Cylindrical secondary battery manufacturing device and manufacturing method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cylindrical secondary battery manufacturing device and manufacturing method, and, to a cylindrical secondary battery manufacturing device and manufacturing method, which enable line balancing to be effectively performed in a cyclic manufacturing line. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the cylindrical secondary battery manufacturing device and manufacturing method can be provided, the device comprising: a plurality of sensors provided along a buffer line in order to calculate, by step, the loading level of carriers in the buffer line provided between preceding equipment and subsequent equipment; and a controller, which adjusts the process speed of the preceding equipment and the subsequent equipment on the basis of the stepwise loading level calculated through a combination of outputs of the plurality of sensors, so as to control to follow the entire target process speed by balancing the process speed of the preceding equipment and the subsequent equipment.

Description

Cylindrical secondary battery manufacturing device and manufacturing method

[0001] The present invention relates to a cylindrical secondary battery manufacturing device and a manufacturing method, and more particularly, to a cylindrical secondary battery manufacturing device and a manufacturing method capable of effectively performing line balancing in a circulation manufacturing line.

[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, in which the positive electrode, separator, and negative electrode are sequentially measured, housed in an outer packaging such as a pouch or cylindrical can. Subsequently, an electrolyte is injected into the battery assembly using an electrolyte injection device. Depending on the shape of the outer packaging, secondary batteries can be categorized into pouch, cylindrical, and prismatic types.

[0005] Pouch-type secondary batteries offer the advantage of high energy density per volume due to their relatively small volume and weight of the outer packaging. Furthermore, when forming battery modules using pouch-type secondary batteries, the small voids also provide the advantage of high energy density per volume.

[0006] Cylindrical secondary batteries have the advantage of being manufactured faster than other types of secondary batteries, and the cylindrical can (outer material) and cap can be manufactured using nickel-plated steel sheets, so the secondary batteries themselves have the advantage of high durability and strength.

[0007] The manufacturing process for a cylindrical secondary battery may include the following steps. First, a process of inserting an electrode assembly into a cylindrical can may be performed. At this time, the negative electrode of the electrode assembly may be electrically connected to the can.

[0008] After the insertion process, a filling process may be performed in which an electrolyte is filled inside the cylindrical can. Subsequently, a casing process may be performed in which the positive electrode of the electrode assembly is connected to the cap, and the cap is then joined to the cylindrical can.

[0009] After the casing process is completed, the outer surface of a cylindrical secondary battery may be contaminated with electrolyte. This electrolyte can cause welding damage between the can and cap or lead to insulation failures. Therefore, a cleaning process is typically performed after the casing process is completed.

[0010] The cleaning process may include a cleaning process for cleaning a cylindrical secondary battery using a cleaning solution, a blower process for removing the cleaning solution remaining in the cylindrical secondary battery after the cleaning process using air flow, and a drying process for evaporating the cleaning solution after the blower process.

[0011] Additionally, the manufacturing process of the cylindrical secondary battery may include an insertion process, a cathode process for welding the cathode of the electrode assembly to the cylindrical case, and a beading process for forming the upper outer surface of the cylindrical case for the casing.

[0012] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a cylindrical secondary battery manufacturing device.

[0013] A plurality of process equipment (10, 20, 30) are connected through a circulation manufacturing line (40). Cylindrical cans or cylindrical secondary batteries are transported along the circulation manufacturing line while mounted on a carrier (see FIGS. 2 and 3) and circulated. That is, each process equipment may be a part of a circulation manufacturing line.

[0014] The above manufacturing device includes a first device (10), a second device (20), and a third device (30). The first device may be a cleaning device, the second device may be a blower device, and the third device may be a drying device. In addition, the first device may be an insertion device, a filling device, and a casing device. Alternatively, the first device may include an insertion device, a cathode welding device, and a beading device. That is, a plurality of continuous processes can be continuously performed through a single circulating manufacturing line (40).

[0015] After the cylindrical can or cylindrical secondary battery is mounted on the carrier, it is fed into the first equipment, i.e., the first equipment (10). Afterwards, the carrier loaded with the cylindrical can or cylindrical secondary battery passes through the equipment sequentially so that the corresponding processes can be performed. The cylindrical can or cylindrical secondary battery is separated from the carrier discharged from the last equipment, i.e., the third equipment (30). Then, the empty carrier can further move along the circulation manufacturing line (40) to accommodate the cylindrical can or cylindrical secondary battery and then be fed back into the first equipment.

[0016] Here, the circulation manufacturing line (40) can be said to be a closed path including each of the equipment (10, 20, 30), a buffer line (41) between the first equipment (10) and the second equipment (20), a buffer line (42) between the second equipment (20) and the third equipment (30), and a return line (43) between the third equipment (30) and the first equipment (10).

[0017] The buffer line (41, 42) is a transport path for carriers to be fed and waited for the next process after the previous process is completed, and the return line (43) can be said to be a transport path for carriers to be resupplied to the first equipment (10) after all processes are completed.

