Apparatus for manufacturing electrode assembly

Abstract

An apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a supply unit that supplies a plurality of sheet-shaped objects; a cutting unit that cuts the plurality of sheet-like objects for each object; and a first conveying unit including a conveying path for conveying the cut objects, in which the plurality of sheet-shaped objects are cut in a state of being inclined downward toward the first conveying unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0073172, filed on June 7, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0065595, filed on May 21, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] This disclosure relates to an apparatus for manufacturing electrode assemblies, and more specifically, to an apparatus for manufacturing electrode assemblies that enables more precise cutting and conveying during the manufacturing process and prevents defects in the electrode assemblies. Background Technology

[0004] In modern society, with the increasing use of portable devices such as mobile phones, laptops, camcorders, and digital cameras, related technologies have seen significant development. Furthermore, as a solution to air pollution caused by existing gasoline-powered vehicles using fossil fuels, rechargeable batteries are used as power sources for electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (P-HEVs), thus increasing the necessity for the development of rechargeable batteries. In addition, the demand for energy storage systems (ESS) equipped with rechargeable batteries is constantly increasing.

[0005] Currently available rechargeable batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium rechargeable batteries. Among them, lithium rechargeable batteries have become the focus due to their advantages such as free charging and discharging, extremely low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0006] Based on the shape of the battery casing, secondary batteries can be classified into cylindrical batteries in which the electrode assembly is installed in a cylindrical metal container, prismatic batteries in which the electrode assembly is installed in a prismatic metal container, or pouch batteries in which the electrode assembly is installed in a pouch-shaped casing made of aluminum laminate.

[0007] First, these secondary batteries are classified according to the structure type of their electrode assemblies, in which positive and negative electrodes are stacked with a separator inserted between them. Representative examples of electrode assemblies include: jelly roll type (wound type) electrode assemblies, which have a structure in which long sheet-shaped positive and negative electrodes are wound with a separator inserted between them; and stacked type (laminated type) electrode assemblies, which have a structure in which multiple positive and negative electrodes cut to a predetermined size are sequentially stacked with separators inserted between them, etc. Recently, in order to solve the problems of jelly roll type electrode assemblies and stacked type electrode assemblies, stacked / folded type electrode assemblies have been developed, which are hybrid electrode assemblies of jelly roll type electrode assemblies and stacked type electrode assemblies.

[0008] In addition, such electrode components can be manufactured by stacking multiple single cells with positive and negative electrodes and stacking half cells on the outermost side.

[0009] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the object 1 provided in sheet form before cutting. Object 1 can be, for example, a single cell or a half cell. For example, a single cell can be manufactured by stacking the separator 2-positive electrode 3-separator 2-negative electrode 3 or separator 2-negative electrode 3-separator 2-positive electrode 3 in that order, and then cutting the separator 1 between adjacent electrodes (positive and negative electrodes) 2. Line AA shows a single cell provided in sheet form being cut normally, and line BB shows a single cell provided in sheet form being cut improperly.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a conventional electrode assembly manufacturing equipment. The conventional electrode assembly manufacturing equipment includes a supply unit 10, a cutting unit 20, a pressing member 23, a first conveying unit 30, a second conveying unit 40, and a stacking unit 50.

[0011] Supply unit 10 provides multiple sheet-like objects 1 (e.g., single or half-cell batteries). The multiple objects 1 can be connected to each other, manufactured into sheets, and wound into rolls, then provided while being unrolled again in supply unit 10. The sheet-like multiple objects 1 are cut (i.e., separated into individual objects) by cutter 21 of cutting unit 20, and then moved to first conveying unit 30. Pressing member 23 is located at the rear end of cutting unit 20 and the front end of first conveying unit 30. The sheet-like multiple objects 1 are pressed by pressing member 23 and then moved along the AA line (see...) by cutter 21 of cutting unit 20. Figure 1 Multiple object objects 1 are cut into sheet shapes according to each object object 1. The cut object objects 1 move along a first conveying unit 30 and then to a second conveying unit 40. The second conveying unit 40 is arranged above a stacking unit 50 and supplies the object objects 1 onto the stacking unit 50. Thus, the object objects 1 are stacked to manufacture an electrode assembly.

[0012] On the other hand, refer to again Figure 1 For example, an object 1 provided in sheet form may be provided to the cutting unit 20 in a folded state. In this case, if the folded object 1 sheet is cut by the cutting unit 20, a defect in the object 1 may occur, as shown by line BB. (Refer to...) Figure 3 and Figure 4 Description as follows Figure 1 The BB line indicates the occurrence of a defect in object 1.

