Secondary battery manufacturing apparatus and secondary battery manufacturing method using the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus and a secondary battery manufacturing method, and to a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus and a secondary battery manufacturing method which can quickly and efficiently remove gas generated in a single body during an activation process of charging and discharging the single body, solve a problem of a lack of space of a secondary battery manufacturing facility, and reduce the cost of the manufacturing facility.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0046823, filed April 5, 2010, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0036151, filed March 20, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] This invention relates to an apparatus and a method for manufacturing secondary batteries, and more specifically, to an apparatus and a method for manufacturing secondary batteries that can quickly and efficiently remove gases generated inside cells during the activation process of charging and discharging, solving the problem of insufficient space in facilities for manufacturing secondary batteries and reducing the cost of manufacturing facilities. Background Technology

[0005] Typically, secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and lithium-ion polymer batteries. Such secondary batteries are suitable for and used in small products such as digital cameras, P-DVD players, MP3 players, mobile phones, PDAs, portable gaming devices, power tools, and electric bicycles, as well as in large products requiring high power, such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, and in power storage devices and backup power storage devices for storing excess or renewable energy.

[0006] Typically, to manufacture a lithium-ion secondary battery, firstly, an electrode active material slurry is coated onto a positive electrode current collector and a negative electrode current collector to create the positive and negative electrodes. Then, the electrodes are stacked on both sides of a separator to form an electrode assembly of a predetermined shape. Furthermore, the cup portion of a pouch casing (hereinafter referred to as the "pouch") can accommodate the electrode assembly and is sealed after electrolyte injection to create the initial single cell (secondary battery). In the secondary battery, electrode leads connected to the electrode assembly can protrude in two directions.

[0007] In the initial secondary battery, the bag may include a cavity extending to one side of a cup portion that houses the electrode assembly. After the electrode assembly and electrolyte are housed in the cup portion, the edges of the bag can be sealed.

[0008] In this case, a seal can be applied to the edge of the cup portion and the outer edge of the cavitation portion. That is, the edge of the area where the cup portion and the cavitation portion combine can be sealed into a closed curve to achieve a seal, such that the area where the cup portion and the cavitation portion combine is sealed relative to the outside. When the initial secondary battery is manufactured in a shape that is sealed relative to the outside, a post-processing process can be performed to manufacture the final cell by post-processing the initial secondary battery. One of these post-processing processes can be an activation process of charging and discharging the initial secondary battery. During this activation process, internal gas is generated inside the bag when the cell is charged and discharged.

[0009] Traditional monomer activators only perform the functions of charging and discharging monomers and lack a device for handling (or removing) the internal gases generated during the charging and discharging process. If the internal gases generated during the activation process are not removed, they increase the pressure inside the bag, leading to tearing or rupture. For example, assuming a bag seal width of 3 cm, it is possible that approximately 1 cm of the seal may tear due to internal gas pressure (i.e., the seal is broken). This damage to the bag seal means that the internal insulation layer (e.g., a polypropylene (PP) layer) is damaged, resulting in poor insulation. Addressing this issue by manufacturing a separate internal gas venting device presents problems due to space constraints and excessively high facility costs. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Technical issues

[0011] The present invention has been designed to solve the above-mentioned problems. The purpose of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and a method for manufacturing secondary batteries, which can quickly and efficiently remove the gas generated inside the cell during the activation process of charging and discharging the cell, solve the problem of insufficient space in the facility for manufacturing secondary batteries, and reduce the cost of the manufacturing facility.

[0012] Technical solution

[0013] The apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to the present invention comprises: a plurality of cell activation units configured to charge and discharge cells and to perform an activation process in the plurality of cell activation units; a cell transfer unit configured to pick up the cells and transfer the cells to at least one of the plurality of cell activation units; a guide rail unit configured to allow the cell transfer unit to move in a suspended state and to extend in a direction in which the plurality of cell activation units are arranged; and an exhaust unit configured to move along the guide rail unit and configured to perform an exhaust process to discharge internal gases from the cells in the cell activation units.

[0014] The device may further include a single-unit standby unit configured to provide a single-unit standby position such that the single unit is transferred from the single-unit transfer unit to the single-unit activation unit.

[0015] The exhaust unit can be moved along the guide rail unit to at least one of the plurality of monomer activation units.

[0016] The exhaust unit may include a guide rail suspension portion suspended on the guide rail unit, wherein a guide groove may be defined in the guide rail suspension portion, and at least a portion of the guide rail unit is inserted into the guide groove.

[0017] The venting unit may include a venting module that moves to the monomer activation unit to perform puncture, venting, and sealing operations on the monomer.

[0018] The exhaust module may include: a first exhaust module portion disposed on one side of the unit; a second exhaust module portion disposed on the other side of the unit; and a guide portion configured to allow the first and second exhaust module portions to move in a suspended state, wherein at least one of the first and second exhaust module portions may move along the guide portion, and the first and second exhaust module portions may move closer to or further away from each other.

