Secondary battery manufacturing method

The secondary battery manufacturing method employs a mesh manure network and an adaptive stirring mechanism to enhance electrolyte impregnation and bubble removal, addressing the inefficiencies of conventional methods and improving battery performance and manufacturing efficiency.

WO2025075434A1PCT designated stage expired Publication Date: 2025-04-10LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/KR2024/015098
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-06-12
Filing Date
2024-10-04
Publication Date
2025-04-10

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional secondary battery manufacturing methods face challenges in efficiently impregnating the electrolyte, leading to residual bubbles and increased gas generation, which can result in battery performance deterioration and higher manufacturing costs.

Method used

The method involves using a mesh manure network to prevent electrode damage and enhance electrolyte impregnation, along with an adapter that transmits motion to the electrode assembly for stirring and vibration, which improves electrolyte contact and effectively removes residual bubbles and gas.

Benefits of technology

This approach significantly increases the speed and degree of electrolyte impregnation, reduces the time required for the packaging process, minimizes residual gas, and enhances battery performance by reducing gas generation within the battery.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method, and, more particularly, to a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method, which are capable of effectively performing degassing and enhancing impregnation for an electrolyte. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the secondary battery manufacturing method can be provided, the method comprising: a filling step of filling a battery case with an electrolyte; an insertion step of inserting an electrode assembly into the battery case; and a degassing step of connecting an adapter to the electrode assembly, transmitting excitation of the adapter to the electrode assembly, and exciting the electrolyte through the electrode assembly so as to degas same.
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Description

Secondary battery manufacturing method

[0001] The present invention relates to a secondary battery manufacturing device and method, and more specifically, to a secondary battery manufacturing device and method capable of effectively performing impregnation and degassing for an electrolyte.

[0002] 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.

[0003] 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.

[0004] These secondary batteries are manufactured in the form of a battery assembly, with the electrode assembly, consisting of a positive electrode, a separator, and a negative electrode, sequentially measured, housed in an outer packaging material, such as a pouch or cylindrical can, i.e., a battery case. Next, an electrolyte is injected into the battery assembly using an electrolyte injection device. This process is generally referred to as the packaging process.

[0005] During the packaging process, the separator must be sufficiently impregnated after the electrolyte is injected to ensure sufficient electrolyte filling between the electrodes. However, electrolyte bubbles can form and remain during the electrolyte injection process, and these residual bubbles can reduce impregnation properties.

[0006] During the packaging process, vacuum or pressurization may be used to remove these residual bubbles, but even then, bubbles may still remain.

[0007] Retained air bubbles can cause battery performance degradation and increase gas production inside the battery case.

[0008] Therefore, in the past, it was inevitable that an excessively long process time would be required to remove bubbles from the electrolyte, which would inevitably lead to an increase in manufacturing costs.

[0009] The purpose of the present invention is to solve the problems of the conventional secondary battery manufacturing method.

[0010] An embodiment of the present invention provides a device and method capable of effectively increasing the impregnation speed and degree.

[0011] An embodiment of the present invention provides a device and method capable of effectively increasing the degassing speed and degree.

[0012] An embodiment of the present invention provides a device and method that can prevent damage to an electrode assembly using a mesh filter while more effectively removing residual bubbles and gases.

[0013] An embodiment of the present invention provides a device and method that can significantly reduce the time required for a packaging process and residual gas, effectively lower the possibility of gas generation inside a battery in the future, and significantly increase the lifespan and stability.

[0014] In order to achieve the above-described purpose, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a secondary battery may be provided, including a filling process for filling an electrolyte into a battery case; an insertion process for inserting an electrode assembly into the battery case; and a degassing process for connecting an adapter to the electrode assembly, transmitting a voltage of the adapter to the electrode assembly, and applying the electrolyte through the electrode assembly to remove gas.

[0015] In the above degassing process, a current is applied to the electrode assembly. Therefore, the current from the electrode assembly is transmitted to the surrounding electrolyte, thereby also exciting the electrolyte. This increases the contact area between the electrolyte and the electrode assembly, enabling smoother and more effective degassing.

[0016] After the above degassing process, it is preferable to perform a vacuum process to remove residual gas by providing a vacuum environment to the battery case and electrode assembly.

