Method and apparatus for manufacturing pouch-type battery

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a pouch-type battery and a gripper used therefor and, more particularly, to an apparatus for manufacturing a battery and a gripper, wherein a process of inserting a pouch and an electrode assembly can be performed more stably and efficiently while minimizing damage to the electrode assembly. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a pouch-type battery may be provided, the method comprising: a pouch pick-up step of picking up, by using a gripper, a pouch having an accommodation unit into which an electrode assembly is to be inserted; a pouch cover step of moving, by using the gripper, the pouch downward from the top of the electrode assembly to insert the top of the electrode assembly into the accommodation unit; an assembly pick-up step of picking up the pouch and the electrode assembly together by using the gripper; and a mounting step of reversing the gripper up and down and moving the gripper such that the pouch and the electrode assembly are mounted on an assembly station in a state in which the electrode assembly is inserted into the accommodation unit of the pouch from the top of the pouch.

Description

Pouch-type battery manufacturing method and manufacturing device

[0001] The present invention relates to a pouch-type battery manufacturing device and a gripper used therein, and more specifically, to a battery manufacturing device and gripper capable of performing a pouch and electrode assembly insertion process more stably and efficiently while minimizing damage to the electrode assembly.

[0002] A secondary battery is a battery that can be used repeatedly through a discharge process that converts chemical energy into electrical energy and a charging process that converts electrical energy into chemical energy.

[0003] Secondary batteries may include nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries, nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries, lithium-metal batteries, lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries, and lithium-ion polymer batteries (Li-Ion Polymer Batteries, hereinafter referred to as “LIPB”).

[0004] Lithium secondary batteries have a cycle life of about 500 times or more and a short charging time of about 1 to 2 hours. They are about 30 to 40% lighter than nickel-hydrogen batteries, allowing for weight reduction. Among existing secondary batteries, they have the highest voltage per unit cell (30 to 37 V) and excellent energy density, making them ideal for mobile devices.

[0005] Lithium secondary batteries can be provided as pouch-type secondary batteries in which the battery cells are sealed in a pouch made of aluminum packaging material.

[0006] A pouch-type secondary battery may include an electrode assembly accommodated in a pouch, which is a sealing material, a lead electrically connected to electrode tabs of electrodes provided in the electrode assembly and extended to the outside of the pouch, and an insulating film that electrically insulates the lead.

[0007] The pouch is typically formed of a core in the form of an aluminum sheet and an insulating film coated on the upper and lower surfaces of the core. The insulating film is typically a polypropylene (PP) film.

[0008] A pouch forming process can be performed to accommodate an electrode assembly within a film-shaped pouch. The forming process is a process for forming a receiving portion into which the upper and lower portions of the electrode assembly are inserted and accommodated, respectively. Cup-shaped receiving portions can be formed on each side.

[0009] An insertion process may be performed in which an electrode assembly is inserted into a pouch in which a forming process has been completed, and then a sealing process may be performed in which the pouch is folded and the edge portion is sealed.

[0010] To achieve mass production and stable yield, the packaging process including the insertion process can be performed automatically.

[0011] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a conventional manufacturing device and manufacturing method, particularly a manufacturing device and manufacturing method for performing an insertion process, will be described in detail.

[0012] The electrode assembly (1) whose manufacturing is completed can be moved to an insertion station where an insertion process is performed at the corresponding station. At this time, the electrode assembly (1) can be fixed by a picker (2) and then moved to another station. The picker (2) can be equipped with a plurality of suction nozzles (3), and the suction nozzles (3) suction the upper surface of the electrode assembly (1) and then move the electrode assembly (1) to the insertion station (7) illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0013] As shown in Fig. 2, a pouch (5) having a receiving portion (5a) formed therein is positioned on an insertion station (7), and an electrode assembly (1) can be inserted and seated in the receiving portion (5a) of the pouch at the insertion station (7).

[0014] The above insertion station (7) may be equipped with a picker (6) for moving a pouch on which a forming process has been performed to the insertion station (7) or for moving an electrode assembly and pouch on which an insertion process has been completed to a subsequent process. The pickers (6) are equipped on each of the left and right sides of the pouch to stably absorb and move the pouch.

[0015] As illustrated, a pouch (5) can have receiving portions (5a) formed on the left and right sides, and the lower part of the electrode assembly (1) can be inserted and seated in the right receiving portion (5a), and then the upper part of the electrode assembly (1) can be inserted and seated in the left receiving portion (5a) through a folding process.

[0016] The above electrode assembly (1) is manufactured by stacking multiple cathodes, separators, and anodes, which must be stacked in close contact with each other vertically and with great precision. In other words, it is very important to ensure that the relative positions of the cathodes, separators, and anodes are not misaligned.

[0017] However, when moving the electrode assembly (1) using the upper vacuum suction method as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, there is a risk of damage to the electrode assembly. In particular, when moving a heavy electrode assembly (1), since only the outermost separator is suctioned, the cathode, separator, and anode may slip and become misaligned due to their own weight and during the moving process.

[0018] In addition, after the electrode assembly is moved using the upper vacuum suction method, the suction is released from the upper part of the pouch, and then the electrode assembly is inserted into the receiving portion of the pouch. At this time, a drop impact may occur on the heavy electrode assembly (1), which may also cause misalignment of the stack or damage to the edge of the electrode assembly (1).

[0019] Therefore, there is a need for a manufacturing device and a manufacturing method that can perform an insertion process for stably and efficiently inserting and settling an electrode assembly into a pouch receiving portion while effectively reducing damage to the electrode assembly (1).

