Pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing equipment

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing apparatus, and more specifically, to an adsorption device for gripping a pouch in an electrolyte injection process, and a pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing apparatus including the same. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing apparatus may be provided, comprising: a base; a pad assembly provided in front of the base and having an adsorption pad that horizontally adsorbs a pouch and forms an electrolyte injection path into the pouch; and a pad cover covering the top and front of the pad assembly and having a nozzle that sprays air toward the adsorption pad.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing apparatus, and more specifically, to a suction device that grips a pouch in an electrolyte injection process and a pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing apparatus including the same.

[0002] If this application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0117452 filed on September 5, 2023, all the contents disclosed in the literature of the Korean patent application are included as part of this specification.

Background Art

[0003] Generally, as the spread of portable small electric and electronic devices has expanded, the development of new secondary batteries such as nickel-metal hydride batteries and lithium secondary batteries has been actively progressing. Recently, lithium secondary batteries are widely used not only for power tools but also for automobiles.

[0004] A lithium secondary battery means a battery that uses carbon such as graphite as a negative electrode active material, an oxide containing lithium as a positive electrode material, and a non-aqueous solvent as an electrolyte.

[0005] Such a secondary battery is manufactured in the form of a battery assembly in which an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode, a separator, and a negative electrode are sequentially laminated is housed in an exterior material such as a pouch or a cylindrical can. Thereafter, a process of injecting an electrolyte into the battery assembly is performed using an electrolyte injection device.

[0006] FIG. 1 shows an example of a conventional suction device that grips a pouch in an electrolyte injection process.

[0007] A pad assembly 20 is provided long left and right with respect to a base 1, and the pad assembly 20 is provided so as to be movable back and forth with respect to the base 1.

[0008] The pad assembly 20 includes a frame 21 and a plurality of suction pads 22 provided on the frame 21. Vacuum piping 23 is connected to the suction pads 22, and the suction pads 22 use vacuum to attract pouches.

[0009] The pad assembly 20, in particular the frame 21, may be connected to a linear moving device 30 and configured to move linearly back and forth.

[0010] The aforementioned adsorption device is provided on both sides of the pouch and can be described as a device that grips the pouch during the electrolyte injection process and secures a path for the electrolyte to be injected. In other words, it can be described as a device that fixes the pouch in place by adsorbing the top of the pouch and expanding the opening.

[0011] Electrolyte injection is typically performed through a cylindrical tube. Because the electrolyte injection tube is a simple cylindrical tube, residual electrolyte inside the tube may leak out of the tube during movement and waiting periods during the injection process. Additionally, small amounts of electrolyte may splash and contaminate the surrounding area during the injection process. Leaked electrolyte can diffuse or transfer to adsorption devices, causing contamination and corrosion of the equipment and facilities.

[0012] In particular, foreign matter can adhere to the suction pad that holds the pouch in place through a vacuum, reducing its performance and potentially causing errors in vacuum suction. Furthermore, foreign matter on the suction pad can transfer to the pouch during the suction process, leaving electrolyte residue on the pouch surface and resulting in pouch defects.

[0013] As shown in Figure 1, conventional adsorption devices, particularly the adsorption pads, are not protected from such external contamination and are left exposed. In other words, problems caused by foreign matter in the electrolyte are clearly apparent with conventional adsorption devices. Therefore, measures are needed to effectively prevent problems caused by foreign matter in the electrolyte in adsorption devices. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0014] The present invention aims to solve the problems of conventional manufacturing equipment.

[0015] The present invention aims to provide a manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method that can effectively prevent foreign matter in the electrolyte generated during the electrolyte injection process from transferring to the adsorption device or adsorption pad.

[0016] The present invention aims to provide a manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method that can effectively remove foreign matter from the electrolyte attached to the suction pad.

[0017] The present invention aims to provide a manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method that can effectively prevent foreign matter in the electrolyte from being removed from the electrolyte and spreading to the surrounding area during the removal of foreign matter in the electrolyte.

