Battery manufacturing apparatus and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery manufacturing apparatus and method. The battery manufacturing apparatus includes: a can holder configured to contact and fix a can; a stack holder adjacent to one side of the can holder, the stack holder configured to fix a stack to be inserted into the can; and a stack pusher adjacent to the stack holder, the stack pusher configured to contact the stack and move the stack toward the can holder.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to battery manufacturing apparatus and methods. Background Technology

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, which cannot be recharged, secondary batteries can be repeatedly charged and discharged. Low-capacity secondary batteries can be used in small portable electronic devices such as smartphones, feature phones, laptops, digital cameras, and camcorders, while high-capacity secondary batteries can be used as power sources for motors in hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, etc., and as batteries for energy storage. Such secondary batteries may include electrode assemblies, cans for housing the electrode assemblies, stacked terminals connected to the electrode assemblies, etc., and the electrode assemblies include positive and negative electrodes.

[0003] The information disclosed in this background section is provided to enhance the understanding of the background of this disclosure, and therefore may contain information that does not constitute related (or prior art). Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect of the embodiments, a battery manufacturing apparatus is provided, the battery manufacturing apparatus comprising: a can holder configured to contact and secure a can; a stack holder disposed on one side of the can holder and configured to secure a stack inserted into the can; and a stack pusher configured to contact the stack and move the stack to the can.

[0005] The can may include a long can side facing each other and a short can side connected to the long can side and also facing each other, and the can holder may contact the long can side.

[0006] The stack may include a long stack side that contacts the stack holder and a short stack side that contacts the stack pusher.

[0007] The battery manufacturing apparatus may further include a projection guide disposed between the can holder and the stack holder and guides the stack to be inserted into the can.

[0008] The projection guide may include a plurality of projection guide rollers arranged to face each other, and the distance between the facing projection guide rollers may decrease from the stack holder to the can holder.

[0009] The can holder may include a fixed can holder part and a movable can holder part, wherein the movable can holder part is configured to face the fixed can holder part and move toward or away from the fixed can holder part.

[0010] The can holder may include a can fixing portion that fixes the fixed can holder portion, and further includes a can holder tight contact portion that moves the movable can holder portion toward the fixed can holder portion.

[0011] The stacking component holder may include a fixed stacking component holder portion and a movable stacking component holder portion, wherein the movable stacking component holder portion is configured to face the fixed stacking component holder portion and move toward or away from the fixed stacking component holder portion.

[0012] The stacking clamp may include a stacking fixing portion that fixes the fixed stacking clamp portion, and further includes a stacking clamp close contact portion that moves the movable stacking clamp portion toward the fixed stacking clamp portion.

[0013] The battery manufacturing apparatus may further include a stacking friction reduction section formed on the fixed stacking clamp section and the movable stacking clamp section and reducing the friction between the stacking clamp and the stacking.

[0014] The battery manufacturing apparatus may further include a foreign matter discharge section disposed between the can holder and the stack holder and for suctioning foreign matter detaching from the stack.

[0015] The foreign object ejector can generate negative pressure to suck up the foreign object.

[0016] The battery manufacturing apparatus may further include a stack support member disposed on the other side of the can holder and in contact with the stack inserted into the can to restrict movement of the stack.

[0017] The stack may include stack terminals, and the stack support may be spaced apart from the stack terminals and may contact the stack.

[0018] The stack may include stack terminals, and the stack pusher may be spaced apart from the stack terminals and may contact the stack.

[0019] According to another aspect of the embodiments, a battery manufacturing method is provided, the battery manufacturing method comprising: a can preparation operation, wherein a can is placed in a can holder; a stack preparation operation, wherein a stack is placed in a stack holder, the stack holder being disposed on one side of the can holder; and a stack insertion operation, wherein a stack pusher in contact with the stack is used to insert the stack into the can.

[0020] During the stack insertion operation, the stack can pass through a projection guide disposed between the can holder and the stack holder and guides the stack to be inserted into the can.

[0021] During the stack insertion operation, foreign objects detached from the stack can be suctioned out through the foreign object discharge section provided between the can holder and the stack holder.

[0022] During the stack insertion operation, a stack support located on the other side of the can holder can contact the stack inserted into the can to restrict the movement of the stack.

[0023] During the stack insertion operation, the stack can contact the stack friction reduction part provided in the stack holder to reduce the friction between the stack and the stack holder. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Features will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0025] Figure 1 This is a plan view illustrating a battery manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a front view illustrating a battery manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a side view illustrating the projection guide at a first time point according to an embodiment;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a side view illustrating the projection guide at a second time point according to an embodiment;

[0029] Figure 5 This is a plan view illustrating a battery manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment in which a can has not yet been provided;

[0030] Figure 6 This is a plan view illustrating a battery manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment, wherein a can is provided;

[0031] Figure 7 This is a plan view illustrating a battery manufacturing apparatus in which stacked components are being assembled according to an embodiment;

[0032] Figure 8 This is a plan view illustrating a battery manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment, in which stacked components are being inserted into a can;

[0033] Figure 9This is a plan view illustrating a battery manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment, wherein the stacked components are fully inserted into the can;

[0034] Figure 10 This is a plan view illustrating a first example of a clamping contact portion connected to each of the can clamp and the stack clamp according to an embodiment;

[0035] Figure 11 This is a plan view illustrating a second example of a clamping contact portion connected to each of the can clamp and the stack clamp according to an embodiment;

[0036] Figure 12 This is a side view illustrating a second example of a clamping contact portion connected to each of the can clamp and the stack clamp according to an embodiment;

[0037] Figure 13 This is a plan view illustrating a first example of a stacking friction-reducing section provided in a stacking clamp according to an embodiment;

[0038] Figure 14 This is a side view illustrating a first example of a stacking friction-reducing section provided in a stacking clamp according to an embodiment;

[0039] Figure 15 This is a side view illustrating a second example of a stacking friction-reducing section provided in a stacking clamp according to an embodiment;

[0040] Figure 16 This is a plan view illustrating a third example of a stacking friction-reducing section provided in a stacking clamp according to an embodiment;

[0041] Figure 17 This is a side view illustrating a third example of a stacking friction-reducing section disposed in a stacking clamp according to an embodiment; and

[0042] Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a battery according to an embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Example embodiments will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, they may be implemented in different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey exemplary implementation methods to those skilled in the art.

[0044] In the accompanying drawings, the dimensions of layers and regions may be exaggerated for clarity of illustration. It will also be understood that when a layer or element is referred to as "on" another layer or substrate, it may be directly on the other layer or substrate, or an intervening layer may be present. Furthermore, it will be understood that when a layer is referred to as "between" two layers, it may be the only layer between the two layers, or one or more intervening layers may be present. The same reference numerals always refer to the same elements.

