Manufacturing device for secondary battery

Abstract

An apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery is disclosed. According to this disclosure, an apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery is provided, comprising: a main body having a through hole; a cover support member disposed on the main body to support a cover; a pin guide member for adjusting the position of a connecting pin assembled with the cover; and a vision camera for identifying the position of the connecting pin through the through hole.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to an apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery. Background Technology

[0002] A secondary battery is an energy storage device that can be charged and discharged through an electrochemical reaction. Secondary batteries are used in a variety of fields that utilize electrical energy. For example, they are widely used in mobile devices such as mobile phones, laptops, and tablets, and are also seeking wider applications in transportation equipment such as vehicles, aircraft, and ships. Furthermore, the demand for secondary batteries in the field of Energy Storage Systems (ESS) that utilize surplus electricity is also increasing.

[0003] A secondary battery may include an electrode assembly housed within a casing. The casing can be classified according to material, shape, etc., and is known to include pouch-shaped, cylindrical, prismatic, and coin-shaped casings. In some embodiments, the casing may have an opening for inserting the electrode assembly. Such an opening can be properly sealed by a cover after the electrode assembly is assembled. Furthermore, the cover may have electrode terminals for electrical connection with the electrode assembly. These electrode terminals need to be aligned and assembled with the electrode assembly in the appropriate position during the sealing of the opening. Summary of the Invention

[0004] (a) Technical problems to be solved Some embodiments of this disclosure can provide an apparatus for manufacturing secondary batteries.

[0005] Furthermore, some embodiments of this disclosure can provide a manufacturing apparatus for a secondary battery that can properly align the assembly positions between the electrode assembly and the cover during the assembly process of the secondary battery.

[0006] Furthermore, some embodiments of this disclosure can provide an apparatus for manufacturing secondary batteries that can prevent poor assembly between the electrode assembly and the cover.

[0007] Furthermore, some embodiments of this disclosure can provide a manufacturing apparatus for secondary batteries that can prevent increased manufacturing costs and decreased quality due to poor assembly.

[0008] Some embodiments of this disclosure can be widely applied in green technology fields such as electric vehicles, battery charging stations, and other battery-powered solar and wind power generation. Furthermore, some embodiments of this disclosure can be used in eco-friendly electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, etc., to prevent climate change by suppressing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

[0009] (II) Technical Solution According to one aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery can be provided, comprising: a main body having a through hole; a cover support disposed on the main body to support a cover; a pin guide for adjusting the position of a connecting pin assembled with the cover; and a vision camera for identifying the position of the connecting pin through the through hole.

[0010] In some embodiments, the through-hole may include: a first space in which the cover is disposed; and a second space extending from the first space, such that an assembly hole disposed on the cover exposes the vision camera.

[0011] In some embodiments, the cover support allows the cover to move forward toward the connecting pin.

[0012] In some embodiments, a first face of the cover may be moved forward toward the connecting pin to assemble with the connecting pin, and a cover support may be fastened to a second face of the cover, i.e., the side opposite to the first face, to support the cover.

[0013] In some embodiments, the pin guide is capable of moving forward toward the connecting pin to engage with the connecting pin, or moving backward from the connecting pin to disengage from the connecting pin.

[0014] In some embodiments, the pin guide can adjust the position of the connecting pin on a plane intersecting the assembly direction of the connecting pin.

[0015] In some embodiments, the pin guide is movable in a plane that intersects the assembly direction of the connecting pin.

[0016] In some embodiments, the pin guide is movable along a first guide rail and a second guide rail that extend in mutually intersecting directions.

[0017] In some embodiments, the pin guide may be in the form of a plate having a predetermined thickness in the assembly direction of the connecting pin, so as to enter between the connecting pin and the cover in the standby position.

[0018] In some embodiments, one end of the pin guide may be provided with a pin engagement groove that engages with the connecting pin.

