Cell manufacturing apparatus and method

Abstract

To solve the above problems, a unit cell manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application includes a lower separator reel from which a lower separator sheet is unwound, a first nozzle for applying an adhesive to at least a portion of an upward-facing one surface of the unwound lower separator sheet, an upper separator reel from which an upper separator sheet is unwound, a second nozzle for applying an adhesive to at least a portion of an upward-facing one surface of the unwound upper separator sheet, and a first nip roller for turning over the upper separator sheet such that the one surface of the upper separator sheet to which the adhesive has been applied faces downward and adheres to a top surface of a first electrode resting on the one surface of the lower separator sheet.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0036395, filed on March 25, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to cell manufacturing equipment and methods, and more particularly, to cell manufacturing equipment and methods that can prevent electrodes from shifting from their original positions when electrode and separator sheets are stacked to form a cell. Background Technology

[0004] Generally, rechargeable batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and lithium-ion polymer batteries. These rechargeable batteries are used not only in small products (such as digital cameras, P-DVDs, MP3 players, mobile phones, PDAs, portable gaming devices, power tools, and electric bicycles), but also in large products requiring high output (such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles) and in backup power storage devices for storing surplus electricity or renewable energy.

[0005] To manufacture such a secondary battery, firstly, positive and negative current collectors are coated with an electrode active material slurry to create positive and negative electrodes, respectively. Then, the positive and negative electrodes are stacked on both sides of a separator to form an electrode assembly with a predetermined shape. Finally, after housing the electrode assembly in a battery case and injecting an electrolyte solution, the battery case is sealed.

[0006] Electrode assemblies are classified into various types. For example: simple stacking, where no individual cells are fabricated, and the positive electrode, separator, and negative electrode are simply stacked in a cross-hatching and continuous manner; laminated stacking (L&S), where individual cells are first fabricated using the positive electrode, separator, and negative electrode, and then these individual cells are stacked; stacked folding (S&F), where multiple electrodes or individual cells are spaced apart and attached to one surface of a separator sheet with a longer side, and the separator sheet is repeatedly folded from one end in the same direction; and Z-folding, where multiple electrodes or individual cells are alternately attached to one surface and another surface of a separator sheet with a longer side, and the separator sheet is folded from one end in a specific direction, then folded in the opposite direction, and this process is repeated alternately.

[0007] In order to manufacture a laminated stack type (L&S), a stack folding type, or a Z-fold type electrode assembly, first, a unit cell can be manufactured. In general, in order to manufacture a unit cell, separators are stacked on upper and lower surfaces of a center electrode, respectively, while the center electrode is moved to one side by a conveyor belt or the like, after which an upper electrode is further stacked on the uppermost end. In addition, in some cases, a lower electrode can be further stacked on the lowermost end. Then, a lamination process is performed in which heat and pressure are applied to a stack in which the electrodes and the separators are stacked. Since the lamination process is performed, the electrodes and the separators can adhere to each other to firmly form the unit cell.

[0008] However, generally, the electrodes and the separators do not adhere to each other, but only come into contact with each other until the lamination process is performed on the stack in which the electrodes and the separators are stacked. Therefore, there is a problem in that the electrodes are not in the proper position during the process of conveying the stack to perform the lamination process. In addition, since the lamination process applies high heat and pressure to the stack, there can be a problem in that the electrodes are damaged. In addition, a separator that adheres to the electrodes even at low heat and low pressure has also been developed recently, but such a separator also has a problem in that the processing efficiency is reduced, while being uneconomical due to excessively high manufacturing costs.

[0009] Prior Art Documents

[0010] Korean Patent Application Publication No. 2010-0016619 SUMMARY

[0011] TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0012] One aspect of the present application provides a unit cell manufacturing apparatus and method that can prevent electrodes from being displaced from their original positions when electrode and separator sheets are stacked to form a unit cell.

[0013] The objects of the present application are not limited to the above-mentioned aspects, and other objects not described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0014] TECHNICAL SOLUTION

[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention, a cell manufacturing apparatus is provided, the cell manufacturing apparatus comprising: a lower separator reel from which a lower separator sheet is unwound; a first nozzle for applying an adhesive to at least a portion of an upward-facing surface of the unwound lower separator sheet; an upper separator reel from which an upper separator sheet is unwound; a second nozzle for applying an adhesive to at least a portion of an upward-facing surface of the unwound upper separator sheet; and a first engagement roller for inverting two opposing surfaces of the upper separator sheet such that the surface of the upper separator sheet to which the adhesive has been applied is oriented downward and adhered to the upper surface of a first electrode stably placed on the surface of the lower separator sheet.

[0016] Furthermore, the cell manufacturing apparatus may further include a first manifold that stably places the first electrode on one surface of the lower separator sheet to which the adhesive has been applied.

[0017] Furthermore, the cell manufacturing equipment may further include a first electrode reel, from which the first electrode sheet to be used as the first electrode is unwound.

[0018] Furthermore, the cell manufacturing apparatus may further include a first vision sensor disposed above the first electrode to photograph the first electrode before the first electrode is adhered to the upper separator sheet.

[0019] Furthermore, the first engagement rollers can be arranged on two opposing surfaces of a first stack formed by sequentially stacking the lower diaphragm sheet, the first electrode, and the upper diaphragm sheet, respectively, to apply pressure to the first stack while rotating.

