Pouch manufacturing method and pouch manufacturing apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pouch manufacturing method and a pouch manufacturing apparatus, and the pouch manufacturing method according to the present invention includes an attachment step of attaching a pouch sheet to an attachment jig; a support step of pressurizing and supporting the pouch sheet via a support jig positioned on the opposite side of the pouch sheet from the attachment jig; and a folding step of moving a plurality of folding jigs to fold the pouch sheet attached to the attachment jig after fixing the pouch sheet via the attachment jig and the support jig through the support step, thereby forming a housing portion in which an electrode assembly is housed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - reference to Related Applications] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2023 - 0076325 filed on June 14, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2024 - 0075554 filed on June 11, 2024, and all the contents disclosed in the Korean patent applications are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a pouch and a pouch manufacturing apparatus.

Background Art

[0003] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries are rechargeable and have been extensively researched and developed in recent years due to the possibility of miniaturization and high capacity. As the technology development and demand for mobile devices increase, the demand for secondary batteries as an energy source has been rapidly increasing.

[0004] Secondary batteries are classified into coin - type batteries, cylindrical batteries, prismatic batteries, and pouch - type batteries according to the shape of the battery case. In a secondary battery, the electrode assembly mounted inside the battery case is a power generation element capable of charge and discharge, which has a laminated structure of electrodes and a separator.

[0005] The electrode assembly can be roughly classified into a jelly - roll type in which a separator is interposed between sheet - shaped positive and negative electrodes coated with an active material and wound, a stack type in which a large number of positive and negative electrodes are sequentially laminated with a separator interposed therebetween, and a stack - and - folding type in which unit cells of the stack type are wound with a long - length separation film.

[0006] Recently, pouch - type batteries having a structure in which a stack - type or stack / folding - type electrode assembly is built into an aluminum - laminated sheet pouch - type battery case have attracted much attention due to their low cost, small weight, easy form deformation, etc., and their usage amount is gradually increasing.

[0007] In pouch-type battery cells, higher stacks of electrodes result in higher energy density and increased product efficiency. With the continued increase in demand for automotive batteries, and the fact that battery energy density is a crucial indicator of electric vehicle performance, the demand for high-stack cells is also growing. Furthermore, higher stack counts lead to thicker cells, requiring a deeper molding depth to form the pouch's housing. However, the material properties of the pouch significantly limit the possible molding depth. In particular, the process of forming the housing by punching the pouch can cause stretching, damage, and breakage, limiting the molding depth and making it difficult to form a housing for high-stack cells. Therefore, increasing the number of electrode stacks beyond current levels requires improvements to the pouch molding method. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is to provide a pouch manufacturing method and pouch manufacturing apparatus that have no limitations on the forming depth for housing the electrode assembly and that do not cause problems with forming stretching. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: an attachment step of attaching a pouch sheet to an attachment jig; a support step of pressurizing and supporting the pouch sheet via a support jig positioned on the opposite side of the pouch sheet from the attachment jig; and a folding step of moving a plurality of folding jigs to fold the pouch sheet attached to the attachment jig to form a housing portion in which an electrode assembly is housed, after the pouch sheet has been fixed via the attachment jig and the support jig through the support step.

[0010] Furthermore, the pouch manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: an attachment jig on which a pouch sheet is attached; a support jig located on the opposite side of the pouch sheet from the attachment jig and supporting the pouch sheet by applying pressure; and a plurality of folding jigs that, after the pouch sheet has been fixed via the attachment jig and the support jigs, fold the pouch sheet attached to the attachment jig to form a housing section in which an electrode assembly is housed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, since the housing portion for housing the electrode assembly is formed by folding the pouch sheet, there is no limitation on the forming depth for housing the electrode assembly, and the problem of forming stretching does not occur. Therefore, a housing portion that can accommodate high-stack electrode assemblies with a large number of stacks can be easily formed in the pouch sheet, making it possible to manufacture high-stack secondary batteries.

[0012] Furthermore, the pouch sheet can be easily folded using multiple folding jigs to form a storage compartment within the pouch sheet.

[0013] Additionally, since the pouch sheet is first pressed and secured by the support jig, wrinkles can be prevented when folding the pouch sheet by moving multiple folding jigs.

