation comprises: a first correction operation in which the rotary motor is driven; a second correction operation in which a rotation shaft connected to the rotation motor is rotated; as well as A third correction operation in which a rotation connection body connected to the rotation shaft and passing through the punch adjusts the height of the punch.

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