[0018] Therefore, for each process equipment to perform the process at optimal efficiency, the process speeds of other continuous process equipment must also be optimally controlled. In other words, a manufacturing line balance or circulation line balance must be achieved. This balance requires that the number of carriers circulating through the current circulation manufacturing line be optimally maintained. Through this, the target manufacturing speed, i.e., the production volume per minute, can be achieved in a single device (1).

[0019] However, as the manufacturing process progresses, some equipment may operate at relatively fast speeds, while others may operate at relatively slow speeds. For example, if the leading equipment operates at a fast speed, the subsequent equipment may require excessive waiting time to enter the process. Conversely, if the leading equipment operates at a slow speed, the subsequent equipment may have no choice but to wait without proceeding. Consequently, the line balance in the cyclical manufacturing line is disrupted, ultimately failing to meet the target manufacturing speed.

[0020] These issues necessitate the search for ways to optimally maintain, manage, and control line balance in circular manufacturing lines.

[0021] The purpose of the present invention is to solve the problems of conventional cylindrical secondary battery manufacturing devices and control methods.

[0022] Through one embodiment of the present invention, it is intended to provide a secondary battery manufacturing device and manufacturing method capable of optimally managing and controlling line balance in a circulation manufacturing line.

[0023] Through one embodiment of the present invention, it is intended to provide a secondary battery manufacturing device and control method that allows an operator to easily input a target speed as a production quantity per minute and automatically control the frequency through a controller and an inverter.

[0024] Through one embodiment of the present invention, it is intended to provide a secondary battery manufacturing device and control method that can be easily modified from a conventional manufacturing device and that can control line balance by detecting the loading level step by step through the addition of sensors.

[0025] Through one embodiment of the present invention, it is intended to provide a secondary battery manufacturing device and control method that can easily track and control a target speed by controlling the speed of equipment step by step by identifying the loading level step by step by combining the sensing values ​​of sensors.

[0026] In order to achieve the above-described object, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a cylindrical secondary battery manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method for a carrier equipped with a cylindrical case is transported in a manufacturing line to manufacture a cylindrical secondary battery, the apparatus and manufacturing method comprising: a plurality of sensors provided along a buffer line provided between a preceding equipment and a succeeding equipment to calculate a loading degree of the carrier step by step in the buffer line; and a controller for controlling the process speed of the preceding equipment and the succeeding equipment based on the step-by-step loading degree calculated through a combination of the outputs of the plurality of sensors, thereby balancing the process speeds of the preceding equipment and the succeeding equipment to track the overall target process speed.

[0027] The above buffer line may be said to be a carrier movement path provided as part of the above manufacturing line to allow carriers that have completed the above preceding process to be fed into the above succeeding equipment and wait between the above preceding equipment and succeeding equipment.

[0028] The above manufacturing line may be continuously configured from the preceding equipment, buffer line, and subsequent equipment. Furthermore, the manufacturing line may include a return line connecting the subsequent equipment to the preceding equipment as a circular manufacturing line. The return line transports only empty carriers from which cylindrical cases or cylindrical secondary batteries have been separated, and the empty carriers may be combined with the cylindrical cases or cylindrical secondary batteries and then reintroduced into the preceding equipment.

[0029] According to this embodiment, two process equipments, i.e., preceding equipment and succeeding equipment, which perform the process in detail in one manufacturing device may be included.

[0030] The above sensor is preferably provided at a plurality of preset points along the buffer line. The sensor may be a contact sensor that senses contact with the carrier and outputs a signal.

[0031] It is preferable that the above controller calculates the loading level step by step by combining the outputs of multiple sensors.

[0032] The controller can calculate the inverter frequency in real time based on the calculated step-by-step loading level and apply it to the inverter. The inverter frequency is input to each piece of equipment, allowing the process speed to be controlled in each piece of equipment.

[0033] An interface is included for an operator to input the target process speed, wherein the target manufacturing speed may be products manufactured per minute (PPM).

[0034] The process speed of the above preceding and succeeding equipment is determined by the applied inverter frequency.

[0035] The above controller can automatically calculate the number of products manufactured per minute and the corresponding inverter frequency.

[0036] It is preferable that the controller calculates the frequency of the inverter in real time based on the target process speed, the process speeds of the preceding and succeeding equipment received as feedback, and the calculated step-by-step loading levels, and applies the frequency to the inverter.

[0037] During initial manufacturing equipment operation, the leading and trailing equipment may operate at a process speed based on the inverter frequency calculated by the input ppm. Subsequently, a process speed imbalance may occur between the leading and trailing equipment.

[0038] Therefore, the controller can adjust the process speed using the current process speed and the calculated step-by-step loading levels received as feedback. This process speed adjustment can be performed by recalculating the inverter frequency and then applying the recalculated frequency to the inverter. This process can be performed in real time.

