Secondary battery manufacturing apparatus and secondary battery manufacturing method using the same

Abstract

According to an exemplary embodiment, a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus is provided. The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus includes: a gripper having a gripper configured to fix an electrode assembly; a transfer rail overlapping the gripper; and an adhesive tape attachment device coupled to the transfer track and configured to move along the transfer track, where the adhesive tape attachment device includes an adhesive tape holder configured to apply vacuum pressure to the adhesive tape and a side heater adjacent to an end of the adhesive tape holder.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus and a secondary battery manufacturing method using the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus. This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0048093 filed on April 12, 2023, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged many times. Secondary batteries have been widely used as energy sources for various wireless devices, such as mobile phones, laptops, and cordless vacuum cleaners. Recently, the manufacturing costs of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) have dropped dramatically due to improvements in energy density and economies of scale, and the range of BEVs has increased to the same level as fuel vehicles. As a result, the main use of secondary batteries is shifting from mobile devices to mobility.

[0003] The battery cell is the most basic unit of the secondary battery, so improving the mechanical and electrical properties of the battery cell is the most effective and critical factor in improving the performance of the secondary battery. The manufacturing process of the electrode assembly is the most important process that determines the battery yield and reliability. Summary of the invention

[0004] Technical issues

[0005] The present invention is directed to providing an apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery with improved reliability and a secondary battery manufacturing method using the apparatus.

[0006] Technical Solution

[0007] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a secondary battery manufacturing device. The secondary battery manufacturing device includes: a clamping machine having a clamping member configured to fix an electrode assembly; a transfer track overlapping the clamping machine; and a tape attaching device coupled to the transfer track and configured to move along the transfer track, wherein the tape attaching device includes a tape clamp configured to apply vacuum pressure to the tape, and a side heater adjacent to a distal end of the tape clamp.

[0008] The clamping machine may also include a shaft coupled to the clamping member and configured to rotate the clamping member.

[0009] The clamping machine may be configured to rotate the clamping member so that one of the first and second major surfaces of the electrode assembly faces the transfer track.

[0010] The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus may further include a visual inspection device configured to inspect the exterior of the electrode assembly.

[0011] A visual inspection device may be coupled to the transfer track.

[0012] The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus may further include a tape supply part overlapping the transfer track, the tape supply part being spaced apart from the clamping machine and configured to store the tape.

[0013] The tape attaching device may include a first arm configured to move the tape gripper relative to the transfer track and a second arm configured to move the side heater relative to the transfer track.

[0014] The second arm may be configured to move the side heater so that a distance between the side heater and the transfer track is greater than a distance between the tape holder and the transfer track.

[0015] The side heater may be configured to press the tape and the side of the electrode assembly so that the tape contacts the side of the electrode assembly and heat the tape on the side of the electrode assembly.

[0016] Each side heater may include a chamfered portion.

[0017] A chamfered portion of each side heater may face the tape holder.

[0018] The tape holder may be configured to press the tape and the first major surface so that the tape contacts the first major surface of the electrode assembly and heat the tape on the first major surface of the electrode assembly.

[0019] Beneficial Effects

[0020] According to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, damage to the electrode assembly during bonding of the electrode assembly can be prevented, and thus, the yield and reliability of manufacturing a secondary battery can be improved.