[0019] In some embodiments, the pin guide may include: a first pin guide that engages with one side region of the connecting pin; and a second pin guide that is correspondingly disposed with the first pin guide and engages with the remaining region of the connecting pin.

[0020] In some embodiments, the vision camera can scan the assembly holes provided on the cover through the through hole, and can identify whether the connecting pins are aligned based on the area occupied by the connecting pins exposed through the assembly holes.

[0021] In some embodiments, when the connecting pin is close to the standby position, the vision camera can identify whether the connecting pin is aligned. If the identified alignment is not appropriate, the pin guide can adjust the position of the connecting pin to an appropriate state.

[0022] In some embodiments, when the connecting pin is near the standby position, the pin guide can engage with the connecting pin. In the state where the pin guide is engaged with the connecting pin, the cover support can move the cover forward so that a portion of the connecting pin is inserted into an assembly hole provided on the cover.

[0023] In some embodiments, when a portion of the connecting pin is inserted into the assembly hole, the pin guide can be separated from the connecting pin, and when the pin guide is separated from the connecting pin, the cover support can move the cover forward so that the connecting pin is fully inserted into the assembly hole.

[0024] (III) Beneficial Effects Some embodiments of this disclosure can provide an apparatus for manufacturing secondary batteries.

[0025] Furthermore, some embodiments of this disclosure can properly align the assembly positions between the electrode assembly and the cover during the assembly process of the secondary battery.

[0026] Furthermore, some embodiments of this disclosure can prevent poor assembly between the electrode assembly and the cover.

[0027] Furthermore, some embodiments of this disclosure can prevent increased manufacturing costs and decreased quality due to poor assembly.

[0028] However, the technical effects that can be obtained through the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above. Those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains will clearly understand other technical effects not mentioned through detailed descriptions and other specifications. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a side view showing a manufacturing apparatus for a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The front view of the manufacturing apparatus shown.

[0031] Figure 3This is an exemplary side view showing a secondary battery in the process of manufacturing.

[0032] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The image shows a front view of a secondary battery in the process of manufacturing.

[0033] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 3 The side view shown depicts a secondary battery being inserted into the casing during processing.

[0034] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the first operating state of the manufacturing apparatus.

[0035] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the second operating state of the manufacturing apparatus.

[0036] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the third operating state of the manufacturing apparatus.

[0037] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the fourth operating state of the manufacturing apparatus.

[0038] Figure 10 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the fifth operating state of the manufacturing apparatus.

[0039] Figure 11 yes Figure 1 The sixth working state diagram of the manufacturing apparatus shown.

[0040] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 100: Manufacturing apparatus; 110: Main body 120: Cover support component; 130: Pin guide component 140: Visual Camera 10: Cover 20: Secondary batteries under processing Detailed Implementation

[0041] The present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this is merely exemplary, and the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein.

[0042] Figure 1 This is a side view showing a manufacturing apparatus for a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The front view of the manufacturing apparatus shown.

[0043] For convenience, the following is... Figure 1Using the coordinate axes shown in the figure as a reference, the x-axis direction is called the left-right direction, the y-axis direction is called the front-back direction, and the z-axis direction is called the up-down direction.

[0044] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus (hereinafter referred to as "manufacturing apparatus 100") may include: a body 110 having a through hole 111; a cover support 120 disposed on the body 110 to support a cover 10; a pin guide 130 for adjusting the position of a connecting pin 23 assembled with the cover 10; and a vision camera 140 for identifying the position of the connecting pin 23 through the through hole 111.

[0045] Specifically, in some embodiments, the manufacturing apparatus 100 may be provided with a main body 110. The main body 110 may form the overall shape of the manufacturing apparatus 100. However, the specific shape of the main body 110 may vary in many ways and is not limited to the embodiments shown in the figures.

