KR102273326B1 - Apparatus for stacking and system for producing electrodes of battery having the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention is a stacking device for secondary battery production comprising a magazine for loading and storing electrodes and a pusher for pushing the electrodes to the magazine, wherein the magazine is a first magazine disposed at intervals along the transfer direction of the electrode and a second magazine, wherein the pusher includes a first pusher and a second pusher disposed at intervals along the transfer direction of the electrode, wherein the first pusher and the second pusher operate alternately with a time difference. , It is possible to provide a stacking device for producing a secondary battery that alternately pushes the electrode to the first magazine and the second magazine.

Description

A stacking device for secondary battery production and an electrode production system for secondary batteries including the same {APPARATUS FOR STACKING AND SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING ELECTRODES OF BATTERY HAVING THE SAME}

The present invention relates to a stacking device for producing a secondary battery and an electrode production system for a secondary battery including the same.

In general, a chemical battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and an electrolyte, and refers to a battery that generates electrical energy by using a chemical reaction, which is a disposable primary battery and a secondary battery that can be charged and discharged repeatedly. can be divided into

Due to the advantage of being able to charge and discharge, the use of secondary batteries is gradually increasing. Among such secondary batteries, since the lithium secondary battery has a high energy density per unit weight, it is widely used as a power source for electronic communication devices or a high-output hybrid vehicle.

An electrode used in such a secondary battery is used as a positive electrode and a negative electrode of the battery, and is used to electrically connect the battery and the outside of the battery.

Electrodes are produced through a process of cutting to a predetermined size after a notching process of forming an electrode tab on an electrode material. The cut electrode is vacuum-adsorbed on the conveyor and transported to the position where the magazine is arranged. A pusher is disposed above the magazine. The vacuum on the conveyor is released, and the pusher pushes the electrodes and drops them into the magazine.

However, as the size of the electrode increases, the rate of falling of the electrode to the magazine by the pusher becomes slow. As the speed of the electrode production facility increases, the speed of the electrode supplied to the location of the magazine increases, and before the electrode falling into the magazine is fully loaded in the magazine, another electrode falls on it, and the electrodes falling toward the magazine collide and damage occurs This is a problem that directly leads to a decrease in the productivity of secondary battery production facilities.

Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2015-0089803 (published on Aug. 5, 2015)

An object of the present invention is to provide a stacking device for secondary battery production that can prevent the electrodes falling toward the magazine from being damaged by colliding, and an electrode production system for secondary batteries including the same.

Embodiment is a stacking device for secondary battery production comprising a magazine for loading and storing electrodes and a pusher for pushing the electrodes to the magazine, wherein the magazine is a first disposed at intervals along the transport direction of the electrode a magazine and a second magazine, wherein the pusher includes a first pusher and a second pusher disposed at intervals along a transport direction of the electrode, wherein the first pusher and the second pusher are alternately operated with a time difference Thus, it is possible to provide a stacking device for producing a secondary battery that alternately pushes the electrode to the first magazine and the second magazine.

Preferably, the electrode may include a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the first electrode is loaded in a first magazine, and the second electrode is loaded in the second magazine.

Preferably, the apparatus may further include a conveyor for transferring the electrodes to the pusher, and the conveyor may include a region in which the first electrode and the second electrode are alternately disposed based on the transfer direction.

Preferably, based on the transport direction, the first pusher is disposed in front of the second pusher, only a first electrode is supplied to the first pusher, and a first electrode and a second electrode are provided to the second pusher. These can be supplied alternately.

Preferably, based on the transfer direction, it is disposed behind the second pusher, and further comprises a third pusher for pushing out and discharging the electrode in a defective state, the third pusher includes the first electrode and the second The electrodes may be alternately supplied.