[0021] The effects that can be achieved by the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above effects, and those skilled in the art will clearly deduce and understand other effects not described here from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention described below. That is, the unexpected effects obtained when implementing the exemplary embodiments of the present invention can be derived from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention by those skilled in the art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 is a plan view for describing a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0023] Figure 2 is a side view for describing a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0024] Figure 3 is a flowchart of a secondary battery manufacturing method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0025] Figure 4is a plan view for describing a secondary battery manufacturing method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0026] Figure 5 is a side view for describing a method of manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0027] Figure 6 is a plan view for describing a secondary battery manufacturing method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0028] Figures 7 to 9 is a side view for describing a method of manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0029] Fig.10 is a plan view for describing a secondary battery manufacturing method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0030] Fig.11 is a side view for describing a method of manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0031] Fig.12 is a plan view for describing a secondary battery manufacturing method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0032] Fig.13 is a side view for describing a method of manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0033] Fig.14 is a plan view for describing a secondary battery manufacturing method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0034] Figures 15 to 17 is a side view for describing a method of manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0035] Fig.18 is a plan view for describing a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0036] Fig.19 is a side view for describing a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] Below, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before describing the embodiments of the present invention, the terms or expressions used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to the definitions in the general understanding or commonly used dictionaries, but should be understood according to the meanings and concepts matching the present invention based on the inventors of the present application being able to appropriately define the terms or expressions to best explain the principles of the present invention.

[0038] Therefore, the embodiments here and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely embodiments of the present invention and do not reflect all the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalent methods and modifications can be made to replace these configurations on the filing date of this application.

[0039] When it is determined that known structures or functions related to describing the present invention would obscure the subject matter of the present invention due to unnecessary detail, they are not described in detail.

[0040] Since the embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the present invention to those skilled in the art, the shapes, sizes, etc. of the components shown in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated for the sake of clarity. Therefore, it should not be understood that the size or ratio of the component completely reflects its actual size or ratio.

[0041] (First Embodiment)

[0042] Figure 1 is a plan view for describing a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 100 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0043] Figure 2 is a side view for describing a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 100 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0044] Reference Figure 1 and 2 , the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 100 may include a clamper 110 , a transfer track 120 , a visual inspection device 130 , a tape supply part 140 , and a tape attaching device 150 .

[0045] The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 100 may be configured to process the electrode assembly EA. The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 100 may be configured to apply the tape TF to the electrode assembly EA. The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 100 may be a roller-free apparatus. The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 100 may be configured to apply the tape TF to the electrode assembly EA without using a roller to press the tape TF and the electrode assembly EA.

[0046] The electrode assembly EA may be a stacked type. The stacked electrode assembly EA may include a plurality of positive electrodes and a plurality of negative electrodes stacked alternately, and a plurality of separators interposed therebetween. The plurality of separators may prevent short circuits between the plurality of positive electrodes and the plurality of negative electrodes. In order to prevent contact between the plurality of positive electrodes and the plurality of negative electrodes, the area of ​​each of the plurality of separators may be greater than the area of ​​each of the plurality of positive electrodes and the plurality of negative electrodes.

[0047] Each positive electrode may include a positive plate and a positive active material. Each negative electrode may include a negative plate and a negative active material. The positive plate and the negative plate may include a coated portion and an uncoated portion. The coated portion may be a portion of a positive plate coated with a positive active material or a portion of a negative plate coated with a negative active material. The uncoated portion may be a portion of a positive plate not coated with a positive active material (i.e., a portion separated from the positive active material) or a portion of a negative plate not coated with a negative active material (i.e., a portion separated from the negative active material). The uncoated portions of the positive plate and the negative plate may include electrode tabs ET1 and ET2 for connecting to an external device. For example, the electrode tab ET1 may be a positive tab, and the electrode tab ET2 may be a negative tab.

[0048] Figure 1 and 2 The bidirectional electrode assembly EA is shown, wherein the electrode tabs ET1 and ET2 are located on opposite sides for illustration purposes only, and therefore, it should be understood that the technical concept of the present invention is not limited thereto in any sense. For example, a unidirectional battery cell having electrode tabs on the same side can be processed by the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 100.

[0049] The thickness of the positive plate may be between about 3 μm and about 500 μm. The positive plate does not cause chemical changes in the final manufactured secondary battery and may have high conductivity. The positive plate may include, for example, stainless steel, nickel, titanium, baked carbon and aluminum. The positive plate may include stainless steel with a surface treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, etc. The surface of the positive plate may include a fine uneven structure to increase the adhesion of the active material. The positive plate may be in the form of a film, sheet, foil, mesh, porous, foam, non-woven fabric, etc.

