Apparatus for manufacturing pouch-type secondary battery

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a pouch-type secondary battery and, more specifically, to an adsorption device for holding a pouch in an electrolyte injection process and an apparatus for manufacturing a pouch-type secondary battery comprising the same. An embodiment of the present invention may provide an apparatus for manufacturing a pouch-type secondary battery, the apparatus comprising: a base; a pad assembly provided in front of the base and having an adsorption pad for adsorbing a pouch in a horizontal direction to form an electrolyte injection path into the pouch; and a pad cover covering an upper portion and a front portion of the pad assembly and having a nozzle for spraying air toward the adsorption pad.

Description

Pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing device

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

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0117452, dated September 5, 2023, all contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] With the proliferation of portable, small-sized electronic devices, the development of new types of secondary batteries, such as nickel-metal hydride batteries and lithium secondary batteries, is rapidly progressing. Recently, lithium secondary batteries are being widely used not only in power tools but also in automobiles.

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

[0005] These secondary batteries are manufactured in the form of a battery assembly, with an electrode assembly consisting of a positive electrode, a separator, and a negative electrode sequentially measured, housed in an outer packaging such as a pouch or cylindrical can. Subsequently, an electrolyte is injected into the battery assembly using an electrolyte injection device.

[0006] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a conventional adsorption device that holds a pouch in an electrolyte injection process.

[0007] A pad assembly (20) is provided long left and right with respect to the base (1), and the pad assembly (20) is provided so as to be able to move forward and backward with respect to the base (1).

[0008] The pad assembly (20) includes a frame (21) and a plurality of suction pads (22) provided on the frame (21). A vacuum pipe (23) is connected to the suction pad (22), so that the suction pad (22) suctions the pouch by vacuum.

[0009] The above pad assembly (20), particularly the frame (21), may be connected to a linear movement device (30) and configured to move linearly back and forth.

[0010] The above-mentioned adsorption device is provided on both sides of the pouch to secure a path for the electrolyte to be injected during the electrolyte injection process by holding the pouch. In other words, it is a device that secures the pouch by adsorbing the upper portion of the pouch and expanding the opening.

[0011] Electrolyte injection is typically performed through a cylindrical tube. However, since the electrolyte injection tube is formed as a simple cylindrical tube, residual electrolyte within the tube may leak outside the tube during the electrolyte injection process, either during movement or while waiting. Furthermore, small amounts of electrolyte may be dispersed during the injection process, potentially contaminating the outside environment. Leaked electrolyte may diffuse or be transferred to the adsorption device, potentially causing contamination and corrosion of the device and equipment.

[0012] In particular, foreign substances may adhere to the suction pad that absorbs the pouch through vacuum, which may deteriorate its performance as an absorption pad and cause errors in vacuum absorption. In addition, foreign substances adhered to the suction pad may be transferred to the pouch during the pouch absorption process, causing electrolyte foreign substances to remain on the surface of the pouch, which may cause pouch defects.

[0013] As illustrated in Figure 1, conventional adsorption devices, particularly adsorption pads, are exposed to external contamination without protection. In other words, conventional adsorption devices clearly suffer from problems caused by electrolyte contaminants. Therefore, a method for effectively preventing problems caused by electrolyte contaminants in adsorption devices is needed.

[0014] The purpose of the present invention is to solve the problems of conventional manufacturing devices.

[0015] An embodiment of the present invention provides a manufacturing device and a manufacturing method that can effectively prevent electrolyte foreign substances generated during an electrolyte injection process from being transferred to an adsorption device or an adsorption pad.

[0016] An embodiment of the present invention provides a manufacturing device and a manufacturing method capable of effectively removing electrolyte foreign substances from an adsorption pad.

[0017] An embodiment of the present invention provides a manufacturing device and a manufacturing method that can effectively prevent electrolyte foreign substances from spreading to the surroundings when removing electrolyte foreign substances.