[0019] The exhaust module may include a puncture portion, a vacuum pad portion, and a sealing tool portion in at least one of a first exhaust module portion and a second exhaust module portion. The puncture portion forms a hole in the monomer, the vacuum pad portion is configured to surround the puncture portion, and the sealing tool portion is configured to surround the vacuum pad portion and seal the monomer using heat and pressure.

[0020] The exhaust module may include a fixing part configured to support and fix the first exhaust module part, such that the first exhaust module part does not move relative to the guide part.

[0021] The exhaust module may include a reference pin that extends a predetermined length in the direction from the second exhaust module portion to the first module portion and is configured to allow the first exhaust module portion and the second exhaust module portion to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined reference distance.

[0022] The exhaust module may further include an elastic portion configured to be elastic around the reference pin and in the direction from the second exhaust module portion to the first exhaust module portion.

[0023] The exhaust unit may include a horizontal adjustment module configured to move the exhaust module in a horizontal direction. The horizontal adjustment module may include: a base extending horizontally from one side to the other; a linear guide section mounted on the base to extend from the other side and having a guide rail shape; an arm that moves along the linear guide section in a direction along the one side or the other side while the exhaust module is suspended on its underside; and a linear drive section configured to provide a driving force that enables the arm to move.

[0024] The exhaust unit may include a vertical adjustment module configured to move the exhaust module in a vertical direction. The vertical adjustment module may include: a support plate configured to support the base from below; a main column having a column shape and its lower side fixedly mounted on the support plate; and a lifting drive configured to provide a driving force for vertical movement of the main column.

[0025] The vertical adjustment module may further include guide columns, which are installed on each of the two sides of the main column, spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, and are configured to prevent the support plate from swaying while moving vertically.

[0026] The exhaust unit may include: a pressure sensor configured to measure the pressure inside the cell; an electro-pneumatic regulator configured to draw internal gas from inside the cell through the exhaust module based on a result value sensed by the pressure sensor; and a buffer tank disposed midway along the path of the internal gas moving from the exhaust module to the electro-pneumatic regulator, and configured to separate and store electrolytes mixed in the gas inside the cell by utilizing gravity.

[0027] The method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to the present invention includes: a standby process, in which individual cells are arranged on a individual cell standby unit; a first transfer process, in which a individual cell transfer unit picks up the individual cells from the individual cell standby unit to transfer the individual cells to the individual cell activation unit; an activation process, in which the individual cells are charged and discharged in the individual cell activation unit to perform an activation process; an venting process, in which an venting unit moves to the individual cell activation unit to vent internal gases from the individual cells disposed in the individual cell activation unit; and a reset process, in which the venting unit returns to its initial position.

[0028] The method may further include a second transmission process, in which the monomer transmission unit transmits the monomer disposed in the monomer activation unit to the monomer standby unit.

[0029] During the first or second transfer process, the individual transfer unit may be suspended on a guide rail unit to move along the guide rail unit, which extends in the direction in which multiple individual activation units are arranged, and during the exhaust or reset process, the exhaust unit may be suspended on the guide rail unit to move along the guide rail unit.

[0030] During the first transfer process, the monomer transfer unit may be configured to transfer the monomer to a fixture disposed in the monomer activation unit, and during the activation process, the fixture may be configured to pressurize the monomer to perform charging / discharging of the monomer.

[0031] The method may further include a pressure release process prior to the second transfer process, the pressure release process releasing the pressure on the monomer pressurized by the clamp.

[0032] Beneficial effects

[0033] The apparatus and method for manufacturing secondary batteries according to the present invention can have the following effects: rapidly and efficiently remove the gas generated inside the cell during the activation process of charging and discharging the cell, solve the problem of insufficient space in the facility for manufacturing secondary batteries, and reduce the cost of the manufacturing facility. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing an apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a front view showing the state in which the monomers in the monomer activation unit are mounted on a fixture in an apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing an exhaust unit in an apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Perspective views of the exhaust unit viewed from different angles.

[0038] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The front view of the exhaust unit when viewed in the direction of arrow X.

[0039] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 The side view of the exhaust unit when viewed in the direction of arrow Y.

[0040] Figure 7 It shows the arrangement in Figure 6 An enlarged side view of a portion of the exhaust module located in box A.

[0041] Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 A perspective view of only one of the first exhaust module sections shown.

[0042] Figure 9 It is arranged in Figure 5 A magnified perspective view of the horizontal adjustment module located in part of box B.

[0043] Figure 10 It is arranged in Figure 5 A magnified perspective view of the vertical adjustment module at a portion of box C in the image.

[0044] Figure 11 It is arranged in Figure 4 An enlarged perspective view of the pressure sensor and electro-pneumatic regulator located in a portion of box D.

[0045] Figure 12 It is arranged in Figure 4 An enlarged perspective view of the buffer tank located in a portion of box E.

[0046] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0047] In the following description, various aspects of the invention will be illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, enabling those skilled in the art to readily implement the invention. However, the invention can be embodied in many different forms and is not limited to or construed as described below.

[0048] To clearly explain the invention, detailed descriptions of relevant known technologies that are irrelevant to the description or may unnecessarily obscure the spirit of the invention have been omitted, and reference numerals have been added to the components in each figure throughout this specification. In this case, the same or similar reference numerals are assigned to the same or similar elements throughout the specification.

