In-line manufacturing equipment for secondary batteries

Abstract

An in-line manufacturing facility for secondary batteries according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of pieces of equipment provided for manufacturing secondary batteries, and a docking section including a pair of docking members attached to two adjacent pieces of equipment, each having at least one mark displayed on its contact portion, wherein the pair of docking members are provided such that the marks have a predetermined shape when the two adjacent pieces of equipment are assembled at predetermined positions having predetermined flatness and parallelism.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an inline manufacturing facility for secondary batteries, and more particularly, to an inline manufacturing facility for secondary batteries that can connect two adjacent facilities in line so as to have a predetermined flatness and parallelism.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0019199 filed on February 7, 2024, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0014259 filed on February 5, 2025, and all the contents disclosed in the documents of the Korean patent applications are included as part of this specification.

Background Art

[0003] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a secondary battery, and FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the manufacturing process of the secondary battery.

[0004] Referring to FIG. 1, the secondary battery (1) includes an electrode assembly (3), an electrolyte (not shown), and a battery case (2). The electrode assembly (3) is formed by sequentially laminating a negative electrode (8) and a positive electrode (9) via a separator (7), and is provided for charging and discharging the secondary battery (1).

[0005] The electrolyte (not shown) functions as a medium for moving lithium ions between the positive electrode (9) and the negative electrode (8) during charging and discharging of the secondary battery (1), and a substance with high ionic conductivity is used. The separator (7) physically blocks the positive electrode (9) and the negative electrode (8) and is provided so that only ions can move.

[0006] The battery case (2) is a case for housing the electrode assembly (3) and the electrolyte (not shown). After housing the electrode assembly (3) and the electrolyte (not shown), the battery case (2) is sealed by a heat-sealing method to seal the electrode assembly (3) and the electrolyte (not shown) in the internal space of the battery case (2).

[0007] Referring to Figure 2, the manufacturing process for the secondary battery (1) is a process for producing the secondary battery (1), and includes an electrode process (S1), an assembly process (S2), and a chemical conversion process (S3).

[0008] The electrode process (S1), the assembly process (S2), and the chemical conversion process (S3) are carried out sequentially.

[0009] The electrode process (S11) is a process for manufacturing an electrode substrate, and the electrode process (S11) includes a mixing process, a coating process, a drying process, a pressing process, a slitting process, and a notching process.

[0010] Each step of the electrode process is performed using separate equipment. If the flatness and parallelism do not match between the equipment performing the electrode process, meandering of the substrate may occur as it travels through each step in a roll-to-roll manner.

[0011] The meandering of the substrate can lead to coating defects in the coating process, cutting defects in the slitting process due to the plain areas on both sides of the coating layer being cut at different intervals, and cutting defects in the notching process due to the lead tabs and notching grooves not being cut at the predetermined positions.

[0012] The assembly process (S2) is a process for manufacturing a secondary battery (1) which includes an electrode assembly (3), an electrolyte (not shown), and a battery case (2). The assembly process includes a laminating process, a stacking process, and a packaging process.

[0013] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the layout of multiple pieces of equipment used in the secondary battery manufacturing process, and is intended to illustrate problems that can arise when multiple pieces of equipment are not placed in their designated locations.

[0014] As one embodiment, referring to Figure 3, a state is shown in which the laminating equipment (10), stacking equipment (20), and packaging equipment (30) are connected in line.

[0015] The laminating equipment (10) is equipment that alternately stacks electrodes and separators to produce unit cells such as monocells (4) and halfcells (5).

[0016] The electrode assembly (3) is manufactured using a stacking facility (20).

[0017] Furthermore, the packaging equipment (30) is a device that houses the electrode assembly (3) into the battery case (2), injects an electrolyte (not shown), and seals the battery case (2) by heat fusion.

[0018] The laminating equipment (10), the stacking equipment (20), and the packaging equipment (30) are manufactured in advance at the factory to meet predetermined flatness and parallelism. The laminating equipment (10), the stacking equipment (20), and the packaging equipment (30) are transported separately to the location where the process is performed, and assembled in-line at that location according to the installation manual.

[0019] When connecting the laminating equipment (10), the stacking equipment (20), and the packaging equipment (30) in line according to the installation manual, it is extremely important to ensure that the flatness and parallelism between two adjacent pieces of equipment (10 and 20, 20 and 30) are aligned.

[0020] Traditionally, the design dimensions between the ends of each piece of equipment were reflected in the installation manual, and the equipment was connected in-line according to the installation manual.

[0021] The laminating equipment (10), the stacking equipment (20), and the packaging equipment (30) are connected in-line by leveling and docking operations. The leveling operation is the process of adjusting the height between the two in-line connected pieces of equipment to ensure that the flatness between them is the same. The docking operation is the process of ensuring that the parallelism between the two in-line connected pieces of equipment is the same.

