Degassing system for secondary battery pouches

Abstract

To provide a degassing system for a secondary battery pouch that can attract and process gas regardless of the size of a cell pocket, increase the convenience of work by setting a degassing time and gas emission amount according to the size of the pouch, automatically detect the presence or absence of abnormalities in a degassing suction line by comparing the gas discharge amount with a reference value already defined for each pouch size, and guarantee the quality while reducing the unit price of the product with a simplified configuration.SOLUTION: A degassing system for a secondary battery pouch includes a separation unit that includes an air intake path for suction of a pouch and pulls the pouch to form a space inside the pouch, a gas discharge unit that is provided at the separation unit, pierces the pouch with a needle formed with a gas discharge path, and discharges the gas inside the pouch through the gas discharge path, and a foreign matter removing unit that removes the discharge mixed with gas that flows into the separated unit and the gas discharge path.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a degassing system for a pouch for a secondary battery, and more particularly to a degassing system for a pouch for a secondary battery that can completely remove gas and other foreign matter present inside the pouch during the manufacturing process of the pouch for a secondary battery with a simplified structure. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, secondary batteries are batteries that can be charged and discharged, unlike primary batteries that cannot be recharged, and are widely used in electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops, and video cameras, as well as electric vehicles.

[0003] In particular, lithium secondary batteries have a larger capacity and a higher energy density per unit weight than nickel-cadmium batteries or nickel-metal hydride batteries, which are widely used as power sources for electronic devices, and therefore their use is rapidly increasing.

[0004] Lithium secondary batteries mainly use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material, respectively.

[0005] A lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate, each coated with a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material, are arranged with a separator sandwiched therebetween, and an exterior material, i.e., a battery case, that hermetically houses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte solution.

[0006] Such lithium secondary batteries can be classified according to the shape of the exterior material into can-type secondary batteries in which the electrode assembly is housed in a metal can, and pouch-type secondary batteries in which the electrode assembly is housed in a pouch made of an aluminum laminate sheet.

[0007] During the manufacturing process of a pouch-type secondary battery, an electrode assembly including a negative electrode, a separator, and a positive electrode is placed inside a pouch outer casing, an electrolyte is injected, and the edges are sealed. The battery is then activated through several charge-discharge cycles.

[0008] During this process, gas is generated inside the cell, and in order to capture the generated gas, the pouch outer casing of the pouch-type secondary battery before the activation process is formed to be larger than the final product.

[0009] A portion of the pouch exterior material that is larger than the portion where the electrode assembly is disposed is called a gas pocket, and gas generated during the activation process can be collected in the gas pocket.

[0010] Once the activation process is complete, the gas pocket is punctured to release the gas, then the gas pocket is cut and the pouch exterior is resealed to fit the specifications of the final product.

[0011] On the other hand, if gas is generated in the activation process that exceeds the allowable expansion range of the gas pocket, there is a risk that the insulation of the seal portion will be destroyed.

[0012] However, the amount of gas generated during the activation process may vary depending on the material of the electrode assembly and the activation conditions, and it is not easy to determine the appropriate size of the gas pocket.

[0013] Therefore, in the past, the size of the gas pocket was made as large as possible to prevent the insulation of the seal from being broken during the activation process.

[0014] However, since the gas pocket portion is an unnecessary portion that is cut off after the degassing process, making it large is very inefficient in terms of production costs. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0015] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2010-0118394 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0016] The present invention has been invented to solve the above-mentioned problems of the conventional technology, and its object is to provide a degassing system for a pouch for a secondary battery that can suck out gas and then process it, regardless of the size of the cell pocket.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a degassing system for secondary battery pouches that can increase the convenience of operation by setting the degassing time and gas discharge amount according to the size of the pouch, and that can automatically detect whether there is an abnormality in the degassing suction line by comparing the gas discharge amount with a reference value that is predefined for each size of the pouch.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a degassing system for a pouch for a secondary battery that has a simplified configuration, can reduce the unit cost of the product, and can guarantee quality. [Means for solving the problem]

[0019] The present invention provides a system for removing gas from a sealed edge pouch for a secondary battery, comprising: a separator having an air intake path for adsorbing the pouch and pulling the pouch to form a space inside the pouch; a gas exhaust part provided in the separator, piercing the pouch with a needle having a gas exhaust path formed therein, and exhausting gas inside the pouch through the gas exhaust path; and a foreign matter removal part removing exhaust mixed with gas flowing into the separator and the gas exhaust path.

[0020] The foreign matter removal unit includes a first suction line connected to the intake path, a first trap tank connected to the first suction line, a first suction pump connected to the first trap tank and configured to suck in the gas-mixed exhaust through suction operation and provide suction force required to adsorb the pouch to the separator, a second suction line connected to the gas exhaust path, a second trap tank connected to the first suction line, and a second suction pump connected to the second trap tank and configured to suck in the gas-mixed exhaust through suction operation.

[0021] The apparatus further includes vacuum filters connected to the first suction line and the second suction line, respectively, for filtering the exhaust mixed with gas.

[0022] The device further includes a first vacuum pressure sensor for sensing the pressure in the first suction line, a solenoid valve connected to the first suction line for opening or closing the first suction line depending on whether the first vacuum pressure sensor senses a pressure, a second vacuum pressure sensor for sensing the pressure in the second suction line, and a precision control valve connected to the second suction line for opening or closing the second suction line depending on whether the second vacuum pressure sensor senses a pressure.

[0023] The pump further includes a first Kitz valve connected to the first solenoid valve via the first suction line, and a second Kitz valve connected to the solenoid valve via the second suction line.

[0024] The device further includes a first pressure regulating valve that adjusts the opening range of the first suction line so that the suction force of the first suction pump acting on the first suction line varies depending on the size of the pouch, and a second pressure regulating valve that adjusts the opening range of the second suction line so that the suction force of the second suction pump acting on the second suction line varies depending on the size of the pouch.

[0025] The device further includes a first residual pressure removal unit that removes residual pressure present in the first suction line after completing removal of the gas-mixed exhaust material inside the isolation unit, and the first residual pressure removal unit includes a first connection line connected to the first suction line, and a first air regulator that supplies air to the first connection line so that air flows into the first suction line.

