Secondary battery manufacturing method and secondary battery manufacturing apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a secondary battery manufacturing method and, more particularly, to a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus and a secondary battery manufacturing method, whereby the cutting of a pouch and the removal of foreign substances can be effectively performed through a roll conveying step and the forming of unit pouches can be continuously performed. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a secondary battery manufacturing method and an apparatus using same are provided, the method comprising: a conveyance step for feeding pouch fabric through a roll conveyance device; and a slitting step for cutting the conveyed pouch fabric in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction so as to correspond to the length of a unit pouch, wherein the pouch fabric is partially cut so that both ends of the pouch fabric in the cutting direction are excluded. The conveyance step includes a both end-supporting conveyance step for supporting and conveying the uncut portions at both ends of the pouch fabric excluding the cut portions of the pouch fabric after the slitting step.

Description

Secondary battery manufacturing method and device

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a secondary battery, and more specifically, to a secondary battery manufacturing device and method capable of effectively performing cutting of a pouch and removing foreign substances through a roll conveying process, and continuously performing forming of unit pouches.

[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] To manufacture single-pouch secondary batteries, unit pouches are required. These are formed through a slitting process, which cuts roll-shaped pouch fabric at regular intervals.

[0009] For example, the width of the pouch fabric may be the same as the width of a single pouch, and the pouch fabric may be cut at intervals corresponding to the length of the single pouch to form unit pouches.

[0010] Slitting of pouches is performed using a slitting cutter. During the slitting process, aluminum fragments, or foreign matter, can be generated and adhere to the top and bottom surfaces of the pouch. These foreign matters can damage the pouch as it is transported through the rolls and can cause defects in the pouch during the subsequent molding process, which alters its shape. Furthermore, if these foreign matters are not properly removed, they can degrade the performance of the manufactured pouch-type secondary battery.

[0011] Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2021-0047469 (hereinafter referred to as “prior patent”) discloses an example in which the slitting process and the forming process of a pouch are performed sequentially.

[0012] The features disclosed in the prior patent are explained through Fig. 1 as follows.

[0013] The pouch fabric (P) is continuously supplied through a roll conveying device (R) and can be cut into unit pouches through a slitting cutter (1). At this time, a foreign matter removal device (2) is provided to remove foreign matter generated by the cutting. The foreign matter removal device (2) is configured to suck in air, and removes foreign matter from the pouch through suction.

[0014] The cut unit pouch is preheated by a preheating lamp (3) and then formed by a forming device (4). The forming device (4) is a device for forming a receiving portion, i.e., a receiving space, into which an electrode assembly is to be received through forming. The unit pouch (5) whose pouch formation is complete is then assembled with an electrode assembly through an assembly process.

[0015] As illustrated, the pouch fabric (P) is transported by a roll transport device (R) up to the slitting cutter (1), and then moved on a stage (6) via a separate transport device. That is, since the cut unit pouch is moved by a picker or linear transport device (not illustrated) while placed on the stage (6), removal of foreign substances can only be performed on the upper surface of the unit pouch. In other words, there is a problem that it is difficult to remove foreign substances that may be attached to the lower surface of the unit pouch during the slitting process.

[0016] In addition, the pouch fabric (P) is transported by a roll transport device only before the slitting process, and thereafter, the forming process is performed while the individual pouches are transported by a separate transport device. Therefore, it is difficult to provide a pouch forming method in which the transport process of the pouch fabric, the slitting process, and the forming process are performed continuously and organically.

[0017] In particular, in the molding process of forming a receiving portion in a pouch, complex input and output devices are required for the input, forming, and output of unit pouches, and the process time inevitably increases during this process.

[0018] The present invention aims to solve the problems of conventional secondary battery manufacturing methods and devices. In particular, it aims to solve the problems of a pouch forming method and device for forming unit pouches from pouch fabric.

[0019] Through one embodiment of the present invention, it is intended to provide a method and device for manufacturing a secondary battery capable of performing a forming process using a roll conveying device.

[0020] Through one embodiment of the present invention, it is intended to provide a method and device for manufacturing a secondary battery that can effectively remove foreign substances generated during slitting of a pouch by using a horizontal blower and a vertical blower together.

[0021] Through one embodiment of the present invention, it is intended to provide a method and device for manufacturing a secondary battery that can use a horizontal blower and a vertical blower together using a roll conveying device.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, a method and device for manufacturing a secondary battery capable of effectively removing foreign substances from a cut cross-section of a pouch by performing vertical blowing on a pouch with both ends floating in the air by a roll conveying device is provided.

[0023] Through one embodiment of the present invention, it is intended to provide a method and device for manufacturing a secondary battery in which a slitting process, a blowing process, and a forming process can be sequentially and continuously performed by a roll conveying device.

