Insertion device

Abstract

An insertion device according to an embodiment of the present invention is an insertion device for inserting an electrode assembly into a battery can. The insertion device includes: a can holder holding a battery can; a lower stopper supporting the electrode assembly from below and configured to be movable in a direction parallel to a central axis of the electrode assembly; a side stopper configured to advance or retreat from a side portion of the electrode assembly in a direction perpendicular to a central axis of the electrode assembly; a transfer member configured to transfer the electrode assembly and the battery can; and a lower bracket supporting the electrode assembly conveyed by the conveying member from below and configured to be movable in a direction parallel to a central axis of the electrode assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an insertion device, and more particularly, to an insertion device for inserting an electrode assembly into a battery can.

[0002] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0167313 filed on November 27, 2023, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Background Art

[0003] Secondary batteries, which have high applicability depending on the product group and have electrical characteristics such as high energy density, are generally used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) driven by power supplies. Because such secondary batteries not only have the major advantage of significantly reducing the use of fossil fuels but also have no byproducts generated by the use of energy, they are attracting attention as a new energy source for improving eco-friendliness and energy efficiency.

[0004] Currently widely used secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, etc. The operating voltage of a unit secondary battery cell (i.e., a unit battery cell) is about 2.5V to 4.5V. Therefore, if a higher output voltage is required, multiple battery cells can be connected in series to form a battery pack. In addition, depending on the charge capacity and discharge capacity required for the battery pack, multiple battery cells can be connected in parallel to form a battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack can be set differently according to the required output voltage and / or the required charge capacity and discharge capacity.

[0005] In addition, in the cylindrical secondary battery manufacturing process, an insertion process of inserting the electrode assembly into the battery can is performed. In the insertion process, the electrode assembly is inserted into the battery can from the bottom to the top. Conventionally, a component called an insertion ring that supports the electrode assembly from below is indispensable at this time. That is, in order to rotate the opening of the battery can 180 degrees from the bottom to the top, a component capable of supporting and fixing the electrode assembly inserted into the battery can is required, and the insertion ring plays the above role. However, there is a problem with this insertion ring: as a workpiece separately placed in the carrier, it becomes an operation and process management point. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] The present invention is designed to solve the problems of the related art, and thus the present invention aims to reduce operation and process management points by removing the insertion ring in the electrode assembly insertion process.

[0008] More specifically, the present disclosure is also directed to reducing management points for cleaning and / or wearing of the insert ring by eliminating the insert ring.

[0009] On the other hand, the present disclosure is also intended to prevent a situation in which the insert ring is abnormally seated in the carrier or is separated due to external force while supporting the electrode assembly.

[0010] However, the technical problems to be solved by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and other problems not mentioned herein can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description of the present disclosure.

[0011] Technical Solution

[0012] An insertion device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure for solving the above-mentioned problems inserts an electrode assembly into a battery can, and the insertion device may include: a can holder, which holds the battery can; a lower stopper, which supports the electrode assembly from below and is configured to be movable in a direction parallel to the central axis of the electrode assembly; a side stopper, which is configured to advance or retreat in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the electrode assembly at the side of the electrode assembly; a conveying member, which is configured to convey the electrode assembly and the battery can; and a lower holder, which supports the electrode assembly conveyed by the conveying member from below and is configured to be movable in a direction parallel to the central axis of the electrode assembly.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the can holder may be configured to hold the can such that an opening of the can faces downward and a closed portion of the can faces upward.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a lower stopper may be configured to insert the electrode assembly into the battery can.

[0015] Preferably, the lower stopper may be configured to push upward the electrode assembly positioned below the can to push the electrode assembly toward the opening of the battery can.

[0016] For example, the lower stopper may be configured to insert the electrode assembly only into a predetermined position of the battery can.

[0017] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the lower stopper may be configured in a cylindrical shape.

[0018] Preferably, the radius of the lower stopper may be configured to be larger than the radius of the winding center hole of the electrode assembly.

[0019] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the lower stopper may include polyetheretherketone.

[0020] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the side stopper may be configured to support a lower portion of the electrode assembly by advancing in a direction perpendicular to a central axis of the electrode assembly in a state in which the lower stopper inserts the electrode assembly into the battery can.

