Cooling unit for secondary battery, and secondary battery manufacturing system comprising same

Abstract

A cooling unit for a secondary battery, according to an embodiment of the present invention, can cool a folded terrace part of a pouched type secondary battery. The cooling unit for a secondary battery may comprise: a main body of which at least a portion is curved or bent in the direction of surrounding the folded terrace part; and a plurality of spray parts which are disposed on the inner surface of the main body and which spray gas toward the folded terrace part.

Description

Cooling unit for secondary batteries and secondary battery manufacturing system including the same

[0001] Cross-citation with related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0162772, filed November 21, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Technology field

[0004] The present invention relates to a cooling unit for a secondary battery configured to cool a folded terrace portion of a pouch-type secondary battery, and a secondary battery manufacturing system including the same.

[0005] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be recharged and discharged, making them suitable for a wide range of applications, including digital cameras, mobile phones, laptops, and hybrid vehicles. Examples of secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, and lithium secondary batteries.

[0006] Among these secondary batteries, much research is being conducted on lithium secondary batteries with high energy density and discharge voltage, and recently, lithium secondary batteries are manufactured as flexible pouch-type secondary batteries and are used by connecting multiple batteries to form a module.

[0007] A pouch-type secondary battery uses a pouch-type battery case as an outer material that surrounds an electrode assembly, and the electrode assembly has a structure in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate filled with an electrode active material and a separator interposed between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate are laminated. A positive electrode tab is formed on one side of the positive electrode plate, and a negative electrode tab is formed on one side of the negative electrode plate. The tabs are connected to an electrode lead, thereby connecting to an external circuit. This electrode assembly is sealed by the pouch-type battery case as an outer material.

[0008] A pouch-type battery case includes a cup portion for housing an electrode assembly and a terrace portion positioned around the cup portion and sealing the electrode assembly. Furthermore, a portion of the terrace portion may be folded to increase energy density.

[0009] For example, the terrace portion may be single-side folded (SSF) or double-side folded (DSF). Devices and methods for folding the terrace portion are well-known techniques (e.g., KR2023-0032886A), so a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0010] Folded terrace sections can experience springback after a certain period of time, where they no longer remain folded and partially unfold. Conventionally, to prevent this springback, a taping process was performed to secure the folded terrace sections using a fixing member, such as tape. However, the taping process complicated the secondary battery manufacturing process and increased the time and cost consumed.

[0011] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a cooling unit for a secondary battery capable of preventing a folded terrace portion of a pouch-type secondary battery from springing back, and a secondary battery manufacturing system including the same.

[0012] Another problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a cooling unit for a secondary battery capable of quickly and uniformly cooling a folded terrace portion and a secondary battery manufacturing system including the same.

[0013] A cooling unit for a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention can cool a folded terrace portion of a pouch-type secondary battery. The cooling unit for the secondary battery may include a main body that is curved or bent in a direction in which at least a portion surrounds the folded terrace portion; and a plurality of injection units that are arranged on an inner surface of the main body and that inject gas toward the folded terrace portion.

[0014] The above plurality of injectors may be configured to inject gas having a temperature lower than room temperature.

[0015] The plurality of injection units may be configured to inject gas at different angles toward the folded terrace unit.

[0016] The plurality of injection units may be configured to inject gas at an angle closer to horizontal as the injection unit is located closer to the center of the main body.

[0017] The above body may extend in parallel with the longitudinal direction of the folded terrace portion, and the plurality of injection portions may be arranged to form a plurality of rows along the longitudinal direction of the folded terrace portion.

[0018] The above body may include a center portion that overlaps the secondary battery in the longitudinal or transverse direction of the secondary battery; a first end portion and a second end portion that are connected to the center portion and positioned on opposite sides with the center portion interposed therebetween; and the first end portion and the second end portion may be bent or curved in a direction that brings them closer to each other.

[0019] The above center portion, the first end portion, and the second end portion can be bent to have the same radius of curvature.

[0020] The plurality of injection units may include a first injection unit that injects gas from one side of the folded terrace portion in the thickness direction of the secondary battery; and a second injection unit that injects gas from the other side of the folded terrace portion in the thickness direction of the secondary battery.

[0021] The above plurality of injection units may further include a third injection unit located between the first injection unit and the second injection unit.

[0022] Inside the above main body, a supply path communicating with the plurality of injection units and supplying the gas may be provided.