[0024] In order to achieve the above-described object, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a secondary battery may be provided, comprising: a transport process for supplying a pouch fabric through a roll transport device; and a slitting process for cutting the transported pouch fabric in a direction perpendicular to the transporting direction so as to correspond to the length of a unit pouch, but partially cutting the pouch fabric except for both ends in the cutting direction, and wherein the transport process includes a double-end support transport process for supporting and transporting uncut portions of both ends except for the cut portion of the pouch fabric after the slitting process.

[0025] It is preferable that the above-mentioned transport process include a full support transport process that supports and transports the entire width direction of the pouch fabric before the above-mentioned slitting process.

[0026] Through the entire support transfer process, the pouch fabric can be stably supported and supplied before the slitting process, and through the double-end support transfer process, the uncut portions of both ends of the pouch are supported except for the cut portion, enabling continuous transfer of the pouch fabric and avoidance of the cut portion.

[0027] It is preferable to include a blowing process for removing foreign substances generated in the slitting process through a blower.

[0028] The above blowing process may include a horizontal blowing process by supplying gas horizontally to the upper and lower surfaces of the pouch fabric conveyed through the roll conveying device.

[0029] The above blowing process may include a vertical blowing process that supplies gas in a vertical direction to the upper and lower surfaces of the pouch fabric being transported through the roll transport device.

[0030] The vertical blowing process may be performed after the horizontal blowing process is performed, or vice versa.

[0031] Effective blowing can be performed by performing blowing while maintaining the continuity of the pouch fabric by partially cutting the pouch fabric.

[0032] It may include a forming process of pressing the above pouch fabric to form a receiving portion of the electrode assembly.

[0033] During the forming process, the feeding and discharging of pouch fabric can also be performed through a roll feeder. Therefore, separate feeding and discharging devices are not required.

[0034] It is preferable that the above forming process be performed after the above slitting process and blowing process.

[0035] The above slitting process, blowing process, and forming process can be performed continuously without interruption of the pouch fabric through the roll conveying device.

[0036] The above roll conveying device repeatedly stops after conveying the length of the unit pouch, and the slitting process and forming process can be performed during the stop. That is, they can be performed simultaneously at different locations through different devices.

[0037] The above pouch fabric may include a cutting process for cutting the non-cut portion to form the unit pouch. The cutting process may also be performed simultaneously with the slitting process and forming process at different locations.

[0038] In order to achieve the above-described object, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus may be provided, including a roll conveying device for supplying and conveying a pouch fabric; and a slitting cutter for cutting the conveyed pouch fabric in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction so as to correspond to the length of a unit pouch, and for partially cutting both ends in the cutting direction so as to exclude cutting, and for maintaining conveyance of the pouch fabric through the roll conveying device even after cutting, wherein the roll conveying device includes a full support roll located upstream of the slitting cutter for supporting the entire width direction of the pouch fabric, and a partial support roll located downstream of the slitting cutter for supporting uncut portions of both ends excluding the cut portion of the pouch fabric.

[0039] The width of the above pouch fabric may be the same as the width of the above unit pouch.

[0040] It is preferable to include a blower located downstream of the slitting cutter to remove foreign substances generated during the slitting process.

[0041] It is preferable that the above blower include a horizontal blower that supplies gas horizontally to the upper and lower surfaces of the pouch fabric conveyed through the roll conveying device to remove foreign substances generated in the slitting process.

[0042] It is preferable that the above blower include a vertical blower that vertically supplies gas to the upper and lower surfaces of the pouch fabric conveyed through the roll conveying device to remove foreign substances generated in the slitting process.

[0043] It is preferable that the above vertical blower includes an upper vertical blower and a lower vertical blower which are spaced apart from each other along the transport direction through the roll transport device.

[0044] The above horizontal blower may be located upstream of the above vertical blower or vice versa.

[0045] It is preferable to include a forming device located downstream of the blower and configured to pressurize the pouch fabric conveyed through the roll conveying device to form a receiving portion of the electrode assembly.

[0046] It is preferable that the above partial support roll is located on the downstream side of the forming device.

[0047] In order to achieve the above-described object, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a pouch forming device for a secondary battery may be provided, including: a roll conveying device for supplying and conveying a pouch fabric; a slitting cutter for cutting the conveyed pouch fabric in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction so as to correspond to the length of a unit pouch, and for partially cutting both ends in the cutting direction so as to exclude them from cutting, thereby maintaining conveyance of the pouch fabric through the roll conveying device even after cutting; a horizontal blower for removing foreign substances generated during pouch cutting in a horizontal direction on the upper and lower surfaces of the pouch fabric conveyed through the roll conveying device; and a vertical blower for removing foreign substances generated during pouch cutting in a vertical direction on the upper and lower surfaces of the pouch fabric conveyed through the roll conveying device.

