Electrode assembly bonding apparatus, electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus including the same, electrode assembly bonding method, and electrode assembly manufacturing method

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrode assembly bonding apparatus, comprising: a holder for holding a part of a laminated body in which a plurality of positive electrodes and a plurality of negative electrodes are alternately stacked with each other, and comprising a separator provided between each of the plurality of positive electrodes and the plurality of negative electrodes; a pressing part for bonding the laminate; and a laminate moving part for supporting or partially moving the laminate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0166846 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on December 2, 2022, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0165636 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on November 24, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to an electrode assembly joining device, an electrode assembly manufacturing device including the electrode assembly joining device, an electrode assembly joining method and an electrode assembly manufacturing method. Background Art

[0003] Generally, a secondary battery refers to a battery that can be charged and discharged, unlike a primary battery that cannot be charged. Secondary batteries are widely used in the field of cutting-edge electronic devices such as mobile phones, notebook computers, and video cameras.

[0004] The stability of the secondary battery can be ensured by performing a stability test that compresses one surface of the secondary battery with a press and then measures an internal short circuit.

[0005] According to the shape of a battery case, secondary batteries are classified into cylindrical batteries or angular batteries in which an electrode assembly is embedded in a cylindrical or angular metal battery case, and pouch-type batteries in which an electrode assembly is embedded in a pouch-type battery case provided in the form of a laminated aluminum sheet.

[0006] The process of manufacturing a stacked folding type electrode assembly in the prior art is performed by heating and pressurizing a stacked body made by stacking electrodes and separators to bond the electrodes and separators. However, during the prior art electrode assembly manufacturing process, there is a problem of misalignment of the electrodes when pressurizing the stacked body.

[0007] In order to solve the problems of the electrode assembly manufacturing process in the prior art, the electrodes and the separators are heated and stacked so that the layers of the stack are pressurized, stacked and bonded at the same time.

[0008] However, in the case of an electrode assembly manufactured through the electrode assembly manufacturing process, the adhesion of the first stacked electrodes is increased through multiple pressurizing processes, but the adhesion of the last stacked electrodes is relatively low because the last stacked electrodes are pressurized once through a single pressurizing process.

[0009] That is, in the case of the electrode assembly manufactured by the related art electrode assembly manufacturing process, the adhesive force is reduced in the stacking direction, which results in a limitation in ensuring uniformity of the adhesive force of the electrode assembly. Summary of the invention

[0010] Technical issues

[0011] The present invention is devoted to solving the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus and method which can prevent a step difference from occurring between surfaces of an electrode assembly due to double pressurization.

[0012] Technical Solution

[0013] An embodiment of the present invention provides an electrode assembly joining device, which includes: a clamp configured to hold a portion of a stack in which a plurality of positive electrodes and a plurality of negative electrodes are alternately stacked and a separator is disposed between the plurality of positive electrodes and the plurality of negative electrodes; a pressurizing portion configured to bond the stack; and a stack moving portion configured to support the stack or partially move the stack.

[0014] Another embodiment of the present invention provides an electrode assembly joining method for joining an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode, a separator and a negative electrode are stacked, the electrode assembly joining method comprising the following steps: a step of holding a first part of a stack by a clamp (step a), the stack comprising at least one first part and at least one second part adjacent to the first part, and being configured so that the negative electrode, the positive electrode and the separator are stacked; a first bonding step (step b), by heating and pressurizing a second part that is not in contact with the clamp and the stack by a pressurizing portion, so that the negative electrode is bonded to the separator and the positive electrode is bonded to the separator; a step of supporting the stack by a stack moving portion or partially moving the stack (step c), the stack moving portion being configured to support the stack or partially move the stack; and a second bonding step (step d), by heating and pressurizing a first part that was not bonded in the first bonding step by a pressurizing portion, so that the negative electrode is bonded to the separator and the positive electrode is bonded to the separator.

[0015] Technical Effects

[0016] According to the electrode assembly bonding apparatus and method according to the embodiments of the present invention, the electrode can be bonded to the separator in the entire stack through two bonding processes in a single chamber, thereby simplifying the electrode assembly bonding process.

[0017] Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to minimize a portion doubly pressurized in two bonding processes, thereby preventing an unpressurized portion from occurring and minimizing the doubly pressurized portion.

[0018] Furthermore, according to the present invention, defects caused by a step difference in a height direction of the electrode assembly between an uppermost portion and a lowermost portion of the electrode assembly due to an unpressurized portion and a doubly pressurized portion may be prevented.

[0019] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the adhesive force between the separator and the electrode and the degree of degassing can be made uniform throughout the entire region of the electrode assembly, thereby improving the quality of the electrode assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 is a top view illustrating an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating an electrode assembly joining apparatus according to Example 1 of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 4 is a perspective view illustrating an electrode assembly joining apparatus according to Example 2 of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 5 is a perspective view illustrating an electrode assembly joining apparatus according to Example 3 of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 6 is a perspective view illustrating an electrode assembly joining apparatus according to Example 4 of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 7 is a perspective view illustrating an electrode assembly joining apparatus according to Example 5 of the present invention, the electrode assembly joining apparatus including a gripper having fingers extending in the longitudinal direction of a stacked body.

