Secondary battery manufacturing system and secondary battery manufacturing method

Abstract

According to exemplary embodiments, a secondary battery manufacturing system is provided. The system comprises: an injection facility configured to inject an electrolyte into a cylindrical battery cell; and a human-machine interface (HMI) configured to pop up a window for image reproduction in response to a problematic event of the injection 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. 10-2025-0008494, filed on January 21, 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] The manufacturing process for secondary batteries (such as lithium-ion batteries) is complex and requires very high precision. The capabilities of operators who directly operate the manufacturing facilities have a significant impact on overall aspects, including production efficiency, product quality, safety, and cost management.

[0004] Operators managing secondary battery manufacturing facilities are key personnel in the factory. They must possess process knowledge, safety protocols, and problem-solving skills to stably produce high-quality products, while simultaneously reducing defect rates and costs and enhancing corporate competitiveness. Therefore, companies must establish and implement systematic and continuous training programs for operators. Through this, safety and efficiency across the entire battery manufacturing process can be maximized, and companies can proactively respond to intensifying market competition and regulatory changes in the future.

[0005] The problem that the technical concept of the present invention aims to solve is to provide a secondary battery manufacturing system with enhanced operator convenience and a method for manufacturing a secondary battery.

[0006] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problem, a secondary battery manufacturing system is provided. The system includes an electrolyte injection facility configured to inject an electrolyte into a cylindrical battery cell; and a Human-Machine Interface (HMI) configured to pop up a window for displaying an image in response to a problematic event of the electrolyte injection facility.

[0007] The above video is a recorded video.

[0008] The video above is a 3D animation.

[0009] The above HMI is configured to display an option window for selecting either a captured video or a 3D animation.

[0010] The above HMI is configured to send an API to the server for transmitting additional images based on the operator's manipulation.

[0011] The above video shows a method for verifying the position of a nozzle transfer robot.

[0012] The above video shows a method for controlling the position of a nozzle transfer robot.

[0013] The above video shows a method for checking the operation of the nozzle transfer robot after position adjustment of the nozzle transfer robot.

[0014] The above video shows a method for inspecting the sensors of the above injection facility.

[0015] The above video shows a method for setting the positions of the sensors of the above injection facility.

[0016] The above video shows a method for checking the operation of the sensors after setting the positions of the sensors of the above injection facility.

[0017] The above video shows a method for checking for open circuits in the sensors of the above injection facility.

[0018] The above video shows a method for replacing the sensors of the above injection facility.

[0019] The above video shows a method for checking the operation of the sensors after replacing the sensors of the above injection facility.

[0020] The above video shows a method for inspecting the sensor dog of the above injection facility.

[0021] The above video shows a method for adjusting the sensor dog of the above injection facility.

[0022] The above video shows a method for inspecting the sensor installed by the sensor dog after adjusting the sensor dog of the above-mentioned injection facility.

[0023] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, when an alarm is triggered due to a problematic event in the injection facility, the Human-Machine Interface (HMI) may be configured to play a video for resolving the problematic event. The operator can resolve the problematic event based on the video, and as the operator's convenience and the speed of response to the problematic event are enhanced, the reliability and throughput of secondary battery manufacturing can be improved.

[0024] 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.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a secondary battery manufacturing system according to exemplary embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a liquid injection facility according to exemplary embodiments.

[0027] Figures 3 and 4 are perspective views showing the injection chamber of an injection facility.

[0028] Figures 5 to 8 are partial perspective views of the injection chamber.

[0029] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to exemplary embodiments.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034]

[0035] (1st embodiment)

[0036] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a secondary battery manufacturing system (10000) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0037] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a liquid injection facility (1000) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0038]

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a secondary battery manufacturing system (10000) may be configured to perform a secondary battery manufacturing process. The secondary battery manufacturing system (10000) may include a liquid injection facility (1000), a server (2000), and a Human-Machine Interface (HMI) (3000).

[0040] The liquid injection facility (1000) may be configured to perform, for example, a liquid injection process. More specifically, the secondary battery manufacturing system (1000) may be configured to inject an electrolyte into, for example, a can-type battery cell.

[0041] The injection facility (1000) may include a cell input section (1010), a first weight measuring instrument (1020), injection chambers (1030), vacuum chambers (1040), a second weight measuring instrument (1050), and a cell discharge section (1060).