[0046] In some embodiments, the body 110 may be provided with a through hole 111. The through hole 111 may be configured to penetrate the body 110 along the assembly direction P1 of the cover 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the assembly direction P1 of the cover 10 corresponds to the front-rear direction, therefore, the through hole 111 is formed from the front 112 to the rear 113 of the body 110 along the front-rear direction.

[0047] In some embodiments, the through-hole 111 may be provided with a first space 111a and a second space 111b. The first space 111a may be a front portion of the through-hole 111, and the second space 111b may be a rear portion of the through-hole 111. The first space 111a may be formed by extending a predetermined depth from the first opening 111c at the front 112 toward the inside of the body 110. Furthermore, the second space 111b may be formed by extending a predetermined depth from the second opening 111d at the rear 113 toward the inside of the body 110. Thus, the first space 111a and the second space 111b can form a through-hole 111 from the first opening 111c at the front 112 to the second opening 111d at the rear 113.

[0048] In some embodiments, the first space 111a can be used as a space for setting the cover 10. That is, the cover 10 can be disposed in the first space 111a. In some embodiments, the second space 111b can be used as a channel for the vision camera 140 to scan the assembly hole 11. That is, the second space 111b can be configured to expose the assembly hole 11 to the vision camera 140.

[0049] In some embodiments, the size, shape, etc., of the first space 111a can be determined by reflecting the size, shape, etc., of the cover 10. Furthermore, the size, position, etc., of the second space 111b can be determined by reflecting the size, position, etc., of the assembly hole 11. For example, as shown, the first space 111a can be configured to have a wider shape than the second space 111b to properly accommodate the cover 10, and the second space 111b can be located in the central region of the cover 10 to appropriately expose the assembly hole 11. However, the size, shape, position, etc., of the first space 111a and the second space 111b can be varied as needed and are not limited to the examples described above.

[0050] On the other hand, in some embodiments, the manufacturing apparatus 100 may be provided with a cover support 120. The cover support 120 may be disposed on the main body 110 to support the cover 10. For example, the cover support 120 may be disposed in the first space 111a to support the rear of the cover 10. Furthermore, the cover support 120 may be detachable from the cover 10. That is, the cover support 120 may be configured to engage with the cover 10 to achieve cover assembly, or to detach from the cover 10 after assembly. The detachment structure between the cover support 120 and the cover 10 can utilize various known methods and is not particularly limited.

[0051] In some embodiments, the cover support 120 may be configured to move forward and backward. Therefore, the cover support 120 may be configured to move the cover 10 forward toward the assembly object, i.e., the connecting pin 23. Furthermore, the cover support 120 may detach from the cover 10 after assembly, thereby returning to its initial position.

[0052] In some embodiments, the cover 10 may have a first surface 12 facing the connecting pin 23 and a second surface 13 on the opposite side of the first surface 12. The first surface 12 of the cover 10 can be moved forward toward the connecting pin 23 by the cover support 120 to assemble with the connecting pin 23. In addition, the cover support 120 can be fastened to the second surface 13, i.e., the opposite side in the assembly direction, to support the cover 10.

[0053] On the other hand, in some embodiments, the manufacturing apparatus 100 may be provided with a pin guide 130. The pin guide 130 may be configured to adjust the position of the connecting pin 23 assembled with the cover 10. Specifically, the connecting pin 23 provided on the electrode assembly 21 may be assembled with the assembly hole 11 provided on the cover 10, and the pin guide 130 may be configured to appropriately adjust the assembly position between such connecting pin 23 and assembly hole 11.

[0054] In some embodiments, the pin guide 130 may be configured to be detachable from the connecting pin 23. That is, the pin guide 130 may be configured to move forward toward the connecting pin 23 to engage with the connecting pin 23, or move backward toward the connecting pin 23 to disengage from the connecting pin 23. Thus, the pin guide 130 may engage with the connecting pin 23 to adjust the position of the connecting pin 23, or disengage from the connecting pin 23 appropriately to achieve the assembly of the connecting pin 23 with the assembly hole 11.