[0017] The excitation applied to the above adapter can be at ultrasonic or megasonic excitation frequencies.

[0018] It is preferable that the battery case be positioned so that its opening faces upward, and then the filling and degassing processes are performed. This allows for easy injection of the electrolyte into the case, and degassing can be performed more effectively.

[0019] The above electrode assembly can be positioned by being inserted into the battery case while the common jig is mounted.

[0020] The common jig may be positioned at the lower portion of the opening or may protrude from the upper portion of the opening. In addition, it is preferable that the electrode assembly and the adapter are connected via the common jig.

[0021] The above-mentioned common jig can be said to be a gripper that holds a part of the electrode assembly, and can be formed of a soft material to prevent damage to the electrode assembly.

[0022] The adapter is configured to indirectly hold the electrode assembly by being coupled to a common jig, and may be configured to be directly held. Therefore, damage to the electrode assembly by the adapter's electrical power can be prevented.

[0023] It is preferable that the degassing process be performed while the electrode assembly is wrapped around the mesh strainer inside the battery case. The mesh strainer can perform the function of capturing air bubbles within the electrolyte.

[0024] After the degassing process, the mesh strainer is removed from the battery case, allowing the trapped air bubbles to be smoothly discharged to the outside. Therefore, more effective degassing can be performed through the mesh strainer.

[0025] The mesh strainer may be inserted into the case together with the electrode assembly, or the electrode assembly may be inserted into the case after the mesh strainer is inserted into the case.

[0026] The insertion process may be performed after the filling process, or the filling process may be performed after the insertion process.

[0027] The method may further include an impregnation process of connecting an adapter to the electrode assembly, transmitting the movement of the adapter to the electrode assembly, and stirring the electrolyte through the electrode assembly to improve the impregnation property of the electrolyte for the electrode assembly.

[0028] It is preferable that the degassing process be performed after the above impregnation process is performed.

[0029] The motion of the above adapter may include translational motion and rotational motion.

[0030] The above adapter may include a stirring adapter for stirring the electrode assembly; and a stirring adapter provided separately from the stirring adapter for stirring the electrode assembly.

[0031] The adapter of the stirring device is directly connected to the electrode assembly or connected to the electrode assembly through a common jig, so that the electrode assembly can stir the electrolyte through the stirring of the adapter.

[0032] The adapter of the excitation device is directly coupled to the electrode assembly or coupled to the electrode assembly through a common jig, so that the electrode assembly and electrolyte can be excited through the excitation of the adapter.

[0033] In order to achieve the above-described purpose, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a secondary battery may be provided, including a filling process for filling an electrolyte into a battery case; an insertion process for inserting an electrode assembly into the battery case; and an impregnation process for connecting an adapter to the electrode assembly, transmitting a movement of the adapter to the electrode assembly, and stirring the electrolyte through the electrode assembly to improve the impregnation property of the electrolyte into the electrode assembly.

[0034] The insertion process may be performed after the filling process, or the filling process may be performed after the insertion process.

[0035] The method may further include a degassing process of connecting an adapter to the electrode assembly, transferring the voltage of the adapter to the electrode assembly, and removing gas by applying the electrolyte through the electrode assembly; and a vacuum process of providing a vacuum environment to the battery case and the electrode assembly to remove residual gas.

[0036] 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, including a filling process for filling an electrolyte into a battery case; an insertion process for inserting an electrode assembly from the outside of the battery case into the inside of the battery case; an impregnation process for connecting an adapter to the electrode assembly, transmitting movement of the adapter to the electrode assembly, and stirring the electrolyte through the electrode assembly to improve impregnation property of the electrolyte for the electrode assembly; and a degassing process for connecting an adapter to the electrode assembly, transmitting movement of the adapter to the electrode assembly, and stirring the electrolyte through the electrode assembly to remove gas.

[0037] After the above degassing process, a vacuum process may be performed to provide a vacuum environment to the battery case and electrode assembly to remove residual gas.

[0038] The excitation applied to the above adapter can be at ultrasonic or megasonic excitation frequencies.

[0039] The movement of the above adapter is preferably translational and rotational. This allows the electrode assembly to perform translational and rotational movements within the battery while stirring the electrolyte.

