KR20100121366A - An apparatus and a method of manufacturing electrode assembly for secondary cell - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A manufacturing device and a method for an electrode assembly for a secondary cell are provided to remarkably reduce the manufacturing time of the electrode assembly by supplying multiple positive and negative electrodes at the same time. CONSTITUTION: A manufacturing device for an electrode assembly for a secondary cell comprises the following: a rotation roll(260) consecutively supplying a separator(230); a clamp(240) fixing one end of the separator; plural first manifolds(270a,270b,270c), and second manifolds(272a,272b,272c), supporting the separator; a vacuum pumping device connected to the manifolds; a controller controlling the vacuum release state; first fingers(250a,250b,250c); second fingers(252a,252b,252c); a finger member(251) installed to move the fingers; electrode supply members(214,224) supplying positive and negative electrodes; and a stage(202) to locate the completed electrode assembly.

Description

An Apparatus and A Method of Manufacturing Electrode Assembly for Secondary Cell}

The present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly for a secondary battery and a method of manufacturing the same. More specifically, the present invention forms a plurality of spaces in which a plurality of negative electrode and positive electrode electrodes are provided in a separator constituting the electrode assembly of the secondary battery, and then a plurality of negative electrode and positive electrode electrodes simultaneously The present invention relates to a device for manufacturing a secondary battery electrode assembly and a method for manufacturing the secondary battery electrode assembly and the secondary battery, which can significantly reduce the production time and manufacturing cost of the secondary battery.

In recent years, power supplies for portable telephones, television cameras, notebook computers, batteries for electric vehicles (for example, hybrid vehicles), and the like have been required to be light in weight, high in capacity, and high in voltage. As such a power supply, secondary batteries, such as a lithium ion polymer battery or a lithium battery, are used, for example.

In order to manufacture a secondary battery, a plurality of anode electrodes coated with a cathode active material and a cathode electrode coated with a cathode active material are typically manufactured. Thereafter, an electrode assembly in which the plurality of anode electrodes and the plurality of cathode electrodes are laminated via a separator is manufactured. Thereafter, the electrode assembly is embedded in an aluminum pouch and sealed, and then the aluminum pouch in which the electrode assembly is embedded is embedded in a case or the like, and after the electrolyte is injected and finally sealed, the manufacture of the secondary battery is completed.

1A is a view for schematically illustrating a method of manufacturing an electrode assembly according to the prior art, and FIG. 1B is a schematic perspective view of an electrode assembly manufactured according to the method of manufacturing an electrode assembly according to the prior art.

1A and 1B, a method of manufacturing an electrode assembly 101 according to the related art first prepares a plurality of cathode electrodes 110 and a plurality of anode electrodes 120. Thereafter, one end of the separator 130 wound around the rotary roll 160 is mounted to be fixed to the clamp 140. Thereafter, the bar 150 is moved along the surface of the separator 130a in the right direction (X direction) to form the first space 112a in which the first cathode electrode 110a is to be positioned. Thereafter, the first cathode electrode 110a is positioned in the first space 112a. Thereafter, the bar 150 is moved in the forward or backward direction (Y direction) to be spaced apart from the separator 130a in a non-contact state. Thereafter, the bar 150 rises in the vertical direction (Z direction), moves along the surface of the separator 130b in the left direction (X direction), and the second space 122a in which the first anode electrode 120a is to be positioned. ). Thereafter, the first anode electrode 120a is positioned in the second space 122a. Thereafter, the bar 150 is moved in the forward or backward direction (Y direction) to be spaced apart from the separator 130b in a non-contact state. Thereafter, the bar 150 rises in the vertical direction (Z direction), moves along the surface of the separator 130c in the right direction (X direction), so that the third space in which the second cathode electrode 110b is located ( 112b). Thereafter, the second cathode electrode 110b is positioned in the third space 112b. Thereafter, the bar 150 is moved in the forward or backward direction (Y direction) to be spaced apart from the separator 130c in a non-contact state. Thereafter, the bar 150 rises in the vertical direction (Z direction), moves along the surface of the separator 130d in the left direction (X direction), and the fourth space 122b in which the second anode electrode 120b is to be positioned. ). Thereafter, the second anode electrode 120b is positioned in the fourth space 122b. Thereafter, the bar 150 is moved in the forward or backward direction (Y direction) to be spaced apart from the separator 130d in a non-contact state. In this manner, the plurality of cathode electrodes 110 and the plurality of anode electrodes 120 are sequentially stacked on the separator 130, thereby completing the electrode assembly 101 as illustrated in FIG. 1B. In FIG. 1B, the electrode assembly 101 described with reference to FIG. 1A, except that the face of the separator 130a is shown as being sandwiched between the first cathode electrode 110a and the first anode electrode 120a. Is the same as the production method of

The electrode assembly 101 manufactured as described above is sealed in a housing member (not shown) such as a case by using a separate transfer device (not shown), and then the electrolyte is injected to manufacture a secondary battery. .

However, the following problem occurs in the manufacturing method of the electrode assembly according to the prior art described above.

1. In general, in order to manufacture a large capacity secondary battery, the plurality of negative electrode 110 and the plurality of positive electrode 120 of the electrode assembly 101 are supplied one by one. In this case, in the prior art, the time required to manufacture one electrode assembly 101 consisting of, for example, three cathode electrodes and 22 anode electrodes is considerably long, about 3 minutes. Therefore, the overall tact time of the electrode assembly 101 and the secondary battery becomes considerably longer, thereby lowering the productivity.