[0018] Through one embodiment of the present invention, we aim to provide a manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method that can prevent an increase in the time required for the manufacturing process by removing contaminants from the electrolyte using the pause period of the basic operation of the adsorption apparatus, or by removing the electrolyte contamination only under certain conditions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0019] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing apparatus may be provided, comprising: a base; a pad assembly provided in front of the base and having an adsorption pad that horizontally adsorbs a pouch and forms an electrolyte injection path into the pouch; and a pad cover covering the top and front of the pad assembly and having a nozzle that sprays air toward the adsorption pad.

[0020] The aforementioned manufacturing apparatus may be a part of an electrolyte injection apparatus, or it can also be called a pouch adsorption and fixing apparatus.

[0021] Preferably, the manufacturing apparatus includes a moving device that moves the pad assembly back and forth with respect to the base.

[0022] When a pouch is inserted into the electrolyte injection device, the pad assembly moves forward to adsorb and fix the pouch. The pad assemblies may be provided symmetrically on both sides of the electrolyte injection device. By the pad assemblies on both sides approaching the pouch and adsorbing the pouch, the opening of the pouch can be expanded. With the opening expanded, the electrolyte can be easily injected.

[0023] After that, when the electrolyte injection is completed, it is preferable that the pad assembly releases the adsorption and moves backward. That is, preferably, the pad assembly is provided to move forward for electrolyte injection and return backward after the electrolyte injection is completed.

[0024] Therefore, the pad assembly can repeat forward movement and adsorption and adsorption release and backward movement so that the electrolyte injection process can be performed continuously and repeatedly.

[0025] Preferably, the nozzle is provided to inject air obliquely downward from the upper part in front of the pad.

[0026] Preferably, the base is provided with a tray for accommodating foreign matters of the electrolyte that detach from the pad and fall due to the air injection of the nozzle. Preferably, the tray is detachably provided on the base or is provided to be capable of being placed and separated.

[0027] Preferably, on the left and right of the base, there are provided blocking plates or blocking walls that extend forward and block the foreign matters of the electrolyte that detach from the pad from diffusing to the periphery. The blocking plate can also function to block the foreign matters of the electrolyte scattered around the manufacturing apparatus from approaching the pad assembly.

[0028] When air is injected from the nozzle, it is preferable that the diffusion of foreign matter in the electrolytic solution is blocked in the vertical, horizontal, front-back, and left-right directions through the base, the pad cover, the tray, and the blocking plate. The blocking plate can also prevent the diffusion or inflow of foreign matter in the electrolytic solution from the left, right, and rear of the pad assembly.

[0029] The pad cover is preferably provided so as to be movable between an exposure position where the pad assembly is exposed forward and a cover position where the front of the pad assembly is covered.

[0030] It is preferable that the pouch is adsorbed through the pad assembly at the exposure position of the pad cover, and air is injected through the nozzle at the cover position of the pad cover.

[0031] The pad cover is preferably provided so as to be able to move up and down between the exposure position and the cover position with respect to the base. The pad cover can move up to the exposure position and move down to the cover position. Of course, the pad cover can also be provided so as to be swingable between the exposure position and the cover position.

[0032] It is preferable that the base is provided with a guide tower for guiding the up and down movement of the pad cover.

[0033] The pad cover can be provided so as to slide on the guide tower.

[0034] The pad cover can include an upper cover that extends diagonally from the upper part to the lower part so as to cover the upper part of the pad assembly, and a front cover that extends from the upper cover to the lower part so as to cover the front of the pad assembly.

[0035] A plurality of suction pads are provided along the width direction of the pad assembly, and it is preferable that the width of the pad cover is larger than the width of the pad assembly.

[0036] The pad cover preferably includes pneumatic piping that extends along and is fixed to the upper cover and the front cover, and the nozzle is preferably connected to the end of the pneumatic piping and located on the upper part of the front cover.

[0037] The manufacturing apparatus preferably includes an electrolyte injection tube for injecting the electrolyte into the pouch, and the base, pad assembly, and pad cover are provided on both sides of the injection tube, respectively. That is, the manufacturing apparatus may include an electrolyte injection device through the electrolyte injection tube and pouch adsorption devices provided symmetrically on both sides of the electrolyte injection device.

[0038] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing apparatus may be provided, comprising: a base having a recess formed in the front upper part having a front and bottom surface that is recessed to the rear and downward; a pad assembly provided in front of the front surface of the recess and having an adsorption pad that horizontally adsorbs a pouch and forms an electrolyte injection path into the pouch; and a pad cover that covers the upper and front of the pad assembly located in the recess and has a nozzle that sprays air toward the adsorption pad.

