Stacking device

Abstract

The stacking device according to the present invention comprises: a stacking module comprising a stacking table and a stacking head on which a positive plate, a negative plate, and a diaphragm are stacked on the stacking table; a positive plate supply module for supplying the positive plate; and a negative plate supply module supplying the negative plate, the stacking head rotating in a first rotation direction to pick up the positive plate supplied by the positive plate supply module, and rotating in a second rotation direction different from the first rotation direction to pick up the negative plate supplied by the negative plate supply module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a stacking device for manufacturing an electrode assembly. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, secondary batteries have been applied to various technical fields of the entire industry and have attracted much attention as an energy source for hybrid vehicles and the like, and hybrid vehicles are being proposed as a solution to problems such as air pollution of existing gasoline and diesel internal combustion engines.

[0003] A secondary battery is formed by laminating a positive plate, a separator, and a cathode plate through a stacking device. However, the existing stacking device has the following multiple problems.

[0004] In the existing stacking device, the workbench moves left and right to alternately laminate the positive plate and the cathode plate. Therefore, a space for the left and right movement of the workbench is required, resulting in a problem that the size of the device becomes large.

[0005] In addition, when picking up the electrode plates, there is a situation where two electrode plates are stuck together and picked up due to static electricity. Therefore, process and product defects may occur.

[0006] In addition, in the process of laminating the positive plate, the separator, and the cathode plate by the stacking device, there is a problem that it is difficult to maintain the tension of the separator.

[0007] In addition, since the mandrel that presses and supports the electrode plates moves in a specified order during the up-and-down drive and the left-and-right drive, there is a problem that it takes a long time to fix and release the electrode plates.

[0008] In addition, the positive plate and the cathode plate are provided by a single supply device. Therefore, there are problems such as slow supply speed and the need to stop the entire device when the electrode supply device fails.

[0009] In addition, in the process of pressurizing with high pressure after manufacturing the battery, there is a problem that the battery adheres tightly to the pressurizing module and is difficult to take out.

[0010] In addition, in terms of the device structure of the stacking device, it is difficult to measure from above whether the laminated electrode plates are aligned, resulting in a problem that it is difficult to accurately detect whether there are lamination defects in the electrode plates.

[0011] In addition, there is no device for automatically winding the separator remaining on the electrode assembly discharged after stacking, so it needs to be done manually, resulting in a problem of slow operation speed. Summary of the Invention

[0012] (Problems to be Solved by the Invention)

[0013] An embodiment provides a stacking device, whose workbench is fixed and the stacking head rotates left and right.

[0014] An embodiment provides a stacking device, which is equipped with a picking unit that removes the lower electrode plate when two electrode plates are picked up during the picking of electrode plates.

[0015] An embodiment provides a stacking device, which can adjust the length and tension of the separator when the stacking head rotates.

[0016] An embodiment provides a stacking device, which is equipped with a plurality of support units whose vertical drive and horizontal drive are independently controlled.

[0017] An embodiment provides a stacking device, which is equipped with a sensor for detecting the situation where two electrode plates are picked up when picking up electrode plates.

[0018] An embodiment provides a stacking device, which is equipped with a plurality of positive electrode plate supply parts and a plurality of negative electrode plate supply parts.

[0019] An embodiment provides a stacking device, which includes a pressing module that adjusts the contact area after pressing the electrode assembly.

[0020] An embodiment provides a stacking device, which captures an upper surface image of the electrode assembly through a mirror.

[0021] An embodiment provides a stacking device, which winds the cut separator around the electrode assembly and fixes it.

[0022] The problems to be solved by the embodiment are not limited thereto, and also include the purposes or effects that can be obtained according to the measures or embodiments for solving the problems described below.

[0023] (Measures for solving problems)

[0024] The stacking device according to the first feature of the present invention includes: a stacking module, which includes a stacking workbench and a stacking head that stacks positive electrode plates, negative electrode plates, and separators on the stacking workbench; a positive electrode plate supply module that provides the positive electrode plates; and a negative electrode plate supply module that provides the negative electrode plates, wherein the stacking head rotates along a first rotation direction to pick up the positive electrode plates provided by the positive electrode plate supply module, and rotates along a second rotation direction different from the first rotation direction to pick up the negative electrode plates provided by the negative electrode plate supply module.

[0025] The stacking device related to the second feature of the present invention includes: a stacking module, which includes a stacking workbench and a stacking head for stacking positive plates, negative plates and separators on the stacking workbench; a positive plate supply module for providing the positive plates; and a negative plate supply module for providing the negative plates. Among them, the positive plate supply module includes: a first storage unit for storing a plurality of positive plates; and a first picking unit for picking up the positive plates stored in the first storage unit. The first picking unit includes: a plurality of first adsorption parts for adsorbing the positive plates; a main body part for supporting the plurality of first adsorption parts; and a vibration part for vibrating the picked positive plates.

[0026] The stacking device related to the third feature of the present invention includes: a stacking module, which includes a stacking workbench and a stacking head for stacking positive plates, negative plates and separators on the stacking workbench; a positive plate supply module for providing the positive plates; a negative plate supply module for providing the negative plates; a separator supply module for supplying a separator to the stacking head; and a tension adjustment module provided between the separator supply module and the stacking head to adjust the tension of the separator.

[0027] The stacking device related to the fourth feature of the present invention includes: a stacking module, which includes a stacking workbench and a stacking head for stacking positive plates, negative plates and separators on the stacking workbench; a positive plate supply module for providing the positive plates; and a negative plate supply module for providing the negative plates. Among them, the stacking module includes a plurality of support units for supporting the positive plates, negative plates and separators stacked on the stacking workbench. The plurality of support units include: support pins; a first support driving part for moving the support pins in the horizontal direction; and a second support driving part for moving the support pins in the vertical direction. The first support driving part and the second support driving part are independently driven.

[0028] The stacking device related to the fifth feature of the present invention includes: a stacking module, which includes a stacking workbench and a stacking head for stacking positive plates, negative plates and separators on the stacking workbench; a positive plate supply module for providing the positive plates; and a negative plate supply module for providing the negative plates. Among them, the positive plate supply module includes: a first storage unit for storing a plurality of positive plates; and a first picking unit for picking up the positive plates stored in the first storage unit. The first picking unit includes: a plurality of first adsorption parts for adsorbing the positive plates; a main body part for supporting the plurality of first adsorption parts; and an eddy current sensor for detecting whether two positive plates are adsorbed.

[0029] The stacking device according to the sixth feature of the present invention includes: a stacking module, which includes a stacking workbench and a stacking head for stacking positive plates, negative plates and separators on the stacking workbench; a positive plate supply module, which provides the positive plates; and a negative plate supply module, which provides the negative plates. Among them, the positive plate supply module includes: a plurality of first storage units; a plurality of first pick-up units for picking up positive plates from the plurality of first storage units respectively; and a first alignment workbench for providing positive plates to the stacking head. The negative plate supply module includes: a plurality of second storage units; a plurality of second pick-up units for picking up negative plates from the plurality of second storage units respectively; and a second alignment workbench for providing negative plates to the stacking head. The positive plates picked up by the first pick-up units and the positive plates picked up by the second pick-up units are alternately placed on the first alignment workbench.

[0030] (Advantages of the Invention)

[0031] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a stacking device is provided, in which the workbench is fixed and the stacking head rotates left and right, so that the size of the stacking device can be reduced.

[0032] In addition, a stacking device is provided, which is equipped with a pick-up unit. If two electrode plates are picked up when picking up the electrode plates, the pick-up unit removes the lower electrode plate, so that the electrode plate attached to the lower part of the picked-up electrode plate can be removed, preventing defects (defects) in the electrode assembly.

[0033] In addition, a stacking device is provided, which can adjust the length and tension of the separator when the stacking head rotates, so that stacking defects (defects) of the separator can be prevented.

[0034] In addition, a stacking device is provided, which is equipped with a plurality of support units whose vertical drive and horizontal drive are controlled separately, so that the electrode plate fixing and releasing time of the support units can be shortened, and the TAC time can be shortened.

[0035] In addition, a stacking device is provided, which is equipped with a sensor for detecting whether two electrode plates are picked up when picking up the electrode plates, so that it can be detected early that two electrode plates are picked up, preventing defects (defects) in the electrode assembly.

[0036] In addition, a stacking device is provided, which is equipped with a plurality of positive plate supply parts and a plurality of negative plate supply parts, so that the operation speed can be improved. Even if a part of the supply parts fails, the remaining supply parts can still provide electrode plates, so maintenance can be carried out without stopping the device.

[0037] In addition, a stacking device is provided, which includes a pressing module for adjusting the contact area after pressing the electrode assembly. Therefore, after pressing, the electrode assembly can be easily separated (peeled off) from the pressing module.

[0038] In addition, a stacking device is provided that captures an image of the upper surface of the electrode assembly through a mirror, so that stacking defects (defects) of the electrode assembly can be accurately detected.

[0039] In addition, a stacking device is provided that winds and fixes the end of the cut separator around the electrode assembly, so that the end of the separator generated during the cutting process of the electrode assembly can be automatically wound and fixed around the electrode assembly.