[0045] It should also be understood that when an element or layer is described as "linked to," "connected to," or "attached to" another element or layer, it can be directly linked to, connected to, or attached to the other element or layer, or there may be one or more intermediary elements or layers. When an element or layer is described as "directly linked to," "directly connected to," or "directly attached to" another element or layer, there are no intermediary elements or layers. For example, when a first element is described as "attached" or "connected to" a second element, the first element can be directly attached to or connected to the second element, or the first element can be indirectly attached to or connected to the second element via one or more intermediary elements.

[0046] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Furthermore, the use of “may” in describing embodiments of this disclosure refers to “one or more embodiments of this disclosure.” Expressions such as “at least one of…” and “any one of…” modify the entire list of elements when following it, not individual elements in the list. When phrases such as “at least one of A, B, and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “at least one selected from the group of A, B, and C,” or “at least one selected from A, B, and C” are used to refer to a list of elements A, B, and C, the phrase may refer to any and all suitable combinations or subsets of A, B, and C, such as A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. As used herein, the term “use” may be considered synonymous with the term “utilize.” As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “approximately,” and similar terms are used as approximate terms rather than terms of degree and are intended to take into account the inherent variation in measured or calculated values ​​that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0047] It should be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or segment from another element, component, region, layer, or segment. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, the first element, component, region, layer, or segment discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or segment.

[0048] For ease of description, spatial relative terms (such as "below," "below," "down," "above," "up," etc.) are used herein to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another element or feature as shown in the figure. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation other than the orientation depicted in the figure. For example, if the device in the figure is flipped, an element described as "below" or "below" other elements or features would then be oriented as "above" or "upon" other elements or features. Therefore, the term "below" can encompass both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0049] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to be limiting of this disclosure. As used herein, the singular form “a” is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms “comprising” and / or “including” as used in this specification specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0050] Furthermore, any numerical ranges disclosed and / or enumerated herein are intended to include all subranges with the same numerical precision contained within the enumerated ranges. For example, the range “1.0 to 10.0” is intended to include all subranges between (and including) the enumerated minimum value of 1.0 and the enumerated maximum value of 10.0, i.e., a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as, for example, 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limit enumerated herein is intended to include all lower numerical limits contained therein, and any minimum numerical limit enumerated in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limits contained therein. Therefore, the applicant reserves the right to amend this specification, including the claims, to expressly enumerate any subranges contained within the scope expressly enumerated herein.

[0051] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc., as “identical” can mean that they are “substantially identical.” Therefore, the phrase “substantially identical” can include cases where the deviation is considered low in the art (e.g., 5% or less). Additionally, when a parameter is said to be consistent in a given region, this may mean that it is consistent in terms of average value.

[0052] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0053] When any element is described as being positioned (or located or positioned) "above (or below)" or "on (or below)" a component, this may mean that the element is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the component, and may also mean that another component may be located between the component and any element positioned (or located or positioned) on (or below) the component.

[0054] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, the phrase "A and / or B" means A, B, or A and B. That is, "and / or" includes any one or all combinations of the listed items. Unless otherwise indicated, the phrase "C to D" means C and below D.

[0055] Figure 1 This is a plan view illustrating a battery manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment, and Figure 2 This is a front view illustrating a battery manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment. Figure 3 This is a side view illustrating the projection guide at a first time point according to an embodiment, and Figure 4 This is a side view illustrating the projection guide at a second time point according to an embodiment.

[0056] refer to Figures 1 to 4 The battery manufacturing apparatus 1 will be described schematically.

[0057] The battery manufacturing apparatus 1 may include a can holder 10, a stack holder 20, and a stack pusher 30. The battery manufacturing apparatus 1 can insert stacks S into a can C. According to one embodiment, the battery manufacturing apparatus 1 can insert stacks S into a can C by positioning the stacks S in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the can C (e.g., along...). Figure 1 The stacked piece S is inserted into the tank C by moving it along the X-axis direction.

[0058] The term "stacked assembly S" can be defined as encompassing electrode assemblies implemented in a secondary battery. The stacked assembly S can be an electrode assembly having a core-type structure, a stacked structure (e.g., a type with a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator stacked), etc. The can C can be a housing (e.g., a container or bag that holds the stacked assembly S).

[0059] The can holder 10 can secure (e.g., fasten or hold) the can C. The can holder 10 can contact a first side and a second side of the can C to secure the can C (e.g., the can holder 10 can contact opposite sides of the can C to hold the can C securely).

[0060] The stack holder 20 can press the stack S. The stack holder 20 can contact the first and second sides of the stack S to secure the stack S (e.g., the stack holder 20 can contact the opposite sides of the stack S to firmly hold the stack S).

[0061] The stack pusher 30 can contact the stack S to move the stack S. The stack pusher 30 can contact the stack S and move the stack S toward the tank C (e.g., along). Figure 1 (The arrow extending in the X-axis direction). The stacked piece S can be inserted into the can C.

[0062] The battery manufacturing apparatus 1 may further include a projection guide (i.e., a projection guide member) 40, a foreign matter discharge section (e.g., a foreign matter discharge device) 50, and a stack support member 60.

[0063] A projection guide 40 may be disposed between the can holder 10 and the stack holder 20. The stack S can move through the projection guide 40. The projection guide 40 can guide the movement of the stack S. According to one embodiment, the projection guide 40 may contact the stack S to maintain the width of the stack S (e.g., width in the Y-axis direction) at a certain length or less. Accordingly, friction generated while the stack S is inserted into the can C can be minimized.

[0064] The foreign matter discharge section 50 can remove (e.g., suction or extraction) foreign matter detached from the stack S. The foreign matter discharge section 50 can be provided with an opening in which negative pressure is generated to remove foreign matter. The foreign matter discharge section 50 can be configured adjacent to the can holder 10 or disposed below the projection guide 40.

[0065] The stacking support 60 can be disposed on one side of the tank C (e.g., in the -X-axis direction) (e.g., the stacking support 60 can be disposed on the side of the tank C opposite to the stacking clamp 20). The stacking support 60 can contact the stacking component S inserted into the tank C to restrict the movement of the stacking component S (e.g., the stacking support 60 can contact the stacking component S to stop the movement of the stacking component S after it has been inserted into the tank C). Accordingly, the operator can position the stacking component S in the desired location within the tank C.

[0066] Can holder 10 can hold can C in place, and stack member holder 20 can press stack member S to align stack member S with can C. Stack member S, aligned with can C, can be moved toward and inserted into can C by stack member pusher 30. Stack member S, moved by stack member pusher 30, can pass through projection guide 40 disposed between can holder 10 and stack member holder 20, and projection guide 40 can contact stack member S to maintain the width of stack member S (e.g., width in the Y-axis direction) at a set length or less. Stack member S, passing through projection guide 40, can be inserted into can C. Foreign objects detached from stack member S can be removed by foreign object discharge section 50. Stack member S inserted into can C can contact stack member support 60, and movement of stack member S can be restricted.

