Insert device

Abstract

An insert device according to an embodiment of the present invention is an insert device for inserting an electrode assembly into a battery can. The insert device comprises: a can holder that holds the battery can; a lower stopper that supports the electrode assembly from below and is configured to be able to move in a direction parallel to the central axis of the electrode assembly; a side stopper configured to move forward or backward, in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the electrode assembly, from a side portion of the electrode assembly; a conveying member configured to convey the electrode assembly and the battery can; and a lower holder that supports, from below, the electrode assembly conveyed by the conveying member, and is configured to be able to move in a direction parallel to the central axis of the electrode assembly.

Description

Insert device

[0001] The present invention relates to an insert device. More specifically, the present invention relates to an insert device for inserting an electrode assembly into a battery can.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0167313, filed on November 27, 2023, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Secondary batteries, which boast high electrical properties such as high energy density and high applicability across a wide range of product categories, are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electrical power sources. These batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for environmental friendliness and energy efficiency, not only because they can dramatically reduce fossil fuel use, but also because they produce no byproducts from energy use.

[0004] Currently, widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of these unit secondary battery cells, i.e., unit battery cells, is approximately 2.5 V to 4.5 V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery pack. Furthermore, depending on the charge / discharge capacity required for the battery pack, a number of battery cells are connected in parallel to form a battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack can be set in various ways depending on the required output voltage and / or charge / discharge capacity.

[0005] Meanwhile, in the cylindrical secondary battery manufacturing process, an insertion process is performed to insert an electrode assembly into a battery can. During the insertion process, the electrode assembly is inserted into the battery can from the bottom to the top. Conventionally, a component called an insert ring was essential to support the electrode assembly from the bottom. That is, in order for the opening of the battery can to rotate 180 degrees from bottom to top, a component that can support and fix the electrode assembly inserted into the battery can was required, and the insert ring performed this role. However, such an insert ring had the problem of being a workpiece that was separately installed on a carrier and thus became a point of operation and process management.

[0006] Accordingly, the present invention is intended to solve the above problems, and has as its primary purpose to reduce operation and process management points by removing an insert ring in an electrode assembly insertion process.

[0007] More specifically, another object of the present invention is to reduce management points for cleaning and / or wear of an insert ring by removing the insert ring.

[0008] In another aspect, the present invention has another object to prevent cases where an insert ring is abnormally seated in a carrier or is detached due to external force in a situation where an electrode assembly is supported.

[0009] However, the technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, an insert device for inserting an electrode assembly into a battery can may include: a can holder for holding the battery can; a lower stopper for supporting the electrode assembly from below and configured to move in a direction parallel to a central axis of the electrode assembly; a side stopper for advancing or retreating in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the electrode assembly from a side of the electrode assembly; a transfer member configured to transfer the electrode assembly and the battery can; and a lower holder for supporting the electrode assembly transferred by the transfer member from below and configured to move in a direction parallel to the central axis of the electrode assembly.

[0011] In one aspect of the present invention, the can holder may be configured to hold the can such that the opening portion of the can faces downward and the closing portion of the can faces upward.

[0012] In another aspect of the present invention, the lower stopper may be configured to insert the electrode assembly into the battery can.

[0013] Preferably, the lower stopper may be configured to push the electrode assembly, which is positioned lower than the can, upwardly so as to push the electrode assembly toward the opening of the battery can.

[0014] For example, the lower stopper may be configured to insert the electrode assembly only to a predetermined point in the battery can.

[0015] In another aspect of the present invention, the lower stopper may be configured in a cylindrical shape.

[0016] Preferably, the radius of the lower stopper may be configured to be larger than the radius of the winding center hole of the electrode assembly.

[0017] In another aspect of the present invention, the lower stopper may include polyetheretherketone.

[0018] In one aspect of the present invention, the side stopper may be configured to support the lower portion of the electrode assembly by advancing in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the electrode assembly while the electrode assembly is inserted into the battery can.

[0019] Preferably, the side stopper may be configured to support the lower portion of the electrode assembly while the transfer member transfers the electrode assembly and the sapphire battery can.

