Laminating apparatus and control method thereof

Abstract

A laminating apparatus and a control method thereof are disclosed. The invention comprises: a plurality of calibration marks arranged on an upper holder; a vision camera that captures an image of the plurality of calibration marks; a correction operator connected to the lower gripper and the upper gripper to correct a height of the lower gripper and the upper gripper; and a controller that reads the plurality of calibration marks to calculate a positional deviation of an actual position of the upper gripper from a preset acceptable position range, and moves the lower gripper and the upper gripper to correct the positional deviation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0057756 filed on May 11, 2022, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The invention relates to a laminating device capable of eliminating position deviation between a lower clamper and an upper clamper and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0003] Generally speaking, a secondary battery includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator and an electrolyte, and uses a chemical reaction to generate electrical energy. The use of secondary batteries is gradually increasing due to the advantage of being able to charge and discharge. Among these secondary batteries, lithium secondary batteries have a high energy density per unit weight, and are therefore widely used as power sources for electronic communication devices and drive sources for high-output hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, etc.

[0004] In terms of the shape of secondary batteries, there is a growing demand for square-type secondary batteries and pouch-type secondary batteries because they are thin and can be applied to products such as mobile phones. In terms of the material of secondary batteries, there is a growing demand for lithium secondary batteries such as lithium-ion batteries and lithium-ion polymer batteries that have high energy density, discharge voltage, and output stability.

[0005] The electrode sheet is provided to a notching module, and the notching module forms the electrode sheet with equal intervals in a width direction on one side of the electrode sheet. The electrode sheet with the electrode tab formed thereon is rewound on a rewinder.

[0006] Korean Patent Publication No. 2328527 discloses a laminating device. In the laminating device, an electrode sheet wound on two electrode rollers and a diaphragm sheet wound on two diaphragm rollers are provided. At this time, a first cutter unit cuts a first electrode sheet to form a first electrode, and then laminates the first electrode between a pair of diaphragm sheets, and a second cutter unit cuts a second electrode sheet to form a second electrode, and then laminates the second electrode on an upper diaphragm sheet. In this case, the second electrode is laminated on the upper diaphragm sheet in a one-to-one correspondence with the first electrode.

[0007] The electrode laminate in which the cut first electrode and the second electrode are respectively laminated on the diaphragm sheet is provided to the heater unit and the laminating roller of the laminator. The heater unit heats the electrode laminate, and the laminating roller presses and combines the electrode laminate. Subsequently, the third cutter unit installed on the downstream side of the laminating roller cuts a portion of the diaphragm sheet between a pair of adjacent electrodes to form a single cell. A visual device is installed on the downstream side of the laminator to inspect the single cell.

[0008] When the single cell provided to the visual device is transferred at a high speed in a state heated by the heater unit, or when the pressure in the laminator is too large, the single cell provided to the visual device may be bent or twisted. In addition, the electrode connector in the shape protruding from the periphery of the single cell may be bent upward or downward. In order to correct the shape deformation of the single cell, a clamp configured to press the single cell is installed in the visual device. In the state where the clamp presses the single cell, the visual unit reads the single cell.

[0009] However, when the clamp is lifted and lowered at high speed, the bolts or nuts at the assembly part of the clamp may be slightly loosened or the clamp may be bent. In this case, the gap between the vision unit and the single cell is changed, so it may be difficult for the vision unit to accurately read whether the single cell is defective.

[0010] In addition, when the vision unit reads the single cell in a state where the gap between the vision unit and the single cell changes to be greater than or equal to the allowable value, continuous erroneous measurement of the single cell may occur, which may significantly increase the defect rate of the single cell. In addition, the single cell within the allowable value range may be determined as defective. Summary of the invention

[0011] Technical issues

[0012] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide a laminating device and a control method thereof which can solve the position deviation between a lower clamper and an upper clamper.

[0013] The present invention also aims to provide a laminating device and a control method thereof capable of preventing a gap between a visual unit and a unit cell from being changed beyond an allowable value.

[0014] The present invention also aims to provide a lamination device and a control method thereof which are capable of preventing continuous erroneous measurements of unit cells and significantly reducing a defect rate of the unit cells.

[0015] The present invention also aims to provide a lamination apparatus and a control method thereof capable of preventing unit cells within an allowable value range (good quality range) from being determined as defective.

[0016] The present invention also aims to provide a laminating apparatus and a control method thereof capable of determining whether an upper clamper changes height or tilts in a direction perpendicular to a direction parallel to a transfer path of unit cells.

[0017] The purpose of the present invention is not limited to the above purpose, and other purposes and advantages of the present invention will be understood through the following description, and will be more clearly understood through the embodiments of the present invention. It is also easy to understand that the purposes and advantages of the present invention can be realized and achieved by the means described in the attached claims and their combinations.

[0018] Technical Solution

[0019] According to one aspect of the present invention, a lamination device is provided, which includes: a lower clamp to which unit cells are supplied; an upper clamp installed on the upper side of the lower clamp so as to be able to be lifted and lowered in the vertical direction; and a clamp drive unit configured to lift and lower the upper clamp so that the upper clamp presses the unit cells.

[0020] The lower clamper and the upper clamper may unfold the unit cells and the electrode tabs to be flat.

[0021] The laminating device includes: a plurality of calibration marks, which are arranged on the upper clamp; a visual camera, which is configured to capture images of the plurality of calibration marks; a correction drive unit, which is connected to the lower clamp and the upper clamp to correct the height of each of the lower clamp and the upper clamp; and a control unit, which is configured to read the plurality of calibration marks to calculate the position deviation between the actual position of the upper clamp and the preset allowable position range, and move the lower clamp and the upper clamp to correct the position deviation.

[0022] The allowable image ranges of the plurality of calibration marks may be preset in the control unit.

[0023] The control unit may calculate the position deviation of the upper gripper by comparing the allowable image range with a size of an actual image captured by the vision camera.

[0024] Some of the calibration marks may be arranged side by side at a first distance from one end of the upper holder, and remaining of the calibration marks may be arranged side by side at a second distance from one end of the upper holder.

[0025] The upper holder may include a transparent window through which light from the vision camera passes.

[0026] The periphery of the transparent window may be coated with an anodized layer.

[0027] The anodized layer may be black and the calibration mark may be white.

[0028] Each of the calibration marks may be formed in a circular shape.

[0029] The vision camera may capture images of the plurality of calibration marks when the upper gripper is fully lowered. Thus, the vision camera may capture images of the calibration marks and images of the unit cells simultaneously.

[0030] The vision camera may be disposed on an upper side of the upper holder.

[0031] The vision camera may recapture the image of the calibration mark after the position of the upper gripper is corrected, and the control unit may check again whether the corrected position of the upper gripper is within the allowable position range.

