KR20230148633A - Manufacturing method for electrode assembly and electrode assembly manufacturing equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a manufacturing method of an electrode assembly and a manufacturing device of the electrode assembly. The manufacturing method comprises the following steps of: supplying a half-cell sheet to a stack table; supplying a first electrode to the stack table; supplying a second electrode to the stack table; manufacturing an electrode assembly laminate by laminating the half-cell sheet, the first electrode, and the second electrode on the stack table; and heating and pressurizing the electrode assembly laminate. Therefore, the manufacturing method can reduce problems of wrinkles in a separation film or misalignment of an electrode during a manufacturing process of the electrode assembly manufactured by laminating the electrode and the separation film.

Description

Manufacturing method of electrode assembly and manufacturing apparatus of electrode assembly {MANUFACTURING METHOD FOR ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY AND ELECTRODE ASSEMBLY MANUFACTURING EQUIPMENT}

The present invention relates to an electrode assembly manufacturing method and an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus.

Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be recharged and have been extensively researched and developed in recent years due to their small size and high capacity. As technology development and demand for mobile devices increase, the demand for secondary batteries as an energy source is rapidly increasing.

Secondary batteries are classified into coin-shaped batteries, cylindrical batteries, square-shaped batteries, and pouch-shaped batteries, depending on the shape of the battery case. In a secondary battery, the electrode assembly mounted inside the battery case is a power generating element capable of charging and discharging consisting of a stacked structure of electrodes and a separator.

The electrode assembly is a jelly-roll type that is wound with a separator interposed between a sheet-like positive and negative electrode coated with an active material, and a stack type in which multiple positive and negative electrodes are stacked sequentially with a separator interposed. , and stack-type unit cells can be roughly classified into stack-and-fold type in which the unit cells are wound with a long length of separation film.

Here, in the electrode assembly where the electrodes are positioned between the separators, there was a problem in that the tension of the separator was not properly adjusted, causing wrinkles in the separator.

Additionally, there was a problem of slowing down the production speed of the electrode assembly in the process of adjusting the tension of the separator.

Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2013-0132230

The present invention is to provide a method and device for manufacturing an electrode assembly.

One embodiment of the present invention includes supplying a half-cell sheet in which a first separator sheet and a second separator sheet are laminated on both sides of an electrode sheet for half-cell manufacturing to a stack table; supplying a first electrode to a stack table; supplying a second electrode to a stack table; The half-cell sheet, the first electrode, and the second electrode are arranged alternately between the half-cell sheets that are zig zag stacked. Manufacturing an electrode assembly laminate by stacking it on a stack table; And a method of manufacturing an electrode assembly comprising heating and pressurizing the electrode assembly laminate, wherein when the electrode sheet for half-cell manufacturing is a cathode, the first electrode and the second electrode are each an anode, If the electrode sheet for half-cell manufacturing is an anode, the first electrode and the second electrode are each a cathode.

In addition, one embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly, and a half-cell sheet in which a first separator sheet and a second separator sheet are laminated on both sides of an electrode sheet for half-cell manufacturing, respectively. A half-cell supply unit that supplies the stack table; a first electrode supply unit supplying a first electrode to the stack table; a second electrode supply unit supplying a second electrode to the stack table; a first electrode stack unit that stacks the first electrode supplied from the first electrode supply unit on the stack table using a first suction head; a second electrode stack unit that stacks the second electrode supplied from the second electrode supply unit on the stack table using a second suction head; The half-cell sheet, the first electrode, and the second electrode are arranged alternately between the half-cell sheets that are zig zag stacked. Stack table that is stacked; and an electrode assembly press unit that heats and presses the stacked half-cell sheet, the first electrode, and the second electrode to adhere the half-cell sheet, the first electrode, and the second electrode. As a manufacturing apparatus, if the electrode sheet for half-cell manufacturing is a cathode, the first electrode and the second electrode are each an anode, and if the electrode sheet for half-cell manufacturing is an anode, the first electrode and the second electrode are An apparatus for manufacturing electrode assemblies, each of which is a cathode, is provided.

The electrode assembly manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present application can reduce the problem of wrinkles in the separator or misalignment of the electrode position during the manufacturing process of the electrode assembly manufactured by stacking electrodes and separators.

The electrode assembly manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present application can manufacture an electrode assembly with uniform performance, and can align and fix the electrodes so that they are not misaligned, thereby improving energy density and It is possible to prevent the electrode from protruding into the exterior of the battery.

The electrode assembly manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present application can improve the production speed of the electrode assembly.

1 is a plan view illustrating an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a front view showing the concept of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view exemplarily showing an electrode assembly manufactured through an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a perspective view showing a press unit in the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a perspective view exemplarily showing a state in which a press unit presses a laminate in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a stack table in the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a perspective view showing a first electrode seating table in the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a second electrode seating table in the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a first suction head in the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10 is a bottom view showing a first suction head in the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 11 is a plan view showing a gripper and a stack table in the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 12 is a front view showing the concept of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily practice it. However, the present invention may be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the configuration described herein.

In this specification, when a part 'includes' a certain component, this means that it does not exclude other components but may further include other components, unless specifically stated to the contrary.

In this specification, 'half-cell laminate' refers to the electrode sheet for half-cell manufacturing in the process of manufacturing a half-cell sheet in which a first separator sheet and a second separator sheet are laminated on both sides of the electrode sheet for half-cell manufacturing. This refers to a state before heating and pressing a laminate in which the first separator sheet and the second separator sheet are laminated on both sides, respectively.

