Apparatus for sealing pouch-shaped secondary battery case and sealing method using the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for sealing a pouch-shaped secondary battery case and a sealing method using the same, the apparatus comprising: a sealing tool including an upper sealing tool and a lower sealing tool, an upper sealing tool and a lower sealing tool provided so as to be in contact with each other in a state in which the sealing portion of the pouch-shaped secondary battery case is located therebetween, to press and heat the sealing portion such that the sealing portion is sealed; the upper pressing unit is positioned in front of or behind the upper sealing tool; and a lower pressing unit located in front of or behind the lower sealing tool.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 2023-0111422, filed on August 24, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] This invention relates to an apparatus for sealing a pouch-shaped secondary battery casing and a sealing method using the apparatus. More specifically, it relates to an apparatus for sealing a pouch-shaped secondary battery casing and a sealing method using the apparatus, which can reduce the risk of wrinkles in the sealing portion by first pressing the sealing portion with a pressing unit during the sealing process of the pouch-shaped secondary battery casing. Background Technology

[0003] With the technological advancements and increasing demands of mobile devices, rechargeable and discharging batteries have been adopted as an energy source for various mobile devices. Rechargeable batteries are also attracting attention as an energy source for electric and hybrid electric vehicles, proposed as an alternative to existing gasoline and diesel vehicles that use fossil fuels.

[0004] Based on the shape of the battery casing, secondary batteries are classified as: cylindrical batteries with electrode assemblies installed in a cylindrical metal can, prismatic batteries with electrode assemblies installed in a prism metal can, or pouch batteries with electrode assemblies installed in a pouch-shaped casing made of aluminum laminate.

[0005] Figure 1 This is a view showing a conventional device for sealing pouch-shaped secondary battery casings, demonstrating the sealing of the secondary battery. Figure 2 This is a view showing the state of a conventional pouch-shaped secondary battery casing before it is sealed.

[0006] First refer to Figure 1 The upper clamp 1 and the lower clamp 2 are located above and below the sealing portion S of the housing, respectively, and move in a direction facing each other. Subsequently, predetermined pressure and heat are applied to the sealing portion S, causing the sealing portion to fuse.

[0007] However, as Figure 2 As shown, when the upper and lower housings constituting the sealing portion S are spaced apart from each other, that is, when there is a gap between them, the seal may cause wrinkles to form in the sealing portion.

[0008] During the sealing process, the upper and lower clamps are heated to a certain temperature. Therefore, with the upper and lower housings separated from each other, the upper and lower housings are pressed while heat is transferred to them, which easily creates wrinkles in the sealing part.

[0009] (Existing technical literature)

[0010] (Patent Document 1) Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2015-0137742 Summary of the Invention

[0011] Technical issues

[0012] The present invention was made in view of the above problems. The object of the present invention is to provide a device for sealing a pouch-shaped secondary battery housing that can prevent or minimize wrinkles in the sealing portion of the pouch-shaped secondary battery housing, and a sealing method using the device.

[0013] Technical solution

[0014] As a technical means to achieve the above objectives, an apparatus for sealing a pouch-shaped secondary battery casing according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a sealing tool 100, the sealing tool including an upper sealing tool 110 and a lower sealing tool 120, the upper sealing tool 110 and the lower sealing tool 120 being configured to contact each other when a sealing portion 11a of the pouch-shaped secondary battery casing is located therebetween, so as to press and heat the sealing portion 11a to seal the sealing portion; an upper pressing unit 200 located in front of or behind the upper sealing tool 110; and a lower pressing unit 300 located in front of or behind the lower sealing tool 120.

[0015] Furthermore, in the device for sealing a pouch-shaped secondary battery casing according to the present invention, the upper pressing unit 200 may include a first upper pressing member 210 located in front of the upper sealing tool 110, the first upper pressing member being configured to press the sealing portion 11a before the upper sealing tool 110 moves downward.

[0016] Furthermore, in the device for sealing a pouch-shaped secondary battery casing according to the present invention, the lower pressing unit 300 may include a first lower pressing member 310 located in front of the lower sealing tool 120, the first lower pressing member being configured to press the sealing portion 11a before the lower sealing tool 120 moves upward.

[0017] Furthermore, in the device for sealing a pouch-shaped secondary battery casing according to the present invention, the upper pressing unit 200 may include a second upper pressing member 220 located behind the upper sealing tool 110, the second upper pressing member being configured to press the sealing portion 11a before the upper sealing tool 110 moves downward, and the lower pressing unit 300 may include a second lower pressing member 320 located behind the lower sealing tool 120, the second lower pressing member being configured to press the sealing portion 11a before the lower sealing tool 120 moves upward.