[0050] The thickness of the negative plate may be in the range of about 3 μm to about 500 μm. The negative plate does not cause chemical changes in the final manufactured secondary battery and may have high conductivity. The negative plate may include copper, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, baked carbon, and aluminum-cadmium alloy. The negative plate may include stainless steel with a surface treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, etc. The surface of the negative plate may include a fine uneven structure to increase the adhesion of the active material. The negative plate may be in the form of a film, sheet, foil, mesh, porous, foam, non-woven fabric, etc.

[0051] The positive electrode active material is a material that can cause an electrochemical reaction. The positive electrode active material can be a lithium transition metal oxide. For example, the positive electrode active material may include: a layered compound substituted with one or more transition metals, such as lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) or lithium nickel oxide (LiNiO2); a lithium manganese oxide substituted with one or more transition metals; 1-y Lithium nickel-based oxide represented by the chemical formula MyO2 (M is Co, Mn, Al, Cu, Fe, Mg, B, Cr, Zn or Ga, 0.01≤y≤0.7);1+z Ni b Mn c Co 1-(b+c+d) MdO (3-e) A e The lithium nickel cobalt manganese compound oxide represented, such as Li 1+z Ni 1 / 3Co 1 / 3 Mn 1 / 3 O2 or Li 1+z Ni 0.4 Mn 0.4 Co 0.2 O2 (where -0.5 ≤ z ≤ 0.5, 0.1 ≤ b ≤ 0.8, 0.1 ≤ c ≤ 0.8, 0 ≤ d ≤ 0.2, 0 ≤ e ≤ 0.2, b + c + d < 1, M is Al, Mg, Cr, Ti, Si or Y, and A is F, P or Cl); or the olivine-type metal lithium phosphate represented by the chemical formula Li 1+x M 1-y M' y PO 4-z X z (where M is a transition metal, specifically Fe, Mn, Co or Ni, M' is Al, Mg or Ti, X is F, S or N, -0.5 ≤ X ≤ +0.5, 0 ≤ y ≤ 0.5, and 0 ≤ z ≤ 0.1).

[0052] The negative electrode active material may include, for example, carbon such as non-graphitized carbon or graphite-based carbon. The negative electrode active material may include, for example, a metal composite oxide such as Li x Fe2O3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1), Li x WO2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1), or Sn x Me 1-x Me' y O z (where Me is Mn, Fe, Pb or Ge, Me' is Al, B, P, Si, an element of Group I, Group II or Group III of the periodic table, or a halogen, 0 < x ≤ 1, 1 ≤ y ≤ 3, 1 ≤ z ≤ 8). The negative electrode active material may include, for example, lithium metal, a lithium alloy, a silicon-based alloy and a tin-based alloy. The negative electrode active material may include, for example, metal oxides such as SnO, SnO2, PbO, PbO2, Pb2O3, Pb3O4, Sb2O3, Sb2O4, Sb2O5, GeO, GeO2, Bi2O3, Bi2O4 or Bi2O5. The negative electrode active material may include, for example, a conductive polymer such as polyacetylene, a lithium cobalt nickel-based material, etc.

[0053] The tape TF may include a double layer. The tape TF may include a polyethylene (PE) layer and a vinyl acetate (EVA) layer. The EVA layer may be an adhesive layer, and the PE layer may be a non-adhesive layer. The tape TF may be applied to the electrode assembly EA so that the EVA layer contacts the electrode assembly EA.

[0054] The electrode assembly EA may include a first major surface F1, a second major surface F2 (see Fig.10 ), a first side S1 and a second side S2. Each of the plurality of positive electrodes, the plurality of negative electrodes and the plurality of separators is a laminate and generally has a thickness of about 1000 μm or less and an area setting based on the design of the battery cell. The first and second main surfaces F1 and F2 of the electrode assembly (EA) (see Fig.10 ) is a surface that defines a region of multiple positive electrodes, multiple negative electrodes, and multiple separators.

