KR20220154582A - swing module of electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a swing module of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus. The swing module of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a stage fixing block joined to a stacking stage to move the stacking stage such that the stacking stage reciprocates between a first stacking area where a first electrode is stacked and a second stacking area where a second electrode is stacked and withdraw fabric of a separator from a separator supply unit; and a fixing block driving unit driving the stage fixing block such that the stacking stage moves along a moving trace between the first stacking area and the second stacking area. According to the present invention, the stacking stage is swung along a trace of a circular arc having a predetermined angle of a circular arc and a radius of the curvature to fold the fabric of the separator in a zigzag form, thereby configuring the separator folding body. Accordingly, the stacking stage and an electrode assembly seated thereon are transferred through gradual acceleration and deceleration in a horizontal direction (an X-axial direction) and a direction of thickness (a Z-axial direction) of the electrode assembly, thereby allowing the separator fabric to be folded in a zigzag form. Therefore, inertia exerted in the horizontal direction on the electrode assembly that is not supported by a folding jig is reduced, so that the electrode assembly can be prevented from being distorted due to the inertia exerted in the horizontal direction and can be stably disposed at a pre-defined right position. In addition, the stroke distance of the stacking stage can be reduced to save time for transferring the stacking stage and the electrode assembly seated thereon.

Description

Swing module of electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus {swing module of electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus}

The present invention relates to a swing module of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus that moves a stacking stage so that the stacking stage can reciprocate between a first electrode stacking area and a second electrode stacking area.

In general, a secondary battery is a battery that can be used repeatedly through a charging process in the opposite direction to a discharging process in which chemical energy is converted into electrical energy. Types of secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries, nickel-hydrogen (Ni-MH) batteries, lithium-metal batteries, lithium-ion (Ni-Ion) batteries, and lithium-ion polymer batteries (Li-Ion). Polymer Battery, hereinafter referred to as "LIPB") and the like.

A secondary battery is composed of an anode, a cathode, an electrolyte, and a separator, and stores and generates electricity using a voltage difference between different cathode and anode materials. Here, discharging means moving electrons from a cathode with a higher voltage to an anode with a lower voltage (electricity is generated as much as the voltage difference between the anodes), and charging means moving electrons from the anode to the cathode again. At this time, the anode material receives electrons and lithium ions. It returns to the original metal oxide. That is, when the secondary battery is charged, a charging current flows as metal atoms move from the positive electrode to the negative electrode through the separator, and conversely, when the secondary battery is discharged, the metal atoms move from the negative electrode to the positive electrode, and a discharge current flows.

These secondary batteries are widely used in IT products, automobile fields, energy storage fields, etc., and are attracting attention as an energy source in the spotlight. Regarding these secondary batteries, long-term continuous use, miniaturization, and light weight of secondary batteries are required in the field of IT products, and high power, durability, and stability to eliminate the risk of explosion are required in the field of automobiles. The energy storage field is to store surplus power produced by wind power, solar power, etc., and as it is used in a fixed type, secondary batteries under more relaxed conditions can be applied.

In particular, lithium secondary batteries have been researched and developed since the early 1970s, and were put into practical use in 1990 with the development of lithium ion batteries using carbon as an anode instead of lithium metal. Lithium secondary batteries are characterized by a cycle life of more than 500 times and a short charging time of 1 to 2 hours, so they have the highest sales elongation rate among secondary batteries and are 30 to 40% lighter than nickel-hydrogen batteries, enabling weight reduction. In addition, the lithium secondary battery has the highest unit cell voltage (30 to 37V) and excellent energy density among existing secondary batteries, so it may have characteristics optimized for mobile devices.

These lithium secondary batteries are generally classified into a liquid electrolyte battery and a polymer electrolyte battery according to the type of electrolyte. A battery using a liquid electrolyte is referred to as a lithium ion battery, and a battery using a polymer electrolyte is referred to as a lithium polymer battery.

In addition, the exterior material of the lithium secondary battery may be formed in various types, and typical types of exterior materials include a cylindrical shape, a prismatic shape, and a pouch.

An electrode assembly composed of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator (separator) interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode is provided inside the casing of the lithium secondary battery. Electrode assemblies are largely divided into jelly-roll types (wound types), stack types (stacked types), and the like according to their structures.

On the other hand, in relation to the stacked electrode assembly, the separator fabric that is continuously supplied is folded in a zigzag shape, and the separator fabric is folded in a zigzag shape so that the positive electrode and the negative electrode are alternately interposed between the separator layers. A Z-folding method of manufacturing a stacked electrode assembly by stacking on a fabric has been developed and used.

In the conventional Z-folding type method, after fixing the separator fabric to the lamination stage so that the membrane fabric can follow the lamination stage and move, linear reciprocating transfer of the lamination stage along a straight path using a linear screw, linear motor, or other linear transport device. Thus, the separator fabric is folded in a zigzag shape.

In addition, in the conventional Z-folding method, an electrode laminator for laminating an anode or a cathode on a fabric of a separator is disposed at each of the turning points on both sides of the linear path at which the transfer direction of the lamination stage is switched, and among the turning points along the lamination stage An electrode is laminated using an electrode laminator on one region of the separator fabric, which is in a stopped state after reaching one of them.

In this conventional Z-folding method, it is difficult to accurately place the stacking stage at the turning points due to the tolerance of the linear transport device, the transfer time of the stacking stage is long, and the electrode electrode due to the inertia acting in the transfer direction of the stacking stage. The problem that the assembly is frequently displaced or distorted from its original position, and the electrode laminator should be placed far from the transitions so that the electrode assembly reaching the transitions along the lamination stage and the electrode held by the electrode laminator do not collide. Due to this, there is a problem in that a long process time is required to laminate the electrode on the separator fabric.

In addition, in the conventional Z-folding method, the separator fabric is folded in a zigzag pattern while applying a constant tension to the separator fabric using a dancing roller. However, as described above, in the conventional Z-folding method, the separation membrane fabric is linearly reciprocated along a linear path along the lamination stage, and the distance between the dancing roller and the lamination stage varies according to the position of the lamination stage. That is, when the stacking stage is disposed at the turning points, the distance between the stacking stage and the dancing roller is maximized, and when the stacking stage is disposed at the intermediate point between the turning points, the distance between the stacking stage and the dancing roller is minimized. do.

According to the conventional Z-folding method, in order to constant the tension applied to the separator fabric, when the stacking stage moves from one of the turning points toward the midpoint, the dancing roller is driven to pass the dancing roller Part of the fabric of the separator should be returned to the dancing roller. For this reason, in the conventional Z-folding method, pulsation occurs in the separator fabric while the separator fabric is alternately moved in the forward direction (supply direction) and in the reverse direction (return direction), resulting in damage to the separator fabric and There is a problem in that it is difficult to uniformly maintain the tension applied to the fabric.

In addition, in this case, the manufacturing/management cost increases due to the addition of the configuration, and even in this case, the separator fabric is not transported only to the lamination stage for stacking the separator, and periodically moves backward to the separator supply unit to maintain tension. , there was a problem that the separator was partially torn or scratched during reverse movement.