2. Due to the above problems, mass production of the electrode assembly 101 and the secondary battery has not been made to date.

Therefore, a new method for solving the above-mentioned problems of the prior art is required.

The present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, a plurality of cathode electrodes after the separator constituting the electrode assembly of the secondary battery to form a plurality of spaces to be provided with a plurality of negative electrode and the positive electrode in a zigzag shape And providing a positive electrode in a plurality of spaces at the same time, thereby providing an apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery electrode assembly and a method of manufacturing the same, which can drastically reduce the production time and manufacturing cost of a secondary battery electrode assembly. .

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly for a secondary battery, comprising: a rotating roll on which a separator is wound, which continuously supplies the separator; A clamp provided downward from the rotation roll and fixedly mounting one end of the separator; A plurality of first manifolds provided on one side of the separator between the rotary roll and the clamp to detachably support the separators; A plurality of second manifolds provided alternately with the plurality of first manifolds on the other side with respect to the separator between the rotating roll and the clamp, the plurality of second manifolds detachably supporting the separators; A vacuum pumping device connected to the plurality of first manifolds and the plurality of second manifolds and providing a vacuum state; A control device provided in the plurality of first manifolds and the plurality of second manifolds, respectively, for controlling a vacuum state and a vacuum release state; At least one first finger for moving the separator to access the plurality of second manifolds while forming a plurality of first spaces and accessing the plurality of first manifolds while forming the plurality of second spaces At least one second finger to move to; A finger member to which the at least one first finger and the at least one second finger are movably mounted; A pair of first and second electrode supply members supplying a plurality of cathode electrodes in the plurality of first spaces, and supplying a plurality of anode electrodes in the plurality of second spaces; And a stage in which the completed electrode assembly is positioned.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly for a secondary battery, comprising: a rotating roll on which a separator is wound, for continuously supplying the separator; A clamp provided downward from the rotation roll and fixedly mounting one end of the separator; A plurality of first manifolds provided on one side of the separator between the rotary roll and the clamp to detachably support the separators; A plurality of second manifolds provided alternately with the plurality of first manifolds on the other side with respect to the separator between the rotating roll and the clamp, the plurality of second manifolds detachably supporting the separators; A vacuum pumping device connected to the plurality of first manifolds and the plurality of second manifolds and providing a vacuum state; A control device provided in the plurality of first manifolds and the plurality of second manifolds, respectively, for controlling a vacuum state and a vacuum release state; First and second finger rolls interposed between the separators and alternately and sequentially moving the separators to the plurality of second manifolds and the plurality of first manifolds by rotating and revolving operations; A pair of first and second electrode supply members for supplying a plurality of cathode electrodes and a plurality of anode electrodes, respectively, to a plurality of first spaces and a plurality of second spaces formed by movement of the first and second finger rolls. ; And a stage in which the completed electrode assembly is positioned.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing an electrode assembly for a secondary battery, the method comprising: a) continuously providing a separator, one end of which is fixedly supported, from top to bottom; b) sequentially or simultaneously moving the separator to a plurality of second manifolds and a plurality of first manifolds using at least one first finger and at least one second finger; c) fixing and supporting the separator sequentially or simultaneously with the plurality of second manifolds and the plurality of first manifolds using a vacuum; d) simultaneously supplying a plurality of cathode electrodes and a plurality of anode electrodes into a plurality of first spaces and a plurality of second spaces formed by movement of the at least one first finger and the at least one second finger; And e) sequentially and sequentially releasing vacuum states of the plurality of second manifolds and the plurality of first manifolds to sequentially stack the plurality of cathode electrodes and the plurality of anode electrodes with the separator therebetween. It is to provide a method for producing an electrode assembly for a secondary battery comprising the step.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing an electrode assembly for a secondary battery, the method comprising: a) continuously providing a separator, one end of which is fixedly supported, from top to bottom; b) alternately and sequentially moving the separator to the plurality of second manifolds and to the plurality of first manifolds using a pair of first and second finger rolls provided between the separators; ; c) alternately and sequentially fixing the separator to the plurality of second manifolds and to the plurality of first manifolds using vacuum; d) simultaneously supplying a plurality of cathode electrodes and a plurality of anode electrodes into a plurality of first spaces and a plurality of second spaces formed by the movement of the pair of first and second finger rolls; And e) sequentially and sequentially releasing vacuum states of the plurality of second manifolds and the plurality of first manifolds to sequentially stack the plurality of cathode electrodes and the plurality of anode electrodes with the separator therebetween. It is to provide a method for producing an electrode assembly for a secondary battery comprising the step.

By using the manufacturing apparatus of the electrode assembly for secondary batteries of this invention and its manufacturing method, the following advantages are achieved.

1. Since a plurality of cathode electrodes 210 and a plurality of anode electrodes 220 are supplied at the same time, the time required to manufacture one electrode assembly 201 consisting of, for example, three cathode electrodes and 22 anode electrodes is approximately Very short, about 20 seconds. As a result, the manufacturing process time (tact time) is drastically reduced to 1/9 compared with the prior art.

2. The productivity of the electrode assembly 201 and the secondary battery becomes high, and mass production is possible.

Further advantages of the present invention can be clearly understood from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like or similar reference numerals denote like elements.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to embodiments and drawings of the present invention.

