Manufacturing equipment for stacking cells of secondary batteries

Abstract

Provided is a manufacturing device for stacking cells of secondary batteries, comprising: a stacking table on which negative electrode plates and positive electrode plates with separators inserted in between are stacked in sequence; an electrode plate stacking position adjusting device, which adjusts the position of the stacking table so that the negative electrode plates and the positive electrode plates are stacked at a constant position regardless of the number of times the electrode plates are stacked; a clamping device, which presses the edge portions of one side and the other side of each of the negative electrode plates, the positive electrode plates and the separators stacked on the stacking table toward the stacking table, and clamps the edge portions of the negative electrode plates, the positive electrode plates and the separators; a driving device, which causes the stacking table, the electrode plate stacking position adjusting device and the clamping device to reciprocate to both sides, so that the separators supplied to the stacking table are folded into a Z shape, and the negative electrode plates and the positive electrode plates are alternately stacked between the folded portions of the separators; and a supporting device, which supports the stacking table, the electrode plate stacking position adjusting device, the clamping device and the driving device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a manufacturing device for a battery cell stack of a secondary battery, and more particularly, to a manufacturing device for a battery cell stack of a secondary battery, the device being capable of manufacturing the battery cell stack by a Z-stacking method. Background Art

[0002] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

[0003] Generally, a chemical battery refers to a battery including an electrolyte and a pair of electrodes including a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate, and the amount of energy that can be stored varies depending on the substances constituting the electrodes and the electrolyte. Such chemical batteries are divided into primary batteries that are used only once by discharging and secondary batteries that can be reused by repeatedly charging and discharging.

[0004] Since secondary batteries can be repeatedly charged and discharged, they are used in various technical fields throughout the industry. For example, secondary batteries are widely used as energy sources for cutting-edge electronic devices such as wireless mobile devices, and secondary batteries have also attracted attention as energy sources for hybrid electric vehicles, which have been proposed to solve the air pollution problem caused by gasoline and diesel internal combustion engines in related technologies using fossil fuels.

[0005] As anyone can see, the secondary battery is configured such that a positive electrode plate, a separator, and a negative electrode plate are sequentially stacked and immersed in an electrolyte solution. There are widely two methods of manufacturing an inner cell stack for a secondary battery.

[0006] That is, in order to manufacture a small secondary battery, a method is widely used in which a negative electrode plate and a positive electrode plate are arranged on a separator, and the negative electrode plate, the positive electrode plate and the separator are rolled up (wound) in a roll core manner. In addition, in order to manufacture medium and large secondary batteries with a large capacitance, a method is widely used in which a negative electrode plate, a positive electrode plate and a separator are stacked in an appropriate order.

[0007] In addition, there are various methods for manufacturing an inner cell stack for a secondary battery by stacking negative electrode plates, positive electrode plates and separators. Among the various methods, the Z stacking method folds the separator into a zigzag pattern and stacks the negative electrode plates, positive electrode plates and separators in a state where the negative electrode plates and the positive electrode plates are alternately inserted between the separators.

[0008] An inner cell stack for a secondary battery manufactured by a Z stacking method is disclosed in Korean Patent No. 10-0313119 and the like.

[0009] In addition, examples of an apparatus capable of manufacturing a cell stack by a Z stacking method are disclosed in Korean Patent No. 10-1140447, Korean Patent No. 10-1730469, Korean Patent No. 10-1933550, and the like.

[0010] However, in the case of the battery cell stacking manufacturing equipment disclosed in Korean Patent No. 10-1730469 and the electrode stacking disclosed in Korean Patent No. 10-1933550, there is a problem that as the number of times the positive and negative electrode plates are stacked increases, the position of the positive and negative electrode plates stacking rises, which leads to the problem of the separator being torn or broken when the separator is supplied to the position of the positive and negative electrode plates stacking.

[0011] That is, it is necessary to supply a separator that is approximately horizontal relative to the position where the positive and negative electrode plates are stacked. However, in the case where the position where the positive and negative electrode plates are stacked is raised as the number of times the positive and negative electrode plates are stacked increases, the separator cannot be horizontal relative to the position where the positive and negative electrode plates are stacked, which leads to the problem of the separator being torn or damaged.

[0012] Therefore, the inventors of the present application have attempted to solve the problems caused by the cell stack manufacturing apparatus disclosed in Korean Patent No. 10-1730469 and the electrode stack disclosed in Korean Patent No. 10-1933550, and thus, the present disclosure was filed as a patent application.

[0013] [Related technical literature]

[0014] [Patent Document]

[0015] Korean Patent No. 10-0313119

[0016] Korean Patent No. 10-1140447

[0017] Korean Patent No. 10-1730469

[0018] Korean Patent No. 10-1933550 Summary of the invention

[0019] The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a manufacturing device for secondary battery cell stacking, which can always maintain a constant position (height) of the positive and negative electrode plate stacking regardless of the number of times the positive and negative electrode plates are stacked during the manufacturing process of the cell stacking.

[0020] This section provides a general summary of the disclosure, and is not a comprehensive disclosure of its full scope or all of its features.

[0021] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a manufacturing device for stacking battery cells of a secondary battery, the manufacturing device for stacking battery cells of a secondary battery comprising: a stacking table, on which negative electrode plates and positive electrode plates are stacked in sequence, with a separator inserted between the negative electrode plates and the positive electrode plates; an electrode plate stacking position adjustment device, the electrode plate stacking position adjustment device being configured to adjust the position of the stacking table so that the negative electrode plates and the positive electrode plates are stacked at a constant position regardless of the number of times the negative electrode plates and the positive electrode plates are stacked; and a clamping device, the clamping device being configured to press the negative electrode plates stacked on the stacking table toward the stacking table. The stacking station, the electrode plate stacking position adjusting device and the clamping device reciprocate to rotate the stacking station, the electrode plate stacking position adjusting device and the clamping device to both sides, so that the separator supplied to the stacking station is folded into a Z shape, and the negative electrode plate and the positive electrode plate are alternately stacked between the folded portions of the separator; and a supporting device, the supporting device is configured to support the stacking station, the electrode plate stacking position adjusting device, the clamping device and the driving device.

[0022] In a manufacturing device for stacking cells of secondary batteries according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the supporting device may include: a base; a first supporting frame and a second supporting frame, the first supporting frame and the second supporting frame extending in the longitudinal direction of the base, extending vertically outward from the upper surface of the base, and arranged spaced apart from each other; a mounting frame, the mounting frame being arranged between the first supporting frame and the second supporting frame so as to be able to move up and down; and a mounting frame lifting servo motor, the mounting frame lifting servo motor being configured to raise or lower the mounting frame.

[0023] In a manufacturing device for stacking cells of secondary batteries according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the mounting frame lifting servo motor can be installed on the lower surface of the base, the rotating shaft of the mounting frame lifting servo motor can pass through the base and extend vertically, the mounting frame lifting ball screw can be vertically connected to the rotating shaft of the mounting frame lifting servo motor, and the mounting frame lifting ball screw nut engaged with and passed through the mounting frame lifting ball screw can be installed on the lower part of the mounting frame.

[0024] In a manufacturing device for stacking cells of secondary batteries according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the driving device may include: a tilting frame on which the stacking table, the electrode plate stacking position adjustment device and the clamping device are mounted; and a tilting servo motor, the tilting servo motor being configured to reciprocate the tilting frame toward both sides of the mounting frame of the supporting device, and the tilting servo motor may be mounted on the upper part of one end or the other end of the mounting frame and connected to the tilting frame.

[0025] In a manufacturing device for stacking cells of secondary batteries according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the tilting frame may include: a head, which is arranged at a recessed central portion of the mounting frame and extends horizontally along the longitudinal direction of the mounting frame; and a skirt, which is integrally formed on the lower surface of the head, wherein both ends of the head can extend horizontally outward from both ends of the skirt, and a tilting axis can be installed at both ends of the head and can extend horizontally to the upper part of one end and the upper part of the other end of the mounting frame adjacent to each other, and wherein the extended end of the tilting axis extends to the upper part of one end and the upper part of the other end of the mounting frame, can be rotatably supported on the upper part of one end and the upper part of the other end of the mounting frame, and any one of the tilting axes can be connected to the tilt servo motor.

