KR102561952B1 - Zig-zag stacking secondary battery manufacturing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus that forms an electrode assembly by transferring electrodes in a zigzag pattern in a state in which a stacking table is fixed. According to the present disclosure, a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus including a sepa feeder that periodically controls the supply of a separator in response to a change in tension of the separator that periodically occurs during stacking in a zigzag type and a separator compensation unit that periodically adjusts the path of the separator may be provided.
The zigzag stacked secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention can be stacked while fixing the stacking table, so problems caused by inertia occurring when the stacking table is moved can be fundamentally prevented. In addition, the tension of the continuously provided separator can be actively adjusted in response to the operation of the electrode picker, thereby improving the quality of the secondary battery and minimizing the defective rate.

Description

Zigzag stacked secondary battery manufacturing apparatus {ZIG-ZAG STACKING SECONDARY BATTERY MANUFACTURING APPARATUS}

The present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a zigzag stacked secondary battery, and more particularly, to an apparatus capable of manufacturing a secondary battery by stacking a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate of a predetermined size together with a separator.

A secondary battery refers to a battery that converts chemical energy into electrical energy to supply power to the outside and receives power from the outside during discharge and stores it as chemical energy. It refers to a battery that supplies power to an external circuit and can store electricity by converting electrical energy into chemical energy by receiving external power when it is discharged.

The secondary battery may be classified into a winding type and a stacked type depending on the shape. The winding type may be produced by manufacturing one electrode assembly (jelly roll) by continuously winding a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator together. The laminated type is created by alternately stacking positive and negative plates cut to a predetermined size with a separator interposed therebetween.

Conventionally, when manufacturing a stacked secondary battery, a method of alternately stacking positive and negative plates while reciprocating a stacker at a predetermined distance has been mainly used. In this regard, Korean Registered Patent No. 1280069 has been disclosed. However, this conventional method has a problem in that accuracy is lowered due to the influence of inertia during the reciprocating motion of the stacker as the electrode plates are gradually piled up. This problem may become more serious because inertia also increases as the electrode plate becomes larger and the cell length increases. In addition, as the stacker reciprocates, there is a problem in that the tension acting on the separator is rapidly changed at the point where the direction is changed, resulting in deterioration in quality.

Republic of Korea Patent No. 1280069

An object of the present invention is to provide a zigzag laminated secondary battery manufacturing apparatus for solving the problems of conventional laminated secondary battery manufacturing apparatuses.

A first magazine seating portion configured to load a plurality of positive plates, a second magazine seating portion configured to load a plurality of negative electrode plates, a stacking table provided between the first magazine seating portion and the second magazine seating portion, A separator supply unit configured to supply the rolled separator to the stacking table while unwinding, a first electrode picker configured to pick up the positive electrode plate and seat it on the stacking table, and a second electrode picker configured to pick up the negative plate and seat it on the stacking table. The electrode picker, the first electrode picker, during the process of transferring the positive electrode plate in the first direction, pushes the separator and places it on the top surface of the stacking table, and the second electrode picker transfers the negative electrode plate in the second direction opposite to the first direction. A sepa feeder configured to seat the middle separator on the top surface of the electrode assembly stacked on the stacking table while pushing the middle separator, and periodically transferring the separator to the stacking table in accordance with the length of the first electrode picker or the second electrode picker pushing the separator. A secondary battery manufacturing apparatus comprising a may be provided.

Meanwhile, a separation membrane compensation unit configured to change a path of the separation membrane between the sepa feeder and the stacking table may be further included.

In addition, the separator compensation unit may be moved horizontally so that the path of the separator may be changed prior to the operation of the first electrode picker or the second electrode picker pushing the separator.

On the other hand, the separator compensation unit includes a pair of idle rollers disposed in a horizontal direction and a separator compensation unit driver configured to adjust the horizontal position of the pair of idle rollers, and the separator includes a pair of idle rollers. It can be transported through between them.

On the other hand, the sepa feeder may include a feeding roller that periodically rotates corresponding to the length of the separator required when stacked in the electrode assembly, and a rotation drive configured to rotate the feeding roller.

Meanwhile, the sepa feeder may include at least one counter roller configured to bring the separator into close contact with one side of the feeding roller.

On the other hand, the rotary driving unit may be configured to be bi-directionally driven so as to transport the separator in a forward or reverse direction.

Meanwhile, a dancer configured to determine a part of the separation membrane transport path between the separation membrane supply unit and the separator feeder and to compensate for the tension according to the difference between the supply speed of the separation membrane supply unit and the cyclic transfer speed of the separator feeder may be further included. there is.

On the other hand, the dancer is configured to be angularly adjustable around an axis in the width direction of the separator, and includes at least one dancer roller provided at a point spaced apart from the center of rotation, and the separator is positioned on a vertical plate with at least one dancer roller. It can be transported via fixed rollers.

In addition, the angle of the dancer may be changed in a direction in which the dancer roller becomes closer to the fixed roller while the separator feeder transfers the separator.

Meanwhile, the angle of the dancer may change in a direction in which the dancer roller moves away from the fixed roller while the sepa feeder is stopped.

Meanwhile, the stacking table has a fixed lower side, and the first electrode picker and the second electrode picker can seat the positive electrode plate or the negative electrode plate in the placing area provided on the upper side of the stacking table.

Meanwhile, each of the first electrode picker and the second electrode picker may include a roller provided at a point in contact with the separator.

Meanwhile, the roller of the first electrode picker may be configured to push the separator in opposite directions to the roller of the second electrode picker.

Meanwhile, a first alignment unit provided between the first magazine seating unit and the stacking table and a second position alignment unit provided between the second magazine seating unit and the stacking table may be further included.