[0027] Figure 8 is a perspective view illustrating an electrode assembly joining apparatus according to Example 6 of the present invention, the electrode assembly joining apparatus including two grippers having fingers extending in the longitudinal direction of a stacked body.

[0028] [reference numerals list]

[0029] 100: Electrode assembly manufacturing equipment

[0030] 1: Negative electrode, first electrode

[0031] 1a: Negative terminal

[0032] 2: Positive electrode, second electrode

[0033] 2a: Positive terminal

[0034] 4: Diaphragm

[0035] 10: Stacking table

[0036] 11: Main body

[0037] 20: Diaphragm Supply Department

[0038] 22: Diaphragm roller

[0039] 30: First electrode supply unit

[0040] 31: First electrode placement station

[0041] 32: First suction head

[0042] 33: First electrode roller

[0043] 34: First Cutter

[0044] 35: First conveyor belt

[0045] 36: First electrode supply head

[0046] 37: First mobile unit

[0047] 40: Second electrode supply unit

[0048] 41: Second electrode placement platform

[0049] 42: Second suction head

[0050] 43: Second electrode roller

[0051] 44: Second Cutter

[0052] 45: Second conveyor belt

[0053] 46: Second electrode supply head

[0054] 47: Second mobile unit

[0055] 50: Gripper

[0056] 50a: Main body

[0057] 50b: Finger

[0058] 51: First gripper

[0059] 52: Second gripper

[0060] 60: Pressurization section

[0061] 60a: First pressure block

[0062] 60b: Second pressure block

[0063] 61: Gripper slot

[0064] 70: Stack moving part

[0065] 80: Chamber

[0066] S: stack DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0067] The detailed description of the present invention is provided to fully explain the present invention to those skilled in the art. Throughout the specification, unless explicitly described to the contrary, when a component "includes (comprising)" another component or is "characterized by" having a specific structure or a specific shape, it means that other components, structures and shapes may be included, and other components, structures and shapes are not excluded.

[0068] The present invention can be modified in various ways and can have various embodiments, and the specific embodiments will be described in detail in the detailed description. However, the description of the embodiments is not intended to limit the content of the present invention, but it should be understood that the present invention will cover all modifications, equivalents and substitutes that fall within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0069] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the accompanying drawings are intended to exemplarily describe the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited by the accompanying drawings.

[0070] The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a stacking stage 10 , a separator supply part 20 , a first electrode supply part 30 , a second electrode supply part 40 , and a bonding apparatus.

[0071] In addition, in the present invention, the stack S refers to a structure in which a plurality of negative electrodes 1, a plurality of separators 4, and a plurality of positive electrodes 2 are stacked. The electrode assembly refers to a structure in which the negative electrode 1 and the separator 4 are bonded and fixed by heating and pressurizing the stack S, and the positive electrode 2 and the separator 4 are bonded and fixed by heating and pressurizing the stack S.

[0072] That is, a structure in which a single negative electrode and a single positive electrode are stacked and a separator is placed between them can be referred to as a unit cell. An assembly in which a plurality of unit cells are stacked separated by a separator can be referred to as a stack. The unit cell can be a combination of various shapes such as a single cell, a double cell, and a half cell.

[0073] The negative electrode 1 (or the first electrode), the separator 4 and the positive electrode 2 (or the second electrode) are alternately supplied and stacked on one surface of the stacking stage 10, so that a stacked body S made by stacking the separator 4, the plurality of first electrodes 1 and the plurality of second electrodes 2 is mounted on one surface of the stacking stage 10. In this embodiment, the first electrode 1, the separator 4 and the second electrode 2 may be stacked in such a manner that the separator 4 is folded in a zigzag manner, and the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 are alternately disposed between the folded separators 4.

[0074] That is, the stacked body may be stacked by a zigzag stacking method. However, the stacked body may be stacked by a stacking and folding method or a laminating and stacking method.

[0075] The first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 supplied to the stacking stage 10 may be stacked on the stacking stage 10 while the stacking stage 10 is rotated. Therefore, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 according to the present invention may further include a rotating portion (not shown) configured to rotate the stacking stage 10.

[0076] Furthermore, by combining the rotating operation, swinging operation, or horizontal moving operation of the stacking stage and the rotating operation, swinging operation, or horizontal moving operation of the membrane supply portion, the stacked body can be manufactured in various shapes.

[0077] In the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 according to the present invention, the first electrode supply part 30 may be located at one side of the stacking stage 10, and the second electrode supply part 40 may be located at the other side of the stacking stage 10. In this case, the rotating part may rotate the stacking stage 10 alternately in a direction toward the first electrode supply part 30 and in a direction toward the second electrode supply part 40.

[0078] For example, the membrane supply part 20 may be located on the upper part of the stacking stage 10 (i.e., located in the stacking direction of the stack body S). The first electrode supply part 30 may be located on the left side based on the stacking direction of the stack body S, and the second electrode supply part 40 may be located on the right side based on the stacking direction of the stack body S.

[0079] The diaphragm 4 may be supplied and mounted on the stacking stage 10. When the rotating portion rotates the stacking stage to the left, the first electrode may be supplied to one surface of the diaphragm 4. In addition, the rotating portion may rotate the stacking stage 10 to the right while supplying the diaphragm 4. In this case, the diaphragm 4 may cover the lower surface, the right surface, and the upper surface of the first electrode 1, and the second electrode 2 may be supplied to the upper surface of the first electrode 1 where the diaphragm 4 is located.