[0026] In a manufacturing device for stacking cells of secondary batteries according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the electrode plate stacking position adjustment device may include: a stacking position adjustment servo motor, which is installed at the bottom of a hollow portion formed in a skirt of an inclined frame of the driving device; a stacking position adjustment ball screw, which is connected to a rotating shaft of the stacking position adjustment servo motor, passes through the skirt, and passes through a second lifting plate arranged on the lower side of the skirt, and the stacking position adjustment ball screw is configured to engage with and pass through a stacking position adjustment ball screw nut installed on the second lifting plate; and a third lifting plate, which is arranged between the head of the inclined frame and the stacking table to support the stacking table and is connected to the second lifting plate by a second connecting rod, and in the process of manufacturing the cell stack, the stacking position adjustment servo motor lowers the second lifting plate, the third lifting plate and the stacking plate by rotating the stacking position adjustment ball screw to a length corresponding to the thickness of the stacked negative electrode plates or the stacked positive electrode plates.

[0027] In a manufacturing device for stacking cells of secondary batteries according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the third lifting plate and the stacking table can be connected by means of leg members, and the leg members can be connected to a suction table of the stacking table, which faces the upper surface of the third lifting plate adjacent to both ends of the third lifting plate.

[0028] In a manufacturing device for stacking cells of secondary batteries according to one aspect of the present disclosure, an extension bracket vertically and slidably passes through the head and faces the two ends of the skirt, the extension bracket can be vertically extended from the lower surface of the third lifting plate connected to the two ends of the third lifting plate, the stacking position adjustment LM guide can be installed at the two ends of the skirt facing the extension bracket, the stacking position adjustment LM guide can be vertically installed along the longitudinal direction of the skirt, and a stacking position adjustment LM guide block that can slidably cooperate with the stacking position adjustment LM guide can be installed on the extension bracket.

[0029] In a manufacturing device for stacking cells of secondary batteries according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the stacking table may include: a suction table, which is arranged to be spaced apart from the upper side of the head and has a "]" shape when viewed from above; a lifting table, which is arranged to occupy the interior of the suction table; and a lifting table lifting cylinder, which is configured to raise or lower the lifting table, and the lifting table lifting cylinder can be installed on the lower side of both ends of the second lifting plate so that the cylinder rod extends outward from the lower part of the second lifting plate, and the cylinder rod of the lifting table lifting cylinder can be connected to each other by a first lifting plate horizontally arranged on the outer side of the lower part of the second lifting plate, and the first lifting plate and the lifting table can be connected by means of a first connecting rod passing through the second lifting plate, the skirt, the head and the third lifting plate.

[0030] In a manufacturing device for stacking cells of secondary batteries according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the clamping device may include: four clamp assemblies, the four clamp assemblies are arranged at both ends of one side and the other side of the stacking table; a first clamp moving unit and a second clamp moving unit, the first clamp moving unit and the second clamp moving unit are configured to allow two clamp assemblies facing each other in the longitudinal direction of the stacking table to cooperate with each other, and move the two clamp assemblies so that the two clamp assemblies cooperating with each other alternately press the separators and the negative electrode plates stacked on the stacking table and the edges of one side and the other side of each of the separators, the negative electrode plates and the positive electrode plates; a first clamping frame and a second clamping frame, the first clamping frame and the second clamping frame being configured to support the first clamper moving unit and the second clamper moving unit, respectively; and a first clamper lifting unit and a second clamper lifting unit, the first clamper lifting unit and the second clamper lifting unit being configured to raise or lower the first clamping frame and the second clamping frame to allow the clamper assembly to alternately press the edges of one side and the other side of each of the separators, the negative electrode plates and the positive electrode plates stacked on the stacking table.

[0031] In a manufacturing device for stacking cells of secondary batteries according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the first clamping frame and the second clamping frame can extend horizontally along the longitudinal direction of the mounting frame on one side and the other side of the mounting frame of the support device, the first clamping frame and the second clamping frame can be installed to be able to move up and down on one side and the other side of the skirt of the inclined frame of the driving device, and the first clamper assembly lifting LM guide and the second clamper assembly lifting LM guide can be vertically installed on one side and the other side of the skirt along the longitudinal direction of the skirt, and the first clamper assembly lifting LM guide block and the second clamper assembly lifting LM guide block that can slidably cooperate with the first clamper assembly lifting LM guide and the second clamper assembly lifting LM guide can be installed on the inner surfaces of the first clamping frame and the second clamping frame facing the first clamper assembly lifting LM guide and the second clamper assembly lifting LM guide, wherein the first clamper lifting unit and the second clamper lifting unit may include: a first clamper assembly lifting servo motor and a second clamper assembly lifting servo motor The first clamp assembly lifting servo motor and the second clamp assembly lifting servo motor are arranged on the lower side of the outer surface of the first clamping frame and the second clamping frame; and the first clamp assembly lifting ball screw and the second clamp assembly lifting ball screw, the first clamp assembly lifting ball screw and the second clamp assembly lifting ball screw are configured to rotate by being connected to the rotating shaft of the first clamp assembly lifting servo motor and the second clamp assembly lifting servo motor by a power transmission device, and wherein the first clamp assembly lifting servo motor Each of the lifting ball screw and the second clamping assembly lifting ball screw can be vertically arranged between the skirt and each of the first clamping frame and the second clamping frame, and the first clamping assembly lifting ball screw nut and the second clamping assembly lifting ball screw nut which are engaged with the first clamping assembly lifting ball screw and the second clamping assembly lifting ball screw and passed through by the first clamping assembly lifting ball screw and the second clamping assembly lifting ball screw can be installed on the inner surface of the first clamping frame and the second clamping frame.

[0032] In a manufacturing device for stacking cells of secondary batteries according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the first clamper moving unit may include: a pair of clamper assembly moving servo motors, the pair of clamper assembly moving servo motors being installed at both ends of the lower part of the first clamping frame; and a pair of clamper assembly moving ball screws, the pair of clamper assembly moving ball screws being rotatably supported on the upper part of the first clamping frame and extending horizontally along the longitudinal direction of the first clamping frame so as not to interfere with each other at the upper part of the first clamping frame, the pair of clamper assembly moving ball screws having threads extending in opposite directions, wherein the clamper assembly moving ball screw of the first clamper moving unit can be connected to a clamper assembly moving ball screw disposed adjacent to the clamper assembly moving ball screw through a power transmission device. The cam is an assembly of a plurality of movable parts, each of which is connected to a pair of movable parts by a plurality of movable parts, and the movable parts are connected to the plurality of movable parts by a plurality of movable parts.

[0033] In a manufacturing device for stacking cells of secondary batteries according to one aspect of the present disclosure, each clamp assembly may include: a sliding member; and a clamp, wherein the clamp is mounted on the sliding member and has a horizontally extending bar shape, and wherein two clamp assemblies can be connected to and can face a pair of clamp assembly moving ball screws of the first clamp moving unit, two clamp assemblies can be connected to and can face a pair of clamp assembly moving ball screws of the second clamp moving unit, a clamp assembly moving ball screw nut engaged with the corresponding clamp assembly moving ball screw can be mounted on the sliding member of the clamp assembly, and a clamp assembly moving LM guide block that can slidably cooperate with the first clamp assembly moving LM guide and the second clamp assembly moving LM guide formed on the outer surfaces of the first clamping frame and the second clamping frame can be mounted on the sliding member of the clamp assembly.

[0034] In a manufacturing device for stacking cells of secondary batteries according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the clamp can be mounted on an actuator so as to be movable up and down, the actuator can be fixedly mounted on a variable block having a vertical plate shape, and the variable block can be connected and supported to the rear surface of a fixed block fixedly mounted on the sliding member by means of screws.