Meanwhile, the first electrode picker includes a pair of pick-up modules, one of the pair of pick-up modules transfers the positive plate from the first magazine seating part to the first alignment part, and the other of the pair of pick-up modules is 1 The positive plate is transferred from the alignment unit to the stacking table, and the pair of positive plates transferred from the pair of pick-up modules can be transferred simultaneously.

On the other hand, the first electrode picker is configured to be movable in a vertical direction by a predetermined distance, and can be configured to simultaneously pick up or place the positive plate in a pair of pickup modules.

Meanwhile, the first electrode picker and the second electrode picker may start horizontal movement at a predetermined time interval.

On the other hand, the first electrode picker or the second electrode picker, which is in contact with the separator in a stationary state, may start horizontal movement first.

The zigzag stacked secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention can be stacked while fixing the stacking table, so problems caused by inertia occurring when the stacking table is moved can be fundamentally prevented. In addition, the tension of the continuously provided separator can be actively adjusted in response to the operation of the electrode picker, thereby improving the quality of the secondary battery and minimizing the defective rate.

1 is a front view of a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an exploded base including a sepa feeder, a separator compensation unit, an electrode picker, and a stacking table of a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3 is an enlarged perspective view of a sepa feeder.
4 is an enlarged perspective view of a separator compensation unit.
5 is an enlarged perspective view of an electrode picker.
6 is a perspective view of a base equipped with a stacking table.
7 is a perspective view of a winder.
8a, 8b and 8c are operating state diagrams of the sepa feeder and the dancer.
9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e, 9f, 9g, 9h, and 9i are diagrams conceptually illustrating an electrode stacking operation of a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, and 10e are diagrams conceptually illustrating an electrode stacking operation of a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, an apparatus for manufacturing a zigzag stacked secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, in the description of the following embodiments, the name of each component may be called a different name in the art. However, if they have functional similarity and identity, even if a modified embodiment is employed, it can be regarded as an equivalent configuration. In addition, signs added to each component are described for convenience of description. However, the contents of the drawings in which these symbols are written do not limit each component to the scope in the drawings. Likewise, even if an embodiment in which the configuration in the drawings is partially modified is employed, it can be regarded as an equivalent configuration if there is functional similarity and identity. In addition, in light of the level of a general technician in the relevant technical field, if it is recognized as a component that should be included, the description thereof will be omitted.

1 is a front view of a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a sepa feeder, a separator compensation unit, an electrode picker, and a stacking table of a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is an exploded perspective view showing the disassembled base including.

1 and 2, in the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention, in a state where the stacking table 600 is fixed, the electrode plate is transferred by a pair of electrode pickers and at the same time, the separator 1100 is separated in a zigzag motion. It may be configured to stack secondary batteries while pushing out. Here, 'zigzag' refers to an operation of pushing the separator 1100 alternately by electrode pickers on the left and right sides of the separator 1100.

A secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a frame 100, a vertical plate 300, a separator supply unit 400, an electrode picker 510 and 520, a stacking table 600, and magazine seating units 211 and 212 ), pregazing tables 221 and 222, position control units 231 and 232, dancer 700, sepa feeder 810, separator compensation unit 820 and winder 900. there is.

The frame 100 is a base on which the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus can be fixed. The frame 100 is formed by extending to a predetermined size and may include a plurality of members. A base 200 is formed on one side of the frame 100, and a stacking table 600, a position adjusting unit, and an electrode magazine may be provided on an upper surface of the base 200.

The vertical plate 300 may be formed to extend vertically from one side of the frame 100 . The vertical plate 300 may be provided with a separation membrane supply unit provided in a direction orthogonal to an extending plane.

The separator supply unit may be configured to take out the separator 1100 from the wound separator roll 410 and supply the separator 1100 to the stacking table 600 . The separator supply unit may include a separator roll mounting unit, a driving roller, and an idle roller.

The separation membrane roll holder 420 is configured to unwind and supply the separation membrane 1100 . One side of the separation membrane roll holder 420 is rotatably connected to the vertical plate 300, and a motor for rotating the separation membrane roll holder 420 may be provided at the other side of the vertical plate 300. The separation membrane roll holder 420 may be supplied by unwinding the separation membrane roll 410 at a predetermined speed while the electrodes are stacked. At this time, the rotational speed of the separation membrane roll holder 420 is controlled corresponding to the diameter that decreases as the separation membrane 1100 is used, so that the separation membrane 1100 can be unwound at an appropriate linear speed.

A driving roller and an idle roller may together determine a path along which the separator 1100 is transported. One side of the driving roller and the idle roller may be rotatably connected to the vertical plate. The driving roller is configured to actively control the line speed of the separation membrane 1100 while rotating. The idle roller minimizes frictional resistance and is configured to passively rotate while supporting the separator 1100 in the thickness direction. The idle roller supports the separation membrane 1100 so that it can be transported along the transport path. Meanwhile, although not shown, at least one of the driving roller and the idle roller is configured such that a relative angle to the vertical plate 300 can be adjusted. At least one of the driving roller and the idle roller adjusts the angle to correct the misalignment of the separator 1100 on the conveying path. At this time, when the angle is tilted, the conveyed separator 1100 naturally moves in the width direction due to gravity. Transfer can be made while adjusting the position.

Meanwhile, the separator roll 410 may be supplied in a state in which the separator 1100 and the protective film 1110 are wound together. At this time, the separator 1100 and the protective film 1110 are separated from the separator roll 410 and may move in different paths. As described above, the separator 1100 is finally transferred to the stacking table 600, and the protective film 1110 is transferred to the protective film reel unit 430 and wound up. However, matters related to the recovery of the protective film 1110 can be applied when the protective film is included in the separator reel 430, and can be omitted if the separator 1100 does not include the protective film 1110 .

