Apparatus for manufacturing electrode assembly, electrode assembly manufactured by the apparatus, and secondary battery

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly, an electrode assembly manufactured by the apparatus, and a secondary battery. The apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to the present invention includes a cutting portion configured to cut an electrode into a predetermined size, a supply portion disposed in front of the cutting portion with reference to a traveling direction of the electrode to move and supply the electrode to the cutting portion, and a moving portion disposed in rear of the cutting portion with reference to the traveling direction of the electrode to move the electrode cut by the cutting portion, wherein the moving portion includes a moving suction belt configured to vacuum-suck and move the electrode, and fix an end portion of the electrode when the electrode is cut in the cutting portion.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0161928, filed on December 6, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing electrode components, electrode components manufactured by the apparatus, and secondary batteries. Background Technology

[0004] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries are rechargeable and offer greater potential for compact size and high capacity. Consequently, much research is currently being conducted on secondary batteries. With technological advancements and increasing demands for mobile devices, the need for secondary batteries as an energy source is rapidly growing.

[0005] Based on the shape of the battery casing, rechargeable batteries are classified into coin-shaped batteries, cylindrical batteries, prismatic batteries, and pouch batteries. In such secondary batteries, the electrode assembly installed in the battery casing is a rechargeable and dischargeable power-generating device with a structure in which electrodes and separators are stacked.

[0006] Electrode assemblies can be broadly classified into jelly-roll electrode assemblies, stacked electrode assemblies, and stacked / folded electrode assemblies. In a jelly-roll electrode assembly, a separator is inserted between the positive and negative electrodes. Each of the positive and negative electrodes is configured as a sheet coated with active material. Then, the positive electrode, separator, and negative electrode are wound together. In a stacked electrode assembly, multiple positive and negative electrodes are stacked sequentially with separators between them. In a stacked / folded electrode assembly, the stacked cell is wound together with a separator having a relatively long length.

[0007] When manufacturing an electrode assembly according to the relevant technology, after the electrode is moved to the cutting section and cut, the cut electrodes and diaphragms are stacked alternately to manufacture the electrode assembly.

[0008] Here, when the gripper holds the electrode for cutting, it is impossible to ensure the electrode tension, which causes the electrode to twist. Furthermore, even when the twisted electrode is placed in the nip roll, the electrode warps due to resistance.

[0009] Furthermore, even when the clamp holds the electrode, there is a problem of distortion due to electrode expansion and the gap of the clamp.

[0010] [Prior Art Documents] (Patent Documents) Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2014-0015647 Summary of the Invention

[0011] Technical issues

[0012] One aspect of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly that can prevent electrode twisting during and after electrode cutting and when the electrode is moved, an electrode assembly manufactured by the apparatus, and a secondary battery.

[0013] Technical solution

[0014] An apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a cutting section configured to cut an electrode to a predetermined size; a supply section disposed in front of the cutting section with respect to the travel direction of the electrode, for moving and supplying the electrode to the cutting section; and a moving section disposed behind the cutting section with respect to the travel direction of the electrode, for moving the electrode cut by the cutting section, wherein the moving section includes a moving adsorption belt configured to vacuum adsorb and move the electrode, and the moving adsorption belt fixes the end of the electrode when the electrode is cut in the cutting section.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the electrode assembly may be an electrode assembly manufactured by the apparatus for manufacturing the electrode assembly.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a secondary battery may be a secondary battery comprising an electrode assembly manufactured by the apparatus for manufacturing the electrode assembly.

[0017] Beneficial effects

[0018] According to the present invention, when the electrode is vacuum-adsorbed onto the moving part for cutting, the electrode can be fixed to prevent twisting. Subsequently, when the cut electrode is vacuum-adsorbed and moved within the moving part, twisting of the electrode during movement is prevented.

[0019] In addition, when cutting the electrode, the electrode can be vacuum-adsorbed onto the supply section and the moving section to firmly fix the electrode and thus prevent the electrode from twisting.