[0018] Through one embodiment of the present invention, it is intended to provide a manufacturing device and a manufacturing method capable of preventing an increase in the time required for a manufacturing process by removing electrolyte contaminants by utilizing the idle period of the basic operation of an adsorption device or by removing electrolyte contaminants only under certain conditions.

[0019] In order to achieve the above-described purpose, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing device may be provided, including: a base; a pad assembly having an adsorption pad provided at the front of the base and configured to adsorb a pouch in a horizontal direction to form an electrolyte injection path into the interior of the pouch; and a pad cover covering the upper and front sides of the pad assembly and having a nozzle for injecting air toward the adsorption pad.

[0020] The above manufacturing device may be a part of an electrolyte injection device and may also be referred to as a pouch adsorption fixing device.

[0021] It is preferable that the above manufacturing device includes a moving device that moves the pad assembly forward and backward with respect to the base.

[0022] When a pouch is inserted into the electrolyte injection device, the pad assembly moves forward to absorb and secure the pouch. Pad assemblies may be provided symmetrically on both sides of the electrolyte injection device. The pad assemblies on both sides approach the pouch and absorb it, thereby widening the opening of the pouch and allowing it to expand. With the opening expanded, the electrolyte can be easily injected.

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

[0024] Therefore, the pad assembly can be configured to perform the electrolyte injection process continuously and repeatedly by repeating forward movement and adsorption and release of adsorption and backward movement.

[0025] It is preferable that the above nozzle be provided to spray air in a downward diagonal shape from the front upper portion of the above pad.

[0026] The above base preferably includes a tray for receiving electrolyte foreign substances that fall off the pad by air injection from the nozzle. The tray is preferably provided so as to be detachable from the base or so as to be able to be installed and removed.

[0027] It is preferable that the above base be provided with a blocking plate or barrier extending forward on both sides to block electrolyte foreign substances that have escaped from the pad from spreading to the surroundings. The blocking plate may also function to block electrolyte foreign substances scattered around the manufacturing device from approaching the pad assembly.

[0028] When the above nozzle sprays air, it is preferable that the pad assembly prevents the diffusion of the electrolyte foreign substances in the up-down, left-right, and front-back directions through the base, pad cover, tray, and blocking plate. The blocking plate may also prevent the electrolyte foreign substances from diffusion or inflow from the left-right and rear sides of the pad assembly.

[0029] It is preferable that the above pad cover be provided so as to be movable between an exposed position exposing the pad assembly forward and a covered position covering the front of the pad assembly.

[0030] It is preferable that the absorption of the pouch through the pad assembly is performed at the exposed position of the pad cover, and that the injection of air through the nozzle is performed at the covered position of the pad cover.

[0031] The above pad cover is preferably provided to be movable between the exposed position and the covered position relative to the base. The pad cover can be moved upward to the exposed position and downward to the covered position. Of course, the pad cover may also be provided to be swung between the exposed position and the covered position.

[0032] It is preferable that the above base be provided with a guide tower that guides the lifting and lowering of the pad cover.

[0033] The above pad cover may be provided to slide on the guide tower.

[0034] The above pad cover may include an upper cover extending diagonally from the upper side to the lower side to cover the upper side of the pad assembly; and a front cover extending downwardly from the upper cover to cover the front side of the pad assembly.

[0035] The above suction pad is provided in multiple numbers along the width direction of the pad assembly, and it is preferable that the width of the pad cover is larger than the width of the pad assembly.

[0036] The above pad cover includes a pneumatic pipe that extends and is fixed along the upper cover and the front cover, and the nozzle is preferably connected to an end of the pneumatic pipe and positioned on the upper portion of the front cover.

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

[0038] In order to achieve the above-described object, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing device may be provided, including a base having a recess formed in a front upper portion thereof and having a front surface and a lower surface by being sunken backward and downward; a pad assembly having an adsorption pad provided in front of the front surface of the recess and configured to adsorb a pouch in a horizontal direction to form an electrolyte injection path into the interior of the pouch; and a pad cover having a nozzle for injecting air toward the adsorption pad and covering the upper portion and the front of the pad assembly located in the recess.