[0014] Furthermore, when folding the pouch sheets, hot air is applied to the overlapping sections to heat-seal them, preventing fraying of the folded pouch sheets after folding and ensuring that the formed storage area is firmly maintained. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is a cross-sectional view showing the adhesion process in a pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]This is a cross-sectional view showing the support step in a pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a cross-sectional view showing a pouch sheet folded via a folding jig in a pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a schematic plan view showing the folding line of a pouch sheet in a pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a front perspective view showing the state in which the folding of the pouch sheet via the folding jig has been completed in a pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a rear perspective view showing the state in which the folding of the pouch sheet via the folding jig has been completed in a pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view showing a support jig in a pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view showing the state in which a pair of first jigs are moved during the folding step of a pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view showing the state in which a pair of second jigs are moved during the folding step of a pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view showing the heating step in a pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] This is a front perspective view showing an example of a folded pouch sheet produced by the pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a rear perspective view showing an example of a folded pouch sheet produced by the pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This is a front perspective view showing another example of a folded pouch sheet produced by the pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14]In the pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention, it is a reference diagram showing a usage state in which an electrode assembly is accommodated.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] The object, specific advantages, and novel features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description and preferred embodiments related to the accompanying drawings. In this specification, when adding reference numerals to the components of each drawing, it should be noted that, as long as they are the same components, the same numbers are used as much as possible even if they are shown on other drawings. Further, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. And, when explaining the present invention, detailed descriptions of related known technologies that may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention will be omitted.

[0017] Pouch Manufacturing Method According to an Embodiment FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an anchoring step in the pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a supporting step in the pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a pouch sheet is folded through a folding jig in the folding step of the pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an attachment step of attaching the pouch sheet 10 to an attachment jig 110; a support step of pressurizing and supporting the pouch sheet 10 via a support jig 120 positioned on the opposite side of the pouch sheet 10 from the attachment jig 110; and a folding step of moving a number of folding jigs 130 to fold the pouch sheet 10 attached to the attachment jig 110, after the pouch sheet 10 has been fixed via the attachment jig 110 and the support jig 120 through the support step, in order to form a housing section 14 in which an electrode assembly is housed. Furthermore, the pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a heating step of heat-sealing the overlapping portions of the pouch sheets 10.

[0019] Referring to Figure 1, in more detail, the attachment process involves attaching the pouch sheet 10 to the attachment jig 110.

[0020] Furthermore, the attachment process can, for example, involve attaching the pouch sheet 10 to the upper surface of the attachment jig 110.

[0021] In addition, the attachment process can, as another example, attach the pouch sheet 10 to the upper surface of the attachment jig 110 and the upper surface of the folding jig 130. In this case, the attachment process can attach the pouch sheet 10 so that the lower central part of the pouch sheet 10 is in contact with the upper surface of the attachment jig 110.

[0022] The pouch sheet 10 may include a metal layer and resin layers laminated on the outer and inner sides of the metal layer. The metal layer may include, for example, an aluminum sheet. The resin layer may include, for example, a polypropylene (PP) material.

[0023] Referring to Figure 2, the support step involves applying pressure to the pouch sheet 10 via a support jig 120 positioned on the opposite side of the pouch sheet 10 from the fixing jig 110, so that the pouch sheet 10 does not detach during the folding step. For example, the support step can be performed before the folding step. Specifically, for example, the support step may be performed before the folding step and continued during the folding step.

[0024] The support step allows the pouch sheet 10 to be fixed to the fastening jig 110 by applying pressure to the upper surface of the pouch sheet 10 via the support jig 120. In other words, by applying pressure to the upper surface of the pouch sheet 10 through the support step, the upper surface of the fastening jig 110, located below the pouch sheet 10, applies pressure to the lower surface of the pouch sheet 10, thereby fixing the pouch sheet 10 in place when folded.

[0025] Then, after the central part of the pouch sheet 10 is fixed through the support process via the fixing jig 110 and the support jig 120, a folding process is performed, and the edges of the pouch sheet 10 can be folded via the folding jig 130. As a result, by performing the folding process with the central part of the pouch sheet 10 fixed through the support process, the central part of the pouch sheet 10 is fixed, preventing flow when folding the edges of the pouch sheet 10 and minimizing wrinkles in the pouch sheet 10 that may occur during folding.

[0026] Figure 4 is a schematic plan view showing the folding line of the pouch sheet in a pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 5 is a front perspective view showing the state in which the folding of the pouch sheet via the folding jig has been completed in a pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Figure 5, the support jig is shown in a detached state. Figure 6 is a rear perspective view showing the state in which the folding of the pouch sheet via the folding jig has been completed in a pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Referring to Figures 3 to 6, the folding process involves first fixing the pouch sheet 10 through the support process via the attachment jig 110 and support jig 120, then moving a number of folding jigs 130 to fold the pouch sheet 10 attached to the attachment jig 110, thereby forming a housing section 14 in which the electrode assembly is housed.

[0028] Furthermore, the folding process involves moving a number of folding jigs 130 positioned in the lateral direction of the anchoring jig 110 to fold the edges of the pouch sheet 10 and form the storage section 14. Here, the edges of the pouch sheet 10 refer to the outer corners of the storage section 14, which may be, for example, terraces 15.