[0026] The device further includes a second residual pressure removal unit that removes residual pressure present in the second suction line after completing removal of the gas-mixed exhaust inside the gas discharge path, and the second residual pressure removal unit includes a second connection line connected to the second suction line, and a second air regulator that supplies air to the second connection line so that air flows into the second suction line.

[0027] The device further includes a control unit that sets the time for degassing or the amount of gas discharged through the second suction line depending on the size of the pouch, and a sensor unit that measures the amount of gas discharged from the second suction line in response to a control signal from the control unit and transmits the result to the control unit.The control unit compares the amount of gas discharged measured by the sensor unit with a reference value that has been predefined for each size of pouch, and detects whether there is an abnormality in the second suction line based on the comparison value. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] The degassing system for a secondary battery pouch according to the present invention has the advantage that it can suck out gas and then process it, regardless of the size of the pouch, and can automatically release the vacuum in the degassing suction line after completing the degassing operation.

[0029] In addition, the degassing time and gas discharge amount can be set according to the size of the pouch, thereby increasing the convenience of the operation. Furthermore, the gas discharge amount can be compared with a reference value predefined for each size of the pouch, and the presence or absence of an abnormality in the degassing suction line can be automatically detected based on the comparison value. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030]

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[0031] The advantages and features of the present invention and the manner in which they are achieved will become more apparent from the detailed description of the embodiments set forth below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0032] However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and can be realized in various different forms. The embodiments are provided merely to complete the disclosure of the present invention and to fully explain the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. The present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. The same reference numerals refer to the same elements throughout the specification.

[0033] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily understand the present invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Similar parts are designated by the same reference numerals throughout the specification.

[0034] Figs. 1 and 2 are perspective views showing a degassing system for a pouch for a secondary battery according to the present invention, Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing a separation part and a gas discharge part applied to the degassing system for a pouch for a secondary battery according to the present invention, Fig. 4 is a front view showing a usage state of the separation part and the gas discharge part applied to the degassing system for a pouch for a secondary battery according to the present invention, Fig. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the separation part and the gas discharge part applied to the degassing system for a pouch for a secondary battery according to the present invention, Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a variable part applied to the degassing system for a pouch for a secondary battery according to the present invention, Figs. 7 to 12 are drawings showing step by step the process of removing gas inside a cell pocket through the degassing system for a pouch for a secondary battery according to the present invention, Fig. 13 is a plan view showing an arrangement state of the degassing system for a pouch for a secondary battery according to the present invention with respect to the pouch, Fig. 14 is a drawing showing a connection state of a separation part, a gas discharge part, and foreign matter removal applied to the degassing of a pouch for a secondary battery according to the present invention, and Fig. 15 is a block diagram showing a connection relationship of a configuration applied to a pouch for a secondary battery according to the present invention with respect to the pouch.

[0035] The degassing system 1 for a pouch for a secondary battery according to the present invention is a product capable of sucking and removing gas, other foreign matters, etc. present inside the pouch 90 during the process of manufacturing a pouch for a secondary battery (hereinafter referred to as "pouch").

[0036] Furthermore, it can discharge gas and foreign matters flowing into the interior of the product and be used semi-permanently.

[0037] At this time, the pouch 90 can largely include a cell body 91 and a cell pocket 92.

[0038] The cell body 91 and the cell pocket 92 can be integrally formed by sealing the ends of a first surface 92a and a second surface 92b formed of the same material and size as each other.

[0039] Furthermore, the cell body 91 houses an electrode assembly and an electrolyte inside, and the cell pocket 92 is utilized for the purpose of removing gas present inside the cell body 91.

[0040] The degassing system for the pouch for secondary batteries according to the present invention adsorbs the first surface 92a and the second surface 92b of the cell pocket 92 and then separates them in order to remove the gas present in the internal space of the cell pocket 92 described above. It may include a separation unit 10, a gas discharge unit 20 for removing the gas present in the internal space of the cell pocket 92, and a foreign matter removal unit 30 for removing the discharged matter (dust, electrolyte) in which the gas flowing jointly into the separation unit 10 and the gas discharge path is mixed by the operation of the gas discharge unit 20, respectively.

[0041] At this time, the separation unit 10 provided with the gas discharge unit 20 can be applied in one or more numbers according to the size of the pouch 90. The drawing shows an example in which the gas is removed inside the cell pocket 92 with the separation unit 10 provided with the gas discharge unit 20 applied three each to the first surface 92a and the second surface 92b of the pouch 90.

[0042] Furthermore, the separation unit 10 provided with the gas discharge unit 20 can be arranged so as to be located on a horizontal line with each other on the first surface 92a and the second surface 92b, respectively. And the separation unit 10 provided with the gas discharge unit 20 arranged on the first surface 92a and the second surface 92b can face each other with the cell pocket interposed therebetween.

[0043] At this time, the number of applications of the separation unit 10 provided with the gas discharge unit 20 is not limited to three, and can be selectively decreased or increased according to the size of the pouch 90.

[0044] The separation unit 10 separates the first surface 92a and the second surface 92b so that the gas discharge unit 20 described later can suck the gas present inside the cell pocket 92, and may include at least one or more of a main body 111, an adsorption plate 11, a degassing adsorption plate 12, a lower adsorption plate 14, and a forward / backward drive unit 13.

[0045] At this time, the number of applications of the separation unit 10 may increase or decrease according to the size of the pouch 90.

[0046] The main body 111 may be formed in the shape of a polygonal block having a certain thickness and area.

[0047] Inside the main body 111, an insertion hole 111a is formed into which a needle 21 and a gas discharge pipe 22, which are part of a gas discharge part 20 described later, are inserted together.

[0048] Inside the main body 111, a center hole 111c disposed between the insertion holes 111a and a foreign body removal section 30 (described later) are connected to form an intake passage 111b connected to the center hole 111c.

[0049] At this time, the insertion hole 111a is formed along the horizontal length direction of the main body 111, and the intake passage 111b is formed in the vertical direction on the upper surface of the main body 111 and is connected to the insertion hole 111a.