[0022] The workers, following the installation manual, individually measured the height of two adjacent pieces of equipment (10 and 20, or 20 and 30) relative to the ground, calculated the height difference between the two adjacent pieces of equipment, and performed the task of adjusting the flatness of the two adjacent pieces of equipment.

[0023] Furthermore, the workers followed the installation manual, measuring the length and width between two adjacent pieces of equipment, calculating the amount of misalignment between the two adjacent pieces of equipment, and then performing the task of adjusting the parallelism between the two adjacent pieces of equipment.

[0024] However, despite these installation manuals, measurement errors by workers occurred when measuring the spacing and height between the ends of each piece of equipment, making it difficult to ensure parallelism and flatness between the pieces of equipment.

[0025] For example, as shown in Figure 3(a), if the ground (G) is not flat, a difference in height may occur between the laminating equipment (10), the stacking equipment (20), and the packaging equipment (30) that have been relocated to that location.

[0026] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3(b), misalignment may occur between the equipment during the process of rearranging the laminating equipment (10), the stacking equipment (20), and the packaging equipment (30).

[0027] The laminating equipment (10) includes a first roll (11) and a second roll (12). The first roll (11) is arranged on the inlet side where the electrode enters. The second roll (12) is arranged on the outlet side where the monocell (4) is discharged. The electrode is manufactured into the monocell (4) while moving from the first roll (11) toward the second roll (12). The monocell (4) discharged from the second roll (12) is conveyed to the third roll (21) of the stacking equipment (20). Further, the electrode assembly (30) with stacking completed is discharged from the stacking equipment (20) via the fourth roll (22).

[0028] For example, as shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b), when a height difference and a deviation occur between the laminating equipment (10) and the stacking equipment (20), when the monocell (4) discharged from the second roll (12) of the laminating equipment (10) enters the third roll (21) of the stacking equipment (20), the stacking process proceeds at a position deviated from the predetermined position, so the monocells (4) are stacked in a non-aligned state, which may cause a defective assembly of the electrode assembly (3).

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0029]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0030] The present invention was conceived to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide an in-line manufacturing equipment for a secondary battery that can connect two adjacent pieces of equipment in-line so as to have a preset flatness and parallelism.

[0031] Furthermore, the objective is to provide an in-line manufacturing facility for secondary batteries that enables precise and easy in-line connection of two adjacent pieces of equipment by connecting a pair of docking members such that the marks provided across the pair of docking members have a predetermined shape. [Means for solving the problem]

[0032] An in-line manufacturing facility for secondary batteries according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of pieces of equipment provided for manufacturing secondary batteries, and a docking section which includes a pair of docking members attached to two adjacent pieces of equipment, each having at least one mark displayed on its contact portion.

[0033] Each piece of equipment may be configured to perform one or more processes in the manufacturing of a secondary battery.

[0034] The docking portion may be provided as one or more on two adjacent pieces of equipment. If multiple docking portions are provided, two adjacent docking portions may be configured to be spaced apart at a predetermined interval. A pair of docking members can be docked and may have one or more contact points when docked. Furthermore, a pair of docking members may be fitted together and detachably contacted.

[0035] The pair of docking members may be provided such that the marks have a predetermined shape when two adjacent pieces of equipment are assembled in a predetermined position having a predetermined degree of flatness and parallelism. One or more marks may be provided on the pair of docking members.

[0036] Furthermore, each of the above-mentioned pieces of equipment may include an entry roll and an exit roll. Each of the above-mentioned pieces of equipment may have a conveying section that includes an entry roll and an exit roll. In addition, when two adjacent pieces of equipment are assembled at a predetermined position, the exit roll of the first piece of equipment that performs the preceding process and the entry roll of the second piece of equipment that performs the subsequent process adjacent to it can be connected such that they have the flatness and parallelism described above.

[0037] For example, the first equipment may be a laminating machine, and the second equipment may be a stacking machine.

[0038] Furthermore, the pair of docking members may include a first docking member attached to the first equipment, having a docking projection and a first marking surface on which a portion of the mark is displayed, and a second docking member attached to the second equipment, having a docking groove into which the docking projection is fitted and a second marking surface on which the remaining portion of the mark is displayed. The mark may be provided spanning the first marking surface and the second marking surface. For example, a portion of the mark may be displayed on the first marking surface and the remaining portion on the second marking surface. For example, the predetermined shape of the mark may be a single straight line, and when the first and second equipment are assembled in a predetermined position, the mark may be a single straight line; however, when the first and second equipment are not assembled in a predetermined position, the mark may not be a predetermined single straight line.

