Patent Description:
In general, secondary batteries refer to chargeable and dischargeable batteries, unlike primary batteries that is impossible to charge. Such secondary batteries are widely used in high-tech electronic devices such as phones, notebook computers, and camcorders.

In addition, the secondary batteries may be variously classified according to a structure of an electrode assembly. For example, the secondary batteries may be classified into a stack type structure, a jelly-roll-type structure, and a stack/folding type structure.

Such a secondary battery includes an electrode assembly and a case accommodating the electrode assembly, and the electrode assembly has a structure in which electrodes and separators are alternately stacked.

A method for manufacturing the pouch includes a supply process of continuously supplying a pouch film, a molding process of continuously molding an accommodation part for accommodating an electrode assembly in the supplied pouch film, and a cutting process of cutting a portion between the accommodation parts, which are molded in the pouch film, to manufacture a finished product pouch.

Here, the method for manufacturing the pouch further includes an inspection process of measuring a depth of the accommodation part molded in the pouch film to inspect whether defects occur when the cutting process is completed, and in the inspection process, an worker inspects the depth of the accommodation part molded in the pouch film by using a ruler or a vernier caliper.

However, the inspection process has a problem in that a lot of work time is required. Particularly, it is difficult to obtain accurate inspection results due to measurement errors for each worker, and since the inspection has to be performed after the molding process is completed, there is a problem in that continuity of a work is poor.

In the background art document <CIT> discloses a process and apparatus for measuring depth of a pouch for secondary battery using ultrasound and document <CIT> discloses a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly and a manufacturing device capable of increasing the degree of stacking alignment by measuring the position of basic units comprising photographing the electrode assembly to measure width distances of electrodes.

In equipment and method for molding a pouch of the present invention for solving the above problems, an inspection process of inspecting a depth of an accommodation part molded in a pouch film may be performed between a process of molding the pouch film and a process of cutting the pouch film, and the inspection process may accurately measure and inspect the depth of the accommodation part molded in the pouch film by using a displacement sensor to significantly reduce a work time and improve continuity of a work. In addition, an object of the present invention is to improve inspection accuracy because all the accommodation parts molded in the pouch film are capable of being inspected.

Equipment for molding a pouch according to the present invention for achieving the above objects includes: a transfer device configured to transfer a pouch film; a molding device configured to press a top surface of the pouch film transferred by the transfer device so as to mold an accommodation part for accommodating an electrode assembly; and an inspection device configured to calculate a depth value of the accommodation part formed in the pouch film and compare the calculated depth value with a set input value so as to inspect whether defects occur, wherein the inspection device includes: a distance measuring member provided at a reference point set above the pouch film to measure each of a first measurement value that is a distance from the reference point to the pouch film connected to an upper end of the accommodation part and a second measurement value that is a distance from the reference point to a bottom surface of the accommodation part; and an inspection member configured to calculate a depth value of the accommodation part by subtracting the first measurement value from the second measurement value measured by the distance measuring member, wherein if the calculated depth value is within a set input value, it is determined as normal, and if the calculated depth value is out of the set input value, it is determined as defective, wherein The inspection device further includes a full-width adjusting member configured to allow the distance measuring member to move in a full-width direction of the pouch film, which is perpendicular to a transfer direction of the pouch film, so as to adjust a position of the distance measuring member and includes a height adjusting member configured to allow the full-width adjusting member to move toward the pouch film so as to adjust a height of the distance measuring member with respect to the pouch film.

The distance measuring member is provided as a displacement sensor.

The distance measuring member may measure the distance from the reference point to the pouch film connected to an upper end of the accommodation part several times within a set range to calculate the first measurement value as an average of the measured distance values.

The distance measuring member may measure the distance from the reference point to the bottom surface of the accommodation part several times within a set range to calculate the second measurement value as an average of the measured distance values.

The set range may be set to <NUM> to <NUM>.

