Stacking device

Abstract

An embodiment provides a stacking apparatus including: a stacking module including a stacking table and a stacking head that stacks a positive plate, a negative plate, and a separator on the stacking table; a positive electrode plate supply module for supplying a positive electrode plate to the stacking head; a negative electrode plate supply module for supplying a negative electrode plate to the stacking head; and an inspection module for inspecting whether the positive plates, i.e. The negative plates, stacked on the stacking table are aligned, the inspection module including: a mirror for reflecting an upper surface pattern of the stacking table; and a camera for obtaining the upper surface pattern reflected by the mirror.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

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

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

[0003] A secondary battery is manufactured by stacking a positive plate, a separator, and a negative plate by a stacking device, however, the existing stacking device has the following problems.

[0004] In the existing stacking device, a worktable is moved left and right to alternately stack the positive plate and the negative plate, and thus a space for moving the worktable left and right is required, resulting in a problem in that the size of the device is increased.

[0005] In addition, when the electrode plate is picked up, there is a case where two electrode plates are stuck together due to static electricity and are picked up, and thus process and product defects can occur.

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

[0007] In addition, since the mandrel that presses and supports the electrode plate is moved in a predetermined order when it is driven up and down and left and right, there is a problem in that a lot of time is taken to fix and release the electrode plate.

[0008] In addition, the positive plate and the negative plate are provided by a single supply device, and thus there is a problem in that the supply speed is slow and the entire device needs to be stopped when a fault occurs in the electrode supply device.

[0009] In addition, in the process of pressurizing the battery after it is manufactured using high pressure, there is a problem in that the battery is tightly attached to the pressurizing mold and is difficult to take out.

[0010] In addition, on the device structure of the stacking device, it is difficult to determine from the upper portion whether the stacked electrode plate is aligned, resulting in a problem in that it is difficult to accurately detect whether the electrode plate has a stacking defect.

[0011] In addition, there is no device for automatically winding the separator remaining on the electrode assembly discharged after the stacking is completed, and thus it needs to be manually completed, and thus there is a problem in that the work speed is slow. SUMMARY

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

[0013] The embodiment provides a stacking device, wherein the worktable is fixed and the stacking head rotates left and right.

[0014] The embodiment provides a stacking device, wherein the stacking device is provided with a pickup unit, and if two electrode plates are picked up when the electrode plates are picked up, the lower electrode plate is removed.

[0015] The embodiment provides a stacking device, wherein the length and tension of the diaphragm can be adjusted when the stacking head rotates.

[0016] The embodiment provides a stacking device, wherein the stacking device is provided with multiple support units which are independently controlled in vertical driving and horizontal driving.

[0017] The embodiment provides a stacking device, wherein the stacking device is provided with a sensor for detecting the case that two electrode plates are picked up when the electrode plates are picked up.

[0018] The embodiment provides a stacking device, wherein the stacking device is provided with multiple positive plate supply parts and multiple negative plate supply parts.

[0019] The embodiment provides a stacking device, wherein the stacking device comprises a pressurizing module for adjusting the contact area after the electrode assembly is pressurized.

[0020] The embodiment provides a stacking device, wherein the stacking device shoots the upper surface image of the electrode assembly through a mirror.

[0021] The embodiment provides a stacking device, wherein the diaphragm after being cut is wound on the electrode assembly to be fixed.

[0022] The problems to be solved by the embodiment are not limited to the above, and the purposes or effects can be obtained according to the measures or embodiments described below.

[0023] (Measures for solving problems)

[0024] The stacking device according to the first feature comprises a stacking module, a positive plate supply module and a negative plate supply module, wherein the stacking module comprises a stacking worktable and a stacking head for stacking positive plates, negative plates and diaphragms on the stacking worktable; the positive plate supply module provides the positive plates; and the negative plate supply module provides the negative plates, and 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.

[0025] The second feature of the present application relates to a stacking device including: a stacking module including a stacking table, and a stacking head that stacks a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator on the stacking table; a positive electrode plate supply module that supplies the positive electrode plate; and a negative electrode plate supply module that supplies the negative electrode plate, wherein the positive electrode plate supply module includes: a first housing unit that houses a plurality of positive electrode plates; and a first pickup unit that picks up a positive electrode plate housed in the first housing unit, the first pickup unit including: a plurality of first suction portions that suction the positive electrode plate; a main body portion that supports the plurality of first suction portions; and a vibration portion that vibrates the picked-up positive electrode plate.

[0026] The third feature of the present application relates to a stacking device including: a stacking module including a stacking table, and a stacking head that stacks a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator on the stacking table; a positive electrode plate supply module that supplies the positive electrode plate; a negative electrode plate supply module that supplies the negative electrode plate; a separator supply module that supplies a separator to the stacking head; and a tension adjustment module that adjusts tension of the separator provided between the separator supply module and the stacking head.

[0027] The fourth feature of the present application relates to a stacking device including: a stacking module including a stacking table, and a stacking head that stacks a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator on the stacking table; a positive electrode plate supply module that supplies the positive electrode plate; and a negative electrode plate supply module that supplies the negative electrode plate, wherein the stacking module includes a plurality of support units that support the positive electrode plate, the negative electrode plate, and the separator stacked on the stacking table, the plurality of support units including: a support pin; a first support driving portion that moves the support pin in a horizontal direction; and a second support driving portion that moves the support pin in a vertical direction, the first support driving portion and the second support driving portion being independently driven.

[0028] The fifth feature of the present application relates to a stacking device including: a stacking module including a stacking table, and a stacking head that stacks a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator on the stacking table; a positive electrode plate supply module that supplies the positive electrode plate; and a negative electrode plate supply module that supplies the negative electrode plate, wherein the positive electrode plate supply module includes: a first housing unit that houses a plurality of positive electrode plates; and a first pickup unit that picks up a positive electrode plate housed in the first housing unit, the first pickup unit including: a plurality of first suction portions that suction the positive electrode plate; a main body portion that supports the plurality of first suction portions; and an eddy current sensor that detects whether the picked-up positive electrode plate is suctioned by two.

[0029] The sixth feature of the present application relates to a stacking device including: a stacking module including a stacking table, and a stacking head that stacks a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator on the stacking table; a positive electrode plate supply module that supplies the positive electrode plate; and a negative electrode plate supply module that supplies the negative electrode plate, wherein the positive electrode plate supply module includes a plurality of first storage units, a plurality of first-1 pickup units that respectively pick up the positive electrode plate from the plurality of first storage units, and a first alignment table that supplies the positive electrode plate to the stacking head, the negative electrode plate supply module includes a plurality of second storage units, a plurality of second-1 pickup units that respectively pick up the negative electrode plate from the plurality of second storage units, and a second alignment table that supplies the negative electrode plate to the stacking head, and the positive electrode plate picked up by the first-1 pickup unit and the negative electrode plate picked up by the second-1 pickup unit are alternately placed on the first alignment table.

[0030] The seventh feature of the present application relates to a stacking device including: a stacking module including a stacking table, and a stacking head that stacks a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator on the stacking table; a positive electrode plate supply module that supplies the positive electrode plate; a negative electrode plate supply module that supplies the negative electrode plate; and an inspection module that inspects whether the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate stacked on the stacking table are aligned, wherein the inspection module includes a mirror that reflects an upper surface image of the stacking table, and a camera that obtains the upper surface image reflected by the mirror.

[0031] The eighth feature of the present application relates to a stacking device including: a stacking module including a stacking table, and a stacking head that stacks a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator on the stacking table; a positive electrode plate supply module that supplies the positive electrode plate; a negative electrode plate supply module that supplies the negative electrode plate; and a winding module that winds an end of the separator around an electrode assembly formed by stacking the positive electrode plate, the negative electrode plate, and the separator, wherein the winding module includes a first winding unit including a guide portion, and a first rotation portion that rotates the guide portion, and a second winding unit including a second rotation portion that fixes the guide portion to rotate together with the first rotation portion.

[0032] The ninth feature of the present invention relates to a stacking device including a stacking module including a stacking workbench and a stacking head that stacks a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator on the stacking workbench, a positive electrode plate supply module that supplies the positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate supply module that supplies the negative electrode plate, and a pressurizing module that pressurizes an electrode assembly formed by stacking the positive electrode plate, the negative electrode plate, and the separator, wherein the pressurizing module includes a first plate for preventing the electrode assembly, a second plate that is spaced apart at an upper portion of the first plate, a pressurizing plate driving portion that raises and lowers at least one of the first plate or the second plate, and a contact area adjusting portion that is provided to at least one of the first plate or the second plate and adjusts an area that contacts the electrode assembly.

[0033] (EFFECT OF INVENTION)

[0034] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a stacking device is provided, in which a workbench is fixed and a stacking head is rotated left and right, thereby enabling the size of the stacking device to be reduced.

[0035] Further, a stacking device is provided, which has a pickup unit, and if two electrode plates are picked up when picking up an electrode plate, the pickup unit removes the lower electrode plate, thereby enabling the electrode plate attached to the lower portion of the picked-up electrode plate to be removed, and preventing defects (malfunctions) of the electrode assembly.

[0036] Further, a stacking device is provided, in which the length and tension of a separator can be adjusted when a stacking head is rotated, thereby enabling defects (malfunctions) of the stacking of the separator to be prevented.

[0037] Further, a stacking device is provided, which has a plurality of support units whose vertical driving and horizontal driving are separately controlled, thereby enabling the electrode plate fixing and releasing time of the support units to be shortened, and the TAC time to be shortened.

