Sealing device for pouch-type secondary battery case and sealing method using the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sealing device for a pouch-type secondary battery case, the sealing device including an upper sealing tool and a lower sealing tool arranged to sandwich a sealing part of the pouch-type secondary battery case and contact each other to press and heat the sealing part to seal the case, an upper pressing part provided to be positioned in front of or behind the upper sealing tool, and a lower pressing part provided to be positioned in front of or behind the lower sealing tool, and a sealing method using the same.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0111422, filed August 24, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a sealing device for a pouch-type secondary battery case and a sealing method using the same, and more particularly to a sealing device for a pouch-type secondary battery case that can reduce the risk of wrinkles occurring at the sealing portion by first pressing a sealing portion via a pressing portion during a sealing process of the pouch-type secondary battery case, and a sealing method using the same. [Background technology]

[0003] As technological development and demand for mobile devices continues to grow, rechargeable secondary batteries are being used as energy sources for various mobile devices. Secondary batteries are also attracting attention as energy sources for electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles, which are being proposed as alternatives to existing gasoline and diesel vehicles that use fossil fuels.

[0004] Depending on the shape of the battery case, secondary batteries are classified into cylindrical batteries and prismatic batteries in which the electrode assembly is housed in a cylindrical or prismatic metal can, and pouch batteries in which the electrode assembly is housed in a pouch-shaped case made of an aluminum laminate sheet.

[0005] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state in which a sealing device for a pouch-type secondary battery case according to the prior art seals a secondary battery, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a state of the conventional pouch-type secondary battery case before sealing.

[0006] First, referring to FIG. 1, an upper jig 1 and a lower jig 2 are positioned above and below the sealing portion S of the case, respectively, and then moved in opposite directions, and a predetermined pressure and temperature are applied to fuse the sealing portion S.

[0007] However, as shown in FIG. 2, if the upper and lower cases constituting the sealing portion S are in a spread state, that is, if there is a gap, wrinkles may occur in the sealing portion during sealing.

[0008] During sealing, the upper and lower jigs are heated to a predetermined temperature, and therefore the upper and lower cases are compressed in an expanded state due to the heat, which can easily cause wrinkles in the sealing portion. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2015-0137742 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] In order to solve the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a sealing device for a pouch-type secondary battery case, which can prevent or minimize the occurrence of wrinkles at a sealing portion of a pouch-type secondary battery case, and a sealing method using the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] As a technical means for achieving the above object, a sealing device for a pouch-type secondary battery case according to one embodiment of the present invention is characterized by including a sealing tool (100) including an upper sealing tool (110) and a lower sealing tool (120) arranged to be in contact with each other across the sealing part (11a) so as to press and heat the sealing part (11a) of the pouch-type secondary battery case to seal it, an upper pressing part (200) provided to be located in front of or behind the upper sealing tool (110), and a lower pressing part (300) provided to be located in front of or behind the lower sealing tool (120).

[0012] In addition, in the sealing device for a pouch-type secondary battery case according to the present invention, the upper pressing part (200) is characterized by including a first upper pressing member (210) that is located in front of the upper sealing tool (110) and is configured to press the sealing part (11a) before the upper sealing tool (110) when the upper sealing tool (110) moves downward.

[0013] In addition, in the sealing device for a pouch-type secondary battery case according to the present invention, the lower pressing part (300) is characterized by including a first lower pressing member (310) that is located in front of the lower sealing tool (120) and is configured to press the sealing part (11a) before the lower sealing tool (120) when the lower sealing tool (120) moves upward.

[0014] In addition, in the sealing device for a pouch-type secondary battery case according to the present invention, the upper pressing unit (200) is located behind the upper sealing tool (110) and includes a second upper pressing member (220) configured to press the sealing unit (11a) before the upper sealing tool (110) when the upper sealing tool (110) moves downward, and the lower pressing unit (300) is located behind the lower sealing tool (120) and includes a second lower pressing member (320) configured to press the sealing unit (11a) before the lower sealing tool (120) when the lower sealing tool (120) moves upward.

[0015] In addition, the sealing device for a pouch-type secondary battery case according to the present invention further includes an air injection unit configured to inject air toward the sealing unit (11a), the first upper pressing member (210) includes a first passage (212) formed to allow the air injected from the air injection unit to pass through, and the first lower pressing member (310) includes a third passage (312) formed to allow the air injected from the air injection unit to pass through.

[0016] In addition, the sealing device for a pouch-type secondary battery case according to the present invention further includes an air injection unit configured to inject air toward the sealing unit (11a), the second upper pressing member (220) includes a second passage (222) formed to allow the air injected from the air injection unit to pass through, and the second lower pressing member (320) includes a fourth passage (322) formed to allow the air injected from the air injection unit to pass through.