[0021] Preferably, the side stoppers may be configured to support a lower portion of the electrode assembly while the conveying member conveys the electrode assembly and the battery can.

[0022] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the lower support may be configured to support the lower portion of the electrode assembly by moving upward toward the electrode assembly while the side stoppers support the lower portion of the electrode assembly.

[0023] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the side stopper may be configured to retreat in a direction perpendicular to a central axis of the electrode assembly after the lower support supports a lower portion of the electrode assembly.

[0024] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the lower holder may be configured to insert the electrode assembly into the battery can.

[0025] Preferably, the lower bracket may be configured to insert the electrode assembly into an end portion of the closed portion of the battery can.

[0026] In addition, an insertion method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure for solving the above-mentioned problem is a method for inserting an electrode assembly into a battery can, and the insertion method may include the following steps: a first step, in which the can holder holds the battery can; a second step, in which the lower stop supports the electrode assembly from below; a third step, in which the lower stop moves upward to insert the electrode assembly into the battery can until a predetermined position of the battery can; a fourth step, in which the side stop advances at the side of the electrode assembly in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the electrode assembly to support the lower portion of the electrode assembly; a fifth step, in which the conveying member conveys the electrode assembly and the battery can to another position; a sixth step, in which the lower holder supports the electrode assembly conveyed by the conveying member from below; a seventh step, in which the lower holder moves upward to insert the electrode assembly into the end of the closed portion of the battery can; an eighth step, in which the electrode assembly and the battery can are rotated 180 degrees; and a ninth step, in which the lower holder is separated from the electrode assembly.

[0027] Beneficial effects

[0028] According to the present disclosure, operation and process management points may be reduced by removing an insertion ring in an electrode assembly insertion process.

[0029] Additionally, according to the present disclosure, management points for cleaning and / or wearing of the insert ring may be reduced by eliminating the insert ring.

[0030] In addition, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the insert ring is abnormally seated in the carrier or is separated due to an external force while supporting the electrode assembly.

[0031] However, effects obtained by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects not mentioned herein may be clearly understood by those having ordinary skill in the art from the following description of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the foregoing disclosure, serve to provide further understanding of the technical features of the present disclosure, and therefore, the present disclosure is not to be construed as being limited to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] Figure 1 2 is a diagram for describing a tank supply step of an insertion device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Magnified image of .

[0035] Figure 3 2 is a diagram for describing a tank centering step of an insertion device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 4 is a diagram for describing a step of centering an electrode assembly of an insertion device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 5 2 is a diagram for describing a spring buffering step of an insertion device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 6 is a diagram for describing a first insertion step of an electrode assembly of an insertion device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Magnified image of .

[0040] Figure 8 1 is a diagram for describing a step of advancing a side stopper of an insertion device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Magnified image of .

[0042] Figure 10 1 is a diagram for describing a lower stopper original position step of an insertion device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 11 1 is a diagram for describing an electrode assembly and a battery can switching step of an insertion device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 Magnified image of .

[0045] Figure 13 1 is a diagram for describing a retracted state of a side stopper of an insertion device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 14 is a diagram for describing a second insertion step of the electrode assembly of the insertion device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 15 1 is a diagram for describing a cell rotating step of an insertion device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 16 1 is a diagram for describing a step of retreating a lower support of an insertion device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the terms used in the specification and the appended claims should not be interpreted as limited to the general meaning and dictionary meaning, but should be interpreted based on the meaning and concept corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure on the basis of the principle that the inventor is allowed to appropriately define the terms for the best interpretation.

[0050] Therefore, the descriptions presented herein are merely preferred examples for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should be understood that other equivalent operations and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0051] Additionally, although the drawings are not drawn to scale in order to assist in understanding the present disclosure, the sizes of some components may be exaggerated.

[0052] During the manufacturing process of cylindrical secondary batteries, an insertion process is performed to insert the electrode assembly E into the battery can C. During this process, the electrode assembly E is inserted from the bottom to the top of the battery can C. Typically, a component called an insertion ring is essential to support the electrode assembly E from below. Specifically, in order to rotate the opening C1 of the battery can C 180 degrees from the bottom to the top, a component capable of supporting and securing the electrode assembly E inserted into the battery can C is required, and the insertion ring fulfills this role.