[0035] In a manufacturing device for stacking cells of secondary batteries according to one aspect of the present disclosure, a first fixed plate may be protrudingly installed on one side of the fixed block, a first variable plate vertically facing the first fixed plate may be protrudingly installed on the variable block facing the first fixed plate, the first fixed plate may be equipped with a first fine-tuning bolt having a threaded portion, the threaded portion of the first fine-tuning bolt having an end portion fastened to the first variable plate, a second fixed plate may be installed on the other side of the fixed block, the second fixed plate extends horizontally and passes through the variable block at the same time, a second variable plate facing the second fixed plate in the left-right direction may be protrudingly installed on the rear surface of the variable block, and the second variable plate may be equipped with a second fine-tuning bolt having a threaded portion, the threaded portion of the second fine-tuning bolt having an end portion fastened to the second fixed plate. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The above and other aspects, features and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood through the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0037] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a manufacturing apparatus for a cell stack of a secondary battery according to the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A side view of a manufacturing device for stacking cells of secondary batteries is shown;

[0039] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 A stereoscopic view of the driving device and the electrode plate stacking position adjusting device shown;

[0040] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An enlarged perspective view of the electrode plate stacking position adjustment device shown;

[0041] Figure 5A and Figure 5B It is shown Figure 1 A view of the clamping device shown, i.e., a stereoscopic view showing the connection relationship between the first clamper lifting unit, the first clamper moving unit and the two clamper assemblies arranged on the first clamping frame;

[0042] Fig. 6A and Figure 6B It is shown Figure 1 A view of the clamping device shown, i.e., a perspective view showing the connection relationship between the second clamper lifting unit, the second clamper moving unit and the two clamper assemblies arranged on the second clamping frame;

[0043] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B It is shown installed in Figure 1 a view of a holder on a holder assembly as shown; and

[0044] Fig. 8A and Figure 8B is a schematic diagram showing a negative electrode plate, a positive electrode plate and a separator stacked on Figure 1 A view of the state of the stacking table is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of a manufacturing apparatus for a cell stack of a secondary battery according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] However, it should be noted that the inherent technical spirit of the present disclosure is not limited to the following exemplary embodiments, and those skilled in the art can easily replace or change the following exemplary embodiments based on the inherent technical spirit of the present disclosure.

[0048] Furthermore, the terms used herein are selected for convenience of description, and when recognizing the inherent technical spirit of the present disclosure, they should be appropriately interpreted as meanings that conform to the technical spirit of the present disclosure without being limited to dictionary meanings.

[0049] In the accompanying drawings, Figures 1 to 8B is a view showing a manufacturing apparatus for a cell stack of a secondary battery according to the present disclosure.

[0050] Reference Figures 1 to 8B The manufacturing apparatus 100 for stacking cells of secondary batteries according to the present disclosure includes: a stacking station 130 on which the pick-ups 20 (see FIG. 1 ) transported from the negative electrode plates are sequentially stacked. Fig. 8A and Figure 8B ) and the positive electrode plate transport pick-up 30 (see Fig. 8A and Figure 8B ) Continuously supplied negative electrode plate N (see Fig. 8A and Figure 8B ) and the positive electrode plate P (see Fig. 8A and Figure 8B ), insert a partition S between them (see Fig. 8A and Figure 8B); an electrode plate stacking position adjusting device 140, which is configured to adjust the position of the stacking table 130 so that the negative electrode plates N and the positive electrode plates P are stacked at a constant position (height) regardless of the number of stacking times of the negative electrode plates N and the positive electrode plates P to be stacked; a clamping device 150, which is configured to press the edge portions of the negative electrode plates N, the positive electrode plates P and the separators S stacked on the stacking table 130 toward the stacking table 130, and clamp the edge portions of the negative electrode plates N, the positive electrode plates P and the separators S; and a driving device 120, which is configured to cause the stacking table 130, the electrode plate stacking position adjusting device 140 and the clamping device 150 to reciprocate to both sides, so that the separators S supplied to the stacking table 130 are folded into a Z shape, and the negative electrode plates N and the positive electrode plates P are alternately stacked between the folded portions of the separators S folded into a Z shape.

[0051] Furthermore, the manufacturing apparatus 100 for stacking cells of secondary batteries according to the present disclosure further includes a supporting device 110 configured to support a stacking stage 130 , an electrode plate stacking position adjusting device 140 , a clamping device 150 , and a driving device 120 .

[0052] First, the supporting device 110 includes a base 111 , and first and second supporting frames 112 a and 112 b formed on an upper surface of the base 111 .

[0053] The first supporting frame 112a and the second supporting frame 112b extend in the longitudinal direction of the base 111 and extend vertically outward from the upper surface of the base 111. In this case, as shown in the figure, the first supporting frame 112a and the second supporting frame 112b are spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval.

[0054] Meanwhile, the supporting device 110 further includes a mounting frame 113 disposed between the first supporting frame 112 a and the second supporting frame 112 b and a mounting frame lifting servo motor 115 configured to lift or lower the mounting frame 113 .

[0055] Similar to the first supporting frame 112 a and the second supporting frame 112 b , the mounting frame 113 extends in the longitudinal direction of the base 111 and extends vertically outward from the upper surface of the base 111 .

[0056] The mounting frame 113 configured as described above is disposed between the first supporting frame 112a and the second supporting frame 112b so as to be movable up and down. To this end, mounting frame lifting LM guides 114a are respectively installed and vertically extended from one end and the other end, i.e., both sides of the mounting frame 113, and mounting frame lifting LM guide blocks 114b are installed on the inner surfaces of the first supporting frame 112a and the second supporting frame 112b so as to be slidably matched with the mounting frame lifting LM guides 114a.

[0057] In addition, the central portions of the first and second support frames 112a and 112b and the central portion of the mounting frame 113 are recessed so that the first and second support frames 112a and 112b and the mounting frame 113 do not interfere with the stacking table 130, the electrode plate stacking position adjusting device 140 and the clamping device 150 that are reciprocated to both sides by the driving device 120 supported on the mounting frame 113. Unlike the first and second support frames 112a and 112b each having a substantially vertical plate shape, the mounting frame 113 has a substantially U-shaped cross section.

[0058] The mounting frame lifting servomotor 115 is mounted on the lower surface of the base 111, and the rotating shaft of the mounting frame lifting servomotor 115 passes through the base 111 and extends vertically. In this case, the mounting frame lifting ball screw 116 is vertically connected to the rotating shaft of the mounting frame lifting servomotor 115, which passes through the base 111, by means of a typical coupling.

[0059] In addition, the mounting frame lifting ball screw 116 vertically passes through the lower part of the mounting frame 113, and the mounting frame lifting ball screw nut 117 is installed on the lower part of the mounting frame 113, and the mounting frame lifting ball screw nut 117 is engaged with the mounting frame lifting ball screw 116 and passed through it.

[0060] When the battery cell stack is fully manufactured on the stacking table 130, the mounting frame lifting servo motor 115 set as described above causes the mounting frame lifting ball screw 116 to rotate forward to lift the mounting frame 113, and the mounting frame 113 raised as described above guides the manufactured (fully stacked) battery cell stack to the unloading position.

[0061] Furthermore, when the manufactured cell stack is completely unloaded outside the cell stack manufacturing apparatus 100 for a secondary battery according to the present disclosure, the mounting frame lifting servo motor 115 reversely rotates the mounting frame lifting ball screw 116 to lower the mounting frame 113 .

[0062] The driving device 120 includes: a tilting frame 121 on which a stacking table 130 , an electrode plate stacking position adjusting device 140 and a clamping device 150 are mounted; and a tilting servo motor 126 configured to reciprocate the tilting frame 121 toward both sides of the mounting frame 113 .

[0063] The tilt frame 121 includes a head 122 that is disposed at a recessed central portion of the mounting frame 113 and horizontally extends in a longitudinal direction of the mounting frame 113 , and a skirt 124 that is integrally formed on a lower surface of the head 122 .

[0064] In this case, as shown in the figure, both ends of the head 122 further extend horizontally outward from both ends of the skirt 124. The tilting shaft 125 is installed at both ends of the head 122 configured as described above, and the tilting shaft 125 extends horizontally to the upper part of one end and the upper part of the other end of the mounting frame 113 adjacent to each other.

[0065] In addition, the extended ends of the tilt shaft 125 extending to the upper portions of one end and the other end of the mounting frame 113 are rotatably supported on the upper portions of one end and the other end, respectively.

[0066] The tilt servo motor 126 is mounted on the upper part of one end of the mounting frame 113 that rotatably supports the tilt shaft 125, or the tilt servo motor 126 is mounted on each of the upper part of one end and the upper part of the other end of the mounting frame 113. The rotating shaft of the tilt servo motor 126 is mounted on the upper part of one end of the mounting frame 113 or on each of the upper part of one end and the upper part of the other end of the mounting frame 113, and the rotating shaft is connected to the tilt shaft 125 adjacent to the rotating shaft of the tilt servo motor 126 via a speed reducer.

[0067] In the process of manufacturing the battery cell stack, the tilt servo motor 126 connected to the tilt shaft 125 as described above reciprocates the tilt shaft 125 and the tilt frame 121 at a predetermined angle toward both sides of the mounting frame 113. Therefore, the stacking table 130, the electrode plate stacking position adjustment device 140 and the clamping device 150 mounted on the tilt frame 121 also reciprocates toward both sides of the mounting frame 113 at a predetermined angle together with the tilt frame 121.