[0023] A secondary battery manufacturing system according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a transport unit for transporting a pouch-type secondary battery; and a cooling unit configured to cool a folded terrace portion of the secondary battery. The cooling unit may include a main body at least partially curved or bent in a direction surrounding a transport path of the secondary battery; and an injection unit disposed on an inner surface of the main body for spraying gas toward the folded terrace portion of the secondary battery.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, since at least a portion of the main body is bent or curved, a plurality of injection units arranged on the inner surface of the main body can be configured to inject gas at different angles toward the folded terrace portion of the secondary battery. This allows the folded terrace portion to be quickly, uniformly, and evenly cooled and solidified, and prevents the folded terrace portion from springing back.

[0025] In addition, the configurations according to preferred embodiments of the present invention may include effects that can be easily predicted by those skilled in the art.

[0026] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention, and together with the detailed description of the invention described below, serve to further understand the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to matters described in such drawings.

[0027] Figure 1 is an assembly diagram of a pouch-type secondary battery.

[0028] Figure 2 is a plan view of a pouch-type secondary battery.

[0029] Figure 3 is a side view of a pouch-type secondary battery.

[0030] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a cooling unit for a secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 5 is a front view of the cooling unit for the secondary battery illustrated in Figure 4.

[0032] Figure 6 is a front view of a cooling unit for a secondary battery according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the invention. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited or restricted by the following examples.

[0034] In order to clearly explain the present invention, a detailed description of a part that is irrelevant to the description or a related known technology that may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention has been omitted, and when adding reference signs to components of each drawing in this specification, the same or similar reference signs are attached to the same or similar components throughout the specification.

[0035] In addition, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to their usual or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts that conform to the technical idea of ​​the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the term to explain his or her own invention in the best way.

[0036] In the drawing, each component of a secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention is schematically illustrated, and the size of the component or the thickness of the line may be expressed somewhat exaggerated for the convenience of understanding.

[0037] Figure 1 is an assembly drawing of a pouch-type secondary battery, Figure 2 is a plan view of the pouch-type secondary battery, and Figure 3 is a side view of the pouch-type secondary battery.

[0038] The pouch-type secondary battery (1) described herein (hereinafter referred to as the "secondary battery") can be manufactured using a manufacturing device and / or manufacturing method according to the present invention. The secondary battery (1) may be in a state at a specific point in time during the manufacturing process or in a final, completed state, and may be appropriately interpreted depending on the context or necessity.

[0039] A secondary battery (1) may include an electrode assembly (10) and a pouch-type battery case (20) (hereinafter, “battery case”).

[0040] The electrode assembly (10) may be formed by alternately stacking positive and negative electrodes with a separator in between. That is, the electrode assembly (10) may include a plurality of electrodes and a separator interposed between the plurality of electrodes to mutually insulate the plurality of electrodes. The electrode assembly (10) may be accommodated together with an electrolyte in a battery case (20), more specifically, in a receiving portion (22) described below.

[0041] The electrode assembly (10) can be provided in various types, such as stack type, jelly roll type, stack and folding type, and the type of the electrode assembly (10) is not limited.

[0042] The electrode assembly (10) may include an electrode tab (11). The electrode tab (11) is connected to the positive and negative electrodes of the electrode assembly (10), respectively, and may protrude outward from the electrode assembly (10) to act as a path through which electrons can move between the inside and the outside of the electrode assembly (10).

[0043] The electrode tab (11) can be formed by cutting the non-conductive part of the electrode collector or by connecting a separate conductive member to the non-conductive part by ultrasonic welding, etc.

[0044] The electrode tab (11) may include a positive electrode tab (11a) connected to the positive electrode, and a negative electrode tab (11b) connected to the negative electrode. The positive electrode tab (11a) and the negative electrode tab (11b) may protrude in different directions of the electrode assembly (10), but are not limited thereto, and may be formed to protrude in various directions, such as protruding in parallel in the same direction from one side.

[0045] An electrode lead (12) for supplying electricity to the outside of a battery cell (1) may be connected to an electrode tab (11) of an electrode assembly (10). In addition, a portion of the electrode lead (12) may be surrounded by an insulating member (14). The insulating member (14) may be sealed together with the first case (20a) and the second case (20b). Therefore, the insulating member (14) may insulate the electrode lead (12) from the battery case (20) and maintain the sealing of the battery case (20). In general, as the insulating member (14), an insulating tape that is easy to attach to the electrode lead (12) and has a relatively thin thickness is often used, but the present invention is not limited thereto and various members may be used as long as they can insulate the electrode lead (12).