[0020] Furthermore, the cell manufacturing apparatus may further include a third nozzle that applies adhesive to at least a portion of another upward-facing surface of the upper separator sheet.

[0021] Furthermore, the cell manufacturing apparatus may further include a second engagement roller, which is respectively arranged on two opposing surfaces of a second stack formed by sequentially stacking the lower separator sheet, the first electrode, the upper separator sheet, and the second electrode when the second electrode is stably placed on the other surface of the upper separator sheet on which the adhesive has been applied, so as to apply pressure to the second stack while rotating.

[0022] Furthermore, the cell manufacturing apparatus may further include a second manifold that stably places the second electrode on the other surface of the upper separator sheet to which the adhesive has been applied.

[0023] Furthermore, the cell manufacturing equipment may further include a second electrode reel from which the second electrode sheet to be used as the second electrode is unwound.

[0024] Furthermore, the cell manufacturing equipment may further include a second vision sensor arranged above the second electrode to photograph the second electrode before it is stably placed on the other surface of the upper separator sheet.

[0025] Furthermore, the cell manufacturing equipment may further include a cutter for cutting the second stack at predetermined intervals.

[0026] Furthermore, the cell manufacturing equipment may further include a third vision sensor arranged on one side of the first electrode to photograph the first electrode when the first electrode is adhered to the upper separator sheet.

[0027] Furthermore, the cell manufacturing equipment may further include a light source arranged above the upper separator sheet to radiate light toward the upper separator sheet when the first electrode is adhered to the upper separator sheet.

[0028] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for manufacturing a cell battery is provided, comprising the following steps: unwinding a lower separator sheet from a lower separator reel; applying an adhesive by a first nozzle to at least a portion of an upward-facing surface of the unwound lower separator sheet; stably placing a first electrode on the surface of the lower separator sheet on which the adhesive has been applied; unwinding an upper separator sheet from an upper separator reel; applying an adhesive by a second nozzle to at least a portion of an upward-facing surface of the unwound upper separator sheet; and inverting two opposing surfaces of the upper separator sheet by a first engagement roller, such that the surface of the upper separator sheet on which the adhesive has been applied is oriented downwards and adhered to the upper surface of the first electrode stably placed on the surface of the lower separator sheet.

[0029] Furthermore, in the step of inverting the two opposing surfaces of the upper diaphragm sheet, the first engagement roller may be arranged on the two opposing surfaces of the first stack formed by sequentially stacking the lower diaphragm sheet, the first electrode, and the upper diaphragm sheet, respectively, to apply pressure to the first stack while rotating.

[0030] Furthermore, the method may further include applying adhesive by a third nozzle to at least a portion of the other, upward-facing surface of the upper diaphragm sheet after the two opposing surfaces of the upper diaphragm sheet have been inverted.

[0031] Furthermore, the method may further include, after the adhesive is applied by the third nozzle, placing the second electrode stably on the other surface of the upper diaphragm sheet on which the adhesive has been applied.

[0032] Furthermore, the method may further include placing a second engagement roller on two opposing surfaces of a second stack formed by sequentially stacking the lower diaphragm sheet, the first electrode, the upper diaphragm sheet, and the second electrode after the second electrode has been stably placed, so as to apply pressure to the second stack while rotating.

[0033] Furthermore, the method may further include cutting the second stack at predetermined intervals with a cutter after the pressure is applied to the second stack.

[0034] Other specific details of the invention are included in the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0035] Beneficial effects

[0036] According to embodiments of the present invention, at least the following effects can be achieved.

[0037] When electrodes and separator sheets are stacked to manufacture a cell, even without using an expensive separator, as long as the electrodes are stably placed on the separator sheet, the position of the electrodes can be prevented from shifting by applying an adhesive beforehand.

[0038] Furthermore, since lamination is not required and the laminator can be removed, the size of the cell manufacturing equipment can be reduced and the manufacturing process can be simplified.

[0039] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those illustrated above, and this specification includes many more effects. Attached Figure Description

[0040] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a cell battery according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for manufacturing a cell battery according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 3 This is a schematic side view showing a cell manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 4This is a schematic plan view showing in detail a cell manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a cell manufacturing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

[0045] Figure 6 This is a schematic side view showing in detail a cell manufacturing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The advantages and features of the invention, and its implementation methods, will be illustrated by the following embodiments described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the invention may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make this disclosure thorough and complete, and to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, the invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Similar reference numerals refer to all similar elements.

[0047] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) are intended to have the meaning understood by one of skill in the art. Furthermore, unless explicitly defined, terms as defined in general dictionaries should not be interpreted in an unusual or exaggerated manner.

[0048] The terminology used herein is for describing specific exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. In this specification, singular terms may include plural forms unless the contrary is mentioned. It should be further understood that the term "comprising," when used in this specification, specifies the presence of the stated component but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components.

[0049] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a cell battery according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the electrode 11 and separator sheets 1211 and 1221 are stacked to manufacture the cell 2, as long as the electrode 11 is stably placed on the separator sheets 1211 and 1221, displacement of the electrode 11 can be prevented by pre-applying an adhesive, even without using an expensive separator. Furthermore, since a lamination process is not required, the laminator can be removed, thereby reducing the size of the cell manufacturing equipment 1 and simplifying the manufacturing process.

