Pouch manufacturing method and pouch manufacturing apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pouch manufacturing method and a pouch manufacturing apparatus, and the pouch manufacturing method according to the present invention comprises: a seating step in which a pouch sheet is seated on a seating jig; a support step in which the pouch sheet is pressed and supported via a support jig which is located opposite to the seating jig with the pouch sheet interposed therebetween; and a folding step in which, after fixing the pouch sheet via the seating jig and the support jig in the support step, the pouch sheet seated on the seating jig is folded while moving a plurality of folding jigs so as to form an accommodation portion in which an electrode assembly is accommodated.

Description

Pouch manufacturing method and pouch manufacturing device

[0001] Cross-citation with related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0076325, filed June 14, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0075554, filed June 11, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Technology field

[0004] The present invention relates to a pouch manufacturing method and a pouch manufacturing device.

[0005] Secondary batteries, unlike primary batteries, are rechargeable and have the potential for miniaturization and large capacity, leading to extensive research and development in recent years. With the rise in technological development and demand for mobile devices, the demand for secondary batteries as an energy source is rapidly increasing.

[0006] Secondary batteries are classified into coin-shaped batteries, cylindrical batteries, square batteries, and pouch-shaped batteries, depending on the shape of the battery case. In secondary batteries, the electrode assembly mounted inside the battery case is a rechargeable power generation device composed of a laminated structure of electrodes and a separator.

[0007] Electrode assemblies can be roughly classified into a jelly-roll type in which a separator is interposed between sheet-shaped positive and negative electrodes coated with active materials, a stack type in which a plurality of positive and negative electrodes are sequentially stacked with a separator interposed between them, and a stack-and-fold type in which stack-type unit cells are wound with a long separator film.

[0008] Recently, pouch-type batteries having a structure in which a stacked or stacked / folded electrode assembly is built into a pouch-type battery case made of aluminum laminate sheet have attracted much attention due to their low manufacturing cost, small weight, and easy shape deformation, and their usage is gradually increasing.

[0009] In pouch-type battery cells, the higher the electrode stack count, the higher the energy density, resulting in higher product efficiency. As demand for automotive batteries continues to grow, and battery energy density becomes a critical indicator of electric vehicle performance, demand for high-stack cells is also increasing. Furthermore, higher stack counts lead to thicker cells, necessitating a deeper forming depth for forming the pouch's receptacle. However, the material properties of the pouch significantly limit the formability. Specifically, the process of pressing the pouch with a punch to form the receptacle can cause the pouch to stretch, leading to damage and breakage. This limits the forming depth of the receptacle, and makes it difficult to form a receptacle within the pouch to accommodate high-stack cells. Therefore, improving the forming method for pouches that incorporate these elements is necessary to increase the electrode stack count beyond the current level.

[0010] One aspect of the present invention is to provide a pouch manufacturing method and a pouch manufacturing device that have no limitation on the forming depth for accommodating an electrode assembly and do not cause forming elongation issues.

[0011] A pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a mounting process for mounting a pouch sheet on a mounting jig; a supporting process for supporting the pouch sheet by applying pressure to the pouch sheet through a supporting jig positioned on an opposite side of the mounting jig with the pouch sheet interposed therebetween; and a folding process for moving a plurality of folding jigs and folding the pouch sheet mounted on the mounting jigs to form a receiving portion for accommodating an electrode assembly after fixing the pouch sheet through the mounting jig and the supporting jig through the supporting process.

[0012] In addition, a pouch manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a mounting jig on which a pouch sheet is mounted; a support jig that presses and supports the pouch sheet from an opposite side with respect to the mounting jig while sandwiching the pouch sheet; and a plurality of folding jigs that, after fixing the pouch sheet through the mounting jig and the support jig, fold the pouch sheet mounted on the mounting jig to form a receiving portion for accommodating an electrode assembly.

[0013] According to the present invention, since a receiving portion for accommodating an electrode assembly is formed by folding a pouch sheet, there is no limitation on the forming depth for accommodating the electrode assembly, and there is no occurrence of forming elongation issues. Accordingly, a receiving portion capable of accommodating a high-stack electrode assembly with a large number of stacks can be easily formed in the pouch sheet, enabling the manufacture of a high-stack secondary battery.

[0014] Additionally, a receiving portion can be easily formed in the pouch sheet by folding the pouch sheet using a plurality of folding jigs.

[0015] In addition, by moving a plurality of folding jigs before the support jigs that pressurize and fix the pouch sheet, wrinkling of the pouch sheet can be prevented during folding.

[0016] In addition, by applying hot air to the overlapping sections when folding the pouch sheets, heat fusion is achieved, so that after folding the pouch sheets, the folding is prevented from coming loose and the shape in which the receiving portion is formed can be firmly maintained.