[0048] The above pouch fabric is provided in a roll form, and as the roll is unwound, the pouch fabric can be continuously supplied through a roll transport device. In other words, the pouch fabric is continuously transported through the roll transport device without any break in the fabric.

[0049] When the slitting cutter completely cuts the pouch fabric in the width direction, the continuous state of the pouch fabric is no longer maintained, and unit pouches are formed. In the present embodiment, the slitting cutter can form a cut portion by cutting only the central portion in the width direction of the pouch fabric. Accordingly, an uncut portion is formed at both ends in the width direction of the pouch fabric. Accordingly, the continuous state of the pouch fabric can be maintained even after passing the slitting cutter. This means that the pouch fabric can be continuously fed through a roll feed device after the slitting cutter.

[0050] The above-mentioned unit pouch may refer to a pouch, i.e., a sealing material, for forming a single secondary battery cell. A slitting cutter can be used to partially cut the pouch fabric at a set pitch interval, corresponding to the unit pouch. A separate cutter can then be used in a subsequent process to completely cut the uncut portion, ultimately forming the unit pouch.

[0051] The width of the above pouch fabric may be the same as the width or length of the unit pouch. In this case, the interval between partial cuts of the pouch fabric may be the same as the length or width of the unit pouch.

[0052] The above horizontal blower may include a blower nozzle that sprays gas on one side and a suction nozzle that sucks gas in response to the blower nozzle on the other side. That is, it is possible to simultaneously scatter foreign substances and suck up the scattered foreign substances.

[0053] It is preferable that the above blower nozzle and suction nozzle are provided in multiple numbers along the transport direction through the above roll transport device.

[0054] It is preferable that the above blower nozzle and suction nozzle are respectively provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the unit pouch.

[0055] The positions of the above blower nozzle and suction nozzle may be arranged to intersect along the transport direction through the roll transport device. That is, the positions of a pair of blower nozzles and suction nozzles and an adjacent pair of blower nozzles and suction nozzles may be diametrically opposite. That is, the gas injection directions of the adjacent blower nozzles and blower nozzles may be diametrically opposite.

[0056] The above vertical blower may include an upper vertical blower and a lower vertical blower that are spaced apart from each other along the transport direction through the roll transport device.

[0057] It is preferable that the gas injection centers of the upper vertical blower and the lower vertical blower are arranged to be staggered from each other.

[0058] The above horizontal blower may be positioned in front of the above vertical blower. That is, the horizontal blowing may be performed after the vertical blowing is performed along the transport direction of the pouch fabric. Of course, the opposite may also be the case.

[0059] Meanwhile, foreign substances generated during the slitting process are most likely to adhere to the cutting line or near the cutting line. Therefore, horizontal and vertical blowers may be installed at positions aligned with the cutting line.

[0060] Blowing using the above horizontal and vertical blowers can be performed simultaneously with the transport of the pouch fabric, or can be performed while the transport of the pouch fabric is stopped. Of course, blowing can be performed in all states of transport and stoppage of the pouch fabric. The above slitting can be performed while the pouch fabric is stopped.

[0061] The pouch fabric moves one pitch corresponding to the width or length of the unit pouch and then stops repeatedly, and slitting can be performed when stopped. Then, after moving one pitch, it stops and slitting can be performed again. Accordingly, the blower can be installed at a position corresponding to n pitches downstream from the slitting cutter. Here, n can be considered a natural number.

[0062] Through this, the blower is positioned opposite the cutting line of the pouch and can effectively perform blowing while the pouch fabric is in a stationary state.

[0063] The above roll transport device may include a winding roll that rotatably supports the pouch fabric in a roll state; a first support roll that supports the pouch fabric on the upstream side of the slitting cutter; and a second support roll that supports the pouch fabric on the downstream side of the horizontal blower and the vertical blower.

[0064] A slitting process and a blowing process for the pouch fabric can be performed between the first support roll and the second support roll.

[0065] The first and second support rolls may be provided to support the entire width of the pouch fabric. Accordingly, stable support and transport of the pouch fabric are possible. In particular, it is preferable that the first and second support rolls be provided to simultaneously support the upper and lower surfaces of the pouch fabric.

[0066] A forming device may be further provided to form a receiving portion of the electrode assembly from the pouch fabric conveyed through the above-described roll conveying device. That is, the slitting process, the blowing process, and the forming process may be performed by utilizing conveying through a continuous roll conveying device.

[0067] The forming device may include a lower die and an upper press for thermally pressurizing the unit pouch positioned on the lower die.

[0068] The forming device may include a third support roll that supports and transports the unit pouch on the downstream side.