Meanwhile, although not shown, a sensor for measuring the linear velocity of the separator 1100 at a plurality of points may be included. Based on the value received from the sensor, the control unit (not shown) may drive a motor connected to the separator roll holder 420 and/or the driving roller to adjust or maintain a constant speed at which the separator 1100 is pulled out.

The electrode picker is composed of a pair, and each may be configured to pick up and transfer the electrode plate. A pair of electrode pickers may be provided on the left and right sides of the stacking table 600 to be described later. Meanwhile, hereinafter, the left electrode picker in FIG. 1 will be referred to as the first electrode picker 510, and the right electrode picker will be referred to as the second electrode picker 520.

The first electrode picker 510 may be configured to pick up the positive electrode plate 1200 and transfer it to the stacking table 600, and the second electrode picker may pick up the negative electrode plate 1300 and transfer it to the stacking table 600. can The first electrode picker 510 and the second electrode picker may be provided symmetrically around the stacking table 600 . Meanwhile, the first electrode picker 510 and the second electrode picker are configured to operate while pushing the separator 1100 in opposite directions using ends facing each other.

The stacking table 600 is configured to stack electrodes. The upper side of the upper surface of the stacking table 600 becomes a placing area, and stacking can be performed as the electrode plates transferred to the electrode pickers 510 and 520 are alternately seated one by one. At this time, the lower side of the stacking table 600 may remain fixed to the frame 100 .

The magazine seating parts 211 and 212 are configured so that a magazine loaded with an electrode plate cut from the outside can be seated therein. A plurality of electrode plates may be loaded in the magazine in the thickness direction. The magazine seating portion may include a first magazine seating portion 211 on which the positive plate magazine is seated and a second magazine seating portion 212 on which the negative plate magazine is seated.

The pregazing tables 221 and 222 may be configured to temporarily seat the electrode plate picked up from the magazine seat. The electrode plate seated on the pregazing table may then be transported to the alignment unit. The pregazing table may also include a first pregazing table 221 provided on the transport path of the positive electrode plate 1200 and a second pregazing table 222 provided on the transport path of the negative electrode plate 1300. there is.

The position adjusting units 231 and 232 are configured to adjust the position of the electrode plate. The position adjusting unit is configured to be able to rotate in two axes and at a predetermined angle, and the upper surface of the table can be adjusted on the x and y planes for position alignment in a state where the transferred electrode plate is seated on the upper side. On the other hand, although not shown, a vision camera looking at the upper surface of the position adjusting unit may be provided to check the positional error of the electrode plate. Meanwhile, the positioning unit may include a first positioning unit 231 for adjusting the position of the positive electrode plate 1200 and a second positioning unit 232 for aligning the position of the negative electrode plate 1300.

The dancer 700 determines the transfer path of the separator and is configured to adjust the tension of the separator. The dancer 700 is connected to the vertical plate 300, and the angle may be adjusted around an axis in a direction orthogonal to the vertical plate 300, that is, in the x direction. The dancer 700 may include a plurality of idle rollers spaced apart from each other. The separator may be transferred while passing between a plurality of fixed rollers 720 provided on one side of the vertical plate 300 and a plurality of idle rollers provided on the dancer 700 . At this time, when the distance between the dancer 700 and the roller 720 fixed to the vertical plate 300 is close, the path of the separator passing through the dancer 700 is shortened, and on the contrary, the dancer 700 is fixed to the vertical plate roller ( When the angle is adjusted in a direction away from 720, the path of the separator passing through the dancer 700 becomes longer. At this time, the dancer 700 may be connected to an elastic element so that an appropriate torque may be applied, or may be connected to a motor or the like to actively adjust an angle. On the other hand, the dancer 700 adjusts the tension of the separator appropriately by adjusting the length through which the separator passes in response to the difference between the supply speed of the separator from the separator supply unit 400 and the speed of withdrawing the separator from the separator feeder 810 to be described later. be able to keep Meanwhile, tension control between the separator feeder 810 and the separation membrane supply unit 400 will be described in detail later.

The sepa feeder 810 is configured to draw out the length of the separator required for stacking the electrodes on the stacking table 600 . One side of the sepa feeder 810 is connected in a direction orthogonal to the vertical plate, and is configured to periodically withdraw the separator passing through the dancer 700 . When the stacking table 600 is configured as a fixed type, the separator is stacked in a zigzag pattern on the stacking table 600 to form an electrode assembly together with the electrode plate. At this time, a section in which the separator is discontinuously supplied occurs, unlike when the separator is continuously required when a secondary battery is produced by winding an electrode. The separator feeder 810 periodically withdraws the separator to a length required for one stacking operation of the electrode assembly.

The separator compensation unit 820 is configured to adjust the path of the separator between the separator feeder 810 and the stacking table 600 . The separator compensation unit 820 is provided on the vertical plate 300,

The separator compensation unit 820 is configured to first change the path of the separator prior to the electrode pickers when the electrode pickers 510 and 520 move upwards of the stacking table 600 while pushing the separator in the horizontal direction. The separator compensating unit 820 is configured to reciprocate horizontally from the upper side of the stacking table, and the path of the separator controlled by the separator compensating unit 820 may be determined to be wider than the width of the stacking table.

The winder 900 is configured to perform an operation of winding the outer surface of the separator 1100 while holding the stacked electrode assembly 1000 (jelly roll) on the stacking table 600 . The winder 900 holds the jelly roll while seated on the upper side of the stacking table 600, separates the jelly roll from the upper surface of the stacking table 600 so that the outside of the jelly roll can be wrapped with the separator 1100, and prevents interference. The outside of the jelly roll can be wrapped with the separator 1100 in an empty space.