[0080] When this process is repeated, the diaphragm 4 may be arranged to be open alternately on its left and right sides for each layer.

[0081] The separator supply part 20 can supply the separator 4 to the stacking stage 10 .

[0082] The membrane supply part 20 may be provided in the form of a membrane roller around which the membrane 4 is wound. In this case, the membrane 4 wound around the membrane roller 22 may be supplied to the stacking station 10 while being gradually unwound. For example, the membrane supply part 20 may be located above the stacking station 10.

[0083] The first electrode supply part 30 may supply the first electrode 1 to the stacking stage 10 and stack the first electrode 1 on the stacking stage 10 .

[0084] The first electrode supply part 30 may include a first electrode placement stage 31 on which the first electrode 1 is placed before being stacked on the stacking stage 10 .

[0085] In addition, the first electrode supply part 30 may further include a first electrode roller 33 , a first cutter 34 , a first conveyor belt 35 , and a first electrode supply head 36 .

[0086] The first electrode supply part 30 may supply the first electrode 1 to the first electrode placement stage 31 by gradually unwinding the first electrode 1 wound in a sheet form around the first electrode roller 33. The first cutter 34 may cut the first electrode 1 supplied from the first electrode roller 33 into a preset length.

[0087] The first electrode 1 cut by the first cutter 34 may be supplied to the first conveyor belt 35, and the first conveyor belt 35 may move the first electrode 1 to the first electrode placement stage 31. In addition, the first electrode supply head 36 may vacuum-suck the first electrode 1 mounted on the first conveyor belt 35 and place the first electrode 1 on the first electrode placement stage 31.

[0088] In this case, the first cutter 34 may cut the first electrode 1 provided in the form of a sheet so that the first electrode tab 1 a (negative electrode tab) protrudes from the end of the first electrode 1 .

[0089] In addition, the first electrode supply part 30 may include a first suction head 32 and a first moving part 37 .

[0090] The first suction head 32 can vacuum-suction the first electrode 1 placed on the first electrode placement stage 31. The first suction head 32 includes a vacuum suction port (not shown) provided on the bottom surface thereof, so that the first suction head 32 can suction the first electrode 1 through the vacuum suction port and fix the first electrode 1 to the bottom surface of the first suction head 32. In this case, the first suction head 32 may have a channel therein connecting the vacuum suction port and a vacuum suction device (not shown).

[0091] The first moving portion 37 may move the first suction head 32 to the stacking stage 10 so that the first suction head 32 may stack the first electrode 1 placed on the first electrode placement stage 31 on the stacking stage 10 .

[0092] The second electrode supply part 40 may supply the second electrode 2 to the stacking stage 10 and stack the second electrode 2 on the stacking stage 10 .

[0093] The second electrode supply part 40 may include a second electrode placement stage 41 on which the second electrode 2 is placed before stacking the second electrode 2 on the stacking stage 10 .

[0094] In addition, the second electrode supply unit 40 may further include: a second electrode roller 43, around which the second electrode 2 is wound in sheet form; a second cutter 44, which is configured to form a second electrode 2 having a predetermined size by cutting the second electrode 2 at predetermined intervals when the second electrode 2 wound in sheet form around the second electrode roller 43 is unwound and supplied; a second conveyor belt 45, which is configured to move the second electrode 2 cut by the second cutter 44; and a second electrode supply head 46, which is configured to vacuum-suck the second electrode 2 conveyed by the second conveyor belt 45 and place the second electrode 2 on the second electrode placement table 41.

[0095] In this case, the second cutter 44 may cut the second electrode 2 provided in the form of a sheet so that the second electrode tab 2 a (positive electrode tab) protrudes from the end of the second electrode 2 .

[0096] In addition, the second electrode supply unit 40 may include: a second suction head 42, which is configured to vacuum suck the second electrode 2 placed on the second electrode placing table 41; and a second moving unit 47, which is configured to move the second suction head 42 to the stacking table 10, so that the second suction head 42 can stack the second electrode 2 placed on the second electrode placing table 41 on the stacking table 10.

[0097] Furthermore, the second suction head 42 may include a vacuum suction port (not shown) provided on the bottom surface where the second electrode 2 is placed and configured to suck air so that the second electrode 2 is fixed to the bottom surface of the second suction head 42 .

[0098] In this case, the rotating portion according to the embodiment of the present invention can rotate the stacking stage 10 so that the stacking stage 10 faces the first suction head 32 when stacking the first electrode 1. The rotating portion can rotate the stacking stage 10 so that the stacking stage 10 faces the second suction head 42 when stacking the second electrode 2.

[0099] <Example 1>

[0100] The electrode assembly joining apparatus according to the present invention includes a clamper 50, a pressurizing part 60, and a stack moving part 70. In addition, the pressurizing part 60 and the stack moving part 70 may be located in a chamber 80. Therefore, the stack S may be moved and bonded in a single chamber 80.

[0101] In this case, the chamber 80 may refer to a single imaginary space, or may be a device that provides a physically closed space. In addition, the chamber 80 may be a device that provides a physical space, but the chamber 80 may be in an open state.

[0102] The electrode assembly joining apparatus may perform two bonding processes to bond the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 to the separator 4 in the entire region of the stack S. Therefore, the stack S may include a portion bonded by the first bonding process and a portion bonded by the second bonding process.