[0018] Furthermore, the device for sealing a pouch-shaped secondary battery casing according to the invention may further include an injection unit configured to inject air toward the sealing portion 11a, wherein the first upper pressing member 210 may include a first channel 212 configured to allow air injected from the injection unit to pass through it, and the first lower pressing member 310 may include a third channel 312 configured to allow air injected from the injection unit to pass through it.

[0019] Furthermore, the device for sealing a pouch-shaped secondary battery casing according to the invention may further include an injection unit configured to inject air toward the sealing portion 11a, wherein the second upper pressing member 220 may include a second channel 222 configured to allow air injected from the injection unit to pass through it, and the second lower pressing member 320 may include a fourth channel 322 configured to allow air injected from the injection unit to pass through it.

[0020] Furthermore, in the device for sealing a pouch-shaped secondary battery casing according to the present invention, the sealing tool 100 may include an upper elastic unit 130, which is composed of a first elastic member 131 inserted between the upper sealing tool 110 and the first upper pressing member 210 or a second elastic member 132 inserted between the upper sealing tool 110 and the second upper pressing member 220.

[0021] Furthermore, in the device for sealing a pouch-shaped secondary battery casing according to the present invention, in the initial state where the lower surface of the upper sealing tool 110 is positioned above the lower surface of the upper pressing unit 200, when the lower surface of the upper sealing tool 110 moves to a position corresponding to the lower surface of the upper pressing unit 200, the upper elastic unit 130 can apply an elastic restoring force between the upper sealing tool 110 and the upper pressing unit 200.

[0022] Furthermore, in the device for sealing a pouch-shaped secondary battery casing according to the present invention, the sealing tool 100 may include a lower elastic unit 140, which is composed of a third elastic member 141 inserted between the lower sealing tool 120 and the first lower pressing member 310 or a fourth elastic member 142 inserted between the lower sealing tool 120 and the second lower pressing member 320.

[0023] Furthermore, in the device for sealing a pouch-shaped secondary battery casing according to the present invention, in the initial state where the upper surface of the lower sealing tool 120 is positioned below the upper surface of the lower pressing unit 300, when the upper surface of the lower sealing tool 120 moves to a position corresponding to the upper surface of the lower pressing unit 300, the lower elastic unit 140 can apply an elastic restoring force between the lower sealing tool 120 and the lower pressing unit 300.

[0024] Furthermore, a method for sealing a pouch-shaped secondary battery casing using a sealing device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: step (S1), positioning a sealing portion 11a of the pouch-shaped secondary battery casing between an upper sealing tool 110 and a lower sealing tool 120; step (S2), moving the upper sealing tool 110 and the lower sealing tool 120 in a direction facing each other; step (S3), pressing the sealing portion 11a using an upper pressing unit 200 disposed at the upper sealing tool 110 and a lower pressing unit 300 disposed at the lower sealing tool 120; and step (S4), pressing and heating the sealing portion 11a using the upper sealing tool 110 and the lower sealing tool 120 to seal the sealing portion.

[0025] Furthermore, the method for sealing a pouch-shaped secondary battery casing according to the present invention may further include, after step S4, step (S5), moving the upper sealing tool 110 and the lower sealing tool 120 to their initial positions.

[0026] Furthermore, in the method for sealing a pouch-shaped secondary battery casing according to the present invention, in step S5, the upper pressing unit 200 can be moved to its initial position by the elastic restoring force of the upper elastic unit 130 inserted between the upper sealing tool 110 and the upper pressing unit 200, and the lower pressing unit 300 can be moved to its initial position by the elastic restoring force of the lower elastic unit 140 inserted between the lower sealing tool 120 and the lower pressing unit 300.

[0027] Furthermore, the method for sealing a pouch-shaped secondary battery casing according to the present invention may further include, between step S1 and step S2, a step of spraying air toward the sealing portion 11a through the channel formed in the upper pressing unit 200 or the lower pressing unit 300.

[0028] Furthermore, the method for sealing a pouch-shaped secondary battery casing according to the present invention may further include, between step S2 and step S3, a step of spraying air toward the sealing portion 11a through the channel formed in the upper pressing unit 200 or the lower pressing unit 300.

[0029] Beneficial effects

[0030] As can be clearly seen from the above description, the advantage of the apparatus and method for sealing pouch-shaped secondary battery casings according to the present invention is that, since the upper sealing tool is provided with an upper pressing unit and the lower sealing tool is provided with a lower pressing unit, the upper pressing unit and the lower pressing unit press the sealing portion before the sealing tool during the sealing process, so that the sealing process is performed in the closed state of the sealing portion, thereby reducing the risk of wrinkles in the sealing portion.