[0029] In addition, the folding process involves moving multiple folding jigs 130 in a direction that brings them closer to each other to fold the pouch sheet 10, but it is also possible to fold the pouch sheet 10 by moving multiple folding jigs 130 in an upward diagonal direction.

[0030] The folding process allows multiple folding jigs 130 to be moved at angles of 45 to 85 degrees relative to the plane of the pouch sheet 10. Here, the folding process can move multiple folding jigs 130 at angles greater than the lower limit of 45 degrees relative to the plane of the pouch sheet 10, so when folding the pouch sheet 10, wrinkles can be minimized or prevented. On the other hand, the folding process can move multiple folding jigs 130 at angles less than the upper limit of 85 degrees relative to the plane of the pouch sheet 10, so when folding the pouch sheet 10, damage such as tearing of the pouch sheet 10 can be prevented.

[0031] Furthermore, in the folding process, the lower part of the support jig 120 has a protruding portion 121 that corresponds to the storage portion 14, and when the pouch sheet 10 is folded in the folding jig 130, the folded portion of the pouch sheet 10 may be in close contact with the protruding portion 121 of the support jig 120.

[0032] The folding jig 130 may include an upper pressure surface T1 that contacts the edge of the pouch sheet 10, a side pressure surface T2 formed perpendicular to the upper pressure surface, and corners 131a and 132a formed between the upper pressure surface T1 and the side pressure surface T2.

[0033] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the support jig 120 in a pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Referring to Figures 2 to 4 and Figure 7, the support jig 120 may include a main body 122 and a projection 121 formed protruding from the lower part of the main body 122. The projection 121 includes a first surface 121a forming the bottom surface and a second surface 121b forming a side surface, and the main body 122 may include a third surface 122c forming the lower surface along the end of the projection 121. Here, the projection 121 may be formed, for example, as a rectangular parallelepiped. The height h of the projection 121 may correspond to the forming depth d that forms the accommodating portion 14 of the pouch sheet 10 (see Figures 2 and 11).

[0035] In the folding process, the folding jig 130 folds the pouch sheet 10 and makes it adhere tightly to the lower part of the main body 122, thereby forming a storage portion 14 in the pouch sheet 10. The storage portion 14 of the pouch sheet 10 formed through the folding process includes a bottom surface 11 formed on the surface facing the first surface 121a of the protrusion 121 and a wall surface 12 formed on the surface facing the second surface 121b of the protrusion 121, and a terrace 15 facing the third surface 122c may be formed along the edge of the storage portion 14. Here, the storage portion 14 formed in the pouch sheet 10 may be formed in a form corresponding to the protrusion 121, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped groove open at the top can be formed.

[0036] At this time, during the folding process, when the folding jig 130 is moved diagonally and the pouch sheet 10 is brought into close contact with the support jig 120, the pouch sheet 10 is folded by the corners 131a and 132a of the folding jig 130, bringing the edge of the pouch sheet 10 into close contact with the third surface 122c of the main body 122 of the support jig 120 via the upper pressure surface T1, and bringing a part of the pouch sheet 10 into close contact with the second surface 121b of the main body 122 of the support jig 120 via the side pressure surface.

[0037] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the movement of a pair of first jigs in the folding step of a pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 9 is a perspective view showing the movement of a pair of second jigs in the folding step of a pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, in Figures 8 and 9, the pouch sheet 10 and the main body 122 of the support jig 120 are omitted, and only the folding jig 130 and the protruding portion 121 of the support jig 120 are shown.

[0038] Referring to Figures 4, 5, 8, and 9, the number of folding jigs 130 may include a pair of first jigs 131, 132 located on either side of the support jig 120 in either the width direction or the length direction, and a pair of second jigs 133, 134 located on either side of the support jig 120 in the other direction.

[0039] The pouch sheet 10 may be folded along the first folding line N1 via a pair of first jigs 131 and 132. The pouch sheet 10 may also be folded along the second folding line N2 via a pair of second jigs 133 and 134. At this time, the pouch sheet 10 may be folded along the second folding line N2 and simultaneously along the diagonal folding line S via a pair of second jigs 133 and 134.

[0040] Here, the first fold line N1 may include a first inner fold line N11 and a second outer fold line N12. In this case, for example, the first inner fold line N11 may be formed as a line that is folded inward, and the second outer fold line N12 may be formed as a line that is folded outward. Here, for example, the inward direction may be the direction in which both sides of the folded pouch sheet 10 are closer to each other, and the outward direction may be the direction in which both sides of the folded pouch sheet 10 are further apart from each other.

[0041] The second bending line N2 may include a second inner bending line N21 and a second outer bending line N22. In this case, for example, the second inner bending line N21 may be formed as a line that is bent inward, and the second outer bending line N22 may be formed as a line that is bent outward.