[0032] The lower holder may be fixed on a linear guide rail, and the upper holder may be mounted on the linear guide rail to be able to be lifted and lowered.

[0033] The laminating apparatus may further include a warning generating unit configured to notify that the upper clamper is to be replaced when the correction position of the upper clamper is outside the allowable position range.

[0034] A method of controlling the laminating apparatus of the present invention includes the steps of: supplying unit cells to a lower gripper; and pressing the unit cells by lowering an upper gripper.

[0035] Therefore, the lower clamper and the upper clamper may unfold the unit cells and the electrode tabs to be flat.

[0036] The method for controlling the laminating device of the present invention comprises the following steps: capturing an image of a plurality of calibration marks formed on an upper clamp by a visual camera and sending the image to a control unit; reading the plurality of calibration marks by the control unit and calculating a position deviation between an actual position of the upper clamp and a preset allowable position range; and when the position deviation is outside the allowable position range, moving the lower clamp and the upper clamp to correct the position deviation.

[0037] Some of the calibration marks may be arranged side by side at a first distance from one end of the upper holder, and the remaining of the calibration marks may be arranged side by side at a second distance from the one end of the upper holder.

[0038] The periphery of the transparent window of the upper holder may be coated with an anodized layer.

[0039] The anodized layer may be black and the calibration mark may be white.

[0040] Each of the calibration marks may be formed in a circular shape.

[0041] The vision camera may capture an image of the plurality of calibration marks when the upper gripper is fully lowered.

[0042] The method of controlling the laminating device may further include the following steps: after the position of the upper clamp is corrected, re-capturing the image of the calibration mark by the visual camera; and re-checking by the control unit whether the corrected position of the upper clamp is within the allowable position range.

[0043] The method of controlling the laminating apparatus may further include the step of outputting a warning signal through a warning generating unit when the correction position of the upper clamper is outside the allowable position range.

[0044] Beneficial Effects

[0045] According to the present invention, the correction driving unit corrects the positions of the lower clamper and the upper clamper, so that the position deviation between the lower clamper and the upper clamper can be eliminated.

[0046] According to the present invention, since the correction driving unit corrects the positions of the lower clamper and the upper clamper, it is possible to prevent the gap between the vision unit and the unit cell from being changed beyond the allowable value.

[0047] According to the present invention, since the positions of the lower and upper grippers are corrected by moving the lower and upper grippers with positional deviation, continuous erroneous measurement of unit cells can be prevented and the defect rate of the unit cells can be significantly reduced.

[0048] According to the present invention, since the gap between the vision unit and the unit cell is corrected to be within the allowable value range, it is possible to prevent the unit cell corresponding to a good product from being judged as defective.

[0049] According to the present invention, by calculating the actual size of each of the plurality of calibration marks located at the first distance and the second distance, it can be determined whether the upper gripper changes height or tilts in a direction perpendicular to a direction parallel to the transfer path of the unit cells.

[0050] In addition to the above-mentioned effects, specific effects of the present invention and the following detailed description for implementing the present invention will be described. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] Figure 1 is a view schematically showing a laminating apparatus according to the present invention.

[0052] Figure 2 It is schematically shown that Figure 1 Figure 2. View of a unit cell manufactured by a lamination device.

[0053] Figure 3 It is schematically shown Figure 1 A perspective view of the visual unit in the lamination device.

[0054] Figure 4It is schematically shown Figure 1 Side view of the vision unit in the lamination device.

[0055] Figure 5 is schematically shown in Figure 4 A plan view of a state in which a calibration mark is formed on an upper surface of an upper holder in a vision unit.

[0056] Figure 6 is schematically shown in Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a state where a calibration mark and an anodized layer are applied on the upper surface of an upper holder in a vision unit.

[0057] Figure 7 It is schematically shown Figure 1 A perspective view of a correction drive unit in a lamination device.

[0058] Figure 8 is a block diagram schematically showing a laminating apparatus according to the present invention.

[0059] Fig. 9 is a view showing one example of a captured image of a calibration mark according to the present invention.

[0060] Fig.10 1 is a view showing a case where the positions of the lower clamper and the upper clamper according to the present invention are within the allowable position range.

[0061] Fig.11 is a view showing another example of a captured image of a calibration mark according to the present invention.

[0062] Fig.12 is a view showing a case where the positions of the lower clamper and the upper clamper according to the present invention are out of the allowable position range.

[0063] Fig.13 is a view showing still another example of an image of a captured calibration mark according to the present invention.

[0064] Fig.14 1 is a view showing a case where the lower holder and the upper holder themselves are deformed according to the present invention.

[0065] Fig.15 is a flow chart schematically showing a control method of a laminating apparatus according to the present invention.

[0066] 10: unit cell, 11: first electrode

[0067] 12: second electrode, 13: separator

[0068] 13a: first diaphragm, 13b: second diaphragm

[0069] 100: Laminating device, 102: Electrode laminate

[0070] 110: first electrode roller, 111: first electrode sheet

[0071] 120: second electrode roller, 121: second electrode sheet

[0072] 130: diaphragm roller, 130a: first diaphragm roller

[0073] 131: diaphragm, 131a: first diaphragm

[0074] 130b: second diaphragm roller, 131b: second diaphragm sheet

[0075] 133: Nip roller, 141: First cutter unit

[0076] 143: Second cutter unit, 150: Laminating unit

[0077] 151: Heater unit, 153: Laminating roller unit

[0078] 153a: upper laminating roller, 153b: lower laminating roller

[0079] 155: Pressure control unit, 160: Final cutter

[0080] V: Vision unit, 171: Linear guide

[0081] 172: Lower clamp, 173: Upper clamp

[0082] 174: frame unit, 175: transparent window

[0083] 176: Gripper drive unit, 177: Vision camera

[0084] 180: Correction drive unit, 181: Housing unit

[0085] 182: Correction motor unit, 183: Ball screw

[0086] 184: Anti-rotation lever, 185: Slider

[0087] 191: control unit, 193: warning generating unit

[0088] C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, and C6: Calibration Marks

[0089] AD: anodized layer, L: reference line

[0090] P1: first distance, P2: second distance DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0091] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0092] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and various modifications may be made, and may be implemented in various different forms. The present embodiments are provided only to complete the disclosure of the present invention and to assist those skilled in the art to fully understand the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and it should be understood that the configuration of any one embodiment is mutually substituted or added to the configuration of another embodiment, and all modifications, equivalents and substitutions are within the technical spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0093] The accompanying drawings are only for the purpose of facilitating the understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical spirit disclosed herein is not limited by the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that all modifications, equivalents and substitutions fall within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings, the size or thickness of the components may be exaggerated for the sake of ease of understanding, etc., but the protection scope of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited thereto.