[0039] Furthermore, when the docking projection is fitted into the docking groove, the docking projection and the docking groove may be provided to be able to contact each other at multiple locations.

[0040] Furthermore, at least one mark can be displayed on the first and second marking surfaces such that it has a predetermined shape at the contact area where the docking projection and the docking groove come into contact.

[0041] Furthermore, a pair of docking members may be provided with multiple marks, and two of these marks may have the same or different forms, and may be displayed in a way that they do not overlap.

[0042] Furthermore, two of the multiple marks may be provided symmetrically with respect to a virtual center line connecting the centers of the docking protrusion and the docking groove.

[0043] Furthermore, at least two contact points may be provided symmetrically with respect to a virtual center line connecting the centers of the docking protrusion and the docking groove. Also, the two marks may be provided in a predetermined shape at the contact points that are symmetrical with respect to the virtual center line.

[0044] Furthermore, one of the multiple marks may be the first mark displayed on the first and second marking surfaces along the virtual center line.

[0045] Furthermore, one of the multiple marks may be a second mark having a linear shape that is displayed parallel or non-orthogonal to the virtual centerline.

[0046] Furthermore, one of the multiple marks may be a third mark displayed such that multiple lines intersect at the contact point.

[0047] Furthermore, one of the multiple marks may be a fourth mark that is positioned to pass through multiple contact points.

[0048] Furthermore, each piece of equipment may be equipped with multiple mounts that allow for height adjustment at each installation location along the vertical direction relative to the ground.

[0049] Furthermore, the plurality of facilities may include two or more of the following for performing the electrode process of secondary batteries: mixing equipment, coating equipment, drying equipment, rolling equipment, slitting equipment, and notching equipment.

[0050] Furthermore, the plurality of facilities may include two or more of the following: lamination facilities for manufacturing unit cells including separators and electrodes; stacking facilities for manufacturing electrode assemblies by stacking the unit cells in cell units; and packaging facilities for manufacturing secondary batteries containing the electrode assemblies and electrolyte. [Effects of the Invention]

[0051] As described above, the in-line manufacturing equipment for secondary batteries according to at least one embodiment of the present invention has the following effects.

[0052] A pair of docking members, each bearing a mark, is attached to two adjacent pieces of equipment at predetermined positions. When assembling the two adjacent pieces of equipment, the pair of docking members are connected such that the marks have a predetermined shape, thereby enabling in-line connection between the two adjacent pieces of equipment.

[0053] When assembling the two adjacent pieces of equipment, the difference in height and the degree of misalignment between the two adjacent pieces of equipment can be visually confirmed through a pair of docking members marked with symbols, thereby improving the assembly efficiency and accuracy of the two adjacent pieces of equipment.

[0054] When assembling two adjacent pieces of equipment, by connecting the pair of docking members so that the marks have a predetermined shape, the two adjacent pieces of equipment can be connected in-line in a fixed position with flatness and parallelism.

[0055] Without requiring workers to measure the height of the equipment or the distance between them, a measuring instrument can be used to measure the height difference between the first and second marking surfaces of a pair of docking members, thereby allowing for the determination of the height difference between the equipment. Furthermore, by visually confirming whether the marks are in a predetermined shape, the degree of equipment misalignment can be determined.

[0056] Furthermore, the height difference between a pair of docking members can be measured in millimeters, allowing for precise adjustment of the flatness between two adjacent pieces of equipment.

[0057] Furthermore, by aligning the marks displayed on a pair of docking members to a predetermined configuration, the parallelism between two adjacent pieces of equipment can be adjusted, eliminating work errors caused by the skill level of the workers.

[0058] Furthermore, the flatness and parallelism between multiple pieces of equipment can be precisely and accurately adjusted, minimizing assembly errors between multiple pieces of equipment and improving process efficiency and product productivity. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0059] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of a secondary battery. [Figure 2] This is a diagram illustrating the manufacturing process of secondary batteries. [Figure 3] This is a diagram showing the layout of multiple pieces of equipment used in the manufacturing process of secondary batteries. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing the connected state of an in-line manufacturing facility for secondary batteries according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of multiple pieces of equipment, as an example. [Figure 6] This is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of multiple pieces of equipment, based on another example. [Figure 7] This is a diagram showing an installation configuration in which a docking unit according to one embodiment of the present invention is attached to two adjacent pieces of equipment. [Figure 8] This figure illustrates the coupling structure of a pair of docking members according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This figure illustrates an example of a mark displayed on the marking surface of a pair of docking members according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This figure illustrates an example of a mark displayed on the marking surface of a pair of docking members according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11]This figure illustrates the structure of a mount attached to the bottom of equipment according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This diagram illustrates the process of connecting two adjacent pieces of equipment in-line. [Figure 13] This diagram illustrates the process of connecting two adjacent pieces of equipment in-line. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0060] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, an in-line manufacturing facility for secondary batteries according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0061] Figure 4 is a diagram showing the coupled state of an in-line manufacturing facility for secondary batteries according to one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is a diagram showing the arrangement of multiple pieces of equipment according to one example; Figure 6 is a diagram showing the arrangement of multiple pieces of equipment according to another example; Figure 7 is a diagram showing the installation state in which a docking unit according to one embodiment of the present invention is attached to two adjacent pieces of equipment; and Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the coupling structure of a pair of docking members according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, an in-line manufacturing facility (100) for secondary batteries according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of pieces of equipment (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160) provided for manufacturing secondary batteries. The plurality of pieces of equipment (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160) will be described later.