[0017] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a settling process in a pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a support process in a pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a pouch sheet is folded through a folding jig in a pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 4 is a plan view schematically showing a bending line of a pouch sheet in a pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view showing a state in which a pouch sheet is folded using a folding jig in a pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view showing a state in which a pouch sheet is folded using a folding jig in a pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing a support jig in a pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which a pair of first jigs are moved in a folding process of a pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a state in which a pair of second jigs are moved in a folding process of a pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing a heating process in a pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Fig. 11 is a front perspective view showing an example of a pouch sheet folded using a pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view showing an example of a pouch sheet folded using a pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view showing another example of a pouch sheet folded using a pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 14 is a reference diagram showing a state of use in which an electrode assembly is accommodated in a pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] The objects, specific advantages, and novel features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description and preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In this specification, when reference numerals are given to components in each drawing, it should be noted that, as far as possible, identical components are given the same reference numerals even if they are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, in describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of related known technologies that may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention will be omitted.

[0032]

[0033] Pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment

[0034]

[0035] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a fixing process in a pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a supporting process in a pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a pouch sheet is folded through a folding jig in a folding process of a pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a mounting process for mounting a pouch sheet (10) on a mounting jig (110); a supporting process for supporting the pouch sheet (10) by applying pressure to the pouch sheet (10) through a supporting jig (120) positioned on the opposite side of the mounting jig (110) with the pouch sheet (10) interposed therebetween; and a folding process for fixing the pouch sheet (10) through the mounting jig (110) and the supporting jig (120) through the supporting process, and then moving a plurality of folding jigs (130) to fold the pouch sheet (10) mounted on the mounting jig (110) to form a receiving portion (14) for accommodating an electrode assembly. In addition, the pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a heating process for heat-fusing overlapping portions of the pouch sheets (10).

[0037]

[0038] Referring to Fig. 1, in more detail, the settling process sets a pouch sheet (10) on a settling jig (110).

[0039] Additionally, the settling process can, for example, set a pouch sheet (10) on the upper surface of a settling jig (110).

[0040] In addition, the settling process may, as another example, set the pouch sheet (10) on the upper surface of the settling jig (110) and the upper surface of the folding jig (130). At this time, the settling process may set the pouch sheet (10) so that the lower surface of the central portion of the pouch sheet (10) is in contact with the upper surface of the settling jig (110).

[0041] The pouch sheet (10) may include a metal layer and a resin layer laminated on the outer and inner layers of the metal layer. The metal layer may include, for example, an aluminum sheet. The resin layer may include, for example, a polypropylene (PP) material.

[0042]

[0043] Referring to FIG. 2, the support process supports the pouch sheet (10) by applying pressure to the pouch sheet (10) through a support jig (120) positioned on the opposite side of the fixing jig (110) with the pouch sheet (10) interposed therebetween, so that the pouch sheet (10) being folded during the folding process does not come off. For example, the support process can be performed before the folding process. Specifically, for example, the support process can be performed before the folding process and can be continued during the folding process.

[0044] The support process can fix the pouch sheet (10) to the fixing jig (110) by pressing the upper surface of the pouch sheet (10) through the support jig (120). That is, as the protrusion (121) of the support jig (120) presses the upper surface of the pouch sheet (10) through the support process, the upper surface of the fixing jig (110) located at the lower portion of the pouch sheet (10) presses the lower surface of the pouch sheet (10), so that the pouch sheet (10) can be fixed when folded.

[0045] And, after the central portion of the pouch sheet (10) is fixed through the fixing jig (110) and the support jig (120) through the support process, the folding process can be performed to fold the edge of the pouch sheet (10) through the folding jig (130). Accordingly, by performing the folding process while the central portion of the pouch sheet (10) is fixed through the support process, the central portion of the pouch sheet (10) is fixed, thereby preventing movement when folding the edge of the pouch sheet (10), thereby minimizing wrinkling of the pouch sheet (10) that may occur during folding.

[0046]

[0047] Fig. 4 is a plan view schematically showing a bending line of a pouch sheet in a pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 5 is a front perspective view showing a state in which a pouch sheet is folded using a folding jig in a pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, Fig. 5 shows a state in which the support jig is detached. In addition, Fig. 6 is a rear perspective view showing a state in which a pouch sheet is folded using a folding jig in a pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 6, the folding process is performed by fixing a pouch sheet (10) through a fixing jig (110) and a support jig (120) through a support process, and then moving a plurality of folding jigs (130) to fold the pouch sheet (10) fixed on the fixing jig (110) to form a receiving portion (14) in which an electrode assembly is received.

[0049] In addition, the folding process can move a plurality of folding jigs (130) positioned in the lateral direction of the settling jig (110) and fold the edge of the pouch sheet (10) to form a receiving portion (14). Here, the edge of the pouch sheet (10) refers to the outer portion of the receiving portion (14), and may be, for example, a terrace (15).