[0039] Preferably, the recess includes a barrier plate that extends laterally and forward to enclose the pad assembly. Preferably, the barrier plate is provided on each side of the recess.

[0040] Preferably, the lower surface of the recess is provided with a tray for accumulating foreign matter from the electrolyte that detaches from the suction pad.

[0041] When air is being injected from the nozzle, it is preferable that the pad assembly is surrounded from above, below, left, right, and front to back through the front of the recess, the pad cover, the tray, and the shielding plate.

[0042] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing apparatus can be provided, comprising: a base; a pad assembly provided in front of the base and having an adsorption pad that horizontally adsorbs a pouch and forms an electrolyte injection path inside the pouch; and a pad cover provided to be movable between an exposed position that exposes the pad assembly forward and a covered position that covers the front of the pad assembly.

[0043] In the exposed position of the pad cover, the pad assembly can move forward to attract the pouch, and then move backward to return to its original position. That is, the pad cover can be removed along the movement path of the pad assembly.

[0044] Before the pad assembly moves forward, the pad cover moves to the cover position to cover the front of the pad assembly. In particular, it can cover not only the front but also the top of the pad assembly. That is, if the pad assembly is surrounded by a certain space, it can be cleaned using compressed air within that space. In this case, it is possible to prevent contaminants from flowing into the interior of the space or, conversely, from being discharged outside the space.

[0045] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a secondary battery manufacturing method can be provided, which includes the steps of: adsorbing a pouch through the pad assembly and injecting an electrolyte into the pouch when the pad cover is in the exposed position and the pad assembly is in the adsorption position; and cleaning the pad assembly by injecting compressed air through a nozzle into the pad assembly when the pad cover is in the covered position and the pad assembly is in the returned position.

[0046] The pad cover can move up and down or rotate between an exposed position and a covered position. The exposed position is a position where the pad cover does not obstruct the movement of the pad assembly, and the covered position is a position where the pad cover obstructs the movement of the pad assembly. That is, the covered position of the pad cover can be said to be a position between the adsorption position and the return position of the pad assembly where the pad cover obstructs the movement of the pad assembly. Therefore, the pad cover can be in the covered position state when the pad assembly is not moving.

[0047] The pad cover may be positioned in front of the pad assembly. Therefore, if a nozzle is provided on the pad cover, the spray direction may be forward of the pad assembly. In particular, effective cleaning of the pad assembly may be possible by spraying compressed air from the upper front of the pad assembly.

[0048] The step of injecting the electrolyte can be repeated, and the cleaning step may be performed in a one-to-one correspondence with the electrolyte injection step. Furthermore, the cleaning step may be performed when a predetermined condition is met, such as when the electrolyte injection step has been performed a set number of times or when a certain amount of time has elapsed. The execution of the cleaning step may be automatically controlled.

[0049] In the embodiments described above, it is preferable that the position of the pad cover is controllable in conjunction with or independently of the movement of the pad assembly. For example, the pad cover may be moved to the cover position when the number of electrolyte injections reaches a certain number, or the pad cover may be moved to the cover position when electrolyte injection has stopped for a predetermined period of time or longer.

[0050] Similarly, it is desirable that the cleaning of the pad assembly through the nozzle be controlled either in conjunction with the movement of the pad assembly or independently. For example, the pad assembly may be cleaned through the nozzle when the number of electrolyte injections reaches a certain number. Alternatively, the pad assembly may be cleaned through the nozzle for a predetermined period of time when the pad cover moves to the cover position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0051] Through one embodiment of the present invention, a manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method can be provided that can effectively prevent foreign matter in the electrolyte generated during the electrolyte injection process from transferring to the adsorption device or adsorption pad.

[0052] Through one embodiment of the present invention, a manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method can be provided that can effectively remove foreign matter from the electrolyte attached to the suction pad.

[0053] Through one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method that can effectively prevent foreign matter in the electrolyte from being removed from the electrolyte from spreading to the surrounding area during the removal of foreign matter in the electrolyte.