2A to 2D schematically illustrate a manufacturing apparatus and a manufacturing process of an electrode assembly for a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, FIG. 2A is a view schematically illustrating an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly for a secondary battery and an initial stage of a manufacturing process of an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2B is an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2C is a view schematically illustrating a step in which a separator is fixed to and supported by a plurality of manifolds by a finger during a manufacturing process of an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 2C illustrates a pair of manufacturing processes of an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a step in which a cathode electrode and an anode electrode are simultaneously provided by the first and second electrode supply members, and FIG. 2D illustrates a state in which a manufacturing process of the electrode assembly according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention is completed. One drawing. 2A-2D, the separator 230 is shown to be provided in a zigzag inclined shape for ease of explanation. However, the thickness of the separator 230 is in the range of approximately 5 to 20 μm, and the thicknesses of the plurality of cathode electrodes 210a, 210b and 210c and the plurality of anode electrodes 220a, 220b and 220c are approximately 150 μm, respectively. The size of the length ranges from approximately 10 mm to 200 mm. Therefore, it should be noted that the separator 230, the plurality of cathode electrodes 210a, 210b, 210c and the plurality of anode electrodes 220a, 220b, 220c are actually provided in substantially parallel. 2A to 2D, a plurality of cathode electrodes 210a, 210b and 210c, a plurality of anode electrodes 220a, 220b and 220c, a plurality of first manifolds 270a, 270b and 270c, and a plurality of cathodes The second manifolds 272a, 272b, and 272c are exemplarily illustrated as three for convenience of explanation. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that a plurality of cathode electrodes 210a, 210b, 210c, a plurality of anode electrodes 220a, 220b, 220c, a plurality of first manifolds 270a, 270b, 270c, and a plurality of second manifolds ( It will be fully understood that 272a, 272b, 272c may be increased or decreased depending on the number of cathode and anode electrodes used.

2A to 2D, in the manufacturing apparatus 200 of the electrode assembly 201 for a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention, a separator 230 is wound, and the separator 230 is continuously supplied. Rotary roll 260; A clamp 240 provided downward from the rotation roll 260 and fixedly mounting one end of the separator 230; A plurality of agents are provided between the rotary roll 260 and the clamp 240 on one side (left side along the X-axis direction) with respect to the separator 230 and for detachably supporting the separator 230. One manifolder 270a, 270b, 270c; Alternately between the plurality of first manifolds 270a, 270b, and 270c on the other side (right along the X-axis direction) with respect to the separator 230 between the rotation roll 260 and the clamp 240. A plurality of second manifolds 272a, 272b, and 272c for detachably supporting the separator 230; A vacuum pumping device (280) connected to the plurality of first manifolds (270a, 270b, 270c) and the plurality of second manifolds (272a, 272b, 272c) to provide a vacuum state (see FIG. 2E); A control device (not shown) for controlling a vacuum state and a vacuum release state of the plurality of first manifolds (270a, 270b, 270c) and the plurality of second manifolds (272a, 272b, 272c); At least one first finger 250a, 250b that moves the separator 230 to approach the plurality of second manifolds 272a, 272b, 272c while forming a plurality of first spaces 212a, 212b, 212c. At least one second finger for moving the separator 230 and the separator 230 to access the plurality of first manifolds 270a, 270b and 270c while forming the plurality of second spaces 222a, 222b and 222c. (252a, 252b, 252c); A finger member 251 to which the at least one first finger 250a, 250b, 250c and the at least one second finger 252a, 252b, 252c are movably mounted (see FIGS. 2F and 2G); A plurality of cathode electrodes 210a, 210b, and 210c are supplied into the plurality of first spaces 212a, 212b, and 212c, and a plurality of anode electrodes 220a, and are provided in the plurality of second spaces 222a, 222b, and 222c. A pair of first and second electrode supply members 214, 224 for supplying 220b, 220c; And a stage 202 on which the completed electrode assembly 201 is located.

Hereinafter, a detailed configuration and operation of the apparatus 200 for manufacturing an electrode assembly for a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

Referring again to FIGS. 2A to 2D, the apparatus 200 for manufacturing an electrode assembly 201 for a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a rotating roll 260 on which a separator 230 is wound. A lower portion of the rotary roll 260 is provided with a clamp 240 to which one end of the separator 230 is fixedly mounted. The clamp 240 may be provided integrally or separately from the stage 202 where the completed electrode assembly 201 will be located. The separator 230 is continuously supplied from the rotary roll 230. In the space between the rotary roll 260 and the clamp 240, a plurality of first manifolds 270a, 270b, 270c and a plurality of second manifolds 272a, 272b for detachably supporting the separator 230, 272c) is provided oppositely. Here, the plurality of first manifolds 270a, 270b, and 270c and the plurality of second manifolds 272a, 272b, and 272c may include a plurality of cathode electrodes 210a, 210b, and 210c and a plurality of anode electrodes 220a and 220b. 220c are alternately provided at different heights to provide a plurality of first spaces 212a, 212b, 212c and a plurality of second spaces 222a, 222b, 222c that can be supplied. In an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of first manifolds 270a, 270b, and 270c are provided on the left side along the X-axis direction with respect to the separator 230, and the plurality of second manifolds 272a, 272b, and 272c are provided. ) Is provided on the right side along the X-axis direction with respect to the separator 230. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the plurality of first manifolds 270a, 270b, 270c are provided on the right side along the X-axis direction with respect to the separator 230, and the plurality of second manifolds 272a, 272b, 272c are separators. It will be appreciated that the reference numeral 230 may be provided on the left side along the X-axis direction.

