Apparatus for manufacturing battery can, method for manufacturing battery can, and secondary battery including battery can

Abstract

Disclosed are an apparatus for manufacturing a battery can, a method of manufacturing the battery can, and a secondary battery including the battery can. The apparatus for manufacturing a battery can includes: a press die configured to press a metal strip made of a metal material and form the metal strip into a battery can; and a sensor assembly configured to count the metal strips. The sensor assembly comprises: a sensor comprising a sensing surface for detecting the metal strip before the metal strip is placed on the stamper; a support configured to support the sensor without blocking the sensing surface; an air nozzle coupled to the support and configured to blow air outside the support into the support such that positive pressure is generated inside the support; and an air supplier connected to the air nozzle to blow air into the support.

Description

[0001] This application claims the priority and benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0182103, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on December 14, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] Aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus for manufacturing a battery can, a method of manufacturing a battery can, and a secondary battery including the battery can. Background Art

[0003] Generally, as the demand for portable electronic products such as notebook computers, camcorders, and mobile phones is rapidly increasing, and the commercialization of robots, electric vehicles, etc. has seriously begun, active research is being conducted on high-performance rechargeable secondary batteries.

[0004] A secondary battery may include an electrode assembly and a battery can that houses an electrolyte. The battery can may be formed by pressing a strip made of a metal material. An apparatus for manufacturing a battery can that automatically manufactures a battery can may include a sensor that counts the strips made of a metal material placed in a die.

[0005] However, a sensor that counts the battery cans may malfunction due to contaminants such as lubricant dust, and as a result, the apparatus for manufacturing a battery can may often stop operating, which may reduce productivity.

[0006] The foregoing information disclosed in this background section is provided to enhance understanding of the background of the present disclosure, and thus the foregoing information may include information that does not constitute the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] According to aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided an apparatus for manufacturing a battery can, a method of manufacturing a battery can, and a secondary battery including the battery can, the apparatus including a sensor assembly that prevents (or substantially prevents) sensor malfunctions and errors due to contaminants.

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

[0009] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, an apparatus for manufacturing a battery can includes: a die configured to press a metal strip made of a metal material and form the metal strip into a battery can; and a sensor assembly configured to count the metal strips, wherein the sensor assembly includes: a sensor including a sensing surface for detecting the metal strip before the metal strip is placed on the die; a support configured to support the sensor without blocking the sensing surface; an air nozzle coupled to the support and configured to blow air outside the support into the support such that a positive pressure is generated inside the support; and an air supplier connected to the air nozzle to blow air into the support.

[0010] The air flowing into the support can move in a direction opposite to the direction toward the sensor and can be discharged to the outside of the support.

[0011] The sensor assembly may further include a guide member disposed inside the support and configured to guide the air to flow inside the support.

[0012] The guide member may include a discharge guide portion that extends obliquely such that a cross-sectional area of the flow path increases as it moves away from the sensing surface.

[0013] The guide member may further include an inflow guide portion that is connected to the discharge guide portion to allow air to flow such that the air flowing from the air nozzle into the support is guided to the discharge guide portion.

[0014] The inflow guide portion may include: a first end that opens toward the air nozzle; a second end that is connected to the discharge guide portion; and a flow path portion in which a cross-sectional area of the flow path is the narrowest between the first end and the second end.

[0015] The sensor assembly may further include a guide member holder that is coupled to the support such that the guide member does not separate from the support when received inside the support.

[0016] The guide member holder may include an air discharge portion that is aligned with and connected to the discharge guide portion to allow air to flow, and in the air discharge portion, a cross-sectional area of the flow path decreases as it moves away from the sensing surface.

[0017] The metal strip may be spaced apart from the sensor, and the guide member is between the metal strip and the sensor, and the sensor may be configured to detect the presence of the metal strip when the metal strip is positioned to face the sensing surface and the guide member is between the metal strip and the sensing surface.

[0018] The sensor may be an optical sensor, and the air flowing into the support may move parallel to the optical axis of the sensing surface and may be discharged to the outside of the support.

[0019] The support member may include a light-transmissive window aligned with the sensing surface such that light is incident on the sensing surface.

[0020] The sensor may be in contact with and supported on the outer surface of the support member, and the outer surface of the support member may include a sensor placement surface on which the peripheral portion of the sensing surface is placed.

[0021] The sensor assembly may further include a sensor fixing bracket configured to fix the sensor to the support member such that the peripheral portion of the sensing surface is in contact (e.g., in close contact) with the sensor placement surface.

[0022] The sensor fixing bracket may include: a sensor contact portion around (e.g., surrounding) the sensor and in contact (e.g., in close contact) with the sensor; and a fastener connection portion connected to an end of the sensor contact portion and coupled to the support member by a fastener, and when the fastener connection portion is coupled to the support member by the fastener, the sensor contact portion may press the sensor toward the sensor placement surface.

[0023] The device may further include a lubricant unit configured to inject a lubricant onto the metal strip before the metal strip passes under the sensor assembly.