[0020] In another aspect of the present invention, the lower holder may be configured to move upward toward the electrode assembly while the side stopper supports the lower portion of the electrode assembly, thereby supporting the lower portion of the electrode assembly.

[0021] In another aspect of the present invention, the side stopper may be configured to retract in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the electrode assembly after the lower holder supports the lower portion of the electrode assembly.

[0022] In one aspect of the present invention, the lower holder may be configured to insert the electrode assembly into the battery can.

[0023] Preferably, the lower holder may be configured to insert the electrode assembly to the end of the closed portion of the battery can.

[0024] Meanwhile, an insertion method according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-described problem is an insertion method for inserting an electrode assembly into a battery can, comprising: a first step in which a can holder holds the battery can; a second step in which a lower stopper supports the electrode assembly from the bottom; a third step in which the lower stopper moves upward to insert the electrode assembly into the battery can to a predetermined point of the battery can; a fourth step in which a side stopper advances in a direction perpendicular to a central axis of the electrode assembly from the side of the electrode assembly to support a lower portion of the electrode assembly; a fifth step in which a transfer member transfers the electrode assembly and the battery can to another location; a sixth step in which a lower holder supports the electrode assembly transferred by the transfer member from the bottom; a seventh step in which the lower holder moves upward to insert the electrode assembly to an end of a closed portion of the battery can; an eighth step in which the electrode assembly and the battery can are rotated 180 degrees; and a ninth step of detaching the lower holder from the electrode assembly.

[0025] According to the present invention, the insert ring can be removed in the electrode assembly insertion process, thereby reducing operation and process management points.

[0026] In addition, according to the present invention, by removing the insert ring, management points for cleaning and / or wear of the insert ring can be reduced.

[0027] In addition, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent cases in which the insert ring is abnormally seated in the carrier or is detached due to external force in a state in which the electrode assembly is supported.

[0028] However, the effects that can be obtained through the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and other technical effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0029] 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.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a can supply step of an insert device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 is an enlarged view of Figure 1.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining a can centering step of an insert device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining an electrode assembly centering step of an insert device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining a spring cushion step of an insert device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining the first insertion step of the electrode assembly of an insert device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of Figure 6.

[0037] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining a side stopper advancement step of an insert device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 9 is an enlarged view of Figure 8.

[0039] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining a lower stopper original position step of an insert device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining an electrode assembly and battery can transfer step of an insert device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 12 is an enlarged view of Figure 11.

[0042] FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining a state in which a side stopper of an insert device according to one embodiment of the present invention is retracted.

[0043] FIG. 14 is a drawing for explaining a second insertion step of an electrode assembly of an insert device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 15 is a drawing for explaining a cell rotation step of an insert device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 16 is a drawing for explaining a lower holder retraction step of an insert device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, it should be noted that the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings. Based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best explain his or her invention, they should be interpreted in a way that conforms to the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0047] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are only some of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention, and that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0048] Additionally, to aid understanding of the invention, the attached drawings are not drawn to scale and the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated.

[0049]

[0050] In the manufacturing process of a cylindrical secondary battery, an insertion process is performed to insert an electrode assembly (E) into a battery can (C). In the insertion process, the electrode assembly (E) is inserted into the battery can (C) from the bottom to the top. Conventionally, a component called an insert ring that supports the electrode assembly (E) from the bottom was essential at this time. That is, in order for the opening (C1) of the battery can (C) to rotate 180 degrees from the bottom to the top, a component that can support and fix the electrode assembly (E) inserted into the battery can (C) was required, and the insert ring performed this role.

[0051] However, insert rings like this have the problem of being a workpiece that is installed separately in the carrier and thus becomes an operational and process management point. For example, the presence of an insert ring requires operational management for cleaning and / or wear of the insert ring. Furthermore, the presence of an insert ring may result in the insert ring being improperly installed in the carrier. Alternatively, the insert ring may be detached due to external force while supporting the electrode assembly (E). In other words, insert rings require the aforementioned process management points.

[0052] The present invention, recognizing that such a problem may arise, eliminates the insert ring from the insert device (1), and the role previously performed by the insert ring can be covered by the unique structure of other components. This will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 16 below.

