An Apparatus And Method For Molding Pouch

Abstract

An apparatus for molding a pouch, which includes: a transfer device configured to transfer a pouch film; a molding device configured to press a top surface of the pouch film 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 detect defects. The inspection device includes: a distance measuring member configured to measure a first measurement value and a second measurement value, 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, wherein if the calculated depth value is within a set input value range, it is determined as normal, and if the calculated depth value is out of the set input value range, it is determined as defective.

Claims

1. An apparatus for molding a pouch, comprising: a transfer device configured to transfer a pouch film; a molding device configured to press a top surface of the pouch film into a mold to form 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 range so as to inspect for defects, wherein the inspection device comprises: a distance measuring member positioned at a reference point set above the pouch film to measure each of a first measurement value of a first distance from the reference point to the pouch film connected to an upper end of the accommodation part and a second measurement value of a second 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, wherein if the depth value is within a set input value range, then the depth value indicates no defect, and if the depth value is outside of the set input value range, then the depth value indicates a defect.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the distance measuring member is a displacement sensor.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the distance measuring member measures the first distance several times within a set range to calculate the first measurement value as an average of the measurements of the first distance.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the distance measuring member measures the second distance several times within a set range to calculate the second measurement value as an average of the measurements of the second distance.

5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein the set range is set to 1 mm to 5 mm.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the inspection device further comprises 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.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the inspection device further comprises 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.

8. A method for molding a pouch, the method comprising: transferring a pouch film; pressing a top surface of the transferred pouch film into a mold to form 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 range as part of an inspection process to determine whether defects are present in the pouch, wherein the inspection process further comprises: measuring each of a first measurement value of a first distance from a reference point to the pouch film connected to an upper end of the accommodation part and a second measurement value of a second distance from the reference point to a bottom surface of the accommodation part by using a distance measuring member positioned above the pouch film; and calculating a depth value of the accommodation part by subtracting the first measurement value from the second measurement value, wherein if the depth value is within a set input value range, the depth value indicates no defect, and if the depth value is outside of the set input value range, then the depth value indicates a defect.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the distance measuring member is a displacement sensor.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the first distance is measured several times within a set range to calculate the first measurement value as an average of the measurements of the first distance.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the second distance is measured several times within a set range to calculate the second measurement value as an average of the measurements of the second distance.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the set range is set to 1 mm to 5 mm.

13. The method of claim 8, wherein the measuring in the inspection process further comprises allowing the distance measuring member to move in a full-width direction of the pouch film perpendicular to a transfer direction of the pouch film, so as to adjust a position of the distance measuring member by a full-width adjusting member.

14. The method of claim 813, wherein the measuring in the inspection process further comprises 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.

15. The method of claim 8, further comprising, after the inspection process is completed: cutting a portion of the pouch film between the accommodation parts formed to manufacture the pouch; and discharging and removing pouches determined as defective by the inspection process from among the pouches formed.

16. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the set range is set to 1 mm to 5 mm.

17. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the set range is set to 1 mm to 5 mm.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a pouch according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a schematic process view illustrating an apparatus for molding the pouch according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a slit cutting device of the apparatus for molding the pouch according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a molding device of the apparatus for molding the pouch according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a distance measuring member of the apparatus for molding the pouch according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a distance measurement state of the distance measuring member.

[0032] FIG. 7 is a side view illustrating a full-width adjusting member of the apparatus for molding the pouch according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 8 is a side view illustrating a height adjusting member of the apparatus for molding the pouch according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a main cutting device of the apparatus for molding the pouch according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for molding a pouch according to an embodiment of the present invention.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0036] 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 disclosure may easily be carried out by a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. The present invention may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. 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.

[Pouch of Present Disclosure]

[0037] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a pouch 10 of the present disclosure is configured to accommodate an electrode assembly (not shown). That is, the pouch 10 includes an accommodation part 11 accommodating the electrode assembly and a sealing part 12 sealing the accommodation part 11.

[0038] The pouch 10 may be manufactured by molding a pouch film 20. That is, when the accommodation part 11 provided with a pair of accommodation grooves for accommodating the electrode assembly may be molded in a top surface of the pouch film 20, and when the pouch film 20 is folded in half so that the pair of accommodation grooves correspond to each other, the pouch 10 capable of accommodating the electrode assembly may be manufactured.

[0039] The pouch 10 having such a structure may be manufactured through the apparatus for molding the pouch according to the present disclosure. Particularly, the apparatus for molding the pouch according to the present disclosure may accurately inspect whether the accommodation part 11 formed in the pouch film 20 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 11 formed in the pouch film 20 may be inspected to obtain accurate inspection results.

[An Apparatus for Molding Pouch According to the Present Disclosure]

[0040] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, an apparatus for molding a pouch according to the present disclosure includes a transfer device 100, a slit cutting device 200, a molding device 300, an inspection device 400, a main cutting device 500, and a removing device 600.