[0094] The terms used herein are only used to describe specific implementations or embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form is also intended to include the plural form. In this specification, terms such as "including", "consisting of" are intended to represent the existence of features, numbers, operations, actions, components, parts or combinations thereof disclosed in this specification. It should be understood that terms such as "including", "consisting of" are not intended to exclude the possibility that one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts or combinations thereof may exist or be added.

[0095] Although terms including ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," etc. may be used to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. The terms are only used to distinguish one component from another.

[0096] When referring to a component being "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component is directly connected to the other component, or another component may be interposed between them. On the other hand, when referring to a component being "directly connected" or "directly linked" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components between them.

[0097] When it is mentioned that a component is located “on” or “under” another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly disposed on the other component or another component may be interposed therebetween.

[0098] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. It should be further understood that terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and unless explicitly defined herein, these terms will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense.

[0099] Hereinafter, an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0100] Figure 1 is a view schematically showing a laminating device according to the present invention, and Figure 2 It is schematically shown that Figure 1 Figure 2. View of a unit cell manufactured by a lamination device.

[0101] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 , in the laminating apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the vision unit V captures images of a plurality of calibration marks C1 to C6 located on the upper clamper 173, and the control unit 191 compares the images of the calibration marks C1 to C6 with a preset allowable position range to calculate the position deviation of the upper clamper 173. In addition, the control unit moves the lower clamper 172 and the upper clamper 173 to correct the position deviation.

[0102] The lamination apparatus 100 manufactures the unit cells 10. Each of the unit cells 10 may be any one of a single cell, a double cell, and a complete cell.

[0103] A single cell refers to a cell having a structure in which a separator 13 is provided on one outermost surface thereof and an electrode 12 is provided on the other outermost surface thereof. For example, a single cell may be formed by laminating a first separator 13a, a first electrode 11, a second separator 13b, and a second electrode 12. In addition, a single cell may also be formed by three or more electrodes and three or more separators 13 interposed between the electrodes.

[0104] The double cell refers to a cell having a structure in which electrodes having the same polarity are provided on the two outermost surfaces. The double cell can be formed by laminating the first electrode 11, the first separator 13a, the second electrode 12, the second separator 13b, and the first electrode 11. In addition, a single cell can also be formed by five or more odd-numbered electrodes and three or more separators 13 laminated between the electrodes.

[0105] A complete cell refers to a cell having a structure in which electrodes with opposite polarities are provided on the two outermost surfaces. The complete cell can be formed by laminating the first electrode 11, the first separator 13a, and the second electrode 12. In addition, a single cell can also be formed by four or more even-numbered electrodes and three or more separators 13 laminated between the electrodes.

[0106] The laminating apparatus 100 of the present invention can manufacture one of a single cell, a double cell, and a complete cell. In addition, the number of electrode rollers 110 , 120 and the separator roller 130 installed may vary according to the type of the unit cell 10 . Figure 1 and Figure 2 Each shows an example of a lamination device 100 configured to manufacture a single battery cell.

[0107] The laminating apparatus 100 includes a first electrode roll 110 on which a first electrode sheet 111 is wound. The first electrode sheet 111 is unwound from the first electrode roll 110 and supplied toward a nip roll 133. One surface or both surfaces of the first electrode sheet 111 are coated with an active material.

[0108] The laminating apparatus 100 includes a second electrode roll 120 on which a second electrode sheet 121 is wound. The second electrode sheet 121 is unwound from the second electrode roll 120 and supplied toward the laminating unit 150. One surface or both surfaces of the second electrode sheet 121 are coated with an active material.

[0109] The first electrode sheet 111 may be a negative electrode sheet coated with a negative electrode active material, and the second electrode sheet 121 may be a positive electrode sheet coated with a positive electrode active material. In addition, the first electrode sheet 111 may be a positive electrode sheet coated with a positive electrode active material, and the second electrode sheet 121 may be a negative electrode sheet coated with a negative electrode active material.

[0110] The laminating apparatus 100 includes a plurality of membrane rollers 130 each having a membrane sheet 131 wound thereon. The plurality of membrane rollers 130 may include a first membrane roller 130a having a first membrane sheet 131a wound thereon and a second membrane roller 130b having a second membrane sheet 131b wound thereon.

[0111] The nip roller 133 is installed between the first diaphragm roller 130a and the second diaphragm roller 130b to overlap the first diaphragm sheet 131a and the second diaphragm sheet 131b. The first cutter unit 141 is installed between the first electrode roller 110 and the nip roller 133. The first cutter unit 141 cuts the first electrode sheet 111 unfolded from the first electrode roller 110 to form the first electrode 11. The first electrode 11 is laminated between the first diaphragm sheet 131a and the second diaphragm sheet 131b at a certain interval. The nip roller 133 presses the first diaphragm sheet 131a and the second diaphragm sheet 131b toward the first electrode 11 so that the first diaphragm sheet 131a and the second diaphragm sheet 131b are laminated. At least two nip rollers 133 may be installed to press the first diaphragm sheet 131a and the second diaphragm sheet 131b for lamination. In addition, the nip roller 133 is a member configured to change the transfer direction of the diaphragm sheet 131 , and the number of the nip rollers 133 may be changed according to the number of installed diaphragm rollers 130 .

[0112] The diaphragm sheet 131 is laminated on both surfaces of each of the first electrodes 11 arranged in a row. For example, the first diaphragm sheet 131a is laminated on one surface of each of the first electrodes 11 arranged in a row, and the second diaphragm sheet 131b is laminated on the other surface of each of the first electrodes 11 arranged in a row.

[0113] The second cutter unit 143 is disposed at the inlet side of the laminating unit 150 where the second electrode 12 is introduced. The second cutter unit 143 cuts the second electrode sheet 121 unrolled from the second electrode roll 120, and places the cut second electrode sheet 121 on the upper surface of the second diaphragm sheet 131b. Therefore, the electrode laminate 102 has a structure in which a plurality of first electrodes 11 are arranged between the first diaphragm sheet 131a and the second diaphragm sheet 131b, and a plurality of second electrodes 12 are arranged on the upper surface of the second diaphragm sheet 131b.

[0114] like Figure 1 As shown, one first electrode sheet 111, one second electrode sheet 121, and two separator sheets 131 may be laminated on the electrode laminate 102. In addition, two or more first electrode sheets 111, two or more second electrode sheets 121, and four or more separator sheets 131 may be laminated on the electrode laminate 102. The number of laminates of the electrode sheets 111 and 121 and the separator sheet 131 may be variously changed.