[0050] In addition, the folding process folds the pouch sheet (10) by moving a plurality of folding jigs (130) toward each other, and the pouch sheet (10) can be folded by moving a plurality of folding jigs (130) in an upper diagonal direction.

[0051] And, the folding process can move a plurality of folding jigs (130) at an angle of 45 to 85° based on the plane of the pouch sheet (10). Here, the folding process can move a plurality of folding jigs (130) at an angle of 45° or more, which is the lower limit, based on the plane of the pouch sheet (10), so that when folding the pouch sheet (10), wrinkling of the pouch sheet (10) can be minimized or prevented. Meanwhile, the folding process can move a plurality of folding jigs (130) at an angle of 85° or less, which is the upper limit, based on the plane of the pouch sheet (10), so that when folding the pouch sheet (10), damage such as being stamped can be prevented.

[0052] In addition, in the folding process, a protrusion (121) is formed in the lower part of the support jig (120) in a shape corresponding to the receiving portion (14), so that when the pouch sheet (10) is folded with the folding jig (130), the folding portion of the pouch sheet (10) can be brought into close contact with the protrusion (121) of the support jig (120).

[0053] The folding jig (130) may include an upper pressure surface (T1) that contacts the edge of the pouch sheet (10), a side pressure surface (T2) formed perpendicular to the upper pressure surface, and a corner portion (131a, 132a) formed between the upper pressure surface (T1) and the side pressure surface (T2).

[0054]

[0055] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing a support jig (120) in a pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4 and 7, the support jig (120) may include a main body (122) and a protrusion (121) formed to protrude from the lower portion of the main body (122). The protrusion (121) may include a first surface (121a) forming a lowermost surface and a second surface (121b) forming a side surface, and the main body (122) may include a third surface (122c) forming a lower surface along an edge of the protrusion (121). Here, the protrusion (121) may be formed as, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped. In addition, the height (h) of the protrusion (121) may correspond to a forming depth (d) for forming a receiving portion (14) of the pouch sheet (10) (see FIGS. 2 and 11).

[0057] In the folding process, as the folding jig (130) folds the pouch sheet (10) and brings it into close contact with the lower portion of the main body (122), a receiving portion (14) may be formed in the pouch sheet (10). In addition, the receiving portion (14) of the pouch sheet (10) formed through the folding process includes a bottom surface (11) formed on a surface facing the first surface (121a) of the protrusion (121) and a wall surface (12) formed on a surface facing the second surface (121b) of the protrusion (121), and a terrace (15) facing the third surface (122c) may be formed along the edge of the receiving portion (14). Here, the receiving portion (14) formed in the pouch sheet (10) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the protrusion (121), and for example, may form a rectangular parallelepiped groove open upward.

[0058] At this time, when the folding jig (130) is moved diagonally in the folding process and the pouch sheet (10) is pressed against the support jig (120), the pouch sheet (10) is folded by the corner portions (131a, 132a) of the folding jig (130), and the edge of the pouch sheet (10) is pressed against the third surface (122c) of the main body (122) from the support jig (120) through the upper pressing surface (T1), and a part of the pouch sheet (10) can be pressed against the second surface (121b) of the main body (122) from the support jig (120) through the side pressing surface.

[0059]

[0060] Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which a pair of first jigs are moved in a folding process of a pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing a state in which a pair of second jigs are moved in a folding process of a pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, in Figs. 8 and 9, the main body (122) of the pouch sheet (10) and the support jig (120) are omitted, and only the folding jig (130) and the protrusion (121) of the support jig (120) are illustrated.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 4, 5, 8, and 9, the plurality of folding jigs (130) may include a pair of first jigs (131, 132) positioned on both sides in one of the width direction and the length direction of the support jig (120) and a pair of second jigs (133, 134) positioned on both sides in the other of the width direction and the length direction of the support jig (120).

[0062] And, the pouch sheet (10) can be folded along the first bending line (N1) through a pair of first jigs (131, 132). In addition, the pouch sheet (10) can be folded along the second bending line (N2) through a pair of second jigs (131, 132). At this time, the pouch sheet (10) can be folded along the second bending line (N2) through a pair of second jigs (131, 132) and can be folded together along the diagonal bending line (S).

[0063] Here, the first bending line (N1) may include a first inner bending line (N11) and a second outer bending line (N12). At this time, for example, the first inner bending line (N11) may be formed as a line that is bent in an inward direction, and the second outer bending line (N12) may be formed as a line that is bent in an outward direction. Here, for example, the inward direction may be a direction in which both sides of the pouch sheet (10) to be bent become closer to each other, and the outward direction may be a direction in which both sides of the pouch sheet (10) to be bent become farther away from each other.

[0064] The second bending line (N2) may include a second inner bending line (N21) and a second outer bending line (N22). At this time, for example, the second inner bending line (N21) may be formed as a line that bends in an inward direction, and the second outer bending line (N22) may be formed as a line that bends in an outward direction.