[0039] It is preferable that the above controller control the process speed of the following equipment to increase and the process speed of the preceding equipment to decrease as the loading level in the buffer line increases.

[0040] It is preferable that the above controller be controlled to lower the process speed of the following equipment and to increase the process speed of the preceding equipment as the loading level in the buffer line decreases.

[0041] The above-mentioned loading levels may include an underload level, an adequate load level, and an overload level. For example, the underload level may be 30% loaded, the adequate load level may be 50% loaded, and the overload level may be 70% loaded. Sensors may be installed at locations corresponding to 30% of the length of the buffer line, 50% of the length of the buffer line, and 70% of the length of the buffer line.

[0042] The above sensor may include an excess detection sensor provided at a position biased toward the front end of the buffer line, an appropriate detection sensor provided at a position biased toward the middle of the buffer line, and a shortage detection sensor provided at a position biased toward the rear end of the buffer line.

[0043] For example, the underload stage may be 30% loaded, the adequate load stage may be 50% loaded, and the overload stage may be 70% loaded. Sensors may be installed at locations corresponding to 30% of the length of the buffer line, 50% of the length of the buffer line, and 70% of the length of the buffer line.

[0044] If the carrier is detected only by the above-mentioned shortage detection sensor, it may be determined as a shortage stage, if the carrier is detected only by the above-mentioned shortage detection sensor and the appropriate detection sensor, it may be determined as a proper stage, and if the carrier is detected by the above-mentioned shortage detection sensor, the appropriate detection sensor, and the excessive detection sensor, it may be determined as a excessive stage.

[0045] If the sensor continuously generates a detection signal for the carrier for a preset period of time, it is preferable to determine that the sensor has detected the carrier. This is because the purpose is to sense when a carrier in a loaded, or stationary, state comes into contact with the sensor. If a carrier in a simply moving state comes into contact with the sensor, the contact can only be detected for a relatively short period of time. Therefore, if a contact signal continuously generates for approximately 2 to 3 seconds, it can be determined as a signal for determining the loading amount.

[0046] In order to achieve the above-described object, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a cylindrical secondary battery manufacturing device for manufacturing a cylindrical secondary battery by transporting and circulating a carrier equipped with a cylindrical case in a circulation manufacturing line, the device may include: preceding equipment, intermediate equipment, and subsequent equipment that are sequentially provided as part of the circulation manufacturing line and perform a corresponding process as the carrier moves; a first buffer line that is provided in the preceding equipment and intermediate equipment as part of the circulation manufacturing line and is provided so that a carrier that has completed a previous process is fed into and waits for a next process; and a second buffer line that is provided between the intermediate equipment and subsequent equipment as part of the circulation manufacturing line and is provided so that a carrier that has completed a previous process is fed into and waits for a next process.

[0047] The above manufacturing device is provided to calculate the loading level of the carrier step by step in the first buffer line and the second buffer line, and preferably includes a plurality of sensors provided in each of the first buffer line and the second buffer line.

[0048] The above manufacturing device may include a controller that controls the process speed of the preceding equipment, the intermediate equipment, and the succeeding equipment based on the step-by-step loading level calculated through the output of the sensor, so as to follow the target process speed through the circular manufacturing line.

[0049] In this embodiment, three sub-equipment units are provided to perform the process, and each sub-equipment unit can be connected in series to form a part of one circulating manufacturing line.

[0050] It is preferable that the above sensors are provided at a plurality of preset points along each of the above buffer lines.

[0051] The above sensor may be a contact sensor that senses contact with the carrier and outputs a signal.

[0052] The above controller can calculate the loading level in stages by combining the outputs of multiple sensors.

[0053] The above loading levels may include insufficient, adequate and excessive levels.

[0054] The above sensor may include an excess detection sensor provided at a position biased toward the front end of the buffer line, an appropriate detection sensor provided at a position biased toward the middle of the buffer line, and a shortage detection sensor provided at a position biased toward the rear end of the buffer line.

[0055] It is preferable that the controller be controlled to follow the target manufacturing speed with eight speed control patterns based on the step-by-step loading levels in the first buffer line and the second buffer line, and by combining the increase and decrease in the process speeds of the preceding equipment, the intermediate equipment, and the succeeding equipment.

[0056] In order to achieve the above-described object, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a cylindrical secondary battery, in which a carrier on which a cylindrical case is mounted is transported along a manufacturing line to manufacture a cylindrical secondary battery, may be provided, comprising: a step of applying a frequency calculated by a controller based on a target process speed (ppm) input by an operator to an interface to an inverter; a step of performing a process at a corresponding process speed by preceding equipment and succeeding equipment based on the frequency applied through the inverter; a step of calculating a loading degree of a carrier loaded on a buffer line provided between the preceding equipment and succeeding equipment using output signals of a plurality of sensors; and a step of adjusting the process speed of the preceding equipment and succeeding equipment based on the calculated loading degree.