A method for molding a pouch according to the present invention includes: a transfer process of transferring a pouch film; a molding process of pressing a top surface of the transferred pouch film to mold an accommodation part for accommodating an electrode assembly; and an inspection process of calculating a depth value of the accommodation part formed in the pouch film and comparing the calculated depth value with a set input value to inspect whether defects occur, wherein the inspection process includes: a measuring process of measuring each of a first measurement value that is a distance from a reference point to the pouch film connected to an upper end of the accommodation part and a second measurement value that is a distance from the reference point to a bottom surface of the accommodation part by using a distance measuring member provided above the pouch film; and an inspecting process of calculating a depth value of the accommodation part by subtracting the first measurement value from the second measurement value measured in the measuring process, wherein if the calculated depth value is within a set input value, it is determined as normal, and if the calculated depth value is out of the set input value, it is determined as defective, wherein the measuring process further includes a process of allowing the distance measuring member to move in a full-width direction of the pouch film, which is perpendicular to a transfer direction of the pouch film, so as to adjust a position of the distance measuring member and further includes a process of allowing the full-width adjusting member to move toward the pouch film so as to adjust a height of the distance measuring member with respect to the pouch film.

In the measuring process, the distance measuring member is provided as a displacement sensor.

In the measuring process, the distance from the reference point to the pouch film connected to an upper end of the accommodation part may be measured several times within a set range to calculate the first measurement value as an average of the measured distance values.

In the measuring process, the distance from the reference point to the bottom surface of the accommodation part may be measured several times within a set range to calculate the second measurement value as an average of the measured distance values.

The method may further include, after the inspection process is completed,: a cutting process of cutting a portion between the accommodation parts formed in the pouch film to manufacture the pouch; and a removing process of discharging and removing the pouch, in which the accommodation part determined as defective in the inspection process, among the pouches is formed.

The molding equipment of the present invention may include the displacement sensor to accurately measure and inspect the depth of the accommodation part molded in the pouch film, thereby significantly reducing the work time and improving the continuity of the work. Particularly, the molding equipment of the present invention may inspect all the accommodation parts molded in the pouch film to obtain the accurate inspection results.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in such a manner that the technical idea of the present invention may easily be carried out by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. In the drawings, anything unnecessary for describing the present invention will be omitted for clarity, and also like reference numerals in the drawings denote like elements.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a pouch <NUM> of the present invention is configured to accommodate an electrode assembly (not shown). That is, the pouch <NUM> includes an accommodation part <NUM> accommodating the electrode assembly and a sealing part <NUM> sealing the accommodation part <NUM>.

The pouch <NUM> may be manufactured by molding a pouch film <NUM>. That is, when the accommodation part <NUM> provided with a pair of accommodation grooves for accommodating the electrode assembly may be molded in a top surface of the pouch film <NUM>, and when the pouch film <NUM> is folded in half so that the pair of accommodation grooves correspond to each other, the pouch <NUM> capable of accommodating the electrode assembly may be manufactured.

The pouch <NUM> having such a structure may be manufactured through the equipment for molding the pouch according to the present invention. Particularly, the equipment for molding the pouch according to the present invention may accurately inspect whether the accommodation part <NUM> formed in the pouch film <NUM> is defective in the process of manufacturing the pouch. Thus, a work time may be significantly shortened, and continuity of the work may be improved, and thus, all the accommodation parts <NUM> formed in the pouch film <NUM> may be inspected to obtain accurate inspection results.

For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, equipment for molding a pouch according to the present invention includes a transfer device <NUM>, a slit cutting device <NUM>, a molding device <NUM>, an inspection device <NUM>, a main cutting device <NUM>, and a removing device <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the transfer device <NUM> is configured to transfer a pouch film <NUM> having a long sheet shape up to the main cutting device <NUM> via the slit cutting device <NUM>, the molding device <NUM>, and the inspection device <NUM>. That is, the transfer device <NUM> may be provided as a conveyor belt, on which the pouch film <NUM> is disposed on a top surface thereof, and which transfers the pouch film <NUM> up to the slit cutting device <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the slit cutting device <NUM> is configured to cut a portion between the accommodation parts to be formed to improve efficiency and cutting performance when the pouch film is cut. That is, the slit cutting device <NUM> includes a rotating blade <NUM> that cuts a portion of the pouch film <NUM> in a full-width direction when viewed in <FIG>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the molding device <NUM> is configured to press the top surface of the transferred pouch film <NUM> so as to form an accommodation part for accommodating the electrode assembly. That is, the molding device <NUM> includes a die <NUM>, on which the pouch film <NUM> is disposed, and a punch provided above the die <NUM> to press the top surface of the pouch film <NUM> so as to mold the electrode assembly accommodation part <NUM>.

