Secondary battery manufacturing system and secondary battery manufacturing method

Abstract

According to exemplary embodiments, a secondary battery manufacturing system is provided. The system includes the steps of: modeling sub-models; loading the sub-models into an animation program; and merging the sub-models into a model representing a secondary battery manufacturing facility.

Description

Secondary battery manufacturing system and method for manufacturing a secondary battery

[0001] The present invention relates to a secondary battery manufacturing system and a method for manufacturing a secondary battery. The present application claims the benefit of Korean application No. 10-2025-0005495, filed on January 14, 2025, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. Secondary batteries are widely used as energy sources for various wireless devices such as handsets, laptops, and cordless vacuum cleaners. Recently, as the manufacturing cost per unit capacity of secondary batteries has decreased dramatically due to improved energy density and economies of scale, and as the driving range of BEVs (battery electric vehicles) has increased to a level equivalent to that of fuel vehicles, the primary use of secondary batteries is shifting from mobile devices to mobility.

[0003] Secondary batteries are manufactured through electrode, assembly, and activation processes. Establishing a simulation system during the process development process holds significant importance in various aspects. Through simulation, various situations that may occur in the actual process can be virtually reproduced, and based on this, process parameters or equipment settings can be optimized in advance. This approach is essential, particularly in fields requiring complex manufacturing processes, such as secondary batteries.

[0004] The problem that the technical concept of the present invention aims to solve is to provide a high-efficiency simulation system.

[0005] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention for solving the described problem, a secondary battery manufacturing system is provided. The system comprises the steps of: modeling sub-models; loading the sub-models into an animation program; and merging the sub-models to provide a model representing a secondary battery manufacturing facility.

[0006] Each of the above sub-models is modeled by a 3D CAD (Computer-Aided Design) program.

[0007] The above model further includes a transfer system connecting the above sub-models.

[0008] The above secondary battery manufacturing facility is configured to perform an activation process.

[0009] The above sub-models include a first sub-model representing a pallet supply unit.

[0010] The above sub-models include a second sub-model representing a lower vinyl supply section.

[0011] The above sub-models include a third sub-model representing an outer packaging moisture-proof supply unit.

[0012] The above sub-models include a fourth sub-model representing an upper angle supply unit.

[0013] The above sub-models include a fifth sub-model representing an upper vinyl supply section.

[0014] The above sub-models include a sixth sub-model representing a banding supply unit.

[0015] The above sub-models include a seventh sub-model representing a side angle supply unit.

[0016] The above sub-models include an 8th sub-model representing a wrapping supply unit.

[0017] The above sub-models include a ninth sub-model representing an out-box supply unit.

[0018] The above sub-models include a 10th sub-model representing an inner packaging moisture-proof supply unit.

[0019] The above sub-models include an 11th sub-model representing a lower PP (Polypropylene) tray supply section.

[0020] The above sub-models include a 12th sub-model representing an upper PP tray supply section.

[0021] The above sub-models include a 13th sub-model representing an in-box inserter.

[0022] The above sub-models include a 14th sub-model representing an in-box supply unit.

[0023] The above sub-models include a 15th sub-model representing a CMP (Capacity Measurement & Performance test) facility.

[0024] The above sub-models include a 16th sub-model representing an automatic grader.

[0025] The above sub-models include a 17th sub-model representing an external inspection section.

[0026] The above sub-models include the 18th sub-model representing a CST (Cell Sorting & Testing) facility.

[0027] The above sub-models include the 19th sub-model representing an IROCV (Internal Resistance Open Circuit Voltage) facility.

[0028] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a simulator comprising a model including individually modeled sub-facilities may be provided. Accordingly, if there are changes to some of the models or changes to the processes of some of the sub-models, only the changed parts of the sub-models and / or the changed parts of the processes of the sub-models may be updated, and accordingly, the development cost of the model may be reduced.

[0029] The effects obtainable from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure belong from the following description. That is, unintended effects resulting from the implementation of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a drawing for illustrating a simulator according to exemplary embodiments.

[0031] Figure 2 shows a model implemented by the simulator of Figure 1.

[0032] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the training content of the simulator of Figure 1.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing a simulator according to exemplary embodiments.

[0034] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings. Instead, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best describe his invention, they should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0035] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention; thus, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0036] In addition, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions may obscure the essence of the invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0037] Since embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the invention to those skilled in the art, the shapes and sizes of the components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted for clearer explanation. Accordingly, the size or proportion of each component does not entirely reflect the actual size or proportion.