[0067] Using the battery manufacturing apparatus 1 described above, damage to the stack S can be minimized, and battery cells with a low failure rate can be manufactured.

[0068] The detailed structure of the battery manufacturing apparatus 1 will be described below.

[0069] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The can holder 10 may include a fixed can holder part (e.g., a fixed can holder or a stationary holder) 110, a movable can holder part (e.g., a movable can holder) 120, and a can fixing part (e.g., a can fixing device) 130.

[0070] The fixed can holder portion 110 can be fixed (e.g., stationary) in a set position. The movable can holder portion 120 can move relative to the fixed can holder portion 110. According to one embodiment, the movable can holder portion 120 can move along... Figure 1 The movable can holder 120 moves along the Y-axis, and the distance between the fixed can holder 110 and the movable can holder 120 in the Y-axis direction can change as the movable can holder 120 moves.

[0071] The can fixing part 130 can fix the can clamping part 110. The can fixing part 130 can be fixed in a set position and can be connected to the can clamping part 110. When the can fixing part 130 and the can clamping part 110 are connected, the can clamping part 110 can be fixed to the can fixing part 130.

[0072] Can C can be positioned between the fixed can holder section 110 and the movable can holder section 120. Figure 1 Can C can be formed into a roughly hexahedral shape. When viewed along the Z-axis, can C can have a roughly quadrilateral shape.

[0073] Can C may include a long can side CL formed to be longer than the short can side CS. According to one embodiment, can C may include a long can side CL positioned facing each other and a short can side CS connected to the long can side CL and positioned facing each other. For example, refer to... Figures 1 to 4 The long tank side CL can extend in the X-axis direction, and the short tank side CS can extend perpendicularly to the long tank side CL in the Y-axis direction.

[0074] The long can side CL can contact the can holder 10. According to one embodiment, the opposing long can sides CL can contact the fixed can holder portion 110 and the movable can holder portion 120, respectively. When the long can side CL contacts the fixed can holder portion 110 and the movable can holder portion 120, the can C can be fixed to the can holder 10. For example, the movable can holder portion 120 can move toward the fixed can holder portion 110 to hold (e.g., press) the can C between them, so that the can C can be fixed in a stationary state by the can holder 10.

[0075] The stacking clamp 20 may be configured to be adjacent to the can clamp 10 (e.g., located on one side of the can clamp 10). The stacking clamp 20 may include a fixed stacking clamp portion (e.g., a fixed or stationary stacking clamp) 210, a movable stacking clamp portion (e.g., a movable stacking clamp) 220, and a stacking fixing portion (e.g., a stacking fixer) 230.

[0076] The fixed stacking component holder 210 can be fixed in a set position. The movable stacking component holder 220 can move relative to the fixed stacking component holder 210. For example, according to one embodiment, the movable stacking component holder 220 can move in the Y-axis direction, and as the movable stacking component holder 220 moves, the distance between the fixed stacking component holder 210 and the movable stacking component holder 220 can change.

[0077] The stacking component fixing part 230 can fix the stacking component clamping part 210. The stacking component fixing part 230 can be fixed to a set position and connected to the stacking component clamping part 210. When the stacking component fixing part 230 and the stacking component clamping part 210 are connected, the stacking component clamping part 210 can be fixed to the stacking component fixing part 230.

[0078] The stack member S can be disposed between the fixed stack member holder 210 and the movable stack member holder 220. The stack member S can be provided in a generally hexahedral shape. When viewed in the Z-axis direction, the stack member S can have a generally quadrilateral shape.

[0079] The stack S may include a long stack side SL formed to be longer than the length of the short stack side SS. According to one embodiment, the stack S may include long stack sides SL positioned facing each other and short stack sides SS connected to the long stack sides SL and positioned facing each other. (See reference...) Figures 1 to 4 The long stack side SL can extend in the X-axis direction, and the short stack side SS can extend perpendicularly to the long stack side SL in the Y-axis direction.

[0080] The long stack side SL can contact the stack holder 20. According to one embodiment, the long stack side SL can contact both the fixed stack holder portion 210 and the movable stack holder portion 220. When the long stack side SL contacts the fixed stack holder portion 210 and the movable stack holder portion 220, the stack S can be secured to the stack holder 20. For example, the movable stack holder portion 220 can move toward the fixed stack holder portion 210 to hold (e.g., press) the stack S, such that the width of the stack S (e.g., the width in the Y-axis direction) can be maintained less than the distance between the fixed stack holder portion 210 and the movable stack holder portion 220.

[0081] The stack pusher 30 may be disposed on one side of the stack holder 20 (e.g., one side in the X-axis direction). The stack pusher 30 may contact the stack S to move the stack S in one direction (e.g., the X-axis direction). According to one embodiment, the stack pusher 30 may move the stack S inside the stack holder 20 toward the can C inside the can holder 10. The stack pusher 30 may not contact (e.g., directly contact) the stack terminal ST disposed on the stack S (e.g., disposed in the central region of the stack S facing the stack pusher 30), but may contact (e.g., directly contact) other parts of the stack S and may move the stack S. Since the stack pusher 30 and the stack terminal ST do not contact each other (e.g., directly contact), the stack terminal ST may not be damaged.

[0082] For details, please refer to Figure 2 The stacker pusher 30 may include a stacker pusher body 300, a first stacker pressing portion 310, and a second stacker pressing portion 320. For example, the stacker pusher body 300 may extend between the first stacker pressing portion 310 and the second stacker pressing portion 320 to define a "C" shape. The stacker pusher body 300 may contact the stack S. Note that... Figure 2As shown in the side view, the stack S protrudes above the movable stack holder portion 220, and both the first stack pressing portion 310 and the second stack pressing portion 320 of the stack pusher 30 are in contact with the stack S (i.e., the first stack pressing portion 310 is in contact with the stack S behind the movable stack holder portion 220).

[0083] According to one embodiment, the first stack member pressing portion 310 and the second stack member pressing portion 320 can contact the stack member S. The first stack member pressing portion 310 and the second stack member pressing portion 320 can be spaced apart from the stack member terminal ST and can contact the portion of the stack member S other than the stack member terminal ST. According to one embodiment, when the stack member pusher body 300 is configured to contact the stack member S with the first stack member pressing portion 310 and the second stack member pressing portion 320, the stack member terminal ST is located between the first stack member pressing portion 310 and the second stack member pressing portion 320 (e.g., in...). Figure 2 In this configuration, the stack terminal ST extends from the stack S behind the movable stack holder 220. Therefore, since the stack pusher body 300 contacts the stack S through the first stack pressing part 310 and the second stack pressing part 320, the possibility of damage to the stack S and the possibility of damage to the stack terminal ST can be reduced.

