Electrode packaging device and electrode packaging method

Abstract

An electrode packaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application includes a conveying unit that conveys a wound electrode, and a packaging unit that packages the electrode conveyed by the conveying unit, wherein the packaging unit includes a packaging bag support portion that supports an entrance of the packaging bag in an open state, an electrode support portion that supports the electrode from the outside of the packaging bag after the electrode is put into the packaging bag, and a sealing portion that seals the entrance of the packaging bag, and the electrode support portion includes a holder that presses a core of the electrode in a state where the electrode is put into the packaging bag, and a side pad that presses a side portion of the electrode.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of and priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0034183, filed on March 16, 2021, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0012249, filed on January 27, 2022, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

[0003] The present application relates to an electrode packaging apparatus and an electrode packaging method for automatically packaging electrodes, and more particularly, to an electrode packaging apparatus and an electrode packaging method for automatically packaging electrodes. BACKGROUND

[0004] With the development of technology and an increase in demand for mobile devices, demand for rechargeable batteries as energy sources is rapidly increasing. In particular, rechargeable batteries are attracting a great deal of interest as energy sources for power devices such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrid electric vehicles, as well as mobile devices such as mobile phones, digital cameras, notebook computers, and wearable devices.

[0005] According to the shape of the battery case, rechargeable batteries are classified into cylindrical batteries and prismatic batteries in which an electrode assembly is embedded in a cylindrical or prismatic metal can, and pouch-type batteries in which an electrode assembly is embedded in a pouch-type case of an aluminum laminate sheet.

[0006] In addition, rechargeable batteries can be classified according to whether an electrode assembly of a structure in which a stack of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed therebetween is provided. In general, a jelly-roll type electrode assembly in which a long sheet-shaped positive electrode and a negative electrode are wound with a separator interposed therebetween, and a stacked type electrode assembly in which a plurality of positive electrodes and negative electrodes cut in units of a predetermined size are sequentially stacked with a separator interposed therebetween can be mentioned. Recently, in order to solve the problems of the jelly-roll electrode assembly and the stacked electrode assembly, a stacked / folded electrode assembly mixed with the jelly-roll type and the stacked type has been developed.

[0007] As a method of manufacturing an electrode of a rechargeable battery, a method of dispersing an active material, a conductive material, and / or a binder in a solvent to prepare a slurry and then directly applying the slurry to a current collector to form an electrode, or a method of applying a slurry to an upper portion of a separate support and then laminating a film to prevent peeling from the support on the current collector to form an electrode has been proposed. A sheet-shaped electrode (hereinafter referred to as an electrode sheet) formed by applying a slurry is mainly cut at regular intervals by a pressing, cutting, or drying process to produce a unit electrode, such as a positive electrode or a negative electrode.

[0008] On the other hand, during or after the above process, the electrode sheet can be moved or performed on a roll in a wound state, and can be packaged to minimize the influence of external air or moisture when moving or taken out. In order to minimize the defect rate of the final product, although the electrode in the state before assembly must be protected from the external environment, since there is no known electrode packaging device or known electrode packaging method in the prior art, the fact is that the electrode is mainly manually packaged. However, manual electrode packaging not only damages the electrode, but also has problems such as increased labor costs due to the use of additional personnel, and safety accidents caused by high-load electrodes.

[0009] In addition, in order to safely package the electrode, a method of packaging the electrode by wrapping wrapping paper on the circumference of the wound electrode has been designed, but such a method is not only weak in protecting both sides of the electrode, but also has a problem that vacuum packaging is not possible.

[0010] Considering the recent surge in demand for rechargeable batteries in the market, it is difficult to continue manual electrode packaging as it is now, and thus a standardized packaging method or a device for safely moving the electrode is required. SUMMARY

[0011] TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0012] The task to be solved by the present application is to provide an electrode packaging device and an electrode packaging method that can minimize damage to the electrode, reduce costs / time, and prevent safety accidents due to electrode manufacturing.

[0013] The problem to be solved by the present application is not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand the problems not mentioned from the present specification and drawings.

[0014] TECHNICAL SOLUTION

[0015] An electrode packaging device according to an embodiment of the present application includes a conveying unit that conveys a wound electrode, and a packaging unit for packaging the electrode conveyed by the conveying unit, wherein the packaging unit includes a packaging bag support portion for supporting an entrance of a packaging bag in an open state, an electrode support portion for supporting the electrode from the outside of the packaging bag after the electrode is put into the packaging bag, and a sealing portion that seals the entrance of the packaging bag, and the electrode support portion includes a gripper that presses a core of the electrode in a state where the electrode is put into the packaging bag, and a side pad that presses a side portion of the electrode.

[0016] The gripper can include two finger units, and the core of the electrode can be located between the two finger units.

[0017] The side pad can be plate-shaped, and a groove can be formed in the side pad to prevent interference with the gripper.

[0018] The side pad can be semi-circular in shape and can be positioned below the holder.

[0019] The packaging bag support portion can include at least one suction unit having a suction surface that is vacuum-suctioned to one surface of the packaging bag.

[0020] The sealing portion can include a vacuum unit for removing air inside the packaging bag and a heater unit for sealing an entrance of the packaging bag.