In other words, the separator fabric part pulled out while in contact with the guide roller of the separator supply unit reversely moves and re-contacts with the guide roller again, causing the separator fabric to be easily torn or scratched due to frictional contact, resulting in poor quality and poor quality of the secondary battery electrode assembly. A serious problem has occurred that leads to degradation.

Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2020-0089452 (published on July 27, 2020)

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and provides a swing module of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus capable of accurately disposing a stacking stage at a preset stacking position of an electrode and reducing the transfer time of the stacking stage aims to

In addition, another object of the present invention is to provide a swing module of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus that prevents an electrode assembly from being displaced from its original position or distorted during a transfer process of a stacking stage.

In addition, the present invention provides a swing module of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus capable of folding the separator fabric in a zigzag shape in a state in which the separator fabric is supplied toward the lamination stage only in a predetermined supply direction so that pulsation does not occur in the separator fabric. to do for another purpose.

According to one aspect of the present invention, while moving the lamination stage so that the lamination stage is reciprocally movable between the first lamination area where the first electrode is stacked and the second lamination area where the second electrode is stacked, the separator fabric is removed from the separator supply unit. As for withdrawing, the stage fixing block to which the stacking stage is coupled; and a fixed block driving unit driving the stage fixing block so that the stacking stage moves along a movement trajectory between the first stacking area and the second stacking area.

The movement trajectory may be an arc trajectory.

The fixed block driving unit may include a rotary arm having one end rotatably coupled to the stage fixing block; and a reciprocating movement driver configured to reciprocate the stacking stage along an arc trajectory by rotating the other end of the rotary arm.

The reciprocating driving unit may include a support member supporting the lamination stage so that the lamination stage moves along an arcuate trajectory while maintaining a horizontal state.

The support member may include: a first support member supporting the stage fixing block so that the lamination stage can reciprocate along a first direction while the lamination stage moves along the arcuate trajectory; and a second support member supporting the first support member so that the first support member can reciprocate along a second direction forming a set angle with the first direction.

The first direction is a direction in which the stacking stage moves up and down between the highest point and the lowest point of the arc trajectory, and the second direction is a direction in which the stacking stage perpendicularly intersects the first direction between one end and the other end of the arc trajectory. direction can be

An elevator may be provided between the stacking stage and the stage fixing block to lift the stacking stage relative to the stage fixing block.

According to the swing module of the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus of the present invention described above, the separator fabric is folded in a zigzag shape by swinging the stacking stage along an arc trajectory having a predetermined arc angle and radius of curvature to form a separator folding body. Through this, the stacking stage and the electrode assembly seated thereon can be transferred while gradually accelerating and decelerating in the horizontal direction (X direction) and thickness direction (Z direction) of the electrode assembly, thereby folding the separator fabric in a zigzag shape. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the inertia acting on the electrode assembly in the horizontal direction that is not supported by the folding jig, and through this, it is possible to prevent distortion of the electrode assembly due to the inertia acting in the horizontal direction, and the electrode assembly can be stably placed at a predetermined location, and the travel time of the stacking stage can be reduced to reduce the transfer time of the stacking stage and the electrode assembly seated thereon.

In addition, when the stacking stage swings, the stacking stage is gradually accelerated and decelerated while being transported in the Z direction, so the electrode assembly is structurally stable while being compressed in the Z direction, that is, in the thickness direction, due to inertia acting in the Z direction. According to the present invention, when the stacking stage swings, it is possible to reduce the pressing force for pressing the electrode assembly in the Z direction through the folding jig, and to prevent the electrodes included in the electrode assembly from being damaged due to the pressing force applied from the folding jig. can

In addition, by swinging the lamination stage along an arcuate trajectory so that small inertia acts on the lamination stage in the X and Z directions, the lamination stage can be accurately placed in the correct position. Even if it is arranged close to the reference point of the region, it is possible to effectively prevent collision between the electrode assembly and the electrodes previously held by the electrode stacking transferers.

Further, since the lamination stage is conveyed along an arcuate trajectory, the distance between the lamination stage and the dancing roller is kept constant. Through this, there is no need to return the separator fabric to the dancing roller to keep the tension constant, as in the conventional Z-folding electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus, and the tension applied to the separator fabric even if the separator fabric is transported only in a predetermined supply direction can be kept constant. According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the separation membrane fabric from being damaged due to pulsation generated in the separation membrane fabric in the process of supplying and recovering the separation membrane fabric, and it is possible to precisely control the tension applied to the separation membrane fabric.

To elaborate, when manufacturing an electrode assembly for a secondary battery by alternately laminating electrodes and separators on the lamination stage while taking out the separator fabric from the separator supply unit and supplying it onto the lamination stage, the separator fabric drawn out during the operation is always laminated. By allowing the separation membrane to be drawn only to the stage side and not transported to the separation membrane supply unit side, the separation membrane is transported to the separation membrane supply unit side to maintain the tension of the separation membrane fabric, so that a separate configuration for rewinding the separation membrane fabric is not required. In addition to simplifying the structure of the supply unit, it is possible to dramatically reduce the occurrence of defects in the electrode assembly due to tearing or scratching of the separator during rewinding of the separator.

1 is a front view showing an aspect in which a first swing is performed by a swing module in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus including a swing module of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
2 is a front view showing an aspect in which a second swing is performed by a swing module in the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
3 is a cross-sectional view of an electrode assembly;
Figure 4a is a perspective view showing a swing module of the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4b is a front view showing the swing module of the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention,
5 is a side view showing a swing module of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
6 is a plan view showing a swing module of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
7 is a side view showing a coupling relationship between a stage unit and a folding unit in the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
8 is a front view showing a coupling relationship between a stage unit and a folding unit;
9 and 10 are views for explaining the driving method of the folding jig;
11 is a plan view showing a coupling relationship between a stage unit and a stacking unit in the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
12 to 20 are views for explaining a method of manufacturing an electrode assembly using the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 1;
21 is a speed graph of a stacking stage in a conventional Z-folding electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus;
22 is a speed graph of a stacking stage in the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 .

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but will be implemented in a variety of different forms, only these embodiments will complete the disclosure of the present invention, and will fully cover the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. It is provided to inform you. Like reference numerals designate like elements in the drawings.

1 is a front view showing an aspect in which a first swing is performed by a swing module 30 in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 1, and FIG. 2 is an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1, It is a front view showing an aspect in which the second swing is performed by the swing module 30, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the electrode assembly.

1 and 2, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 1 including the swing module of the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a separator supply unit 10 for supplying a separator fabric S ; A stage unit 20 having a stacking stage 22 to which a predetermined base portion Fb of the separation membrane original fabric S is fixed; a swing module 30 that swings the lamination stage 22 reciprocally along a predetermined arcuate trajectory P so that the separator fabric S moves while following the lamination stage 22; When the stacking stage 22 swings along the arcuate trajectory P, a predetermined folding reference point of the separator fabric S is disposed to be caught, and the separator fabric S is folded around the folding reference point to form a stacking stage ( 22) a folding unit 40 having a folding jig 41 for forming the separation unit Fs, which is stacked in multiple stages on the base unit Fb fixed to the base unit Fs, in stages on the separation membrane fabric S; When the stacking stage 22 reaches the predetermined stacking position of the arc trajectory P, the separator Fs is formed step by step, so that the layered structure is formed on the stacking stage 22. Separator folding body F formed a stacking unit 50 for stacking electrodes on the uppermost layer of the; and a controller (not shown) that controls overall driving of the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 1 .