[0055] Hereinafter, the direction in which the transfer track 120 extends is defined as the X-axis direction, and the direction in which the clamping machine 110 and the transfer track 120 are spaced from each other is defined as the Z-axis direction. The X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction may be substantially perpendicular to each other. In addition, the direction substantially perpendicular to the X-axis direction and the Z-axis direction is defined as the Y-axis direction. Unless otherwise specified, the definition of the direction also applies to the following drawings. The Z-axis direction may be substantially perpendicular to the base of the space in which the secondary battery manufacturing device 100 is installed.

[0056] The clamping machine 110 may be configured to hold the electrode assembly EA so that each of the first main surface F1 and the second main surface F2 (see Fig.10 ) is substantially perpendicular to the Z-axis direction. The clamping machine 110 can hold the electrode assembly EA so that during the application of the tape TF to the first main surface F1, the first main surface F1 faces the transfer track 120. Similarly, the clamping machine 110 can hold the electrode assembly EA so that during the application of the tape TF to the second main surface F2, the second main surface F2 (see Fig.10 ) faces the transfer orbit 120.

[0057] The clamping machine 110 may include a support 111, a shaft 113, and a clamping member 115. The support 111 may support the shaft 113 and the clamping member 115.

[0058] The shaft 113 may be connected to the driving motor. The shaft 113 may be configured to transmit the driving force of the driving motor to the clamping member 115. The clamping member 115 may be configured to rotate around a rotation axis perpendicular to the Y-axis direction through the shaft 113. The clamping machine 110 may be configured to rotate the clamping member 115 so that the first main surface F1 faces the transfer track 120, or so that the second main surface F2 faces the transfer track 120.

[0059] The clamp 115 may be configured to fix the electrode assembly EA. The clamp 115 may have a comb shape. Thus, the first main surface F1 and the second main surface F2 (see FIG. 1 ) of the electrode assembly EA fixed by the clamp 115 may be exposed. Fig.10 ) of one of the first main surface F1 and the second main surface F2. The adhesive tape TF may be pressed against an exposed portion of one of the first main surface F1 and the second main surface F2 (see Fig.10 ).

[0060] The visual inspection device 130 may be configured to inspect the electrode assembly EA. The visual inspection device 130 may be configured to inspect the exterior of the electrode assembly EA. The visual inspection device 130 may be configured to inspect the alignment of the electrode assembly EA. When the misalignment of the electrode assembly EA exceeds the tolerance, the electrode assembly 115EA may be realigned with respect to the clamp 115 using a pickup device (or by an operator). When the misalignment of the electrode assembly EA is within a set range, the clamp 110 may be driven to align the electrode assembly EA. When the misalignment of the electrode assembly EA is equal to or less than the tolerance, the application of the tape TF may be performed directly. The visual inspection device 130 may be configured to inspect defects of the electrode assembly EA, such as foreign matter, stains, surface defects, stamping marks, pits, perforations, protrusions, dents, core scratches, or coreless scratches.

[0061] The visual inspection device 130 may be coupled to the transfer track 120. The visual inspection device 130 may be configured to move along the transfer track 120. While the electrode assembly EA is being inspected, the visual inspection device 130 may move in the Z-axis direction to a position overlapping with the clamping machine 110. After completing the inspection of the electrode assembly EA, the visual inspection device 130 may move in the Z-axis direction to a position not overlapping with the clamping machine 110.

[0062] The tape supply part 140 may store a plurality of tapes TF. The plurality of tapes TF may be unrolled from a tape roll and cut before being stored in the tape supply part 140. The tape supply part 140 may overlap the transfer track 120 in the Z-axis direction.

[0063] The tape attaching device 150 may be configured to pick up the tape TF from the tape supply 140. The tape attaching device 150 may be configured to apply the tape TF to the electrode assembly EA. The tape attaching device 150 may include a tape holder 151, a first arm 153, a side heater 155, and a second arm 157.