[0039] It is preferable that the recess include a blocking plate extending laterally and forwardly to the left and right of the recess to surround the pad assembly. It is preferable that the blocking plate is provided on each side of the recess.

[0040] It is preferable that a tray be provided on the lower surface of the above recess to receive electrolyte foreign substances that fall off the above adsorption pad.

[0041] When the above nozzle sprays air, it is preferable that the pad assembly be surrounded in the up-down, left-right, front-back and left-right directions by the front of the recess, the pad cover, the tray and the blocking plate.

[0042] In order to achieve the above-described purpose, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing device can be provided, including: a base; a pad assembly having an adsorption pad provided at the front of the base and configured to adsorb a pouch in a horizontal direction to form an electrolyte injection path into the interior of the pouch; and a pad cover provided to be movable between an exposure position exposing the pad assembly forward and a cover position covering the front of the pad assembly.

[0043] In the above-mentioned exposed position of the pad cover, the pad assembly can move forward to absorb the pouch and then move backward to return to its original position. That is, the pad cover can be excluded from the movement path of the pad assembly.

[0044] Before the pad assembly moves forward, the pad cover moves to the cover position to cover the front of the pad assembly. Specifically, it can cover not only the front but also the upper portion of the pad assembly. That is, when the pad assembly is surrounded by a certain space, the pad assembly can be cleaned using compressed air within the certain space. This prevents contaminants from entering the certain space or, conversely, from being discharged outside the certain space.

[0045] In order to achieve the above-described purpose, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a secondary battery can be provided, including a step of injecting an electrolyte into a pouch by absorbing a pouch through a pad assembly while the pad cover is in an exposed position and at an absorption position of the pad assembly; and a cleaning step of cleaning the pad assembly by spraying compressed air onto the pad assembly through a nozzle while the pad cover is in a cover position and at a return position of the pad assembly.

[0046] The pad cover can be moved up and down or rotated between an exposed position and a covered position. The exposed position is a position where the pad cover does not impede the movement of the pad assembly, and the covered position is a position where the pad cover impedes the movement of the pad assembly. In other words, the cover position of the pad cover can be defined as a position where the pad cover impedes the movement of the pad assembly between the suction position and the return position. Therefore, the pad cover can be in the covered position state when the pad assembly does not move.

[0047] The cover position of the pad cover may be such that the pad cover is positioned at the front of the pad assembly. Accordingly, if a nozzle is provided on the pad cover, the spraying direction may be at the front of the pad assembly. In particular, effective cleaning of the pad assembly may be achieved by spraying compressed air from the front upper portion of the pad assembly.

[0048] The above electrolyte injection step may be performed repeatedly, and the cleaning step may be performed one-to-one with the electrolyte injection step. Furthermore, the cleaning step may be performed when a preset condition is satisfied, such as when the electrolyte injection step is performed a set number of times or a set amount of time has elapsed. The performance of the cleaning step may be automatically controlled.

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

[0050] Likewise, it is desirable that cleaning of the pad assembly via the nozzle be controlled either in conjunction with the movement of the pad assembly or independently. For example, when the number of electrolyte injections reaches a certain number, cleaning of the pad assembly may be performed via the nozzle. Furthermore, when the pad cover is moved to the cover position, cleaning of the pad assembly may be performed via the nozzle for a predetermined period of time.

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

[0052] Through one embodiment of the present invention, a manufacturing device and a manufacturing method capable of effectively removing electrolyte foreign substances stuck to an absorption pad can be provided.

[0053] Through one embodiment of the present invention, a manufacturing device and a manufacturing method can be provided that can effectively prevent electrolyte foreign substances from spreading to the surroundings when removing electrolyte foreign substances.

[0054] Through one embodiment of the present invention, a manufacturing device and a manufacturing method can be provided that can prevent an increase in the time required for a manufacturing process by removing electrolyte contaminants using the idle period of the basic operation of an adsorption device or removing electrolyte contaminants only under certain conditions.