[0050] A plurality of insertion holes 111a may be formed, and the same number of needles 21 and gas exhaust pipes 22 as the number of insertion holes 111a may be used.

[0051] The tip of the center hole 111c is exposed at the front surface of the isolation portion 10 and faces the first surface 92a or the second surface 92b of the pouch 90.

[0052] The center hole 111c allows the suction force of the gas exhaust section 20 described later to act on the first surface 92a or the second surface 92b of the pouch 90, allowing the suction plate 11 to adsorb the first surface 92a or the second surface 92b of the pouch 90.

[0053] An intake nozzle 111d, to which a first branch line 311 (described later) is connected, may be provided in the intake passage 111b.

[0054] At this time, the number of insertion holes 111a, needles 21, and gas exhaust pipes 22 can be changed according to various conditions such as the size of the pouch 90 when it is desired to increase the gas removal speed.

[0055] In front of the main body 111, a suction plate 11 is formed which separates the first surface 92a from the second surface 92b by interaction with the forward / backward drive unit 13 described later.

[0056] The suction plate 11 can be formed in an elliptical ring shape so as to adsorb to many regions of the first surface 92a, and can be formed along the front edge of the main body 111.

[0057] The degassing suction plate 12 is adsorbed to the first surface 92a and the second surface 92b together with the suction plate 11 while being fixed to the suction plate 11.

[0058] The degassing suction plate 12 is applied in two, similar to the needle 21.

[0059] Inside the degassing suction plate 12, a guide hole 12a through which the needle 21 is drawn out / retracted is formed.

[0060] At this time, a connection hole for allowing the needle 21 to move to the degassing suction plate 12 is formed at the tip of the suction plate 11 so as to be located on the same line as the guide hole 12a and the insertion hole 111a.

[0061] The degassing suction plate 12 is formed in a substantially circular ring shape so as to have excellent adsorption force to the first surface 92a, and its diameter can be formed in a shape that gradually decreases from one end facing the first member to the other end in contact with the suction plate 11.

[0062] The space between the inside of the suction plate 11, the outside of the degassing suction plate 12, and the port 90 described above has a watertight structure, and by forming a vacuum state, the gas discharge unit 20 described later can completely remove the gas in the cell pocket 92.

[0063] The lower suction plate 14 is applied to more widely and stably separate the first surface 92a and the second surface 92b of the cell pocket 92.

[0064] The lower suction plates 14 are configured in pairs and face each other with the cell pocket 92 sandwiched therebetween.

[0065] The lower suction plate 14 may be formed in the same shape as the suction plate 11 .

[0066] That is, one lower suction plate 14 faces the first surface 92a, and the other lower suction plate 14 faces the second surface 92b.

[0067] The lower suction plate 14 can be disposed at a position lower than the main body 111 .

[0068] The lower suction plate 14 includes a lower body 141 that is moved forward or backward on the first surface 92a and the second surface 92b by a separate driving source.

[0069] At this time, although not shown in the drawings, the driving source may be formed by a cylinder and a cam, or may be formed by the same product as the forward / backward driving unit 13 described later.

[0070] The drive source operates simultaneously with a forward / reverse drive unit 13, which will be described later.

[0071] That is, when the forward / backward drive unit 13 advances the suction plate 11 and the degassing suction plate 12, the drive source advances the lower suction plate 14 so that it adsorbs to the second surface 92b, and when the forward / backward drive unit 13 advances the suction plate 11 and the degassing suction plate 12 backward, the drive source advances the lower suction plate 14 backward so that the first surface 92a and the second surface 92b are separated.

[0072] The lower adsorption plate 14 is formed at one end of the lower body 141 and is positioned substantially perpendicular to the adsorption plate 11 and the degassing adsorption plate 12 .

[0073] Therefore, when the lower attraction plate 14 moves forward, it is attracted to the first surface 92a together with the attraction plate 11, and when the lower attraction plate 14 moves backward, it pulls the first surface 92a together with the attraction plate 11 to separate it from the second surface 92b.

[0074] At this time, the lower suction plate 14 separates the lower side of the first surface 92a from the suction plate 11, thereby forming a kind of barrier on the cell pocket 92. Therefore, in the process of sucking and discharging gas present in the internal space of the cell pocket 92 through the needle 21, the electrolyte in the cell body 91 can be prevented from rising into the internal space of the cell pocket 92 and being sucked in by the needle 21.

[0075] In such a case, the lower suction plates 14 are arranged facing each other with the cell pocket 92 in between, and can pull the first surface 92a and the second surface 92b, respectively, to form a larger space in the cell pocket 92.

[0076] Meanwhile, the main body 111 can be provided in front of the coupler C, which has a substantially "L" shaped cross section.

[0077] The coupler C serves as a medium for connecting the main body 111 and the forward / reverse drive unit 13 .

[0078] The coupler C has a connection hole (not shown) formed at a position corresponding to the insertion hole 111a of the main body 111.

[0079] The forward / backward drive unit 13 moves the suction plate 11 and the degassing suction plate 12 forward and backward. It is arranged at a predetermined distance from the upper side of the coupler C, and has an upper plate 131 with rectangular movement guide holes 131a formed on both sides, a motor 132 installed on the upper surface of the upper plate 131, a case 133 installed on the upper surface of the upper plate 131, a guide rail 134 arranged on the upper side of the case 133, a rotating shaft (not shown) accommodated inside the case 133 and rotated in the forward or reverse direction by the power of the motor 132, with right-handed and left-handed threads formed on its right and left sides respectively with the central part as the reference, a slide part 135 moving in both directions along the guide rail 134 on the upper surface of the case 133, a mounting ring (not shown) formed on the lower side of the slide part 135 and attached to the outer peripheral edge of the rotating shaft inside the case 133, with threads formed on its inner peripheral edge that can move in both directions along the right-handed thread of the rotating shaft, a connecting block 136 fixed to the upper surface of the coupler C, and a connecting shaft 137 connecting both sides of the slide part 135 and the connecting block 136 and moving forward or backward on the movement guide hole 131a.