[0021] The conveying unit can include a desiccant conveying unit for putting a desiccant into the packaging bag.

[0022] The electrode packaging apparatus can further include a collection unit in the form of a rack for placing a packaged electrode.

[0023] An electrode packaging method according to another embodiment of the present application includes: conveying a wound electrode to a packaging position by a conveying unit; inserting the electrode into an entrance of a packaging bag supported by a packaging bag support portion; supporting the electrode from the outside of the packaging bag by an electrode support portion; and sealing the entrance of the packaging bag by a sealing portion, wherein the supporting of the electrode includes: pressing a core of the electrode by a holder; and pressing a side portion of the electrode by a side pad.

[0024] It can further include: inserting a desiccant into the entrance of the packaging bag supported by the packaging bag support portion, before sealing the entrance of the packaging bag.

[0025] It can further include, after sealing the entrance of the packaging bag, placing a packaged electrode to a collection unit.

[0026] A packaged electrode packaged by the above-described electrode packaging apparatus according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0027] The packaged electrode can include an electrode in which a rectangular electrode sheet is wound and a packaging bag that packages an outer surface of the electrode, and the electrode and the packaging bag are in close contact with each other.

[0028] It can further include a desiccant disposed inside the packaging bag.

[0029] The packaging bag can include a first packaging bag and a second packaging bag, and the first packaging bag can be a polymer material and the second packaging bag can be a metal material.

[0030] Advantageous Effects

[0031] According to the embodiments, since the present invention provides an automatic electrode packaging device and method, when the electrode is moved or removed, damage to the electrode due to the external environment can be minimized, thus reducing the labor cost of electrode manufacturing and preventing safety accidents caused by high-load electrodes.

[0032] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from this specification and the accompanying drawings the effects not mentioned. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an electrode packaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2 It shows the basis Figure 1 A block diagram showing the detailed configuration of the electrode packaging device.

[0035] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of an electrode packaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Top plan view of the electrode packaging device.

[0037] Figure 5 This is a view showing the transfer unit of an electrode packaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 6 This is a view illustrating the operation of an electrode transfer unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 7 This is a view showing a packaging bag conveying unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 8 This is a view showing a desiccant delivery unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 9 This is a view showing the operation of the packaging bag support portion according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 10 This is a view showing the operation of the electrode support portion according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 11 This is a view showing the sealing portion according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 12 This is a flowchart of an electrode packaging method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the invention. As those skilled in the art will recognize, the described embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

[0046] To clarify the invention, parts unrelated to the specification will be omitted, and the same reference numerals will be used throughout the specification to denote the same elements or equivalents.

[0047] Furthermore, since the dimensions and thicknesses of each component shown in the figures have been arbitrarily enlarged or reduced for ease of explanation, it is self-evident that the scope of the invention is not limited to what is shown. In the accompanying drawings, the thickness of each layer has been enlarged to clearly represent the individual layers and regions. In the following figures, the thickness of some layers and regions has been exaggerated for ease of explanation.

[0048] It should be understood that when an element (such as a layer, film, region, or substrate) is referred to as "on another element," it can be directly on the other element or there may be intermediate elements present. Conversely, it can be understood that when an element is referred to as "directly on another element," there are no intermediate elements present. Furthermore, in the specification, the terms "on" or "above" indicate that it is located on or above a part of an object, and do not necessarily mean that it is located on the upper side of the part of the object based on the direction of gravity. On the other hand, just as with the explanation of "on another part" or "above another part," the above description can also be used to understand "below another part" or "under another part."

[0049] Furthermore, unless there is an explicit description to the contrary, the words “comprise” and variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” will be understood as including the stated elements, rather than excluding any other elements.

[0050] Furthermore, in this specification, the phrase "in a plane" refers to a portion of an object viewed from above, and the phrase "in a cross-section" refers to a cross-section obtained by vertically cutting a portion of an object and viewed from the side.

[0051] The electrode packaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention is described below.

[0052] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of an electrode packaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 It shows the basis Figure 1 A block diagram showing the detailed configuration of the electrode packaging device. Figure 3 This is a perspective view of an electrode packaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 4 yes Figure 3Top plan view of the electrode packaging device.

[0053] Reference Figures 1 to 4 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electrode encapsulation device 1 may include: a supply unit 100 for supplying an electrode 10, an encapsulation bag 20, or a desiccant 30, etc.; a transfer unit 200 for transferring the electrode 10, the encapsulation bag 20, or the desiccant 30, etc. from the supply unit 100; an encapsulation unit 300 for encapsulating the electrode 10 by placing the electrode 10 into the encapsulation bag 20 and sealing the encapsulation bag 20; and / or a collection unit 400, wherein the electrode 10 encapsulated by the encapsulation unit 300 remains in the collection unit 400 before being removed.

[0054] Electrode 10 is the target of electrode encapsulation device 1 and can be a wound rectangular electrode sheet. The electrode sheet can be formed by coating an electrode paste onto a current collector, wherein the electrode paste typically includes, but is not limited to, electrode active materials, conductive materials, binders, and solvents. Here, the current collector can be formed using stainless steel, aluminum, copper, nickel, titanium, calcined carbon, etc., and can be provided in various forms, such as thin films, sheets, foils, meshes, porous bodies, foams, nonwoven fabrics, etc.