Preferably, further comprising an aligning device for aligning the electrodes supplied to the pusher, the aligning device moves linearly, and linearly moves with the aligning part in contact with the side surface of the electrode in the aligning area, and a jig advancing and retreating to the alignment area, and a control unit connected to the alignment unit and the jig, wherein the control unit enters the alignment area when a signal for detecting full load in the magazine is input, the jig enters the alignment area, Controlling the lower surface of the electrode to be mounted, and when a signal for detecting a replaced new magazine is input, the jig may be moved back from the alignment area, and the jig may be controlled to release the mounting of the electrode.

In an embodiment, an unwinding unit for continuously supplying an electrode material, a notching unit disposed on a movement path of the electrode material supplied from the unwinding unit, and a movement path of the electrode material supplied from the notching unit A cutting unit disposed to generate an electrode and a stacking device for stacking the electrode cut in the cutting unit, wherein the stacking device includes a magazine for loading and storing the electrode and a pusher for pushing the electrode into the magazine and, the magazine includes a first magazine and a second magazine disposed at intervals along the transport direction of the electrode, and the pusher is a first pusher and a second pusher disposed at intervals along the transport direction of the electrode. Including, wherein the first pusher and the second pusher operate alternately with a time difference, it is possible to provide a secondary battery production system for alternately pushing the electrode to the first magazine and the second magazine.

According to the embodiment, it provides an advantageous effect of preventing the electrodes falling toward the magazine from being hit and damaged.

According to the embodiment, it provides an advantageous effect of performing the stacking operation of the first electrode and the stacking operation of the second electrode together.

1 is a front view showing an electrode production system for a secondary battery according to an embodiment;
2 is a view showing a stacking device;
3 is a view showing a state in which the first pusher operates;
4 is a view showing a state in which the second pusher operates;
5 is a view showing a state in which the next first electrode is aligned with the first pusher after the second pusher operates;
6 is a view showing a state in which the first pusher operates;
7 is a view showing a state in which the next second electrode is aligned with the second pusher after the first pusher operates;
8 is a view showing a state in which the second pusher operates;
9 is a view showing a state in which the next first electrode is aligned with the first pusher after the second pusher operates;
10 is a view showing a state in which the first pusher operates again;
11 is a view showing a state in which the next second electrode is aligned with the second pusher after the first pusher operates;
12 is a view showing a state in which the second pusher operates;
13 is a view illustrating a jig and an alignment unit.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The embodiments of the present invention are provided to more completely explain the present invention to those of ordinary skill in the art, and the following embodiments can be modified in various other forms, and the scope of the present invention is not limited. It is not limited to the following examples. Rather, these examples are provided so that this disclosure will be more thorough and complete, and will fully convey the spirit of the invention to those skilled in the art.

The terminology used herein is used to describe specific embodiments, not to limit the present invention. As used herein, the singular form may include the plural form unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used herein, “comprise” and/or “comprising” refers to the presence of the recited shapes, numbers, steps, actions, members, elements, and/or groups thereof. and does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other shapes, numbers, movements, members, elements and/or groups. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any one and any combination of one or more of those listed items.

It is to be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. are used herein to describe various members, regions and/or regions, these members, parts, regions, layers, and/or regions should not be limited by these terms. Do. These terms do not imply a specific order, upper and lower, or superiority, and are used only to distinguish one member, region or region from another. Accordingly, a first member, region, or region described below may refer to a second member, region, or region without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to drawings schematically illustrating embodiments of the present invention. In the drawings, variations of the illustrated shape may be expected, for example depending on manufacturing technology and/or tolerances. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention should not be construed as limited to the specific shape of the region shown herein, but should include, for example, changes in shape caused by manufacturing.

The electrode production system for secondary batteries is a device for automatically and continuously producing electrodes used in secondary batteries.

1 is a front view showing an electrode production system for a secondary battery according to an embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the electrode production system for a secondary battery according to the embodiment includes an unwinding unit 100 , a notching unit 200 , a cutting unit 300 , and a stacking device 400 . An electrode material formed of a strip-shaped metal plate extending horizontally from the unwinding part 100 at the entrance is supplied. The electrode material may be formed of copper in the case of producing a negative electrode battery, and may be formed of aluminum in the case of producing a positive electrode battery.