[0040] The above adapter may include a stirring adapter for stirring the electrode assembly; and a stirring adapter provided separately from the stirring magnet, for stirring the electrode assembly.

[0041] The above electrode assembly can be inserted into the battery case with a common magnet mounted on the upper side.

[0042] The electrode assembly and adapter can be combined via the above common jig.

[0043] In the above insertion process, the mesh filter may be inserted into the battery case in the filling process so as to surround the electrode assembly into which the mesh filter is inserted.

[0044] The above mesh filter can be inserted before filling the electrolyte.

[0045] In the above insertion process, the electrolyte can be filled inside the battery case into which the mesh filter is inserted in the filling process so as to surround the electrode assembly into which the mesh filter is inserted.

[0046] It is preferable that the mesh strainer be removed from the battery case after the degassing process. Removal of the mesh strainer can be easily performed by pulling one end of the mesh strainer near the upper opening of the battery case.

[0047] Through one embodiment of the present invention, a device and method capable of effectively increasing the impregnation speed and degree can be provided.

[0048] Through one embodiment of the present invention, a device and method capable of effectively increasing the degassing speed and degree can be provided.

[0049] Through one embodiment of the present invention, a device and method can be provided that can prevent damage to an electrode assembly using a mesh filter while more effectively removing residual bubbles and gases.

[0050] Through one embodiment of the present invention, a device and method can be provided that can reduce the time required for a packaging process and significantly reduce residual gas, effectively lowering the possibility of gas generation inside a battery in the future, thereby significantly increasing the lifespan and stability.

[0051] Figure 1 illustrates a battery case filled with electrolyte.

[0052] Figure 2 illustrates an electrode assembly inserted into a battery case.

[0053] Figure 3 illustrates an electrode assembly stirring an electrolyte.

[0054] Figure 4 illustrates the electrode assembly vibrating.

[0055] Figure 5 shows the completed degassing.

[0056] Figure 6 illustrates a flow chart of a manufacturing method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Hereinafter, a manufacturing device and a manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0058] Figure 1 illustrates a battery case filled with electrolyte, and Figure 2 illustrates an electrode assembly inserted into a battery case filled with electrolyte.

[0059] In the secondary battery packaging process, it is common to place the manufactured electrode assembly into a battery case and then inject the electrolyte.

[0060] In this embodiment, the electrolyte may be injected into the battery case (10) first and then the electrode assembly (20) may be inserted into the battery case (10), or conversely, the electrolyte may be injected after the electrode assembly is inserted into the battery case (10).

[0061] The electrolyte and electrode assembly can be injected through an opening provided at the top of the battery case (10).

[0062] Depending on the shape of the battery case (10), the process of inserting the electrode assembly into the battery case (10) may vary.

[0063] For example, in the case of a square or cylindrical case, an opening may be formed in the case and an electrode assembly may be inserted through the opening. In this case, an electrolyte may be injected through the opening before or after insertion of the electrode assembly.

[0064] For example, in the case of a pouch-type case, an opening can be formed by combining the pouch case and the electrode assembly. In this case, inserting the electrode assembly into the case means that the assembly process of the electrode assembly and the case and the process of forming the opening in the case are performed simultaneously. Accordingly, after inserting the electrode assembly, the electrolyte can be injected through the opening.

[0065] The amount of electrolyte to be filled into the battery case of a secondary battery can be preset through the design and verification process. The amount of electrolyte can be 5 to 90% of the height of the electrode assembly (20), and preferably 20 to 80%.

[0066] Since the electrode assembly (20) itself has a volume that fills a large portion of the inside of the battery case (10), the filling speed is bound to be slow when the electrolyte is filled after the electrode assembly (20) is inserted. On the other hand, when the electrolyte is filled before the electrode assembly (20) is inserted, a fixed amount of electrolyte can be filled relatively quickly.

[0067] The electrodes and separator of the electrode assembly (20) must be sufficiently soaked in the electrolyte, and in particular, the degree of impregnation of the separator is very important. That is, it is desirable that the entire separator be sufficiently soaked in the electrolyte.