[0054] Through one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method that can prevent an increase in the time required for the manufacturing process by removing contaminants from the electrolyte using the pause period of the basic operation of the adsorption device, or by removing the electrolyte contamination only under certain conditions.

[0055] Through one embodiment of the present invention, by attaching a spray nozzle to a pad cover, it is possible to provide a manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method that allows for easy setting and fixing of the spray position and controllable automatic cleaning. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0056] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of a conventional pouch adsorption device.

[0057] [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of a pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] [Figure 3] This diagram shows the process of spraying air onto the adsorption pad after the electrolyte injection is complete.

[0059] [Figure 4] This figure shows the suction pad moving forward for electrolyte injection, and the pad cover moving to an exposed position.

[0060] [Figure 5] This diagram shows the process of injecting the electrolyte into a pouch through a manufacturing device.

[0061] [Figure 6] This figure shows the state after the electrolyte injection is complete, with the suction pad returning to its original position and the suction pad and surrounding area contaminated with foreign matter from the electrolyte.

[0062] [Figure 7] This diagram shows air being sprayed onto an adsorption pad contaminated with foreign matter from the electrolyte solution.

[0063] [Figure 8] This diagram shows how foreign matter from the electrolyte that has detached from the suction pad has been collected in the tray. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0064] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, an adsorption device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0065] Figure 2 shows the external shape of an adsorption device according to one embodiment of the present invention. This adsorption device can be described as a device that adsorbs and fixes a pouch during the process of injecting an electrolyte solution into the inside of the pouch.

[0066] The adsorption device 100 may be configured to include a base 110 that forms a reference. The base 110 is provided in the form of a fixed frame, and various configurations may be fixed or movable relative to the base 110.

[0067] The base 110 may be formed in a box shape, and unlike the conventional base 11 shown in Figure 1, according to this embodiment, it is preferable that a recess 111 is formed in the base 110. The recess 111 can be formed in a form that is recessed from the upper front to the rear and downward of the base 110. Due to the recess, the cross-section of the base 110 can have an "L" shape. Therefore, the recess 111 can have a lower surface 114 and a front surface 115.

[0068] The recess 111 can form a space surrounding the pad assembly 120, as will be described later. That is, the pad assembly 120 can be surrounded by the recess structure of the base 110 together with the pad cover 130 and the barrier plate 170.

[0069] The pad assembly 120 can have the same shape and structure as conventional suction devices. For example, the pad assembly 120 may include a frame 121 and a plurality of suction pads 122 provided on the frame 121. The number of suction pads 122 may vary depending on the length or width of the pouch to be suctioned. Each of the suction pads is connected to a vacuum pipe, allowing the pouch to be suctioned through a vacuum.

[0070] The pad assembly 120 may be configured to move back and forth as a single unit through the frame 121. Driven by the moving device 150, the pad assembly 120 moves forward and can adsorb the pouch near it. Once such adsorption occurs, the opening of the pouch widens, allowing the electrolyte to be injected.

[0071] Once the electrolyte injection is complete, the pad assembly 120 can be moved backward by the drive of the moving device 150, that is, it can be moved back to its original position. The frame 121 of the pad assembly 120 may be connected to a plurality of shafts 151. The moving device may be a linear moving device. Linear driving force is transmitted through the shafts 151 so that the pad assembly 120 can be moved back and forth as a whole.

[0072] Conventional pad assemblies 120 are constantly exposed to the outside. In particular, the suction pads facing forward from the pad assembly 120 are extremely vulnerable to foreign matter from the electrolyte flowing in from various directions. This is true not only during electrolyte injection but also when the assembly has returned to its original position after electrolyte injection is complete.

[0073] According to this embodiment, it is preferable to include not only the suction pad but also a pad cover 130 that can cover the pad assembly 120.

[0074] The pad cover 130 can be provided to cover the front of the suction pad. That is, the pad cover 130 can be provided to prevent foreign matter flowing in from the front of the suction pad from reaching the suction pad. In other words, it can function as a barrier or shield that blocks the path of movement of foreign matter from the front.

[0075] The pad cover 130 may be provided to cover the upper part of the suction pad. That is, the pad cover 130 may be provided to prevent foreign matter flowing in from the upper part of the suction pad from reaching the suction pad. In other words, it can function as a barrier plate or shield that blocks the path of foreign matter from above.