[0046] The electrode lead (12) may have one end connected to the electrode tab (11) and the other end protruding outward from the battery case (20). The electrode lead (12) may include a positive lead (12a) connected to the positive tab (11a) and a negative lead (12b) connected to the negative tab (11b).

[0047] The electrode lead (12) can electrically connect the electrode assembly (10) to the outside. In addition, since the positive electrode tab (11a) and the negative electrode tab (11b) are formed to protrude in various directions, the positive electrode lead (12a) and the negative electrode lead (12b) can also extend in various directions, respectively.

[0048] The battery case (20) can accommodate the electrode assembly (10) inside and can be formed by molding a laminate sheet. For example, when a flexible laminate sheet is subjected to drawing molding using a die, a punch, etc., a portion thereof is stretched to form a receiving portion (22) having a pocket-shaped receiving space, thereby manufacturing the battery case (20).

[0049] However, the configuration of the receiving portion (22) is not limited thereto, and may be formed in a manner different from that illustrated in the drawing. For example, it may be possible for the receiving portion (22) to be formed by folding the laminate sheet into a predetermined shape.

[0050] Hereinafter, the battery case (20) may be in a state at a specific point during the manufacturing process or in a final, completed state. That is, the description of the battery case (20) may encompass both a sealed state as illustrated in FIG. 2 and an unfolded state as illustrated in FIG. 1, and may be appropriately interpreted depending on the context or need.

[0051] The battery case (20) can accommodate and seal the electrode assembly (10) so that a portion of the electrode lead (12) is exposed.

[0052] The battery case (20) may include a first case (20a) and a second case (20b) that are sealed to each other with an electrode assembly (10) therebetween.

[0053] Preferably, at least one of the first case (20a) and the second case (20b) may be formed with a receiving portion (22). In addition, the peripheral area of ​​the receiving portion (22) may form a terrace portion (23). That is, the battery case (20) may include a receiving portion (22) and a terrace portion (23) located outside the receiving portion (22).

[0054] The first case (20a) and the second case (20b) can be connected to each other by the folding part (21). However, this is not limited to this, and it is also possible for the first case (20a) and the second case (20b) to be separated from each other and manufactured separately.

[0055] The receiving portion (22) can define a receiving space capable of receiving the electrode assembly (10). The receiving portion (22) can have a pocket shape.

[0056] Hereinafter, a case in which a receiving portion (22) is formed in each of the first case (20a) and the second case (20b) will be described as an example. Those skilled in the art will also be able to easily understand a case in which a receiving portion (22) is formed in only one of a pair of cases (20a) (20b).

[0057] The receiving portions (22) of a pair of cases (20a) (20b) are arranged to face each other, so that they can accommodate the electrode assembly (10) together. That is, the receiving portions (22) of a pair of cases (20a) (20b) are arranged to face each other, so that they can define a receiving space in which the electrode assembly (10) is accommodated. In this case, compared to a case in which the receiving portion (22) is formed in only one of the pair of cases (20a) (20b), the electrode assembly (20) can accommodate an electrode assembly (10) that is thick and has a large capacity.

[0058] The first case (20a) and the second case (20b) can be connected by a folding part (21). When the first case (20a) and the second case (20b) are unfolded, a part of the folding part (21) can be positioned between the receiving part (22) of the first case (20a) and the receiving part (22) of the second case (20b), and another part of the folding part (21) can be positioned between the terrace part (23) of the first case (20a) and the terrace part (23) of the second case (20b).

[0059] When the folding part (21) is folded, the first case (20a) and the second case (20b) can face each other. The folding part (21) can extend parallel to the electric length direction of the electrode assembly (10), but is not limited thereto.

[0060] Each case (20a) (20b) may include a terrace portion (23) located around the periphery of the receiving portion (22). More specifically, the terrace portion (23) may include a first terrace portion (24) from which an electrode lead (12) protrudes, and a second terrace portion (25) connected to the first terrace portion (24).

[0061] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, a pair of first terrace sections (24) may be provided on both sides of the receiving section (22) in the full-length direction, and a second terrace section (25) may be provided to connect a pair of first terrace sections (24) and may be positioned on one side of the receiving section (22) in the full-width direction. In this case, the first terrace section (24) may extend in the full-width direction of the receiving section (22), and the second terrace section (25) may extend in the full-length direction of the receiving section (22).