[0065] The diagonal fold line (S) may include an outer diagonal fold line (S1) and an inner diagonal fold line (S2). At this time, for example, the outer diagonal fold line (S1) may be formed as a line that is folded in an inward direction, and the outer diagonal fold line (S2) may be formed as a line that is folded in an outward direction. Here, for example, the folding process may include a pre-folding process that forms the diagonal fold line (S) before folding the pouch sheet (10). At this time, for example, the pre-folding process may tentatively fold the pouch sheet (10) through a pre-folding jig (not shown) so that the diagonal fold line (S) is formed in the pouch sheet (10). At this time, for example, the pre-folding process may tentatively fold only so that the line shape of the diagonal fold line (S) is formed, rather than completely folding the pouch sheet (10). Accordingly, wrinkling of the pouch sheet (10) is minimized during folding, and folding can be performed easily.

[0066] The folding process may include a first folding process in which a pair of first jigs (131, 132) are moved to first contact the protrusion (121) of the support jig (120) with the pouch sheet (10) therebetween, and a second folding process in which a pair of second jigs (133, 134) are moved after the first folding process. Here, the folding process may fold the pouch sheet (10) by moving the pair of first jigs (131, 132) and the pair of second jigs (133, 134) in an upward diagonal direction as described above.

[0067] At this time, the pouch sheet (10) can be bent and folded by the corners (131a, 132a) of a pair of first jigs (131, 132) and the corners (133a, 134a) of a pair of second jigs (133, 134). Here, the pouch sheet (10) can be bent along the first outer bending line (N12) by the corners (131a, 132a) of the pair of first jigs (131, 132), and the pouch sheet (10) can be bent along the second outer bending line (N22) by the corners (133a, 134a) of the pair of second jigs (133, 134).

[0068] The length (L1, L2) of the first jig (131, 132) may correspond to the length (L3) of the protrusion (121) portion of the support jig (120) facing the first jig (131, 132). That is, the length (L1, L2) of the first jig (131, 132) in the longitudinal direction (L) on a plane may be equal to the length (L3) of the protrusion (121) in the longitudinal direction (L). Here, in the second folding process, the pair of second jigs (133, 134) may be moved so as to cover both ends (131b, 132b) of the pair of first jigs (131, 132) while the first jigs (131, 132) are moved to fold the pouch sheet (10). Accordingly, by fixing the pouch sheet (10) through the fixing jig (110), the support jig (120), and a pair of first jigs (131, 132), the pouch sheet (10) can be significantly minimized or prevented from being crumpled when folding the pouch sheet (10) through a pair of second jigs (133, 134).

[0069] Here, a pair of first jigs (131, 132) may include a first one-side jig (131) positioned on one side of a protrusion (121) of a support jig (120) and a second other-side jig (132) positioned on the other side of the protrusion (121). In addition, the lengths (W1, W2) of the pair of second jigs (133, 134) may correspond to the sum of the length (W3) of the protrusion (121) of the support jig (120) facing the second jig (133, 134), the end length (W4) of the first one-side jig (131), and the end length (W5) of the second other-side jig (132). At this time, for example, the length (W1, W2) in the width direction (W) of a pair of second jigs (133, 134) on the plane may be equal to the sum of the widths (W4, W5) of a pair of first jigs (131, 132) on the plane and the width (W3) of the protrusion (121) on the width direction (W).

[0070] And, through the first folding process, the folded portion of the pouch sheet (10) can be folded through the second folding process to form an overlapping portion (P) (see FIG. 5).

[0071]

[0072] Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing a heating process in a pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 10, the heating process can heat-fuse the overlapping portions (P) of the pouch sheets (10) by applying heat through a heat gun (140). Accordingly, the overlapping portions (P) of the pouch sheets (10) can be prevented from coming loose after folding. Here, a heat-fused portion (P) can be formed in the overlapping portions (P) of the pouch sheets (10) due to heat fusion. Here, the heating process can be performed, for example, during the folding process or after the folding process is completed.

[0074] The heating process can apply heat to the portion (P) where the pouch sheets (10) overlap each other on the terrace (15). That is, when the terrace (15) is formed along the edge of the receiving portion (14) of the pouch sheet (10) formed through the folding process, the heating process can apply heat to the portion (P) where the pouch sheets (10) overlap each other on the terrace (15) of the pouch sheet (10) to thermally fuse them.

[0075] The heating process can apply hot air at a temperature of 180 to 220°C. Here, when the heating process applies hot air at a temperature higher than 180°C, which is the lower limit, when the outer and inner layers of the pouch sheet (10) include a resin such as polypropylene, heat fusion can be achieved by applying heat higher than the melting point of the pouch sheet (10). On the other hand, the heating process can prevent the pouch sheet (10) from being damaged by heat by applying hot air at a temperature lower than 220°C, which is the upper limit. That is, the heating process can prevent a portion other than the overlapping portion (P) of the pouch sheet (10) from being melted by heat or the metal layer located in the central layer of the pouch sheet (10) from being exposed by applying hot air at a temperature lower than 220°C, which is the upper limit.