[0057] The above sensor is a contact sensor that senses contact with the carrier and outputs a signal, and it is preferable that the controller calculates the loading level step by step by combining the outputs of the sensors.

[0058] When a detection signal of the carrier is continuously generated from the sensor for a preset period of time, the sensor may determine that the signal is a valid signal for calculating the loading level of the carrier step by step.

[0059] At least one of the above-described multiple sensors may be provided to determine the current process speed of the equipment. The current process speed can be easily calculated by counting the number of contact signals per minute with the carrier discharged after the process is completed. The duration of the contact signals may vary depending on the carrier loading level.

[0060] The controller preferably recalculates the frequency of the inverter in real time based on the target process speed, the process speeds of the preceding and succeeding equipment received as feedback, and the calculated step-by-step loading levels, and applies the recalculated frequency to the inverter. In other words, the process speed can be varied based on the recalculated inverter frequency.

[0061] According to this embodiment, line balancing can be easily performed by adding a sensor and adding a simple control algorithm.

[0062] Through one embodiment of the present invention, a secondary battery manufacturing device and manufacturing method capable of optimally managing and controlling line balance in a circulation manufacturing line can be provided.

[0063] Through one embodiment of the present invention, a secondary battery manufacturing device and control method can be provided, in which an operator can easily input a target speed as a production quantity per minute and automatically control the frequency through a controller and an inverter.

[0064] Through one embodiment of the present invention, a secondary battery manufacturing device and control method can be provided that can be easily modified from a conventional manufacturing device and can control line balance by detecting the loading level step by step through the addition of sensors.

[0065] Through one embodiment of the present invention, a secondary battery manufacturing device and control method can be provided that can easily track and control a target speed by controlling the speed of equipment step by step by identifying the loading level step by step by combining the sensing values ​​of sensors.

[0066] Figure 1 illustrates the layout of a conventional cylindrical secondary battery manufacturing device.

[0067] Figure 2 shows the disassembled appearance of the carrier and the cylindrical secondary battery (before combining).

[0068] Figure 3 illustrates the arrangement of a cylindrical secondary battery manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Figure 4 illustrates the contact state of a contact sensor and a carrier in a cylindrical secondary battery manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] Figure 6 illustrates a control configuration of a cylindrical secondary battery manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] Figure 6 illustrates a combination of process speed control patterns of a cylindrical secondary battery manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, a cylindrical secondary battery manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0073] First, a carrier applicable to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 2.

[0074] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the battery (100) includes a cylindrical case (110) and a cap (120), and the central portion of the cap (120) can form a positive electrode and the central portion of the lower surface of the case can form a negative electrode. FIG. 2 illustrates a central cross-section of the carrier (130).

[0075] The cylindrical case (110) or battery (100) may be fed into and discharged from process equipment while being partially contained in a carrier (130). When all processes are completed, the battery (100) is separated from the carrier (130).

[0076] The carrier (130) may be formed by assembling multiple parts into a single carrier. For example, a main body (131), a lower body (132), and a coupling pin (133) may be assembled together to form a single carrier. The carrier (130) may be formed in a hollow cylindrical shape.

[0077] An insertion groove (131a) into which a cylindrical case or battery is inserted may be formed on the upper part of the carrier (130), and a fluid inlet (132a) may be formed on the lower part. The insertion groove (131a) may be formed at a certain depth on the upper part of the carrier (130). The diameter of the insertion groove (13) may be formed to be somewhat larger than the diameter of the battery (100). The lower part of the battery (10) may be inserted into the insertion groove (131a) at a certain depth, and the insertion depth may be about 1 / 5 to 1 / 3 of the length of the battery (100). The case (110) or battery (10) is transported along the circulation manufacturing line while mounted on the carrier (130), i.e., in an upright state.

[0078] The fluid inlet (132a) may be formed to be continuous from the lower portion of the carrier (130) to the insertion groove (131a), and the diameter of the fluid inlet (132a) may be formed to be smaller than the diameter of the insertion groove (131a) and the diameter of the battery. Through the fluid inlet, cleaning liquid or air may be supplied and discharged from the outside to the case (110).

[0079] The carrier (130) may be formed entirely of an insulating material. It may be formed of a rubber material to protect the case or battery during transport. In particular, the main body (131) and the lower body (132) may be formed of an insulating material, and may be formed of the same material. The coupling pin (133) may be a spring pin, and through holes (131b, 132b) for insertion and fixation of the coupling pin (133) may be formed in the main body (131) and the lower body (132), respectively.

[0080] Hereinafter, a cylindrical secondary battery manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3.

[0081] As illustrated, a cylindrical secondary battery manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present invention may be identical to or similar to the conventional manufacturing device illustrated in FIG. 1. However, according to this embodiment, circulation line balancing can be effectively performed through the addition of some components and some control logic.

[0082] According to this embodiment, the first equipment (210), the second equipment (220), and the third equipment (230) are connected in series so that each process can be performed in series. Each equipment can form part of a single circulating manufacturing line (240).