According to the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 1, as shown in FIG. 3, in the stacking stage 22, the separation membrane original fabric S is folded in a zigzag shape to have a layered structure, the separation membrane folding body F, and the separation membrane A Z-folding type electrode assembly (A) composed of electrodes interposed one by one at each of the interfaces between the base portion (Fb) and the separation portions (Fs) stacked in multiple stages of the folding body (F) may be formed. .

First, the separation membrane supply unit 10 may include a supply roll, a dancing roller 12, a guide member 14, and the like. The supply roll is a supply member that unwinds the separator original fabric S wound in advance in a roll state.

The dancing roller 12 constantly adjusts the tension applied to the separator fabric S supplied from the supply roll, temporarily stores a predetermined length of the separator fabric S, and folds the separator fabric S It is a member that supplies the separation membrane fabric (S) in real time according to

The dancing roller 12 is installed between the fixed rollers 12a and 12b fixedly installed at a predetermined position and the fixed rollers 12a and 12b, and is installed to be reciprocally movable along a predetermined moving path. It may have a roller 12c or the like.

In particular, as shown in FIG. 1, the fixed rollers 12a and 12b and the variable roller 12c are installed so that a section of the separator fabric S passing through the dancing roller 12 forms a zigzag shape.

The variable roller 12c may temporarily store a section of the separator fabric S supplied from the supply roll by a predetermined length in the dancing roller 12 while moving away from the fixed rollers 12a and 12b. . The variable roller 12c is preferably moved to be farther from the fixed rollers 12a and 12b when the folding of the separator fabric S is stopped, but is not limited thereto.

In addition, the variable roller 12c is fixed so as to be close to the fixed rollers 12a and 12b when the stacking stage 22 is swing by the swing module 30 and the separator original fabric S is folded. 12b) can be progressively moved. However, when the separation membrane fabric S is folded, the separation membrane fabric S is pulled toward the stacking stage 22 . When the separation source fabric is pulled toward the stacking stage 22 due to the folding of the separation membrane fabric S, the variable roller 12c is fixed at a distance corresponding to the length of the separation membrane fabric S pulled toward the stacking stage 22. It is driven to move toward the rollers 12a and 12b, and through this, the dancing roller 12 temporarily stores the separator fabric S in accordance with the folding aspect of the separator fabric S in the lamination stage ( 22), that is, in a predetermined supply direction. The dancing roller 12 can maintain constant tension applied to the separation membrane fabric S by adjusting the supply length of the separation membrane fabric S according to the folding aspect of the separation membrane fabric S.

In addition, when the lamination stage is swing by the swing module 30, the guide member 14 moves the separator fabric S supplied from the dancing roller 12 while following the lamination stage 22 in a predetermined following manner. , It is provided to be able to guide the separation membrane fabric (S).

For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the guide member 14 includes a pair of guide rollers 14a and 14b installed so that the separation membrane fabric S supplied from the dancing roller 12 is interposed between them. can have

As shown in FIG. 1, the guide rollers 14a and 14b are provided in the left and right horizontal directions of the stacking stage 22 (hereinafter referred to as 'X direction') and in the forward and backward horizontal directions of the stacking stage 22 (hereinafter referred to as 'X direction'). In the XYZ coordinate system representing the 'Y direction') and the height direction of the stacking stage 22 (hereinafter referred to as the 'Z direction'), the X coordinate value of the distance between the guide rollers 14a and 14b is the circular arc. It is installed so that the X coordinate value of the circular arc central axis (C) of the trajectory P is the same, but the Z coordinate value of the guide rollers 14a and 14b is the same as each other. That is, the guide rollers 14a and 14b are installed such that the interval between the guide rollers 14a and 14b is spaced apart from the arc central axis C by a predetermined distance in the +Z direction. When the guide rollers 14a and 14b are installed in this way, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the separation membrane fabric S supplied from the dancing roller 12 is separated from the guide rollers 14a and 14b by a gap between them. It can pass through in the -Z direction. In addition, when the stacking stage 22 is swinging by the swing module 30, the separator fabric S follows the stacking stage 22 while extending in the tangential direction of the circumferential surfaces of the guide rollers 14a and 14b. can be moved

Next, the stage unit 20 may include a stacking stage 22, an elevator 26, and the like.

The stacking stage 22 is configured in a plate shape having a larger area than the electrode assembly A to be manufactured using the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 1.

When the separator fabric (S) is folded, the base portion (Fb) of the separator fabric (S) is seated on the upper surface of the stacking stage (22). The base portion (Fb) of the separation membrane fabric (S) is preferably a front end of the separation membrane fabric (S), but is not limited thereto.

The stacking stage 22 may have a fixing part (not shown) for vacuum adsorbing and fixing the base part Fb seated on the upper surface. However, it is not limited thereto, and the fixing part may be provided to fix the base part Fb through other fixing means other than vacuum adsorption.

Meanwhile, when the stacking stage 22 is rotated while drawing an arcuate trajectory by the swing module 30 to be described later, the top surface thereof moves along the trajectory while maintaining a horizontal state, and further description related to this will be described later.

Next, the elevator 26 is installed on the upper surface of the stage fixing block 31 to be described later so as to support the lower surface of the stacking stage 22 . That is, the elevator 26 is installed to be positioned between the stacking stage 22 and the stage fixing block 31 .

The elevator 26 includes an elevator 26 body fixedly installed on the upper surface of the stage fixing block 31, a lead screw 26a screwed to the stacking stage 22, and fixedly installed inside the elevator 26 body. and a drive motor (not shown) that rotationally drives the lead screw 26a, an upper end is coupled to the lower surface of the stacking stage 22, and a lower end is mounted to the main body of the elevator 26 so as to be movable in the Z direction. At least one guide pin 26b for guiding the movement of the lamination stage 22 in the Z direction so that the lamination stage 22 can be raised or lowered according to the rotational direction of the lead screw 26a when 26a is rotated. ) and the like.

The elevator 26 may elevate the stacking stage 22 in the +Z direction or lower it in the -Z direction through the lead screw 26a according to the folding aspect of the separator fabric S.

Next, the swing module 30 reciprocates the stacking stage 22 along the circular arc between the first stacking area L1 and the second stacking area L2 so that the separator fabric follows the stacking stage 22 while As the separation membrane is drawn out to move, the stage fixing block 31 to which the stacking stage 22 is coupled to the top and the fixing block driving the stage fixing block 31 so that the stacking stage 22 moves along an arcuate trajectory are driven. unit 32.

Specifically, the stage fixing block 31 has a stacking stage 22 provided thereon, and a folding jig, which will be described later, is provided on the stage fixing block 31 to press and fix the electrode and the separator, or to perform the same function as the stacking stage. (22) may be provided. In addition, in the description of the present invention, the stage fixing block 31 and the stacking stage 22 are distinguished, but they are not distinguished and may be formed as one structure. The related drawings show a case in which a folding jig is provided on the stacking stage 22 .

4 to 6, the fixed block driving unit 32 includes a rotary arm 32a and a reciprocating driving unit 32b.