[0020] Furthermore, when the electrode is cut and then moved after cutting, the moving part can move faster than the supply part that moves the electrode to the cutting part, thereby maintaining and increasing the electrode tension. Therefore, electrode twisting can be prevented more effectively. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a perspective view illustrating an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a front view illustrating the state of an electrode assembly before it is cut in an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a front view illustrating the state of cutting electrodes in an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic front view illustrating the concept of a cutting section in an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a perspective view illustrating the state of cutting electrodes in an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a front view illustrating the state of an electrode assembly before it is cut in an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a front view illustrating the state of cutting electrodes in an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The objectives, specific advantages, and novel features of this invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that reference numerals are used as much as possible to refer to components in the drawings of this application, even if these components are shown in other drawings. Furthermore, this invention may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. In the following description of the invention, detailed descriptions of related technologies that may unnecessarily obscure the spirit of the invention will be omitted.

[0029] Implementation Method

[0030] Figure 1 This is a perspective view illustrating an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a front view illustrating the state of the electrode before it is cut in an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a front view illustrating the state of cutting electrodes in an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Reference Figures 1 to 3An apparatus 100 for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a cutting section 130 for cutting an electrode 10 to a predetermined size; a supply section 110 for moving and supplying the electrode 10 to the cutting section 130; and a moving section 120 for moving the electrode cut by the cutting section 130. Here, the moving section 120 may include a movable adsorption belt 121 for moving the electrode 10 and a moving device for moving the movable adsorption belt 121.

[0032] More specifically, the apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly in which electrodes and diaphragms are alternately stacked by cutting and moving the electrode 10.

[0033] Here, the electrode assembly can be a rechargeable and dischargeable power generating element and can be housed in a battery casing to manufacture a secondary battery.

[0034] Electrode 10 may include a positive electrode and a negative electrode. In addition, each diaphragm separates the positive electrode from the negative electrode to make the positive electrode electrically insulated from the negative electrode.

[0035] The positive electrode may include a positive current collector and a positive active material applied to the positive current collector. For example, the positive current collector may be a foil made of aluminum, and the positive active material may be lithium manganese oxide, lithium cobalt oxide, lithium nickel oxide, lithium iron phosphate, or a compound or mixture comprising at least one or more of the above materials.

[0036] The negative electrode may include a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material applied to the negative electrode current collector. For example, the negative electrode current collector may be a foil made of copper (Cu) or nickel (Ni). The negative electrode active material may include synthetic graphite, lithium metal, lithium alloys, carbon, petroleum coke, activated carbon, graphite, silicon compounds, tin compounds, titanium compounds, or alloys thereof. Here, the negative electrode active material may further include, for example, non-graphite-based SiO (silica) or SiC (silicon carbide).

[0037] Each separator may be made of an insulating material and stacked alternately with the positive and negative electrodes. Each separator may be, for example, a multilayer membrane made of microporous polyethylene, polypropylene, or a combination thereof; or a polymer membrane for solid polymer electrolytes or gel-type polymer electrolytes, such as polyvinylidene fluoride, polyethylene oxide, polyacrylonitrile, or polyvinylidene fluoride hexafluoropropylene copolymer.

[0038] Figure 4 This is a schematic front view illustrating the concept of a cutting section in an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Reference Figures 2 to 4 The cutting section 130 can cut the electrode 10 into a predetermined size.

[0040] In addition, the cutting section 130 may include a cutting blade 131 for cutting the electrode 10 and an eccentric cam section 132 for driving the cutting blade 131.

[0041] Therefore, the speed of the cutting electrode 10 can be synchronized by rotating the eccentric cam 132.

[0042] In other words, in related technologies, when the cutting blade 131 moves up and down via the actuator, a stop interval and an operating interval are generated, thus creating a stop interval when cutting the electrode 10. However, according to the present invention, the cutting blade 131 can be moved by the rotation of the eccentric cam portion 132, thereby eliminating the stop interval and synchronizing the cutting speed.

[0043] The eccentric cam portion 132 may include a rotating portion 132a, a mounting plate 132b on which the cutting blade 131 is mounted, and an eccentric cam 132c that eccentrically connects the rotating portion 132a to the mounting plate 132b.