[0068] Furthermore, when the cell stack is completely manufactured, the tilt servo motor 126 rotates the tilt shaft 125 to allow the tilt frame 121 to stand vertically, thereby guiding the manufactured cell stack to the unloading position.

[0069] The stacking table 130 includes a suction table 131 and an elevating table 134 , which are disposed to be spaced apart from an upper side of the head 122 of the tilting frame 121 .

[0070] The suction table 131 has an approximately “]” shape when viewed in a plan view, and a plurality of vacuum suction holes 132 are formed on an upper surface of the suction table 131 according to the shape of the suction table 131 .

[0071] As anyone can see, the vacuum suction hole 132 is connected to a typical vacuum pipe (not shown), and vacuum pressure is supplied to the vacuum suction hole 132 through the vacuum pipe, thereby fixing the tip of the separator S supplied to the upper portion of the suction table 131 .

[0072] Furthermore, a cell stack unloading device (not shown) configured to hold a completely manufactured cell stack and transfer the cell stack to a subsequent process enters or leaves the opening portion 133 formed in the suction table 131 .

[0073] The lifting table 134 is arranged to occupy the inside of the suction table 131 when viewed in a plan view, and the lifting table 134 together with the suction table 131 defines a stacking surface on which the negative electrode plates N and the positive electrode plates P can be sequentially stacked with the separator S interposed therebetween.

[0074] At the same time, the lifting platform 134 is raised or lowered so that the battery stack unloading device (not shown) can easily hold the fully manufactured battery stack. To this end, the stacking platform 130 also includes a lifting platform lifting cylinder 135, which is configured to raise or lower the lifting platform 134.

[0075] The lifting platform lifting cylinder 135 is installed at both ends of the second lifting plate 144 of the electrode plate stacking position adjusting device 140 described below, and the cylinder rod of the lifting platform lifting cylinder 135 extends outward from the lower part of the second lifting plate 144 .

[0076] In addition, the cylinder rods of the lifting cylinder 135 of the lifting platform are connected to each other through the first lifting plate 136, which is horizontally arranged outside the lower part of the second lifting plate 144. In this case, the first lifting plate 136 and the lifting platform 134 are connected by the first connecting rod 137.

[0077] The first connecting rod 137 extends from the first lifting plate 136, passes through the second lifting plate 144 of the electrode plate stacking position adjusting device 140 (disposed between the first lifting plate 136 and the skirt 124), passes through the skirt 124, passes through the head 122, and passes through the third lifting plate 146 of the electrode plate stacking position adjusting device 140 (disposed between the head 122 and the lifting platform 134), and then, the first connecting rod 137 is connected to the lower part of the lifting platform 134.

[0078] That is, when the cell stack is completely manufactured on the stacking table 130, the tilting servo motor 126 of the driving device 120 makes the tilting frame 121 stand vertically, and the mounting frame lifting servo motor 115 of the supporting device 110 lifts the mounting frame 113, thereby guiding the fully manufactured cell stack to the unloading position. In this case, the opening portion 133 of the suction table 131 faces the cell stack unloading device (not shown). When the cell stack unloading device moves toward the opening portion 133 of the suction table 131 to hold the fully manufactured cell stack, the cylinder rod of the lifting table lifting cylinder 135 extends to lower the first lifting plate 136. In addition, when the first lifting plate 136 is lowered, the lifting table 134 connected to the first lifting plate 136 by the first connecting rod 137 is lowered together with the first lifting plate 136.

[0079] Furthermore, when the cell stack unloading device holds the completely manufactured cell stack through the opening portion 133 and then moves outward, the lifting platform lifting cylinder 135 retracts the extended cylinder rod so that the first lifting plate 136 and the lifting platform 134 also return while being raised.

[0080] The electrode plate stacking position adjustment device 140 includes a stacking position adjustment servo motor 141, which is configured to adjust the position of the stacking table 130 so that during the process of manufacturing the battery cell stack, the negative electrode plate N and the positive electrode plate P are stacked at a constant position (height) and the separator S is inserted therebetween.

[0081] As shown in the figure, the stack position adjustment servo motor 141 is installed at the bottom of the hollow part 127 formed in the skirt 124 of the tilt frame 121, and the stack position adjustment ball screw 142 is vertically connected to the rotating shaft of the stack position adjustment servo motor 141 by means of a typical coupling.

[0082] The stack position adjusting ball screw 142 extends while vertically passing through the skirt 124, vertically passing through the second lifting plate 144 provided between the lower portion of the skirt 124 and the first lifting plate 136, and vertically passing through the first lifting plate 136. In this case, the stack position adjusting ball screw nut 143 is mounted on the second lifting plate 144, and the stack position adjusting ball screw nut 143 is engaged with and passed through the stack position adjusting ball screw 142.

[0083] Furthermore, the second lifting plate 144 is connected to a third lifting plate 146 supporting the stacking stage 130 via a second link 145 .

[0084] As shown in the figure, the third lifting plate 146 is horizontally disposed between the head 122 of the tilting frame 121 and the stacking table 130 to support the stacking table 130. In this case, the suction table 131 of the stacking table 130 is connected to the third lifting plate 146 by means of the leg member 147, and the suction table 131 faces the upper surface of the third lifting plate 146 adjacent to both ends of the third lifting plate 146.

[0085] In addition, the extension bracket 148 extends vertically from the lower surface of the third lifting plate 146 connected to both ends of the third lifting plate 146, and the extension bracket 148 can slide and vertically pass through the head 122 of the tilt frame 121 and face both ends of the skirt 124. In this case, the stack position adjustment LM guide 149a is installed so as not to interfere with the lift table lifting cylinder 135, and the stack position adjustment LM guide 149a is installed at both ends of the skirt 124 facing the extension bracket 148. The stack position adjustment LM guide 149a is installed vertically in the longitudinal direction of the skirt 124. A stack position adjustment LM guide block 149b slidably matched with the stack position adjustment LM guide 149a is installed on the extension bracket 148.

[0086] That is, in the process of manufacturing a cell stack, when the negative electrode plate N or the positive electrode plate P is stacked on the separator S at a predetermined stacking position, the stacking position adjustment servo motor 141 rotates the stacking position adjustment ball screw 142 forward by a length corresponding to the thickness of the stacked negative electrode plate N or the stacked positive electrode plate P, so as to lower the second lifting plate 144 to a degree corresponding to the thickness of the negative electrode plate N or the positive electrode plate P. In this case, the third lifting plate 146 (which is connected to the second lifting plate 144 by means of the second connecting rod 145) and the suction table 131 of the stacking table 130 (which is connected to the third lifting plate 146 by means of the leg member 147) are also lowered to a degree corresponding to the thickness of the stacked negative electrode plate N or the stacked positive electrode plate P. Therefore, in the process of manufacturing a cell stack, regardless of the number of stacking times of the negative electrode plate N and the positive electrode plate P to be stacked, the negative electrode plate N or the positive electrode plate P is stacked on the separator S at a constant position (height).

[0087] Furthermore, when the cell stack is completely manufactured, the stack position adjustment servo motor 141 reversely rotates the stack position adjustment ball screw 142 to return the second and third lifting plates 144 and 146 and the stacking stage 130 .

[0088] The clamping device 150 includes: four clamper assemblies 162, which are arranged at both ends of one side and both ends of the other side of the stacking platform 130; and a first clamper moving unit 159a and a second clamper moving unit 159b, which are configured to allow two clamper assemblies 162 facing each other in the longitudinal direction of the stacking platform 130 to cooperate with each other, and move the two clamper assemblies 162 so that the two clamper assemblies 162 that cooperate with each other alternately press the edges of one side and the other side of each of the separator S, negative electrode plate N and positive electrode plate P stacked on the stacking platform 130.

[0089] In addition, the clamping device 150 also includes: a first clamping frame 151a and a second clamping frame 151b, which are configured to support the first clamper moving unit 159a and the second clamper moving unit 159b, respectively; and a first clamper lifting unit 155a and a second clamper lifting unit 155b, which are configured to raise or lower the first clamping frame 151a and the second clamping frame 151b, respectively, to allow the clamper assembly 162 to alternately press the edges of one side and the other side of each of the separator S, the negative electrode plate N and the positive electrode plate P stacked on the stacking table 130.