[0013] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An enlarged view of the dashed section. At the front end P1 of the cutting unit 20, the object 1, provided in sheet form as described above, may be folded. Figure 4 The reason for the folding of object 1 is illustrated by example. When the object 1 (1a) in front does not move completely forward in the forward direction due to the cutting unit 20 or the pressing member 23, the object 1 (1b) behind cannot move completely forward in the forward direction due to the supply unit 10 or the airflow (indicated by the arrow). In this case, folding may occur in the part where only the diaphragm sheet 2 with a relatively thin thickness exists.

[0014] Alternatively, even if the sheet material 1 is cut correctly as shown by line AA, alignment may be inaccurate during the transport of the cut sheet material 1. For example, when... Figure 3 When object 1 is placed on the first conveying unit 30 at the rear end P2 of the cutting unit 20, the alignment of object 1 may be inaccurate. At the rear end P2 of the cutting unit 20, the front surface of object 1 may not be properly placed on the first conveying unit 30, and a portion of object 1 may fall through the gap between the cutting unit 20 and the first conveying unit 30. When the cut object 1 is placed on the first conveying unit 30, it may fold or become misaligned. If object 1 is stacked in this misaligned state, defects will occur in the electrode assembly being manufactured. Summary of the Invention

[0015] Technical issues

[0016] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an apparatus for manufacturing electrode assemblies, and more specifically, an apparatus for manufacturing electrode assemblies that enables more precise cutting and conveying during the manufacturing process and prevents defects in the electrode assemblies.

[0017] However, the technical objectives of this disclosure are not limited to those described above and can be extended in various ways within the scope of the technical concepts included in this disclosure.

[0018] Technical solution

[0019] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly is provided, comprising: a supply unit that supplies a plurality of sheet-like objects; a cutting unit that cuts the plurality of sheet-like objects according to each object; and a first conveying unit that includes a conveying path for conveying the cut objects, wherein the plurality of sheet-like objects are cut in a state of downward inclination toward the first conveying unit.

[0020] In the supply unit, the sheet-like objects can move along an inclined surface that slopes downward toward the first conveying unit.

[0021] The cutting unit includes: a pressing member that presses one end of the object supplied from the supply unit onto a holding surface of the object in the first conveying unit; and a cutter that cuts one end of the object when the pressing member presses the one end of the object, wherein the one end of the object may be an end facing the conveying direction, and the other end of the object may be an end facing the opposite side to the conveying direction.

[0022] The pressing member can press the object while pulling it in the conveying direction immediately before the cutter cuts one end of the object.

[0023] The pressing member rotates while pressing the object, and the rotation speed of the pressing member can be greater than the supply speed of the supply unit.

[0024] The ratio of the rotational speed of the pressing member to the supply speed of the supply unit can be greater than 1 and not greater than 1.2.

[0025] The pressing member moves in the direction of movement of the object while pressing it, and then immediately returns to its original state after the object is cut.

[0026] The supply unit may be a supply belt that supports and moves the sheet-like objects, and the pressing member may be a pressure roller.

[0027] The first transmission unit may be cyclic and includes a transmission path for transmitting the cut object and a return path for returning after transmitting the object.

[0028] The first conveying unit may include a plurality of holding members and a track serving as the path for the movement of the plurality of holding members, and each holding member may hold one or more of the cut objects.

[0029] The holding member includes an adsorption part that holds the front surface of the object by gas suction and a support member that supports the adsorption part. The adsorption part may be an adsorption plate that includes a plurality of adsorption holes on the adsorption surface of the object.

[0030] The apparatus for manufacturing electrode assemblies may further include a manufacturing unit that manufactures electrode assemblies using objects received directly from the first transfer unit or from another unit located between the first transfer unit and the manufacturing unit.

[0031] The manufacturing unit may be a stacked unit of stacked single cells and / or half cells.

[0032] The apparatus for manufacturing electrode assemblies may further include a second transfer unit between the transfer path of the first transfer unit and the manufacturing unit, wherein the second transfer unit may be cyclic and includes a transfer path for transferring the object transferred from the first transfer unit to the manufacturing unit and a return path for returning after transferring the object.

[0033] The transmission path of the first transmission unit is located at the upper part of the first transmission unit, and the transmission path of the second transmission unit is located at the lower part of the second transmission unit, wherein the end of the transmission path of the first transmission unit and the beginning of the transmission path of the second transmission unit may overlap each other.

[0034] The object can be transported while the holding surface of the holding member of the first transport unit and the holding surface of the holding member of the second transport unit are facing each other.

[0035] The second conveying unit includes a plurality of holding members and a track that serves as the path for the plurality of holding members to move, and each holding member can hold one or more of the cut objects.

[0036] The holding member includes an adsorption part that holds the front surface of the object by gas suction and a support member that supports the adsorption part. The adsorption part may be an adsorption plate that includes a plurality of adsorption holes on the adsorption surface of the object.

[0037] The object can be a single battery or a half battery.