[0076] Meanwhile, the heating process can be performed, for example, after the folding process has been performed.

[0077] Additionally, the heating process can be performed during or after the folding process, for example. If the heating process is performed during the folding process, folding of the pouch sheet (10) can be made easier.

[0078] FIG. 11 is a front perspective view showing an example of a pouch sheet folded by a pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view showing an example of a pouch sheet folded by a pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a front perspective view showing another example of a pouch sheet folded by a pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, a pouch manufactured using a pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention can be manufactured by folding a pouch sheet (10) cut to form one secondary battery so that one receiving portion (14) is formed.

[0080] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 13, a pouch manufactured using a pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention can be manufactured by folding a pouch sheet (10') to form a plurality of receiving grooves (14') in the pouch sheet (10'), as another example.

[0081]

[0082] Figure 14 is a reference diagram showing a state of use in which an electrode assembly is accommodated in a pouch manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] Referring to Fig. 14, a secondary battery (1) can be formed by accommodating an electrode assembly (20) in a receiving portion (14) of a folded pouch sheet (10). At this time, the receiving portion (14) formed in the first portion (F1) of the pouch sheet (10) can be folded along an imaginary line (X) by the second portion (F2) of the pouch sheet (10), and the outer circumferential surface can be sealed to form the secondary battery (1).

[0084] The electrode assembly (20) may be in the form of electrodes (23) and separators (24) alternately stacked. In addition, the electrode assembly (20) may include electrode leads (25, 26) connected to the electrodes (23).

[0085]

[0086] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 14, the pouch manufacturing method according to the embodiment of the present invention configured as described above forms a receiving portion (14) for receiving an electrode assembly (20) by folding a pouch sheet (10), so there is no limitation on the forming depth (d) for receiving the electrode assembly (20), and there is no occurrence of a forming elongation issue. Accordingly, a receiving portion (14) capable of receiving a high-stack electrode assembly (20) having a large number of stacks can be easily formed in the pouch sheet (10), thereby enabling the manufacturing of a high-stack secondary battery (1).

[0087] In addition, referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 8, a pouch sheet (10) can be folded using a plurality of folding jigs (130) to easily form a receiving portion (14) in the pouch sheet (10).

[0088] In addition, referring to FIG. 2, by moving a plurality of folding jigs (130) before the support jigs (120) that pressurize and fix the pouch sheet (10), the pouch sheet (10) can be prevented from being wrinkled when folded.

[0089] And, referring to FIG. 10, when folding the pouch sheet (10), hot air is applied to the overlapping sections to heat-fuse them, thereby preventing the pouch sheet (10) from being unfolded after folding, and the shape in which the receiving portion (14) is formed can be firmly maintained.

[0090]

[0091] Pouch manufacturing device according to an embodiment

[0092]

[0093] Hereinafter, a pouch manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0094] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a pouch manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a mounting jig (110) on which a pouch sheet (10) is mounted, a support jig (120) that presses and supports the pouch sheet (10) from the opposite side with respect to the mounting jig (110) while sandwiching the pouch sheet (10), and a plurality of folding jigs (130) that, after fixing the pouch sheet (10) through the mounting jig (110) and the support jig (120), fold the pouch sheet (10) mounted on the mounting jig (110) to form a receiving portion (14) in which an electrode assembly is accommodated. In addition, the pouch manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a heat gun (140) that applies heat to overlapping portions (P) of the pouch sheets (10) to thermally fuse them (see FIG. 5).

[0095] The pouch manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present invention relates to a pouch manufacturing device applied to the pouch manufacturing method according to the aforementioned embodiment. Therefore, the present embodiment will omit or briefly describe any content that overlaps with the aforementioned embodiment, and focus on the differences.

[0096]

[0097] In more detail, referring to Fig. 1, the settling jig (110) is where the pouch sheet (10) is settling.

[0098] For example, the lower part of the pouch sheet (10) can be secured to the upper surface of the settling jig (110).

[0099] In addition, as another example, a pouch sheet (10) may be mounted on the upper surface of a mounting jig (110) and the upper surface of a folding jig (130). At this time, the pouch sheet (10) may be mounted so that the lower surface of the central portion of the pouch sheet (10) is in contact with the upper surface of the mounting jig (110).

[0100] The pouch sheet (10) may include a metal layer and a resin layer laminated on the outer and inner layers of the metal layer. The metal layer may include, for example, an aluminum sheet. The resin layer may include, for example, a polypropylene (PP) material.

[0101]

[0102] Referring to FIGS. 2, 5 and 7, the support jig (120) presses and supports the pouch sheet (10) from the opposite side with respect to the settling jig (110) so that the pouch sheet (10) folded through the folding jig (130) does not come off.

