KR20240011358A - Apparatus for stacking of system for producing electrodes of battery - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention repeats the operation of sequentially stacking a first electrode located on a first stage, a separator, and a second electrode located on a second stage at a stacking point, and in a stacking device of a secondary battery production system, a separator is placed at the stacking point. A separator supply unit that supplies; a first arm rotating around a first axis, adsorbing the first electrode of the first stage and transporting it to the stacking point; A second arm rotating around a second axis, adsorbing the second electrode of the second stage and transporting it to the stacking point; and a battery arranged to be movable in the left and right directions, entering the stacking point and completing stacking. It includes a gripper part that grips the pack, wherein the first stage and the second stage are arranged to overlap the stacking point in the left and right directions, and the second stage is arranged to be movable up and down, so that the gripper part moves in the left and right directions. While doing so, the second stage may provide a stacking device for the secondary battery production system that moves to a lower position than the gripper unit.

Description

Stacking device for electrode production system for secondary batteries {APPARATUS FOR STACKING OF SYSTEM FOR PRODUCING ELECTRODES OF BATTERY}

The present invention relates to a stacking device for an electrode production system for secondary batteries.

In general, a chemical battery refers to a battery that includes an anode, a cathode, and an electrolyte and generates electrical energy using a chemical reaction. This includes primary batteries that are disposable and secondary batteries that can be charged and discharged for repeated use. It can be divided into:

The use of secondary batteries is gradually increasing due to the advantage of being able to charge and discharge. Among such secondary batteries, lithium secondary batteries have a high energy density per unit weight, and are therefore widely used as a power source for electronic communication devices or in high-output hybrid vehicles.

The electrodes used in these secondary batteries are used as the anode and cathode of the battery and are used to electrically connect the battery to the outside of the battery.

Electrodes are produced through a process of notching and cutting electrode material with electrode tabs formed at regular intervals. The cut electrodes are stored individually in a magazine. In order to store electrodes in a magazine, it is necessary to adsorb the cut electrodes and transport them to the magazine. In this way, the process of producing electrodes through notching and cutting of electrode materials proceeds continuously.

Electrodes loaded individually into the magazine are supplied to a stacking device. The stacking device alternately stacks positive electrodes, separators, and negative electrodes.

The arm part of the stacking device adsorbs the electrodes loaded in the magazine and transports them to the stacking point. The arm portion rotates around its axis and can move back and forth between the magazine and the stacking point.

However, this stacking device has a problem in that if the time it takes for the dark part to move becomes longer, the time for the entire stacking process increases significantly.

Republic of Korea Patent Publication No. 10-2273330 (announced on July 6, 2021)

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a stacking device for an electrode production system for secondary batteries that is simple in construction and can reduce stacking time.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned here will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

In the embodiment, the operation of sequentially stacking the first electrode located on the first stage, the separator, and the second electrode located on the second stage is repeated at the stacking point, and in the stacking device of the secondary battery production system, the stacking point a separator supply unit that supplies a separator, a first arm unit that rotates around a first axis, adsorbs the first electrode of the first stage and transports it to the stacking point, and rotates around a second axis, It includes a second arm part that adsorbs the second electrode of the two stages and transports it to the stacking point, and a gripper part that is disposed to be movable in the left and right directions and enters the stacking point to grip the battery pack in which stacking has been completed, The first stage and the second stage are arranged to overlap the stacking point in the left and right directions, and the second stage is arranged to be movable up and down, so that while the gripper unit moves in the left and right direction, the second stage moves the gripper unit. A stacking device for a secondary battery production system that moves to a lower position can be provided.

The first stage is disposed on the rotation path of the first arm, the angle between the stacking point and the first stage around the first axis is an acute angle, and the second stage is located on the rotation path of the second arm. It is disposed, and the angle between the stacking point and the second stage around the second axis may be an acute angle.