Meanwhile, the plurality of first manifolds 270a, 270b and 270c and the plurality of second manifolds 272a, 272b and 272c are connected to the vacuum pumping device 280 (see FIG. 2E). In one embodiment of the present invention, all of the plurality of first manifolds (270a, 270b, 270c) and the plurality of second manifolds (272a, 272b, 272c) may be connected to one vacuum pumping device 280, The plurality of first manifolds 270a, 270b, and 270c and the plurality of second manifolds 272a, 272b, and 272c may be connected to a plurality of vacuum pumping devices 280 provided separately, respectively.

More specifically, FIG. 2E schematically illustrates a manifold and a vacuum pumping apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 2E, since the plurality of first manifolds 270a, 270b and 270c and the plurality of second manifolds 272a, 272b and 272c have the same configuration, only one manifold 270 and 272 is shown. Care must be taken.

Referring again to FIG. 2E, FIG. 2E illustrates manifolds 270 and 272 having a cavity 274 therein, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In addition, one side surface of the manifolds 270 and 272 (that is, the surface for fixing and supporting the separator 230) includes a concave surface 278. The concave surface 278 preferably has a round shape, but is not limited thereto. The concave surface 278 is formed with a plurality of holes 276 in fluid communication with the cavity 274. When the pressure of the cavity 274 is lowered by the vacuum pumping device 280 connected to the manifolds 270 and 272, the plurality of holes 276 may not be sucked into the cavity 274 as described below. It is to fix and support in a state. Alternatively, slits formed along the longitudinal direction of the manifolds 270 and 272 may be used instead of the plurality of holes 276 formed in the concave surface 278. In this case, it is preferable to provide a mesh to the slit in order to prevent the separator 230 from being sucked into the slit by the operation of the vacuum puncturing apparatus 280. Furthermore, it is apparent that the lengths of the manifolds 270 and 272 may be increased or decreased in proportion to the length of the separator 230.

2A to 2D, the apparatus 200 for manufacturing an electrode assembly for a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention may include at least one first finger 250a, 250b, and 250c and at least one second finger. (252a, 252b, 252c); And a finger member 251 to which the at least one first finger 250a, 250b, 250c and the at least one second finger 252a, 252b, 252c are movably mounted. More specifically, in the embodiment of the present invention, the finger member 251 has only one first finger 250a and one second finger 252a (see FIG. 2F), or the finger member 251 has a plurality of. First fingers 250a, 250b, 250c and a plurality of second fingers 252a, 252b, 252c may be provided (see FIG. 2G).

2A to 2E, at least one of the first fingers 250a, 250b and 250c moves from the left to the right along the X direction to move the separator 230 to the plurality of second manifolds 272a, 272b and 272c. To reach). At the same time, the at least one second finger 250a, 250b, 250c moves from right to left along the X direction to transfer the separator 230 to approach the plurality of first manifolds 270a, 270b, 270c. Thereafter, the plurality of first manifolds 270a, 270b, and 270c and the plurality of second manifolds 272a, 272b, and 272c respectively pull the separator 230 by the operation of the vacuum pumping device 280. As a result, the separator 230 is fixedly supported in the concave surface 278 formed in the plurality of first manifolds 270a, 270b, 270c and the plurality of second manifolds 272a, 272b, 272c, respectively. (See FIG. 2B). Further, the plurality of first manifolds 270a, 270b, and 270c and the plurality of second manifolds 272a, 272b, and 272c are sequentially paired (ie, first and first) by a plurality of control devices (not shown), respectively. The vacuum conditions are sequentially or simultaneously in the order of the two manifold pairs 270a and 272a, the first and second manifold pairs 270b and 272b, and the first and second manifold pairs 270c and 272c. It can be kept (on). Here, the plurality of control devices (not shown) may be implemented by, for example, an on / off switch (not shown). Alternatively, instead of a plurality of control devices (not shown), one control device (eg, a microprocessor or personal computer (PC)) may include a plurality of first manifolds 270a, 270b, 270c and a plurality of second devices. The vacuum state and vacuum release state of the manifolds 272a, 272b, and 272c may be controlled sequentially or simultaneously. More specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 2F, when the finger member 251 includes only one first finger 250a and one second finger 252a, the plurality of first manifolds 270a and 270b may be used. 270c and the plurality of second manifolds 272a, 272b, and 272c maintain a vacuum state in the order of a pair. If the finger member 251 includes a plurality of first fingers 250a, 250b and 250c and a plurality of second fingers 252a, 252b and 252c as shown in FIG. 2G, the plurality of first manifolds may be used. The folders 270a, 270b and 270c and the plurality of second manifolds 272a, 272b and 272c simultaneously maintain a vacuum state.