[0038]

[0039] (1st embodiment)

[0040] FIG. 1 is a drawing for illustrating a simulator (1000) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0041] Figure 2 shows a model (100) implemented by the simulator (1000) of Figure 1.

[0042] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the training content of the simulator of Figure 1.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 1, the model (100) may represent a secondary battery manufacturing facility. The secondary battery manufacturing facility, which is the object of the model (100), may be configured to perform an activation process. More specifically, the secondary battery manufacturing facility may be configured to perform, for example, an activation process for a can-type battery cell. The secondary battery manufacturing facility may be configured to package the battery cells on which the activation process has been performed.

[0044]

[0045] The model (100) may include sub-models (101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, hereinafter, 101 to 119). The sub-models (101 to 119) may represent sub-facilities configured to perform sub-processes of the activation process.

[0046] The sub-model (101) may represent an in-box inserter. The in-box inserter may be configured to insert an in-box into an in-box supply unit. The in-box inserter may remove an in-box. The in-box inserter may attach a label to the in-box.

[0047] The sub-model (102) may represent an in-box supply unit. The in-box supply unit may be configured to load a box for packaging battery cells into a transfer system.

[0048] The sub-model (103) may include a lower PP (Polypropylene) tray supply unit. The lower PP tray supply unit may be configured to insert the lower PP tray into the in-box. The lower PP tray may include receiving portions for stably mounting battery cells into the in-box.

[0049] The sub-model (104) may represent an IROCV (Internal Resistance Open Circuit Voltage) facility. The IROCV facility may be configured to perform an IROCV inspection. The IROCV inspection may include measuring the internal resistance and open circuit voltage of the battery cell.

[0050] The sub-model (105) may represent a CST (Cell Sorting & Testing) facility. The CST facility may be configured to classify cells by reconfirming the electrical characteristics of the battery cells (e.g., voltage, internal resistance, and leakage current).

[0051] The sub-model (106) may represent an appearance inspection unit. The appearance inspection unit may be configured to inspect the appearance of battery cells. The appearance inspection unit may be configured to inspect the appearance of the top, bottom, and sides of battery cells. The appearance inspection unit may include a vision machine.

[0052] The sub-model (107) may represent an automatic grader. The automatic grader may be configured to classify battery cells based on the basic characteristics of the battery cells. For example, the automatic grader may be configured to classify battery cells into good and defective ones.

[0053] After the IROCV, CST, and visual inspections of the battery cells are completed, the battery cells can be loaded into an in-box with a lower PP tray inserted. The lower portions of the battery cells can be inserted into the receiving portions of the lower PP tray.

[0054] The sub-model (108) may represent a CMP (Capacity Measurement & Performance test) facility. The CMP facility may be configured to generate information for repackaging the in-box or upper PP tray and lower PP tray containing defective battery cells, or for re-performing the activation process. The CMP facility may be configured to map the barcode of the in-box or upper PP tray and lower PP tray to the cell ID. The CMP facility may be used only when rework is required, but is not limited thereto.

[0055] The sub-model (109) may include an upper PP tray supply unit. The upper PP tray supply unit may be configured to insert the upper PP tray into the in-box. The upper PP tray may include receiving portions for stably mounting battery cells into the in-box. The upper portions of the battery cells may be inserted into the receiving portions of the upper PP tray. The upper PP tray and the lower PP tray may surround the battery cells.

[0056] The sub-model (110) may include an inner packaging desiccant supply unit. The inner packaging desiccant supply unit may be configured to provide a desiccant (silica gel, etc.) inside the inner box. The desiccant may be on the upper PP tray, but is not limited thereto.

[0057] The sub-model (111) may represent an out-box supply unit. The out-box may be assembled into the in-box. The out-box may be placed over the in-box. Accordingly, the upper PP tray, lower PP tray, desiccant, and battery cells may be packaged by the out-box and the in-box. After the in-box and the out-box are assembled, tape to secure the in-box and the out-box may be attached to the in-box and the out-box. Subsequently, a label may be attached to the out-box. Hereinafter, the item packaged through the supply process of the out-box is referred to as a battery box.

[0058] The sub-model (112) may represent a pallet supply unit. The pallet supply unit may be configured to supply pallets for loading battery boxes. The pallets may include wood or plastic.

[0059] The sub-model (113) may represent a lower vinyl supply unit. The lower vinyl supply unit may be configured to block moisture and contaminants from entering from the bottom of the stack of cell trays. The lower vinyl may be provided on a pallet. Battery boxes may be loaded onto the lower vinyl on the pallet.

