Z-stacking device

Abstract

The disclosed invention relates to a Z-shaped stacking device for alternately stacking positive and negative electrode plates as electrode assemblies on a Z-shaped folded separator. The device includes: a stacking platform on which positive electrode plates, a separator, and negative electrode plates are stacked, and the stacking platform is raiseable / lowerable; a swing roller disposed above the stacking platform to supply the separator to the stacking platform in a Z-shape by means of left-right movement; a positive electrode unwinder for supplying positive electrode plates to folded sections of the Z-shaped folded separator; a negative electrode unwinder arranged facing the positive electrode unwinder to alternately supply positive electrode plates to folded sections of the separator adjacent to the supplied positive electrode plates; a sealer that is raiseable / lowerable above the swing roller to press and seal the separator on the stacking platform; and a control unit for controlling the operation of the stacking platform and the sealer, wherein the control unit seals the separator whenever it is stacked on a positive electrode plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0172302, filed on December 3, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This invention relates to a Z-shaped stacking device.

[0003] More specifically, the present invention relates to a Z-shaped stacking device for preventing the electrodes from moving between diaphragms during a Z-shaped stacking process of electrodes.

[0004] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a Z-shaped stacking device that can stably align the positive electrode plates in the stacked electrode assembly by performing a sealing process together whenever a separator is stacked on the positive electrode plate during the stacking process. Background Technology

[0005] In recent years, rechargeable and dischargeable batteries have been widely used as a power source for wireless mobile devices.

[0006] In addition, secondary batteries are gaining attention not only as a power source for portable devices such as mobile phones, laptops, and cameras, but also as an alternative to electric and hybrid electric vehicles, which are seen as solutions to air pollution caused by existing gasoline and diesel vehicles that use fossil fuels.

[0007] Therefore, due to the advantages of rechargeable batteries, the types of applications using rechargeable batteries have become very diverse, and in the future, it is expected that rechargeable batteries will be used in more fields and more products than they are now.

[0008] These secondary batteries are classified into lithium-ion batteries, lithium-ion polymer batteries, lithium polymer batteries, etc., based on the configuration of electrodes and electrolytes, and the use of lithium-ion polymer batteries (which are less likely to leak electrolyte and are easy to manufacture) is increasing.

[0009] Generally, secondary batteries are classified into cylindrical batteries, prismatic batteries, and pouch batteries according to the shape of the battery casing. In cylindrical and prismatic batteries, the electrode assembly is embedded in a cylindrical or prismatic metal can, while in pouch batteries, the electrode assembly is embedded in an aluminum laminate pouch casing.

[0010] Furthermore, the electrode assembly embedded in the battery casing is a power generation element having a structure including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator between the positive and negative electrodes, and can be charged and discharged. It is divided into gel roll type electrode assembly and stacked type electrode assembly. The gel roll type electrode assembly is wound with a separator between a long sheet type positive electrode and a long sheet type negative electrode coated with active material. In the stacked type electrode assembly, multiple positive electrodes and multiple negative electrodes of predetermined size are stacked in sequence, and the separator is between the multiple positive electrodes and multiple negative electrodes.

[0011] Here, because electric vehicles and the like use high-output electrical energy, multiple battery modules are required, and multiple battery cells are connected in series or parallel within the battery modules.

[0012] In addition, when manufacturing battery cells, a stacking process is performed by sequentially stacking positive electrode plates, separators, and negative electrode plates.

[0013] Here, the stacking process is divided into the winding method, the stacking folding method, and the Z-shaped stacking method.

[0014] The winding method is a method of manufacturing battery cells by winding up a battery cell and inserting the wound battery cell into a cylindrical housing, while the stacking and folding method is a method of manufacturing battery cells by winding up positive electrode material, separator and negative electrode material in a gel roll and inserting the wound positive electrode material, wound separator and wound negative electrode material into a cylindrical housing or prismatic housing.

[0015] Furthermore, the Z-shaped stacking method is a method of manufacturing battery cells by stacking positive electrode plates, separators, and negative electrode plates. Specifically, the separators are stacked into a Z-shaped shape without cutting, and negative and positive electrode plates are alternately stacked between the separators. Therefore, durability is improved by folding only the separators without folding the positive and negative electrode plates.

[0016] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in the zigzag stacking method described above, the diaphragm 121 wound around the diaphragm unwinder 103 is supplied to the oscillating roller 120 via the first adjusting roller 104, the feed roller 105, the buffer roller 106, the second adjusting roller 107, and the supply roller 108, and the diaphragm 121 is stacked on the stacking platform 110 in a zigzag shape by the left and right movement of the oscillating roller 120.