The notched part 200 produces an electrode by forming an electrode tab on the supplied electrode material. The cutting unit 400 cuts the electrode to a required size of the product. The cut electrode is supplied to the stacking device 400 .

The unwinding unit 100 continuously supplies an electrode material formed of a strip-shaped metal plate. The unwinding unit 100 continuously supplies the electrode material from the plurality of electrode material supply reels, including a plurality of electrode material supply reels and servomotors. The reel can be stored by winding each electrode material in the form of a roll. Two reels can be placed. One reel may be for supplying the electrode material currently, and the other reel may be for provisionally supplying the electrode material. The servomotor can drive the reel so that the electrode material is supplied.

The unwinding unit 100 automatically replaces the electrode material by the unwinder auto splicing so that the electrode material can be continuously supplied immediately. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the electrode material may be replaced manually.

The notched part 200 forms an electrode tab on the electrode material through a mold moving up and down. The notching part 200 passes through the electrode material supplied from the unwinding part 100 between the upper mold plate and the lower mold plate, and in the process of passing, the mold upper plate moves and notches the electrode material. An electrode including an electrode tab protruding to one side is created by forming notches at regular intervals in the electrode material. Feeding devices may be provided for continuously supplying electrodes from the rear of the notched part 200 by continuously moving the electrodes passing through the notched part 200 in a traction method.

In addition to the mold upper plate of the notched part 200, the lower mold plate moves downward and then rises to notch the electrode material to form a tab on the electrode material, and the upper mold plate and the lower mold plate move up and down at the same time to form the electrode material. It is also possible to form a tab on the electrode material by notching.

In addition, it is common to form only one electrode tab at a time when notching by moving the mold upper plate and lower mold plate, but several (for example, 2 to 8) electrode tabs are formed at a time by one notching (one mold punching). Simultaneous punching for forming electrode tabs is also possible. This may be possible by using a mold plate on which a plurality of electrode tabs are formed.

The cutting unit 300 is a device for sequentially and sequentially cutting the electrodes. The cutting unit 300 may include a cutting means for cutting the electrodes, and a moving means for moving the cut electrodes, such as a conveyor. A cleaning means may be separately provided in the moving means. In addition, an apparatus for inspecting the cut electrode through an image may be provided. High-quality electrodes are selected, and poor-quality electrodes can be removed and removed.

In the drawing, the direction indicated by the y-axis is the transfer direction of the electrode, and the direction indicated by the z-axis is the vertical direction of the electrode production system for secondary batteries in a direction perpendicular to the transfer direction of the electrode.

2 is a view showing a stacking device.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the stacking device 400 may include a magazine 410 and a pusher 420 .

The magazine 410 may include a first magazine 410A and a second magazine 410B. The first magazine 410A and the second magazine 410B may be disposed at regular intervals in the transfer direction y. The first magazine 410A may be disposed behind the second magazine 410B. The first electrode S1 is loaded on the first magazine 410A. The second electrode S2 is loaded on the second magazine 410B.

The pusher 420 may include a first pusher 420A and a second pusher 420B. The first pusher 420A and the second pusher 420B may be disposed at regular intervals in the transport direction y. The first pusher 420A may be disposed behind the second pusher 420B. The first pusher 420A is disposed above the first magazine 410A. The second pusher 420B is disposed above the second magazine 410B. The conveyor unit C adsorbs the first electrode S1 and the second electrode S2 and transfers them to the magazine 410 side.

The first pusher 420A pushes the first electrode S1 and drops it toward the first magazine 410A. The second pusher 420B pushes the second electrode S2 and drops it toward the second magazine 410B.

The stacking device 400 may further include a third pusher 430 . The third pusher 430 is disposed in front of the second pusher 420B, and serves to push and discharge the defective first electrode S1 or the second electrode S2.