[0083] Here, each piece of equipment may be configured to perform identical or sequential processes. For example, the first piece of equipment (210) may be configured as a cleaning device, which may perform a cleaning process, a blower process, and a drying process for a cylindrical secondary battery. The secondary battery cleaned by the first piece of equipment (210) may then be repeatedly cleaned by passing through the second piece of equipment (220) and the third piece of equipment (230). For example, three cleaning processes may be performed consecutively.

[0084] Of course, each piece of equipment may perform different processes. For example, the first piece of equipment (210) may be a washing machine performing a washing process, the second piece of equipment (220) may be a blower machine performing a blower process, and the third piece of equipment (230) may be a drying machine performing a drying process.

[0085] A buffer line (241) is provided between the first equipment (210) and the second equipment (220). The cylindrical case or secondary battery, which has completed the process in the first equipment (210), is discharged to the buffer line (241) and can be fed into the second equipment (220) through the buffer line (241). In other words, the buffer line (241) can be said to be a line that waits for the next process after the previous process is completed.

[0086] Here, it is desirable to optimally maintain and manage the process speed balance between the first equipment (210) and the second equipment (220). For example, if the waiting time in the buffer line (241) is short, it means that the process speed of the first equipment (210) is relatively slow or the process speed of the second equipment (220) is relatively fast. In addition, if the waiting time in the buffer line (241) is long, it means that the process speed of the first equipment (210) is relatively fast or the process speed of the second equipment (220) is relatively slow.

[0087] Here, the first equipment (210) can be called the preceding equipment and the second equipment (220) can be called the succeeding equipment.

[0088] For example, the preceding equipment (210) may include a plurality of process wheels (212), a plurality of input wheels (211), and an output wheel (213). The carrier (130) transferred to the first input wheel (211) through the input buffer line (215) is moved to the process wheel (212) as the input wheel (211) rotates. At this time, the process wheel (212) also rotates.

[0089] The above-mentioned input wheel (211) is provided between process wheels (212) and serves to input the carrier discharged from the previous process wheel (212) to the next process wheel (212). As an example, three input wheels (212) and three process wheels (212) are illustrated in FIG. 3. As each process wheel (212) rotates, the corresponding process can be performed.

[0090] The carrier (130) discharged from the final process wheel is moved to the next equipment along the buffer line (241) through the discharge wheel (213) to the discharge buffer line (216).

[0091] Meanwhile, during the process of carrying out the process through the preceding equipment (210), a defective secondary battery can be detected, and the defective secondary battery can be discharged from the circulation manufacturing line (240) to the discharge line (217) or the defective discharge port. Through the operation of the defective wheel (214) connected to the discharge wheel (213), the defective secondary battery can be discharged to the defective discharge port together with the carrier.

[0092] The detailed structure of the above preceding equipment (210) may be the same or similar to that of the intermediate equipment (220) and the succeeding equipment (230).

[0093] According to the present embodiment, each of the defective discharge outlets or defective discharge lines (217, 227, 228) of the equipment (210, 220, 230) may be provided with an auxiliary sensor assembly (218, 228, 238) capable of detecting the discharged master carrier (140).

[0094] In the manufacturing device (200), multiple detailed processes are sequentially performed to ultimately produce a finished or semi-finished product. Therefore, if some of the detailed processes are relatively fast or slow, the manufacturing speed of the manufacturing device (200) may not be optimally maintained and managed. Therefore, a method is needed to optimally maintain the waiting time in the buffer line (241).

[0095] For this purpose, a plurality of sensors (244, 245, 246) may be provided on the buffer line (241). The plurality of sensors may be provided along the buffer line (241).

[0096] The above-described plurality of sensors may be provided to calculate the loading level of carriers in a buffer line step by step. A high loading level indicates a long waiting time, and a low loading level indicates a short waiting time. Therefore, by determining the loading level step by step, the process speeds of the preceding and succeeding equipment can be appropriately controlled. Through this, the current manufacturing speed of the manufacturing device (200) can be controlled to follow the target manufacturing speed. The current manufacturing speed and the target manufacturing speed may be referred to as the current process speed and the target process speed, respectively. The unit may be ppm.

[0097] The above sensors are preferably installed at multiple preset points along the buffer line (241). For example, carriers are loaded from the exit end of the buffer line (241), and are loaded while contact or contact is established between carriers. This can be referred to as the carrier loading line or stagnation line. In other words, the loading level can be determined by determining the length of the carrier stagnation line.

[0098] For example, sensors may be installed at 30%, 50%, and 70% of the length of the buffer line (241) from the inlet of the buffer line based on the total length of the buffer line. These points may be referred to as upper, middle, and lower loading points, or as insufficient, adequate, and excessive loading points.

[0099] It can be seen that by increasing the number of points where sensors are installed on the buffer line, the degree of adequacy can be detected in more detail.