[0062] As another example, if the first case (20a) and the second case (20b) are separate members that are not connected by the folding part (21), a pair of first terrace parts (24) may be provided located on both sides in the full-length direction of the receiving part (22), and a pair of second terrace parts (25) may be provided that connect a pair of first terrace parts (24) and are located on both sides in the full-width direction of the receiving part (22).

[0063] When the first case (20a) and the second case (20b) are connected by the folding part (21), either the first terrace part (24) or the second terrace part (25) may be located on the opposite side of the folding part (21) with respect to the receiving part (22).

[0064] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the second terrace portion (25) may be positioned on the opposite side of the folding portion (21) with respect to the receiving portion (22). In this case, a pair of first terrace portions (24) may connect the folding portion (21) and the second terrace portion (25). That is, a pair of electrode leads (12) may extend in opposite directions and protrude outward through each first terrace portion (24).

[0065] As another example, it is also possible for the first terrace portion (25) to be positioned on the opposite side of the folding portion (21) with respect to the receiving portion (22). That is, a pair of electrode leads (12) may extend in a direction away from the folding portion (21) in parallel with each other and protrude outward through the first terrace portion (24). In this case, a pair of second terrace portions (25) may be provided, and may connect the folding portion (21) and the first terrace portion (24).

[0066] In this way, the extension direction and position of the first terrace section (24) and the second terrace section (25) are not limited and can be formed differently as needed.

[0067] When the folding portion (21) is folded, the terrace portions (23) of the first case (20a) and the second case (20b) can be in contact with each other. At this time, the insulating member (14) of the electrode assembly (10) can be positioned between the terrace portions (23) of the pair of cases (20a) (20b). For example, the insulating member (14) can be positioned between the first terrace portions (24) of the pair of cases (20a) (20b).

[0068] The terrace portions (23) of the first case (20a) and the second case (20b) can be sealed by being joined in a state of contact with each other. The terrace portions (23) of the first case (20a) and the second case (20b) can be sealed by having the polymer layers (e.g., polypropylene) forming the innermost layers of each be fused to each other.

[0069] In more detail, the first terrace portions (24) of the first case (20a) and the second case (20b) are sealed to each other, and a portion thereof may be sealed to the insulating member (14). The second terrace portions (25) of the first case (20a) and the second case (20b) may be sealed to each other. After the second terrace portion (25) is sealed, a portion of the outer side of the second terrace portion (25) may be trimmed and removed.

[0070] At least a portion of the sealed terrace portion (23) can be folded at least once. More specifically, the second terrace portion (25) can be folded at least once. The second terrace portion (25) can be single-side folded (SSF) or double-side folded (DSF). Preferably, the second terrace portion (25) can be double-side folded (DSF), as illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0071] The second terrace section (25) can be named a ‘folded terrace section’.

[0072] The folded terrace portion (25) may include a first folding portion (25a) and a second folding portion (25b). The first folding portion (25a) and the second folding portion (25b) may be folded portions of the second terrace portion (25).

[0073] The first folding portion (25a) may be formed by folding a portion of the second terrace portion (25) that is relatively close to the receiving portion (22). The second folding portion (25b) may be formed by folding a portion of the second terrace portion (25) that is relatively far from the receiving portion (22). That is, the second folding portion (25b) may be formed on the outside relative to the first folding portion (25a). The folding angle of the second folding portion (25b) may be greater than the folding angle of the first folding portion (25a). For example, the second folding portion (25b) may be folded at approximately 180 degrees, and the first folding portion (25a) may be folded at approximately 90 degrees.

[0074] Additionally, the folded terrace portion (25) can be pressed toward the receiving portion (22) so that the first folding portion (25a) can be further folded. Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the end of the folded terrace portion (25) can be in contact with or adjacent to the receiving portion (22).

[0075] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a cooling unit for a secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a front view of the cooling unit for a secondary battery illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0076] The folded terrace portion (25) described above may experience springback, whereby a portion of the folded portion cannot remain folded over time and partially unfolds. More specifically, when springback occurs, the first folding portion (25a) may partially unfold, and the end of the folded terrace portion (25) may move away from the storage portion (22).