[0031] Furthermore, the advantage of the apparatus and method for sealing a pouch-shaped secondary battery casing according to the present invention is that, since each of the upper pressing unit and the lower pressing unit is provided with a channel through which air supplied from the injection unit passes, air can be injected toward the sealing portion before the upper pressing unit and the lower pressing unit press the sealing portion, thereby not only suppressing the formation of wrinkles, but also removing foreign matter from the sealing portion. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a view showing a conventional device for sealing pouch-shaped secondary battery casings, demonstrating the sealing of the secondary battery.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a view showing the state of a conventional pouch-shaped secondary battery casing before it is sealed.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating a device for sealing a pouch-shaped secondary battery casing according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing an upper sealing tool and a first upper pressing member in a device for sealing a pouch-shaped secondary battery casing according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing an upper sealing tool and a second upper pressing member in a device for sealing a pouch-shaped secondary battery casing according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing a lower sealing tool and a first lower pressing member in a device for sealing a pouch-shaped secondary battery casing according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing a lower sealing tool and a second lower pressing member in a device for sealing a pouch-shaped secondary battery casing according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 8 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating the operation during the sealing process of an apparatus for sealing a pouch-shaped secondary battery casing according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 9 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating a device for sealing a pouch-shaped secondary battery casing according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing an upper sealing tool and a first upper pressing member in a device for sealing a pouch-shaped secondary battery casing according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 11 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating the operation during the sealing process of an apparatus for sealing a pouch-shaped secondary battery casing according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, enabling those skilled in the art to readily implement these preferred embodiments. However, in describing the working principle of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, detailed descriptions of known functions and configurations incorporated herein may obscure the subject matter of the invention, and will therefore be omitted.

[0044] Furthermore, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the accompanying drawings to refer to components that perform similar functions or operations. Where a component is referred to as being connected to another component throughout the application, this means not only that a component can be directly connected to another component, but also that a component can be indirectly connected to another component through other components. Moreover, unless otherwise stated, including an element does not mean excluding other elements, but rather that other elements may be further included.

[0045] The following describes an apparatus for sealing a pouch-shaped secondary battery casing according to the present invention and a sealing method using the apparatus.

[0046] Figure 3This is a conceptual diagram illustrating a device for sealing a pouch-shaped secondary battery casing according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Reference Figure 3 The device for sealing a pouch-shaped secondary battery casing according to the present invention includes a sealing tool 100, an upper pressing unit 200, and a lower pressing unit 300.

[0048] First, for the secondary battery 10, the electrode assembly 12 is housed in the battery casing 11, and with the electrode leads 13 exposed outside the sealing portion 11a, the sealing portion 11a is heat-fused and sealed by the sealing tool 100.

[0049] The sealing tool 100 may include an upper sealing tool 110 and a lower sealing tool 120, which are configured to contact each other when the sealing portion 11a of the pouch-shaped secondary battery casing is located between them, to press and heat the sealing portion 11a to seal it. For example, the upper sealing tool 110 may be located above the sealing portion 11a, and the lower sealing tool 120 may be located below the sealing portion 11a.

[0050] When in Figure 3 When the upper side is defined as the 12 o'clock position and the lower side as the 6 o'clock position, the upper sealing tool 110 can move downward from the upper side (from the 12 o'clock position to the 6 o'clock position) to press down on the upper side of the sealing portion 11a from the upper side in a downward direction, and the lower sealing tool 120 can move upward from the lower side (from the 6 o'clock position to the 12 o'clock position) to press up on the lower side of the sealing portion 11a in an upward direction.

[0051] In other words, pressure and heat can be applied downward and upward to the sealing part 11a by the downward movement drive of the upper sealing tool 110 and the upward movement drive of the lower sealing tool 120, respectively, so that the sealing part can be sealed.

[0052] In the sealing device according to the invention, the upper sealing tool 110 and the lower sealing tool 120 are obvious to those skilled in the art, and therefore a more detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0053] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing the upper sealing tool and the first upper pressing member in a device for sealing a pouch-shaped secondary battery casing according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a perspective view showing an upper sealing tool and a second upper pressing member in a device for sealing a pouch-shaped secondary battery casing according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Reference Figures 3 to 5The upper pressing unit 200 can be located in front of or behind the upper sealing tool 110.

[0055] When in Figure 3 When the front is defined as the 3 o'clock direction and the rear is defined as the 9 o'clock direction, the upper pressing unit 200 may include a first upper pressing member 210 located in front of the upper sealing tool 110 and a second upper pressing member 220 located behind the upper sealing tool 110.

[0056] First, the first upper pressing member 210 is connected to the front of the upper sealing tool 110 and can be configured to press the sealing portion 11a before the upper sealing tool 110 moves downward. For example, the first upper pressing member 210 can be configured such that the lower surface of the first upper pressing member 210 is positioned below the lower surface of the upper sealing tool 110. In other words, the lower surface of the first upper pressing member 210 can be positioned closer to the upper surface of the sealing portion 11a than the lower surface of the upper sealing tool 110.