[0040] The various and beneficial advantages and effects of the present invention are not limited to the above, and its advantages and effects can be more easily understood during the process of describing the specific embodiments of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Figure 1 A diagram schematically showing the operation process of the stacking device of an embodiment.

[0042] Figure 2a AND Figure 2b A diagram showing the transfer sequence of the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate of an embodiment.

[0043] Figure 3 A diagram showing the transfer sequence of the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate of another embodiment.

[0044] Figure 4 A diagram showing the transfer sequence of the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate of still another embodiment.

[0045] Figure 5 A diagram showing the stacking device of an embodiment.

[0046] Figure 6 A diagram showing the first storage unit, the first transfer unit, and the positive electrode plate inspection unit of an embodiment.

[0047] Figures 7a to 7e A process diagram showing the transfer of the positive electrode plate stored in the first storage unit to the positive electrode plate inspection unit.

[0048] Figure 8a A diagram showing the 1-1 pickup unit of an embodiment.

[0049] Figure 8b A process diagram showing the removal of the electrode plates with two attached by the 1-1 pickup unit.

[0050] Figure 9a AND Figure 9b A process diagram showing the rotation of the adsorption part provided in the sub-block.

[0051] Figure 10 A diagram showing the 1-1 pickup unit of another embodiment.

[0052] Figure 11a and Figure 11b It is a process diagram showing that the adsorption part of the 1-1 pickup unit is tilted, resulting in the bending of the electrode plate.

[0053] Figure 12 It is a diagram showing the inspection unit of an embodiment.

[0054] Figure 13 It is an image of the positive electrode plate set on the first alignment workbench.

[0055] Figure 14 It is an image of the negative electrode plate set on the second alignment workbench.

[0056] Figures 15a to 15c It is a process diagram showing that the positive electrode plate, negative electrode plate and separator are laminated on the lamination workbench by the lamination head.

[0057] Figure 16 It is a diagram showing the lamination workbench and multiple support units of an embodiment.

[0058] Figure 17 It is a diagram showing the three-axis drive of the support unit.

[0059] Figure 18 It is a diagram showing the state where multiple support units press the electrode plate.

[0060] Figure 19 It is a diagram showing the separator supply module of an embodiment.

[0061] Figure 20 It is a diagram showing the state where the separator tension is adjusted by the separator supply module of an embodiment.

[0062] Figure 21 It is a process diagram showing the inspection of the alignment of the electrode assembly laminated on the lamination workbench.

[0063] Figure 22 It is a top view showing the state where the positive electrode plate is adsorbed by the third pickup module.

[0064] Figure 23 It is a process diagram showing the judgment of whether it is aligned by the captured image of the positive electrode plate.

[0065] Figure 24 It is a diagram showing the state where the pulling module of a stacking device approaches the electrode assembly of an embodiment.

[0066] Figure 25 It is a perspective view showing the cutting module and the pulling module of an embodiment.

[0067] Figures 26a to 26eA diagram showing the state where the pulling module extracts the electrode assembly to the rear.

[0068] Figure 27 A diagram showing the state where the electrode assembly of an embodiment is moved to one side of the stacking device by the pulling module.

[0069] Figure 28 A diagram showing an embodiment of the winding module.

[0070] Figure 29 A diagram showing the state where the guide rod is supported by the hook of the clamping unit.

[0071] Figure 30a A diagram showing the state where the electrode assembly is clamped to the guide rod of the winding module.

[0072] Figure 30b A diagram showing the state where the diaphragm of the electrode assembly is wound as the first rotating part and the second rotating part of the winding module rotate.

[0073] Figure 31 A diagram showing an embodiment of the heating module.

[0074] Figure 32 A diagram showing an embodiment of the pressing module.

[0075] Figure 33 A diagram showing the diaphragm provided on the lower pressing plate.

[0076] Figure 34 A diagram showing the state where the electrode assembly is separated from the lower pressing plate as the diaphragm of the lower pressing plate expands.

[0077] Figure 35 A diagram showing the state where the diaphragm is provided between the lower pressing plate and the upper pressing plate.

[0078] Figure 36 A diagram showing the state where the electrode assembly is separated from the upper pressing plate as the diaphragm of the upper pressing plate expands.

[0079] Figure 37 A diagram showing the state where the electrode assembly is separated from the lower pressing plate as the diaphragm of the lower pressing plate expands. Detailed Description

[0080] The present invention can be variously modified and has various embodiments. Multiple specific embodiments will be shown and described in the drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to a specific embodiment, but should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0081] Second, terms including ordinals such as first may be used to describe various structural elements, but the structural elements are not limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one structural element from other structural elements. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, a second structural element may be named a first structural element, and similarly, a first structural element may also be named a second structural element. The term "and / or" includes combinations of multiple related recited items or any one of the multiple related recited items.

[0082] When referring to a structural element being "connected" or "coupled" to another structural element, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or coupled to the other structural element, or there may be other structural elements in between. Conversely, when referring to a structural element being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another structural element, it should be understood that there are no other structural elements in between.

[0083] The terms used in this application are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. Expressions in the singular include expressions in the plural unless otherwise clearly indicated in the context. In this application, terms such as "including" or "having" are intended to indicate the presence of features, numbers, steps, actions, structural elements, components, or combinations thereof described in this specification, and should not be construed as precluding the presence or additional possibility of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, structural elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0084] Unless otherwise defined, the meanings of all terms, including technical terms or scientific terms, used herein are the same as those commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention pertains. These terms defined by a common dictionary should be interpreted as having the same meaning as in the context of the related technical background, and should not be interpreted as having an idealized or overly formal meaning unless otherwise clearly defined in this application.

[0085] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Regardless of the drawing numbers, the same or corresponding structural elements will be given the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0086] Figure 1 A diagram briefly showing the operation process of a stacking device of an embodiment.

[0087] Refer to Figure 1, a stacking device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a positive electrode plate supply module 100, a negative electrode plate supply module 200, a separator supply module 500, a stacking module 300 including a stacking workbench 320 and a stacking head 310, a pulling module 600 for extracting the stacked electrode assembly EA, a winding module 800 for finishing the separator 43 of the electrode assembly EA, a heating module 20 for bonding the electrode assembly EA, and a pressing module 30 for pressing the electrode assembly EA.

[0088] The stacking device of the embodiment may also include only some of the above-mentioned structures. For example, the stacking device of the embodiment may include a positive electrode plate supply module 100, a negative electrode plate supply module 200, a separator supply module 500, a stacking workbench 320, and a stacking head 310.

[0089] Alternatively, the stacking device of the embodiment may also include a positive electrode plate supply module 100, a negative electrode plate supply module 200, a separator supply module 500, a stacking workbench 320, a stacking head 310, a pulling module 600, and a winding module 800. That is, the stacking device of the embodiment may be defined as a device including at least one of the above structural elements.

[0090] The positive electrode plate supply module 100 provides a plurality of positive electrode plates 41 stored in the first storage unit (magazine) 110 in such a way that the stacking head 310 sequentially picks up the positive electrode plates 41.

[0091] The positive electrode plates 41 stored in the first storage unit 110 can be moved to the first transfer unit 120 adjacent in the first direction (X-axis direction). Thereafter, the positive electrode plates 41 can be arranged on the first alignment workbench 130 through the first transfer unit 120.

[0092] The positive electrode plate supply module 100 is provided with at least one picking unit, so that the positive electrode plates 41 stored in the first storage unit 110 can be moved from the first storage unit 110 to the first transfer unit 120 (S11), and then from the first transfer unit 120 to the first alignment workbench 130 (S12).

[0093] Exemplarily, the positive electrode plate supply module 100 may include: a first-1 picking unit 140 that moves the positive electrode plates 41 stored in the first storage unit 110 to the first transfer unit 120; and a first-2 picking unit 150 that moves the positive electrode plates 41 from the first transfer unit 120 to the first alignment workbench 130. However, it is not necessarily limited thereto, and one picking unit may also move the positive electrode plates 41.

[0094] The positive electrode plate supply module 100 may include a first positive electrode plate supply unit and a second positive electrode plate supply unit spaced apart in the second direction (Y-axis direction). The first positive electrode plate supply unit may include a first storage unit 110A and a first pick-up unit. The second positive electrode plate supply unit may include a second storage unit 110B and a first pick-up unit.

[0095] The first storage unit 110 may include a first storage unit 110A and a second storage unit 110B disposed opposite to each other in the second direction (Y-axis direction). In the second direction, the first storage unit 110A is disposed on one side, and the second storage unit 110B is disposed on the other side.

[0096] Therefore, the first direction (X-axis direction) in which the first storage unit 110A and the second storage unit 110B are spaced apart is perpendicular to the first direction (Y-axis direction) in which the positive electrode plate supply module and the negative electrode plate supply module are spaced apart.