[0042] The diagonal fold line S may include an outer diagonal fold line S1 and an inner diagonal fold line S2. In this case, for example, the inner diagonal fold line S2 may be formed as a line that is folded inward, and the outer diagonal fold line S1 may be formed as a line that is folded outward. Here, for example, the folding process may include a pre-folding process that forms the diagonal fold line S before folding the pouch sheet 10. In this case, for example, the pre-folding process may cause the pouch sheet 10 to be pre-folded via a pre-folding jig (not shown) so that the diagonal fold line S is formed on the pouch sheet 10. In this case, for example, the pre-folding process may pre-fold the pouch sheet 10 so that only the line form of the diagonal fold line S is formed, not to the extent that the pouch sheet 10 is completely folded. This minimizes wrinkles when folding the pouch sheet 10 and makes folding easier.

[0043] The folding process may include a first folding step in which a pair of first jigs 131 and 132 are moved so as to first contact the protruding portion 121 of the support jig 120 with the pouch sheet 10 in between, and a second folding step in which a pair of second jigs 133 and 134 are moved after the first folding step. Here, as described above, the folding process can fold the pouch sheet 10 by moving the pair of first jigs 131 and 132 and the pair of second jigs 133 and 134 in an upward inclined direction.

[0044] At this time, the pouch sheet 10 may be folded by the corners 131a, 132a of the pair of first jigs 131, 132 and the corners 133a, 134a of the pair of second jigs 133, 134. Here, the pouch sheet 10 may be folded along the first outer folding line N12 by the corners 131a, 132a of the pair of first jigs 131, 132, and the pouch sheet 10 may be folded along the second outer folding line N22 by the corners 133a, 134a of the pair of second jigs 133, 134.

[0045] The lengths L1 and L2 of the first jigs 131 and 132 may correspond to the length L3 of the protruding portion 121 of the support jig 120 that faces the first jigs 131 and 132. That is, the lengths L1 and L2 of the first jigs 131 and 132 in the plane longitudinal direction L may be the same as the length L3 of the protruding portion 121 in the longitudinal direction L. Here, in the second folding step, the pair of second jigs 133 and 134 can be moved so as to cover both ends 131b and 132b of the pair of first jigs 131 and 132 when the first jigs 131 and 132 have been moved to fold the pouch sheet 10. Therefore, by securing the pouch sheet 10 through the attachment jig 110, the support jig 120, and the pair of first jigs 131 and 132, wrinkles in the pouch sheet 10 can be significantly minimized or prevented when folding the pouch sheet 10 through the pair of second jigs 133 and 134.

[0046] Here, the pair of first jigs 131 and 132 may include a first one-side jig 131 located on one side of the projection 121 of the support jig 120 and a second other-side jig 132 located on the other side of the projection 121. The lengths W1 and W2 of the pair of second jigs 133 and 134 may correspond to the sum of the length W3 of the projection 121 portion of the support jig 120 facing the second jigs 133 and 134, the end length W4 of the first one-side jig 131, and the end length W5 of the second other-side jig 132. In this case, for example, the lengths W1 and W2 of the pair of second jigs 133 and 134 in the plane width direction W may be the same as the sum of the widths W4 and W5 of the pair of first jigs 131 and 132 and the width W3 of the projection 121 in the plane width direction W.

[0047] Then, the folded portion of the pouch sheet 10 through the first folding process is folded through the second folding process, and overlapping portions P may be formed (see Figure 5).

[0048] Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the heating step in a pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Referring to Figures 5 and 10, the heating process involves applying heat to the overlapping portions P of the pouch sheets 10 via a hot air blower 140 to thermally fuse them together. This prevents the overlapping portions P of the pouch sheets 10 from loosening after folding. Here, thermally fused portions P may be formed in the overlapping portions P of the pouch sheets 10 by thermal fusion. The heating process can be performed, for example, during or after the folding process.

[0050] The heating process allows heat to be applied to the overlapping portions P of the pouch sheets 10 on the terrace 15. That is, once the terrace 15 is formed along the edge of the receiving portion 14 of the pouch sheet 10 formed through the folding process, the heating process allows heat to be applied to the overlapping portions P of the pouch sheets 10 on the terrace 15, causing them to heat-seal together.

[0051] The heating process can involve applying hot air at a temperature of 180-220°C. If the heating process involves applying hot air at a temperature above the lower limit of 180°C, and the outer and inner layers of the pouch sheet 10 contain resins such as polypropylene, applying heat above the melting point of the pouch sheet 10 may enable thermal fusion. On the other hand, by applying hot air at a temperature below the upper limit of 220°C, the pouch sheet 10 can be prevented from being damaged by heat. Specifically, by applying hot air at a temperature below the upper limit of 220°C, the parts of the pouch sheet 10 other than the overlapping portion P can be prevented from melting due to heat, and the metal layer located in the central layer of the pouch sheet 10 can be prevented from being exposed.