[0052] Therefore, a method for manufacturing a cell according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the following steps: unwinding a lower separator sheet 1211 from a lower separator roll 121; applying an adhesive by a first nozzle 131 to at least a portion of an upward-facing surface 1212 of the unwound lower separator sheet 1211; stably placing a first electrode 1112 on the adhesive-coated surface 1212 of the lower separator sheet 1211; unwinding an upper separator sheet 1221 from an upper separator roll 122; applying an adhesive by a second nozzle 132 to at least a portion of an upward-facing surface 1222 of the unwound upper separator sheet 1221; and inverting two opposing surfaces of the upper separator sheet 1221 by a first engagement roller 161 so that the adhesive-coated surface 1222 of the upper separator sheet 1221 is oriented downwards and adhered to the upper surface of the first electrode 1112 stably placed on the surface 1212 of the lower separator sheet 1211.

[0053] Furthermore, after the two opposing surfaces of the upper diaphragm sheet 1221 are reversed, the method may further include the following steps: applying an adhesive by a third nozzle 133 to at least a portion of the other upward-facing surface 1223 of the upper diaphragm sheet 1221; and stably placing the second electrode 1122 on the other adhesive-applied surface 1223 of the upper diaphragm sheet 1221.

[0054] The following text will refer to Figures 2 to 6 Detailed description Figure 1 Each step is shown in the flowchart.

[0055] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a cell manufacturing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] like Figure 2 As shown, the cell manufacturing apparatus 1 may include: a lower separator reel 121 from which a lower separator sheet 1211 is unwound; a first nozzle 131 for applying adhesive to at least a portion of an upward-facing surface 1212 of the unwound lower separator sheet 1211; an upper separator reel 122 from which an upper separator sheet 1221 is unwound; a second nozzle 132 for applying adhesive to at least a portion of an upward-facing surface 1222 of the unwound upper separator sheet 1221; and a first engagement roller 161 for inverting two opposing surfaces of the upper separator sheet 1221, causing the adhesive-coated surface 1222 of the upper separator sheet 1221 to be oriented downward and adhered to the upper surface of a first electrode 1112 stably placed on a surface 1212 of the lower separator sheet 1211.

[0057] The lower diaphragm reel 121 is a reel for winding the lower diaphragm sheet 1211, and the lower diaphragm sheet 1211 is unwound from the lower diaphragm reel 121. Furthermore, the upper diaphragm reel 122 is a reel for winding the upper diaphragm sheet 1221, and the upper diaphragm sheet 1221 is unwound from the upper diaphragm reel 122. The first electrode 1112 is stably placed on an upward-facing surface 1212 of the lower diaphragm sheet 1211 unwound from the lower diaphragm reel 121, and the upper diaphragm sheet 1221 unwound from the upper diaphragm reel 122 is stacked on the upper surface of the first electrode 1112. As a result, a first stack 21 is formed, in which the lower diaphragm sheet 1211, the first electrode 1112, and the upper diaphragm sheet 1221 are stacked sequentially. A first stack body 21 can be formed by stacking a plurality of first electrodes 1112 on diaphragm sheets 1211 and 1221, wherein the first electrodes are arranged in a row spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the diaphragm sheets 1211 and 1221.

[0058] The conveying directions of the lower diaphragm sheet 1211 and the upper diaphragm sheet 1221 can be different from each other. For example, as Figure 2 As shown, the lower separator sheet 1211 can be unwound and conveyed from one side of the cell manufacturing apparatus 1 to the other side, and the upper separator sheet 1221 can be unwound and conveyed from the upper side to the lower side. Later, when an adhesive is applied to one surface 1222 of the upper separator sheet 1221, the conveying direction of the upper separator sheet 1221 can be changed to be the same as the conveying direction of the lower separator sheet 1211, while the two opposite surfaces of the upper separator sheet 1221 are reversed. However, the invention is not limited to this; the conveying directions of the lower separator sheet 1211 and the upper separator sheet 1221 can be the same from the beginning. In this case, even if the two opposite surfaces of the upper separator sheet 1221 are reversed later, the conveying direction of the upper separator sheet 1221 may not be changed.

[0059] Nozzle 13 applies adhesive to diaphragm sheets 1211 and 1221. Ideally, the adhesive should be applied uniformly to the upward-facing surfaces 1212, 1222, and 1223 of the diaphragm sheets 1211 and 1221. Furthermore, when the adhesive viscosity is relatively high, it can be applied to the entire surface of surfaces 1212, 1222, and 1223 of the diaphragm sheets 1211 and 1221. However, when the adhesive viscosity is relatively low, if the adhesive is applied to the entire surface of surfaces 1212, 1222, and 1223 of the diaphragm sheets 1211 and 1221, the amount of adhesive applied may be excessive. Therefore, the adhesive may flow to the outside of the diaphragm sheets 1211 and 1221, contaminating other components, and the power generation function may not be optimal during the manufacture of the secondary battery. Therefore, the adhesive can be applied to the upper surface of the regions of the diaphragm sheets 1211 and 1221 by a point application method in which the adhesive is applied in a point form or a line application method in which the adhesive is applied in a line form.