[0020] The purpose of the present invention is to solve the conventional problems.

[0021] Through one embodiment of the present invention, it is intended to provide a manufacturing device and method that can reduce problems in an insertion process using an upper vacuum suction method of an electrode assembly.

[0022] Through one embodiment of the present invention, it is intended to provide a manufacturing device and method capable of efficiently and continuously performing an insertion process through a self-gripping gripper and a robot capable of moving / rotating the gripper with a high degree of freedom.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, it is intended to provide a manufacturing device and method capable of fundamentally resolving the problem of misalignment of the stacking between the anode, separator, and cathode that may occur when the electrode assembly is moved by supporting the self-weight of a heavy electrode assembly from below and moving the electrode assembly while the electrode assembly is supported in close contact with the top and bottom.

[0024] Through one embodiment of the present invention, it is intended to provide a manufacturing device and method capable of preventing damage to an electrode assembly by eliminating dropping of the electrode assembly during an insertion process in which the electrode assembly is inserted into a receiving portion of a pouch.

[0025] Through one embodiment of the present invention, it is intended to provide a manufacturing device and method capable of significantly reducing the required adsorption structure and capacity by adsorbing and transporting only the pouch, not the electrode assembly, during the insertion process in which the electrode assembly is inserted into the receiving portion of the pouch.

[0026] In order to achieve the above-described object, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a pouch-type battery may be provided, including a pouch pickup step of using a gripper to pick up a pouch having a receiving portion formed for inserting an electrode assembly; a pouch cover step of using the gripper to move the pouch downward from an upper portion of the electrode assembly to insert the upper portion of the electrode assembly into the receiving portion; an assembly pickup step of using the gripper to pick up the pouch and the electrode assembly together; and a mounting step of moving the gripper up and down in reverse to place the pouch and the electrode assembly on an assembly station in a state where the electrode assembly is inserted into the receiving portion of the pouch from an upper portion of the pouch.

[0027] The gripper can be moved up and down between the settling step and the pouch pick-up step and between the pouch pick-up step and the pouch cover step.

[0028] The above pouch pickup step may be performed at a pouch station where the pouch is inserted, and the pouch cover step may be performed at an electrode station where the electrode assembly is inserted.

[0029] It is preferable that the gripper be provided so as to be movable and reversible between the pouch station, electrode station and assembly station.

[0030] It is preferable that the above gripper is an end effector provided at the end of a multi-joint robot.

[0031] In the above pouch pickup step, it is preferable to adsorb the pouch through a vacuum adsorption nozzle provided on the pouch gripper of the gripper.

[0032] In the above assembly assembly pickup step, it is preferable to move the electrode gripper of the gripper supporting the electrode assembly from below toward the pouch gripper to support the pouch and electrode assembly upward and downward. Through this, the pouch and electrode assembly are firmly fixed within the gripper, and the firm fixation can be continuously maintained despite movement and reverse rotation of the gripper.

[0033] In order to achieve the above-described object, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a pouch-type battery manufacturing device can be provided, including a multi-joint robot and a gripper provided at an end of the multi-joint robot, wherein the gripper comprises: a pouch gripper for absorbing a pouch having a receiving portion formed therein; a cell gripper provided with a vertical gap from the pouch gripper so that an electrode assembly is inserted into the gripper and supports a lower surface of the electrode assembly; and a coupling gripper for connecting the pouch gripper and the cell gripper and provided so as to be coupled to an end of the multi-joint robot, wherein the gripper is characterized in that the electrode assembly is inserted into the receiving portion of the pouch between the pouch gripper and the cell gripper and is then flipped upside down.

[0034] Here, movement and up-down rotation of the entire gripper can be performed through the multi-joint robot.

[0035] The above pouch gripper can absorb the pouch so that the receiving portion points downward, and move the pouch from the upper portion of the electrode assembly downward so that the electrode assembly can be inserted into the receiving portion.

[0036] When the electrode assembly is inserted into the receiving portion, the cell gripper can move the electrode assembly upward from below, thereby vertically fixing the electrode assembly in close contact with the receiving portion while the electrode assembly is inserted. In this state, the entire gripper can move backward or move upward and then backward.

[0037] It is preferable that the above cell gripper be movably provided on the coupling gripper to increase or decrease the vertical gap with the pouch gripper.

[0038] It is preferable that the above pouch gripper is fixed to the above combination gripper.

[0039] It is preferable that the above pouch gripper and the above cell gripper are provided in parallel. That is, the pouch gripper and the cell gripper are provided to face each other, and the cell gripper can move closer to or further away from the pouch gripper.

[0040] It is preferable that the gripper include a linear movement device that drives the cell gripper to move. The linear movement device may be a separate driving device from the multi-joint robot.

[0041] It is preferable that the linear movement device be provided on the combined gripper. Accordingly, the linear movement device can be moved integrally with the combined gripper and the entire gripper.

[0042] It is preferable that the gripper moves in unison with the movement of the distal end of the multi-joint robot. Furthermore, it is preferable that the gripper is rotatable through the distal end of the multi-joint robot. It is preferable that the gripper rotates based on the extension direction or longitudinal direction of the pouch gripper and the cell gripper.

[0043] The above pouch gripper preferably includes a plurality of extensions extending from the coupling gripper at a predetermined interval from each other. The extensions may be formed like spears or teeth of a fork structure, so that a gap may be formed between the extensions.

[0044] It is preferable that a plurality of suction nozzles are provided in the extension length direction of the above-mentioned plurality of extensions.