[0038] Beneficial effects

[0039] According to this disclosure, more precise cutting and conveying can be performed during the manufacturing process of electrode assemblies. Therefore, the production efficiency of electrode assemblies can be maximized, and the quality of the produced electrode assemblies can also be improved.

[0040] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the detailed description of the appended claims any additional effects not described above. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an object provided in sheet form before it is cut.

[0042] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of conventional electrode assembly manufacturing equipment.

[0043] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A partial enlarged view of the electrode assembly manufacturing equipment.

[0044] Figure 4 The reasons for folding objects provided in sheet form are illustrated by example.

[0045] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A partial enlarged view of the equipment used to manufacture electrode assemblies.

[0047] Figure 7 and Figure 8 An example is shown as Figure 6 The first and second embodiments are methods for pulling an object by pressing a component.

[0048] Figure 9 It is shown Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an example of a retaining member included in the design.

[0049] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the adsorption section of the retaining member shown.

[0050] Figure 11 It is shown Figure 9 Another example view of the retaining component.

[0051] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0052] Various embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings to enable those skilled in the art to readily implement them. This disclosure can be modified in various different ways and is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0053] For clarity in describing this disclosure, irrelevant parts will be omitted, and the same reference numerals will denote the same elements throughout the specification.

[0054] Furthermore, the dimensions and thicknesses of each element in the accompanying drawings are arbitrarily shown for ease of description, and this disclosure is not limited to those dimensions and thicknesses shown in the drawings. The thicknesses of layers, regions, etc., are exaggerated in the drawings for clarity. The thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated in the drawings for ease of description.

[0055] Furthermore, it will be understood that when an element such as a layer, membrane, region, or plate is said to be "on" or "above" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be intermediate elements present. Conversely, when an element is said to be "directly" "on" another element, it means that there are no other intermediate elements present. Additionally, the terms "on" or "above" refer to being arranged above or below a reference portion, and do not necessarily mean being arranged at the upper end of the reference portion in the opposite direction to gravity.

[0056] Furthermore, throughout the description, when a part is referred to as "including" or "containing" a component, it means that the part may further include other components, but does not exclude other components, unless there is an explicit description to the contrary.

[0057] Furthermore, throughout the description, when referred to as a "plane," it means when viewing the target portion from above, and when referred to as a "section," it means when viewing the target portion from one side of a vertically cut section.

[0058] An apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0059] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A partial enlarged view of the equipment used to manufacture electrode assemblies.

[0060] Figure 5 The equipment for manufacturing electrode assemblies includes a supply unit 100, a cutting unit 200, a first conveying unit 300, a second conveying unit 400, and a manufacturing unit 500.

[0061] The supply unit 100 supplies, for example, a plurality of objects 1 that are formed into sheets and connected as a single unit. Object 1 may be, for example, a single battery. However, this disclosure is not limited to providing single batteries and can be modified or changed according to various environments in which the invention is applied, such as its application to processes that provide half-batteries.

[0062] The supply unit 100 may include, for example, a pair of supply belts 110, 120. The supply belts 110, 120 can support and move multiple sheet-like objects. The pair of supply belts 110, 120 are arranged facing each other. The multiple sheet-like objects 1 move between the pair of supply belts 110, 120. The pair of supply belts 110, 120 circulate in opposite directions, and their facing surfaces circulate toward the cutting unit 200. Each of the pair of supply belts 110, 120 may be, for example, a conveyor belt. Furthermore, the pair of supply belts 110, 120 may be driven, for example, by a servo motor.

[0063] On the other hand, this disclosure is not limited to those shown in the figures, and various modifications and variations are possible. In some cases, the invention can be implemented in such a way that only one supply belt 110 is provided, and a plurality of sheet-like objects 1 are placed on the supply belt 110 and moved, and pressure is applied to the objects 1 by rollers or the like.

[0064] The cutting unit 200 is located at the end (rear end) of the supply unit 100 and the beginning (front end) of the conveying unit 300. The cutting unit 200 cuts multiple sheet-like object objects 1 supplied from the supply unit 100 according to each object object 1. At this time, the multiple sheet-like object objects 1 are cut while tilted downwards towards the first conveying unit 300. The object objects 1 cut by the cutting unit 200 are conveyed by the first conveying unit 300 and finally transferred to the manufacturing unit 500.

[0065] The cutting unit 200 includes a cutter 210 that cuts multiple sheet-like objects 1 according to each object 1, and may also include a support member 220. The lower surfaces of the multiple sheet-like objects 1 discharged from the supply unit 100 may be supported by the upper surface of the support member 220. Furthermore, the cutting unit 200 includes a pressing member 230 arranged at the rear end of the cutter 210 and pressing the upper surface of the object 1. The pressing member 230 may be, for example, a pressure roller. However, the pressing member 230 of this disclosure is not limited thereto; it is sufficient as long as the pressing member 230 is capable of pressing and fixing the object 1, and it can be selected and applied in various ways depending on the environment in which the invention is implemented.