[0080] At this time, in the present invention, when the motor 132 rotates the rotating shaft in the forward direction, the mounting ring moves forward along the right-handed thread, so it gradually moves toward the central part side of the rotating shaft. When the motor 132 rotates the rotating shaft in the reverse direction, the mounting ring moves backward along the right-handed thread, so it can gradually move to the right side of the rotating shaft.

[0081] When the mounting ring moves forward, the slide part 135, the connecting block 136, the connecting shaft 137, the coupler C, and the spacer 10 all move forward, and as a result, the suction plate 11 and the degassing suction plate 12 are adsorbed to the first surface 92a. In this state, when the mounting ring moves backward, the slide part 135, the connecting block 136, the connecting shaft 137, the coupler C, and the spacer 10 all move backward. As a result, the suction plate 11 and the degassing suction plate 12 pull the first surface 92a and separate from the second surface 92b.

[0082] On the other hand, the gas discharge unit 20 removes the gas existing in the internal space of the cell pocket 92 where the first surface 92a and the second surface 92b are separated by the separation unit 10 as described above, and can include at least one or more of the needle 21, the gas discharge pipe 22, the variable unit 23, and the needle drive unit 24.

[0083] The needles 21 are configured in pairs of two and are respectively inserted into the insertion holes 111a of the main body 111.

[0084] The needles 21 are parallel to each other and can move forward or backward along the insertion holes 111a and the guide holes 12a respectively.

[0085] Inside the needle 21, a gas discharge passage for discharging the gas in the cell pocket 92 is formed along the length direction.

[0086] A part of the gas discharge pipe 22 penetrates through the connection hole of the coupler C and is inserted into the insertion hole 111a of the main body 111, and the other part protrudes outside the coupler C.

[0087] And, on the outer peripheral edge of the tip of the gas discharge pipe 22, a mounting pipe 211 provided at the tip of the needle 21 is mounted.

[0088] The internal space of the gas discharge pipe 22 and the gas discharge passage of the needle 21 are connected to each other.

[0089] Among the gas discharge pipes 22, a variable unit 23 for varying the drawing-out length of the needle 21 drawn out to the outside of the degassing adsorption plate 12 is applied to the portion protruding outside the main body 111.

[0090] The variable unit 23 can include at least one or more of a moving guide unit 231, a bracket 232, a moving unit 233, a variable guide unit 234, a variable control unit 235, and a spring 236 as shown in FIG. 6.

[0091] The moving guide part 231 is coupled to the piston 241 of the needle driving part 24. Accordingly, the moving guide part 231 can move forward or backward on the first surface 92a.

[0092] The moving guide part 231 can be formed in a polygonal box shape with an open bottom surface and an empty space formed inside, and a first support plate 2311 for supporting the spring 236 is formed in the internal space.

[0093] The bracket 232 is formed in a substantially "C" - shaped cross - sectional shape, and through - holes (not shown) through which the gas discharge pipe 22 is installed are formed on the front side and the rear side.

[0094] The moving part 233 is connected to the moving guide part 231 and fixed to the bracket 232.

[0095] The moving part 233 can be formed in a polygonal box shape with an open top surface and an empty space formed inside, and a second support plate 2331 for supporting the spring 236 is formed in the internal space at a position separated from the first support plate 2311.

[0096] Such a moving part 233 can be movably connected to the moving guide part 231.

[0097] As an example, on either one of both sides of the bottom surface of the moving guide part 231 and both sides of the top surface of the moving part 233, a rail groove (not shown) formed in a substantially "T" - shaped cross - sectional shape is formed, and on the other, a slide part 135 (not shown) formed in a substantially "T" - shaped cross - sectional shape is formed so that the moving part 233 can move forward or backward in a sliding manner from the moving guide part 231.

[0098] The variable guide part 234 is coupled to the outer surface of the moving guide part 231 and can be formed in a substantially "L" - shaped cross - sectional shape.

[0099] Variable guide holes are formed on the surface of the variable guide part 234 facing the moving part 233.

[0100] The variable control unit 235 is for advancing the moving unit 233 and includes a push portion 2351 that penetrates through the variable guide hole and contacts the moving unit 233.

[0101] At this time, screw threads that mesh with each other are formed on the inner peripheral edge of the variable guide hole and the outer peripheral edge of the push portion 2351.

[0102] Accordingly, when the variable control unit 235 is rotated in the forward direction, the push portion 2351 advances along the variable guide hole while pushing the moving unit 233 to advance the moving unit 233. As a result, the gas discharge pipe 22 connected via the bracket 232 and the needle 21 attached to the gas discharge pipe 22 advance.

[0103] When the variable control unit 235 is rotated in the reverse direction, the push portion 2351 moves backward along the variable guide hole and separates from the moving unit 233.

[0104] On the peripheral surface of such a variable control unit 235, a scale for numerically representing the length of the needle 21 that is drawn out or drawn in and numbers corresponding to the scale may be printed.

[0105] The spring 236 functions to return the moving unit 233 to its original position when the push portion 2351 separates from the moving unit 233. It is jointly accommodated in the internal spaces of the moving guide portion 231 and the moving unit 233, and both sides thereof are fixed to the first support plate 2311 and the second support plate 2331, respectively.

[0106] Accordingly, when the variable control unit 235 is rotated in the forward direction to advance the moving unit 233, the first support plate 2311 and the second support plate 2331 move away from each other and the spring 236 expands. When the variable control unit 235 is rotated in the reverse direction, the spring 236 contracts to its original shape and the moving unit 233 moves backward.

[0107] As the moving part 233 moves forward, the drawing length of the needle 21 with respect to the degassing adsorption plate 12 increases, and as the moving part 233 moves backward, the drawing length of the needle 21 with respect to the degassing adsorption plate 12 decreases. Therefore, the variable control unit 235 is controlled according to the thickness of the first surface 92a to adjust the drawing length of the needle 21.

[0108] The needle driving unit 24 drives the needle 21 to move so that the needle 21 moves inside or outside the cell pocket 92, and can be formed by a rodless cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder. An example in which the needle driving unit 24 is formed by a rodless cylinder is shown in the drawing.

[0109] The upper surface of the needle driving unit 24 is fixed to the ceiling surface of the coupler C, and the piston 241 is coupled to the upper surface of the fixed block.