The controller 440 may control operations of the first pusher 420A, the second pusher 420B, and the third pusher 430 .

The controller 440 alternately operates the first pusher 420A and the second pusher 420B with a time difference. Accordingly, the first pusher 420A pushes the first electrode S1 into the first magazine 410A, and then the second pusher 420B pushes the second electrode S2 into the second magazine 410B. . This is to secure a gap between the first electrodes S1 falling to the first magazine 410A so that the first electrodes S1 falling into the first magazine 410A do not collide with each other. In addition, this is to secure a gap between the second electrodes S2 falling to the second magazine 410B so that the second electrodes S2 falling into the second magazine 410B do not collide with each other.

The first electrode S1 and the second electrode S2 may be alternately disposed on the conveyor unit C along the transport direction y. And before operation, the first electrode S1 may be disposed below the first pusher 420A, and the second electrode S2 may be disposed below the second pusher 420B. To this end, the first electrode S1 is continuously disposed along the conveying direction y at the rearmost portion of the conveyor C, and the first electrode S1 is disposed along the conveying direction y at the remaining conveyor C. ) and the second electrode S2 may be alternately disposed.

3 is a view illustrating a state in which the first pusher 420A operates.

Referring to FIG. 3 , first, the first pusher 420A operates. When the first pusher 420A operates, the first electrode S1 arranged in alignment with the first pusher 420A is pushed and dropped into the first magazine 410A.

4 is a view illustrating a state in which the second pusher 420B operates.

Referring to FIG. 4 , after the first pusher 420A operates, the second pusher 420B operates with a predetermined time difference. When the second pusher 420B operates, the second electrode S2 arranged in alignment with the second pusher 420B is pushed and dropped into the second magazine 410B. In this case, the first electrode S1 that has fallen into the first magazine 410A may continue to fall and be positioned close to the bottom of the first magazine 410A.

5 is a view illustrating a state in which the next first electrode S1 is aligned with the first pusher 420A after the second pusher 420B operates.

Referring to FIG. 5 , even while the second pusher 420B is operating, the conveyor unit C may transport the electrodes S1 and S2 to align the next first electrode S1 with the first pusher 420A. Then, while the first electrode S1 is aligned with the first pusher 420A, the first electrode S1 that has fallen into the first magazine 410A reaches the bottom of the first magazine 410A and reaches the first magazine 410A. ) can be loaded. In addition, the second electrode S2 that has fallen into the second magazine 410B may continue to fall and be positioned close to the bottom of the second magazine 410B.

Since the first pusher 420A is disposed behind the second pusher 420B, only the first electrode S1 may be supplied to the first pusher 420A. In addition, the first electrode S1 and the second electrode S2 may be alternately supplied to the second pusher 420B. The first electrode S1 and the second electrode S2 may be alternately supplied to the third pusher 430 .

6 is a view illustrating a state in which the first pusher 420A operates.

Referring to FIG. 6 , when the first pusher 420A operates, the first pusher 420A is aligned and arranged, and then the first electrode S1 is pushed and dropped into the first magazine 410A. Since the first electrode S1 pushed by the previous first pusher 420A is loaded on the bottom of the first magazine 410A, the first electrode S1 falling between the first electrode S1 and the loaded first electrode S1 Since the distance is sufficient, there is no risk that the first electrodes S1 from the first magazine 410A collide while falling.

7 is a view illustrating a state in which the next second electrode S2 is aligned with the second pusher 420B after the first pusher 420A operates.

Referring to FIG. 7 , while the next second electrode S2 is aligned with the second pusher 420B, the first electrode S1 additionally dropped into the first magazine 410A continues to fall and the first electrode already loaded It may be located close to (S1).

8 is a view illustrating a state in which the second pusher 420B operates.