[0017] In addition, in the sealing device for a pouch-type secondary battery case according to the present invention, the sealing tool (100) includes an upper elastic part (130) composed of a first elastic member (131) interposed between the upper sealing tool (110) and the first upper pressing member (210) or a second elastic member (132) interposed between the upper sealing tool (110) and the second upper pressing member (220).

[0018] In addition, in the sealing device for a pouch-type secondary battery case according to the present invention, the upper elastic part (130) is characterized in that when the lower surface of the upper sealing tool (110) moves to a position corresponding to the lower surface of the upper pressing part (200) in an initial state in which the lower surface of the upper sealing tool (110) is positioned above the lower surface of the upper pressing part (200), the upper elastic part (130) acts on the upper sealing tool (110) and the upper pressing part (200) with an elastic restoring force.

[0019] In addition, in the sealing device for a pouch-type secondary battery case according to the present invention, the sealing tool (100) includes a lower elastic part (140) composed of a third elastic member (141) interposed between the lower sealing tool (120) and the first lower pressing member (310) or a fourth elastic member (142) interposed between the lower sealing tool (120) and the second lower pressing member (320).

[0020] In addition, in the sealing device for a pouch-type secondary battery case according to the present invention, the lower elastic part (140) is characterized in that when the upper surface of the lower sealing tool (120) moves to a position corresponding to the upper surface of the lower pressing part (300) in an initial state in which the upper surface of the lower sealing tool (120) is located lower than the upper surface of the lower pressing part (300), the lower elastic part (140) acts on the lower sealing tool (120) and the lower pressing part (300) with an elastic restoring force.

[0021] In addition, a method for sealing a pouch-type secondary battery case using a sealing device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: (S1) positioning a sealing portion (11a) of the pouch-type secondary battery case between an upper sealing tool (110) and a lower sealing tool (120); (S2) moving the upper sealing tool (110) and the lower sealing tool (120) in directions opposite to each other; (S3) pressing the sealing portion (11a) with an upper pressing portion (200) provided on the upper sealing tool (110) and a lower pressing portion (300) provided on the lower sealing tool (120); and (S4) pressing and heating the sealing portion (11a) with the upper sealing tool (110) and the lower sealing tool (120) to seal the pouch-type secondary battery case.

[0022] In addition, the method for sealing a pouch-type secondary battery case according to the present invention may further include, after step S4, a step (S5) of moving the upper sealing tool (110) and the lower sealing tool (120) to an initial position.

[0023] In addition, in the sealing method for a pouch-type secondary battery case according to the present invention, in step S5, the upper pressing part (200) moves to its initial position due to the action of an elastic restoring force from an upper elastic part (130) interposed between the upper sealing tool (110) and the upper pressing part (200), and the lower pressing part (300) moves to its initial position due to the action of an elastic restoring force from a lower elastic part (140) interposed between the lower sealing tool (120) and the lower pressing part (300).

[0024] In addition, the sealing method for a pouch-type secondary battery case according to the present invention is characterized in that, between step S1 and step S2, the method further comprises a step of injecting air toward the sealing part (11a) through a passage formed in the upper pressing part (200) or the lower pressing part (300).

[0025] In addition, the sealing method for a pouch-type secondary battery case according to the present invention is characterized in that, between step S2 and step S3, the method further includes a step of injecting air toward the sealing part (11a) through a passage formed in the upper pressing part (200) or the lower pressing part (300). [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] As described above, according to the sealing device and sealing method for a pouch-type secondary battery case of the present invention, the upper sealing tool is provided with an upper pressing part and the lower sealing tool is provided with a lower pressing part. Therefore, during the sealing process, the upper pressing part and the lower pressing part press the sealing part before the sealing tool presses the sealing part, gathering the sealing part together, and the sealing process is performed in this state. This has the advantage of reducing the risk of wrinkles occurring in the sealing part.

[0027] Furthermore, according to the sealing device and sealing method for a pouch-type secondary battery case of the present invention, a passage through which air supplied from the air injection unit passes is formed in the upper pressing unit and the lower pressing unit, so that air can be injected toward the sealing unit before the upper pressing unit and the lower pressing unit press the sealing unit, which has the advantage of not only suppressing the occurrence of wrinkles but also removing foreign matter from the sealing unit. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a state in which a sealing device for a pouch-type secondary battery case according to the prior art seals a secondary battery;

[0029] [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a state of a conventional pouch-type secondary battery case before sealing.