[0100] A single manufacturing device (200) may be equipped with two pieces of equipment connected in series, in which case a buffer line may be provided between the two pieces of equipment. In this case, the manufacturing speed of the manufacturing device (200) may be managed and controlled through multiple sensors provided in a single buffer line.

[0101] As illustrated in FIG. 3, a single manufacturing device (200) may be equipped with three pieces of equipment connected in series. In this case, a buffer line may be provided between each piece of equipment, resulting in a total of two buffer lines. That is, a buffer line (242) may be provided between the second piece of equipment (220) and the third piece of equipment (230).

[0102] Likewise, the buffer line (242) may be equipped with multiple sensors (246, 247, 249).

[0103] The above plurality of sensors (244 to 249) are all identical sensors and can be mounted with the same structure.

[0104] As shown in Fig. 4, a through hole (241a, 242a) is formed in the side wall or housing forming the buffer line (241, 242), and a sensor can be mounted in an assembly form by passing through the through hole.

[0105] The sensor assembly (244 to 249) may include a mounting bracket (244a) and a sensor (244b). Here, the sensor (244b) is preferably a contact sensor. That is, the sensor (244b) is preferably a sensor that generates a corresponding signal when it comes into contact with a carrier (130) moving along a buffer line (241, 242). If the contact is detected while the carrier (130) is simply moving, the corresponding signal may only be generated for a very short time. However, if the contact is detected while the carrier (130) is stationary, the corresponding signal may be generated while the contact is maintained.

[0106] Since the above sensors (244 to 249) detect not simple contact but stagnation, they can determine stagnation when the contact maintenance time is maintained for approximately 2 to 3 seconds or more. In other words, when a contact signal is generated and maintained for a preset time, it can be determined as a valid signal.

[0107] Meanwhile, the carrier's congestion occurs from the exit end of the buffer line (241, 242). Therefore, if the sensing result from the sensor (246, 249) at the 30% congestion position is judged as valid, it can be known that the congestion, i.e., the loading level, is at least 30% or higher. In addition, if the sensing result from the sensor (246, 249) at the 30% congestion position and the sensor (245, 248) at the 50% congestion position are judged as valid, it can be known that the congestion, i.e., the loading level, is at least 50% or higher. In addition, if the sensing result from all of the sensors (244, 247) at the 30%, 50%, and 70% congestion positions is judged as valid, it can be known that the congestion, i.e., the loading level, is at least 70% or higher.

[0108] Therefore, the loading level can be determined step by step by combining the valid sensing values ​​of multiple sensors provided on the buffer line. Here, if the valid sensing value is defined as on and the invalid sensing value is defined as off, when the sensors are installed at the 30% position, the 50% position, and the 70% position, the combinations of valid sensing values ​​can appear in many different ways. However, all combinations other than the combinations of (on, on, on), i.e., 70% loading, (on, on, off), i.e., 50% loading, and (on, off, off), i.e., 30% loading, can be determined as invalid combinations.

[0109] Below, the control configuration of the manufacturing device (200) is described in detail with reference to FIG. 5.

[0110] Through the sensor assembly (244 to 249) or the contact sensor (244b to 249b), it is possible to detect that the carrier is in contact with the sensor for a set period of time. The sensors may be provided on the buffer lines (241, 242).

[0111] The control unit or controller (260) may be implemented in the form of a PLC (programmable logic controller), and the controller (260) receives signals through contact sensors (244b to 249b). It determines whether the received signals are valid signals. In other words, it determines whether the received signals are signals generated for a preset period of time. For example, a signal indicating continuous contact for 3 seconds or more may be determined to be a valid signal.

[0112] The controller (260) combines the valid signals from the corresponding contact sensors. Through these combinations, the loading level can be calculated step by step. In other words, the loading status of a specific buffer line can be determined.

[0113] The above controller (260) can control the process speed of each piece of equipment (210, 220, 230) through the inverter (280). The process speed of the equipment can be controlled through the frequency (Hz) applied by the inverter (280). In other words, a higher frequency means a higher process speed, and a lower frequency means a lower process speed.

[0114] Meanwhile, the process speed of the manufacturing device (200) can be input by the operator. For this purpose, an interface (270) is provided, and the interface can be implemented in the form of an HMI (human machine interface).

[0115] The process speed (target speed) input by the user through the interface (270) is transmitted to the inverter (280) through the control unit (260), and the process speed can be determined based on the frequency applied by the inverter (280). However, due to the imbalance in the process speed of each detailed equipment, a deviation in the loading stage in the buffer lines may occur, which may disrupt the overall line balance. Ultimately, there is a problem that it is difficult to track the target speed.

[0116] In addition, the target speed is defined as the production quantity per minute (PPM) manufactured in the manufacturing device (200), and in the past, the target PPM had to be converted into the frequency of the manufacturing device and then input. That is, the worker manually calculated the frequency corresponding to the target PPM and then inputted it into the interface (270). Therefore, the control unit (260) simply performed the function of transmitting between the interface (270) and the inverter (280). In addition, in order to change the target speed, the worker had no choice but to re-enter the new target speed into the interface.

