Secondary battery manufacturing method and secondary battery manufacturing device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a secondary battery manufacturing method, and more particularly, to a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus and a secondary battery manufacturing method, which can effectively perform bag cutting and foreign matter removal through a roller transfer process, and continuously perform unit bag formation. According to one example of the present invention, there may be provided a secondary battery manufacturing method and an apparatus using the same, characterized by comprising: a conveying step for supplying a pouch material by a roller conveying device; and a slitting step for cutting the conveyed bag material corresponding to the length of the unit bag in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction, but partially cutting the bag material so as not to include both ends in the cutting direction, and the conveying step includes a both-end support conveying step for supporting both ends of the bag material in the cutting direction. The conveying device is used for supporting and conveying the uncut parts, except the cut parts, of the two ends of the bag material after the slitting process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for manufacturing secondary batteries, and more specifically, to a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus and method capable of effectively performing bag cutting and foreign matter removal through a roller conveying process, and continuously performing unit bag formation. Background Technology

[0002] A secondary battery is a battery that can be reused repeatedly through a discharge process that converts chemical energy into electrical energy and a charging process that converts electrical energy into chemical energy.

[0003] Secondary batteries can include nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries, nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries, lithium metal batteries, lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries, and lithium-ion polymer batteries (Li-Ion Polymer Battery, hereinafter referred to as "LIPB").

[0004] Lithium-ion batteries have a cycle life of approximately 500 cycles or more and a short charging time of approximately 1 to 2 hours. They are also approximately 30% to 40% lighter than nickel-metal hydride batteries, which reduces weight. Furthermore, they have the highest single-cell voltage (30 to 37V) and excellent energy density among existing rechargeable batteries, enabling lithium-ion batteries to have characteristics optimized for mobile devices.

[0005] Lithium-ion batteries can be configured as pouch-type secondary batteries by encapsulating the battery cells in a pouch made of aluminum encapsulation material.

[0006] A pouch-type secondary battery may include: an electrode assembly housed in a pouch as encapsulation material; leads electrically connected to electrode contacts disposed in the electrode assembly and extending to the outside of the pouch; and an insulating film that electrically insulates the leads.

[0007] Bags are typically formed from a core material in the form of a sheet of aluminum and an insulating film coated on the upper and lower surfaces of the core material. The insulating film is typically a polypropylene (PP) film.

[0008] To manufacture individual pouch-type secondary batteries, unit bags are required. Unit bags are formed through a slitting process that cuts rolls of bag material at regular intervals.

[0009] As an example, the width of the bag material can be the same as the width of a single bag, and the bag material can be cut at intervals corresponding to the length of a single bag to form unit bags.

[0010] The bags are slit using a slitting cutter, but during the slitting process, aluminum fragments, or foreign matter, may be generated and adhere to the upper and lower surfaces of the bags. This foreign matter can damage the bags as they are conveyed by rollers, and subsequently cause defects during the shaping process. Of course, if this foreign matter is not properly removed, it can also lead to performance degradation in the manufactured bag-type secondary batteries.

[0011] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2021-0047469 (hereinafter referred to as the "Prior Patent") discloses an example in which the bag slitting process and the forming process are performed sequentially.

[0012] pass Figure 1 The features disclosed in the existing patents are described below.

[0013] Bag material P can be continuously supplied via roller conveyor R, and bag material P can be cut into unit bags by slitting cutter 1. At this time, a foreign matter removal device 2 is provided to remove foreign matter generated during cutting. The foreign matter removal device 2 is a suction device that removes foreign matter from the bag by suction.

[0014] The cut unit bags are preheated by preheating lamp 3 and then shaped by forming device 4. Forming device 4 is used to form the receiving part, that is, the receiving space for accommodating the electrode assembly, by forming. The unit bags 5 after bag forming are then assembled with the electrode assembly through an assembly process.

[0015] As shown in the figure, the bag material P is conveyed to the slitting cutter 1 via a roller conveyor R, and then moves on the table 6 via a separate conveyor. That is, since the cut unit bags move via a pickup or linear conveyor (not shown) while they are placed on the table 6, foreign matter removal can only be performed on the upper surface of the unit bags. In other words, there is a problem that it is difficult to remove foreign matter that may have adhered to the lower surface of the unit bags during the slitting process.

[0016] Furthermore, the bag material P is conveyed only by a roller conveyor before the slitting process, and then the forming process is performed while the unit bags are conveyed by a separate conveyor. Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to provide a bag forming method that continuously and organically performs the bag material conveying process, the slitting process, and the forming process.