[0030] [Figure 3] 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a sealing device for a pouch-type secondary battery case according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view illustrating an upper sealing tool and a first upper pressing member of a sealing device for a pouch-type secondary battery case according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] [Figure 5] 3 is a perspective view illustrating an upper sealing tool and a second upper pressing member of the pouch-type secondary battery case sealing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

[0033] [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view illustrating a lower sealing tool and a first lower pressing member of a sealing device for a pouch-type secondary battery case according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] [Figure 7] 3 is a perspective view illustrating a lower sealing tool and a second lower pressing member of the pouch-type secondary battery case sealing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG.

[0035] [Figure 8] 3 is a schematic flow chart illustrating the operation of a sealing process of the pouch-type secondary battery case sealing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

[0036] [Figure 9] FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a sealing device for a pouch-type secondary battery case according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] [Figure 10] 10 is a perspective view illustrating an upper sealing tool and a first upper pressing member of a sealing device for a pouch-type secondary battery case according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

[0038] [Figure 11]10 is a schematic flow chart illustrating the operation of a sealing process of a pouch-type secondary battery case sealing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, a detailed description will be given of an embodiment of the present invention that will enable a person of ordinary skill in the art to easily carry out the present invention. However, in describing the operation principle of the preferred embodiment of the present invention in detail, detailed description of related well-known functions or configurations will be omitted if it is determined that such detailed description may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention.

[0040] Furthermore, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings for parts having similar functions and actions. Throughout the specification, when a part is said to be connected to another part, this includes not only a direct connection but also an indirect connection via another element therebetween. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, "including a certain element" does not mean that other elements are excluded, but that other elements may also be included.

[0041] Hereinafter, a sealing device for a pouch-type secondary battery case and a sealing method using the same according to the present invention will be described.

[0042] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a sealing device for a pouch-type secondary battery case according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 3, the sealing device for a pouch-type secondary battery case according to the present invention includes a sealing tool 100, an upper pressing part 200, and a lower pressing part 300.

[0044] First, the secondary battery 10 accommodates the electrode assembly 12 inside the battery case 11, and the sealing part 11a is heat-sealed by the sealing tool 100 with the electrode leads 13 exposed to the outside of the sealing part 11a.

[0045] The sealing tool 100 may include an upper sealing tool 110 and a lower sealing tool 120 that are arranged to be in contact with each other across the sealing portion 11a of the pouch so as to seal the sealing portion 11a by pressing and heating the sealing portion 11a. For example, the upper sealing tool 110 is provided to be positioned above the sealing portion 11a to be positioned, and the lower sealing tool 120 is provided to be positioned below the sealing portion 11a.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 3, if the upper side is defined as the 12 o'clock direction and the lower side as the 6 o'clock direction, the upper sealing tool 110 can move from the upper side downward (from the 12 o'clock direction to the 6 o'clock direction) and press downward from the top of the sealing portion 11a, and the lower sealing tool 120 can move from the lower side upward (from the 6 o'clock direction to the 12 o'clock direction) and press upward from the bottom of the sealing portion 11a.

[0047] That is, the sealing portion 11a can be sealed by receiving pressure and heat in the vertical direction due to the downward movement of the upper sealing tool 110 and the upward movement of the lower sealing tool 120.

[0048] In the sealing device of the present invention, the upper sealing tool 110 and the lower sealing tool 120 are obvious to those skilled in the art, so a detailed description will be omitted.

[0049] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an upper sealing tool and a first upper pressing member of the pouch-type secondary battery case sealing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating an upper sealing tool and a second upper pressing member of the pouch-type secondary battery case sealing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] 3 to 5, the upper pressing part 200 may be provided to be located in front of or behind the upper sealing tool 110.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 3, if the front is defined as the 3 o'clock direction and the rear is defined as the 9 o'clock direction, the upper pressing part 200 may include a first upper pressing member 210 located in front of the upper sealing tool 110 and a second upper pressing member 220 located in the rear of the upper sealing tool 110.

[0052] First, the first upper pressing member 210 may be connected to the front side of the upper sealing tool 110 and configured to press the sealing portion 11a before the upper sealing tool 110 when the upper sealing tool 110 moves downward. For example, the first upper pressing member 210 may be configured such that the lower surface of the first upper pressing member 210 is located lower than the lower surface of the upper sealing tool 110. In other words, the lower surface of the first upper pressing member 210 may be located closer to the upper surface of the sealing portion 11a than the lower surface of the upper sealing tool 110.