[0038] Further, a stacking device is provided, which has a sensor for detecting whether two electrode plates are picked up when an electrode plate is picked up, thereby enabling two electrode plates to be detected early, and preventing defects (malfunctions) of the electrode assembly.

[0039] Further, a stacking device is provided, which has a plurality of positive electrode plate supply portions and a plurality of negative electrode plate supply portions, thereby enabling the work speed to be improved, and even if a failure occurs in some of the supply portions, the remaining supply portions can supply electrode plates, so that the device does not need to be stopped to perform maintenance.

[0040] Further, a stacking device is provided, which includes a pressurizing module that adjusts the contact area after pressurizing an electrode assembly, so that the electrode assembly can be easily separated (peeled) from the pressurizing module after being pressurized.

[0041] In addition, a stacking device is provided that takes an image of the upper surface of the electrode assembly by means of a mirror, thereby enabling accurate detection of stacking defects (flaws) in the electrode assembly.

[0042] In addition, a stacking device is provided that wraps and fixes the cut end of the diaphragm to the electrode assembly, thereby enabling the diaphragm end generated during the cutting process of the electrode assembly to be automatically wrapped and fixed to the electrode assembly.

[0043] The various and beneficial advantages and effects of the present invention are not limited to the above description, and their advantages and effects can be more easily understood in the process of describing the specific embodiments of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Figure 1 A diagram illustrating the operation flow of a stacking apparatus according to one embodiment is provided.

[0045] Figure 2a and Figure 2b A diagram illustrating the transport sequence of the positive and negative electrode plates in one embodiment.

[0046] Figure 3 A diagram illustrating the transport sequence of the positive and negative electrode plates in another embodiment.

[0047] Figure 4 A diagram illustrating the transport sequence of the positive and negative electrode plates in another embodiment.

[0048] Figure 5 A diagram illustrating a stacking device according to one embodiment.

[0049] Figure 6 The diagram illustrates a first storage unit, a first transfer unit, and a positive electrode plate inspection unit according to an embodiment.

[0050] Figures 7a to 7e This diagram illustrates the process of transferring the positive electrode plate stored in the first storage unit to the positive electrode plate inspection unit.

[0051] Figure 8a A diagram illustrating the first-1 pickup unit of one embodiment.

[0052] Figure 8b This diagram illustrates the process of removing two electrode plates attached by the first-1 pickup unit.

[0053] Figure 9a and Figure 9b This diagram illustrates the process of the adsorption section of the sub-block rotating.

[0054] Figure 10 A diagram illustrating the first-1 pickup unit of another embodiment.

[0055] Figure 11a and Figure 11b A process diagram showing the process in which the electrode plate is bent due to the inclination of the suction portion of the first-1 pickup unit.

[0056] Figure 12 A diagram showing the inspection unit of one embodiment.

[0057] Figure 13 An image of the positive electrode plate set on the first alignment stage.

[0058] Figure 14 An image of the negative electrode plate set on the second alignment stage.

[0059] Figures 15a to 15c A process diagram showing the process in which the positive electrode plate, the negative electrode plate, and the separator are stacked on the stacking stage by the stacking head.

[0060] Figure 16 A diagram showing the stacking stage and the plurality of support units of one embodiment.

[0061] Figure 17a A diagram showing the three-axis drive of the support unit.

[0062] Figure 17b A diagram showing the state in which the plurality of support units press the electrode plate.

[0063] Figure 18a and Figure 18b A modification of Figure 17a and Figure 17b

[0064] Figure 19 A diagram showing the separator supply module of one embodiment.

[0065] Figure 20 A diagram showing the state in which the tension of the separator is adjusted by the separator supply module of one embodiment.

[0066] Figure 21 A process diagram showing the process of inspecting the alignment of the electrode assembly stacked on the stacking stage.

[0067] Figure 22 A top view showing the state in which the positive electrode plate is sucked by the third pickup module.

[0068] Figure 23 A process diagram showing the process of determining the alignment by the captured image of the positive electrode plate.

[0069] Figure 24 A diagram showing the state in which the pulling module of the stacking device of one embodiment approaches the electrode assembly.

[0070] Figure 25 ​FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a cutting module and a pulling module of one embodiment.

[0071] Figures 26a to 26e FIG. 7 is a view showing a state where the pulling module extracts the electrode assembly to the rear.

[0072] Figure 27 FIG. 8 is a view showing a state where the electrode assembly of one embodiment is moved to one side of the stacking apparatus by the pulling module.

[0073] Figure 28 FIG. 9 is a view showing a winding module of one embodiment.

[0074] Figure 29 FIG. 10 is a view showing a state where a guide rod is supported by a hook of a clamping unit.

[0075] Figure 30a FIG. 11 is a view showing a state where the electrode assembly is clamped to the guide rod of the winding module.

[0076] Figure 30b FIG. 12 is a view showing a state where the first rotating portion and the second rotating portion of the winding module are rotated to wind the separator of the electrode assembly.

[0077] Figure 31 FIG. 13 is a view showing a heating module of one embodiment.

[0078] Figure 32 FIG. 14 is a view showing a pressurizing module of one embodiment.

[0079] Figure 33 FIG. 15 is a view showing a diaphragm provided in a lower pressurizing plate.

[0080] Figure 34 FIG. 16 is a view showing a state where the diaphragm of the lower pressurizing plate is expanded to separate the electrode assembly from the lower pressurizing plate.

[0081] Figure 35 FIG. 17 is a view showing a state where the diaphragm is provided in the lower pressurizing plate and an upper pressurizing plate.

[0082] Figure 36 FIG. 18 is a view showing a state where the diaphragm of the upper pressurizing plate is expanded to separate the electrode assembly from the upper pressurizing plate.

[0083] Figure 37 FIG. 19 is a view showing a state where the diaphragm of the lower pressurizing plate is expanded to separate the electrode assembly from the lower pressurizing plate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0084] The present application can be modified variously and has various embodiments, and a plurality of specific embodiments will be illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described. However, this is not intended to limit the present application to specific embodiments, and it should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions falling within the idea and technical scope of the present application.

[0085] Second, first, and the like, ordinal terms can be used to describe various structural elements, but the structural elements are not limited to these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one structural element from other structural elements. For example, without departing from the scope of the present application, a second structural element can be named a first structural element, and similarly, a first structural element can be named a second structural element. The term "and / or" includes a combination of a plurality of associated recitations or any one of the associated recitations.

[0086] When it is referred to that a certain structural element is "connected" or "coupled" to another structural element, it should be understood that it can be directly connected or coupled to the other structural element, or there can be other structural elements therebetween. Conversely, when it is referred to that a certain structural element is "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another structural element, it should be understood that there are no other structural elements therebetween.

[0087] The terms used in the present application are used only to explain specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present application. The singular expression includes the plural expression, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In the present application, the term "include" or "have" or the like is intended to mean the presence of features, numbers, steps, actions, structural elements, components or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should not be understood as precluding the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, structural elements, components or combinations thereof.

[0088] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical terms or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present application pertains. Such terms defined by a dictionary should be interpreted as having a meaning identical to that in the context of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted as having an ideal or overly formal meaning, unless otherwise defined in the present application.

[0089] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and regardless of the figure number, the same or corresponding structural elements will be given the same reference numeral and repeated description thereof will be omitted.

[0090] Figure 1 A diagram for briefly showing a work flow of a stacking apparatus of an embodiment.

[0091] Referring to Figure 1The stacking apparatus of one embodiment can 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 table 320 and a stacking head 310, a pulling module 600 which extracts the stacked electrode assembly EA, a winding module 800 which performs finishing processing on the separator 43 of the electrode assembly EA, a heating module 20 which performs bonding on the electrode assembly EA, and a pressurizing module 30 which performs pressurization on the electrode assembly EA.

[0092] The stacking apparatus of one embodiment can include a positive electrode plate supply module 100, a negative electrode plate supply module 200, a separator supply module 500, a stacking table 320 and a stacking head 310.

[0093] Alternatively, the stacking apparatus of one embodiment can include a positive electrode plate supply module 100, a negative electrode plate supply module 200, a separator supply module 500, a stacking table 320, a stacking head 310, a pulling module 600, and a winding module 800. That is, the stacking apparatus of one embodiment can be defined as an apparatus including at least one of the above-described structural elements.

[0094] The positive electrode plate supply module 100 supplies a plurality of positive electrode plates 41 housed in a first housing unit (magazine) 110 to the stacking head 310 in such a manner that the stacking head 310 sequentially picks up the positive electrode plates 41.

[0095] The positive electrode plates 41 housed in the first housing unit 110 are movable to a first transfer unit 120 disposed adjacent in a first direction (X-axis direction). Thereafter, the positive electrode plates 41 can be arranged on a first alignment table 130 by the first transfer unit 120.

[0096] The positive electrode plate supply module 100 is provided with at least one pickup unit, so that the positive electrode plates 41 housed in the first housing unit 110 can be moved from the first housing unit 110 to the first transfer unit 120 (S11) and further moved from the first transfer unit 120 to the first alignment table 130 (S12).

[0097] The positive electrode plate supply module 100 can include a first-1 pickup unit 140 which moves the positive electrode plates 41 housed in the first housing unit 110 to the first transfer unit 120 and a first-2 pickup unit 150 which moves the positive electrode plates 41 from the first transfer unit 120 to the first alignment table 130, for example. However, the positive electrode plates 41 can be moved by one pickup unit, not necessarily limited thereto.

[0098] The positive plate supply module 100 can include a first positive plate supply portion and a second positive plate supply portion disposed at intervals in the second direction (Y-axis direction). The first positive plate supply portion can include a 1-1 housing unit 110A and a 1-1 pickup unit. The second positive plate supply portion can include a 1-2 housing unit 110B and the 1-1 pickup unit.