[0097] According to this structure, after the positive electrode plate 41 picked up from the first storage unit 110A is moved to the first alignment table 130 by the first transfer unit 120 (S11A), the positive electrode plate 41 picked up from the second storage unit 110B is sequentially moved to the first alignment table 130 by the first transfer unit 120 (S11). Therefore, the TAC time (completion time) for supplying the positive electrode plate 41 to the stacking head 310 can be reduced. In addition, even if a certain supply unit fails, the other supply unit can still continue to supply the positive electrode plate 41. Therefore, the faulty supply unit can be repaired without stopping the stacking device.

[0098] The manufacturing speed of the electrode assembly EA depends on the sum of the times consumed in each step, such as the time taken to obtain the electrode plate from the storage unit, the time taken to align the electrode plate, the time taken to stack the aligned electrode plates on the stacking table, and the time taken to alternately stack the negative electrode plate and the positive electrode plate. Therefore, it is very important to shorten the operation time of each step.

[0099] In the embodiment, the electrode plates are alternately supplied to the stacking head 310 by the first storage unit 110A and the second storage unit 110B (S11, S11A). Therefore, the time taken to obtain the electrode plate from the storage unit can be reduced.

[0100] The negative electrode plate supply module 200 is symmetrically arranged with respect to the positive electrode plate supply module 100 with the laminating head 310 as a reference in the first direction. The negative electrode plate supply module 200 includes at least one pickup unit that moves the negative electrode plate 42 stored in the second storage unit 210 to the second transfer unit 220 (S21), and moves from the second transfer unit 220 to the second alignment workbench 230 (S22).

[0101] The second storage unit 210 of the negative electrode plate supply module 200 may include a 2-1 storage unit 210A and a 2-2 storage unit 210B that are oppositely arranged in the second direction. In the second direction, the 2-1 storage unit 210A is arranged on one side, and the 2-2 storage unit 210B is arranged on the other side, so as to be able to alternately supply the negative electrode plate 42 (S21, S21A). Therefore, the TAC time for supplying the negative electrode plate 42 to the laminating head 310 can be reduced.

[0102] However, it is not necessarily limited to this. The 2-1 storage unit 210A and the 2-2 storage unit 210B may also be oppositely arranged in the first direction (X-axis direction). Therefore, the 2-2 storage unit 210B may be arranged at the position of the collection unit 215.

[0103] The separator supply module 500 supplies the separator 43 to the laminating head 310. The separator 43 can be supplied to the laminating head 310 through a plurality of rollers passing through the upper part of the positive electrode plate supply module 100.

[0104] The laminating head 310 laminates the positive electrode plate 41 received from the positive electrode plate supply module 100, the negative electrode plate 42 received from the negative electrode plate supply module 200, and the separator 43 received from the separator supply module 500 on the laminating workbench 320 to manufacture the electrode assembly EA. Such an electrode assembly can be a concept including various battery cells that function as a battery.

[0105] The pulling module 600 moves close to the electrode assembly EA that has been laminated by moving along the first direction through the lower part of the negative electrode plate supply module 200. Then, it retreats while holding the electrode assembly EA and transports the electrode assembly EA to the completion area WA (S30).

[0106] The winding module 800 provided in the completion area winds the remaining separator 43 on the electrode assembly EA, and then bonds it to the electrode assembly EA. The electrode assembly EA after completion of winding moves to the position where the handling unit 50 is located, and then moves to the heating module 20 through the handling unit 50 (S40).

[0107] The stacked electrode assembly EA requires a lamination process to bond the electrodes to the separator 43. Generally, this lamination process includes heating the electrode assembly EA to bond the electrode plates to the separator. The electrode assembly EA has a structure in which the separator 43 is laminated between the positive electrode plate 41 and the negative electrode plate 42.

[0108] The heating module 20 of the embodiment has a so-called high-frequency induction heating structure that applies high-frequency to a metal conductor to generate heat. High-frequency induction heating is a method in which high-frequency is applied to a metal conductor to generate eddy current near the surface of the metal conductor, and the metal conductor is heated by using the phenomenon that the power loss generated by this eddy current is converted into heat loss.

[0109] High-frequency induction heating has the advantage of heating the metal in a non-contact manner. That is, the current collector existing inside the electrode assembly EA can directly generate heat. As for the entire electrode assembly EA, since multiple heat generation points are located inside, the heat conduction section becomes shorter and the temperature deviation is reduced. Since the temperature deviation of the electrode assembly EA is reduced, it is not necessary to apply excessive heat to raise the temperature to the required temperature for thermal bonding, and finally the energy efficiency is improved.

[0110] The electrode assembly EA after heating is moved to the pressing module 30 (S50). The pressing module 30 presses the electrode assembly EA at a specified temperature to bond the electrode plates to the separator. Although it is described in the embodiment that the heating module 20 and the pressing module 30 are separated, the heating module 20 and the pressing module 30 can be performed simultaneously by one device.

[0111] Figure 2a and Figure 2b is a diagram showing the transfer order of the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate of an embodiment. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the transfer order of the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate of another embodiment. Figure 4 is a diagram showing the transfer order of the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate of still another embodiment.

[0112] Referring to Figure 2a and Figure 2b , the first transfer unit 120 may include: a first-stage transfer workbench 121 that transfers the positive electrode plate stored in the first-stage storage unit 110A; and a first-stage transfer workbench 122 that transfers the positive electrode plate stored in the first-stage storage unit 110B.

[0113] The first-stage transfer workbench 121 and the first-stage transfer workbench 122 alternately transfer the positive electrode plates to the first alignment workbench 130. AsFigure 2a As shown, when the 1-2 transfer workbench 122 transports the positive electrode plates stored in the 1-2 storage unit 110B to the first alignment workbench 130, the positive electrode plates stored in the 1-1 storage unit 110A are placed on the 1-1 transfer workbench 121.

[0114] After that, as Figure 2b shown, when the 1-1 transfer workbench 121 transports the positive electrode plates to the first alignment workbench 130, the positive electrode plates stored in the 1-2 storage unit 110B are placed on the 1-2 transfer workbench 122.

[0115] The 1-1 transfer workbench 121 and the 1-2 transfer workbench 122 of the first transfer unit 120 and the 2-1 transfer workbench 221 and the 2-2 transfer workbench 222 of the second transfer unit move in opposite directions to each other. Exemplarily, as Figure 2a shown, when the 1-1 transfer workbench 121 and the 1-2 transfer workbench 122 of the first transfer unit 120 move in the 2-2 direction (Y2 axis direction), the 2-1 transfer workbench 221 and the 2-2 transfer workbench 222 of the second transfer unit 220 move in the 2-1 direction (Y1 axis direction).

[0116] Therefore, the 1-1 transfer workbench 121 and the 1-2 transfer workbench 122 of the first transfer unit 120 and the 2-1 transfer workbench 221 and the 2-2 transfer workbench 222 of the second transfer unit 220 are arranged in a zigzag shape to provide positive electrode plates and negative electrode plates.

[0117] Referring to Figure 3 , the 1-1 storage unit 110A and the 1-2 storage unit 110B can also be arranged opposite to each other in the first direction (X axis direction). In addition, the 2-1 storage unit 210A and the 2-2 storage unit 210B can also be arranged opposite to each other in the first direction. According to this structure, the space where the existing 1-2 storage unit and the 2-2 storage unit are arranged at intervals in the second direction (Y axis direction) can be reduced, and the advantage of reducing the size of the stacking device is achieved.

[0118] The first transfer unit 120 can alternately transfer the positive electrode plates stored in the 1-1 storage unit 110A and the 1-2 storage unit 110B to the first alignment workbench 130. In this case, the first transfer unit 120 transfers the positive electrode plates to one transfer workbench, and alternately transfers the positive electrode plates stored in the 1-1 storage unit 110A and the 1-2 storage unit 110B to the first alignment workbench 130 in such a way that the multiple transfer workbenches move without crossing each other. Exemplarily, when the first transfer workbench moves, the second transfer workbench can also move vertically upward in a non-crossing manner.

[0119] The second transfer unit 220 can alternately transfer the negative plates stored in the 2-1 storage unit 210A and the 2-2 storage unit 210B to the second alignment workbench 230. In this case, the second transfer unit moves to one transfer workbench, and transfers the negative plates stored in the 2-1 storage unit 210A and the 2-2 storage unit 210B to the first alignment workbench 130 alternately in such a way that the multiple transfer workbenches move without crossing each other.

[0120] Refer to Figure 4 , the positive plates stored in the 1-1 storage unit 110A and the 1-2 storage unit 110B can also be directly transferred to the first alignment workbench 130 under the action of the pickup module without an additional transfer unit. In addition, the negative plates stored in the 2-1 storage unit 210A and the 2-2 storage unit 210B can also be directly transferred to the second alignment workbench 230 under the action of the pickup module without an additional transfer unit. According to this structure, the transfer unit can be omitted, thereby reducing the size of the stacking device.

[0121] Figure 5 FIG. is a diagram of a stacking device showing an embodiment.

[0122] Refer to Figure 5 , the stacking device of the embodiment includes: a stacking workbench 320 for stacking the positive plate 41, the negative plate 42 and the separator 43; a positive plate supply module 100 for supplying the positive plate 41 to the stacking workbench 320; a negative plate supply module 200 for supplying the negative plate 42 to the stacking workbench 320; and a stacking head 310 for stacking the positive plate 41 provided by the positive plate supply module 100 and the negative plate 42 provided by the negative plate supply module 200 on the stacking workbench 320.