[0055] The encapsulation bag 20 can be used to isolate the electrode 10 from the external environment by encapsulating the outer surface of the electrode 10. One side of the encapsulation bag 20 can be configured to be open, allowing the electrode 10 to be inserted. Except for the open side, the other corners of the encapsulation bag 20 can be configured to be closed to prevent the electrode 10 from separating. When the open side of the encapsulation bag 20 is sealed by the sealing part 330 (described later) after the electrode 10 and / or the desiccant 30 are inserted, the encapsulation bag 20 can be in a fully closed state. Hereinafter, for better understanding and ease of description, the open side of the encapsulation bag 20 will be referred to as the "inlet".

[0056] The encapsulation bag 20 may be made of polyethylene (PE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), stretched polypropylene (OPP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), deposited film (metallized film), or similar materials. However, the material of the encapsulation bag 20 is not limited to the examples above. If the material has sufficient (thermal) safety to protect the electrode 10 from external influences, or sufficient tensile strength to prevent damage from external forces, it may be used as the material of the encapsulation bag 20.

[0057] Desiccant 30 can be used to remove residual moisture in electrode 10 or moisture that may be present in the encapsulation process before electrode 10 is encapsulated in encapsulation bag 20. Desiccant 30 can be added before or after insertion of electrode 10, i.e., before sealing encapsulation bag 20. Desiccant 30 may be made of silicone, but is not limited to this.

[0058] The supply unit 100 may refer to a space provided for storing or holding the aforementioned electrode 10, packaging bag 20, or desiccant 30, or a configuration for this purpose. The electrode 10, packaging bag 20, or desiccant 30 stored in the supply unit 100 may be moved by the transfer unit 200 to the packaging unit 300 and used in the packaging process.

[0059] The supply unit 100 may include an electrode supply unit 110, a packaging bag supply unit 120, or a desiccant supply unit 130. The wound electrodes 10 may be sequentially supplied to the electrode supply unit 110. Multiple packaging bags 20 may be stacked on the packaging bag supply unit 120. Here, the packaging bags 20 may be stacked vertically such that one surface faces the ground, but this is not necessarily the case and can be arranged differently depending on the designer's intent. Granular desiccant 30 may be stored in the desiccant supply unit 130, or the desiccant 30 may be stacked and stored in bags. The desiccant supply unit 130 may be located within a packaging location, where "packaging location" may refer to a predetermined space provided for opening the inlet of the packaging bag 20 and introducing the electrode 10 through the inlet of the packaging bag 20.

[0060] The transfer unit 200 can be used to move the electrodes 10, packaging bags 20, or desiccants 30 stored / installed in the supply unit 100 to the packaging position in the packaging unit 300. The transfer unit 200 may include an electrode transfer unit 210, a packaging bag transfer unit 220, or a desiccant transfer unit 230. Details of the transfer unit 200 will be described later with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0061] The encapsulation unit 300 can be used to seal the electrode 10 delivered to the encapsulation position in the encapsulation bag 20. The encapsulation unit 300 may include: an electrode support 310 for trimming the external shape of the encapsulation bag 20 by supporting the electrode 10 from outside the encapsulation bag 20; or an encapsulation bag support 320 for opening the entrance of the encapsulation bag 20 and supporting the opened entrance; and / or a sealing portion 330 for sealing the entrance after the electrode 10 has been inserted. Further details of the encapsulation unit 300 will be described later with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0062] The collection unit 400 may refer to the space or configuration in which the packaged electrode 10 resides before being removed. The collection unit 400 may include a rack on which the packaged electrode 10 may be mounted.

[0063] The frame may include two spaced-apart rods, and cores protruding to both ends of the electrode 10 in the width direction may be positioned on the two spaced-apart rods. The cores of the electrode 10 may be rolled on the rods, thereby allowing the electrode 10 to move horizontally along the rods. When the packaged electrode 10 is sequentially delivered to the collection unit 400, the electrode 10 remaining in the collection unit 400 may be moved along the rods in a direction away from the packaged position by being pushed by subsequently delivered electrodes 10. Although not specifically shown, grooves may be provided in the rods to limit the range of movement of the electrode 10.

[0064] The transmission unit according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail below.

[0065] Figure 5 This is a view showing the transfer unit of an electrode packaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 This is a view illustrating the operation of the electrode transfer unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 This is a view illustrating a packaging bag conveying unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 8 This is a view showing a desiccant delivery unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] According to an embodiment of the invention, the electrode transfer unit 210 can move the electrode 10 supplied from the electrode supply unit 110 to the packaging position. The electrode transfer unit 210 can be designed such that it can be driven back and forth or left and right along a track. The electrode transfer unit 210 can move the electrode 10 in the horizontal direction to correspond to the inlet of the packaging bag 20, and when the electrode 10 is located at the inlet of the packaging bag 20, the electrode 10 can be lowered to insert the electrode 10 into the packaging bag 20.