[0099] The first housing unit 110 can include the 1-1 housing unit 110A and the 1-2 housing unit 110B disposed in opposition in the second direction (Y-axis direction). In the second direction, the 1-1 housing unit 110A is disposed on one side, and the 1-2 housing unit 110B is disposed on the other side.

[0100] Accordingly, the first direction (X-axis direction) in which the 1-1 housing unit 110A and the 1-2 housing unit 110B are spaced apart is perpendicular to the first direction (Y-axis direction) in which the positive plate supply module and the negative plate supply module are spaced apart.

[0101] According to this structure, after the positive plate 41 picked up from the 1-1 housing unit 110A is moved to the first alignment stage 130 by the action of the first transfer unit 120 (S11A), the positive plate 41 picked up from the 1-2 housing unit 110B is sequentially moved to the first alignment stage 130 by the action of the first transfer unit 120 (S11). Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the TAC time (completion time) of supplying the positive plate 41 to the stacking head 310. Further, even in the case where a certain supply portion malfunctions, the other supply portion can continue to supply the positive plate 41, and thus it is possible to repair the malfunctioning supply portion without stopping the stacking device.

[0102] The manufacturing speed of the electrode assembly EA depends on the sum of the time taken for each step, such as the time taken to acquire the electrode plate from the housing unit, the time taken to align the electrode plate, the time taken to stack the aligned electrode plate on the stacking stage, and the time taken to alternately stack the negative plate and the positive plate. Therefore, it is very important to shorten the work time of each step.

[0103] In the embodiment, the electrode plate is alternately supplied to the stacking head 310 by the 1-1 housing unit 110A and the 1-2 housing unit 110B (S11, S11A). Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the time taken to acquire the electrode plate from the housing unit.

[0104] The negative electrode plate supply module 200 is disposed symmetrically with the positive electrode plate supply module 100 in the first direction with the stacking head 310 as a reference. The negative electrode plate supply module 200 includes at least one pickup unit that moves the negative electrode plate 42 housed in the second housing unit 210 to the second transfer unit 220 (S21) and moves from the second transfer unit 220 to the second alignment table 230 (S22).

[0105] The second housing unit 210 of the negative electrode plate supply module 200 can include a 2-1 housing unit 210A and a 2-2 housing unit 210B disposed opposite each other in the second direction. In the second direction, the 2-1 housing unit 210A is disposed on one side and the 2-2 housing unit 210B is disposed on the other side, thereby enabling the negative electrode plate 42 to be alternately provided (S21, S21A). Accordingly, the TAC time for providing the negative electrode plate 42 to the stacking head 310 can be reduced.

[0106] However, not necessarily limited thereto, the 2-1 housing unit 210A and the 2-2 housing unit 210B can also be disposed opposite each other in the first direction (X-axis direction). Accordingly, the 2-2 housing unit 210B can be disposed at the position of the collection unit 215.

[0107] The separator supply module 500 provides the separator 43 to the stacking head 310. The separator 43 can be provided to the stacking head 310 by passing through the upper portion of the positive electrode plate supply module 100 through a plurality of rollers.

[0108] The stacking head 310 stacks 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 stacking table 320 to manufacture an electrode assembly EA. Such an electrode assembly can be a concept including various battery cells that function as a battery.

[0109] The pulling module 600 approaches the electrode assembly EA on which the stacking is completed by moving along the first direction through the lower portion of the negative electrode plate supply module 200. Thereafter, the electrode assembly EA is carried to the finished area WA in a state of being gripped and retreated (S30).

[0110] The winding module 800 disposed in the finished area winds the separator 43 remaining on the electrode assembly EA and then bonds the electrode assembly EA. The electrode assembly EA after the finishing is completed is moved to the position where the carrying unit 50 is located and then moved to the heating module 20 by the carrying unit 50 (S40).

[0111] The laminated electrode assembly EA requires a lamination process to bond the electrode and the separator 43. Generally, this lamination process includes a process of heating the electrode assembly EA, which is a structure in which the separator 43 is laminated between the positive electrode plate 41 and the negative electrode plate 42, to bond the electrode plates and the separator.

[0112] The heating module 20 of the embodiment is 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 of applying high frequency to a metal conductor to generate an electric eddy current near the surface of the metal conductor, and heating the metal conductor using the phenomenon that the electric power loss due to this electric eddy current is converted into heat loss.

[0113] High-frequency induction heating has the advantage of heating a metal in a non-contact manner. That is, the current collector existing inside the electrode assembly EA can be directly heated, and in terms of the entire electrode assembly EA, a plurality of heat generation points are located inside, so the heat conduction interval is shortened, 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 in order to raise the temperature to the temperature required for thermal bonding, and ultimately, the energy efficiency is improved.

[0114] The electrode assembly EA, which has completed heating, is moved to the pressurizing module 30 (S50). The pressurizing module 30 pressurizes the electrode assembly EA at a predetermined temperature to bond the electrode plates to the separator. Although it is described in the embodiment that the heating module 20 and the pressurizing module 30 are separated, the heating module 20 and the pressurizing module 30 can be simultaneously performed by one device.

[0115] Figure 2a and Figure 2b A diagram for showing the carrying sequence of the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate of one embodiment. Figure 3 A diagram for showing the carrying sequence of the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate of another embodiment. Figure 4 A diagram for showing the carrying sequence of the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate of still another embodiment.

[0116] Referring to Figure 2a and Figure 2b The first transfer unit 120 can include a 1-1 transfer table 121 that carries the positive electrode plate accommodated in the 1-1 accommodation unit 110A, and a 1-2 transfer table 122 that carries the positive electrode plate accommodated in the 1-2 accommodation unit 110B.

[0117] The 1-1 transfer table 121 and the 1-2 transfer table 122 alternately carry the positive electrode plate to the first alignment table 130. As shown in FIG. 4, the 1-1 transfer table 121 carries the positive electrode plate to the first alignment table 130, and the 1-2 transfer table 122 carries the positive electrode plate to the first alignment table 130.Figure 2a As shown in FIG. 1, when the first-2 transfer table 122 carries the positive plate stored in the first-2 storage unit 110B to the first alignment table 130, the first-1 transfer table 121 is placed with the positive plate stored in the first-1 storage unit 110A.

[0118] After that, as shown in FIG. 1, when the first-1 transfer table 121 carries the positive plate to the first alignment table 130, the first-2 transfer table 122 is placed with the positive plate stored in the first-2 storage unit 110B. Figure 2b

[0119] The first-1 transfer table 121 and the first-2 transfer table 122 of the first transfer unit 120 and the second-1 transfer table 221 and the second-2 transfer table 222 of the second transfer unit move in opposite directions to each other. Exemplarily, as shown in FIG. 1, when the first-1 transfer table 121 and the first-2 transfer table 122 of the first transfer unit 120 move in the second-2 direction (Y2 axis direction), the second-1 transfer table 221 and the second-2 transfer table 222 of the second transfer unit 220 move in the second-1 direction (Y1 axis direction). Figure 2a

[0120] Therefore, the first-1 transfer table 121 and the first-2 transfer table 122 of the first transfer unit 120 and the second-1 transfer table 221 and the second-2 transfer table 222 of the second transfer unit 220 are arranged in a "Z" shape to provide the positive plate and the negative plate.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 1, the first-1 storage unit 110A and the first-2 storage unit 110B can also be arranged opposite to each other in the first direction (X axis direction). In addition, the second-1 storage unit 210A and the second-2 storage unit 210B can also be arranged opposite to each other in the first direction. According to this structure, the space in which the existing first-2 storage unit and the second-2 storage unit are arranged in the second direction (Y axis direction) can be reduced, having the advantage of reducing the size of the stacking device. Figure 3 The first transfer unit 120 can alternately transfer the positive plate stored in the first-1 storage unit 110A and the first-2 storage unit 110B to the first alignment table 130. In this case, the first transfer unit 120 transfers the positive plate to one transfer table and alternately transfers the positive plate stored in the first-1 storage unit 110A and the first-2 storage unit 110B to the first alignment table 130 in a manner that the transfer tables do not cross each other. Exemplarily, when the first transfer table moves, the second transfer table can also vertically rise and move in a manner that the transfer tables do not cross each other.

[0122] ​​​

[0123] 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 table 230. In this case, the second transfer unit moves to one transfer table and alternately transfers the negative plates stored in the 2-1 storage unit 210A and the 2-2 storage unit 210B to the first alignment table 130 in a manner that the plurality of transfer tables do not cross each other.

[0124] Referring 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 table 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 table 230 under the action of the pickup module without an additional transfer unit. According to this structure, the transfer unit can be omitted, thereby enabling the size of the stacking device to be reduced.

[0125] Figure 5 A diagram of a stacking device of an embodiment is shown.

[0126] Referring to Figure 5 , the stacking device of the embodiment includes a lamination table 320 for laminating 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 lamination table 320, a negative plate supply module 200 for supplying the negative plate 42 to the lamination table 320, and a lamination head 310 for laminating the positive plate 41 supplied by the positive plate supply module 100 and the negative plate 42 supplied by the negative plate supply module 200 to the lamination table 320.

[0127] The positive plate supply module 100 is disposed on one side of the lamination head 310, and the negative plate supply module 200 is disposed on the other side of the lamination head 310.

[0128] The positive plate supply module 100 can include a first storage unit 110 disposed in a first direction, a first transfer unit 120, and a first alignment table 130. A 1-1 pickup unit 140 is for moving the positive plate 41 stored in the first storage unit 110 to the first transfer unit 120, and a 1-2 pickup unit 150 is for moving the positive plate 41 disposed in the first transfer unit 120 to the first alignment table 130.