[0017] In particular, in the forming process of forming the containment section in the bag, complex introduction and delivery devices are required for the introduction, forming and delivery of the unit bag, which inevitably increases the process time during this process. Summary of the Invention

[0018] Technical issues

[0019] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problems of conventional methods and apparatus for manufacturing secondary batteries. In particular, it aims to solve the problems of bag forming methods and apparatus for forming unit bags from bag material.

[0020] By way of an example of the present invention, it is intended to provide a method and apparatus for manufacturing secondary batteries that can use a roller conveyor to perform a forming process.

[0021] By way of an example of the present invention, it is intended to provide a method and apparatus for manufacturing secondary batteries that can effectively remove foreign matter generated during bag cutting by using a horizontal purging device and a vertical purging device together.

[0022] By way of one example of the present invention, it is intended to provide a method and apparatus for manufacturing secondary batteries that can use a horizontal purging device and a vertical purging device together by using a roller conveying device.

[0023] By way of an example of the present invention, it is intended to provide a method and apparatus for manufacturing secondary batteries that can effectively remove foreign matter from the cut section of a bag by performing vertical blowing on the bag in a state where both ends are suspended by a roller conveyor.

[0024] By way of an example of the present invention, it is intended to provide a method and apparatus for manufacturing secondary batteries that can sequentially and continuously perform slitting, purging and forming processes by means of a roller conveying device.

[0025] Technical solution

[0026] To achieve the above objectives, according to an example of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a secondary battery can be provided, characterized in that the method includes: a conveying step for supplying bag material via a roller conveying device; and a slitting step for cutting the conveyed bag material in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction, corresponding to the length of a unit bag, but partially cutting the bag material into two ends not included in the cutting direction, the conveying step including a two-end support conveying step for supporting and conveying the uncut portions of the two ends of the bag material, excluding the cut portions, after the slitting step.

[0027] Preferably, the conveying process includes a full-support conveying process, which is used to support and convey the bag material along its entire width direction before the slitting process.

[0028] The full-support conveying process allows for stable support and supply of the bag material before the slitting process, and the two-end support conveying process supports the uncut portions at both ends of the bag, excluding the cut portion, thereby enabling continuous conveying of the bag material while avoiding the cut portion.

[0029] Preferably, the secondary battery manufacturing method includes a purging step, which is used to remove foreign matter generated in the slitting step by a purging device.

[0030] The purging process may include a horizontal purging process, which is used to supply gas horizontally to the upper and lower surfaces of the bag material being conveyed by the roller conveyor.

[0031] The purging process may include a vertical purging process, which is used to supply gas in a vertical direction to the upper and lower surfaces of the bag material being conveyed by the roller conveyor.

[0032] The vertical purging process can be performed after the horizontal purging process, or vice versa.

[0033] Effective purging can be performed by purging while maintaining the continuity of the bag material through partial cutting.

[0034] The secondary battery manufacturing method may include a forming process, which is used to press the bag material to form a receiving portion of the electrode assembly.

[0035] In the forming process, the introduction and feeding of the bag material can also be performed by the roller supply device. Therefore, a separate introduction and feeding device is not required.

[0036] Preferably, the forming process is performed after the slitting process and the blowing process.

[0037] The slitting process, the blowing process, and the forming process can be performed continuously without interrupting the bag material via the roller conveyor.

[0038] The roller conveyor can repeatedly stop after conveying the length of the unit bag, and can perform the slitting and forming processes while stopped. That is, they can be performed simultaneously at different locations using different devices.

[0039] The secondary battery manufacturing method may include a cutting process for cutting off the uncut portion of the bag material to form the unit bag. The cutting process may also be performed simultaneously at a location different from the slitting process and the forming process.

[0040] To achieve the above objectives, according to an example of the present invention, a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus can be provided, characterized in that the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus includes: a roller conveyor for supplying and conveying bag material; and a slitting cutter that cuts the conveyed bag material in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction, corresponding to the length of a unit bag, partially cutting the bag material such that the two ends not included in the cutting direction are not included during cutting, and is configured to maintain the bag material being conveyed through the roller conveyor even after cutting, the roller conveyor including: a full support roller located upstream of the slitting cutter to support the bag material throughout its width direction; and a partial support roller located downstream of the slitting cutter to support the uncut portions at both ends of the bag material other than the cut portions.

[0041] The width of the bag material can be the same as the width of the unit bag.

[0042] Preferably, the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus includes a purging device located downstream of the slitting cutter to remove foreign matter generated during the slitting process.

[0043] Preferably, the blowing device includes a horizontal blowing device that supplies gas horizontally to the upper and lower surfaces of the bag material being conveyed by the roller conveyor to remove foreign matter generated during the slitting process.

[0044] Preferably, the blowing device includes a vertical blowing device that supplies gas in a vertical direction to the upper and lower surfaces of the bag material being conveyed by the roller conveyor to remove foreign matter generated during the slitting process.