[0123] With the stacking head 310 as the center, the positive plate supply module 100 is arranged on one side and the negative plate supply module 200 is arranged on the other side.

[0124] The positive plate supply module 100 may include a first storage unit 110 arranged along a first direction, a first transfer unit 120, and a first alignment workbench 130. The 1-1 pickup unit 140 is used to move the positive plate 41 stored in the first storage unit 110 to the first transfer unit 120, and the 1-2 pickup unit 150 is used to move the positive plate 41 arranged on the first transfer unit 120 to the first alignment workbench 130.

[0125] The negative electrode plate supply module 200 may include a second storage unit 210, a second transfer unit 220, and a second alignment workbench 230. The 2-1 pick-up unit 240 is configured to move the negative electrode plate 42 stored in the second storage unit 210 to the second transfer unit 220, and the 2-2 pick-up unit 250 is configured to move the negative electrode plate 42 disposed on the second transfer unit 220 to the second alignment workbench 230.

[0126] The stacking workbench 320 and the stacking head 310 are disposed between the positive electrode plate supply module 100 and the negative electrode plate supply module 200. The separator supply module 500 transports the separator 43 from above the positive electrode plate supply module 100 and supplies it to the stacking head 310.

[0127] The pulling module 600 and the cutting module 700 are disposed below the stacking head 310. According to an embodiment, the pulling module 600 and the cutting module 700 may be disposed around the stacking workbench 320 so as to reduce the size of the device.

[0128] In the case of a structure in which the stacking workbench 320 moves left and right to stack the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate, there are the following disadvantages: that is, a space for left and right swinging (swing) is required, so the pulling module and the cutting module should be spaced apart from the stacking workbench by a sufficient space, so the size of the device should be large.

[0129] However, since the embodiment has a structure in which the stacking workbench 320 is fixed and the stacking head 310 swings, even during the stacking process, the pulling module 600 and the cutting module 700 can be disposed near the stacking workbench 320, so there is an advantage of being able to reduce the size of the device.

[0130] Figure 6 A diagram showing the first storage unit, the first transfer unit, and the positive electrode plate inspection unit of an embodiment. Figures 7a to 7e A diagram showing the process of transferring the positive electrode plate stored in the first storage unit to the positive electrode plate inspection unit.

[0131] Referring to Figure 6 、 Figure 7a and Figure 7b The positive electrode plate supply module 100 can cause the 1-1 pick-up unit 140 to pick up the positive electrode plate 41 stored in the first storage unit 110 and transfer it to the first transfer workbench 121 of the adjacent first transfer unit 120.

[0132] An injection unit 149 for injecting gas into the positive electrode plate picked up by the 1-1 pick-up unit 140 is provided on the side of the first storage unit 110. According to this structure, gas can be injected between each positive electrode plate during picking, so the separation between the electrode plates becomes easier.

[0133] The first transfer unit 120 may include: a rail part 122 extending in the second direction; and a first transfer workbench 121 disposed on the rail part 122 and reciprocating in the second direction. When the positive electrode plate 41 is placed on the first transfer workbench 121, the first transfer workbench 121 can move to a position adjacent to the first alignment workbench 130.

[0134] Referring to Figure 7c and Figure 7d , the 1-2 pick-up unit 150 picks up the positive electrode plate 41 carried by the first transfer workbench 121 and arranges it on the first alignment workbench 130. The 1-2 pick-up unit 150 moves in a direction parallel to the moving direction of the 1-1 pick-up unit 140.

[0135] According to the embodiment, various methods of moving the positive electrode plate 41 by the pick-up unit can be applied. Exemplarily, when the positive electrode plate 41 is arranged on the first transfer workbench 121, the 1-2 pick-up unit 150 moves to the upper part of the first transfer workbench 121 to pick up the positive electrode plate 41 and then arranges it on the first alignment workbench 130. Alternatively, after the 1-1 pick-up unit 140 picks up the positive electrode plate 41 from the first storage unit 110 and moves, it directly arranges the positive electrode plate 41 on the first alignment workbench 130.

[0136] Referring to Figure 7e , the first alignment workbench 130 can rotate towards the stacking head 310 so that the stacking head 310 picks up the positive electrode plate 41. After the first alignment workbench 130 rotates towards the stacking head 310, the workbench driving part 131 restores the first alignment workbench 130 to its original position again.

[0137] The negative electrode plate supply module 200 can also supply the negative electrode plate 42 to the stacking head 310 according to the same steps as Figures 7a to 7e shown. Except for supplying the negative electrode plate 42, the structure and operation of the negative electrode plate supply module 200 are the same as those of the positive electrode plate supply module 100.

[0138] Figure 8a Figure showing the 1-1 pick-up unit of an embodiment. Figure 8b Figure showing the process of removing the electrode plates with two attached by the 1-1 pick-up unit. Figure 9a and Figure 9b Figure showing the process of the adsorption part rotation provided in the sub-block.

[0139] Referring to Figure 8a and Figure 8b, a plurality of positive electrode plates 41 are stacked in the first storage unit 110, and a height adjustment unit 112 is provided at the lower part of the first storage unit 110. Therefore, even if the number of positive electrode plates 41 decreases, the height of the uppermost positive electrode plate 41 can always be kept constant. The first storage unit 110 may include: a plurality of fixing frames 111 for fixing the corners of the plurality of positive electrode plates; and a fixing plate 113 for fixing the plurality of fixing frames 111.

[0140] The 1-1 pickup unit 140 picks up the uppermost positive electrode plate 41. However, sometimes two positive electrode plates 41 are picked up simultaneously. Hereinafter, the case where a plurality of electrode plates are attached is defined as two, and of course, cases of more than two are also included. Since the electrode plates such as the positive electrode plate 41 and the negative electrode plate 42 are made of metal, when stacked in multiple layers, they may be attached to each other due to static electricity. When manufacturing the electrode assembly, if two identical electrode plates are stacked together, defects will occur, so it is necessary to remove the electrode plate attached to the lower part.

[0141] An eddy current displacement sensor (first sensor) 145 is provided in the 1-1 pickup unit 140. The eddy current displacement sensor 145 uses a high-frequency magnetic field. When a metal approaches the high-frequency magnetic field, eddy currents in the form of eddy currents are formed in the metal due to electromagnetic induction.

[0142] The eddy currents are concentrated on the metal surface and decrease exponentially according to the depth of the metal. The eddy currents change according to the intensity and frequency of the high-frequency magnetic field, the conductivity of the metal, the transmittance, etc., and the distance can be measured by using the characteristic that the high-frequency impedance changes when the distance between the sensor coil and the metal plate changes. Therefore, when two electrode plates are attached together, the impedance changes, and thus it is possible to know that two electrode plates have been picked up.

[0143] Second sensors 147a and 147b including a transmitting part 147a and a receiving part 147b are provided on both sides of the first storage unit 110. If light is irradiated from the transmitting part 147a, the receiving part 147b provided on the opposite side receives the light. Exemplarily, the transmitting part 147a and the receiving part 147b may be fiber optic sensors, but are not necessarily limited thereto, as long as it is a structure in which a signal is transmitted on one side and received on the other side.

[0144] The positive electrode plate stored in the uppermost layer of the first storage unit 110 (hereinafter referred to as the first positive electrode plate) and the positive electrode plate disposed below it (hereinafter referred to as the second positive electrode plate) may be electrostatically attached to each other only in some areas. Therefore, when the first positive electrode plate 41a is picked up by the 1-1 picking unit 140, only a part of the second positive electrode plate 41b may be attached to the first positive electrode plate 41a, while the remaining area is separated from the first positive electrode plate 41a. In this case, if the first positive electrode plate 41a and the second positive electrode plate 41b are separated in the area detected by the eddy current displacement sensor 145, it may be misjudged as one electrode plate.

[0145] However, according to the embodiment, when the second positive electrode plate 41 is partially separated, the transmission signal of the transmission unit 147a is blocked, resulting in the receiving unit 147b being unable to receive. Therefore, even if it is judged as one according to the detection signal of the eddy current displacement sensor 145, if the detection signal of the receiving unit 147b is not input, the control unit (not shown) of the stacking device can still judge that two are attached together.

[0146] The transmission unit 147a and the receiving unit 147b are set to be lower than the uppermost end of the storage unit 110, so that the situation of two electrode plates can be quickly detected during the process of the picking module picking up the electrode plates.

[0147] According to the embodiment, when it is not detected that there are two according to the signal received from the eddy current displacement sensor, it is confirmed again whether there are two according to the signal of the second sensor. If it is judged that there are two according to the signal received from the eddy current displacement sensor, the signal of the second sensor may not be received either.

[0148] In addition, when a plurality of eddy current displacement sensors 145 are provided in the main body 141, it is possible to detect whether there are two positive electrode plates at different positions, so that a two-piece structure that is partially separated can also be detected.

[0149] In addition, before detection, vibration can be applied to the picked-up electrode plate in advance and then detection can be carried out. The picking unit can shake the electrode plate by moving up and down, vibrating or rotating, so as to separate the two electrode plates.