Meanwhile, configurations of the above-described frame 100, vertical plate 300, and separator supply unit 400 may be adopted as configurations of a commonly used secondary battery manufacturing apparatus, so further detailed descriptions will be omitted.

Hereinafter, the configuration and function of the sepa feeder will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 3 .

3 is an enlarged perspective view of a sepa feeder.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the sepa feeder 810 may include a sepa feeder frame 811 , a roll peeler, and a counter roller 814 . The sepa feeder frame 811 may be fixed to a vertical plate at one side.

The sepa feeder 810 may include a feeding roller 812 disposed in front of the vertical plate, that is, on the side of the region where the separator is transferred, and a rotation drive unit 813 provided in the rear of the vertical plate. The rotation drive unit 813 has an axis extending through the vertical plate and is coaxially connected to the feeding roller 812 to actively rotate the feeding roller 812 . Meanwhile, the rotation driving unit 813 is configured to be rotatable in a forward or reverse direction, and when excessive sagging of the separation membrane occurs, it may be rotated in the reverse direction to recover a portion thereof.

The counter roller 814 is configured to bring the separator into close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the feeding roller 812 . The counter roller 814 may be connected to a counter roller driver 815 provided on one side of the sepa feeder frame 811 . The counter roller driver 815 is configured to adjust the distance between the counter roller 814 and the feeding roller 812 . The counter roller 814 is not connected with a separate power for rotation, and can be rotated by a separation film drawn out as the feeding roller 812 rotates. The counter roller 814 may be configured as a pair as an example. That is, the separator may be provided in each of the direction in which the separator is supplied to the feeding roller 812 and the direction in which it is drawn out. However, this is just an example and the number of counter rollers 814 may be adjusted in various ways.

Hereinafter, the configuration and function of the separator compensation unit will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4 .

4 is an enlarged perspective view of a separator compensation unit.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the separator compensation unit 820 is configured to minimize a change in tension of the separator that may occur as the length of consumption of the separator is discontinuous when the separator is stacked in a zigzag direction on the stacking table. Compensate for the supply path of The separator compensation unit 820 may adjust the transfer path of the separator in association with the operations of the first electrode picker and the second electrode picker. The separation membrane compensation unit 820 may include a first frame 821 , a second frame 822 , a separation membrane compensation unit driving unit 825 and a separation membrane path adjusting unit 823 . At this time, the separation membrane compensation unit 820 adjusts the path of the separation membrane to minimize the remaining amount by switching the path when sagging occurs in the separation membrane supplied by the sepa feeder, that is, when a residual amount occurs.

The first frame 821 may be connected to the vertical plate. The second frame 822 is configured to move relative to the first frame 821 . The first frame 821 and the second frame 822 are coupled through a moving direction restraining member such as a linear guide, and the second frame 822 is configured to slide in the horizontal direction on the first frame 821. can

The separator compensation unit driver 825 is configured to move the second frame 822 on the first frame 821 . The separator compensation unit drive unit 825 is transformed into a mechanism that converts rotation-translational motion like a ball-screw or a structure that can finally reciprocate the second frame 822 a predetermined distance like a linear actuator (not shown) can be applied

The separation membrane path control unit 823 extends from the second frame 822 in a direction perpendicular to the vertical plate. The separator path controller 823 may include a pair of idle rollers 824 spaced apart from each other. The separation membrane passing through the sepa feeder may pass through a path between the separation membrane path controllers 823 and be finally transported to the stacking table. At this time, the position of the separation membrane path control unit 823 is controlled in the horizontal direction by the separation membrane compensation unit driving unit 825, and the path of the separation membrane may be adjusted as the horizontal position of the separation membrane path control unit 823 is changed.

Meanwhile, a separator cutter 826 capable of positioning in a vertical direction may be provided on one side of the separator compensation unit 820 . The separator cutter 826 cuts the separator in a finishing process after the stacking of the electrode assembly is completed. The separator cutter 826 may include a driving unit to reciprocate the blade a predetermined distance. However, the separator cutter 826 has a feature provided in the separator compensation unit 820, but this is only an example and may be directly fixed on the vertical plate.

5 is an enlarged perspective view of an electrode picker.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the electrode picker in the present invention is configured to pick up electrode plates and transfer them to the stacking table 600 . In addition, the separation membrane 1100 is pushed along with the transfer of the electrode plate so that the separation membrane 1100 can be disposed along a zigzag path.

The electrode picker may include a first electrode picker 510 and a second electrode picker. The first electrode picker 510 and the second electrode picker may be symmetrical to each other with respect to the stacking table 600 . Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the first electrode picker 510 transports the positive electrode plate 1200 and the second electrode picker transports the negative electrode plate 1300. However, the present invention does not limit the type of electrode plate that each hand picks up, and the supply and transport of the positive and negative plates may be changed according to the user's choice. That is, unlike the following embodiments, the negative electrode plate is first, and the first hand can be deformed to transfer the negative electrode plate and the second hand to transfer the positive electrode plate. In this case, also in FIG. 1, the negative plate is supplied to the first magazine seating part 211, the first pregazing table 221, and the first position adjusting part 231, and the first electrode picker 510 transfers the negative plate can do. At this time, on the contrary, the positive plate is supplied to the second magazine seating part 212, the second pregazing table 222, and the second position adjusting part 232, and the second electrode picker 520 can transfer the positive plate.