[0067] Reference Figure 6 The electrode transfer unit 210 in this embodiment may include a lift or crane capable of moving the electrode 10 up and down. The lift or crane may include a hook 212 (see...). Figure 9 The curved portion of the hook can be designed to correspond to the core of the wound electrode 10. The electrode transfer unit 210 can be coupled to the core of the electrode 10 via the hook, and the electrode 10 can be suspended and lifted from the hook.

[0068] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the packaging bag conveying unit 220 can move the packaging bag 20 supplied from the packaging bag supply unit 120 to the packaging position. The packaging bag conveying unit 220 can be designed to run forward or backward or left and right along a track, which can be referred to as the main body (without reference numerals). In addition, the packaging bag conveying unit 220 may include an adsorption section 222 for lifting the packaging bag 20 and an inclined section 224 for tilting the adsorption section 222.

[0069] Reference Figure 7The adsorption section 222 of the packaging bag delivery unit 220 in this embodiment may include a hollow outer shell and adsorption units that can be temporarily attached to an object using the vacuum force created by the hollow structure. The adsorption units are disposed on one surface of the outer shell, and if there are two or more adsorption units, they may be arranged side-by-side in a straight line. Each adsorption unit may have an adsorption surface in contact with one surface of the packaging bag 20, and an adsorption port communicating with the hollow of the outer shell may be located on the adsorption surface. The adsorption surface of the adsorption unit can be moved at an angle to or from the ground (floor) by means of an inclined section 224 designed to rotate about an axis.

[0070] Specifically, in the packaging bag supply unit 120, packaging bags 20 can be stacked such that one surface is parallel to the ground, and with the adsorption surface facing the ground, the adsorption unit of the packaging bag conveying unit 220 can be lowered to approach one surface of the packaging bag 20. When the packaging bag 20 and the adsorption surface are attached by vacuum force, the adsorption unit can be moved along the arrow shown by the tilting part 224, so that the adsorption surface and one surface of the packaging bag 20 adsorbed by the adsorption surface can be positioned perpendicular to the floor. When the other side of the packaging bag 20 is supported by the packaging bag support part 320 described later, and the entrance of the packaging bag 20 is opened towards the ceiling, the electrode 10 can be placed into the packaging bag 20.

[0071] On the other hand, although not specifically shown, the packaging bag conveying unit 220 may be designed to be movable vertically. This may be because the packaging bag supply unit 120, on which the packaging bag 20 is placed, must be positioned close to the bottom surface, and the packaging bag conveying unit 220 must move downward to obtain the packaging bag 20. In addition, this may be because the position of the packaging bag conveying unit 220 must be shifted to correspond to the position of the packaging bag support 320, which will be described later.

[0072] The desiccant delivery unit 230 according to an embodiment of the present invention can be used to place the desiccant 30 into the packaging bag 20. For example... Figure 8 As shown, the desiccant 30 can be loaded into the packaging bag 20 in the direction of the arrow via the desiccant delivery unit 230 of the present invention. Here, the desiccant delivery unit 230 can be designed as a robot for placing the desiccant 30 stored in the desiccant supply unit 130 into the packaging bag 20. Although not specifically shown, the desiccant delivery unit 230 can be located in the space where the entrance of the packaging bag 20 is open to facilitate the input of the desiccant 30, and specifically, the desiccant delivery unit 230 can be located above the opening of the packaging bag 20.

[0073] The packaging unit according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail below.

[0074] In the packaging bag support 320 according to an embodiment of the present invention, if the packaging bag 20 is moved to the packaging position by the packaging bag conveying unit 220, the entrance of the packaging bag 20 can be opened by supporting one surface of the packaging bag 20, and the open entrance can be maintained.

[0075] Figure 9 This is a view showing the operation of the packaging bag support portion according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] Reference Figure 9 According to this embodiment, the packaging bag support portion 320 may include an adsorption portion 322 for supporting the packaging bag 20, and the adsorption portion 322 of the packaging bag support portion 320 may be designed to be similar to the adsorption portion 222 of the packaging bag conveying unit 220 described above. In essence, the adsorption portion 322 of the packaging bag support portion 320 and the adsorption portion 222 of the packaging bag conveying unit 220 are substantially the same, but for ease of explanation, they can be separated and can be arranged symmetrically to each other.

[0077] The packaging bag support 320 can open the entrance of the packaging bag 20. One surface of the packaging bag 20 is vacuum-adsorbed by the suction part 222 of the packaging bag conveying unit 220 and moved to the packaging position, and the other surface of the moving packaging bag 20 can be supported by the vacuum adsorption part 322 of the packaging bag support 320. The packaging bag conveying unit 220 and the packaging bag support 320, which are attached to the two surfaces of the packaging bag 20, can move in opposite directions, thereby opening the entrance of the packaging bag 20.