[0042] The cell input section (1010) may be configured to load battery cells. The battery cells may be introduced into the injection facility (1000) while loaded on a pallet, but are not limited thereto. The battery cells may also be loaded onto a pallet by the cell input section (1010).

[0043] The first weight measuring device (1020) may include a weight measuring section, a first transfer unit, and a second transfer unit. The first transfer unit may be configured to load battery cells fed by the cell input section (1010) into the weight measuring section. The weight measuring section may be configured to measure the weight of the battery cells before injection. The second transfer unit may be configured to unload the battery cells from the weight measuring section.

[0044]

[0045] FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 4 are perspective views showing the injection chamber (1030) of the injection facility (1000).

[0046] FIGS. 5 to 8 are partial perspective views of the injection chamber (1030).

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 3 through 8, each of the injection chambers (1030) may include a first cylinder (1031), a second cylinder (1032), a first plate (1033), a second plate (1034), a pallet (1035), a nozzle assembly (1036), pumps (1037), and a sub-tank (1038).

[0048] The first cylinder (1031) may be configured to move the first plate (1033). The first cylinder (1031) may be configured to raise the first plate (1033). The first cylinder (1031) may be configured to lower the first plate (1033).

[0049] The second cylinder (1032) may be configured to move the second plate (1034). The second cylinder (1032) may be configured to raise the second plate (1034). The second cylinder (1032) may be configured to lower the second plate (1034).

[0050] As the first plate (1033) rises, the internal space of the injection chamber (1030) can be isolated from the outside, and accordingly, a vacuum can be applied to the injection chamber (1030). To apply the vacuum, the pressure inside the injection chamber (1030) can be lowered at a set rate. By applying a vacuum inside the injection chamber (1030), air inside the battery cells (BC) can be removed.

[0051] The second plate (1034) may be on the first plate (1033). A pallet (1035) may be loaded onto the second plate (1034). As the second plate (1034) rises, hoppers (1036H) may be inserted into the inlets of the battery cells (BC) loaded on the pallet (1035).

[0052] The nozzle assembly (1036) may include liquid injection nozzles (1036N), a nozzle transfer robot (1036T), and an injection plate (1036P). Hoppers (1036H) may be coupled to the injection plate (1036P). The nozzle transfer robot (1036T) may be configured to move the liquid injection nozzles (1036N). Accordingly, an array of liquid injection nozzles (1036N) may cover a greater number of hoppers (1036H) than the liquid injection nozzles (1036N). For example, after the liquid injection nozzles (1036N) inject electrolyte into some of the hoppers (1036H), the liquid injection nozzles (1036N) may be moved to a position to inject electrolyte into subsequent hoppers (1036H) by the nozzle transfer robot (1036T). The nozzle transfer robot (1036T) may include a servo and a motor pack.

[0053] The sub-tank (1038) may be configured to store electrolyte. The electrolyte in the sub-tank (1038) may be transferred to the injection nozzles (1036N) by pumps (1037).

[0054] The electrolyte can be injected into the hoppers (1036H) using the injection nozzle (1036N), the battery cells (BC) can be brought into contact with the hoppers (1036H), and the vacuum inside the injection chamber (1030) can be released so that the electrolyte can be injected into the battery cells (BC). Subsequently, the remaining electrolyte can be injected into the battery cells (BC) by pushing out the remaining electrolyte from the needle pins in the hoppers (1036H). After the injection of the electrolyte is completed, the second plate (1034) can be lowered.

[0055] Each of the injection chambers (1030) may further include cylinder sensors (1031S, 1032S). The cylinder sensors (1031S) may be configured to detect the position and movement of the first cylinder (1031). Some of the cylinder sensors (1031S) may be installed in the first cylinder (1031). Some of the cylinder sensors (1031S) may be adjacent to the first cylinder (1031). The cylinder sensors (1032S) may be configured to detect the position and movement of the second cylinder (1032). Some of the cylinder sensors (1032S) may be installed in the second cylinder (1032).

[0056] Each of the injection chambers (1030) may further include pallet detection sensors (1034S1). The pallet detection sensors (1034S1) may be configured to detect the status (i.e., loading and unloading) of the pallet (1035). The pallet detection sensors (1034S1) may be installed on the frame of the injection chamber (1030). The pallet detection sensors (1034S1) may be optical sensors, but are not limited thereto.