The first electrode picker 510 may be configured to pick up the positive electrode plates 1200 one by one from the positive electrode plate 1200 magazine and finally transfer them to the stacking table 600 . The first electrode picker 510 is configured to be movable in two axial directions and is configured to perform pickup and placing operations of the positive electrode plate 1200 .

The first electrode picker 510 and the second electrode picker 520 may be provided on the electrode picker support 501 extending a predetermined distance upward from the base.

The first electrode picker 510 may include a first electrode picker horizontal driver 511 , a first electrode picker frame 512 , an extension 513 , and a pick-up module 514 .

The first electrode picker horizontal driving unit 511 is configured to adjust the horizontal position of the first electrode picker 510 in the electrode picker support unit 510 . The first electrode picker horizontal driving unit 511 is composed of, for example, a linear actuator to precisely adjust the horizontal position.

The first electrode picker frame 512 has one side connected to the first electrode picker horizontal driving unit 511 and may be configured to move horizontally on the electrode picker support 510 . The first electrode picker frame may be formed by extending a predetermined length in the vertical direction.

The extension part 513 extends from one side of the first electrode picker frame to a predetermined length and may be formed in plurality.

In accordance with the movement of the first electrode picker frame 512, the first pick-up module 514 to be described below may be simultaneously horizontally moved. Meanwhile, the first electrode picker frame 512 includes a driving unit and a plurality of first extension units 513, each of which is configured to include a pickup module. One side of the first extension part 513 may be connected to the above-described first electrode picker frame 512, and the other side may extend in a horizontal direction. A pickup module may be provided below each first extension part 513 . In this embodiment, three first extensions 513 are disclosed. Each of the three first extension parts 513 corresponds to the distance between the first magazine seating part 211, the first pregazing table 221, the first position adjusting part 231, and the stacking table 600. The separation distance can be determined. As an example, the three first extension parts 513 may be spaced apart from each other at the same distance.

The first pick-up module 514 is composed of a plurality, and each may be provided below the first extension part 513 . Each of the first pick-up modules 514 may be configured to pick up the positive plate 1200 one by one. Each of the first pick-up modules 514 is provided with a vacuum port to receive a negative pressure and adsorb an electrode plate.

The second electrode picker is configured to transfer the negative electrode plate 1300 in the opposite direction to the transport path of the positive electrode plate 1200 . The second electrode picker is configured similarly to the first electrode picker 510 and may include all components of the first electrode picker 510 .

Meanwhile, the configuration in which the above-described first electrode picker 510 picks up the positive plate 1200 and the second electrode picker 520 picks up the negative plate 1300 is only an example, and the first electrode picker 510 picks up the negative plate ( 1300), and the second electrode picker may be configured to pick up the positive electrode plate 1200. In this case, the positions of the first electrode picker 510 and the second electrode picker may be interchanged. That is, the first electrode picker 510 and the second electrode picker are only named for distinction from each other, and the transfer target may be the positive electrode plate 1200 or the negative electrode plate 1300.

6 is a perspective view of a base equipped with a stacking table.

Referring to the transfer of the positive electrode plate 1200 with reference to FIG. 6 , the first magazine seating unit 211, the first pregazing table 221, and the first position adjusting unit 231 are used to transfer the positive electrode plate 1200. They are arranged in a straight line along the path and may be spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval. As described above, the first electrode picker 510 includes three pickup modules, and is configured to be movable by adsorbing the positive plate 1200 at the same time. The first electrode picker 510 is configured to reciprocate as much as the distance that the positive electrode plate 1200 is transferred from the first position adjusting unit 231 to the stacking table 600 . At this time, three substrates may be simultaneously transferred by the first electrode picker 510 . Specifically, from the first magazine seat 211 to the first pregazing table 221, from the first pregazing table 221 to the first position adjusting unit 231, the first position adjusting unit 231 Three electrode plates can be simultaneously moved from the stacking table 600 to each other.

Meanwhile, the transfer of the negative electrode plate 1300 may be performed similarly to the transfer of the positive electrode plate 1200 . However, the conveying directions may be conveyed in opposite directions. Meanwhile, the first electrode picker 510 and the second electrode picker may supply the positive plate 1200 and the negative plate 1300 to the stacking table 600 while alternately moving toward the stacking table 600 .

7 is a perspective view of a winder.

The stacking table 600 is provided with a seating surface and may include an electrode clamp 610 capable of temporarily fixing the electrode assemblies being stacked by pressing on the seating surface. The electrode clamp 610 is configured to press and temporarily fix an electrode plate seated on the upper side of the separator after the separator is disposed on the top surface of the electrode assembly on the stacking table 600 . Then, in the process of stacking the next electrode plate, the separator is placed on the uppermost surface and when the electrode plate is seated, the electrode clamp 610 moves to the outside of the seating surface, and when the electrode plate is seated, it is temporarily fixed by pressing the electrode plate on the top surface again. This operation of the electrode clamp 610 may be repeatedly performed until the electrode assembly is completed.

The winders 900 are provided as a pair and may be provided on both sides of the stacking table 600 at a predetermined distance from each other. The winder 900 is configured to complete the lamination process by gripping the stacked electrode assembly and winding the outside with a separator. The winder 900 may include a jelly roll gripper 930 configured to grip the electrode assembly and a pair of winder 900 links configured to move the jelly roll gripper 930 . The link of the winder 900 may be configured to move the jelly roll gripper 930 to the upper side of the stacking table 600 or to separate it from the seating surface of the stacking table 600 . The jelly roll gripper 930 is composed of a pair and may be rotatably connected to each end of the pair of winder 900 links.