In this specification, 'electrode assembly laminate' refers to an electrode assembly in which the first electrode and the second electrode are alternately disposed between the half-cell sheets, in the process of manufacturing the electrode assembly between the half-cell sheets. This refers to a state before heating and pressurizing a laminate in which the first electrode and the second electrode are alternately arranged.

Also, in describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of related known technologies that may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention will be omitted.

One embodiment of the present invention includes supplying a half-cell sheet in which a first separator sheet and a second separator sheet are laminated on both sides of an electrode sheet for half-cell manufacturing to a stack table; supplying a first electrode to a stack table; supplying a second electrode to a stack table; The half-cell sheet, the first electrode, and the second electrode are arranged alternately between the half-cell sheets that are zig zag stacked. Manufacturing an electrode assembly laminate by stacking it on a stack table; And a method of manufacturing an electrode assembly comprising heating and pressurizing the electrode assembly laminate, wherein when the electrode sheet for half-cell manufacturing is a cathode, the first electrode and the second electrode are each an anode, If the electrode sheet for half-cell manufacturing is an anode, the first electrode and the second electrode are each a cathode.

As in the present invention, a half-cell sheet is first manufactured, and then zigzag stacked using this to place the first electrode and the second electrode between the half-cell sheets. When performing Zig Zag Stacking, problems such as wrinkles in the separator or misalignment of the electrodes can be reduced. Through this, an electrode assembly with uniform performance can be manufactured, energy density can be improved, and electrodes can be prevented from protruding from the electrode assembly and protruding onto the exterior of the battery.

In addition, it can be implemented in a simpler structure than a manufacturing method in which anodes and cathodes are alternately arranged between separators without manufacturing a half-cell, thereby improving the production speed of the electrode assembly.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, it further includes manufacturing a half-cell sheet in which a first separator sheet and a second separator sheet are laminated on both sides of the electrode sheet for half-cell manufacturing, wherein the half-cell sheet The manufacturing step includes supplying the electrode sheet for half-cell manufacturing; Supplying the first separator sheet; Supplying the second separator sheet; Manufacturing a half-cell laminate by laminating a first separator sheet and a second separator sheet on both sides of the half-cell manufacturing electrode sheet, respectively; And it may include the step of heating and pressurizing the half-cell laminate. That is, the present invention can manufacture and supply a separate half-cell in the form of a sheet, and use it to manufacture an electrode assembly.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the step of heating and pressurizing the half-cell laminate is performed by moving a pair of pressurizing blocks including a heater in a direction facing each other and pressing the surface while heating the half-cell laminate. It may include steps.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, supplying the first electrode to a stack table; And the step of supplying the first electrode to the stack table may include heating and supplying the first electrode and the first electrode to the stack table, respectively.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, supplying the first electrode to the stack table includes supplying a first electrode sheet (Sheet); cutting the first electrode sheet at regular intervals to form a first electrode of a predetermined size; and transferring the first electrode toward the stack table, wherein supplying the second electrode to the stack table includes supplying a second electrode sheet; cutting the second electrode sheet at regular intervals to form a second electrode of a predetermined size; and transferring the second electrode toward the stack table.

That is, the first electrode and the second electrode are not supplied in the form of a sheet, and through this, the first electrode and the second electrode can be alternately arranged between the half-cell sheets. .

In addition, as described above, if the electrode sheet for half-cell production is a cathode, the first electrode and the second electrode are each an anode, and if the electrode sheet for half-cell production is an anode, the first electrode and the second electrode are each anode. Each electrode may be a cathode. That is, the first electrode and the second electrode, which are not supplied in sheet form, may be the same electrode. Unlike existing methods, it is possible to manufacture a structure in which the cathode and anode intersect while supplying the same electrode, thereby improving production speed.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, supplying the half-cell sheet to a stack table; supplying the first electrode to a stack table; And the step of supplying the second electrode to the stack table may include heating the half-cell sheet, the first electrode, and the second electrode, respectively, and supplying them to the stack table.

That is, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the step of supplying the half-cell sheet to the stack table may include heating the half-cell sheet and supplying it to the stack table.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the step of supplying the first electrode to the stack table may include heating the first electrode and supplying it to the stack table.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the step of supplying the second electrode to the stack table may include heating the second electrode and supplying it to the stack table.

When the half-cell sheet, the first electrode, and the second electrode are supplied while being heated, time can be saved in the final heating and pressing process, and a uniform adhesive state can be easily maintained.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the step of heating and pressurizing the electrode assembly stack includes heating the stack table body to heat the electrode assembly stack; It may include the step of moving a pair of pressure blocks in a direction facing each other and pressing the electrode assembly stack.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the step of heating and pressurizing the electrode assembly laminate is performed at a temperature of 25°C or higher and 150°C or lower, preferably 30°C or higher and 100°C or lower, more preferably 35°C or higher and 95°C. It may be carried out under the following temperature conditions, but is not limited thereto.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the step of heating and pressurizing the electrode assembly laminate is performed under pressure conditions of 1Mpa or more and 8Mpa or less, preferably 1Mpa or more and 5Mpa or less, more preferably 1.5Mpa or more and 5Mpa or less. It can proceed.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the step of heating and pressurizing the electrode assembly stack is for 3 seconds or more and 90 seconds or less, preferably 5 seconds or more and 60 seconds or less, more preferably 5 seconds or more and 30 seconds. It can proceed as follows.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the step of heating and pressurizing the electrode assembly laminate is preferably performed for 3 seconds or more and 90 seconds or less under temperature conditions of 25°C or more and 150°C or less and pressure conditions of 1Mpa or more and 8Mpa or less. Preferably, 5 to 60 seconds at a temperature of 30°C or higher and 100°C or lower and a pressure of 1Mpa to 5Mpa, more preferably 5 to 60 seconds at a temperature of 35°C or higher and 95°C or lower and a pressure of 1.5Mpa to 5Mpa. The laminate may be heated and pressed for 30 to 30 seconds, but is not limited to this.