[0076] Therefore, according to this embodiment, the pad cover 130 can essentially prevent foreign matter from the electrolyte from flowing into the pad assembly after the electrolyte injection is complete.

[0077] Here, it can be seen that the pad cover 130 can serve the function of enclosing not only the suction pad but also the pad assembly and surrounding components together. For this reason, it is preferable that the left and right width of the pad cover 130 is greater than the left and right width of the pad assembly.

[0078] Specifically, the pad cover 130 may be configured to include an upper cover 131 that extends to cover the upper part of the pad assembly, and a front cover 132 that extends downward from the upper cover to cover the front of the pad assembly.

[0079] The upper cover 131 and the front cover 132 can be formed integrally. Thus, the top and front of the pad assembly can be closed off via the pad cover 132, thereby isolating or shielding the pad assembly from its surroundings.

[0080] The upper cover 131 may be formed to extend diagonally from the top to the bottom, after which the front cover 132 may extend downward. Preferably, the front cover may extend vertically downward. Here, the angle between the upper cover 131 and the front cover 132 may be obtuse, right, or acute. However, as shown in the figure, it is preferable that the upper cover 131 and the front cover 132 form an obtuse angle with respect to each other. This is because, as will be described later, the pad cover 130 is equipped with pneumatic piping, and abrupt bending of the pneumatic piping can be prevented through a gentle connection between the two.

[0081] The pad cover 130 may include a pad base 133. The pad base may be connected to the upper cover 131. The pad base 133 may also be formed integrally with the upper cover.

[0082] The pad cover 130 is preferably configured to be movable. That is, after the injection of the electrolyte is completed, it is provided to enclose the pad assembly 120, and it must not prevent the pad assembly 120 from adsorbing the pouch for the injection of the electrolyte. In other words, the pad cover 130 must be moved for the injection of the electrolyte. Therefore, it is preferable that the pad cover 130 is provided to be movable between a covered position and an exposed position.

[0083] The pad base 133 can be said to be the central point of movement for this pad cover 130.

[0084] As an example, the pad base 133 may be provided to be able to move up and down. When the pad base 133 is raised, the entire pad cover 130 can be raised. That is, when the pad cover 130 is raised, the front of the pad assembly 120 can be fully exposed. In other words, any configuration that would obstruct or block the movement of the pad assembly 120 forward can be eliminated.

[0085] Therefore, the position in which the pad assembly 130 is fully raised can be called the exposed position. The position in which the pad assembly 130 is fully lowered can be called the covered position. In the covered position, as shown in Figure 2, the pad cover 130 can completely block the front and top of the pad assembly 130.

[0086] The pad cover 130 may be raised or lowered via a guide tower 112. The guide tower 112 may be provided on the base 110, and in particular on the recess 111. The guide tower 112 may be provided integrally with the base. The guide tower 112 may be provided extending vertically.

[0087] The pad cover 130, and in particular the pad base 133, may be mounted on the guide tower 112 so as to be able to move up and down. That is, it can move up and down by sliding. For this purpose, the guide tower 112 may be equipped with sliding rails vertically. Here, the pad cover 130 needs to perform not only a covering function but also an air injection function, as will be described later. Therefore, considering the weight of the pad cover 130, it is preferable that there be at least two rails. Through these rails, the pad cover 130 can move up and down stably. Furthermore, the pad base 133 may be equipped with a linear drive unit so as to be able to move linearly through the sliding rails.

[0088] On the other hand, the pad cover 130 can be moved between the exposed position and the covered position not only by moving up and down but also by rotation. For example, the pad base 133 can rotate relative to the guide tower or base 110. When the pad cover 130 shown in Figure 2 is in the covered position, it can rotate counterclockwise with respect to the pad base 133. Such rotation can remove the pad cover 130 from the front of the pad assembly 120. That is, the pad cover 130 can be moved to the exposed position.

[0089] Therefore, the mechanism by which the pad cover 130 moves between the covered position and the exposed position can be implemented in various ways.

[0090] According to this embodiment, not only is it possible to prevent foreign matter in the electrolyte from passively flowing into the pad assembly 120, but it is also possible to actively remove foreign matter in the electrolyte from the pad assembly 120.