[0055] Through one embodiment of the present invention, by mounting a spray nozzle on a pad cover, a manufacturing device and a manufacturing method can be provided that can easily set and fix a spray position and can be controlled to perform automatic cleaning.

[0056] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a conventional pouch adsorption device,

[0057] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Figure 3 shows the appearance of air being sprayed onto the absorption pad after the electrolyte injection is completed.

[0059] Figure 4 illustrates the adsorption pad moving forward and the pad cover moving to the exposed position for electrolyte injection.

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

[0061] Figure 6 shows the state in which the adsorption pad returns after the electrolyte injection is completed, and the adsorption pad and its surroundings are contaminated with electrolyte foreign substances.

[0062] Figure 7 illustrates the process of blowing air onto an adsorption pad contaminated with electrolyte foreign substances.

[0063] Figure 8 illustrates the electrolyte foreign matter detached from the adsorption pad being accommodated in a tray.

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

[0065] FIG. 2 illustrates the external appearance of an adsorption device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and the adsorption device can be said to be a device that adsorbs and fixes a pouch in a process of injecting an electrolyte into the pouch.

[0066] The adsorption device (100) may include a base (110) forming a reference. The base (110) is provided in the form of a fixed frame, and various components may be provided to be fixed or movable based on the base (110).

[0067] The above base (110) may be formed in a box shape, and unlike the conventional base (11) illustrated in FIG. 1, it is preferable that a recess (111) be formed in the base (110) according to the present embodiment. The recess (111) may be formed in a shape that is sunken from the upper front of the base (110) toward the rear and downward. Due to the recess, the cross-section of the base (110) may have an "L" shape. Accordingly, the recess (111) may have a lower surface (114) and a front surface (115).

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

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

[0070] The above pad assembly (120) may be configured to move forward and backward as a single unit via a frame (121). By driving the moving device (150), the pad assembly (120) can move forward and absorb the pouch near the pouch. When this absorption is performed, the opening of the pouch opens, and then the electrolyte can be injected.

[0071] When the injection of the electrolyte is completed, the pad assembly (120) can be moved backward by the driving of the moving device (150). That is, it can be moved to the original position. The frame (121) of the pad assembly (120) can be connected to a plurality of shafts (151). The moving device can be a linear moving device. The linear driving force is transmitted through the shafts (151) so that the pad assembly (120) can be moved forward and backward as a whole.

[0072] The conventional pad assembly (120) is always exposed to the outside. In particular, the forward-facing suction pad of the pad assembly (120) is highly vulnerable to electrolyte foreign substances flowing in from various directions. This applies not only during electrolyte injection but also after the electrolyte injection is completed and the device is returned to its original state.

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

[0074] The above pad cover (130) may be provided to basically cover the front of the suction pad. That is, the pad cover (130) may be provided to prevent foreign substances flowing in from the front of the suction pad from reaching the suction pad. That is, it may perform the function of a blocking plate or shield that blocks the movement path of foreign substances from the front.

[0075] The above pad cover (130) may be provided to cover the upper portion of the suction pad. That is, the pad cover (130) may be provided to prevent foreign substances flowing in from the upper portion of the suction pad from reaching the suction pad. That is, it may perform the function of a blocking plate or shield that blocks the movement path of foreign substances from the upper portion.

[0076] Therefore, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to basically prevent foreign substances from entering the pad assembly after electrolyte injection is completed by the pad cover (130).

[0077] Here, it can be seen that the pad cover (130) can perform the function of covering not only the suction pad but also the pad assembly and surrounding components. To this end, it is preferable that the left-right width of the pad cover (130) be larger than the left-right width of the pad assembly.

[0078] Specifically, the pad cover (130) may include an upper cover (131) extended to cover the upper portion of the pad assembly and a front cover (132) extended downward from the upper cover to cover the front portion of the pad assembly.

[0079] The upper cover (131) and the front cover (132) may be formed integrally. Accordingly, the upper and front of the pad assembly are blocked by the pad cover (132), so that the pad assembly can be isolated or blocked from the surroundings.