[0049] Furthermore, the terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as having a general meaning or dictionary-based meaning, but should be interpreted as having a meaning and concept consistent with the scope of the invention, based on the principle that the inventor may appropriately define the concepts of the terms in order to best describe and illustrate his or her invention.

[0050] Example 1

[0051] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing an apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a front view showing the state in which the monomers in the monomer activation unit are mounted on a fixture in an apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing an exhaust unit in an apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Perspective views of the exhaust unit viewed from different angles. Figure 5 yes Figure 4 The front view of the exhaust unit when viewed in the direction of arrow X. Figure 6 yes Figure 4 The side view of the exhaust unit when viewed in the direction of arrow Y. Figure 7 It shows the arrangement in Figure 6 An enlarged side view of a portion of the exhaust module located in box A. Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 A perspective view of only one of the first exhaust module sections shown. Figure 9 It is arranged in Figure 5 A magnified perspective view of the horizontal adjustment module located in part of box B. Figure 10 It is arranged in Figure 5 A magnified perspective view of the vertical adjustment module at a portion of box C in the image. Figure 11 It is arranged in Figure 4 An enlarged perspective view of the pressure sensor and electro-pneumatic regulator located in a portion of box D. Figure 12 It is arranged in Figure 4 An enlarged perspective view of the buffer tank located in a portion of box E.

[0052] First, refer to Figure 1 According to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the apparatus 100 for manufacturing secondary batteries includes a single cell activation unit 100, a single cell standby unit 200, a single cell conveying unit 300, a guide rail unit 400, and an exhaust unit 500.

[0053] The monomer activation unit 100 can be a device for charging and discharging the monomer 20 to perform an activation process. Here, the monomer 20 can be a secondary battery provided with electrode leads. Furthermore, multiple monomer activation units 100 are provided, such that the activation process is performed on a large number of monomers 20 at once. Additionally, multiple monomers can be included in one monomer activation unit 100. Figure 2 The fixture 110 shown can be installed within the monomer activation unit 100. The fixture 110 may include a left fixture 111 and a right fixture 112. The left fixture 111 and the right fixture 112 can move toward or away from the monomer 20. While the monomer 20 is being charged and discharged, the left fixture 111 and the right fixture 112 can apply pressure to the monomer 20 from both sides.

[0054] The monomer standby unit 200 can be a device in which monomers 20 are ready to be supplied to the monomer activation unit 100. In the monomer standby unit 200, monomers 20 can be placed on a tray. For example, multiple monomers 20 can be contained on a single tray. The monomer standby unit 200 can supply a large number of monomers 20 placed on a tray at once by supplying the tray on which the monomers are placed. Figure 1 As shown, multiple individual activation units 100 can be arranged from the individual standby unit 200 along one direction.

[0055] The single-unit delivery unit 300 may be a unit that picks up a single-unit 20 from the single-unit standby unit 200 to deliver the single-unit 20 to at least one of the plurality of single-unit activation units 100. For example, the single-unit delivery unit 300 may be a pick-and-place (P&P) device.

[0056] The guide rail unit 400 can be configured such that the individual unit conveying unit 300 is suspended for movement. Furthermore, the guide rail unit 400 can extend in the direction in which the plurality of individual unit activation units 100 are arranged (including directions parallel to them). Figure 1 As shown, the guide rail unit 400 may have a configuration in which a pair of guide rails, parallel to each other, extend in one direction. The unit transfer unit 300 may move along the pair of guide rails. The direction in which the pair of guide rails extend may be the orientation in which the plurality of unit activation units 100 are arranged. The unit transfer unit 300 may include a suspension portion suspended on the pair of guide rails.

[0057] The monomer delivery unit 300 can pick up monomers 20 to supply them to the fixture 110 within the monomer activation unit 100. For example... Figure 2 As shown, when monomer 20 is placed on clamp 110, a monomer activation process can be performed. During the monomer activation process, left clamp 111 and right clamp 112 can move toward monomer 20 to pressurize monomer 20 from both sides.

[0058] The exhaust unit 500 can be configured to move along the guide rail unit 400. The exhaust unit 500 can move along the guide rail unit 400 to at least one of the plurality of monomer activation units 100. In addition, the exhaust unit 500 can perform an exhaust process to discharge internal gases from the monomers 20 in the monomer activation unit 100.

[0059] While the unit transfer unit 300 moves along the guide rail unit 400, the exhaust unit 500 can be in standby position. Therefore, interference from the exhaust unit 500 can be prevented when the unit transfer unit 300 moves along the guide rail unit 400. Then, when the unit 20 in the unit activation unit 100 needs an exhaust operation to release its internal gas, the exhaust operation can be performed on the corresponding unit 20 by moving to the unit activation unit 100. At this time, the unit transfer unit 300 can be in standby position so as not to interfere with the movement of the exhaust unit 500. In this way, the unit transfer unit 300 and the exhaust unit 500 can operate smoothly without colliding with each other, while sharing a single guide rail unit 400.