[0057] Each of the injection chambers (1030) may further include safety sensors (1034S2). The safety sensors (1034S2) may be installed on the frame of the injection chamber (1030). The safety sensors (1034S2) may be light curtains, but are not limited thereto. The safety sensors (1034S2) may be configured to detect the entry or exit of an operator (OP) into a designated area within the injection chambers (1030) and to temporarily stop the operation of the injection chambers (1030).

[0058] Each of the injection chambers (1030) may further include chamber position detection sensors (1036S). The chamber position detection sensors (1036S) may be configured to detect the rise and fall of the injection chambers (1030). The chamber position detection sensors (1036S) may be installed on the upper part of the injection chambers (1030).

[0059] Each of the injection chambers (1030) may further include nozzle position detection sensors (1036TS). The nozzle position detection sensors (1036TS) may be configured to detect the movement and position of the nozzles (1036N). The nozzle position detection sensors (1036TS) may be installed on the upper part of the nozzle transfer robot (1036T).

[0060] Each of the battery cells (BC) may be cylindrical. Before the injection of the electrolyte, a positive current collector plate and a negative current collector plate are combined in a jelly roll, an insulating tape is attached to the positive of the jelly roll, an insulator is inserted into a circular can-type cell case, the jelly roll is inserted into the cell case, the positive current collector plate and the can are joined by rivets, the cell case is molded so that a bead is formed in the opening of the cell case, the negative current collector plate is fixed to the bead of the cell case, and the battery cells (BC) can be inspected based on X-RAY. Subsequently, the electrolyte can be injected into the battery cells (BC) by an injection facility (1000). After injecting the electrolyte into the battery cells (BC), a crimping process and a sizing process can be performed on the cell case. Subsequently, a cleaning process, an appearance inspection, and an electrical characteristic inspection can be performed on the battery cells (BC). The inspection of the electrical characteristics of the battery cells (BC) may include measuring the internal resistance and measuring the open circuit voltage of the battery cells (BC).

[0061] The jelly roll may include a wound structure of an anode, a cathode, and a separator. The anode may include an anode current collector and an anode active material, and the cathode may include a cathode current collector and a cathode active material.

[0062] The injection facility (1000) may include a controller. The controller may be, for example, a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). The controller may be configured to transmit a signal to activate an alarm to a server (2000) and an HMI (3000) in the event that the injection facility (1000) fails.

[0063] Here, a breakdown of the injection equipment (1000) can cause either BM (Breakdown Maintenance) or PD (Process Down). Here, BM refers to the work of repairing a machine or equipment when it breaks down. In BM, repairs and maintenance are carried out only after the machine or system has broken down without preventive measures. PD is a situation where the production process is halted. Factors of PD mainly include machine breakdowns, material shortages, manpower issues, or power and environmental factors.

[0064]

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 8, the HMI (3000) can provide interaction between the injection facility (1000) and the operator (OP). The HMI (3000) may be configured to display data, generate control signals for controlling the injection facility (1000), generate alarms and warnings, record data, and analyze recorded data. The HMI (3000) may be connected to the controller of the injection facility (1000) via wired and / or wireless connections. The HMI (3000) may also be installed within the injection facility (1000).

[0066] The HMI (3000) may include one of a dedicated HMI panel, an industrial PC, a tablet PC and mobile device, a touchscreen monitor, smart glasses and wearable device, a remote desktop and a cloud-based HMI.

[0067] The HMI (3000) can be configured to activate an alarm when the injection facility (1000) malfunctions. After the alarm is activated, the injection facility (1000) can be switched to an inspection mode automatically or manually by an operator.

[0068] The HMI (3000) may be configured to play a video containing a guide for resolving (i.e., repairing or replacing) a malfunction of the injection equipment (1000). The video may include a captured video and a 3D animation. The HMI (3000) is configured to store and play each of the captured video and the 3D animation, and the HMI (3000) may be configured to display an option window for selecting one of the captured video and the 3D animation.

[0069] The above video may show a method for verifying the correct position of the nozzle transfer robot (1036T). The above video may show a method for adjusting the position of the nozzle transfer robot (1036T). The above video may show a method for checking the operation of the nozzle transfer robot (1036T) after adjusting the position of the nozzle transfer robot (1036T).

[0070] The above video may show a method for inspecting the sensors. Here, the sensors include sensors of the injection chambers (1030), such as transfer cylinder sensors (1031S, 1032S), pallet detection sensors (1034S1), safety sensors (1034S2), chamber position detection sensors (1036S), and nozzle position detection sensors (1036TS), in addition to sensors of the first weighing device (1020), sensors of the vacuum chambers (1040), and sensors of the second weighing device (1050). The above video may show a method for setting the positions of the sensors. The above video may show a method for checking the operation of the sensors after setting the positions of the sensors.