[0045] Preferably, the vertical purging device includes an upper vertical purging device and a lower vertical purging device, which are spaced apart from each other along the conveying direction through the roller conveying device.

[0046] The horizontal purging device can be located upstream of the vertical purging device, or vice versa.

[0047] Preferably, the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus includes a forming device located downstream of the purging device, which presses the bag material conveyed by the roller conveying device to form a receiving portion of the electrode assembly.

[0048] Preferably, the partial support roller is located on the downstream side of the forming device.

[0049] To achieve the above objectives, according to an example of the present invention, a secondary battery bag forming apparatus can be provided, the secondary battery bag forming apparatus comprising: a roller conveyor for supplying and conveying bag material; a slitting cutter for cutting the conveyed bag material in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction corresponding to the length of a unit bag, partially cutting the bag material such that the ends not included in the cutting direction are not included during cutting, and configured to maintain the conveying of the bag material through the roller conveyor even after cutting; a horizontal blowing device for removing foreign matter generated on the upper and lower surfaces of the bag material conveyed by the roller conveyor during bag cutting; and a vertical blowing device for removing foreign matter generated on the upper and lower surfaces of the bag material conveyed by the roller conveyor during bag cutting.

[0050] The bag material can be provided in roll form, and can be continuously provided via the roller conveyor while the roll is being unwound. In other words, the bag material is continuously conveyed via the roller conveyor without interruption.

[0051] When the slitting cutter completely cuts the bag material in the width direction, the continuous state of the bag material is no longer maintained, and the unit bag is formed. In this example, the slitting cutter may only cut the central portion of the bag material in the width direction to form a cut portion. Therefore, uncut portions are formed at both ends of the bag material in the width direction. Thus, the continuous state of the bag material can be maintained even after passing through the slitting cutter. This means that the bag material can be continuously conveyed by the roller supply device after the slitting cutter.

[0052] The unit bag can refer to a bag used to form a secondary battery unit, i.e., encapsulation material. The bag material can be partially cut at intervals corresponding to the unit bag using the slitting cutter. Subsequently, the uncut portions can be completely cut off in a later process using a separate cutter to finally form the unit bag.

[0053] The width of the bag material can be the same as the length or width of the unit bag. In this case, the interval between the partial cuts of the bag material can be the same as the length or width of the unit bag.

[0054] The horizontal purging device may include a nozzle that sprays gas on one side and a suction nozzle that draws in gas on the other side, corresponding to the nozzle. In other words, it can simultaneously disperse and suction foreign matter.

[0055] Preferably, the blow nozzle and the suction nozzle are arranged in multiple ways along the conveying direction of the roller conveying device.

[0056] Preferably, the blow nozzle and the suction nozzle are respectively disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of the unit bag.

[0057] The positions of the blow nozzle and the suction nozzle can be configured to intersect along the conveying direction of the roller conveyor. That is, the positions of a pair of blow nozzles and suction nozzles can be exactly opposite to those of a pair of adjacent blow nozzles and suction nozzles. In other words, the gas injection directions of the adjacent blow nozzles and the blow nozzles can be exactly opposite.

[0058] The vertical purging device may include an upper vertical purging device and a lower vertical purging device, wherein the upper vertical purging device and the lower vertical purging device are spaced apart from each other along the conveying direction of the roller conveying device.

[0059] Preferably, the gas injection centers of the upper vertical purging device and the lower vertical purging device are staggered.

[0060] The horizontal blowing device can be located in front of the vertical blowing device. That is, the horizontal blowing can be performed after the vertical blowing is performed along the conveying direction of the bag material. Of course, it can also be the other way around.

[0061] Furthermore, most of the foreign matter generated during the cutting process may adhere to or be near the cutting line. Therefore, the horizontal and vertical blowing devices can be positioned aligned with the cutting line.

[0062] The blowing via the horizontal and vertical blowing devices can be performed simultaneously with the conveying of the bag material, or it can be performed when the conveying of the bag material has stopped. Of course, blowing can be performed in all states, whether the bag material is being conveyed or stopped. Cutting can be performed when the bag material has stopped.

[0063] The bag material can be repeatedly moved and stopped after one interval corresponding to the width or length of the unit bag, and slitting can be performed at the stop. Then, slitting can be performed again by stopping after moving one interval. Therefore, the blowing device can be positioned at positions corresponding to n intervals downstream of the slitting cutter. Here, n can refer to a natural number.

[0064] Therefore, the blowing device can be configured to face the cutting line of the bag, and can effectively perform blowing when the bag material is stopped.