One end of the rotary arm 32a is rotatably coupled to the stage fixing block 31 and may be formed in a bar shape.

The reciprocating driving unit 32b rotates the other end of the rotary arm 32a to reciprocate the stacking stage 22 along the arcuate trajectory P, and the drive motor 33 coupled to the other end of the rotary arm 32a ). Therefore, the stage fixing block 31, that is, the stacking stage 22, can be moved along the arcuate trajectory P by forward and reverse rotation of the driving motor 33, and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the arcuate trajectory ( The arc angle of P) is formed at 180 degrees, so the movement trajectory can be formed in a semicircular shape.

The fixed block driving unit 32 may be variously modified and implemented in addition to a structure including a rotary arm 32a and a reciprocating driving unit 32b. For example, a motor-cam structure, a motor-crank arm structure, a cylinder-crank structure, etc. can be modified and applied in various ways, and these structures can also move the stacking stage 22 in a horizontal state along an arc trajectory P. have.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the reciprocating driving unit 32b includes a support member 34 supporting the lamination stage 22 so that the lamination stage 22 moves along the arcuate trajectory P while maintaining a horizontal state. .

As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the support member 34 fixes the stage so that the lamination stage 22 can reciprocate along the first direction while the lamination stage 22 moves along the arcuate trajectory P. The first support member 34a supporting the block 31 and the first support member 34a are reciprocally movable along the second direction forming a set angle with the first direction. It includes a second support member (35a) for supporting. Here, the first direction is applied to the Z-axis direction, and the second direction is applied to the X-axis direction.

The first direction is a direction in which the stacking stage 22 moves up and down between the highest point and the lowest point of the arcuate trajectory P, and the second direction is the direction in which the stacking stage 22 moves between one end and the other end of the arcuate trajectory P. It is a direction perpendicular to the first direction.

The first support member 34a has a plurality of first moving blocks 34b fixedly coupled to the stage fixing block 31 and a first movement such that the plurality of first moving blocks 34b can slide and reciprocate in the Z-axis direction. A plurality of first rails (34c) coupled to the block (34b) includes a first support member body (34d) provided elongated in the Z-axis direction.

The second support member 35a includes a base support plate 35b, a plurality of second rails 35c provided long in the X-axis direction on the base support plate 35b, and a first support member body 34d. A second moving block 35d coupled to the second rail is included at the bottom of the first support member body 34d so as to be reciprocally moved along the second rail 35c.

That is, when the stage fixing block 31 moves along the arcuate trajectory P by the rotation of the rotary arm 32a, the stage fixing block 31 moves the first rail 34c of the first support member body 34d. It reciprocates in the Z-axis direction along the second rail 35c, and the first support member main body 34d reciprocates in the X-axis direction along the second rail 35c.

According to the present invention, the stage fixing block 31, that is, the stacking stage 22, moves along an arc-shaped movement trajectory through the slide movement structure of the first support member 34a and the second support member 35a in the X and Z axes directions. It can be moved while maintaining a horizontal state at all times while moving.

The arc trajectory P may be determined to have a predetermined arc angle and radius of curvature. For example, the arc trajectory P has an arc angle of 180°, a radius of curvature R, and a first stacking reference point L1a of the first stacking region L1 corresponding to one end of the arc trajectory P. The XZ coordinate of is (R, 0), the XZ coordinate of the second stacking reference point L2a of the second stacking region L2 corresponding to the other end of the arc trajectory P is (-R, 0), and the circular arc The XZ coordinate of the bottom dead center of the trajectory P may be determined to be (0, -R).

As the arc trajectory P is determined in this way, the swing module 30 rotates the rotary arm 32a in one predetermined direction (eg, counterclockwise) to fold the separator seated on the stacking stage 22 A first swing for swinging the lamination stage 22 toward the first lamination region L1 so that the central portion of the uppermost layer of the sieve F is disposed at the first lamination reference point L1a of the first lamination region L1; By rotating the arm 32a in the other direction opposite to the one direction (for example, clockwise), the center of the uppermost layer of the folded membrane body F seated on the stacking stage 22 is positioned in the second stacking region L2. A second swing of swinging the stacking stage 22 toward the second stacking region L2 may be alternately performed so as to be disposed at the second stacking reference point L2a of the stacking stage 22 .

By the way, the electrode assembly (A) folds the separation membrane fabric (S) and stacks the separation parts (Fs) step by step to form the separation membrane folding body (F), and the base portion included in the separation membrane folding body (F) ( Fb) and the separators Fs, the thickness of the electrode assembly A in the Z direction increases step by step according to the interposition of the separators Fs and the electrodes. Accordingly, the Z-direction coordinate of the uppermost layer of the membrane foldable body (F) gradually changes according to the formation of the electrode assembly (A). When the stacking stage 22 is continuously swinging in the same pattern without considering the change in the Z-direction coordinate of the uppermost layer of the separator folding body F, the transfer machine 52d for stacking the first electrode of the stacking unit 50 to be described later and the distance between the second electrode transfer device 54d and the uppermost layer of the separator folding body F is gradually reduced, so that the electrodes held by the electrode stacking transfer devices collide with the uppermost layer of the separation membrane folding body F. There are concerns.

In order to solve this problem, the above-described elevator 26 maintains the Z coordinate value of the uppermost layer of the separator folding body F seated on the stacking stage 22 at the same value as the Z coordinate value of the arc central axis C, The stacking stage 22 may be transferred step by step in the -Z direction according to the folding of the separator fabric S and the stacking of the electrodes.

That is, the elevator 26 lowers the stacking stage 22 step by step in the -Z direction by an increase in the thickness of the electrode assembly A in the Z direction. Then, the swing module 30 alternately performs the first swing and the second swing in the same pattern regardless of the increase in the thickness of the electrode assembly A in the Z direction, so that the uppermost layer of the folded membrane foldable body F is first stacked. It may be alternately disposed in the region L1 and the second stacked region L2.

On the other hand, when the first swing and the second swing are performed so that the uppermost layer of the separator folding body F is disposed in the first stacking region L1 and the second stacking region L2, the guide rollers 14a and 14b may be installed so that the separator fabric S extends in a tangential direction from the lowest point of the circumferential surface of the guide rollers 14a and 14b when the first swing or the second swing is completed, respectively. In particular, the guide rollers 14a and 14b are located at a specific point of the separator fabric S that comes into contact with the lowest point of the circumferential surface of the guide rollers 14a and 14b when the first swing or the second swing is completed. It is preferable that the Z coordinate value is installed to be the same as the Z coordinate value of the arc central axis (C).

That is, when the first swing and the second swing of the guide rollers 14a and 14b are completed, the separator fabric S is between the guide rollers 14a and 14b and the separator folding body F. It is installed to be arranged in the +X direction or -X direction.

Next, the folding unit 40 folds the separator fabric S passed through the guide rollers 14a and 14b in a zigzag shape when the lamination stage 22 undergoes the first and second swings, so that it is placed on the lamination stage 22. It is provided so that it can be laminated. As described above, since the base portion Fb corresponding to the front end of the separation membrane fabric S is fixed to the stacking stage 22, it moves while following the stacking stage 22 when the stacking stage 22 swings. .