[0055] In some embodiments, the pin guide 130 may be configured to adjust the position of the connecting pin 23 relative to the assembly hole 11. Specifically, the pin guide 130 may be configured to move a predetermined range in a plane intersecting the assembly direction P1 of the connecting pin 23. That is, in the illustrated embodiment, the pin guide 130 may be configured to move in the xz plane. Furthermore, the pin guide 130 may be configured to adjust the position of the connecting pin 23 by the aforementioned movement. That is, in the illustrated embodiment, the pin guide 130 may be configured to move a predetermined interval while engaged with the connecting pin 23, thereby adjusting the position of the connecting pin 23 in the xz plane.

[0056] In some embodiments, the pin guide 130 may be configured to move along guide rails 131 and 132. In some embodiments, guide rails 131 and 132 may include a first guide rail 131 and a second guide rail 132 extending in mutually intersecting directions. For example, as shown, the first guide rail 131 may extend left and right along the front 112 of the body 110, and the second guide rail 132 may extend up and down along the front 112 of the body 110. Furthermore, the pin guide 130 may be configured to move along the first guide rail 131, and the first guide rail 131 may be configured to move along the second guide rail 132. Thus, the pin guide 130 may be configured to move left and right and up and down along the first guide rail 131 and the second guide rail 132.

[0057] In some embodiments, the pin guide 130 may be configured to move via a predetermined drive mechanism. For reference, Figure 1 The diagram of such a drive device is omitted. The drive device can be configured to move the pin guide 130 along the first guide rail 131 and the second guide rail 132. This allows for appropriate adjustment of the assembly position of the pin guide 130 or the connecting pin 23 coupled with the pin guide 130 and the assembly hole 11. Various known devices can be used for the drive device, and there is no particular limitation. For example, the drive device can be a servo motor mounted on the pin guide 130 or the first guide rail 131 and the second guide rail 132.

[0058] On the other hand, in some embodiments, the pin guide 130 may be in the form of a plate with a predetermined thickness T1 in the assembly direction P1 of the connecting pin 23. For example, as shown, the connecting pin 23 may be configured to be assembled with the cover 10 in the front-back direction, and the pin guide 130 may be configured as a plate with a predetermined thickness T1 in the front-back direction. Such a plate-shaped pin guide 130 can more smoothly enter the space between the connecting pin 23 and the cover 10 in the standby position.

[0059] In some embodiments, the pin guide 130 may be provided with a pin engagement groove 133. The pin engagement groove 133 may be located at one end of the pin guide 130 along its length and may engage with the connecting pin 23. That is, the pin engagement groove 133 may be configured to engage with the connecting pin 23 as the pin guide 130 moves, or may be detached from the connecting pin 23. In some embodiments, the pin engagement groove 133 has a shape corresponding to the outer surface of the connecting pin 23 and may be configured to engage with the connecting pin 23 by applying pressure to the outer surface of the connecting pin 23.

[0060] In some embodiments, multiple pin guides 130 may be provided. For example, as shown in the figure, the pin guides 130 may include a first pin guide 130a and a second pin guide 130b disposed vertically on the front 112 of the main body 110. The first pin guide 130a may be disposed on the upper side of the first opening 111c, and the second pin guide 130b may be disposed on the lower side of the first opening 111c corresponding to the first pin guide 130a. The first pin guide 130a and the second pin guide 130b can thus be configured to clamp and fix the connecting pin 23 vertically. That is, the first pin guide 130a engages with the upper region of the connecting pin 23, and the second pin guide 130b engages with the remaining lower region of the connecting pin 23, clamping the connecting pin 23 vertically.