[0080] The upper cover (131) may be formed to extend diagonally from the upper side to the lower side, and then the front cover (132) may extend downward. Preferably, the front cover may extend vertically downward. Here, the angle between the upper cover (131) and the front cover (132) may be an obtuse angle, but may also be a right angle or an acute angle. However, as illustrated, it is preferable that the upper cover (131) and the front cover (132) form an obtuse angle with each other. This is because, as described below, the pad cover (130) is provided with a pneumatic pipe, and abrupt bending of the pneumatic pipe can be prevented through a gentle connection between the two.

[0081] The above pad cover (130) may include a pad base (133). The pad base may be connected to the upper cover (131). In addition, the pad base (133) may be formed integrally with the upper cover.

[0082] The above pad cover (130) is preferably configured to be movable. That is, it is provided to cover the pad assembly (120) after the injection of the electrolyte is completed, and the pad assembly (120) must not interfere with the absorption of the pouch in order to inject the electrolyte. That is, the pad cover (130) must move in order to inject the electrolyte. Therefore, it is preferable that the pad cover (130) be provided so as to be movable between the cover position and the exposed position.

[0083] The center of movement of this pad cover (130) can be said to be the pad base (133).

[0084] For example, the pad base (133) may be provided to be able to be raised. When the pad base (133) is raised, the entire pad cover (130) may be raised. That is, when the pad cover (130) is raised, the front of the pad assembly (120) may be completely exposed. In other words, any configuration that impedes or blocks the movement of the pad assembly (120) in the front may be excluded.

[0085] Accordingly, the position where the pad assembly (130) is fully raised can be referred to as the exposed position. And, the position where the pad assembly (130) is fully lowered can be referred to as the covered position. In the covered position, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the pad cover (130) can completely block the front and upper portion of the pad assembly (130).

[0086] The elevation of the above pad cover (130) can be performed through a guide tower (112). The guide tower (112) can be provided on the base (110), and in particular, can be provided on the recess (111) described above. The guide tower (112) can be provided integrally with the base. The guide tower (112) can be provided to extend vertically.

[0087] The above pad cover (130), particularly the pad base (133), may be provided to be able to ascend and descend on the guide tower (112). That is, it may ascend and descend by sliding. To this end, the guide tower (112) may be provided with sliding rails vertically. Here, the pad cover (130) needs to perform not only a covering function but also an air injection function as described below. Therefore, considering the weight of the pad cover (130), it is preferable that there be at least two rails. Through this, the pad cover (130) can be stably ascended and descended. In addition, the pad base (133) may be provided with a linear driving unit so as to be able to move linearly through the sliding rail.

[0088] Meanwhile, the pad cover (130) can be moved between the exposed position and the covered position not only by lifting but also by rotating. For example, the pad base (133) can be rotated with respect to the guide tower or base (110). If the pad cover (130) illustrated in FIG. 2 is in the cover position, the pad cover (130) can be rotated counterclockwise with respect to the pad base (133). By this rotation, the pad cover (130) can be removed from the front of the pad assembly (120). That is, the pad cover (130) can be moved to the exposed position.

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

[0090] According to this embodiment, it is possible to not only passively prevent electrolyte foreign substances from entering the pad assembly (120), but also actively remove electrolyte foreign substances from the pad assembly (120).

[0091] Specifically, according to the present embodiment, a nozzle (140) for spraying air toward the suction pad (122) may be provided. When there are multiple suction pads, it is preferable that the nozzle (140) be provided for each suction pad, and that there be multiple nozzles.

[0092] The above nozzle (140) is connected to a pneumatic pipe (141), and the pneumatic pipe (141) may be provided to extend from the base (110) or the guide tower (112).

[0093] It is preferable that the above nozzle (140) be provided on the pad cover (130). That is, the nozzle (140) is provided on the inner surface of the pad cover (130) facing the nozzle (140), so that foreign substances attached to the suction pad (122) can be forcibly removed by spraying compressed air.