The winder 900 may include a first winder link 910 , a second winder link 920 and a jelly roll gripper 930 . The first winder link 910 and the second winder link 920 are configured to be movable relative to the stacking table 600, and stack the jelly rolls while the jelly roll gripper 930 grips the jelly rolls. It is moved so as to separate from the upper surface of the table 600. As an example, the first winder link 910 may be configured to be movable from the base 200 in the y-axis direction. The second winder link 920 may be configured to be movable in the x and z axis directions on the first winder link 910 .

The jelly roll gripper 930 is configured to grip the stacked jelly rolls. The winder 900 links are composed of a pair, and one side of each is connected to the stacking table 600, and the other side may be connected to the jelly roll gripper 930. Thereafter, the jelly roll gripper 930 rotates the jelly roll while relatively rotating with the first winder link 910 . Therefore, the winder 900 can move in the three-axis direction while holding the jelly roll, and can also rotate, so that the jelly roll can be picked up from the stacking table 600 and wrapped around the outside with a separator. do.

8a, 8b and 8c are operating state diagrams of the sepa feeder and the dancer.

As shown in FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C, the sepa feeder 810, the dancer 700, and the separator compensation unit 820 are separated from the separator supply unit 400 and the stacking table by the length of the separator 1100. It is configured to perform control of the separation membrane 1100, path control and tension control. The separator 1100 drawn out from the separator supply unit 400 at constant speed passes through the dancer 700, the sepa feeder 810, and the separator compensation unit 820 in order.

Referring to FIG. 8A , the sepa feeder 810 is configured to rotate counterclockwise at a predetermined angle so that the length of the separator 1100 required when stacking one electrode in the electrode assembly can be drawn out. At this time, the speed taken out by one-time driving of the sepa feeder 810 is faster than the speed supplied from the separation membrane supply unit 400 . However, while the separator feeder 810 is stopped, the speed of the separator 1100 supplied from the separator supply unit 400 is high. The speed difference of the separator 1100 over time is compensated by adjusting the angle of the dancer 700 . At this time, the angle adjustment of the dancer 700 may be passive or active.

The dancer 700 includes a plurality of eye rollers 710, and may include a plurality of fixed rollers 720 on a vertical plate adjacent to the dancer 700. The separator 1100 passes through the dancer 700 while alternately passing through the idle roller 710 and the fixed roller 720 of the dancer 700 .

In the dancer 700, since the separation membrane 1100 in the separator feeder 810 is longer than the length supplied from the separation membrane supply unit 400 for the same time, the distance between the dancer 700 and the fixed roller 720 is longer. By narrowing the gap, the passing distance is shortened. That is, the angle of the dancer 700 is adjusted so as to be close to the fixed roller 720 while the separator 1100 is transferred by the separator feeder 810 .

Referring to FIG. 8B, when the separator feeder 810 is stopped, the angle of the dancer 700 is adjusted in a direction away from the fixed roller 720 so that the continuously supplied separator 1100 maintains an appropriate tension. is shown

Referring to FIG. 8C , when the sepa feeder 810 rotates once again, the dancer 700 adjusts the tension up to the sepa feeder 810 regardless of the position of the separator compensating unit 820 . At this time, the angle is adjusted in a direction in which the dancer 700 becomes closer to the fixed roller 720 again.

Hereinafter, an electrode stacking operation of the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 9A to 9H. The following drawings are conceptually shown to help explain the operation, and some components may be exaggeratedly displayed, but embodiments according to the present invention are not limited thereto. In addition, the electrode stacking operation of the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is to adapt electrodes while the first electrode picker 510 and the second electrode picker 520 reciprocate in the left and right directions, starting from a point. It is not limited to, and the start position and the end position may be determined in various orders according to the user's settings. That is, it should be noted that the operations described in the following drawings are some of the repeated stacking operations.

9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e, 9f, 9g, and 9h are operational state diagrams illustrating an electrode stacking operation of a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 9A , a state in which the second electrode picker 520 places the negative electrode plate on the stacking table 600 and the clamp 610 presses the top surface of the electrode assembly 1000 on the stacking table 600 is shown. . At this time, the separator compensation unit 820 is at the first horizontal position P1. In this case, when the second electrode picker 520 places the negative electrode plate on the stacking table 600, the first position P1 may be aligned substantially with the end of the second separator support roller 526.

Referring to FIG. 9B , the second electrode picker 520 moves in a direction away from the stacking table 600, that is, in a first direction, and is controlled to move to a position where it can pick up the negative plate. At this time, the separator between the separator compensation unit 820 and the stacking table 600 may be stretched in a state in which tension is slightly weakened.

Referring to FIG. 9C , the separator compensation unit 820 adjusts the path of the separator in advance before the first electrode picker 510 transfers the positive electrode plate 1201 to the stacking table 600 . At this time, the separator compensation unit 820 moves in the first direction and moves to the second position P2 corresponding to the horizontal position when the first electrode picker 510 places the positive plate 1201 on the stacking table 600. can move In detail, the horizontal position of the separator compensation unit 820 may be set to be substantially the same as the position of an end of the first separator support roller 516 facing the second electrode picker 520 . At this time, the distance between the end of the electrode assembly 1000 and the separator compensation unit 820 may be increased. Since the separator is stretched in the state of FIG. When it moves to the second position P2, it is possible to compensate for sagging.