An operating angle of the first arm portion centered on the first axis may be less than 90°, and an operating angle of the second arm portion centered on the second axis may be less than 90°.

and a third arm connected to the first axis to transport the first electrode from the magazine to the first stage, and the angle formed by the first arm and the third arm around the first axis is greater than 90°. It can be small.

While the first arm carries the first electrode from the first stage to the stacking point, the third arm may transport the first electrode from the magazine to the first stage.

and a fourth arm connected to the second axis to transport the second electrode from the magazine to the second stage, and the angle formed by the second arm and the fourth arm around the second axis is greater than 90°. It can be small.

While the second arm carries the second electrode from the second stage to the stacking point, the fourth arm may transport the second electrode from the magazine to the second stage.

It includes a third stage disposed at the stacking point, and the stacking point includes a first stacking point and a second stacking point arranged along the left and right directions, and the first electrode is stacked at the first stacking point, The second electrode is stacked at the second stacking point, and the third stage can repeatedly move back and forth between the first stacking point and the second stacking point.

The separator supply unit may continuously supply the separator downward to the stacking point.

In the stacking process, as the third stage repeatedly moves back and forth along the left and right directions, the separators may be stacked in a zigzag shape.

The separator may be arranged to surround the bottom, one side, and top of the first electrode, and the bottom, other side, and top of the second electrode.

While the first arm unit moves to the first stage, the third stage and the second arm unit may move to the second stacking point.

The gripper unit includes a guide rail disposed along the left and right directions, and a gripper that moves along the guide rail, and the guide rail may be located above the stacking point.

The shape of the first electrode and the shape of the second electrode may be the same.

According to the embodiment, on the rotation path of the first arm and the second arm, the distance between the first stage and the stacking point and the distance between the second stage and the stacking point are short, and on the rotation path of the third arm and the fourth arm, the distance between the first stage and the stacking point is short. , Since the distance between the first stage and the magazine and the distance between the second stage and the magazine are short, there is an advantage in that the stacking speed can be greatly improved.

According to an embodiment, in order to increase the stacking speed, the second stage is located on the moving path of the gripper, but the second stage is located lower than the gripper so that the second stage does not get in the way when the gripper moves toward the stacking point. Go to . There is an advantage in securing movement space for the gripper.

1 is a diagram showing a stacking device of an electrode production system for secondary batteries according to an embodiment;
Figure 2 is a plan view of the stacking device of the electrode production system for secondary batteries showing the stacking points and the first stage and second stage shown in Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a plan view of the stacking device of the electrode production system for secondary batteries shown in Figure 1;
4 and 5 are diagrams showing the stacking process of the first electrode;
Figure 6 is a diagram showing the stacking process of the second electrode;
7 and 8 are diagrams showing the process of alternately stacking the first electrode and the second electrode;
Figure 9 is a diagram showing the movement of the second stage and the gripper unit.

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

The embodiments of the present invention are provided to more completely explain the present invention to those skilled in the art, and the following embodiments may be modified in various other forms, and the scope of the present invention is limited. It is not limited to the examples below. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make the disclosure more faithful and complete and to fully convey the spirit of the invention to those skilled in the art.

The terms used herein are used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. As used herein, the singular forms include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Additionally, when used herein, “comprise” and/or “comprising” means specifying the presence of stated features, numbers, steps, operations, members, elements and/or groups thereof. and does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other shapes, numbers, operations, members, elements and/or groups. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any one and all combinations of one or more of the listed items.

Although terms such as first, second, etc. are used herein to describe various members, regions, and/or portions, it is obvious that these members, parts, regions, layers, and/or portions should not be limited by these terms. do. These terms do not imply any particular order, superiority or inferiority, or superiority or inferiority, and are used only to distinguish one member, region or portion from another member, region or portion. Accordingly, a first member, region or portion described below may refer to a second member, region or portion without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to drawings schematically showing embodiments of the present invention. In the drawings, variations of the depicted shape may be expected, for example, depending on manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention should not be construed as limited to the specific shape of the area shown herein, but should include changes in shape resulting from, for example, manufacturing.