[0094] The above pneumatic pipe (141) extends along the pad cover (130), and may particularly extend along the upper cover (131) and the front cover (132). Of course, the pneumatic pipe (141) may be fixed along the inner surface of the pad cover (130), and may also be buried inside the pad cover (130).

[0095] As described above, since the pad cover (130) is configured to move between the cover position and the exposed position, it is preferable that the pneumatic pipe (141) be a pipe made of a flexible material.

[0096] The electrolyte foreign matter attached to the pad cover (130) may have a larger crystal size than the scattered electrolyte foreign matter. Therefore, there is a risk that the foreign matter detached from the suction pad by the sprayed air may be transferred to the surrounding components. To address this issue, according to the present embodiment, the nozzle is preferably configured to spray air diagonally from top to bottom. That is, the nozzle is preferably configured to spray air diagonally from the front upper portion of the suction pad.

[0097] Foreign substances are discharged downwards by the air jet, and according to the present embodiment, a tray (160) for receiving the discharged foreign substances may be provided.

[0098] The tray (160) is preferably positioned at the bottom of the pad assembly (120). In particular, the left-right width of the tray (160) is preferably larger than the left-right width of the pad assembly, and the front-to-back width of the tray (160) is also preferably larger than the front-to-back width of the pad assembly. This is to ensure that loose foreign substances can be sufficiently accommodated over a wide area.

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

[0100] As described above, it is preferable that a recess (111) be formed in the base (110). A tray support surface (114) can be formed by this recess (111). The user can mount or remove the tray (160) through the front. Accordingly, contaminants can be easily removed by concentrating them in the tray (160).

[0101] Meanwhile, when air is sprayed through the nozzle (140), foreign substances may not only be released downward but also may be released left and right. In this case, the foreign substances may spread around the adsorption device (100) and cause contamination of the surrounding area.

[0102] Accordingly, according to the present embodiment, blocking plates (171, 172) may be provided on the left and right sides of the adsorption device (100). The left blocking plate (171) and the right blocking plate (172) may be provided symmetrically to each other. For convenience, the left and right sides are designated based on a state in which the adsorption pad (122) is viewed from the front.

[0103] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the left-right width of the pad assembly (120) is greater than the left-right width of the base (110). Therefore, when only the left-right portions of the pad assembly (120) are blocked with a blocking plate, both rear sides of the pad assembly (120) are open. Therefore, the blocking plates (171, 172) may be provided to block not only the left-right and right-left sides of the pad assembly (120), but also the left-right and left-right rear sides.

[0104] The above-described blocking plates (171, 172) can be said to be fixed to the base (110). Therefore, they can always block foreign substances from entering from the left and right sides and the left and right rear of the pad assembly (120). This means, conversely, that foreign substances can be blocked from flying from the outside to the left and right sides and the left and right rear of the pad assembly (120). Foreign substances that are blocked from flying can be largely introduced into the tray (160) and accommodated.

[0105] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 8, the operation of an adsorption device and an electrolyte injection process according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail. For convenience of explanation, the left blocking plate is omitted from the drawing.

[0106] Figure 3 shows the appearance of the suction pad before operation, and Figure 4 shows the appearance of the suction pad after operation.

[0107] As illustrated in Fig. 3, before the operation of the suction pad, the pad assembly (120) is positioned in the original position, and the pad cover (130) is also positioned in the original position or the cover position. Here, the period before the operation of the suction pad means before vacuum suction is performed on the suction pad (132), and thus, it can be said to be a state before the pouch is suctioned for electrolyte injection. This state can be called the initial state.

[0108] In the initial state (step), the pad assembly (120) is surrounded by a pad cover (130) at the top and front, blocking plates (171, 172) at the left and right and right and left rear sides, and a base (110) at the rear. In addition, a tray (160) is positioned at the bottom of the pad assembly (120). At this time, air is sprayed toward the suction pad (122) through a nozzle. The sprayed air detaches foreign substances adhering to the suction pad (122), and the detached foreign substances move downward and are accommodated in the tray (160). In addition, since the pad assembly (120) is surrounded by various configurations, the detached foreign substances can be effectively prevented from flying around the suction device. This air spraying can be performed for a preset time, and when the air spraying is finished, the next step can be moved.