Transfer Device

[0041] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the transfer device 100 is configured to transfer a pouch film 20 having a long sheet shape up to the main cutting device 500 via the slit cutting device 200, the molding device 300, and the inspection device 400. That is, the transfer device 100 may be provided as a conveyor belt, on which the pouch film 20 is disposed on a top surface thereof, and which transfers the pouch film 20 up to the slit cutting device 200.

Slit Cutting Device

[0042] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the slit cutting device 200 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 200 includes a rotating blade 210 that cuts a portion of the pouch film 20 in a full-width direction when viewed in FIG. 4.

Molding Device

[0043] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the molding device 300 is configured to press the top surface of the transferred pouch film 20 so as to form an accommodation part for accommodating the electrode assembly. That is, the molding device 300 includes a die 310, on which the pouch film 20 is disposed, and a punch provided above the die 310 to press the top surface of the pouch film 20 so as to mold the electrode assembly accommodation part 11.

[0044] In the pouch film 20 in which the accommodation part 11 is formed by the molding device 300, a depth of the accommodation part 11 may be changed due to restoring force, and the accommodation part 11 formed in the pouch film 20 may need to be inspected in whether a change in depth of the accommodation part 11 formed in the pouch film 20 occurs. Here, the inspection device 400 is used.

Inspection Device

[0045] As illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6, the inspection device 400 is configured to inspect the depth of the accommodation part 11 formed in the pouch film 20 to determine whether detects occur. That is, the inspection device 400 calculates a depth value of the accommodation part 11 formed in the pouch film 20 and compares the calculated depth value with an set input value to inspect whether the defects occur.

[0046] For example, the inspection device 400 includes a distance measuring member 410 and an inspection member 420.

[0047] The distance measuring member 410 is provided at a reference point O set above the pouch film 20 to measure a first measurement value ? that is a distance from the reference point to the pouch film 20 connected to an upper end of the accommodation part 11 and a second measurement value ? that is a distance from the reference O to a bottom surface of the accommodation part 11.

[0048] The inspection member 420 calculates a depth value ? of the accommodation part 11 by subtracting the first measurement value ? from the second measurement value ? measured by the distance measuring member 410, 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.

[0049] The formula for calculating the depth value (?) is (?)?(?)=(?).

[0050] The depth value ? of the accommodation part 11 and the set input value may vary depending on a size and thickness of the electrode assembly to be accommodated in the pouch film 20.

[0051] Here, the distance measuring member 410 may be provided as a displacement sensor, and the first measurement value ? and the second measurement value ? 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.

[0052] The distance measuring member 410 measures the linear distance from the reference point to the pouch film 20 connected to the upper end of the accommodation part 11, e.g., measures the linear distance several times within a set range A partitioned in the pouch film 20 to calculate a first measure value as an average of the measured distance values. For example, the distance measuring member 410 may measure the linear distance from the reference point to the set range A partitioned in the pouch film 20 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.

[0053] The distance measuring member 410 measures the linear distance from the reference point to the bottom surface of the accommodation part 11, e.g., measures the linear distance several times within the set range partitioned on the bottom surface of the accommodation part 11 to calculate a second measurement value as an average of the measured distance values. For example, the distance measuring member 410 may measure the linear distance from the reference point to the bottom surface of the accommodation part 11 of the pouch film 20 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.

[0054] The set range A may be set to 1 mm to 5 mm, preferably set to 2 mm to 3 mm. Here, if the set range A is 1 mm or less, a distance value of the same position may be measured, and if the set range A is 5 mm or more, moving force of the distance measuring member 410 is greatly required, resulting in poor performance of the molding apparatus.

[0055] Therefore, the inspection device 400 may accurately inspect the depth of the accommodation part 11 formed in the pouch film 20 during the molding process of the pouch film 20 to determine whether defects occur, thereby improving efficiency continuity of the work.

[0056] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the inspection device 400 may further include a full-width adjusting member 430 that allows the distance measuring member 410 to move in a full-width direction (left and right direction of the pouch film 20 when viewed in FIG. 5) of the pouch film 20, which is perpendicular to a transfer direction of the pouch film 20 so as to adjust a position of the distance measuring member 410.

[0057] That is, the full-width adjusting member 430 is configured to adjust the position of the distance measuring member 410 in the full-width direction of the pouch film 20. The full-width adjusting member 430 may be provided as a guide rod provided in the full-width direction of the pouch film 20 and movably coupled to the distance measuring member 410. That is, when the distance measuring member 410 move in a longitudinal direction of the guide rod, the position of the distance measuring member 410 may be adjusted while moving in the full-width direction of the pouch film 20.

[0058] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the inspection device 400 may further include a height adjusting member 440 that allows the full-width adjusting member 430 to move to the pouch film 20 so as to adjust a height of the distance measuring member 410 fixed to the full-width adjusting member 430 with respect to the pouch film 20. That is, the height adjusting member 440 may be provided as a cylinder that allows the full-width adjusting member 430 to descend toward the pouch film 20. Thus, the distance measuring member 410 may be accurately aligned with the set reference point, and as a result, the accurate first and second measurement values may be obtained.