[0103] The support jig (120) presses the upper surface of the pouch sheet (10) to fix the pouch sheet (10) to the fixing jig (110).

[0104] A protrusion (121) is formed in the lower part of the support jig (120) in a shape corresponding to the receiving portion (14), so that when the pouch sheet (10) is folded with the folding jig (130), the folding portion of the pouch sheet (10) can be brought into close contact with the protrusion (121) of the support jig (120).

[0105] The support jig (120) may include a main body (122) and a protrusion (121) formed to protrude from the lower portion of the main body (122). The protrusion (121) includes a first surface (121a) forming a lowermost surface and a second surface (121b) forming a side surface, and the main body (122) may include a third surface (122c) forming a lower surface along an edge of the protrusion (121). Here, the protrusion (121) may be formed, for example, as a rectangular parallelepiped. In addition, the height (h) of the protrusion (121) may correspond to the forming depth (d) for forming the receiving portion (14) of the pouch sheet (10) (see FIGS. 3 and 11). At this time, the protrusion (121) may be formed, for example, in a shape corresponding to the shape of the receiving portion (14) of the pouch sheet (10).

[0106]

[0107] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 6, a plurality of folding jigs (130) fix a pouch sheet (10) through a fixing jig (110) and a support jig (120), and then fold the pouch sheet (10) fixed on the fixing jig (110) to form a receiving portion (14) in which an electrode assembly (20) is received (see FIG. 14).

[0108] A plurality of folding jigs (130) are positioned on the side of the fixing jig (110) and are moved toward each other to become closer, and fold the edges of the pouch sheet (10) to form a receiving portion (14), and can be moved in the upper diagonal direction to fold the pouch sheet (10). Here, the edge of the pouch sheet (10) refers to the outer portion of the receiving portion (14), and may be, for example, a terrace (15). The plurality of folding jigs (130) can be moved at an angle of 45 to 85° with respect to the plane of the pouch sheet (10). The receiving portion (14) of the pouch sheet (10) formed through the folding jig (130) includes a bottom surface (11) formed on a surface facing the first surface (121a) of the protrusion (121) and a wall surface (12) formed on a surface facing the second surface (121b) of the protrusion (121). And, a terrace (15) facing the third surface (122c) can be formed along the edge of the receiving portion (14). Here, the receiving portion (14) formed on the pouch sheet (10) can be formed in a shape corresponding to the protrusion (121), and for example, can form a rectangular prism groove open to the top.

[0109] At this time, the folding jig (130) may include an upper pressing surface (T1) with which the edge of the pouch sheet (10) comes into contact, a side pressing surface (T2) formed perpendicular to the upper pressing surface (T1), and corner portions (131a, 132a) formed between the upper pressing surface (T1) and the side pressing surface (T2). Meanwhile, the central portion of the pouch sheet (10) may be fixed through the fixing jig (110) and the support jig (120), and then the edge of the pouch sheet (10) may be folded through the folding jig (130). Accordingly, by performing folding through the folding jig (130) while fixing the central portion of the pouch sheet (10) through the support jig (120), the central portion of the pouch sheet (10) is fixed, preventing movement when folding the edge of the pouch sheet (10), thereby minimizing wrinkling of the pouch sheet (10) that may occur during folding.

[0110]

[0111] Referring to FIGS. 5, 8 and 9, a plurality of folding jigs (130) may include a pair of first jigs (131, 132) positioned on both sides in one of the width direction and the length direction of the support jig (120) and a pair of second jigs (133, 134) positioned on both sides in the other of the width direction and the length direction of the support jig (120).

[0112] A pair of first jigs (131, 132) are moved to first come into contact with the protrusion (121) of the support jig (120) with the pouch sheet (10) in between, and then a pair of second jigs (133, 134) can be moved.

[0113] The length of the first jig (131, 132) may correspond to the length of the protrusion (121) of the support jig (120) facing the first jig (131, 132). That is, the length in the longitudinal direction (L) of the first jig (131, 132) on a plane may be equal to the length in the longitudinal direction (L) of the protrusion (121) facing the first jig (131, 132). Here, a pair of second jigs (133, 134) may be moved to cover both ends (131b, 132b) of a pair of first jigs (131, 132) while the first jigs (131, 132) are moved to fold the pouch sheet (10). Accordingly, wrinkling of the pouch sheet (10) can be minimized or prevented.

[0114] Here, a pair of first jigs (131, 132) may include a first one-side jig (131) positioned on one side of a protrusion (121) of a support jig (120) and a second other-side jig (132) positioned on the other side of the protrusion (121). In addition, the lengths (W1, W2) of the pair of second jigs (133, 134) may correspond to the sum of the length (W3) of the protrusion (121) of the support jig (120) facing the second jig (133, 134), the end length (W4) of the first one-side jig (131), and the end length (W5) of the second other-side jig (132). At this time, for example, the length (W1, W2) in the width direction (W) of a pair of second jigs (133, 134) on the plane may be equal to the sum of the widths (W4, W5) of a pair of first jigs (131, 132) on the plane and the width (W3) of the protrusion (121) on the width direction (W).