[0078] Although not specifically shown, the packaging bag support 320 may be designed to be vertically movable. This is likely because the packaging bag conveying unit 220 and the packaging bag support 320 must be shifted to correspond to each other. Additionally, this may be to adjust the distance between the inlet of the conveying electrode 10 and the packaging bag 20. Specifically, there is a concern that the packaging bag 20 may be damaged when a high-load electrode 10 falls into it. Therefore, it is preferable to minimize the fall distance of the electrode 10 by moving the packaging bag conveying unit 220 and / or the packaging bag support 320 that supports the packaging bag 20 upwards. Furthermore, as described later, the operation of the sealing portion 330 in the packaging process of the electrode 10 may be associated with the operation of the packaging bag conveying unit 220 and / or the packaging bag support 320, and in this process, the packaging bag conveying unit 220 and / or the packaging bag support 320 may need to be vertically moved so that the sealing portion 330 and its position correspond as closely as possible.

[0079] On the other hand, when the encapsulation of electrode 10 is completed, electrode 10 can be suspended on the rack of collection unit 400 and stored until it is removed. At this time, if the encapsulation bag 20 does not make close contact with the outer shape of electrode 10, the core of electrode 10 may be difficult to fix on the rack, and the encapsulation bag 20 may be damaged due to the tension surrounding the core of electrode 10 stuck in the rack. Therefore, before the encapsulation of electrode 10 is completed, an electrode support 310 may be needed to arrange the appearance of the encapsulation bag 20.

[0080] Figure 10 This is a view showing the operation of the electrode support portion according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] Reference Figure 10 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electrode support 310 can be used to trim the appearance of the packaging bag 20 after the electrode 10 is placed into the packaging bag 20. The electrode support 310 may include a clamp 312 for pressing the core of the electrode 10 and a side pad 314 for pressing the side surface of the electrode 10. Two clamps 312 and two side pads 314 may be provided respectively. The clamps 312 may be configured to press the core protruding from both ends in the width direction of the electrode 10, and the side pads 314 may be provided at both ends in the length direction of the electrode 10 to press the radial section (side surface) of the electrode 10.

[0082] The gripper 312 may include two finger-like units, each of which may be circular. The core of the electrode 10 is primarily located between the two finger-like units, but even if the core of the electrode 10 is initially positioned differently, it can move and be positioned between the two finger-like units due to its circular shape. The finger-like units are independently movable, and the two ends of the electrode 10 can be separated or brought closer together so that the core of the electrode 10 can be positioned on the gripper 312. The gripper 312 can hold the core of the electrode 10.

[0083] The side pad 314 can be configured as a circle or a semi-circle corresponding to the radial cross-section of the electrode 10. The side pad 314 can be plate-shaped, and since the holder 312 is located around the core of the electrode 10, a groove can be formed in the side pad 313 to prevent interference with the holder 312. After encapsulation, the electrode 10 is located in the frame of the collection unit 400. Because the tension mainly acts between the core of the electrode 10 and the bottom surface of the electrode 10, it is preferable that the side pad 314 primarily presses against the lower part of the cross-section of the electrode 10. Therefore, to minimize interference between the electrode 10 and the collection unit 400, the side pad 314 can be configured as a semi-circular plate shape to correspond to the lower part of the cross-section of the electrode 10 below the holder 312, as shown in the figure.

[0084] When the electrode 10 and the desiccant 30 pass through the opening of the packaging bag 20 through the packaging bag support 320, and the outer shape of the packaging bag 20 is arranged in the electrode support 310, the opening of the packaging bag 20 can be sealed by the sealing part 330.

[0085] Figure 11 This is a view showing the sealing portion according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] Reference Figure 11 According to an embodiment of the present invention, the sealing part 330 may include a vacuum unit 332 for removing air from the packaging bag 20 and a heater unit 334 for sealing the inlet.

[0087] Vacuum unit 332 creates a vacuum environment within the packaging bag 20. The vacuum unit 332 is positioned between the adsorption portion 222 of the packaging bag conveying unit 220 and the adsorption portion of the packaging bag support portion 320, thereby removing air from the packaging bag 20 and ensuring close contact between the packaging bag 20 and the outer surface of the electrode 10. Here, the packaging bag conveying unit 220 and the packaging bag support portion 320 are movable towards each other, such that the inlet of the packaging bag 20 corresponds to the vacuum unit 332. After the operation of the vacuum unit 332 is complete, the heater unit 334 moves towards the packaging bag 20, and a portion of the packaging bag 20 is heat-sealed by the heater unit 334, thereby closing the inlet of the packaging bag 20. A pair of heater units 334 can be provided, and a pair of heater units 334 can be placed on each of the two surfaces of the packaging bag 20 to seal the inlet by pressing the packaging bag 20.

[0088] On the other hand, if the vacuum unit 332 or heater unit 334 operates with the creases of the encapsulation bag 20 surrounding the outer surface of the electrode 10 not removed, it may be difficult to adhere the encapsulation bag 20 to the outer surface of the electrode 10. If the encapsulation bag 20 is not in close contact with the outer surface of the electrode 10, it may be difficult to protect the electrode 10 from external moisture / air. Furthermore, the encapsulated electrode 10 may subsequently be difficult to mount on the frame of the collection unit 400. Therefore, the sealing portion 330 may further include a clamping unit (not shown) for straightening the creases of the encapsulation bag 20 before the operation of the aforementioned vacuum unit 332 or heater unit 334. The clamping unit may be configured as a pair of finger units, but the shape of the finger units may differ from that of the finger units of the aforementioned gripper 312.