[0052] On the other hand, the heating process can be carried out, for example, after the folding process has been performed.

[0053] Furthermore, the heating process can be carried out during and after the folding process, as an alternative example. Performing the heating process during the folding process may make folding the pouch sheet 10 easier.

[0054] Figure 11 is a front perspective view showing an example of a pouch sheet folded by the pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 12 is a rear perspective view showing an example of a pouch sheet folded by the pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 13 is a front perspective view showing another example of a pouch sheet folded by the pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Referring to Figures 11 and 12, a pouch manufactured by the pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention can be manufactured, for example, by folding a pouch sheet 10 that has been cut to constitute one secondary battery so that one housing section 14 is formed on it.

[0056] On the other hand, referring to Figure 13, a pouch manufactured by the pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention can also be manufactured by folding the pouch sheet 10' so that a number of storage grooves 14' are formed in the pouch sheet 10'.

[0057] Figure 14 is a reference diagram showing the state in which the electrode assembly is housed in the pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Referring to Figure 14, a secondary battery 1 can be formed in a folded pouch sheet 10 by housing an electrode assembly 20 in a housing portion 14. At this time, the housing portion 14 formed in the first portion F1 of the pouch sheet 10 can be formed by folding the second portion F2 of the pouch sheet 10 along an imaginary line X and sealing the outer surface.

[0059] The electrode assembly 20 may be in a configuration in which electrodes 23 and a separation membrane 24 are stacked on top of each other. The electrode assembly 20 may also include electrode leads 25 and 26 connected to the electrodes 23.

[0060] Referring to Figures 11 and 14, the pouch manufacturing method according to the embodiment of the present invention configured as described above forms a housing section 14 in which the electrode assembly 20 is housed by folding the pouch sheet 10. This eliminates the limitation on the forming depth d for housing the electrode assembly 20 and avoids the problem of forming stretching. Therefore, a housing section 14 capable of housing a high-stack electrode assembly 20 with a large number of stacks can be easily formed in the pouch sheet 10, enabling the manufacture of a high-stack secondary battery 1.

[0061] Furthermore, referring to Figures 4 and 8, the pouch sheet 10 can be folded via a number of folding jigs 130 to easily form a storage section 14 in the pouch sheet 10.

[0062] Furthermore, referring to Figure 2, the pouch sheet 10 is first pressed and fixed by the support jig 120, so wrinkles can be prevented while folding the pouch sheet 10 by moving the numerous folding jigs 130.

[0063] Referring to Figure 10, when folding the pouch sheets 10, hot air is applied to the overlapping sections to heat-seal them, preventing fraying of the folded parts after folding and firmly maintaining the form in which the storage section 14 is formed.

[0064] Pouch manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment

[0065] A pouch manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0066] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the pouch manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an attachment jig 110 on which the pouch sheet 10 is attached, a support jig 120 located on the opposite side of the pouch sheet 10 from the attachment jig 110 and supporting the pouch sheet 10 by applying pressure, and a number of folding jigs 130 that, after the pouch sheet 10 has been fixed via the attachment jig 110 and the support jig 120, fold the pouch sheet 10 attached to the attachment jig 110 to form a housing section 14 in which the electrode assembly is housed. Furthermore, the pouch manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a hot air blower 140 that applies heat to overlapping portions P of the pouch sheet 10 to thermally fuse them together (see Figure 5).

[0067] The pouch manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention relates to a pouch manufacturing apparatus applied to the pouch manufacturing method according to the embodiment described above. Therefore, this embodiment will omit or briefly describe any content that overlaps with the embodiment described above, and will focus on describing the differences.

[0068] More specifically, referring to Figure 1, the securely attached jig 110 has the pouch sheet 10 securely attached to it.

[0069] For example, the lower part of the pouch sheet 10 may be attached to the upper surface of the securely attached jig 110.

[0070] Additionally, as another example, the pouch sheet 10 may be attached to the upper surface of the anchoring jig 110 and the upper surface of the folding jig 130. In this case, the pouch sheet 10 may be attached so that the lower central part of the pouch sheet 10 is in contact with the upper surface of the anchoring jig 110.

[0071] The pouch sheet 10 may include a metal layer and resin layers laminated on the outer and inner sides of the metal layer. The metal layer may include, for example, an aluminum sheet. The resin layer may include, for example, a polypropylene (PP) material.

[0072] Referring to Figures 2, 5, and 7, the support jig 120 supports the pouch sheet 10 by applying pressure to it on the opposite side of the fixing jig 110, so that the pouch sheet 10, which is folded via the folding jig 130, does not detach.