Referring to FIG. 9D , the first electrode picker 510 that picks up the positive electrode plate moves in a first direction and enters the upper side of the stacking table 600 . At this time, the first separator support roller 516 may move in the first direction while pushing the separator. Since the separator transferred between the separator compensating unit 820 and the stacking table 600 is partially sagging (see FIG. 9C ), even if the first separator support roller 516 moves in the horizontal direction and supports it, the tension acting on the separator Since the direction of is formed at an acute angle with the conveying direction of the first separator support roller 516, rapid change in tension can be minimized. Meanwhile, as the first electrode picker 510 pushes the separator while transporting, the separator covers the negative electrode plate 1301 disposed on the top of the stacking table 600 at the same time. At this time, the separator feeder 810 rotates as much as the required length of the separation membrane to transport the separation membrane.

Referring to FIG. 9E , the sepa feeder 810 stops rotating after supplying the separation membrane once, and the first electrode picker 510 descends to seat the positive plate 1301 on the top of the electrode assembly 1000. At this time, as the first separator support roller 516 descends, the path of the separator becomes slightly longer, so that the upper end of the electrode assembly 1000 can be covered with more appropriate tension. At this time, the clamp 610 releases the pressure of the electrode assembly 1000 as the upper end of the electrode assembly 1000 is pressed while the positive electrode plate 1301 is seated by the first electrode picker 510 .

Referring to FIG. 9F , before the first electrode picker 510 rises, the clamp 610 presses the top of the electrode assembly 1000 to stably support it. Also, the second electrode picker 520 picks up a new negative electrode plate 1302 and rises.

Referring to FIG. 9G , the first electrode picker 510 moves in a second direction to pick up a new positive electrode plate.

Referring to FIG. 9H , thereafter, the separator compensation unit 820 moves in the second direction similar to the operation shown in FIG. 9C and is positioned at the first position P1 . Thereafter, the second electrode picker 520 may be horizontally moved to the upper side of the stacking table 600 while pushing the separator in the second direction.

Afterwards, referring to FIG. 9I , when the second electrode picker 520 descends to complete stacking of the negative electrode plate on the electrode assembly 1000, the state shown in FIG. 9A may be obtained.

In the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, the electrode assembly 1000 may be stacked while the above-described operations 9a to 9i are repeated. Then, when a predetermined number of electrode plates are stacked, the electrode assembly 1000 is gripped and rotated a predetermined number of times so that the outside of the electrode assembly 1000 can be wrapped with a separator by the operation of the winder. Then, the separator is cut and the electrode assembly 1000 is discharged for the next process.

Meanwhile, the cut separator may be towed to a stacking table for stacking the next electrode assembly.

Hereinafter, an electrode stacking operation of a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, and 10e are diagrams conceptually illustrating an electrode stacking operation of a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 10A to 10E , in this embodiment, the separator compensation unit 820 may be controlled to move horizontally almost simultaneously with the horizontal movement of the electrode picker. In this embodiment, the separator support roller provided in the electrode picker comes into contact with the separator faster than the time of contact with the separator in the above-described embodiment, so that the change rate of tension applied to the separator in the operation of pushing the separator can be minimized. do.

On the other hand, the embodiment of the present invention is configured to manufacture multilayer secondary batteries of various sizes, and the reciprocating distance (distance between P1 and P4) of the separator compensation unit 820 can be set larger than the width of the electrode assembly. .

As an example, when the width of the electrode assembly is 100 mm, the negative electrode is 98 mm, and the positive electrode is 96 mm, the separation membrane supply length of the sepa feeder once may be about 100 mm (+ electrode thickness). Meanwhile, an end of each separator support roller may be spaced apart from a pick-up module for stacking electrodes on a stacking table by a predetermined distance, for example, 25 mm. Therefore, the separator between the separator compensation unit 820 and the stacking table 600 is drawn out with a margin of 25 mm or more so that the separator support roller can enter, and the separator compensation unit 820 is installed at the end of the electrode picker (the end of the separator support roller). ) to a point about 25 mm ahead of the separation membrane path and compensate for the tension.

That is, since the electrode picker is moved to the final position while the separator support roller pushes the separator for a longer period of time, the change rate of the tension acting on the separator can be reduced.

Specifically, referring to FIG. 10A , a state in which the second electrode picker 520 has completed stacking the negative electrode plate one time is illustrated in the same manner as in the above-described embodiment.

Afterwards, referring to FIG. 10B , the second electrode picker 520 moves a predetermined distance in the first direction to pick up a new negative electrode plate.

Afterwards, referring to FIG. 10C , the separator compensation unit 820 adjusts the path of the separator while moving from the first position P1 to the second position P2. At the same time, the first electrode picker 510 also starts to move in the first direction. At this time, the movement of the second electrode picker 520 in the first direction may be completed.

Afterwards, referring to FIG. 10D, the separator compensation unit 820 further moves in the first direction to adjust the transfer path of the separator to pass through the third position P3, and the first electrode picker 510 also moves in the first direction. While continuing to move, the separator starts to be pushed in the first direction.

Afterwards, referring to FIG. 10E, the separator compensation unit 820 moves to the fourth position P4 to complete the path control of the separator in the first direction, and the first electrode picker 510 stacks the positive electrode plate 1201. sorted by position

Thereafter, when the negative plates are stacked, the first electrode picker 510, the second electrode picker 520, and the separator compensation unit 820 may move in opposite directions to those of FIGS. 10A to 10E.

Meanwhile, in this embodiment, there is a moment in which the separator compensation unit 820, the first electrode picker 510, and the second electrode picker 520 operate simultaneously for a predetermined time. Accordingly, one cycle time can be shortened, and the change rate of the tension of the separator can be reduced, so that the quality of the electrode assembly can be improved.

As described above, the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention operates the separator feeder according to the length of the separator required discontinuously during stacking, and uses a separator compensation unit to minimize rapid tension change and prevent damage to the separator. to change the path of the separator during zigzag stacking. Therefore, the tension of the separation membrane can be appropriately adjusted. In addition, when using a large electrode plate, by using a fixed stacking table, it is possible to prevent tipping due to inertia due to reciprocating movement, thereby improving the quality of the secondary battery to be manufactured.