[0024] The device may further include a heating unit configured to heat the metal strip before placing the metal strip on the die.

[0025] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a method of manufacturing a battery can includes the steps of: supplying a metal strip; counting the metal strip using a sensor assembly; and pressing the metal strip using a die to form the metal strip into a battery can, wherein the sensor assembly includes: a sensor including a sensing surface that detects the metal strip before the step of pressing the metal strip; a support member configured to support the sensor without blocking the sensing surface; an air nozzle coupled to the support member and configured to blow air outside the support member into the support member such that a positive pressure is generated inside the support member; and an air supplier connected to the air nozzle to blow air into the support member.

[0026] The air flowing into the support member may move in a direction opposite to the direction toward the sensor and may be discharged to the outside of the support member.

[0027] The method may further include the step of heating the metal strip to soften the structure of the metal strip.

[0028] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a secondary battery includes: a battery can manufactured by the method according to the embodiment; an electrode assembly accommodated in the battery can; and a cover assembly configured to cover an opening of the battery can and coupled to the battery can.

[0029] According to an aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, a positive pressure is generated in the internal space of the support so that the sensing surface of the sensor is not contaminated by contaminants such as lubricant dust. Therefore, failures and errors of the sensor can be prevented.

[0030] According to another aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, failures and errors of the sensor assembly can be prevented, and thus an operation stop of the equipment for manufacturing the battery can is prevented due to an error of the sensor assembly. Therefore, the productivity of the battery can and the secondary battery including the battery can can be improved.

[0031] However, the aspects and effects obtainable through the present disclosure are not limited to the above aspects and effects, and other technical aspects and technical effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The drawings attached to this specification illustrate some embodiments of the present disclosure and further describe the aspects and features of the present disclosure together with the detailed description of the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure will not be construed as being limited to the drawings:

[0033] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the equipment for manufacturing the battery can according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 2 shows Figure 1 a top perspective view of the sensor assembly;

[0035] Figure 3 shows Figure 2 a bottom perspective view of the sensor assembly;

[0036] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the sensor assembly along line IV-IV of Figure 2 ;

[0037] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the sensor assembly along line V-V of Figure 2 ;

[0038] Figure 6 shows Figure 2 a top exploded perspective view of the sensor assembly;

[0039] Figure 7 shows Figure 2 a bottom exploded perspective view of the sensor assembly;

[0040] Figure 8 is Figure 6 a plan view of the support;

[0041] Figure 9 is Figure 6 the bottom view of the support member of;

[0042] Figure 10 is Figure 6 the plan view of the guide member of;

[0043] Figure 11 is Figure 6 the bottom view of the guide member of;

[0044] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing a method of manufacturing a battery can according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0045] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0046] Herein, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms or words used in this specification and the claims will not be construed as limited to the ordinary meaning or dictionary meaning, but should be construed based on the principle that the inventor can be his / her own lexicographer to appropriately define the terms, as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical concept of the present disclosure.

[0047] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are provided as some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, and do not necessarily represent all of the technical ideas, aspects, and features of the present disclosure. Therefore, it will be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace or modify the embodiments described herein may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0048] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on", "connected to", or "coupled to" another element or layer, the element or layer may be directly on, directly connected to, or directly coupled to the other element or layer, or there may also be one or more intervening elements or layers. 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" or "connected" to a second element, the first element may be directly coupled or directly connected to the second element, or the first element may be indirectly coupled or indirectly connected to the second element via one or more intervening elements.

[0049] In the accompanying drawings, for the sake of clarity of illustration, the sizes of various elements, layers, etc. may be exaggerated. The same reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any combination and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Further, when describing embodiments of the present disclosure, the use of "may" pertains to "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure". Expressions such as "at least one of..." and "any one of..." when following a list of elements modify the entire list of elements and not individual elements in 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 consisting of A, B, and C", or "at least one selected from among A, B, and C" are used to specify a list of elements A, B, and C, the phrase can 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 term "use" and its variants may be considered to be synonymous with the term "utilize" and its variants, respectively. As used herein, the terms "substantially", "about", and similar terms are used as approximate terms and not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent deviations of measured or calculated values that would be recognized by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0050] It will be understood that although the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or parts, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or part from another element, component, region, layer, or part. Thus, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, a first element, first component, first region, first layer, or first part discussed below may be referred to as a second element, second component, second region, second layer, or second part.

[0051] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "under", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", etc. may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another (other) element or feature as shown in the figures. It will be understood that, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures, the spatial relative terms are intended to also encompass different orientations of the device during use or operation. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as "under" or "below" other elements or features will then be oriented "above" or "over" the other elements or features. Thus, the term "under" can encompass both the upper and lower orientations. The device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0052] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a" and "an" are also intended to include the plural forms. It will also be understood that when the terms "comprises," "comprising," and / or their variants are used in this specification, it is specified that there are the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0053] In addition, any numerical range disclosed and / or recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges of the same numerical precision contained within the recited range. For example, the range "1.0 to 10.0" is intended to include all sub-ranges between the recited minimum value of 1.0 and the recited maximum value of 10.0 (and including the recited minimum value of 1.0 and the recited maximum value of 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 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limit recited herein is intended to include all lower numerical limits contained therein, and any minimum numerical limit recited in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limits contained therein. Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to modify this specification (including the claims) to expressly recite any sub-ranges included within the ranges expressly recited herein.