[0073] The support jig 120 presses down on the upper surface of the pouch sheet 10 to secure the pouch sheet 10 to the fixing jig 110.

[0074] A protrusion 121 corresponding to the storage section 14 is formed at the lower part of the support jig 120, and when the pouch sheet 10 is folded with the folding jig 130, the folded portion of the pouch sheet 10 may be in close contact with the protrusion 121 of the support jig 120.

[0075] The support jig 120 may include a main body 122 and a projection 121 formed protruding from the lower part of the main body 122. The projection 121 includes a first surface 121a forming the bottom surface and a second surface 121b forming a side surface, and the main body 122 may include a third surface 122c forming the lower surface along the end of the projection 121. Here, the projection 121 may be formed, for example, as a rectangular parallelepiped. The height h of the projection 121 may correspond to the forming depth d that forms the storage portion 14 of the pouch sheet 10 (see Figures 3 and 11). In this case, the projection 121 may be formed in a shape that corresponds to the shape of the storage portion 14 of the pouch sheet 10, for example.

[0076] Referring to Figures 2 to 6, the numerous folding jigs 130 fix the pouch sheet 10 via the attachment jig 110 and the support jig 120, and then fold the pouch sheet 10 attached to the attachment jig 110 to form a housing section 14 in which the electrode assembly 20 is housed (see Figure 14).

[0077] Multiple folding jigs 130 are positioned in the lateral direction of the anchoring jig 110 and moved in a direction that brings them closer to each other, causing the edges of the pouch sheet 10 to fold and form a storage section 14, or they can be moved in an upward inclined direction to fold the pouch sheet 10. Here, the edges of the pouch sheet 10 refer to the outer part of the storage section 14, which may be, for example, a terrace 15. Multiple folding jigs 130 may be moved at an angle of 45 to 85° with respect to the plane of the pouch sheet 10. The storage section 14 of the pouch sheet 10 formed via the folding jigs 130 includes a bottom surface 11 formed on the surface facing the first surface 121a of the protrusion 121 and a wall surface 12 formed on the surface facing the second surface 121b of the protrusion 121. A terrace 15 may be formed along the edge of the storage section 14 facing the third surface 122c. Here, the storage portion 14 formed in the pouch sheet 10 may be formed in a form corresponding to the protrusion 121, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped groove with an open top can be formed.

[0078] In this case, the folding jig 130 may include an upper pressure surface T1 that contacts the edge of the pouch sheet 10, a side pressure surface T2 formed perpendicular to the upper pressure surface T1, and corners 131a and 132a formed between the upper pressure surface T1 and the side pressure surface T2. Alternatively, the central part of the pouch sheet 10 can be fixed via the fixing jig 110 and the support jig 120, and then the edges of the pouch sheet 10 can be folded via the folding jig 130. In this way, as folding is performed via the folding jig 130 with the central part of the pouch sheet 10 fixed via the support jig 120, the central part of the pouch sheet 10 is fixed, preventing flow when folding the edges of the pouch sheet 10 and minimizing wrinkles in the pouch sheet 10 that may occur during folding.

[0079] Referring to Figures 5, 8, and 9, the number of folding jigs 130 may include a pair of first jigs 131, 132 located on either side of the support jig 120 in either the width direction or the length direction, and a pair of second jigs 133, 134 located on either side of the support jig 120 in the other direction.

[0080] The pair of first jigs 131 and 132 are first moved so as to contact the protruding portion 121 of the support jig 120 with the pouch sheet 10 in between, and then the pair of second jigs 133 and 134 may be moved.

[0081] The lengths of the first jigs 131 and 132 may correspond to the lengths of the projections 121 of the support jig 120 that face the first jigs 131 and 132. That is, the lengths of the first jigs 131 and 132 in the longitudinal direction L in the plane may be the same as the lengths of the projections 121 that face the first jigs 131 and 132 in the longitudinal direction L. Here, the pair of second jigs 133 and 134 may be moved to cover both ends 131b and 132b of the pair of first jigs 131 and 132 when the first jigs 131 and 132 are moved to fold the pouch sheet 10. This can minimize or prevent wrinkles in the pouch sheet 10.

[0082] Here, the pair of first jigs 131 and 132 may include a first one-side jig 131 located on one side of the projection 121 of the support jig 120 and a second other-side jig 132 located on the other side of the projection 121. The lengths W1 and W2 of the pair of second jigs 133 and 134 may correspond to the sum of the length W3 of the projection 121 portion of the support jig 120 facing the second jigs 133 and 134, the end length W4 of the first one-side jig 131, and the end length W5 of the second other-side jig 132. In this case, for example, the lengths W1 and W2 of the pair of second jigs 133 and 134 in the plane width direction W may be the same as the sum of the widths W4 and W5 of the pair of first jigs 131 and 132 and the width W3 of the projection 121 in the plane width direction W.