[0129] The negative electrode plate supply module 200 can include a second housing unit 210, a second transfer unit 220, and a second alignment workbench 230. A 2-1 pickup unit 240 is used to move the negative electrode plate 42 housed in the second housing unit 210 to the second transfer unit 220, and a 2-2 pickup unit 250 is used to move the negative electrode plate 42 disposed in the second transfer unit 220 to the second alignment workbench 230.

[0130] 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 supplies the separator 43 from the upper portion of the positive electrode plate supply module 100 to the stacking head 310.

[0131] The pulling module 600 and the cutting module 700 are disposed in the lower portion of the stacking head 310. According to an embodiment, the pulling module 600 and the cutting module 700 can be disposed at the periphery of the stacking workbench 320, thereby enabling a reduction in the size of the device.

[0132] 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 is a disadvantage in that a space for left and right swinging is required, and thus the pulling module and the cutting module should be spaced apart from the stacking workbench by a sufficient space, and thus the size of the device should be large.

[0133] However, since the embodiment is a structure in which the stacking workbench 320 is fixed and the stacking head 310 swings, even in the stacking process, the pulling module 600 and the cutting module 700 can be disposed in the vicinity of the stacking workbench 320, and thus have an advantage in that the size of the device can be reduced.

[0134] Figure 6 A diagram to show the first housing unit, the first transfer unit, and the positive electrode plate inspection unit of an embodiment. Figures 7a to 7e A diagram to show the process of transferring the positive electrode plate housed in the first housing unit to the positive electrode plate inspection unit.

[0135] Referring to Figure 6 , Figure 7a and Figure 7b , the positive electrode plate supply module 100 can cause the 1-1 pickup unit 140 to pick up the positive electrode plate 41 housed in the first housing unit 110 and transfer it to the first transfer workbench 121 of the adjacently disposed first transfer unit 120.

[0136] A spraying unit 149 for spraying gas to the positive electrode plate picked up by the 1-1 pickup unit 140 is disposed at the side of the first housing unit 110. According to this structure, gas can be sprayed between each of the positive electrode plates at the time of pickup, and thus separation between the electrode plates becomes easier.

[0137] The first transfer unit 120 can include a rail portion 126 extending in the second direction, and a first transfer table 121 disposed on the rail portion 126 and reciprocating in the second direction. When the positive plate 41 is placed on the first transfer table 121, the first transfer table 121 can be moved to a position adjacent to the first alignment table 130.

[0138] Referring to Figure 7c and Figure 7d , the first-2 pickup unit 150 picks up the positive plate 41 carried by the first transfer table 121 and places it on the first alignment table 130. The first-2 pickup unit 150 moves in a direction parallel to the moving direction of the first-1 pickup unit 140.

[0139] According to the embodiment, various methods of moving the positive plate 41 by the pickup unit can be applicable. Exemplarily, when the positive plate 41 is placed on the first transfer table 121, the first-2 pickup unit 150 moves to an upper portion of the first transfer table 121 to pick up the positive plate 41 and then places it on the first alignment table 130. Alternatively, the first-1 pickup unit 140 moves to directly place the positive plate 41 on the first alignment table 130 after picking up the positive plate 41 from the first storage unit 110.

[0140] Referring to Figure 7e , the first alignment table 130 can be rotated toward the stacking head 310 to allow the stacking head 310 to pick up the positive plate 41. After the first alignment table 130 is rotated toward the stacking head 310, the table driving portion 131 restores the first alignment table 130 to the original position again.

[0141] The negative plate supply module 200 can also supply the negative plate 42 to the stacking head 310 in the same steps as shown in Figures 7a to 7e . Except for the point of supplying the negative plate 42, the structure and operation of the negative plate supply module 200 are the same as those of the positive plate supply module 100.

[0142] Figure 8a FIG. 1 is a view to show the first-1 pickup unit of an embodiment. Figure 8b FIG. 2 is a view to show a process of removing the positive plate 41 attached to the two electrode plates by the first-1 pickup unit. Figure 9a and Figure 9b are views to show a process of rotating the suction portion provided in the sub block.

[0143] Referring to Figure 8a and Figure 8bIn the first storage unit 110, a plurality of positive electrode plates 41 are stacked, and a height adjustment portion 112 is provided at a lower portion of the first storage unit 110. Thus, even if the number of positive electrode plates 41 is reduced, the height of the uppermost positive electrode plate 41 can be kept constant. The first storage unit 110 can include a plurality of fixed frames 111 for fixing the corners of the plurality of positive electrode plates, and a fixed plate 113 for fixing the plurality of fixed frames 111.

[0144] The first-1 pickup unit 140 picks up the uppermost positive electrode plate 41. However, there are cases where two positive electrode plates 41 are simultaneously picked up. 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. The electrode plates such as the positive electrode plate 41 and the negative electrode plate 42 are made of metal, and thus, if a plurality of layers are stacked, they can be attached to each other due to static electricity. When manufacturing an electrode assembly, if two identical electrode plates are stacked together, a defect can occur, and thus, the electrode plate attached to the lower portion needs to be removed.

[0145] The first-1 pickup unit 140 is provided with an eddy current displacement sensor (first sensor) 145. The eddy current displacement sensor 145 uses a high-frequency magnetic field, and when metal approaches the high-frequency magnetic field, an eddy current in the form of a vortex is formed in the metal due to electromagnetic induction.

[0146] The eddy current is concentrated on the surface of the metal, and decreases exponentially according to the depth of the metal. The eddy current changes according to the strength and frequency of the high-frequency magnetic field, the conductivity, the permeability, and the like of the metal, and thus, the distance can be measured using the characteristic that the high-frequency impedance changes when the distance between the sensor coil and the metal plate changes. Thus, when two electrode plates are attached together, the impedance changes, and thus, it can be known that two electrode plates are picked up.

[0147] Second sensors 147a and 147b including a transmission portion 147a and a reception portion 147b are provided at both sides of the first storage unit 110. If light is irradiated from the transmission portion 147a, the reception portion 147b provided at the opposite side receives the light. Exemplarily, the transmission portion 147a and the reception portion 147b can be optical fiber sensors, but are not necessarily limited thereto, and can be a structure in which one side transmits a signal and the other side receives a signal.

[0148] The positive plate housed in the uppermost layer of the first housing unit 110 (hereinafter referred to as the first positive plate) and the positive plate disposed in the lower portion thereof (hereinafter referred to as the second positive plate) can be attached to each other only in a partial region due to static electricity. Therefore, when the first positive plate 41a is picked up by the first-1 pickup unit 140, the second positive plate 41b can be attached to the first positive plate 41a only in a partial region, and the remaining region can be separated from the first positive plate 41a. In this case, if the first positive plate 41a and the second positive plate 41b are separated in the region detected by the eddy current displacement sensor 145, it can be erroneously determined that one electrode plate is present.

[0149] However, according to the embodiment, in the case where the second positive plate 41 is partially separated, the transmission signal of the transmission part 147a is blocked, so that the reception part 147b cannot receive. Therefore, even if it is determined that one plate is present based on the detection signal of the eddy current displacement sensor 145, if the detection signal of the reception part 147b is not input, the control part (not shown) of the stacking device can determine that two plates are attached together.

[0150] The transmission part 147a and the reception part 147b are disposed lower than the uppermost end of the housing unit 110, so that it is possible to quickly detect the presence of two electrode plates during the process in which the pickup module picks up the electrode plates.

[0151] According to the embodiment, in the case where two plates are not detected based on the signal received from the eddy current displacement sensor, whether two plates are present is re-confirmed based on the signal of the second sensor. If it is determined that two plates are present based on the signal received from the eddy current displacement sensor, the signal of the second sensor can also not be received.

[0152] Further, when a plurality of eddy current displacement sensors 145 are provided in the main body part 141, whether two positive plates are present can be detected at different positions, so that it is also possible to detect the structure in which two plates are partially separated.

[0153] Further, before detection, a vibration can be applied to the picked-up electrode plate, and then detection can be performed. The pickup unit can shake the electrode plate by moving up and down or vibrating or rotating, so that the two electrode plates are removed.

[0154] The first-1 pickup unit 140 can include a main body part 141 provided with a plurality of suction parts 142a for picking up the positive plate 41, and a pickup moving part 146 that moves the main body part 141 in the vertical direction and / or the left and right direction. The pickup moving part 146 can include a first moving part 146a that lifts and lowers the main body part 141, and a second moving part 146b that moves the main body part 141 left and right. The pickup moving part 146 can further include a third moving part (not shown) that rotates the main body part 141 in the clockwise direction and the counterclockwise direction.

[0155] The suction portion 142a is connected to a vacuum pump to suction the upper surface of the positive electrode plate 41. However, the suction portion 142a is not necessarily limited to this, and can adopt various structures capable of attaching to and detaching from the upper surface of the positive electrode plate 41, without limitation. In addition, the number of suction portions 142a can also be various.

[0156] Vibration portions can be provided at both ends of the main body portion 141. The vibration portions can include sub blocks 143 provided with auxiliary suction portions 142b, and block driving portions 144 connected to the main body portion 141 to drive the sub blocks 143.

[0157] The sub blocks 143 can include a first sub block provided at one end of the main body portion 141 and a second sub block provided at the other side of the main body portion 141. The number of sub blocks can be various.

[0158] The block driving portions 144 are connected to the main body portion 141 and the sub blocks 143 to move the sub blocks 143 away from or close to the main body portion 141. The block driving portions 144 can adopt various driving devices such as a motor or an air cylinder.