Accordingly, when the separation membrane fabric S is disposed on the moving path of the separation membrane fabric S, the separation membrane fabric S may be folded around a specific portion of the separation membrane fabric S caught by the separation membrane fabric S. have. The folding unit 40 uses the folding principle of the separation membrane fabric S, and when the stacking stage 22 swings along the arcuate trajectory P, the separation membrane fabric S passed through the guide rollers 14a and 14b. are folded based on a predetermined folding reference point to form separation portions Fs stacked in multiple stages in the Z direction on the base portion Fb previously fixed to the stacking stage 22 on the separation membrane original fabric S in stages. A folding jig 41 may be provided.

1, 2 and 5 to 10, the folding jig 41 may include a first folding jig 42, a second folding jig 43, and the like.

The first folding jig 42 is disposed such that one end of the uppermost layer of the separator folding body F is hooked when the first swing is performed, and the separator passing through the guide rollers 14a and 14b centered on one end of the uppermost layer. By folding the fabric (S), a new separator (Fs) may be provided to extend from the uppermost layer in a form of covering the electrode previously stacked on the uppermost layer.

For example, as shown in FIG. 1 , when the first swing is performed so that the stacking stage 22 moves in a counterclockwise direction around the arc central axis C, the first folding jig 42 In the current implementation round of 1 swing, the right side of the separation portion (Fs) corresponding to the connection point between the separation portion (Fs) and the separation membrane fabric (S) among the ends of both sides of the separation portion (Fs) located on the uppermost layer of the separation membrane folding body (F) An end may be provided to be selectively hooked.

As shown in FIG. 7 , a pair of first folding jigs 42 are installed such that one is located at the front and rear of the stacking stage 22 . The first folding jigs 42 press the pre-laminated second electrode E2 to the separator Fs in the -Z direction by the transferr 54d for stacking the second electrode of the stacking unit 50, which will be described later. At the same time as fixing, the right end of the separation part (Fs) may be configured in a plate shape that can be caught. In addition, the folding unit 40 may further include a pair of first jig conveyors 44 for reciprocating and transferring the first folding jigs 42 in the Y and Z directions, respectively.

The first jig feeders 44 correspond to the uppermost layer of the separator folding body F in the current implementation of the first swing only when the first swing is carried out, respectively, on the first folding jigs 42, and The first folding jig 42 presses the stacked second electrode E2 in the -Z direction in the second swing immediately preceding the current swing and at the same time hangs the right end of the separator Fs. can be transferred.

Then, when the first swing is performed, the separator fabric S is folded counterclockwise around the right end of the separator Fs corresponding to the folding reference point, and the separator fabric F has the second Separation parts Fs formed in the execution of the swing and covering the second electrode E2 stacked on the separation part Fs and stacked in multiple stages on the base part Fb are newly formed, The newly formed separation unit Fs constitutes a new uppermost layer of the separation membrane folding body F.

In addition, each of the first jig conveyors 44 is formed so that the newly formed separation portion Fs covers the immediately preceding separation portion Fs, the first folding jig 42 is formed on the newly formed separation portion ( The first folding jig 42 is transferred to be pulled out from the interface between Fs) and the separation portion Fs formed immediately before.

The second folding jig 43 is disposed so that the other end of the uppermost layer of the separator folding body F is caught when the second swing is performed, and the separator passing through the guide rollers 14a and 14b centered on the other end of the uppermost layer. By folding the fabric (S), a new separator (Fs) may be provided to extend from the uppermost layer in a form of covering the electrode previously stacked on the uppermost layer. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 , when the second swing is performed so that the stacking stage 22 moves clockwise around the arc central axis C, the second folding jig 43 The left end of the separation portion (Fs) corresponding to the connection point between the separation portion (Fs) and the separation membrane fabric (S) among both ends of the separation portion (Fs) located on the uppermost layer of the separation membrane folding body (F) in the current run of the swing. It may be provided to be selectively hung.

As shown in FIG. 7 , a pair of second folding jigs 43 are installed such that one is located at the front and rear of the stacking stage 22, respectively. The second folding jigs 43 press and fix the first electrode E1 pre-stacked by the stacking unit 50 to be described later on the separating part Fs in the -Z direction, and at the same time, the second folding jigs 43 press and fix the separating part Fs. The left end may be configured in a plate shape that can be caught.

In addition, the folding unit 40 may further include a pair of second jig conveyors 45 for reciprocating and transferring the second folding jigs 43 in the Y and Z directions, respectively. These second jig feeders 45 correspond to the uppermost layer of the separator folding body F in the current implementation of the second swing only when the second swing is carried out, respectively, and the second folding jig 43 is the second swing. In the first swing immediately preceding the current implementation of the second swing, the stacked first electrode E1 is pressed in the -Z direction and at the same time, the second folding jig 43 engages the left end of the separator Fs. ) can be transported. Then, when the second swing is performed, the separator fabric S is folded clockwise around the left end of the separator Fs corresponding to the folding reference point, and the separator folding body F has the previous first swing. The separation portion Fs formed in the implementation of the above and the separation portion Fs covering the first electrode E1 stacked on the separation portion Fs and stacked in multiple stages on the base portion Fb are newly formed. The newly formed separation portion Fs constitutes a new uppermost layer of the separation membrane folded body F.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the first jig conveyors and the second jig conveyors each include a cylinder capable of moving the rod forward and backward in the Y direction and a cylinder capable of moving the rod forward and backward in the Z direction, and in the Y direction Correspondingly, it can be applied by connecting the cylinder body for Z-direction elevation to the rod end of the cylinder installed in the longitudinal direction.

In addition, when the second jig conveyors 45 are formed so that the newly formed separation portion Fs covers the immediately preceding separation portion Fs, the second folding jig 43 is formed on the newly formed separation portion Fs. ) and the second folding jig 43 is transferred so as to be pulled out from the interface between the separating portion Fs formed immediately before.

According to this folding unit 40, when the first swing and the second swing are alternately performed by a predetermined number of times, the separator fabric (S) uses the first folding jig 42 and the second folding jig 43 ) is alternately folded to form a separator folded body (F) composed of a zigzag-folded separator fabric (S) and including the same number of separators (Fs) as in the above-described embodiment on the stacking stage (22). can do.

On the other hand, in the folding process of the separator fabric S, when the first swing or the second swing corresponding to the first swing is performed in a state in which the base portion Fb is fixed to the stacking stage 22, the first folding The jig 42 and the second folding jig 43 are spaced apart from the base part Fb by a predetermined distance. In addition, the first folding jig 42 and the second folding jig 43 may perform a subsequent first swing or second swing in a state in which the first electrode E1 or the second electrode E2 is stacked on the base portion Fb. From the time of performing the swing, it is driven so that the above-described separation portion (Fs) is formed in stages on the separation membrane original fabric (S).

11 is a plan view showing a coupling relationship between the stage unit 20 and the stacking unit 50. As shown in FIG.

Next, when the first swing or the second swing is completed, the stacking unit 50 is placed on the uppermost layer of the separator folding body F disposed in the first stacking area L1 or the second stacking area L2. It is provided so that the electrode E1 or the second electrode E2 can be stacked.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the stacking unit 50 may include a first stacking unit 52 and a second stacking unit 54 .