[0061] On the other hand, in some embodiments, the manufacturing apparatus 100 may be provided with a vision camera 140. The vision camera 140 may be configured to identify the position of the connecting pin 23 through the through-hole 111. Specifically, the vision camera 140 may be positioned adjacent to the rear end 113 of the body 110 and scan the assembly hole 11 through the second opening 111d. Here, the connecting pin 23 can be exposed through the assembly hole 11, and the vision camera 140 may be configured to identify whether the connecting pin 23 is properly aligned based on the area occupied by the exposed connecting pin 23. That is, the vision camera 140 may be configured to identify the alignment state of the connecting pin 23 based on the area occupied by the connecting pin 23 within the assembly hole 11. This will be described in detail in conjunction with the operation of this embodiment described later.

[0062] On the other hand, in some embodiments, the manufacturing apparatus 100 described above can be used to assemble the cover 10 onto the secondary battery 20 being processed. Specifically, in assembling the cover 10, the manufacturing apparatus 100 can be used to assemble the connecting pin 23 provided on the secondary battery 20 being processed and the assembly hole 11 provided on the cover 10. Here, the manufacturing apparatus 100 can be configured to pre-identify whether the connecting pin 23 and the assembly hole 11 are aligned before assembly, and appropriately adjust the position of the connecting pin 23 according to the identified alignment state. Furthermore, the manufacturing apparatus 100 can be configured to perform the assembly of the connecting pin 23 and the assembly hole 11 when the position of the connecting pin 23 is properly aligned as described above. Therefore, poor assembly, damage to components during the assembly process, etc., can be appropriately prevented.

[0063] Figure 3 This is an exemplary side view showing a secondary battery in the process of manufacturing. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The image shows a front view of a secondary battery in the process of manufacturing. Figure 5 It is shown Figure 3 The side view shown depicts a secondary battery being inserted into the casing during processing.

[0064] Figures 3 to 5 An exemplary secondary battery 20 under processing is shown. In some embodiments, the secondary battery 20 under processing may be configured as a prismatic battery. Furthermore, the aforementioned manufacturing apparatus 100 can be used for the alignment and assembly between the connecting pin 23 and the assembly hole 11 in the secondary battery 20 as described above. However, the application of the manufacturing apparatus 100 is not limited to the illustrated case, and within the scope of the technical ideas described below, the manufacturing apparatus 100 can be appropriately applied to cylindrical cells, pouch cells, coin-shaped cells, and other non-standard shaped cells.

[0065] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 In some embodiments, the secondary battery 20 under processing may be provided with more than one electrode assembly 21. For example, as shown in the figure, two sets of electrode assemblies 21 may be arranged vertically. However, the number of electrode assemblies 21 may be increased or decreased as needed, and is not limited to the illustrated case.

[0066] Although not illustrated, in some embodiments, the electrode assembly 21 may be provided with a positive electrode and a negative electrode, which may be separated by a diaphragm. Furthermore, the electrode assembly 21 may be configured with such a positive and negative electrode stacking or winding structure. However, in embodiments of this disclosure, the electrode assembly 21 may be configured with various known structures, and the internal structure, etc., are not particularly limited.

[0067] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly 21 may be provided with electrode tabs 21a. The electrode tabs 21a may be configured to expose one end of the electrode assembly 21. Furthermore, the electrode tabs 21a may be electrically connected to the current collector 22 and the connecting pin 23, which will be described later. In some embodiments, a pair of electrode tabs 21a may be provided corresponding to a positive electrode and a negative electrode. Furthermore, the pair of electrode tabs 21a may be spaced apart from each other on one or both sides of the electrode assembly 21. For example, as shown in the figure, the pair of electrode tabs 21a may be spaced apart at both ends of the electrode assembly 21.

[0068] In some embodiments, the secondary battery 20 under processing may be provided with a current collector 22. The current collector 22 may be electrically connected to an electrode tab 21a. Specifically, as shown in the figure, the current collector 22 may be disposed at one end of the electrode assembly 21, and the electrode tab 21a may be bent toward the current collector 22 as described above, thereby engaging with the current collector 22. For example, the electrode tab 21a may be engaged with the current collector 22 by welding, conductive adhesive, or the like. Thus, the electrode tab 21a can be electrically connected to the current collector 22.