[0057] Furthermore, the upper sealing tool 110 may include a first space portion 111 and a first guide rod 112. For example, the first space portion 111 may be a groove formed in the front surface of the upper sealing tool 110 in a vertical direction. Exemplarily, the first guide rod 112 may be disposed in the first space portion 111 to extend in a vertical direction and may be configured as a straight member. For example, the first guide rod 112 may be in the form of a straight rod or a straight bar.

[0058] Additionally, the first upper pressing member 210 may include a first extension 211. For example, the first extension 211 may be formed by a portion of the upper surface of the first upper pressing member 210 protruding rearward and extending therethrough, and the first extension 211 may be provided with a first hole 211a having dimensions for allowing the first guide rod 112 of the upper sealing tool 110 to extend through it.

[0059] Furthermore, the first extension 211 of the first upper pressing member 210 can be configured to have dimensions that allow it to be inserted into the first space portion 111 of the upper sealing tool 110. Additionally, the first extension 211 of the first upper pressing member 210 and the first space portion 111 of the upper sealing tool 110 can be positioned corresponding to each other; therefore, the first guide rod 112 and the first hole 211a can also be positioned corresponding to each other.

[0060] Furthermore, the first hole 211a of the first upper pressing member 210 can be linearly engaged or mated with the first guide rod 112 of the upper sealing tool 110. Therefore, the first upper pressing member 210 can reciprocate within a linear movement segment guided by the first guide rod 112.

[0061] Furthermore, the sealing tool 100 may include an upper elastic unit 130, wherein the upper elastic unit 130 may include a first elastic member 131 inserted between the upper sealing tool 110 and the first upper pressing member 210. For example, the first elastic member 131 may be a spring member; however, the invention is not limited thereto.

[0062] Exemplarily, the first elastic member 131 may be disposed relative to the first guide rod 112. For example, the first elastic member 131 may be configured to surround the first guide rod 112 to apply an elastic restoring force to the first upper pressing member 210, which moves linearly along the first guide rod 112. This will be described in more detail below.

[0063] Next, the second upper pressing member 220 is connected to the rear of the upper sealing tool 110 and can be configured to press the sealing portion 11a before the upper sealing tool 110 moves downward. For example, the second upper pressing member 220 can be configured such that the lower surface of the second upper pressing member 220 is positioned below the lower surface of the upper sealing tool 110. In other words, the lower surface of the second upper pressing member 220 can be positioned closer to the upper surface of the sealing portion 11a than the lower surface of the upper sealing tool 110.

[0064] Furthermore, the upper sealing tool 110 may include a second space portion 113 and a second guide rod 114. For example, the second space portion 113 may be a groove formed in the rear surface of the upper sealing tool 110 in a vertical direction. Exemplarily, the second guide rod 114 may be disposed in the second space portion 113 to extend in a vertical direction and may be configured as a straight member. For example, the second guide rod 114 may be in the form of a straight rod or a straight bar.

[0065] Additionally, the second upper pressing member 220 may include a second extension 221. For example, the second extension 221 may be formed by a portion of the upper surface of the second upper pressing member 220 protruding forward and extending, and the second extension 221 may be provided with a second hole 221a having dimensions for extending the second guide rod 114 of the upper sealing tool 110 through it.

[0066] Furthermore, the second extension 221 of the second upper pressing member 220 can be configured to have dimensions that allow it to be inserted into the second space portion 113 of the upper sealing tool 110. Additionally, the second extension 221 of the second upper pressing member 220 and the second space portion 113 of the upper sealing tool 110 can be positioned corresponding to each other; therefore, the second guide rod 114 and the second hole 221a can also be positioned corresponding to each other.

[0067] Furthermore, the second hole 221a of the second upper pressing member 220 can be linearly engaged or mated with the second guide rod 114 of the upper sealing tool 110. Therefore, the second upper pressing member 220 can reciprocate within a linear movement segment guided by the second guide rod 114.

[0068] Furthermore, the upper elastic unit 130 may include a second elastic member 132 inserted between the upper sealing tool 110 and the second upper pressing member 220. For example, the second elastic member 132 may be a spring member; however, the invention is not limited thereto.

[0069] Exemplarily, the second elastic member 132 may be disposed relative to the second guide rod 114. For example, the second elastic member 132 may be configured to surround the second guide rod 114 to apply an elastic restoring force to the second upper pressing member 220, which moves linearly along the second guide rod 114. This will be described in more detail below.