In addition, the first stacking unit 52 is supplied from a first stacking tray 52a on which a plurality of first electrodes E1 having either a positive polarity or a negative polarity are stacked, and the first stacking tray 52a. A first electrode aligning member 52b for aligning the first electrode E1 in a predetermined arrangement, and a first electrode aligning member 52b after gripping the first electrode E1 from the first loading tray 52a. After holding the first electrode E1 aligned in a predetermined alignment form from the first electrode aligning transfer device 52c that is seated and supplied and the first electrode aligning member 52b, the first swing is completed. A transfer unit 52d for stacking the first electrode may be stacked on the separation portion Fs corresponding to the current uppermost layer of the separator folding body F disposed in the first stacking region L1.

The first electrode aligning transfer machine 52c includes a first electrode aligning arm 52e provided to reciprocate the section between the first loading tray 52a and the first electrode aligning member 52b, and the first loading tray. A first electrode aligning holding member 52f that vacuums and grips the first electrode E1 in (52a), releases the gripping from the first electrode aligning member 52b, and places the first electrode E1 on the first electrode aligning member 52b. can have etc.

When the first electrode aligning member 52b is in an empty state, the transfer device 52c for aligning the first electrode is a first electrode E1 holding the first electrode E1 in advance in the first loading tray 52a. The gripping of the first electrode aligning member 52b is released, and the first electrode aligning member 52b may be seated. In addition, the first electrode aligning member 52b may align the first electrode E1 supplied from the first electrode aligning transfer unit 52c in a predetermined alignment form.

The first electrode stacking transfer unit 52d includes a first electrode stacking arm 52g provided to be reciprocally transportable in a section between the first electrode alignment member 52b and the first stacking region L1, and the first electrode stacking arm 52g, and the first electrode stacking arm 52g. The member 52b holds the first electrodes E1 aligned in a predetermined arrangement by vacuum adsorption, and then releases the gripping in the first stacking region L1 to separate the current uppermost layer of the membrane folding body F. A holding member 52h for stacking the first electrode stacked in the Z direction on the upper surface of the portion Fs may be provided.

When the first swing is completed, the transfer machine 52d for stacking the first electrode moves the first electrode E1 previously held in the first electrode E1 tray by the first holding member from the uppermost layer of the separator folding body F. Standby in the first stacking area L1 before the first swing is completed so as to face the uppermost layer of the separator folding body F in a spaced apart by a predetermined margin.

In addition, when the first swing is completed, the transfer device 52d for stacking the first electrode releases the previously held first electrode E1 and stacks it on the top surface of the uppermost layer of the separator foldable body F.

Meanwhile, it is preferable that the first electrode alignment transfer device 52c and the first electrode stacking transfer device 52d are driven step by step in a predetermined order so as not to collide with each other on the first electrode alignment member 52b.

In addition, the second stacking unit 54 is supplied from the second stacking tray 54a on which the plurality of second electrodes E2 having the other polarity of the positive electrode and the negative electrode are stacked, and the second stacking tray 54a. a second electrode aligning member 54b for aligning the second electrode E2 in a predetermined arrangement, and a second electrode aligning member 54b after gripping the second electrode E2 from the second loading tray 54a. ) After gripping the second electrode aligning transfer device 54c for aligning and supplying the second electrode E2 aligned in a predetermined alignment form from the second electrode aligning member 54b, the second swing is completed. A second electrode stacking transfer unit 54d for stacking the second electrode E2 on the separator Fs corresponding to the current uppermost layer of the separator folding body F disposed in the second stacking region L2 may be provided. have.

The transfer machine 54c for aligning the second electrode includes a second electrode aligning arm 54e provided to reciprocate the section between the second loading tray 54a and the second electrode aligning member 54b, and the second loading tray. A gripping member 54f for aligning the second electrode E2 is vacuum-sucked and gripped at 54a, and then gripped by the second electrode aligning member 54b is released and seated on the second electrode aligning member 54b. can have etc.

When the second electrode aligning member 54b is in an empty state, the transfer device 54c for aligning the second electrode transfers the second electrode E2 previously held in the second loading tray 54a to the second electrode aligning member ( It can be seated on the second electrode aligning member 54b by releasing the grip in 54b). In addition, the second electrode aligning member 54b may align the second electrode E2 supplied from the transferr 54c for aligning the second electrode in a predetermined alignment form.

The second electrode lamination transferr 54d includes a second electrode lamination arm 54g provided to be reciprocally transferred in a section between the second electrode aligning member 54b and the second stacking region L2, and the second electrode lamination arm 54g. After holding the second electrode E2 arranged in a predetermined arrangement in the member 54b by vacuum adsorption, releasing the holding in the second stacking region L2, separation corresponding to the current uppermost layer of the membrane folding body F. A holding member 54h for stacking the second electrode stacked in the Z direction on the upper surface of the portion Fs may be provided.

When the second swing of the transfer machine 54d for stacking the second electrode is completed, the second electrode E2 held in advance by the holding member 54h for stacking the second electrode in the second loading tray 54a folds the separator. Waiting in advance in the second stacking region L2 before the second swing is completed so as to face the uppermost layer of the membrane folding body F while being spaced apart from the uppermost layer of the sieve F by a predetermined margin. In addition, when the second swing is completed, the transferr 54d for stacking the second electrode releases the holding of the second electrode E2 and stacks it on the top surface of the uppermost layer of the folding body F of the separator.

Meanwhile, it is preferable that the second electrode alignment transfer device 54c and the second electrode stacking transfer device 54d are driven step by step in a predetermined order so as not to collide with each other on the second electrode alignment member 54b.

12 to 20 are views for explaining a method of manufacturing an electrode assembly A using the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 1 .

Hereinafter, a method of manufacturing the electrode assembly A using the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 1 will be described. For convenience of description, the method of manufacturing the electrode assembly A will be described by taking the case in which the first swing is performed first as an example.

First, as shown in FIG. 12 , the base portion Fb of the separation membrane fabric S is fixed to the upper surface of the lamination stage 22 using the fixing portion of the lamination stage 22 ( S10 ).

Next, when the subsequent first swing is completed, the elevator 26 moves the stacking stage 22 so that the base part Fb can be disposed at the first stacking reference point L1a of the first stacking region L1. It is lowered by the thickness of the base part (Fb) in the Z direction. In addition, as shown in FIG. 12 , the transfer machine 52c for aligning the first electrodes is on standby in the first loading tray 52a, and the transfer machine 52d for stacking the first electrodes removes the first electrode E1. After being gripped by the first electrode aligning member 52b, wait in the first stacking area L1 to be spaced apart from the first stacking reference point L1a of the first stacking area L1 by a predetermined margin, and for aligning the second electrode The transfer unit 54c grips the second electrode E2 in the second stacking tray 54a and places it on the second electrode alignment member 54b, and the transfer unit 54d for stacking the second electrode is used in the second stacking area ( It waits in the second stacking area L2 to be spaced apart from the second stacking reference point L2a of L2 by a predetermined margin (S20).

Then, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 , the swing module 30 performs a first swing to dispose the base portion Fb at the first stacking reference point L1a of the first stacking region L1. At the same time, as shown in FIG. 13, the second electrode aligning transferor 54c is on standby in the second stacking tray 54a, and the second electrode stacking transferor 54d is the second electrode aligning member 54b. Stand by (S30).