[0054] Two compared elements, features, etc. being referred to as "the same" may mean that they are identical or substantially the same. Thus, the phrase "the same" or "substantially the same" may include cases having a deviation considered low in the art (e.g., a deviation of 5% or less). In addition, when a certain parameter is said to be uniform in a given region, this may mean that it is uniform in terms of the average value.

[0055] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0056] When any element is referred to as being disposed "above (or below)" or "on (or under)" 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 disposed between the component and the any element disposed "above (or below)" or "on (or under)" the component.

[0057] In addition, it will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "coupled", "linked", or "connected" to another element, the elements can be directly "coupled", directly "linked", or directly "connected" to each other, or there can be one or more intervening elements therebetween and the elements can be "coupled", "linked", or "connected" to the other element through the intervening element. Further, when a component is referred to as being "electrically coupled" to another component, the component can be directly electrically connected to the other component, or there can be one or more intervening components therebetween such that the component and the other component are indirectly electrically connected to each other.

[0058] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise stated, when stating "A and / or B", it means A, B, or A and B. That is, "and / or" includes any combination or all combinations of the plurality of listed items. Unless otherwise stated, when stating "C to D", it means C or greater and D or less.

[0059] The terms used in this specification are for the purpose of describing embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0060] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an apparatus for manufacturing a battery can according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is showing Figure 1 a top perspective view of the sensor assembly of Figure 3 is showing Figure 2 a bottom perspective view of the sensor assembly of Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the sensor assembly along line IV-IV of Figure 2 of Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the sensor assembly along line V-V of Figure 2 of Figure 6 is showing Figure 2 a top exploded perspective view of the sensor assembly of Figure 7 is showing Figure 2 a bottom exploded perspective view of the sensor assembly of Figure 8 is Figure 6 a plan view of the support member of Figure 9 is Figure 6 a bottom view of the support member of Figure 10 is Figure 6 a plan view of the guide member of Figure 11 is Figure 6 a bottom view of the guide member of

[0061] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the apparatus 10 for manufacturing a battery can according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is an apparatus for automatically manufacturing a battery can 201 that houses an electrode assembly and an electrolyte of a secondary battery, and includes a die 20 and a sensor assembly 100. For example, the die 20 presses a metal strip 1 made of a metal material (such as an aluminum alloy) and forms the metal strip 1 into the battery can 201.

[0062] The die 20 may include a lower die 21 and an upper die 25. In a state where the metal strip 1 is disposed between the lower die 21 and the upper die 25, when one of the lower die 21 and the upper die 25 moves closer to the other and is connected to it, the metal strip 1 may be formed into the battery can 201 having a concave inner space.

[0063] After the battery can 201 is formed, when one of the lower die 21 and the upper die 25 moves away from the other and the die 20 is opened, the battery can 201 may be removed from the die 20.

[0064] The metal strip 1 passes under the sensor assembly 100 before being placed on the die 20. The sensor assembly 100 counts the metal strips 1 placed on the die 20.

[0065] The apparatus 10 for manufacturing a battery can may further include a metal strip supply unit 11, a lubricant unit 15, and a heating unit 30. In an embodiment, the metal strip supply unit 11 may continuously supply the metal strips 1 at regular time intervals.

[0066] In an embodiment, before the metal strip 1 passes under the sensor assembly 100, the lubricant unit 15 injects a lubricant onto the metal strip 1 and coats the surface of the metal strip 1 with the lubricant. When the surface of the metal strip 1 is not covered with the lubricant, the battery can 201 formed by the die 20 may adhere to the die 20 and cannot be smoothly removed, possibly damaging the die 20.

[0067] The heating unit 30 heats the metal strip 1 before the metal strip 1 is placed on the die 20. When the metal strip 1 is heated by the heating unit 30, the structure of the metal strip 1 may be softened, and thus, the yield of high-quality products of the battery can 201 manufactured by pressing can be improved.

[0068] For example, the sensor assembly 100 may be coupled to the heating unit 30 to count the metal strips 1 passing through the heating unit 30. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiment in which the sensor assembly 100 is coupled to the heating unit 30.

[0069] Refer to Figures 2 to 11, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensor assembly 100 includes a sensor 101, a support member 120, an air nozzle 150, and an air supplier 156. The sensor 101 detects a detection target 1. The detection target 1 may be a metal strip 1 to be pressed into a battery can 201. For example, the metal strip 1 may be a member having a rectangular planar shape with a certain thickness.