[0065] The roller conveying device may include: an unwinding roller rotatably supporting the bag material in a rolled state; a first support roller supporting the bag material upstream of the slitting cutter; and a second support roller supporting the bag material downstream of the horizontal blowing device and the vertical blowing device.

[0066] The bag material slitting and blowing processes can be performed between the first support roller and the second support roller.

[0067] The first and second support rollers can be configured to support the entire width of the bag material. Therefore, the bag material can be stably supported and conveyed. In particular, preferably, the first and second support rollers are configured to simultaneously support both the upper and lower surfaces of the bag material.

[0068] A forming device can be further provided, which is used to form a receiving portion of the electrode assembly in the bag material conveyed by the roller conveyor. That is, the slitting process, the blowing process, and the forming process can be performed by means of continuous conveying by the roller conveyor.

[0069] The forming apparatus may include a lower mold and an upper press for hot-pressing the unit bag located on the lower mold.

[0070] The roller conveying device may include a third support roller for supporting and conveying the unit bag on the downstream side of the forming device.

[0071] The third support roller can be configured to support the uncut portions at both ends of the unit bag in the width direction, excluding those cut by a slitting cutter. That is, the third support roller can be configured to support the bag material by avoiding the receiving portion of the electrode assembly formed after the bag forming process. In other words, the third support roller can be configured to support only the two ends of the bag material in the width direction. Alternatively, the third support roller can be configured to support both the upper and lower surfaces of the bag material simultaneously.

[0072] A linear moving device can be further provided, which linearly moves the bag material fed out by the third support roller.

[0073] The linear moving device can be configured to receive unit bags that have been fed or supplied via the third support roller and have undergone forming. On the linear moving device, the unit bags are, arguably, in a state where they are not completely separated from adjacent unit bags. That is, they are, arguably, connected via the uncut portion.

[0074] Therefore, the unit bags can be completely separated from each other by cutting the uncut portion on the linear moving device.

[0075] After the unit bag is separated, it can be moved by the linear moving device and then moved to the assembly process by a separate device such as a pick-up device.

[0076] It may include a cutter that cuts the uncut portion of the unit bag on the linear moving device.

[0077] Four cutters can be provided corresponding to the four edge portions of the unit bag. Of course, the unit bag can also be cut after shifting by one spacing, so two cutters can also be provided.

[0078] Preferably, the roller conveyor stops after conveying the length or width of the unit bag, and is configured to repeat conveying and stopping.

[0079] To achieve the above objectives, according to an example of the present invention, a method for forming a pouch-type secondary battery can be provided, characterized in that the method includes: a conveying step for supplying pouch material via a roller conveying device; a slitting step for cutting the conveyed pouch material in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction to correspond to the length of a unit pouch; a purging step for removing foreign matter generated in the slitting step via a purging device; and a forming step for forming a receiving portion of an electrode assembly by pressing the pouch material, wherein, in order to continuously perform the slitting step, the purging step, and the forming step via the roller conveying device, the pouch material is partially cut in the slitting step such that the two ends of the pouch material in the cutting direction are not included during the cutting.

[0080] Preferably, the roller conveyor is configured to repeat the process until the length of the unit bag has been conveyed, at which point it stops.

[0081] Beneficial effects

[0082] By way of an example of the present invention, a method and apparatus for manufacturing secondary batteries that can use a roller conveyor to perform a forming process can be provided.

[0083] By way of an example of the present invention, a method and apparatus for manufacturing secondary batteries can be provided that can effectively remove foreign matter generated during bag cutting by using a horizontal purging device and a vertical purging device together.

[0084] By way of an example of the present invention, a method and apparatus for manufacturing secondary batteries that can use a horizontal purging device and a vertical purging device together by using a roller conveyor can be provided.

[0085] According to one example of the present invention, a method and apparatus for manufacturing secondary batteries can be provided that can effectively remove foreign matter from the cut section of a bag by performing vertical blowing on the bag in a state where both ends are suspended by a roller conveyor.

[0086] By way of an example of the present invention, a method and apparatus for manufacturing secondary batteries in which a slitting process, a purging process and a forming process are performed sequentially and continuously by means of a roller conveying device can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0087] Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a conventional bag forming apparatus and method.

[0088] Figure 2 The illustration shows a bag forming apparatus according to an example of the present invention, viewed from the side.

[0089] Figure 3 The diagram illustrates the view from above. Figure 2 The forming apparatus shown,

[0090] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates another example of the positions of the vertical and horizontal purging devices.