[0084] The projection guide 40 can be disposed between the can holder 10 and the stack member holder 20, and can guide the movement of the stack member S. The projection guide 40 is movable, can be disposed between the can holder 10 and the stack member holder 20, and can be used in the manufacturing process.

[0085] For details, please refer to Figure 3 The projection guide 40 may include a projection guide body 400 and a projection guide roller 410. The projection guide body 400 may include an opening (e.g., the projection guide body 400 may have a cross-section of Π), and the stack S can move through the opening (e.g., the stack S can move between the legs of Π). When the stack S moves through the opening formed in the projection guide body 400, the stack S may contact the projection guide body 400. When the stack S contacts the projection guide body 400, the direction of movement of the stack S can be restricted, and the projection guide body 400 can guide the movement of the stack S. For example, according to one embodiment, the projection guide body 400 can guide the stack S to move in the X-axis direction (e.g., away from the X-axis). Figure 3 (The page in the middle).

[0086] The projection guide roller 410 can rotate (e.g., rotate about its own axis) while in contact with the stack S. Accordingly, friction between the projection guide roller 410 and the stack S can be minimized, and damage to the stack S can be minimized. The projection guide roller 410 can be disposed in an opening formed in the projection guide body 400. Reference will be made below. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The projection guide roller 410 is described in more detail.

[0087] refer to Figure 1 The foreign matter discharge section 50 can be disposed between the can holder 10 and the stack holder 20, and can remove foreign matter generated during the battery manufacturing process. Accordingly, the failure rate of batteries manufactured by the battery manufacturing apparatus 1 can be reduced.

[0088] The foreign matter discharge section 50 can be provided as an opening and can generate negative pressure (e.g., the foreign matter discharge section 50 can be a vacuum pump). Because the foreign matter discharge section 50 generates negative pressure, foreign matter generated during the battery manufacturing process can be moved to the foreign matter discharge section 50. The foreign matter discharge section 50 can be disposed below the can C and / or the stack S (e.g., in the -Z axis direction).

[0089] The foreign object discharge section 50 can remove foreign objects that have detached from the stack S. According to one embodiment, the foreign object discharge section 50 can be disposed below the projection guide section 40, and can remove foreign objects that have detached from the stack S while the stack S passes through the projection guide section 40.

[0090] The stacking support 60 can be disposed on the side of the can holder 10 opposite to the stacking holder 20 (e.g., in...). Figure 1 (The stack member S is located relative to the can holder 10 in the -X-axis direction). A stack member support 60 may be disposed on the other side of the can holder 10 and may contact the stack member S. Thus, the stack member S may contact the stack member support 60, thereby restricting movement of the stack member S in one direction (e.g., the -X-axis direction). In one embodiment, the stack member support 60 may contact the stack member S to restrict movement of the stack member S beyond a predetermined point within the can C.

[0091] When the stack support 60 contacts the stack S and the movement of the stack S in one direction (e.g., the -X-axis direction) is restricted, the stack S can be positioned as desired by the worker in the tank C. Accordingly, the degree of completion of the battery manufactured by the battery manufacturing apparatus 1 can be improved.

[0092] refer to Figure 2The stacking support 60 may include a stacking support body 600, a first stacking support portion 610, and a second stacking support portion 620. The stacking support body 600 may extend between the first stacking support portion 610 and the second stacking support portion 620 to define a "C" shape.

[0093] The stack support body 600 can contact the stack S. According to one embodiment, a first stack support portion 610 and a second stack support portion 620 can contact the stack S. The first stack support portion 610 and the second stack support portion 620 can be spaced apart from the stack terminal ST and can contact the portion of the stack S other than the stack terminal ST. According to one embodiment, when the stack support body 600 is configured to contact the stack S with the first stack support portion 610 and the second stack support portion 620, the stack terminal ST is located between the first stack support portion 610 and the second stack support portion 620. Therefore, since the stack support body 600 contacts the stack S through the first stack support portion 610 and the second stack support portion 620, the possibility of damage to the stack S and the possibility of damage to the stack terminal ST can be reduced.

[0094] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The detailed structure of the projection guide 40 will be described below. Figure 3 and Figure 4 Examples along Figure 1 Cross-sectional views of lines III-III and IV-IV in the diagram.

[0095] The projection guide 40 may include a projection guide opening 401 formed in the projection guide body 400. The stack member S can be moved through the projection guide opening 401 formed in the projection guide body 400. According to one embodiment, the stack member S can be moved by the stack member pusher 30, can pass through the projection guide opening 401, and can be inserted into the can C.

[0096] The stack member S may include a stack member contact portion SC that contacts the stack member pusher 30 and / or the stack member support 60. According to one embodiment, the stack member contact portion SC may contact the first stack member pressing portion 310 and / or the second stack member pressing portion 320 of the stack member pusher 30, or the first stack member support portion 610 and / or the second stack member support portion 620 of the stack member support 60.

[0097] The stack contact portion SC protects the stack S. The stack contact portion SC can be provided in a plate shape. Since the stack contact portion SC is provided on the stack S and contacts the stack pusher 30 and / or the stack support 60, damage to the stack S can be prevented.

[0098] The projection guide roller 410 can be disposed in the projection guide body 400. Since the projection guide roller 410 can rotate (e.g., rotate about its own axis), the friction between the projection guide roller 410 and the stack S can be minimized.

[0099] The projection guide roller 410 can contact the stack S passing through the projection guide opening 401 to adjust the width of the stack S (e.g., in the Y-axis direction). According to one embodiment, when the stack S contacts the projection guide roller 420, the width of the stack S (e.g., in the Y-axis direction) can be maintained at a set value or less. According to another embodiment, the width of the stack S can be maintained to have a value corresponding to the width of the can C (e.g., in the Y-axis direction).

[0100] The projection guide roller 410 can be provided as a plurality of projection guide rollers 410. The plurality of projection guide rollers 410 can be configured to face each other. (e.g., in the Y-axis direction) The distance between the facing projection guide rollers 410 can be reduced from the stack holder 20 toward the can holder 10 (e.g., along the -X-axis direction).

[0101] According to one embodiment, the projection guide roller 410 may include a projection guide first roller 411 and a projection guide second roller 412. The projection guide first roller 411 may be configured to be closer to the stack holder 20 (e.g., along the X-axis direction) than the projection guide second roller 412. Since the projection guide first roller 411 is configured to be closer to the stack holder 20 than the projection guide second roller 412, the stack S moving from the stack holder 20 to the can holder 10 may first contact the projection guide first roller 411 and then contact the projection guide second roller 411.

[0102] The projection guide first roller 411 can be provided as a plurality of projection guide first rollers 411. According to one embodiment, the projection guide first rollers 411 can be arranged to face each other in the projection guide opening 401.