[0070] The sensor 101 may include a sensor housing 102, a sensing surface 106, and sensor terminals 115. The detection target 1 can be detected in a non-contact manner through the sensing surface 106. For example, the sensor 101 may be an optical sensor. The sensing element and the circuit board on which the sensing element is mounted may be installed inside the sensor housing 102. When the detection target 1 is positioned facing the sensing surface 106, the sensing element generates an electrical signal for detecting the presence of the detection target 1.

[0071] In an embodiment, the sensor 101 is an optical sensor, and the sensing element includes a light emitting unit that projects light to the outside through the sensing surface 106, and a light receiving unit that detects the incident light when the light projected from the light emitting unit is reflected by the detection target 1 and incident on the sensing surface 106. In an embodiment, the sensing element may include one of the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit.

[0072] When one of the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit is disposed inside the sensor housing 102, the other of the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit may be installed outside the sensor housing 102 at a position facing the sensing surface 106. When the detection target 1 passes between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit, the light projected from the light emitting unit is blocked by the detection target 1 and does not enter the light receiving unit, thereby an electrical signal corresponding to the presence of the detection target 1 can be generated.

[0073] The optical axis LX of the sensing surface 106 may extend in the direction in which light is projected from the light emitting unit, and may be parallel to an imaginary line orthogonal to the sensing surface 106. The optical axis LX may be parallel to the first direction. In an embodiment, the sensor terminal 105 may be connected to a cable or wire that sends a detection signal to a control unit, and the control unit controls the operation of the equipment for manufacturing the battery can.

[0074] The support member 120 supports the sensor 101 without blocking the sensing surface 106. In the sensor 101, a light transmissive window 130 may be formed in the support member 120 to be aligned with the sensing surface 106 in the first direction, such that the light projected from the light emitting unit can pass under the sensing surface 106. The light transmissive window 130 may be a through hole passing through the support member 120 in the first direction. The planar area of the light transmissive window 130 may be greater than or equal to the planar area of the sensing surface 106.

[0075] The sensor 101 may be in contact with and supported on the outer surface 121 of the support member 120 to be exposed to the outside of the support member 120. The outer surface 121 of the support member 120 may include a sensor placement surface 125, and the peripheral portion 108 of the sensing surface 106 is placed on the sensor placement surface 125 of the outer surface 121. In an embodiment, the sensor placement surface 125 may be a stepped recessed portion of the outer surface 121.

[0076] The air nozzle 150 is coupled to the support member 120. The air nozzle 150 blows external air into the support member 120, such that a positive pressure is generated inside the support member 120. An air supplier 156 is connected to the air nozzle 150 to blow air into the support member 120. In an embodiment, the air supplier 156 may include an air pump (not shown) for pressurizing and discharging air.

[0077] The first end 152 of the air nozzle 150 may be coupled to one side of the support member 120 to enable air to flow, and the second end 154 of the air nozzle 150 may be connected to an end of an air flow path connected to the air supplier 156 to allow air to flow.

[0078] For example, a detection target such as the metal bar 1 may move in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction to be spaced apart from the sensor 101. When the detection target 1 moving in the second direction passes through a position facing the sensing surface 106 and crossing the optical axis LX, the presence of the detection target 1 may be detected by the sensor 101.

[0079] For example, the first direction may be referred to as the up-and-down direction, the second direction may be referred to as the front-and-back direction. A third direction orthogonal to the first and second directions may be referred to as the left-and-right direction. The detection target 1 may move in the first and front-and-back directions below the sensor 101 and the support member 120 toward the mold 20 (see Figure 1 ).

[0080] The outer surface 121 of the support member 120 that supports the sensor 101 may be an upper surface. A downwardly opening guide member receiving groove 133 may be formed in the support member 120, such that an internal space for receiving the guide member 160 is formed in the support member 120.

[0081] The sensor assembly 100 may further include a guide member 160, a guide member holder 180, and a sensor fixing bracket 190. The guide member 160 is installed inside the support member 120 and guides the air flow inside the support member 120. The guide member 160 may be inserted into the guide member receiving groove 133 of the support member 120.

[0082] The guide member 160 may include an upper surface 161 and a lower surface 165 that are orthogonal to the first direction and parallel to each other. When the guide member 160 is inserted into the guide member receiving groove 133, the upper surface 161 of the guide member 160 may face and contact the inner surface 122 of the support member 120 that is opposite to the outer surface 121 of the support member 120.

[0083] The guide member 160 may include an inflow guide portion 170 and an outflow guide portion 177. The outflow guide portion 177 may be a through hole that passes through the upper surface 161 and the lower surface 165 of the guide member 160 in the first direction.

[0084] The outflow guide portion 177 may extend obliquely such that the cross-sectional area of the flow path through which air flows increases as it moves away from the sensing surface 106. As Figure 4 and Figure 5 shown, the cross-sectional area of the flow path of the outflow guide portion 177 may expand downward in the first direction or along the optical axis LX away from the sensing surface 106.

[0085] The inflow guide portion 170 may be connected to the outflow guide portion 177 to allow air to flow such that the air flowing from the air nozzle 150 into the support member 120 is guided to the outflow guide portion 177. The inflow guide portion 170 may include a first end portion 171, a second end portion 173, and a flow path portion (or minimum flow path portion) 175.