[0060] As described in the background section, conventional cell activators only perform the functions of charging and discharging cells and lack a device for treating (or removing) the internal gases generated during the charging and discharging of cells. Therefore, the apparatus 100 for manufacturing a secondary battery according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention can be configured as described above, thereby quickly and efficiently removing the internal gases generated inside the cell 20 during the activation process of charging and discharging the cell 20. If the internal gases are removed in this manner, the problem of the secondary battery pouch ruptured (or torn) during the activation process can be avoided, thus preventing the problem of poor insulation of the pouch.

[0061] Furthermore, according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the apparatus 100 for manufacturing secondary batteries can utilize the guide rail unit 400 already present in the apparatus for performing cell activation to realize the device for removing internal gases, instead of manufacturing a separate and independent internal gas exhaust device for venting the gases inside the cell 20. Therefore, the problem of insufficient space in the facility for manufacturing secondary batteries can be solved, and the cost of the manufacturing facility can also be reduced.

[0062] In the following description, an exhaust unit 500 in an apparatus 100 for manufacturing a secondary battery according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is described in more detail. The exhaust unit 500 is a unit for exhausting the internal gas of the cell 20.

[0063] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 6The exhaust unit 500 may include a guide rail suspension portion 510 suspended on the guide rail unit 400. The guide rail suspension portion 510 may define a guide groove 511 into which at least a portion of the guide rail unit 400 is inserted. Two guide grooves 511 may be provided so that a pair of parallel guide rails of the guide rail unit 400 are inserted. Specifically, based on... Figure 6 The guide grooves 511 can be provided on the left and right sides of the exhaust unit 500. Each of the guide grooves 511 can have a semi-circular cross-section.

[0064] refer to Figures 6 to 8 The venting unit 500 may include a venting module 520 that moves to the monomer activation unit 100 to perform puncture, venting and sealing operations on the monomer 20.

[0065] Specifically, the exhaust module 520 may include a first exhaust module portion 521, a second exhaust module portion 522, and a guide portion 523. The first exhaust module portion 521 may be arranged on one side of the unit 20 and the second exhaust module portion 522 may be arranged on the other side of the unit 20 to perform puncture, exhaust, and sealing operations.

[0066] The guide portion 523 can be configured such that the first exhaust module portion 521 and the second exhaust module portion 522 are suspended for movement. For example, the guide portion 523 can be configured as a metal beam extending in an I-shaped cross-section. Furthermore, refer to... Figure 8 A suspension portion having a groove for suspension on the guide portion 523 can be provided at the upper part of the first exhaust module portion 521. Therefore, the first exhaust module portion 521 can be suspended on the guide portion 523.

[0067] The second exhaust module 522 may also have the same shape as the first exhaust module 521. Therefore, the second exhaust module 522 may also be suspended on the guide 523. The second exhaust module 522 can slide in directions closer to and further away from the unit 20 while suspended on the guide 523. In this way, at least one of the first exhaust module 521 and the second exhaust module 522 can move along the guide 523, and the distance between the first exhaust module 521 and the second exhaust module 522 can become closer or further apart. Alternatively, when the fixing part 527 described below is installed, only the second exhaust module 522 can move.

[0068] refer to Figure 7 and Figure 8The exhaust module 520 may include a puncture portion 524, a vacuum pad portion 525, and a sealing tool portion 526. The exhaust module 520 may include the puncture portion 524, vacuum pad portion 525, and sealing tool portion 526 in at least one of the first exhaust module portion 521 and the second exhaust module portion 522. In Embodiment 1 of the present invention, each of the first exhaust module portion 521 and the second exhaust module portion 522 may be provided with the puncture portion 524, the vacuum pad portion 525, and the sealing tool portion 526.

[0069] The puncture portion 524 can be configured to form a hole in the monomer 20. The puncture portion 524 can have a needle-like shape. Alternatively, the puncture portion 524 can have a construction including a sharp blade. The vacuum pad portion 525 can be configured to surround the puncture portion 524 and seal the surface of the bag, thereby creating a vacuum. That is, the vacuum pad portion 525 can be configured to surround and seal the hole formed by the puncture portion 524 to prevent air from being introduced into the hole. The vacuum pad can have an elliptical shape. The sealing tool portion 526 can have a shape surrounding the vacuum pad portion 525. The sealing tool portion 526 can be configured to seal the monomer 20 by heat and pressure. The sealing tool portion 526 can also have an elliptical shape.

[0070] Each of the first exhaust module 521 and the second exhaust module 522 may be provided with a puncture portion 524. In this case, the puncture portions 524 respectively provided in the first exhaust module 521 and the second exhaust module 522 may be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction by a predetermined distance so as not to overlap. That is, when the first exhaust module 521 and the second exhaust module 522 move closer to each other toward the single cell 20, the puncture portions 524 provided in the first exhaust module 521 and the puncture portions 524 provided in the second exhaust module 520 may be arranged vertically in an alternating manner, so that the puncture portions 524 provided in the first exhaust module 521 and the puncture portions 524 provided in the second exhaust module 520 do not meet each other. In this case, the bag of the secondary battery may have two holes to discharge internal gas.