[0091] Specifically, according to this embodiment, a nozzle 140 that sprays air toward the suction pad 122 may be provided. If there are multiple suction pads, it is preferable that there be multiple nozzles 140, one for each suction pad.

[0092] The nozzle 140 is connected to a pneumatic pipe 141, which may extend from a base 110 or a guide tower 112.

[0093] Preferably, the nozzle 140 is provided on the pad cover 130. That is, the nozzle 140 is provided on the inner surface of the pad cover 130 facing the nozzle 140, so that compressed air can be injected to forcibly remove foreign objects attached to the suction pad 122.

[0094] The pneumatic piping 141 extends along the pad cover 130, and in particular along the upper cover 131 and the front cover 132. Of course, the pneumatic piping 141 may be fixed along the inner surface of the pad cover 130, or it may be embedded inside the pad cover 130.

[0095] As mentioned above, since the pad cover 130 is configured to move between a covered position and an exposed position, it is preferable that the pneumatic piping 141 is made of a flexible material.

[0096] The foreign matter in the electrolyte attached to the pad cover 130 has a crystal size that is even larger than the foreign matter in the scattered electrolyte. Therefore, there is a risk that the foreign matter detached from the suction pad by the sprayed air may transfer to the surrounding components. To solve this, according to this embodiment, it is preferable that the nozzle be configured to spray air diagonally from above to below. That is, it is preferable that the nozzle be configured to spray air diagonally from the upper front of the suction pad.

[0097] Through the injection of air, foreign matter is detached downwards, and according to this embodiment, a tray 160 may be provided to collect the detached foreign matter.

[0098] The tray 160 is preferably located below the pad assembly 120. In particular, the width of the tray 160 is preferably greater than the width of the pad assembly, and the front-to-back width of the tray 160 is also preferably greater than the front-to-back width of the pad assembly. This is because it is necessary to adequately accommodate detached foreign objects over a wide area.

[0099] The tray 160 can be placed on the tray support surface 114. The tray support surface 114 may be formed as a horizontal surface and can stably support the tray 160.

[0100] As mentioned above, it is preferable that a recess 111 is formed in the base 110. Such a recess 111 can form a tray support surface 114. The user can insert or remove the tray 160 from the front. Therefore, contaminants may concentrate on the tray 160 and be easy to remove.

[0101] On the other hand, when air is injected through the nozzle 140, foreign matter can not only detach downwards but also to the left and right. In this case, the foreign matter may spread around the adsorption device 100, causing contamination of the surrounding area.

[0102] Therefore, according to this embodiment, the suction device 100 may be provided with barrier plates 171 and 172 on the left and right sides. The left barrier plate 171 and the right barrier plate 172 may be provided symmetrically to each other. For convenience, the left and right sides are designated based on the view of the suction pad 122 from the front.

[0103] As shown in Figure 2, the left-right width of the pad assembly 120 is even greater than the left-right width of the base 110. Therefore, if only the left and right portions of the pad assembly 120 are blocked off with the blocking plates, the rear sides of the pad assembly 120 will be left open. Thus, the blocking plates 171 and 172 can be provided to block off not only the left and right sides of the pad assembly 120 but also the rear sides of both sides.

[0104] The aforementioned barrier plates 171 and 172 are fixed to the base 110. Therefore, it is always possible to block foreign matter from flowing in from the left and right sides and left and right rear of the pad assembly 120. Conversely, this means that it is possible to block foreign matter from scattering from the outside to the left and right sides and left and right rear of the pad assembly 120. A large portion of the foreign matter whose scattering is blocked can flow into and be contained in the tray 160.

[0105] In the following, with reference to Figures 3 to 8, the operation of the adsorption device according to one embodiment of the present invention and the electrolyte injection process will be described in detail. For the sake of explanation, the left-side shielding plate is omitted from the diagram.

[0106] Figure 3 shows the state of the suction pad before it is driven, and Figure 4 shows the state of the suction pad after it has been driven.

[0107] As shown in Figure 3, before the suction pad is driven, the pad assembly 120 is in its original position, and the pad cover 130 is also in its original position or cover position. Here, "before the suction pad is driven" means before vacuum suction is performed by the suction pad 132, and therefore, before the pouch is suctioned for electrolyte injection. This state can be called the initial state.