[0045] It is preferable that the above cell gripper includes a plurality of extensions extending from the coupling gripper at a predetermined interval from each other.

[0046] It is preferable that the extension length of the cell gripper extension be shorter than the extension length of the pouch gripper extension, because the area of ​​the pouch is larger than the area of ​​the electrode assembly.

[0047] The above manufacturing device may include an electrode station where the electrode assembly is supported before the electrode assembly is coupled to the gripper.

[0048] The electrode station may include a plurality of extensions spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval along the length direction of the electrode assembly. The extensions may be provided on the upper portion of the support of the electrode station. In particular, the extensions may be formed to extend from the upper portion of the support in the width direction of the electrode assembly.

[0049] The above cell gripper extension can be formed to be able to vertically penetrate between the extensions of the electrode station.

[0050] The electrode assembly is placed on the upper portion of the extension portion of the electrode station, and thus the extension portion of the electrode station can support the electrode assembly at a predetermined interval along the width direction. That is, the cell gripper extension portion can partially or completely penetrate the gap between the extension portions of the electrode station from the bottom to the top. Through this, the cell gripper can separate and support the electrode assembly from the extension portion of the electrode station.

[0051] The above assembly station and pouch station may also be formed with the same or similar structure as the above electrode station.

[0052] Therefore, picking up and placing an object through a gripper can be performed by the same mechanism.

[0053] The gripper is preferably formed to be open on the left and right sides and the front side so that the pouch and electrode assembly can be inserted into the gripper in the left, right, or forward direction. Accordingly, various driving motions of the multi-joint robot can be applied to position the pouch or electrode assembly inside the gripper through the driving of the multi-joint robot.

[0054] The above multi-joint robot may be equipped to perform an insertion drive to move the electrode assembly or pouch so that it is positioned inside the gripper; a settling drive to move the pouch so that it is settled on the upper surface of the electrode assembly; and a reversal drive to reverse the gripper up and down.

[0055] The above-mentioned reverse operation of the gripper may be performed in a state where the electrode assembly and the pouch are inserted and connected to each other, or may be performed in a state where the pouch is absorbed and then connected to the electrode assembly.

[0056] In order to achieve the above-described purpose, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a gripper for a pouch-type battery manufacturing device can be provided, including: a pouch gripper for absorbing a pouch having a receiving portion formed therein and settling it on an upper surface of an electrode assembly; a cell gripper provided with a vertical gap from the pouch gripper and supporting a lower surface of the electrode assembly; a coupling gripper for connecting the pouch gripper and the cell gripper; and a linear movement device for driving so as to increase or decrease a gap between the pouch gripper and the cell gripper, wherein the pouch gripper, the cell gripper, the coupling gripper, and the linear movement device are provided so as to be moved integrally by a gripper movement device coupled to the coupling gripper.

[0057] The above gripper is connected to a collaborative robot, for example, a multi-joint robot, and can move and rotate in three dimensions with a very high degree of freedom.

[0058] The above pouch gripper adsorbs the pouch so that the receiving portion points downward, and the electrode assembly can be inserted into the receiving portion from downward to upward through downward movement of the pouch gripper.

[0059] It is preferable that the gripper be configured to rotate to vertically invert the pouch and electrode assembly when the electrode assembly is fully inserted into the receiving portion. Of course, it is preferable that the vertical inversion rotation of the gripper be performed after the gripper leaves the electrode station where the electrode assembly is positioned.

[0060] The above gripper can be flipped up and down by rotation about a vertical axis relative to the above coupling gripper. The above coupling gripper is provided to extend in a vertical direction, and can be connected to the pouch gripper at the top and to the cell gripper at the bottom.

[0061] Therefore, the gripper can be rotated in the vertical axis direction, i.e., the horizontal direction, relative to the combined gripper, so that the entire gripper can be flipped up and down.

[0062] The above pouch gripper and the cell gripper each include a plurality of extensions extending from the coupling gripper at a predetermined interval from each other, and it is preferable that the pouch gripper extension and the cell gripper extension are formed to overlap each other vertically.

[0063] That is, although the pouch gripper extension and the cell gripper extension each have a fork shape, it is preferable that they do not intersect vertically. This is because the electrode assembly and the pouch, which are inserted and connected through the pouch gripper extension and the cell gripper extension, are simultaneously supported. Accordingly, since the electrode assembly and the pouch are simultaneously fixed through the support lines or support points facing each other, misalignment of the electrode assembly due to deviation of the support lines or support points is prevented, and the electrode assembly can be stably supported.

[0064] Through one embodiment of the present invention, a manufacturing device and method can be provided that can solve the problem of an insertion process using an upper vacuum suction method of an electrode assembly.

[0065] Through one embodiment of the present invention, a manufacturing device and method capable of efficiently and continuously performing an insertion process can be provided through a gripper capable of self-gripping and a robot capable of moving / rotating the gripper with a high degree of freedom.

[0066] Through one embodiment of the present invention, a manufacturing device and method can be provided that can fundamentally solve the problem of misalignment of the stacking between the anode, separator, and cathode that may occur when the electrode assembly is moved by supporting the heavy electrode assembly with its own weight from below and also supporting it closely from above and below.

[0067] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a manufacturing device and a manufacturing method capable of economically manufacturing a pouch-type secondary battery can be provided by using a single collaborative robot having a fixed reference point or support and an end that can arbitrarily move in three-dimensional space, so that a gripper sequentially approaches a pouch station, an electrode station, and a folding station.