[0066] The following will refer to Figure 6 The operation of the cutting unit 200 will be described in detail below.

[0067] The first conveying unit 300 includes, for example, a plurality of holding members 310 and a track 320 on which the holding members 310 move. The holding members 310 move the object 1 being cut. Although each holding member 310 can move one object 1, this disclosure is not limited thereto and can be modified / changed and applied, for example, multiple object 1 can also be moved. The holding members 310 can, for example, attract and move the object 1. For this purpose, the holding member 310 includes an attraction part 312 (see [link to relevant documentation]) capable of attracting the object 1 onto the holding surface. Figure 9 The adsorption section 312 may, for example, be plate-shaped. The adsorption section 312 includes a plurality of adsorption holes 312a. The object 1 can pass through the plurality of adsorption holes 312a (see...). Figure 10 It is adsorbed onto the holding surface of the plate-shaped adsorption part 312. The following will refer to... Figures 9 to 11 The example description maintains the other shape and structure of component 310.

[0068] Multiple holding members 310 are arranged at predetermined intervals on a track 320 and move along the track 320. The track 320 may be, for example, a circular track. It includes a conveying path and a return path. In the conveying path, the object 1 cut by the cutting unit 200 is held by the holding members 310 and conveyed to the second conveying unit 400. In the return path, after the object 1 is transferred to the second conveying unit 400, the empty holding member 310 returns. The conveying path is the path from the supply unit 100 to the second conveying unit 400, and the return path is the path from the second conveying unit 400 back to the supply unit 100. In the first conveying unit 300, the upper path may correspond to the conveying path, and the lower path may correspond to the return path.

[0069] In the track 320 of the first conveying unit 300, the conveying path for conveying the object 1 can be located above the return path of the empty holding member 310. Furthermore, the holding surface of the holding member 310 located on the conveying path of the first conveying unit 300 faces upwards. This is to ensure that the object 1 supplied from the supply unit 100 falls by gravity and rests on the holding surface of the holding member 310 located on the conveying path. The object 1 placed on the holding surface of the holding member 310 of the first conveying unit 300 moves along the conveying path and is transferred to the second conveying unit 400.

[0070] Similar to the first conveying unit 300, the second conveying unit 400 also includes a plurality of holding members 410 and a track 420, along which the holding members 410 move. The holding members 410 of the second conveying unit 400 also move the object 1 being cut. Each holding member 410 can move one object 1, but this disclosure is not limited thereto and can be modified / altered and applied, for example, to move multiple objects 1. Furthermore, the holding members 410 of the second conveying unit 400 can, for example, also attract and move the object 1, and the specific shape and structure of the holding members 410 of the second conveying unit 400 can be applied in substantially the same way as that of the holding members 310 of the first conveying unit 300, or some of them can be modified or altered according to the context in which the invention is applied; therefore, refer to those described above regarding the holding members 310 of the first conveying unit 300.

[0071] On the other hand, the end of the transmission path of the first transmission unit 300 and the beginning of the transmission path of the second transmission unit 400 overlap each other. At this time, the upward-facing holding surface of the holding member 310 of the first transmission unit 300 and the downward-facing holding surface of the holding member 410 of the second transmission unit 400 face each other. As a result, the object 1 located on the holding surface of the holding member 310 of the first transmission unit 300 is transferred from the end of the transmission path of the first transmission unit 300 (at the part that overlaps with the beginning of the transmission path of the second transmission unit 400) to the downward-facing holding surface of the holding member 410 of the second transmission unit 400.

[0072] Multiple holding members 410 are arranged at predetermined intervals on the track 420 and move along the track 420. The track 420 of the second transfer unit 400 can also be a loop track, for example. It includes a transfer path and a return path. The object 1 transferred by the first transfer unit 300 is held by the holding members 410 along the transfer path and transferred to the manufacturing unit 500. After the object 1 is transferred to the manufacturing unit 500, the empty holding members 410 return along the return path. The transfer path is the path from the first transfer unit 300 to the manufacturing unit 500, and the return path is the path from the manufacturing unit 500 back to the first transfer unit 300.

[0073] In the track 420 of the second conveying unit 400, the conveying path of the conveyed object 1 can be located below the return path of the empty holding member 410. Furthermore, the holding surface of the holding member 410 located on the conveying path of the second conveying unit 400 faces downward.

[0074] This is so that object 1 falls by gravity and is provided to manufacturing unit 500 located below the second conveying unit 400. For example, when object 1 is a single cell or half cell and manufacturing unit 500 is a stacking unit that stacks single cells or half cells to manufacture electrode assemblies, object 1 (single cell or half cell) falls by gravity to manufacturing unit 500 located below the second conveying unit 400 and is placed and stacked on top of previously stacked object 1 (stacked single cells).