[0159] Further, the block driving portions 144 can also move the sub blocks 143 in the vertical direction. That is, the block driving portions 144 can move the sub blocks 143 in various directions to enable the two electrode plates to be separated. Exemplarily, an elastic member 144a such as a leaf spring can also be provided between the sub blocks 143 and the main body portion 141.

[0160] Referring to Figure 8b When the sub blocks 143 are moved away from the main body portion 141 by the driving of the block driving portions 144, the distance between the auxiliary suction portions 142b provided at the sub blocks 143 and the suction portions 142a provided at the main body portion 141 changes, and a partial region TP1 of the positive electrode plate 41 is deformed and repeatedly bent. 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 plates attached to the lower portion are separated. The separated positive electrode plate 41 can be accommodated in the collection unit 115.

[0161] According to the embodiment, when the positive electrode plate 41 is picked up, the 1-1 pickup unit 140 drives the block driving portions 144 to apply vibration to the positive electrode plate 41.

[0162] Referring to Figure 9a and Figure 9b , the sub blocks 143 can also be rotated by the driving of the block driving portions 144. Thus, the auxiliary suction portions 142b provided at the sub blocks 143 swing, and the suction portions 142a provided at the main body portion 141 are fixed, so that the electrode plates can be twisted between the portion suctioned to the auxiliary suction portions 142b and the portion suctioned to the suction portions 142a. Thus, when the two electrode plates are attached together, effective separation can be performed.

[0163] Figure 10 A diagram illustrating the first-1 pickup unit of another embodiment. Figure 11a and Figure 11b This diagram illustrates the process of the electrode plate bending due to the tilting of the adsorption section of the first-1 pickup unit.

[0164] Reference Figure 10 The main body 141 includes a first main body 141a provided with a plurality of adsorption parts 142a and a second main body 141b provided with a plurality of adsorption parts 142a, and a rotating component 148b is coupled between the first main body 141a and the second main body 141b.

[0165] The vibrating part 148 causes the first main body part 141a and the second main body part 141b to rotate in opposite directions. The vibrating part 148 may include a pressurizing part 148a connected to the first main body part 141a and the second main body part 141b respectively. The pressurizing part 148a can contract or extend under the action of a motor or cylinder. However, it is not limited to this, and various rotating structures can be used to rotate the first main body part 141a and the second main body part 141b.

[0166] Reference Figure 11a When the pressurizing part 148a contracts, the outer side of the first main body part 141a and the outer side of the second main body part 141b rotate in opposite directions. In this case, the rotating part 148b is rotatably coupled to the inner side of the first main body part 141a and the inner side of the second main body part 141b.

[0167] According to this structure, the positive electrode plate 41 picked up by the adsorption portion 142a provided in the first main body 141a and the adsorption portion 142a provided in the second main body 141b are bent with both ends facing upwards.

[0168] Conversely, such as Figure 11b As shown, when the pressurized section 148a extends, the outer sides of the first main body section 141a and the outer sides of the second main body section 141b rotate in opposite directions. Therefore, the positive electrode plate 41 bends with both ends pointing downwards. If this tilting action is performed quickly, the positive electrode plate attached to the lower part can be separated.

[0169] Figure 12 A diagram illustrating an embodiment of the inspection unit. Figure 13 An image of the positive plate positioned on the first alignment stage. Figure 14 An image of the negative electrode plate positioned on the second alignment stage.

[0170] Reference Figure 12The 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 inspect 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, the stacking head can accurately pick up.

[0171] If the inspection result is determined to be misaligned, the first alignment unit 132 provided at the lower portion of the first alignment table 130 finely moves the first alignment table 130 to place the positive plate in an aligned position.

[0172] The negative plate inspection unit 420 is used to inspect 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, the stacking head can accurately pick up.

[0173] If the inspection result is determined to be misaligned, the second alignment unit 232 provided at the lower portion of the second alignment table 230 finely moves the second alignment table 230 to place the negative plate in an aligned position.

[0174] The stacking inspection unit inspects whether the positive plate 41 and the negative plate 42 stacked on the stacking table 320 are aligned.

[0175] The positive plate inspection unit 410 includes a third camera 411 and a third illumination unit 412 provided at the lower portion of the first alignment table 130. The third illumination unit 412 includes a flat dome structure to uniformly irradiate light to the positive plate 41 from multiple angles. However, the third illumination unit 412 can also adopt various illumination structures that can irradiate light so that the third camera can easily inspect the positive plate 41. According to an embodiment, the third camera 411 is provided at the lower portion of the first alignment table 130 to take a picture of the positive plate 41, thus being able to reduce scattering and obtain a clear image.

[0176] The negative plate inspection unit 420 includes a fourth camera 421 and a fourth illumination unit 422 provided at the upper portion of the second alignment table 230. The fourth illumination unit 422 includes a backlight structure to irradiate light at the lower portion of the negative plate 42. However, the fourth illumination unit 422 can also adopt various illumination structures that can irradiate light so that the fourth camera 421 can easily inspect the negative plate 42. According to an embodiment, the fourth illumination unit 422 irradiates light at the lower portion of the negative plate 42 and the fourth camera 421 is provided at the upper portion of the second alignment table 230 to take a picture of the negative plate 42, thus being able to reduce scattering and obtain a clear image.

[0177] According to an embodiment, the third camera 411 for photographing the positive electrode plate 41 is disposed at the lower portion of the positive electrode plate 41, and the fourth camera 421 for photographing the negative electrode plate 42 is disposed at the upper portion of the negative electrode plate 42. According to this structure, there is an advantage that the lower space portion P1 of the second alignment stage 230 can be utilized. Therefore, as described later, there is an advantage that the pulling module 600 can approach and grip the electrode assembly disposed at the stacking stage 320 from the lower space portion P1 of the second alignment stage 230.

[0178] Figures 15a to 15c FIG. 4 is a process diagram illustrating a process in which the positive electrode plate, the negative electrode plate, and the separator are stacked on the stacking stage by the stacking head.

[0179] Referring to Figure 15a The stacking head 310 includes a first head 312 that rotates to pick up the positive electrode plate 41 under the first alignment stage 130, a second head 313 that rotates to pick up the negative electrode plate 42 under the second alignment stage 230, a head rotating portion 318 that rotates the first head 312 and the second head 313, and a feeding roller 316 that is disposed between the first head 312 and the second head 313 to provide the separator 43.

[0180] The first head 312 and the second head 313 are disposed to be inclined at a predetermined angle. For example, the first head 312 and the second head 313 are disposed to be inclined at an angle of 45 degrees, but are not necessarily limited thereto and can be disposed to be inclined at various angles. The angle of the first alignment stage and the second alignment stage can also be adjusted according to the inclination angle of the first head 312 and the second head 313.

[0181] 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 is raised and lowered in the length direction (Z direction) of the head to pick up the electrode plate disposed at the first alignment stage 130 and the second alignment stage 230. According to an embodiment, the third pickup unit 314 is raised and lowered independently of the rotation of the first head 312 and the second head 313.

[0182] The feeding roller 316 disposed between the first head 312 and the second head 313 can continuously provide the separator 43 and adjust the length of the separator. According to an embodiment, since the feeding roller 316 is disposed 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 of the wind applied to the separator 43 can be minimized even when the first head 312 and the second head 313 rotate.

[0183] The third pickup unit 314 includes an auxiliary roller 314a for guiding the separator 43. The auxiliary rollers 314a provided at the first head 312 and the second head 313, respectively, are disposed opposite to each other.

[0184] The plurality of support units 330 disposed adjacent to the stacking stage 320 pressurize both side portions of the positive electrode plate 41 and the negative electrode plate 42 and the separator 43 to fix them.

[0185] The plurality of support units 330 are capable of moving horizontally to the inside and the outside of the stacking stage 320, so that they can be moved to the outside of the stacking stage 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.

[0186] If the positive electrode plate 41, the negative electrode plate 42, and the separator 43 are stacked on the upper surface of the stacking stage 320, the plurality of support units 330 are moved to the inside of the stacking stage 320 and then lowered to pressurize the positive electrode plate 41, the negative electrode plate 42, and the separator 43.

[0187] Referring to Figure 15b , the first head 312 is disposed on the upper portion of the stacking stage 320 by being rotated in a first rotation direction by the head rotating portion 318. The first head 312 stacks the picked-up positive electrode plate 41 on the stacking stage 320. The first rotation direction can be the counterclockwise direction, but is not necessarily limited thereto, and can be the clockwise direction.

[0188] In this case, the plurality of support units 330 that pressurize the separator 43 are all moved to the outside of the stacking stage 320 to prevent interference. Then, if the positive electrode plate 41 is disposed on the separator 43, the plurality of support units 330 are moved to the upper portion of the positive electrode plate 41 to support the positive electrode plate 41.

[0189] Referring to Figure 15c , the second head 313 is disposed on the upper portion of the stacking stage 320 by being rotated in a second rotation direction by the head rotating portion 318. The second rotation direction can be the clockwise direction, but is not necessarily limited thereto, and can be the counterclockwise direction.

[0190] The second head 313 stacks the picked-up negative electrode plate 42 on the stacking stage 320. In this case, the plurality of support units 330 that pressurize the separator 43 are all moved to the outside of the stacking stage 320 to prevent interference. Then, if the negative electrode plate 42 is disposed on the separator 43, the plurality of support units 330 are again moved to the upper portion of the negative electrode plate 42 to support the negative electrode plate 42.