[0017] In this manner, positive electrode 131 and negative electrode 141 are alternately stacked on a diaphragm 121 folded in a Z-shape on a stacking device 100 to form an electrode assembly 101. After the stacking process is completed, an electrode binder is applied, and the entire wide surface is pressed and bonded using a hot press 201.

[0018] Here, the positive and negative plates supplied to the zig-folded diaphragm are cut by a cutter, and the cut positive and negative plates are stacked sequentially and repeatedly on the folded sections of the diaphragm and the next folded section.

[0019] Typically, the positive electrode plate is smaller than the negative electrode plate. Therefore, when the positive and negative electrode plates are stacked on the folded section of the separator, movement between the positive electrode plate and the separator occurs due to slippage during the subsequent stacking process, and thus, defects occur in the stacked electrode assembly due to misalignment of the positive electrode plate.

[0020] Therefore, an improved stacking device is needed to prevent misalignment caused by the movement of the positive electrode plates stacked on the folded sections of the separator when the electrode plates are stacked in a Z-shape, thereby improving product quality.

[0021] [Related Technical Documents]

[0022] [Patent Literature]

[0023] (Patent Document 1) Korean Patent Registration No. 10-1531234 Summary of the Invention

[0024] Technical issues

[0025] The purpose of this invention is to provide a Z-shaped stacking device that prevents electrodes from moving between diaphragms during the process of stacking electrodes in a Z-shape.

[0026] Another object of the present invention is to provide a Z-shaped stacking device that prevents the positive electrode plate from moving within the stacked electrode assembly by performing a sealing process together whenever a separator is stacked on the positive electrode plate during the stacking process.

[0027] Technical solution

[0028] This invention provides a Z-shaped stacking device, wherein positive and negative electrode plates are alternately stacked on a Z-shaped folded separator to form an electrode assembly. The Z-shaped stacking device includes: a stacking platform on which the positive electrode plate, the separator, and the negative electrode plate are stacked, and the stacking platform is mounted to be vertically movable; a oscillating roller disposed above the stacking platform and configured to supply the separator to the stacking platform in a Z-shape by moving left and right; and a positive electrode unwinder configured to supply the positive electrode plate to the Z-shaped folded separator. The folded sections of the diaphragm; a negative unwinder, positioned opposite the positive unwinder and configured to alternately supply the negative electrode plate to the next folded section of the diaphragm supplied with the positive electrode plate; a sealer mounted above the oscillating roller and vertically movable, configured to press and seal the diaphragm on the stacking platform; and a controller configured to control the operation of the stacking platform and the sealer, wherein the controller controls such that sealing of the diaphragm is performed whenever the diaphragm is stacked on the positive electrode plate.

[0029] The stacking platform can be configured to generate heat.

[0030] The oscillating roller can be configured to be biased toward one of the positive and negative unwinders.

[0031] The controller may include: a detection unit configured to detect whether the separator is stacked on the positive electrode plate; a first drive unit configured to drive the stacking platform and the sealer whenever the detection unit detects the stacking of the separator; and a second drive unit configured to seal the overlapping portion of the separator on the periphery of the positive electrode plate by means of the sealer.

[0032] Whenever the diaphragm is stacked on the positive electrode plate on the stacking platform, the controller can be configured to raise the stacking platform, lower the sealer, and use the sealer to press and seal the diaphragm.

[0033] After the sealer presses and seals the diaphragm, the controller can be configured to lower the stacking platform, raise the sealer, and sequentially and alternately stack the negative electrode plate and the positive electrode plate on the folded section of the sealed diaphragm.

[0034] The seal may include a heating element protruding from a pressing surface for pressing the diaphragm to generate heat and a heat-resistant urethane sheet attached to the heating element.

[0035] The sealer may have a strip shape, and the sealer is configured as at least one sealer that seals the overlapping portion of the diaphragm on the periphery of the positive electrode plate.

[0036] The sealer may have a rectangular frame shape and seal the overlapping portion of the diaphragm around the periphery of the positive electrode plate.

[0037] The sealer may have a cuboid shape and seal the overlapping portion of the diaphragm around the periphery of the positive electrode plate.

[0038] Beneficial effects

[0039] According to the present invention, the movement of electrodes between diaphragms can be prevented during the process of stacking electrodes in a zigzag pattern.

[0040] In addition, whenever the separator is stacked on the positive electrode plate, the sealing process that is performed after the stacking process is completed is performed together, and thus the positive electrode plate can be prevented from sliding and moving in the stacked electrode assembly.