[0068] Through one embodiment of the present invention, a manufacturing device and a manufacturing method can be provided that can reduce the number of pickers for moving an electrode assembly or pouch or the number of stations where the electrode assembly or pouch is placed.

[0069] Through one embodiment of the present invention, a manufacturing device and method can be provided that can significantly reduce the required adsorption structure and capacity by adsorbing and transporting only the pouch, not the electrode assembly, during the insertion process in which the electrode assembly is inserted into the receiving portion of the pouch.

[0070] Figure 1 illustrates a conventional manufacturing device in which an electrode assembly is sucked to insert the electrode assembly into a pouch.

[0071] Figure 2 illustrates an electrode assembly inserted into a pouch in a conventional manufacturing device.

[0072] Figure 3 illustrates a manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present invention as seen from above.

[0073] Figure 4 illustrates a side view of a manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Figure 5 illustrates a state in which the gripper moves to insert an electrode assembly into the gripper.

[0075] Figure 6 illustrates a state in which the gripper is moved and the electrode assembly is inserted inside.

[0076] Figure 7 shows a state where the gripper moves downward and the electrode assembly is inserted into the pouch.

[0077] Figure 8 illustrates a state in which the cell gripper moves upward and the electrode assembly and pouch are fixed to the gripper.

[0078] Figure 9 shows a state in which the electrode assembly is inserted and fixed on the upper part of the pouch by rotating the gripper up and down.

[0079] Figure 10 illustrates detailed steps of the insertion process of the electrode assembly and pouch using a gripper.

[0080] Hereinafter, a gripper and a pouch-type battery manufacturing device including the gripper according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0081] The manufacturing device in this embodiment may be a manufacturing device that performs an insertion process during the packaging process of the electrode assembly and pouch.

[0082] FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of a manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of a manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] The manufacturing device (100) may include a gripper (20). More specifically, the manufacturing device (100) may include a gripper moving device (10).

[0084] The gripper (20) may be provided to be able to transport the pouch (5) by suction. In addition, the gripper (20) may be provided to transport the electrode assembly (1). Here, it is preferable that the gripper (20) be provided to transport the electrode assembly (1) while supporting the electrode assembly (1) from below, rather than transporting the electrode assembly (1) by suction.

[0085] In addition, the gripper (20) may be provided to insert the electrode assembly (1) into the receiving portion (5a, see FIG. 2) of the pouch (5) on its own. In particular, the electrode assembly (1) may not be inserted into the receiving portion (5a) from the top to the bottom, but may be inserted into the receiving portion (5a) from the bottom to the top. In other words, the pouch (5) may be covered from the top of the placed electrode assembly, so that the electrode assembly may be inserted into the receiving portion (5a) of the pouch.

[0086] Accordingly, the gripper (20) prevents the electrode assembly (1) from being sucked upward and moved. In addition, the gripper (20) prevents the electrode assembly (1) from being dropped downward and inserted. Through this, damage to the electrode assembly can be effectively and efficiently prevented during the movement and insertion process of the electrode assembly.

[0087] When the electrode assembly (1) is lifted upward and moved, an absorption structure and capacity capable of overcoming the self-weight of the electrode assembly (1) are required. The pouch can be lifted upward and moved by the gripper (20). Therefore, if the required absorption structure can be simplified, the absorption capacity can also be implemented very small.

[0088] Specifically, the gripper (20) may include a pouch gripper (30), a combination gripper (40), and a cell gripper (50).

[0089] The above pouch gripper (30), combination gripper (40) and cell gripper (50) can be assembled into one gripper (20). In addition, as described below, the gripper (20) can be moved as a whole by a gripper moving device (10).

[0090] The pouch gripper (30) and the cell gripper (50) can be positioned so as to be vertically horizontal to each other. An open space (70) can be provided between the pouch gripper (30) and the cell gripper (50). In the open space (70), a pouch sucked by the pouch gripper (30) can be positioned, and also, an electrode assembly (1) supported by the cell gripper (50) can be positioned.

[0091] More specifically, it is preferable that the space (70) be opened so that the pouch (5) and the electrode assembly can be inserted into the space (70) through the front and left and right sides. That is, the path through which the pouch (5) and the electrode assembly can be inserted into the space (70), i.e., the degree of freedom of movement, can be increased through this opening. However, the rear of the space (70) may be blocked by the coupling gripper (40).

[0092] The above-mentioned combination gripper (40) can perform a frame function in which the pouch gripper (30) and the cell gripper (50) are supported. In addition, the gripper (20) can be combined with the gripper moving device (10) through the above-mentioned combination gripper (40).

[0093] As illustrated, the combination gripper (40) may be formed in a vertically erected plate shape. A pouch gripper (30) may be provided extending from the upper portion of the combination gripper (40), and a cell gripper (50) may be provided extending from the lower portion of the combination gripper (40).

[0094] Specifically, the pouch gripper (30) may include a plurality of extensions (31). Each extension (31) may be spaced apart from one another by a predetermined distance. That is, the extension (31) may be provided so as to be spaced apart from an adjacent extension in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction. That is, upper and lower openings (32) may be formed between the extensions (31).

[0095] A pouch gripper (30) having such an extension (31) can be said to have a fork shape. FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a fork having four windows or teeth. The upper and lower openings (32) between the windows of the forks can form a passage through which the windows of different forks can cross each other vertically. In other words, fork-shaped structures can be arranged to cross each other vertically while being staggered.

[0096] A plurality of suction nozzles (33) may be provided on the lower surface of the above pouch gripper (30). Specifically, the plurality of suction nozzles (33) may be provided along the longitudinal direction of the extension portion (31). Therefore, the overall area for suctioning the pouch (5) can be expanded through the plurality of suction nozzles (33).