When the above temperature, pressure, and time conditions are satisfied, damage to the unit electrodes constituting the electrode assembly can be minimized and an appropriate level of adhesion and air permeability of the electrodes and separators constituting the electrode assembly can be secured at the same time.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the step of supplying the half-cell sheet to the stack table may be continuously supplying the half-cell sheet to the stack table.

More specifically, the step of supplying the half-cell sheet to the stack table may be to continuously supply the half-cell sheet to the stack table while passing through a passage formed to pass between two squeeze-rolls. .

One embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly, wherein a half-cell sheet in which a first separator sheet and a second separator sheet are laminated on both sides of an electrode sheet for half-cell production is placed on a stack table. a half-cell supply unit supplying to; a first electrode supply unit supplying a first electrode to the stack table; a second electrode supply unit supplying a second electrode to the stack table; a first electrode stack unit that stacks the first electrode supplied from the first electrode supply unit on the stack table using a first suction head; a second electrode stack unit that stacks the second electrode supplied from the second electrode supply unit on the stack table using a second suction head; The half-cell sheet, the first electrode, and the second electrode are arranged alternately between the half-cell sheets that are zig zag stacked. Stack table that is stacked; and an electrode assembly press unit that heats and presses the stacked half-cell sheet, the first electrode, and the second electrode to adhere the half-cell sheet, the first electrode, and the second electrode. As a manufacturing apparatus, if the electrode sheet for half-cell manufacturing is a cathode, the first electrode and the second electrode are each an anode, and if the electrode sheet for half-cell manufacturing is an anode, the first electrode and the second electrode are An apparatus for manufacturing electrode assemblies, each of which is a cathode, is provided.

When using the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention, a half-cell sheet is first manufactured, and then, using this, a first electrode and a second electrode are formed between the half-cell sheets. The way the electrodes are positioned enables zig zag stacking, which can reduce problems such as wrinkles in the separator or misalignment of the electrodes. Through this, an electrode assembly with uniform performance can be manufactured, energy density can be improved, and electrodes can be prevented from protruding from the electrode assembly and protruding onto the exterior of the battery.

In addition, there is an advantage that it can be implemented with a simpler structure than a manufacturing device in which anodes and cathodes are alternately arranged between separators without manufacturing a half-cell.

An electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes an electrode supply unit for half-cell manufacturing that supplies the electrode sheet for half-cell manufacturing; a first separator supply unit supplying the first separator sheet; a second separator supply unit supplying the second separator sheet; A half-cell stacking unit that manufactures a half-cell laminate by laminating a first separator sheet and a second separator sheet on both sides of the half-cell manufacturing electrode sheet, respectively; and a half-cell press unit that heats and presses the half-cell laminate to adhere the first separator sheet and the second separator sheet to both sides of the electrode sheet for half-cell manufacturing, respectively. It can be included.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the half-cell sheet, first electrode, and second electrode may be supplied to the stack table while being heated.

That is, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a half-cell sheet manufacturing unit and a stack table that manufacture half-cell sheets, a half-cell supply unit that heats and supplies the half-cell sheets, and a first A first electrode supply unit that supplies the electrode while heating it, a second electrode supply unit that supplies the second electrode while heating it, a first electrode stack unit that stacks the first electrode on the stack table, and a second electrode supply unit that stacks the second electrode on the stack table. It includes a second electrode stack portion and an electrode assembly press portion that adheres the half-cell sheet, the first electrode, and the second electrode.

Additionally, in one embodiment of the present invention, the first electrode supply unit includes a first electrode seating table on which the first electrode is placed before being stacked on the stack table by the first electrode stack unit, and The two-electrode supply unit may include a second electrode seating table on which the second electrode is placed before being stacked on the stack table by the second electrode stack unit.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view exemplarily showing an electrode assembly manufactured through an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to this, the electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention has half-cell sheets stacked in a zigzag shape, and first electrodes and second electrodes are alternately disposed between the half-cell sheets. You can.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the first electrode supply unit includes a first electrode roll in which the first electrode is wound in a sheet form; a first cutter that cuts the first electrode in the form of a sheet wound on the first electrode roll at regular intervals when it is unwound and supplied to form a first electrode of a predetermined size; And it may include a first conveyor belt that transports the first electrode cut by the first cutter toward the stack table.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the second electrode supply unit includes a second electrode roll in which the second electrode is wound in a sheet form; a second cutter that cuts the second electrode in the form of a sheet wound on the second electrode roll at regular intervals when it is unwound and supplied to form a second electrode of a predetermined size; And it may include a second conveyor belt that transports the second electrode cut by the second cutter toward the stack table.

That is, in one embodiment of the present invention, the first electrode supply unit includes a first electrode roll in which the first electrode is wound in a sheet form; a first cutter that cuts the first electrode in the form of a sheet wound on the first electrode roll at regular intervals when it is unwound and supplied to form a first electrode of a predetermined size; and a first conveyor belt that transports the first electrode cut by the first cutter toward the stack table, wherein the second electrode supply unit includes a second electrode roll on which the second electrode is wound in a sheet form. a second cutter that cuts the second electrode in the form of a sheet wound on the second electrode roll at regular intervals when it is unwound and supplied to form a second electrode of a predetermined size; And it may include a second conveyor belt that transports the second electrode cut by the second cutter toward the stack table.

At this time, the first cutter and the second cutter are expressed to correspond to the first electrode and the second electrode, and their order is not limited.