[0103] The stacked body stacked on the stacking table is in a state where the electrodes and the separator are simply stacked but not yet bonded. Therefore, in order to pressurize the stacked body by the pressurizing part, it is necessary to provide a device configured to hold the stacked body and maintain the stacked body aligned during the pressurizing process.

[0104] Specifically, in the electrode assembly joining apparatus, the pressurizing part 60 may bond the stacked body S in a state where the clamper 50 holds the stacked body S. In addition, the stacked body S may include a first portion and a second portion.

[0105] For example, assuming that the first part and the second part are alternately and repeatedly arranged in the longitudinal direction of the stack body S, the pressurizing portion 60 can bond the second part when the clamp 50 holds the first part, and when the clamp 50 holds the second part, the pressurizing portion 60 can bond the first part.

[0106] In an embodiment, the holder 50 may include a body portion 50a and a finger portion 50b. The finger portion 50b may protrude from the body portion 50a and be provided as at least one pair of the finger portions 50b.

[0107] The main body 50a may have a guide groove (not shown) in which the finger portion 50b can move vertically. In this case, vertical movement refers to movement along an axis parallel to the stacking direction of the plurality of first electrodes 1, the plurality of separators 4, and the plurality of second electrodes 2 of the stack body S.

[0108] One of the pair of fingers 50 b may come into contact with the upper surface of the stacked body S, and the other of the pair of fingers 50 b may come into contact with the lower surface of the stacked body S and hold the stacked body S.

[0109] The stack S includes a first portion and a second portion. In the case where the clamp 50 includes a pair of fingers 50b, the first portion and the second portion may be disposed adjacent to each other.

[0110] In the case where the clamper 50 includes two or more pairs of fingers 50b, each pair of fingers 50b may be positioned to be spaced apart from each other, and the second portion may be disposed between the first portions. That is, the first portion and the second portion may be alternately disposed.

[0111] Furthermore, in the electrode assembly joining apparatus, the pressurizing part 60 may heat the stacked body S, or heat and pressurize the stacked body S in a state where the holder 50 holds the stacked body S.

[0112] The pressurizing unit 60 may include a pair of pressurizing blocks 60a and 60b. In this embodiment, the pressurizing unit 60 may include: a first pressurizing block 60a configured to heat the upper surface of the stacked body S, or to heat and pressurize the upper surface of the stacked body S; and a second pressurizing block 60b configured to heat the lower surface of the stacked body S, or to heat and pressurize the lower surface of the stacked body S.

[0113] The pressurizing part 60 may further include a gripper groove 61 in which the finger 50b may be located so that the pressurizing part 60 and the finger 50b do not directly contact when the pressurizing part 60 presses the stack. In other words, at least one of the pair of pressurizing blocks 60a and 60b may include a gripper groove 61.

[0114] The gripper slot 61 may have the same width and height as the finger 50 b , or the gripper slot 61 may have a greater width and height than the finger 50 b .

[0115] In this case, the first portion may be a second bonding portion of the stacked body S, and the second portion may be a first bonding portion. As the pressurizing unit 60 heats the stacked body S or heats and pressurizes the stacked body S, a bonding process is performed so that the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 are bonded to the separator 4 in the stacked body S.

[0116] In other words, during the first bonding process, the first portion may be held by the finger portion 50b, and the second portion may be heated, or heated and pressurized, by the pressurizing portion 60. Also, during the second bonding process, the first portion may be heated, or heated and pressurized, by the pressurizing portion 60, and the second portion may be held by the finger portion 50b.

[0117] The stack moving part 70 may partially move the stack S in a state where the stack S is released by the clamper 50 .

[0118] Specifically, by the method of joining the electrode assembly using the electrode assembly joining apparatus, when a pair of pressurizing parts 60 heats and pressurizes the stacked body S in a state where the clamp 50 holds the first part of the stacked body S, the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 of the second part are bonded to the separator. That is, the stacked body S is preliminarily bonded.

[0119] Furthermore, the pressurizing part 60 releases the stack S, and the clamper 50 releases the stack S. In this case, the stack S may be supported by the lower finger 50 b of the clamper 50 , or the clamper 50 may stack the stack S on the second pressurizing block 60 b and then release the stack S.

[0120] Thereafter, the stack moving part 70 may horizontally move the stack S. In addition, the clamper 50 may hold the second portion of the stack S, and the pressurizing part 60 may heat and pressurize the first portion of the stack S.

[0121] In this case, the stack moving part 70 may move the stack S by the width of the finger 50 b . That is, the stack moving part 70 may move the stack S so that the second portion moves to a position corresponding to the gripper groove 61 .

[0122] In addition, the horizontal movement refers to the movement in the direction perpendicular to the vertical movement. In other words, the horizontal movement refers to the longitudinal direction of the stack S.

[0123] Furthermore, the operation of the clamper 50 holding the stack S again can be omitted because when the first portion of the stack not yet bonded is heated or heated and pressurized by the pressurizing unit 60 , the second portion of the stack is in a state where the separator and the electrode are already bonded.

[0124] That is, most of the stacked body S may be fixed by primarily bonding the stacked body S. Then, during the secondary bonding process, the pressurizing part 60 may secondarily bond the stacked body in a state where the clamper 50 does not hold the stacked body S.