[0069] In some embodiments, a current collector 22 may be configured to be electrically connected to a plurality of electrode tabs 21a. For example, as shown, a secondary battery 20 under processing is provided with two sets of electrode assemblies 21, and the electrode tabs 21a of each electrode assembly 21 may be bent upward or downward toward the current collector 22, thereby being electrically connected to the current collector 22. Furthermore, each electrode tab 21a may be provided with a cut 21b for appropriately exposing the current collector 22 or the connecting pin 23. The cut 21b may be provided by removing a portion of the electrode tab 21a at the location where the connecting pin 23 is positioned. Such a cut 21b may form a third opening 21c on one side of the bent electrode tab 21a. Furthermore, the connecting pin 23 may be appropriately exposed to the outside of the electrode tab 21a through such a third opening 21c.

[0070] On the other hand, in some embodiments, the secondary battery 20 under processing may be provided with a connecting pin 23. The connecting pin 23 may be configured to engage and be electrically connected to the current collector 22. In some embodiments, part or all of the connecting pin 23 may be integrally provided with the current collector 22. Furthermore, the connecting pin 23 may be configured as a pin shape extending a predetermined distance along the length direction. Such a connecting pin 23 may be appropriately exposed to the outside of the electrode tab 21a through a third opening 21c.

[0071] Reference Figure 5The secondary battery 20 under processing, which is provided with the connecting pin 23 as described above, can be inserted into the housing 24. In some embodiments, the housing 24 can be configured as a generally cuboid shape with open front and rear. Furthermore, the secondary battery 20 under processing can be inserted into the interior of the housing 24 through an opening provided on the front or rear of the housing 24. The secondary battery 20 under processing can be inserted into the aforementioned manufacturing apparatus 100 in the state of being assembled with the housing 24 as described above, and the manufacturing apparatus 100 can be configured to align and assemble the cover 10 with the inserted secondary battery 20 under processing.

[0072] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the first operating state of the manufacturing apparatus.

[0073] Reference Figure 6 First, the secondary battery 20 being processed can be inserted into the manufacturing apparatus 100. Furthermore, when the secondary battery 20 being processed is inserted, the vision camera 140 can scan the secondary battery 20 at the insertion position. The vision camera 140 can be configured to scan one side of the secondary battery 20 being processed through the through-hole 111, thereby determining the welding status of the electrode tabs 21a, whether the appropriate assembly space of the cover 10 is ensured, etc. This step can be performed before the cover 10 is inserted into the manufacturing apparatus 100; therefore, the vision camera 140 can be operated to scan the entire side of the secondary battery 20 with the electrode tabs 21a.

[0074] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the second operating state of the manufacturing apparatus.

[0075] Reference Figure 7 Next, the cover 10 can be inserted into the manufacturing apparatus 100. The cover 10 can be disposed in the first space 111a of the through hole 111 and supported by the cover support member 120.

[0076] Furthermore, the secondary battery 20 being processed can be brought close to the standby position. For example, the manufacturing apparatus 100 can move forward a predetermined distance toward the secondary battery 20 being processed, so that the secondary battery 20 being processed can be brought close to the standby position adjacent to the front 112 of the main body 110.

[0077] In some embodiments, when the cover 10 and the secondary battery 20 under processing are set as described above, the vision camera 140 can scan the assembly hole 11 provided on the cover 10. That is, the vision camera 140 can scan the assembly hole 11 behind the cover 10 through the through hole 111 while the cover 10 and the secondary battery 20 under processing are set. In some embodiments, this step can be performed to scan only the portion of the area including the assembly hole 11.