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

The electrode production system for secondary batteries is supplied with electrode materials formed as a strip-shaped metal plate extending horizontally from the unwinding part at the entrance. The electrode material is a horizontally long strip-shaped metal plate that can be formed of copper when producing a cathode battery, or aluminum when producing a cathode battery.

Electrodes are produced by forming electrode tabs through notching on the supplied electrode material.

The stacking device of the electrode production system for secondary batteries according to the embodiment forms electrode tabs and repeats the operation of sequentially stacking the cut electrodes in the order of the first electrode, separator, and second electrode.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a stacking device of an electrode production system for secondary batteries according to an embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a stacking diagram of an electrode production system for secondary batteries showing the stacking point and the first stage and the second stage shown in FIG. 1. This is a top view of the device, and FIG. 3 is a top view of the stacking device of the secondary battery electrode production system shown in FIG. 1. Hereinafter, in the drawings, the x-axis represents the left and right directions of the stacking device of the secondary battery electrode production system, and the y-axis represents the vertical direction of the stacking device of the secondary battery electrode production system.

1 to 3, the stacking device of the electrode production system for secondary batteries according to the embodiment includes a separator supply unit 100, a first arm unit 200, a second arm unit 300, and a third arm unit ( 400), a fourth arm portion 500, and a gripper portion 600.

The magazine (M) loaded with the first electrode (S1) is disposed on one side of the stacking point (ST) based on the left and right direction (x). A plurality of magazines M loaded with the first electrode S1 may be arranged. One of the plurality of magazines (M) is disposed on the movement path of the third arm 400 and is located in the suction area of the first electrode (S1). A plurality of magazines (M) may be sequentially transported to be positioned in the suction area of the first electrode (S1). For example, as shown in FIG. 2, four magazines (M) can be transported clockwise.

The magazine (M) loaded with the second electrode (S2) is disposed on the other side of the stacking point (ST) based on the left and right direction (x). A plurality of magazines M loaded with the second electrode S2 may be arranged. One of the plurality of magazines (M) is disposed on the movement path of the fourth arm 500 and is located in the suction area of the second electrode (S2). The plurality of magazines (M) may be sequentially transported to be positioned in the suction area of the second electrode (S2). For example, as shown in FIG. 2, four magazines (M) can be transported counterclockwise.

The center of the magazine (M) located in the suction area of the first electrode (S1) and the suction area of the second electrode (S2) on an imaginary straight line passing through the centers of the first axis (C1) and the second axis (C2). It can be arranged so that the center of the magazine (M) located at is located. Here, the first axis C1 corresponds to the rotation center of the first arm 200 and the third arm 400, and the second axis C2 corresponds to the rotation center of the second arm 300 and the fourth arm 500. corresponds to the center.

The first stage 10 is where the first electrode S1 transported from the magazine M waits before being transported to the stacking point ST. The first stage 10 is disposed on one side of the stacking point (ST) in the left and right direction (x). This first stage 10 may include position adjustment means that can adjust the position of the first electrode S1 in response to the suction position of the first arm 200.

The second stage 20 is where the second electrode S2 transported from the magazine M waits before being transported to the stacking point ST. The second stage 20 is disposed on the other side of the stacking point (ST) in the left and right direction (x). This second stage 20 may include position adjustment means that can adjust the position of the second electrode S2 in response to the suction position of the second arm 300. Additionally, the second stage 20 is arranged to be movable in the vertical direction (z) so as not to interfere with the movement of the gripper unit 600.

The angle R1 between the stacking point ST and the first stage 10 about the first axis C1 is an acute angle. And the angle R2 between the stacking point ST and the second stage 20 about the second axis C2 is also an acute angle. Accordingly, at least a part of the first stage 10 or at least a part of the second stage 20 are arranged to overlap the stacking point ST in the left and right directions (x), respectively.