[0091] Figure 5 The schematic diagram illustrates a bag forming apparatus and forming method according to an example of the present invention, and

[0092] Figure 6 The illustration shows the bag material being conveyed after the forming process, viewed from above. Detailed Implementation

[0093] In the following, a pouch forming apparatus and forming method for a secondary battery according to an example of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0094] Figure 2 The illustration shows a bag forming apparatus according to an example of the invention, viewed from the side of bag material conveyed by a roller conveyor. Figure 3 The illustration shows a bag forming apparatus according to an example of the invention, viewed from the upper surface of bag material conveyed by a roller conveyor.

[0095] The roller conveyor may include a first support roller R2, and the roller conveyor refers to a device through which the bag material P can be continuously connected and conveyed between rollers. Conveying can be performed continuously without interruption and can be repeated after conveying at certain intervals. Details of the roller conveyor will be described below.

[0096] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, the bag material P can be conveyed while being supported by the first support roller R2, and can be cut by the slitting cutter 10 after passing through the first support roller R2. The slitting cutter 10 can be located downstream of the first support roller R2 along the conveying direction, or conversely, the first support roller R2 can be said to be located upstream of the slitting cutter 10.

[0097] Preferably, the slitting cutter 10 does not cut the entire width of the bag material P. That is, it preferably cuts the central portion of the width, but not the two ends. More specifically, as... Figure 3 As shown, the slitting cutter 10 can cut the central portion of the bag material P to form a cut portion through the cutting line S, and can form uncut portions N at both ends of the cutting line S.

[0098] The bag material can maintain the continuity of the bag material P through the uncut portion N, so it can be continuously conveyed by the roller conveyor even after slitting.

[0099] The slitting cutter 10 is a device used to cut bag material P to form unit bags. That is, if bag material P is cut at certain intervals or with a certain length and both ends are cut, unit bags can be formed. In other words, the entire width of bag material P can correspond to the length of the unit bag, and the cutting interval of bag material P, i.e., the interval between adjacent cutting lines S, can correspond to the width of the unit bag.

[0100] As shown in the figure, the bag material P is supported by the roller conveyor, so the slitting cutter 10 cuts the suspended bag material P. At this time, the generated foreign matter d may be located near the cutting line S. In particular, the foreign matter may adhere to the upper and lower surfaces of the bag material P.

[0101] To effectively remove this foreign matter from the bag material P, a horizontal blowing device 20 can be provided. The horizontal blowing device 20 can be located in front of the slitting cutter 10. That is, after slitting, the foreign matter d can be removed by the horizontal blowing device 20.

[0102] The horizontal blowing device 20 can be configured to remove foreign objects from the upper and lower surfaces of the bag material P or unit bag conveyed by the roller conveyor in the horizontal direction.

[0103] The horizontal purging device 20 may include nozzles 21 and 23 that spray gas from one side and suction nozzles 22 and 24 that draw gas from the other side, corresponding to the nozzles 21 and 23.

[0104] Nozzles 21 and 23 can be configured to spray gas in the width and horizontal directions of the bag material P. The sprayed gas can be compressed air.

[0105] The nozzles 21 and 23 can be configured to move in the width direction. That is, they can spray air from one side of the bag material P in the width direction and move to the other side simultaneously. In other words, they can perform the function of gradually expelling foreign objects.

[0106] Suction nozzles 22 and 24 can be positioned on opposite sides of blowing nozzles 21 and 23, and one blowing nozzle and one suction nozzle can correspond to each other while facing each other. The suction nozzles can be fixed and not move in the width direction of the bag material P.

[0107] To more effectively remove foreign objects in the horizontal direction, multiple pairs of nozzles and suction nozzles can be arranged along the conveying direction. Furthermore, preferably, the directions of air jetting and suction intersect each other.

[0108] Furthermore, preferably, the paired nozzles and suction nozzles are arranged symmetrically about the bag material P. Furthermore, preferably, the directions of air injection and suction are the same.

[0109] As an example, the nozzles and suction nozzles positioned vertically near the slitting cutter 10 can be configured to spray and draw air in the same direction. Furthermore, nozzles and suction nozzles positioned vertically away from the slitting cutter 10 can also be configured to spray and draw air in the same direction. However, as... Figure 3 As shown, preferably, the directions of air injection and suction are opposite. This allows for more effective removal of foreign objects.

[0110] Furthermore, even if the foreign object is removed in such a horizontal direction, it may still remain. In particular, there is a possibility that the foreign object may remain in the thickness portion of the cutting line S.

[0111] To remove such foreign matter more effectively, vertical blowing devices 30 and 40 can be installed. The vertical blowing devices 30 and 40 can be configured to remove foreign matter from the upper and lower surfaces of the bag material P or unit bag conveyed by the roller conveyor in the vertical direction.

[0112] The vertical blowing devices 30 and 40 may include an upper vertical blowing device 30 and a lower vertical blowing device 40. The upper vertical blowing device 30 can spray gas downward toward the upper surface of the bag material P, and the lower vertical blowing device 40 can spray gas upward toward the lower surface of the bag material P.