Meanwhile, the separator 230 approaches the plurality of second manifolds 272a, 272b, and 272c by the at least one first finger 250a, 250b, or 250c, and the plurality of first spaces 212a, 212b, and 212c. ) Is formed. At the same time, the separator 230 approaches the plurality of first manifolds 270a, 270b, and 270c by the at least one second finger 252a, 252b, and 252c, and the plurality of second spaces 222a, 222b, and 222c. ) Is formed. Thereafter, the pair of first and second electrode supply members 214 and 224 supply the plurality of cathode electrodes 210a, 210b and 210c into the plurality of first spaces 212a, 212b and 212c, and the plurality of second electrodes. A plurality of anode electrodes 220a, 220b, and 220c are supplied into the spaces 222a, 222b and 222c. To this end, the first electrode supply member 214 includes a plurality of first support plates 216a, 216b, and 216c for supporting the plurality of cathode electrodes 210a, 210b, and 210c, and the second electrode supply member ( 224 includes a plurality of second support plates 226a, 226b, 226c for supporting the plurality of anode electrodes 220a, 220b, 220c. Here, the plurality of cathode electrodes 210a, 210b and 210c and the plurality of cathode electrodes 220a, 220b and 220c are simultaneously supplied. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A and 2C, the pair of first and second electrode supply members 214, 224 are a plurality of first manifolds 270a, 270b, 270c and a plurality of second manifolds 272a, respectively. A plurality of cathode electrodes 210a, 210b and 210c and a plurality of anode electrodes 220a, 220b and 220c are provided along the X-axis direction at the rear of 272b and 272c. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that a pair of first and second electrode supply members 214, 224 are located behind the plurality of first manifolds 270a, 270b, 270c and the plurality of second manifolds 272a, 272b, 272c, respectively. It will be appreciated that the plurality of cathode electrodes 210a, 210b, 210c and the plurality of anode electrodes 220a, 220b, 220c may be supplied along the Y axis direction.

In alternative embodiments, a pair of first and second electrode supply members 214, 224 may be provided integrally. In this case, the integrated electrode supply member includes a plurality of first support plates 216a, 216b and 216c and a plurality of second support plates 226a, 226b and 226c. In addition, the integrated electrode supply member is located in the front-rear direction (ie, Y-axis direction). Accordingly, the plurality of cathode electrodes 210a, 210b and 210c and the plurality of anode electrodes 220a, 220b and 220c may include the plurality of first manifolds 270a, 270b and 270c and the plurality of second manifolds 272a and 272b. And 272c are provided in the plurality of first spaces 212a, 212b, 212c and the plurality of second spaces 222a, 222b, 222c along the front-rear direction (Y direction). Here, in order for the integrated electrode supply member to simultaneously provide the plurality of cathode electrodes 210a, 210b and 210c and the plurality of anode electrodes 220a, 220b and 220c, the finger member 251 may provide the separator 230 with the plurality of separators. It is obvious that the first manifolds 270a, 270b, 270c and the plurality of second manifolds 272a, 272b, 272c must move in the X direction after being fixedly supported.

Thereafter, when the supply of the plurality of cathode electrodes 210a, 210b, 210c and the plurality of cathode electrodes 220a, 220b, 220c is completed, the plurality of first support plates 216a, 216b, 216c and the plurality of second electrodes are completed. Support plates 226a, 226b, 226c retreat sequentially from bottom to top. For example, when the first support plate 216a is retracted, the cathode electrode 210a contacts the surface of the separator 230. When the first support plate 216a is completely separated from the cathode electrode 210a, the on / off switch of the second manifold 272a is turned off to release the vacuum state, so that the surface of the separator 230 on the stage 202 is released. The cathode electrode 210a is positioned at the. Thereafter, when the second support plate 226a is retracted, the anode electrode 220a contacts the surface of the separator 230. When the second support plate 226a is completely separated from the anode electrode 220a, the on / off switch of the first manifold 270a is turned off to release the vacuum state, and the anode electrode 220a is separated from the separator 230. Is positioned on the cathode electrode 210a. In this manner, the plurality of cathode electrodes 210a, 210b, 210c and the plurality of anode electrodes 220a, 220b, 220c are sequentially stacked with the separator 230 open (see FIG. 2D).

2F is a perspective view of a finger member having only one first finger and one second finger in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2F, one first finger 250 and one second finger 252 mounted on the finger member 251 may reciprocate in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, respectively. More specifically, one first finger 250 moves from left to right in the X axis direction along a first horizontal path 253a at an initial position (P position), and simultaneously one second finger. 252 moves from right to left in the X-axis direction along the second horizontal path 255a at the initial position (S position). When the separator 230 moved by the first finger 250 is fixedly supported by the second manifold 272a, the first finger 250 moves to the initial position (P position) along the first horizontal path 253a. After returning, the motor moves to the Q position along the first vertical path 253d. At the same time, when the separator 230 moved by the second finger 252 is fixedly supported by the first manifold 270a, the second finger 252 is positioned at the initial position along the second horizontal path 255a (S position). ), And moves to the T position along the second vertical path 255d. Thereafter, the first finger 250 moves from the left to the right in the X-axis direction along the third horizontal path 253b, and at the same time, the second finger 252 moves in the X-axis direction along the fourth horizontal path 255b. Move from right to left of. When the separator 230 moved by the first finger 250 is fixedly supported by the second manifold 272b, the first finger 250 returns to the Q position along the third horizontal path 253b, and then It moves to the R position along the first vertical path 253d. At the same time, when the separator 230 moved by the second finger 252 is fixedly supported by the first manifold 270b, the second finger 252 returns to the T position along the second horizontal path 255a. Then, it moves to the U position along the second vertical path 255d. Thereafter, the first finger 250 moves from left to right in the X-axis direction along the fifth horizontal path 253c, and at the same time, the second finger 252 moves in the X-axis direction along the sixth horizontal path 255c. Move from right to left of. When the separator 230 moved by the first finger 250 is fixedly supported by the second manifold 272c, the first finger 250 returns to the S position along the fifth horizontal path 253c, It moves to the initial position (P position) along the first vertical path 253d. At the same time, when the separator 230 moved by the second finger 252 is fixedly supported by the first manifold 270c, the second finger 252 returns to the U position along the second horizontal path 255a. Then, it moves to the initial position (S position) along the 2nd vertical path 255d. In this manner, the finger member 251 having only one first finger 250 and one second finger 252 may include a separator 230 with a plurality of first manifolds 270a, 270b, 270c and a plurality of fingers. Sequential pairs (ie, pairs of first and second manifolds 270a and 272a, pairs of first and second manifolds 270b and 272b), and The first and second manifold pairs 270c and 272c are moved in order.