[0089] The clamping unit can be used to arrange the inlet of the encapsulation bag 20 on the circumferential surface of the electrode 10 or on two radial sections of the electrode 10. The clamping unit can be used to form at least a portion of the inlet of the encapsulation bag 20, which is deformed according to the shape of the electrode 10, into a straight shape. Multiple clamping units can be arranged along the axial direction of the electrode 10 or on one surface of the encapsulation bag 20.

[0090] On the other hand, while the clamping unit has been described as being configured as the sealing portion 330 in the above description, considering the function of the clamping unit supporting the packaging bag 20, the clamping unit can be configured as the packaging bag support portion 320. Therefore, the packaging bag support portion 320 may include an adsorption portion 322, which includes the aforementioned adsorption unit and clamping unit.

[0091] On the other hand, each configuration of the above-described electrode packaging device may be provided in a form that omits a portion as needed, or may be provided in a form that further includes additional configurations, which must be interpreted as also being included in the spirit of the invention.

[0092] For example, although the apparatus of the present invention is described based on the fact that desiccant 30 is disposed in the packaging bag 20, desiccant 30 may be optionally disposed. Furthermore, since a material having a composition similar to that of desiccant 30 can be coated on the inner surface of the packaging bag 20, it is not necessary to add additional desiccant 30 to the packaging bag 20. In this case, the desiccant supply unit 130 and desiccant delivery unit 230 included in the electrode packaging apparatus 1 of the present invention can be omitted, and it goes without saying that the electrode packaging apparatus 1 without this configuration also falls within the spirit of the present invention.

[0093] The electrode packaging method according to an embodiment of the present invention is described below.

[0094] On the other hand, the electrode packaging method according to an embodiment of the present invention can be performed by the electrode packaging apparatus described above. However, this is not necessarily the case.

[0095] Figure 12 This is a flowchart of an electrode packaging method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0096] Reference Figure 12 The electrode encapsulation method S100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: conveying a wound electrode 10 (S110); conveying an encapsulation bag 20 (S120); inserting the electrode 10 into the encapsulation bag 20 (S130); inserting a desiccant 30 into the encapsulation bag 20 (S140); arranging the exterior of the encapsulation bag 20 (S150); sealing the entrance of the encapsulation bag 20 (S160); and / or installing the encapsulated electrode 10 (S170).

[0097] Here, the electrode encapsulation method S100 is not limited to the above-described process, and the method can be performed in another order. As an example, the transfer of the wound electrode 10 (S110) and the transfer of the encapsulation bag 20 (S120) can be performed simultaneously, and the transfer of the wound electrode 10 (S110) can be performed after the transfer of the encapsulation bag 20 (S120). As another example, the insertion of the desiccant 30 into the encapsulation bag 20 (S140) can be performed before the electrode 10 is inserted into the encapsulation bag 20 (S130).

[0098] Furthermore, the electrode encapsulation method S100 may exclude some of the steps described above, or may include additional steps. For example, inserting the desiccant 30 into the encapsulation bag 20 (S140) in the electrode encapsulation method S100 may be omitted.

[0099] Each step will be described in more detail below.

[0100] The electrode 10 located in the electrode supply unit 110 can be moved to the packaging position via the electrode transfer unit 210 (S110). This can be explained with reference to the above content; more specifically, refer to... Figure 5 and Figure 6 The content is described.

[0101] The packaging bag 20 located in the packaging bag supply unit 120 can be moved to the packaging position S120 via the packaging bag conveying unit 220. This can be explained with reference to the above content; more specifically, refer to... Figure 5 and Figure 7 The content is described.

[0102] Here, the packaging bag 20 can be lifted by the suction part 222 of the packaging bag conveying unit 220, and then moved to the packaging position by the drivable main body (not shown in the figure). At this time, after the suction surface of the suction part 222 is attached to one surface of the packaging bag 20, if the tilting part 224 rotates about the axis, the suction surface of the suction part 222 can be positioned perpendicular to the floor, and one surface of the packaging bag 20 can be moved to the packaging position in a state perpendicular to the floor. However, this is not necessarily the case; after the packaging bag 20 has moved to the packaging position, one surface of the packaging bag 20 can be positioned perpendicular to the floor by operating the tilting part 224.

[0103] Electrode 10 can be conveyed by electrode transfer unit 210 to the opening of the packaging bag 20 (S130). Here, the opening of the packaging bag 20 can be opened and supported by packaging bag support 320. More specifically, the opening of the packaging bag 20 can be opened and supported by packaging bag transfer unit 220 and packaging bag support 320.

[0104] Therefore, inserting the electrode 10 into the packaging bag 20 (S130) may include opening the inlet of the packaging bag 20 (S132) and inserting the electrode 10 into the inlet of the packaging bag 20 (S134). See also... Figure 9 The content describes opening the inlet of the packaging bag 20 (S132), and can be referred to Figure 6 The content describes inserting electrode 10 into the inlet of packaging bag 20 (S134).