[0191] Figure 16 A view showing the stacking stage and the plurality of support units of an embodiment. Figure 17aA diagram for showing three-axis driving of the support unit. Figure 17b A diagram for showing a state in which the plurality of support units pressurize the electrode plate. Figure 18a and Figure 18b for Figure 17a and Figure 17b modified examples thereof.

[0192] Referring to Figure 16 , the laminating stage 320 is formed with a plurality of slits 322. Therefore, the protruding support portion 321 of the laminating stage 320, which is disposed between the plurality of slits 322, can support the plurality of electrode plates. Thereafter, the gripper portion 610 of the pulling module 600 can be inserted through the plurality of slits 322.

[0193] A stage driving portion 324 for raising and lowering the laminating stage 320 is provided at a lower portion of the laminating stage 320. According to this structure, even if a plurality of electrode plates are disposed, the laminating stage 320 can maintain the height of the electrode disposed at the uppermost portion constant.

[0194] According to the embodiment, the laminating stage 320 can be made to be fixed so as not to be disturbed in alignment of the laminated plurality of electrodes. However, it is not necessarily limited thereto, and a driving portion for driving the laminating stage 320 in the X-axis and Y-axis directions to perform alignment can be further provided.

[0195] Referring to Figure 17a and Figure 17b , the plurality of support units 330 pressurize 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 pressurizes the positive electrode plate 41, the negative electrode plate 42, and the separator 43, a first support driving portion 333 that moves the support pin 331 in a horizontal direction, and a second support driving portion 334 that moves the support pin 331 in a vertical direction. The support pin 331 is attached to a connection member 332 connected to the first support driving portion 333 and moves together therewith.

[0196] The first support driving portion 333 and the second support driving portion 334 can be driven independently of each other. Therefore, the support pin 331 can be quickly moved onto the laminating stage 320 or quickly moved away therefrom. For example, the support pin 331 is moved in the horizontal direction by the first support driving portion 333 in a state in which the vertical height thereof is maintained by the second support driving portion 334. Alternatively, the support pin 331 can be moved in the horizontal direction by the first support driving portion 333 while being vertically raised by the second support driving portion 334.

[0197] In the case where the vertical driving part and the horizontal driving part are connected to each other, in order to move vertically and horizontally, horizontal movement should be performed after vertical movement is completed or horizontal movement should be performed after horizontal movement is completed, and thus there is a problem in that a time delay occurs.

[0198] The first support driving part 333 includes a 1-1 support driving part 333a that moves the support pin 331 in a first direction and a 1-2 support driving part 333b that moves the support pin 331 in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The 1-1 support driving part 333a and the 1-2 support driving part 333b for movement can also be independently driven. According to the embodiment, the support pin can be independently driven in 2 axes or 3 axes, and thus the pressing and the release of the pressing of the electrode assembly are rapidly performed, thereby shortening the TAC time.

[0199] At least one first hole 331a is formed in the support pin 331. When the support pin 331 presses any one of the positive plate, the negative plate, and the separator constituting the electrode assembly, a photographing exposure area SP1 for an edge corner area is formed through the holes 331a. Thus, there is an advantage in that even in a state where the electrode assembly is pressed by the support pin, the edge corner area of the electrode assembly can be photographed, and thus it is possible to accurately determine the alignment.

[0200] The first hole 331a can be formed only in some of the plurality of support pins 331. However, it is not necessarily limited thereto, and the first hole 331a can be formed in all of the support pins 331.

[0201] Referring to Figure 18a and Figure 18b The second hole 331b and the third hole 331c can be formed in the support pin 331. If only one large hole is provided in the support pin 331, the rigidity of the mandrel can be weakened and bending can occur, and once the bending occurs, the force of the support pin for supporting the electrode plate can be weakened. Thus, two small holes can be formed in the support pin to measure the edge corner of the electrode plate. That is, the second hole 331b and the third hole 331c can be smaller than the first hole.

[0202] Figure 19 A diagram to illustrate a separator supply module according to an embodiment. Figure 20 A diagram to illustrate a state in which the tension of a separator is adjusted by a separator supply module according to an embodiment.

[0203] Referring to Figure 19 and Figure 20 The separator supply module 500 includes an unwinder 50 in which a separator is wound, a plurality of rollers 511 for supplying the separator 43, a plurality of length adjustment rollers 512, a main supply roller 513, and a pair of side walls 510 supporting both ends of the plurality of rollers.

[0204] The diaphragm supply module 500 includes a meandering adjustment portion 516 for preventing meandering, which is a phenomenon in which the diaphragm advances obliquely to the left and right when the diaphragm is supplied. The direction of the diaphragm 43 wound around the plurality of rollers 511 can be adjusted by the meandering adjustment portion 516 when the first structure plate 515 and the side wall 510 move on the second structure plate 517. The meandering adjustment portion 516 can use various driving components such as a motor for adjusting the relative positions of the first structure plate 515 and the second structure plate 517. However, it is not necessarily limited thereto, and the meandering adjustment portion can be used without limitation in various known structures capable of preventing meandering of the diaphragm.

[0205] The diaphragm 43 supplied by the diaphragm supply module 500 is supplied to the lamination workbench 320 through the feed rollers 316 of the lamination head 310.

[0206] In this case, the tension of the diaphragm 43 can be momentarily loosened during rotation of the lamination head 310, causing the diaphragm 43 to be unable to be disposed flat on the electrode plate. To prevent this, a tension adjustment module 520 is provided between the diaphragm supply module 500 and the feed rollers 316 of the lamination head 310.

[0207] When the tension of the diaphragm 43 is loosened for various reasons, the tension adjustment module 520 can be moved between the diaphragm supply module 500 and the feed rollers 316 to adjust the tension of the diaphragm 43. Accordingly, the tension of the diaphragm 43 supplied through the feed rollers 316 is maintained, thereby being able to prevent lamination defects (defects) from occurring.

[0208] The tension adjustment module 520 includes a plurality of tension rollers 521 for guiding the diaphragm, and a roller driving portion 522 that advances or retreats the tension rollers 521 toward the diaphragm supply module 500.

[0209] Further, the tension adjustment module 520 can further include a detection sensor 523 that detects the tension of the diaphragm. To prevent the tension of the diaphragm from being loosened, the tension adjustment module 520 retreats the tension rollers 521 to apply tension to the diaphragm. Conversely, the roller driving portion 522 controls to advance the tension rollers 521 to weaken the tension of the diaphragm.

[0210] Figure 21 To show a process diagram of checking alignment of the electrode assembly laminated on the lamination workbench. Figure 22 To show a plan view of a state in which the positive electrode plate is adsorbed by the third pickup module. Figure 23 To show a process diagram of determining whether alignment is made through a photographed image of the positive electrode plate.

[0211] Reference Figure 12The laminating inspection unit includes a first frame 431 connecting one end of the first alignment table 130 and one end of the second alignment table 230, a second frame 432 connecting the other end of the first alignment table 130 and the other end of the second alignment table 230, a first camera 441 provided at the first frame 431, and a second camera 451 provided at the second frame 432. In addition, a first illumination unit 442 and a second illumination unit 452 are further included.

[0212] Referring to Figure 15c A first mirror 317a is provided at the first head 312 of the laminating head 310, and a second mirror 317b is provided at the second head 313.

[0213] Therefore, the first head 312 and the second head 313 are alternately laminated on the laminating table 320 by rotation, and thus, when the first head 312 is disposed on the laminating table 320 to laminate the positive electrode plate on the laminating table, the first camera 441 and the second camera 451 can obtain the upper surface image reflected by the first mirror 317a. In addition, when the second head 313 is disposed on the laminating table 320 to laminate the negative electrode plate on the laminating table, the first camera 441 and the second camera 451 can obtain the upper surface image reflected by the second mirror 317b.

[0214] Referring to Figure 21 Each head of the laminating head can be provided with a mirror on one side and the other side, respectively. For example, the first mirror 317a of the first head 312 can include a first-1 mirror 317a-1 disposed opposite to the first camera 441, and a first-2 mirror 317a-2 disposed opposite to the second camera 451.

[0215] The first-1 mirror 317a-1 and the first-2 mirror 317a-2 are disposed on an inclined surface 312a inclined by 45 degrees, respectively, and can reflect the image of the laminating table. Although not shown, the second head 313 is also attached with a second-1 mirror 317b-1 disposed opposite to the first camera 441 and a second-2 mirror 317b-2 disposed opposite to the second camera 451 on the inclined surface.

[0216] The first camera 441 provided at the first frame 431 and the second camera 451 provided at the second frame 432 respectively photograph the planar image of the electrode assembly EA reflected by the mirror 317.

[0217] Exemplarily, when the first head 312 is arranged on the lamination table, the first camera 441 captures an image of one end of the electrode assembly EA reflected by the 1-1 mirror 317a-1, and the 1-illumination unit 442 irradiates light to the 1-1 mirror 317a-1. At this time, a reference mark (SRM) formed on the lamination table is also captured.

[0218] The second camera 451 captures an image of the other end of the electrode assembly EA reflected by the 2-2 mirror 317b-2, and the 2-illumination unit 452 irradiates light to the 2-2 mirror 317b-2. At this time, the reference mark (SRM) formed on the lamination table is also captured.

[0219] In addition, when the second head 313 is arranged on the lamination table, the upper surface image of the lamination table can be captured by the 2-1 mirror 317b-1 and the 2-2 mirror 317b-2 as described above.

[0220] The lamination head 310 is arranged at the upper portion of the lamination table 320, and thus, in order to avoid the lamination head, the camera can be arranged along the diagonal line to capture the image of the electrode assembly EA. However, in this case, only the image of the electrode assembly EA arranged obliquely can be captured, and thus, there is a problem in that it is difficult to accurately determine whether the alignment is correct. However, according to the embodiment, the image of the plurality of electrode plates vertically laminated is captured, and thus, has an advantage in that it is possible to accurately determine whether the alignment is correct.