[0063] Furthermore, the in-line manufacturing equipment (100) for the secondary battery includes a docking section (200) which is attached to two adjacent pieces of equipment (110, 120) and includes a pair of docking members (210, 220) each having at least one mark (240) displayed on the contact portion. The manufacturing equipment (100) may include at least one docking section (200), and two adjacent pieces of equipment may be provided with multiple docking sections (200).

[0064] When assembling the two adjacent pieces of equipment (110, 120), the pair of docking members (210, 220) may be docked such that the mark (240) is in a predetermined shape. For example, the pair of docking members (210, 220) may have projections and grooves into which the projections fit, and may be in contact at one or more locations when docked. The pair of docking members (210, 220) may also be detachably connected. In this specification, the term docking means a state in which a pair of docking members are in contact with each other at one or more locations.

[0065] The pair of docking members (210, 220) are provided such that when the two adjacent pieces of equipment (110, 120) are assembled at predetermined positions having predetermined flatness and parallelism, the mark (240) has a predetermined shape.

[0066] In this specification, flatness refers to the difference in height between two pieces of equipment connected in-line, in relation to leveling operations. For example, a preset flatness means there is no difference in height between the two pieces of equipment. Parallelism refers to the misalignment between two adjacent pieces of equipment based on their length and width. For example, a preset parallelism means there is no misalignment between the two pieces of equipment.

[0067] When assembling the two adjacent pieces of equipment (110, 120), the worker can connect the pair of docking members (210, 220) in line by connecting them so that the mark (240) takes on a predetermined shape. The predetermined shape of the mark (240) can vary and may be any of the first mark (241) to the fourth mark (244) described later, or a combination thereof.

[0068] For the sake of clarity, two adjacent facilities (110 and 120) will be referred to as Facility 1 (110) and Facility 2 (120).

[0069] The first equipment (110) is located at the front end along the direction of the equipment arrangement. The second equipment (120) is located at the rear end of the first equipment (110). In other words, the first equipment (110) may be the equipment on which the preceding process is performed, and the second equipment (120) may be the equipment on which the subsequent process of the preceding process performed in the first equipment (110) is performed.

[0070] Each piece of equipment (110, 120) may have a conveying section including an entry roll and an exit roll. Two adjacent pieces of equipment (110, 120) can be connected in-line via the conveying section using a roll-to-roll method.

[0071] As an example, the first equipment (110) has a conveying section including a first entry roll (111) and a first discharge roll (112). The second equipment (120) has a conveying section including a second entry roll (121) and a second discharge roll (122).

[0072] For example, when the two adjacent pieces of equipment (110, 120) are assembled at a predetermined location, the first discharge roll (112) of the first piece of equipment (110) that performs the preceding process and the second entry roll (121) of the adjacent second piece of equipment that performs the succeeding process can be connected in line such that they have the flatness and parallelism described above.

[0073] Figure 7 is a diagram showing an installation state in which a docking section according to one embodiment of the present invention is attached to two adjacent pieces of equipment, and Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the coupling structure of a pair of docking members according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, the pair of docking members (210, 220) includes a first docking member (210) and a second docking member (220).

[0075] The first docking member (210) has a docking projection (213) and a first marking surface (211) on which a portion of the mark (240) is displayed. The first docking member (210) may be attached to the first equipment (110) such that the first marking surface (211) is exposed to the outside. The first docking member (210) may be bolted to the first equipment (110).

[0076] The docking projection (213) may be curved and protrude with a predetermined curvature. The docking projection (213) may be formed by a first contact surface (215) that is bent from the first marking surface (211) protruding from it.

[0077] The second docking member (220) has a docking groove (223) into which the docking projection (213) is fitted, and a second marking surface (221) on which the remaining portion of the mark (240) is displayed. The second docking member (220) may be attached to the second equipment (120) such that the second marking surface (221) is exposed to the outside. The second docking member (220) may be bolted to the second equipment (120).