[0041] Furthermore, preventing the electrodes from moving within the stacked electrode assembly from the initial time prevents misalignment of the electrode plates within the assembly and improves product quality. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a Z-shaped stacking device according to related technologies.

[0043] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an electrode assembly stacked using a Z-shaped stacking device according to related technologies.

[0044] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a Z-shaped stacking device according to the present invention.

[0045] Figure 4 This is a schematic bottom perspective view showing the seal of a Z-shaped stacking device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the controller of the Z-shaped stacking device according to the present invention.

[0047] Figures 6 to 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the sealing process of an electrode assembly sealed by a sealer of a Z-shaped stacking device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 13 This is a schematic bottom perspective view showing the seal of a Z-shaped stacking device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 14This is a schematic bottom perspective view showing the seal of a Z-shaped stacking device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] [Description of reference numerals in the attached figures]

[0051] 1: Z-shaped stacking device

[0052] 3: Diaphragm unwinder

[0053] 4: First adjusting roller

[0054] 5: Feed rollers

[0055] 6: Buffer roller

[0056] 7: Second adjusting roller

[0057] 8: Supply Roller

[0058] 10: Stacking Platform

[0059] 20: Swing roller

[0060] 21: Diaphragm

[0061] 30: Positive unwinder

[0062] 31: Positive electrode plate

[0063] 33: Positive electrode cutter

[0064] 40: Negative electrode unwinder

[0065] 41: Negative electrode plate

[0066] 43: Negative electrode cutter

[0067] 50: Sealer

[0068] 51: Fever Element

[0069] 53: Urea tablets

[0070] 55: Connector

[0071] 70: Controller

[0072] 71: Detection Unit

[0073] 72: First drive unit

[0074] 73: Second drive unit

[0075] 74: Determine the unit

[0076] 75: Counting unit Detailed Implementation

[0077] This invention provides a Z-shaped stacking device, which stacks positive and negative electrode plates on a Z-shaped folded separator to form an electrode assembly. The Z-shaped stacking device includes: a stacking platform on which the positive electrode plate, the separator, and the negative electrode plate are stacked, and the stacking platform is mounted to be vertically movable; a oscillating roller disposed above the stacking platform and configured to supply the separator to the stacking platform in a Z-shape by moving left and right; and a positive electrode unwinder configured to supply the positive electrode plate to the Z-shaped folded separator. The folded sections of the diaphragm; a negative unwinder, positioned opposite the positive unwinder and configured to alternately supply the negative electrode plate to the next folded section of the diaphragm supplied with the positive electrode plate; a sealer mounted above the oscillating roller and vertically movable, configured to press and seal the diaphragm on the stacking platform; and a controller configured to control the operation of the stacking platform and the sealer, wherein the controller controls the sealing of the diaphragm whenever the diaphragm is stacked on the positive electrode plate.

[0078] Detailed description of preferred embodiments

[0079] The present invention will now be described in detail. Prior to this, the terms or words used in this specification and the appended claims should not be construed as limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as corresponding to the technical spirit of the invention, based on the concepts that the inventor may appropriately define in order to best describe his / her own invention.

[0080] It should be understood that throughout the specification of this invention, terms such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to indicate the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, portions or combinations thereof described in the specification, and do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, portions or combinations thereof.

[0081] Furthermore, when describing a first part (such as a layer, film, region, and plate) as positioned "above" a second part, this includes not only the case where the first part is "directly above" the second part, but also the case where a third part exists between them. Conversely, when describing a first part (such as a layer, film, region, and plate) as positioned "below" a second part, this includes not only the case where the first part is "directly below" the second part, but also the case where a third part exists between them. Furthermore, in the specification of this invention, the state in which the first part is disposed "above" the second part can include not only the state in which the first part is disposed above the second part, but also the state in which the first part is disposed below the second part. Furthermore, in the specification of this invention, when a component is referred to as being disposed "above" another component, this includes not only the case in which it is disposed above, but also the case in which it is disposed below.

[0082] Furthermore, when describing a first part (such as a layer, film, region, or plate) positioned "above" a second part, this includes not only the case where the first part is "directly above" the second part, but also the case where a third part exists between them. Conversely, when describing a first part (such as a layer, film, region, or plate) positioned "below" a second part, this includes not only the case where the first part is "directly below" the second part, but also the case where a third part exists between them. Moreover, in the specification of this invention, the state in which the first part is disposed "above" the second part can include not only the state in which the first part is disposed above the second part, but also the state in which the first part is disposed below the second part.