[0053] However, this type of insert ring presents a problem: as a separate workpiece placed in the support, it becomes a point of operation and process management. For example, if the insert ring is present, operational management for cleaning and / or wear of the insert ring is required. In addition, if the insert ring is present, it may be abnormally placed in the support. In addition, when supporting the electrode assembly E, there is a possibility that the insert ring may become separated due to external forces. In other words, the insert ring requires the process management points described above.

[0054] In the present disclosure, recognizing the occurrence of such problems, the insertion ring is removed from the insertion device 1, and the role previously played by the insertion ring can be taken over by the unique structure of other components. This will be referred to below Figures 1 to 16 Provide a detailed description.

[0055] Figure 1 is a diagram for describing a tank supply step of the insertion device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Magnified image of .

[0056] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the insertion device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a tank support 10 , a lower stopper 20 , a side stopper 30 , a transfer member 40 , and a lower support 50 .

[0057] More specifically, the insertion device 1 may include: a can holder 10, which holds the battery can C; a lower stopper 20, which supports the electrode assembly E from below and is configured to be movable in a direction parallel to the central axis of the electrode assembly E; a side stopper 30, which is configured to advance or retreat from the side of the electrode assembly E in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the electrode assembly E; a conveying member 40, which is configured to convey the electrode assembly E and the battery can C; and a lower holder 50, which supports the electrode assembly E conveyed by the conveying member 40 from below and is configured to be movable in a direction parallel to the central axis of the electrode assembly E.

[0058] With this structure, the electrode assembly E can be easily supported and inserted into the battery can C without the insert ring. Consequently, all issues associated with the presence of the insert ring can be resolved. For example, the time and cost required for insert ring maintenance and repair can be reduced. As a result, workability can be improved. Furthermore, damage to the electrode assembly E can be minimized.

[0059] The insertion device 1 may be configured to insert the electrode assembly E in the form of a jellyroll into the cylindrical battery can C when manufacturing a cylindrical secondary battery. That is, the can holder 10 may be configured to hold the battery can C.

[0060] The tank holder 10 may have a shape capable of clamping a cylindrical battery tank C. For example, the tank holder 10 may be configured in the form of a clamp whose inner surface is hollowed into a cylindrical shape so as to be able to clamp the cylindrical shape. The tank holder 10 may be configured to hold at least a portion of the battery tank C in the longitudinal direction. For example, referring to Figure 1, the tank holder 10 can hold the battery tank C at two positions along the longitudinal direction of the battery tank C. However, it is obvious that the tank holder 10 of the present disclosure is not limited to this shape. Any tank holder 10 capable of holding the battery tank C will be considered to be included in the scope of the tank holder 10 of the present disclosure.

[0061] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the can holder 10 may hold the can such that the opening C1 of the can faces downward and the closed portion C2 of the can faces upward.

[0062] For example, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the tank holder 10 holds the battery can C so that the opening C1 of the battery can C faces downward and the closed portion C2 of the battery can C faces upward. That is, the electrode assembly E can be inserted into the opening C1 of the battery can C provided at the bottom of the battery can C and moved toward the closed portion C2 provided at the top of the battery can C.

[0063] In this way, the reason why the battery can C is configured so that its opening C1 faces downward and its closed portion C2 faces upward is that the electrode assembly E is inserted upward. For example, if the electrode assembly E is inserted downward, a free fall method can be adopted. However, this free fall method has the problem that the insertion speed may not be controlled and positive pressure is generated. On the other hand, the method of inserting the electrode assembly E downward while grasping the electrode assembly E may unnecessarily complicate the structure of the can holder 10, which may lead to problems such as an increase in management points and a decrease in workability. Therefore, it is preferred that the electrode assembly E is inserted upward, and according to the above structure of the present disclosure, the electrode assembly E can be inserted in the direction from bottom to top. Therefore, the electrode assembly E can be inserted while minimizing the generation of positive pressure with a simple structure.

[0064] That is to say, according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the process, the battery can C can be supplied to the insertion device 1 through this can holder 10.