[0115] In the present invention, the positive electrode active material coated on the first electrode sheet 111 and the negative electrode active material coated on the second electrode sheet 121 may be used without limitation as long as they are active materials known in the art.

[0116] The positive electrode active material may include a lithium intercalation material as a main component, such as lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO 2 ) and lithium nickel oxide (LiNiO 2 ) or a layered compound substituted by one or more transition metals; lithium manganese oxide (LiMnO 2 ), such as the chemical formula Li 1+x Mn 2x O 4 (where x is 0 to 0.33), LiMnO 3 、LiMn 2 O 3 , and LiMnO 2 ; Lithium copper oxide (Li 2 CuO 2 ); Vanadium oxides, such as LiV 3 O 8 、LiFe 3 O 4 、V 2 O 5 , and Cu 2 V 2 O 7 ; By chemical formula LiNi 1-x M x O 2 (wherein M is Co, Mn, Al, Cu, Fe, Mg, B or Ga, and x is 0.01 to 0.3); a Ni-type lithium nickel oxide represented by the chemical formula LiMn 2-x M x O 2 (wherein M = Co, Ni, Fe, Cr, Zn or Ta, and x = 0.01 to 0.1) or Li 2 Mn 3 MO 8 (wherein M = Fe, Co, Ni, Cu or Zn) represented by a lithium-manganese composite oxide; wherein Li is partially replaced by alkaline earth metal ions LiMn 2 O 4 ; disulfide compounds; and Fe 2 (MoO 4 ) 3 , or a composite oxide formed by a combination thereof. Although the above types are used as the positive electrode active material, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0117] For example, the thickness of the positive current collector is 3 μm to 500 μm. There is no particular limitation on the positive current collector as long as it has conductivity without causing chemical changes in the battery. Examples of positive current collectors may include stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, calcined carbon, or aluminum or stainless steel whose surfaces are treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, etc. The positive current collector may have fine irregularities formed on its surface to increase the adhesion of the positive active material. The positive current collector may be used in various forms, such as films, sheets, foils, nets, porous bodies, foams, non-woven fabrics, etc.

[0118] The conductive material may be additionally mixed with the positive electrode active material particles. The conductive material is added in an amount of 1 wt% to 50 wt% based on the total weight of the mixture including the positive electrode active material. The conductive material is not particularly limited as long as it has high conductivity without causing chemical changes in the battery. Examples of conductive materials may include: graphite, such as natural graphite and artificial graphite; carbon black, such as carbon black, acetylene black, Ketjen black, channel black, furnace black, lamp black, and thermal black; conductive fibers, such as carbon fibers and metal fibers; metal powders, such as carbon fluoride, aluminum, and nickel powders; conductive whiskers, such as zinc oxide and potassium titanate; conductive oxides, such as titanium oxide; and conductive materials, such as polyphenylene derivatives.

[0119] In addition, the negative electrode sheet may be manufactured by applying and drying negative electrode active material particles on the negative electrode current collector, and the negative electrode sheet may further include components such as the above-mentioned conductive material, a binder, a solvent, etc. as needed.

[0120] For example, the thickness of the negative electrode current collector is 3 μm to 500 μm. There is no particular limitation on the negative electrode current collector as long as it has conductivity without causing chemical changes in the secondary battery. Examples of negative electrode current collectors may include copper, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, calcined carbon, copper or stainless steel whose surface is treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, etc., aluminum-cadmium alloy, etc. In addition, as with the positive electrode current collector, fine irregularities may be formed in the surface of the negative electrode current collector to enhance the bonding force of the negative electrode active material, and the negative electrode current collector may be used in various forms, such as films, sheets, foils, nets, porous bodies, foams, non-woven fabrics, etc.

[0121] Examples of negative electrode active materials may include carbon such as non-graphitizable carbon or graphite-based carbon; x Fe 2 O 3 (0≤x≤1), Li x WO 2 (0≤x≤1), Sn x Me 1-x Me'yO zMetal composite oxides such as (Me: Mn, Fe, Pb, Ge; Me': Al, B, P, Si, elements of Group 1, Group 2, Group 3 of the periodic table, a halogen; 0 < x ≤ 1; 1 ≤ y ≤ 3; 1 ≤ z ≤ 8); lithium metal; lithium alloy; silicon-based alloy; tin-based alloy; such as SnO, SnO 2 、PbO, PbO 2 、Pb 2 O 3 、Pb 3 O 4 、Sb 2 O 3 、Sb 2 O 4 、Sb 2 O 5 、GeO, GeO 2 、Bi 2 O 3 、Bi 2 O 4 、or Bi 2 O 5 and other oxides; conductive polymers such as polyacetylene; Li-Co-Ni-based materials, and so on.

[0122] The binder polymer that can be used in the electrode sheets 11 and 12 is a component that assists in bonding the electrode active material particles and the conductive material and bonds the electrode active material particles to the electrode current collector, and is added in an amount of, for example, 1 wt% to 50 wt% based on the total weight of the mixture including the electrode active material. Examples of the binder polymer may include any binder polymer selected from the group consisting of polyvinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene (PVdF), polyvinylidene fluoride-co-trichloroethylene, polymethyl methacrylate, polybutyl acrylate, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinyl poly-pyrrolidone, polyvinyl acetate, polyacetic acid-co-vinyl ester, polyethylene oxide, polyarylate, cellulose acetate, cellulose acetate butyrate, cellulose acetate propionate, cyanoethylpullulan, cyanoethyl polyvinyl alcohol, cyanoethyl cellulose, cyanoethyl sucrose, pullulan, and carboxymethyl cellulose, or a mixture of two or more of the above, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0123] Non-limiting examples of solvents for making electrodes include acetone, tetrahydrofuran, dichloromethane, chloroform, dimethylformamide, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), cyclohexane, water or mixtures thereof. Such solvents provide an appropriate viscosity level so that a slurry coating can be formed at a desired level on the surface of the electrode current collector.

[0124] The separator 13 includes a porous polymer substrate, and a porous coating layer on both surfaces of the porous polymer substrate and including inorganic particles and a binder polymer.

[0125] The porous polymer substrate may be a polyolefin-based porous substrate.

[0126] The polyolefin porous substrate may be in the form of a film or a nonwoven web. By having a porous structure as described above, the electrolyte can be smoothly moved between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The porous structure can increase the electrolyte impregnation performance of the substrate itself, thereby ensuring excellent ionic conductivity, and can prevent the increase of the internal resistance of the electrochemical device, thereby preventing the performance degradation of the electrochemical device.

[0127] The polyolefin porous substrate used in the present invention may be any planar porous substrate generally used in electrochemical devices, and its material or shape may be selected in various ways as required.