In the pouch film <NUM> in which the accommodation part <NUM> is formed by the molding device <NUM>, a depth of the accommodation part <NUM> may be changed due to restoring force, and the accommodation part <NUM> formed in the pouch film <NUM> may need to be inspected in whether a change in depth of the accommodation part <NUM> formed in the pouch film <NUM> occurs. Here, the inspection device <NUM> is used.

As illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, the inspection device <NUM> is configured to inspect the depth of the accommodation part <NUM> formed in the pouch film <NUM> to determine whether detects occur. That is, the inspection device <NUM> calculates a depth value of the accommodation part <NUM> formed in the pouch film <NUM> and compares the calculated depth value with an set input value to inspect whether the defects occur.

For example, the inspection device <NUM> includes a distance measuring member <NUM> and an inspection member <NUM>.

The distance measuring member <NUM> is provided at a reference point O set above the pouch film <NUM> to measure a first measurement value α that is a distance from the reference point to the pouch film <NUM> connected to an upper end of the accommodation part <NUM> and a second measurement value β that is a distance from the reference O to a bottom surface of the accommodation part <NUM>.

The inspection member <NUM> calculates a depth value γ of the accommodation part <NUM> by subtracting the first measurement value α from the second measurement value β measured by the distance measuring member <NUM>, and then if the calculated depth value is within the set input value range, it is determined as normal, and if it is out of the range, it is determined as defective.

The formula for calculating the depth value (γ) is (β)-(α)=(γ).

The depth value γ of the accommodation part <NUM> and the set input value may vary depending on a size and thickness of the electrode assembly to be accommodated in the pouch film <NUM>.

The distance measuring member <NUM> is provided as a displacement sensor, and the first measurement value α and the second measurement value β may be accurately measured through the displacement sensor. The displacement sensor is a sensor used to measure a linear distance or a linear position moved by an object, and includes a laser displacement sensor.

The distance measuring member <NUM> measures the linear distance from the reference point to the pouch film <NUM> connected to the upper end of the accommodation part <NUM>, e.g., measures the linear distance several times within a set range A partitioned in the pouch film <NUM> to calculate a first measure value as an average of the measured distance values. For example, the distance measuring member <NUM> may measure the linear distance from the reference point to the set range A partitioned in the pouch film <NUM> four or more times to calculate a first measurement value as an average of remaining values excluding maximum and minimum values among the measured distance values.

The distance measuring member <NUM> measures the linear distance from the reference point to the bottom surface of the accommodation part <NUM>, e.g., measures the linear distance several time within the set range partitioned on the bottom surface of the accommodation part <NUM> to calculate a second measurement value as an average of the measured distance values. For example, the distance measuring member <NUM> may measure the linear distance from the reference point to the bottom surface of the accommodation part <NUM> of the pouch film <NUM> four or more times to calculate a second measurement value as an average of remaining values excluding maximum and minimum values among the measured distance values.

The set range A may be set to <NUM> to <NUM>, preferably set to <NUM> to <NUM>. Here, if the set range A is <NUM> or less, a distance value of the same position may be measured, and if the set range A is <NUM> or more, moving force of the distance measuring member <NUM> is greatly required, resulting in poor equipment performance.

Therefore, the inspection device <NUM> may accurately inspect the depth of the accommodation part <NUM> formed in the pouch film <NUM> during the molding process of the pouch film <NUM> to determine whether defects occur, thereby improving efficiency continuity of the work.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the inspection device <NUM> includes a full-width adjusting member <NUM> that allows the distance measuring member <NUM> to move in a full-width direction (left and right direction of the pouch film <NUM> when viewed in <FIG>) of the pouch film <NUM>, which is perpendicular to a transfer direction of the pouch film <NUM> so as to adjust a position of the distance measuring member <NUM>.