[0075] The holding member 410 conveys the object 1 to the manufacturing unit 500 along the conveying path of the track 420. When the holding member 410 is above the manufacturing unit 500, it does not hold (adsorb) the object 1, but allows it to fall into the manufacturing unit 500. After the object 1 is supplied to the manufacturing unit 500, the empty holding member 410 returns to the first conveying unit 300 along the return path, then receives the object 1 again and conveys it along the conveying path. Furthermore, the manufacturing unit 500 uses the object transferred from the second conveying unit to manufacture electrode assemblies.

[0076] Manufacturing unit 500 manufactures electrode assemblies using the transferred object 1. Manufacturing unit 500 may be, for example, a stack unit that stacks single cells and / or half cells to manufacture electrode assemblies.

[0077] Object 1 is transferred by the first conveying unit 300 and finally transferred to the manufacturing unit 500. At this time, as described above... Figure 5 In the embodiment described, a second conveying unit 400 is further provided in the path between the first conveying unit 300 and the manufacturing unit 500, so that the object 1 can also be transferred to the manufacturing unit 500 in the order of the first conveying unit 300 and the second conveying unit 400 to manufacture the electrode assembly. The following is described as a modified embodiment. Figure 12 In some embodiments, the manufacturing unit 500 can directly receive the object 1 from the first transfer unit 300 and manufacture the electrode assembly. That is, in some cases, this can be achieved without the second transfer unit 400. Alternatively, although not shown in embodiments of this disclosure, other additional components may be included in addition to the first transfer unit 300 and the second transfer unit 400 to transfer the object to the manufacturing unit 500.

[0078] Next, refer to Figure 6 The following will describe in more detail the situation where multiple sheet-like objects 1 provided from the supply unit 100 are cut by the cutting unit 200 according to each object 1 and transferred to the first conveying unit 300.

[0079] First, object 1 is provided from supply unit 100 in a sheet-like form, consisting of multiple object objects connected together. One end of object 1 is located on the holding surface of holding member 310 of first conveying unit 300. Furthermore, the other end of object 1 is located on the upper surface of support member 220. Here, one end of object 1 is the end of object 1 provided in sheet form, which is located in the forward direction of object 1, and the other end of object 1 is located in the opposite direction to the forward direction of object 1. In summary, one end of object 1 is fixed by pressing member 230 while being placed on the holding surface of holding member 310, and the other end of object 1 is positioned while being supported by the upper surface of support member 220. Immediately following the other end of object 1, the sheet-like object 1 is located on supply unit 100. While supporting the two ends of object 1 in the above manner, the diaphragm between object 1 and subsequent object 1 is cut by cutting unit 200 (i.e., cutter 210). That is, along... Figure 1 Line AA is cut.

[0080] At this time, when the object 1 supplied from the supply unit 100 is cut by the cutting unit 200 and placed on the holding surface of the holding member 310, it is important that the object 1 does not fold.

[0081] For example, as mentioned above Figure 3 and Figure 4 As described, when the object 1 supplied from the supply unit 10 moves in a straight line along the direction of movement of the upper surface of the conveyor belt of the first conveyor unit 30, the object 1, which is provided in sheet form at the front end P1 of the cutting unit 20, may fold. Alternatively, when the object 1, cut at the rear end P2 of the cutting unit 20, is placed on the first conveyor unit 30, the object 1 may fold or become misaligned.

[0082] To prevent the above... Figure 3 and Figure 4 The problems of the prior art described herein, according to embodiments of this disclosure, involve sheet-like plurality of objects 1 such as... Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, it is cut while tilted downwards toward the first conveying unit 300, and the object 1 is as follows: Figure 7 and Figure 8 It is shown being cut while being pulled by the pressing member 230.

[0083] First, a plurality of sheet-shaped objects 1 supplied from the supply unit 100 to the cutting unit 200 are positioned on the holding surface of the holding member 310 in an inclined state relative to the holding surface of the holding member 310 immediately before the objects 1 are cut. The supply unit 100 supplies the objects 1 to the cutting unit 200, causing the objects 1 to tilt. For this purpose, the direction of movement of the objects 1 in the supply unit 100 has an inclination angle that tilts downward toward the first conveying unit 300 (more specifically, toward the cutter 210 of the cutting unit 200). For example, the supply belts 110 and 120 have an inclination angle that tilts downward toward the first conveying unit 300. The objects 1 supplied from the supply unit 100 move along the inclination angle that tilts downward toward the first conveying unit 300. Thus, the objects 1 supplied from the supply unit 100 to the cutting unit 200 have an inclination angle that tilts downward toward the first conveying unit 300.