[0128] The polyolefin porous substrate may be, but is not limited to, a film or nonwoven web formed of high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, polypropylene or a mixture of two or more thereof. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0129] When the separator 13 according to one embodiment of the present invention is used, since the porous coating is provided on both sides of the porous polymer substrate, the solid electrolyte interface layer can be uniformly formed due to the improvement of the impregnation performance of the electrolyte, and excellent air permeability can be ensured compared with the conventional single-sided inorganic coating separator 13. For example, the air permeability can be within 120 seconds / 100cc. In addition, even when the inorganic porous coating is provided on both sides of the porous polymer substrate, a thickness comparable to that of the conventional single-sided inorganic coating separator can be achieved.

[0130] In addition, when the separator 13 according to one embodiment of the present invention is used, the stability of the separator 13 can be improved, so that heat resistance and pressure resistance can be ensured. Specifically, heat resistance with a heat shrinkage performance of 5% or less at 180°C can be ensured, and a puncture strength of 550gf or more can be ensured, and when a cell is deformed during the cycle of a secondary battery using the separator 13, damage or penetration of the separator 13 in the step portion can be prevented.

[0131] The laminating apparatus 100 includes a laminating unit 150 , a final cutter 160 , and a vision unit V. As shown in FIG.

[0132] The laminating unit 150 includes a heater unit 151 and a laminating roller unit 153 .

[0133] The heater unit 151 heats the diaphragm sheet 131 and the electrodes 11, 12. The heater unit 151 is provided on both sides of the diaphragm sheet 131 to heat the diaphragm sheet 131 and the electrodes 11, 12 from both sides. The heater unit 151 is installed on both sides of the first electrode sheet 111 to be spaced apart from the diaphragm sheet 131. In order to uniformly heat the entire electrodes 11, 12 and the diaphragm sheet 131, the heater unit 151 may be formed to be longer than the width of the diaphragm sheet 131.

[0134] The laminating roller unit 153 presses the diaphragm sheet 131 and the electrodes 11, 12. The laminating roller unit 153 includes an upper laminating roller 153a and a lower laminating roller 153b respectively provided on both sides of the diaphragm sheet 131 to press the diaphragm sheet 131 and the electrodes 11, 12 from both sides.

[0135] The final cutter 160 is disposed on the downstream side of the laminating roller unit 153. The final cutter 160 cuts the separator sheet 131 and the electrodes 11, 12 to form the unit cell 10. At this time, the final cutter 160 cuts a portion of the separator sheet 131 between two adjacent electrodes 11 and 12.

[0136] The vision unit V is disposed at the downstream side of the final cutter 160 and captures an image of the unit cell 10. The vision unit V irradiates light to the unit cell 10 cut by the final cutter 160 and measures light reflected from the unit cell 10 to capture an image of the unit cell 10.

[0137] Figure 3 It is schematically shown Figure 1 A perspective view of the visual unit in the lamination device, Figure 4 It is schematically shown Figure 1 Side view of the visual unit in the lamination device, Figure 5 is schematically shown in Figure 4 A plan view of a state in which a calibration mark is formed on an upper surface of an upper holder in a vision unit of Figure 6 is schematically shown in Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of a state where a calibration mark and an anodized layer are applied on the upper surface of the upper holder in a vision unit, Figure 7 It is schematically shown Figure 1 A perspective view of a correction drive unit in a lamination device, and Figure 8 is a block diagram schematically showing a laminating apparatus according to the present invention.

[0138] Reference Figures 3 to 8 , the vision unit V of the laminating device 100 includes a linear guide 171 , a lower clamper 172 , an upper clamper 173 and a clamper driving unit 176 .

[0139] The linear guide 171 is provided on one side of the visual camera 177. In order to avoid the transfer path of the unit cell 10, the linear guide 171 is installed on one side of the transfer path in the width direction. The linear guide 171 may be installed in a state of being upright in the vertical direction. When the height of the linear guide 171 is adjusted, the heights of the lower clamp 172 and the upper clamp 173 are adjusted at the same time.

[0140] The lower clamp 172 is fixedly mounted on the linear guide 171. The lower clamp 172 is disposed below the transfer path of the unit cell 10. The unit cell 10 cut by the final cutter 160 is supplied to the lower clamp 172. At this time, one unit cell 10 may be supplied to the lower clamp 172 every 0.2 to 0.3 seconds. The unit cell 10 may have a thickness of 100 to 500 um and be transferred at a speed of 300 to 500 mm / s. At least two unit cells 10 may be supplied to the lower clamp 172 at a time. The transfer speed of the unit cell 10 may be appropriately changed in consideration of the size, thickness, etc. of the unit cell 10.

[0141] The upper clamp 173 is installed on the upper side of the lower clamp 172 so as to be liftable and lowerable in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). The upper clamp 173 is set on the upper side of the transfer path of the unit cell 10. The upper clamp 173 is lowered to press the unit cell 10 supplied to the lower clamp 172. Therefore, when the unit cell 10 is bent or twisted, the unit cell 10 can be flattened as the lower clamp 172 presses the unit cell 10. In addition, when the electrode connector (not shown) of the unit cell 10 is excessively lifted or drooped, the electrode connector can be evenly spread out by pressing the lower clamp 172.

[0142] When two unit cells 10 are supplied to the lower gripper 172 at intervals of 0.2 to 0.3 seconds, the upper gripper 173 repeats reciprocation in the vertical direction approximately every 0.4 to 0.6 seconds. Considering that the production volume is an average of 10 pieces per day, the lower gripper 172 moves up and down approximately 50,000 times per day. The lifting and lowering speed of the upper gripper 173 can be variously changed according to the speed of supplying the unit cells 10.

[0143] The clamp driving unit 176 raises and lowers the upper clamp 173 so that the upper clamp 173 presses the unit cell 10. A servo motor or a cylinder may be applied to the clamp driving unit 176. The clamp driving unit 176 is installed in the linear guide 171. Since the clamp driving unit 176 reciprocates the upper clamp 173 at a high speed, the upper clamp 173 or the structure assembled therewith is more likely to change or deform than other parts. In addition, the bolts and nuts used to assemble the upper clamp 173 to the linear guide 171 may loosen.

[0144] The vision unit V includes a plurality of calibration marks C1 to C6 , a vision camera 177 , a correction driving unit 180 , and a control unit 191 .

[0145] A plurality of calibration marks C1 to C6 are provided on the upper holder 173. The calibration marks C1 to C6 may be applied to the upper surface of the upper holder 173. The plurality of calibration marks C1 to C6 may be provided at the same intervals on the upper surface of the upper holder 173. The sizes of the calibration marks C1 to C6 may vary in various ways in consideration of the separation distance between the upper holder 173 and the visual camera 177, the overall area of ​​the visual camera 177, and the reading accuracy of the visual camera 177.