[0109] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the pad assembly (120) moves forward to drive the suction pad. That is, when the initial state (step) is completed, the pad assembly (120) moves to the operating position. This forward movement of the pad assembly (120) can be performed through the moving device (150). When the forward movement of the pad assembly (120) is completed or during the forward movement process, a vacuum can be applied to the suction pad. That is, a vacuum can be applied for pouch suction.

[0110] At this time, there is a concern that the pad cover (130) may impede the forward movement of the pad assembly (120). Therefore, the pad cover (130) must be moved from the covered position to the exposed position. For example, the pad cover (130) may be raised and moved to the exposed position. Since the pad cover (130) is located in front of the pad assembly (120), the movements of the pad cover (130) and the pad assembly (120) may begin simultaneously, and the pad assembly (120) may be moved as the pad cover (130) moves first. In either case, interference between the moving pad assembly (120) and the pad cover (130) must be eliminated.

[0111] Figure 5 illustrates an electrolyte injection process performed when the forward movement of the pad assembly (120) is completed and the pouch is adsorbed.

[0112] As illustrated, an adsorption device (100) may be provided on both sides of the pouch (180). That is, the adsorption devices may be provided symmetrically on both sides to perform the same operation. The appearance of the adsorption device at this time may be the same as that illustrated in FIG. 4. The adsorption device on the left may adsorb one side of the pouch, and the adsorption device on the right may adsorb the other side of the pouch. In particular, the upper part of the pouch may be adsorbed to form a path for injecting the electrolyte into the pouch.

[0113] Once the absorption of the pouch is completed, the electrolyte can be introduced into the pouch (190) through the electrolyte injection tube (190). That is, after the absorption of the pouch is successfully completed, the electrolyte can be supplied through the electrolyte tube. Accordingly, the electrolyte through the electrolyte injection tube (190) is repeatedly injected and stopped. For this reason, some of the electrolyte may be transferred to the surrounding components. In particular, electrolyte foreign substances may adhere to the absorption pad (122). In addition, since the liquid electrolyte is injected by dropping due to gravity, the electrolyte may be scattered.

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

[0115] When the electrolyte injection process is completed, the pad assembly (120) returns to its original position. At this time, the absorption pad may be contaminated with electrolyte foreign substances. The absorption pad may be coated with relatively large crystallized electrolyte particles (C). In addition, scattered electrolyte (P) may be located in the air above the front of the absorption device (100). Here, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the state in which the pad assembly (120) returns to its original position may also be referred to as the completion of the electrolyte injection process.

[0116] As illustrated in FIG. 7, when the return of the pad assembly (120) is completed, the pad cover (130) moves to the cover position. For example, the pad cover (130) is lowered. The relative position and shape of the pad cover (130) can effectively prevent the scattered electrolyte (P) from flowing into the pad assembly (120).

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

[0118] Figure 8 illustrates a state in which crystallized electrolyte (C) is removed from an adsorption pad by spraying air. Since the air is sprayed diagonally from the upper front through the nozzle, the crystallized electrolyte (C) removed from the adsorption pad moves downward. In other words, the removed electrolyte foreign matter can be moved into the tray (160) and accommodated.

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

[0120] Additionally, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, when air is blown toward the suction pad, the suction pad is surrounded by the pad cover, the blocking plate, the base, and the tray. Accordingly, it can be seen that the removed electrolyte foreign substances can be effectively prevented from being transferred or diffused to the surroundings and contaminating the surroundings.

[0121] Additionally, since the nozzle is mounted and secured by the pad cover, the spraying position can be easily set and fixed. Consequently, cleaning by spraying can be automatically controlled.

[0122] As described in the detailed description of the invention.

Claims

1. Base; A pad assembly having an adsorption pad provided at the front of the base and configured to adsorb a pouch in a horizontal direction to form an electrolyte injection path into the pouch; and A pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing device including a pad cover that covers the upper and front sides of the pad assembly and has a nozzle that sprays air toward the suction pad.