[0221] Referring to Figure 22 and Figure 23 , whether the electrode plates are aligned or not is determined by calculating the distances d1, d2 between the reference mark SRM and the outer side of the electrode plates in the laminated image. According to the embodiment, the image is acquired by the mirrors 317 arranged at the first head 312 and the second head 313 of the lamination head 310, and thus, the position in the image can vary depending on the tolerance of the mirror, and thus, it is possible to determine whether the alignment is correct by measuring the distance with the reference mark SRM as a reference.

[0222] The method of determining whether the alignment is correct can employ various image processing techniques. Exemplarily, whether the alignment is correct can be determined depending on whether the distance or area from the outer side of the electrode plate to a specific position satisfies a predetermined range.

[0223] Figure 24 A diagram showing a state in which a pulling module of a stacking apparatus of an embodiment approaches an electrode assembly. Figure 25 A perspective view showing a cutting module and a pulling module of an embodiment. Figures 26a to 26e A diagram showing a state in which a pulling module extracts an electrode assembly to the rear.

[0224] Referring to Figure 24 , Figure 25 andFigure 26a When the manufacturing of the electrode assembly EA is completed, the pulling module 600 approaches the lower space portion P1 of the negative electrode plate inspection unit and holds the electrode assembly EA disposed on the stacking workbench 320. A track 640 for the movement of the pulling module 600 is provided at the lower portion of the negative electrode plate inspection unit.

[0225] A cutting module 700 is provided between the stacking workbench 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. Thus, the pulling module 600 can pass through the cutting module 700 to approach the stacking workbench 320. The opening can always be maintained in an open state, or can be closed at all times but opened when the jaw portion 610 approaches. Alternatively, an additional opening and closing device can be provided to achieve opening and closing.

[0226] Referring to Figure 26b and Figure 26c , the jaw driving portion 620 narrows the interval of the jaw portion 610 so that the jaw portion 610 can hold the electrode assembly EA. The jaw moving portion 630 can retreat the jaw portion 610 in a state of holding the electrode assembly EA. In this process, the separator 43 can be continuously supplied. The plurality of support units 330 are moved away to the outside of the stacking workbench 320 to continuously supply the separator 43.

[0227] Referring to Figure 26d and Figure 26e , when the pulling module 600 is retreated to a predetermined position, the cutting module 700 is lowered 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 raising and lowering the cutter support portion 720. The cutter support portion 720 is formed with an opening 721 through which the jaw portion 610 of the pulling module 600 passes, as described above.

[0228] Figure 27 FIG. 8 is a view showing a state in which the electrode assembly of an embodiment is moved to one side of the stacking device by the pulling module. Figure 28 FIG. 9 is a view showing a winding module of an embodiment. Figure 29 FIG. 10 is a view showing a state in which a guide rod is supported by a hook of a clamping unit. Figure 30a FIG. 11 is a view showing a state in which an electrode assembly is clamped to a guide rod of a winding module. Figure 30b FIG. 12 is a view showing a state in which a first rotating portion and a second rotating portion of a winding module are rotated to wind a separator of an electrode assembly.

[0229] Referring to Figure 27 and Figure 28, the pulling module 600 can move to the finished area WA provided at the side of the stacking device in a state of holding the electrode assembly EA. The finished area WA is an area in which the cut separator 43 is wound and fixed to the electrode assembly EA.

[0230] The winding module 800 includes a first winding unit 810 including a guide portion 811 for fixing both ends of the electrode assembly EA, a second winding unit 820 for fixing the end of the guide portion 811, and a brush unit 830 for fixing the cut portion 43a of the separator 43 to the electrode assembly EA while the electrode assembly EA is rotated.

[0231] The first winding unit 810 includes a first plate 814, a sliding portion 812 sliding 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 bars 811 connected to the first rotating portion 813. In addition, a first guide driving portion 816 for driving the first rotating portion 813 upward, downward, leftward, and rightward on the first support portion 815 is included.

[0232] The guide portion 811 can be a pair of guide bars having a certain length. Hereinafter, the guide portion will be described as an example of a pair of guide bars (guide bar), but the structure of the guide portion is not necessarily limited thereto.

[0233] The pair of guide bars 811 is formed to have a length L1 longer than the length L2 of the electrode assembly, and thus can support both side surfaces of the entire electrode assembly EA. If the both ends of the electrode assembly are held by different guide bars and rotated, when the centers of rotation of the guide bars provided at the both ends do not match, the wrinkles can be more severe. However, according to the embodiment, the pair of guide bars 811 supports both side surfaces of the entire electrode assembly EA, and thus can prevent the separator 43 of the electrode assembly EA from being wrinkled.

[0234] The pair of guide bars 811 of the electrode assembly is respectively in a plate shape or a bent shape. When in the plate shape, each guide bar is separated into two and supports the upper surface and the lower surface of the electrode assembly. When the pair of guide bars 811 is in the bent shape, the two guide bars 811 respectively support the side surfaces of the electrode assembly. In addition thereto, various structures of the guide portion capable of supporting the electrode assembly can be included.

[0235] The second winding unit 820 includes a second plate 824, a second support plate 825 provided on the second plate 824, a second rotating portion 823 provided on the second support plate 825, and a bracket 821 provided on the second rotating portion 823 for coupling the pair of guide bars 811. In addition, a second guide driving portion 826 for driving the second rotating portion 823 upward, downward, leftward, and rightward on the second support plate 825 is included.

[0236] 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.

[0237] If the pulling module 600 is moved to the finishing area while holding the electrode assembly EA, the sliding part 812 of the first winding unit 810 slides on the first plate toward the electrode assembly EA.

[0238] Referring to Figure 29 The pair of guide rods 811 are formed to be relatively long, and thus the tips thereof can be bent. Accordingly, the pair of guide rods 811 can be moved in a state of being hung on the clamp unit 840, and thus can be accurately fitted to the side surfaces of the electrode assembly EA. In this case, the positions or heights of the pair of guide rods 811 are adjusted by the first guide driving part 816 so as to be smoothly fitted to the side surfaces of the electrode assembly EA.

[0239] The clamp unit 840 includes hooks 841 for fixing the pair of guide rods 811. The clamp unit 840 is moved up and down and left and right so as to fix the pair of guide rods 811. Accordingly, if the pair of guide rods 811 have been fitted to the electrode assembly EA, the clamp unit 840 is separated from the pair of guide rods 811 and moved away. To this end, a width adjusting part 842 for adjusting the widths of the pair of hooks 841 is further provided. In addition, the clamp unit 840 can include a hook driving part 843 for driving the hooks 841 so as to be moved together with the first winding unit 810. The hooks 841 are adjusted so as to be moved up and down and left and right while holding the pair of guide rods 811 by the hook driving part 843, and thus the tips of the pair of guide rods 811 are fitted to both side surfaces of the electrode assembly EA.

[0240] Referring to Figure 30a If the first winding unit 810 is moved toward the second winding unit 820, the pair of guide rods 811 are fitted to and supported by both side surfaces of the electrode assembly EA. Here, a case where the pair of guide rods 811 are bent to support both side surfaces of the electrode assembly EA, respectively, is shown.

[0241] In this case, the jaw part 610 of the pulling module 600 holding the electrode assembly EA is formed with guide grooves 611 through which the pair of guide rods 811 pass. Accordingly, the pair of guide rods 811 pass through the guide grooves 611 of the jaw part 610 and are fitted to the tips of the electrode assembly EA.

[0242] The pair of guide rods 811 fitted to the tips of the electrode assembly EA are fixed to the cradle 821 of the second winding unit 820.

[0243] Referring to Figure 30bIf the first rotating portion 813 of the first winding unit 810 and the second rotating portion 823 of the second winding unit 820 are rotated, the electrode assembly EA is also rotated. Thus, the cut portion 43a of the separator 43, which has not been wound around the electrode assembly EA, is wound around the electrode assembly EA.

[0244] If the electrode assembly EA is rotated in combination with the first winding unit 810, the brush unit 830 lowers the brush 831. The brush 831 can be a cylindrical roller, but is not necessarily limited thereto. While the electrode assembly EA is rotated, the brush 831 can pressurize the cut portion 43a of the separator 43 to wind the cut portion 43a around the electrode assembly EA. Thus, if the electrode assembly EA is rotated, the cut portion 43a pressed by the brush 831 is tightly adhered to the electrode assembly EA to be wound around the electrode assembly EA.

[0245] Although not shown, an additional adhesive applying unit can apply an adhesive to the separator 43. Thus, the cut portion 43a of the separator 43 wound around the electrode assembly EA can be adhered to the electrode assembly EA. According to the embodiment, the cut portion 43a of the separator 43 is automatically wound around the electrode assembly EA to be fixed. However, if the separator has an adhesive component, the adhesive applying unit can be omitted.

[0246] If the finishing process is completed, the first winding unit 810 is moved in a direction away from the second winding unit 820. Since the pair of guide rods 811 are plate-shaped, the electrode assembly EA can be easily extracted from the electrode assembly EA even in a state in which the separator 43 is wound during the winding process.

[0247] After that, the pulling module 600 again grips the electrode assembly EA and carries it to the guide rail of the transfer heating module 20. However, it is not necessarily limited thereto, and an additional transfer unit can be used to transfer the electrode assembly EA to the heating module 20.

[0248] Figure 31 A diagram showing a heating module according to an embodiment.