[0083] (First Implementation)

[0084] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a Z-shaped stacking device according to the present invention. Figure 4 This is a schematic bottom perspective view showing the seal of a Z-shaped stacking device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the controller of the Z-shaped stacking device according to the present invention. Figures 6 to 12 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the sealing process of an electrode assembly sealed by a sealer of a Z-shaped stacking device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] like Figure 3 As shown, in the Z-shaped stacking device 1 according to the present invention, the diaphragm 21 is folded and stacked in a Z-shape, and the positive electrode plate 31 and the negative electrode plate 41 are alternately stacked in the folded section of the diaphragm 21 to form an electrode assembly.

[0086] For this purpose, the Z-shaped stacking device 1 includes: a stacking platform 10 on which a positive electrode plate 31, a negative electrode plate 41, and a separator 21 are stacked; a swing roller 20 disposed above the stacking platform 10 and configured to supply the separator 21 to the stacking platform 10; a positive electrode unwinder 30 disposed above the swing roller 20; a negative electrode unwinder 40 disposed above the stacking platform 10; and a controller 70 disposed above the swing roller 20; and a controller 70 configured to control the operation of the stacking platform 10 and the controller 50, wherein the controller 70 seals the separator 21 whenever the separator 21 is stacked on the positive electrode plate 31.

[0087] Here, since the movement of the stacking platform 10 and the sealer 50 can be achieved by a general linear movement mechanism, a detailed description of the movement structure will be omitted below.

[0088] In the stacking stage 10, the separator 21 is supplied to the upper surface of the stacking stage 10 in a Z-shape, and the positive electrode plate 31 and the negative electrode plate 41 are alternately stacked on the folded sections of the separator 21 that are folded in a Z-shape and supplied in order to form an electrode assembly.

[0089] Here, the stacking platform 10 includes a plate body and is mounted to be vertically movable.

[0090] In addition, a heating element (not shown) is provided in the stacking platform 10 to generate heat at a predetermined temperature.

[0091] In this way, since the stacking platform 10 can generate heat, the diaphragms 21 stacked on the upper surface of the stacking platform 10 are heated to a predetermined temperature, thereby creating an atmosphere in which the diaphragms 21 can be bonded together without a separate adhesive.

[0092] The oscillating roller 20 is positioned above the stacking platform 10 and supplies the diaphragm 21 to the stacking platform 10 in a zigzag pattern by reciprocating left and right like a pendulum motion.

[0093] For this purpose, the oscillating roller 20 includes a pair of left rollers and a right roller, and when the diaphragm 21 is supplied to the stacking table 10 through the space between the pair of left rollers and the right roller, the diaphragm 21 is supplied to the stacking table 10 in a zigzag pattern by the left and right movement of the oscillating roller 20.

[0094] According to the above structure, the diaphragm 21 wound around the diaphragm unwinder 3 is supplied to the oscillating roller 20 through the first adjusting roller 4, the feed roller 5, the buffer roller 6, the second adjusting roller 7, and the supply roller 8, and the diaphragm 21 is supplied to the stacking platform 10 in a Z-shape by the left and right movement of the oscillating roller 20.

[0095] The positive electrode unwinder 30 is positioned adjacent to the stacking platform 10 and supplies the positive electrode plate 31 to the folded section of the separator 21 in a Z-shape.

[0096] Here, the positive electrode unwinder 30 has a spool shape, with the positive electrode plate 31 wound around its outer periphery, and the positive electrode unwinder 30 supplies the wound positive electrode plate 31 to the folded section of the separator 21 that is folded in a Z-shape on the stacking platform 10.

[0097] For this purpose, the positive electrode unwinder 30 may also include a pickup unit (not shown) for picking up the positive electrode plate 31 or a transfer unit (not shown) for inserting the picked-up positive electrode plate 31 into the folded section of the diaphragm 21, and the positive electrode unwinder 30 includes a positive electrode cutter 33 configured to cut the positive electrode plate 31.

[0098] Here, since the pickup unit, the transmission unit, and the positive electrode cutter 33 are known components, their detailed descriptions will be omitted.

[0099] The negative electrode unwinder 40 supplies the negative electrode plate 41 to the folded section of the diaphragm 21 in a Z-shape.

[0100] Here, the negative electrode unwinder 40 is positioned opposite the positive electrode unwinder 30 to alternately supply the negative electrode plate 41 to the next folded section of the folded section of the supplied positive electrode plate 31 of the separator 21.