[0077] To prevent such spring back, a secondary battery manufacturing system (hereinafter referred to as the 'manufacturing system') according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a cooling unit (100) configured to cool a folded terrace portion (25) of a secondary battery (1). The cooling unit (100) may cool and harden the folded terrace portion (25), thereby preventing spring back.

[0078] The above manufacturing system may include a transport unit (200) that transports a secondary battery (1). The transport unit (200) may be configured to transport the secondary battery (1) along a preset transport path (P). The configuration of the transport unit (200) is not limited. For example, the transport unit (200) may include a tray on which the secondary battery (1) is mounted, and a shuttle that transports the tray.

[0079] The above manufacturing system may include a folding unit (not shown) that folds the terrace portion (25) of the secondary battery (1). The folding unit may form a folded terrace portion (25) using heat and pressure. For example, the folding unit may include a plurality of folding blocks that fold the terrace portion (25) by ascending or descending in a preset order, and a pressing block that presses the folded terrace portion (25) toward the receiving portion (22). In addition, a heater (e.g., a heating wire) is built into at least one of the plurality of folding blocks and the pressing block, and may apply heat to the terrace portion (25) while coming into contact with the terrace portion (25). Since the configuration and operation of the folding unit are well known in the art, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0080] The cooling unit (100) may be positioned behind the folding unit with respect to the transport path (P) of the secondary battery (1). The cooling unit (100) may quickly cool the folded terrace portion (25) so that the heat applied by the folding unit is cooled.

[0081] The cooling unit (100) may be positioned on one side of the transport path (P) of the secondary battery (1). The cooling unit (100) may be arranged parallel to the transport path (P) of the secondary battery (1). In this regard, the transport unit (200) may transport the secondary battery (1) such that the folded terrace portion (25) remains parallel to the transport path. Accordingly, the cooling unit may effectively cool the folded terrace portion (25) of the secondary battery (1) moving along the transport path (P).

[0082] In more detail, the cooling unit (100) may include a main body (110) and a plurality of spray units (120) arranged on the inner surface of the main body (110).

[0083] The main body (110) can extend parallel to the longitudinal direction of the folded terrace portion (25). The main body (110) can extend parallel to the transport path (P) of the secondary battery (1).

[0084] Inside the main body (110), a supply path (100a) that supplies gas and is connected to a plurality of injection units (120) to be described later may be provided. A gas supply pump (not shown) located outside the cooling unit (100) may be connected to the supply path (100a). The gas within the supply path (100a) may be divided and injected into a plurality of injection units (120).

[0085] At least a portion of the main body (110) may be bent or curved in a direction surrounding the folded terrace portion (25). At least a portion of the main body (110) may be bent or curved in a direction surrounding the transport path (P) of the secondary battery (1).

[0086] Due to this shape of the main body (110), a plurality of injection units (120) can be arranged to face different angles. The plurality of injection units (120) can be configured to inject gas at different angles toward the folded terrace portion (25) of the secondary battery (1). As a result, the folded terrace portion (25) can be cooled quickly, uniformly, and evenly.

[0087] In more detail, the plurality of injection units (120) may be configured to inject gas at an angle closer to horizontal as the injection units (120) are positioned closer to the center of the main body (110). That is, the angle formed by each injection unit (120) may become gentler as the injection units (120) are positioned closer to the center of the main body (110).

[0088] The configuration of each injection unit (120) is not limited. For example, each injection unit (120) may include a nozzle.

[0089] The type of gas injected from each injection unit (120) is not limited. The gas may refer to any type of gas including air.

[0090] For example, each injector (120) may be configured to inject gas at a temperature lower than room temperature. For example, each injector (120) may inject cold air using a vortex tube or cold jet method. This allows the folded terrace section (25) to be cooled more quickly. However, this is not limited to this, and it is also possible for each injector (120) to be configured to inject gas at room temperature.

[0091] The main body (110) may include a center portion (111) that overlaps the secondary battery (1) in the length direction or width direction of the secondary battery (1), and a first end portion (112) and a second end portion (113) that are positioned on opposite sides with the center portion (111) interposed therebetween.

[0092] The first end portion (112) and the second end portion (113) may be connected to the center portion (111). The first end portion (112) and the second end portion (113) may be bent or curved in a direction toward each other. The first end portion (112) and the second end portion (113) may be formed integrally with the center portion (111), but are not limited thereto.