[0070] in addition, Figure 6 This is a perspective view showing the lower sealing tool and the first lower pressing member in a device for sealing a pouch-shaped secondary battery casing according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing a lower sealing tool and a second lower pressing member in a device for sealing a pouch-shaped secondary battery casing according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The lower pressing unit 300 can be located in front of or behind the lower sealing tool 120. When in Figure 3 When the front is defined as the 3 o'clock direction and the rear is defined as the 9 o'clock direction, the lower pressing unit 300 may include a first lower pressing member 310 located in front of the lower sealing tool 120 and a second lower pressing member 320 located behind the lower sealing tool 120.

[0072] First, the first pressing member 310 can be positioned corresponding to the first upper pressing member 210. For example, the first pressing member 310 and the first upper pressing member 210 can be positioned corresponding to each other, such that when moved to press the sealing portion 11a, the first pressing member and the first upper pressing member apply pressure upward and downward to the sealing portion 11a, respectively.

[0073] Furthermore, the first pressing member 310 is connected to the front of the lower sealing tool 120 and can be configured to press the sealing portion 11a before the lower sealing tool 120 moves upward. For example, the first pressing member 310 can be configured such that its upper surface is positioned higher than the upper surface of the lower sealing tool 120. In other words, the upper surface of the first pressing member 310 can be positioned closer to the lower surface of the sealing portion 11a than the upper surface of the lower sealing tool 120.

[0074] Furthermore, the lower sealing tool 120 may include a third space portion 121 and a third guide rod 122. For example, the third space portion 121 may be a groove formed in the front surface of the lower sealing tool 120 in a vertical direction. Exemplarily, the third guide rod 122 may be disposed in the third space portion 121 to extend in a vertical direction and may be configured as a straight member. For example, the third guide rod 122 may be in the form of a straight rod or a straight bar.

[0075] Furthermore, the first pressing member 310 may include a third extension 311. For example, the third extension 311 may be formed by a portion of the upper surface of the first pressing member 310 protruding rearward and extending therefrom, and the third extension 311 may be provided with a third hole 311a having dimensions for allowing the third guide rod 122 of the lower sealing tool 120 to extend through it.

[0076] Furthermore, the third extension 311 of the first pressing member 310 can be configured to have dimensions that allow it to be inserted into the third space portion 121 of the lower sealing tool 120. Additionally, the third extension 311 of the first pressing member 310 and the third space portion 121 of the lower sealing tool 120 can be positioned corresponding to each other; therefore, the third guide rod 122 and the third hole 311a can also be positioned corresponding to each other.

[0077] Furthermore, the third hole 311a of the first pressing member 310 can be linearly engaged or mated with the third guide rod 122 of the lower sealing tool 120. Therefore, the first pressing member 310 can reciprocate within a linear movement segment guided by the third guide rod 122.

[0078] Furthermore, the sealing tool 100 may include a lower elastic unit 140, wherein the lower elastic unit 140 may include a third elastic member 141 inserted between the lower sealing tool 120 and the first lower pressing member 310. For example, the third elastic member 141 may be a spring member; however, the invention is not limited thereto.

[0079] Exemplarily, the third elastic member 141 may be disposed relative to the third guide rod 122. For example, the third elastic member 141 may be configured to surround the third guide rod 122 to apply an elastic restoring force to the first pressing member 310, which moves linearly along the third guide rod 122. This will be described in more detail below.

[0080] Next, the second lower pressing member 320, located behind the lower sealing tool 120, can be positioned corresponding to the second upper pressing member 220. For example, the second lower pressing member 320 and the second upper pressing member 220 can be positioned corresponding to each other, such that when moved to press the sealing portion 11a, the second lower pressing member and the second upper pressing member apply pressure upward and downward to the sealing portion 11a, respectively.

[0081] Furthermore, the second pressing member 320 of the pressing unit 300 can be configured to press the sealing portion 11a before the lower sealing tool 120 moves upward. For example, the second pressing member 320 can be configured such that its upper surface is positioned higher than the upper surface of the lower sealing tool 120. In other words, the upper surface of the second pressing member 320 can be positioned closer to the lower surface of the sealing portion 11a than the upper surface of the lower sealing tool 120.

[0082] Furthermore, the lower sealing tool 120 may include a fourth space portion 123 and a fourth guide rod 124. For example, the fourth space portion 123 may be a groove formed in the rear surface of the lower sealing tool 120 in a vertical direction. Exemplarily, the fourth guide rod 124 may be disposed in the fourth space portion 123 to extend in a vertical direction and may be configured as a straight member. For example, the fourth guide rod 124 may be in the form of a straight rod or a straight bar.

[0083] Furthermore, the second pressing member 320 may include a fourth extension 321. For example, the fourth extension 321 may be formed by a portion of the upper surface of the second pressing member 320 protruding forward and extending, and the fourth extension 321 may be provided with a fourth hole 321a having dimensions for allowing the fourth guide rod 124 of the lower sealing tool 120 to extend through it.