1: Secondary battery manufacturing device
1000: electrode assembly
1100: separator 1200: positive plate
1300: negative plate
100: frame 200: base
211: first magazine seating portion 212: second magazine seating portion
221: first pregazing table 222: second pregazing table
231: first position adjusting unit 232: second position adjusting unit
300: vertical plate
400: Separator supply unit 410: Separator roll
420: separation membrane roll mounting unit
501: electrode picker support
510: first electrode picker 511: first electrode picker horizontal driving unit
512: first electrode picker frame 513: extension
514: first pick-up module 516: first separator support roller
520: second electrode picker 524: second pickup module
600: stacking table 610: electrode clamp
700: dancer
710: idle roller 720: fixed roller
810: sepa feeder
811: sepa feeder frame
812: feeding roller 813: rotation drive
814: counter roller 815: counter roller driving unit
820: separator compensation unit
821: first frame 822: second frame
823: membrane path control unit
824: A pair of idle rollers
825: separator compensation unit driving unit
826 Separator cutter
900: winder
910: first winder link 920: second winder link
930: jelly roll gripper

Claims (20)

A first magazine receiving portion configured to load a plurality of positive electrode plates;
a second magazine mounting portion configured to load a plurality of negative electrode plates;
a stacking table provided between the first magazine seating portion and the second magazine seating portion;
a separator supply unit configured to supply the wound separator to the stacking table while unwinding;
a first electrode picker configured to pick up the positive electrode plate and place it on the stacking table;
a second electrode picker configured to pick up the negative electrode plate and place it on the stacking table;
The first electrode picker is seated on the top surface of the stacking table while pushing the separator during the process of transferring the positive electrode plate in the first direction,
The second electrode picker is configured to be seated on the uppermost surface of the electrode assembly stacked on the stacking table while pushing the separator during the process of transferring the negative electrode plate in a second direction opposite to the first direction,
a sepa feeder that periodically transfers the separator to the stacking table in correspondence with the length of the first electrode picker or the second electrode picker pushing the separator; and
A separator compensation unit provided between the sepa feeder and the stacking table and configured to change the path of the separator prior to the operation of the first electrode picker or the second electrode picker pushing the separator, ,
The separator compensation unit,
A pair of idle rollers disposed in a horizontal direction; and
A separator compensation unit driving unit configured to adjust the horizontal position of the pair of idle rollers,
The separator is a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus that is transported by passing between the pair of idle rollers. delete delete delete According to claim 1,
The sepa feeder,
A secondary battery manufacturing apparatus comprising a feeding roller that periodically rotates in correspondence with the length of the separator when stacked in the electrode assembly. According to claim 5,
The separator feeder includes a rotation driving unit configured to periodically rotate the feeding roller. According to claim 6,
The sepa feeder,
A secondary battery manufacturing apparatus comprising at least one counter roller configured to bring the separator into close contact with one side of the feeding roller. According to claim 6,
The rotation drive unit is configured to be bi-directionally driven so as to transfer the separator in a forward or reverse direction. According to claim 8,
Part of the transfer path of the separation membrane is determined between the separation membrane supply unit and the sepa feeder,
Secondary battery manufacturing apparatus further comprising a dancer configured to compensate for the tension according to the difference between the supply speed of the separator supply unit and the periodic transfer speed of the sepa feeder. According to claim 9,
the dancer,
It is configured to be angularly adjustable around an axis in the width direction of the separator,
Including at least one dancer roller provided at a point spaced apart from the rotation center,
The separator is a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus that is transported via a roller having a fixed position with the at least one dancer roller. According to claim 10,
the dancer,
A secondary battery manufacturing apparatus in which an angle of the dancer roller is changed in a direction in which the dancer roller approaches the fixed roller while the separator feeder transfers the separator. According to claim 11,
the dancer,
Secondary battery manufacturing apparatus wherein the angle of the dancer roller is changed in a direction away from the fixed roller while the sepa feeder is stopped. According to claim 1,
The stacking table is provided with a fixed lower side,
A secondary battery manufacturing apparatus in which the first electrode picker and the second electrode picker seat the positive electrode plate or the negative electrode plate in a placing area provided above the stacking table. According to claim 13,
The first electrode picker and the second electrode picker each include a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus including a roller provided at a point in contact with the separator. According to claim 14,
The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus wherein the roller of the first electrode picker is configured to push the separator in opposite directions to the roller of the second electrode picker. According to claim 15,
a first alignment unit provided between the first magazine seating unit and the stacking table; and
Secondary battery manufacturing apparatus further comprising; a second alignment unit provided between the second magazine seating unit and the stacking table. According to claim 16,
The first electrode picker includes a pair of pickup modules,
One of the pair of pickup modules transfers the positive electrode plate from the first magazine mounting unit to the first alignment unit;
The other one of the pair of pickup modules transfers the positive electrode plate from the first alignment unit to the stacking table;
A secondary battery manufacturing apparatus in which the pair of positive electrode plates transported from the pair of pickup modules are transported at the same time. According to claim 17,
The first electrode picker is configured to be movable in a vertical direction by a predetermined distance,
A secondary battery manufacturing apparatus configured to perform pickup or placing of the positive electrode plate at the same time in the pair of pickup modules. According to claim 18,
The first electrode picker and the second electrode picker start horizontal movement at a predetermined time interval. According to claim 19,
The first electrode picker or the second electrode picker is a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus in which the electrode picker in contact with the separator first starts horizontal movement in a stationary state.

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