That is, the full-width adjusting member <NUM> is configured to adjust the position of the distance measuring member <NUM> in the full-width direction of the pouch film <NUM>. The full-width adjusting member <NUM> may be provided as a guide rod provided in the full-width direction of the pouch film <NUM> and movably coupled to the distance measuring member <NUM>. That is, when the distance measuring member <NUM> move in a longitudinal direction of the guide rod, the position of the distance measuring member <NUM> may be adjusted while moving in the full-width direction of the pouch film <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the inspection device <NUM> further includes a height adjusting member <NUM> that allows the full-width adjusting member <NUM> to move to the pouch film <NUM> so as to adjust a height of the distance measuring member <NUM> fixed to the full-width adjusting member <NUM> with respect to the pouch film <NUM>. That is, the height adjusting member <NUM> may be provided as a cylinder that allows the full-width adjusting member <NUM> to descend toward the pouch film <NUM>. Thus, the distance measuring member <NUM> may be accurately aligned with the set reference point, and as a result, the accurate first and second measurement values may be obtained.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the main cutting device <NUM> cuts a portion between the accommodation parts <NUM> of the pouch film <NUM> passing through the inspection device <NUM> to manufacture a pouch. Here, the cutting device may cut the pouch film <NUM> in the full-width direction based on a cutting surface that is cut on the pouch film <NUM> by the slit cutting device <NUM> to improve cutting accuracy.

The equipment for molding the pouch according to the present invention may further include a removing device, which removes the pouch having the accommodation part <NUM> determined as defective by the inspection device <NUM> among the pouches cut by the main cutting device <NUM>, in a process line.

When the pouch having the accommodation part <NUM> determined as defective by the inspection device <NUM> is cut, the removing device <NUM> may absorb and remove the pouch having the defective accommodation part <NUM> in the process line. Thus, it is possible to prevent defective pouch from being transferred to the process line for manufacturing a secondary battery.

Therefore, the equipment for molding the pouch according to the present invention may inspect whether the accommodation part <NUM> formed in the pouch film <NUM> is defective in the process of manufacturing the pouch, thereby reducing the work time and improving the continuity of the work.

Hereinafter, a method for molding a pouch using equipment for molding the pouch according to the present invention will be described.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the method for molding the pouch according to the present invention may include a transfer process, a slit cutting process, a molding process, an inspection process, a main cutting process, and a removing process.

In the transfer process, referring to <FIG>, a pouch film <NUM> in the form of a long sheet is transferred to the molding process using a conveyor belt, which is a transfer device <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, in the slit cutting process, a portion of the space between accommodation parts to be formed in the pouch is cut using the slit cutting device <NUM>.

In the molding process, a top surface of the pouch film <NUM> is pressed by a molding device <NUM> to form the accommodation part <NUM> for accommodating an electrode assembly. Here, the molding device <NUM> continuously molds the accommodation part <NUM> at regular intervals on the top surface of the pouch film <NUM> being transferred. That is, when the pouch film <NUM> is disposed on the die <NUM>, the molding device <NUM> presses the top surface of the pouch film <NUM> while the punch <NUM> descends to mold the accommodation part <NUM> for accommodating the electrode assembly.

In the inspection process, a depth value of the accommodation part <NUM> formed in the pouch film <NUM> is calculated, and the calculated depth value is compared with a set input value to inspect whether defects occur. That is, the inspection process includes a measuring process and an inspecting process. Here, an inspection device <NUM> provided with a distance measuring member <NUM> and an inspection member <NUM> is used.

In the measuring process, a first distance value that is a linear distance at a right angle from a reference point to the pouch film <NUM> connected to an upper end of the accommodation part <NUM> and a second distance value that is a linear distance at a right angle from the reference point to a bottom surface of the accommodation part <NUM> are measured using the distance measuring member <NUM> provided above the pouch film <NUM>.