[0084] Furthermore, the fourth extension 321 of the second pressing member 320 can be configured to have dimensions that allow it to be inserted into the fourth space portion 123 of the lower sealing tool 120. Additionally, the fourth extension 321 of the second pressing member 320 and the fourth space portion 123 of the lower sealing tool 120 can be positioned corresponding to each other; therefore, the fourth guide rod 124 and the fourth hole 321a can also be positioned corresponding to each other.

[0085] Furthermore, the fourth hole 321a of the second pressing member 320 can be linearly engaged or mated with the fourth guide rod 124 of the lower sealing tool 120. Therefore, the second pressing member 320 can reciprocate within a linear movement segment guided by the fourth guide rod 124.

[0086] Furthermore, the lower elastic unit 140 may include a fourth elastic member 142 inserted between the lower sealing tool 120 and the second lower pressing member 320. For example, the fourth elastic member 142 may be a spring member; however, the invention is not limited thereto.

[0087] Exemplarily, the fourth elastic member 142 may be disposed relative to the fourth guide rod 124. For example, the fourth elastic member 142 may be configured to surround the fourth guide rod 124 to apply an elastic restoring force to the second pressing member 320, which moves linearly along the fourth guide rod 124.

[0088] Figure 8 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating the operation during the sealing process of an apparatus for sealing a pouch-shaped secondary battery casing according to a first embodiment of the present invention. (Refer to...) Figure 8 The method for sealing a pouch-shaped secondary battery casing using the above-mentioned sealing device includes: step (S1), positioning the sealing portion 11a of the pouch-shaped secondary battery casing between the upper sealing tool 110 and the lower sealing tool 120; step (S2), moving the upper sealing tool 110 and the lower sealing tool 120 in a direction facing each other; step (S3), pressing the sealing portion 11a using an upper pressing unit 200 provided at the upper sealing tool 110 and a lower pressing unit 300 provided at the lower sealing tool 120; and step (S4), pressing and heating the sealing portion 11a using the upper sealing tool 110 and the lower sealing tool 120 to seal the sealing portion 11a.

[0089] First, step (S1) involves positioning the sealing portion 11a of the secondary battery housing between the upper sealing tool 110 and the lower sealing tool 120 while the electrode assembly 12 is housed within the battery housing 11 and the electrode leads 13 are exposed to the outside. Figure 8 (a)).

[0090] In step (S2), the upper sealing tool 110 moves downward from the top, and the lower sealing tool 120 moves upward from the bottom. At this time, the upper pressing unit 200 can be connected to the upper sealing tool 110 to move downward together with it, and the lower pressing unit 300 can be connected to the lower sealing tool 120 to move upward together with it. Figure 8 (b)).

[0091] Specifically, when the upper pressing unit 200 moves downward through the upper sealing tool 110 and contacts the sealing part 11a, the upper pressing unit presses the sealing part 11a downward. When the lower pressing unit 300 moves upward through the lower sealing tool 120 and contacts the sealing part 11a, the lower pressing unit presses the sealing part 11a upward. Therefore, the upper pressing unit 200 and the lower pressing unit 300 can respectively apply downward pressure and upward pressure to the sealing part 11a.

[0092] In steps (S3) and (S4), when the upper pressing unit 200 and the lower pressing unit 300 apply downward and upward pressure respectively to the sealing portion 11a, the upper sealing tool 110 and the lower sealing tool 120 are moved until they contact the sealing portion 11a. After contact with the sealing portion 11a, the upper and lower sealing tools can apply pressure and heat downward and upward respectively to the sealing portion 11a to seal it. Figure 8 (c)).

[0093] The sealing method may further include step (S5) of moving the upper sealing tool 110 and the lower sealing tool 120 to their initial positions.

[0094] As described above, in the method for sealing a pouch-shaped secondary battery casing according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the sealing portion 11a of the pouch-shaped secondary battery casing 10 is pre-pressed using an upper pressing unit 200 provided in the upper sealing tool 110 and a lower pressing unit 300 provided in the lower sealing tool 120, thereby minimizing the wrinkles generated in the sealing portion 11a.

[0095] Figure 9 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating a device for sealing a pouch-shaped secondary battery casing according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing an upper sealing tool and a first upper pressing member in a device for sealing a pouch-shaped secondary battery casing according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0096] Except for the provision of a channel for spraying air toward the sealing portion 11a in at least one of the upper pressing unit and the lower pressing unit, the device for sealing a pouch-shaped secondary battery casing according to the second embodiment of the present invention is the same as the sealing device according to the first embodiment.