[0097] The above pouch gripper (30) may be provided to adsorb the upper surface of the pouch (5) after approaching the station where the pouch (5) is placed. Here, it is preferable that the receiving portion (5a) of the pouch (5) points downward.

[0098] Typically, after the forming process for forming a receiving portion in the pouch, the pouch may be placed on the station with the receiving portion pointing upward. Therefore, flipping the pouch so that the pouch receiving portion points downward and then sucking it with the pouch gripper (30) may require additional equipment and processes. However, this can be performed effectively and easily through the fork-shaped pouch gripper (30) and the movement and rotation features of the gripper (20) via the gripper moving device (10). This is because the pouch gripper (30) can suck the lower surface of the pouch with the pouch receiving portion pointing upward and then flip the pouch upside down. This will be described in detail later.

[0099] The above cell gripper (40) can be provided parallel to the pouch gripper (30), and a separation distance or space is formed between the cell gripper (40) and the pouch gripper (30).

[0100] Here, it is preferable that the cell gripper (40) is movable to reduce or increase the gap between the pouch grippers (30). More specifically, it is preferable that the cell gripper (40) is linearly moved to come closer to the pouch gripper (30) and linearly moved away from it.

[0101] Specifically, it is preferable that the pouch gripper (30) is fixed to the coupling gripper (40), and the cell gripper (50) is provided to be linearly movable with respect to the coupling gripper (40). The maximum separation distance and proximity distance through such linear movement can be preset.

[0102] A linear movement device (60) or linear actuator may be provided for linear movement of the cell gripper (50). The linear movement device (60) can move the cell gripper (50) through driving.

[0103] The above linear movement device (60) can be provided in various forms and can include a linear motor.

[0104] In the present embodiment, a linear moving device (60) in the form of a hydraulic cylinder including an actuator body (61) and a piston (62) may be provided. The actuator body (61) may be coupled and fixed to the coupling gripper (40), and one end of the piston (62) may be coupled to the cell gripper (50). Accordingly, when the piston (62) is driven to extend, the piston (62) pushes the cell gripper (50), and as a result, the gap between the cell gripper (50) and the pouch gripper (30) narrows. Conversely, when the piston (62) is driven to contract, the piston (62) pulls the cell gripper (50), and as a result, the gap between the cell gripper (50) and the pouch gripper (30) increases. The maximum and minimum gaps between the cell gripper (50) and the pouch gripper (30) may be preset through the separation distance specifications of the piston (62).

[0105] The shape of the cell gripper (50) may be identical to the shape of the pouch gripper (30). That is, the extension portion (51) of the cell gripper (50) may be formed identically to the extension portion (31) of the pouch gripper (30). In addition, the cell gripper (50) may also be formed in a fork shape. At this time, the cell gripper (50) may be provided to overlap the pouch gripper (30) vertically.

[0106] Specifically, it is preferable that the extension part (31) of the pouch gripper (30) and the extension part (51) of the cell gripper (50) overlap vertically. This means that the support points or support lines of the pouch (5) and the electrode assembly (1) fixed between the pouch gripper (30) and the cell gripper (50) can be aligned. That is, it means that when the electrode assembly (1) is inserted into the receiving part (5a) of the pouch (5), both can be pressed and fixed from above and below through the same support point or support line. Therefore, damage to the electrode assembly can be prevented in advance during the moving process after the insertion process.

[0107] Meanwhile, through the characteristics of the fork-shaped cell gripper (50), the cell gripper (50) can easily move the electrode assembly (1) while supporting the electrode assembly from below.

[0108] According to the present embodiment, a gripper moving device (10) capable of integrally moving and rotating the gripper (20) may be included. The moving device is connected to a coupling portion (41) provided in the coupling gripper (40) and can move and rotate the coupling gripper (40).

[0109] The above-mentioned moving device (10) may be a multi-joint robot. The multi-joint robot may include multiple arms (11) and the last arm may be equipped with a terminal (12). The moving device (10) may move the terminal (12) along six axes. That is, it may be capable of three-axis translational movements in the up, down, left, right, forward, and backward directions and three-axis rotational movements in the x, y, and z axes.

[0110] The moving device (10) can move and rotate the gripper (20) with a very high degree of freedom based on the support (13).

[0111] Various stations may be provided around the above-mentioned moving device (10). First, a pouch station where a pouch is placed after being formed, an electrode station where a manufactured electrode assembly is placed, and an assembly station where an electrode assembly and a pouch where the insertion process is completed are placed may be provided.

[0112] At the pouch station, unit pouches that have completed the forming process of the pouch may be provided. At the electrode station, electrode assemblies that have completed the manufacturing process of the electrode assembly may be provided. At the assembly station, a pre-assembled secondary battery may be provided by inserting the electrode assembly into the receiving portion of the pouch. Thereafter, a pouch folding process, an electrolyte filling process, and a sealing process may be sequentially performed.

[0113] Here, the moving device (10) can move between multiple stations to ensure that the manufacturing process of the pouch-type secondary battery is continuously and efficiently performed. In particular, according to the present embodiment, the station (7) illustrated in FIG. 2, i.e., the station where the insertion process is performed, can be omitted. This is because the insertion process can be performed through the operation of the gripper (20) itself, rather than being performed at a separate station. In other words, the insertion process can be performed on the gripper itself, which moves along a preset path, rather than at a station fixed at a single location.