[0069] The third support roll may be provided to support the uncut portions of both widthwise ends of the unit pouch, excluding cutting by the slitting cutter. That is, the third support roll may be provided to support the pouch fabric while avoiding the receiving portion of the electrode assembly formed after the forming process of the pouch. That is, the third support roll may be provided to support only both ends of the pouch fabric in the widthwise direction. Of course, the third support roll may be provided to support both the upper and lower surfaces of the pouch fabric simultaneously.

[0070] A linear moving device may be further provided to linearly move the pouch fabric discharged through the third support roll.

[0071] The linear transport device is configured to receive unit pouches that have been formed and are discharged or supplied through a third support roll. On the linear transport device, unit pouches are not completely separated from adjacent unit pouches. In other words, they are connected through a non-cut portion.

[0072] Therefore, the unit pouches can be completely separated from each other by cutting the non-cut portion on the linear moving device.

[0073] After the separation of the unit pouches is performed, the unit pouches are moved through a linear moving device and can then be moved to an assembly process through a separate means such as a picker.

[0074] The linear movement device may include a cutter for cutting the non-cut portion of the unit pouch.

[0075] The above cutter may be provided in four pieces corresponding to the four corners of the unit pouch. Of course, since the unit pouch can be cut after being moved by one pitch, the cutter may also be provided in two pieces.

[0076] It is preferable that the above roll transport device is provided to stop after transporting the length or width of the unit pouch, and to repeat transport and stop.

[0077] In order to achieve the above-described object, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for forming a pouch-type secondary battery may be provided, including a conveying process for supplying a pouch fabric through a roll conveying device; a slitting process for cutting the conveyed pouch fabric in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction so as to correspond to the length of a unit pouch; a blowing process for removing foreign substances generated in the slitting process through a blower; and a forming process for forming a receiving portion of an electrode assembly by pressurizing the pouch fabric, and in order to continuously perform the slitting process, the blowing process, and the forming process through the roll conveying device, in the slitting process, both ends of the pouch fabric in the cutting direction are partially cut so as to be excluded from the cutting.

[0078] It is preferable that the above roll transport device be provided to repeatedly stop after transporting the length of the unit pouch.

[0079] Through one embodiment of the present invention, a method and device for manufacturing a secondary battery capable of performing a forming process using a roll conveying device can be provided.

[0080] Through one embodiment of the present invention, a method and device for manufacturing a secondary battery can be provided that can effectively remove foreign substances generated during slitting of a pouch by using a horizontal blower and a vertical blower together.

[0081] Through one embodiment of the present invention, a method and device for manufacturing a secondary battery can be provided that can use a horizontal blower and a vertical blower together using a roll conveying device.

[0082] Through one embodiment of the present invention, a method and device for manufacturing a secondary battery can be provided that can effectively remove foreign substances from a cut cross-section of a pouch by performing vertical blowing on a pouch with both ends floating in the air by a roll conveying device.

[0083] Through one embodiment of the present invention, a method and device for manufacturing a secondary battery can be provided in which a slitting process, a blowing process, and a forming process can be sequentially and continuously performed by a roll conveying device.

[0084] Figure 1 illustrates a conventional pouch forming device and method.

[0085] FIG. 2 illustrates a pouch forming device according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the side.

[0086] Figure 3 illustrates a top view of the molding device illustrated in Figure 2.

[0087] Figure 4 illustrates another embodiment of the positioning of the vertical blower and the horizontal blower,

[0088] Figure 5 schematically illustrates a pouch forming device and forming method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] Figure 6 shows a top view of the pouch fabric transferred after the forming process.

[0090] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, a pouch forming device and forming method for a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0091] FIG. 2 illustrates a pouch forming device according to an embodiment of the present invention from the side of a pouch fabric being transported through a roll transport device, and FIG. 3 illustrates a pouch forming device according to an embodiment of the present invention from the top surface of a pouch fabric being transported through a roll transport device.

[0092] The roll transport device may include a first support roll (R2), and the roll transport device refers to a device that can continuously transport the pouch fabric (P) between rolls. The transport may be performed continuously without stopping, or may be repeated with stops after a certain interval of transport. Details regarding the roll transport device will be described later.

[0093] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the pouch fabric (P) can be transported while being supported by the first support roll (R2), and can be cut by the slitting cutter (10) after passing the first support roll (R2). It can be said that the slitting cutter (10) is positioned on the downstream side of the first support roll (R2) along the transport direction, and conversely, the first support roll (R2) is positioned on the upstream side of the slitting cutter (10).

[0094] Here, it is preferable that the slitting cutter (10) does not cut the entire width of the pouch fabric (P). That is, it is preferable that the central portion of the width is cut, but both ends of the width are not cut. More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the slitting cutter (10) cuts the central portion of the pouch fabric (P) to form a cut portion through a cutting line (S), and an uncut portion (N) may be formed at both ends of the cutting line (S).

[0095] The continuity of the pouch fabric (P) can be maintained by the above-mentioned non-cutting portion (N), and thus continuous transport is possible even after slitting by the roll transport device.