[0053]

[0054] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a can supply step of an insert device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of FIG. 1.

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an insert device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a can holder (10), a lower stopper (20), a side stopper (30), a transfer member (40), and a lower holder (50).

[0056] More specifically, the insert device (1) may include a can holder (10) that holds the battery can (C); a lower stopper (20) that supports the electrode assembly (E) from below and is configured to move in a direction parallel to the central axis of the electrode assembly (E); a side stopper (30) that is configured to advance or retreat in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the electrode assembly (E) from a side of the electrode assembly (E); a transfer member (40) that is configured to transfer the electrode assembly (E) and the battery can (C); and a lower holder (50) that supports the electrode assembly (E) transferred by the transfer member (40) from below and is configured to move in a direction parallel to the central axis of the electrode assembly (E).

[0057] With this structure, the electrode assembly (E) can be easily supported and inserted into the battery can (C) without the insert ring. Consequently, all problems associated with the insert ring can be resolved. For example, the time and cost required for insert ring maintenance can be reduced. As a result, processability can be improved. Furthermore, damage to the electrode assembly (E) can be minimized.

[0058]

[0059] The above insert device (1) may be configured to insert a jelly roll-shaped electrode assembly (E) into a cylindrical battery can (C) when manufacturing a cylindrical secondary battery. That is, the can holder (10) may be configured to hold the battery can (C).

[0060] The can holder (10) may have a shape capable of holding a cylindrical battery can (C). For example, the can holder (10) may be configured in the form of a pair of tongs having an inner surface cylindrically hollowed out so as to be capable of holding a cylindrical shape. The can holder (10) may be configured to hold at least a portion of the length of the battery can (C). For example, referring to FIG. 1, the can holder (10) may hold the battery can (C) at two points along the length of the battery can (C). However, it should be understood that the can holder (10) of the present invention is not limited to this shape. Any can holder (10) capable of holding a battery can (C) may be included within the scope of the can holder (10) of the present invention.

[0061] In one aspect of the present invention, the can holder (10) can hold the can so that the opening portion (C1) of the can faces downward and the closing portion (C2) of the can faces upward.

[0062] For example, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the can holder (10) holds the battery can (C) such that the opening (C1) of the battery can (C) faces downward and the closing portion (C2) of the battery can (C) faces upward. That is, the electrode assembly (E) can be inserted into the opening (C1) of the battery can (C) provided at the bottom of the battery can (C) and moved toward the closing portion (C2) provided at the top of the battery can (C).

[0063] In this way, the reason why the opening (C1) of the battery can (C) is structured to face downward and the closing portion (C2) to face upward is to insert the electrode assembly (E) upward. For example, if the electrode assembly (E) is inserted downward, a free-fall method can be adopted. However, this free-fall method has the problem that the insertion speed cannot be controlled and positive pressure is generated. On the other hand, the method of inserting the electrode assembly (E) downward while holding it may unnecessarily complicate the structure of the can holder (10), which may lead to problems such as an increase in management points and a decrease in processability. Therefore, it is preferable that the electrode assembly (E) be inserted upward, and according to the structure of the present invention, the electrode assembly (E) can be inserted from the bottom to the top. Accordingly, it becomes possible to insert the electrode assembly (E) while minimizing the generation of positive pressure with a simple structure.

[0064] That is, according to the process of FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery can (C) can be supplied into an insert device (1) by a can holder (10) like this.

[0065]

[0066] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining a can centering step of an insert device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a centering step of an electrode assembly (E) of an insert device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining a spring cushion step of an insert device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the center of the battery can (C) can be aligned and the center of the electrode assembly (E) can be aligned. In addition, errors can be absorbed through the spring cushion step. That is, according to the structure of the present invention, the electrode assembly (E) can be stably inserted into the battery can (C). That is, through the steps of FIGS. 3 to 5, the electrode assembly (E) can be optimally inserted into the battery can (C).

[0068]

[0069] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining the first insertion step of the electrode assembly (E) of the insert device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of FIG. 6.

[0070] In one aspect of the present invention, referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the lower stopper (20) may be configured to insert the electrode assembly (E) into the inside of the battery can (C).