[0086] The first end portion 171 of the inflow guide portion 170 may open toward the air nozzle 150. The second end portion 173 of the inflow guide portion 170 may be connected to the outflow guide portion 177. The minimum flow path portion 175 may be provided between the first end portion 171 and the second end portion 173. The minimum flow path portion 175 is the narrowest part of the cross-sectional area of the flow path of the inflow guide portion 170.

[0087] The inflow guide portion 170 may extend in the second direction. As Figure 6 and Figure 10 shown, the inflow guide portion 170 may be formed by a groove that is recessed downward from the upper surface 161 of the guide member 160. In an embodiment, the flow path of the inflow guide portion 170 through which air flows may be defined by a groove that is recessed downward from the upper surface 161 of the guide portion 160 and the inner surface 122 of the support member 120. However, Figure 6 and Figure 10 the inflow guide portion 170 shown in Figure 6 and Figure 10 is an example, and different from the inflow guide portion 170 shown in

[0088] The nozzle coupling hole 136 may be formed in the support member 120 to pass through the side wall of the support member 120 in the second direction. The first end portion 152 of the air nozzle 150 may be coupled to the nozzle coupling hole 136 to allow air to flow. The first end portion 152 of the air nozzle 150 and the first end portion 171 of the inflow guiding portion 170 may be coupled to allow air to flow.

[0089] The guide holder 180 may be coupled to the support member 120 such that the guide member 160 is not separated from the support member 120 while being accommodated inside the support member 120. In an embodiment, the guide holder 180 may be a member having an approximately rectangular planar shape and may be coupled to the support member 120 by a plurality of fastening bolts.

[0090] A plurality of fastening bolt holes 140 through which the plurality of fastening bolts pass may be formed in the support member 120, and a plurality of fastening bolt holes 185 may be formed in the guide holder 180. The plurality of fastening bolt holes 185 are aligned with the plurality of fastening bolt holes 140 in the first direction and the plurality of fastening bolts are fixed in the plurality of fastening bolt holes 185.

[0091] The upper surface 181 of the guide holder 180 faces the lower surface 165 of the guide member 160 and supports the guide member 160 such that the guide member 160 is not separated from the guide accommodation groove 133. In an embodiment, the guide holder 180 may be coupled to the heating unit 30 (see Figure 1 ). A plurality of fastening bolt holes 188 through which the plurality of fastening bolts coupled to the heating unit 30 pass may be formed in the guide holder 180.

[0092] The guide holder 180 may include an air discharge portion 183 that extends to be aligned with the discharge guiding portion 177 in the first direction. The air discharge portion 183 may include a through hole that passes through the guide holder 180 in the first direction. The inner surface of the through hole of the air discharge portion 183 may be inclined such that the cross-sectional area of the through hole serving as an air flow path decreases as it moves away from the sensing surface 106.

[0093] The detection target 1 may be positioned to be spaced apart from the sensor 101 with the guide member 160 disposed therebetween and may move in the second direction. For example, the detection target 1 may move in the second direction below the guide member 160 and the guide holder 180.

[0094] When the detection target 1 is positioned to face the sensing surface 106 and the guide member 160 is disposed between the sensor 101 and the detection target 1, the sensor 101 may detect the presence of the detection target 1. For example, as Figures 2 to 5 shown, the sensor 101 may detect the presence of the detection target 1 when the detection target 1 intersects the optical axis LX.

[0095] When the detection target 1 moves in the second direction below the guide holder 180, the air supplied from the air supplier 156 can flow into the support member 120 through the air nozzle 150, and can move parallel to the optical axis LX and away from the sensing surface 106, that is, move in a direction opposite to the direction toward the sensor 101, so as to dissipate to the outside of the support member 120.

[0096] Therefore, for example, contaminants such as lubricant dust and dust do not flow into the support member 120 and the guide member 160 through the air discharge portion 183, and failures and errors of the sensor 101 due to contaminants can be prevented or substantially prevented.

[0097] For example, the air flowing into the support member 120 through the air nozzle 150 can move in the second direction along the inflow guide portion 170 to enter the discharge guide portion 177, and can move away from the sensing surface 106 along the discharge guide portion 177 to be discharged to the outside of the sensor assembly 100 through the air discharge portion 183.

[0098] In an embodiment, the cross-sectional area of the flow path can gradually narrow from the first end 171 of the inflow guide portion 170 to the minimum flow path portion 175, and the cross-sectional area of the flow path can gradually expand from the minimum flow path portion 175 to the second end 173 of the inflow guide portion 170. Therefore, according to Bernoulli's theorem, the flow velocity of the air in the inflow guide portion 170 can gradually increase from the first end 171 to the minimum flow path portion 175, and can gradually decrease from the minimum flow path portion 175 to the second end 173.