[0096] The slitting cutter (10) is configured to cut the pouch fabric (P) to form a unit pouch. That is, the pouch fabric (P) is cut at a certain interval or length, and when both ends are cut, a unit pouch can be formed. In other words, the entire width of the pouch fabric (P) can correspond to the length of the unit pouch, and at this time, the cutting interval of the pouch fabric (P), that is, the interval between adjacent cutting lines (S) and cutting lines (S), can correspond to the width of the unit pouch.

[0097] As illustrated, the pouch fabric (P) is supported by a roll conveying device, and thus the slitting cutter (10) cuts the pouch fabric (P) floating in the air. At this time, foreign substances (d) generated may be placed near the cutting line (S). In particular, foreign substances may adhere to the upper and lower surfaces of the pouch fabric (P).

[0098] In order to effectively remove these foreign substances from the pouch fabric (P), a horizontal blower (20) may be provided. The horizontal blower (20) may be positioned in front of the slitting cutter (10). That is, after slitting, the foreign substances (d) may be removed through the horizontal blower (20).

[0099] A horizontal blower (20) may be provided to remove foreign substances in a horizontal direction from the upper and lower surfaces of the pouch fabric (P) or unit pouches transported through a roll transport device.

[0100] A horizontal blower (20) may include a blower nozzle (21, 23) that sprays gas from one side and a suction nozzle (22, 24) that sucks gas in response to the blower nozzle (21, 23) from the other side.

[0101] The blower nozzle (21, 23) may be provided to spray gas in the width direction and horizontal direction of the pouch fabric (P). The sprayed gas may be compressed air.

[0102] The blower nozzle (21, 23) may be configured to move in the width direction. That is, it may move in the width direction of the pouch fabric (P) while spraying air from one side. That is, it may perform the function of gradually pushing out foreign substances.

[0103] A suction nozzle (22, 24) may be provided on the opposite side of the blower nozzle (21, 23), and one blower nozzle and one suction nozzle may be provided in a one-to-one correspondence while facing each other. The suction nozzle may be provided so as to be fixed without moving in the width direction of the pouch fabric (P).

[0104] Here, to more effectively remove foreign substances in the horizontal direction, a pair of blower nozzles and suction nozzles may be provided in multiple numbers along the transport direction. Furthermore, it is preferable that the directions in which air is blown and sucked intersect.

[0105] In addition, it is preferable that a pair of blower nozzles and suction nozzles are arranged symmetrically vertically with respect to the pouch fabric (P). In addition, it is preferable that the directions in which air is blown and sucked are the same.

[0106] For example, the blower nozzle and the suction nozzle, which are vertically installed close to the slitting cutter (10), may be configured to spray and suck air in the same direction. Furthermore, the blower nozzle and the suction nozzle, which are vertically installed far from the slitting cutter (10), may likewise be configured to spray and suck air in the same direction. However, as illustrated in Fig. 3, it is preferable that the directions in which air is sprayed and sucked are opposite. This allows for more effective removal of foreign substances.

[0107] Meanwhile, even with this horizontal removal of foreign matter, foreign matter may remain. In particular, there is a possibility that foreign matter may remain in the thickness portion of the cutting line (S).

[0108] To more effectively remove such foreign substances, a vertical blower (30, 40) may be provided. The vertical blower (30, 40) may be provided to vertically remove foreign substances from the upper and lower surfaces of the pouch fabric (P) or unit pouches transported through a roll transport device.

[0109] The above vertical blowers (30, 40) may include an upper vertical blower (30) and a lower vertical blower (40). The upper vertical blower (30) may inject gas downward toward the upper surface of the pouch fabric (P), and the lower vertical blower (40) may inject gas upward toward the lower surface of the pouch fabric (P).

[0110] Here, it is preferable that the spray centers of the upper vertical blower (30) and the lower vertical blower (40) are not the same. That is, it is preferable that they have a predetermined deviation. Through this, the up-and-down shaking of the pouch fabric (P) can be more effectively generated. In particular, the upper blower can spray gas toward one side adjacent to the cut line (S) and the lower blower can spray gas toward the other side adjacent to the cut line (S) based on the cutting line (S). At this time, the pouch fabric (P) on one side can move upward and the pouch fabric (P) on the other side can move downward based on the cutting line (S). That is, the pouch fabric (P) can spread up and down based on the cutting line (S), and at this time, the cut surface (i.e., the thickness surface of the cut pouch fabric) by the cutting line (S) is exposed and is affected by the sprayed gas. In addition, since the non-cut portion (N) is formed at both ends of the cutting line (S), the width of the pouch fabric spreading has a certain limit.

[0111] Additionally, the pouch fabric (P) can be moved up and down by the vertical blower (30, 40). At this time, foreign substances (d) attached to the pouch fabric can be effectively removed by being detached from the fabric (P).