[0103] The projection guide second roller 412 can be provided as a plurality of projection guide second rollers 412. According to one embodiment, the projection guide second rollers 412 can be arranged to face each other in the projection guide opening 401.

[0104] For example, refer to Figure 4The distance between opposing projection guide first rollers 411 (e.g., in the Y-axis direction) can be provided to be greater than the distance between opposing projection guide second rollers 412 (e.g., in the Y-axis direction) (e.g., the width of each projection guide first roller 411 in the Y-axis direction can be less than the width of each projection guide second roller 412 in the Y-axis direction). Accordingly, the width of the stack S disposed between the projection guide first rollers 411 (e.g., in the Y-axis direction) can be provided to be greater than the width of the stack S disposed between the projection guide second rollers 412 (e.g., in the Y-axis direction). The width of the stack S can be reduced through the projection guide rollers 410 while passing through the projection guide section 40.

[0105] As described above, since the width of the stack S decreases as it passes through the projection guide 40, the stack S can be easily inserted into the can C. Furthermore, the amount of foreign matter detaching from the stack S can be reduced.

[0106] Figure 5 This is a plan view illustrating a battery manufacturing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment where the cans are not yet installed (i.e., both the can holder 10 and the stacking clamp 20 are empty). Figure 6 This is a plan view illustrating a battery manufacturing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment, wherein a can C is disposed in a can holder 10, and Figure 7 This is a plan view illustrating a battery manufacturing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment, wherein a stack S is disposed in a stack holder 20. Figure 8 This is a plan view illustrating a battery manufacturing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment, wherein the stacked component S moves from the stacked component holder 20 toward the can C, and Figure 9 This is a plan view illustrating a battery manufacturing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment, wherein the stacked components S are fully inserted into the can C.

[0107] exist Figures 5 to 9 In the battery manufacturing apparatus 1, there are can holders 10, fixed can holders 110, movable can holders 120, can fixing parts 130, stacking clamps 20, fixed stacking clamps 210, movable stacking clamps 220, stacking fixing parts 230, stacking pushers 30, stacking pusher bodies 300, first stacking pressing parts 310, second stacking pressing parts 320, projection guides 40, projection guide bodies 400, foreign matter discharge parts 50, stacking support members 60, stacking support bodies 600, first stacking support parts 610, second stacking support parts 620, cans C and stacking parts S, and so on. Figures 1 to 4 The same as in the previous text. Accordingly, descriptions of the same parts will be omitted.

[0108] refer to Figures 5 to 9 The process of manufacturing a battery using battery manufacturing apparatus 1 will be described.

[0109] refer to Figure 5 The stacking support 60, can holder 10, projection guide 40, stacking holder 20, and stacking pusher 30 can be arranged sequentially in one direction (e.g., in the X-axis direction). A foreign matter discharge section 50 can be disposed between the can holder 10 and the stacking holder 20. The projection guide 40 can be disposed above (e.g., in the +Z-axis direction) or adjacent to (e.g., in the X-axis direction) the foreign matter discharge section 50.

[0110] refer to Figure 6 Can C can be disposed in can holder 10. According to one embodiment, can C can be disposed between fixed can holder portion 110 and movable can holder portion 120. Movable can holder portion 120 can move (along the arrow) toward fixed can holder portion 110 until can C contacts (e.g., directly contacts) both fixed can holder portion 110 and movable can holder portion 120 to be secured to can holder 10.

[0111] The stack support 60 can be disposed on one side of the can C (e.g., in the -X-axis direction), on the short can side CS of the can C. The stack support 60 can contact the stack S inserted into the can C to restrict the movement of the stack S in one direction (e.g., the -X-axis direction).

[0112] The projection guide 40 may be disposed on the other side of the can C (e.g., in the +X axis direction) (e.g., so that the projection guide 40 and the stack support 60 are located at opposite ends of the can holder 10 with the can C along the X axis direction). The projection guide 40 may contact the moving stack S to adjust the width of the stack S (e.g., in the Y axis direction). According to one embodiment, the stack S passing through the projection guide 40 may contact the projection guide 40, thereby reducing the width of the stack S.

[0113] The projection guide 40 can be positioned above the foreign object discharge section 50 (e.g., in the +Z axis direction), and foreign objects detached from the stack S passing through the projection guide 40 can be moved to the foreign object discharge section 50. Since a negative pressure is formed in the foreign object discharge section 50, the foreign object discharge section 50 can remove foreign objects or other foreign objects detached from the stack S.

[0114] refer to Figure 7The stacked component S can be disposed in the stacked component holder 20. According to one embodiment, the stacked component S can be disposed between a fixed stacked component holder portion 210 and a movable stacked component holder portion 220. The movable stacked component holder portion 220 can move toward the fixed stacked component holder portion 210, so that the stacked component S can contact both the fixed stacked component holder portion 210 and the movable stacked component holder portion 220, and the width of the stacked component S (e.g., in the Y-axis direction) can be adjusted by the stacked component holder 20. The stacked component S can be fixed by the stacked component holder 20 and can be moved toward the projection guide portion 40 by the stacked component pusher 30 (in contact with the stacked component S). For example, see reference... Figure 7 The space in the Y-axis direction between the movable stacking clamp part 220 and the fixed stacking clamp part 210 (i.e., where the stacking part S is fixed) can be aligned with the space in the Y-axis direction between the movable can clamp part 120 and the fixed can clamp part 110 (i.e., where the can C is fixed).

[0115] refer to Figure 8 As the stack pusher 30 moves and contacts the stack S, the stack S can be pushed toward the projection guide 40 and can pass through the projection guide 40 to be inserted into the can C in the can holder 10. The stack pusher body 300 can contact the stack S. According to one embodiment, the first stack pressing portion 310 and the second stack pressing portion 320 of the stack pusher 30 can contact the stack S, and the stack contact portion SC provided on the stack S can contact the first stack pressing portion 310 and the second stack pressing portion 320. Accordingly, the stack terminal ST provided on the stack S can be protected from damage.

[0116] The stack S can be moved by the stack pusher 30 and can pass through the projection guide 40, and the width of the stack S (e.g., in the Y-axis direction) can decrease as the stack S passes through the projection guide 40. The stack S can contact the projection guide roller 410 while passing through the projection guide 40. The stack S can sequentially contact the first projection guide roller 411 and the second projection guide roller 412, thereby reducing the width of the stack S.

[0117] The stack S, passing through the projection guide 40, can be inserted into the can C. According to one embodiment, the short stack side SS of the stack S can move toward the short can side CS of the can C. The stack S can move and be inserted into the can C in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the can C (e.g., the X-axis direction).