[0099] The cross-sectional area of the flow path in the discharge guide portion 177 can expand as it moves away from the sensing surface 106. Therefore, according to Bernoulli's theorem, the flow velocity of the air entering the discharge guide portion 177 from the inflow guide portion 170 can gradually decrease as it moves away from the sensing surface 106.

[0100] The cross-sectional area of the flow path in the air discharge portion 183 can decrease as it moves away from the sensing surface 106. Therefore, the flow velocity of the air entering the air discharge portion 183 from the discharge guide portion 177 can gradually increase, and the air can be discharged to the outside of the guide holder 180. Therefore, contaminants can be more reliably blocked from flowing into the support member 120 and the guide member 160 through the air discharge portion 183, and failures and errors of the sensor 101 due to contaminants can be more reliably prevented.

[0101] In an embodiment, the sensor fixing bracket 190 fixes the sensor 101 to the support member 120 such that the peripheral portion 108 of the sensing surface 106 is in close contact with the sensor placement surface 125. The sensor fixing bracket 190 may include a sensor contact portion 191 and a pair of fastener connection portions 195 connected to both ends of the sensor contact portion 191. The sensor contact portion 191 may be in close contact with the sensor 101 around the sensor 101 (e.g., surrounding the sensor 101). In an embodiment, the pair of fastener connection portions 195 may be coupled to the support member 120 by fasteners.

[0102] For example, the fasteners for connecting each fastener connection portion 195 and the support member 120 may be fastening bolts. Fastening bolt holes 196 through which the fastening bolts pass may be formed in each fastener connection portion 195, and a plurality of fastening bolt holes 142 that are aligned with the plurality of fastening bolt holes 196 in a first direction and fix the plurality of fastening bolts may be formed in the support member 120. The guide 160 may include a receiving groove (receiving hole) 163 corresponding to the fastening bolt holes 196, and the receiving groove 163 may be used to receive the fastening bolts passing through the fastening bolt holes 196. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the receiving groove 163 may be omitted.

[0103] When the pair of fastener connection portions 195 are coupled to the support member 120 by a plurality of fastening bolts, the intermediate portion 192 of the sensor contact portion 191 may press the sensor 101 toward the sensor placement surface 125. Accordingly, the peripheral portion 108 of the sensing surface 106 may be in close contact with the sealing surface 127 around the light transmissive window 130 at the sensor placement surface 125.

[0104] Therefore, the air flowing into the support member 120 through the air nozzle 150 does not leak to the outside of the support member 120 through the light transmissive window 130, and the magnitude of the positive pressure inside the support member 120 may increase, such that the inflow of contaminants into the support member 120 can be more reliably blocked.

[0105] In an embodiment, the sensor 101 may further include an elastic deformation portion 110 positioned between an intermediate portion 192 of the sensor housing 102 and the sensor contact portion 191 and coupled to the sensor housing 102. When the sensor 101 is wrapped by the sensor fixing bracket 190 and a pair of fastener connection portions 195 are fixed to the support member 120 by fasteners, as the elastic deformation portion 110 elastically deforms through the intermediate portion 192 of the sensor contact portion 191, the peripheral portion 108 of the sensing surface 106 can be in close contact with the sealing surface 127 around the light-transmitting window 130 with a stronger pressure. Therefore, the air flowing into the support member 120 through the air nozzle 150 will not leak to the outside of the support member 120 through the light-transmitting window 130, and the magnitude of the positive pressure inside the support member 120 can be increased, so that the inflow of contaminants into the support member 120 can be more reliably blocked.

[0106] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing a method of manufacturing a battery can according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 12 , the method of manufacturing a battery can according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a metal strip supply task or step S10, a metal strip counting task or step S40, and a metal strip pressing task or step S50.

[0107] The method of manufacturing a battery can according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be performed using the device 10 for manufacturing a battery can according to an embodiment of the present disclosure described with reference to Figure 1 The method of manufacturing a battery can according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can be performed using the device 10 for manufacturing a battery can according to an embodiment of the present disclosure described with reference to

[0108] The metal strip supply task or step S10 is a task or step of supplying the metal strip 1. The metal strip supply task or step S10 can be performed by the metal strip supply unit 11 shown in Figure 1 The metal strip supply task or step S10 can be performed by the metal strip supply unit 11 shown in

[0109] The metal strip counting task or step S40 is a task or step of counting the metal strip 1 using the sensor assembly 100. The metal strip counting task or step S40 can be performed by the sensor assembly 100. Since the sensor assembly 100 has been described with reference to Figures 2 to 11 The metal strip counting task or step S40 is a task or step of counting the metal strip 1 using the sensor assembly 100. The metal strip counting task or step S40 can be performed by the sensor assembly 100. Since the sensor assembly 100 has been described with reference to

[0110] The metal strip pressing task or step S50 is a task or step of pressing the metal strip 1 using the die 20 and forming the metal strip 1 into the battery can 201. The metal strip pressing task or step S50 can be performed using the die 20.