[0112] Meanwhile, the vertical blower (30, 40) may be equipped to move along the cutting line (S). That is, it may be configured to spray gas while moving.

[0113] As illustrated in Fig. 3, the horizontal blower (20) and the vertical blower (30, 40) may be provided to remove foreign substances in accordance with the cutting line (S). That is, the cutting line (S) may not move continuously but may stop at positions corresponding to the horizontal blower (20) and the vertical blower (30, 40).

[0114] In other words, the pouch fabric (P) can be made to move and stop repeatedly without being continuously moved through the roll conveyor. Between movement and stop, the pouch fabric (P) can be made to move only as much as the width of the unit pouch. That is, when the pouch fabric moves by a certain pitch and stops, a cutting line (S) is formed by the slitting cutter (10), and after cutting is completed, the pouch fabric (P) can be moved again by a certain pitch, stop, and be cut.

[0115] Here, it is preferable that foreign matter removal is performed not only through slitting but also through horizontal and vertical blowers when the pouch fabric (P) is stopped. Therefore, it is preferable that the slitting corners (10, horizontal blowers, and vertical blowers) are positioned at a distance of n pitches along the longitudinal direction of the pouch fabric (P), where n is a natural number.

[0116] Ultimately, it is desirable that the slitting cutter drive, horizontal blower drive and vertical blower drive be performed simultaneously at different positions when the pouch fabric (P) is stopped.

[0117] Fig. 4 illustrates an example in which the positions of the horizontal blower (20) and the vertical blowers (30, 40) illustrated in Fig. 3 are swapped. The vertical blower may have a structure that makes it difficult to include a suction nozzle for sucking up foreign substances. Therefore, foreign substances (d) scattered through the vertical blower (30, 40) may reattach to the pouch fabric (P). Of course, foreign substances on the cut surface can be effectively removed through the vertical blower.

[0118] Therefore, as illustrated in Fig. 4, it can be very effective to primarily remove foreign substances through the vertical blower (30, 40) and secondarily remove foreign substances through the horizontal blower (20). In other words, it is preferable that the horizontal blower (20) be located downstream of the vertical blower (30, 40).

[0119] Hereinafter, the roll transport device (R1 to R4) and manufacturing method of the secondary battery manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail.

[0120] As illustrated, the roll transport device may include an unwinding roll (R1) that rotatably supports a pouch fabric in a roll state. That is, the pouch fabric may be supplied through the unwinding roll (R1). The pouch fabric may be supplied continuously without interruption from the unwinding roll (R1). That is, the transport process of the pouch fabric may be performed by driving the roll transport device. As described above, it is preferable that the transport of the pouch fabric through the roll transport device be performed by repeatedly stopping after transporting at a certain pitch.

[0121] The roll transport device may include a first support roll (R2) that supports the pouch fabric (P) on the upstream side of the slitting cutter (10). The pouch fabric (P) transported from the take-up roll (R1) through the first support roll (R2) can be transported to the slitting cutter (10) stably and continuously.

[0122] After the slitting process in which the pouch fabric (P) is partially cut at a certain pitch using a slitting cutter (10), a blowing process in which foreign substances are removed can be performed.

[0123] For the blowing process, a horizontal blower (20) and a vertical blower (30, 40) are provided, and it is preferable that these blowers are installed at preset positions on the transport path of the pouch fabric (P).

[0124] It is preferable that a second support roll (R3) be provided on the downstream side of the horizontal blower (20) and the vertical blower (30, 40). That is, if the roll transport device includes a first support roll (R2) and a second support roll (R3), the slitting process and the blowing process of the pouch fabric (P) can be performed between the first and second support rolls. That is, the first and second support rolls not only have the function of transporting the pouch fabric (P), but also perform the function of supporting the pouch fabric during the slitting process and the blowing process.

[0125] According to this embodiment, the slitting process, the blowing process, and the forming process can be performed continuously using a roll conveying device.

[0126] The forming process may be a process for forming a receiving portion or groove for accommodating an electrode assembly by pressurizing a unit pouch. In the forming process, the unit pouch may be considered to be in a state where it is not completely separated from the pouch fabric.

[0127] To perform the forming process, a forming device (40) may be positioned on the transport path of the pouch fabric (P). More preferably, the forming process may be performed after the blowing process is performed.

[0128] The pouch fabric (P) that has undergone the slitting and blowing processes can be transported through the second support roll (R3) and supplied to the forming device (40). In other words, no separate device is required to supply and discharge the pouch to the forming device, and the roll transport device can be used as is.