[0060] Conversely, if the amount of adhesive applied is too small, the electrode 11 will still not be fixed to the separator sheets 1211 and 1221 when the battery moves, and the electrode 11 may not be in the proper position. Therefore, it is desirable that the spacing between the areas where adhesive is applied is not too large.

[0061] Even when the diaphragm is impregnated with an electrolyte solution, the adhesive must maintain its adhesion. Therefore, it is desirable for the adhesive to possess corrosion-resistant properties that do not change due to chemical reasons. Such an adhesive is a hot-melt adhesive, wherein the adhesive may include a modified olefin-based thermoplastic resin.

[0062] The nozzle 13 includes: a first nozzle 131 for applying adhesive to at least a portion of an upward-facing surface 1212 of the unwound lower diaphragm sheet 1211; a second nozzle 132 for applying adhesive to at least a portion of an upward-facing surface 1222 of the unwound upper diaphragm sheet 1221; and a third nozzle 133 for applying adhesive to at least a portion of another upward-facing surface 1223 of the upper diaphragm sheet 1221. Specifically, the first nozzle 131 is disposed above the lower diaphragm sheet 1211 and applies adhesive to at least a portion of the upward-facing surface 1212. Furthermore, the second nozzle 132 is disposed above the upper diaphragm sheet 1221 and applies adhesive to at least a portion of the upward-facing surface 1222. When the two opposing surfaces of the upper diaphragm sheet 1221 are later reversed, so that the other surface 1223 of the upper diaphragm sheet 1221 faces upward, the third nozzle 133 is arranged above the upper diaphragm sheet 1221 to apply adhesive to at least a portion of the other surface 1223 facing upward.

[0063] The first electrode 1112 and the second electrode 1122 can be manufactured by coating a slurry of electrode active material, conductive agent, and binder onto an electrode current collector, drying it, and then pressing the coated electrode current collector. According to one embodiment of the invention, the first electrode 1112 and the second electrode 1122 can be manufactured using a separate process for manufacturing electrode 11. The first electrode 1112 can be supplied to a first electrode platform 31 or a first electrode magazine (not shown) disposed on one side of the cell manufacturing equipment 1, and the second electrode 1122 can also be supplied to a second electrode platform 32 or a second electrode magazine (not shown) disposed on one side of the cell manufacturing equipment 1. When the first nozzle 131 applies adhesive to one surface 1212 of the lower separator sheet 1211, the first manifold 141 can adsorb the first electrode 1112 and then transport the first electrode 1112 to stably place the first electrode 1112 on the adhesive-applied surface 1212 of the lower separator sheet 1211. Later, when the two opposing surfaces of the upper diaphragm sheet 1221 are inverted, and the third nozzle 133 applies adhesive to the other surface 1223 of the upper diaphragm sheet 1221, the second manifold 142 can adsorb the second electrode 1122, and then the second electrode 1122 can be conveyed to stably place the second electrode 1122 on the other surface 1223 of the upper diaphragm sheet 1221 where the adhesive has been applied. In this document, the first electrode 1112 and the second electrode 1122 can be electrodes 11 with different polarities. That is, if the first electrode 1112 is positive, the second electrode 1122 can be negative, and if the first electrode 1112 is negative, the second electrode 1122 can be positive.

[0064] As the upper diaphragm sheet 1221 is unwound and conveyed, the guide roller 15 guides one surface 1222 of the upper diaphragm sheet 1221 to face upwards. As mentioned above, the conveying directions of the upper diaphragm sheet 1221 and the lower diaphragm sheet 1211 may be different from each other, specifically, the upper diaphragm sheet 1221 may be unwound and conveyed from the top to the bottom. Then, one surface 1222 of the upper diaphragm sheet 1221 may not face upwards, or even if one surface 1222 of the upper diaphragm sheet 1221 faces upwards, it may be inclined at an angle. Therefore, in order to facilitate the application of adhesive to one surface 1222 of the upper diaphragm sheet 1221 by the second nozzle 132, the guide roller 15 may change the conveying direction so that one surface 1222 of the upper diaphragm sheet 1221 is horizontal and facing upwards.

[0065] The first engagement roller 161 inverts the two opposing surfaces of the upper diaphragm sheet 1221, such that the adhesive-coated surface 1222 of the upper diaphragm sheet 1221 faces downwards and adheres to the upper surface of the first electrode 1112, which is stably placed on one surface 1212 of the lower diaphragm sheet 1212. When one surface 1222 of the upper diaphragm sheet 1221 is horizontal and oriented upwards by means of the guide roller 15, the second nozzle 132 applies adhesive to one surface 1222 of the upper diaphragm sheet 1221. Then, one surface 1222 of the upper diaphragm sheet 1221 must adhere to the upper surface of the lower first electrode 1112. For this purpose, the upward-facing surface 1222 of the upper diaphragm sheet 1221 must be inverted to face downwards. Therefore, the first engagement roller 161 rotates in contact with the other surface 1223 of the upper diaphragm sheet 1221 and guides the other surface 1223 of the upper diaphragm sheet 1221 to face upwards. Therefore, the two opposing surfaces of the upper diaphragm sheet 1221 are reversed, and one surface 1222 of the upper diaphragm sheet 1221 can be adhered to the upper surface of the first electrode 1112.