[0105] The desiccant 30 located in the desiccant supply unit 130 can be placed into the inlet of the packaging bag 20 through the desiccant transfer unit 230 (S140). This can be explained with reference to the above content; more specifically, refer to... Figure 8 The content is described.

[0106] When electrode 10 is located in encapsulation bag 20, the shape of encapsulation bag 20 can be arranged by electrode support portion 310 S150. This can be explained with reference to the above content, and more specifically, refer to Figure 10 The content is described.

[0107] The sealing part 330 can seal the inlet S160 of the package 20. This can be explained with reference to the above content; more specifically, refer to... Figure 11 The content is described.

[0108] Meanwhile, in the sealing section 330, before the entrance of the encapsulation bag 20 is sealed, the shape of the entrance of the encapsulation bag 20 can be adjusted by the aforementioned finger unit. After the finger unit is operated, the outer surface of the electrode 10 and the encapsulation bag 20 can be in close contact through the vacuum unit 332, and the entrance of the encapsulation bag 20 can be sealed by the heater unit 334.

[0109] The encapsulated electrode 10 can be placed in the collection unit 400 until it is removed (S170). This can be described with reference to the contents of the collection unit 400, so a detailed description is omitted.

[0110] Meanwhile, in the electrode packaging device 1 and electrode packaging method S100 described above, it has been described that the electrode 10 is packaged by one packaging bag 20, but the electrode 10 can be packaged by two or more packaging bags 20.

[0111] When two or more encapsulation bags 20 are used to encapsulate the electrode 10, the materials of the two encapsulation bags 20 can be different. The encapsulation bag 20 may include a first encapsulation bag and a second encapsulation bag. Here, the first encapsulation bag may be made of a polymer material, and the second encapsulation bag may be made of a metal material. An example of a metal material used for the second encapsulation bag is aluminum. Therefore, in the encapsulation process of the electrode 10, the aforementioned encapsulation bag 20 (e.g., PE) and encapsulation bags 20 made of metal materials (e.g., aluminum) can be provided. Specifically, after encapsulating the electrode 10 with an encapsulation bag 20 made of a polymer material, the electrode 10 can be further encapsulated with an encapsulation bag 20 made of a metal material.

[0112] When two or more packaging bags 20 are used for packaging the electrode 10, the above-described electrode packaging apparatus and method may be partially modified to allow continuous processing to be performed by two packaging bags 20.

[0113] For example, the packaging bag supply unit 120 of the electrode packaging device 1 may include a first packaging bag supply unit and a second packaging bag supply unit for storing each packaging bag 20. Here, the first packaging bag supply unit can supply the first packaging bag, and the second packaging bag supply unit can supply the second packaging bag.

[0114] In another example, before placing the encapsulated electrode 10 (S170), the electrode encapsulation method S100 may repeat the following steps: conveying the encapsulation bag 20 (S120), inserting the electrode 10 into the encapsulation bag 20 (S130), inserting the desiccant 30 into the encapsulation bag (S140), arranging the appearance of the encapsulation bag 20 (S150), or sealing the entrance of the encapsulation bag 20 (S160).

[0115] Here, repeating steps (S120) to (S160) can be used to encapsulate the electrode encapsulated in the first encapsulation bag into a second encapsulation bag. Therefore, in repeating the previous steps (S120) to (S160), the encapsulation bag 20 can be described as the first encapsulation bag, and when repeating steps (S120) to (S160), the electrode 10 can be described as the electrode encapsulated in the first encapsulation bag, and the encapsulation bag 20 can be described as the second encapsulation.

[0116] Furthermore, according to the design, the electrode encapsulation method S100 may not repeat all steps (S120) to (S160), but may only repeat some of the steps. For example, in the electrode encapsulation method S100, the insertion of the desiccant 30 into the encapsulation bag 20 may not be repeated (S140). In this case, the desiccant 30 may only be provided to the encapsulation bag 20 located inside. Alternatively, the electrode encapsulation method S100 may also not repeat the arrangement of the outer surface of the encapsulation bag 20 (S150).

[0117] The following describes a packaged electrode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0118] The encapsulated electrode in this embodiment is encapsulated by the electrode encapsulation device 1 and the electrode encapsulation method 100S described above, and the content overlapping with the above is omitted.

[0119] The encapsulated electrode of this embodiment may include an electrode 10 wound into a rectangular electrode sheet and an encapsulation bag 20 for encapsulating the outer surface of the electrode 10. Furthermore, the encapsulated electrode in this embodiment may further include a desiccant 30 for removing moisture from inside the encapsulation bag 20.

[0120] Electrode 10 can be encapsulated in encapsulation bag 20 using the electrode encapsulation device 1 and electrode encapsulation method 100S described above. In the encapsulated electrode, electrode 10 and encapsulation bag 20 can be in close contact. Electrode 10 and encapsulation bag 20 can contact each other. This is likely because after electrode 10 is placed in encapsulation bag 20, the interior of encapsulation bag 20 is regulated to a vacuum state by vacuum unit 332, and then the inlet is sealed by heater unit 334.