[0146] The visual camera 177 is provided on the upper side of the upper clamp 173 to capture images of a plurality of calibration marks C1 to C6. The visual camera 177 may capture images of the calibration marks C1 to C6 approximately every 0.4 to 0.6 seconds. The visual camera 177 transmits the captured images of the calibration marks C1 to C6 to the control unit 191. At this time, as the gap (distance) between the visual camera 177 and the calibration marks C1 to C6 increases, the size of the captured images of the calibration marks C1 to C6 decreases, and as the gap (distance) between the visual camera 177 and the calibration marks C1 to C6 decreases, the size of the captured images of the calibration marks C1 to C6 increases.

[0147] The correction drive unit 180 is connected to the lower clamper 172 and the upper clamper 173 to correct the height of the lower clamper 172 and the upper clamper 173. The correction drive unit 180 can adjust the height of the lower clamper 172 and the upper clamper 173 by moving the linear guide 171 in the vertical direction. The correction drive unit 180 can accurately adjust the height of the lower clamper 172 and the upper clamper 173 in units of 1 / 100 mm to 1 / 200 mm.

[0148] The control unit 191 reads the plurality of calibration marks C1 to C6 to calculate the position deviation between the actual position of the upper clamp 173 and the preset allowable position range. When the position deviation is outside the allowable position range, the control unit 191 moves the lower clamp 172 and the upper clamp 173 to correct the position deviation. At this time, the upper clamp 173 and the lower clamp 172 are moved until the size of the captured image of the calibration marks C1 to C6 becomes equal to the size of the reference image of the allowable image range.

[0149] For example, when the allowable image range is set to A±5%, when the actual image size exceeds A±5%, the control unit 191 can adjust the height of the lower clamp 172 and the upper clamp 173 until the captured image becomes the same size as the intermediate image A within the allowable position range.

[0150] Therefore, when positional deviation occurs, such as an assembly state of the upper and lower holders 173 and 172 and a structure assembled therewith, setting an assembly tolerance, etc., the positional deviation may be eliminated by correcting the driving unit 180 .

[0151] Furthermore, by preventing the gap between the vision unit V and the unit cell 10 from being changed beyond the allowable value, continuous erroneous measurement of the unit cell 10 can be prevented, and the defect rate of the unit cell 10 can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, it is also possible to prevent the unit cell 10 within the allowable value range (good quality range) from being determined as defective.

[0152] Some of the calibration marks C2, C4, and C6 are arranged side by side at a first distance P1 from one end of the upper holder 173. The remaining calibration marks C1, C3, and C5 are arranged side by side at a second distance P2 from one end of the upper holder 173. Some of the calibration marks C2, C4, and C6 and the remaining calibration marks C1, C3, and C5 may be arranged in parallel with the transfer path of the unit cell 10. Therefore, by calculating the actual sizes of the plurality of calibration marks C1 to C6, the control unit 191 may determine whether the upper holder 173 changes in height or tilts in a direction perpendicular to a direction parallel to the transfer path.

[0153] A transparent window 175 is formed in the upper holder 173 to allow light from the visual camera 177 to pass through, and an anodized layer AD is applied to the frame unit 174 on the periphery of the transparent window 175. Here, anodization means that when the frame unit 174 is conductive in the electrolyte as a positive electrode, the surface of the frame unit 174 is oxidized by oxygen generated from the positive electrode to form an anodized film. As the surface material of the frame unit 174, aluminum (Al), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), titanium (Ti), hafnium (Hf), niobium (Nb) alloys, etc. can be applied. The anodized layer AD is a porous film that can be dyed in various colors and has a smooth surface so that the image read by the visual camera 177 is easy to recognize.

[0154] The anodized layer AD may be black, and the calibration marks C1 to C6 may be white. In the image captured by the visual camera 177, the anodized layer AD becomes the background screen, and the white marks correspond to the subject. When the background screen of the captured image is black, the subject and its boundaries are clear, and the size of the subject is also clearly visible. On the other hand, when the background screen of the captured image is white or colored, the subject and its boundaries are blurred, and the size of the subject is not clearly visible. In the present invention, since white calibration marks C1 to C6 are applied on the black anodized layer AD, the size of the calibration marks C1 to C6 can be read more accurately. By accurately reading the size of the calibration marks C1 to C6, the height of the upper clamp 173 can be corrected more accurately.

[0155] The calibration marks C1 to C6 may each be formed in a circular shape. The diameter of each of the calibration marks C1 to C6 is approximately 2 mm to 5 mm. Since the circular calibration marks C1 to C6 are formed to have the same diameter in all directions, the size of the captured image of the calibration marks C1 to C6 can be read more accurately. When the periphery of each of the calibration marks C1 to C6 has an irregular shape, it is difficult to accurately read the size of the calibration marks C1 to C6.

[0156] The visual camera 177 captures images of the plurality of calibration marks C1 to C6 when the upper clamp 173 is fully lowered. For example, when the upper clamp 173 is lowered at intervals of about 0.4 to 0.6 seconds, the visual camera 177 captures images of the plurality of calibration marks C1 to C6 approximately every 0.4 to 0.6 seconds. Therefore, when the visual camera 177 is illuminated, the images of the calibration marks C1 to C6 and the image of the unit cell 10 can be captured simultaneously. In addition, compared with a method of separately capturing images of the calibration marks and the image of the unit cell 10, the image capture method of the above-mentioned visual camera 177 can reduce the image capture cycle of the visual camera 177 by half, and can prevent the power consumption of the visual camera 177 from increasing.

[0157] Since the upper clamp 173 reciprocates at a high speed, the bolt or nut is slightly loosened from the assembly portion of the upper clamp 173, or the upper clamp 173 or the lower clamp 172 is the most likely part to be bent. Since the images of the calibration marks C1 to C6 and the image of the unit cell 10 are captured while the unit cell 10 is pressed by the upper clamp 173, the operation error (operation height error) of the upper clamp 173 can also be accurately measured.

[0158] After the position of the upper gripper 173 is corrected, the visual camera 177 recaptures the images of the calibration marks C1 to C6, and the control unit 191 again checks whether the corrected position of the upper gripper 173 is within the allowable position range. Therefore, it can be checked whether the height correction of the upper gripper 173 is performed properly.

[0159] The laminating device also includes a warning generating unit 193, which is configured to notify that the upper clamp 173 needs to be replaced when the correction position of the upper clamp 173 is outside the allowable position range. The warning generating unit 193 is electrically connected to the control unit 191. When the control unit 191 sends a warning signal to the warning generating unit 193, the warning generating unit 193 outputs the warning signal. When the warning unit outputs the warning signal, the control unit 191 stops the laminating device 100. Therefore, the operator can hear the warning signal, check whether the upper clamp 173 or the lower clamp 172 is deformed by itself, and quickly replace the clamps 172 and 173. In addition, the continuous occurrence of defects in the unit battery cell 10 can be stopped.