[0118] The stack S inserted into the container C can contact a stack support 60 located on one side of the container C (e.g., in the -X-axis direction). According to one embodiment, the stack S can contact a stack support body 600. A stack contact portion SC located on the stack S can contact a first stack support portion 610 and / or a second stack support portion 620. Accordingly, the stack terminals ST located on the stack S can remain undamaged. The process of inserting the stack S into the container C can be completed when the stack S contacts the stack support 60.

[0119] refer to Figure 9 When the process of inserting the stacked component S into the can C is completed, the movable can holder 120 moves to increase the distance between the fixed can holder 110 and the movable can holder 120. According to one embodiment, the movable can holder 120 can move in one direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction).

[0120] Additionally, the stacking support 60 can be moved away from the tank C. According to one embodiment, the stacking support 60 can be moved in one direction (e.g., the -X-axis direction).

[0121] Additionally, the stacking pusher 30 can move away from the tank C. According to one embodiment, the stacking pusher 30 can move in one direction (e.g., the +X axis direction).

[0122] Additionally, the projection guide 40 can move away from the tank C. According to one embodiment, the projection guide 40 can move in one direction (e.g., the +X axis direction).

[0123] Additionally, the movable stacking component holder 220 can be moved to increase the distance between the fixed stacking component holder 210 and the movable stacking component holder 220. According to one embodiment, the movable stacking component holder 220 can move in one direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction).

[0124] exist Figures 5 to 9 In the process shown, the battery manufacturing apparatus 1 is able to insert the stacked components S into the can C while minimizing damage to the can C and / or the stacked components S. Accordingly, the batteries manufactured by the battery manufacturing apparatus 1 can have high finish, low failure rate, and improved durability.

[0125] Figure 10 This is a plan view illustrating a first example of a clamping contact portion connected to each of the can clamp and the stack clamp according to an embodiment. Figure 11 This is a plan view illustrating a second example of the clamping contact portion connected to each of the can clamp and the stack clamp according to an embodiment, and Figure 12This is a side view illustrating a second example of a clamping contact portion connected to each of the can clamp and the stack clamp according to an embodiment.

[0126] exist Figures 10 to 12 middle, Figures 10 to 12 The examples shown include the fixed can holder 110, the movable can holder 120, the can fixing part 130, the fixed stacking part holder 210, the movable stacking part holder 220, and the stacking part fixing part 230. Figures 1 to 9 The fixed can holder 110, movable can holder 120, can fixing part 130, fixed stacking part holder 210, movable stacking part holder 220 and stacking part fixing part 230 illustrated herein are the same. Accordingly, descriptions of the same parts will be omitted.

[0127] refer to Figures 10 to 12 The clamping contact portion 70 can be provided on the can holder 10 and / or the stacking component holder 20, and the fixing force of the can holder 10 on the can C and / or the fixing force of the stacking component holder 20 on the stacked component S can be adjusted. The clamping contact portion 70 may include a can clamping contact portion 71 provided on the can holder 10 and a stacking component holder clamping contact portion 72 provided on the stacking component holder 20. If a sub-component of the clamping contact portion 70 is provided on the can holder 10, a can clamping contact portion 71 can be formed, and if a sub-component is provided on the stacking component holder 20, a stacking component holder clamping contact portion 72 can be formed. Reference will be made below. Figures 10 to 12 Describes a sub-component of the clamping contact portion 70.

[0128] refer to Figure 10 The clamping contact portion 70 may include a tight contact clamping portion 701. The tight contact clamping portion 701 may be disposed on the can clamping portion 10 and / or the stacking portion clamping portion 20. The tight contact clamping portion 701 may include a tight contact track 7011 and a tight contact clamping body 7012.

[0129] The close-contact track 7011 can be arranged in a direction parallel to the direction of the movement path of the movable can holder 120, which moves relative to the fixed can holder 110 (e.g., the Y-axis direction). The close-contact clamp body 7012 can be connected to the movable can holder 120 and the close-contact track 7011. The close-contact clamp body 7012 can move along the close-contact track 7011, and the movable can holder 120 connected to the close-contact clamp body 7012 can move along the close-contact track 7011.

[0130] The close contact clamp body 7012 can be fixed in a position relative to the close contact track 7011. Accordingly, the distance from the movable can holder part 120 to the fixed can holder part 110 can be changed, and the movable can holder part 120 can be fixed in a set position.

[0131] The structure of the close contact clamping part 701 provided on the can holder 10 is the same as the structure of the close contact clamping part 701 provided on the stacking part holder 20. Accordingly, the description of the close contact clamping part 701 provided on the fixed stacking part holder 210 and the movable stacking part holder 220 of the stacking part holder 20 will be omitted.

[0132] refer to Figure 11 and Figure 12 The clamping contact portion 70 may include a resilient tight contact portion 702 disposed in the can clamp 10 and / or the stack clamp 20. The resilient tight contact portion 702 may include a fixed resilient tight contact portion 7021, a movable resilient tight contact portion 7022, and a resilient tight contact pressing portion (e.g., a presser) 7023.

[0133] The elastic, tight-contact pressing part 7023 can connect the fixed can holder part 110 and the movable can holder part 120. The elastic, tight-contact pressing part 7023 can generate tension, which can cause the movable can holder part 120 to move toward the fixed can holder part 110. Can C can be disposed between the fixed can holder part 110 and the movable can holder part 120, and even if the fixed can holder part 110 and the movable can holder part 120 are spaced apart from each other, the movable can holder part 120 can still press against the fixed can holder part 110 via the elastic, tight-contact pressing part 7023.

[0134] The resilient, tight-contact pressing portion 7023 can be provided as a resilient component, for example, it can include a tension-generating component. For example, the resilient, tight-contact pressing portion 7023 can be a spring.

[0135] The elastic tight contact pressing part 7023 can be connected to the fixed elastic tight contact part 7021 connected to the fixed can holder part 110 and the movable elastic tight contact part 7022 connected to the movable can holder part 120. Accordingly, the elastic tight contact pressing part 7023 can be used to reduce the distance between the fixed elastic tight contact part 7021 and the movable elastic tight contact part 7022.

[0136] The positions of the fixed elastic tight contact portion 7021 and the movable elastic tight contact portion 7022 can be implemented differently. For example, the fixed elastic tight contact portion 7021 can be provided below the fixed can holder portion 110 (e.g., in the -Z axis direction), and the movable elastic tight contact portion 7022 can be provided below the movable can holder portion 120 (e.g., in the -Z axis direction).

[0137] The structure of the elastic tight contact portion 702 provided on the can holder 10 is the same as the structure of the elastic tight contact portion 702 provided on the stacker holder 20. Therefore, the description of the structure of the elastic tight contact portion 702 provided on the fixed stacker holder portion 210 and the movable stacker holder portion 220 of the stacker holder 20 will be omitted.