[0053] The upper sealing tool 110 may also include a first space 111 and a first guide rod 112. For example, the first space 111 may be a groove extending vertically on the front surface of the upper sealing tool 110. For example, the first guide rod 112 may be disposed with the vertical axis relative to the first space 111 and may be provided as a straight member. For example, the first guide rod 112 may be configured in the form of a straight rod or bar.

[0054] Meanwhile, the first upper pressing member 210 may include a first extension piece 211. For example, the first extension piece 211 may be formed by a portion of the upper surface of the first upper pressing member 210 protruding rearward, and the first extension piece 211 may be formed with a first hole 211a having a size that allows the first guide rod 112 of the upper sealing tool 110 to pass through.

[0055] In addition, the first extension piece 211 of the first upper pressing member 210 may be configured to have a size that allows it to be inserted into the first space 111 of the upper sealing tool 110. In addition, the first extension piece 211 of the first upper pressing member 210 and the first space 111 of the upper sealing tool 110 may be provided at positions corresponding to each other, and therefore the first guide rod 112 and the first hole 211a may also be provided at positions corresponding to each other.

[0056] In addition, the first hole 211a of the first upper pressing member 210 can be linearly movably engaged or male-female coupled with the first guide rod 112 of the upper sealing tool 110. Therefore, the first upper pressing member 210 can reciprocate in a linear movement section guided by the first guide rod 112.

[0057] The sealing tool 100 may also include an upper elastic portion 130, which may include a first elastic member 131 interposed between the upper sealing tool 110 and the first upper pressing member 210. For example, the first elastic member 131 may be, but is not limited to, a spring member.

[0058] For example, the first elastic member 131 may be provided on the first guide rod 112. For example, the first elastic member 131 may be configured to surround the first guide rod 112, thereby exerting an elastic restoring force on the first upper pressing member 210 that moves linearly along the first guide rod 112. This will be described in detail later.

[0059] Next, the second upper pressing member 220 may be coupled to the rear side of the upper sealing tool 110 and configured to press the sealing portion 11a before the upper sealing tool 110 when the upper sealing tool 110 moves downward. For example, the second upper pressing member 220 may be configured such that the lower surface of the second upper pressing member 220 is located lower than the lower surface of the upper sealing tool 110. In other words, the lower surface of the second upper pressing member 220 may be located closer to the upper surface of the sealing portion 11a than the lower surface of the upper sealing tool 110.

[0060] The upper sealing tool 110 may also include a second space 113 and a second guide rod 114. For example, the second space 113 may be a groove extending vertically on the rear surface of the upper sealing tool 110. For example, the second guide rod 114 may be disposed with its axis extending vertically relative to the second space 113 and may be configured as a straight member. For example, the second guide rod 114 may be configured in the form of a straight rod or bar.

[0061] In addition, the second upper pressing member 220 may include a second extension piece 221. For example, the second extension piece 221 may be formed by a portion of the upper surface of the second upper pressing member 220 protruding forward, and the second extension piece 221 may be formed with a second hole 221a having a size that allows the second guide rod 114 of the upper sealing tool 110 to pass through.

[0062] In addition, the second extension piece 221 of the second upper pressing member 220 may be configured to have a size that allows it to be inserted into the second space 113 of the upper sealing tool 110. In addition, the second extension piece 221 of the second upper pressing member 220 and the second space 113 of the upper sealing tool 110 may be provided at positions corresponding to each other, and therefore the second guide rod 114 and the second hole 221a may also be provided at positions corresponding to each other.

[0063] In addition, the second hole 221a of the second upper pressing member 220 can be linearly movably engaged or male-female coupled with the second guide rod 114 of the upper sealing tool 110. Therefore, the second upper pressing member 220 can reciprocate in a linear movement section guided by the second guide rod 114.

[0064] Additionally, the upper elastic part 130 may include a second elastic member 132 interposed between the upper sealing tool 110 and the second upper pressing member 220. For example, the second elastic member 132 may be, but is not limited to, a spring member.

[0065] For example, the second elastic member 132 may be provided on the second guide rod 114. For example, the second elastic member 132 may be configured to surround the second guide rod 114 and may exert an elastic restoring force on the second upper pressing member 220 that moves linearly along the second guide rod 114. This will be described in detail later.

[0066] Meanwhile, FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a lower sealing tool and a first lower pressing member of the pouch-type secondary battery case sealing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a lower sealing tool and a second lower pressing member of the pouch-type secondary battery case sealing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] 3, 6, and 7, the lower pressing unit 300 may be provided to be located in front of or behind the lower sealing tool 120. With reference to FIG. 3, the front is defined as the 3 o'clock direction and the rear is defined as the 9 o'clock direction, the lower pressing unit 300 may include a first lower pressing member 310 located in front of the lower sealing tool 120 and a second lower pressing member 320 located behind the lower sealing tool 120.