[0125] <Example 2>

[0126] In a state where the stack moving part 70 supports the stack S, the clamper 50 may release the stack S and partially move.

[0127] In this case, the stack moving part 70 may be provided as a pair of stack moving parts 70 to support the stack S. In other words, the stack moving parts 70 may be respectively located at two inner sides of the chamber 80 facing each other.

[0128] For example, the stack moving part 70 can move in the horizontal direction. Figure 4 As shown, the stack moving part 70 can be horizontally extended or retracted relative to the wall surface of the chamber.

[0129] In a state in which the stack moving part 70 moves horizontally and then supports the lower surface of the edge of the stack S, the clamper 50 may move horizontally and then hold the stack again.

[0130] After the pair of pressurizing parts 60 make the diaphragm 4 in the second part adhere to the electrodes 1 and 2, the pressurizing parts 60 release the stack S, and the pair of stack moving parts 70 protrude in the direction in which the pair of stack moving parts 70 face each other, and then, the pair of stack moving parts 70 are ready to support the stack S.

[0131] Furthermore, when the gripper 50 places the stack S on the stack moving part 70 and then releases the stack S, the stack moving part 70 moves horizontally and moves the stack S by the width of the finger 50 b. Next, the gripper 50 may hold the second portion of the stack.

[0132] Thereafter, the pair of pressurizing parts 60 may heat and pressurize the first portion.

[0133] Furthermore, in Example 2, the stack moving portion 70 horizontally moves the stack S while horizontally moving. As a modification, the clamper 50 may horizontally move and hold the second portion in a state where the stack moving portion 70 simply supports both opposite ends of the stack based on the longitudinal direction.

[0134] That is, in the modified example, the stack moving part 70 supports only the stack S, and the clamper 50 can move horizontally and hold the stack S again.

[0135] <Example 3>

[0136] As another embodiment according to the present invention, another embodiment in which the spring clamper 50 moves horizontally will be described.

[0137] The gripper 50 may be horizontally movable in the longitudinal direction of the stack S, and the moving distance may be equal to the width of the finger 50 b.

[0138] After the pair of pressurizing parts 60 bonds the diaphragm 4 in the second portion with the electrodes 1 and 2, the pressurizing parts 60 release the stack S, and the clamper 50 moves horizontally and partially moves the stack S. Thereafter, the clamper 50 releases the stack S and places the stack S on the second pressurizing block 60b.

[0139] Furthermore, the clamper 50 may horizontally move in the direction opposite to the horizontal movement direction of the stack S and then hold the stack S again.

[0140] When the clamper 50 holds the second portion of the stack S, the finger 50b may be inserted into the clamper groove 61. That is, for example, the clamper 50 may be returned to the initial position through two horizontal movements including a rightward horizontal movement and a leftward horizontal movement.

[0141] In this case, in the electrode assembly joining apparatus according to the present embodiment, since the second pressurizing block 60 b is used to support the stacked body, the stacked body moving part 70 may not be included.

[0142] Furthermore, after the gripper 50 holds the stack and partially moves the stack by S while moving horizontally, the gripper 50 may place the stack S on the stack moving part 70 instead of the upper surface of the second pressurizing block 60 b .

[0143] <Example 4>

[0144] Reference Figure 6 The chamber 80 may have a pair of opposite sides facing each other and penetrating the chamber 80, and the clamps 50 may be located at the penetrating sides, respectively. Specifically, the first clamp 51 and the second clamp 52 may be located at the sides facing each other of the chamber 80, respectively, and sequentially hold the first part and the second part, respectively.

[0145] In this case, the pressurizing part 60 may be moved horizontally, and partially moved horizontally.

[0146] For example, the first clamper 51 holds the first part, and the pressurizing unit 60 heats the second part, or heats and pressurizes the second part. In addition, after the pressurizing unit 60 releases the stacked body S, the second clamper 52 holds the second part. After the first clamper 51 releases the stacked body and then is removed from the inside of the chamber 80, the pressurizing unit 60 may partially move and heat the first part, or heat and pressurize the first part.

[0147] One of the pair of fingers 50b in Examples 1 to 4 may be provided in the form of an integral flat plate. That is, one of the pair of fingers 50b may be provided in the form of a flat plate having an area corresponding to the upper or lower surface of the stack S.

[0148] For example, in the case where the finger 50b is divided into a lower finger and an upper finger, the lower finger may be provided in the form of an integral flat plate on which the stack is integrally placed, and the upper finger may have a structure including a plurality of divided branches.

[0149] Furthermore, the finger portion 50 b provided in the form of a flat plate may be made of a material having high thermal conductivity.

[0150] In addition, one of the pair of pressing blocks 60a and 60b pressing the finger 50b in the form of a flat plate may also be in the form of a flat plate. That is, the pressing block pressing the finger 50b in the form of a flat plate may not include the clamper groove 61.

[0151] In Examples 1 to 4, at least one pair of fingers 50 b may be arranged in the longitudinal direction or the width direction of the stack.

[0152] For example, in the case where the finger 50b is provided as a pair of fingers 50b, when the finger 50b holds the first portion, the remaining area of ​​the stack may be the second portion. In the case where the finger 50b is provided as a plurality of pairs of fingers 50b spaced apart from each other, the area held by the finger 50b may be the first portion, and the portion between the fingers 50b may be the second portion.