[0078] The docking groove (223) may be bent at the second marking surface (221) to form a recessed second contact surface (225) that can contact the first contact surface (215) in at least a portion of its area.

[0079] Furthermore, the first contact surface (215) and the second contact surface (225) refer to the surfaces on which the first docking member (210) and the second docking member (220) face each other, and they may be in contact at one or more points during docking.

[0080] Figures 9 and 10 illustrate examples of marks displayed on the marking surfaces of a pair of docking members according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, as an example, the docking groove (223) may have a greater curvature than the docking projection (213). The docking groove (223) may be provided so as to be able to make line contact or surface contact with the docking projection (213) in at least a portion of it. The docking groove (223) may also be formed such that its internal space narrows in the direction away from the docking projection. Furthermore, the docking groove (223) may be provided so as to be able to make contact with the docking projection (213) at multiple locations.

[0082] As an example, referring to Figure 9, the docking groove (223) may have a semicircular cross-section.

[0083] As another example, referring to Figure 10, the docking groove (223) may have a V-shaped cross-section.

[0084] The first and second docking members (210, 220) are attached to the first and second equipment (110, 120) respectively, such that the mark (240) is exposed to the outside, and the docking projection (213) and the docking groove (223) are in contact with each other, connecting the mark (240) to have a predetermined shape, which can guide the assembly of the first and second equipment (110, 120) to a predetermined position.

[0085] Referring to Figure 8, the mark (240) is displayed on the contact portion (230) where the docking projection (213) and the docking groove (223) come into contact. The mark (240) is displayed together on the first marking surface (211) of the docking projection (213) and the second marking surface (221) of the docking groove (223). The portion of the mark (240) displayed on the first marking surface (211) and the portion displayed on the second marking surface (221) may be provided such that they have a predetermined specific shape when the two pieces of equipment are assembled in a predetermined position.

[0086] The marks (240) may be displayed on the first and second marking surfaces (211, 221) respectively at the contact portion (230) where the docking projection (213) and the docking groove (223) come into contact.

[0087] The mark (240) may be displayed on the contact portion (230) such that the first and second marking surfaces (211, 221) have a predetermined shape at a predetermined position on the same plane.

[0088] The at least two marks (240) may have the same form and may be placed in different positions so as not to overlap. Alternatively, the at least two marks (240) may have different forms and be displayed so as not to overlap each other.

[0089] Two of the multiple marks may be displayed on contact points (230) that are not located on the virtual center line (L).

[0090] As an example, two of the multiple marks may be provided symmetrically with respect to a virtual center line (L) that connects the centers of the docking projection (210) and the docking groove (220).

[0091] Referring to Figure 9(a), the mark (240) may include a first mark (241) which is partially displayed on the first and second marking surfaces (211, 221) along a virtual center line (L). The first mark (241) has a predetermined shape which is a straight line.

[0092] Referring to Figures 9(b) and 10(a), the mark (240) may include a second mark (242) having a diagonal line that is parallel to or not perpendicular to the virtual center line (L).

[0093] Referring to Figure 10(b), the second mark (242) may have two diagonal lines provided at two contact points, and the two second marks (242) may be symmetrical along the virtual center line (L) and displayed so as not to overlap with the first mark (241).

[0094] Referring to Figures 9(c) and 10(c), the at least one mark (240) may include a third mark (243) in which multiple lines intersect at one point on the contact area (230).

[0095] Referring to Figure 10(d), the third mark (243) may have an X-shape where two lines intersect and may be provided so as not to overlap with the first mark (241). Alternatively, it may be displayed on multiple contact points (230).

[0096] Referring to Figure 9(d), the mark (240) may include a fourth mark (244) displayed on the first and second marking surfaces (211, 221) so as to pass through multiple locations on the contact portion (230).

[0097] One of the multiple marks (240) may be the first mark (241) through the fourth mark (244).

[0098] The mark (240) may be provided in combination of the first mark (241) to the fourth mark (244). Furthermore, the mark (240) is not limited to those shown herein, and various forms that can be easily confirmed by the operator's visual inspection are applicable.

[0099] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a mount attached to the bottom of equipment according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figures 12 and 13 are diagrams illustrating the process for connecting two adjacent pieces of equipment in line.

[0100] Each of the aforementioned pieces of equipment (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160) may have a plurality of mounts (300) attached to its base (119). The plurality of mounts (300) may be attached to the base (119) of the equipment along the circumferential direction of the base (119) so that the load of the equipment can be distributed to the ground (G).

[0101] Referring to Figures 11 and 12, the mount (300) is attached to the bottom of the equipment (119) and is provided to adjust the height of the bottom of the equipment (119) along the height direction (z) relative to the ground (G).