[0060] The sub-model (114) may represent an outer packaging moisture barrier supply unit. The outer packaging moisture barrier supply unit may be configured to supply a moisture barrier onto a stack of battery boxes. The outer packaging moisture barrier can prevent performance degradation of the battery cells inside the battery boxes due to moisture during long-term storage and transportation of the battery boxes.

[0061] The sub-model (115) may represent an upper vinyl supply. The upper vinyl supply may be configured to block moisture and contaminants from entering from the top of the stack of battery boxes. A lower vinyl may be provided on the stack of battery boxes.

[0062] The sub-model (116) may represent an upper angle supply unit. The upper angle supply unit may secure the upper part of the stack of battery boxes before securing the stack of battery boxes with a band.

[0063] The sub-model (117) may represent a banding supply unit. The banding supply unit may be configured to provide a band for securing a stack of battery boxes on a pallet. The band may be, for example, a plastic band or a metal band. The band may be fastened to the pallet, but is not limited thereto.

[0064] The sub-model (118) may represent a side angle supply unit. The side angle supply unit can secure the side of the stack of battery boxes before wrapping the stack of battery boxes.

[0065] The sub-model (119) may represent a wrapping supply unit. The wrapping supply unit may be configured to wrap a stack of battery boxes using a wrapping such as a stretch film. By wrapping, the packaging for the final shipment of the stack of battery boxes may be completed. Subsequently, a label containing a data matrix for shipment may be attached.

[0066] The simulator (1000) may include an animation program. Sub-models (101–119) may be loaded into the animation program of the simulator (1000). The animation program may be configured to merge the sub-models (101–119) and a transfer system (e.g., a conveyor) between the sub-models (101–119).

[0067] The animation program can be configured to individually implement animations for each of the sub-models (101–119) and the transfer system connecting them. The animation program can establish base points. The transfer system (e.g., a conveyor system) connecting the sub-models (101–119) is generally a single logistics system, but the transfer system can be separated based on base points. At base points, in-boxes, out-boxes, lower cell trays, and upper cell trays can be removed or created.

[0068] According to exemplary embodiments, sub-models (101–119) and a transfer system may be configured individually on the simulator (1000), and accordingly, the simulator (1000) may be configured to change the sub-models (101–119) and the transfer system individually.

[0069] According to exemplary embodiments, if there are changes to some of the sub-models (101–119) or changes to some of the processes of the sub-models (101–119), only the changed parts of the sub-models (101–119) and / or the changed parts of the processes of the sub-models (101–119) can be selectively updated, and accordingly, the development cost of the model (100) can be reduced.

[0070] The simulator (1000) can establish a training environment configured to individually implement sub-equipment (101~119), implement the operation and product change of the sub-equipment (101~119), and configure a quality monitoring screen to perform basic equipment operation and quality verification.

[0071] The training content of the simulator (1000) may include a training mode and a test mode. To perform the training content, a language selection, login, and operation / vision mode may be selected. Subsequently, one of the training mode and the test mode may be selected. The training mode may include process guidance, process / equipment guidance, operation preparation and equipment inspection, material preparation, condition change, and case training.

[0072] The process / equipment guide may include an activation equipment guide, an IROCV equipment guide, a CST equipment guide, an AIF (Appearance Inspection in Formation) equipment guide, an SPK equipment guide, and a CMP equipment guide. Here, the AIF equipment collectively refers to the appearance inspection unit, the automatic grader, and the in-box feeder. The SPK equipment collectively refers to the in-box feed unit, the lower PP tray feed unit, the upper PP tray feed unit, the inner packaging desiccant feed unit, the outer box feed unit, the pallet feed unit, the lower vinyl feed unit, the outer packaging desiccant feed unit, the upper vinyl feed unit, the upper corner band feed unit, the banding feed unit, the side corner band feed unit, and the wrapping feed unit.

[0073] Operation preparation and equipment inspection may include work plan verification, IROCV equipment inspection, CST equipment inspection, AIF equipment inspection, SPK equipment inspection, and CMP equipment inspection.

[0074] Material preparation may include inserting into the inner box, replacing the label, inserting the upper PP tray, inserting the lower PP tray, inserting the inner packaging desiccant, inserting the outer box, replacing the tape, inserting the pallet, inserting the lower vinyl, inserting the outer packaging desiccant, inserting the upper vinyl, inserting the upper corner band, inserting the side corner band, inserting the banding, and inserting the wrap.

[0075] Condition changes and case training may include lot changes, equipment start-up, rework operations, ejection of pallets subject to rework, and CMP operations.

[0076] Test mode can provide different types and aspects of tasks and problem situations depending on the level.