2G is a perspective view of a finger member having only a plurality of first fingers and a plurality of second fingers according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2G, the plurality of first fingers 250a, 250b and 250c and the plurality of first fingers 252a, 252b and 252c mounted on the finger member 251 may be reciprocated in the horizontal direction, respectively. More specifically, the plurality of first fingers 250a, 250b and 250c may move from left to right in the X-axis direction along the plurality of first horizontal paths 253a, 253b and 253c to move the separator 230. The second manifold 272a, 272b, and 272c are fixedly supported and at the same time, the plurality of second fingers 252a, 252b, and 252c move along the plurality of second horizontal paths 255a, 255b, and 255c to the right in the X-axis direction. In the left side, the separator 230 is fixedly supported by the plurality of first manifolds 270a, 270b, and 270c. Thereafter, the plurality of first fingers 250a, 250b, and 250c move from right to left in the X-axis direction along the plurality of first horizontal paths 253a, 253b and 253c to return to their original positions, and simultaneously The second fingers 252a, 252b and 252c move from left to right in the X-axis direction along the plurality of second horizontal paths 255a, 255b and 255c to return to their original positions. In this manner, the finger member 251 having the plurality of first fingers 250a, 250b and 250c and the plurality of second fingers 252a, 252b and 252c may move the separator 230 to the plurality of first manifolds 270a. , 270b and 270c and the plurality of second manifolds 272a, 272b and 272c at the same time.

On the other hand, Figure 2h is a schematic view showing an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly for a secondary battery of the present invention using a pair of finger roll according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2i is a view shown in Figure 2h Figure schematically illustrates the operation of a pair of finger rolls according to an alternative embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 2I, the separator 230 is alternately and sequentially moved to the second manifold 272a and the first manifold 270a using a pair of finger rolls 250 and 252 for convenience of description. It should be noted that

2H and 2I, in an alternative embodiment of the present invention, a pair of first and second finger rolls 250, 252 are used. In this case, the separator 230 is provided between the first finger roll 250 and the second finger roll 252. In addition, the separator 230 includes the plurality of second manifolds 272a, 272b, and 272c and the plurality of second manifolds 272a, 272b, and 272c by rotational operations (rotating and revolving operations) of the first finger roll 250 and the second finger roll 252. Alternately and sequentially provided to the first manifolds 270a, 270b, and 270c. More specifically, first, the first and second finger rolls 250 and 252 rotate and move the separator 230 in a direction approaching the second manifold 272a (A position). Thereafter, the second finger roll 252 is idle to move to the top of the first finger roll 250 (B position). Thereafter, the first and second finger rolls 250 and 252 make the separator 230 contact or nearly contact the second manifold 272a (C position). As a result, the separator 230 is fixedly supported by the second manifold 272a in a vacuum state (D position). Thereafter, the first and second finger rolls 250 and 252 move the separator 230 in a direction approaching the first manifold 270a (E position). The first finger roll 250 then revolves to move above the second finger roll 252 (F position). Thereafter, the first and second finger rolls 250 and 252 make the separator 230 contact or nearly contact the first manifold 270a (G position). As a result, the separator 230 is fixedly supported by the first manifold 270a in the vacuum state (H position). In this manner, a pair of first and second finger rolls 250, 252 may cause separators 230 to have second and first manifolds 272a, 270a, second and first manifolds 272b, 270b, and The second and first manifolds 272c and 270c may be fixedly supported.

3A is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing a secondary battery electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3B is a method 300 of manufacturing an electrode assembly for a secondary battery according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. Is a flowchart showing the flow chart of Figs.

Referring to FIG. 3A together with FIG. 2, a method 300 of manufacturing an electrode assembly 201 for a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a) a separator 230 having one end fixedly supported from an upper side thereof. Providing 310 continuously; b) using the at least one first finger 250a, 250b, 250c and at least one second finger 252a, 252b, 252c to separate the separator 230 into a plurality of second manifolds 272a, 272b, 272c. ) And sequentially or simultaneously moving to the plurality of first manifolds (270a, 270b, 270c) (320); c) fixing or supporting the separator 230 sequentially or simultaneously with the plurality of second manifolds 272a, 272b, and 272c and the plurality of first manifolds 270a, 270b, and 270c using a vacuum. 330; d) a plurality of first spaces 212a, 212b, 212c formed by movement of the at least one first finger 250a, 250b, 250c and the at least one second finger 252a, 252b, 252c and Simultaneously supplying a plurality of cathode electrodes 210a, 210b, 210c and a plurality of anode electrodes 220a, 220b, 220c to a plurality of second spaces 222a, 222b, 222c; And e) alternately and sequentially release vacuum states of the plurality of second manifolds 272a, 272b, and 272c and the plurality of first manifolds 270a, 270b, and 270c to alternately and sequentially release the plurality of cathode electrodes 210a. 210b and 210c and the plurality of anode electrodes 220a, 220b and 220c are sequentially stacked 350 with the separator 230 interposed therebetween.