[0071] refer to Figure 7 The exhaust module 520 may include a fixing part 527 that supports and fixes the first exhaust module part 521, preventing the first exhaust module part 521 from moving relative to the guide part 523. That is, if the fixing part 527 fixes the first exhaust module 520 so that the first exhaust module 520 does not move, the second exhaust module 520 can approach the first exhaust module 520 to perform an exhaust operation.

[0072] Additionally, the exhaust module 520 may include a reference pin 528. The reference pin 528 may have a shape extending a predetermined length in the direction from the second exhaust module portion 522 toward the first module portion. Therefore, the reference pin 528 can serve as a reference to allow the first exhaust module portion 521 and the second exhaust module portion 522 to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined reference distance. Specifically, based on... Figure 7 The reference pin 528 can be fixed to the right side of the second exhaust module 522, and when the second exhaust module 522 approaches the first exhaust module 521 and the reference pin 528 contacts the first exhaust module 521, the second exhaust module 522 can stop moving forward. Therefore, the first exhaust module 521 and the second exhaust module 522 can be arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined reference distance.

[0073] Furthermore, the exhaust module 520 may also include an elastic portion 529 having a shape surrounding the reference pin 528. For example, the elastic portion 529 may have a spring shape. Additionally, the elastic portion 529 may be configured to be elastic in the direction from the second exhaust module portion 522 toward the first exhaust module portion 521. Therefore, the elastic portion 529 can help the second exhaust module portion 522 move away from the first exhaust module portion 521 and then easily move to its initial standby position. That is, elasticity can be provided to make it easier for the second exhaust module portion 522 to move to its initial position.

[0074] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 9 The exhaust unit 500 may include a horizontal adjustment module 530, which moves the exhaust module 520 in the horizontal direction. The horizontal adjustment module 530 may include a base 531, a linear guide section 532, an arm section 533, and a linear drive section 534.

[0075] The base 531 can be configured to extend from one side to the other relative to the horizontal direction. Furthermore, the base 531 can have a flat plate shape. A linear guide section 532 can be mounted on the base 531. Furthermore, the linear guide section 532 can be configured to extend from one side to the other and have a guide rail shape. The linear guide section 532 can be fixedly mounted on the base 531.

[0076] The arm 533 can be configured to move along the linear guide 532 in one or the other direction while an exhaust module 520 is disposed on its lower side. The exhaust module 520 can be attached to the lower side of the arm 533. Furthermore, the upper part of the arm 533 can be suspended on the linear guide 532. The linear guide 532 can have a guide rail shape. For example, the linear guide 532 can be a linear motion (LM) guide rail.

[0077] The arm 533 can move linearly along the linear guide 532. When the arm 533 moves linearly from one side to the other, the exhaust module 520 suspended on the arm 533 can also move linearly from one side to the other. In this way, the leveling module 530 can move the exhaust module 520 in the horizontal direction.

[0078] Furthermore, the leveling module 530 may include a linear drive unit 534. The linear drive unit 534 may be configured to provide driving force, causing the arm 533 to move. The linear drive unit 534 may be a device using a cylinder or a servo motor. The linear drive unit 534 may apply force to the arm 533 to allow the arm 533 to move linearly along the linear guide section 532.

[0079] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 10 The exhaust unit 500 may also include a vertical adjustment module 540 for moving the exhaust module 520 in the vertical direction. The vertical adjustment module 540 may include a support plate portion 541, a main column portion 542, and a lifting drive portion 543.

[0080] The support plate portion 541 can be configured to support the base 531 from the lower side of the base 531 and allow the base 531 to rise or fall. The support plate portion 541 can be configured to extend a predetermined width in one direction.

[0081] The main column portion 542 may have a column shape and may be configured such that its lower side is fixedly mounted on the support plate. Therefore, when the main column portion 542 moves upward, the support plate portion 541 may also move upward, and when the main column portion 542 moves downward, the support plate portion 541 may also move downward.

[0082] The lifting drive unit 543 can be configured to provide driving force to move the main column 542 vertically. The lifting drive unit 543 may include a cylinder or a servo motor.

[0083] Furthermore, the vertical adjustment module 540 may also include a guide column 544 that assists the main column 542. The guide column 544 may be installed at a predetermined distance on each of the two sides of the main column 542. Additionally, the guide column 544 can prevent the support plate from swaying during vertical movement. That is, instead of vertically moving the support plate 541 by installing only one main column 542, the support plate 541 can move vertically more stably due to the presence of the guide column 544. Here, the structure that provides power to the lifting drive unit 543 may be a main column 542. Although the main column 542 moves vertically by receiving this power, the guide column 544 can also move vertically together with the support plate 541 because its lower end is fixedly installed to the support plate 541. That is, when the main column 542 moves vertically, the support plate 541 can move vertically, and the guide column 544 can also move vertically.