Here, when cutting the first electrode in the form of a sheet, the first cutter can cut the first electrode tab so that the first electrode tab protrudes at the end, and when cutting the second electrode in the form of a sheet, the second cutter can cut the second electrode at the end. It can be cut so that the tab protrudes.

Specifically, the first electrode stack unit of the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention can stack the first electrode on the stack table. Additionally, the first electrode stack unit may include a first suction head, a first head heater, and a first moving unit.

The first suction head may vacuum suction the first electrode mounted on the first electrode mounting table. At this time, the first suction head has a vacuum suction port formed on the bottom surface, so that the first electrode can be sucked in through the vacuum suction port and the first electrode can be fixed to the bottom surface of the first suction head. Here, the first suction head may have a passage connecting the vacuum suction port and the vacuum suction device formed therein.

The first head heater may heat the first suction head and the first electrode sucked into the first suction head.

The first moving unit may move the first suction head to the stack table so that the first suction head can stack the first electrode seated on the first electrode seating table on the stack table.

Specifically, the second electrode stack unit of the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention can stack the second electrode on the stack table. Additionally, the second electrode stack unit may include a second suction head, a second head heater, and a second moving unit.

The second suction head may vacuum suction the second electrode mounted on the second electrode mounting table. At this time, the second suction head has a vacuum suction port formed on the bottom surface, so that the second electrode can be sucked in through the vacuum suction port and the second electrode can be fixed to the bottom surface of the second suction head. Here, the second suction head may have a passage connecting the vacuum suction port and the vacuum suction device (not shown) formed therein.

The second head heater may heat the second suction head and the second electrode sucked into the second suction head.

The second moving unit may move the second suction head to the stack table so that the second suction head can stack the second electrode seated on the second electrode seating table on the stack table.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus further includes a rotating part that rotates the stack table, and the half-cell sheet is zigzag stacked in such a way that it is positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode. To enable kingping, a first electrode stack part is provided on one side of the rotating part, and a second electrode stack part is provided on the other side of the rotating part, and the rotating part moves the stack table to the first electrode stack when stacking the first electrode. Alternately rotating the stack table to one side to face the first suction head of the second electrode stack and rotating the stack table to the other side to face the second suction head of the second electrode stack when stacking the second electrode. You can.

Through this, zig zag stacking may be possible in such a way that the half-cell sheet is positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode.

In addition, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus holds the first electrode or the second electrode when the first electrode or the second electrode is stacked on the stack table and holds the first electrode or the second electrode on the stack table. It may include a gripper for fixing it.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, when stacking the first electrode on the stack table, the gripper presses and fixes the upper surface of the first electrode stacked on the uppermost side of the stack table, and holds the first electrode on the stack table. When stacking two electrodes, the upper surface of the second electrode stacked on the uppermost side of the stack table may be pressed and fixed.

That is, when the first electrode or the second electrode is stacked on the stack table, the gripper can grip the first electrode or the second electrode and fix it to the stack table. Through this, the stacked product can be prevented from leaving the stack table. Additionally, the gripper may include, for example, a first gripper and a second gripper, and may secure both sides of the first electrode or the second electrode.

Meanwhile, for example, the gripper and the stack table may be connected or combined with the rotating part. At this time, the rotating part may be composed of, for example, a mandrel. Here, when the gripper grips the first electrode or the second electrode, the rotating unit can rotate the gripper and the stack table.

And, for example, when the stack table is rotated after the gripper grips the first electrode or the second electrode, the half-cell sheet may be supplied to the stack table in proportion to the amount of rotation of the stack table.

Thereafter, the process of stacking the first electrode and the second electrode is repeated, and the half-cell sheets are stacked in a zig zag manner to form a laminate in which the half-cell sheet is positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode. You can do it.

Then, the electrode assembly can be manufactured by applying heat and pressing the laminate using an electrode assembly press unit to bond the heated half-cell sheet, the first electrode, and the second electrode. Through this, it is possible to prevent the electrode assembly from loosening and the electrode stacking position in the electrode assembly to be prevented from being distorted.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12, an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus and an electrode assembly manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail.

Figure 1 is a plan view illustrating an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 2 is a front view showing the concept of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, for convenience, the gripper 170 shown in FIG. 2 is omitted in FIG. 1, and the electrode assembly press unit 180 located on the rear side is shown as a dotted line in the plan view, and in FIG. 2, the gripper 170 shown in FIG. 2 is omitted. The half-cell supply unit 120 is shown omitted.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a stack table 110 and a half-cell supply unit 120 that heats and supplies the half-cell sheet 14. ) and a first electrode supply unit 130 that heats and supplies the first electrode 11, a second electrode supply unit 140 that heats and supplies the second electrode 12, and a stack of the first electrode 11. A first electrode stack 150 to be stacked on the table 110, a second electrode stack 160 to be stacked on the second electrode 12 to the stack table 110, and a first electrode 11, half- It includes an electrode assembly press unit 180 that bonds the cell sheet 14 and the second electrode 12.

In addition, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes a gripper 170 that secures the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 when they are stacked on the stack table 110. can do.

At this time, the half-cell supply unit 120 includes an electrode sheet supply unit 121 for half-cell manufacturing that supplies an electrode sheet 14-1 for half-cell manufacturing; A first separator sheet supply unit 122 for supplying the first separator sheet 14-2, a second separator sheet supply unit 123 for supplying the second separator sheet 14-3, and an electrode sheet for manufacturing the half-cell ( It includes a half-cell press unit 190 that heats and presses the laminate in which the first separator sheet 14-2 and the second separator sheet 14-3 are laminated on both sides of 14-1).