[0068] First, the first lower pressing member 310 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the first upper pressing member 210. For example, the first lower pressing member 310 and the first upper pressing member 210 may be disposed at positions corresponding to each other when they move to press the sealing portion 11a, thereby operating to apply pressure to the sealing portion 11a in the vertical direction.

[0069] In addition, the first lower pressing member 310 may be connected to the front side of the lower sealing tool 120 and configured to press the sealing portion 11a before the lower sealing tool 120 when the lower sealing tool 120 moves upward. For example, the first lower pressing member 310 may be configured such that the upper surface of the first lower pressing member 310 is located higher than the upper surface of the lower sealing tool 120. In other words, the upper surface of the first lower pressing member 310 may be located closer to the lower surface of the sealing portion 11a than the upper surface of the lower sealing tool 120.

[0070] The lower sealing tool 120 may also include a third space 121 and a third guide rod 122. For example, the third space 121 may be a groove formed on the front surface of the lower sealing tool 120 and extending vertically. For example, the third guide rod 122 may be disposed with the vertical axis relative to the third space 121 and may be provided in the form of a straight member. For example, the third guide rod 122 may be configured in the form of a straight rod or bar.

[0071] The first lower pressing member 310 may also include a third extension piece 311. For example, the third extension piece 311 may be formed by a portion of an upper surface of the first lower pressing member 310 protruding rearward, and the third extension piece 311 may be formed with a third hole 311a having a size that allows the third guide rod 122 of the lower sealing tool 120 to pass through.

[0072] In addition, the third extension piece 311 of the first lower pressing member 310 may be configured to have a size that allows it to be inserted into the third space 121 of the lower sealing tool 120. The third extension piece 311 of the first lower pressing member 310 and the third space 121 of the lower sealing tool 120 may be provided at positions corresponding to each other. Accordingly, the third guide rod 122 and the third hole 311a may also be provided at positions corresponding to each other.

[0073] In addition, the third hole 311a of the first lower pressing member 310 can be linearly movably engaged or male-female coupled with the third guide rod 122 of the lower sealing tool 120. Therefore, the first lower pressing member 310 can reciprocate in a linear movement section guided by the third guide rod 122.

[0074] The sealing tool 100 may also include a lower elastic part 140, which may include a third elastic member 141 interposed between the lower sealing tool 120 and the first lower pressing member 310. For example, the third elastic member 141 may be, but is not limited to, a spring member.

[0075] For example, the third elastic member 141 may be provided on the third guide rod 122. For example, the third elastic member 141 may be provided to surround the third guide rod 122 and may exert an elastic restoring force on the first lower pressing member 310 that moves linearly along the third guide rod 122. This will be described in detail later.

[0076] Next, the second lower pressing member 320 located behind the lower sealing tool 120 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the second upper pressing member 220. For example, the second lower pressing member 320 and the second upper pressing member 220 may be disposed at positions corresponding to each other when moving to press the sealing portion 11a, and may be configured to apply pressure to the sealing portion 11a in the vertical direction.

[0077] Furthermore, the second lower pressing member 320 of the lower pressing unit 300 may be configured to press the sealing unit 11a before the lower sealing tool 120 when the lower sealing tool 120 moves upward. For example, the second lower pressing member 320 may be configured such that the upper surface of the second lower pressing member 320 is positioned higher than the upper surface of the lower sealing tool 120. In other words, the upper surface of the second lower pressing member 320 may be positioned closer to the lower surface of the sealing unit 11a than the upper surface of the lower sealing tool 120.

[0078] The lower sealing tool 120 may also include a fourth space 123 and a fourth guide rod 124. For example, the fourth space 123 may be a groove formed on the rear surface of the lower sealing tool 120 and extending vertically. For example, the fourth guide rod 124 may be disposed with the vertical axis relative to the fourth space 123 and may be provided in the form of a straight member. For example, the fourth guide rod 124 may be configured in the form of a straight rod or bar.

[0079] The second lower pressing member 320 may also include a fourth extension piece 321. For example, the fourth extension piece 321 may be formed by a portion of an upper surface of the second lower pressing member 320 protruding forward, and the fourth extension piece 321 may have a fourth hole 321a formed therein, the fourth hole 321a having a size that allows the fourth guide rod 124 of the lower sealing tool 120 to pass through.