[0084] The support plate portion 541 can be mounted on the lower side of the base, and the base 531 and the support plate portion 541 can be mounted together for movement. Therefore, when the support plate portion 541 moves vertically, the base 531 can move vertically together with the support plate portion 541. Furthermore, the linear guide rail portion 532 mounted on the base 531 and the exhaust module 520 suspended on the linear guide rail portion 532 can move vertically along with the vertical movement of the base 531. In this way, the vertical adjustment module 540 and the exhaust module 520 can move vertically.

[0085] As described above, in the apparatus 100 for manufacturing a secondary battery according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the venting unit 500 may include a horizontal adjustment module 530 and a vertical adjustment module 540 to allow the venting module 520 to move to the accurate position where the cell 20 is arranged. Since the position of the venting module 520 is adjusted together by the horizontal adjustment module 530 and the vertical adjustment module 540, the venting module 520 can be moved to the correct three-dimensional position.

[0086] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 11 The exhaust unit 500 may include a pressure sensor 550, an electro-pneumatic regulator 560, and a buffer tank 570.

[0087] The pressure sensor 550 may be a sensor configuration that measures the pressure inside the unit 20. When a pressure value higher than a certain value is measured inside the unit 20, the exhaust module 520 may operate to transmit a signal, causing air inside the unit 20 to be drawn in.

[0088] The electro-pneumatic regulator 560 can be configured to draw internal gas from inside the unit 20 via the exhaust module 520 based on a result value sensed by the pressure sensor 550. The electro-pneumatic regulator 560 can be configured to use electricity to generate a vacuum. A vacuum pressure can be generated within the vacuum pad 525 to draw air from inside the unit 20.

[0089] Furthermore, the buffer tank 570 can be positioned midway along the path of the internal gas as it moves from the exhaust module 520 to the electro-pneumatic regulator 560. The buffer tank 570 can be configured to utilize gravity to separate and store the electrolyte mixed within the gas inside the monomer 20. The buffer tank 570 can include cylindrical storage containers and can be configured in multiples, as many as the exhaust modules 520.

[0090] Example 2

[0091] Figure 13 This is a diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0092] In Embodiment 2 of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a secondary battery using the apparatus 100 for manufacturing a secondary battery according to Embodiment 1 is described, and differs from Embodiment 1 in this respect.

[0093] Content that overlaps with Embodiment 1 will be omitted as much as possible, and Embodiment 2 will focus on the differences. That is, obviously, if necessary, content not described in Embodiment 2 can be regarded as content of Embodiment 1.

[0094] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 13 According to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, the method for manufacturing a secondary battery includes a standby process (S1), a first transfer process (S2), an activation process (S3), an exhaust process (S4), a reset process (S5), and a second transfer process (S6).

[0095] The standby process (S1) can be a process of arranging monomers 20 in a monomer standby unit 200 for supply to a monomer activation unit 100. In the monomer standby unit 200, monomers 20 can be placed on a tray. For example, multiple monomers 20 can be contained on a single tray. The monomer standby unit 200 can supply a large number of monomers 20 placed on the tray at once by supplying the tray.

[0096] The first transfer process (S2) may be a process in which the single-unit transfer unit 300 picks up a single-unit 20 from the single-unit standby unit 200 and transfers the single-unit 20 to at least one of the plurality of single-unit activation units 100. The single-unit transfer unit 300 may be a pick-and-place (P&P) device, and the single-unit transfer unit 300 may move along a guide rail unit 400 in the shape of a guide rail. The single-unit transfer unit 300 may be suspended on the guide rail unit 400 to move along the guide rail unit 400. While the single-unit transfer unit 300 moves along the guide rail unit 400, the exhaust unit 500 may be in standby position at the exhaust unit 500. Therefore, when the single-unit transfer unit 300 moves along the guide rail unit 400, interference from the exhaust unit 500 can be prevented.

[0097] In the first transfer process (S2), the monomer transfer unit 300 can transfer the monomer 20 to the fixture 110 within the monomer activation unit 100. When the monomer 20 is placed on the fixture 110, the monomer activation process can be performed. The activation process (S3) can be a process of charging and discharging the monomer 20 in the monomer activation unit and performing the activation process. During the monomer activation process, the left fixture 111 and the right fixture 112 can move toward the monomer 20 to press the monomer 20 from both sides. That is, the fixture 110 can press the monomer 20 to perform charging / discharging of the monomer 20. This ensures that the activation process is performed efficiently and smoothly.

[0098] The exhaust process (S4) can be as follows: when it is necessary to exhaust the internal gas within the monomer 20 generated during the activation process, the exhaust unit 500 moves to the monomer activation unit 100 to exhaust the internal gas from the monomer 20 in the monomer activation unit 100. The exhaust unit 500 can be moved using the guide rail unit 400 previously used by the monomer transfer unit 300. The exhaust unit 500 can be suspended on the guide rail unit 400 to move along the guide rail unit 400.

[0099] Specifically, the pressure sensor 550 can measure the internal pressure of the monomer 20, and if the measured pressure is higher than a reference value and it is determined that the monomer 20 in the monomer activation unit 100 needs to vent its internal gas, that is, if it is determined that the monomer 20 in the monomer activation unit 100 needs to be vented, the venting unit 500 can move to the corresponding monomer activation unit 100 to perform the venting operation on the corresponding monomer 20. This venting operation can be an operation of drawing air using an electro-pneumatic regulator 560.