Next, as shown in FIG. 14, the transferr 52d for stacking the first electrode stacks the previously held first electrode E1 on the base portion Fb disposed in the first stacking region L1 (S40). ).

Then, as shown in FIG. 15 , the transferr 52d for stacking the first electrode is spaced apart from the first stacking reference point L1a of the first stacking area L1 by a predetermined margin interval in the first stacking area L1. , and the first folding jig 42 is stacked in the step S40 so that the left end of the base portion Fb can be caught on the first folding jig 42 when the subsequent second swing is performed. 1 The electrode E1 is fixed by pressing it in the -Z direction (S50).

Next, when the subsequent second swing of the elevator 26 is completed, the separation portion Fs newly formed due to the subsequent second swing is disposed at the second stacking reference point L2a of the second stacking region L2. The stacking stage 22 is lowered in the -Z direction by the thickness of the first electrode E1 stacked in step S40. In addition, as shown in FIG. 15, the first electrode aligning transferor 52c holds the first electrode E1 in the first loading tray 52a and places it on the first electrode aligning member 52b. , the transferr 54c for aligning the second electrode waits in the second loading tray 54a, and the transferer 54d for stacking the second electrode grips the second electrode E2 in the second electrode alignment member 54b. After that, the second stacking region L2 is on standby so as to be spaced apart from the second stacking reference point L2a of the second stacking region L2 by a predetermined margin (S60).

Thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the swing module 30 performs a second swing to form a new separator Fs at the base portion Fb and the first electrode E1 stacked in step S40. , and the newly formed separator Fs is disposed at the second stacking reference point L2a of the second stacking region L2. At the same time, as shown in FIG. 16, the first electrode aligning transferor 52c stands by in the first loading tray 52a, and the first electrode stacking transferor 52d is the first electrode alignment member 52b. Stand by (S 70).

Next, as shown in FIG. 17, the second electrode lamination transferr 54d stacks the previously held second electrode E2 on the separator Fs formed in step S70.

At the same time, the first folding jig 42 is pulled out from the interface between the base part Fb and the separation part Fs (S80).

Then, as shown in FIG. 18 , the transferr 54d for stacking the second electrode is spaced apart from the second stacking reference point L2a of the second stacking area L2 by a predetermined clearance interval in the second stacking region L2. , and the second folding jig 43 is configured in step S80 so that the right end of the separating portion Fs formed in step S70 can be caught by the second folding jig 43 when the subsequent first swing is performed. The stacked second electrode E2 is fixed by pressing it in the -Z direction (S90).

Next, when the subsequent first swing of the elevator 26 is completed, the separator Fs newly formed due to the subsequent first swing is disposed at the first stacking reference point L1a of the first stacking region L1. The stacking stage 22 is lowered in the -Z direction by a distance corresponding to the thickness of the separator Fs formed in step S70 and the thickness and total of the second electrode E2 stacked in step S80. At the same time, as shown in FIG. 18, the first electrode aligning transferor 52c stands by in the first loading tray 52a, and the first electrode stacking transferor 52d is the first electrode alignment member 52b. After gripping the first electrode E1 in the first stacking region L1, it waits in the first stacking region L1 so as to be spaced apart from the first stacking reference point L1a of the first stacking region L1 by a predetermined margin, and for aligning the second electrode E1. The transfer unit 54c grips the second electrode E2 in the second stacking tray 54a and places it on the second electrode aligning member 54b (S 100).

Thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the swing module 30 performs a first swing to form a new separator Fs formed in step S70 and the laminated separator in step S80. It is formed to cover the second electrode E2, and the newly formed separator Fs is disposed at the first stacking reference point L1a of the first stacking region L1. At the same time, as shown in FIG. 19, the second electrode aligning transferor 54c stands by in the second loading tray 54a, and the second electrode stacking transferor 54d is the second electrode aligning member 54b. Stand by (S 110).

Next, as shown in FIG. 20 , the transferr 52d for stacking the first electrode stacks the previously held first electrode E1 on the separator Fs formed in step S110. At the same time, the second folding jig 43 is pulled out from the interface between the separation portion Fs formed in step S 110 and the separation portion Fs formed in step S 70 (S 120).

After that, as shown in FIG. 15 again, the transferr 52d for stacking the first electrode is spaced apart from the first stacking reference point L1a of the first stacking area L1 by a predetermined clearance interval in the first stacking area L1. ), and the first folding jig 42 is configured so that the left end of the separation portion Fs formed in step S 110 can be caught by the first folding jig 42 when the second swing is performed. In step 120, the stacked first electrode E1 is fixed by pressing it in the -Z direction (S130).

Next, when the subsequent second swing of the elevator 26 is completed, the separation portion Fs newly formed due to the subsequent second swing is disposed at the second stacking reference point L2a of the second stacking region L2. The stacking stage 22 is lowered in the -Z direction by a distance corresponding to the thickness of the separator Fs formed in step S 110 and the thickness and total of the first electrode E1 stacked in step S 120. In addition, as shown in FIG. 15 again, the first electrode aligning transfer device 52c grips the first electrode E1 in the first loading tray 52a and then places it on the first electrode aligning member 52b. Then, the transferr 52c for aligning the second electrodes waits in the second stacking tray 54a, and the transferr 54d for stacking the second electrodes grips the second electrode E2 in the second electrode alignment member 54b. After that, it waits in the second stacking region L2 so as to be spaced apart from the second stacking reference point L2a of the second stacking region L2 by a predetermined margin (S140).

Thereafter, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the swing module 30 performs a second swing, and a new separation unit Fs is formed from the separation unit Fs formed in step S 110 and the separation unit Fs formed in step S 120. It is formed to cover the stacked first electrode E1, and the newly formed separator Fs is disposed at the second stacking reference point L2a of the second stacked region L2. In addition, as shown in FIG. 16 again, the first electrode aligning transferor 52c stands by in the first loading tray 52a, and the first electrode stacking transferor 52d is the first electrode aligning member 52b. ) Stand by (S 150).

According to the electrode assembly manufacturing method as described above, the electrode assembly A including a plurality of separators Fs and electrodes can be formed by repeatedly performing steps S 80 to S 150 for a predetermined number of times. As described above, in the case of carrying out the folding process of the separator fabric (S) starting with the first swing, the step S80 is the first folding jig 42 formed by the second swing of the first round. It is carried out so that it is drawn out from the interface between (Fs) and the base part (Fb). By the way, after the second swing of two or more times has been performed, step 80 is to divide the first folding jig 42 into the separation part Fs formed by the second swing of the current round and the first swing of the previous round. It is carried out so that it is drawn out from the interface between the separating parts (Fs).

21 is a speed graph of the stacking stage in the conventional Z-folding electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus, and FIG. 22 is a speed graph of the stacking stage 22 in the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 1 shown in FIG.