[0080] In addition, the fourth extension piece 321 of the second lower pressing member 320 may be configured to have a size that allows it to be inserted into the fourth space 123 of the lower sealing tool 120. The fourth extension piece 321 of the second lower pressing member 320 and the fourth space 123 of the lower sealing tool 120 may be provided at positions corresponding to each other, and therefore the fourth guide rod 124 and the fourth hole 321a may also be provided at positions corresponding to each other.

[0081] In addition, the fourth hole 321a of the second lower pressing member 320 can be linearly movably engaged or male-female coupled with the fourth guide rod 124 of the lower sealing tool 120. Therefore, the second lower pressing member 320 can reciprocate in a linear movement section guided by the fourth guide rod 124.

[0082] In addition, the lower elastic part 140 may include a fourth elastic member 142 interposed between the lower sealing tool 120 and the second lower pressing member 320. For example, the fourth elastic member 142 may be a spring member, but is not limited thereto.

[0083] For example, the fourth elastic member 142 may be provided on the fourth guide rod 124. For example, the fourth elastic member 142 may be provided to surround the fourth guide rod 124 and may exert an elastic restoring force on the second lower pressing member 320 that moves linearly along the fourth guide rod 124.

[0084] 8 is a schematic flow chart illustrating the operation of a sealing process of the sealing device for a pouch-type secondary battery case according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 8, a method of sealing a pouch-type secondary battery case using the sealing device includes: (S1) positioning a sealing portion 11a of the pouch-type secondary battery case between an upper sealing tool 110 and a lower sealing tool 120; (S2) moving the upper sealing tool 110 and the lower sealing tool 120 in directions opposite to each other; (S3) pressing the sealing portion 11a with an upper pressing portion 200 provided on the upper sealing tool 110 and a lower pressing portion 300 provided on the lower sealing tool 120; and (S4) pressing and heating the sealing portion 11a with the upper sealing tool 110 and the lower sealing tool 120 to seal the pouch-type secondary battery case.

[0085] First, in step (S1), the electrode assembly 12 is accommodated inside the battery case 11, and the secondary battery case sealing part 11a with the electrode lead 13 exposed to the outside is positioned between the upper sealing tool 110 and the lower sealing tool 120 (a in FIG. 8).

[0086] In step (S2), the upper sealing tool 110 is moved downward and the lower sealing tool 120 is moved upward. At this time, the upper pressing unit 200 is coupled to the upper sealing tool 110 and can move downward together with the upper sealing tool 110, and the lower pressing unit 300 is coupled to the lower sealing tool 120 and can move upward together with the lower sealing tool 120 (FIG. 8b).

[0087] In detail, when the upper pressing portion 200 is moved downward by the upper sealing tool 110 and comes into contact with the sealing portion 11a, it applies a downward pressing force to the sealing portion 11a, and when the lower pressing portion 300 is moved upward by the lower sealing tool 120 and comes into contact with the sealing portion 11a, it applies an upward pressing force to the sealing portion 11a, so that the sealing portion 11a can receive pressure in the vertical direction by the upper pressing portion 200 and the lower pressing portion 300.

[0088] In steps (S3) and (S4), when the upper pressing unit 200 and the lower pressing unit 300 transmit vertical pressure to the sealing unit 11a, the upper sealing tool 110 and the lower sealing tool 120 move until they come into contact with the sealing unit 11a, and after contacting the sealing unit 11a, they transmit vertical pressure and heat to the sealing unit 11a to seal the sealing unit 11a (c in FIG. 8).

[0089] Also, the method may further include the step of (S5) moving the upper sealing tool 110 and the lower sealing tool 120 to their initial positions.

[0090] As described above, according to the sealing method for a pouch-type secondary battery case according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the sealing portion 11a of the pouch-type secondary battery 10 is pre-pressed using the upper pressing portion 200 provided on the upper sealing tool 110 and the lower pressing portion 300 provided on the lower sealing tool 120, thereby minimizing wrinkles occurring at the sealing portion 11a.

[0091] FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a sealing device for a pouch-type secondary battery case according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating an upper sealing tool and a first upper pressing member of the sealing device for a pouch-type secondary battery case according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] The sealing device for a pouch-type secondary battery case according to the second embodiment of the present invention is the same as the first embodiment, except that it further includes a passage for injecting air toward the sealing portion 11a in at least one of the upper pressing portion and the lower pressing portion.

[0093] The sealing device for a pouch-type secondary battery case according to the second embodiment of the present invention can remove sealing wrinkles and foreign matter attached to the sealing part 11a that may occur during the sealing process by injecting air toward the sealing part 11a before the upper pressing part 200 and the lower pressing part 300 press the sealing part 11a.