Main Cutting Device

[0059] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the main cutting device 500 cuts a portion between the accommodation parts 11 of the pouch film 20 passing through the inspection device 400 to manufacture a pouch. Here, the cutting device may cut the pouch film 20 in the full-width direction based on a cutting surface that is cut on the pouch film 20 by the slit cutting device 200 to improve cutting accuracy.

[0060] The apparatus for molding the pouch according to the present disclosure may further include a removing device, which removes the pouch having the accommodation part 11 determined as defective by the inspection device 400 among the pouches cut by the main cutting device 500, in a process line.

Removing Device

[0061] When the pouch having the accommodation part 11 determined as defective by the inspection device 400 is cut, the removing device 600 may absorb and remove the pouch having the defective accommodation part 11 in the process line. Thus, it is possible to prevent defective pouch from being transferred to the process line for manufacturing a secondary battery.

[0062] Therefore, the apparatus for molding the pouch according to the present disclosure may inspect whether the accommodation part 11 formed in the pouch film 20 is defective in the process of manufacturing the pouch, thereby reducing the work time and improving the continuity of the work.

[0063] Hereinafter, a method for molding a pouch using an apparatus for molding the pouch according to the present disclosure will be described.

[Method for Molding Pouch According to the Present Disclosure]

[0064] As illustrated in FIG. 10, the method for molding the pouch according to the present disclosure may include a transfer process, a slit cutting process, a molding process, an inspection process, a main cutting process, and a removing process.

[0065] In the transfer process, referring to FIG. 2, a pouch film 20 in the form of a long sheet is transferred to the molding process using a conveyor belt, which is a transfer device 100.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 3, 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 200.

[0067] In the molding process, a top surface of the pouch film 20 is pressed by a molding device 300 to form the accommodation part 11 for accommodating an electrode assembly. Here, the molding device 300 continuously molds the accommodation part 11 at regular intervals on the top surface of the pouch film 20 being transferred. That is, when the pouch film 20 is disposed on the die 310, the molding device 300 presses the top surface of the pouch film 20 while the punch 320 descends to mold the accommodation part 11 for accommodating the electrode assembly.

[0068] In the inspection process, a depth value of the accommodation part 11 formed in the pouch film 20 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 400 provided with a distance measuring member 410 and an inspection member 420 is used.

[0069] 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 20 connected to an upper end of the accommodation part 11 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 11 are measured using the distance measuring member 410 provided above the pouch film 20.

[0070] Here, in the measuring process, the distance from the reference point to the pouch film 20 connected to the upper end of the accommodation part 11 may be measured several times within a set range A using the distance measuring member 410 to calculate a first measurement value as an average of the measured distance values.

[0071] In addition, in the measuring process, the distance from the reference point to a bottom surface of the accommodation part 11 may be measured several times within the set range A using the distance measuring member 410 to calculate a second measurement value as an average of the measured distance values.

[0072] The sett range A may be set to 1 mm to 5 mm.

[0073] The measuring process may further include a process of allowing the distance measuring member 410 to move in a full-width direction of the pouch film 20, which is perpendicular to a transfer direction of the pouch film 20, so as to adjust a position of the distance measuring member 410. Thus, measurement accuracy may be improved by adjusting the position of the distance measuring member 410 in the full-width direction of the pouch. In addition, in the measuring process, the distance measuring member 410 may descend toward the pouch film 20 to adjust a height of the distance measuring member 410 with respect to the pouch film 20. Thus, the height of the distance measuring member 410 may be adjusted to match the reference point.

[0074] In the inspecting process, a depth value of the accommodation part 11 is calculated by subtracting the first measurement value from the second measurement value measured in the measuring process using the inspection member 420, 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.

[0075] The distance measuring member 410 may be provided as a displacement sensor, and thus, the first and second measurement values may be accurately measured.

[0076] In the main cutting process, the pouch film 20 between the accommodation parts 11, in which the inspecting process is performed, is cut using the main cutting device 500 to manufacture the pouch 10. Here, the pouch film 20 is cut based on a cutting portion of the pouch film 20, which is formed in the slit cutting process.

[0077] In the removing process, the pouch having the accommodation portion 11 determined to be defective among the pouches cut by the main cutting process may be adsorbed using the removing device 600 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.

[0078] Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims more than the foregoing description and the exemplary embodiments described therein. Various modifications made within the meaning of an equivalent of the claims of the invention and within the claims are to be regarded to be in the scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE SYMBOLS

[0079] 10: Pouch [0080] 20: Pouch film [0081] 11: Accommodation part [0082] 12: Sealing part [0083] 100: Transfer device [0084] 200: Slit cutting device [0085] 210: Rotating blade [0086] 300: Molding device [0087] 310: Die [0088] 320: Punch [0089] 400: Inspection device [0090] 410: Distance measuring member [0091] 420: Inspection member [0092] 430: Full-width adjusting member [0093] 440: Height adjusting member [0094] 500: Main cutting device [0095] 600: Removing device