[0078] In some embodiments, the vision camera 140 can be configured to identify whether the connecting pin 23 is properly aligned based on the area E1 of the connecting pin 23 exposed through the assembly hole 11. Specifically, the vision camera 140 can scan the assembly hole 11 and extract the area of ​​the connecting pin 23 exposed in the scanned image of the assembly hole 11. Furthermore, the vision camera 140 can calculate the area E1 of the connecting pin 23 corresponding to the exposed area, and identify whether the connecting pin 23 is properly aligned based on the calculated area E1 of the connecting pin 23. That is, it can determine whether the alignment is appropriate or inappropriate.

[0079] For example, when the assembly hole 11 and the connecting pin 23 are correctly aligned, the connecting pin 23 can be fully exposed through the assembly hole 11. Therefore, the area E1 occupied by the connecting pin 23 can be calculated to be above the reference value. In this case, the alignment of the connecting pin 23 can be determined to be appropriate, and subsequent assembly processes can proceed. As another example, as shown in the figure, when the assembly hole 11 and the connecting pin 23 are not properly aligned, the connecting pin 23 may only expose a portion of the area through the assembly hole 11. Therefore, the area E1 occupied by the connecting pin 23 may be calculated to be below the reference value. In this case, the alignment of the connecting pin 23 can be determined to be inappropriate, and subsequent assembly processes can proceed after aligning the connecting pin 23 first.

[0080] In some embodiments, when the connecting pin 23 is not detected in the scanned image of the assembly hole 11, the manufacturing apparatus 100 may temporarily stop the process and send a prompt signal, or discharge the corresponding secondary battery 20 in processing to the outside.

[0081] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the third operating state of the manufacturing apparatus.

[0082] Figure 8 This illustrates the operation when the alignment of connecting pin 23 is incorrect. (Refer to...) Figure 8 If the alignment is incorrect, the alignment process of the connecting pin 23 can be performed first. First, the pin guide 130 can move forward toward the connecting pin 23 in the standby position, thereby engaging with the connecting pin 23. For example, as shown in the figure, the first pin guide 130a and the second pin guide 130b can move forward toward the connecting pin 23, thereby clamping and fixing the connecting pin 23. Furthermore, the pin guide 130 can move left and right and / or up and down while engaged with the connecting pin 23, thereby aligning the connecting pin 23 with the assembly hole 11 in the correct position (see reference). Figure 2 On the other hand, the vision camera 140 can provide feedback on the alignment status of the connecting pin 23 with the assembly hole 11 to the pin guide 130.

[0083] Figure 9yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the fourth operating state of the manufacturing apparatus.

[0084] Reference Figure 9 Next, the cover support 120 can be moved forward a predetermined distance toward the connecting pin 23. As a result, a portion of the connecting pin 23 can be inserted into the assembly hole 11 provided on the cover 10. That is, the connecting pin 23 and the assembly hole 11 can be pre-assembled.

[0085] In some embodiments, such pre-assembly can be performed with the pin guide 130 engaged with the connecting pin 23. That is, with the pin guide 130 engaged with and supporting the connecting pin 23, the cover support 120 can move forward toward the connecting pin 23 by a predetermined degree, thus pre-assembling the connecting pin 23 into the assembly hole 11. By performing such pre-assembly with the pin guide 130 supporting the connecting pin 23, smoother insertion of the connecting pin 23 can be achieved. Furthermore, the pin guide 130, which is configured as a plate, can be appropriately positioned in the space between the secondary battery 20 and the cover 10 to assist in such pre-assembly.

[0086] Figure 10 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows the fifth operating state of the manufacturing apparatus.

[0087] Reference Figure 10 Next, the pin guide 130 can be separated from the connecting pin 23, thus returning to its initial position. Furthermore, the connecting pin 23 can maintain its assembled position while pre-assembled in the assembly hole 11.

[0088] Figure 11 yes Figure 1 The sixth working state diagram of the manufacturing apparatus shown.