[0101] According to the above structure, the positive electrode plate 31 is supplied and inserted into the zig-folded section of the diaphragm 21 via the positive electrode unwinder 30, and the negative electrode plate 41 is supplied and inserted into the next folded section of the diaphragm 21 after the folded section where the positive electrode plate 31 is inserted via the negative electrode unwinder 40. In this way, the positive electrode plate 31 and the negative electrode plate 41 can be supplied sequentially and alternately to the folded sections of the diaphragm 21 to manufacture an electrode assembly.

[0102] Even in this case, the negative electrode unwinder 40 may also include a pickup unit (not shown) or a conveying unit (not shown) for picking up the negative electrode plate 41, which inserts the picked-up negative electrode plate 41 into the folded section of the diaphragm 21, and the negative electrode unwinder 40 includes a negative electrode cutter 43 configured to cut the negative electrode plate 41.

[0103] The sealer 50 is mounted above the oscillating roller 20 so as to be vertically movable and press and seal the diaphragm 21 on the stacking table 10.

[0104] Here, the seal 50 includes: a heating element 51 that protrudes from the pressing surface of the pressing diaphragm 21 and is configured to generate heat; and a heat-resistant urethane sheet 53 attached to the heating element 51.

[0105] That is, in the seal 50, the heating element 51 protrudes from its lower surface that contacts the diaphragm 21, and the heat-resistant urethane sheet 53 is installed in the heating element 51 to prevent the diaphragm 21 from being damaged due to the heating and pressing of the heating element 51.

[0106] Furthermore, Vulkolan sheets, which exhibit stability even under harsh conditions such as high temperature, low temperature and high load, and are excellent in terms of wear resistance, durability and oil resistance, can be used in heat-resistant urethane sheets 53.

[0107] In this way, the heating element 51 is disposed on the pressing surface of the sealing device 50 when it presses the diaphragm 21 in contact with the diaphragm 21, and the diaphragms 21 are bonded together by pressing and heating, and therefore no separate adhesive is required for bonding the diaphragms 21.

[0108] Furthermore, the oscillating roller 20 may be configured to be biased toward one of the unwinders 30 and 40 above the stacking platform 10 to prevent interference between the sealer 50 and the oscillating roller 20, which presses and seals the diaphragm 21 while moving vertically toward the stacking platform 10 from the upper side of the stacking platform 10, and the oscillating roller 20 is positioned above the stacking platform 10 and supplies the diaphragm 21 to the stacking platform 10 in a zigzag pattern by moving left and right.

[0109] According to the above structure, when the oscillating roller 20 repeatedly moves in the left and right direction while supplying the diaphragm 21 to the stacking platform 10 in a Z-shape, the seal 50 can be positioned above the oscillating roller 20 and in standby mode, and when the oscillating roller 20 is positioned to be biased toward one of the unwinders 30 and 40, the seal 50 can move up or down onto the stacking platform 10.

[0110] In addition, such as Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, the seal 50a is formed in a strip shape, at least one seal 50a is provided, and thus the portion of the periphery of the positive electrode plate 31 that overlaps with the diaphragm 21 can be sealed.

[0111] As described above, since the seal 50a has a strip shape, the heating element 51a protrudes from the lower surface in the longitudinal direction and generates heat. This lower surface is the pressing surface for pressing the diaphragm 21, and the heat-resistant urethane sheet 53a is even installed in the heating element 51a in the longitudinal direction.

[0112] In addition, a connection opening 55 is provided in the seal 50a, and a cable (not shown) electrically connected to the heating element 51a is inserted and installed in the connection opening 55.

[0113] In this case, the heat-resistant urethane sheet 53a can be attached as a sheet corresponding to the length of the heating element 51a, or it can be divided into multiple sheets of a certain length that can be attached to the heating element 51a.

[0114] In addition, the four seals 50a can be arranged in a rectangular shape such that the seals 50a press the overlapping portion of the diaphragm 21 along the periphery of the positive electrode plate 31 at one time. One or two seals 50a can be arranged to seal the overlapping portion of the diaphragm 21 with the periphery of the positive electrode plate 31 while moving, and various other modifications are possible.

[0115] The controller 70 is configured to control the operation of the stacking stage 10 and the sealer 50, and to seal the diaphragm 21 whenever it is stacked on the positive electrode plate 31.

[0116] Typically, since the positive electrode plate 31 is smaller than the negative electrode plate 41, when the positive electrode plate 31, the separator 21, and the negative electrode plate 41 are stacked to form an electrode assembly, the position of the positive electrode plate 31 may change, resulting in misalignment. Therefore, in this invention, to prevent the position of the positive electrode plate 31 from changing when the separator 21 is stacked on top of the positive electrode plate 31, the overlapping portion of the separator 21 on the periphery of the positive electrode plate 31 is sealed whenever the separator 21 is stacked on top of the positive electrode plate 31.