[0115] And, the folded portion of the pouch sheet (10) can be folded through the second jig (133, 134) via the folding jig (130) to form an overlapping portion (P).

[0116]

[0117] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 10, a heat gun (140) can apply heat to the overlapping portions (P) of the pouch sheets (10) to thermally fuse them. Accordingly, the overlapping portions (P) of the pouch sheets (10) can be prevented from unraveling after folding. Here, a thermally fused portion (P) can be formed in the overlapping portions (P) of the pouch sheets (10) due to thermal fusion.

[0118] At this time, the hot air blower (140) can apply heat to the portion (P) where the pouch sheets (10) overlap each other on the terrace (15). That is, when the terrace (15) is formed along the edge of the receiving portion (14) of the pouch sheet (10) formed through the folding jig (130), the hot air blower (140) can apply heat to the portion (P) where the pouch sheets (10) overlap each other on the terrace (15) of the pouch sheet (10) to thermally fuse them.

[0119] And, the hot air blower (140) can apply hot air at a temperature of 180 to 220°C.

[0120]

[0121] While the present invention has been described in detail through specific examples, these are intended to illustrate the invention in detail and are not intended to be limiting. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various implementations are possible within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0122] Additionally, the specific scope of protection of the invention will be made clear by the appended claims.

[0123]

[0124] [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 1: Secondary battery

[0126] 10: Pouch Sheet

[0127] 11: Bottom surface

[0128] 12: Wall

[0129] 14: Reception area

[0130] 15: Terrace

[0131] 20: Electrode assembly

[0132] 23: Electrode

[0133] 24: Membrane

[0134] 25,26: Electrode leads

[0135] 110: Settling jig

[0136] 120: Support Jig

[0137] 121: Protrusion

[0138] 121a: Page 1

[0139] 121b: Page 2

[0140] 122: Body

[0141] 122c: Page 3

[0142] 130: Folding jig

[0143] 131,132: First jig

[0144] 131a,132a: Corner

[0145] 131b,132b: short section

[0146] 133,134: Second Jig

[0147] 133a,134a: Corner:

[0148] 140: Heater

[0149] P: Overlapping part

Claims

1. A settling process for settling a pouch sheet on a settling jig; A support process of supporting the pouch sheet by applying pressure to the pouch sheet through a support jig positioned on the opposite side with respect to the above-mentioned fixing jig; and A pouch manufacturing method including a folding process in which, after fixing the pouch sheet through the supporting process through the fixing jig and the supporting jig, a plurality of folding jigs are moved and the pouch sheet fixed on the fixing jigs is folded to form a receiving portion for accommodating an electrode assembly.

2. In claim 1, The above folding process A pouch manufacturing method for forming the receiving portion by moving a plurality of folding jigs positioned in the lateral direction of the above-mentioned settling jig and folding the edge of the above-mentioned pouch sheet.

3. In claim 1, The above-mentioned settling process sets the pouch sheet on the upper surface of the settling jig and the upper surface of the folding jig, The above folding process moves a plurality of the folding jigs toward each other and folds the pouch sheet. A pouch manufacturing method for folding the pouch sheet by moving a plurality of the above folding jigs in an upward diagonal direction.

4. In claim 3, The above folding process A pouch manufacturing method in which a plurality of the above folding jigs are moved at an angle of 45 to 85° with respect to the plane of the pouch sheet.

5. In claim 3, The above support process pressurizes the upper surface of the pouch sheet through the support jig to fix the pouch sheet to the fixing jig, The above folding process is a pouch manufacturing method in which a protrusion is formed in a shape corresponding to the receiving portion at the lower portion of the support jig, so that when the pouch sheet is folded with the folding jig, the folding portion of the pouch sheet is in close contact with the protrusion of the support jig.

6. In claim 5, The above support jig is, body; and Including the protrusion formed protruding from the lower part of the main body, A pouch manufacturing method in which the receiving portion is formed in the pouch sheet by the folding jig folding the pouch sheet and bringing it into close contact with the lower part of the main body during the folding process.

7. In claim 6, The protrusion includes a first surface forming the lowermost side and a second surface forming the side surface, and the body includes a third surface forming the lower side along the edge of the protrusion. The receiving portion of the pouch sheet formed through the above folding process includes a bottom surface formed on a surface facing the first surface of the protrusion and a wall surface formed on a surface facing the second surface of the protrusion, A pouch manufacturing method in which a terrace is formed along the edge of the receiving portion facing the third surface.