[0117] However, according to the present embodiment, the operator can input a target speed, i.e., a target PPM, into the interface. The control unit (260) can control the process speed for each piece of equipment based on the target speed input by the operator, the process speeds of the preceding and succeeding equipment received as feedback, and the calculated step-by-step loading levels.

[0118] For example, the control unit (260) can determine the target speed input by the operator and the process speed of the manufacturing device. The process speed of the manufacturing device can be determined by determining the quantity of products discharged from the manufacturing device after the process is completed. The current process speed of the manufacturing device is fed back to the control unit (260), so that the control unit (260) can determine the deviation between the target speed and the current speed.

[0119] Essentially, to increase the target speed and thus the manufacturing speed, the process speeds of each manufacturing device must be increased. In this case, while one piece of equipment may operate at the target speed, another piece of equipment may not. This may be due to a disruption in line balance.

[0120] Therefore, according to this embodiment, the loading level in each buffer line is identified step by step, and the process speed in each piece of equipment is controlled, so that the product can be managed and controlled to be manufactured at the optimal process speed, that is, at the speed targeted by the manufacturing device.

[0121] That is, the controller (260) can calculate the frequency of the inverter in real time and control the process speed based on the target manufacturing speed, the current process speed received as feedback, and the calculated step-by-step loading level. The controller (260) can calculate the frequency applied to the inverter in real time and control the process speed in real time. Therefore, even if the operator simply inputs the target speed in PPM through the interface, the controller (260) can calculate and apply the frequency of the inverter applied to the inverter in real time.

[0122] The controller (260) can control the process speed of the following equipment to increase and the process speed of the preceding equipment to decrease as the loading level in one buffer line increases. The controller (260) can control the process speed of the following equipment to decrease and the process speed of the preceding equipment to increase as the loading level in one buffer line decreases. Through this control trend, the overall line balance can be appropriately managed and controlled.

[0123] As previously mentioned, buffer lines are installed between sub-equipment to appropriately control the process speed of each sub-equipment. In particular, when there are three or more sub-equipment pieces, the process speed can be controlled more effectively to meet the target speed of the manufacturing equipment. In this case, the buffer line between the preceding and intermediate equipment can be referred to as the first buffer line, and the buffer line between the intermediate and subsequent equipment can be referred to as the second buffer line.

[0124] Figure 6 shows a combination of control patterns in a manufacturing device (200) consisting of three sub-equipment (210, 220, 230).

[0125] A combination of speed increase and decrease between the first and second equipment can be generated through a loading step in the buffer line between the first equipment (210) and the second equipment (220), and a combination of speed increase and decrease between the second and third equipment can be generated through a loading step in the buffer line between the second equipment (220) and the third equipment (230). These combinations can be expressed as eight different speed control patterns as combinations for increasing and decreasing the process speed. These speed control patterns are intended to optimally maintain the loading amount in each buffer line, thereby allowing the process speed of the entire manufacturing device to follow the target speed.

[0126] Of course, in some cases, the process speed of each piece of equipment needs to be maintained at the current process speed. Incorporating these combinations will further increase the number of speed control patterns.

[0127] As described in the detailed description of the invention.

Claims

1. In a cylindrical secondary battery manufacturing device in which a carrier equipped with a cylindrical case is transported along a manufacturing line to manufacture a cylindrical secondary battery, Pre-equipment for performing a pre-process for manufacturing a cylindrical secondary battery as the carrier moves; A subsequent equipment that performs a subsequent process of manufacturing a cylindrical secondary battery as the carrier moves after the preceding process; As part of the above manufacturing line, a buffer line is provided between the above preceding equipment and the following equipment to load and wait for the carrier, on which the preceding process has been completed, into the following equipment; and A plurality of sensors are provided along the buffer line to stepwise calculate the loading level of the carrier on the buffer line; and A cylindrical secondary battery manufacturing device characterized by including a controller that controls the process speeds of the preceding and succeeding equipment based on the step-by-step loading levels calculated through the combination of the outputs of the plurality of sensors, so as to follow the target process speed through the circular manufacturing line.

2. In paragraph 1, A cylindrical secondary battery manufacturing device, characterized in that the above sensors are provided at a plurality of preset points along the above buffer line.

3. In paragraph 2, A cylindrical secondary battery manufacturing device, characterized in that the sensor is a contact sensor that senses contact with the carrier and outputs a signal.

4. In paragraph 3, A cylindrical secondary battery manufacturing device characterized in that the controller calculates the frequency of the inverter in real time based on the calculated step-by-step loading degree and applies it to the inverter, and controls the process speed of the preceding equipment and the succeeding equipment with the calculated frequency.