Referring to FIG. 8 , when the second electrode S2 is aligned with the second pusher 420B, the second pusher 420B operates. When the second pusher 420B operates, the second electrode S2 is pushed and dropped into the second magazine 410B after being aligned with the second pusher 420B.

9 is a view illustrating a state in which the next first electrode S1 is aligned with the first pusher 420A after the second pusher 420B operates.

Referring to FIG. 9 , the first electrode S1 may be aligned with the first pusher 420A again. While the first electrode S1 is aligned with the first pusher 420A, the second electrode S2 that has additionally fallen into the second magazine 410B continues to fall to be positioned close to the already loaded second electrode S2. can

10 is a view illustrating a state in which the first pusher 420A is operated again.

Referring to FIG. 10 , when the first pusher 420A operates again, the first pusher 420A is aligned and arranged, and then the first electrode S1 is pushed and dropped into the first magazine 410A. Since the first electrode S1 pushed by the previous first pusher 420A is loaded on the bottom of the first magazine 410A, the first electrode S1 falling between the first electrode S1 and the loaded first electrode S1 enough distance The second electrode S2 dropped to the second magazine 410 while the first pusher 420A is operated may be loaded on the second electrode S2 already loaded in the second magazine 410B.

11 is a view illustrating a state in which the next second electrode S2 is aligned with the second pusher 420B after the first pusher 420A operates.

Referring to FIG. 11 , the next second electrode S2 is aligned with the second pusher 420B. Next, while the second electrode S2 is aligned with the second pusher 420B, the first electrode S1 that has fallen into the first magazine 410A continues to fall and is positioned close to the already loaded first electrode S1. can do.

12 is a view illustrating a state in which the second pusher 420B operates.

Referring to FIG. 12 , when the second electrode S2 is aligned with the second pusher 420B, the second pusher 420B operates. When the second pusher 420B operates, the second electrode S2 is pushed and dropped into the second magazine 410B after being aligned with the second pusher 420B. Since the second electrode S2 pushed by the previous second pusher 420B is loaded in the second magazine 410B, the distance between the falling second electrode S2 and the loaded second electrode S2 is There is no risk that the second electrodes S2 from the second magazine 410B collide while falling.

When this process is repeated, the stacking operation of the first electrode S1 and the second electrode S2 is performed. According to the amount of the electrodes loaded in the first magazine 410A or the second magazine 410B, the time difference between the first pusher 420A and the second pusher 420B and the transfer speed of the electrodes can be adjusted. have.

13 is a diagram illustrating a jig 450 and an alignment unit 470 .

Even if any one of the first magazine 410A and the second magazine 410B is full, such a stacking operation may be performed.

Referring to FIG. 13 , the stacking apparatus 400 may further include a jig 450 and an alignment unit 470 . The jig 450 may include a driving unit 451 and a plate 452 .

The alignment part 470 contacts the edge of the first electrode S1 or the edge of the second electrode S2 to align the first electrode S1 or the first electrode. The alignment unit 470 may include a driving unit 471 , a connecting unit 472 , and a moving unit 473 . The driving unit 471 may be formed of a server motor and a power transmission member for converting rotational motion of the server motor into linear motion. The driving unit 471 may be disposed on the lower surface of the base 480 . This is in consideration of the jig 450 disposed on the upper surface of the base 480 .

When the control unit 450 detects that the first magazine 410A or the second magazine 410B is full, the control unit 450 enters the jig 450 into the area where the electrodes are aligned. Specifically, the control unit 460 operates the driving unit 451 . When the driving unit 451 is operated, the plate 452 enters the region where the electrodes S1 and S2 are aligned. The plate 452 is positioned above the electrodes S1 and S2 positioned in the lowermost layer. Thereafter, the full first magazine 410A or the second magazine 410B is replaced. The above-described stacking operation may be performed in a state in which the plate 452 is temporarily loaded with the electrodes S1 and S2 .

As described above, specific embodiments of the stacking device for secondary battery production of the present invention and the electrode production system for secondary batteries including the same have been described, but it is apparent that various modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. Do.

Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, and should be defined by the following claims as well as the claims and equivalents.

That is, it should be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive, and the scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims to be described later rather than the detailed description, and the meaning and scope of the claims; All changes or modifications derived from the concept of equivalents thereof should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention.

100: unwinding unit
200: notching part
300: cutting unit
400: stacking device
410: magazine
410A: first magazine
420B: second magazine
420: pusher
420A: first pusher
420B: second pusher
430: third pusher
440: control unit

Claims (8)

In the stacking device for secondary battery production comprising a magazine for loading and storing the electrode and a pusher for pushing the electrode into the magazine,
The magazine includes a first magazine and a second magazine disposed at intervals along the transfer direction of the electrode,
The pusher includes a first pusher and a second pusher disposed at intervals along the transfer direction of the electrode,
The first pusher and the second pusher operate alternately with a time difference to alternately push the electrode into the first magazine and the second magazine,
An alignment device for aligning the electrodes supplied to the pusher,
The alignment device is
an alignment part which moves in a straight line and contacts the side surface of the electrode in the alignment area;
a jig that moves in a straight line and advances and retreats to the alignment area; and
and a control unit connected to the alignment unit and the jig,
When a signal for detecting a full load in the magazine is input, the control unit enters the jig into the alignment area, controls the jig to mount the lower surface of the electrode, and when a signal for detecting a replaced new magazine is input, the jig A stacking device for producing a secondary battery for controlling the jig to release the mounting of the electrode by retreating from the alignment region. According to claim 1,
The electrode includes a first electrode and a second electrode,
The first electrode is loaded in the first magazine, the second electrode is a stacking device for secondary battery production is loaded in the second magazine. 3. The method of claim 2,
Further comprising a conveyor for transferring the electrode to the pusher,
A stacking device for producing secondary batteries including a region in which the first electrode and the second electrode are alternately disposed in the conveyor unit based on the transport direction. 3. The method of claim 2,
Based on the transport direction,
The first pusher is disposed in front of the second pusher,
Only the first electrode is supplied to the first pusher,
A stacking device for producing a secondary battery in which a first electrode and a second electrode are alternately supplied to the second pusher. 3. The method of claim 2,
Based on the transport direction,
It is disposed behind the second pusher, further comprising a third pusher for pushing and discharging the electrode in a bad state,
A stacking device for producing a secondary battery in which a first electrode and a second electrode are alternately supplied to the third pusher. delete an unwinding unit for continuously supplying electrode materials;
a notch portion disposed on a movement path of the electrode material supplied from the unwinding portion;
A cutting unit disposed on a movement path of the electrode material supplied from the notching unit to generate an electrode; And
A stacking device for stacking the electrode cut in the cutting unit,
The stacking device includes a magazine for loading and storing electrodes and a pusher for pushing the electrodes into the magazine,
The magazine includes a first magazine and a second magazine disposed at intervals along the transfer direction of the electrode,
The pusher includes a first pusher and a second pusher disposed at intervals along the transfer direction of the electrode,
The first pusher and the second pusher operate alternately with a time difference to alternately push the electrode into the first magazine and the second magazine,
An alignment device for aligning the electrode supplied to the pusher,
The alignment device is
an alignment unit which moves in a straight line and contacts the side surface of the electrode in the alignment area;
a jig that moves in a straight line and advances and retreats to the alignment area; and
and a control unit connected to the alignment unit and the jig,
When a signal for detecting a full load in the magazine is input, the control unit enters the jig into the alignment area, controls the jig to mount the lower surface of the electrode, and when a signal for detecting a replaced new magazine is input, the jig A secondary battery production system for controlling the jig to release the mounting of the electrode by retreating from the alignment region. The method of claim 7, wherein the notching portion,
A secondary battery production system, characterized in that a plurality of electrode tabs are formed by one punch on the supplied electrode material.

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