[0066] When the guide roller 15 guides one surface 1222 of the diaphragm sheet 1221 upwards, as Figure 2 As shown, the conveying direction of the upper diaphragm sheet 1221 can be opposite to that of the lower diaphragm sheet 1211. Then, the first engagement roller 161 can reverse the conveying direction of the upper diaphragm sheet 1221 while inverting the two opposing surfaces of the upper diaphragm sheet 1221. Therefore, the conveying direction of the upper diaphragm sheet 1221 can be the same as that of the lower diaphragm sheet 1211. However, the invention is not limited to this, and if the conveying directions of the lower diaphragm sheet 1211 and the upper diaphragm sheet 1221 are the same from the beginning, the first engagement roller 161 can simply invert the two opposing surfaces of the upper diaphragm sheet 1221 without changing the conveying direction of the upper diaphragm sheet 1221.

[0067] Multiple first engagement rollers 161 can be formed and arranged on two opposing surfaces of the first stack 21, wherein the lower diaphragm sheet 1211, the first electrode 1112, and the upper diaphragm sheet 1221 are stacked sequentially. Furthermore, the first engagement rollers 161 can apply pressure to the first stack 21 while rotating. Therefore, the interior of the first stack 21 can be more firmly adhered.

[0068] When the two opposing surfaces of the upper diaphragm sheet 1221 are inverted, the other surface 1223 of the upper diaphragm sheet 1221 faces upward. Then, the third nozzle 133 applies adhesive to at least a portion of the upward-facing surface 1223. The second manifold 142 can hold the second electrode 1122 and then deliver the second electrode 1122 to stably position it on the adhesive-coated surface 1223 of the upper diaphragm sheet 1221. As a result, a second stack 22 can be formed, wherein the lower diaphragm sheet 1211, the first electrode 1112, the upper diaphragm sheet 1221, and the second electrode 1122 are stacked sequentially. The second stack 22 can be formed by stacking multiple second electrodes 1122 on the diaphragm sheets 1211 and 1221, with these second electrodes 1122 spaced apart from each other in a row along the longitudinal direction of the diaphragm sheets 1211 and 1221. Since the first electrode 1112 and the second electrode 1122 have different dimensions, their spacing may differ. However, it is desirable that the first electrode 1112 and the second electrode 1122 are aligned and arranged so that their centers coincide.

[0069] Multiple second engagement rollers 162 can be formed and arranged on two opposing surfaces of the second stack 22. Furthermore, the second engagement rollers 162 can apply pressure to the second stack 22 while rotating. Therefore, the interior of the second stack 22 can be more firmly adhered.

[0070] The method for manufacturing a cell according to an embodiment of the present invention can be performed using the cell manufacturing apparatus 1 described above.

[0071] like Figure 2 As shown, the lower separator sheet 1211 is first unwound from the lower separator roll 121, and the lower separator sheet 1211 is conveyed from one side of the cell manufacturing apparatus 1 to the other side. Then, a first nozzle 131 is arranged above the lower separator sheet 1211 to apply adhesive to at least a portion of an upward-facing surface 1212 of the lower separator sheet 1211 (S101). The first electrode 1112, which will be manufactured in a separate process for manufacturing the electrode 11, is supplied to a first electrode platform 31 or a first electrode magazine (not shown) disposed on one side of the cell manufacturing apparatus 1. Furthermore, the first manifold 141 can hold the first electrode 1112, and then the first electrode 1112 can be conveyed to stably place the first electrode 1112 on the adhesive-applied surface 1212 of the lower separator sheet 1211 (S102).

[0072] The upper diaphragm sheet 1221 is unwound from the upper diaphragm roll 122 and can be conveyed from top to bottom. Then, the guide roller 15 guides one surface 1222 of the upper diaphragm sheet 1221 to face upwards. In particular, the guide roller 15 can change the conveying direction of the upper diaphragm sheet 1221 such that the conveying direction of the upper diaphragm sheet 1221 is opposite to the conveying direction of the lower diaphragm sheet 1211. Then, a second nozzle 132 is arranged above the upper diaphragm sheet 1221 to apply adhesive to at least a portion of the upward-facing surface 1222 of the upper diaphragm sheet 1221 (S103).

[0073] The first engagement roller 161 inverts the two opposing surfaces of the upper diaphragm sheet 1221, so that the surface 1222 of the upper diaphragm sheet 1221 to which adhesive has been applied faces downward (S104). As a result, one surface 1222 of the upper diaphragm sheet 1221 adheres to the upper surface of the first electrode 1112, which is stably placed below the upper diaphragm sheet 1221. In this case, the first engagement roller 161 reverses the conveying direction of the upper diaphragm sheet 1221 again, so that the conveying direction of the upper diaphragm sheet 1221 can be the same as the conveying direction of the lower diaphragm sheet 1211. At the same time, the first engagement roller 161 is arranged on the two opposing surfaces of the first stack 21, wherein the lower diaphragm sheet 1211, the first electrode 1112 and the upper diaphragm sheet 1221 are stacked sequentially, and the first engagement roller 161 can apply pressure to the first stack 21 while rotating.