[0071] Specifically, the lower stopper (20) may be configured to support the electrode assembly (E) from below. In addition, the lower stopper (20) may be configured to be movable in a direction parallel to the central axis of the electrode assembly (E). For example, the lower stopper (20) may push the electrode assembly (E) located below the can upwards to push the electrode assembly (E) toward the opening (C1) of the battery can (C). That is, in the state of FIG. 5, the lower stopper (20) may push the electrode assembly (E) upwards. Accordingly, the electrode assembly (E) passes through the opening (C1) of the battery can (C) and rises toward the closing portion of the battery can (C), resulting in the states of FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0072] According to the structure of the present invention, the electrode assembly (E) can be stably inserted into the battery can (C) without a separate component called an insert ring. Accordingly, maintenance points for cleaning and / or wear of the insert ring can be reduced. In addition, according to the present invention, cases where the insert ring is abnormally seated in the carrier or is detached due to external force while supporting the electrode assembly (E) can be prevented.

[0073]

[0074] In another aspect of the present invention, the lower stopper (20) may be configured to insert the electrode assembly (E) only to a certain point between the opening (C1) and the closing portion (C2) of the battery can (C).

[0075] For example, in the first insertion step of FIGS. 6 and 7, the lower stopper (20) can insert the electrode assembly (E) only to a predetermined point in the longitudinal direction of the battery can (C). For example, the lower stopper (20) can be configured to insert the electrode assembly (E) only to a point 2 / 3 of the way into the battery can (C). If the electrode assembly (E) is inserted into the battery can (C) at once, positive pressure may be generated inside the battery can (C), making it difficult to smoothly insert the electrode assembly (E). In particular, when the outer diameter of the electrode assembly (E) and the inner diameter of the battery can (C) are almost identical, the generation of positive pressure may be more noticeable. Accordingly, it is preferable to insert the electrode assembly (E) in stages at a predetermined amount at a time interval, rather than inserting it at once. In addition, if the electrode assembly (E) is inserted all the way to the end of the closure section (C2) of the battery can (C) at once, damage to the electrode assembly (E) may occur even if there is a slight insertion error.

[0076] Therefore, according to the structure of the present invention, a delay time can be generated to induce the pressure inside the battery can (C) to be minimized. That is, according to the present invention, the electrode assembly (E) can be smoothly inserted into the inside of the battery can (C). In addition, damage to the electrode assembly (E) can be prevented.

[0077]

[0078] In another aspect of the present invention, the lower stopper (20) may be configured in a roughly cylindrical shape. That is, the lower stopper (20) may be configured in a roughly elongated rod shape, and the central axis of the rod may coincide with the central axis of the electrode assembly (E).

[0079] In one aspect of the present invention, the radius of the lower stopper (20) may be configured to be larger than the radius of the winding center hole of the electrode assembly (E). For example, the radius of the cylindrical lower stopper (20) may be configured to be slightly larger than the radius of the winding center hole of the electrode assembly (E).

[0080] According to this structure, since the radius of the lower stopper (20) is larger than the radius of the winding center hole of the electrode assembly (E), the lower stopper (20) can support the electrode assembly (E) and the collector plate from below. In addition, since the radius of the cylindrical lower stopper (20) is slightly larger than the radius of the winding center hole of the electrode assembly (E), the contact area between the lower stopper (20) and the electrode assembly (E) can be minimized. Consequently, the possibility of damage to the electrode assembly (E) can be minimized.

[0081] In another embodiment, the radius of the lower stopper (20) may be configured to be larger than the radius of the collector plate hole formed in the center of the collector plate coupled to the electrode assembly (E). For example, the radius of the lower stopper (20) may be configured to be larger than the radius of the collector plate hole and smaller than or equal to the radius of the center region of the collector plate.

[0082] According to this structure, since the radius of the lower stopper (20) is larger than the radius of the collector plate hole, the lower stopper (20) can support the electrode assembly (E) and the collector plate from below. In addition, since the radius of the lower stopper (20) is smaller than or equal to the radius of the central region of the collector plate, the leg portion of the collector plate extending from the outer periphery of the central region may not be affected by the lower stopper (20).