[0102] The mount (300) includes a foot base (310) that is securely attached to the ground (G), a fixing bolt (320) attached to the foot base (310) and the bottom of the equipment (119), and a knob (330) attached to the fixing bolt (320) for adjusting the height of the bottom of the equipment (119) relative to the foot base (310).

[0103] The fixing bolt (320) is attached to the foot base (310) and the equipment bottom (119) parallel to the height direction (z) perpendicular to the ground (G). The fixing bolt (320) may also be attached to the equipment bottom (119) by a nut (340). The nut (340) is bolted to the fixing bolt (320) so as to contact the equipment bottom (119) from the inside of the equipment.

[0104] The knob (330) is attached to the fixing bolt (320) so as to rotate the fixing bolt (320) in a predetermined direction. The operator can adjust the height of the equipment bottom (119) relative to the foot base (310) through the knob (330).

[0105] Furthermore, a ball caster (350) may be attached to the foot base (310) of the mount (300) so as to be able to idle relative to the ground (G). The ball caster (350) is for rotating the equipment at a predetermined angle in a direction parallel to the ground (G).

[0106] Furthermore, a spacer (360) may be detachably attached to the fixing bolt (320) of the mount (300). The spacer (360) is for restricting the movement of the equipment bottom (119). The spacer (360) may be attached to the mount (300) after adjusting the parallelism and flatness between the adjacent first and second equipment (110, 120).

[0107] Furthermore, the spacer (360) may be installed to match the distance between the foot base (310) of the mount (300) and the equipment bottom (119). Depending on the distance between the foot base (310) and the equipment bottom (119), multiple spacers (360) may be attached to the fixing bolts (320) of the mount (300).

[0108] The first equipment (110) and the second equipment (120), having the structure described above, can be connected in line by adjusting the position of the second equipment (120) to a predetermined position relative to the first equipment (110).

[0109] Referring to Figures 12 and 13(a), the second equipment (120) is positioned such that the docking projection (213) of the first docking member (210) fits into the docking groove (223) of the second docking member (220).

[0110] Referring to Figure 13(b), the worker can measure the step difference (△D) between the first and second docking members (210, 220) using a measuring instrument (not shown).

[0111] As an example, referring to Figure 13(c), the worker can adjust the height (h2) of the second equipment (120) to the height (h1) of the first equipment (110) by the amount of the step difference (△D) through the mount (300) attached to the second equipment (120). Alternatively, the worker can adjust the height of the first equipment (110) by the amount of the step difference (△D) through the mount (300) attached to the first equipment (110). The height adjustment targets for the first equipment (110) and the second equipment (120) can be varied according to the installation manual.

[0112] Referring to Figure 13(d), the worker can perform leveling work (flatness adjustment) to adjust the height of the mount (300) attached to the second equipment (120).

[0113] The leveling operation is the operation of matching the flatness between the first equipment (110) and the second equipment (120). The flatness of the first and second equipment (110, 120) can be matched when the first and second marking surfaces (211, 221) are located on the same plane.

[0114] Referring to Figure 13(e), the operator can adjust the parallelism of the second equipment (120) so that the marks (240) displayed on the first and second marking surfaces (211, 221) have a predetermined shape.

[0115] The operator can push the second equipment (120) at a predetermined angle in a direction parallel to the ground (G) to adjust the position of the second equipment (120) so that the marks (240) at the contact points (230) of the first and second docking members (210, 220) have a predetermined shape. The second equipment (120) can be positioned at a predetermined angle relative to the ground (G) by ball casters (350) attached to each mount (300).

[0116] After the process described above, when the second equipment (120) is connected inline to the first equipment (110) at a predetermined position, spacers (360) are attached to each mount (300) attached to the second equipment (120).

[0117] In this embodiment of the inline secondary battery manufacturing equipment (100), the difference in height between the equipment can be determined by measuring the step difference (△D) between the first and second marking surfaces (211, 221) of a pair of docking members (210, 220) using a measuring instrument (not shown), without the operator having to manually measure the height (h1, h2) of the equipment and the distance between the equipment. The degree of equipment misalignment can also be determined by visually confirming whether the marks (240) are in a predetermined shape.

[0118] Furthermore, the height difference between the pair of docking members (210, 220) can be measured in millimeters, allowing for precise adjustment of the flatness between two adjacent pieces of equipment.

[0119] Without having to directly measure the height and distance between two adjacent pieces of equipment (110, 120), the worker can easily determine the height difference and degree of misalignment between the two adjacent pieces of equipment (110 and 120) through the marks (240) displayed on the pair of docking members (210, 220).