[0077] The simulator can provide a virtual MES and a virtual HMI. An operator (OP) can interact with the simulator (1000) using the virtual HMI. The virtual HMI can be configured to display data, and to operate and use the training content of the simulator (1000).

[0078] According to exemplary embodiments, an operator (OP) can be trained through training content implemented in an animation program, and accordingly, the reliability and throughput of secondary battery manufacturing can be improved.

[0079]

[0080] (2nd Example)

[0081] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing a simulator according to exemplary embodiments.

[0082] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, sub-models (101–119) can be modeled in P110. Each of the sub-models (101–119) can be modeled separately. Each of the sub-models (101–119) can be modeled by a 3D CAD (Computer-Aided Design) program such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, CATIA, Siemens NX, Creo (Pro / ENGINEER), and Fusion 360.

[0083] Next, in P120, the sub-models (101–119) can be loaded into an animation program. The animation program can be installed in the simulator (1000). The animation program can animate the movements of the sub-models (101–119).

[0084] Next, in P130, sub-models (101–119) can be merged. A model (100) can be provided by merging the sub-models (101–119). For merging the sub-models (101–119), a transfer system connecting the sub-models (101–119) may be further provided. An animation program can implement the operation of the transfer system.

[0085]

[0086] The present invention has been described in more detail above through drawings and embodiments. However, the configurations described in the drawings or embodiments described in this specification are merely one embodiment of the present invention and do not represent all technical concepts of the present invention; therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

Claims

1. Step of modeling sub-models; A step of loading the above sub-models into an animation program; and A method for providing a simulator comprising the step of merging the sub-models to provide a model representing a secondary battery manufacturing facility.

2. In Paragraph 1, A method for providing a simulator characterized in that each of the above sub-models is modeled by a 3D CAD (Computer-Aided Design) program.

3. In Paragraph 1, A method for providing a simulator characterized by further including a transfer system connecting the above sub-models in the above model.

4. In Paragraph 1, A method for providing a simulator characterized by the above secondary battery manufacturing facility being configured to perform an activation process.

5. In Paragraph 1, A method for providing a simulator characterized by the above sub-models including a first sub-model representing a pallet supply unit.

6. In Paragraph 1, A method for providing a simulator characterized by including a second sub-model representing a lower vinyl supply unit among the above sub-models.

7. In Paragraph 1, A method for providing a simulator characterized by including a third sub-model representing an outer packaging moisture-proof agent supply unit among the above sub-models.

8. In Paragraph 1, A method for providing a simulator characterized by including a fourth sub-model representing an upper angle supply unit among the above sub-models.

9. In Paragraph 1, A method for providing a simulator characterized by including a fifth sub-model representing an upper vinyl supply unit among the above sub-models.

10. In Paragraph 1, A method for providing a simulator characterized by the above sub-models including a sixth sub-model representing a banding supply unit.

11. In Paragraph 1, A method for providing a simulator characterized by including a seventh sub-model representing a side angle supply unit, wherein the above sub-models.

12. In Paragraph 1, A method for providing a simulator characterized by including an 8th sub-model representing a wrapping supply unit.

13. In Paragraph 1, A method for providing a simulator characterized by including a ninth sub-model representing an out-box supply unit among the above sub-models.

14. In Paragraph 1, A method for providing a simulator characterized by including a 10th sub-model representing an inner packaging moisture-proof agent supply unit among the above sub-models.

15. In Paragraph 1, A method for providing a simulator characterized by including an 11th sub-model representing a lower PP (Polypropylene) tray supply section among the above sub-models.

16. In Paragraph 1, A method for providing a simulator characterized by including a 12th sub-model representing an upper PP tray supply section.

17. In Paragraph 1, A method for providing a simulator characterized by including a 13th sub-model representing an in-box inserter.

18. In Paragraph 1, A method for providing a simulator characterized by including a 14th sub-model representing an in-box supply unit among the above sub-models.

19. In Paragraph 1, A method for providing a simulator characterized by including a 15th sub-model representing a CMP (Capacity Measurement & Performance test) facility.

20. In Paragraph 1, A method for providing a simulator characterized by including a 16th sub-model representing an automatic grader among the above sub-models.

21. In Paragraph 1, A method for providing a simulator characterized by including a 17th sub-model representing an external inspection section, wherein the above sub-models.

22. In Paragraph 1, A method for providing a simulator characterized by including an 18th sub-model representing a CST (Cell Sorting & Testing) facility.

23. In Paragraph 1, A method for providing a simulator characterized by including a 19th sub-model representing an IROCV (Internal Resistance Open Circuit Voltage) facility.

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