[0083] In another aspect of the present invention, the lower stopper (20) may include a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) material. According to this embodiment, damage to the lower stopper (20) may be minimized even when it comes into contact with the electrode assembly (E) and / or the current collector plate.

[0084]

[0085] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining the forward step of the side stopper (30) of the insert device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of FIG. 8.

[0086] In one aspect of the present invention, referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the side stopper (30) may be configured to advance or retreat in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the electrode assembly (E) from the side of the electrode assembly (E). Specifically, the side stopper (30) may be configured to advance in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the electrode assembly (E) to support the lower portion of the electrode assembly (E) when the lower stopper (20) inserts the electrode assembly (E) into the battery can (C).

[0087] The side stopper (30) can, for example, only enter the outer peripheral region of the electrode assembly (E). More specifically, the side stopper (30) can enter the region between the negative current collector plate coupled to the electrode assembly (E) and the electrode assembly (E). For example, referring to FIG. 9, the negative current collector plate is welded to the electrode assembly (E) at the central region, and the leg portion of the negative current collector plate extends downward at the outer peripheral side. Here, the side stopper (30) can enter the region between the leg portion of the negative current collector plate and the lower surface of the electrode assembly (E). If the lower stopper (20) excessively enters the central region of the electrode assembly (E), the contact area with the electrode assembly (E) becomes wider, which increases the possibility of damage to the electrode assembly (E), and there is also a possibility that the side stopper (30) may damage the negative current collector plate. Therefore, it is preferable that the side stopper (30) enters only to the area adjacent to the outer periphery of the electrode assembly (E), for example.

[0088] In another aspect of the present invention, the side stopper (30) may include a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) material. According to this embodiment, damage to the side stopper (30) may be minimized even when it comes into contact with the electrode assembly (E).

[0089]

[0090] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining the original position step of the lower stopper (20) of the insert device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] Referring to Fig. 10, the lower stopper (20) can move in a direction parallel to the central axis of the electrode assembly (E). More specifically, the lower stopper (20) can move downward and away from the electrode assembly (E). That is, since the side stopper (30) supports the electrode assembly (E), the lower stopper (20) can return to its original position and begin preparations to support the next electrode assembly (E).

[0092]

[0093] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining the electrode assembly (E) and battery can (C) transfer step of the insert device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of FIG. 11.

[0094] Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, the insert device (1) may include a transfer member (40) configured to transfer the electrode assembly (E) and the battery can (C). The transfer member (40) can transfer the electrode assembly (E) and the battery can (C) from one point to another. For example, in FIG. 10, the battery can (C) and the electrode assembly (E) are positioned on the left side with respect to the rotation axis, but in FIG. 11, the battery can (C) and the electrode assembly (E) are positioned on the right side with respect to the rotation axis. That is, the battery can (C) and the electrode assembly (E) can be transferred from one point to another by the transfer member (40). For example, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a rotation axis and a gripping member connected to the rotation axis are provided, and by rotating the rotation axis, the battery can (C) and the electrode assembly (E) gripped by the gripping member can be transferred to another location. However, the transfer member (40) is not limited to such specific embodiments, and if the electrode assembly (E) and the battery can (C) have a structure that can be transferred from one location to another, it can be said to be included in the scope of the transfer member (40) of the present invention.

[0095] Meanwhile, according to FIGS. 11 and 12, the side stopper (30) supports the electrode assembly (E) from below even during the transport process. That is, the side stopper (30) can be configured to support the lower portion of the electrode assembly (E) while the transport member (40) transports the electrode assembly (E) and the sac battery can (C).

[0096] Accordingly, the electrode assembly (E) can be transferred to another location while maintaining the initially inserted state inside the battery can (C).

[0097]

[0098] FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining a state in which a side stopper (30) of an insert device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention is retracted.

[0099] In one aspect of the present invention, referring to FIG. 13, the lower holder (50) may be configured to move upward toward the electrode assembly (E) while the side stopper (30) supports the lower portion of the electrode assembly (E), thereby supporting the lower portion of the electrode assembly (E). The lower holder (50) may be composed of the same components as the existing lower stopper (20), or may be composed of different components.