[0153] Figure 7 and Figure 8 The case where the clamper 50 holds the stack S in the longitudinal direction of the stack S is illustrated.

[0154] Reference Figure 7 In Example 5 of the present invention, the clamper 50, 50a or 50b includes a pair of fingers extending in the longitudinal direction of the stack S.

[0155] Reference Figure 7 The electrode assembly joining apparatus of the present embodiment may be configured with reference to Examples 1 to 4, except that only a pair of fingers 50 b are provided and the pair of fingers 50 b hold the stacked body S in the longitudinal direction.

[0156] exist Figure 7 In the electrode assembly joining apparatus shown, in a state where the clamper 50 holds a first portion of the stacked body S, the pressurizing portion 60 heats, or heats and pressurizes, a second portion that is not held by the clamper 50 .

[0157] The stack moving part 70 mainly bonds the diaphragm 4 and the electrodes 1 and 2 in the second part, and partially moves the stack S. Next, when the stack S is horizontally moved by the stack moving part 70 or the clamper, the clamper 50 holds the stack S again, and the pressurizing part 60 heats the first part, or heats and pressurizes the first part.

[0158] As another embodiment, as in Example 4, according to Figure 8 The electrode assembly joining apparatus of Example 6 in FIG. 1 has two clamps.

[0159] exist Figure 8 In the electrode assembly joining apparatus of , in a state where the first clamper 51 holds the first portion of the stacked body S, the pressurizing portion 60 heats, or heats and pressurizes, the second portion that is not held by the first clamper 51 .

[0160] The second clamper 52 holds the second portion in a state where the first clamper 51 holds the stacked body S. Thereafter, the first clamper 51 releases the stacked body S.

[0161] Furthermore, the pressurizing unit 60 may partially move the first portion and heat the first portion, or heat and pressurize the first portion.

[0162] exist Figure 8 In the electrode assembly bonding apparatus of , the first clamper 51 and the second clamper 52 may be disposed in parallel on the same side with respect to the chamber 80 .

[0163] The width of the finger portion 50b may be 1 / 5 to 4 / 5 of the width of the stacked body S. Specifically, one or more pairs of finger portions 50b include an upper finger portion configured to make contact with the upper surface of the stacked body S, and a lower finger portion configured to make contact with the lower surface of the stacked body S. The sum of the widths of any one of the upper finger portion and the lower finger portion may be 1 / 5 to 4 / 5 of the width of the stacked body S.

[0164] Specifically, the sum of the widths of the finger portions 50 b may be 1 / 5 to 3 / 5 of the width of the stack S, and more particularly, 1 / 5 to 2 / 5 of the width of the stack S. As shown in FIG.

[0165] The pressurizing unit 60 may further include a pressurizing heater (not shown) configured to heat a pair of pressurizing blocks 60a and 60b, and the pair of pressurizing blocks 60a and 60b may heat and pressurize the stacked body S including the negative electrode 1, the separator 4, and the positive electrode 2. Therefore, when the pressurizing unit 60 pressurizes the stacked body S, thermal bonding between the negative electrode 1, the separator 4, and the positive electrode 2 may be more appropriately performed, so that stronger bonding may be performed.

[0166] In addition, the pressurizing part 60 may further include an induction heating heater for heating the stacked body in a non-contact manner as a pressurizing heater. That is, the pressurizing heater may further include an induction heating heater embedded with a contact heater configured to directly heat the pressurizing block without contacting the stacked body.

[0167] The pressurized heater can directly heat the pressurized block, and the heating block can heat the stack while being in direct contact with the stack. In contrast, the induction heating heater heats the core (i.e., the middle part) of the stack as the target by magnetic field induction heating, thereby heating the central part of the stack. As a result, the central part of the stack is heated by induction heating, and the upper and lower ends of the stack are heated by the heated pressurized block, so that the stack can be heated completely and uniformly. The uniformity of heating improves the uniformity of the adhesion of the stack and the uniformity of exhaust.

[0168] The area where the pressurizing portion 60 presses the stacked body S may be 30% to 70% based on 100% of the total area of ​​one surface of the stacked body S. Specifically, the pressurizing area of ​​any one of the pair of pressurizing blocks 60a and 60b may be 40% to 70% based on 100% of the total area of ​​one surface of the stacked body S. In this case, the one surface of the stacked body S may be any one of the uppermost surface and the lowermost surface of the stacked body S pressurized by the pressurizing portion 60.

[0169] A value obtained by adding the sum of the areas of the finger portions 50 b and the sum of the areas of the pressurizing portion 60 excluding the gripper groove 61 may be equal to or greater than the area of ​​the upper or lower surface of the stack S.

[0170] Furthermore, the sum of the areas of the pressing portion 60 excluding the gripper groove 61 may be equal to the sum of the areas of the finger portions 50 b , or greater than the sum of the areas of the finger portions 50 b .

[0171] Specifically, the sum of the areas of the pressing portion 60 excluding the gripper groove 61 may be greater than the sum of the areas of the finger portions 50 b. In other words, the area of ​​the second portion may be greater than the area of ​​the first portion.

[0172] Therefore, a portion of the stack S may be doubly pressurized. In this case, the doubly pressurized portion may be equal to or less than 1 / 6 of the area of ​​the stack S.