[0068] When the electrolyte is injected after the electrode assembly (20) is injected, the degree of impregnation may increase over time, but sufficient impregnation may not be performed in some parts of the separator. In addition, when the electrolyte is injected after the electrode assembly (20) is injected, the amount of bubbles may be relatively greater. This is because, as the electrolyte is injected, the area where the electrolyte comes into contact with the inside of the battery case is narrow, so more energy is generated due to collision, and accordingly, the amount of gas released increases, resulting in more bubbles. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is preferable to first inject the electrolyte (30) into the battery case (10) and then inject the electrode assembly (20) into the battery case (10). However, depending on the overall process efficiency, especially the shape of the case, the electrolyte injection may be performed after the electrode assembly is injected.

[0069] According to this embodiment, it is desirable to actively apply kinetic energy to the electrode assembly (20) to increase the impregnation speed and degree.

[0070] Figure 2 illustrates an example in which an electrode assembly (20) is inserted into a battery case (10) while being combined with a common jig (50).

[0071] A common jig (50) may be provided in combination with the upper portion of the electrode assembly (20). The common jig (50) may be provided in the form of a pair of tongs. The common jig (50) may be coupled to the electrode assembly (20) after the electrode assembly (20) is manufactured, and then the electrode assembly (20) with the common jig (50) coupled thereto may be inserted into the battery case (10). Of course, the common jig (50) may be coupled to the upper portion of the electrode assembly (20) after the electrode assembly (20) is inserted into the battery case (10).

[0072] The above-mentioned common jig (50) can be said to be a jig that holds the electrode assembly (20) by simultaneously pressing one side and the opposite side of the electrode assembly (20). Therefore, the common jig (50) is preferably formed of a soft material or a plastic material to prevent damage to the surface of the electrode assembly (20). In particular, it is preferable that the part that comes into contact with the surface of the electrode assembly (20) is formed of a plastic material.

[0073] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the electrode assembly (20) is preferably provided to actively move within the battery case (10). Specifically, the electrode assembly (20) can stir the electrolyte (30) by rotating within the battery case (10). That is, the electrode assembly (20) itself can perform the function of a rotating blade. During the stirring process, the contact area and time between the electrolyte and the electrode assembly are significantly increased, so that the impregnation speed and degree can be significantly increased. In addition, in order to increase the impregnation speed and degree over the entire height of the electrode assembly (20), it is preferable that the electrode assembly (20) perform a translational movement. That is, it is preferable that the electrode assembly (20) moves up and down.

[0074] The above stirring and translational movements may be performed alternately or simultaneously. During this process, the physical impact applied to the electrolyte and electrode assembly (20) may cause gas within the electrolyte to be discharged in the form of bubbles. In other words, gas discharge within the electrolyte may be accelerated.

[0075] It is preferable that the active movement of the electrode assembly is performed by transmitting an external force to the electrode assembly (20) through the adapter (60). Specifically, an external driving unit that generates rotational and translational movements is connected to the adapter (60), and the rotational and translational movements of the adapter (60) can be transmitted to the electrode assembly (20). Here, it is preferable that the common jig (50) performs a function of mediating the adapter (60) and the electrode assembly (20). That is, it is preferable that the common jig is provided between the two to alleviate the impact directly applied to the electrode assembly (20) and protect the electrode assembly (20).

[0076] Meanwhile, if the battery case is cylindrical or square, the electrolyte stirring through the electrode assembly can be performed while the battery case is fixed. Stirring can be performed within the battery case without the electrode assembly being physically connected to the battery case. The impregnation process can be smoothly performed by stirring the electrolyte through the electrode assembly.

[0077] Meanwhile, if the battery case is pouch-shaped, the electrolyte stirring through the electrode assembly can be performed while the battery case is not fixed. With the electrode assembly physically connected to the battery case within the battery case, the movement of the electrode assembly can be transmitted to the electrolyte and the battery case. Consequently, the electrode assembly, the electrolyte, and the entire case can be shaken and rotated up and down. At this time, the rotation can be repeated forward and backward, thereby facilitating smoother electrolyte stirring.

[0078] The stirring and translational motions cause large momentum or displacement of the electrode assembly (20) and the electrolyte (30). Therefore, impregnation can be performed quickly and gases can be discharged during this process. However, bubbles on the surface of the electrode assembly (20), particularly on the surface of the separator, or fine bubbles within the electrolyte may still not be discharged.

[0079] Therefore, in this embodiment, it is preferable to perform a vibration that causes a relatively small displacement. This vibration may be performed after stirring, or may be performed separately or independently from stirring.