[0150] The 1-1 picking unit 140 may include: a main body 141 provided with a plurality of adsorption parts 142a for picking up the positive electrode plate 41; and a picking moving part 146 for moving the main body 141 in the vertical direction and / or the left-right direction. The picking moving part 146 may include: a first moving part 146a for lifting the main body 141 and a second moving part 146b for moving the main body 141 left and right. The picking moving part 146 may further include a third moving part (not shown) for rotating the main body 141 in the clockwise and counterclockwise directions.

[0151] The adsorption part 142a is connected to a vacuum pump to adsorb the upper surface of the positive electrode plate 41. However, it is not necessarily limited to this. The adsorption part 142a can adopt various structures capable of attaching to and detaching from the upper surface of the positive electrode plate 41, and is not restricted. In addition, the number of the adsorption parts 142a can also be diverse.

[0152] Vibration parts can be provided at both ends of the main body part 141. The vibration parts can include: a sub-block 143 provided with an auxiliary adsorption part 142b; and a block driving part 144 connected to the main body part 141 to drive the sub-block 143.

[0153] The sub-block 143 can include a first sub-block provided at one end of the main body part 141 and a second sub-block provided on the other side of the main body part 141. The number of the sub-blocks can be diverse.

[0154] The block driving part 144 is connected to the main body part 141 and the sub-block 143 to move the sub-block 143 away from or close to the main body part 141. The block driving part 144 can adopt various driving devices such as a motor or a cylinder.

[0155] Moreover, the block driving part 144 can also move the sub-block 143 in the vertical direction. That is, the block driving part 144 can move the sub-block 143 in various directions so that the two electrode plates can be separated. Exemplarily, an elastic member 144a such as a leaf spring can also be provided between the sub-block 143 and the main body part 141.

[0156] Refer to Figure 8b , when the sub-block 143 moves away from the main body part 141 under the drive of the block driving part 144, the distance between the auxiliary adsorption part 142b provided on the sub-block 143 and the adsorption part 142a provided on the main body part 141 changes, and a partial area TP1 of the positive electrode plate 41 is deformed and bent repeatedly. Through these various vibration effects, a force greater than the electrostatic force between the electrodes is transmitted to the electrode plates, so that the electrode plate attached to the lower part is separated. The separated positive electrode plate 41 can be stored in the collection unit 115.

[0157] According to the embodiment, when picking up the positive electrode plate 41, the first picking unit 140 drives the block driving part 144 to apply vibration to the positive electrode plate 41.

[0158] Refer to Figure 9a and Figure 9b , the sub-block 143 can also rotate under the drive of the block driving part 144. Therefore, the auxiliary adsorption part 142b provided on the sub-block 143 swings, while the adsorption part 142a provided on the main body part 141 is fixed. Therefore, the electrode plate can be twisted between the part adsorbed on the auxiliary adsorption part 142b and the part adsorbed on the adsorption part 142a. Therefore, when the two electrode plates are attached together, effective separation can be performed.

[0159] Figure 10 View of the 1-1 pick-up unit showing another embodiment. Figure 11a and Figure 11b Process view showing the bending of the electrode plate due to the inclination of the adsorption part of the 1-1 pick-up unit.

[0160] Referring to Figure 10 , the main body part 141 includes a first main body part 141a provided with a plurality of adsorption parts 142a and a second main body part 141b provided with a plurality of adsorption parts 142a, and a rotating part 148b is combined between the first main body part 141a and the second main body part 141b.

[0161] The vibrating part 148 rotates the first main body part 141a and the second main body part 141b in opposite directions. The vibrating part 148 may include pressing parts 148a respectively connected to the first main body part 141a and the second main body part 141b. The pressing parts 148a can contract or extend under the action of a motor or a cylinder. However, it is not necessarily limited to this, and various rotating structures can be adopted for the structure that rotates the first main body part 141a and the second main body part 141b.

[0162] Referring to Figure 11a , when the pressing part 148a contracts, the outer sides of the first main body part 141a and the second main body part 141b rotate in opposite directions. In this case, the rotating part 148b can be rotatably combined with the inner sides of the first main body part 141a and the second main body part 141b.

[0163] According to this structure, the adsorption parts 142a provided on the first main body part 141a and the adsorption parts 142a provided on the second main body part 141b are inclined, and the picked-up positive electrode plate 41 bends with both ends facing upward.

[0164] Conversely, as Figure 11b shown, when the pressing part 148a extends, the outer sides of the first main body part 141a and the second main body part 141b rotate in opposite directions. Therefore, the positive electrode plate 41 bends with both ends facing downward. If such an inclination action is performed quickly, the positive electrode plate attached to the lower part can be separated.

[0165] Figure 12 View of the inspection unit showing an embodiment. Figure 13 Image of the positive electrode plate provided on the first alignment workbench. Figure 14 Image of the negative electrode plate provided on the second alignment workbench.

[0166] Referring to Figure 12, the inspection module 400 includes a positive plate inspection unit 410, a negative plate inspection unit 420, and a stacking inspection unit. The positive plate inspection unit 410 is used to check whether the positive plate 41 is aligned on the first alignment table 130. Only when the positive plate 41 is aligned on the first alignment table 130 can the stacking head accurately pick it up.

[0167] If the inspection result determines misalignment, a first alignment unit (not shown) provided under the first alignment table 130 slightly moves the first alignment table 130 to align the positive plate in the aligned position.

[0168] The negative plate inspection unit 420 is used to check whether the negative plate 42 is aligned on the second alignment table 230. Only when the negative plate 42 is aligned on the second alignment table 230 can the stacking head accurately pick it up.

[0169] If the inspection result determines misalignment, a second alignment unit (not shown) provided under the second alignment table 230 slightly moves the second alignment table 230 to align the negative plate in the aligned position.

[0170] The stacking inspection unit checks whether the positive plate 41 and the negative plate 42 stacked on the stacking table 320 are aligned.

[0171] The positive plate inspection unit 410 includes a first camera 411 and a first lighting unit 412 provided under the first alignment table 130. The first lighting unit 412 has a flat dome structure and irradiates light on the positive plate 41 evenly from multiple angles. However, the first lighting unit 412 can also adopt various lighting structures that can irradiate light so that the first camera can easily inspect the positive plate 41. According to an embodiment, the first camera 411 is provided under the first alignment table 130 to capture the positive plate 41, so scattering can be reduced and a clear image can be obtained.

[0172] The negative plate inspection unit 420 includes a second camera 421 and a second lighting unit 422 provided above the second alignment table 230. The second lighting unit 422 has a backlight structure that irradiates light under the negative plate 42. However, the second lighting unit 422 can also adopt various lighting structures that can irradiate light so that the second camera 421 can easily inspect the negative plate 42. According to an embodiment, the second lighting unit 422 irradiates light under the negative plate 42 and the second camera 421 is provided above the second alignment table 230 to capture the negative plate 42, so scattering can be reduced and a clear image can be obtained.

[0173] According to an embodiment, a first camera 411 for photographing the positive electrode plate 41 is provided at the lower part of the positive electrode plate 41, and a second camera 421 for photographing the negative electrode plate 42 is provided at the upper part of the negative electrode plate 42. According to this structure, there is an advantage of being able to utilize the lower space of the second alignment table 230. Therefore, as described later, there is an advantage that the pulling module 600 can approach from the lower space of the second alignment table 230 and grip the electrode assembly disposed on the stacking table 320.

[0174] Figures 15a to 15c It is a process diagram showing the process of laminating the positive electrode plate, the negative electrode plate, and the separator on the stacking table by the laminating head.

[0175] Referring to Figure 15a , the laminating head 310 includes: a first head 312 that rotates to pick up the positive electrode plate 41 while facing the first alignment table 130; a second head 313 that rotates to pick up the negative electrode plate 42 while facing the second alignment table 230; a head rotation unit 318 that rotates the first head 312 and the second head 313; and a feeding roller 316 that is provided between the first head 312 and the second head 313 to supply the separator 43.

[0176] The first head 312 and the second head 313 are inclined at a predetermined angle. Exemplarily, the first head 312 and the second head 313 are inclined at an angle of 45 degrees, but it is not necessarily limited thereto, and they can also be inclined at various angles. The angles of the first alignment table and the second alignment table can also be adjusted according to the inclination angles of the first head 312 and the second head 313.

[0177] The first head 312 and the second head 313 each have a third pickup unit 314 capable of adsorbing the electrode plate. The third pickup unit 314 moves up and down along the length direction (Z direction) of the head to pick up the electrode plates disposed on the first alignment table 130 and the second alignment table 230. According to an embodiment, the third pickup unit 314 moves up and down independently of the rotation of the first head 312 and the second head 313.

[0178] The feeding roller 316 provided between the first head 312 and the second head 313 can continuously supply the separator 43. According to an embodiment, since the feeding roller 316 is provided between the first head 312 and the second head 313, the first head 312 and the second head 313 can function as shields. Therefore, there is an advantage that the resistance applied by the wind to the separator 43 can be minimized even when the first head 312 and the second head 313 rotate.