[0110] The piston 241 reciprocates in both directions along the length direction of the needle driving unit 24, and uniformly advances or retracts the gas discharge pipe 22 and the needle 21 to the first surface 92a.

[0111] At this time, when the needle 21 moves forward, after the front side thereof is drawn out from the degassing adsorption plate 12, it penetrates the first surface 92a and is located in the internal space of the cell pocket 92.

[0112] On the other hand, the foreign matter removing unit 30 provides the intake force required for degassing and the intake force required for the vacuum of the port 90 to the intake passage 111b and the gas discharge passage, respectively.

[0113] At this time, when the foreign matter removing unit 30 generates an intake force, not only the gas in the port 90 but also the discharge product, that is, the electrolytic solution, is sucked by a predetermined amount.

[0114] Therefore, the foreign matter removing unit 30 is configured to remove the electrolytic solution that is sucked together with the gas unintentionally.

[0115] For this reason, the foreign matter removal unit 30 may include a first suction line 31, a first trap tank 32, a first suction pump 33 for removing gas and electrolyte sucked into the inside of the isolation unit 10, and a second suction line 34, a second trap tank 35, and a second suction pump 36 for removing gas and electrolyte sucked into the inside of the gas exhaust path.

[0116] The first suction line 31 has a tubular structure and has a passage formed therein for transporting the exhaust mixed with gas.

[0117] The first suction line 31 is applied in a total of three, and includes two first branch lines 311 each connected to the first surface 92a and the second surface 92b and to the suction nozzles 111d provided in the suction paths 111b of both opposing separation sections 10, and can suck out gas or electrolyte leaking between the degassing adsorption plate 12 and the first surface 92a, or between the degassing adsorption plate 12 and the second surface 92b.

[0118] The first trap tank 32 is connected to the first suction line 31 and contains gas and electrolyte.

[0119] The first suction pump 33 is connected to the first trap tank 32 and operates to suck gas and electrolyte contained in the first trap tank 32 and discharge them to the outside or supply them to a separate treatment tank (not shown).

[0120] A filter for filtering the gas and the electrolyte may be provided inside the treatment tank.

[0121] The suction force of the first suction pump 33 acts in concert on the first suction line 31, the suction hole, and the center hole 111c.

[0122] That is, the adsorption plate 11 is adsorbed to the first surface 92a or the second surface 92b by the suction force of the first suction pump 33, and gas or electrolyte leaking between the degassing adsorption plate 12 and the first surface 92a or between the degassing adsorption plate 12 and the second surface 92b by the suction force of the first suction pump 33 is sucked into the first suction pump 33 via the center hole 111c, the suction hole, the first suction line 31 and the first trap tank 32 in that order.

[0123] The second suction line 34 has a tubular structure and has a passage formed therein for transporting the exhaust mixed with gas.

[0124] The second suction line 34 is applied to a total of three lines, each of which includes two second branch lines 341 connected to the gas exhaust pipes 22 arranged on the first surface 92a and the second surface 92b, respectively, and can suck out gas and electrolyte in the gas exhaust path.

[0125] The second trap tank 35 is connected to the second suction line 34 and contains gas and electrolyte.

[0126] The second suction pump 36 is connected to the second trap tank 35 and operates to suck gas and electrolyte contained in the second trap tank 35 and discharge them to the outside or supply them to a separate treatment tank (not shown).

[0127] A filter for filtering the gas and the electrolyte may be provided inside the treatment tank.

[0128] The suction force of the second suction pump 36 acts jointly on the second suction line 34, the gas exhaust pipe 22, and the gas exhaust path.

[0129] That is, the degassing adsorption plate 12 is adsorbed onto the first surface 92a or the second surface 92b by the suction force of the second suction pump 36, and the gas and electrolyte that flow into the gas exhaust path by the suction force of the second suction pump 36 are sucked into the second suction pump 36 via the gas exhaust pipe 22, the second suction line 34 and the second trap tank 35 in that order.

[0130] Furthermore, the degassing system for the pouch for secondary batteries according to the present invention may further include a first vacuum pressure sensor 50, a solenoid valve 60, a first kits valve 110, a first pressure regulating valve 130, a second vacuum pressure sensor 70, a second kits valve 120, a second pressure regulating valve 140, a control unit 170, and a sensor unit 180.

[0131] The first vacuum pressure sensor 50 is applied to a total of three, and senses the pressure of the passages of the first suction line 31 respectively.

[0132] The solenoid valve 60 is applied to a total of three, and is respectively provided on the first suction line 31.

[0133] Therefore, the solenoid valve 60 can open or close the passages of the first suction line 31 respectively.

[0134] At this time, a vacuum filter 40 can be further provided on the first suction line 31.

[0135] The vacuum filter 40 filters the electrolytic solution transferred through the passages of the first suction line 31, prevents the electrolytic solution and fumes from flowing into the solenoid valve 60, and prevents the life of the solenoid valve 60 from being reduced.

[0136] During the process of degassing the pouch 90, the first vacuum pressure sensor 50 senses the pressure of the passages of each first suction line 31 in real time and transfers it to the control unit 170 described later.

[0137] The reference pressure value of the passage of the first suction line 31 is stored in the control unit 170.

[0138] Therefore, when the electrolytic solution flows into any one or more of the first suction lines 31, the pressure of the passage becomes low, and when the pressure value of the passage of the first suction line 31 is different from the reference pressure value of the passage, the control unit 170 operates the solenoid valve 60 provided in the first suction line 31 to close the passage.

[0139] Furthermore, the control unit 170 can be configured to display the first suction line 31 into which the electrolytic solution has flowed on the operator's monitor and to notify the operator by sounding a buzzer provided in the degassing system.

[0140] The first kit valve 110 can be applied singly and is connected jointly with the three first suction lines 31.

[0141] And the first kit valve 110 can be connected to the solenoid valve 60 via the first suction line 31.

[0142] Therefore, when attempting to degas the port 90, the first kit valve 110 and the solenoid valve 60 are opened, and when the degassing process of the port 90 is completed, the first kit valve 110 and the solenoid valve 60 are closed.

[0143] The first pressure regulating valve 130 is provided in the first suction line 31 and can be arranged between the first kit valve 110 and the first trap tank 32.