5. In paragraph 3, A cylindrical secondary battery manufacturing device, characterized in that it includes an interface for an operator to input the target process speed, and the target process speed is the number of products manufactured per minute (PPM).

6. In paragraph 5, A cylindrical secondary battery manufacturing device characterized in that the controller calculates the frequency of the inverter in real time and applies it to the inverter based on the target process speed, the process speeds of the preceding and succeeding equipment that have been fed back, and the calculated step-by-step loading levels.

7. In paragraph 4, A cylindrical secondary battery manufacturing device characterized in that the controller controls the process speed of the subsequent equipment to increase and the process speed of the preceding equipment to decrease as the loading level stage in the buffer line increases.

8. In paragraph 4, A cylindrical secondary battery manufacturing device characterized in that the controller controls the process speed of the subsequent equipment to be lowered and the process speed of the preceding equipment to be increased as the loading level in the buffer line is lowered.

9. In paragraph 4, A cylindrical secondary battery manufacturing device characterized in that the above loading level stages include an insufficient stage, an adequate stage, and an excess stage.

10. In paragraph 4, A cylindrical secondary battery manufacturing device characterized in that when a detection signal of the carrier is continuously generated from the sensor for a preset period of time, the sensor determines that it is a valid signal for calculating the loading level of the carrier step by step.

11. In a cylindrical secondary battery manufacturing device in which a carrier equipped with a cylindrical case is transported and circulated in a circulation manufacturing line to manufacture a cylindrical secondary battery, As part of the above-mentioned circular manufacturing line, preceding equipment, intermediate equipment and succeeding equipment are provided continuously and perform the corresponding process as the carrier moves; As part of the above-mentioned circular manufacturing line, a first buffer line is provided in the above-mentioned preceding equipment and intermediate equipment, and is provided to load and wait for carriers whose previous process has been completed to the next process; and As part of the above-mentioned circular manufacturing line, a second buffer line is provided between the intermediate equipment and the subsequent equipment, and is provided to load and wait for carriers that have completed the previous process to the next process; and A sensor provided to calculate the loading level of the carrier step by step in the first buffer line and the second buffer line, and a plurality of sensors provided in each of the first buffer line and the second buffer line; and A cylindrical secondary battery manufacturing device characterized by including a controller that controls the process speeds of the preceding equipment, the intermediate equipment, and the succeeding equipment based on the step-by-step loading levels calculated through the output of the above sensor, so as to follow the target process speed through the above circulating manufacturing line.

12. In paragraph 11, A cylindrical secondary battery manufacturing device, characterized in that the above sensors are provided at a plurality of preset points along each of the above buffer lines.

13. In paragraph 12, A cylindrical secondary battery manufacturing device, characterized in that the sensor is a contact sensor that senses contact with the carrier and outputs a signal.

14. In paragraph 13, A cylindrical secondary battery manufacturing device characterized in that the controller calculates the loading degree step by step by combining the outputs of a plurality of sensors, and when a detection signal of the carrier is continuously generated from the sensor for a preset time, the sensor determines that it is a valid signal for calculating the loading degree of the carrier step by step.

15. In paragraph 11, A cylindrical secondary battery manufacturing device characterized in that the controller controls the process speed of the subsequent equipment to increase and the process speed of the preceding equipment to decrease as the loading level stage in the buffer line increases.

16. In paragraph 11, A cylindrical secondary battery manufacturing device characterized in that the controller controls the process speed of the subsequent equipment to be lowered and the process speed of the preceding equipment to be increased as the loading level in the buffer line is lowered.

17. In a cylindrical secondary battery manufacturing device in which a carrier equipped with a cylindrical case is transported along a manufacturing line to manufacture a cylindrical secondary battery, A step of applying a frequency calculated by the controller to the inverter based on the target process speed (ppm) input by the operator into the interface; A step in which the preceding equipment and the succeeding equipment perform the process at the corresponding process speed based on the frequency applied through the inverter; A step of calculating the loading level of a carrier loaded on the buffer line by using output signals of a plurality of sensors installed on a buffer line provided between the preceding equipment and the succeeding equipment; and A method for manufacturing a cylindrical secondary battery, comprising a step of controlling the process speed of the preceding equipment and the succeeding equipment based on the calculated loading level.

18. In paragraph 17, A method for manufacturing a cylindrical secondary battery, wherein the sensor is a contact sensor that senses contact with the carrier and outputs a signal, and the controller calculates the loading level step by step by combining the outputs of the sensors.

19. In Article 18, A method for manufacturing a cylindrical secondary battery, characterized in that when a detection signal of the carrier is continuously generated from the sensor for a preset period of time, the sensor determines that it is a valid signal for calculating the loading level of the carrier step by step.

20. In paragraph 17, A method for manufacturing a cylindrical secondary battery, characterized in that the controller recalculates the frequency of the inverter in real time based on the target process speed, the process speeds of the preceding and succeeding equipment that have been fed back, and the calculated step-by-step loading levels, and applies the frequency to the inverter.

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