[0100] When the exhaust unit 500 moves along the guide rail unit 400 to perform the exhaust operation, the individual conveyor unit 300 can stand by in its standby position so as not to interfere with the movement of the exhaust unit 500. In this way, the individual conveyor unit 300 and the exhaust unit 500 can operate smoothly without colliding with each other, while sharing a single guide rail unit 400.

[0101] The reset process (S5) can be as follows: the venting unit 500, which has completed the venting operation on the monomer 20 in the monomer activation unit 100, returns to its initial position. Similarly, at this time, the venting unit 500 can move along the guide rail unit 400. The venting unit 500 can be suspended on the guide rail unit 400 to move along the guide rail unit 400. At this time, the monomer transfer unit 300 can still be in the standby position.

[0102] After the activation process (S3) is fully completed, there may be a process to release the pressure on the monomer 20 applied by the clamp 110. That is, the left clamp 111 and the right clamp 112 may be moved away from the monomer 20 to release the pressure on the monomer 20. This process can be a pressure release process. Alternatively, in the activation process (S3), if the activation process is performed without applying pressure using the clamp 110, this pressure release process may not be necessary. After the pressure on the monomer 20 is released, the monomer transfer unit 300 can transfer the monomer 20 through the second transfer process (S6) discussed below.

[0103] The second transfer process (S6) can be a process in which the pressurized monomer 20 in the monomer activation unit 100 is transferred again to the monomer standby unit 200 via the monomer transfer unit 300. In this case, the monomer transfer unit 300 can move along the guide rail unit 400 while suspending the monomer 20. The monomer transfer unit 300 can be suspended on the guide rail unit 400 to move along the guide rail unit 400. When the monomer transfer unit 300 moves along the guide rail unit 400, the exhaust unit 500 can be in standby position so as not to cause any interference.

[0104] The parts related to the guide rail unit can be summarized as follows.

[0105] During the first or second transfer process, the individual transfer unit 300 can be suspended on the guide rail unit 400 to move along the guide rail unit. During the venting or resetting process, the venting unit 500 can be suspended on the guide rail unit to move along the guide rail unit.

[0106] During either the first or second transfer process, while the individual transfer unit 300 moves along the guide rail unit 400, the exhaust unit 500 can be in a standby position. Therefore, interference from the exhaust unit 500 can be prevented when the individual transfer unit 300 moves along the guide rail unit 400.

[0107] During the exhaust or reset process, while the exhaust unit 500 moves along the guide rail unit 400, the individual conveying unit 300 can stand by in its own standby position so as not to interfere with the movement of the exhaust unit 500.

[0108] In this way, the individual conveying unit 300 and the exhaust unit 500 can operate smoothly without colliding with each other, while sharing a single guide rail unit 400.

[0109] Using the above method, in the method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, the gas generated inside the cell during the activation process of charging and discharging the cell can be removed quickly and efficiently. Furthermore, in the method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, the problem of insufficient space in the facility for manufacturing secondary batteries can be solved, and the cost of the manufacturing facility can be reduced.

[0110] Although embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to specific examples, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0111] [Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures]

[0112] 10: Apparatus used for manufacturing secondary batteries

[0113] 20: Monomer

[0114] 100: Monomer activation unit

[0115] 110: Fixture

[0116] 111: Left clamp

[0117] 112: Right clamp

[0118] 200: Single standby unit

[0119] 300: Single-unit transmission unit

[0120] 400: Guide rail unit

[0121] 500: Exhaust unit

[0122] 510: Guide rail suspension unit

[0123] 511: Guide groove

[0124] 520: Exhaust Module

[0125] 521: First Exhaust Module

[0126] 522: Second exhaust module

[0127] 523: Guidance Department

[0128] 524: Puncture site

[0129] 525: Vacuum Pad Section

[0130] 526: Sealing Tools Section

[0131] 527: Fixing part

[0132] 528: Reference Selling

[0133] 529: Elastic part

[0134] 530: Horizontal Adjustment Module

[0135] 531: Base

[0136] 532: Linear guide section

[0137] 533: Arm

[0138] 534: Linear Drive Unit

[0139] 540: Vertical Adjustment Module

[0140] 541: Support plate section

[0141] 542: Main column

[0142] 543: Lifting Drive Unit

[0143] 544: Guide column section

[0144] 550: Pressure sensor

[0145] 560: Electric-Pneumatic Regulator

[0146] 570: Buffer tank

[0147] S1: Standby Process

[0148] S2: First Transmission Process

[0149] S3: Activation process

[0150] S4: Exhaust process

[0151] S5: Reset Process

[0152] S6: Second Transmission Process

Claims

1. An apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery, the apparatus comprising: Multiple monomer activation units are configured to charge and discharge monomers, and to perform an activation process in the multiple monomer activation units; A single-unit delivery unit, the single-unit delivery unit being configured to pick up the single unit and deliver the single unit to at least one of the plurality of single-unit activation units; A guide rail unit is configured to allow the individual unit to move in a suspended state and to extend in the direction in which the plurality of individual activation units are arranged. as well as An exhaust unit is configured to move along the guide rail unit and to perform an exhaust process to discharge internal gases from the monomers in the monomer activation unit.