[0117] Reference Figure 5 The controller 70 includes a detection unit 71, a first drive unit 72, and a second drive unit 73.

[0118] The detection unit 71 detects whether the separator 21 is stacked on the positive electrode plate 31. For this purpose, the positive electrode unwinder 30 may be provided with a rotation detection sensor (not shown) for detecting the rotation of the positive electrode unwinder 30, and the swing roller 20 may be provided with a movement detection sensor (not shown) for detecting the left and right movement of the swing roller 20.

[0119] When the detection unit 71 detects that the separator 21 is stacked on the positive electrode plate 31, whenever the separator 21 is stacked, the first drive unit 72 drives the stacking platform 10 to move the stacking platform 10 upward, and also drives the sealer 50 to move the stacking platform 10 downward.

[0120] According to the above structure, when the detection unit 71 detects the rotation of the positive electrode unwinder 30 through the rotation detection sensor, and then detects the stacking of the diaphragm 21 through the movement detection sensor, the first drive unit 72 drives the stacking stage 10 and the sealer 50.

[0121] In addition, the controller 70 may also include a determining unit 74 for determining the order of the detection values ​​detected by the rotation detection sensor and the detection values ​​detected by the motion detection sensor.

[0122] Therefore, when the diaphragm 21 is stacked on the negative electrode plate 41, the stacking platform 10 and the sealer 50 are not driven, but whenever the diaphragm 21 is stacked on the positive electrode plate 31, the stacking platform 10 and the sealer 50 are driven, thus preventing device failure.

[0123] In addition, the controller 70 may also include a counting unit 75 for counting the rotation of the positive unwinder 30 and the movement of the oscillating roller 20.

[0124] Therefore, an electrode assembly can be manufactured in such a way that the number of positive electrode plates 31 and negative electrode plates 41 in the electrode assembly, which is stacked with positive electrode plate 31, separator 21 and negative electrode plate 41, can be set to a predetermined number.

[0125] The second drive unit 73 seals the overlapping portion of the diaphragm 21 around the periphery of the positive electrode plate 31 using the sealer 50.

[0126] That is, for the sealer 50 driven and pressed by the first drive unit 72, the second drive unit 73 drives the heating element 51 of the sealer 50 to generate heat so as to seal the overlapping portion of the diaphragm 21 on the periphery of the positive electrode plate 31.

[0127] In this way, the sealer 50 generates heat while pressing the diaphragm 21 stacked on the positive electrode plate 31, causing the diaphragm 21 on the positive electrode plate 31 and the diaphragm 21 stacked below the positive electrode plate 31 to bond together, and thus the overlapping portion of the diaphragm 21 with the periphery of the positive electrode plate 31 is sealed.

[0128] Furthermore, the seal 50 may also include a contact detection sensor (not shown) or a pressure detection sensor (not shown) for detecting contact with the diaphragm 21, and the movement of the seal 50 pressing the diaphragm 21 can be stopped by the contact detection sensor or the pressure detection sensor. Therefore, the pressing force applied to the diaphragm 21 can be kept constant, or the pressing force applied to the diaphragm 21 can be allowed to be less than a set reference value.

[0129] According to the above structure, the controller 70 controls the operation of the stacking platform 10 and the sealer 50 such that whenever the diaphragm 21 is stacked on the positive electrode plate 31 on the stacking platform 10, the stacking platform 10 is raised and the sealer 50 is lowered, and the diaphragm 21 is pressed and sealed by the sealer 50.

[0130] In other words, after the positive plate 31 is inserted into the zig-folded section of the diaphragm 21 supplied to the stacking platform 10, whenever the diaphragm 21 is stacked on the inserted positive plate 31, the controller 70 raises the stacking platform 10 and lowers the sealer 50, and uses the lowered sealer 50 to press and seal the diaphragm 21.

[0131] Furthermore, after the sealer 50 is used to press and seal the diaphragm 21, the controller 70 lowers the stacking stage 10 and raises the sealer 50, and sequentially and alternately stacks the negative electrode plate 41 and the positive electrode plate 31 on the next folded section of the sealed diaphragm 21.

[0132] That is, after the diaphragm 21 is pressed and sealed using the sealer 50, the controller 70 lowers the stacking platform 10 to the initial position and also raises the sealer 50 to the initial position.

[0133] Furthermore, the oscillating roller 20 moves again in the left-right direction, thereby supplying the diaphragm 21 to the stacking platform 10 in a Z-shape, and the negative electrode plate 41 and the positive electrode plate 31 are stacked sequentially and alternately on the subsequent folded sections of the sealed diaphragm 21.