[0173] The double pressurization area of ​​the pressurizing part 60 can be minimized, the height difference caused by double pressurization can be minimized, and the non-pressurized area can be prevented from occurring. Therefore, the adhesive force between the negative electrode and the separator and between the positive electrode and the separator can become uniform, and the safety of the secondary battery can be improved.

[0174] In addition, when the double-pressed portion exceeds the range or the electrode assembly includes an unpressurized portion, a visually recognizable step difference occurs between the uppermost surface and the lowermost surface of the electrode assembly. When the electrode assembly including the pouch-type case having the above-mentioned step difference is housed and sealed, the case also has a step difference, which may cause defects.

[0175] The electrode assembly joining apparatus according to the present invention may further include a controller (not shown).

[0176] The controller may control any one or more of the position of the gripper 50 for holding the stack S, the pressing position of the pressing portion 60 for pressing the stack S, and the operation of the stack moving portion 70 .

[0177] For example, the controller can control the moving distance of the stack moving part 70 based on data related to the areas of the first part and the second part, the points where the ends of the clamp 50 and the pressurizing part 60 are located, and the points where the ends of a pair of stack moving parts 70 are located.

[0178] The electrode assembly joining apparatus according to the present invention may further include a calculation part (not shown). The calculation part may receive data related to the width of the stack S from a user, or store a database related to standard sizes of the stack S or electrode assemblies.

[0179] The calculation unit can calculate the moving distance of the stack moving unit 70, the position of the clamp 50, and the position of the pressurizing unit 60 based on the data related to the size and width of the stack S or the electrode assembly. That is, the calculation unit can calculate the width of the clamp 50 and the area or width of the first part and the second part. In addition, the calculation unit can calculate the position where one end of the clamp 50 and one end of the pressurizing unit 60 are located.

[0180] Based on the area of ​​the first portion, the calculation part may calculate the moving distance of the stack moving part 70 or the stack S, and calculate the positions at which one end of the clamper 50 and one end of the pressing part 60 are located.

[0181] The electrode assembly manufacturing method according to the present invention includes an electrode assembly bonding method. Specifically, the electrode assembly manufacturing method includes the steps of manufacturing a stack including a negative electrode, a positive electrode and a separator disposed between the negative electrode and the positive electrode, and an electrode assembly bonding step (or method).

[0182] The electrode assembly joining step includes: a step of holding a first portion of the stack by a clamper (step a); a first bonding step (step b); a step of supporting the stack or partially moving the stack (step c); and a second bonding step (step d).

[0183] In step a, the stacked body is in a state where the positive electrode and the separator are not bonded to each other and the negative electrode and the separator are not bonded to each other.

[0184] That is, in the step of manufacturing the stacked body, the positive electrode and the separator are set in a state in which the positive electrode and the separator are not bonded to each other, and the negative electrode and the separator are set in a state in which the negative electrode and the separator are not bonded to each other.

[0185] Therefore, in order to prevent the pressurizing part from misaligning the stacked body in the step b of bonding the positive electrode and the separator and bonding the negative electrode and the separator, the pressurizing part may heat and pressurize the stacked body fixed by the clamper.

[0186] Depending on the electrode assembly joining apparatus according to Examples 1 to 4 described above, detailed steps of step c may be different from each other.

[0187] Step c may include: a step of releasing the stack by the clamper; a step of horizontally moving the stack by the stack moving part; and a step of holding the stack again by the clamper.

[0188] Alternatively, step c may include: a step of supporting the stack by the stack moving part; a step of releasing the stack by the clamper; and a step of horizontally moving the clamper and holding the stack again.

[0189] Alternatively, step c may include: a step of releasing the stack by the clamp and supporting the stack by the first pressurizing portion; a step of horizontally moving the stack by the stack moving portion; and a step of moving the stack by the clamp in a direction opposite to the direction of horizontal movement and holding the stack again.

[0190] Alternatively, step c may include: holding the stack by the second clamp in a direction opposite to the first clamp while the first clamp holds the stack; releasing the stack by the first clamp; and horizontally moving the pressing portion.

[0191] In step c, the partial movement distance of the stack may be at least equal to the width of one finger of the clamp. In other words, the stack may include a first portion held by the clamp in step a and a second portion bonded in step b. The width of the second portion may be greater than the width of the first portion. The partial movement distance of the stack may be the width of the first portion or the width of the second portion.

[0192] Steps a to d may be performed in a single chamber. The clamp may be located outside the chamber or moved to the outside of the chamber. However, the operation of holding the stack or re-holding the stack by the clamp may be performed in the chamber.

[0193] Since the electrode assembly bonding step is performed in a single chamber, the electrode assembly bonding process can be simplified, the process time can be shortened, and economic benefits can be achieved.

[0194] In step b and step d, the bonding areas may not overlap each other or may include a minimum double bonding area. No double pressing and minimum double pressing occur so that there is no step difference in the height of the electrode assembly, which can reduce the defect rate of the secondary battery.

[0195] The electrode assembly joining step according to the present invention may also include: a calculation step, which calculates the moving distance of the stacking body moving part and the areas of the first part and the second part; and a control step, which controls any one or more of the fixing position of the fixing part and the pressing position of the pressing part based on the calculated moving distance of the stacking body moving part and the areas of the first part and the second part.