This is to minimize the path through which the first electrode (S1) and the second electrode (S2) are transported from the magazine (M) to the stacking point (ST), thereby significantly reducing the time of the stacking operation.

The stacking point (ST) may be divided into a first stacking point (ST1) and a second stacking point (ST2). The first stacking point (ST1) and the second stacking point (ST2) are arranged side by side in the left and right direction (x). The first stacking point ST1 is an area where the first electrode S1 is stacked. The second stacking point ST2 is an area where the second electrode S2 is stacked. The first electrode (S1) and the second electrode (S2) may have the same shape.

Centered on the first axis C1, the angle between the first stacking point ST1 and the magazine M is 90°, and the angle R1 between the first stacking point ST1 and the first stage 10 is 90°. may be 45°, and the angle between the first stage 10 and the magazine (M) may be 45°.

Centered on the second axis C2, the angle between the second stacking point ST2 and the magazine M is 90°, and the angle R2 between the second stacking point ST2 and the second stage 20 is 90°. may be 45°, and the angle between the second stage 20 and the magazine (M) may be 45°.

However, these angles correspond to one embodiment, and the angle R1 between the first stacking point ST1 and the first stage 10 may be an acute angle, and the first stage 10 and the magazine M The angle between them can also be an acute angle. And, the angle R1 between the first stacking point ST1 and the first stage 10 and the angle between the first stage 10 and the magazine M may be the same.

This relationship equally applies between the second stacking point (ST2), the second stage (20), and the magazine (M).

The separator supply unit 100 supplies the separator SP to the stacking point ST. At this time, the separator supply unit 100 can continuously supply the strip-shaped separator (SP) wound on a roll. The separator (SP) may be supplied to the stacking point (ST) from top to bottom.

The first arm 200 rotates about the first axis C1 and serves to suction the first electrode S1 placed on the first stage 10 and transport it to the first stacking point ST1.

The second arm 300 rotates about the second axis C2 and serves to suction the second electrode S2 placed on the second stage 20 and transport it to the second stacking point ST2.

The third arm portion 400 rotates around the first axis C1 and serves to suction the first electrode S1 placed in the magazine M and transport it to the first stage 10.

The fourth arm portion 500 rotates about the second axis C2 and serves to suction the second electrode S2 placed in the magazine M and transport it to the second stage 20.

The angle R3 formed by the first arm 200 and the third arm 400 around the first axis C1 is less than 90°. For example, the angle R3 formed by the first arm 200 and the third arm 400 may be 45°.

The angle R4 formed by the second arm portion 300 and the fourth arm portion 500 around the second axis C2 is less than 90°. For example, the angle R4 formed by the second arm portion 300 and the fourth arm portion 500 may be 45°.

The first arm 200 and the third arm 400 rotate integrally about the first axis C1. The second arm portion 300 and the fourth arm portion 500 rotate as one body about the second axis C2.

The gripper unit 600 serves to transport the stacked electrode pack from the third stage 30. The gripper unit 600 may include a guide rail 610 and a gripper 620 that moves along the guide rail 610. The guide may be arranged long along the left and right directions (x). The gripper 620 grips the stacked electrode pack.

Figures 4 and 5 are diagrams showing the stacking process of the first electrode S1.

Referring to FIG. 4, when the first arm 200 and the third arm 400 rotate counterclockwise about the first axis C1, the first arm 200 is positioned on the first stage 10. Aligned, the third arm portion 400 is aligned with the magazine (M). At this time, the third stage 30 moves to the right in the drawing and is aligned at the first stacking point ST1.

The first arm 200 suctions the first electrode S1 placed on the first stage 10. At this time, the first stage 10 may be an alignment stage that adjusts the position of the first electrode S1 in response to the suction position of the first arm 200. At the same time, the third arm 400 suctions the first electrode S1 loaded in the magazine M.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 5, when the first arm 200 and the third arm 400 rotate clockwise about the first axis C1, the first arm 200 moves to the first stacking point. (ST1), and the third arm portion 400 is aligned with the first stage 10. At this time, the first arm 200 stacks the first electrode S1 at the first stacking point ST1. At the same time, the third arm 400 places the first electrode S1 taken from the magazine M on the first stage 10.