[0064] The tape attaching device 150 may be configured to move along the transfer track 120. The tape attaching device 150 may be configured to move along the transfer track 120 to a position overlapping with the clamper 110 or the tape supply part 140.

[0065] The tape holder 151 may be configured to apply vacuum pressure to the tape TF. Therefore, the tape TF may be fixed to the tape holder 151 by the vacuum pressure. The tape holder 151 may be configured to apply heat to the tape TF.

[0066] The tape holder 151 may be arranged along the Y-axis direction. In this example, the holder 115 may include six fingers and expose the first main surface F1 (or the second main surface F2 (see Fig.10 )). Five tape holders 151 may be arranged in the Y-axis direction to correspond to the shape of the holder 115. Therefore, the tape TF may be simultaneously applied to the first main surface F1 (or the second main surface F2 (see FIG. 1 )) exposed by the holder 115. Fig.10 )) part, and the productivity of manufacturing secondary batteries can be improved. Those skilled in the art will be able to easily derive the tape attachment device 150, which includes a clamping member 115 having an arbitrary number of fingers and a tape clamp 151, the total number of which corresponds to the number of fingers.

[0067] Each first arm 153 may be coupled to the transfer rail 120 and one of the tape grippers 151. The first arm 153 may be configured to move the tape gripper 151 in the Z-axis direction. The first arm 153 may be configured to move the tape gripper 151 relative to the transfer rail 120. That is, the first arm 153 may be configured to move the tape gripper 151 toward the transfer rail 120 or in a direction away from the transfer rail 120.

[0068] Therefore, the tape holder 151 can perform biaxial movement. The tape holder 151 can move in the X-axis direction along the transfer rail 120 or in the Z-axis direction through the first arm 153 .

[0069] The side heater 155 may be disposed at the opposite end of the tape holder 151 (e.g., the opposite end in the X-axis direction). Each side heater 155 may include a chamfer 155CH. When the tape TF is applied to the sides S1 and S2 of the electrode assembly EA, the chamfer 155CH of each side heater 155 may prevent damage to the tape TF and the electrode assembly EA. The chamfer 155CH of each side heater 155 may face the tape holder 151. The chamfer 155CH of each side heater 155 may face the tape holder 151.

[0070] The chamfered portion 155CH of each side heater 155 may be formed by trimming the side surface of each side heater 155. The chamfered portion 155CH of each side heater 155 may include a straight section or a circular section.

[0071] Each second arm 157 may be coupled to the transfer rail 120 and one of the side heaters 155. The second arm 157 may be configured to move the side heater 155 in the Z-axis direction. The side heater 155 may move simultaneously with the tape holder 151 or independently.

[0072] The second arm 157 may be configured to move the side heater 155 relative to the transfer track 120. That is, the second arm 157 may be configured to move the side heater 155 toward the transfer track 120 or in a direction away from the transfer track 120.

[0073] The side heater 155 may perform a biaxial motion similar to the tape holder 151. The side heater 155 may be moved in the X-direction along the transfer rail 120 or in the Z-direction by the second arm 157.

[0074] The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 100 may include a controller configured to control the operation of the clamping machine 110, the operation of the visual inspection device 130, and the operation of the tape attaching device 150. The controller may be configured to control the operation of the clamping machine 110, the operation of the visual inspection device 130, and the operation of the tape attaching device 150 according to a preset process recipe. The controller may be configured to generate signals for controlling the rotation and alignment of the clamping member 115 of the clamping machine 110, the inspection performed by the visual inspection device 130, and the fixing, transfer, and connection of the tape TF using the tape attaching device 150.