[0129] The forming device may include an upper press (41) that pressurizes the pouch fabric (P) from the top to the bottom, and a lower die (42) that supports the pouch fabric (P) from the bottom when the upper press (41) presses. Specifically, the upper press (41) may be positioned at the top and spaced apart from the upper surface of the pouch fabric (P), and the lower die (42) may be positioned at the bottom and spaced apart from the lower surface of the pouch fabric (P). In addition, during the forming process, the upper press (41) and the lower die (42) move toward the pouch fabric, and at this time, the pouch fabric interposed between the upper press (41) and the lower die (42) may be formed. The shapes of the upper press (41) and the lower die (42) may be formed to correspond to the profile of a unit pouch on which forming is completed.

[0130] Through this forming device, a stationary pouch fabric can be formed during the forming process, and when the forming process is completed, the pouch fabric can be transported without interference with the forming device.

[0131] The forming device (40) may include a stripper (not shown) for fixing both ends or edges of the unit pouch during forming. This stripper may be a part of the lower die (42).

[0132] The roll transport device may include a third support roll (R4). The third support roll (R4) may be positioned downstream of the forming device (40). Between the second support roll (R3) and the third support roll (R4), the pouch fabric may be supported and transported, and may also be formed.

[0133] Figure 6 illustrates the pouch fabric (P) after the slitting process and forming process are completed.

[0134] As illustrated, the pouch between the cutting lines (S) and the cutting lines (S) may be a unit pouch, and must ultimately be completely separated from the adjacent unit pouches. That is, the cutting of the non-cut portion (N) must be performed. To this end, it is preferable that a cutting process or separation process be performed after the forming process, in which the non-cut portion (N) is cut.

[0135] As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, when a receiving portion (a) is formed in a pouch through a forming process, a step is formed on the surface of the pouch. Therefore, it is not easy to support or transport this step using a roll. Meanwhile, the receiving portion (a) is located between the cutting lines (S) and the cutting lines (S), and a non-forming portion, i.e., a flat portion, is formed between the receiving portion (a) and the cutting lines (S) for subsequent pouch sealing.

[0136] Likewise, the receiving portion (a) is formed only in the widthwise central portion of the pouch fabric (P), and non-forming portions, i.e., flat portions, are formed at both ends. As described above, non-cut portions (N) are formed at both widthwise ends of the pouch fabric (P). In other words, the cutting line (S) is formed only in the widthwise central portion of the pouch fabric. Therefore, the pouch fabric (P) can maintain continuity through the non-cut portion (N). In other words, the pouch fabric (P) can be transported using a roll transport device even after the forming process.

[0137] For this purpose, the third support roll (R4) may have a different shape from the other support rolls (R2, R3). The first and second support rolls may be provided to support the entire width of the pouch fabric from the top and bottom. Therefore, the first and second support rolls may be referred to as full support rolls. However, the third support roll may be provided to support only both ends of the pouch width. In other words, it may be provided to support and transport the pouch fabric while avoiding the receiving portion (a). Of course, the third support roll may be provided to support the top and bottom of the pouch. Therefore, the third support roll may be referred to as a double-end support roll or a partial support roll.

[0138] Here, the transfer of pouch fabric through a roll transfer device is referred to as a transfer process, and the transfer process can be subdivided based on the shape and position of the support rolls. For example, transfer through a full support roll, such as the first or second support roll, is referred to as a full support transfer process, and transfer through a partial support roll, such as the third support roll, is referred to as a partial support transfer process.

[0139] Meanwhile, two receiving portions (a) can be formed in the width direction of the pouch fabric (P). The part indicated by the center line between the two receiving portions (a) can be said to be the part that is folded when the electrode assembly and the unit pouch are assembled later.

[0140] After the pouch forming process for forming the receiving portion (a) is completed, the pouch fabric (P) can be transferred to the next process while being supported by the third support roll (R4).

[0141] After the forming process is completed, the cutting process or separation process of the non-cut portion (N) described above can be performed.

[0142] The pouch fabric (P) conveyed through the third support roll (R4) can be ultimately formed into a unit pouch through the cutters (11, 12). That is, the cutters (11, 12) can be provided to cut the non-cut portions (N) at each of the four corner portions of the unit pouch. Of course, the unit pouch can also be formed by cutting only two corner portions.

[0143] The pouch fabric (P) conveyed through the third support roll (R4) is supplied to the linear conveying device (60), and the unit pouches can be individually and completely separated by a cutter on the linear conveying device (60).

[0144] The linear transport device (60) may be equipped with a pallet or jig for supporting and transporting each unit pouch.

[0145] The unit pouches completely separated by the cutter (11, 12) can be transferred to a linear transport device (60) and then transferred to a subsequent assembly process, i.e., a process in which the electrode assembly and the unit pouches are assembled.

[0146] A picker (50) may be provided near the linear transport device (60) to absorb individually separated unit pouches and move them to the assembly process location.