[0093] In the present embodiment, the main body (110) can be bent in a direction surrounding the folded terrace portion (25). The main body (110) can be bent in a direction surrounding the transport path (P) of the secondary battery (1). This has the advantage that the gas injected from the plurality of injection portions (120) can be concentrated toward the folded terrace portion (25).

[0094] For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the center portion (111), the first end portion (112), and the second end portion (113) can be bent to have the same radius of curvature. This has the advantage that the gas injected from the plurality of injection portions (120) can be more concentrated toward the folded terrace portion (25).

[0095] However, it is of course possible for the center portion (111), the first end portion (112), and the second end portion (113) to have different radii of curvature, or not to have a constant radius of curvature. In addition, the center portion (111) may be formed approximately vertically, and the first end portion (112) and the second end portion (113) may be formed to be curved with respect to the center portion (111).

[0096] The plurality of spray units (120) may be arranged to form a plurality of rows along the longitudinal direction of the folded terrace portion (25) of the secondary battery (1). The plurality of spray units (120) may be arranged to form a plurality of rows parallel to the transport path (P) of the secondary battery (1). For example, the plurality of spray units (120) may be arranged to form three rows, as illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0097] Accordingly, even while the secondary battery (1) is being transported, the plurality of injection units (120) can continuously cool the folded terrace unit (25).

[0098] The plurality of injection units (120) may include a first injection unit (121) that injects gas from one side of the folded terrace unit (25) in the thickness direction (vertical direction in FIG. 5) of the secondary battery (1), and a second injection unit (122) that injects gas from the other side. The first injection unit (121) may be arranged on the inner surface of the first end unit (112), and the second injection unit (122) may be arranged on the inner surface of the second end unit (113).

[0099] The first injection unit (121) and the second injection unit (122) can be arranged symmetrically to each other.

[0100] The plurality of injection units (120) may further include a third injection unit (123) located between the first injection unit (121) and the second injection unit (122). The third injection unit (123) may be arranged on the inner surface of the center unit (111).

[0101] The first injection unit (121) and the second injection unit (122) may be arranged to face at a predetermined angle relative to the horizontal direction. The angle at which the third injection unit (123) faces may be gentler than the angles at which the first injection unit (121) and the second injection unit (122) face. For example, the third injection unit (123) may be arranged to face approximately in the horizontal direction.

[0102] The first injection unit (121) may be directed toward the second folding unit (25b) of the folded terrace unit (25) or toward a portion adjacent to the second folding unit (25b). The second injection unit (122) may be directed toward the first folding unit (25a) of the folded terrace unit (25) or toward a portion adjacent to the first folding unit (25a). As a result, each folding unit (25a) (25b) of the folded terrace unit (25) can be quickly and intensively cooled and solidified, and spring back can be reliably prevented.

[0103] The third injection unit (123) can be directed to the portion between the first folding unit (25a) and the second folding unit (25b) in the folded terrace unit (25). As a result, the folded terrace unit (25) can be cooled and solidified as a whole. However, the points to which each injection unit (121), (122), and (123) is directed are not limited to the above description.

[0104] The first injection unit (121), the second injection unit (122), and the third injection unit (123) may each be provided in multiple numbers.

[0105] Each of the injection units (121)(122)(123) may be arranged to form a plurality of rows along the longitudinal direction of the folded terrace unit (25) of the secondary battery (1). Each of the injection units (121)(122)(123) may be arranged to form a plurality of rows parallel to the transport path (P) of the secondary battery (1). For example, each of the injection units (121)(122)(123) may be arranged to form a single row. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0106] When the first injection units (121) are arranged to form a plurality of rows, the angle formed by each first injection unit (121) may become gentler as the first injection unit (121) is arranged closer to the center of the main body (110). When the second injection units (122) are arranged to form a plurality of rows, the angle formed by each second injection unit (122) may become gentler as the second injection unit (122) is arranged closer to the center of the main body (110). When the third injection units (123) are arranged to form a plurality of rows, the angle formed by each third injection unit (123) may become gentler as the third injection unit (123) is arranged closer to the center of the main body (110).

[0107] In this way, the folded terrace section (25) can be cooled more evenly and uniformly.

[0108] Meanwhile, the cooling unit (100) may be positioned close to the secondary battery (1). More specifically, when the secondary battery (1) passes the cooling unit, the cooling unit (100) may be positioned so that at least a portion of the folded terrace portion (25) is positioned inside the main body (110). That is, at least a portion of the folded terrace portion (25) may be positioned further inside than a virtual surface connecting both ends of the main body (110).