[0121] Electrode 10 can be double-packaged. Electrode 10 can be packaged in two or more packaging bags 20. Packaging bag 20 may include a first packaging bag and a second packaging bag. After being packaged in the first packaging bag, electrode 10 can be packaged in the second packaging bag. In the packaged electrode, the first packaging bag may be located inside the second packaging bag, and the second packaging bag may be located outside the first packaging bag. When electrode 10 is double-packaged, electrode 10 can be placed in the second packaging bag after being packaged in the first packaging bag by the electrode packaging device 1 and electrode packaging method 100S described above, and the entrance of the second packaging bag can be sealed, thereby completing the packaging of the electrode. Here, desiccant 30 can be placed in the first packaging bag before sealing the first packaging bag. In addition, desiccant 30 can be placed in the second packaging bag before sealing the second packaging bag.

[0122] The first packaging bag can be made of polymer material, and the second packaging bag can be made of metal material. By surrounding the first packaging bag made of polymer material with the second packaging bag made of metal material, the moisture resistance of the packaged electrode can be improved. In addition, because the second packaging bag isolates the first packaging bag from the external environment, damage to the first packaging bag due to storage or transportation can be prevented, and the durability of the packaged electrode can be improved.

[0123] The foregoing description merely illustrates the technical spirit or scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that various modifications and equivalent arrangements are possible without substantially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments of the invention described above can be implemented individually or in combination with each other.

[0124] Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in this invention are not intended to limit the technical spirit or scope of the invention, but rather to explain them, and the scope of the technical spirit or scope of the invention is not limited by the embodiments. The scope of protection of this invention should be interpreted by the following claims, and all technical ideas within the equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included within the scope of this invention.

[0125] [Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures]

[0126] 100: Supply Unit

[0127] 110: Electrode Supply Unit

[0128] 120: Packaging bag supply unit

[0129] 130: Desiccant Supply Unit

[0130] 200: Transmission Unit

[0131] 210: Electrode transfer unit

[0132] 220: Packaging bag conveying unit

[0133] 230: Desiccant delivery unit

[0134] 300: Packaging Unit

[0135] 310: Electrode support section

[0136] 320: Packaging bag support section

[0137] 330: Sealing part

[0138] 400: Collection Unit

Claims

1. An electrode packaging device, comprising: The conveying unit conveys the wound electrodes; and A packaging unit for packaging the wound electrodes conveyed by the conveying unit. The packaging unit includes: A bag support section is used to support the inlet of the bag when it is open. An electrode support portion supports the wound electrode from the outside of the packaging bag after the wound electrode is placed into the packaging bag; and The sealing part seals the entrance to the packaged bag, and The electrode support includes a clamp that presses the core of the wound electrode when the wound electrode is placed in the packaging bag, and a side pad that presses the side of the wound electrode.

2. The electrode packaging device according to claim 1, wherein: The clamp includes two finger-like units, and the core of the wound electrode is located between the two finger-like units.

3. The electrode packaging device according to claim 1, wherein... The side pads are plate-shaped, and A groove is formed in the side pad to prevent interference with the clamp.

4. The electrode packaging device according to claim 3, wherein... The side pad is semi-circular in shape and is located below the clamp.

5. The electrode packaging device according to claim 1, wherein... The packaging bag support includes at least one adsorption unit, and the adsorption unit has an adsorption surface that is vacuum adsorbed onto one surface of the packaging bag.

6. The electrode packaging device according to claim 1, wherein... The sealing section includes a vacuum unit for removing air from the inside of the packaging bag and a heater unit for sealing the inlet of the packaging bag.

7. The electrode packaging device according to claim 1, wherein... The conveying unit includes a desiccant conveying unit for placing the desiccant into the packaging bag.

8. The electrode packaging device according to claim 1, wherein... The electrode packaging device further includes a rack-type collection unit for holding the packaged wound electrodes.

9. An electrode encapsulation method, comprising: The winding electrodes are transported to the packaging position by the conveying unit; The wound electrode is inserted into the inlet of the encapsulation bag supported by the encapsulation bag support. The wound electrode is supported from the outside of the packaging bag by an electrode support portion; and The entrance to the packaged bag is sealed by the sealing part. The support for the wound electrode includes: The core of the wound electrode is pressed down by the clamp; and The side of the wound electrode is pressed by the side pad.

10. The electrode encapsulation method according to claim 9, further comprising: Before sealing the entrance of the packaged bag, Insert the desiccant into the inlet of the packaging bag, which is supported by the packaging bag support.

11. The electrode encapsulation method according to claim 9, further comprising: After sealing the entrance of the packaged bag, The encapsulated wound electrode is placed into the collection unit.

12. A packaged electrode using the electrode packaging device of claim 1.

13. The encapsulated electrode according to claim 12, wherein: The encapsulated electrode includes an electrode with a rectangular electrode sheet wound around it and an encapsulation bag that encapsulates the outer surface of the wound electrode. The wound electrodes and the encapsulation bag are in close contact with each other.

14. The encapsulated electrode according to claim 13, further comprising: Desiccant placed inside the packaging bag.

15. The encapsulated electrode according to claim 13, wherein The packaging bag includes a first packaging bag and a second packaging bag. The first packaging bag is made of polymer material, and the second packaging bag is made of metal material.

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