[0160] The correction driving unit 180 includes a housing unit 181 , a correction motor unit 182 , a ball screw 183 , and a slider 185 .

[0161] The housing unit 181 is fixed in place by a surrounding structure (not shown). The correction motor unit 182 is installed inside the housing unit 181. A stepper motor that can be precisely adjusted in height in units of 1 / 100 mm to 1 / 200 mm is applied to the correction motor unit 182. The ball screw 183 is connected to the rotation axis of the correction motor unit 182. The slider 185 is installed to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the housing unit 181 when the ball screw 183 rotates. The slider 185 is threadedly connected to the ball screw 183 and is movably connected to a rotation prevention rod 184 parallel to the ball screw 183. The linear guide 171 is connected to the slider 185. Therefore, when the correction motor unit 182 is driven, the slider 185 moves with the rotation of the ball screw 183. As the slider 185 moves, the height of the linear guide 171 is corrected. The linear guide 171 , the lower clamper 172 , and the upper clamper 173 move together with the slider 185 .

[0162] Fig. 9is a view showing one example of an image of a calibration mark captured according to the present invention, Fig.10 is a view showing a case where the positions of the lower clamper and the upper clamper according to the present invention are within the allowable position range, Fig.11 is a view showing another example of an image of a calibration mark captured according to the present invention, Fig.12 A situation in which the positions of the lower clamp and the upper clamp according to the present invention are outside the allowable position range is shown, Fig.13 is a view showing still another example of an image of a calibration mark captured according to the present invention, and Fig.14 1 is a view showing a case where the lower holder and the upper holder themselves are deformed according to the present invention.

[0163] Will refer to Figures 9 to 14 The correction of the height of the upper clamper 173 is described in detail. As an example, a case where the diameter of each of the calibration marks C1 to C6 is 3 mm and six calibration marks C1 to C6 are formed will be described.

[0164] When the vision camera 177 captures an image of the plurality of calibration marks C1 to C6 and transmits the image to the control unit 191 , the control unit 191 reads a size of each of the plurality of calibration marks C1 to C6 .

[0165] In the readout sizes of the calibration marks C1 to C6, the size of C1 may be 2.99 mm, the size of C2 may be 3.01 mm, the size of C3 may be 3.00 mm, the size of C4 may be 3.00 mm, the size of C5 may be 3.00 mm, and the size of C6 may be 3.06 mm (see Fig. 9 Here, the lower clamp 172 is arranged on the same straight line as the reference line L preset in the control unit 191 (see Fig.10 ). In this case, since the plurality of calibration marks C1 to C6 are within the allowable position range, it is considered that the lower clamper 172 and the upper clamper 173 are in a normal state.

[0166] In contrast, it can be seen that the size of C1 is 2.71 mm, the size of C2 is 2.72 mm, the size of C3 is 2.68 mm, the size of C4 is 2.66 mm, the size of C5 is 2.69 mm, and the size of C6 is 2.70 mm (see Fig.11 Here, the lower clamper 172 is disposed below a reference line L preset in the control unit 191 (see Fig.12). In this case, since all the calibration marks C1 to C6 are outside the lower limit of the allowable position range, the control unit 191 determines that the lower clamp 172 and the upper clamp 173 are below the allowable value. Subsequently, the height of the linear guide 171 is corrected by driving the correction drive unit 180 so that the plurality of calibration marks C1 to C6 are equal in size to the image within the allowable position range.

[0167] In contrast, it can be seen that C1 has a size of 2.71 mm, C2 has a size of 3.00 mm, C3 has a size of 2.68 mm, C4 has a size of 3.01 mm, C5 has a size of 2.69 mm, and C6 has a size of 3.00 mm (see Fig.13 Here, the front end portion of the lower clamper 172 is disposed below a reference line L preset in the control unit 191 (see Fig.14 ). In this case, the size of each of the calibration marks C2, C4, and C6 set at the first distance P1 from the linear guide 171 (set close to the linear guide 171) is outside the lower limit of the allowable position range, and the size of each of the calibration marks C1, C3, and C5 set at the second distance P2 from the linear guide 171 (set away from the linear guide 171) is within the allowable position range. Subsequently, the control unit 191 determines that the lower clamper 172 and the upper clamper 173 themselves are bent downward, and outputs a warning signal to the warning generating unit 193.

[0168] A control method of the laminating apparatus according to the present invention configured as described above will be described.

[0169] Fig.15 is a flow chart schematically showing a control method of a laminating apparatus according to the present invention.

[0170] Reference Fig.15 When the final cutter 160 cuts out the unit cells 10, the unit cells 10 are supplied to the lower gripper 172 (S11). At this time, two unit cells 10 are supplied to the lower gripper 172 every 0.4 to 0.6 seconds.

[0171] When the clamp driving unit 176 is driven, the upper clamp 173 is lowered to press the unit cell 10 (S12). Therefore, when the unit cell 10 is bent or twisted, the unit cell 10 can be flattened as the lower clamp 172 presses the unit cell 10. In addition, when the electrode tabs of the unit cell 10 are excessively lifted or drooped, the electrode tabs can be evenly spread out by pressing the lower clamp 172.

[0172] The visual camera 177 captures images of a plurality of calibration marks C1 to C6 formed on the upper clamp 173 and transmits the images to the control unit 191 (S13). The visual camera 177 may capture images of the calibration marks C1 to C6 approximately every 0.4 to 0.6 seconds. At this time, as the gap between the visual camera 177 and the calibration marks C1 to C6 increases, the size of the captured images of the calibration marks C1 to C6 decreases, and as the gap between the visual camera 177 and the calibration marks C1 to C6 decreases, the size of the captured images of the calibration marks C1 to C6 increases.

[0173] At this time, some of the calibration marks C2, C4, and C6 are arranged side by side at a first distance P1 from one end of the upper holder 173, and the remaining calibration marks C1, C3, and C5 are arranged side by side at a second distance P2 from one end of the upper holder 173. Therefore, by calculating the actual sizes of the plurality of calibration marks C1 to C6, the control unit 191 can determine whether the upper holder 173 changes in height or tilts in a direction perpendicular to a direction parallel to the transfer path.

[0174] The periphery of the transparent window 175 of the upper clamp 173 is coated with an anodized layer AD. At this time, black is applied to the anodized layer AD, and white is applied to the calibration marks C1 to C6. In the image captured by the visual camera 177, the anodized layer AD becomes the background screen, and the white marks correspond to the subject. When the background screen of the captured image is black, the subject and its boundaries are clear, and the size of the subject is clearly visible. Therefore, the size of each of the calibration marks C1 to C6 can be read more accurately.