Referring to FIG. 3B together with FIG. 2, a method 300 of manufacturing an electrode assembly 201 for a secondary battery according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention includes a) a separator 230 having one end fixedly supported thereon. Continuously providing 310 downwardly; b) using the pair of first finger rolls 250 and the second finger roll 252 provided with the separator 230 therebetween to separate the separator 230 into the plurality of second manifolds 272a and 272b. 272c) and alternately and sequentially moving 320 to a plurality of first manifolds 270a, 270b, and 270c; c) alternately and sequentially fixing the separator 230 to the plurality of second manifolds 272a, 272b, 272c and the plurality of first manifolds 270a, 270b, 270c using vacuum. Step 330; d) a plurality of first spaces 212a, 212b and 212c and a plurality of second spaces 222a and 222b formed by the movement of the pair of first and second finger rolls 250 and 252; Simultaneously supplying a plurality of cathode electrodes 210a, 210b, 210c and a plurality of anode electrodes 220a, 220b, 220c into 222c; And e) alternately and sequentially release vacuum states of the plurality of second manifolds 272a, 272b, and 272c and the plurality of first manifolds 270a, 270b, and 270c to alternately and sequentially release the plurality of cathode electrodes 210a. 210b and 210c and the plurality of anode electrodes 220a, 220b and 220c are sequentially stacked 350 with the separator 230 interposed therebetween.

As described above, when the apparatus 200 and the manufacturing method 300 of the electrode assembly for secondary batteries of the present invention are used, the plurality of negative electrode 210 and the plurality of positive electrode 220 are supplied at the same time, For example, the time required to manufacture one electrode assembly 201 consisting of three cathode electrodes and 22 anode electrodes is considerably short, about 20 seconds. That is, compared to the prior art, manufacturing time (tact time) is significantly reduced to 1/9. Therefore, the productivity of the electrode assembly 201 and the secondary battery becomes high and mass production is possible.

Various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims. It is not. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited by the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

1A is a view for schematically explaining a method of manufacturing an electrode assembly according to the prior art.

1B is a schematic perspective view of an electrode assembly manufactured according to a method of manufacturing an electrode assembly according to the prior art.

FIG. 2A schematically illustrates an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly for a secondary battery and an initial step in a process of manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2B is a view schematically illustrating a step in which a separator is fixedly supported by a plurality of manifolds by a finger during a manufacturing process of an electrode assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2C schematically illustrates a step in which a cathode electrode and an anode electrode are simultaneously provided by a pair of first and second electrode supply members during a manufacturing process of an electrode assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 2d is a view showing a state in which a manufacturing process of the electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is completed.

2E schematically illustrates a manifold and a vacuum pumping apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2F is a perspective view of a finger member having only one first finger and one second finger in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

2G is a perspective view of a finger member having only a plurality of first fingers and a plurality of second fingers according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2H schematically illustrates an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly for a secondary battery of the present invention using a pair of finger rolls according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2I schematically illustrates the operation of a pair of finger rolls in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 2H.

3A is a flowchart illustrating a method of manufacturing an electrode assembly for a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3B is a flowchart of a method of manufacturing an electrode assembly for a secondary battery according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Claims (16)