[0147] As described above, the slitting process, blowing process, forming process, and separation process can be performed without breaking the pouch fabric (P) through the roll conveying devices (R1 to R4). In particular, since the blowing process can perform not only horizontal blowing but also vertical blowing, foreign substances generated during slitting can be removed very effectively.

[0148] Furthermore, these roll feed and partial cut slitting features allow slitting, blowing, forming, and separation to be performed simultaneously, enabling highly efficient and continuous pouch forming. In particular, the ability to utilize the roll feed throughout the pouch forming process allows for the implementation of an efficient and easy-to-install forming device.

[0149] Included in the detailed description of the invention.

Claims

1. A conveying process for supplying pouch fabric through a roll conveying device; and A slitting process is included in which the pouch fabric is cut in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction to correspond to the length of the unit pouch, but the pouch fabric is partially cut so that both ends are excluded from the cutting direction. A secondary battery manufacturing method characterized in that the above-mentioned transport process includes a double-end support transport process in which the uncut portions of the pouch fabric are supported and transported, excluding the cut portions of the pouch fabric after the slitting process.

2. In paragraph 1, A secondary battery manufacturing method characterized in that the above-mentioned transfer process includes a full support transfer process that supports and transfers the entire width direction of the pouch fabric before the above-mentioned slitting process.

3. In paragraph 2, A secondary battery manufacturing method characterized by including a blowing process for removing foreign substances generated in the slitting process through a blower.

4. In paragraph 3, A secondary battery manufacturing method characterized in that the above blowing process includes a horizontal blowing process by supplying gas horizontally to the upper and lower surfaces of the pouch fabric conveyed through the roll conveying device.

5. In paragraph 4, A secondary battery manufacturing method characterized in that the above blowing process includes a vertical blowing process that supplies gas in a vertical direction to the upper and lower surfaces of the pouch fabric conveyed through the roll conveying device.

6. In paragraph 5, A secondary battery manufacturing method characterized in that the vertical blowing process is performed after the horizontal blowing process is performed.

7. In paragraph 3, A secondary battery manufacturing method characterized by including a forming process for forming a receiving portion of an electrode assembly by pressing the above pouch fabric.

8. In paragraph 7, A secondary battery manufacturing method characterized in that the above forming process is performed after the above slitting process and blowing process.

9. In paragraph 8, A secondary battery manufacturing method characterized in that the above slitting process, blowing process, and forming process are performed continuously without interruption of the pouch fabric through the roll conveying device.

10. In paragraph 9, A secondary battery manufacturing method characterized in that the above roll conveying device repeatedly stops after conveying the length of the unit pouch, and the slitting process and forming process are performed during the stop.

11. In paragraph 7, A secondary battery manufacturing method characterized by including a cutting process for forming the unit pouch by cutting the non-cut portion of the pouch fabric.

12. Roll conveying device for supplying and conveying pouch fabric; and A slitting cutter is provided to cut the pouch fabric being transported in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction so as to correspond to the length of the unit pouch, and to partially cut both ends in the cutting direction so as to exclude them from the cutting, and to maintain the transport of the pouch fabric through the roll transport device even after cutting. A secondary battery manufacturing device characterized in that the roll transport device includes a full support roll located upstream of the slitting cutter and supporting the entire width direction of the pouch fabric, and a partial support roll located downstream of the slitting cutter and supporting the uncut portions of both ends of the pouch fabric except for the cut portion.

13. In paragraph 12, A secondary battery manufacturing device characterized in that the width of the above pouch fabric is the same as the width of the above unit pouch.

14. In paragraph 12, A secondary battery manufacturing device including a blower located downstream of the slitting cutter to remove foreign substances generated during the slitting process.

15. In paragraph 14, A secondary battery manufacturing device characterized in that the blower includes a horizontal blower that supplies gas horizontally to the upper and lower surfaces of the pouch fabric conveyed through the roll conveying device to remove foreign substances generated in the slitting process.

16. In paragraph 15, A secondary battery manufacturing device characterized in that the blower includes a vertical blower that vertically supplies gas to the upper and lower surfaces of the pouch fabric conveyed through the roll conveying device to remove foreign substances generated in the slitting process.

17. In paragraph 16, A secondary battery manufacturing device characterized in that the above vertical blower includes an upper vertical blower and a lower vertical blower that are spaced apart from each other along the transport direction through the roll transport device.

18. In paragraph 16, A secondary battery manufacturing device characterized in that the horizontal blower is located upstream of the vertical blower.

19. In paragraph 14, A secondary battery manufacturing device characterized by including a forming device positioned downstream of the blower and configured to pressurize the pouch fabric conveyed through the roll conveying device to form a receiving portion of an electrode assembly.

20. In paragraph 19, A secondary battery manufacturing device characterized in that the above partial support roll is located on the downstream side of the above forming device.

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