[0111] The method of manufacturing a battery can further include a lubricant coating or application task or step S20 and a metal strip heating task or step S30 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the lubricant coating or application task or step S20 is a task or step of coating the surface of the metal strip 1 with a lubricant. The lubricant coating or application task or step S20 can be performed by the lubricant unit 15. The metal strip heating task or step S30 can be performed by the heating unit 30.

[0112] The metal strip heating task or step S30 is a task or step of heating the lubricant-coated metal strip 1 to soften the structure of the metal strip 1 before the metal strip pressing step S50.

[0113] In Figure 12 the metal strip counting task or step S40 is shown as being performed after the metal strip heating task or step S30, but this is only an example. The metal strip counting task or step S40 can be performed between the metal strip supply task or step S10 and the lubricant coating or application task or step S20, or between the lubricant coating or application task or step S20 and the metal strip heating task or step S30.

[0114] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a secondary battery showing an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 13 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the secondary battery 200 can include: at least one electrode assembly 210 formed by placing a separator 213 as an insulator between a positive electrode 211 and a negative electrode 212 and winding the positive electrode 211, the separator 213, and the negative electrode 212; a battery can 201 in which the electrode assembly 210 is embedded; and a lid assembly 230 coupled to an opening of the battery can 201.

[0115] Hereinafter, an example in which the secondary battery 200 is a prismatic lithium-ion secondary battery will be described. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and for example, the secondary battery 200 can be a lithium polymer battery or a cylindrical battery.

[0116] The positive electrode 211 and the negative electrode 212 can include: a coated portion, which is an area where an active material is coated on a current collector made of a thin metal foil; and uncoated portions 215 and 216, which are areas where the active material is not coated.

[0117] In an embodiment, the positive electrode 211 and the negative electrode 212 can be wound after the separator 213 as an insulator is placed therebetween. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and in an embodiment, the electrode assembly 210 can have a structure in which a positive electrode and a negative electrode each including a plurality of sheets are alternately stacked and the separator is placed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode.

[0118] The battery can 201 may form the entire exterior of the secondary battery 200 and may be made of a conductive metal such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel. The battery can 201 may provide a space for accommodating the electrode assembly 210. The battery can 201 is manufactured by the method for manufacturing a battery can according to the present disclosure as described with reference to Figure 12 Since the method for manufacturing a battery can according to the present disclosure has been described above, redundant description thereof is omitted.

[0119] The cap assembly 230 may include a cover plate 231 covering the opening of the battery can 201, and the battery can 201 and the cover plate 231 may be made of a conductive material. Terminals 237 electrically connected to the positive electrode 211 or the negative electrode 212 may be installed to pass through the cover plate 231 and protrude to the outside of the cover plate 231.

[0120] In an embodiment, the terminals 237 protruding to the outside of the cover plate 231 may be provided as a pair of terminals 237. Each of the pair of terminals 237 may be connected to one of the positive electrode 211 and the negative electrode 212 and may serve as one of the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal of the secondary battery 200. In an embodiment, for example, the terminals 237 may be electrically connected to current collectors including a first current collector 240 and a second current collector 250 (hereinafter referred to as a positive electrode current collector and a negative electrode current collector) respectively joined to the uncoated portion 215 of the positive electrode and the uncoated portion 216 of the negative electrode by welding. For example, each of the pair of terminals 237 may be connected to one of the positive electrode current collector 240 and the negative electrode current collector 250 by welding. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the terminals 237 and the positive electrode current collector 240 and the negative electrode current collector 250 may be formed by integrally combining. In an embodiment, the outer circumferential surface of the upper post of the terminal 237 may be threaded and may be fixed to the cover plate 231 by a nut. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In an embodiment, the terminal 237 may have a riveting structure to be riveted, or may be welded and joined to the cover plate 231.

[0121] The cover plate 231 may be made of a thin plate and may be joined to the opening of the battery can 201. An electrolyte injection port 232 on which a sealing stopper 233 may be installed may be formed in the cover plate 231, and an exhaust port 234 may be installed or arranged in the cover plate 231.

[0122] The exhaust port 234 may be opened or closed in response to a change in the internal pressure of the battery can 201. That is, during normal operation of the electrode assembly 210, the exhaust port 234 may remain closed to seal the battery can 201. For example, when the internal pressure of the battery can 201 increases to a certain amount (for example, a set size) or more due to overcharging or the outbreak of a fire, the exhaust port 234 may be opened, and emissions such as flames and gases may be discharged from the inside of the battery can 201 to the outside.

[0123] In an embodiment, the insulating member may be installed between the electrode assembly 210 and the cover plate 231. In an embodiment, the insulating member may include a first lower insulating member 260 and a second lower insulating member 270, and each of the first lower insulating member 260 and the second lower insulating member 270 may be installed between the electrode assembly 210 and the cover plate 231.

[0124] In an embodiment, an end portion of the separation member installed to face the side surface of the electrode assembly 210 may be installed between the insulating member and the terminal 237.

[0125] In an embodiment, the separation member may include a first separation member 280 and a second separation member 290.