[0138] Figure 13 This is a plan view illustrating a first example of a stacking friction-reducing section provided in a stacking clamp according to an embodiment. Figure 14 This is a side view illustrating a first example of a stacking friction-reducing section provided in a stacking clamp according to an embodiment. Figure 15 This is a side view illustrating a second example of a stacking friction-reducing section provided in a stacking clamp according to an embodiment. Figure 16 This is a plan view illustrating a third example of a stacking friction-reducing section provided in a stacking clamp according to an embodiment, and Figure 17 This is a side view illustrating a third example of a stacking friction reduction section provided in a stacking clamp according to an embodiment.

[0139] Figures 13 to 17 The fixed stacking component clamping part 210, the movable stacking component clamping part 220, and the stacking component fixing part 230 illustrated in the figure are... Figures 1 to 12 The fixed stacking component holder 210, the movable stacking component holder 220, and the stacking component fixing part 230 illustrated herein are identical. Accordingly, descriptions of identical components will be omitted.

[0140] refer to Figures 13 to 17 A stacking component friction-reducing section (e.g., a stacking component friction reducer) 240 may be disposed in the stacking component holder 20 and may reduce the friction between the stacking component S and the stacking component holder 20. The stacking component friction-reducing section 240 may include different structures, such as a stacking component friction-reducing surface 241, an uneven stacking component friction-reducing section 242, and / or a stacking component friction-reducing roller section 243.

[0141] For example, refer to Figure 13 and Figure 14The anti-friction surface 241 of the stacked components can be provided in the stacked component holder 20. The anti-friction surface 241 can be provided on each of the fixed stacked component holder portion 210 and the movable stacked component holder portion 220 (for example, the anti-friction surface 241 can continuously cover the entirety of each of the mutually facing surfaces of the fixed stacked component holder portion 210 and the movable stacked component holder portion 220). The anti-friction surface 241 provided on the fixed stacked component holder portion 210 and the movable stacked component holder portion 220 can be configured to face each other.

[0142] The anti-friction surface 241 of the stack can be disposed on both sides of the stack S (e.g., in the +Y axis direction and the -Y axis direction) and can be in contact with the stack S. The anti-friction surface 241 of the stack can include a material that generates a small amount of friction with the stack S, such as polytetrafluoroethylene, polypropylene agglomerates and polyamide agglomerates.

[0143] In another example, refer to Figure 15 An uneven stacking friction-reducing portion 242 can be provided in the stacking clamp 20. The uneven stacking friction-reducing portion 242 can be provided on the fixed stacking clamp portion 210 and the movable stacking clamp portion 220, and can contact the stacked component S. The uneven stacking friction-reducing portion 242 can be provided with an uneven shape to reduce the contact area between the stacking clamp 20 and the stacked component S. Since the contact area between the stacking clamp 20 and the stacked component S is reduced due to the uneven stacking friction-reducing portion 242, the friction generated between the stacking clamp 20 and the stacked component S can be reduced.

[0144] According to one embodiment, the uneven stacking friction-reducing portion 242 can be provided in the stacking friction-reducing surface 241 provided on each of the fixed stacking clamp portion 210 and the movable stacking clamp portion 220. Accordingly, the friction generated between the stacking clamp 20 and the stacking S can be further reduced.

[0145] In yet another example, refer to Figure 16 and Figure 17 The anti-friction roller portion 243 of the stacked component can be disposed in the stacked component holder 20. The anti-friction roller portion 243 of the stacked component can be disposed on each of the fixed stacked component holder portion 210 and the movable stacked component holder portion 220, and can contact the stacked component S. The anti-friction roller portion 243 of the stacked component can include an anti-friction roller 2431 of the stacked component and an anti-friction roller pressing member 2432 of the stacked component.

[0146] The stacked component anti-friction roller 2431 can be provided as a plurality of stacked component anti-friction rollers 2431. The stacked component anti-friction rollers 2431 can be disposed on both sides of the stacked component S (e.g., in the +Y axis direction and the -Y axis direction) and can contact the stacked component S. The plurality of stacked component anti-friction rollers 2431 can be configured to face each other.

[0147] The anti-friction roller 2431 can rotate (e.g., rotate about its own axis), and because of this rotation, the friction between the anti-friction roller 2431 and the stacked component S can be reduced. Furthermore, because the anti-friction roller 2431 contacts the stacked component S, the contact area between the stacked component holder 20 and the stacked component S can be reduced. Accordingly, the friction between the stacked component holder 20 and the stacked component S can be reduced.

[0148] The stacking component friction-reducing roller pressing member 2432 can cause the stacking component friction-reducing roller 2431 to press against the stacked component S. The stacking component friction-reducing roller pressing member 2432 can be provided as an elastic member that generates compressive force. According to one embodiment, the stacking component friction-reducing roller pressing member 2432 can be provided as a spring that generates compressive force. The stacking component friction-reducing roller pressing member 2432 is not limited to a spring and can include various components that generate compressive force.

[0149] The stacking component anti-friction roller pressing member 2432 can be provided on each of the fixed stacking component clamping part 210 and the movable stacking component clamping part 220. The stacking component anti-friction roller pressing member 2432 can press the stacking component anti-friction roller 2431 toward the stacking component S from each of the fixed stacking component clamping part 210 and the movable stacking component clamping part 220.

[0150] The anti-friction surface 241 of the stacked parts can be provided on the fixed stacked part clamping part 210 and the movable stacked part clamping part 220. The anti-friction holes 2411 of the stacked parts passing through the anti-friction surface 241 can be provided. Multiple anti-friction holes 2411 of the stacked parts can be provided.

[0151] The stacking component anti-friction roller pressing member 2432 can be disposed in the stacking component anti-friction hole 2411. The stacking component anti-friction roller pressing member 2432 can be connected to the stacking component anti-friction roller 2431. The stacking component anti-friction roller pressing member 2432 can be connected to each of the fixed stacking component clamping part 210 and / or the movable stacking component clamping part 220.

[0152] As described above, since the stacking component anti-friction roller pressing member 2432 presses the stacking component anti-friction roller 2431 through the stacking component anti-friction hole 2411, even if the stacking component S is biased to one side (e.g., in the +Y axis direction or -Y axis direction) due to defects of the stacking component anti-friction roller pressing member 2432, the stacking component S can still contact the stacking component anti-friction surface 241, thereby minimizing damage to the stacking component S.

[0153] Figure 18 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a battery according to an embodiment.

[0154] refer to Figure 18 The method of manufacturing a battery may include a can preparation operation S100 (in which a can C is placed in a can holder 10), a stack preparation operation S200 (in which a stack S is placed in a stack holder 20 on one side of the can holder 10), and a stack insertion operation S300 (in which a stack pusher 30, which contacts the stack S, inserts the stack S into the can C). The method of manufacturing a battery may further include a recovery operation S400 (in which the can C with the inserted stack S is separated from the can holder 10, and the stack holder 20 and the stack pusher 30 are moved away from the can holder 10).