[0075] The controller can be a computing device, such as a workstation computer, a desktop computer, a notebook computer, or a tablet computer. The controller can be configured as a separate hardware component, or can be a separate software contained in each hardware component. The controller can be a simple controller, a microprocessor, a complex processor (such as a CPU or GPU), a processor configured by software, dedicated hardware, or firmware. The controller can be implemented, for example, by a general-purpose computer or application-specific hardware, such as a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0076] According to some embodiments, the operation of the controller can be implemented by instructions stored in a machine-readable medium that is readable and executable by one or more processors. Here, a machine-readable medium may include any mechanism for storing and / or transmitting information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computing device). For example, a machine-readable medium may include a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a disk storage medium, an optical storage medium, a flash memory device, an electrical, optical, acoustic or other type of radio signal (e.g., a carrier wave, an infrared signal, a digital signal, etc.) and other signals.

[0077] Firmware, software, routines and instructions can configure the achievement controller or the process to be described below to perform the above operations. However, the above description is provided only for ease of description, and it should be understood that the operations of the above controller can be performed by a computing device, processor, controller or other device for executing firmware, software, routines, instructions, etc.

[0078] (Second Embodiment)

[0079] Figure 3 is a flowchart of a method of manufacturing a secondary battery according to an embodiment.

[0080] Figure 4 is a plan view for describing a secondary battery manufacturing method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0081] Figure 5 is a side view for describing a method of manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0082] Figure 6 is a plan view for describing a secondary battery manufacturing method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0083] Figures 7 to 9 is a side view for describing a method of manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0084] Fig.10 is a plan view for describing a secondary battery manufacturing method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0085] Fig.11 is a side view for describing a method of manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0086] Fig.12 is a plan view for describing a secondary battery manufacturing method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0087] Fig.13 is a side view for describing a method of manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0088] Fig.14 is a plan view for describing a secondary battery manufacturing method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0089] Figures 15 to 17 is a side view for describing a method of manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0090] Reference Figures 1 to 3, in P110, the electrode assembly EA can be loaded into the clamping machine 110. The loading of the electrode assembly EA may include clamping and aligning the electrode assembly EA. The clamping machine 110 may be a multi-joint robot. In addition to being rotated by the axis 113 around an axis substantially parallel to the Y-axis direction, the clamping member 115 can also be configured to rotate in a direction substantially parallel to the Z-axis direction. In addition, the clamping member 115 can be translated in the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction. The first main surface F1 of the electrode assembly EA loaded in the clamping machine 110 may face the transfer track 120.

[0091] Next, refer to Figures 3 to 5 , in P120, the first main surface F1 of the electrode assembly EA may be inspected. The first main surface F1 may be inspected by a visual inspection device 130. The visual inspection device 130 may be moved along the transfer track 120 to a position P1 overlapping with the clamping machine 110 that clamps the electrode assembly EA. The visual inspection device 130 may be configured to perform an image-based inspection. The visual inspection device 130 may be configured to determine defects and misalignment of the electrode assembly EA based on one of a change in reflectivity distribution in an image of the electrode assembly EA and a comparison between a standard image and an image of the electrode assembly EA.

[0092] When inspected by the visual inspection device 130, the tape attaching device 150 may move in the Z-axis direction to a position P0 overlapping with the tape supply portion 140. The first arm 153 and the second arm 157 may move the tape gripper 151 and the side heater 155 toward the tape supply portion 140. When moving close to the tape TF, the tape gripper 151 may apply vacuum pressure to the tape TF to pick up the tape TF. Figure 5 Unlike the example shown, only the tape gripper 151 can approach the tape TF, and the side heater 155 is stopped. After the inspection of the first major surface F1 is completed, the tape TF can be picked up by the tape attaching device 150.

[0093] Next, refer to Figure 3 , 6 In P130, the tape TF may be applied to the first main surface F1 and the sides S1, S2 of the electrode assembly EA. Each tape TF applied to the first main surface F1 and the sides S1, S2 of the electrode assembly EA may be referred to as a first tape. The tape attaching device 150 that picks up the tape TF may be moved to the first position P1 along the transfer track 120.

[0094] Then, refer to Figure 8, the first arm 153 and the second arm 157 may move the tape clamp 151 and the side heater 155 in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, the tape clamp 151 and the side heater 155 may approach the electrode assembly EA clamped by the clamp 110. The tape clamp 151 and the side heater 155 may approach the electrode assembly EA so that the tape TF contacts the first main surface F1 of the electrode assembly EA.