[0108] In the initial state (stage), the pad assembly 120 is surrounded by a pad cover 130 at the top and front, shielding plates 171 and 172 on the left and right sides and the left and right rear sides, and a base 110 at the rear. A tray 160 is located below the pad assembly 120. At this time, air is sprayed towards the suction pad 122 through a nozzle. The sprayed air detaches any foreign matter attached to the suction pad 122, and the detached foreign matter moves downward and is collected in the tray 160. Since the pad assembly 120 is surrounded by various components, it is possible to effectively prevent the detached foreign matter from scattering around the suction device. This spraying of air may be performed for a predetermined period of time, and once the spraying of air is complete, the next step can be initiated.

[0109] As shown in Figure 4, the pad assembly 120 moves forward to drive the suction pad. That is, once the initial state (step) is completed, the pad assembly 120 moves to the operating position. Such forward movement of the pad assembly 120 can be performed through the moving device 150. Vacuum may be applied to the suction pad when the forward movement of the pad assembly 120 is completed or during the forward movement. That is, vacuum may be applied for pouch suction.

[0110] In this case, the pad cover 130 may obstruct the forward movement of the pad assembly 120. Therefore, the pad cover 130 must move from the covered position to the exposed position. For example, the pad cover 130 can move to the exposed position by rising. Since the pad cover 130 is located in front of the pad assembly 120, the movement of the pad cover 130 and the pad assembly 120 can begin simultaneously, and the pad cover 130 moving first allows the pad assembly 120 to move. In either case, interference between the moving pad assembly 120 and the pad cover 130 should be eliminated.

[0111] Figure 5 shows the electrolyte injection process after the pad assembly 120 has completed its forward movement and has attached the pouch.

[0112] As shown in the figure, adsorption devices 100 can be provided on both sides of the pouch 180. That is, adsorption devices can be provided symmetrically on both sides and perform the same operation. The appearance of the adsorption devices in this case may be the same as that shown in Figure 4. The adsorption device on the left can adsorb one side of the pouch, and the adsorption device on the right can adsorb the other side of the pouch. In particular, the top of the pouch can be adsorbed to form a path through which the electrolyte is injected into the inside of the pouch.

[0113] Once the pouch has adsorbed, the electrolyte can flow into the pouch 190 via the electrolyte injection tube 190. That is, the electrolyte can be supplied via the electrolyte tube after the pouch has successfully adsorbed. Therefore, the electrolyte via the electrolyte injection tube 190 is repeatedly injected and stopped. As a result, some of the electrolyte may be transferred to the surrounding components. In particular, foreign matter from the electrolyte may adhere to the adsorption pad 122. Also, since the liquid phase electrolyte is injected by gravity, the electrolyte may be scattered.

[0114] Figure 6 shows the electrolyte that has been scattered around the adsorption device and the electrolyte foreign matter attached to the adsorption pad after the electrolyte injection process is completed.

[0115] Once the electrolyte injection process is complete, the pad assembly 120 returns to its original position, at which point the adsorption pad may be contaminated with electrolyte impurities. The adsorption pad may have relatively large crystallized electrolyte (C) particles attached to it. Scattered electrolyte P may then be located in the air above and in front of the adsorption device 100. As shown in Figure 6, the state in which the pad assembly 120 returns to its original position can be considered the completion of the electrolyte injection process.

[0116] As shown in Figure 7, once the pad assembly 120 has finished returning to its original position, the pad cover 130 moves to the cover position. For example, the pad cover 130 lowers. The relative position and shape of the pad cover 130 effectively prevent the scattered electrolyte P from flowing into the pad assembly 120.

[0117] As the pad cover 130 moves to the cover position, or once the movement is complete, air is sprayed through the nozzle toward the suction pad 122. That is, air can be sprayed toward the suction pad while the suction pad 122 is substantially surrounded by the other components.

[0118] Figure 8 shows how the crystallized electrolyte (C) is removed from the suction pad by an air jet. Since the air jet from the nozzle is directed diagonally in the upper front direction, the crystallized electrolyte C detached from the suction pad moves downward. In other words, the removed electrolyte foreign matter can be moved into and contained within the tray 160.