The electrode sheet supply unit 121 for half-cell manufacturing is an electrode sheet 14-1 for half-cell manufacturing in an electrode roll for half-cell manufacturing in which the electrode 14-1 for half-cell manufacturing is wound in the form of a sheet. The electrode for half-cell manufacturing is supplied in the form of a sheet, and the first separator sheet supply unit 122 unwinds the first separator sheet 14-2 from the first separator roll in which the first separator is wound in the form of a sheet. The first separator is supplied in sheet form. The second separator sheet supply unit 123 also supplies the second separator sheet 14-3 in the form of a sheet by unwinding the second separator sheet 14-3 from the second separator roll wound in the form of a sheet.

At this time, a heating unit (not shown) may be included to heat the electrode sheet for half-cell manufacturing, the first separator sheet, and the second separator sheet, respectively.

The electrode sheet for half-cell manufacturing, the first separator sheet, and the second separator sheet supplied as described above pass through a pair of first squeeze rolls (15-1, 15-2) on both sides of the electrode sheet for half-cell manufacturing. The first separator sheet and the second separator sheet are supplied to the half-cell press unit 190 in a stacked form. In this specification, the first separator sheet and the second separator sheet are laminated on both sides of the electrode sheet for half-cell production, respectively, and are referred to as a half-cell laminate.

The half-cell press unit 190 heats and presses the half-cell laminate to adhere the first separator sheet and the second separator sheet to both sides of the half-cell manufacturing electrode sheet, respectively, thereby forming a half-cell. Sheet 14 is manufactured. The half-cell is in the form of a sheet.

The half-cell press unit 190 further includes a press heater (not shown) that heats the pair of pressurizing blocks 191 and 192, so that the pair of pressurizing blocks 191 and 192 form a half-cell laminate. It can be heated and pressurized. In this specification, in order to distinguish it from the pressurizing block of the electrode assembly press unit described later, the half-cell press unit 190 includes a pair of pressurizing blocks 191 and 192, respectively, as the first pressing block 191 and the half-cell press unit. -Defined as the second pressurizing block 192 of the cell press unit.

Afterwards, additional pressure is applied to the half-shell sheet 14 by a pair of second squeeze rolls (16-1, 16-2) and a pair of third squeeze rolls (17-1, 17-2). While doing so, the half-cell sheet 14 is supplied to the stack table 110. That is, the first to third squeeze rolls can also serve a transport function.

Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electrode assembly manufactured through an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus or an electrode assembly manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

1 to 3, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention stacks the first electrode 11, the half-cell sheet 14, and the second electrode 12 to form an electrode. This is a device for manufacturing the assembly (10).

The electrode assembly 10 is a power generating element capable of charging and discharging. For example, half-cell sheets 14 are stacked in a zigzag shape, and a first electrode 11 is provided between the half-cell sheets 14. and the second electrodes 12 may be arranged alternately.

Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the electrode assembly press unit 180 in the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the electrode assembly press unit 180 in the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. ) is a perspective view illustrating the state of pressurizing the laminate.

Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the electrode assembly press unit 180 is heated and pressurizes the stacked first electrode 11, half-cell sheet 14, and second electrode 12 to form the first electrode 11. ), the half-cell sheet 14 and the second electrode 12 can be bonded.

In addition, the electrode assembly press unit 180 includes a pair of pressure blocks 181 and 182, and the pair of pressure blocks 181 and 182 are moved in directions facing each other, and the stacked first electrode 11 and the half-cell The laminate S of the sheet 14 and the second electrode 12 can be surface-pressed.

In addition, the electrode assembly press unit 180 further includes press heaters 183 and 184 that heat a pair of pressing blocks 181 and 182, so that the pair of pressing blocks 181 and 182 are connected to the first electrode 11 and the half-cell. The laminate S of the sheet 14 and the second electrode 12 may be heated and pressed. Accordingly, when the laminate S is pressed by the press unit 180, heat fusion between the first electrode 11, the half-cell sheet 14, and the second electrode 12 is better achieved, resulting in more robust adhesion. It may be possible.

In this specification, in order to distinguish it from the pressing block of the half-cell press unit 190 described above, the pair of pressing blocks 181 and 182 of the electrode assembly press unit are respectively referred to as the first pressing block 181 of the electrode assembly press unit and the electrode assembly. It can be defined as the press unit's second pressurizing block 182. Unless otherwise specified, the pressurizing block refers to the pressurizing block of the electrode assembly press section.

A pair of pressing blocks 181 and 182 has a flat pressing surface, and the horizontal and vertical lengths of the pressing surface are a stack of the first electrode 11, the half-cell sheet 14, and the second electrode 12 ( S) can be formed to be longer than the horizontal and vertical lengths.

In addition, the pair of pressure blocks 181 and 182 includes a first pressure block 181 and a second pressure block 182, and the first pressure block 181 and the second pressure block 182 are rectangular in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. It can be provided as a block.

Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a stack table in the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 6, the stack table 110 has first electrodes 11 and second electrodes 12 alternately positioned between half-cell sheets 14 that are zigzag stacked. The first electrode 11, the half-cell sheet 14, and the second electrode 12 may be stacked in an arranged form.

In addition, the stack table 110 heats the table body 111 on which the first electrode 11, the half-cell sheet 14, and the second electrode 12 are stacked, and the table body 111 is stacked. It may include a stack table heater 112 that heats water (S).

In addition, if the electrode sheet for half-cell manufacturing is a cathode, the first electrode and the second electrode are each an anode, and if the electrode sheet for half-cell manufacturing is an anode, the first electrode and the second electrode are each a cathode. am.

Figure 7 is a perspective view showing a first electrode seating table in the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 7 , the first electrode supply unit 130 may heat the first electrode 11 and supply it to the first electrode stack unit 150 .