[0090] At one side and the other side of the mounting frame 113, the first clamping frame 151a and the second clamping frame 151b extend horizontally in the longitudinal direction of the mounting frame 113. The first clamper assembly moving LM guide 152a and the second clamper assembly moving LM guide 152b are installed on outer surfaces of the first clamping frame 151a and the second clamping frame 151b, respectively.

[0091] In addition, the first clamping frame 151a and the second clamping frame 151b are respectively installed to be able to move up and down on one side and the other side of the skirt 124 of the tilting frame 121. For this purpose, the first clamper assembly lifting LM guide 153a and the second clamper assembly lifting LM guide 153b are vertically installed on one side and the other side of the skirt 124 along the longitudinal direction of the skirt 124, and the first clamper assembly lifting LM guide block 154a and the second clamper assembly lifting LM guide block 154b that can slidably cooperate with the first clamper assembly lifting LM guide 153a and the second clamper assembly lifting LM guide block 154b are respectively installed on the inner surfaces of the first clamping frame 151a and the second clamping frame 151b facing the first clamper assembly lifting LM guide 153a and the second clamper assembly lifting LM guide 153b.

[0092] In this case, with the aid of the first support plate 177a and the second support plate 177b installed on one side and the other side of the skirt 124, the first clamper assembly installed on one side and the other side of the skirt 124 lifts the LM guide 153a and the second clamper assembly lifts the LM guide 153b installed on one side and the other side of the skirt 124 so as not to interfere with the stacking position adjustment servo motor 141.

[0093] At the same time, the first clamper lifting unit 155a and the second clamper lifting unit 155b include: a first clamper assembly lifting servo motor 156a and a second clamper assembly lifting servo motor 156b, which are respectively arranged on the lower side of the outer surface of the first clamping frame 151a and the second clamping frame 151b; and a first clamper assembly lifting ball screw 157a and a second clamper assembly lifting ball screw 157b, which are configured to rotate by being connected to the rotating shaft of the first clamper assembly lifting servo motor 156a and the second clamper assembly lifting servo motor 156b by a typical power transmission device.

[0094] Each of the first clamp assembly lifting ball screw 157a and the second clamp assembly lifting ball screw 157b is vertically arranged between each of the first clamping frame 151a and the second clamping frame 151b and each of the first support plate 177a and the second support plate 177b, and is adjacent to each of the first clamp assembly lifting servo motor 156a and the second clamp assembly lifting servo motor 156b, and each of the first clamp assembly lifting servo motor 156a and the second clamp assembly lifting servo motor 156b interacts with each of the first clamp assembly lifting ball screw 157a and the second clamp assembly lifting ball screw 157b.

[0095] In this case, the lower parts of the first clamper assembly lifting ball screw 157a and the second clamper assembly lifting ball screw 157b are rotatably supported on the lower sides of the first support plate 177a and the second support plate 177b, and the lower sides of the first support plate 177a and the second support plate 177b extend outward from the lower parts of the first clamping frame 151a and the second clamping frame 151b adjacent to the lower parts of the first support plate 177a and the second support plate 177b. The first clamper assembly lifting ball screw nut 158a and the second clamper assembly lifting ball screw nut 158b, which are engaged with and passed through the first clamper assembly lifting ball screw 157a and the second clamper assembly lifting ball screw nut 158b, are installed on the inner surfaces of the first clamping frame 151a and the second clamping frame 151b.

[0096] Similarly, the first clamp assembly lifting servo motor 156a and the second clamp assembly lifting servo motor 156b that interact with the first clamp assembly lifting ball screw 157a and the second clamp assembly lifting ball screw 157b are also installed on the lower side of the first support plate 177a and the second support plate 177b. When viewed from the side, each of the first support plate 177a and the second support plate 177b has an approximate "L" shape.

[0097] In this case, a typical power transmission device connecting the first clamper assembly lifting servo motor 156a and the second clamper assembly lifting servo motor 156b and the first clamper assembly lifting ball screw 157a and the second clamper assembly lifting ball screw 157b can be a synchronous pulley and a synchronous belt. Since the connection relationship between the first clamper assembly lifting servo motor 156a and the second clamper assembly lifting servo motor 156b and the first clamper assembly lifting ball screw 157a and the second clamper assembly lifting ball screw 157b using a synchronous pulley and a synchronous belt is a well-known technology, its detailed description will be omitted.

[0098] During the process of manufacturing battery cell stacks, the first clamper assembly lifting servo motor 156a and the second clamper assembly lifting servo motor 156b of the first clamper lifting unit 155a and the second clamper lifting unit 155b configured as described above raise or lower the first clamping frame 151a and the second clamping frame 151b so that the clamper assembly 162 can alternately press the edges of one side and the other side of each of the partition S, the negative electrode plate N and the positive electrode plate P stacked on the stacking table 130.

[0099] In addition, when the cell stack unloading device holds the fully manufactured cell stack to unload the fully manufactured cell stack, the first clamper assembly lifting servo motor 156a and the second clamper assembly lifting servo motor 156b of the first clamper lifting unit 155a and the second clamper assembly lifting servo motor 156b rotate the first clamper assembly lifting ball screw 157a and the second clamper assembly lifting ball screw 157b forward to lift the first clamping frame 151a and the second clamping frame 151b. In this case, the clamper assembly 162 that presses and restricts the fully manufactured cell stack is lifted together with the first clamping frame 151a and the second clamping frame 151b, so that the cell stack unloading device can unload the fully manufactured cell stack to the outside.

[0100] In addition, when the cell stack unloading device completely unloads the fully manufactured cell stack, the first clamp assembly lifting servo motor 156a and the second clamp assembly lifting servo motor 156b cause the first clamp assembly lifting ball screw 157a and the second clamp assembly lifting ball screw 157b to rotate in the opposite direction to lower the first clamping frame 151a and the second clamping frame 151b. In this case, the clamp assembly 162 is also lowered and returned together with the first clamping frame 151a and the second clamping frame 151b.

[0101] The first clamper moving unit 159a includes: a pair of clamper assembly moving servo motors 160a, which are installed at both ends of the lower part of the first clamping frame 151a; and a pair of clamper assembly moving ball screws 161a, which are rotatably supported on the upper part of the first clamping frame 151a and extend horizontally along the longitudinal direction of the first clamping frame 151a so as not to interfere with each other at the upper part of the first clamping frame 151a.

[0102] Similarly, the second clamper moving unit 159b includes: a pair of clamper assembly moving servo motors 160b, which are installed at both ends of the lower part of the second clamping frame 151b; and a pair of clamper assembly moving ball screws 161b, which are rotatably supported on the upper part of the second clamping frame 151b and extend horizontally along the longitudinal direction of the second clamping frame 151b so as not to interfere with each other at the upper part of the second clamping frame 151b.

[0103] That is, any one of the pair of clamper assembly moving ball screws 161a provided on the upper portion of the first clamping frame 151a extends horizontally from one end of the upper portion of the first clamping frame 151a to the central portion of the first clamping frame 151a, and the other of the pair of clamper assembly moving ball screws 161a extends horizontally from the other end of the upper portion of the first clamping frame 151a to the central portion of the first clamping frame 151a. In this case, any one of the pair of clamper assembly moving ball screws 161a provided on the upper portion of the first clamping frame 151a is connected to the rotation shaft of one clamper assembly moving servo motor 160a adjacent to one clamper assembly moving ball screw 161a through a typical power transmission device, and the other clamper assembly moving ball screw 161a is connected to the other clamper assembly moving servo motor 160a adjacent to the other clamper assembly moving ball screw 161a through a typical power transmission device.

[0104] Furthermore, similarly, any one of the pair of clamper assembly moving ball screws 161b provided on the upper portion of the second clamping frame 151b extends horizontally from one end of the upper portion of the second clamping frame 151b to the central portion of the second clamping frame 151b, and the other of the pair of clamper assembly moving ball screws 161b extends horizontally from the other end of the upper portion of the second clamping frame 151b to the central portion of the second clamping frame 151b. In this case, any one of the pair of clamper assembly moving ball screws 161b provided on the upper portion of the second clamping frame 151b is connected to the rotation axis of one clamper assembly moving servo motor 160b adjacent to the one clamper assembly moving ball screw 161b through a typical power transmission device, and the other clamper assembly moving ball screw 161b is connected to the other clamper assembly moving servo motor 160b adjacent to the other clamper assembly moving ball screw 161b through a typical power transmission device.

[0105] At the same time, the threads of the pair of clamper assemblies moving ball screws 161a disposed on the upper portion of the first clamping frame 151a extend in opposite directions. Similarly, the threads of the pair of clamper assemblies moving ball screws 161b disposed on the upper portion of the second clamping frame 151b extend in opposite directions.