[0120] Furthermore, the worker can confirm the height difference between two adjacent pieces of equipment (110, 120) by looking at the height difference between the first marking surface (211) and the second marking surface (221) of the pair of docking members (210, 220).

[0121] Furthermore, the worker can check the degree of misalignment between two adjacent pieces of equipment (110, 120) through the marks (240) displayed on the first marking surface (211) and the second marking surface (221). For example, the worker can adjust the parallelism between two adjacent pieces of equipment by joining a pair of docking members (210, 220) so that the marks (240) take on a predetermined shape. This minimizes measurement errors by the worker when assembling two adjacent pieces of equipment (110, 120).

[0122] The in-line manufacturing equipment (100) for secondary batteries according to this embodiment can precisely and accurately adjust the flatness and parallelism between multiple pieces of equipment (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160) in the same manner as described above, minimizing assembly errors between multiple pieces of equipment (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160), and improving process efficiency and product productivity.

[0123] The following describes several pieces of equipment (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160).

[0124] The aforementioned multiple pieces of equipment (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160) may be arranged in a line as shown in Figure 5, depending on the arrangement structure between the pieces of equipment (arrangement direction, arrangement order, etc.). Alternatively, the aforementioned multiple pieces of equipment (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160) may also be arranged as shown in Figure 6, depending on the arrangement structure between the pieces of equipment.

[0125] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the multiple pieces of equipment (110, 120, 130) may include first to third pieces of equipment (110, 120, 130) arranged in a line. The first piece of equipment (110) and the second piece of equipment (120) may be connected in line by a first docking member (210) attached to the rear end of the first piece of equipment (110) and a second docking member (220) located at the front end of the second piece of equipment (120).

[0126] Furthermore, the second equipment (120) and the third equipment (130) may be connected in line by a first docking member attached to the rear end of the second equipment (120) and a second docking member positioned at the front end of the third equipment (130).

[0127] Referring to Figure 6, the multiple pieces of equipment (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160) may include the first to third pieces of equipment (130) arranged in a line, the fourth piece of equipment (140) arranged on the side of the first piece of equipment (110), the fifth piece of equipment (150) arranged on the side of the second piece of equipment (120), and the sixth piece of equipment (160) arranged on the side of the third piece of equipment (130). The multiple docking sections (200) may be attached to multiple locations on the first to sixth pieces of equipment (110) so that the first to sixth pieces of equipment (160) are connected inline at predetermined positions.

[0128] The docking section (200) may be attached to a location where two adjacent pieces of equipment are connected, depending on the connection structure between the multiple pieces of equipment (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160).

[0129] In this embodiment, for the sake of explanation, it has been stated that the first docking member (210) and the second docking member (220) can be attached to the front or rear end of the equipment. However, this is for the sake of explanation only, and the installation positions of the first and second docking members (210, 220) are variable depending on the connection structure between the equipment.

[0130] Referring to Figures 2, 5, and 6, the multiple pieces of equipment (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160) may include mixing equipment (S11), coating equipment (S12), drying equipment (S13), rolling equipment (S14), slitting equipment (S15), and notching equipment (S16) that perform each detailed process in relation to the electrode process (S11).

[0131] For example, the mixing equipment (S11), coating equipment (S12), drying equipment (S13), rolling equipment (S14), slitting equipment (S15), and notching equipment (S16) may be connected in line by their respective docking parts, which are attached at different locations along the direction of the equipment's arrangement.

[0132] Furthermore, the plurality of equipment (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160) may also include laminating equipment (S21), stacking equipment (S22), and packaging equipment (S23) that perform each detailed process in relation to the assembly process (S2).

[0133] Furthermore, the plurality of equipment (110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160) may also include activation equipment (S31), aging equipment (S32), and degassing equipment (S33) for performing each detailed process in relation to the chemical conversion process (S3).

[0134] As an example, referring to Figures 1, 2, and 5, the lamination equipment (S21, 110) is equipment for producing unit cells such as monocells (4) or halfcells (5) in which a negative electrode (8) / positive electrode (9) and a separator (7) are laminated. The monocell (4) consists of separators (7), negative electrode (8), separator (7), and positive electrode (9) stacked in sequence, while the halfcell consists of separators (7), negative electrode (8), and separator (7) stacked in sequence.

[0135] The stacking equipment (S22, 120) may be equipment for stacking multiple unit cells to produce an electrode assembly (3).

[0136] Furthermore, the packaging equipment (S23, 130) may be equipment for manufacturing the secondary battery (1) by placing the electrode assembly (3) into the battery case (2), injecting an electrolyte (not shown), and sealing the battery case (2) by heat fusion.

[0137] Thus, in the assembly process (S2), the lamination equipment (110), the stacking equipment (120), and the packaging equipment (130) can be connected in-line by their respective docking sections along the direction of equipment arrangement.