[0080] As illustrated in FIG. 4, it is preferable that the electrode assembly (20) be actively excited within the battery case (10). Specifically, the electrode assembly (20) may be excited at a frequency within the battery case (10). That is, the electrode assembly (20) itself may function as a vibrator. During the vibration process, bubble discharge may be promoted due to the high-frequency vibration of the electrolyte and the electrode assembly. Of course, the degree of impregnation may further increase during the vibration process.

[0081] The above-mentioned excitation frequency may be an ultrasonic frequency or a megasonic frequency. Specifically, the excitation frequency may be 20 to 3000 kHz. The higher the frequency, the smaller the amplitude, which may reduce damage to the electrode assembly. More specifically, the excitation frequency for megasonic vibration may be 500 to 3000 kHz, and the excitation frequency for ultrasonic vibration may be 20 to 100 kHz.

[0082] It is preferable that the active vibration of the electrode assembly is performed by transmitting external vibration to the electrode assembly (20) through the adapter (70). Specifically, an external vibrator that generates vibration is connected to the adapter (70), and the vibration of the adapter (70) is transmitted to the electrode assembly (20) so that the electrode assembly (20) can vibrate. Here, it is preferable that the common jig (50) performs a function of mediating the adapter (70) and the electrode assembly (20). That is, it is preferable that the common jig is provided between the two to alleviate the impact directly applied to the electrode assembly (20) and protect the electrode assembly (20).

[0083] As described above, in the case of a cylindrical or square case, excitation can be performed while the case is fixed, and in the case of a pouch-shaped case, excitation can be performed while the case is not fixed. In either case, smooth degassing can be performed by directly excitation of the electrode assembly.

[0084] Meanwhile, the adapter (60) illustrated in FIG. 3 and the adapter (70) illustrated in FIG. 4 may be the same adapter, but they can be distinguished because the form or degree of the movement or displacement they transmit is different. That is, it is preferable that the stirring adapter (60) and the shaking adapter (70) be distinguished from each other. The stirring adapter (60) is connected to an external driving unit or stirring device and can be attached or detached to a common jig (50), and the shaking adapter (70) is connected to an external shaker or shaking device and can be attached or detached to a common jig (50).

[0085] Once the electrolyte injection, electrode assembly insertion, stirring, and excitation are completed, the common jig (50) can be removed from the electrode assembly (20) as illustrated in FIG. 5. Thereafter, the opening of the battery case can be sealed, thereby completing the overall packaging process.

[0086] Sealing of the opening can be performed in a vacuum environment, during which any remaining gas can be additionally vented.

[0087] Through the aforementioned examples, the impregnation rate and degree can be significantly increased during the packaging process, and bubbles can be actively and proactively removed. This can minimize bubble formation and gas generation in the finished battery, thereby improving battery performance and extending its lifespan. Furthermore, minimizing gas generation can significantly enhance stability.

[0088] Of course, through active stirring and vibration via the electrode assembly (20), it is possible to expect an increase in the impregnation speed, an increase in the degree of impregnation, and an effect of promoting and strengthening gas discharge, and it is also possible to expect an effect of significantly reducing the manufacturing time compared to conventional packaging.

[0089] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the removal of bubbles or air bubbles can be further promoted through a mesh filter (40).

[0090] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the electrolyte (30) and the mesh strainer (40) may be injected into the battery case (10). The mesh strainer (40) may be injected first, followed by the electrolyte (30). Of course, the mesh strainer (40) may be injected into the battery case (10) during the manufacturing process of the battery case (10), and only the electrolyte may be injected into the battery case (10) during the subsequent electrolyte injection process.

[0091] During the process of injecting the electrolyte (30), the mesh filter (40) can be impregnated with the electrolyte very quickly due to its mesh structure. In addition, during this process, the mesh filter (40) can adhere closely to the inner surface of the battery case (10).

[0092] The above mesh strainer (40) may be formed of a fiber material and preferably has a shape that can be freely transformed. That is, the mesh strainer (40) is preferably provided to wrap the electrode assembly (20) that is later introduced. The mesh strainer (40) may be formed in a band shape having a certain width. Therefore, the mesh strainer (40) can be easily removed from the battery case (10) by pulling one end of the mesh strainer (40) later. That is, even when the electrode assembly (20) is positioned within the battery case (10), the removal of the mesh strainer (40) can be very easy. This is made possible through the material and shape of the mesh strainer (40).