[0134] In embodiments of the present invention, whenever the separator 21 is stacked on the positive electrode plate 31, the overlapping portion of the separator 21 around the periphery of the positive electrode plate 31 is repeatedly sealed. However, whenever the separator 21 is stacked on both the positive electrode plate 31 and the negative electrode plate 41, the overlapping portion of the separator 21 around the periphery of the positive electrode plate 31 and the overlapping portion of the separator 21 around the periphery of the negative electrode plate 41 can be repeatedly sealed. The present invention is not limited thereto.

[0135] Below, we will refer to Figures 6 to 12 Briefly describe the operation process of the Z-shaped stacking device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0136] First, the diaphragm 21 wound around the diaphragm unwinder 3 is supplied to the swing roller 20 below the supply roller 8 via the first adjusting roller 4, the feed roller 5, the buffer roller 6, the second adjusting roller 7, and the supply roller 8. The diaphragm 21 is then supplied to the stacking platform 10 in a Z-shape by the left and right reciprocating movement of the swing roller 20.

[0137] Furthermore, a negative electrode plate 41 wound around the negative electrode unwound device 40 is disposed above the separator 21 of the stacking platform 10, and the oscillating roller 20 moves to cause the separator 21 to be stacked in a Z-shape on the negative electrode plate 41. Additionally, a positive electrode plate 31 is disposed above the Z-shaped separator 21, and the oscillating roller 20 moves to cause the separator 21 to be stacked in a Z-shape on the positive electrode plate 31.

[0138] That is, the negative electrode plate 41 wound around the negative electrode unwounder 40 is supplied to the folded section of the separator 21 in a Z-shape to the stacking platform 10, and the positive electrode plate 31 wound around the positive electrode unwounder 30 is supplied to another folded section of the separator 21 in a Z-shape to the stacking platform 10.

[0139] In this case, after the positive electrode plate 31 and the negative electrode plate 41 of a certain length are supplied to the folded section of the separator 21, the positive electrode plate 31 and the negative electrode plate 41 are cut by the positive electrode cutter 33 and the negative electrode cutter 43.

[0140] In this way, when the diaphragm 21 is stacked on the positive electrode plate 31, the stacking platform 10 moves upward toward the swing roller 20, and the sealer 50a moves downward toward the stacking platform 10 to press the diaphragm 21.

[0141] Furthermore, when the pressing surface of the sealer 50a presses the diaphragm 21 stacked on the positive electrode plate 31 while in contact with the diaphragm 21, the heating element 51a provided on the pressing surface of the sealer 50a generates heat to seal the overlapping portion of the diaphragm 21 around the positive electrode plate 31.

[0142] In this case, the stacking platform 10 is heated in a temperature range of 70°C to 90°C, the heating element 51a of the sealer 50a is heated to a predetermined temperature, and thus the diaphragm 21 stacked on and below the positive electrode plate 31 relative to the periphery of the positive electrode plate 31 is sealed.

[0143] Furthermore, after pressing and sealing the diaphragm 21 using the sealer 50a, the stacking platform 10 is lowered and the sealer 50a is raised, causing the stacking platform 10 and the sealer 50a to return to their initial positions. The negative electrode plate 41 and the positive electrode plate 31 are then stacked sequentially and alternately in the folded sections of the diaphragm 21 by the left-right movement of the swing roller 20. Subsequently, whenever the diaphragm 21 is stacked on the positive electrode plate 31, the stacking platform 10 and the sealer 50a are moved to seal the overlapping portions of the diaphragm 21 around the periphery of the positive electrode plate 31.

[0144] (Second Implementation)

[0145] Figure 13 This is a schematic bottom perspective view showing the seal of a Z-shaped stacking device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0146] like Figure 13 As shown, the sealer 50b according to this embodiment has a rectangular frame shape and seals the overlapping portion of the diaphragm 21 on the periphery of the positive electrode plate 31.

[0147] As described above, since the seal 50b has a hollow rectangular frame shape, the heating element 51b with a rectangular frame shape even protrudes from the lower surface, which serves as the pressing surface for pressing the diaphragm 21, to generate heat, and the heat-resistant urethane sheet 53b with a rectangular frame shape is even installed in the heating element 51b.

[0148] Even in this case, a connection opening 55 is provided in the seal 50b, and a cable (not shown) electrically connected to the heating element 51b is inserted and installed in the connection opening 55.

[0149] In addition, the heat-resistant urethane sheet 53b can be attached as a sheet corresponding to the length of the heating element 51b, or it can be divided into multiple sheets of a certain length that can be attached to the heating element 51b.