[0083] Then, the folded portion of the pouch sheet 10 via the folding jig 130 can be folded via the second jigs 133 and 134 to form overlapping portions P.

[0084] Referring to Figures 5 and 10, the hot air blower 140 can apply heat to the overlapping portions P of the pouch sheets 10 to cause heat fusion. This prevents the overlapping portions P from loosening after the pouch sheets 10 have been folded. Here, heat-fused portions P may be formed in the overlapping portions P of the pouch sheets 10 by heat fusion.

[0085] At this time, the hot air blower 140 can apply heat to the portion P where the pouch sheets 10 overlap each other on the terrace 15. That is, when the terrace 15 is formed along the edge of the receiving portion 14 of the pouch sheet 10 formed via the folding jig 130, the hot air blower 140 can apply heat to the portion P where the pouch sheets 10 overlap each other on the terrace 15 of the pouch sheet 10, causing them to be heat-fused together.

[0086] Furthermore, the hot air blower 140 can apply hot air at a temperature of 180-220°C.

[0087] Although the present invention has been described in detail above through specific embodiments, this is for illustrative purposes only and does not limit the present invention. It can be said that a variety of implementations are possible within the technical concept of the present invention by those with ordinary skill in the art.

[0088] Furthermore, the specific scope of protection for an invention should be clearly defined by the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1: Secondary battery 10: Pouch sheet 11: Bottom 12: Wall surface 14: Detention Unit 15: Terrace 20: Electrode assembly 23: Electrode 24: Separation membrane 25, 26: Electrode leads 110: Secure Jig 120: Support jig 121:Protrusion 121a: 1st page 121b: 2nd side 122: Main unit 122c:Side 3 130: Folding Jig 131, 132: First Jig 131a, 132a: corner 131b, 132b: End 133, 134: Second jig 133a, 134a: Corner 140:Hot air machine P: Overlapping parts

Claims

1. The attachment process involves attaching the pouch sheet to the attachment jig; A support step of pressurizing and supporting the pouch sheet via a support jig positioned on the opposite side of the pouch sheet from the fixing jig; and A method for manufacturing a pouch, comprising a folding step in which, after fixing the pouch sheet through the support step via the attachment jig and the support jig, a plurality of folding jigs are moved to fold the pouch sheet attached to the attachment jig to form a housing portion in which an electrode assembly is housed.

2. The aforementioned folding process is A method for manufacturing a pouch according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of folding jigs positioned in the lateral direction of the anchoring jig are moved to fold the edge of the pouch sheet and form the storage portion.

3. The aforementioned attachment process involves attaching the pouch sheet to the upper surface of the attachment jig and the upper surface of the folding jig. The folding process involves moving a number of folding jigs in a direction that brings them closer to each other to fold the pouch sheet. A method for manufacturing a pouch according to claim 1, wherein a number of the folding jigs are moved in an upward inclined direction to fold the pouch sheet.

4. The aforementioned folding process is The pouch manufacturing method according to claim 3, wherein a number of the folding jigs are moved at an angle of 45 to 85 degrees with respect to the plane of the pouch sheet.

5. The support step involves applying pressure to the upper surface of the pouch sheet via the support jig to fix the pouch sheet to the fixing jig. The method for manufacturing a pouch according to claim 3, wherein in the folding step, a protrusion corresponding to the housing portion is formed at the lower part of the support jig, and when the pouch sheet is folded with the folding jig, the folded portion of the pouch sheet is in close contact with the protrusion of the support jig.

6. The aforementioned support jig is, Main body; and Including the protruding portion formed at the lower part of the main body, The method for manufacturing a pouch according to claim 5, wherein in the folding step, the folding jig folds the pouch sheet and makes it adhere tightly to the lower part of the main body, thereby forming the storage portion in the pouch sheet.

7. The protruding portion includes a first surface that forms the lowest surface and a second surface that forms a surface in the lateral direction, and the main body includes a third surface that forms the lower surface along the end of the protruding portion. The pouch sheet housing formed through the folding process includes a bottom surface formed on the surface facing the first surface of the protrusion and a wall surface formed on the surface facing the second surface of the protrusion. The pouch manufacturing method according to claim 6, wherein a terrace facing the third surface is formed along the end of the housing section.

8. The folding jig includes an upper pressure surface to which the edge of the pouch sheet contacts, a side pressure surface formed perpendicular to the upper pressure surface, and a corner formed between the upper pressure surface and the side pressure surface. The method for manufacturing a pouch according to claim 7, wherein in the folding step, the folding jig is moved diagonally and the pouch sheet is brought into close contact with the support jig, the corner of the folding jig bends the pouch sheet, the edge of the pouch sheet is brought into close contact with the third surface of the main body of the support jig via the upper pressure surface, and a portion of the pouch sheet is brought into close contact with the second surface of the main body of the support jig via the side pressure surface.