[0084] On the other hand, in order to cut multiple sheet-shaped objects 1 while tilting downward toward the first conveying unit 300, an example is given. Figure 5 and Figure 6 The present disclosure is not limited to those shown. It is sufficient that the sheet-like objects 1 are positioned only at a position between the supply unit 100 and the cutting unit 200 in a downward tilt toward the first conveying unit 300. The present disclosure can be modified and changed according to the environment in which the invention is implemented.

[0085] On the other hand, as described above, the object 1 supplied from the supply unit 100 is positioned on the holding surface of the holding member 310 in an inclined state relative to the holding surface of the holding member 310 immediately before the object 1 is cut. At this time, one end of the object 1 can be pressed by the pressing member 230. In addition, while one end of the object 1 is pressed against the holding surface of the holding member 310 by the pressing member 230, the pressing member 230 is also in the direction of the conveying path of the first conveying unit 300 ( Figure 6 (It was pulled to the right)

[0086] This prevents the folding of multiple sheet-like objects 1 at the front end P1 of the cutting unit 200. Since the multiple objects 1 are correctly aligned and do not fold during cutting, miscutting can be prevented, cutting quality can be improved, and the occurrence of defective products can be significantly reduced.

[0087] More specifically, because the sheet-like objects 1 taken from the supply unit 100 are arranged at an angle inclined downward toward the first conveying unit 300 (more specifically, toward the cutter 210 of the cutting unit 200), they are in harmony with... Figure 4Compared to the existing technology where the object is provided in a horizontal direction, the object 1 can be flattened by gravity. Furthermore, at this time, one end of the object 1 is pressed against the holding surface of the holding member 310 by the pressing member 230, and simultaneously, the pressing member 230 is also in the direction of the conveying path of the first conveying unit 300. Figure 6 The object 1 is pulled to the right (in the middle) so that it can be reliably flattened.

[0088] Figure 7 and Figure 8 An example is shown as Figure 6 The first and second embodiments are methods for pulling object 1 by pressing member 230.

[0089] First, refer to Figure 7 The pressing member 230 also rotates. At this time, the rotation direction of the pressing member 230 is the same as the rotation direction of the supply belt 110. That is, the supply belt 110 in the supply unit 100 is also above the object 1, and the pressing member 230 in the cutting unit 200 is also above the object 1, so that the rotation directions are the same. However, the rotation speed of the pressing member 230 is greater than the supply speed (rotation speed) of the supply belt 110 (similarly, the rotation speed of the pressing member 230 is greater than the supply speed (rotation speed) of the corresponding supply belt 120, only the rotation direction is different).

[0090] More specifically, when the sheet-like objects 1 are pushed by the rotation of the supply belts 110 and 120 of the supply unit 100, the rotational speed of the pressing member 230 is greater than the rotational speed of the supply belts 110 and 120, so that the sheet-like objects 1 are pulled by the rotation of the pressing member 230. At this time, as described above, needless to say, one end of the object 1 is pressed against the holding surface of the holding member 310 by the pressing member 230.

[0091] The ratio of the rotational speed of the pressing member 230 to the supply speed (rotational speed) of the supply belts 110 and 120 can be greater than 1 and not greater than 1.2, for example. Alternatively, it can be greater than 1.02 and less than 1.08. The pressing member 230 can be, for example, a pressure roller. The pressing member 230 can be connected to a drive device (not shown) that rotates the pressing member 230, such as a servo motor. The rotational speed, rotation time, pressing level, pressing time interval, etc., of the pressing member 230 can be applied in various ways depending on the environment in which the invention is implemented.

[0092] Reference Figure 8The pressing member 230 may not rotate, but may move linearly in the direction of the conveying path of the object 1 while pressing it. After the object 1 is cut by the cutter 210, the pressing member 230 immediately returns to its original state. The pressing member 230 may be implemented as a non-rotating pressure roller, but is not limited to this, as long as it can press the object 1 without damaging its shape and structure. Similarly, a drive device (not shown) is coupled to the pressing member 230. Similarly, the rotational speed, rotation time, pressing level, pressing time interval, etc., of the pressing member 230 may be applied in various ways depending on the environment in which the invention is implemented.

[0093] In addition, the object 1 is cut by the cutting unit 200 at the rear end P2 of the cutting unit 200, and at the same time, the object 1, which is positioned in an upward tilted state on the holding surface of the holding member 310, is placed on the holding surface of the holding member 310, and is not folded by gravity along the circumferential direction with one end of the object 1 as the central axis.

[0094] Based on the movement path of object 1 in the first conveying unit 300, the tilt angle of the movement path of object 1 in the supply unit 100 is, for example, greater than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees, or greater than 5 degrees and less than 45 degrees, or greater than 10 degrees and less than 30 degrees. The tilt angle can be adjusted and applied in various ways depending on the type of object 1, the movement speed of object 1, the environment in which the present invention is implemented, etc.