A conventional Z-folding type electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus is configured to fold the separator fabric in a zigzag shape by linearly reciprocating the stacking stage on which the electrode assembly is seated along a straight line path set along the horizontal direction (X direction) of the electrode assembly.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 21, in the conventional Z-folding type electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus, the stacking stage and the electrode assembly seated therein are rapidly accelerated and decelerated in the horizontal direction of the electrode assembly not supported by the folding jig. , the stroke distance in the horizontal direction of the stacking stage and the electrode assembly seated thereon is long. For this reason, in the conventional Z-folding electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus, large inertia acts on the electrode assembly in the horizontal direction, causing the electrode assembly to warp in the inertial direction (horizontal direction), and the stacking stage and the electrode assembly seated thereon. The transfer time is long, and it is difficult to stably place the lamination stage at a predetermined position.

In addition, in the conventional Z-folding type electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus, in order to prevent distortion of the electrode assembly due to large inertia acting in the horizontal direction, the electrode assembly must be pressed with a large pressure in the thickness direction using a folding jig. , Electrodes included in the electrode assembly were often damaged due to the large pressing force applied from the folding jig.

On the other hand, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 1 swings the stacking stage 22 along an arc trajectory P having a predetermined arc angle and radius of curvature to fold the separator original fabric S in a zigzag shape, thereby forming a separator folding body ( F) constitutes Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 22, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 1 assembles the stacking stage 22 and the electrode assembly A seated thereon in the horizontal direction (X direction) and thickness direction (Z direction) of the electrode assembly A. direction), it is possible to fold the separator fabric (S) in a zigzag shape. Through this, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 1 can reduce the inertia acting on the electrode assembly A in the horizontal direction that is not supported by the folding jig 41, due to the inertia acting in the horizontal direction through this. Distortion of the electrode assembly (A) can be prevented, the electrode assembly (A) can be stably placed in a predetermined position, and the stroke distance of the stacking stage 22 can be reduced to prevent the stacking stage 22 and It is possible to reduce the transfer time of the electrode assembly (A) seated thereon.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 22, in the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 1, when the stacking stage 22 swings, the stacking stage 22 is transferred while gradually accelerating and decelerating in the Z direction, so that the electrode assembly A is compressed in the Z direction, that is, in the thickness direction, due to the inertia acting in the Z direction, and becomes structurally stable. Through this, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 1 can reduce the pressing force that presses the electrode assembly A in the Z direction through the folding jig 41 when the stacking stage 22 swings, and the folding jig 41 It is possible to prevent the electrodes included in the electrode assembly (A) from being damaged due to the pressing force applied therefrom.

In addition, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 1 swings the stacking stage 22 along an arcuate trajectory P so that small inertia acts on the stacking stage 22 in the X direction and the Z direction, so that the stacking stage 22 is fixed Even if the transferers 52d and 54d for stacking the electrodes are placed close to the stacking reference points L1a and L2a of the stacking regions L1 and L2 where the electrodes E1 and E2 are stacked, it can be accurately placed in the position. It is possible to effectively prevent collisions between the electrode assembly A and the electrodes E1 and E2 held in advance by the electrode stacking transferers 52d and 54d.

Through this, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 1 may reduce the travel time of the electrode transfer devices 52d and 54d for stacking the electrodes, thereby reducing the time required for stacking the electrodes. In addition, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 1 transfers the stacking stage 22 along an arcuate trajectory P, so that the distance between the stacking stage 22 and the dancing roller 12 is kept constant. Accordingly, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 1 does not need to return the separator fabric S to the dancing roller 12 to maintain a constant tension like the conventional Z-folding type electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus. Even if it is transferred only in a predetermined supply direction, the tension applied to the separator fabric (S) can be kept constant. Through this, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 1 can prevent the separation membrane fabric S from being damaged due to pulsation generated in the separator fabric S in the process of supplying and recovering the separator fabric S, and The tension applied to (S) can be precisely controlled.

The above description is merely an example of the technical idea of the present invention, and various modifications and variations can be made to those skilled in the art without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical idea of the present invention, but to explain, and the scope of the technical idea of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The protection scope of the present invention should be construed according to the claims below, and all technical ideas within the equivalent range should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention.

Reference Signs List 1: Electrode assembly manufacturing device 10: Separator supply unit
12: dancing roller 12a, 12b: fixed roller
12c: variable roller 14: guide member
14a, 14b: guide roller 20: stage unit
22: stacking stage
26: elevator 26a: lead screw
26b: guide pin 30: swing module
31: stage fixed block 32: fixed block drive unit
32a: rotary arm 33: drive motor
34: support member 34a: first support member
34b: first moving block 34c: first rail
34d: first support member body 35a: second support member
35b: base support plate 35c: second rail
35d: second moving block
40: folding unit 41: folding jig
42: first folding jig 43: second folding jig
44: first jig feeder 45: second jig feeder
50: stacking unit 52: first stacking unit
52a: first loading tray 52b: first electrode alignment member
52c: transfer machine for aligning the first electrode 52d: transfer machine for stacking the first electrode
52e: Arm for aligning the first electrode 52f: Holding member for aligning the first electrode
52g: first electrode stacking arm 52h: first electrode stacking holding member
54: second stacking unit 54a: second stacking tray
54b: second electrode alignment member 54c: transfer device for aligning the second electrode
54d: transfer machine for stacking the second electrode 54e: arm for aligning the second electrode
54f: holding member for aligning the second electrode
54g: second electrode stacking arm 54h: holding member for second electrode stacking
S: Separator fabric A: Electrode assembly
F: Separation membrane folding body Fs: Separation part
Fb: base part E1: first electrode
E2: 2nd electrode C: arc trajectory
L1: first stacking region L1a: first stacking reference point
L2: second stacking region L2a: second stacking reference point

Claims (7)

Taking out the separator fabric from the separator supply unit while moving the lamination stage so that the lamination stage can reciprocate between the first lamination region where the first electrode is stacked and the second lamination region where the second electrode is stacked,
a stage fixing block to which the stacking stage is coupled; and
The swing module of the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus including a fixed block driving unit driving the stage fixing block so that the stacking stage moves along a movement trajectory between the first stacking area and the second stacking area. According to claim 1,
The swing module of the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus, characterized in that the movement trajectory is an arc trajectory. According to claim 2,
The fixed block driving unit,
a rotary arm having one end rotatably coupled to the stage fixing block; and
The swing module of the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus, characterized in that it comprises a reciprocating movement driving unit for reciprocating the stacking stage along an arc trajectory by rotating the other end of the rotary arm. According to claim 3,
The reciprocating drive unit,
The swing module of the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus, characterized in that it comprises a support member for supporting the stacking stage so that the stacking stage moves along an arcuate trajectory while maintaining a horizontal state. According to claim 4,
The support member is
a first support member supporting the stage fixing block so that the stacking stage can reciprocate along a first direction while the stacking stage moves along the arcuate trajectory; and
The swing module of the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus comprising a second support member for supporting the first support member so that the first support member can move back and forth along a second direction forming a set angle with the first direction. . According to claim 5,
The first direction is a direction in which the stacking stage moves up and down between the highest point and the lowest point of the arcuate trajectory,
The second direction is a swing module of the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus, characterized in that the stacking stage is a direction perpendicular to the first direction between one end and the other end of the arc trajectory. According to claim 1,
Swing module of the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus, characterized in that between the stacking stage and the stage fixing block, an elevator for lifting the stacking stage relative to the stage fixing block is provided.

Images