[0044] Reference Figure 4 When the concept of the cutting section 130 is illustrated as an example, the eccentric cam sections 132 and 134, which are located above and below the electrodes, rotate, and the cutting blade 131 and the cutting block 133 move in a direction in which the cutting blade 131 and the cutting block 133 face each other or in a direction in which the cutting blade 131 and the cutting block 133 move away from each other.

[0045] The eccentric cam portion 134 located below the electrode 10 may include a rotating portion 134a and a mounting plate 134b on which the cutting block 133 is mounted.

[0046] Rotating portions 132a and 134a of the eccentric cam portions 132 and 134 located above and below the electrodes are rotatable about central axes O1 and O2, and mounting plates 132b and 134b are rotatably and eccentrically coupled to eccentric portions C1 and C2 that are eccentric to the rotating portions 132a and 134a.

[0047] Here, a through hole is formed in each of the mounting plates 132b and 134b of the upper and lower eccentric cam portions 132 and 134, thereby engaging the guide rod B.

[0048] Here, the mounting plates 132b and 134b of the eccentric cam portions 132 and 134, which are arranged vertically, can be moved by the guide rod B, so that the end of the cutting blade 131 remains facing downward.

[0049] Reference Figures 1 to 3The supply unit 110 can be positioned in front of the cutting unit 130 with reference to the traveling direction G of the electrode 10, so as to move the electrode 10 and supply it to the cutting unit 130.

[0050] In addition, the supply unit 110 may include a conveyor belt 111 to move the electrode 10.

[0051] The moving part 120 can be provided behind the cutting part 130 with reference to the traveling direction G of the electrode 10, so as to move the electrode 10 cut by the cutting part 130.

[0052] Furthermore, the moving part 120 may include a moving suction belt 121 for vacuum adsorption and movement of the electrode 10. When the electrode 10 moves, the electrode 10 can be fixed to the moving suction belt 121, thereby preventing the electrode 10 from twisting.

[0053] When the electrode 10 is cut in the cutting section 130, the movable adsorption belt 121 can fix the end of the electrode 10. Therefore, when the electrode 10 is cut, the electrode 10 can be fixed, thereby preventing the electrode 10 from twisting.

[0054] Here, when the electrode 10 is cut in the cutting section 130, the movable adsorption band 121 can adsorb and fix the electrode 10 in the traveling direction G of the electrode 10 with a length L of 10 mm or more. Here, the cutting section 130 can cut the electrode 10 to a specific length in the traveling direction G of the electrode 10, but can also adsorb and fix a portion of the electrode 10 with a length smaller than the specific length of the electrode 10 to be cut.

[0055] In addition, the movable adsorption belt 121 may include the vacuum adsorption section 122 of the vacuum adsorption electrode 10.

[0056] The vacuum adsorption section 122 can form multiple adsorption holes to draw air through the adsorption holes, thereby vacuum adsorbing and fixing the electrode 10 placed on the upper end of the adsorption hole. Here, each adsorption hole can be formed into a circle.

[0057] The device configured to provide an adsorption force for drawing air through an adsorption orifice is known technology, and therefore its detailed description will be omitted.

[0058] The moving device 125 can provide a moving force for moving the moving adsorption belt 121.

[0059] In addition, the moving device 125 may include: a moving pulley portion 123, on which a moving suction belt 121 is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the moving pulley portion 123; and a moving part motor 124, which causes the moving pulley portion 123 to rotate.

[0060] Here, when the rotating shaft of the moving part motor 124 rotates to make the moving pulley part 123 rotate, the moving suction belt 121, which is installed in close contact with the moving pulley part 123, can move.

[0061] For example, when cutting electrode 10 in cutting section 130, moving section 120 can maintain the tension of electrode 10 by moving adsorption band 121.

[0062] For example, when cutting the electrode 10 in the cutting section 130, the moving section 120 can increase the tension of the electrode 10 by moving the adsorption belt 121, and then the electrode 10 can be cut in the cutting section 130.

[0063] Therefore, when cutting electrode 10, the tension of electrode 10 can be maintained or increased, thereby more effectively preventing electrode 10 from twisting.