[0089] Reference Figure 11 Next, the cover support 120 can move forward again to a predetermined degree toward the connecting pin 23. Thus, the connecting pin 23 can be fully inserted into the assembly hole 11 and assembled. That is, the cover 10 can be assembled to the secondary battery 20 under processing. Afterward, the cover 10 can be fully assembled to the secondary battery 20 under processing through processes such as pre-welding and main-welding. However, in the embodiments of this disclosure, subsequent assembly processes of the cover 10, such as pre-welding, are not particularly limited.

[0090] As described above, some embodiments of this disclosure can provide an apparatus for manufacturing secondary batteries.

[0091] Furthermore, some embodiments of this disclosure can properly align the assembly positions between the electrode assembly and the cover during the assembly process of the secondary battery. In some embodiments, a vision camera can identify the position of the connecting pin through a through-hole, thereby helping to quickly and effectively determine the alignment status between the connecting pin and the assembly hole. Additionally, a pin guide can adjust the position of the connecting pin according to the position identified by the vision camera, thereby facilitating the alignment of the assembly positions as described above.

[0092] Furthermore, some embodiments of this disclosure can prevent poor assembly between the electrode assembly and the cover. In some embodiments, the connecting pins provided on the electrode assembly and the assembly holes provided on the cover can be properly aligned before assembly, thereby helping to prevent poor assembly as described above.

[0093] Furthermore, some embodiments of this disclosure can prevent increased manufacturing costs and decreased quality due to poor assembly.

[0094] The above description is merely an example of applying the principles of this disclosure, and other configurations may be further included without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. An apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery, comprising: The main body is equipped with through holes; A cover support is provided on the main body to support the cover; Pin guide, adjusting the position of the connecting pin assembled with the cover; as well as A vision camera identifies the position of the connecting pin through the through hole.

2. The apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein, The through hole includes: A first space, wherein the cover is disposed in the first space; and A second space extends from the first space, exposing the assembly holes provided on the cover to the vision camera.

3. The apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein, The cover support allows the cover to move forward toward the connecting pin.

4. The apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein, The first surface of the cover moves forward toward the connecting pin to assemble with the connecting pin. The cover support is fastened to the second side of the cover, which is the opposite side of the first side, to support the cover.

5. The apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein, The pin guide is capable of moving forward toward the connecting pin to engage with the connecting pin, or moving backward from the connecting pin to disengage from the connecting pin.

6. The apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein, The pin guide adjusts the position of the connecting pin on a plane that intersects with the assembly direction of the connecting pin.

7. The apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein, The pin guide is movable in a plane that intersects the assembly direction of the connecting pin.

8. The apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein, The pin guide can move along the first and second guide rails that extend in mutually intersecting directions.

9. The apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein, The pin guide is in the form of a plate with a predetermined thickness in the assembly direction of the connecting pin, so as to enter between the connecting pin and the cover when the connecting pin is in the standby position.

10. The apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein, One end of the pin guide is provided with a pin engagement groove that engages with the connecting pin.

11. The apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein, The pin guide includes: The first pin guide engages with one side region of the connecting pin; and The second pin guide is provided corresponding to the first pin guide and engages with the remaining area of ​​the connecting pin.

12. The apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein, The vision camera scans the assembly hole on the cover through the through hole and identifies whether the connecting pin is aligned based on the area occupied by the connecting pin exposed through the assembly hole.

13. The apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein, When the connecting pin approaches the standby position, the vision camera identifies whether the connecting pin is aligned. When the alignment is not properly identified, the pin guide adjusts the position of the connecting pin to a suitable state.

14. The apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein, When the connecting pin approaches the standby position, the pin guide engages with the connecting pin. With the pin guide engaged with the connecting pin, the cover support moves the cover forward so that a portion of the connecting pin is inserted into an assembly hole provided on the cover.

15. The apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 14, wherein, When a portion of the connecting pin is inserted into the assembly hole, the pin guide separates from the connecting pin. When the pin guide separates from the connecting pin, the cover support moves the cover forward so that the connecting pin is fully inserted into the assembly hole.

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