[0095] Figure 9 It is shown Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an example of a retaining member included in the design. Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of the adsorption section of the retaining member shown.

[0096] Reference Figure 9 In this embodiment, the holding member 310 can be configured as a suction device employing a gas suction method. The holding member 310 includes a support member 311 and an adsorption part 312. The support member 311 moves the holding member 310 and supports the adsorption part 312, which temporarily attaches (adsorbs) the object 1 by suctioning gas. One end of the support member 311 located on the track 32 side can be provided with a drive device (e.g., a wheel) capable of moving the holding member 310 along the track 32. It is sufficient for the drive device to move the holding member 310; various drive devices can be used.

[0097] The adsorption section 312 may be located at the other end of the support member 311. The adsorption section 312 may include a plurality of adsorption holes 312a to adsorb, lift and move the object 1. The plurality of adsorption holes 312a are connected to a suction pipe 312b, and external air can be drawn from the adsorption holes 312a through the suction pipe 312b to adsorb the object 1.

[0098] Multiple adsorption holes 312a can be evenly distributed across the entire suction surface of the adsorption section 312, preventing the object 1 from folding during movement. For example, the adsorption holes 312a can be modified / changed and applied in various ways, such as being arranged in a grid shape across the entire suction surface of the adsorption section 312, or along multiple straight lines arranged in rows or radially, or along multiple concentric circles, etc.

[0099] Figure 11 It is shown Figure 9 Another example view of the retaining component. Figure 11 The retaining member 310 is a suction device that applies a gas suction method, and it can be configured as a bellows-type suction cup. The bellows-type retaining member 310 can suction gas through an adsorption hole open on its lower side. The bellows-type suction cup can be configured such that its cross-section has an inverted conical shape, such as... Figure 11 As shown in (a), it can also be configured to have a buffering effect by forming folds on the outer periphery to cope with external forces and minimize damage to object 1, such as Figure 11 As shown in (b). The above-mentioned bellows-type suction cup can be provided in the retaining member 310 as needed, or multiple cups can be provided to cover a wider area.

[0100] In the description of the retaining member 310 above, the retaining member 310 with gas suction function was mainly described. However, the retaining member 310 can be configured not to have gas suction function. As an example, the retaining member 310 can be provided in the form of a clamp or gripper that holds and fixes the object 1 and moves it, and can be modified and changed in various ways depending on the environment in which the present invention is applied.

[0101] In addition, above Figures 9 to 11 The description of retaining member 310 can be applied equivalently to... Figure 5 The second transmission unit 400's holding member 410, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0102] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, reference has been made to Figures 5 to 11 Exemplary description Figure 5The first conveying unit 300 and the second conveying unit 400 each include a plurality of holding members 310, 320 and tracks 320, 420, but this disclosure is not limited to those described above, and various modifications and changes can be made. For example, each of the first conveying unit 300 and the second conveying unit 400 may be implemented as a conveyor belt.

[0103] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0104] exist Figure 12 In this embodiment, the manufacturing unit 500 can directly receive the object 1 from the first transfer unit 300 to manufacture the electrode assembly. That is, the electrode assembly can be manufactured by transferring the object 1 directly from the first transfer unit 300 to the manufacturing unit 500 without going through the second transfer unit 400.

[0105] For reference only. Figure 5 The implementation describes a case in which an electrode assembly is manufactured by receiving a transfer of object 1 from another unit located between the first transfer unit 300 and the manufacturing unit 500.

[0106] exist Figure 12 In the implementation method, the transmission path of the first transmission unit 300 can be referred to Figure 5 The implementation is described above. Furthermore, the manufacturing unit 500 may, for example, be arranged below the first conveying unit 300. This is so that the object 1 is provided to the manufacturing unit 500 by falling from the lower track of the first conveying unit 300 by gravity. More specifically, when the object 1 is a single cell or half cell, and the manufacturing unit 500 is a stacking unit that stacks single cells or half cells to manufacture an electrode assembly, the object 1 (single cell or half cell) falls by gravity onto the manufacturing unit 500 arranged below the first conveying unit 300 and is placed on top of the previously stacked object 1 (stacked single cells) for stacking. After the object 1 is supplied to the manufacturing unit 500, the empty holding member 310 of the first conveying unit 300 moves along the return path toward the side of the supply unit 100 and the cutting unit 200, holding the object 1, and then moves again along the conveying path.

[0107] exist Figure 12 In the implementation method, since in addition to being related to Figure 5 Apart from the description related to the second transmission unit 400, the other descriptions are redundant, therefore refer to the above. Figures 5 to 11 The content described in it.

[0108] Although the present invention has been described in detail above with reference to preferred embodiments, the scope of this disclosure is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements using the basic concept of this disclosure as defined in the appended claims, which also fall within the scope of this disclosure.