[0095] Next, refer to Fig. 9 , the second arm 157 can move the side heater 155 so that the tape TF contacts the sides S1 and S2 of the electrode assembly EA. Therefore, the distance between the transfer track 120 and the side heater 155 in the Z-axis direction can be greater than the distance between the transfer track 120 and the tape holder 151 in the Z-axis direction.

[0096] The tape holder 151 and the side heater 155 may each include an electric heater. The tape holder 151 and the side heater 155 may be configured to apply heat to the tape TF. When heated, the EVA layer of the tape TF may have an adhesive property, and thus, the tape TF may be bonded to the first main surface F1 and the sides S1 and S2 of the electrode assembly EA. While the tape TF is bonded to the sides S1 and S2 of the electrode assembly EA, the chamfered portion 155CH of the side heater 155 may prevent damage to the tape TF and the sides S1 and S2 of the electrode assembly EA.

[0097] Next, refer to Figure 3 , 10 In P140, the electrode assembly EA may be inverted. The electrode assembly EA may be inverted by driving the clamp 115 by the shaft 113, so that the second main surface F2 of the electrode assembly EA may face the transfer track 120. The position of the transfer track 120 facing the second main surface F2 of the electrode assembly EA may be position P2. Position P2 may overlap with the electrode assembly EA in the Z-axis direction.

[0098] Before driving the clamping member 115 to invert the electrode assembly EA, the tape attaching device 150 may be moved away from the position P1 to prevent interference with the clamping member 115. The tape attaching device 150 may be moved to, for example, the position P0.

[0099] Next, refer to Figure 3 , 12 In P150, the second main surface F2 of the electrode assembly EA may be inspected. The inspection in P150 is substantially the same as the inspection in P120, and thus will not be described here. The tape attaching device 150 may pick up the tape TF during or after the inspection in P150.

[0100] Then, refer to Figure 3 , 14In P160, the tape TF may be applied to the second main surface F1 and the sides S1 and S2 of the electrode assembly EA. Each tape TF applied to the second main surface F2 and the sides S1 and S2 of the electrode assembly EA may be referred to as a second tape. The tape attaching device 150 that picks up the tape TF may be moved to the second position P2 along the transfer track 120.

[0101] Next, refer to Fig.16 , the first arm 153 and the second arm 157 may move the tape clamp 151 and the side heater 155 in the Z-axis direction. Therefore, the tape clamp 151 and the side heater 155 may approach the electrode assembly EA clamped by the clamp 110. The tape clamp 151 and the side heater 155 may approach the electrode assembly EA so that the tape TF contacts the second main surface F2 of the electrode assembly EA.

[0102] Next, refer to Fig.17 , the second arm 157 can move the side heater 155 so that the tape TF contacts the side S1 and side S2 of the electrode assembly EA. Therefore, the distance between the transfer track 120 and the side heater 155 in the Z-axis direction can be greater than the distance between the transfer track 120 and the tape holder 151 in the Z-axis direction.

[0103] The tape holder 151 and the side heater 155 may each include an electric heater. The tape holder 151 and the side heater 155 may be configured to apply heat to the tape TF. The EVA layer after the tape TF is heated may have adhesive properties, and thus, the tape TF may be bonded to the second major surface F2 and the sides S1 and S2 of the electrode assembly EA. While the tape TF is bonded to the sides S1 and S2 of the electrode assembly EA, the chamfered portion 155CH of the side heater 155 may prevent damage to the tape TF and the sides S1 and S2 of the electrode assembly EA.

[0104] The tape TF is bonded to the first main surface F1 and the sides S1 and S2 , and the tape TF bonded to the second main surface F2 and the sides S1 and S2 may surround the electrode assembly EA, thereby improving mechanical robustness and electrical reliability of the electrode assembly EA.