[0113] Preferably, the spray centers of the upper vertical blowing device 30 and the lower vertical blowing device 40 are not the same. That is, preferably, they have a predetermined deviation. This allows for more effective vertical vibration of the bag material P. In particular, with the cutting line S as a reference, the upper blowing device can spray gas toward the side adjacent to the cutting line S, and the lower blowing device can spray gas toward the other side adjacent to the cutting line S. At this time, with the cutting line S as a reference, one side of the bag material P can move upward, and the other side of the bag material P can move downward. That is, with the cutting line S as a reference, the bag material P can unfold vertically, wherein the cutting surface of the cutting line S (i.e., the thickness surface of the cut bag material) is affected by the sprayed gas when exposed. In addition, uncut portions N are formed at both ends of the cutting line S, which limits the unfolded width of the bag material.

[0114] Furthermore, the bag material P can swing up and down and drift through the vertical blowing devices 30 and 40. At this time, foreign matter d attached to the bag material can be effectively removed while separating from the bag material P.

[0115] In addition, the vertical purging devices 30 and 40 can be configured to move along the cutting line S. That is, they can spray gas while moving.

[0116] like Figure 3 As shown, the horizontal purging device 20 and the vertical purging devices 30 and 40 can be configured to remove foreign objects according to the cutting line S. That is, the cutting line S can stop at the position corresponding to the horizontal purging device 20 and the vertical purging device 30 and 40 without moving continuously.

[0117] In other words, the bag material P can be repeatedly moved and stopped by the roller conveyor, rather than moving continuously. Between moving and stopping, the bag material P can only move about the width of a unit bag. That is, if the bag material moves a certain distance and stops, a cutting line S is formed by the slitting cutter 10, and after cutting is completed, the bag material P can move a certain distance again and stop and be cut.

[0118] Preferably, when the bag material P stops, the removal of foreign objects and slitting are also performed by the horizontal and vertical blowing devices. Therefore, preferably, the slitting cutter 10, the horizontal blowing device, and the vertical blowing device are spaced apart by n intervals along the length of the bag material P. Here, n is a natural number.

[0119] Finally, preferably, when the bag material P stops, the slitting cutter drive, the horizontal blowing device drive, and the vertical blowing device drive are executed simultaneously at different positions.

[0120] Figure 4 Diagram Figure 3The illustration shows an example where the positions of the horizontal blowing device 20 and the vertical blowing devices 30, 40 are interchanged. The vertical blowing device may have a structure that makes it difficult to include a suction nozzle for removing foreign matter. Therefore, foreign matter d dispersed by the vertical blowing devices 30, 40 may re-adhere to the bag material P. Of course, foreign matter on cut surfaces can be effectively removed by the vertical blowing device.

[0121] Therefore, as Figure 4 As shown, the initial removal of foreign matter by the vertical purging devices 30 and 40 and the secondary removal of foreign matter by the horizontal purging device 20 can be very effective. In other words, preferably, the horizontal purging device 20 is located downstream of the vertical purging devices 30 and 40.

[0122] In the following, the roller conveying device (R1 to R4) and the manufacturing method of a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to an example of the present invention will be described in more detail.

[0123] As shown in the figure, the roller conveying device may include an unwinding roller R1 that rotatably supports the bag material in a rolled state. That is, the bag material can be supplied through the unwinding roller R1. The bag material can be supplied continuously from the unwinding roller R1 without interruption. In other words, the bag material conveying process can be performed by driving the roller conveying device. As described above, preferably, the conveying of the bag material by the roller conveying device is performed such that repetition stops after conveying at certain intervals.

[0124] The roller conveying device may include a first support roller R2 supporting the bag material P on the upstream side of the slitting cutter 10. The bag material P conveyed from the unwinding roller R1 through the first support roller R2 can be stably and continuously conveyed to the slitting cutter 10.

[0125] After the slitting process in which the bag material P is partially cut at certain intervals by the slitting cutter 10, a purging process to remove foreign matter can be performed.

[0126] Preferably, for the purging process, a horizontal purging device 20 and vertical purging devices 30 and 40 are provided, and these purging devices are installed at preset positions on the conveying path of the bag material P.

[0127] Preferably, a second support roller R3 is provided downstream of the horizontal blowing device 20 and the vertical blowing devices 30, 40. That is, if the roller conveying device includes a first support roller R2 and a second support roller R3, the slitting and blowing processes of the bag material P can be performed between the first and second support rollers. In other words, the first and second support rollers perform the functions of supporting the bag material and conveying the bag material P in the slitting and blowing processes.