[0249] The heating module 20 according to the embodiment includes a placement plate 22 on which the electrode assembly EA is placed, and a high-frequency induction heating portion 23 that generates heat by applying high frequency. The high-frequency induction heating portion 23 can include a plurality of coils 24. In addition, a coil lifting portion 25 that lifts the high-frequency induction heating portion 23 can be further included.

[0250] High-frequency induction heating is a method in which a metal conductor is heated by applying high frequency to the metal conductor to generate an electric eddy current near the surface of the metal conductor, and using the phenomenon in which power loss due to the electric eddy current is converted into heat loss.

[0251] High-frequency induction heating has the advantage of heating metal in a non-contact manner. That is, the current collector present inside the electrode assembly EA can be directly heated, and, in terms of the electrode assembly EA as a whole, a plurality of heat generation points are located inside, so the heat conduction interval is shortened, 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 in order to raise the temperature to the temperature required for thermal joining, and ultimately, energy efficiency can be improved.

[0252] Figure 32 A diagram showing a pressurizing module of an embodiment. Figure 33 A diagram showing a diaphragm provided in a lower pressurizing plate. Figure 34 A diagram showing a state in which the diaphragm of the lower pressurizing plate is expanded to separate the electrode assembly from the lower pressurizing plate.

[0253] Referring to Figure 32 The pressurizing module 30 includes a lower pressurizing plate (first plate) 31, an upper pressurizing plate (second plate) 32, and a pressurizing plate driving portion 38 that raises and lowers the upper pressurizing plate 32.

[0254] If the electrode assembly EA is transferred to the lower pressurizing plate 31, the pressurizing plate driving portion 38 lowers the upper pressurizing plate 32 to pressurize the electrode assembly EA. In this process, the positive plate, the negative plate, and the separator are joined to each other.

[0255] However, in the process in which the upper pressurizing plate 32 and the lower pressurizing plate 32 pressurize the electrode assembly EA, there is a problem in that the electrode assembly EA is adhered to the upper pressurizing plate 32 or the lower pressurizing plate 32 and is not easily separated. Accordingly, according to an embodiment, a contact area adjusting portion CA1 that can reduce the area of contact with the electrode assembly EA when the distance between the upper pressurizing plate 32 and the lower pressurizing plate 32 is increased after the pressurizing process is completed can be included.

[0256] The contact area adjusting portion CA1 can be provided in the upper pressurizing plate 32 and / or the lower pressurizing plate 32. The contact area adjusting portion CA1 can include a variety of structures that can adjust the contact area with the electrode assembly EA. Hereinafter, the configuration of the contact area adjusting portion will be described.

[0257] Referring to Figure 33 and Figure 34 A plurality of first through lines 34 are formed in the inside of the lower pressurizing plate 31, and a first diaphragm 33 is provided in the upper portion of the lower pressurizing plate 31. The diaphragm can be formed of an ASC (Adhesive and Sealant Council) material, but is not limited thereto, and various elastic pads having an elastic material such as rubber can be applied without limitation.

[0258] The first through line 34 is connected to an external pump 40, and thus, when gas or fluid is injected, the first diaphragm 33 is locally expanded in the region connected to the first through line 34. Thus, due to the expanded region of the first diaphragm 33, the contact area of the first diaphragm 33 with the electrode assembly EA becomes smaller. Thus, separation (peeling) of the lower pressurizing plate 31 from the electrode assembly EA becomes easy.

[0259] According to the embodiment, gas or fluid can be injected to the plurality of first through lines 34 at the same time, or can be injected sequentially. However, the structure of the contact area adjusting portion is not necessarily limited to the pump type diaphragm, and can include a variety of mechanical and physical structures. For example, a pressurizing pin of the through line can be provided to be raised and lowered to locally raise and lower the diaphragm, thereby adjusting the contact area.

[0260] Figure 35 A view to show a state in which the diaphragm is provided to the lower pressurizing plate and the upper pressurizing plate. Figure 36 A view to show a state in which the diaphragm of the upper pressurizing plate is expanded to separate the electrode assembly from the upper pressurizing plate. Figure 37 A view to show a state in which the diaphragm of the lower pressurizing plate is expanded to separate the electrode assembly from the lower pressurizing plate.

[0261] Referring to Figure 35 A plurality of second through lines 37 are formed in the inside of the upper pressurizing plate 32, and a second diaphragm 36 is provided to the lower portion of the upper pressurizing plate 32. The second through line 37 is connected to an external pump, and when gas or fluid is injected, the second diaphragm 36 connected to the second through line 37 is expanded.

[0262] Referring to Figure 36 If the pressurization is completed, the second diaphragm 36 is expanded by injecting gas or fluid through the plurality of second through lines 37 while the upper pressurizing plate 32 is raised. Due to the expanded region 36a of the second diaphragm 36, the contact area of the second diaphragm 36 with the electrode assembly EA becomes smaller. Thus, separation (peeling) of the upper pressurizing plate 32 from the electrode assembly EA becomes easy.

[0263] After that, as shown in Figure 37 If the upper pressurizing plate 32 is raised, the first diaphragm 33 is expanded in the region connected to the first through line 34. Thus, due to the expanded region 33a of the first diaphragm 33, the contact area of the first diaphragm 33 with the electrode assembly EA becomes smaller. Thus, separation (peeling) of the lower pressurizing plate 31 from the electrode assembly EA becomes easy.

[0264] However, it is not necessarily limited thereto, and the first diaphragm 33 and the second diaphragm 36 can be expanded at the same time, or can be expanded sequentially. In addition, after the pressurization process is completed, the first diaphragm 33 and the second diaphragm 36 can be expanded together while the upper pressurizing plate 32 is raised.

[0265] While the present embodiments have been described above in the context of fully functioning examples, it is to be understood that no limitations of the scope of the present application are intended to be implied therefrom. For example, although the present application has been described above in the context of particular examples, it is to be appreciated that the application is not limited to these, but is intended to cover any and all adaptations, modifications, and variations accessible to those skilled in the art after reading this specification, including the contents of the following claims, along with their full scope. Thus, the scope of the present application should not be limited to any of the specific examples described herein, but should be given the full scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1.A stacking apparatus, characterized by comprising: a stacking module including a stacking table and a stacking head that stacks a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator on the stacking table; a positive electrode plate supply module that supplies the positive electrode plate to the stacking head; a negative electrode plate supply module that supplies the negative electrode plate to the stacking head; and an inspection module that inspects whether the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate stacked on the stacking table are aligned, the inspection module including: a mirror that reflects an upper surface image of the stacking table; and a camera that obtains the upper surface image reflected by the mirror. 2.The stacking apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the stacking head includes: a first head portion that picks up the positive electrode plate; a second head portion that picks up the negative electrode plate; and a head rotation portion that rotates the first head portion and the second head portion, the mirror includes a first mirror provided to the first head portion and a second mirror provided to the second head portion. 3.The stacking apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first head portion and the second head portion are rotated to alternately stack the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate on the stacking table, the camera obtains an upper surface image reflected by the first mirror when the first head portion is disposed above the stacking table and obtains an upper surface image reflected by the second mirror when the second head portion is disposed above the stacking table. 4.The stacking apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the camera includes a first camera disposed on one side of the stacking head and a second camera disposed on the other side of the stacking head, the first mirror includes a first-1 mirror disposed to face the first camera and a first-2 mirror disposed to face the second camera when the first head portion is disposed above the stacking table. 5.The stacking apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the first camera obtains an upper surface image of one end portion of the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate, the second camera obtains an upper surface image of the other end portion of the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate. 6.The stacking apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the stacking table includes a reference mark disposed adjacent to the stacked positive electrode plate or negative electrode plate, the camera photographs the reference mark together with the positive electrode plate or negative electrode plate. 7.The stacking apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a distance between the reference mark and an outer side surface of the positive electrode plate or negative electrode plate is measured to determine whether the positive electrode plate or negative electrode plate is aligned. 8.The stacking apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the positive electrode plate supply module includes a first alignment table that is rotated to supply the positive electrode plate to the stacking head, the negative electrode plate supply module includes a second alignment table that is rotated to supply the negative electrode plate to the stacking head, ​ The inspection module includes a first frame for connecting one end of the first alignment table and one end of the second alignment table, and a second frame for connecting the other end of the first alignment table and the other end of the second alignment table, The first camera is fixed to the first frame, The second camera is fixed to the second frame. 9.The stacking device according to claim 8, wherein The inspection module includes: a first illumination part fixed to the first frame and irradiating light to the 1-1 mirror or the 2-1 mirror; and a second illumination part fixed to the second frame and irradiating light to the 1-2 mirror or the 2-2 mirror. 10.The stacking device according to claim 8, wherein The inspection module further includes: a positive plate inspection unit for judging whether a positive plate disposed on the first alignment table is aligned; and a negative plate inspection unit for judging whether a negative plate disposed on the second alignment table is aligned, The positive plate inspection unit includes: a third camera for obtaining an alignment pattern of the positive plate disposed on the first alignment table; and a first alignment unit for finely driving to align the positive plate disposed on the first alignment table, The negative plate inspection unit includes: a fourth camera for obtaining an alignment pattern of the negative plate disposed on the second alignment table; and a second alignment unit for finely driving to align the negative plate disposed on the second alignment table. 11.The stacking device according to claim 10, wherein The fourth camera is disposed at an upper portion of the negative plate to form a space portion at a lower portion of the second alignment table. 12.The stacking device according to claim 11, wherein The stacking device further includes a pulling module for picking up and carrying out the electrode assembly stacked on the stacking table, The pulling module approaches the stacking table through the space portion to pick up the electrode assembly.

Images