[0093] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the stirring and vibration of the electrode assembly (20) are preferably performed with the mesh strainer (40) inserted. Here, the mesh strainer (40) is preferably formed of a very soft material, so that it can perform the function of protecting the outer shell of the electrode assembly (20). That is, the outer shell of the electrode assembly (20), especially the outer shell of the separator, can be swept past the mesh strainer (40) without flapping, thereby preventing damage to the separator.

[0094] Meanwhile, due to the characteristics of the mesh structure, bubble collection through the mesh strainer (40) can be smoothly performed. Therefore, bubbles or foam still present within the electrolyte can be removed together with the mesh strainer during the removal process of the mesh strainer through stirring and vibration.

[0095] Hereinafter, a manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 6. The described manufacturing method may be a packaging process or part of a packaging process among general secondary battery manufacturing processes.

[0096] After the electrode assembly (20) and the battery case (10) are manufactured through separate processes, a process of assembling the two can be performed. At this time, the battery case is filled with not only the electrode assembly but also the electrolyte (30).

[0097] In this embodiment, a filling process (S10) may first be performed to fill the battery case with electrolyte. Subsequently, an insertion process (S20) may be performed to insert the electrode assembly from the outside of the battery case into the inside of the battery case. Of course, the insertion process may be performed first, followed by the filling process.

[0098] After the insertion process (S20) is performed, an impregnation process (S30) may be performed to impregnate the electrode assembly with an electrolyte. The impregnation process (S30) may be performed by allowing the electrode assembly to move directly.

[0099] Specifically, the impregnation process (S30) can be performed by connecting an adapter (60) to an electrode assembly (20) and transmitting the movement of the adapter to the electrode assembly, thereby stirring the electrolyte through the electrode assembly. Through such stirring, the impregnation property of the electrolyte for the electrode assembly can be improved.

[0100] Here, the motion of the adapter preferably includes translational and rotational motion. Specifically, the translational motion may be a motion in which the electrode assembly moves up and down. This motion of the adapter is directly transmitted to the motion of the electrode assembly (20), so that the electrode assembly (20) directly performs the function of stirring the electrolyte. In this process, impregnation can be performed very effectively and quickly.

[0101] The translational and rotational movements of the above electrode assembly can be performed alternately or simultaneously.

[0102] After the impregnation process (S30) is performed, a degassing process (S40) can be performed. In the degassing process (S40), residual gas within the battery case can be actively discharged to the outside.

[0103] Specifically, the electrode assembly can be used to actively remove gas by applying the electrolyte. At this time, the electrode assembly itself also vibrates. More specifically, an adapter can be connected to the electrode assembly and the adapter can be used to transmit vibration to the electrode assembly.

[0104] By vibrating the electrode assembly and the electrolyte, bubbles attached to the surface of the electrode assembly and residual bubbles within the electrolyte can vibrate together, thereby promoting their detachment and rise, thereby facilitating their discharge to the outside. In other words, degasing, in which residual gases are discharged quickly and effectively, can be performed.

[0105] Meanwhile, after the degassing process (S50) is completed, a process for sealing the battery case may be performed. At this time, a vacuum process may be performed. That is, a vacuum environment may be provided to the battery case and electrode assembly. Of course, the electrolyte may also be exposed to the vacuum environment. In a vacuum environment, residual gas within the electrolyte may be separated and discharged from the electrolyte due to the pressure difference. This vacuum process can be considered to be a process for performing the sealing process itself in a vacuum environment, rather than a separate process for discharging residual gas.

[0106] During the impregnation process, active stirring of the electrode assembly and electrolyte significantly increases the impregnation rate and degree, while simultaneously creating an environment that facilitates rapid gas release. Subsequently, during the degassing process, active vibration of the electrode assembly and electrolyte allows for rapid and efficient gas removal.

[0107] Meanwhile, since a mesh strainer is provided inside the battery case during the impregnation process and degassing process, it can be more effective in protecting the electrode assembly and removing bubbles and gases.