In addition, the first electrode supply unit 130 includes a first electrode seating table 131 and a first electrode on which the first electrode 11 is placed before being stacked on the stack table 110 by the first electrode stack unit 150. It may include a first electrode heater 132 that heats the first electrode 11 by heating the seating table 131.

Meanwhile, the first electrode supply unit 130 includes a first electrode roll 133 in which the first electrode 11 is wound in the form of a sheet, and a first electrode in the form of a sheet wound on the first electrode roll 133. A first cutter 134 that cuts at regular intervals when the (11) is released and supplied to form a first electrode 11 of a predetermined size, and a first electrode cut by the first cutter 134 ( 11), which moves the first conveyor belt 135 and the first electrode 11 transported by the first conveyor belt 135 by vacuum suction and seating it on the first electrode seating table 131. It may further include a first electrode supply head 136. Here, the first cutter 134 can cut the sheet-shaped first electrode 11 so that the first electrode tab 11a protrudes at the end.

Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a second electrode seating table in the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 8 , the second electrode supply unit 140 may heat the second electrode 12 and supply it to the second electrode stack unit 160 .

In addition, the second electrode supply unit 140 includes a second electrode seating table 141 and a second electrode on which the second electrode 12 is placed before being stacked on the stack table 110 by the second electrode stack unit 160. It may include a second electrode heater 142 that heats the second electrode 12 by heating the seating table 141.

Meanwhile, the second electrode supply unit 140 includes a second electrode roll 143 on which the second electrode 12 is wound in the form of a sheet, and a second electrode in the form of a sheet wound on the second electrode roll 143. When the (12) is released and supplied, the second cutter 144 is cut at regular intervals to form the second electrode 12 of a predetermined size, and the second electrode 12 cut by the second cutter 144 is cut at regular intervals. A second conveyor belt 145 that moves, and a second electrode supply head 146 that vacuum-adsorbs the second electrode 12 transported by the second conveyor belt 145 and places it on the second electrode seating table 141. ) may further be included. Here, the second cutter 144 can cut the sheet-shaped second electrode 12 so that the second electrode tab 12a protrudes at the end.

Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a first suction head in the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 10 is a bottom view showing the first suction head in the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. .

Referring to FIGS. 2, 9, and 10, the first electrode stack unit 150 may stack the first electrode 11 on the stack table 110.

Additionally, the first electrode stack unit 150 may include a first suction head 151 and a first moving unit 153.

The first suction head 151 can vacuum suction the first electrode 11 mounted on the first electrode seating table 131. At this time, the first suction head 151 has a vacuum suction port 151a formed on the bottom surface 151b, and suctions the first electrode 11 through the vacuum suction port 151a. It can be fixed to the bottom surface (151b) of the head 151. Here, the first suction head 151 may have a passage connecting the vacuum suction port 151a and the vacuum suction device (not shown) formed therein.

The first moving part 153 is a first suction head 151 so that the first suction head 151 can stack the first electrode 11 seated on the first electrode seating table 131 on the stack table 110. ) can be moved to the stack table 110.

Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 2 , the second electrode stack unit 160 may stack the second electrode 12 on the stack table 110 .

Here, the second electrode stack unit 160 may have the same structure as the above-described first electrode stack unit 150. At this time, the second electrode stack unit 160 may include a second suction head 161 and a second moving unit 163.

The second suction head 161 may vacuum suction the second electrode 12 mounted on the second electrode seating table 141. The second moving unit 163 is a second suction head 161 so that the second suction head 161 can stack the second electrode 12 mounted on the first electrode seating table 141 on the stack table 110. ) can be moved to the stack table 110.

Figure 11 is a plan view showing a gripper and a stack table in the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 11 , when the first electrode 11 or the second electrode 12 is stacked on the stack table 110, the gripper 170 holds the first electrode 11 or the second electrode 12. ) can be held and fixed to the stack table 110.

In addition, the gripper 170 presses and fixes the upper surface of the first electrode 11 stacked on the uppermost side of the stack table 110 when stacking the first electrode 11 on the stack table 110, When stacking the second electrode 12 on the stack table 110, the upper surface of the second electrode 12 stacked on the uppermost side of the stack table 110 can be pressed and fixed.

That is, when the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 are positioned and stacked between the half-cell sheets 14 and form a stack, the gripper 170 is positioned on the uppermost surface of the stack. The stacked product can be prevented from being separated from the stack table 110 by gripping it by applying pressure in the direction of the stack table 110 .

Meanwhile, the gripper 170 may include, for example, a first gripper 171 and a second gripper 172, and may secure both sides of the first electrode 11 or the second electrode 12.

And, for example, when the stack table 110 is rotated after the gripper 170 grips the first electrode 11 or the second electrode 12, the half-cell sheet 14 is attached to the stack table 110. It may be supplied to the stack table 110 in proportion to the rotation amount.

Meanwhile, for example, the gripper 170 and the stack table 110 may be connected or combined with a rotating device (not shown). At this time, the rotating device may be composed of, for example, a mandrel. Here, when the gripper 170 grips the first electrode 11 or the second electrode 12, the rotating device can rotate the gripper 170 and the stack table 110.

Thereafter, the process of stacking the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 is repeated, and the half-cell sheets 14 are stacked in a zig zag manner, and the half-cell sheets 14 are stacked in a zigzag manner. A half-cell stack in which the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 are located can be formed.

Then, the half-cell stack is moved to the electrode assembly press unit 180, and the electrode assembly press unit 180 applies heat and pressure to the half-cell stack to form the heated first electrode 11, the half-cell stack. The electrode assembly 10 can be manufactured by adhering the cell sheet 14 and the second electrode 12. At this time, heat is applied and pressed between the heated first electrode 11, the half-cell sheet 14, and the second electrode 12 through the electrode assembly press unit 180, so that they can be heat-sealed.

An electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention may further include a vision device for inspecting the first electrode or the second electrode.

More specifically, in the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention, the vision device may include a first camera and a second camera.

The first camera may photograph the first electrode placed on the first electrode mounting table from the first electrode supply unit, and the second camera may photograph the second electrode placed on the second electrode mounting table from the second electrode supply unit.

The second electrode and the stacking quality, such as the seating position, size, and stacking state of the second electrode, can be inspected through image information acquired through shooting by the first camera and the second camera.

Figure 12 is a front view showing the concept of the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus further including the vision device. In FIG. 12 , the gripper is omitted for convenience, and the electrode assembly press unit 180 located at the rear side is shown as a dotted line in the plan view.

Referring to FIG. 12, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 200 includes a stack table 110, a half-cell supply unit 120 for supplying the half-cell sheet 14, and a first electrode 11 for supplying the first electrode 11. A first electrode supply unit 130, a second electrode supply unit 140 for supplying the second electrode 12, a first electrode stack unit 150 for stacking the first electrode 11 on the stack table 110, and , the second electrode stack portion 160 for stacking the second electrode 12 on the stack table 110, for bonding between the first electrode 11, the half-cell sheet 14, and the second electrode 12. It includes an electrode assembly press unit 180 and a gripper 170 that fixes the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 when they are stacked on the stack table 110, and rotates the stack table 110. It may further include a vision device 290 that performs a vision inspection of the rotating unit (R) and the first and second electrodes 11 and 12. Some configurations are shown more simply or not shown, and compared to the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 according to the above-described embodiment, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 200 of FIG. 12 has a rotating part R and a vision device 290. ), there is a difference that includes more.

More specifically, in the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention, the vision device 290 may include a first camera 291 and a second camera 292.

The first camera 291 can photograph the first electrode 11 seated on the first electrode mounting table 131 from the first electrode supply unit 130, and the second camera 292 can photograph the second electrode supply unit 140. ), the second electrode 12 mounted on the second electrode mounting table 141 can be photographed.

The stacking quality of the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 can be inspected through image information obtained through shooting by the first camera 291 and the second camera 292. At this time, the seating position, size, stacking state, etc. of the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 can be inspected.

The rotation unit (R) can rotate the stack table 110 in one direction (r1) and the other direction (r2). Here, the first electrode stack unit 150 may be provided on one side of the rotating unit (R), and the first electrode stack unit 150 may be provided on the other side of the rotating unit (R).

In addition, the rotation unit (R) rotates the stack table 110 to one side to face the first suction head 151 when stacking the first electrode 11, and when stacking the second electrode 12, the stack table 110 ) can be rotated to the other side to face the second suction head 161.

In addition, the rotation unit (R) alternately rotates the stack table 110 in the direction of the first electrode stack unit 150 and the direction of the second electrode stack unit 160, so that the half-cell sheet 14 is formed on the first electrode. Zig Zag Stacking may be possible by being positioned between (11) and the second electrode 12.

In addition, the description of the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention and the configuration of the manufacturing apparatus can also be applied to the manufacturing method according to the present invention and the electrode assembly manufactured by the manufacturing method according to the present invention.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention as set forth in the claims. This will be self-evident to those with ordinary knowledge in the field.

10: Electrode assembly
11: first electrode
11a: first electrode tab
12: second electrode
12a: second electrode tab
14: Half-cell sheet
14-1: Electrode sheet for half-cell manufacturing
14-2: First separator sheet
14-3: Second separator sheet
15-1, 15-2: 1st squeeze roll
16-1, 16-2: 2nd squeeze roll
17-1, 17-2: Third squeeze roll
100,200: Electrode assembly manufacturing device
110: stack table
111: table body
112: Stack table heater
120: Half-cell supply department
121: Electrode sheet supply unit for half-cell manufacturing
122: First separator sheet supply unit
123: Second separator sheet supply unit
130: first electrode supply unit
131: First electrode seating table
132: first electrode heater
133: first electrode roll
134: first cutter
135: first conveyor belt
136: first electrode supply head
140: Second electrode supply unit
141: Second electrode seating table
142: second electrode heater
143: second electrode roll
144: second cutter
145: second conveyor belt
146: second electrode supply head
150: first electrode stack part
151: first suction head
151a: Vacuum inlet
151b: bottom surface
152: First electrode non-contact heater
153: first moving part
160: second electrode stack part
161: Second suction head
162: Second electrode non-contact heater
163: Second moving unit
170: Gripper
171: first gripper
172: second gripper
180: Electrode assembly press section
181: First pressurizing block
182: Second pressurizing block
183,184: Press heater
190: Half-cell press department
191: Half-cell press unit first pressurizing block
192: Half-cell press unit second pressurizing block
290: Vision device
291: first camera
292: Second camera
R: Rotating part
S: Laminate

Claims (13)