[0179] The third pickup unit 314 includes an auxiliary roller 314a for guiding the separator 43. The auxiliary rollers 314a provided on the first head 312 and the second head 313 are disposed opposite to each other.

[0180] A plurality of support units 330 disposed adjacent to the stacking table 320 press both side portions of the positive electrode plate 41, the negative electrode plate 42, and the separator 43 to fix them.

[0181] The plurality of support units 330 can move horizontally inward and outward of the stacking table 320, so that they can move to the outside of the stacking table 320 during the stacking of the positive electrode plate 41, the negative electrode plate 42, and the separator 43 to prevent interference with the stacking process.

[0182] When the positive electrode plate 41, the negative electrode plate 42, and the separator 43 are stacked on the upper surface of the stacking table 320, the plurality of support units 330 move to the inside of the stacking table 320 and then descend to press the positive electrode plate 41, the negative electrode plate 42, and the separator 43.

[0183] Refer to Figure 15b , the first head 312 rotates in the first rotation direction under the action of the head rotation part 318 and is disposed above the stacking table 320. The first head 312 stacks the picked-up positive electrode plate 41 on the stacking table 320. The first rotation direction may be the counterclockwise direction, but is not necessarily limited thereto, and may also be the clockwise direction.

[0184] In this case, all of the plurality of support units 330 that press the separator 43 move to the outside of the stacking table 320 to prevent interference. Then, when the positive electrode plate 41 is disposed above the separator 43, the plurality of support units 330 move above the positive electrode plate 41 to support the positive electrode plate 41.

[0185] Refer to Figure 15c , the second head 313 rotates in the second rotation direction under the action of the head rotation part 318 and is disposed above the stacking table 320. The second rotation direction may be the clockwise direction, but is not necessarily limited thereto, and may also be the counterclockwise direction.

[0186] The second head 313 stacks the picked-up negative electrode plate 42 on the stacking table 320. In this case, all of the plurality of support units 330 that press the separator 43 move to the outside of the stacking table 320 to prevent interference. Then, when the negative electrode plate 42 is disposed above the separator 43, the plurality of support units 330 move above the negative electrode plate 42 again to support the negative electrode plate 42.

[0187] Figure 16 It is a diagram showing a stacking table and a plurality of support units according to an embodiment. Figure 17A diagram showing the three-axis drive of the support unit. Figure 18 A diagram showing the state in which a plurality of support units press an electrode plate.

[0188] Referring to Figure 16 , the stacking table 320 is formed with a plurality of slits 322. Accordingly, the protruding support portions 321 provided between the plurality of slits 322 of the stacking table 320 can support a plurality of electrode plates. Thereafter, the jaw portion 610 of the pulling module 600 can be inserted through the plurality of slits 322.

[0189] A table drive unit 324 for raising and lowering the stacking table 320 is provided below the stacking table 320. According to this structure, even if a plurality of electrode plates are arranged, the stacking table 320 can keep the height of the electrode arranged at the uppermost part constant.

[0190] According to an embodiment, the stacking table 320 can be made stationary to prevent the alignment of the stacked electrodes from being disrupted. However, it is not necessarily limited thereto, and a drive unit for driving the stacking table 320 along the X-axis and Y-axis for alignment may be further provided.

[0191] Referring to Figure 17 and Figure 18 , a plurality of support units 330 press and support the positive electrode plate 41, the negative electrode plate 42, and the separator 43. The plurality of support units 330 include: a support pin 331 that presses the positive electrode plate 41, the negative electrode plate 42, and the separator 43; a first support drive unit 333 that moves the support pin 331 in the horizontal direction; and a second support drive unit 333 that moves the support pin 331 in the vertical direction. The support pin 331 is attached to a connection member 332 connected to the first support drive unit 333 and moves together therewith.

[0192] The first support drive unit 333 and the second support drive unit 333 can be driven independently of each other. Accordingly, the support pin 331 can be quickly moved onto or away from the stacking table 320. Exemplarily, the support pin 331 horizontally moves under the action of the first support drive unit 333 while the vertical height of the support pin 331 is maintained under the action of the second support drive unit 333. Alternatively, the support pin 331 can vertically rise under the action of the second support drive unit 333 while horizontally moving under the action of the first support drive unit 333.

[0193] In the case where the vertical drive unit and the horizontal drive unit are connected to each other, for vertical movement and horizontal movement, horizontal movement should be performed after vertical movement is completed or horizontal movement should be performed after horizontal movement is completed, so there is a problem of time delay.

[0194] The first support driving unit 333 includes: a first - 1 support driving unit 333a that moves the support pin 331 in a first direction; and a first - 2 support driving unit 333b that moves the support pin 331 in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first - 1 support driving unit 333a and the first - 2 support driving unit 333b for movement can also be driven independently. According to an embodiment, the support pin can be driven independently in two - axis or three - axis, so that the pressurization and pressure release of the electrode assembly are accelerated, thereby shortening the TAC time.

[0195] At least one hole 331a is formed in the support pin 331. When the support pin 331 pressurizes any one of the positive electrode plate, negative electrode plate, and separator constituting the electrode assembly, a photographing exposure area SP1 for exposing the corner area is formed through these holes 331a. Therefore, it has the following advantages: Even in a state where the electrode assembly is pressurized by the support pin, the corner area of the electrode assembly can be photographed, so that it is possible to accurately determine whether alignment is achieved.

[0196] The holes 331a may be formed only in some of the plurality of support pins 331. However, it is not necessarily limited to this, and the holes 331a may also be formed in all the support pins 331.

[0197] Figure 19 FIG. showing a separator supply module according to an embodiment. Figure 20 FIG. showing a state where the separator tension is adjusted by the separator supply module according to an embodiment.

[0198] Refer to Figure 19 and Figure 20 , the separator supply module 500 includes: an unwinder 50 configured with a wound separator, a plurality of rollers 511 for supplying the separator 43, a plurality of length - adjusting rollers 512, a main supply roller 513, and a pair of side walls 510 that support both ends of the plurality of rollers.

[0199] The separator supply module 500 includes a meandering adjustment unit 516 for preventing meandering. Meandering refers to the phenomenon of advancing with left - right skew when supplying the separator. When the first structural plate 515 and the side wall 510 move on the second structural plate 517, the direction of the separator 43 wound around the plurality of rollers 511 can be adjusted by the meandering adjustment unit 516. The meandering adjustment unit 516 can use various driving components such as a motor for adjusting the relative position of the first structural plate 515 and the second structural plate 517. However, it is not necessarily limited to this, and the meandering adjustment unit can adopt various known structures that can prevent the meandering of the separator without limitation.

[0200] The separator 43 provided by the separator supply module 500 is provided to the lamination table 320 through the feed roller 316 of the lamination head 310.

[0201] In this case, during the rotation of the laminating head 310 , the tension of the separator 43 may be loosened instantly, making it impossible to evenly arrange the separator 43 on the electrode plate. To prevent this, a tension adjustment module 520 is provided between the separator supply module 500 and the feeding roller 316 of the laminating head 310 .

[0202] When the tension of the separator 43 becomes loose due to various reasons, the tension adjustment module 520 can move between the separator supply module 500 and the feed roller 316 to adjust the tension of the separator 43. Therefore, the tension of the separator 43 provided by the feed roller 316 is maintained, thereby preventing stacking defects.

[0203] The tension adjustment module 520 includes: a plurality of tension rollers 521 for guiding the separator; and a roller driving unit 522 for moving the tension rollers 521 forward or backward toward the separator supply module 500 .

[0204] Furthermore, the tension adjustment module 520 may further include a detection sensor 523 for detecting the tension of the diaphragm. In order to prevent the tension of the diaphragm from being loosened, the tension adjustment module 520 moves the tension roller 521 backward to apply tension to the diaphragm. On the contrary, the roller driving unit 522 controls the tension roller 521 to move forward to reduce the tension of the diaphragm.

[0205] Figure 21 This is a diagram showing a process of checking the alignment of electrode assemblies stacked on a stacking table. Figure 22 It is a top view showing a state where the positive electrode plate is attracted by the third pickup module. Figure 23 This is a diagram showing the process of determining whether the positive electrode plate is aligned by taking an image of the positive electrode plate.

[0206] Reference Figure 12 , Figure 15c and Figure 21 The stacking inspection unit includes a third camera 441 and a fourth camera 451, which are respectively arranged on a first frame 431 and a second frame 432 for connecting the first alignment workbench 130 and the second alignment workbench 230. In addition, a third lighting unit 442 and a fourth lighting unit 452 are also included.

[0207] The first head 312 and the second head 313 of the laminating head 310 are respectively provided with a reflector 317. The third camera 441 provided in the first frame 431 and the fourth camera 451 provided in the second frame 432 respectively capture the planar image of the electrode assembly EA reflected by the reflector 317. Exemplarily, the third camera 441 captures the image of one end of the electrode assembly EA, and the fourth camera 451 captures the image of the other end of the electrode assembly EA.