[0100] While the side stopper (30) supports the electrode assembly (E), the lower holder (50) can support the electrode assembly (E) from the bottom. As a result, the side stopper (30) and the lower holder (50) can be in a state of simultaneously supporting the electrode assembly (E). After that, when the lower holder (50) completely supports the electrode assembly (E), the side stopper (30) can be configured to retract in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the electrode assembly (E) after the lower holder (50) supports the lower portion of the electrode assembly (E). That is, since the lower stopper (20) supports the electrode assembly (E), the side stopper (30) no longer needs to support the electrode assembly (E), and thus retracts. Accordingly, the contact area between the electrode assembly (E) and the side stopper (30) disappears, so the possibility of damage to the electrode assembly (E) can be reduced.

[0101]

[0102] FIG. 14 is a drawing for explaining a second insertion step of an electrode assembly (E) of an insert device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0103] In another aspect of the present invention, referring to FIG. 14, the lower holder (50) may be configured to insert the electrode assembly (E) into the battery can (C). The lower holder (50) may be configured to move in a direction parallel to the central axis of the electrode assembly (E). For example, the lower holder (50) may be configured to move upward to push the electrode assembly (E) into the battery can (C).

[0104] Preferably, the lower holder (50) can insert the electrode assembly (E) to the end of the closing portion (C2) of the battery can (C). This will be referred to as a second insertion step. That is, in the second insertion step, the electrode assembly (E) can be inserted from a predetermined point in the longitudinal direction of the battery can (C) inserted in the first insertion step to the end of the closing portion (C2) of the battery can (C).

[0105] When the electrode assembly (E) is inserted in two stages like this, a delay time can be generated to suppress the generation of positive pressure inside the battery can (C). That is, according to the present invention, the electrode assembly (E) can be smoothly inserted into the inside of the battery can (C).

[0106]

[0107] FIG. 15 is a drawing for explaining a cell rotation step of an insert device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 16 is a drawing for explaining a lower holder (50) retraction step of an insert device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] Referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, an insert device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention can rotate a battery can (C) into which an electrode assembly (E) is inserted 180 degrees so that it is upside down. At this time, the lower holder (50) that was supporting the electrode assembly (E) upward also rotates 180 degrees. That is, the lower holder (50) is positioned upward due to the rotation. More specifically, after the 180-degree rotation, the lower holder (50) comes into contact with the electrode assembly (E) at the upper portion of the electrode assembly (E). Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 16, the lower holder (50) can move away from the electrode assembly (E). That is, the lower holder (50) can be retracted from the electrode assembly (E). When this step is completed, the electrode assembly (E) is completely inserted into the battery can (C). More specifically, the electrode assembly (E) may be accommodated within the battery can (C) while the opening (C1) of the battery can (C) is raised so that it faces upward. In a subsequent step, the battery can (C) may be transferred to another process. For example, the battery can (C) may be transferred to a beading crimping process.

[0109]

[0110] As described above, referring to FIGS. 1 to 16, an insertion method for inserting an electrode assembly (E) into a battery can (C) includes: a first step (S1) in which a can holder (10) holds the battery can (C); a second step (S2) in which a lower stopper (20) supports the electrode assembly (E) from below; a third step (S3) in which the lower stopper (20) moves upward to insert the electrode assembly (E) into the battery can (C) to a predetermined point of the battery can (C); a fourth step (S4) in which a side stopper (30) moves forward in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the electrode assembly (E) from the side of the electrode assembly (E) to support the lower portion of the electrode assembly (E); a fifth step (S5) in which a transfer member (40) transfers the electrode assembly (E) and the battery can (C) to another location; The method may include a sixth step (S6) in which the lower holder (50) supports the electrode assembly (E) transferred by the transfer member (40) from below; a seventh step (S7) in which the lower holder (50) moves upward to insert the electrode assembly (E) to the end of the closing portion (C2) of the battery can (C); an eighth step (S8) in which the electrode assembly (E) and the battery can (C) are rotated 180 degrees; and a ninth step (S9) in which the lower holder (50) is detached from the electrode assembly (E).