Supplying a half-cell sheet in which a first separator sheet and a second separator sheet are stacked on both sides of an electrode sheet for half-cell manufacturing to a stack table;
supplying a first electrode to a stack table;
supplying a second electrode to a stack table;
The half-cell sheet, the first electrode, and the second electrode are arranged alternately between the half-cell sheets that are zig zag stacked. Manufacturing an electrode assembly laminate by stacking it on a stack table; and
A method of manufacturing an electrode assembly comprising heating and pressurizing the electrode assembly laminate,
If the electrode sheet for half-cell manufacturing is a cathode, the first electrode and the second electrode are each an anode, and if the electrode sheet for half-cell manufacturing is an anode, the first electrode and the second electrode are each a cathode. Method for manufacturing a phosphorus electrode assembly. In claim 1,
It further includes manufacturing a half-cell sheet in which a first separator sheet and a second separator sheet are laminated on both sides of the electrode sheet for half-cell manufacturing, respectively,
The step of manufacturing the half-cell sheet is
Supplying the electrode sheet for half-cell manufacturing;
Supplying the first separator sheet;
Supplying the second separator sheet;
Manufacturing a half-cell laminate by laminating a first separator sheet and a second separator sheet on both sides of the half-cell manufacturing electrode sheet, respectively; and
A method of manufacturing an electrode assembly comprising heating and pressurizing the half-cell laminate. In claim 2,
The step of heating and pressurizing the half-cell laminate includes moving a pair of pressurizing blocks including a heater in a direction facing each other and pressing the half-cell laminate while heating the electrode assembly. Manufacturing method. In claim 1,
The step of supplying the first electrode to the stack table is
Supplying a first electrode sheet (Sheet);
cutting the first electrode sheet at regular intervals to form a first electrode of a predetermined size; and
It includes transferring the first electrode toward the stack table,
The step of supplying the second electrode to the stack table is
Supplying a second electrode sheet;
cutting the second electrode sheet at regular intervals to form a second electrode of a predetermined size; and
A method of manufacturing an electrode assembly comprising transferring the second electrode in a stack table direction. In claim 1,
Supplying the half-cell sheet to a stack table; supplying the first electrode to a stack table; and the step of supplying the second electrode to the stack table includes heating the half-cell sheet, the first electrode, and the second electrode, respectively, and supplying them to the stack table. In claim 1,
The step of heating and pressurizing the electrode assembly laminate is
Heating the electrode assembly stack by heating the stack table body;
A method of manufacturing an electrode assembly comprising the step of moving a pair of pressure blocks in a direction facing each other and pressing the electrode assembly laminate. An apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly, comprising:
A half-cell supply unit that supplies a half-cell sheet in which a first separator sheet and a second separator sheet are laminated on both sides of an electrode sheet for half-cell manufacturing to a stack table;
a first electrode supply unit supplying a first electrode to the stack table;
a second electrode supply unit supplying a second electrode to the stack table;
a first electrode stack unit that stacks the first electrode supplied from the first electrode supply unit on the stack table using a first suction head;
a second electrode stack unit that stacks the second electrode supplied from the second electrode supply unit on the stack table using a second suction head;
The half-cell sheet, the first electrode, and the second electrode are arranged alternately between the half-cell sheets that are zig zag stacked. Stack table that is stacked; and
Manufacture of an electrode assembly including an electrode assembly press unit that heats and presses the stacked half-cell sheet, the first electrode, and the second electrode to adhere the half-cell sheet, the first electrode, and the second electrode. As a device,
If the electrode sheet for half-cell manufacturing is a cathode, the first electrode and the second electrode are each an anode, and if the electrode sheet for half-cell manufacturing is an anode, the first electrode and the second electrode are each a cathode. Phosphorus electrode assembly manufacturing device. In claim 7,
an electrode supply unit for half-cell manufacturing that supplies the electrode sheets for half-cell manufacturing;
a first separator supply unit supplying the first separator sheet;
a second separator supply unit supplying the second separator sheet;
A half-cell stacking unit that manufactures a half-cell laminate by laminating a first separator sheet and a second separator sheet on both sides of the half-cell manufacturing electrode sheet, respectively; and
It further includes a half-cell press unit that heats and presses the half-cell laminate to adhere the first separator sheet and the second separator sheet to both sides of the half-cell manufacturing electrode sheet, respectively. Electrode assembly manufacturing device. In claim 7,
The first electrode supply unit includes a first electrode seating table on which the first electrode is placed before being stacked on the stack table by the first electrode stack unit,
The second electrode supply unit is an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus including a second electrode seating table on which the second electrode is placed before being stacked on the stack table by the second electrode stack unit. In claim 7,
The first electrode supply unit
a first electrode roll in which the first electrode is wound in a sheet form;
a first cutter that cuts the first electrode in the form of a sheet wound on the first electrode roll at regular intervals when it is unwound and supplied to form a first electrode of a predetermined size; and
It includes a first conveyor belt that transports the first electrode cut by the first cutter toward the stack table,
The second electrode supply unit
a second electrode roll in which the second electrode is wound in a sheet form;
a second cutter that cuts the second electrode in the form of a sheet wound on the second electrode roll at regular intervals when it is unwound and supplied to form a second electrode of a predetermined size; and
An electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus including a second conveyor belt that transports the second electrode cut by the second cutter toward a stack table. In claim 7,
Further comprising a rotating part that rotates the stack table,
so that zigzag stacking is possible in such a way that the half-cell sheet is positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode,
A first electrode stack is provided on one side of the rotating part, and a second electrode stack is provided on the other side of the rotating part,
When stacking the second electrode, the rotation unit rotates the stack table to one side to face the first suction head of the first electrode stack part,
An electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus that alternately rotates the stack table to the other side to face the second suction head of the second electrode stack portion when stacking the second electrode. In claim 7,
An electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus including a gripper that grips the first electrode or the second electrode and fixes it to the stack table when the first electrode or the second electrode is stacked on the stack table. In claim 12,
The gripper is
When stacking the first electrode on the stack table, the upper surface of the first electrode stacked on the uppermost side of the stack table is pressed and fixed,
An electrode assembly manufacturing device that presses and fixes the upper surface of the second electrode stacked on the uppermost side of the stack table when stacking the second electrode on the stack table.