[0155] In the can preparation operation S100, the can C can be fixed to the can holder 10 by means of the clamping contact portion 70 provided on the can holder 10. According to one embodiment, the can C can be fixed to the can holder 10 by means of the can clamping contact portion 71 provided on the can holder 10.

[0156] In the stack preparation operation S200, the stack S can be fixed to the stack holder 20 by means of the clamping contact portion 70 provided on the stack holder 20. According to one embodiment, the stack S can be fixed to the stack holder 20 by means of the stack holder contact portion 72 provided on the stack holder 20.

[0157] In the stack preparation operation S200, the stack friction reduction part 240 provided in the stack holder 20 can contact the stack S. The friction between the stack friction reduction part 240 and the stack S can be minimized, thereby minimizing damage to the stack S.

[0158] In the stack insertion operation S300, the stack S can pass through the projection guide 40. The projection guide 40 can be disposed between the can holder 10 and the stack holder 20, and can guide the stack S to be inserted into the can C. Since the stack S passes through the projection guide 40, the stack S can be accurately inserted into the can C, and damage to the stack S can be minimized.

[0159] In the stack insertion operation S300, foreign objects detached from the stack S can be sucked out by the foreign object discharge section 50 provided between the can holder 10 and the stack holder 20. Since the foreign objects are sucked into the foreign object discharge section 50 due to the negative pressure generated by the foreign object discharge section 50, the degree of completion can be improved and the failure rate can be reduced in the batteries manufactured by the battery manufacturing apparatus 1.

[0160] In the stack insertion operation S300, the stack support 60 located on one side of the can holder 10 (e.g., in the -X-axis direction) can contact the stack S inserted into the can C to restrict the stack S from moving in one direction (e.g., the -X-axis direction). Accordingly, the stack S can be accurately positioned in the can C as desired by the operator.

[0161] Through summarization and review, many methods exist for inserting electrode assemblies into the can of a secondary battery. For example, the electrode assembly can be inserted from top to bottom or from the side. If the electrode assembly is inserted from the side, it may be damaged due to pressure during insertion, and foreign matter may be introduced into the can during the insertion process. Accordingly, there is a need for battery manufacturing apparatus and methods that minimize damage to the electrode assembly that may occur when it is inserted from the side and minimize the introduction of foreign matter into the can.

[0162] In contrast, the embodiments aim to provide battery manufacturing apparatus and methods for minimizing damage to stacked components during battery manufacturing processes. Additionally, the embodiments aim to provide battery manufacturing apparatus and methods for minimizing the introduction of foreign matter into the can during battery manufacturing processes. Furthermore, using the battery manufacturing apparatus and methods according to the embodiments can minimize the battery failure rate.

[0163] Exemplary embodiments have been disclosed herein. Although specific terminology has been used, it is used and interpreted in a general and descriptive sense only and is not intended to be limiting. In some cases, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art at the time of filing of this application, features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with particular embodiments may be used alone or in combination with features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with other embodiments, unless specifically instructed otherwise. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. A battery manufacturing apparatus, comprising: A can holder is configured to contact and secure a can. A stacking component holder, adjacent to one side of the can holder, is configured to secure stacking components to be inserted into the can; as well as A stack pusher, adjacent to the stack holder, is configured to contact the stack and move the stack toward the can holder.

2. The battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The tank includes long tank sides facing each other and short tank sides facing each other, the short tank sides connecting the long tank sides to each other; and The can holder is configured to contact the side of the long can.

3. The battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the stacked component comprises: The long stacked component side contacts the stacked component holder; and On the short stack side, contact the stack pusher.

4. The battery manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a projection guide between the can holder and the stack holder, the projection guide being configured to guide the stack toward the can holder.

5. The battery manufacturing apparatus of claim 4, wherein the projection guide comprises projection guide rollers facing each other, the distance between the opposing projection guide rollers decreasing in a direction oriented from the stack holder toward the can holder.

6. The battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the can holder comprises: Fixed can holder; and A movable can holder, facing the fixed can holder, is configured to move toward or away from the fixed can holder.

7. The battery manufacturing apparatus of claim 6, wherein the can holder further comprises: A can holder is configured to secure the can holder. and The can holder has a tight contact portion, which is configured to allow the movable can holder to move toward the fixed can holder.

8. The battery manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the stacking clamp comprises: Fixed stacking component clamp; and A movable stacking component holder, facing the fixed stacking component holder, is configured to move toward or away from the fixed stacking component holder.

9. The battery manufacturing apparatus of claim 8, wherein the stacking clamp further comprises: A stacking component holder is configured to secure the fixed stacking component clamp. and The stacking clamp close contact portion is configured to allow the movable stacking clamp to move toward the fixed stacking clamp.

10. The battery manufacturing apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a stacking friction reducer on the fixed stacking clamp and the movable stacking clamp, the stacking friction reducer being configured to reduce friction between the stacking clamp and the stacking.

11. The battery manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a foreign matter discharger between the can holder and the stack holder, the foreign matter discharger being configured to remove foreign matter from the stack.

12. The battery manufacturing apparatus of claim 11, wherein the foreign matter vent is a vacuum pump configured to generate negative pressure.

13. The battery manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a stacking support adjacent to the can holder, the stacking support and the stacking holder being located at opposite ends of the can holder.

14. The battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein: The stack includes stack terminals; and The stack support is configured to be spaced apart from the stack terminals when in contact with the stack.

15. The battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The stack includes stack terminals; and The stack pusher is configured to be spaced apart from the stack terminals when contacting the stack.

16. A method for manufacturing a battery, comprising: Place the can in the can holder; The stacked components are placed in a stacked component holder, which is adjacent to the can holder; as well as The stack is inserted into the can using a stack pusher, which contacts the stack in the stack holder and pushes the stack into the can in the can holder.

17. The battery manufacturing method of claim 16, wherein inserting the stack into the can comprises pushing the stack through a projection guide between the can holder and the stack holder, and the projection guide guiding the stack toward the can.

18. The battery manufacturing method of claim 16, wherein inserting the stack into the can includes removing foreign matter detached from the stack by means of a foreign matter discharger, the foreign matter discharger being between the can holder and the stack holder.

19. The battery manufacturing method of claim 16, wherein inserting the stack into the can includes restricting the movement of the stack in the can by means of a stack support member, the stack support member contacting the stack in the can to restrict the movement of the stack beyond a predetermined point in the can.

20. The battery manufacturing method of claim 16, wherein inserting the stack into the can comprises reducing friction between the stack and the stack holder by means of a stack friction reducer, the stack friction reducer being inside the stack holder and in contact with the stack.

Images