[0196] For example, the calculation step may calculate the area of ​​the first part bonded in step b and the area of ​​the second part bonded in step d, and then calculate the width of the stack to be held by the clamper so that the first part and the second part overlap each other to a minimum, or calculate the width of the stack to be pressurized by the pressurizing portion. The control step may move the clamper and the pressurizing portion based on the width calculated in the calculation step.

[0197] In addition to the above description, the description of the electrode assembly manufacturing method may be replaced with the description of the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 .

[0198] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention disclosed in the claims.

Claims

1. An electrode assembly joining device, the electrode assembly joining device comprising: a holder configured to hold a portion of a stack in which a plurality of positive electrodes and a plurality of negative electrodes are alternately stacked and a separator is disposed between the plurality of positive electrodes and the plurality of negative electrodes; a pressurizing portion configured to cause the stack to bond; as well as A stack body moving portion is configured to support the stack body or partially move the stack body.

2. The electrode assembly joining apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The stack comprises a first part and a second part, wherein the pressurizing portion causes the second portion to adhere while the clamp holds the first portion, and The pressurizing portion bonds the first portion while the clamp holds the second portion.

3. The electrode assembly joining apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The stack moving unit partially moves the stack in a state where the clamp releases the stack, or Here, in a state where the stack moving part supports the stack, the clamper releases the stack, the stack moving part partially moves, and the clamper holds the stack again.

4. The electrode assembly joining apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A controller is configured to control any one or more of a position where the clamper holds the stacked bodies, a position where the pressurizing portion causes the stacked bodies to adhere, and an operation of the stack moving portion.

5. The electrode assembly joining apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The pressurizing part bonds the positive electrode and the negative electrode to the separator in the stacked body by heating and pressurizing the stacked body.

6. The electrode assembly joining apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The pressurizing portion and the stack moving portion are provided in a single chamber.

7. The electrode assembly joining apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The holder comprises: the main body; and one or more pairs of fingers, the one or more pairs of fingers protruding from the body portion, wherein, when the finger-shaped portion holds the first portion, the pressing portion causes the second portion to adhere, and wherein, when the finger-shaped portion holds the second portion, the pressing portion causes the first portion to adhere.

8. The electrode assembly joining apparatus according to claim 7, wherein: The first portion is provided as a plurality of first portions arranged in the longitudinal direction of the stack, the second portion is provided between the first portions, and the finger portion holds the first portions in the width direction of the stack.

9. The electrode assembly joining apparatus according to claim 7, wherein: At least one first portion is provided in a width direction of the stack, the second portion is provided adjacent to the first portion, and the finger portion holds the first portion in a longitudinal direction of the stack.

10. The electrode assembly joining apparatus according to claim 2, wherein: The gripper moves horizontally.

11. The electrode assembly joining apparatus according to claim 10, wherein: The gripper partially moves the stack and then releases the stack, and The clamper moves horizontally in a direction opposite to the moving direction of the stacked body and then holds the stacked body again.

12. An electrode assembly manufacturing device, the electrode assembly manufacturing device comprising: The electrode assembly joining device according to any one of claims 1 to 11; a diaphragm supplying portion configured to supply the diaphragm; a first electrode supply unit configured to supply the positive electrode; a second electrode supply unit configured to supply the negative electrode; as well as A stacking stage on which the stacked body constructed by stacking the separator, the positive electrode, and the negative electrode is placed.

13. An electrode assembly joining method, the electrode assembly joining method joining an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode, a separator and a negative electrode are stacked, the electrode assembly joining method comprising the following steps: a step of holding a first portion of a stacked body by a holder (step a), the stacked body comprising at least one first portion and at least one second portion adjacent to the first portion and configured such that the negative electrode, the positive electrode, and the separator are stacked; a first bonding step (step b) of bonding the negative electrode to the separator and bonding the positive electrode to the separator by heating and pressurizing the second portion of the holder that is not in contact with the stacked body by a pressurizing unit; a step of supporting the stack or partially moving the stack by a stack moving part (step c), wherein the stack moving part is configured to support the stack or partially move the stack; as well as The second bonding step (step d) is to bond the negative electrode to the separator and the positive electrode to the separator by heating and pressurizing the first portion that was not bonded in the first bonding step by the pressurizing unit.

14. The electrode assembly bonding method according to claim 13, wherein: In step a, the stack is in a state where the positive electrode and the separator are not in contact with each other and the negative electrode and the separator are not in contact with each other.

15. The electrode assembly bonding method according to claim 13, wherein: Step c comprises the following steps: The stacking body is supported by the stacking body moving part; releasing the stack from the gripper; and The gripper is moved horizontally and holds the stack again.

16. The electrode assembly bonding method according to claim 13, wherein: Step c comprises the following steps: releasing the stack from the clamp; The stacking body is horizontally moved by the stacking body moving part; and The stack is again held by the clamp.

17. The electrode assembly bonding method according to claim 13, wherein: Steps a to d are performed in a single chamber.

18. A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly, the method comprising the following steps: The electrode assembly joining method according to any one of claims 13 to 17, The electrode assembly manufacturing method further includes the following steps: manufacturing the stacked body including the negative electrode, the positive electrode, and the separator disposed between the negative electrode and the positive electrode.

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