[0175] Each of the calibration marks C1 to C6 is formed in a circular shape. Since the circular calibration marks C1 to C6 are formed to have the same diameter in all directions, the size of the captured image of the calibration marks C1 to C6 can be read more accurately.

[0176] The visual camera 177 captures images of the plurality of calibration marks C1 to C6 when the upper clamp 173 is fully lowered. When the upper clamp 173 is lowered at intervals of about 0.4 to 0.6 seconds, the visual camera 177 captures images of the plurality of calibration marks C1 to C6 approximately every 0.4 to 0.6 seconds. Therefore, when the visual camera 177 emits light, the images of the calibration marks C1 to C6 and the images of the unit cells 10 can be captured simultaneously. Therefore, an increase in the image capture cycle of the visual camera 177 and an increase in the power consumption of the visual camera 177 can be prevented.

[0177] The control unit 191 reads the plurality of calibration marks C1 to C6 to calculate a position deviation between an actual position of the upper clamper 173 and a preset allowable position range ( S14 ).

[0178] In the control unit 191, it is determined whether the position deviation is outside the allowable position range (S15). When it is determined that the position deviation is within the allowable position range, the correction drive unit 180 is not operated.

[0179] When it is determined that the position deviation is outside the allowable position range, the lower clamp 172 and the upper clamp 173 are moved to correct the position deviation (S16). Therefore, when a position deviation such as an assembly state of the upper clamp 173 and the lower clamp 172 and a structure assembled therewith, a setting assembly tolerance, etc. occurs, the position deviation can be eliminated by the correction drive unit 180. That is, the upper clamp 173 and the lower clamp 172 are moved until the size of the captured image of the calibration marks C1 to C6 is equal to the size of the reference image within the allowable image range.

[0180] After the position of the upper gripper 173 is corrected, the vision camera 177 recaptures the image of the calibration marks C1 to C6 ( S17 ). The vision camera 177 transmits the recaptured image to the control unit 191 .

[0181] The control unit 191 determines again whether the correction position of the upper clamper 173 is within the allowable position range (S18). Therefore, it can be checked whether the correction of the height of the upper clamper 173 is preliminarily performed.

[0182] When it is determined that the correction position of the upper clamp 173 is outside the allowed position, the warning generating unit 193 outputs a warning signal (S19). When the warning unit outputs the warning signal, the control unit 191 stops the laminating device (S20). Therefore, the operator can hear the warning signal, check whether the upper clamp 173 or the lower clamp 172 is deformed, and quickly replace the clamp. In addition, the continuous occurrence of defects in the unit cell 10 can be stopped.

[0183] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the exemplary drawings, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed in this specification, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. In addition, although the operational effects of the configuration according to the present invention are not explicitly described when describing the embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that predictable effects will also be recognized by the configuration.

Claims

1. A laminating device, comprising: a lower holder configured to receive a supply of unit cells; An upper clamp, the upper clamp being installed opposite to the lower clamp and capable of being lifted and lowered in a vertical direction; a gripper drive unit configured to lift and lower the upper gripper so that the upper gripper is configured to press the unit cell; a plurality of calibration marks disposed on the upper holder; a vision camera configured to capture images of the plurality of calibration marks; a correction driving unit connected to the lower clamper and the upper clamper, the correction driving unit being configured to correct a height of each of the lower clamper and the upper clamper; as well as A control unit is configured to read the plurality of calibration marks to calculate a position deviation between an actual position of the upper clamp and a preset allowable position range, and the control unit is configured to move the lower clamp and the upper clamp to correct the position deviation.

2. The laminating device according to claim 1, wherein: The control unit has an allowable image range of the plurality of calibration marks preset therein, and is configured to calculate the position deviation of the upper gripper by comparing the allowable image range with a size of an image captured by the vision camera.

3. The laminating device according to claim 1, wherein: Some of the calibration marks are arranged side by side at a first distance from one end of the upper holder, and the remaining of the calibration marks are arranged side by side at a second distance from the one end of the upper holder.

4. The laminating device according to claim 1, wherein: The upper holder includes a transparent window for light from the vision camera to pass through.

5. The laminating device according to claim 1, wherein: The periphery of the transparent window is coated with an anodized layer.

6. The laminating device according to claim 5, wherein: The anodized layer is black and the calibration marks are white.

7. The laminating device according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the calibration marks has a circular shape.

8. The laminating device according to claim 1, wherein: The vision camera is configured to capture an image of the plurality of calibration marks when the upper gripper is fully lowered.

9. The laminating device according to claim 1, wherein: The vision camera is disposed adjacent to an upper side of the upper holder.

10. The laminating device according to claim 1, wherein: The vision camera is configured to recapture the image of the calibration mark after the position of the upper gripper is corrected, and the control unit is configured to recheck whether the corrected position of the upper gripper is within the allowable position range.

11. The laminating device according to claim 1, wherein: The lower holder is fixed on a linear guide rail, and the upper holder is mounted on the linear guide rail and configured to be able to be lifted and lowered. 12 . The laminating apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a warning generating unit configured to notify that the upper clamper needs to be replaced when the correction position of the upper clamper is outside the allowable position range.

13. A method of controlling a laminating device, the method comprising the steps of: supplying the unit cells to the lower holder; Pressing the unit cell by lowering the upper clamp; capturing an image of a plurality of calibration marks formed on the upper holder using a vision camera and transmitting the image to a control unit; using the control unit to read the plurality of calibration marks and calculate a position deviation between an actual position of the upper gripper and a preset allowable position range; as well as When the position deviation is outside the preset allowable position range, the lower clamper and the upper clamper are moved to correct the position deviation.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein: Some of the calibration marks are arranged side by side at a first distance from one end of the upper holder, and the remaining of the calibration marks are arranged side by side at a second distance from the one end of the upper holder.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The periphery of the transparent window of the upper holder is coated with an anodized layer.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The anodized layer is black and the calibration marks are white.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein: Each of the calibration marks has a circular shape.

18. The method according to claim 13, wherein: The vision camera captures an image of the plurality of calibration marks when the upper gripper is fully lowered.

19. The method according to claim 13, further comprising the steps of: recapturing an image of the calibration mark using the vision camera after the position of the upper gripper is corrected; as well as The control unit is used to recheck whether the correction position of the upper clamper is within the preset allowable position range.

20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising the steps of: When the correction position of the upper clamper is outside the preset allowable position range, a warning signal is outputted using a warning generating unit.

Images