[0074] A third nozzle 133 is disposed above the two opposing surfaces of the upper separator sheet 1221, and applies adhesive to at least a portion of the other surface 1223 of the upper separator sheet 1221 facing upwards (S105). A second electrode 1122, manufactured in a separate process for manufacturing electrode 11, is supplied to a second electrode stage 32 or a second electrode magazine (not shown) disposed on one side of the cell manufacturing apparatus 1. Furthermore, the second manifold 142 can adsorb the second electrode 1122, and then transport the second electrode 1122 to stably place it on the other surface 1223 of the upper separator sheet 1221 to which adhesive has been applied (S106).

[0075] The second engagement roller 162 is arranged on two opposing surfaces of the second stack 22, wherein the lower separator sheet 1211, the first electrode 1112, the upper separator sheet 1221, and the second electrode 1122 are stacked sequentially, and pressure can be applied to the second stack 22 while rotating. Furthermore, the cell 2 can be manufactured by cutting the second stack 22 at predetermined intervals using a cutter 17.

[0076] Figure 3 This is a schematic side view showing a cell manufacturing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and...Figure 4 A schematic plan view of a cell manufacturing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in detail.

[0077] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the cell manufacturing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes: a first vision sensor 181 disposed above the first electrode 1112 for photographing the first electrode 1112 before the first electrode 1112 is adhered to the upper separator sheet 1221; a second vision sensor 182 disposed above the second electrode 1122 for photographing the second electrode 1122 before the second electrode 1122 is stably placed on another surface 1223 of the upper separator sheet 1221; and a third vision sensor 183 disposed on one side of the first electrode 1112 for photographing the first electrode 1112 when the first electrode 1112 is adhered to the upper separator sheet 1221.

[0078] The first visual sensor 181, the second visual sensor 182, and the third visual sensor 183 acquire images by photographing a specific area and receiving image signals from that specific area. For this purpose, the visual sensors typically include imaging devices, such as charge-coupled devices (CCDs) or complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS). In particular, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the first visual sensor 181, the second visual sensor 182, and the third visual sensor 183 can acquire images respectively by photographing the first electrode 1112 before it is adhered to the upper diaphragm sheet 1221, the second electrode 1122, and the first electrode 1112 after it is adhered to the upper diaphragm sheet 1221.

[0079] Although not shown in the figures, the cell manufacturing apparatus 1 may further include a controller (not shown) that can determine whether the first electrode 1112 and the second electrode 1122 are defective by means of images of the first electrode 1112 and the second electrode 1122. The controller can determine whether the size, shape, and position of the first electrode 1112 and the second electrode 1122 are defective or damaged by comparing the obtained images with images of the first electrode 1112 and the second electrode 1122 of previously stored good products.

[0080] A first visual sensor 181 is disposed above the first electrode 1112 to photograph the first electrode 1112 before it adheres to the upper diaphragm sheet 1221. The first visual sensor 181 may also be disposed above the first electrode stage 31 to photograph the first electrode 1112 awaiting placement on the first electrode stage 31 before it is adsorbed onto the first manifold 141. Therefore, it is easy to determine whether the first electrode 1112 is defective, and if so, it can be removed before being stably placed on the lower diaphragm sheet 1211. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and the first visual sensor 181 may also be disposed above the lower diaphragm sheet 1211 to photograph the first electrode 1112 stably placed on the lower diaphragm sheet 1211.

[0081] A second visual sensor 182 is disposed above the second electrode 1122 to photograph the second electrode 1122 before it is stably placed on another surface 1223 of the upper diaphragm sheet 1221. The second visual sensor 182 may also be disposed above the second electrode stage 32 to photograph the second electrode 1122 awaiting placement on the second electrode stage 32 before it is adsorbed onto the second manifold 142. Therefore, it is possible to easily determine whether the second electrode 1122 is defective, and if so, it can be removed before being stably placed on the upper diaphragm sheet 1221. However, the invention is not limited thereto, and the second visual sensor 182 may also be disposed above the upper diaphragm sheet 1221 to photograph the second electrode 1122 stably placed on the upper diaphragm sheet 1221.

[0082] A third vision sensor 183 is disposed on one side of the first electrode 1112 to capture images of the first electrode 1112 when it is adhered to the upper diaphragm sheet 1221. The third vision sensor 183 can also capture images of the first electrode 1112 after the second electrode 1122 is stably placed on the upper diaphragm sheet 1221. Therefore, even if the first electrode 1112 is damaged or misplaced during the process of stably placing the second electrode 1122 on the upper diaphragm sheet 1221, it is easy to determine whether the first electrode 1112 is defective.

[0083] When the first electrode 1112 adheres to the upper diaphragm sheet 1221, the two opposing surfaces of the first electrode 1112 adhere to and are covered by the upper diaphragm sheet 1221 and the lower diaphragm sheet 1211. Then, even if the third vision sensor 183 captures an image of the first electrode 1112, a clear image may not be obtained. Therefore, as... Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, a separate light source 19 can be arranged above the upper diaphragm sheet 1221. When the first electrode 1112 is adhered to the upper diaphragm sheet 1221, the light source 19 can radiate light toward the upper diaphragm sheet 1221, especially toward the area captured by the third vision sensor 183. Therefore, the third vision sensor 183 can obtain a clearer image.