[0114] Hereinafter, the operation and manufacturing method of the manufacturing device according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5 to 9.

[0115] As illustrated in Fig. 5, the moving device (10) first adsorbs the pouch (5) and then moves the gripper (20) to the electrode station where the electrode assembly (1) is positioned. In other words, the gripper (20) is brought closer to the electrode assembly (1). This can be referred to as forward driving through the moving device (10).

[0116] As illustrated in Fig. 6, the electrode assembly (1) is inserted and positioned within the internal space of the gripper (20), i.e., the opened space (70), through the forward movement of the moving device (10). At this time, the pouch gripper (20) adsorbs the pouch so that the receiving portion of the pouch faces downward. In addition, the pouch gripper (20) is positioned spaced apart from the upper portion of the electrode assembly (1). In addition, the cell gripper (50) is positioned spaced apart from the lower portion of the electrode assembly (1).

[0117] The electrode station (80) may include a support (81) and an extension (82). The extension (82) may be provided to extend from the upper portion of the support (81) toward the gripper (20).

[0118] The forward movement of the gripper (20) can be performed so that the electrode assembly (1) and the receiving portion (5a) are aligned vertically. That is, the entire gripper (20) can be moved so that accurate alignment is performed.

[0119] As shown in Fig. 7, an insertion process can be performed in which the electrode assembly (1) is inserted into the gripper (20) and then the electrode assembly (1) is inserted into the receiving portion.

[0120] At this time, the moving device (10) can move the pouch gripper (30) downward so that the upper part of the electrode assembly (1) is inserted and seated in the receiving part (5a). More specifically, the entire gripper can be moved downward. At this time, the self-weight of the electrode assembly (1) is still supported by the extension part (82) under the electrode assembly (1). However, only a weak force that vertically presses the pouch onto the upper surface of the electrode assembly (1) can be applied. Therefore, the possibility of damage to the electrode assembly (1) during the assembly process can be eliminated.

[0121] As illustrated in Fig. 8, when the insertion process is completed, the cell gripper (50) can be raised. That is, the pouch gripper (80) can be raised while the cell gripper (50) is stationary. At this time, the movement of the gripper (20) via the moving device (10) is stopped, and the cell gripper (50) can be moved via the linear moving device (60).

[0122] As the cell gripper (50) rises, the electrode assembly (1) and the pouch (5) are fixed between the cell gripper (50) and the pouch gripper (30). At this time, the cell gripper (50) can move the electrode assembly (1) upward so that the electrode assembly (1) rises with respect to the extension (82). That is, in a state where the electrode assembly (1) and the pouch (5) are fixed between the cell gripper (50) and the pouch gripper (30), the entire gripper (20) can move backward and be removed from the electrode station (80). Of course, the entire gripper (20) can also move backward after rising. That is, as illustrated in FIG. 8, after the electrode assembly (1) is inserted into the pouch (5) through the gripper (20), the moving device (10) can move backward.

[0123] Accordingly, by driving the linear moving device (60) to fix the electrode assembly (1) and the pouch (5) together to the gripper (20), the gripper (20) can be separated from the electrode station (80) by driving the moving device (10).

[0124] Afterwards, the entire gripper (20) can be rotated so as to be upside down. As shown in Fig. 9, through the upside-down rotation of the gripper, the electrode assembly (1) can be converted into a form inserted into the receiving portion at the top of the pouch (5).

[0125] When the entire gripper (20) rotates up and down, the electrode assembly (1) and the pouch (5) are fixed up and down by the gripper (20), so that the electrode assembly (1) and the pouch (5) can be stably fixed and supported by the gripper (20) in a state of close contact with each other during and after the reverse rotation. This reverse rotation can be performed through the moving device (10). In particular, the gripper (20) can be rotated up and down with respect to the moving device (10). By this reverse rotation, the pouch (5) is positioned at the bottom and the electrode assembly (1) is inserted and secured at the top. That is, the insertion process as shown in FIG. 2 is finally completed.

[0126] Meanwhile, the subsequent folding process can be performed with the pouch (5) positioned at the bottom and the electrode assembly (1) inserted at the top. Accordingly, the gripper (20) illustrated in Fig. 9 can move to the assembly station and place the pouch (5) and electrode assembly (1) for which the insertion process has been completed on the assembly station.

[0127] Specifically, after the gripper (20) moves to the assembly station, the linear movement device (60) can be driven so that the cell gripper (50) returns to its original position. That is, only the cell gripper (50) can be raised based on the standard shown in FIG. 9. Thereafter, as the entire gripper (20) descends from the insertion station, the pouch (5) and the electrode assembly (1) can be seated on the insertion station. At this time, the insertion station is not shown, but may have a structure identical to or similar to the electrode station (80) shown in FIG. 8. That is, through a structure in which the two intersect in a fork shape, interference between the two is eliminated, and the objects, that is, the electrode assembly (1) and the pouch (5), can be seated on the folding station.

[0128] Thereafter, a folding process is performed at the assembly station, and the gripper (20) can be moved to absorb the pouch as shown in FIG. 9. That is, the pouch on which the forming process has been completed is moved to the settling pouch station, and the gripper moves upward from downward to absorb the lower surface of the pouch with the receiving portion formed upwardly to absorb the pouch. Thereafter, the gripper (20) can be removed from the pouch station and rotated up and down again. The gripper appearance at this time is shown in FIG. 5 or FIG. 6. That is, the gripper (20) is in a state of absorbing and fixing the pouch so that the receiving portion faces downward.