Additionally, when the second arm 300 and the fourth arm 500 rotate clockwise about the second axis C2, the second arm 300 is aligned with the second stage 20, and the fourth arm 500 is aligned with the second stage 20. The arm portion 500 is aligned with the magazine (M). The second arm 300 suctions the second electrode S2 placed on the second stage 20. At this time, the second stage 20 may be an alignment stage that adjusts the position of the second electrode S2 in response to the suction position of the second arm 300. At the same time, the fourth arm portion 500 suctions the second electrode S2 loaded in the magazine M.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the stacking process of the second electrode S2.

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 6, when the second arm 300 and the fourth arm 500 rotate counterclockwise about the second axis C2, the second arm 300 performs the second stacking. It is aligned at the point ST2, and the fourth arm portion 500 is aligned with the second stage 20.

Meanwhile, the third stage 30 moves to the left in the drawing and is aligned at the second stacking point ST2. And the second arm portion 300 stacks the second electrode S2 at the second stacking point ST2. At the same time, the fourth arm 500 places the second electrode S2 taken from the magazine M on the second stage 20.

In this way, on the rotation path of the first arm 200 and the second arm 300, the distance between the first stage 10 and the stacking point (ST) and the distance between the second stage 20 and the stacking point (ST) The distance is short, and on the rotation path of the third arm 400 and the fourth arm 500, the distance between the first stage 10 and the magazine M and the distance between the second stage 20 and the magazine M Because the distance is short, there is an advantage in greatly improving the stacking speed.

Figures 7 and 8 are diagrams showing the process of alternately stacking the first electrode (S1) and the second electrode (S2).

Referring to FIG. 7, in a state where the separator (SP) is continuously supplied from the top to the bottom, the third stage 30 moves back and forth along the left and right direction (x) and the separator (SP) can be loaded in a zigzag shape. there is. Additionally, a first electrode (S1) and a second electrode (S2) may be positioned between the separators (SP) stacked in a zigzag manner.

At the first stacking point ST1, when the first electrode S1 is in a stacking state and the third stage 30 moves to the right, the separator SP is formed to surround the side of the first electrode S1. SP) is bent.

6 to 8, while the first arm 200 moves to the first stage 10, the third stage 30 and the second arm 300 move to the second stacking point ST2. Go to When the third stage 30 moves to the second stacking point ST2, the separator SP covers the upper surface of the second electrode S2. Thereafter, the second electrode S2 transported through the second arm 300 may be stacked on the separator SP.

In this way, while the third stage 30 reciprocates in the left and right direction (x), the separator SP surrounds the lower surface, one side, and the upper surface of the first electrode S1, and the lower surface of the second electrode S2, It is arranged to surround the other side and the top surface.

Figure 9 is a diagram showing the movement of the second stage 20 and the gripper unit 600.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, and 9, the second stage 20 is located on the path of the gripper 620 toward the third stage 30. This is because the second stage 20 is arranged to overlap the third stage 30 in the left and right directions (x) in order to increase the stacking speed. Accordingly, as shown in (a) of FIG. 9, after stacking is completed, when the gripper 620 moves toward the third stage 30, the second stage 20 is moved so that the second stage 20 does not get in the way. (20) moves to a lower position than the gripper (620).

The guide rail 610 may be located above the stacking point ST in consideration of the second stage 20 moving up and down.

As shown in (b) of FIG. 9, when the second stage 20 moves downward and space is secured, the gripper 620 moves toward the third stage 30 and stacks the stacked electrode pack (P). ) is grasped. Thereafter, the gripper 620 can transport the electrode pack (P) to the wrapping area. The second stage 20 can move up and down by a cylinder or a motor.