[0111] According to the above embodiments, the electrode assembly (E) can be easily supported and inserted into the battery can (C) without an insert ring. Accordingly, all problems associated with the presence of the insert ring can be resolved. For example, the time and cost required for insert ring maintenance can be reduced. As a result, processability can be improved. Furthermore, damage to the electrode assembly (E) can be minimized.

[0112]

[0113] Meanwhile, although terms indicating directions such as up and down are used in this specification, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms are only for convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the location of the target object or the location of the observer.

[0114] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the equivalent scope of the patent claims to be described below by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

[0115] [Drawing reference symbol]

[0116] 1 Insert device

[0117] E electrode assembly

[0118] C battery can

[0119] C1 opening

[0120] C2 closure

[0121] 10 can holders

[0122] 20 Lower stopper

[0123] 30 side stoppers

[0124] 40 Transport Absence

[0125] 50 lower holders

Claims

1. An insert device for inserting an electrode assembly into a battery can, A can holder for holding the above battery can; A lower stopper that supports the electrode assembly from below and is configured to move in a direction parallel to the central axis of the electrode assembly; A side stopper configured to advance or retreat in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the electrode assembly on the side of the electrode assembly; A transport member configured to transport the electrode assembly and the battery can; and A lower holder configured to support an electrode assembly transferred by the transfer member from below and to be movable in a direction parallel to the central axis of the electrode assembly; An insert device characterized by including a .

2. In paragraph 1, The above can holder, An insert device characterized in that it holds the can so that the opening of the can faces downward and the closing part of the can faces upward.

3. In paragraph 1, The above lower stopper, An insert device characterized in that it is configured to insert the electrode assembly into the inside of the battery can.

4. In paragraph 1, The above lower stopper, An insert device characterized in that the electrode assembly positioned lower than the can is pushed upward and the electrode assembly is pushed toward the opening of the battery can.

5. In paragraph 1, The above lower stopper, An insert device characterized in that the electrode assembly is configured to be inserted only to a predetermined point in the battery can.

6. In paragraph 1, An insert device characterized in that the lower stopper is configured in a cylindrical shape.

7. In paragraph 6, The radius of the above lower stopper is, An insert device characterized in that the radius of the winding center hole of the electrode assembly is larger than that of the winding center hole of the electrode assembly.

8. In paragraph 1, An insert device, characterized in that the lower stopper comprises polyetheretherketone.

9. In paragraph 3, The above side stopper, An insert device characterized in that the lower stopper is configured to support the lower portion of the electrode assembly by advancing in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the electrode assembly while the electrode assembly is inserted into the battery can.

10. In paragraph 1, The above side stopper, An insert device characterized in that the transfer member is configured to support the lower portion of the electrode assembly while transferring the electrode assembly and the sapphire battery can.

11. In paragraph 9, The above lower holder, An insert device characterized in that the side stopper is configured to move upward toward the electrode assembly while supporting the lower portion of the electrode assembly, thereby supporting the lower portion of the electrode assembly.

12. In paragraph 11, The above side stopper, An insert device characterized in that the lower holder is configured to support the lower portion of the electrode assembly and then retract in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the electrode assembly.

13. In paragraph 1, The above lower holder, An insert device characterized in that it is configured to insert the electrode assembly into the inside of the battery can.

14. In paragraph 1, The above lower holder, An insert device characterized in that the electrode assembly is configured to be inserted to the end of the closed portion of the battery can.

15. In an insert method for inserting an electrode assembly into a battery can, A first step in which the can holder holds the battery can; A second step in which the lower stopper supports the electrode assembly from below; A third step of inserting the electrode assembly into the battery can to a predetermined point in the battery can by moving the lower stopper upward; A fourth step in which the side stopper advances in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the electrode assembly from the side of the electrode assembly to support the lower portion of the electrode assembly; A fifth step in which the transfer member transfers the electrode assembly and the battery can to another location; A sixth step in which the lower holder supports the electrode assembly transferred by the transfer member from below; A seventh step in which the lower holder moves upward and inserts the electrode assembly into the closed end of the battery can; Step 8 of rotating the electrode assembly and battery can 180 degrees; and A ninth step of detaching the lower holder from the electrode assembly; An insert method comprising:

Images