[0097] According to the second embodiment of the present invention, the device for sealing a pouch-shaped secondary battery casing can spray air toward the sealing portion 11a before the upper pressing unit 200 and the lower pressing unit 300 press the sealing portion 11a, thereby removing sealing wrinkles and foreign matter that may be generated during the sealing process and adhere to the sealing portion 11a.

[0098] Specifically, the first upper pressing member 210 may be provided with a first channel 212 through which air injected from the injection unit (not shown) passes. For example, the first channel 212 may be a channel extending from the upper surface to the lower surface of the first upper pressing member 210. When the injection unit located on the upper side of the first upper pressing member 210 injects air from the upper side of the first upper pressing member 210 toward the sealing portion 11a, this allows the air passing through the first channel 212 to be delivered to the sealing portion 11a.

[0099] Furthermore, the second upper pressing member 220 may be provided with a second channel 222 through which air injected from the injection unit (not shown) passes. For example, the second channel 222 may be a channel extending from the upper surface to the lower surface of the second upper pressing member 220. When the injection unit located on the upper side of the second upper pressing member 220 injects air from the upper side of the second upper pressing member 220 toward the sealing portion 11a, this allows the air passing through the second channel 222 to be delivered to the sealing portion 11a.

[0100] Furthermore, the first pressing member 310 may be provided with a third channel 312 through which air injected from the injection unit (not shown) passes. For example, the third channel 312 may be a channel extending from the lower surface to the upper surface of the first pressing member 310. When the injection unit located on the lower side of the first pressing member 310 injects air from the lower side of the first pressing member 310 toward the sealing portion 11a, this allows the air passing through the third channel 312 to be delivered to the sealing portion 11a.

[0101] Furthermore, the second pressing member 320 may be provided with a fourth channel 322 through which air injected from the injection unit passes. For example, the fourth channel 322 may be a channel extending from the lower surface to the upper surface of the second pressing member 320. When the injection unit located on the lower side of the second pressing member 320 injects air from the lower side of the second pressing member 320 toward the sealing portion 11a, this allows the air passing through the fourth channel 322 to be delivered to the sealing portion 11a.

[0102] Additionally, although not specifically shown in the figures, the injection unit can be configured as a pipe connected to the channel; however, the invention is not limited thereto. The injection unit can be configured using various techniques known to those skilled in the art, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0103] Figure 11 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating the operation during the sealing process of an apparatus for sealing a pouch-shaped secondary battery casing according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0104] Reference Figure 11 The method for sealing a pouch-shaped secondary battery casing according to the second embodiment may further include, between the step (S1) of positioning the sealing portion 11a of the pouch-shaped secondary battery casing between the upper sealing tool 110 and the lower sealing tool 120 and the step (S2) of moving the upper sealing tool 110 and the lower sealing tool 120 in a direction facing each other, a step of spraying air toward the sealing portion 11a through a channel formed in the upper pressing unit 200 or the lower pressing unit 300.

[0105] In other words, before the upper sealing tool 110 and the lower sealing tool 120 move in a direction facing each other, air can be sprayed toward the sealing portion 11a through the channels formed in the upper pressing unit 200 or the lower pressing unit 300.

[0106] Furthermore, the sealing method may further include, between the step (S2) of moving the upper sealing tool 110 and the lower sealing tool 120 in a direction facing each other and the step (S3) of pressing the sealing portion 11a using the upper pressing unit 200 provided on the upper sealing tool 110 and the lower pressing unit 300 provided on the lower sealing tool 120, the step of spraying air toward the sealing portion 11a through a channel formed in the upper pressing unit 200 or the lower pressing unit 300.

[0107] In other words, before the upper pressing unit 200 and the lower pressing unit 300 press the sealing portion 11a, air can be sprayed toward the sealing portion 11a through the channels formed in the upper pressing unit 200 or the lower pressing unit 300.

[0108] Although the specific details of the invention have been described in detail, those skilled in the art will understand that the detailed description only discloses preferred embodiments of the invention and therefore does not limit the scope of the invention. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope and technical spirit of the invention, and it will be apparent that such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0109] (Refer to the marking description)

[0110] 10: Secondary batteries

[0111] 11: Battery casing 11a: Sealed part

[0112] 12: Electrode assembly 13: Electrode leads

[0113] 100: Sealing tools

[0114] 110: Upper sealing tool

[0115] 111: First spatial section; 112: First guide rod

[0116] 113: Second Space Section 114: Second Guide Rod

[0117] 120: Lower sealing tool

[0118] 121: Third Space Section 122: Third Guide Rod

[0119] 123: Fourth Space Section 124: Fourth Guide Rod

[0120] 130: Upper elastic unit

[0121] 131: First elastic member; 132: Second elastic member

[0122] 140: Lower elastic element

[0123] 141: Third elastic member; 142: Fourth elastic member

[0124] 200: Upper pressing unit

[0125] 210: First upper pressing component

[0126] 211: First extension; 211a: First hole

[0127] 212: First Channel

[0128] 220: Second upper pressing component

[0129] 221: Second extension; 221a: Second hole

[0130] 222: Second Channel

[0131] 300: Downward pressing unit

[0132] 310: First pressing component

[0133] 311: Third extension; 311a: Third hole

[0134] 312: Third Channel

[0135] 320: Second pressing component

[0136] 321: Fourth extension; 321a: Fourth hole

[0137] 322: Fourth Channel.