[0094] In detail, a first passage 212 may be formed in the first upper pressing member 210 so that air injected from an air injection unit (not shown) passes through. For example, the first passage 212 may be formed as a passage that communicates the upper and lower surfaces of the first upper pressing member 210. Therefore, when the air injection unit provided on the upper side of the first upper pressing member 210 injects air from the upper side of the first upper pressing member 210 toward the sealing portion 11a, the air that passes through the first passage 212 may be delivered to the sealing portion 11a.

[0095] In addition, the second upper pressing member 220 may be formed with a second passage 222 through which air injected from an air injection unit (not shown) passes. For example, the second passage 222 may be formed as a passage that communicates the upper and lower surfaces of the second upper pressing member 220. Therefore, when the air injection unit provided on the upper side of the second upper pressing member 220 injects air from the upper side of the second upper pressing member 220 toward the sealing portion 11a, the air that passes through the second passage 222 may be delivered to the sealing portion 11a.

[0096] In addition, a third passage 312 may be formed in the first lower pressing member 310 so that air injected from an air injection unit (not shown) can pass through. For example, the third passage 312 may be formed as a passage that connects the lower surface and the upper surface of the first lower pressing member 310. Therefore, when the air injection unit provided on the lower side of the first lower pressing member 310 injects air from the lower side of the first lower pressing member 310 toward the sealing portion 11a, the air that has passed through the third passage 312 can be delivered to the sealing portion 11a.

[0097] In addition, a fourth passage 322 may be formed in the second lower pressing member 320 so that air injected from the air injection unit passes through. For example, the fourth passage 322 may be formed as a passage that communicates the lower surface and the upper surface of the second lower pressing member 320. Therefore, when the air injection unit provided on the lower side of the second lower pressing member 320 injects air from the lower side of the second lower pressing member 320 toward the sealing portion 11a, the air that passes through the fourth passage 322 may be delivered to the sealing portion 11a.

[0098] Meanwhile, although not specifically shown in the drawings, the air injection unit may be provided in the form of a tube connected to a passage, but is not limited thereto. Such an air injection unit can be realized by various techniques that are obvious to those skilled in the art, and therefore further detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0099] FIG. 11 is a schematic flow chart illustrating the operation of a sealing process of a pouch-type secondary battery case sealing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 11, the method for sealing a pouch-type secondary battery case according to the second embodiment may further include a step of injecting air toward the sealing portion 11a through a passage formed in the upper pressing portion 200 or the lower pressing portion 300 between the steps of (S1) positioning the sealing portion 11a of the pouch-type secondary battery case between the upper sealing tool 110 and the lower sealing tool 120 and (S2) moving the upper sealing tool 110 and the lower sealing tool 120 in directions opposite to each other.

[0101] In other words, before the upper sealing tool 110 and the lower sealing tool 120 move in opposite directions, air can be sprayed toward the sealing portion 11a through a passage formed in the upper pressing portion 200 or the lower pressing portion 300.

[0102] In addition, between the above-mentioned (S2) step of moving the upper sealing tool 110 and the lower sealing tool 120 in directions opposite to each other and (S3) step of the upper pressing unit 200 provided on the upper sealing tool 110 and the lower pressing unit 300 provided on the lower sealing tool 120 pressing the sealing unit 11a, the method may further include a step of injecting air toward the sealing unit 11a through a passage formed in the upper pressing unit 200 or the lower pressing unit 300.

[0103] In other words, before the upper pressing portion 200 and the lower pressing portion 300 press the sealing portion 11a, air can be sprayed toward the sealing portion 11a through a passage formed in the upper pressing portion 200 or the lower pressing portion 300.

[0104] Although specific portions of the contents of the present invention have been described in detail above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that such specific techniques are merely preferred embodiments and do not limit the scope of the present invention. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications are possible within the scope and technical idea of ​​the present invention, and it goes without saying that such changes and modifications also fall within the scope of the accompanying claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 10 Secondary battery 11 Battery case 11a Sealing part 12 Electrode assembly 13 Electrode Lead 100 Sealing Tools 110 Upper Sealing Tool 111 First space 112 First guide rod 113 Second space 114 Second guide rod 120 Bottom Sealing Tool 121 Third space 122 Third guide rod 123 4th space 124 4th guide rod 130 Upper elastic part 131 first elastic member 132 second elastic member 140 Lower elastic part 141 third elastic member 142 Fourth elastic member 200 Upper pressing part 210 First upper pressing member 211 1st extension piece 211a Hall 1 212 1st aisle 220 Second upper pressing member 221 2nd extension piece 221a 2nd Hall 222 2nd aisle 300 Lower pressing part 310 First lower pressing member 311 Third extension piece 311a 3rd Hall 312 3rd aisle 320 Second lower pressing member 321 4th extension piece 321a 4th Hall 322 4th aisle

Claims

1. a sealing tool including an upper sealing tool and a lower sealing tool arranged to sandwich the sealing part of the pouch-type secondary battery case and contact each other to press and heat the sealing part to seal it; an upper pressing portion provided to be positioned in front of or behind the upper sealing tool; a lower pressing part provided to be positioned in front of or behind the lower sealing tool.