[0065] Figure 3 is a diagram for describing a tank centering step of the insertion device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 4 1 is a diagram for describing a step of centering an electrode assembly of the insertion device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 1 is a diagram for describing a spring cushioning step of the insertion device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] Reference Figures 3 to 5, the center of the battery can C can be aligned and the center of the electrode assembly E can be aligned. In addition, the error can be absorbed by the spring buffer step. That is, according to this structure of the present disclosure, the electrode assembly E can be stably inserted into the battery can C. That is, by Figures 3 to 5 The electrode assembly E can be in the best state to be inserted into the battery can C.

[0067] Figure 6 is a diagram for describing a first insertion step of the electrode assembly E of the insertion device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Magnified image of .

[0068] In one aspect of the present disclosure, referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the lower stopper 20 may be configured to insert the electrode assembly E into the battery can C.

[0069] Specifically, the lower stopper 20 may be configured to support the electrode assembly E from below. In addition, the lower stopper 20 may be configured to be movable in a direction parallel to the central axis of the electrode assembly E. For example, the lower stopper 20 may push the electrode assembly E located below the can upward to push the electrode assembly E toward the opening C1 of the battery can C. That is, Figure 5 In the state of , the lower stopper 20 can push the electrode assembly E upward. Therefore, the electrode assembly E passes through the opening C1 of the battery can C and rises toward the closed portion of the battery can C, which can cause Figure 6 and Figure 7 status.

[0070] According to this structure of the present disclosure, the electrode assembly E can be stably inserted into the battery can C without a separate component called an insert ring. Therefore, the management points for cleaning and / or wear of the insert ring can be reduced. In addition, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent the insert ring from being abnormally placed in the carrier or from being separated due to external force when supporting the electrode assembly E.

[0071] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the lower stopper 20 may be configured to insert the electrode assembly E only to a certain position between the opening C1 and the closed portion C2 of the battery can C.

[0072] For example, in Figure 6 and Figure 7In the first insertion step, the lower stopper 20 can insert the electrode assembly E only to a predetermined position in the longitudinal direction of the battery can C. For example, the lower stopper 20 can be configured to insert the electrode assembly E only to the 2 / 3 position of the battery can C. If the electrode assembly E is inserted into the battery can C at one time, positive pressure may be generated inside the battery can C, so the electrode assembly E may not be inserted smoothly. In particular, when the outer diameter of the electrode assembly E and the inner diameter of the battery can C are almost the same, positive pressure can be generated more significantly. Therefore, it is preferred not to insert the electrode assembly E at one time, but to gradually insert a certain amount of the electrode assembly E over a period of time. In addition, if the electrode assembly E is inserted to the end of the closed portion C2 of the battery can C at one time, the electrode assembly E may be damaged even if there is a slight insertion error.

[0073] Therefore, according to this structure of the present disclosure, a delay time can be generated to minimize the pressure inside the battery can C. That is, according to the present disclosure, the electrode assembly E can be smoothly inserted into the battery can C. In addition, damage to the electrode assembly E can be prevented.

[0074] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the lower stopper 20 can be configured as a substantially cylindrical shape. That is, the lower stopper 20 can be configured in the form of a substantially elongated rod, and the central axis of the rod can coincide with the central axis of the electrode assembly E.

[0075] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the radius of the lower stopper 20 may be configured to be larger than the radius of the winding center hole of the electrode assembly E. For example, the radius of the cylindrical lower stopper 20 may be configured to be slightly larger than the radius of the winding center hole of the electrode assembly E.

[0076] According to this structure, the radius of the lower stopper 20 is larger than the radius of the winding center hole of the electrode assembly E, so that the lower stopper 20 can support the electrode assembly E and the current collecting plate from below. In addition, because the radius of the cylindrical lower stopper 20 is slightly larger than the radius of the winding center hole of the electrode assembly E, the contact area between the lower stopper 20 and the electrode assembly E can be minimized. As a result, the possibility of damage to the electrode assembly E can be minimized.

[0077] In another embodiment, the radius of the lower stopper 20 may be configured to be larger than the radius of the current collecting plate hole formed at the center of the current collecting plate coupled to the electrode assembly E. For example, the radius of the lower stopper 20 may be configured to be larger than the radius of the current collecting plate hole and smaller than or equal to the radius of the central area of ​​the current collecting plate.