[0128] According to this example, a roller conveyor can be used to continuously perform forming, slitting, and blowing processes.

[0129] The forming process can be a process of pressing the unit bag to form a receiving portion or groove in which the electrode assembly is housed. During the forming process, the unit bag is essentially in a state where it is not completely separated from the bag material.

[0130] To perform the forming process, the forming device 40 can be located on the conveying path of the bag material P. More preferably, the forming process can be performed after the purging process.

[0131] The bag material P, after completing the slitting and blowing processes, can be conveyed by the second support roller R3 to supply it to the forming device 40. In other words, the roller conveying device can be used directly to supply and deliver the bags to the forming device without the need for a separate device.

[0132] The forming apparatus may include an upper press 41 that presses the bag material P from top to bottom, and a lower die 42 that supports the bag material P from bottom when the upper press 41 presses. Specifically, the upper press 41 may be located at the top and spaced apart from the upper surface of the bag material P, and the lower die 42 may be located at the bottom and spaced apart from the lower surface of the bag material P. Then, in the forming process, the upper press 41 and the lower die 42 move toward the bag material, at which time the bag material sandwiched between the upper press 41 and the lower die 42 can undergo forming. The shapes of the upper press 41 and the lower die 42 may be formed to correspond to the outline of the unit bag formed thereon.

[0133] With this forming device, the stopped bag material can be formed during the forming process, and the bag material can be transferred when the forming process is completed without interfering with the forming device.

[0134] The forming apparatus 40 may include a demolding device (not shown) for securing the ends or edges of the unit bag during forming. This demolding device may be part of the lower mold 42.

[0135] The roller conveying device may include a third support roller R4. The third support roller R4 may be located downstream of the forming device 40. The bag material may be supported and conveyed between the second support roller R3 and the third support roller R4, and may also undergo forming.

[0136] Figure 6 The diagram illustrates the bag material P after the slitting and forming processes have been completed.

[0137] As shown in the figure, the bag between cutting lines S can be a unit bag, which should eventually be completely separated from the adjacent unit bags. That is, the uncut portion N should eventually be cut. For this purpose, preferably, the cutting or separation process in which the uncut portion N is cut is performed after the forming process.

[0138] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, when the receiving portion a is formed in the bag through the forming process, a step is formed on the surface of the bag. Therefore, it is difficult to support or convey this step by rollers. In addition, the receiving portion a is located between the cutting lines S and S, and an unformed portion, i.e., a flat portion, is formed between the receiving portion a and the cutting lines S for subsequent bag sealing.

[0139] Similarly, the receiving portion a is formed only in the central portion of the bag material P in the width direction, and unformed portions, i.e., flat portions, are formed at both ends. As described above, uncut portions N are formed at both ends of the bag material P in the width direction. In other words, the cutting line S is formed only in the central portion of the bag material in the width direction. Therefore, the bag material P can maintain continuity through the uncut portions N. That is, even after the forming process, the bag material P can be conveyed using a roller conveyor.

[0140] Therefore, the third support roller R4 can have a different shape than the other support rollers R2 and R3. The first and second support rollers can be configured to support the entire width of the bag from the top and bottom of the bag material. Therefore, the first and second support rollers can be referred to as full support rollers. However, the third support roller can be configured to support only both ends of the bag width. That is, the third support roller can be configured to support and convey the bag material while avoiding the receiving part a. Of course, the third support roller can be configured to support both the top and bottom of the bag. Therefore, the third support roller can be referred to as an end-support roller or a partial support roller.

[0141] Here, the process of conveying bag material via a roller conveyor is referred to as a conveying process, which can be further subdivided according to the shape and position of the support rollers. As an example, conveying via fully supported rollers such as the first or second support roller can be called a full-support conveying process, while conveying via partially supported rollers such as the third support roller can be called a partial-support conveying process.

[0142] Additionally, two receiving portions a can be formed in the width direction of the bag material P. The portion indicated by the center line between the two receiving portions a can be referred to as the portion to be folded during the subsequent assembly of the electrode assembly and the unit bag.

[0143] After the bag forming process for forming the receiving part a is completed, the bag material P can be conveyed to the next process while being supported by the third support roller R4.

[0144] After the forming process is completed, a cutting or separation process for the uncut portion N, as described above, can be performed.

[0145] The bag material P conveyed by the third support roller R4 can be ultimately formed into a unit bag by cutters 11 and 12. That is, cutters 11 and 12 can be configured to cut the uncut portions N at the four edge portions of the unit bag. Of course, unit bags can also be formed by cutting only two edge portions.

[0146] The bag material P conveyed by the third support roller R4 can be supplied to the linear conveyor 60, and the unit bag can be completely separated individually on the linear conveyor 60 by a cutter.