2. 2. The sealing device for a pouch-type secondary battery case according to claim 1, wherein the upper pressing part includes a first upper pressing member positioned in front of the upper sealing tool and configured to press the sealing part before the upper sealing tool when the upper sealing tool moves downward.

3. 3. The sealing device for a pouch-type secondary battery case according to claim 2, wherein the lower pressing portion includes a first lower pressing member positioned in front of the lower sealing tool and configured to press the sealing portion before the lower sealing tool when the lower sealing tool moves upward.

4. the upper pressing portion includes a second upper pressing member located behind the upper sealing tool and configured to press the sealing portion ahead of the upper sealing tool when the upper sealing tool moves downward; 4. The sealing device for a pouch-type secondary battery case according to claim 3, wherein the lower pressing portion includes a second lower pressing member positioned behind the lower sealing tool and configured to press the sealing portion before the lower sealing tool when the lower sealing tool moves upward.

5. The sealing member further includes an air injection unit configured to inject air toward the sealing member, the first upper pressing member includes a first passage formed to allow air injected from the air injection portion to pass through; The sealing device for a pouch-type secondary battery case according to claim 3 , wherein the first lower pressing member includes a third passage formed to allow air injected from the air injection portion to pass through.

6. The sealing member further includes an air injection unit configured to inject air toward the sealing member, the second upper pressing member includes a second passage formed to allow air injected from the air injection portion to pass through; The sealing device for a pouch-type secondary battery case according to claim 4 , wherein the second lower pressing member includes a fourth passage formed to allow air injected from the air injection portion to pass through.

7. 5. The sealing device for a pouch-type secondary battery case according to claim 2 or 4, wherein the sealing tool includes an upper elastic part composed of a first elastic member interposed between the upper sealing tool and the first upper pressing member, or a second elastic member interposed between the upper sealing tool and the second upper pressing member.

8. 8. The sealing device for a pouch-type secondary battery case according to claim 7, wherein the upper elastic portion exerts an elastic restoring force between the upper sealing tool and the upper pressing portion when the lower surface of the upper sealing tool moves to a position corresponding to the lower surface of the upper pressing portion in an initial state in which the lower surface of the upper sealing tool is positioned higher than the lower surface of the upper pressing portion.

9. 5. The sealing device for a pouch-type secondary battery case according to claim 3, wherein the sealing tool includes a lower elastic part composed of a third elastic member interposed between the lower sealing tool and the first lower pressing member, or a fourth elastic member interposed between the lower sealing tool and the second lower pressing member.

10. 10. The sealing device for a pouch-type secondary battery case according to claim 9, wherein the lower elastic portion exerts an elastic restoring force between the lower sealing tool and the lower pressing portion when the upper surface of the lower sealing tool moves to a position corresponding to the upper surface of the lower pressing portion in an initial state in which the upper surface of the lower sealing tool is positioned lower than the upper surface of the lower pressing portion.

11. A method for sealing a pouch-type secondary battery case using the sealing device according to claim 1, comprising: (S1) positioning a sealing portion of the pouch-type secondary battery case between the upper sealing tool and the lower sealing tool; (S2) moving the upper sealing tool and the lower sealing tool in directions opposite to each other; (S3) pressing the sealing part with the upper pressing part provided in the upper sealing tool and the lower pressing part provided in the lower sealing tool; (S4) pressing and heating the sealing portion with the upper sealing tool and the lower sealing tool to seal the pouch-type secondary battery case.

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

13. In step S5, the upper pressing part is moved to its initial position by an elastic restoring force of an upper elastic part interposed between the upper sealing tool and the upper pressing part, 13. The sealing method of claim 12, wherein the lower pressing portion moves to the initial position due to an elastic restoring force of a lower elastic portion interposed between the lower sealing tool and the lower pressing portion.

14. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising, between step S1 and step S2, spraying air toward the sealing part through a passage formed in the upper pressing part or the lower pressing part.

15. 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising, between step S2 and step S3, a step of injecting air toward the sealing part through a passage formed in the upper pressing part or the lower pressing part.

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