[0129] Afterwards, the gripper (20) moves back to the electrode station (80) to perform the insertion process of the electrode assembly (1) and the pouch.

[0130] As described above, the manufacturing device including the gripper (20) and the moving device (10) can be very effectively used in the manufacturing process of a pouch-type secondary battery through the six-axis movement of the gripper (20). That is, through the gripper (20) and the moving device (10), the processes of upside-down inversion after suction of the formed pouch, upside-down inversion after insertion of the pouch and the electrode assembly, and movement of the pouch and electrode assembly, which have completed the insertion process to the assembly stage, can be sequentially and continuously performed. At this time, since the self-weight of the electrode assembly (1) is always supported from below or closely supported from above and below, damage to the electrode assembly (1) due to its own weight can be prevented in advance. In addition, since the electrode assembly (1) does not fall during the insertion process, damage to the electrode assembly (1) due to the impact of the drop can be prevented in advance.

[0131] In addition, since the gripper (20) is moved using a 6-axis robot with a very high degree of freedom, for example, a collaborative robot, a manufacturing device and manufacturing method that are easier, more compact, and easier to control can be provided.

[0132] Finally, the operation sequence of the gripper as an end effector of the multi-joint robot and the moving device (10) as an example of the multi-joint robot is explained as follows.

[0133] First, the robot moves the gripper to a pouch station equipped with a unit pouch having a receiving portion formed therein, and then sucks up the pouch. At this time, the gripper (20) has a pouch gripper (30) positioned below the electrode gripper (50). Accordingly, the pouch gripper (30) sucks up the pouch from the bottom of the pouch, and then the gripper (20) is detached from the pouch station by the entire lifting of the gripper (20).

[0134] Next, the robot moves the gripper holding the pouch to the top of the electrode assembly. That is, the gripper moves to the electrode station where the electrode assembly is installed. During the movement, the gripper moves up and down, and at this time, the gripper (20) has a shape in which the pouch gripper (30) is positioned above the electrode gripper (50).

[0135] Next, the robot lowers the gripper to cover the electrode assembly with a pouch. At this time, the upper portion of the electrode assembly is inserted into the pouch's receiving portion.

[0136] Next, the electrode assembly and pouch are picked up by the cell gripper. At this time, with the pouch gripper (30) positioned at the top and the cell gripper (50) positioned at the bottom, the cell gripper (50) moves closer to the pouch gripper (30) so that the electrode assembly and pouch can be fixed between the two. Thereafter, the gripper (20) is detached from the electrode station by the upward movement of the entire gripper (20) and the operation of the robot.

[0137] Next, the robot flips the gripper 180 degrees, resulting in flipping the pouch and cell 180 degrees. This flipping can be performed while the gripper (20) is moving from the electrode station to the insertion station. The flipping causes the electrode assembly to appear inserted into the pouch receiving portion from the top to the bottom. Thereafter, with the cell gripper (50) positioned at the top and the pouch gripper (30) positioned at the bottom, the cell gripper (50) moves away from the feed gripper (30) so that the electrode assembly and pouch are released from the gripping state between the two.

[0138] Next, the gripper (20) moves from the top to the bottom of the assembly station to place the pouch and electrode assembly on the assembly station, thereby completing the insertion process. Of course, the gripper (20) then moves back to the pouch station.

[0139] According to this embodiment, an insertion process of inserting an electrode assembly into a pouch can be performed through a reverse gripper (20).

[0140] The process for manufacturing a pouch-type secondary battery may include an electrode process, a pouch process, an insertion process, and an assembly process.

[0141] The electrode process may include a process for manufacturing positive and negative electrodes and a process for manufacturing an electrode assembly. The pouch process may include a process for manufacturing a unit pouch from a pouch roll and forming a receiving portion into which the electrode assembly is inserted into the unit pouch.

[0142] The electrode process and pouch process can each be performed inline.

[0143] The electrode assembly manufactured in the electrode process can be fed into the electrode station at 1-pitch intervals. That is, the electrode assembly can be fed into the electrode station through an LMS (linear movement system).

[0144] Unit pouches manufactured in the pouch process can be fed into the pouch station at one-pitch intervals. That is, unit pouches can be fed into the pouch station via the LMS.

[0145] The pouch and electrode assembly, which have undergone the insertion process of inserting the electrode assembly into the pouch's receiving portion, are positioned at an assembly station, where the assembly process can then be performed via the LMS. The assembly process can include detailed processes such as pouch folding, top sealing, electrolyte injection, degassing, and main sealing. Subsequently, the manufacturing of the pouch-type secondary battery can be completed through the formation process and inspection process.

[0146] In this embodiment, the moving device (10) may be provided to allow the gripper (20) to move between the pouch station, the electrode station, and the assembly station. By increasing the length of the robot arm, all three stations can be covered by a single robot.

[0147] As illustrated in Figure 10, the insertion process can be comprised of detailed steps.

[0148] First, a pouch can be picked up (S10) from a pouch station via a gripper (20). At this time, the pouch can be picked up by sucking the lower surface of the pouch onto the gripper. Picking up of the pouch can be performed at the pouch station.

[0149] The picked-up pouch can be moved to the electrode station. At this time, the gripper (20) can be moved in a reverse manner (S20). The gripper (20) can cover the pouch on the upper part of the electrode assembly at the electrode station so that the pouch covers the electrode assembly (S30). At this time, the upper part of the electrode assembly is inserted into the receiving part of the pouch.

[0150] The gripper (20) can pick up (S40) both the pouch and the electrode assembly while they are in close contact with each other. The cover (S30) and pick up (S40) can be performed at the electrode station.