Here, in the measuring process, the distance from the reference point to the pouch film <NUM> connected to the upper end of the accommodation part <NUM> may be measured several times within a set range A using the distance measuring member <NUM> to calculate a first measurement value as an average of the measured distance values.

In addition, in the measuring process, the distance from the reference point to a bottom surface of the accommodation part <NUM> may be measured several times within the set range A using the distance measuring member <NUM> to calculate a second measurement value as an average of the measured distance values.

The sett range A may be set to <NUM> to <NUM>.

The measuring process may further include a process of allowing the distance measuring member <NUM> to move in a full-width direction of the pouch film <NUM>, which is perpendicular to a transfer direction of the pouch film <NUM>, so as to adjust a position of the distance measuring member <NUM>. Thus, measurement accuracy may be improved by adjusting the position of the distance measuring member <NUM> in the full-width direction of the pouch. In addition, in the measuring process, the distance measuring member <NUM> may descend toward the pouch film <NUM> to adjust a height of the distance measuring member <NUM> with respect to the pouch film <NUM>. Thus, the height of the distance measuring member <NUM> may be adjusted to match the reference point.

In the inspecting process, a depth value of the accommodation part <NUM> is calculated by subtracting the first measurement value from the second measurement value measured in the measuring process using the inspection member <NUM>, and then if the calculated depth value is within the set input value range, it is determined as normal, and if it is out of the range, it is determined as defective.

The distance measuring member <NUM> is provided as a displacement sensor, and thus, the first and second measurement values may be accurately measured.

In the main cutting process, the pouch film <NUM> between the accommodation parts <NUM>, in which the inspecting process is performed, is cut using the main cutting device <NUM> to manufacture the pouch <NUM>. Here, the pouch film <NUM> is cut based on a cutting portion of the pouch film <NUM>, which is formed in the slit cutting process.

In the removing process, the pouch having the accommodation portion <NUM> determined to be defective among the pouches cut by the main cutting process may be adsorbed using the removing device <NUM> and then removed in a process line. Thus, it is possible to prevent the defective pouches from being transferred to an assembly line for assembling a secondary battery.

Claim 1:
Equipment for molding a pouch (<NUM>), comprising:
a transfer device (<NUM>) configured to transfer a pouch film (<NUM>);
a molding device (<NUM>) configured to press a top surface of the pouch film (<NUM>) transferred by the transfer device so as to mold an accommodation part (<NUM>) for accommodating an electrode assembly; and
an inspection device (<NUM>) configured to calculate a depth value of the accommodation part (<NUM>) formed in the pouch film (<NUM>) and compare the calculated depth value with a set input value so as to inspect whether defects occur,
wherein the inspection device (<NUM>) comprises:
a distance measuring member (<NUM>) provided at a reference point (O) set above the pouch film to measure each of a first measurement value (α ) that is a distance from the reference point to the pouch film (<NUM>) connected to an upper end of the accommodation part (<NUM>) and a second measurement value (β ) that is a distance from the reference point to a bottom surface of the accommodation part (<NUM>); and
an inspection member (<NUM>) configured to calculate a depth value (γ ) of the accommodation part (<NUM>) by subtracting the first measurement value from the second measurement value measured by the distance measuring member (<NUM>), wherein if the calculated depth value (γ ) is within a set input value, it is determined as normal, and if the calculated depth value (γ ) is out of the set input value, it is determined as defective, characterized in that the distance measuring member (<NUM>) is provided as a displacement sensor, wherein the inspection device (<NUM>) further comprises a full-width adjusting member (<NUM>) configured to allow the distance measuring member to move in a full-width direction of the pouch film (<NUM>), which is perpendicular to a transfer direction of the pouch film, so as to adjust a position of the distance measuring member and wherein the inspection device further comprises a height adjusting member (<NUM>) configured to allow the full-width adjusting member (<NUM>) to move toward the pouch film so as to adjust a height of the distance measuring member with respect to the pouch film.