[0071] The above video may show a method for checking for open circuits in the sensors. The above video may show a method for replacing the sensors. The above video may show a method for checking the operation of the sensors after replacement.

[0072] The above video may show a method for inspecting a sensor dog. Here, a sensor dog refers to a mechanism for fixing and installing sensors. The above video may show a method for adjusting a sensor dog. The above video may show a method for checking the operation of the sensors after adjusting the sensor dog.

[0073] If the problematic event causing the alarm is resolved according to any of the above-described videos, the alarm may be reset. Subsequently, the injection facility (1000) may be switched to an operating mode automatically or manually by an operator (OP), and the injection facility (1000) may be operated for the manufacture of a secondary battery.

[0074] In addition to activating an alarm in response to a problematic event, the HMI (3000) may be configured to display a window for video playback. If it is difficult to resolve the problematic event through measures taken with the automatically popped-up video, the HMI (3000) may be configured to send an API call to the server (2000) for additional video transmission.

[0075] According to exemplary embodiments, an operator (OP) can view a video and perform necessary actions based on the video, thereby improving the reliability and throughput of secondary battery manufacturing.

[0076]

[0077] (2nd Example)

[0078] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to exemplary embodiments.

[0079] Referring to FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 8, an alarm can be activated at P110. The alarm can be activated by the HMI (3000).

[0080] Next, a window for video playback can be popped up in P120. By operating the HMI (3000) by the operator (OP), a video for taking action on a problematic event can be played.

[0081] Subsequently, additional video may be provided at P130. Additional video may be provided when an API call is sent from the HMI (3000) to the server (2000). Additional video may be sent from the server (2000) to the HMI (3000).

[0082]

[0083] 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. An injection facility configured to inject electrolyte into a cylindrical battery cell; and A secondary battery manufacturing system comprising a Human-Machine Interface (HMI) configured to pop up a window for video playback in response to a problematic event of the above-mentioned injection facility.

2. In Paragraph 1, A secondary battery manufacturing system characterized in that the above-mentioned image is a captured image.

3. In Paragraph 1, A secondary battery manufacturing system characterized by the above video being a 3D animation.

4. In Paragraph 1, A secondary battery manufacturing system characterized by the above HMI being configured to display an option window for selecting one of a captured image and a 3D animation.

5. In Paragraph 1, A secondary battery manufacturing system characterized by the above HMI being configured to transmit an API for transmitting additional images to a server based on the operator's operation.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above video is a secondary battery manufacturing system characterized by showing a method for verifying the position of a nozzle transfer robot.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above image is a secondary battery manufacturing system characterized by showing a method for adjusting the position of a nozzle transfer robot.

8. In Paragraph 1, The above video is a secondary battery manufacturing system characterized by showing a method for checking the operation of a nozzle transfer robot after position adjustment of the nozzle transfer robot.

9. In Paragraph 1, A secondary battery manufacturing system characterized by the above video showing a method for inspecting the sensors of the above injection facility.

10. In Paragraph 1, A secondary battery manufacturing system characterized by the above video showing a method for setting the positions of the sensors of the above injection facility.

11. In Paragraph 1, A secondary battery manufacturing system characterized by the above video showing a method of checking the operation of the sensors after setting the positions of the sensors of the above injection facility.

12. In Paragraph 1, A secondary battery manufacturing system characterized by the above video showing a method for checking open circuits of the sensors of the above injection facility.

13. In Paragraph 1, A secondary battery manufacturing system characterized by the above video showing a method for replacing the sensors of the above injection facility.

14. In Paragraph 1, A secondary battery manufacturing system characterized by the above video showing a method for checking the operation of the sensors after replacing the sensors of the above injection facility.

15. In Paragraph 1, A secondary battery manufacturing system characterized by the above video showing a method for inspecting the sensor dog of the above injection facility.

16. In Paragraph 1, A secondary battery manufacturing system characterized by the above video showing a method for adjusting the sensor dog of the above injection facility.

17. In Paragraph 1, A secondary battery manufacturing system characterized by the above video showing a method of inspecting a sensor installed by the sensor dog after adjusting the sensor dog of the above injection facility.

Images