[0064] Another implementation method

[0065] Hereinafter, an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0066] Figure 5 This is a perspective view illustrating the state of cutting electrodes in an apparatus for manufacturing electrode assemblies according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 This is a front view illustrating the state of the electrode before cutting in an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 This is a front view illustrating the state of cutting electrodes in an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Reference Figures 5 to 7 An apparatus 200 for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention includes: a cutting section 130 for cutting an electrode 10 to a predetermined size; a supply section 210 for moving and supplying the electrode 10 to the cutting section 130; and a moving section 120 for moving the electrode cut by the cutting section 130. Here, the moving section 120 may include a movable adsorption belt 121 for moving the electrode 10 and a moving device for moving the movable adsorption belt 121.

[0068] When comparing the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention with the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 according to the aforementioned embodiment of the present invention, the difference between this embodiment and the aforementioned embodiment lies in the construction of the supply unit 210. Therefore, in the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention, the content that is repeated between the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to the other embodiment and the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to the aforementioned embodiment will be omitted or briefly described, and only the differences between them will be described.

[0069] More specifically, the cutting section can cut the electrode 10 to a predetermined size.

[0070] In addition, the cutting section 130 may include a cutting blade 131 for cutting the electrode 10 and an eccentric cam section 132 for driving the cutting blade 131 up and down.

[0071] Therefore, the speed of the cutting electrode 10 can be synchronized by rotating the eccentric cam 132.

[0072] The supply unit 210 can be positioned in front of the cutting unit 130 with reference to the traveling direction G of the electrode 10, so as to move the electrode 10 and supply it to the cutting unit 130.

[0073] The supply unit 210 may include: a supply adsorption belt 211 for vacuum adsorption and movement of the electrode 10, and a supply device for providing a moving force to move the supply adsorption belt 211.

[0074] When the electrode 10 is cut in the cutting section 130, the supply of the adsorption tape 211 can fix the electrode 10. Therefore, when the electrode 10 is cut, the electrode 10 can be fixed, thereby preventing the electrode 10 from twisting.

[0075] The supply adsorption belt 211 may include the vacuum adsorption section 212 of the vacuum adsorption electrode 10. (See the front view diagram.) Figure 6 In addition, a side view of a portion of the supply adsorption belt 211 is shown to illustrate the vacuum adsorption section 212.

[0076] The vacuum adsorption section 212 can form multiple adsorption holes to draw air through the adsorption holes, thereby vacuum adsorbing and fixing the electrode 10 placed on the upper end of the adsorption hole.

[0077] In addition, the supply device may include: a supply pulley section 213, a supply suction belt 211 mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the supply pulley section 213; and a supply motor 214, which rotates the supply pulley section 213.

[0078] Here, when the rotating shaft of the supply motor 214 rotates to rotate the supply pulley section 213, the supply suction belt 211, which is installed in close contact with the supply pulley section 213, can move.

[0079] The moving part 120 can be provided behind the cutting part 130 with reference to the traveling direction G of the electrode 10, so as to move the electrode 10 cut by the cutting part 130.

[0080] Furthermore, the moving part 120 may include a suction belt 121 for vacuum adsorption and movement of the electrode 10. Therefore, when the electrode 10 is cut, it can be fixed, thereby preventing the electrode 10 from twisting. Here, when the electrode 10 is cut, it can be firmly fixed by the supply part 210 and the moving part 120, thereby effectively preventing the electrode 10 from twisting.

[0081] When the electrode 10 is cut in the cutting section 130, the end of the electrode 10 can be fixed by moving the adsorption belt 121.

[0082] In addition, the movable adsorption belt may include a vacuum adsorption section 122 for the vacuum adsorption electrode 10.

[0083] Furthermore, when the electrode 10 is cut in the cutting section 130, the movable adsorption belt 121 can adsorb and fix the electrode 10 in the traveling direction G of the electrode 10 for a length L of 10 mm or more.

[0084] The moving speed of the supply adsorption belt 211 and the moving speed of the moving adsorption belt 121 can be different from each other.

[0085] Here, the moving speed of the adsorption band 121 can be faster than the moving speed of the supply adsorption band 211. Therefore, a gap can be formed between the electrodes 10.