2. In paragraph 1, A pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing device characterized by including a moving device that moves the pad assembly forward and backward with respect to the base.

3. In paragraph 2, A pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing device characterized in that the above pad assembly is provided to move forward for electrolyte injection and return to the rear after electrolyte injection is completed.

4. In paragraph 3, A pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing device characterized in that the nozzle is provided to inject air in a downward diagonal shape from the front upper portion of the pad.

5. In paragraph 4, A pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing device characterized in that the base is provided with a tray that receives electrolyte foreign substances that fall off the pad by air injection from the nozzle.

6. In paragraph 5, A pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing device characterized in that a blocking plate is provided on the left and right sides of the above base to extend forward and block electrolyte foreign substances that fall off the pad from spreading to the surroundings.

7. In paragraph 6, A pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing device characterized in that when air is sprayed from the nozzle, the pad assembly blocks the diffusion of the electrolyte foreign substances in the up-down, left-right, front-back, and left-right directions through the base, pad cover, tray, and blocking plate.

8. In paragraph 2, A pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing device characterized in that the pad cover is provided to be movable between an exposure position exposing the pad assembly forward and a cover position covering the front of the pad assembly.

9. In paragraph 8, A pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing device characterized in that absorption of the pouch through the pad assembly is performed at the exposed position of the pad cover, and air is sprayed through the nozzle at the cover position of the pad cover.

10. In paragraph 9, A pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing device characterized in that the pad cover is provided so as to be able to move up and down between the exposed position and the cover position with respect to the base.

11. In paragraph 10, A pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing device characterized in that the base is provided with a guide tower that guides the lifting and lowering of the pad cover.

12. In paragraph 11, A pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing device characterized in that the above pad cover is provided to slide in the above guide tower.

13. In paragraph 8, The above pad cover, An upper cover extending diagonally from top to bottom to cover the upper portion of the pad assembly; and A pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing device characterized by including a front cover extending downward from the upper cover to cover the front of the pad assembly.

14. In paragraph 13, A pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing device characterized in that the above suction pad is provided in multiple numbers along the width direction of the pad assembly, and the width of the pad cover is larger than the width of the pad assembly.

15. In paragraph 1, A pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing device comprising an electrolyte injection tube for injecting electrolyte into the pouch, and characterized in that the base, pad assembly, and pad cover are respectively provided on both sides centered on the injection tube.

16. A step of injecting electrolyte into the pouch by absorbing the pouch through the pad assembly while the pad cover is in the exposed position and at the absorption position of the pad assembly; and The pad cover comprises a step of cleaning the pad assembly by spraying compressed air through a nozzle to the pad assembly while the pad cover is in the cover position state and the pad assembly is in the return position, A secondary battery manufacturing method characterized in that the cover position of the pad cover is a position where the pad cover obstructs movement of the pad assembly between the pad assembly and the suction position and the return position, and the nozzle is provided on the pad cover.

17. A base having a recess formed in the upper front portion and having a front and lower surface by being sunken backward and downward; A pad assembly having an adsorption pad provided at the front of the above recess and adsorbing a pouch in a horizontal direction to form an electrolyte injection path into the interior of the pouch; A pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing device comprising a pad cover that covers the upper and front sides of the pad assembly positioned in the recess and has a nozzle that sprays air toward the suction pad.

18. In paragraph 17, A secondary battery manufacturing device characterized in that it includes a blocking plate extending laterally and forwardly on the left and right of the above recess to surround the pad assembly.

19. In paragraph 18, A secondary battery manufacturing device characterized in that a tray is provided on the lower surface of the above recess to receive electrolyte foreign substances that fall off the above adsorption pad.

20. In paragraph 19, A pouch-type secondary battery manufacturing device characterized in that when the air is sprayed from the nozzle, the pad assembly is surrounded in the up-down, left-right, front-back, and left-right directions by the front of the recess, the pad cover, the tray, and the blocking plate.

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