Claims

1. An apparatus for sealing a pouch-shaped secondary battery casing, the apparatus comprising: A sealing tool, comprising an upper sealing tool and a lower sealing tool, wherein the upper sealing tool and the lower sealing tool are configured to contact each other with the sealing portion of the pouch-shaped secondary battery housing located therebetween, so as to press and heat the sealing portion to seal the sealing portion; An upper pressing unit is located in front of or behind the upper sealing tool; as well as A lower pressing unit is located in front of or behind the lower sealing tool.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the upper pressing unit includes a first upper pressing member located in front of the upper sealing tool, the first upper pressing member being configured to press the sealing portion before the upper sealing tool when the upper sealing tool moves downward.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the lower pressing unit includes a first lower pressing member located in front of the lower sealing tool, the first lower pressing member being configured to press the sealing portion before the lower sealing tool when the lower sealing tool moves upward.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein The upper pressing unit includes a second upper pressing member located behind the upper sealing tool. The second upper pressing member is configured to press the sealing portion before the upper sealing tool when the upper sealing tool moves downwards. The lower pressing unit includes a second lower pressing member located behind the lower sealing tool, the second lower pressing member being configured to press the sealing portion before the lower sealing tool when the lower sealing tool moves upward.

5. The device according to claim 3, further comprising: The injection unit is configured to inject air toward the sealing portion, wherein The first upper pressing member includes a first channel configured to allow air ejected from the injection unit to pass through it, and The first pressing member includes a third channel configured to allow air ejected from the injection unit to pass through it.

6. The device according to claim 4, further comprising: The injection unit is configured to inject air toward the sealing portion, wherein The second upper pressing member includes a second channel configured to allow air ejected from the injection unit to pass through it, and The second pressing member includes a fourth channel configured to allow air ejected from the injection unit to pass through it.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the sealing tool includes an upper elastic unit, the upper elastic unit being composed of a first elastic member inserted between the upper sealing tool and the first upper pressing member, or a second elastic member inserted between the upper sealing tool and the second upper pressing member.

8. The device according to claim 7, wherein in the initial state in which the lower surface of the upper sealing tool is positioned above the lower surface of the upper pressing unit, when the lower surface of the upper sealing tool moves to a position corresponding to the lower surface of the upper pressing unit, the upper elastic unit applies an elastic restoring force between the upper sealing tool and the upper pressing unit.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein the sealing tool includes a lower elastic unit, the lower elastic unit being composed of a third elastic member inserted between the lower sealing tool and the first lower pressing member, or a fourth elastic member inserted between the lower sealing tool and the second lower pressing member.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein in the initial state where the upper surface of the lower sealing tool is positioned below the upper surface of the lower pressing unit, when the upper surface of the lower sealing tool moves to a position corresponding to the upper surface of the lower pressing unit, the lower elastic unit applies an elastic restoring force between the lower sealing tool and the lower pressing unit.

11. A method for sealing a pouch-shaped secondary battery casing using the device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the method comprising: Step (S1): Position the sealing portion of the pouch-shaped secondary battery casing between the upper sealing tool and the lower sealing tool; Step (S2) involves moving the upper sealing tool and the lower sealing tool in a direction that faces each other. Step (S3): Press the sealing portion using the upper pressing unit provided at the upper sealing tool and the lower pressing unit provided at the lower sealing tool; as well as Step (S4): Press and heat the sealing portion using the upper sealing tool and the lower sealing tool to seal the sealing portion.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising, after step S4: Step (S5): Move the upper sealing tool and the lower sealing tool to their initial positions.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein in step S5, The upper pressing unit moves to its initial position by the elastic restoring force of the upper elastic unit inserted between the upper sealing tool and the upper pressing unit, and The lower pressing unit moves to its initial position by the elastic restoring force of the lower elastic unit inserted between the lower sealing tool and the lower pressing unit.

14. The method according to claim 11, further comprising the following steps between step S1 and S2: The step of spraying air toward the sealing portion through a channel formed in the upper pressing unit or the lower pressing unit.

15. The method according to claim 11, further comprising the following steps between step S2 and S3: The step of spraying air toward the sealing portion through a channel formed in the upper pressing unit or the lower pressing unit.

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