[0119] As shown in Figures 5 to 8, it can be seen that the electrolyte P scattered during the electrolyte injection process, i.e., the scattered electrolyte foreign matter, can be effectively prevented from flowing into the pad assembly 120 by the shape and position of the pad cover.

[0120] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, when air is sprayed towards the suction pad, the suction pad is surrounded by the pad cover, shielding plate, base, and tray. Thus, it can be seen that foreign matter in the electrolyte being removed is effectively prevented from transferring or diffusing into the surroundings and contaminating the environment.

[0121] Furthermore, since the nozzle is attached and secured by the pad cover, the spray position can be easily set and fixed. Therefore, cleaning by spraying can be automatically controlled. [Industrial applicability]

[0122] This is described in detail in the present invention.

Claims

1. Bass and, A pad assembly having an adsorption pad provided in front of the base, which adsorbs the pouch horizontally and forms an electrolyte injection path inside the pouch, A pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing apparatus, comprising: a pad cover that covers the top and front of the pad assembly and has a nozzle for spraying air toward the suction pad.

2. The pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a moving device for moving the pad assembly forward and backward relative to the base.

3. The pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the pad assembly is provided to move forward for electrolyte injection and return to the rear after the electrolyte injection is completed.

4. The pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the nozzle is provided to spray air diagonally downward from the upper front of the suction pad.

5. The pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the base is provided with a tray for catching foreign matter of the electrolyte that detaches from the suction pad and falls due to the air jet from the nozzle.

6. The pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the base is provided with shielding plates on the left and right sides that extend forward to prevent foreign matter of the electrolyte that detaches from the suction pad from spreading to the surrounding area.

7. The pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein when air is injected from the nozzle, the pad assembly is prevented from spreading foreign matter in the electrolyte in the up, down, left, right and front, and front, through the base, pad cover, tray, and shielding plate.

8. The pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the pad cover is provided to be movable between an exposed position that exposes the pad assembly forward and a covered position that covers the front of the pad assembly.

9. The pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the pouch is adsorbed through the pad assembly at the exposed position of the pad cover, and air is injected through the nozzle at the covered position of the pad cover.

10. The pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the pad cover is provided so as to be able to move up and down relative to the base between the exposed position and the covered position.

11. The pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the base is provided with a guide tower for guiding the raising and lowering of the pad cover.

12. The pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the pad cover is provided to slide on the guide tower.

13. The aforementioned pad cover is An upper cover extending diagonally from top to bottom so as to cover the top of the aforementioned pad assembly, A pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 8, comprising: a front cover extending downward from the upper cover so as to cover the front of the pad assembly.

14. The pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein a plurality of suction pads are provided along the width direction of the pad assembly, and the width of the pad cover is greater than the width of the pad assembly.

15. A pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising an electrolyte injection tube for injecting an electrolyte into the pouch, wherein the base, pad assembly, and pad cover are provided on both sides of the electrolyte injection tube, respectively.

16. The steps include: with the pad cover in the exposed position and the pad assembly in the adsorption position, adsorbing the pouch through the pad assembly and injecting the electrolyte into the pouch; The process includes the step of cleaning the pad assembly by spraying compressed air through a nozzle onto the pad assembly while the pad cover is in the cover position and the pad assembly is in the return position, A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, wherein the cover position of the pad cover is such that the pad cover prevents the movement of the pad assembly between the adsorption position and the return position of the pad assembly, and the nozzle is provided on the pad cover.

17. A base with a recess formed at the front upper part, which is recessed at the rear and downward, and has a front and bottom surface, A pad assembly having an adsorption pad provided in front of the front surface of the recess, which adsorbs the pouch horizontally and forms an electrolyte injection path inside the pouch, A pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing apparatus, comprising: a pad cover that covers the top and front of the pad assembly located in the recess and has a nozzle for spraying air toward the suction pad.

18. The pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 17, further comprising shielding plates on the left and right sides of the recess, extending laterally and forward to enclose the pad assembly.

19. The pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the lower surface of the recess is provided with a tray for accumulating foreign matter of the electrolyte that detaches from the suction pad.

20. The pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 19, wherein when air is injected from the nozzle, the pad assembly is surrounded in the up-down, left-right and front-back directions through the front surface of the recess, the pad cover, the tray, and the shielding plate.

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