[0208] The stacking head 310 is provided at the upper part of the stacking table 320. Therefore, in order to avoid the stacking head, the camera can be arranged obliquely to photograph the electrode assembly EA. However, in this case, only the image of the electrode assembly EA arranged obliquely can be photographed, so there is a problem that it is difficult to accurately measure whether it is aligned. However, according to the embodiment, the images of multiple electrode plates stacked vertically are photographed, so it has the advantage of being able to accurately measure whether it is aligned.

[0209] Refer to Figure 22 and Figure 23 , by calculating the distances d1 and d2 between the reference mark SRM and the outer side surface of the electrode plate in the stacked images, it is determined whether the stacked electrode plates are aligned. According to the embodiment, the image is obtained through the reflectors 317 of the first head 312 and the second head 313 provided on the stacking head 310. Therefore, the position in the image may vary according to the tolerance of the reflector. Therefore, it is possible to measure the distance based on the reference mark SRM to determine whether it is aligned.

[0210] Various existing image processing techniques can be used to determine whether it is aligned. Exemplarily, it can be determined whether it is aligned according to whether the distance or area from the outside of the electrode plate to a specific position satisfies a preset range.

[0211] Figure 24 FIG. is a view showing a state where the pulling module of the stacking device according to an embodiment approaches the electrode assembly. Figure 25 FIG. is a perspective view showing a cutting module and a pulling module according to an embodiment. Figures 26a to 26e FIG. is a view showing a state where the pulling module extracts the electrode assembly to the rear.

[0212] Refer to Figure 24 , Figure 25 and Figure 26a , after the manufacturing of the electrode assembly EA is completed, the pulling module 600 approaches the lower space of the negative electrode plate inspection unit to hold the electrode assembly EA arranged on the stacking table 320. A track 640 for the movement of the pulling module 600 is provided below the negative electrode plate inspection unit.

[0213] A cutting module 700 is provided between the stacking table 320 and the pulling module 600. An opening 721 through which the jaw portion 610 of the pulling module 600 passes is formed in the cutting module 700. Therefore, the pulling module 600 can pass through the cutting module 700 to approach the stacking table 320.

[0214] Refer to Figure 26b and Figure 26c, the jaw driving unit 620 reduces the distance between the jaw units 610 so that the jaw units 610 can hold the electrode assembly EA. The jaw moving unit 630 can retract the jaw units 610 in a state of holding the electrode assembly EA. During this process, the separator 43 can be continuously provided. The plurality of support units 330 move away to the outside of the stacking table 320 so that the separator 43 can be continuously provided.

[0215] Refer to Figure 26d and Figure 26e , when the pulling module 600 is retracted to a preset position, the cutting module 700 descends to cut the separator 43. The cutting module 700 includes: a cutter 710 for cutting the separator 43, a cutter support portion 720 for supporting the cutter 710, and a cutter driving portion 730 for lifting and lowering the cutter support portion 720. An opening 721 through which the jaw unit 610 of the pulling module 600 passes is formed in the cutter support portion 720 as described above.

[0216] Figure 27 FIG. is a view showing a state in which an electrode assembly according to an embodiment is moved to one side of a stacking device by a pulling module. Figure 28 FIG. is a view showing a winding module according to an embodiment. Figure 29 FIG. is a view showing a state in which a guide rod is supported by a hook of a clamping unit. Figure 30a FIG. is a view showing a state in which an electrode assembly is clamped to a guide rod of a winding module. Figure 30b FIG. is a view showing a state in which the first rotating unit and the second rotating unit of the winding module rotate to wind the separator of the electrode assembly.

[0217] Refer to Figure 27 and Figure 28 , the pulling module 600 can move in a state of holding the electrode assembly EA to a completion area WA provided on one side of the stacking device. The completion area WA is an area where the cut separator 43 is wound and fixed to the electrode assembly EA.

[0218] The winding module 800 includes: a first rotating unit 810 including a pair of guide rods 811 for fixing both ends of the electrode assembly EA; a second rotating unit 820 for fixing the ends of the pair of guide rods 811; and a brush unit 830 for fixing the cut portion 43a of the separator 43 to the electrode assembly EA when the electrode assembly EA rotates.

[0219] The first rotating unit 810 includes: a first plate 814, a sliding portion 812 that slides on the first plate 814, a first support portion 815 provided on the sliding portion 812, a first rotating portion 813 provided on the first support portion 815, and a pair of guide rods 811 connected to the first rotating portion 813. In addition, a first guiding and driving portion 816 for driving the first rotating portion 813 in the up, down, left, and right directions is included on the first support portion 815.

[0220] A pair of guide rods 811 are formed to be relatively long so as to support both side surfaces of the entire electrode assembly EA. If the two ends of the electrode assembly are respectively held by different guide rods and rotated, when the rotation centers of the guide rods provided at both ends do not match, it may cause the wrinkles to worsen. However, according to the embodiment, since the pair of guide rods 811 support both side surfaces of the entire electrode assembly EA, wrinkles in the separator 43 of the electrode assembly EA can be prevented.

[0221] The pair of guide rods 811 of the electrode assembly are respectively in a plate shape or a bent shape. When in a plate shape, each guide rod is separated into two to support the upper surface and the lower surface of the electrode assembly. When the pair of guide rods 811 are in a bent shape, the two guide rods 811 respectively support the side surfaces of the electrode assembly.

[0222] The second rotation unit 820 includes a second plate 824, a second support plate 825 provided on the second plate 824, a second rotation part 823 provided on the second support plate 825, and a bracket 821 provided on the second rotation part 823 for the pair of guide rods 811 to be coupled thereto. In addition, a second guiding and driving part 826 for driving the second rotation part 823 up, down, left, and right is included on the second support plate 825.

[0223] The brush unit 830 includes a brush 831, a brush driving part 832 for driving the brush 831 up and down, and a fixing part 833 for fixing the brush driving part 832.

[0224] If the pulling module 600 moves to the completion area while holding the electrode assembly EA, the sliding part 812 of the first rotation unit 810 slides on the first plate toward the electrode assembly EA.

[0225] Refer to Figure 29 , the pair of guide rods 811 are formed to be relatively long, so that they can move while being hung on the clamp unit 840, and thus can accurately fit with the side surface of the electrode assembly EA. In this case, the position or height of the pair of guide rods 811 is adjusted by the first guiding and driving part 816 so that they can smoothly fit with the side surface of the electrode assembly EA.

[0226] The clamp unit 840 includes hooks 841 for fixing the pair of guide rods 811. The clamp unit 840 can move up, down, left, and right to fix the pair of guide rods 811. Therefore, if the pair of guide rods 811 have been fitted with the electrode assembly EA, the clamp unit 840 separates from the pair of guide rods 811 and moves away. For this purpose, a width adjusting part 842 for adjusting the width of the pair of hooks 841 is also provided.

[0227] Refer to Figure 30a, if the first rotating unit 810 moves towards the second rotating unit 820, a pair of guide rods 811 cooperate with and support the two side surfaces of the electrode assembly EA. Here, a case where the pair of guide rods 811 are bent to respectively support the two side surfaces of the electrode assembly EA is shown.

[0228] In this case, a guiding groove 611 through which the pair of guide rods 811 pass is formed in the jaw portion 610 of the pulling module 600 that holds the electrode assembly EA. Therefore, the pair of guide rods 811 pass through the guiding groove 611 of the jaw portion 610 and cooperate with the electrode assembly EA until the ends.

[0229] The pair of guide rods 811 that cooperate with the electrode assembly EA until the ends are fixed to the bracket 821 of the second rotating unit 820.

[0230] Refer to Figure 30b , if the first rotating portion 813 of the first rotating unit 810 and the second rotating portion 823 of the second rotating unit 820 rotate, the electrode assembly EA also rotates together. Therefore, the cutting portion 43a of the separator 43 that has not been wound around the electrode assembly EA is wound around the electrode assembly EA.

[0231] If the electrode assembly EA is combined with the first rotating unit 810 and rotates, the brush unit 830 lowers the brush 831. The brush 831 can be a cylindrical roller, but is not necessarily limited thereto. When the electrode assembly EA rotates, the brush 831 can guide the cutting portion 43a of the separator 43 to be wound around the electrode assembly EA.

[0232] Although not shown, an additional adhesive coating unit can be used to coat the separator 43 with an adhesive. Therefore, the cutting portion 43a of the separator 43 wound around the electrode assembly EA can be bonded to the electrode assembly EA. According to the embodiment, the cutting portion 43a of the separator 43 is automatically wound around the electrode assembly EA and fixed. However, if the separator has an adhesive component, the adhesive coating unit can be omitted.

[0233] If the completion process is over, the first rotating unit 810 moves in a direction away from the second rotating unit 820. Since the pair of guide rods 811 are in plate shape, they can be easily withdrawn from the electrode assembly EA even in a state where the separator 43 is wound during the winding process.

[0234] After that, the pulling module 600 holds the electrode assembly EA again and transports it to the guide rail of the transfer heating module 20. However, it is not necessarily limited thereto, and an additional transfer unit can also be used to transfer the electrode assembly EA to the heating module 20.

[0235] Figure 31 It is a diagram showing a heating module of an embodiment.