In the manufacturing apparatus of the electrode assembly for secondary batteries, A rotating roll on which a separator is wound, for continuously supplying the separator; A clamp provided downward from the rotation roll and fixedly mounting one end of the separator; A plurality of first manifolds provided on one side of the separator between the rotating rolls and the clamps to detachably support the separators; A plurality of second manifolds provided alternately with the plurality of first manifolds on the other side with respect to the separator between the rotating roll and the clamp, the plurality of second manifolds detachably supporting the separators; A vacuum pumping device connected to the plurality of first manifolds and the plurality of second manifolds and providing a vacuum state; A control device provided in the plurality of first manifolds and the plurality of second manifolds, respectively, for controlling a vacuum state and a vacuum release state; At least one first finger for moving the separator to access the plurality of second manifolds while forming a plurality of first spaces and accessing the plurality of first manifolds while forming the plurality of second spaces At least one second finger to move to; A finger member to which the at least one first finger and the at least one second finger are movably mounted; A pair of first and second electrode supply members supplying a plurality of cathode electrodes in the plurality of first spaces, and supplying a plurality of anode electrodes in the plurality of second spaces; and Stage where the completed electrode assembly is located Apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly for a secondary battery comprising a. The method of claim 1, The plurality of first manifolds and the plurality of second manifolds are respectively A cavity provided therein; A concave surface provided on one side; And A plurality of holes provided on the concave surface and in fluid communication with the cavity Apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly for a secondary battery comprising a. The method of claim 1, The plurality of first manifolds and the plurality of second manifolds are respectively A cavity provided therein; A concave surface provided on one side; Slit provided along the longitudinal direction of the concave surface: and Mesh provided to the slit Apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly for a secondary battery comprising a. The method of claim 1, The control device includes a plurality of on / off switches provided to the plurality of first manifolds and the plurality of second manifolds, or a microprocessor or personal computer (PC) for controlling the vacuum state and the vacuum release state. Apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly for a secondary battery implemented with. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The finger member has only one first finger and one second finger, The one first finger and the one second finger are reciprocally movable in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, respectively. The manufacturing apparatus of the electrode assembly for secondary batteries. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The finger member has a plurality of first fingers and a plurality of second fingers, The plurality of first fingers and the plurality of second fingers are each reciprocally movable in a horizontal direction. The manufacturing apparatus of the electrode assembly for secondary batteries. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The first electrode supply member includes a plurality of first receiving plates for supporting the plurality of cathode electrodes, The second electrode supply member includes a plurality of second support plates for supporting the plurality of anode electrodes. The manufacturing apparatus of the electrode assembly for secondary batteries. The method of claim 7, wherein The first electrode supply member and the second electrode supply member manufacturing apparatus of the electrode assembly for a secondary battery is implemented as an integrated electrode supply member having the plurality of first support plate and the plurality of second support plate. In the manufacturing apparatus of the electrode assembly for secondary batteries, A rotating roll on which a separator is wound, for continuously supplying the separator; A clamp provided downward from the rotation roll and fixedly mounting one end of the separator; A plurality of first manifolds provided on one side of the separator between the rotating rolls and the clamps to detachably support the separators; A plurality of second manifolds provided alternately with the plurality of first manifolds on the other side with respect to the separator between the rotating roll and the clamp, the plurality of second manifolds detachably supporting the separators; A vacuum pumping device connected to the plurality of first manifolds and the plurality of second manifolds and providing a vacuum state; A control device provided in the plurality of first manifolds and the plurality of second manifolds, respectively, for controlling a vacuum state and a vacuum release state; First and second finger rolls interposed between the separators and alternately and sequentially moving the separators to the plurality of second manifolds and the plurality of first manifolds by rotating and revolving operations; A pair of first and second electrode supply members for supplying a plurality of cathode electrodes and a plurality of anode electrodes, respectively, to a plurality of first spaces and a plurality of second spaces formed by movement of the first and second finger rolls. ; And Stage where the completed electrode assembly is located Apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly for a secondary battery comprising a. The method of claim 9, The plurality of first manifolds and the plurality of second manifolds are respectively A cavity provided therein; A concave surface provided on the side; And A plurality of holes provided on the concave surface and in fluid communication with the cavity Apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly for a secondary battery comprising a. The method of claim 10, The plurality of first manifolds and the plurality of second manifolds are respectively A cavity provided therein; A concave surface provided on one side; Slit provided along the longitudinal direction of the concave surface: and Mesh provided to the slit Apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly for a secondary battery comprising a. The method of claim 9, The control device includes a plurality of on / off switches provided to the plurality of first manifolds and the plurality of second manifolds, or a microprocessor or personal computer (PC) for controlling the vacuum state and the vacuum release state. Apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly for a secondary battery implemented with. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12, The first electrode supply member includes a plurality of first receiving plates for supporting the plurality of cathode electrodes, The second electrode supply member includes a plurality of second support plates for supporting the plurality of anode electrodes. The manufacturing apparatus of the electrode assembly for secondary batteries. The method of claim 13, The first electrode supply member and the second electrode supply member manufacturing apparatus of the electrode assembly for a secondary battery is implemented as an integrated electrode supply member having the plurality of first support plate and the plurality of second support plate. In the manufacturing method of the electrode assembly for secondary batteries, a) continuously providing from the top to the bottom a separator with one end fixedly supported; b) sequentially or simultaneously moving the separator to a plurality of second manifolds and a plurality of first manifolds using at least one first finger and at least one second finger; c) fixing and supporting the separator sequentially or simultaneously with the plurality of second manifolds and the plurality of first manifolds using a vacuum; d) simultaneously supplying a plurality of cathode electrodes and a plurality of anode electrodes in a plurality of first spaces and a plurality of second spaces formed by movement of the at least one first finger and the at least one second finger; And e) alternately and sequentially releasing vacuum states of the plurality of second manifolds and the plurality of first manifolds to sequentially stack the plurality of cathode electrodes and the plurality of anode electrodes with the separator interposed therebetween. Method of manufacturing an electrode assembly for a secondary battery comprising a. In the manufacturing method of the electrode assembly for secondary batteries, a) continuously providing from the top to the bottom a separator with one end fixedly supported; b) alternately and sequentially moving the separator to the plurality of second manifolds and to the plurality of first manifolds using a pair of first and second finger rolls provided between the separators; ; c) alternately and sequentially fixing the separator to the plurality of second manifolds and to the plurality of first manifolds using vacuum; d) simultaneously supplying a plurality of cathode electrodes and a plurality of anode electrodes into a plurality of first spaces and a plurality of second spaces formed by the movement of the pair of first and second finger rolls; And e) alternately and sequentially releasing vacuum states of the plurality of second manifolds and the plurality of first manifolds to sequentially stack the plurality of cathode electrodes and the plurality of anode electrodes with the separator interposed therebetween. Method of manufacturing an electrode assembly for a secondary battery comprising a.

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