[0084] When using the cell manufacturing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the electrodes 11 and separator sheets 1211 and 1221 are stacked to manufacture the cell 2, even without using expensive separators, as long as the electrodes 11 are stably placed on the separator sheets 1211 and 1221, displacement of the electrodes 11 can be prevented by pre-applying an adhesive. Furthermore, since a lamination process is not required, the laminator can be removed; therefore, the size of the cell manufacturing apparatus 1 can be reduced, and the manufacturing process can be simplified.

[0085] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a cell manufacturing apparatus 1a according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] According to one embodiment of the invention, the first electrode 1112 and the second electrode 1122 are manufactured in a separate process for manufacturing electrode 11 and then supplied. However, a cell manufacturing apparatus 1a according to another embodiment of the invention further includes: a first electrode spool 111 from which a first electrode sheet 1111 is unwound, the first electrode sheet becoming the first electrode 1112; and a second electrode spool 112 from which a second electrode sheet 1121 is unwound, the second electrode sheet becoming the second electrode 1122. That is, the first electrode 1112 and the second electrode 1122 can be manufactured immediately by cutting the first electrode sheet 1111 and the second electrode sheet 1121 in the cell manufacturing apparatus 1a.

[0087] The first electrode reel 111 is a reel for winding the first electrode sheet 1111, and the first electrode sheet 1111 is unwound from the first electrode reel 111. Furthermore, the second electrode reel 112 is a reel for winding the second electrode sheet 1121, and the second electrode sheet 1121 is unwound from the second electrode reel 112. The first electrode sheet 1111 is cut to form a plurality of first electrodes 1112, and the second electrode sheet 1121 is cut to form a plurality of second electrodes 1122.

[0088] Figure 6 This is a schematic side view showing in detail a cell manufacturing apparatus 1a according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] According to another embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 6As shown, a first vision sensor 181 is positioned above the first electrode 1112 to capture images of the first electrode 1112 before it adheres to the upper diaphragm sheet 1221. When the first cutter 171 cuts the first electrode sheet 1111 to form the first electrode 1112, the first vision sensor 181 can capture images of the first electrode 1112 before it is stably placed on one surface 1212 of the lower diaphragm sheet 1211. When the second cutter 172 cuts the second electrode sheet 1121 to form the second electrode 1122, the second vision sensor 182 can capture images of the second electrode 1122 before it is stably placed on the other surface 1223 of the upper diaphragm sheet 1221. When the first electrode 1112 adheres to the upper diaphragm sheet 1221, a third vision sensor 183 is positioned to one side of the first electrode 1112 to capture images of the first electrode 1112. Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the size, shape, and position of the first electrode 1112 and the second electrode 1122 are defective or damaged.

[0090] The method for manufacturing a cell according to an embodiment of the present invention can be performed using the cell manufacturing apparatus 1 described above.

[0091] When the first nozzle 131 applies adhesive to at least a portion of an upward-facing surface 1212 of the lower diaphragm sheet 1211 (S101), the first cutter 171 cuts the first electrode sheet 1111 unwound from the first electrode reel 111 to form the first electrode 1112. The first electrode 1112 can then be immediately and stably placed on one surface 1212 of the lower diaphragm sheet 1211 (S102). When the second nozzle 132 applies adhesive to at least a portion of an upward-facing surface 1222 of the upper diaphragm sheet 1221 (S103), the first engagement roller 161 inverts the two opposing surfaces of the upper diaphragm sheet 1221 (S104). Subsequently, when the third nozzle 133 applies adhesive to at least a portion of the upward-facing surface 1223 of the two opposing surfaces of the upper separator sheet 1221 (S105), the second cutter 172 cuts the second electrode sheet 1121 unwound from the second electrode reel 112 to form the second electrode 1122. The second electrode 1122 can then be immediately and stably placed on the other surface 1223 of the upper separator sheet 1221 (S106). The unit cell 2 can be manufactured by cutting the second stack 22 thus formed at predetermined intervals using the third cutter 173.

[0092] Those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Therefore, it should be understood that the invention has been described by way of illustration rather than limitation. Consequently, the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing detailed description, and it should be interpreted that all changes or modifications derived from the meaning, scope, and equivalent concepts of the appended claims are within the scope of the invention.

[0093] Description of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0094] 1: Cell manufacturing equipment; 2: Cell battery

[0095] 11: Electrode 13: Nozzle

[0096] 15: Guide roller 17: Cutter

[0097] 19: Light source 21: First stacked body

[0098] 22: Second stack body; 31: First electrode stage

[0099] 32: Second electrode stage; 111: First electrode reel

[0100] 112: Second electrode reel; 121: Lower diaphragm reel

[0101] 122: Upper diaphragm roll; 131: First nozzle

[0102] 132: Second nozzle; 133: Third nozzle

[0103] 141: First manifold 142: Second manifold

[0104] 161: First engagement roller; 162: Second engagement roller

[0105] 171: First cutter 172: Second cutter

[0106] 173: Third cutter; 181: First vision sensor

[0107] 182: Second visual sensor; 183: Third visual sensor

[0108] 1111: First electrode sheet; 1112: First electrode

[0109] 1121: Second electrode sheet; 1122: Second electrode

[0110] 1211: Lower diaphragm sheet; 1212: One surface of the lower diaphragm sheet.

[0111] 1221: Upper diaphragm sheet; 1222: One surface of the upper diaphragm sheet.