[0236] The heating module 20 of the embodiment includes: a placement plate 22 for placing the power supply electrode assembly EA, and a high-frequency induction heating unit 23 that generates heat by applying high frequency. The high-frequency induction heating unit 23 may include a plurality of coils 24. In addition, it may further include a coil lifting unit 25 for lifting the high-frequency induction heating unit.

[0237] High-frequency induction heating is a method as follows: that is, applying high frequency to a metal conductor to generate eddy currents near the surface of the metal conductor, and heating the metal conductor by using the phenomenon that the power loss generated by the eddy currents is converted into heat loss.

[0238] High-frequency induction heating has the advantage of heating the metal in a non-contact manner. That is, it can directly generate heat in the current collector existing inside the electrode assembly EA. As for the entire electrode assembly EA, since multiple heat generation points are located inside, the heat conduction interval becomes shorter and the temperature deviation is reduced. Since the temperature deviation of the electrode assembly EA is reduced, it is not necessary to apply excessive heat to raise the temperature to the required temperature for thermal bonding, and ultimately the energy efficiency can be improved.

[0239] Figure 32 It is a diagram showing a pressing module of an embodiment. Figure 33 It is a diagram showing the diaphragm provided on the lower pressing plate. Figure 34 It is a diagram showing a state where the diaphragm of the lower pressing plate expands and separates the electrode assembly from the lower pressing plate.

[0240] Referring to Figure 32 , the pressing module 30 includes a lower pressing plate 31, an upper pressing plate 32, and a pressing plate driving unit 38 for lifting the upper pressing plate 32.

[0241] If the electrode assembly EA is transferred to the lower pressing plate 31, the pressing plate driving unit 38 lowers the upper pressing plate 32 to press the electrode assembly EA. During this process, the positive electrode plate, the negative electrode plate, and the separator are mutually bonded.

[0242] Referring to Figure 33 and Figure 34 , a plurality of first through-lines 34 are formed inside the lower pressing plate 31, and a first diaphragm 33 is provided on the upper part of the lower pressing plate 31.

[0243] The first through-lines 34 are connected to an external pump 40. Therefore, when gas or fluid is injected, the first diaphragm 33 expands in the area connected to the first through-lines 34. As a result, due to the expansion area of the first diaphragm 33, the contact area between the first diaphragm 33 and the electrode assembly EA becomes smaller. Therefore, the separation (peeling) of the lower pressing plate 31 from the electrode assembly EA becomes easy.

[0244] According to an embodiment, gas or fluid can be injected into a plurality of first through-lines 34 simultaneously, or gas or fluid can be injected sequentially.

[0245] Figure 35 A diagram showing the state in which the diaphragm is disposed between the lower pressure plate and the upper pressure plate. Figure 36 A diagram showing the state in which the diaphragm of the upper pressure plate expands and the electrode assembly is separated from the upper pressure plate. Figure 37 A diagram showing the state in which the diaphragm of the lower pressure plate expands and the electrode assembly is separated from the lower pressure plate.

[0246] Refer to Figure 35 , a plurality of second through-lines 37 are formed inside the upper pressure plate 32, and a second diaphragm 36 is disposed below the upper pressure plate 32. The second through-lines 37 are connected to an external pump, and when gas or fluid is injected, the second diaphragm 36 connected to the second through-lines 37 expands.

[0247] Refer to Figure 36 , when the pressurization is completed, while the upper pressure plate 32 rises, gas or fluid is injected through the plurality of second through-lines 37 to expand the second diaphragm 36. Due to the expansion region 36a of the second diaphragm 36, the contact area between the second diaphragm 36 and the electrode assembly EA becomes smaller. Therefore, the separation (peeling) of the upper pressure plate 32 from the electrode assembly EA becomes easier.

[0248] After that, as Figure 37 shown, when the upper pressure plate 32 rises, the first diaphragm 33 expands in the region connected to the first through-line 34. Therefore, due to the expansion region 33a of the first diaphragm 33, the contact area between the first diaphragm 33 and the electrode assembly EA becomes smaller. Therefore, the separation (peeling) of the lower pressure plate 31 from the electrode assembly EA becomes easier.

[0249] However, it is not necessarily limited thereto. The first diaphragm 33 and the second diaphragm 36 can expand simultaneously or sequentially. In addition, after the pressurization process is completed, the first diaphragm 33 and the second diaphragm 36 can expand together while the upper pressure plate 32 rises.

[0250] Although the above has been described mainly with reference to embodiments, these are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto. As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains, various modifications and applications not illustrated above can be made without departing from the essential characteristics of the present embodiments. For example, each structural element specifically shown in the embodiments can be implemented with modifications. Moreover, the differences related to these modifications and applications should be construed as falling within the scope of the present invention defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A stacking device, characterized in that, the stacking device includes: a stacking module, which includes a stacking workbench and a stacking head for stacking positive plates, negative plates and separators on the stacking workbench; a positive plate supply module, which provides the positive plates; and a negative plate supply module, which provides the negative plates, the stacking head rotates in a first rotation direction to pick up the positive plates provided by the positive plate supply module, and rotates in a second rotation direction different from the first rotation direction to pick up the negative plates provided by the negative plate supply module.

2. The stacking device according to claim 1, wherein, the positive plate supply module includes: a first storage unit for storing a plurality of positive plates; a 1-1 picking unit for picking up the positive plates arranged in the first storage unit; and a first alignment workbench that rotates to provide the positive plates to the stacking head.

3. The stacking device according to claim 2, wherein, the stacking device includes: a positive plate inspection unit for inspecting whether the positive plates arranged on the first alignment workbench are aligned.

4. The stacking device according to claim 3, wherein, the stacking device includes: a first transfer unit for transferring the positive plates picked up by the 1-1 picking unit to the first alignment workbench.

5. The stacking device according to claim 4, wherein, the first transfer unit includes: a track part extending in one direction; and a first transfer workbench arranged on the track part and moving along the extending direction of the track part, the first transfer workbench moves the positive plates to the position where the first alignment workbench is located.

6. The stacking device according to claim 5, wherein, the stacking device includes: a 1-2 picking unit for moving the positive plates on the first transfer workbench to the first alignment workbench.

7. The stacking device according to claim 3, wherein, the positive plate inspection unit includes: a first lighting part for irradiating light on the positive plates; and a first camera arranged under the first alignment workbench for photographing the positive plates.

8. The stacking device according to claim 2, wherein, the stacking device includes: a workbench driving part for rotating the first alignment workbench so that it faces the stacking head rotating in the first rotation direction.

9. The stacking device according to claim 2, wherein, the negative plate supply module includes: a second storage unit for storing a plurality of negative plates; a first transfer unit for picking up the negative plates arranged in the second storage unit; and a second alignment workbench that rotates to provide the negative plates to the stacking head.

10. The stacking device according to claim 9, wherein, the stacking head includes: a first head that rotates to pick up the positive plates while facing the first alignment workbench; a second head that rotates to pick up the negative plates while facing the second alignment workbench; a head rotating part for rotating the first head and the second head; and A feed roller, which is disposed between the first head and the second head to provide the separator.

11. The stacking device according to claim 1, wherein, the stacking device includes: a plurality of support units for supporting the positive electrode plate, the negative electrode plate, and the separator stacked on the stacking table, the support unit includes: a support pin; a first support driving unit for moving the support pin in the horizontal direction; and a second support driving unit for moving the support pin in the vertical direction, the first support driving unit and the second support driving unit are driven independently of each other.

12. The stacking device according to claim 1, wherein, the stacking device includes: a pulling module for gripping the electrode assembly formed by laminating the positive electrode plate, the negative electrode plate, and the separator and moving backward.

13. The stacking device according to claim 12, wherein, the pulling module includes: a jaw part; a jaw driving unit for adjusting the distance between the jaw parts; and a jaw moving unit for moving the jaw part forward or backward.

14. The stacking device according to claim 13, wherein, the moving direction of the pulling module is parallel to the direction from the positive electrode plate supply module to the negative electrode plate supply module, the pulling module moves toward the negative electrode plate supply module.

15. The stacking device according to claim 13, wherein, the stacking device includes: a cutting module for cutting the separator of the electrode assembly extracted by the pulling module.

16. The stacking device according to claim 15, wherein, the cutting module is disposed below the stacking head.

17. The stacking device according to claim 16, wherein, the cutting module includes: a cutter for cutting the separator; a cutter support part for supporting the cutter; and a cutter driving unit for moving the cutter support part up and down, an opening through which the jaw part passes is formed in the cutter support part.

18. The stacking device according to claim 15, wherein, the stacking device includes: a winding module for rotating the electrode assembly to fix the cut separator to the assembly, the winding module includes: a first rotating unit including a pair of guide rods for fixing both ends of the electrode assembly; a second rotating unit for fixing the ends of the pair of guide rods; and a brush unit for fixing the cut part of the separator to the electrode assembly when the electrode assembly rotates.

19. The stacking device according to claim 18, wherein, the stacking device includes: a heating module for heating the electrode assembly to attach the separator to the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate.

20. The stacking device according to claim 19, wherein, the stacking device includes: a pressing module for pressing the heated electrode assembly.

Images