[0106] In the present disclosure, the first clamp moving unit 159a includes two clamp assembly moving servomotors 160a and two clamp assembly moving ball screws 161a, and similarly, the second clamp moving unit 159b includes two clamp assembly moving servomotors 160b and two clamp assembly moving ball screws 161b. However, as can be seen by anyone, each of the first clamp moving unit 159a and the second clamp moving unit 159b may include a single clamp assembly moving servomotor, and a single clamp moving ball screw having threads formed from a central portion to respective ends in opposite directions.

[0107] The four clamper assemblies 162 have the same configuration and the same shape. Each clamper assembly 162 includes a slide 163 and a clamper 164 mounted on the slide 163.

[0108] The two gripper assemblies 162 configured as described above constitute a set facing each other, and are connected to the first gripper moving unit 159a and the second gripper moving unit 159b.

[0109] That is, the sliding member 163 of any clamper assembly 162 connected to the first clamper moving unit 159a is connected to any clamper assembly moving ball screw 161a of the first clamper moving unit 159a, and the sliding member 163 of another clamper assembly 162 connected to the first clamper moving unit 159a is connected to another clamper assembly moving ball screw 161a of the first clamper moving unit 159a.

[0110] In addition, the sliding member 163 of any clamper assembly 162 connected to the second clamper moving unit 159b is connected to any clamper assembly moving ball screw 161b of the second clamper moving unit 159b, and the sliding member 163 of another clamper assembly 162 connected to the second clamper moving unit 159b is connected to another clamper assembly moving ball screw 161b of the second clamper moving unit 159b.

[0111] In this case, the clamper assembly moving ball screw nuts 165 engaged with the clamper assembly moving ball screws 161a and 161b of the first clamper moving unit 159a and the second clamper moving unit 159b are respectively installed on the lower part of the slide member 163 of the clamper assembly 162.

[0112] In addition, the clamper assembly moving LM guide blocks 175 that can slidably cooperate with the first clamper assembly moving LM guide 152a formed on the outer surface of the first clamping frame 151a are respectively installed on the slide 163 of the clamper assembly 162, and they are respectively connected to any clamper assembly moving ball screw 161a and another clamper assembly moving ball screw 161a of the first clamper moving unit 159a. Similarly, the clamper assembly moving LM guide blocks 175 that can slidably cooperate with the second clamper assembly moving LM guide 152b formed on the outer surface of the second clamping frame 151b are respectively installed on the slide 163 of the clamper assembly 162, and they are respectively connected to any clamper assembly moving ball screw 161b and another clamper assembly moving ball screw 161b of the second clamper moving unit 159b.

[0113] By operating the clamp assembly moving servo motor 160a, the two clamp assemblies 162 connected to the first clamp moving unit 159a as described above are moved in a direction toward or away from the two ends of one side of the stacking platform 130, and similarly, by operating the clamp assembly moving servo motor 160b, the two clamp assemblies 162 connected to the second clamp moving unit 159b are moved in a direction toward or away from the two ends of the other side of the stacking platform 130.

[0114] Meanwhile, as shown in the figure, the gripper 164 mounted on the slide 163 of each gripper assembly 162 has a horizontally extending bar shape. The gripper 164 is mounted on an actuator 176 such as a typical pneumatic cylinder or a typical linear motor so as to be able to move up and down.

[0115] In addition, the actuator 176 mounted with the clamper 164 is fixedly mounted on the variable block 166 having a vertical plate shape. The variable block 166 is coupled and supported to the rear surface of the fixed block 167 fixedly mounted on the slider 163 by means of screws 174.

[0116] When the sliding member 163 moves to the stacking table 130 to press and fix the separator S, the negative electrode plate N and the positive electrode plate P stacked on the stacking table 130, the clamper 164 supported on the sliding member 163 as described above is raised by the operation of the first clamper assembly lifting servo motor 156a and the second clamper assembly lifting servo motor 156b of the first clamper lifting unit 155a and the second clamper lifting unit 155b, and then lowered, thereby pressing and fixing the edges of one side and the other side of each of the separator S, the negative electrode plate N and the positive electrode plate P.

[0117] Furthermore, the holder 164 is mounted on the slide member 163 so that the reference position of the holder 164 can be finely adjusted in the left, right, up, and down directions.

[0118] To this end, a first fixed piece 168 is protrudingly installed on one side of the fixed block 167, and a first variable piece 169 is protrudingly installed on a front surface of the variable block 166 facing the first fixed piece 168, and the first variable piece 169 vertically faces the first fixed piece 168. In this case, the first fixed piece 168 is equipped with a first fine-tuning bolt 170 having a threaded portion having an end portion fastened to the first variable piece 169.

[0119] In addition, a second fixing piece 171 is installed on the other side of the fixing block 167, the second fixing piece 171 horizontally extending while passing through the variable block 166, and a second variable piece 172 facing the second fixing piece 171 in the left-right direction is protrudingly installed on the rear surface of the variable block 166. In this case, the second variable piece 172 is equipped with a second fine-tuning bolt 173 having a threaded portion having an end portion fastened to the second fixing piece 171.

[0120] In this case, the operation of fine-tuning the reference position of each clamper 164 is performed by slightly loosening the screw 174 configured to couple and support the variable block 166 to the fixed block 167 so that the variable block 166 can move, and then loosening or tightening the first fine-tuning bolt 170 and the second fine-tuning bolt 173. When the operation of fine-tuning the reference position of the clamper 164 is completed, the screw 174 is fully tightened again so that the variable block 166 is coupled and supported on the fixed block 167.

[0121] Hereinafter, an operating state of the manufacturing apparatus for a cell stack of a secondary battery according to the present disclosure configured as described above will be briefly described.

[0122] In order to manufacture a cell stack by using the manufacturing apparatus 100 for an inner cell stack of a secondary battery according to the present disclosure, a tip end of the separator S supplied from the separator supply unit 10 is fixed to the suction stage 131 of the stacking stage 130 .

[0123] When the tip end of the separator S is fixed to the stacking table 130, the driving device 120 operates the tilting servo motor 126 to first rotate the tilting shaft 125 toward the negative electrode plate conveying pickup 20 so as to fold the separator S into a Z-shape and alternately stack the negative electrode plates N and the positive electrode plates P between the folded portions of the separator S (see FIG. Fig. 8A ).

[0124] When the tilting shaft 125 rotates toward the negative electrode plate conveying pickup 20, the tilting frame 121 mounted on the tilting shaft 125 also rotates toward the negative electrode plate conveying pickup 20. In addition, the stacking table 130, the electrode plate stacking position adjusting device 140 and the clamping device 150 mounted on the tilting frame 121 also rotate toward the negative electrode plate conveying pickup 20, and the stacking table 130 to which the separator S is fixed faces the negative electrode plate conveying pickup 20. In this case, the negative electrode plate conveying pickup 20 places the sucked negative electrode plate N on the separator S fixed to the stacking table 130, and then moves upward (see Fig. 8A ).

[0125] Furthermore, at the same time, the clamping device 150 moves the two clamper assemblies 162 supported on the second clamping frame 151b toward the stacking stage 130 so that the two clamper assemblies 162 are adjacent to the stacking stage 130. In this case, by the operation of the second clamper assembly lifting servo motor 156b of the second clamper lifting unit 155b, the clamper 164 mounted on the clamper assembly 162 is raised and then lowered, thereby pressing and fixing the edges at both ends of the other side of the negative electrode plate N placed on the separator S toward the stacking stage 130 (see Fig. 8A ).

[0126] Furthermore, at the same time, the electrode plate stacking position adjusting device 140 operates the stacking position adjusting servo motor 141 to lower the stacking stage 130 to a degree corresponding to the thickness of the negative electrode plate N placed on the separator S (see Fig. 8A ).

[0127] When one negative electrode plate N is placed and stacked on the separator S as described above, the tilt servo motor 126 rotates the tilt shaft 125 toward the positive electrode plate transport pickup 30 (see FIG. Figure 8B ).