[0112] 1223: The other surface of the upper diaphragm sheet

Claims

1. A cell manufacturing apparatus, the cell manufacturing apparatus comprising: Lower diaphragm roll, from which the lower diaphragm sheet is unwound; A first nozzle is used to pre-apply adhesive to at least a portion of an upward-facing surface of a unwound lower diaphragm sheet, wherein a first electrode is stably placed on the surface of the lower diaphragm sheet to which the adhesive has been applied. Upper diaphragm roll, from which upper diaphragm sheet is unwound; A guide roller is used to guide one surface of the upper diaphragm sheet upward during unwinding and conveying, such that the conveying direction of the upper diaphragm sheet is different from the conveying direction of the lower diaphragm sheet. A second nozzle, the second nozzle being used to apply adhesive to at least a portion of the upward-facing surface of the unwound upper diaphragm sheet; and A first engagement roller is used to invert the two opposing surfaces of the upper diaphragm sheet and reverse the conveying direction of the upper diaphragm sheet, so that the surface of the upper diaphragm sheet to which the adhesive has been applied is oriented downwards and adhered to the upper surface of the first electrode, which is stably placed on the surface of the lower diaphragm sheet. The first engagement rollers are arranged on two opposing surfaces of a first stack formed by sequentially stacking the lower diaphragm sheet, the first electrode, and the upper diaphragm sheet, respectively, to apply pressure to the first stack while it rotates. The cell manufacturing equipment further includes a first manifold that stably places the first electrode on one surface of the lower separator sheet on which the adhesive has been applied before the first engagement roller applies pressure to the first stack.

2. The cell manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a first electrode reel, wherein the first electrode sheet to be used as the first electrode is unwound from the first electrode reel.

3. The cell manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a first vision sensor disposed above the first electrode to photograph the first electrode before the first electrode is adhered to the upper separator sheet.

4. The cell manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a third nozzle that applies adhesive to at least a portion of an upward-facing other surface of the upper separator sheet.

5. The cell manufacturing apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a second engagement roller, the second engagement roller being respectively arranged on two opposing surfaces of a second stack formed by sequentially stacking the lower separator sheet, the first electrode, the upper separator sheet and the second electrode when the second electrode is stably placed on the other surface of the upper separator sheet to which the adhesive has been applied, so as to apply pressure to the second stack while rotating.

6. The cell manufacturing apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a second manifold that stably places the second electrode on the other surface of the upper separator sheet to which the adhesive has been applied.

7. The cell manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a second electrode reel, wherein the second electrode sheet to be used as the second electrode is unwound from the second electrode reel.

8. The cell manufacturing apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a second vision sensor disposed above the second electrode to image the second electrode before the second electrode is stably placed on the other surface of the upper separator sheet.

9. The cell manufacturing apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a cutter for cutting the second stack at predetermined intervals.

10. The cell manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a third vision sensor disposed on one side of the first electrode to photograph the first electrode when the first electrode is adhered to the upper separator sheet.

11. The cell manufacturing apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a light source disposed above the upper separator sheet to radiate light toward the upper separator sheet when the first electrode is adhered to the upper separator sheet.

12. A method for manufacturing a cell battery, the method comprising the following steps: Unwind the lower diaphragm sheet from the lower diaphragm reel; Adhesive is pre-applied by a first nozzle to at least a portion of an upward-facing surface of the unwound lower diaphragm sheet; The first electrode is stably placed on one surface of the lower diaphragm sheet to which the adhesive has been applied; Unwind the upper diaphragm sheet from the upper diaphragm roll; As the upper diaphragm sheet is unwound and conveyed, a guide roller guides one surface of the upper diaphragm sheet upwards, so that the conveying direction of the upper diaphragm sheet is different from that of the lower diaphragm sheet. Adhesive is applied by a second nozzle to at least a portion of the facing surface of the unwound upper diaphragm sheet; as well as The first engagement roller inverts the two opposing surfaces of the upper diaphragm sheet and reverses its conveying direction, causing the surface of the upper diaphragm sheet with the adhesive applied to it to face downwards and adhere to the upper surface of the first electrode, which is stably placed on the surface of the lower diaphragm sheet. In the step of inverting the two opposing surfaces of the upper diaphragm sheet, the first engagement rollers are respectively arranged on the two opposing surfaces of a first stack formed by sequentially stacking the lower diaphragm sheet, the first electrode, and the upper diaphragm sheet, so as to apply pressure to the first stack while rotating. The method further includes: placing the first electrode stably on one surface of the lower diaphragm sheet on which the adhesive has been applied before the first engagement roller applies pressure to the first stack.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising, after inverting the two opposing surfaces of the upper diaphragm sheet, applying adhesive by a third nozzle to at least a portion of the other, upward-facing surface of the upper diaphragm sheet.

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising, after the adhesive is applied by the third nozzle, stably placing the second electrode on the other surface of the upper diaphragm sheet on which the adhesive has been applied.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising distributing a second engagement roller on two opposing surfaces of a second stack formed by sequentially stacking the lower diaphragm sheet, the first electrode, the upper diaphragm sheet, and the second electrode after the second electrode has been stably placed, to apply pressure to the second stack while rotating.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising, after applying the pressure to the second stack, cutting the second stack at predetermined intervals with a cutter.

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