[0126] Accordingly, end portions of the first separation member 280 and the second separation member 290 installed to face the side surface of the electrode assembly 210 may be installed between the first lower insulating member 260 and the second lower insulating member 270 and the positive electrode terminal 237 and the negative electrode terminal 237, respectively.

[0127] In an embodiment, the terminal 237 welded and coupled to the positive electrode current collector 240 and the negative electrode current collector 250 may be connected to end portions of the first lower insulating member 260 and the second lower insulating member 270 and the first separation member 280 and the second separation member 290.

[0128] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a positive pressure is generated in the internal space of the support so that the sensing surface of the sensor is not contaminated by contaminants such as lubricant dust. Accordingly, malfunctions and errors of the sensor may be prevented.

[0129] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, malfunctions and errors of the sensor assembly may be prevented, and thus an operation stop of equipment for manufacturing a battery can due to an error of the sensor assembly may be prevented. Accordingly, the productivity of the battery can and a secondary battery including the battery can may be increased.

[0130] The present disclosure has been described with respect to some exemplary embodiments and the drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes may be made to the present disclosure within the spirit of the present disclosure and the scope of equivalents of the claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for manufacturing a battery can, the apparatus comprising: a press die configured to press a metal strip made of a metal material and form the metal strip into a battery can; as well as a sensor assembly configured to count the metal strips, Wherein, the sensor assembly includes: a sensor, including a sensing surface for detecting the metal strip before placing the metal strip on the die; a support member, configured to support the sensor without blocking the sensing surface; an air nozzle, coupled to the support member and configured to blow air outside the support member into the support member so as to generate a positive pressure inside the support member; and an air supplier, connected to the air nozzle to blow the air into the support member.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The air flowing into the support moves in a direction opposite to a direction toward the sensor, and is discharged to the outside of the support.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The sensor assembly further includes a guide member disposed inside the support member and configured to guide the air to flow inside the support member.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein: The guide includes a discharge guide portion that expands obliquely such that a cross-sectional area of ​​a flow path increases as it moves away from the sensing surface.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein: The guide further includes an inflow guide portion connected to the exhaust guide portion to allow air to flow so that the air flowing from the air nozzle into the support member is guided to the exhaust guide portion.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein: The inflow guide portion includes a first end portion opened toward the air nozzle, a second end portion connected to the discharge guide portion, and a flow path portion in which a cross-sectional area of ​​a flow path is narrowest between the first end portion and the second end portion.

7. The device according to claim 4, wherein: The sensor assembly further includes a guide holder coupled to the support so that the guide is not separated from the support when accommodated inside the support.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein: The guide holder includes an air discharge portion aligned with and connected to the discharge guide portion to allow air to flow, and a cross-sectional area of ​​a flow path in the air discharge portion decreases as it moves away from the sensing surface.

9. The device according to claim 4, wherein: The metal strip is spaced apart from the sensor, and the guide is between the metal strip and the sensor, and The sensor is configured to detect the presence of the metal strip when the metal strip is positioned facing the sensing surface with the guide between the metal strip and the sensing surface.

10. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The sensor is a light sensor, and The air flowing into the support moves parallel to the optical axis of the sensing surface and is exhausted to the outside of the support.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein: The support member includes a light-transmitting window aligned with the sensing surface so that light is incident on the sensing surface.

12. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The sensor is in contact with and supported on an outer surface of the support, and The outer surface includes a sensor seating surface on which a peripheral portion of the sensing surface is seated.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein: The sensor assembly further includes a sensor fixing bracket configured to fix the sensor to the support member such that the peripheral portion of the sensing surface contacts the sensor mounting surface.

14. The device according to claim 13, wherein: The sensor fixing bracket includes: a sensor contact portion surrounding the sensor and contacting the sensor; and a fastener connecting portion connected to an end of the sensor contact portion and coupled to the support member through a fastener, and The sensor contact portion presses the sensor toward the sensor mounting surface.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a lubricant unit configured to inject lubricant onto the metal strip before the metal strip passes under the sensor assembly. 16 . The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a heating unit configured to heat the metal strip before placing the metal strip on the die.

17. A method for manufacturing a battery can, the method comprising the following steps: Supply of metal strips; counting the metal strips using a sensor assembly; as well as Pressing the metal strip using a die and forming the metal strip into a battery can, Wherein, the sensor assembly includes: a sensor, including a sensing surface for detecting the metal strip before the step of pressing the metal strip; a support member, configured to support the sensor without blocking the sensing surface; an air nozzle, coupled to the support member and configured to blow air outside the support member into the support member so as to generate a positive pressure inside the support member; and an air supplier, connected to the air nozzle to blow the air into the support member.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein: The air flowing into the support moves in a direction opposite to a direction toward the sensor, and is discharged to the outside of the support.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of heating the metal strip to soften the structure of the metal strip.

20. A secondary battery, comprising: A battery can manufactured by the method according to claim 17; an electrode assembly housed in the battery can; as well as A cover assembly is configured to cover the opening of the battery can and is coupled to the battery can.

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