[0151] The picked-up pouch and electrode assembly can be moved to the assembly station. At this time, the gripper (20) can be moved inverted (S50). This inversion forms an electrode assembly inserted into the upper portion of the pouch.

[0152] The gripper (20) can place the pouch and electrode assembly on the assembly station (S60). This allows the insertion process of the pouch and electrode assembly to be completed.

[0153] Afterwards, the gripper (20) can be moved to the pouch station for pouch pickup while performing a reverse movement (S70).

[0154] Accordingly, the gripper (20) can move between three stations to perform the insertion process continuously and automatically. In addition, the gripper can be simultaneously reversed while moving between stations, thereby eliminating the time required for reversed movement.

[0155] The technical problem to be solved can be effectively achieved through the manufacturing device and manufacturing method according to the embodiment described above.

[0156] As described in the detailed description of the invention.

Claims

1. A pouch pickup step for picking up a pouch having a receiving portion formed for inserting an electrode assembly using a gripper; A pouch cover step of moving the pouch downward using the gripper from the upper part of the electrode assembly to insert the upper part of the electrode assembly into the receiving part; An assembly pickup step of picking up the pouch and electrode assembly together using the gripper; and A method for manufacturing a pouch-type battery, comprising a mounting step of mounting the pouch and electrode assembly on an assembly station by moving the gripper up and down so that the electrode assembly is inserted into the receiving portion of the pouch from the upper portion of the pouch.

2. In paragraph 1, A method for manufacturing a pouch-type battery, characterized in that the gripper is moved up and down between the settling step and the pouch pick-up step and between the pouch pick-up step and the pouch cover step.

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, A method for manufacturing a pouch-type battery, characterized in that the above pouch pickup step is performed at a pouch station where the pouch is inserted, and the pouch cover step is performed at an electrode station where the electrode assembly is inserted.

4. In paragraph 3, A method for manufacturing a pouch-type battery, wherein the gripper is provided to be movable and reversible between the pouch station, electrode station, and assembly station.

5. In paragraph 4, A method for manufacturing a pouch-type battery, characterized in that the gripper is an end effector provided at the end of a multi-joint robot.

6. In paragraph 3, A method for manufacturing a pouch-type battery, characterized in that the pouch is sucked through a vacuum suction nozzle provided on the pouch gripper of the gripper in the above pouch pickup step.

7. In paragraph 6, A pouch-type battery manufacturing method characterized in that, in the assembly assembly pickup step, the electrode gripper of the gripper supporting the electrode assembly from below is moved toward the pouch gripper, thereby supporting the pouch and electrode assembly up and down.

8. A multi-joint robot and a gripper provided at the end of the multi-joint robot, The above gripper, A pouch gripper that absorbs a pouch in which a receiving portion is formed; A cell gripper that is provided with a vertical gap from the pouch gripper so that the electrode assembly can be inserted into the gripper, and supports the lower surface of the electrode assembly; and It includes a coupling gripper that connects the above pouch gripper and the cell gripper and is provided to be coupled with the end of the multi-joint robot, A pouch-type battery manufacturing device characterized in that the above gripper is flipped upside down after the electrode assembly is inserted and fixed into the receiving portion of the pouch between the pouch gripper and the cell gripper.

9. In paragraph 8, A pouch-type battery manufacturing device characterized in that the pouch gripper adsorbs and lowers the pouch so that the receiving portion points downward, and moves the electrode assembly so that it is inserted into the receiving portion from below upward.

10. In paragraph 8, A pouch-type battery manufacturing device characterized in that the cell gripper is movably provided on the coupling gripper to increase or decrease the vertical gap with the pouch gripper.

11. In paragraph 10, A pouch-type battery manufacturing device characterized in that the above pouch gripper is fixed to the above combination gripper.

12. In paragraph 10, A pouch-type battery manufacturing device characterized in that the pouch gripper and the cell gripper are provided in parallel.

13. In paragraph 10, A pouch-type battery manufacturing device characterized in that the gripper includes a linear moving device that drives the cell gripper to move.

14. In paragraph 10, A pouch-type battery manufacturing device characterized in that the gripper moves integrally with the movement of the end of the multi-joint robot.

15. In paragraph 14, The above multi-joint robot, An insertion drive that moves the electrode assembly so that it is positioned inside the gripper; A mounting drive that moves the pouch to be mounted on the upper surface of the electrode assembly; and A pouch-type battery manufacturing device characterized in that it is equipped to perform a reverse drive that reverses the gripper up and down.

16. In paragraph 8, A pouch-type battery manufacturing device characterized in that the above pouch gripper includes a plurality of extensions extending from the coupling gripper at a predetermined interval from each other.

17. In paragraph 16, A pouch-type battery manufacturing device characterized in that a plurality of suction nozzles are provided in the extension length direction of the plurality of extension parts.

18. In paragraph 17, A pouch-type battery manufacturing device characterized in that the above cell gripper includes a plurality of extensions extending from the coupling gripper at a predetermined interval from each other.

19. In paragraph 18, The electrode assembly includes an electrode station on which the electrode assembly is supported before being coupled to the gripper, The electrode station includes a plurality of extensions spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval along the length direction of the electrode assembly, A pouch-type battery manufacturing device characterized in that the cell gripper extension is formed to be able to vertically penetrate between the extensions of the electrode station.

20. In paragraph 8, A pouch-type battery manufacturing device characterized in that the gripper is opened in the left, right, and forward directions so that the pouch and electrode assembly can be inserted into the gripper.

Images