[0144] The first pressure regulating valve 130 regulates the main pressure required for the vacuum of the port 90.

[0145] For this reason, the first pressure regulating valve 130 can be formed of a ball valve, and its operation is controlled by the control unit 170.

[0146] Specifically, the first pressure regulating valve 130 can adjust the opening range of the passage of the first suction line 31 according to the size of the port 90.

[0147] That is, according to the opening range of the first pressure regulating valve 130, the intake force of the first suction pump 33 acting on the passage of the first suction line 31 is variable. For example, when the lateral length of the port 90 is 300 mm and the longitudinal length is 260 mm, the control unit 170 can control the first pressure regulating valve 130 so that the suction pressure of the first suction pump 33 on the passage of the first suction line 31 becomes about 80 kPa.

[0148] In such a case, the first vacuum pressure sensor 50 senses whether an 80 kPa suction pressure continuously acts on the passage of the first suction line 31, and when the pressure in the passage of the first suction line 31 is less than 80 kPa or exceeds it, the control unit 170 can activate the buzzer while displaying it on the user's monitor.

[0149] And thus, by adjusting the suction pressure acting on the passage of the first suction line 31, the amount of the electrolytic solution discharged from the port 90 during the degassing process can be minimized, and degassing can be safely performed within the most ideal time.

[0150] Therefore, if the control unit 170 pre-saves the ports 90 according to their sizes, pre-saves the ideal suction pressure values corresponding to each size, and inputs the size of the port 90 to the control unit 170 every time the size of the port 90 changes, the opening range of the first pressure regulating valve 130 may be opened according to the size of the port 90.

[0151] At this time, the size of the port 90 and thus the suction pressure acting on the passage of the first suction line 31 are not limited to the above-described content, and can be set so that the most ideal suction pressure acts according to the size of the port 90 by the operator.

[0152] The second vacuum pressure sensors 70 are applied in a total of three, and each senses the pressure in the passage of the second suction line 34.

[0153] At this time, a vacuum filter 40 can be further provided to filter the electrolytic solution in the second suction line 34 as well, preventing the electrolytic solution and fumes from flowing into the precision control valves 80 provided in the second suction line 34 respectively.

[0154] The second vacuum pressure sensor 70 senses the pressure in the passage of each second suction line 34 in real time during the process of degassing the port 90 and transfers it to the control unit 170 described above.

[0155] The control unit 170 also stores the reference pressure value of the passage of the second suction line 34.

[0156] Therefore, if the electrolytic solution flows into any one or more of the second suction lines 34 and the pressure in the passage decreases, and the pressure value of the passage of the second suction line 34 is different from the reference pressure value of the passage, the control unit 170 operates to close the passage by the precision control valve 80 provided in the second suction line 34.

[0157] Furthermore, the control unit 170 can be configured to display the second suction line 34 into which the electrolytic solution has flowed on the operator's monitor and sound a buzzer provided in the degassing system to notify the operator.

[0158] The second kits valve 120 can be applied to one and is connected jointly with the three second suction lines 34.

[0159] And the second kits valve 120 can be connected to the precision control valve 80 via the second suction line 34.

[0160] Therefore, when attempting to degas the port 90, the second kits valve 120 and the precision control valve 80 are opened, and when the degassing operation of the port 90 is completed, the second kits valve 120 and the precision control valve 80 are closed.

[0161] The second pressure regulating valve 140 can be provided in the second suction line 34 and arranged between the second kits valve 120 and the second trap tank 35.

[0162] The second pressure regulating valve 140 regulates the main pressure required for the vacuum of the port 90.

[0163] Therefore, the second pressure regulating valve 140 can be formed by a ball valve, and its operation is controlled by the control unit 170 described above. [[ID=|7]]

[0164] Specifically, the second pressure regulating valve 140 can adjust the opening range of the passage of the second suction line 34 according to the size of the port 90.

[0165] That is, according to the opening range of the second pressure regulating valve 140, the intake force of the first suction pump 33 acting on the passage of the second suction line 34 is variable. For example, when the horizontal length of the port 90 is 300 mm and the vertical length is 260 mm, the control unit 170 controls the second pressure regulating valve 140 so that the suction pressure of the second suction pump 36 on the passage of the second suction line 34 becomes about 80 kPa.

[0166] In such a case, the second vacuum pressure sensor 70 senses whether a suction pressure of 80 kPa continuously acts on the passage of the second suction line 34, and when the pressure of the passage of the second suction line 34 is less than 80 kPa or exceeds it, the control unit 170 can activate the buzzer while displaying it on the user's monitor.

[0167] And in this way, by adjusting the suction pressure acting on the passage of the second suction line 34, the amount of the electrolytic solution discharged from the port 90 during the degassing process can be minimized, and degassing can be safely performed within the most ideal time.

[0168] Therefore, if the control unit 170 pre-saves the port 90 according to its size, pre-saves the ideal suction pressure values corresponding to each size, and inputs the size of the port 90 to the control unit 170 every time the size of the port 90 changes, the opening range of the second pressure regulating valve 140 may be opened in accordance with the size of the port 90.

[0169] At this time, the size of the port 90 and the suction pressure acting on the passage of the second suction line 34 are not limited to the above-described content, and can be set so that the most ideal suction pressure acts according to the size of the port 90 by the operator.

[0170] On the other hand, in the control unit 170 described above, the time for degassing according to the size of the port 90 or the amount of gas discharged from the second suction line 34 per unit time is set.

[0171] And the sensor unit 180 is applied to a total of three and is provided in the second suction line 34 respectively.

[0172] The sensor unit 180 can be arranged between the vacuum filter 40 and the precision control valve 80 provided in the second suction line 34 respectively.

[0173] At this time, the precision control valve 80 can be applied with a ball valve.

[0174] The sensor unit 180 can be formed of a vacuum flow sensor so that it can inspect the amount of gas discharged through the second suction line 34 in real time during the process of degassing the port 90.

[0175] After measuring the amount of gas discharged from the second suction line 34 by the control signal of the control unit 170, the sensor unit 180 transfers it to the control unit 170.