[0108] Furthermore, by directly stirring and vibrating the electrolyte through the movement and excitation of the electrode assembly itself, rather than the battery case, during the impregnation and degassing processes, the device for movement and excitation can be more easily manufactured. In particular, by using a common jig, the impact of external force applied to the electrode assembly can be reduced, thereby preventing damage to the electrode assembly.

[0109] In the aforementioned embodiments, the act of swaying the electrode assembly itself, rather than the case housing the electrode assembly, and the act of vibrating the electrode assembly itself can be performed sequentially, simultaneously, or repeatedly. Of course, either one can be performed alone. This allows for early securing of impregnation properties, increased efficiency of subsequent charge / discharge processes, aging processes, and degassing processes, and significantly reduced defect rates.

[0110] As described in the detailed description of the invention.

Claims

1. Filling process of filling electrolyte into the battery case; An insertion process for inserting the electrode assembly into the battery case; A secondary battery manufacturing method comprising a degassing process of connecting an adapter to the electrode assembly, transmitting the voltage of the adapter to the electrode assembly, and removing gas by applying the electrolyte through the electrode assembly.

2. In paragraph 1, A secondary battery manufacturing method including a vacuum process for removing residual gas by providing a vacuum environment to the battery case and electrode assembly after the above degassing process.

3. In paragraph 1, A secondary battery manufacturing method characterized in that the excitation applied to the above adapter is at an ultrasonic or megasonic excitation frequency.

4. In paragraph 1, A secondary battery manufacturing method characterized in that the battery case is positioned so that the opening of the battery case faces upward, and then the filling process and the degassing process are performed.

5. In paragraph 4, A secondary battery manufacturing method characterized in that the electrode assembly is inserted and positioned in the battery case while a common jig is mounted.

6. In paragraph 5, A secondary battery manufacturing method characterized in that the common jig is positioned at the lower portion of the opening or protrudes from the upper portion of the opening.

7. In paragraph 6, A secondary battery manufacturing method characterized in that the electrode assembly and the adapter are combined using the above-mentioned common jig.

8. In paragraph 1, A secondary battery manufacturing method characterized in that the degassing process is performed while the mesh filter is wrapped around the electrode assembly inside the battery case.

9. In paragraph 8, A secondary battery manufacturing method characterized in that the mesh filter is removed from the battery case after the degassing process.

10. In paragraph 8, A secondary battery manufacturing method characterized in that the mesh strainer is inserted into the case together with the electrode assembly, or the electrode assembly is inserted into the case after the mesh strainer is inserted into the case.

11. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 10, A secondary battery manufacturing method characterized in that the insertion process is performed after the filling process or the filling process is performed after the insertion process.

12. In paragraph 11, A secondary battery manufacturing method characterized by further including an impregnation process of connecting an adapter to the electrode assembly, transmitting the movement of the adapter to the electrode assembly, and stirring the electrolyte through the electrode assembly to improve the impregnation property of the electrolyte for the electrode assembly.

13. In paragraph 12, A secondary battery manufacturing method characterized in that the degassing process is performed after the impregnation process is performed.

14. In paragraph 12, A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, characterized in that the movement of the above adapter is a translational movement and a rotational movement.

15. In paragraph 12, The above adapter, A stirring adapter for stirring the above electrode assembly; and A secondary battery manufacturing method characterized in that it includes a stirring adapter for stirring the electrode assembly, which is provided separately from the stirring adapter.

16. Filling process for filling electrolyte into the battery case; An insertion process for inserting the electrode assembly into the battery case; and A secondary battery manufacturing method characterized by including an impregnation process for connecting an adapter to the electrode assembly, transmitting the movement of the adapter to the electrode assembly, and stirring the electrolyte through the electrode assembly to improve the impregnation property of the electrolyte for the electrode assembly.

17. In paragraph 16, A secondary battery manufacturing method characterized in that the insertion process is performed after the filling process or the filling process is performed after the insertion process.

18. In paragraph 17, A degassing process of connecting an adapter to the electrode assembly, transmitting the voltage of the adapter to the electrode assembly, and removing gas by applying the electrolyte through the electrode assembly; and A secondary battery manufacturing method characterized by further including a vacuum process for removing residual gas by providing a vacuum environment to the battery case and electrode assembly.

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