[0078] According to this structure, the radius of the lower stopper 20 is greater than the radius of the current collecting plate hole, so that the lower stopper 20 can support the electrode assembly E and the current collecting plate from below. In addition, because the radius of the lower stopper 20 is less than or equal to the radius of the central region of the current collecting plate, the legs of the current collecting plate extending from the outer circumference of the central region can be unaffected by the lower stopper 20.

[0079] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the lower stopper 20 may include a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) material. According to this embodiment, even if the lower stopper 20 contacts the electrode assembly E and / or the current collecting plate, damage may be minimized.

[0080] Figure 8 is a diagram for describing a step of advancing the side stopper 30 of the insertion device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Magnified image of .

[0081] In one aspect of the present disclosure, see Figure 8 and Figure 9 , the side stopper 30 may be configured to advance or retreat in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the electrode assembly E at the side of the electrode assembly E. Specifically, the side stopper 30 may be configured to support the lower portion of the electrode assembly E by advancing in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the electrode assembly E in a state in which the lower stopper 20 inserts the electrode assembly E into the battery can C.

[0082] The side stopper 30 may, for example, only enter the outer circumferential area of ​​the electrode assembly E. More specifically, the side stopper 30 may enter the area between the negative electrode current collecting plate coupled to the electrode assembly E and the electrode assembly E. For example, referring to Figure 9 The negative electrode current collector plate is welded to the electrode assembly E in a central region and has a leg portion extending downward from the outer circumference of the negative electrode current collector plate. Here, the side stopper 30 can enter the area between the leg portion of the negative electrode current collector plate and the lower surface of the electrode assembly E. If the lower stopper 20 excessively enters the center of the electrode assembly E, the contact area with the electrode assembly E becomes wider, which may not only increase the possibility of damaging the electrode assembly E but also cause the side stopper 30 to damage the negative electrode current collector plate. Therefore, it is preferable that the side stopper 30, for example, enter only the area adjacent to the outer circumference of the electrode assembly E.

[0083] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the side stopper 30 may include a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) material. According to this embodiment, even if the side stopper 30 comes into contact with the electrode assembly E, damage may be minimized.

[0084] Figure 10 1 is a diagram for describing a step of an original position of the lower stopper 20 of the insertion device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0085] Reference Figure 10 , the lower stopper 20 can move in a direction parallel to the central axis of the electrode assembly E. More specifically, the lower stopper 20 can move downward and away from the electrode assembly E. That is, since the side stoppers 30 support the electrode assembly E, the lower stopper 20 can return to its original position and begin to prepare to support the next electrode assembly E.

[0086] Figure 11 is a diagram for describing a switching step of the electrode assembly E and the battery can C of the insertion device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 12 yes Figure 11 Magnified image of .

[0087] Reference Figure 11 and Figure 12 The insertion device 1 may include a conveying member 40 configured to convey the electrode assembly E and the battery can C. The conveying member 40 may convey the electrode assembly E and the battery can C from one location to another. Figure 10 In FIG. 1 , the battery can C and the electrode assembly E are positioned on the left side based on the rotation axis, but in FIG. Figure 11 In FIG. 4 , the battery can C and the electrode assembly E are positioned on the right side based on the rotation axis. That is, the battery can C and the electrode assembly E can be transferred from one position to another by the transfer member 40. For example, Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, a rotating shaft and a clamping member connected to the rotating shaft are provided, and as the rotating shaft rotates, the battery can C and electrode assembly E clamped by the clamping member can be transferred to another location. However, the transfer member 40 is not limited to such a specific embodiment, and it can be said that any structure capable of transferring the electrode assembly E and battery can C from one location to another is included in the scope of the transfer member 40 of the present disclosure.

[0088] In addition, according to Figure 11 and Figure 12 Even during the transfer process, the side stoppers 30 support the electrode assembly E from below. That is, the side stoppers 30 may be configured to support the lower portion of the electrode assembly E when the transfer member 40 transfers the electrode assembly E and the battery can C.

[0089] Therefore, the electrode assembly E can be transferred to another location while maintaining a state of being first inserted into the interior of the battery can C.