[0176] Then, the control unit 170 controls the operation of the sensor unit 180 according to the already set time, compares the gas discharge amount measured by the sensor unit 180 with the reference value already defined for each size of the port 90, and detects the presence or absence of abnormality in the second suction line 34 based on the comparison value.

[0177] For example, together with the gas, the electrolytic solution is cured on the passage of the second suction line 34 to block the passage, whereby the amount of gas discharged during the already defined time is reduced.

[0178] In such a case, the control unit 170 notifies the operator by displaying the second suction line 34 in which an abnormality has occurred on the operator's monitor and sounding a buzzer provided in the degassing system.

[0179] Furthermore, the control unit 170 can be configured to control the operation of the second suction pump 36 described above.

[0180] That is, the control unit 170 sets the degassing time or gas emission amount according to the size of the pouch 90, and therefore sets and controls the suction pressure generated by the second suction pump 36 and the operating time of the second suction pump 36 according to the size of the pouch 90 to be degassed.

[0181] Meanwhile, the degassing system for a secondary battery pouch according to the present invention may further include a first residual pressure removal unit 150 that removes residual pressure present in the first suction line 31 after completing the removal of the gas-mixed discharged material inside the separator 10, and a second residual pressure removal unit 160 that removes residual pressure present in the second suction line 34 after completing the removal of the gas-mixed discharged material inside the gas exhaust path.

[0182] The first residual pressure removal unit 150 may include a first connection line 151 and a first air regulator 152 .

[0183] The first connecting line 151 includes three first branch lines 1511 that are respectively connected to the first suction line 31 and are connected to the first air regulator 152 .

[0184] The first connecting line 151 may be provided with a solenoid valve S1 that closes the passage of the first suction line 31 only during the degassing process, thereby preventing air from the first air regulator 152 from flowing into the first suction line 31.

[0185] The first air regulator 152 is connected to a first supply line 2110 of an air supply solenoid valve manifold 210. The air supply solenoid valve manifold 210 is then connected to the main air regulator 200.

[0186] Therefore, the air discharged from the main air regulator 200 passes through the air supply solenoid valve manifold 210, the first supply line 2110, the first air regulator 152, and the first connecting line 151 in sequence, and is then supplied to the first suction line 31, thereby removing any residual pressure present in the passage of the first suction line 31.

[0187] The second residual pressure removal unit 160 may include a second connection line 161 and a second air regulator 162 .

[0188] The second connecting line 161 includes three second branch lines 1611 that are respectively connected to the second suction line 34 and are connected to the second air regulator 162 .

[0189] The second connection line 161 may be provided with a solenoid valve S2 that closes the passage of the second suction line 34 only during the degassing process to prevent air from flowing into the second suction line 34.

[0190] The second air regulator 162 is connected to a second supply line 212 of an air supply solenoid valve manifold 210. The air supply solenoid valve manifold 210 is then connected to the main air regulator 200 described above.

[0191] Therefore, the air discharged from the main air regulator 200 passes through the air supply solenoid valve manifold 210, the second supply line 212, the second air regulator 162, and the second connection line 161 in that order, and is then supplied to the second suction line 34, thereby removing any residual pressure present in the passage of the second suction line 34.

[0192] Furthermore, the air supply solenoid valve manifold 210 is connected to the first kit valve 110 via the third supply line 213 and to the second kit valve 120 via the fourth supply line 214.

[0193] Accordingly, when the air supply solenoid valve manifold 210 supplies air to the first suction line 31 and the second suction line 34, it also supplies air to the first kit valve 110 and the second kit valve 120, and removes the residual pressure present in the first kit valve 110 and the second kit valve 120.

[0194] Next, with reference to FIGS. 7 to 11, a gas removal method using the degassing system for the pouch for secondary batteries according to the present invention will be described.

[0195] The degassing method for the pouch for secondary batteries according to the present invention first (a) adsorbs the adsorption plate 11 to the first surface 92a and the second surface 92b, respectively.

[0196] Specifically, the adsorption plate 11 advances by the forward / backward drive unit 13 and adsorbs the first surface 92a and the second surface 92b, respectively.

[0197] Also, the degassing adsorption plate 12 disposed inside the adsorption plate 11 and the lower adsorption plate 14 disposed below the adsorption plate 11 also advance together with the adsorption plate 11 and adsorb the first surface 92a and the second surface 92b, respectively.

[0198] At this time, the adsorption plate 11 and the degassing adsorption plate 12 are disposed so as to face each other with the cell pocket 92 interposed therebetween, and by supporting each other, the first surface 92a and the second surface 92b can be stably adsorbed.

[0199] Then, when the fixed adsorption plate 11 advances and retreats by the forward / backward drive unit 13 as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the adsorption plate 11 adsorbs the first surface 92a and the second surface 92b simultaneously and then separates them.

[0200] After that, (b) both adsorption plates 11 are pulled respectively to form a space inside the cell pocket 92.

[0201] Specifically, the suction plate 11 moves backward again by the forward / backward drive unit 13 to simultaneously pull the first surface 92a and the second surface 92b, thereby forming a wider space between the first surface 92a and the second surface 92b.

[0202] At this time, the lower suction plate 14 also moves backward and pulls the first surface 92a and the second surface 92b respectively. As a result, a kind of barrier is formed in the cell pocket 92, and consequently, it is possible to prevent the electrolytic solution in the cell body 91 from rising to the position where the needle 21 is inserted into the cell pocket 92.

[0203] After that, as shown in FIG. 9, after punching the first surface 92a and the second surface 92b with the needle 21 in (c), the gas in the cell pocket 92 is removed.

[0204] Specifically, the needle 21 advances by the needle drive unit 24, so that a part of it is drawn out from the degassing suction plate 12, penetrates the first surface 92a and the second surface 92b respectively, and is drawn into the internal space of the cell pocket 92.

[0205] And accordingly, the foreign matter removal unit 30 described later operates to suck air.

[0206] When the foreign matter removal unit 30 sucks air, the gas inside the cell pocket 92 is collected in the first trap tank 32 and the second trap tank 35.

[0207] And even if the electrolytic solution moves to the insertion hole 111a, it will be collected by the suction force of the foreign matter removal unit 30.