[0128] When the tilting shaft 125 rotates toward the positive electrode plate conveying pickup 30, the tilting frame 121 mounted on the tilting shaft 125 also rotates toward the positive electrode plate conveying pickup 30. In addition, the stacking table 130, the electrode plate stacking position adjusting device 140 and the clamping device 150 mounted on the tilting frame 121 also rotate toward the positive electrode plate conveying pickup 30, and the stacking table 130 on which the separator S is fixed faces the positive electrode plate conveying pickup 30. In this case, since the clamp 164 of the clamp assembly 162 supported on the second clamping frame 151b presses and fixes the other side of the negative electrode plate N stacked on the stacking table 130, the separator S supplied from the separator supply unit 10 covers the upper portion of the negative electrode plate N stacked on the stacking table 130 (see Figure 8B ).

[0129] Furthermore, when the negative electrode plates N stacked on the stacking table 130 are covered with the separator S, the positive electrode plate conveying pickup 30 places the sucked positive electrode plates P on the separator S covering the negative electrode plates N, and then the positive electrode plate conveying pickup 30 moves upward (see FIG. Figure 8B ).

[0130] Furthermore, at the same time, the clamping device 150 moves the two clamper assemblies 162 supported on the first clamping frame 151a toward the stacking table 130 so that the two clamper assemblies 162 are adjacent to the stacking table 130. In this case, the clampers 164 mounted on the two clamper assemblies 162 are raised and then lowered by the operation of the first clamper assembly lifting servo motor 156a of the first clamper lifting unit 155a, thereby pressing and fixing the edges at both ends of one side of the positive electrode plate P placed on the separator S toward the stacking table 130. At the same time, the two clamper assemblies 162 of the second clamping frame 151b that press and fix the edges at both ends of the other side of the negative electrode plate N move away from the stacking table 130, thereby releasing the edges at both ends of the other side of the negative electrode plate N (see Figure 8B ).

[0131] Furthermore, at the same time, the electrode plate stacking position adjusting device 140 operates the stacking position adjusting servo motor 141 to lower the stacking stage 130 to a degree corresponding to the thickness of the positive electrode plate P placed on the separator S (see Figure 8B ).

[0132] When one positive electrode plate P is stacked with the separator S interposed therebetween as described above, the tilt servo motor 126 rotates the tilt shaft 125 toward the negative electrode plate transport pickup 20 again.

[0133] When the tilt shaft 125 is rotated toward the negative electrode plate conveying pickup 20 again, the stacking table 130 faces the negative electrode plate conveying pickup 20 again. In this case, since the clamp 164 of the clamp assembly 162 supported on the first clamping frame 151a presses and fixes one end of the positive electrode plate P stacked on the stacking table 130, the separator S supplied from the separator supply unit 10 covers the upper part of the positive electrode plate P stacked on the stacking table 130, and the negative electrode plate N is placed and fixed again to the separator S covering the positive electrode plate P, as shown in FIG. Fig. 8A shown.

[0134] That is, when the above-described method is repeatedly performed, the negative electrode plate N and the positive electrode plate P are stacked with the separator S interposed therebetween.

[0135] Meanwhile, when a cell stack is manufactured by completing the stacking operation of the negative electrode plate N and the positive electrode plate P with the separator S inserted between the negative electrode plate N and the positive electrode plate P for a target number of times, the tilting servo motor 126 rotates the tilting shaft 125 to vertically stand the tilting frame 121 and the stacking table 130, thereby unloading the completely manufactured cell stack. Meanwhile, the supporting device 110 operates the mounting frame lifting servo motor 115 to raise the mounting frame 113, so that the completely manufactured cell stack is guided to the unloading position.

[0136] In addition, when the fully manufactured cell stack is guided to the unloading position, the suction table 131 of the stacking table 130 faces the cell stack unloading device (not shown). In this case, the cell stack unloading device moves toward the opening portion 133 of the suction table 131 to hold the fully manufactured cell stack. When the cell stack unloading device moves toward the opening portion 133 of the suction table 131 to hold the fully manufactured cell stack, the lifting table lifting cylinder 135 of the stacking table 130 extends the cylinder rod to lower the lifting table 134. When the cell stack unloading device holds the fully manufactured cell stack through the opening portion 133 and moves outward, the lifting table lifting cylinder 135 retracts the lifting table 134.

[0137] Furthermore, when the separator S is cut from the cell stack unloaded by the cell stack unloading device, the mounting frame lifting servo motor 115 returns the mounting frame 113 to prepare for subsequent processing.

[0138] According to the manufacturing apparatus 100 for the cell stack of a secondary battery according to the present disclosure configured as described above, the height of the stacking table 130 can be changed according to the number of stacking of the negative electrode plate N and the positive electrode plate P during the manufacturing of the cell stack, and as a result, a constant position (height) of the stack of the negative electrode plate N and the positive electrode plate P can be always maintained. Therefore, the problem of the separator S being torn or damaged during the manufacturing of the cell stack in the prior art can be solved.

[0139] Although specific exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the above exemplary embodiments, and various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the changed or modified examples should not be understood separately from the technical spirit or prospect of the present invention, and the modified examples belong to the claims of the present invention.

[0140] As described above, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the height of the stacking table can be changed according to the number of stacking times of the positive and negative electrode plates in the process of manufacturing the battery stack, and as a result, the constant position (height) of the positive and negative electrode plates can be always maintained. Therefore, the problem of the separator being torn or damaged in the process of manufacturing the battery stack in the prior art can be solved.

[0141] While the present invention has been shown and described in connection with the exemplary embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0142] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0143] This application claims the priority of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0021754 filed on February 21, 2020 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A manufacturing device for stacking cells of secondary batteries, the manufacturing device for stacking cells of secondary batteries comprising: a stacking table on which negative electrode plates and positive electrode plates are sequentially stacked, with separators interposed between the negative electrode plates and the positive electrode plates; an electrode plate stacking position adjusting device configured to adjust the position of the stacking table so that the negative electrode plates and the positive electrode plates are stacked at a constant position regardless of the number of times the negative electrode plates and the positive electrode plates are stacked; a clamping device configured to press edge portions on one side and the other side of each of the negative electrode plate, the positive electrode plate, and the separator stacked on the stacking table toward the stacking table, and clamp the edge portions of the negative electrode plate, the positive electrode plate, and the separator; a driving device configured to reciprocate the stacking table, the electrode plate stacking position adjusting device, and the clamping device to both sides so that the separator supplied to the stacking table is folded into a Z shape, and the negative electrode plates and the positive electrode plates are alternately stacked between the folded portions of the separators; as well as a supporting device, the supporting device being configured to support the stacking table, the electrode plate stacking position adjusting device, the clamping device and the driving device, Wherein, the electrode plate stacking position adjustment device comprises: a stack position adjustment servo motor mounted at the bottom of a hollow portion formed in a skirt of the tilt frame of the drive device; a stack position adjustment ball screw connected to a rotation shaft of the stack position adjustment servo motor, passing through the skirt and through a second lifting plate provided at a lower side of the skirt, and configured to engage with and pass through a stack position adjustment ball screw nut mounted on the second lifting plate; and a third lifting plate disposed between the head of the tilting frame and the stacking table to support the stacking table and connected to the second lifting plate by a second connecting rod, and During the manufacturing process of battery cell stacking, the stacking position adjustment servo motor lowers the second lifting plate, the third lifting plate and the stacking plate by rotating the stacking position adjustment ball screw to a length corresponding to the thickness of the stacked negative electrode plates or the stacked positive electrode plates.

2. The manufacturing equipment for stacking cells of secondary batteries according to claim 1, wherein: The supporting device comprises: base; a first supporting frame and a second supporting frame, the first supporting frame and the second supporting frame extending in the longitudinal direction of the base, extending vertically outward from the upper surface of the base, and being arranged spaced apart from each other; a mounting frame disposed between the first supporting frame and the second supporting frame so as to be movable up and down; and A mounting frame lift servo motor is provided, the mounting frame lift servo motor being configured to raise or lower the mounting frame.

3. The manufacturing equipment for stacking cells of secondary batteries according to claim 1, wherein: The driving device comprises: a tilting frame on which the stacking platform, the electrode plate stacking position adjusting device and the clamping device are mounted; and A tilt servo motor is configured to reciprocate the tilt frame toward both sides of the mounting frame of the supporting device, and the tilt servo motor is installed on an upper portion of one end or the other end of the mounting frame and connected to the tilt frame.