[0147] The linear conveyor 60 may be equipped with a tray or clamp for supporting and conveying each unit bag.

[0148] The unit bags, which are completely separated by cutters 11 and 12, can be conveyed to the linear conveyor 60 and then to the subsequent assembly process, namely, the process of assembling electrode assemblies and unit bags.

[0149] A pickup 50 can be placed near the linear conveyor 60. The pickup 50 is used to pick up individually separated unit bags to move them to the assembly process location.

[0150] As described above, the slitting, blowing, forming, and separating processes can be performed via the roller conveyor (R1 to R4) without interruption of the bag material P. In particular, vertical and horizontal blowing can be performed in the blowing process, making it possible to remove foreign matter generated during slitting very effectively.

[0151] Furthermore, due to the roller conveyor and the partial cutting slitting feature, slitting, blowing, forming, and separating can be performed simultaneously, thereby enabling highly efficient and continuous bag forming. In particular, since the roller conveyor can be used throughout the entire bag forming process, a highly efficient and easy-to-install forming device can be achieved.

[0152] Industrial applicability

[0153] It is included in the detailed description of the invention.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, characterized in that, The method includes: A conveying process for supplying bag material via a roller conveyor; and The slitting process is used to cut the conveyed bag material and the unit bag in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction, corresponding to the length of the bag material, but partially cutting the bag material into two ends not included in the cutting direction. The conveying process includes a two-end support conveying process, which is used to support and convey the uncut portions of the bag material at both ends, excluding the cut portions, after the slitting process.

2. The secondary battery manufacturing method according to claim 1, Its features are, The conveying process includes a full-support conveying process, which is used to support and convey the bag material along its entire width direction before the slitting process.

3. The secondary battery manufacturing method according to claim 2, Its features are, It includes a purging process, which is used to remove foreign matter generated in the slitting process by means of a purging device.

4. The method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 3, Its features are, The purging process includes a horizontal purging process, which supplies gas horizontally to the upper and lower surfaces of the bag material being conveyed by the roller conveyor.

5. The method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 4, Its features are, The purging process includes a vertical purging process, which supplies gas in a vertical direction to the upper and lower surfaces of the bag material being conveyed by the roller conveyor.

6. The method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 5, Its features are, The vertical purging process is performed after the horizontal purging process.

7. The method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 3, Its features are, It includes a forming process, which is used to press the bag material to form a receiving portion of the electrode assembly.

8. The method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 7, Its features are, The forming process is performed after the slitting process and the blowing process.

9. The method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 8, Its features are, The slitting process, the blowing process, and the forming process are performed continuously by the roller conveyor without interrupting the bag material.

10. The method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 9, Its features are, The roller conveyor repeatedly stops after conveying the length of the unit bag, and performs the slitting process and the forming process when it stops.

11. The method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 7, Its features are, The process includes a cutting step, which is used to cut the uncut portion of the bag material to form the unit bag.

12. A secondary battery manufacturing apparatus, characterized in that, The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus includes: Roller conveyor, the roller conveyor being used to supply and convey bag material; and A slitting cutter cuts the conveyed bag material in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction, corresponding to the length of the unit bag. The bag material is partially cut such that its ends are not included in the cutting direction during the cut, and the cutter is configured to maintain the bag material's flow through the roller conveyor even after cutting. The roller conveying device includes: a full support roller located upstream of the slitting cutter to support the bag material across its entire width; and a partial support roller located downstream of the slitting cutter to support the uncut portions at both ends of the bag material, excluding the cut portions.

13. The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 12, Its features are, The width of the bag material is the same as the width of the unit bag.

14. The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 12, It includes a purging device located downstream of the slitting cutter to remove foreign matter generated during the slitting process.

15. The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 14, Its features are, The blowing device includes a horizontal blowing device that supplies gas horizontally to the upper and lower surfaces of the bag material being conveyed by the roller conveyor to remove foreign matter generated during the slitting process.

16. The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 15, Its features are, The blowing device includes a vertical blowing device that supplies gas in a vertical direction to the upper and lower surfaces of the bag material being conveyed by the roller conveyor to remove foreign matter generated during the slitting process.

17. The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 16, Its features are, The vertical purging device includes an upper vertical purging device and a lower vertical purging device, which are spaced apart from each other along the conveying direction of the roller conveying device.

18. The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 16, Its features are, The horizontal purging device is located upstream of the vertical purging device.

19. The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 14, Its features are, It includes a forming device located downstream of the blowing device, which presses the bag material conveyed by the roller conveying device to form a receiving portion of the electrode assembly.

20. The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 19, Its features are, The support rollers are located on the downstream side of the forming device.

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