[0090] Figure 13 3 is a diagram for describing a retracted state of the side stopper 30 of the insertion device 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0091] In one aspect of the present disclosure, referring to Figure 13The lower support 50 may be configured to support the lower portion of the electrode assembly E by moving upward toward the electrode assembly E while the side stoppers 30 support the lower portion of the electrode assembly E. The lower support 50 may be the same component as the existing lower stopper 20 or may be composed of different components.

[0092] When the side stops 30 support the electrode assembly E, the lower support 50 can support the electrode assembly E from below. As a result, the side stops 30 and the lower support 50 can be in a state of simultaneously supporting the electrode assembly E. Subsequently, when the lower support 50 fully supports the electrode assembly E, the side stops 30 can be configured to retreat in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the electrode assembly E after the lower support 50 supports the lower portion of the electrode assembly E. In other words, because the lower support 50 supports the electrode assembly E, the side stops 30 no longer need to support the electrode assembly E and therefore retreat. Therefore, the contact area between the electrode assembly E and the side stops 30 is eliminated, which can reduce the possibility of damage to the electrode assembly E.

[0093] Figure 14 is a diagram for describing a second insertion step of the electrode assembly E of the insertion device 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0094] In another aspect of the present disclosure, referring to Figure 14 , the lower holder 50 may be configured to insert the electrode assembly E into the battery can C. The lower holder 50 may be configured to be movable in a direction parallel to the central axis of the electrode assembly E. For example, the lower holder 50 may be configured to move upward to push the electrode assembly E into the battery can C.

[0095] Preferably, the lower holder 50 can insert the electrode assembly E to the end of the closed portion C2 of the battery can C. This will be referred to as a second insertion step. That is, in the second insertion step, the electrode assembly E can be inserted from a predetermined position in the longitudinal direction of the battery can C inserted in the first insertion step to the end of the closed portion C2 of the battery can C.

[0096] When the electrode assembly E is inserted by dividing into two steps in this manner, a delay time can be generated to suppress the generation of positive pressure in the battery can C. That is, according to the present disclosure, the electrode assembly E can be smoothly inserted into the battery can C.

[0097] Figure 15 is a diagram for describing a cell rotation step of the insertion device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 16 1 is a diagram for describing a step of retreating the lower bracket 50 of the insertion device 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0098] Reference Figure 15 and Figure 16In the insertion device 1 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery can C in which the electrode assembly E is inserted can be rotated 180 degrees to be inverted. At this time, the lower bracket 50 supporting the electrode assembly E is also rotated 180 degrees upward. That is, the lower bracket 50 is positioned at the upper part by the rotation. More specifically, after the 180-degree rotation, the lower bracket 50 contacts the electrode assembly E above the electrode assembly E. Thereafter, as Figure 16 As shown, the lower support 50 can be moved in a direction away from the electrode assembly E. In other words, the lower support 50 can be retracted from the electrode assembly E. When this step is completed, the electrode assembly E is fully inserted into the battery can C. More specifically, with the opening C1 of the battery can C upright and facing upward, the electrode assembly E can be accommodated in the battery can C. In a subsequent step, the battery can C can be transferred to another process. For example, the battery can C can be transferred to a hemming process.

[0099] Refer to the above Figures 1 to 16 , the insertion method for inserting the electrode assembly E into the battery can C may include a first step S1, in which the can holder 10 holds the battery can C; a second step S2, in which the lower stopper 20 supports the electrode assembly E from below; a third step S3, in which the lower stopper 20 moves upward to insert the electrode assembly E into the battery can C until a predetermined position of the battery can C; a fourth step S4, in which the side stopper 30 advances from the side of the electrode assembly E in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the electrode assembly E to support the lower portion of the electrode assembly E; a fifth step S5, in which the conveying member 40 conveys the electrode assembly E and the battery can C to another position; a sixth step S6, in which the lower holder 50 supports the electrode assembly E conveyed by the conveying member 40 from below; a seventh step S7, in which the lower holder 50 moves upward to insert the electrode assembly E into the end of the closed portion C2 of the battery can C; an eighth step S8, rotating the electrode assembly E and the battery can C 180 degrees; and a ninth step S9, separating the lower holder 50 from the electrode assembly E.