4. The manufacturing equipment for stacking cells of secondary batteries according to claim 3, wherein: The tilting frame comprises: a head portion provided at a recessed central portion of the mounting frame and extending horizontally in a longitudinal direction of the mounting frame; and a skirt portion integrally formed on a lower surface of the head portion, wherein both ends of the head extend horizontally outward from both ends of the skirt, and a tilting shaft is installed at both ends of the head and extends horizontally to the upper part of one end and the upper part of the other end of the mounting frame adjacent to each other, and Wherein, the extended ends of the tilting shafts extend to the upper part of one end and the upper part of the other end of the mounting frame, are rotatably supported on the upper part of one end and the upper part of the other end of the mounting frame, and any one of the tilting shafts is connected to the tilting servo motor.

5. The manufacturing equipment for stacking cells of secondary batteries according to claim 1, wherein: The third lifting plate and the stacking table are connected by means of leg members, and the leg members are connected to a suction table of the stacking table, the suction table facing an upper surface of the third lifting plate adjacent to both ends of the third lifting plate.

6. The manufacturing equipment for stacking cells of secondary batteries according to claim 1, wherein: An extension bracket vertically and slidably passes through the head and faces two ends of the skirt, the extension bracket vertically extends from a lower surface of the third lifting plate connected to two ends of the third lifting plate, a stacking position adjustment LM guide is installed at two ends of the skirt facing the extension bracket, the stacking position adjustment LM guide is vertically installed along the longitudinal direction of the skirt, and a stacking position adjustment LM guide block slidably matched with the stacking position adjustment LM guide is installed on the extension bracket.

7. The manufacturing equipment for stacking cells of secondary batteries according to claim 1, wherein: The stacking station comprises: a suction table disposed to be spaced apart from an upper side of the head and having a "]" shape when viewed from above; a lifting platform arranged to occupy an interior of the suction table; and A lift table lifting cylinder, the lift table lifting cylinder is configured to raise or lower the lift table, the lift table lifting cylinder is installed on the lower side of both ends of the second lift plate so that a cylinder rod extends outward from the lower part of the skirt of the tilt frame, the cylinder rods of the lift table lifting cylinder are connected to each other through a first lift plate horizontally arranged on the outer side of the lower part of the second lift plate, and the first lift plate and the lift table are connected by means of a first connecting rod passing through the second lift plate, the skirt, the head and the third lift plate.

8. The manufacturing equipment for stacking cells of secondary batteries according to claim 1, wherein: The clamping device comprises: four clamp assemblies, the four clamp assemblies being disposed at both ends of one side and at both ends of the other side of the stacking table; a first gripper moving unit and a second gripper moving unit, the first gripper moving unit and the second gripper moving unit being configured to allow two gripper assemblies facing each other in the longitudinal direction of the stacking table to cooperate with each other, and to move the two gripper assemblies so that the two gripper assemblies cooperating with each other alternately press edges on one side and the other side of each of the separator, the negative electrode plate, and the positive electrode plate stacked on the stacking table; a first clamping frame and a second clamping frame, the first clamping frame and the second clamping frame being configured to support the first gripper moving unit and the second gripper moving unit, respectively; and A first clamper lifting unit and a second clamper lifting unit, wherein the first clamper lifting unit and the second clamper lifting unit are configured to raise or lower the first clamping frame and the second clamping frame to allow the clamper assembly to alternately press the edges of one side and the other side of each of the separators, the negative electrode plates and the positive electrode plates stacked on the stacking table.

9. The manufacturing equipment for stacking cells of secondary batteries according to claim 8, wherein: The first clamping frame and the second clamping frame extend horizontally along the longitudinal direction of the mounting frame on one side and the other side of the mounting frame of the supporting device, and the first clamping frame and the second clamping frame are installed to be able to move up and down on one side and the other side of the skirt of the tilting frame of the driving device, and the first clamping assembly lifting LM guide and the second clamping assembly lifting LM guide are vertically installed on one side and the other side of the skirt along the longitudinal direction of the skirt, and the first clamping assembly lifting LM guide block and the second clamping assembly lifting LM guide block that can slidably cooperate with the first clamping assembly lifting LM guide and the second clamping assembly lifting LM guide are installed on the inner surfaces of the first clamping frame and the second clamping frame facing the first clamping assembly lifting LM guide and the second clamping assembly lifting LM guide, Wherein, the first gripper lifting unit and the second gripper lifting unit include: A first gripper assembly lifting servo motor and a second gripper assembly lifting servo motor, the first gripper assembly lifting servo motor and the second gripper assembly lifting servo motor being disposed at a lower side of an outer surface of the first clamping frame and the second clamping frame; and a first gripper assembly lifting ball screw and a second gripper assembly lifting ball screw, the first gripper assembly lifting ball screw and the second gripper assembly lifting ball screw being configured to rotate through a rotation shaft connected to the first gripper assembly lifting servo motor and the second gripper assembly lifting servo motor by a power transmission device, and Wherein, each of the first clamp assembly lifting ball screw and the second clamp assembly lifting ball screw is vertically arranged between the skirt and each of the first clamping frame and the second clamping frame, and the first clamp assembly lifting ball screw nut and the second clamp assembly lifting ball screw nut which are engaged with the first clamp assembly lifting ball screw and the second clamp assembly lifting ball screw and passed through by the first clamp assembly lifting ball screw and the second clamp assembly lifting ball screw are installed on the inner surface of the first clamping frame and the second clamping frame.

10. The manufacturing equipment for stacking cells of secondary batteries according to claim 8, wherein: The first gripper moving unit comprises: a pair of clamper assembly moving servo motors, the pair of clamper assembly moving servo motors being mounted at both ends of the lower portion of the first clamping frame; and a pair of clamper assembly moving ball screws, the pair of clamper assembly moving ball screws are rotatably supported on the upper portion of the first clamping frame and extend horizontally in the longitudinal direction of the first clamping frame so as not to interfere with each other at the upper portion of the first clamping frame, the pair of clamper assembly moving ball screws have threads extending in opposite directions, The clamp assembly moving ball screw of the first clamp assembly moving unit is connected to a clamp assembly moving servo motor arranged adjacent to the clamp assembly moving ball screw through a power transmission device. Wherein, the second clamper moving unit comprises: a pair of clamper assembly moving servo motors, the pair of clamper assembly moving servo motors being mounted at both ends of the lower portion of the second clamping frame; and a pair of clamper assembly moving ball screws, the pair of clamper assembly moving ball screws are rotatably supported on the upper portion of the second clamping frame and extend horizontally in the longitudinal direction of the second clamping frame so as not to interfere with each other at the upper portion of the second clamping frame, the pair of clamper assembly moving ball screws have threads extending in opposite directions, and Wherein, the clamper assembly moving ball screw of the second clamper moving unit is connected to the clamper assembly moving servo motor arranged adjacent to the clamper assembly moving ball screw through a power transmission device.

11. The manufacturing equipment for stacking cells of secondary batteries according to claim 10, wherein: Each gripper assembly includes: Slide; and a holder mounted on the slide and having a horizontally extending bar shape, and Among them, two clamper assemblies are connected to and face a pair of clamper assembly moving ball screws of the first clamper moving unit, two clamper assemblies are connected to and face a pair of clamper assembly moving ball screws of the second clamper moving unit, a clamper assembly moving ball screw nut engaged with the corresponding clamper assembly moving ball screws is installed on the sliding part of the clamper assembly, and a clamper assembly moving LM guide block that can slidably cooperate with the first clamper assembly moving LM guide and the second clamper assembly moving LM guide formed on any outer surface of the first clamping frame and the second clamping frame is installed on the sliding part of the clamper assembly.

12. The manufacturing equipment for stacking cells of secondary batteries according to claim 11, wherein: The holder is mounted on an actuator so as to be movable up and down, the actuator is fixedly mounted on a variable block having a vertical plate shape, and the variable block is coupled and supported to a rear surface of a fixed block fixedly mounted on the slider by means of a screw.

13. The manufacturing equipment for stacking cells of secondary batteries according to claim 12, wherein: A first fixed plate is protrudingly installed on one side of the fixed block, a first variable plate vertically facing the first fixed plate is protrudingly installed on the variable block facing the first fixed plate, the first fixed plate is equipped with a first fine-tuning bolt, the first fine-tuning bolt has a threaded portion, the threaded portion of the first fine-tuning bolt has an end portion fastened to the first variable plate, a second fixed plate is installed on the other side of the fixed block, the second fixed plate extends horizontally while passing through the variable block, a second variable plate facing the second fixed plate in the left and right direction is protrudingly installed on the rear surface of the variable block, and the second variable plate is equipped with a second fine-tuning bolt, the second fine-tuning bolt has a threaded portion, the threaded portion of the second fine-tuning bolt has an end portion fastened to the second fixed plate.

Images