[0150] Thus, since the sealer 50b has a rectangular frame shape, the overlapping portions of the diaphragm 21 on the periphery of the positive electrode plate 31 can be sealed together in a single operation.

[0151] (Third Implementation)

[0152] Figure 14 This is a schematic bottom perspective view showing the seal of a Z-shaped stacking device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0153] like Figure 14 As shown, the sealer 50c according to this embodiment has a cuboid shape and seals the overlapping portion of the diaphragm 21 on the periphery of the positive electrode plate 31.

[0154] As described above, since the sealer 50c has a rectangular plate body, a heating element 51c with a rectangular frame shape protrudes from the lower surface, which serves as the pressing surface for pressing the diaphragm 21, to generate heat, and a heat-resistant urethane sheet 53c with a rectangular frame shape is installed in the heating element 51c.

[0155] Even in this case, a connection opening 55 is provided in the seal 50c, and a cable electrically connected to the heating element 51c is inserted and installed in the connection opening 55.

[0156] In addition, the heat-resistant urethane sheet 53c can be attached as a sheet corresponding to the length of the heating element 51c, or it can be divided into multiple sheets of a certain length that can be attached to the heating element 51c.

[0157] Thus, since the sealer 50c has a cuboid shape, the overlapping portion of the diaphragm 21 on the periphery of the positive electrode plate 31 can be sealed by a single operation.

[0158] The present invention has been described and illustrated above with reference to specific embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will readily understand that various modifications and alterations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A Z-shaped stacking device, wherein positive and negative electrode plates are stacked on a diaphragm folded in a Z-shape to form an electrode assembly, the Z-shaped stacking device comprising: A stacking platform on which the positive electrode plate, the separator, and the negative electrode plate are stacked, and the stacking platform is mounted to be vertically movable; A oscillating roller is disposed above the stacking platform and configured to supply the diaphragm to the stacking platform in a zigzag pattern by moving left and right; A positive electrode unwinder, the positive electrode unwinder being configured to supply the positive electrode plate to a zigzag folded section of the diaphragm; A negative electrode unwinder is configured to be positioned opposite the positive electrode unwinder and to alternately supply the negative electrode plate to the next fold of the diaphragm where the positive electrode plate is supplied. A sealer, mounted above the oscillating roller and configured to move vertically, and to press and seal the diaphragm on the stacking table; as well as A controller, configured to control the operation of the stacking platform and the sealer, The controller controls the process such that the membrane is sealed whenever it is stacked on the positive electrode plate.

2. The zig-zag stacking device of claim 1, wherein, The stacking platform is equipped with a heating element to generate heat at a predetermined temperature.

3. The zig-zag stacking device of claim 1, wherein, The oscillating roller is configured to be biased toward one of the positive and negative unwinders.

4. The zig-zag stacking device of claim 1, wherein, The controller includes: a detection unit configured to detect whether the separator is stacked on the positive electrode plate; a first drive unit configured to drive the stacking platform and the sealer whenever the detection unit detects the stacking of the separator; and a second drive unit configured to seal the overlapping portion of the separator on the periphery of the positive electrode plate by means of the sealer.

5. The zig-zag stacking device of claim 4, wherein, The controller also includes a counting unit that counts the rotation of the positive electrode unwinder and the movement of the oscillating roller.

6. The zig-zag stacking device of claim 4, wherein, Whenever the diaphragm is stacked on the positive electrode plate on the stacking platform, the controller is configured to raise the stacking platform, lower the sealer, and use the sealer to press and seal the diaphragm.

7. The zig-zag stacking device of claim 6, wherein, After the sealer presses and seals the diaphragm, the controller is configured to lower the stacking platform, raise the sealer, and sequentially and alternately stack the negative electrode plate and the positive electrode plate on the folded section of the sealed diaphragm.

8. The zig-zag stacking device of claim 1, wherein, The sealer includes a heating element protruding from a pressing surface for pressing the diaphragm to generate heat and a heat-resistant urethane sheet attached to the heating element.

9. The Z-shaped stacking device according to claim 1, wherein, The sealer has a strip shape, and the sealer is configured as at least one sealer to seal the overlapping portion of the diaphragm on the periphery of the positive electrode plate.

10. The Z-shaped stacking device according to claim 1, wherein, The sealer has a rectangular frame shape and seals the overlapping portion of the diaphragm around the periphery of the positive electrode plate.

11. The Z-shaped stacking device according to claim 1, wherein, The sealer has a cuboid shape and seals the overlapping portion of the diaphragm around the periphery of the positive electrode plate.

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