[0100] According to the above embodiment, the electrode assembly E can be easily supported and inserted into the battery can C without the insert ring. Therefore, all problems associated with the presence of the insert ring can be resolved. For example, the time and cost required for insert ring maintenance and repair can be reduced. Consequently, workability can be improved. Furthermore, damage to the electrode assembly E can be minimized.

[0101] Furthermore, terms indicating directions such as upper and lower used herein are used only for convenience of description, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms may vary depending on the position of the elements described or an observer.

[0102] The present disclosure has been described above with respect to a limited number of embodiments and drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and it will be apparent that various modifications and variations may be made thereto by a person skilled in the art within the technical aspects of the present disclosure and the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0103] [Explanation of Reference Numerals]

[0104] 1 Insertion device

[0105] E Electrode Assembly

[0106] C Battery Can

[0107] C1 opening

[0108] C2 closed part

[0109] 10 can holder

[0110] 20 Lower stopper

[0111] 30 Side stop

[0112] 40 Transmission components

[0113] 50 Lower bracket

Claims

1. An insertion device for inserting an electrode assembly into a battery can, the insertion device comprising: a can holder that holds the battery can; a lower stopper supporting the electrode assembly from below and configured to be movable in a direction parallel to a central axis of the electrode assembly; a side stopper configured to advance or retreat in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the electrode assembly at a side of the electrode assembly; a conveying member configured to convey the electrode assembly and the battery can; as well as A lower support supports the electrode assembly transferred by the transfer member from below and is configured to be movable in a direction parallel to the central axis of the electrode assembly.

2. The insertion device according to claim 1, in, The can holder holds the can such that the opening of the can faces downward and the closed portion of the can faces upward.

3. The insertion device according to claim 1, in, The lower stopper is configured to insert the electrode assembly into the battery can.

4. The insertion device according to claim 1, in, The lower stopper pushes the electrode assembly positioned below the can upward to push the electrode assembly toward the opening of the battery can.

5. The insertion device according to claim 1, in, The lower stopper is configured to insert the electrode assembly only into a predetermined position of the battery can.

6. The insertion device according to claim 1, in, The lower stopper is configured in a cylindrical shape.

7. The insertion device according to claim 6, in, A radius of the lower stopper is greater than a radius of a winding center hole of the electrode assembly.

8. The insertion device according to claim 1, in, The lower stop comprises polyetheretherketone.

9. The insertion device according to claim 3, in, The side stopper is configured to support a lower portion of the electrode assembly by advancing in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the electrode assembly in a state in which the lower stopper inserts the electrode assembly into the battery can.

10. The insertion device according to claim 1, in, The side stopper is configured to support a lower portion of the electrode assembly while the conveying member conveys the electrode assembly and the battery can.

11. The insertion device according to claim 9, in, The lower support is configured to support the lower portion of the electrode assembly by moving upward toward the electrode assembly while the side stoppers support the lower portion of the electrode assembly.

12. The insertion device according to claim 11, in, The side stopper is configured to retreat in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the electrode assembly after the lower support supports the lower portion of the electrode assembly.

13. The insertion device according to claim 1, in, The lower holder is configured to insert the electrode assembly into the battery can.

14. The insertion device according to claim 1, in, The lower holder is configured to insert the electrode assembly into an end portion of the closed portion of the battery can.

15. A method for inserting an electrode assembly into a battery can, the method comprising the following steps: A first step, in which a can holder holds the battery can; a second step, in which a lower stopper supports the electrode assembly from below; a third step, in which the lower stopper moves upward to insert the electrode assembly into the battery can to a predetermined position of the battery can; a fourth step in which a side stopper advances at a side portion of the electrode assembly in a direction perpendicular to a central axis of the electrode assembly to support a lower portion of the electrode assembly; a fifth step, in which a conveying member conveys the electrode assembly and the battery can to another location; a sixth step, in which a lower support supports the electrode assembly conveyed by the conveying member from below; a seventh step, in which the lower support moves upward to insert the electrode assembly into the end of the closed portion of the battery can; Step 8: In the step 8, the electrode assembly and the battery can are rotated 180 degrees; as well as The ninth step is to separate the lower support from the electrode assembly.

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