[0138] Since the lamination equipment, stacking equipment, and packaging equipment are connected in line, the unit cells produced by the lamination equipment can be transported and stacked at predetermined positions in the stacking equipment, thereby preventing misalignment of the electrode assemblies.

[0139] Furthermore, electrode assemblies manufactured in the stacking equipment can be transported to a designated position in the packaging equipment, thereby preventing assembly defects in secondary batteries.

[0140] The preferred embodiments of the present invention described above are disclosed for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the art with ordinary skill will readily understand that various changes, modifications, and additions are possible within the technical spirit and scope of the invention, and such changes, modifications, and additions should all be construed as being within the scope of the following claims. [Industrial applicability]

[0141] According to one embodiment of the present invention, in-line manufacturing equipment for secondary batteries can be connected in-line to adjacent equipment so as to have predetermined flatness and parallelism.

Claims

1. Multiple facilities established for manufacturing secondary batteries, and The docking section includes a pair of docking members, each attached to two adjacent pieces of equipment, and each having at least one mark on its contact area. An in-line manufacturing apparatus for secondary batteries, characterized in that the pair of docking members are provided such that the marks have a predetermined shape when two adjacent pieces of equipment are assembled at predetermined positions having predetermined flatness and parallelism.

2. Each of the aforementioned pieces of equipment includes an entry roll and an exit roll, The in-line manufacturing equipment for a secondary battery according to claim 1, characterized in that when the two adjacent pieces of equipment are assembled at a predetermined position, the discharge roll of the first piece of equipment that performs the preceding process and the entry roll of the second piece of equipment that performs the following process adjacent to it are connected such that they have the flatness and parallelism described above.

3. The pair of docking members are A first docking member attached to the first equipment, having a docking projection and a first marking surface on which a portion of the mark is displayed, and The in-line manufacturing equipment for a secondary battery according to claim 2, characterized in that it includes a second docking member attached to the second equipment, having a docking groove into which the docking projection is fitted and a second marking surface on which the remaining part of the mark is displayed.

4. The in-line manufacturing equipment for a secondary battery according to claim 3, characterized in that when the docking projection is fitted into the docking groove, the docking projection and the docking groove are provided to be able to contact each other at multiple locations.

5. The in-line manufacturing equipment for a secondary battery according to claim 4, characterized in that at least one mark is displayed on the first and second marking surfaces such that it has a predetermined shape at the contact portion where the docking projection and the docking groove come into contact.

6. Each docking component has multiple marks, The in-line manufacturing equipment for secondary batteries according to claim 5, characterized in that two of the multiple marks have the same or different forms and are displayed so as not to overlap with each other.

7. The in-line manufacturing equipment for a secondary battery according to claim 6, characterized in that two of the multiple marks are provided symmetrically with respect to a virtual center line connecting the centers of the docking protrusion and the docking groove.

8. At least two contact points are provided symmetrically with respect to a virtual center line connecting the centers of the docking protrusion and the docking groove. The in-line manufacturing equipment for a secondary battery according to claim 7, characterized in that the two marks are provided so as to have a predetermined shape at contact points that are symmetrical with respect to a virtual center line.

9. The in-line manufacturing equipment for a secondary battery according to claim 6, characterized in that one of the multiple marks is a first mark displayed on the first and second marking surfaces along the virtual center line.

10. The in-line manufacturing equipment for a secondary battery according to claim 6, characterized in that one of the multiple marks is a second mark having a linear shape displayed parallel or non-orthogonal to the virtual center line.

11. The in-line manufacturing equipment for a secondary battery according to claim 6, characterized in that one of the multiple marks is a third mark displayed such that multiple lines intersect at the contact point.

12. The in-line manufacturing equipment for a secondary battery according to claim 6, characterized in that one of the multiple marks is a fourth mark provided so as to pass through multiple contact points.

13. The in-line manufacturing equipment for secondary batteries according to claim 1, characterized in that each piece of equipment is provided with a plurality of mounts that are arranged to adjust the height at each installation location along the vertical direction relative to the ground.

14. The in-line manufacturing equipment for a secondary battery according to claim 1, characterized in that the plurality of equipment includes two or more pieces of equipment selected from mixing equipment, coating equipment, drying equipment, rolling equipment, slitting equipment, and notching equipment for performing the electrode process of a secondary battery.

15. The in-line manufacturing equipment for a secondary battery according to claim 1, characterized in that the plurality of equipment includes two or more of the following: lamination equipment for manufacturing unit cells including separators and electrodes; stacking equipment for manufacturing electrode assemblies by stacking the unit cells; and packaging equipment for manufacturing secondary batteries containing the electrode assemblies and electrolyte.

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