[0208] Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 10, the forward / backward drive unit 13 advances the suction plates 11, and the drive source advances the lower suction plate 14 so that the first surface 92a and the second surface 92b come into contact with each other again. Then, as shown in FIG. 11, a pair of sealing devices 100 positioned below the lower suction plate 14 advances toward the first surface 92a and the second surface 92b to seal the lower portion of the cell pocket 92.

[0209] After this, when a preset limit time has elapsed, the needle drive unit 24 moves the needle 21 backward to pull it out of the cell pocket 92, and the forward / backward drive unit 13 and the drive source move the suction plate 11 and the lower suction plate 14 backward, respectively, to separate them from the first surface 92a and the second surface 92b.

[0210] The sealing device 100 also moves backward together with the suction plate 11 and the lower suction plate 14.

[0211] At this time, since the amount of gas generated inside the cell body 91 varies depending on the size of the pouch 90, the limit time for the needle driving unit 24 to move the needle 21 backward can be varied in various ways depending on the size of the pouch 90.

[0212] Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without changing the technical spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be understood to be illustrative in all respects and not limiting. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims below rather than the above detailed description, and all modifications and variations derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalents should be construed as being within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0213] 1. Degassing system for rechargeable battery pouches 10 Separation part 11 Adsorption plate 111 main body 111a insertion hole 111b Intake passage 111c Center hole 111d intake nozzle 12 degassing adsorption plate 12a guide hole 13 forward / backward drive unit 131 upper plate 131a moving guide hole 132 motor 133 case [[ID=X]]134 guide rail 135 slide part 136 connecting block 137 connecting shaft 14 lower adsorption plate 141 lower body 20 gas discharge part 21 needle 22 gas discharge pipe 23 variable part 231 moving guide part 2311 first support plate 232 bracket 233 moving part 2331 second support plate 234 variable guide part 235 variable control part 2351 push part 236 spring 24 needle drive unit 241 piston 30 foreign matter removal part 31 first suction line 311, 1511 first branch line 32 first trap tank 33 first suction pump 34 second suction line 341, 1611 second branch line 35 second trap tank 36 second suction pump 40 vacuum filter 50 first vacuum pressure sensor 60, S1, S2 solenoid valve 70 second vacuum pressure sensor 80 precision control valve 90 port 91 cell body 92 cell pocket 92a first surface 92b second surface 100 sealing device 110 first kits valve 120 second kits valve 130 first pressure regulating valve 140 second pressure regulating valve 150 first residual pressure removal part 151 first connecting line 152 first air regulator 160 second residual pressure removal part 161 second connecting line 162 second air regulator 170 control unit 180 Sensor section 200 Main air regulator 210 Air Supply Solenoid Valve Manifold 2110 First Supply Line 212 Second supply line 213 Third supply line 214 4th Supply Line

Claims

1. A system for removing gas from a pouch for a secondary battery with a sealed end, comprising: an intake passage for sucking the pouch, and a separation part for pulling the pouch to form a space inside the pouch; a gas discharge part provided in the separation part and having a needle with a gas discharge passage formed therein, for piercing the pouch and discharging the gas inside the pouch through the gas discharge passage; a foreign matter removal part for removing, respectively, the discharged matter in which the gas flowing into the separation part and the gas discharge passage is mixed, the degassing system for the pouch for a secondary battery.

2. The foreign matter removal part includes: a first suction line connected to the intake passage; a first trap tank connected to the first suction line; a first suction pump connected to the first trap tank, for providing the suction force necessary for sucking the pouch to the separation part while sucking the discharged matter in which the gas is mixed through the intake operation; a second suction line connected to the gas discharge passage; a second trap tank connected to the second suction line; a second suction pump connected to the second trap tank, for sucking the discharged matter in which the gas is mixed through the intake operation, the degassing system for the pouch for a secondary battery according to Claim 1.

3. The degassing system for the pouch for a secondary battery according to Claim 2, further comprising a filter connected to the first suction line and the second suction line, respectively, for filtering the discharged matter in which the gas is mixed.

4. a first vacuum pressure sensor for sensing the pressure in the first suction line; a solenoid valve connected to the first suction line, for opening or closing the first suction line according to the presence or absence of the detection by the first vacuum pressure sensor; a second vacuum pressure sensor for sensing the pressure in the second suction line; a precision control valve connected to the second suction line, for opening or closing the second suction line according to the presence or absence of the detection by the second vacuum pressure sensor, the degassing system for the pouch for a secondary battery according to Claim 2.

5. a first kits valve connected to the solenoid valve through the first suction line; a second kits valve connected to the precision control valve through the second suction line, the degassing system for the pouch for a secondary battery according to Claim 4.

6. a first pressure regulating valve for adjusting the opening range of the first suction line so that the suction force of the first suction pump acting on the first suction line is different according to the size of the pouch; The degassing system for the port of a secondary battery according to claim 2, further comprising a second pressure regulating valve that adjusts the opening range of the second suction line so that the suction force of the second suction pump acting on the second suction line varies according to the size of the port.

7. After completing the removal of the exhaust gas in which the gas is mixed inside the separation part, it further includes a first residual pressure removal part that removes the residual pressure present in the first suction line, and the first residual pressure removal part A first connection line connected to the first suction line The degassing system for the port of a secondary battery according to claim 2, including a first air regulator that supplies air to the first connection line so that air flows into the first suction line.

8. After completing the removal of the exhaust gas in which the gas is mixed inside the gas discharge path, it further includes a second residual pressure removal part that removes the residual pressure present in the second suction line, and the second residual pressure removal part A second connection line connected to the second suction line The degassing system for the port of a secondary battery according to claim 2, including a second air regulator that supplies air to the second connection line so that air flows into the second suction line.

9. A control unit that sets the time for degassing through the second suction line or the gas discharge amount according to the size of the port, It further includes a sensor unit that measures the gas amount discharged from the second suction line according to the control signal of the control unit and then transfers it to the control unit. The control unit compares the gas discharge amount measured by the sensor unit with a reference value already defined for each size of the port, and detects the presence or absence of abnormality in the second suction line based on the comparison value. The degassing system for the port of a secondary battery according to claim 2.

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