[0086] Here, the moving speed of the adsorption belt 211 can be 500 mm / s, and the moving speed of the adsorption belt 121 can be 550 mm / s. Here, the specific gap between the electrodes 10 can be widened (error (+,-) 0.15 mm).

[0087] Therefore, the tension of electrode 10 can be maximized, thereby significantly improving the cutting quality.

[0088] The moving device 125 can provide a moving force for moving the moving adsorption belt 121.

[0089] In addition, the moving device 125 may include: a moving pulley portion 123, on which a moving suction belt 121 is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the moving pulley portion 123; and a moving part motor 124, which causes the moving pulley portion 123 to rotate.

[0090] For example, when the electrode 10 is cut in the cutting section 130, the moving section 120 can maintain the tension of the electrode 10 by moving the adsorption band 121.

[0091] For example, when cutting the electrode 10 in the cutting section 130, the moving section 120 can increase the tension of the electrode 10 by moving the adsorption belt 121, and then the electrode 10 can be cut in the cutting section 130.

[0092] Therefore, when cutting electrode 10, the tension of electrode 10 can be maintained or increased, thereby more effectively preventing electrode 10 from twisting.

[0093] While the invention has been specifically shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it should be understood that the scope of the invention is not limited to the apparatus for manufacturing electrode assemblies according to the invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0094] Furthermore, the scope of protection of this invention will be defined by the appended claims.

[0095] [Reference Label Explanation]

[0096] 10: Electrode

[0097] 100, 200: Equipment for manufacturing electrode assemblies

[0098] 110, 210: Supply Department

[0099] 111: Conveyor Belt

[0100] 120: Mobile Department

[0101] 121: Mobile Adsorption Belt

[0102] 122: Vacuum Adsorption Section

[0103] 123: Moving pulley section

[0104] 124: Moving part motor

[0105] 130: Cutting section

[0106] 131: Cutting blade

[0107] 132: Eccentric Cam Section

[0108] 211: Supply of adsorption belts

[0109] 212: Vacuum Adsorption Section

[0110] 213: Supply of pulleys

[0111] 214: Supply Department Motors

[0112] G: Direction of travel.

Claims

1. An apparatus for manufacturing electrode assemblies, comprising: A cutting section configured to cut the electrode to a predetermined size; A supply unit is provided in front of the cutting unit with reference to the direction of travel of the electrode, so as to move the electrode and supply it to the cutting unit; as well as A movable part is disposed behind the cutting part with reference to the traveling direction of the electrode, so as to move the electrode cut by the cutting part. The moving part includes a moving adsorption belt configured to vacuum adsorb and move the electrode, and The moving part and the supply part are separated from each other in the direction of travel of the electrode, and the cutting part is located between the moving part and the supply part in the direction of travel of the electrode, such that when the electrode is cut in the cutting part, the moving adsorption band only fixes the end of the electrode. The supply section includes a supply adsorption belt configured to vacuum adsorb and move the electrode. When the electrode is cut in the cutting section, the supply adsorption band fixes the electrode in place, and The moving adsorption belt moves faster than the supply adsorption belt, such that when the electrode is cut in the cutting section, the moving section maintains the tension of the electrode through the moving adsorption belt, or when the electrode is cut in the cutting section, the electrode is cut in the cutting section after the tension of the electrode is increased by the moving adsorption belt in the moving section.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the movable adsorption belt includes a vacuum adsorption section configured to vacuum adsorb the electrode.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the moving part further comprises a moving device configured to provide a moving force for moving the moving adsorption belt. The mobile device includes: A movable pulley section, wherein the movable suction belt is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of the movable pulley section; and A moving part motor, the moving part motor being configured to rotate the moving pulley part.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein, When the electrode is cut in the cutting section, the movable adsorption band adsorbs and fixes the electrode in the direction of travel of the electrode for a length of 10 mm or more.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the cutting section includes a cutting blade configured to cut the electrode and an eccentric cam configured to drive the cutting blade. The speed at which the electrode is cut is synchronized by the rotation of the eccentric cam.

6. An electrode assembly manufactured using an apparatus for manufacturing electrode assemblies according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A secondary battery comprising an electrode assembly manufactured by an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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