9. A method for manufacturing a pouch according to claim 1, wherein the central part of the pouch sheet is fixed via the fixing jig and the support jig through the support step, and then the edges of the pouch sheet are folded via the folding jig in the folding step.

10. The numerous folding jigs are, A pair of first jigs positioned on both sides of the support jig in either the width direction or the length direction; and It includes a pair of second jigs located on both sides of the support jig in the other direction of the width and length, The aforementioned folding process is A method for manufacturing a pouch according to claim 6, comprising: a first folding step of moving the pair of first jigs so that they first contact the protruding portion of the support jig with the pouch sheet in between; and a second folding step of moving the pair of second jigs after the first folding step.

11. The length of the first jig corresponds to the length of the protruding portion of the support jig that faces the first jig. In the second folding step, The pouch manufacturing method according to claim 10, wherein the second jig is moved so as to cover both ends of the first jig when the first jig has been moved to fold the pouch sheet.

12. The folded portion of the pouch sheet through the first folding step is folded through the second folding step to form overlapping portions. The method for manufacturing a pouch according to claim 10, further comprising a heating step of applying heat to the overlapping portions of the pouch sheets via a hot air blower to thermally fuse them together.

13. A terrace is formed along the edge of the storage portion of the pouch sheet formed through the folding process, The method for manufacturing a pouch according to claim 12, wherein the heating step involves applying heat to the portion of the pouch sheet that overlaps with each other on the terrace of the pouch sheet.

14. The method for manufacturing a pouch according to claim 12, wherein the heating step involves applying hot air at a temperature of 180 to 220°C.

15. A lamination jig for securely attaching pouch sheets; A support jig positioned on the opposite side of the pouch sheet from the aforementioned attachment jig, and which pressurizes and supports the pouch sheet; and A pouch manufacturing apparatus comprising a plurality of folding jigs for fixing the pouch sheet via the fixing jig and the support jig, and then folding the pouch sheet fixed to the fixing jig to form a housing portion for housing an electrode assembly.

16. A pouch manufacturing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein a number of folding jigs are positioned in the lateral direction of the anchoring jig and moved in a direction toward each other to fold the edges of the pouch sheet and form the receiving section, and are configured to be moved in an upward inclined direction to fold the pouch sheet.

17. The support jig presses the upper surface of the pouch sheet to fix the pouch sheet to the fixing jig. The pouch manufacturing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein a protrusion corresponding to the housing portion is formed at the lower part of the support jig, and the folding portion of the pouch sheet is configured to be in close contact with the protrusion of the support jig when the pouch sheet is folded with the folding jig.

18. The aforementioned support jig is, Main body; and Including the protruding portion formed at the lower part of the main body, The protruding portion includes a first surface that forms the lowest surface and a second surface that forms a surface in the lateral direction, and the main body includes a third surface that forms the lower surface along the end of the protruding portion. The pouch sheet housing formed via the folding jig includes a bottom surface formed on the surface facing the first surface of the protrusion and a wall surface formed on the surface facing the second surface of the protrusion. The pouch manufacturing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein a terrace facing the third surface is formed along the end of the housing section.

19. The pouch manufacturing apparatus according to claim 15, configured to fix the central part of the pouch sheet via the fixing jig and the support jig, and then fold the edges of the pouch sheet via the folding jig.

20. The numerous folding jigs are, A pair of first jigs positioned on both sides of the support jig in either the width direction or the length direction; and It includes a pair of second jigs located on both sides of the support jig in the other direction of the width and length, The pouch manufacturing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the pair of first jigs are moved so as to first contact the protruding portion of the support jig with the pouch sheet in between, and then the pair of second jigs are moved.

21. The folded portion of the pouch sheet is folded via a pair of first jigs, and the folded portion is folded via a pair of second jigs, forming overlapping portions. The pouch manufacturing apparatus according to claim 20, further comprising a hot air blower for applying heat to overlapping portions of the pouch sheets to heat-seal them.

22. The length of the first jig corresponds to the length of the protruding portion of the support jig that faces the first jig. The pouch manufacturing apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the second jig is configured to move to cover both ends of the first jig while the first jig is moved to fold the pouch sheet, thereby folding the pouch sheet.

23. The first jig includes a first side jig located in the direction of one side of the protrusion and a second other side jig located in the direction of the other side of the protrusion. The pouch manufacturing apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the length of the second jig corresponds to the sum of the length of the protruding portion of the support jig facing the second jig, the length of the end of the first one-side jig, and the length of the end of the first other-side jig.

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