[0109] As a result, the distance between the plurality of injection units (120) and the folded terrace unit (25) can be shortened, and the cooling efficiency for the folded terrace unit (25) can be improved.

[0110] Figure 6 is a front view of a cooling unit for a secondary battery according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0111] Below, we will omit any overlapping information from what was previously explained and focus on explaining the differences.

[0112] In the present embodiment, the main body (110) can be bent in a direction surrounding the folded terrace portion (25). The main body (110) can be bent in a direction surrounding the transport path (P) of the secondary battery (1).

[0113] For example, the center portion (111) may be formed approximately vertically, and the first end portion (112) and the second end portion (113) may be bent to form a predetermined angle with respect to the center portion (111). Here, the predetermined angle may be an obtuse angle greater than 90 degrees and less than 180 degrees.

[0114] When the first injection units (121) are arranged to form multiple rows, the angles formed by each first injection unit (121) may be the same. When the second injection units (122) are arranged to form multiple rows, the angles formed by each second injection unit (122) may be the same. When the third injection units (123) are arranged to form multiple rows, the angles formed by each third injection unit (123) may be the same.

[0115] The above description is merely an example of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention.

[0116] Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical idea of ​​the present invention but to explain it, and the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention is not limited by these embodiments.

[0117] The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted by the claims below, and all technical ideas within the scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the rights of the present invention.

[0118] [Explanation of symbols]

[0119] 1: Pouch-type secondary battery 25: Second terrace section, folded terrace section

[0120] 25a: First folding section 25b: Second

[0121] 100: Cooling unit 100a: Supply euro

[0122] 110: Body 111: Center

[0123] 112: First End 113: Second End

[0124] 120: Injection part 121: First injection part

[0125] 122: Second participle 123: Third participle

[0126] 200: Transport unit

Claims

1. In a secondary battery cooling unit that cools a folded terrace portion of a pouch-type secondary battery, a body at least partly curved or bent in a direction surrounding said folded terrace portion; and A cooling unit for a secondary battery, comprising a plurality of injectors arranged on the inner surface of the main body and injecting gas toward the folded terrace portion.

2. In paragraph 1, A cooling unit for a secondary battery, wherein the above plurality of injectors are configured to inject gas having a temperature lower than room temperature.

3. In paragraph 1, A secondary battery cooling unit, wherein the plurality of injection units are configured to inject gas at different angles toward the folded terrace unit.

4. In paragraph 1, A secondary battery cooling unit, wherein the plurality of injection units are configured to inject gas at an angle closer to horizontal as the injection unit is located closer to the center of the main body.

5. In paragraph 1, The above body extends parallel to the length direction of the folded terrace portion, A cooling unit for a secondary battery, wherein the plurality of injection units are arranged to form a plurality of rows along the length direction of the folded terrace unit.

6. In paragraph 1, The above body, A center portion overlapping with the secondary battery in the longitudinal or width direction of the secondary battery; It includes a first end part and a second end part connected to the above center part and positioned on opposite sides with the above center part in between, A cooling unit for a secondary battery, wherein the first end portion and the second end portion are bent or curved in a direction approaching each other.

7. In paragraph 6, A secondary battery cooling unit in which the center portion, the first end portion, and the second end portion are bent to have the same radius of curvature.

8. In paragraph 1, The above multiple injection parts are, A first injection unit that injects gas from one side of the folded terrace section in the thickness direction of the secondary battery; and A cooling unit for a secondary battery including a second injection unit that injects gas from the other side of the folded terrace portion in the thickness direction of the secondary battery.

9. In paragraph 8, The above multiple injection parts are, A cooling unit for a secondary battery further comprising a third injection unit positioned between the first injection unit and the second injection unit.

10. In paragraph 1, A secondary battery cooling unit having a supply path that is connected to the plurality of injection units and supplies the gas inside the main body.

11. A transport unit for transporting a pouch-type secondary battery; and A cooling unit configured to cool the folded terrace portion of the secondary battery, The above cooling unit, A body at least partly curved or bent in a direction surrounding the transport path of the secondary battery; A secondary battery manufacturing system comprising a plurality of injection units arranged on the inner surface of the main body and injecting gas toward the folded terrace portion of the secondary battery.

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