[0109] [Label Explanation]

[0110] 1: Object

[0111] 100: Supply Unit

[0112] 110, 120: Supply belt

[0113] 200: Cutting unit

[0114] 210: Cutter

[0115] 220: Supporting component

[0116] 230: Pressing component

[0117] 300: First Transmission Unit

[0118] 310: Retaining component

[0119] 320: Track

[0120] 400: Second Transmission Unit

[0121] 410: Retaining component

[0122] 420: Track

[0123] 500: Manufacturing unit.

Claims

1. An apparatus for manufacturing electrode assemblies, comprising: A supply unit that supplies multiple sheet-like objects; A cutting unit that cuts the sheet-like plurality of objects according to each object; and The first conveying unit includes a conveying path for conveying the object to be cut. The sheet-like objects are cut while tilted downward toward the first conveying unit.

2. The apparatus for manufacturing electrode assemblies according to claim 1, wherein: In the supply unit, the sheet-like objects move along an inclined surface that slopes downward toward the first conveying unit.

3. The apparatus for manufacturing electrode assemblies according to claim 1, wherein: The cutting unit includes: A pressing member presses one end of the object supplied by the supply unit against a holding surface in the first conveying unit that holds the object; and A cutter that cuts one end of the object when the pressing member presses against that end. The one end of the object is the end facing the conveying direction, and the other end of the object is the end facing the opposite side to the conveying direction.

4. The apparatus for manufacturing electrode assemblies according to claim 3, wherein: The pressing member presses down on the object while pulling it in the conveying direction immediately before the cutter cuts one end of the object.

5. The apparatus for manufacturing electrode assemblies according to claim 4, wherein: The pressing member rotates while pressing the object, and the rotational speed of the pressing member is greater than the supply speed of the supply unit.

6. The apparatus for manufacturing electrode assemblies according to claim 5, wherein: The ratio of the rotational speed of the pressing member to the supply speed of the supply unit is greater than 1 and not greater than 1.

2.

7. The apparatus for manufacturing electrode assemblies according to claim 4, wherein: The pressing member moves in the direction of movement of the object while pressing it, and then immediately returns to its original state after the object is cut.

8. The apparatus for manufacturing electrode assemblies according to claim 3, wherein: The supply unit is a supply belt that supports and moves the sheet-like plurality of objects, and The pressing component is a pressure roller.

9. The apparatus for manufacturing electrode assemblies according to claim 1, wherein: The first transmission unit is cyclic and includes a transmission path for transmitting the cut object and a return path for returning after transmitting the object.

10. The apparatus for manufacturing electrode assemblies according to claim 1, wherein: The first conveying unit includes a plurality of holding members and a track serving as the path for the movement of the plurality of holding members, and Each retaining member holds one or more of the cut objects.

11. The apparatus for manufacturing electrode assemblies according to claim 10, wherein: The retaining member includes an adsorption portion that retains the front surface of the object by gas suction and a supporting member that supports the adsorption portion. The adsorption section is an adsorption plate with multiple adsorption holes on the adsorption surface that adsorbs the object.

12. The apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a manufacturing unit that manufactures the electrode assembly using an object received directly from the first transfer unit or from another unit located between the first transfer unit and the manufacturing unit.

13. The apparatus for manufacturing electrode assemblies according to claim 12, wherein: The manufacturing unit is a stacking unit that stacks single cells and / or half cells.

14. The apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 12, further comprising a second conveying unit located between the conveying path of the first conveying unit and the manufacturing unit. The second transfer unit is a cyclic type and includes a transfer path for transferring the object transferred from the first transfer unit to the manufacturing unit, and a return path for returning after transferring the object.

15. The apparatus for manufacturing electrode assemblies according to claim 12, wherein: The transmission path of the first transmission unit is located at the upper part of the first transmission unit, and the transmission path of the second transmission unit is located at the lower part of the second transmission unit. The end of the transmission path of the first transmission unit and the beginning of the transmission path of the second transmission unit overlap with each other.

16. The apparatus for manufacturing electrode assemblies according to claim 14, wherein: The object is conveyed while the holding surface of the holding member of the first conveying unit and the holding surface of the holding member of the second conveying unit are facing each other.

17. The apparatus for manufacturing electrode assemblies according to claim 14, wherein: The second conveying unit includes a plurality of holding members and a track serving as the path for the movement of the plurality of holding members, and Each retaining member holds one or more of the cut objects.

18. The apparatus for manufacturing electrode assemblies according to claim 17, wherein: The retaining member includes an adsorption portion that retains the front surface of the object by gas suction and a supporting member that supports the adsorption portion. The adsorption section is an adsorption plate with multiple adsorption holes on the adsorption surface that adsorbs the object.

19. The apparatus for manufacturing electrode assemblies according to claim 1, wherein: The object is a single cell or a half cell.

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