[0105] The conventional tape attaching device includes a tape and a roller for pressing the electrode assembly, so that excessive pressure may be applied to the electrode and the tape, and the electrode assembly and the tape may be damaged during the tape attaching process.

[0106] According to an exemplary embodiment, the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 100 may invert the electrode assembly EA to apply the tape TF to the first main surface F1 (see FIG. 1 ) of the electrode assembly EA through a separate process. Figure 1) and the second main surface F2 of the electrode assembly EA. Therefore, it is possible to prevent excessive pressure from being applied to the electrode assembly EA and the tape TF, and to improve the reliability and yield of secondary battery manufacturing.

[0107] (Third Embodiment)

[0108] Fig.18 is a plan view for describing a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 101 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0109] Fig.19 is a side view for describing a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 101 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0110] Reference Fig.18 and 19 , the secondary battery manufacturing equipment 101 may include a clamping machine 110, a transfer rail 121, a visual inspection device 130, a tape supply unit 140, and a tape attaching device 150. The clamping machine 110, the visual inspection device 130, the tape supply unit 140, and the tape attaching device 150 are similar to the above-mentioned reference Figure 1 and 2 The descriptions are basically the same, so redundant descriptions thereof are omitted here.

[0111] According to an exemplary embodiment, the transfer track 121 may include a curved section 121C and a slope. Therefore, the transfer track 121 may include a portion substantially parallel to the X-axis direction and a portion substantially parallel to the Y-axis direction. The slope may be a slope on the bottom surface of the space where the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 101 is installed.

[0112] In this example, the movement of the tape attaching device 150 only involves the freedom along the transfer track 121 and the freedom of movement relative to the transfer track 121 through the first arm 153 and the second arm 157, and can therefore be essentially referred to as a biaxial movement.

[0113] According to the exemplary embodiment, the transfer track 121 of the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 101 includes a slope and a curved section 121C. Therefore, the arrangement of the components of the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 101 can be variously changed according to the characteristics of the line space where the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 101 is installed, and the degree of freedom of line design can be improved.

[0114] The present invention has been described in more detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments, etc. However, the configurations shown in the drawings or the embodiments described in this specification are merely embodiments of the present invention and do not reflect all the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications may be made to replace these configurations on the filing date of this application.

Claims

1. A secondary battery manufacturing device, comprising: a clamping machine having a clamping member configured to secure the electrode assembly; a transfer track overlapping the clamping machine; as well as a tape attachment device coupled to the transfer track and configured to move along the transfer track, The adhesive tape attachment device comprises: a tape holder configured to apply vacuum pressure to the tape; as well as A side heater is adjacent to a distal end of the tape holder. 2 . The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the clamping machine further comprises a shaft coupled to the clamping member and configured to rotate the clamping member. 3 . The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the clamping machine is configured to rotate the clamping member so that one of the first main surface and the second main surface of the electrode assembly faces the transfer track. 4 . The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a visual inspection device configured to inspect an exterior of the electrode assembly. 5 . The secondary battery manufacturing equipment according to claim 4 , wherein the visual inspection device is coupled to the transfer track. 6 . The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising an adhesive tape supply part overlapping the transfer track, the adhesive tape supply part being spaced apart from the gripper and configured to store the adhesive tape.

7. The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tape attaching device comprises: a first arm configured to move the tape holder relative to the transfer track; as well as A second arm is configured to move the side heater relative to the transfer track. 8 . The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the second arm is configured to move the side heater so that a distance between the side heater and the transfer track is greater than a distance between the tape holder and the transfer track. 9 . The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the side heater is configured to press the tape and the side of the electrode assembly so that the tape contacts the side of the electrode assembly and heat the tape on the side of the electrode assembly. 10 . The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein each of the side heaters includes a chamfered portion. 11 . The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the chamfered portion of each of the side heaters faces the tape holder.

12. The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the tape holder is configured to press the tape and the first major surface so that the tape contacts the first major surface of the electrode assembly and heat the tape on the first major surface of the electrode assembly.

Images