8. In claim 7, The above folding jig includes an upper pressing surface that contacts the edge of the pouch sheet, a side pressing surface formed perpendicular to the upper pressing surface, and a corner portion formed between the upper pressing surface and the side pressing surface. A pouch manufacturing method in which, in the above folding process, the folding jig is moved diagonally and the pouch sheet is pressed against the support jig, the pouch sheet is folded by the corner of the folding jig, the edge of the pouch sheet is pressed against the third surface of the main body through the upper pressing surface, and a part of the pouch sheet is pressed against the second surface of the main body through the side pressing surface.

9. In claim 1, A pouch manufacturing method in which the central portion of the pouch sheet is fixed through the fixing jig and the support jig through the above support process, and then the folding process is performed to fold the edge of the pouch sheet through the folding jig.

10. In claim 6, A plurality of the above folding jigs, A pair of first jigs positioned on either side of the support jig in either the width direction or the length direction; and Includes a pair of second jigs positioned on both sides in the other direction of the width direction and length direction of the above support jig. The above folding process is, A pouch manufacturing method comprising: a first folding process in which the pair of first jigs are moved so that they first come into contact with the protrusions of the support jigs with the pouch sheet therebetween; and a second folding process in which the pair of second jigs are moved after the first folding process.

11. In claim 10, The length of the above first jig corresponds to the length of the protruding portion of the support jig facing the above first jig, In the above second folding process, A pouch manufacturing method in which the second jig is moved so as to cover both ends of the first jig while the first jig is moved to fold the pouch sheet.

12. In claim 10, Through the first folding process, the folded portion of the pouch sheet is folded through the second folding process to form overlapping portions, A pouch manufacturing method further comprising a heating process for applying heat to overlapping portions of the pouch sheets through a heat gun to heat-fuse them.

13. In claim 12, A terrace is formed along the edge of the receiving portion of the pouch sheet formed through the above folding process, The above heating process is a pouch manufacturing method in which heat is applied to a portion where the pouch sheets overlap each other on the terrace of the pouch sheet.

14. In claim 12, The above heating process is a pouch manufacturing method that applies hot air at a temperature of 180 to 220°C.

15. A settling jig for the pouch sheet to be placed; A support jig that presses and supports the pouch sheet from the opposite side with the pouch sheet interposed between the above-mentioned fixing jig; and A pouch manufacturing device including a plurality of folding jigs that, after fixing the pouch sheet through the fixing jig and the support jig, fold the pouch sheet fixed on the fixing jig to form a receiving portion for receiving an electrode assembly.

16. In claim 15, A pouch manufacturing device in which a plurality of folding jigs are positioned in the lateral direction of a settling jig and move toward each other to fold the edge of the pouch sheet to form the receiving portion, and move in an upward diagonal direction to fold the pouch sheet.

17. In claim 16, The above support jig presses the upper surface of the pouch sheet to fix the pouch sheet to the fixing jig, A pouch manufacturing device in which a protrusion is formed in a shape corresponding to the receiving portion at the lower portion of the support jig, so that when the pouch sheet is folded with the folding jig, the folding portion of the pouch sheet is in close contact with the protrusion of the support jig.

18. In claim 17, The above support jig is, body; and Including the protrusion formed protruding from the lower part of the main body, The protrusion includes a first surface forming the lowermost side and a second surface forming the side surface, and the body includes a third surface forming the lower side along the edge of the protrusion. The receiving portion of the pouch sheet formed through the folding jig includes a bottom surface formed on a surface facing the first surface of the protrusion and a wall surface formed on a surface facing the second surface of the protrusion, A pouch manufacturing device in which a terrace is formed along the edge of the receiving portion, facing the third surface.

19. In claim 15, A pouch manufacturing device that fixes the central portion of the pouch sheet through the above-mentioned fixing jig and the above-mentioned supporting jig, and then folds the edge of the pouch sheet through the above-mentioned folding jig.

20. In claim 17, A plurality of the above folding jigs, A pair of first jigs positioned on either side of the support jig in either the width direction or the length direction; and Includes a pair of second jigs positioned on both sides in the other direction of the width direction and length direction of the above support jig. A pouch manufacturing device in which the pair of first jigs is moved so as to first come into contact with the protrusion of the support jig with the pouch sheet therebetween, and then the pair of second jigs is moved.

21. In claim 20, The folded portion of the pouch sheet is folded through a pair of the first jigs to form overlapping portions, A pouch manufacturing device further comprising a heat gun that applies heat to the overlapping portions of the pouch sheets to heat-fuse them.

22. In claim 20, The length of the above first jig corresponds to the length of the protruding portion of the support jig facing the above first jig, A pouch manufacturing device that folds the pouch by moving the second jig to cover both ends of the first jig while the first jig is moved to fold the pouch sheet.

23. In claim 22, The first jig includes a first one-sided jig positioned on one side of the protrusion and a second other-sided jig positioned on the other side of the protrusion, A pouch manufacturing device in which the length of the second jig corresponds to the sum of the length of the protruding portion of the support jig facing the second jig, the end length of the first one-sided jig, and the end length of the first other-sided jig.

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