Above, specific embodiments of the stacking device of the electrode production system for secondary batteries of the present invention have been described, but it is obvious that various implementation modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Therefore, the scope of the present invention should not be limited to the described embodiments, but should be determined by the claims and equivalents thereof as well as the claims described later.

That is, the above-described embodiments should be understood in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims to be described later rather than the detailed description, and the meaning and scope of the claims and All changes or modified forms derived from the equivalent concept should be construed as falling within the scope of the present invention.

10: Stage 1
20: Stage 2
30: Stage 3
100: Separator supply unit
200: 1st dark part
300: 2nd dark part
400: Third dark part
500: 4th dark part
600: Gripper part

Claims (14)

In the stacking device of the secondary battery production system, which repeats the operation of sequentially stacking the first electrode located on the first stage, the separator, and the second electrode located on the second stage at the stacking point,
a separator supply unit that supplies separators to the stacking point;
a first arm rotating around a first axis, adsorbing the first electrode of the first stage and transporting it to the stacking point;
A second arm rotating around a second axis, adsorbing the second electrode of the second stage and transporting it to the stacking point; And
A gripper unit disposed to be movable in the left and right directions, enters the stacking point and grips the battery pack for which stacking has been completed,
The first stage and the second stage are arranged to overlap the stacking point in the left and right directions,
The second stage is arranged to be movable up and down,
While the gripper unit moves in the left and right direction, the second stage moves to a lower position than the gripper unit. According to claim 1,
The first stage is disposed on the rotation path of the first arm, and the angle between the stacking point and the first stage about the first axis is an acute angle,
The second stage is disposed on the rotation path of the second arm, and the angle between the stacking point and the second stage about the second axis is an acute angle. According to claim 1,
The stacking device of the secondary battery production system wherein the operating angle of the first arm portion centered on the first axis is less than 90°, and the operating angle of the second arm portion centered on the second axis is smaller than 90°. According to claim 1,
A third arm connected to the first axis and transporting the first electrode from the magazine to the first stage,
The stacking device of the secondary battery production system wherein the angle formed by the first arm and the third arm about the first axis is less than 90°. According to clause 4,
Stacking of the secondary battery production system in which the third arm transports the first electrode from the magazine to the first stage while the first arm transports the first electrode from the first stage to the stacking point. Device. According to claim 1,
A fourth arm connected to the second axis and transporting the second electrode from the magazine to the second stage,
The stacking device of the secondary battery production system wherein the angle formed by the second arm portion and the fourth arm portion around the second axis is less than 90°. According to clause 6,
Stacking of the secondary battery production system in which the fourth arm transports the second electrode from the magazine to the second stage, while the second arm transports the second electrode from the second stage to the stacking point. Device. According to claim 1,
It includes a third stage disposed at the stacking point,
The stacking point includes a first stacking point and a second stacking point arranged along the left and right directions,
The first electrode is stacked at the first stacking point, and the second electrode is stacked at the second stacking point,
The third stage is a stacking device in a secondary battery production system that repeatedly moves back and forth between the first stacking point and the second stacking point. According to clause 8,
A stacking device in a secondary battery production system wherein the separator supply unit continuously supplies the separator downward to the stacking point. According to clause 8,
In the stacking process,
A stacking device in which the separators are stacked in a zigzag shape as the third stage repeatedly moves back and forth along the left and right directions. According to clause 8,
The separator is arranged to surround the lower surface, one side, and upper surface of the first electrode, and the lower surface, other side, and upper surface of the second electrode. According to clause 8,
While the first arm moves to the first stage, the third stage and the second arm move to the second stacking point. According to claim 1,
The gripper unit includes a guide rail disposed along the left and right directions, and a gripper moving along the guide rail,
The guide rail is a stacking device for a secondary battery production system located above the stacking point. According to claim 1,
A stacking device for a secondary battery production system in which the shape of the first electrode and the shape of the second electrode are the same.

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