2. The apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 1, further comprising a single-cell standby unit configured to provide a single-cell standby position such that the single cell is transferred from the single-cell transfer unit to the single-cell activation unit.

3. The apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein The exhaust unit is capable of moving along the guide rail unit to at least one of the plurality of monomer activation units.

4. The apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 3, wherein The exhaust unit includes a guide rail suspension part suspended on the guide rail unit. A guide groove is defined in the guide rail suspension portion, and at least a portion of the guide rail unit is inserted into the guide groove.

5. The apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 3, wherein The venting unit includes a venting module that moves to the monomer activation unit to perform puncture, venting, and sealing operations on the monomer.

6. The apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 5, wherein, The exhaust module includes: The first exhaust module is arranged on one side of the unit; A second exhaust module is disposed on the other side of the unit; and A guide section is configured to allow the first exhaust module and the second exhaust module to move in a suspended state. Wherein, at least one of the first exhaust module section and the second exhaust module section moves along the guide section, and The first exhaust module and the second exhaust module become closer to each other or farther apart.

7. The apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 6, wherein, The exhaust module includes a puncture portion, a vacuum pad portion, and a sealing tool portion in at least one of the first exhaust module portion and the second exhaust module portion. The puncture portion forms a hole in the monomer. The vacuum pad portion is configured to surround the puncture portion. The sealing tool portion is configured to surround the vacuum pad portion and seal the monomer using heat and pressure.

8. The apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 6, wherein, The exhaust module includes a fixing part configured to support and fix the first exhaust module part, such that the first exhaust module part does not move relative to the guide part.

9. The apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 6, wherein, The exhaust module includes a reference pin that extends a predetermined length in the direction from the second exhaust module portion toward the first module portion and is configured to allow the first exhaust module portion and the second exhaust module portion to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined reference distance.

10. The apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 9, wherein, The exhaust module further includes an elastic portion configured to be elastic around the reference pin and in the direction from the second exhaust module portion to the first exhaust module portion.

11. The apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 5, wherein, The exhaust unit includes a leveling module configured to move the exhaust module in the horizontal direction. The horizontal adjustment module includes: A base that extends from one side to the other in the horizontal direction; A linear guide section, which is mounted on the base to extend from one side to the other side and has a guide shape; An arm, wherein the arm moves along the linear guide in a direction along one side or the other side while the exhaust module is suspended on its lower side; and A linear drive unit is configured to provide a driving force that enables the arm to move.

12. The apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 11, wherein, The exhaust unit includes a vertical adjustment module configured to move the exhaust module in the vertical direction. The vertical adjustment module includes: A support plate portion, the support plate portion being configured to support the base portion from below; A main column portion, the main column portion having a column shape, and the lower side of the main column portion being fixedly mounted on the support plate; and A lifting drive unit is configured to provide driving force so that the main column moves vertically.

13. The apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 12, wherein, The vertical adjustment module also includes guide columns, which are installed on each of the two sides of the main column, spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, and are configured to prevent the support plate from swaying while moving vertically.

14. The apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein, The exhaust unit includes: A pressure sensor configured to measure the pressure inside the monomer; An electro-pneumatic regulator configured to draw internal gas from the interior of the unit through the exhaust module based on a result value sensed by the pressure sensor; and A buffer tank is disposed in the middle of the path along which the internal gas moves from the exhaust module to the electro-pneumatic regulator, and is configured to separate and store the electrolyte mixed in the gas inside the monomer by utilizing gravity.

15. A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, the method comprising: The standby process, in which the individual units are arranged on the individual standby unit; In the first transmission process, the single-unit transmission unit picks up the single-unit from the single-unit standby unit to transmit the single-unit to the single-unit activation unit. The activation process involves charging and discharging the monomer in the monomer activation unit to perform the activation process. During the exhaust process, the exhaust unit moves to the monomer activation unit to exhaust internal gases from the monomer disposed in the monomer activation unit; as well as During the reset process, the exhaust unit returns to its initial position.

16. The method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 15, further comprising a second transfer process, in which the cell transfer unit transfers the cell disposed in the cell activation unit to the cell standby unit.

17. The method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 16, wherein, During either the first or second transfer process, the individual transfer unit is suspended on a guide rail unit to move along the guide rail unit, which extends in the direction in which the plurality of individual activation units are arranged. During the exhaust process or the reset process, the exhaust unit is suspended on the guide rail unit to move along the guide rail unit.

18. The method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 16, wherein, During the first transfer process, the monomer transfer unit is configured to transfer the monomer to a fixture disposed in the monomer activation unit, and During the activation process, the clamp is configured to pressurize the monomer, thereby performing a charge / discharge on the monomer.

19. The method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 18, further comprising a pressure release process prior to the second transfer process, the pressure release process releasing the pressure on the cell pressurized by the fixture.

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