Electrode assembly manufacturing device

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly by laminating a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate of a secondary battery with a separation film interposed therebetween. The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention comprises: a lamination module including a lamination table and a lamination head for laminating a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and a separation membrane on the lamination table; a first electrode plate supply module for supplying the first electrode plate; a second electrode plate supply module for supplying the second electrode plate; a separation membrane supply module for supplying the separation membrane to the lamination head; and a head-side tension adjustment mechanism for adjusting the tension of the separation film supplied to the stacking head side.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electrode assembly manufacturing device that manufactures an electrode assembly by stacking positive and negative plates of a secondary battery in a manner separated by a separator. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, the use of rechargeable batteries in electronic devices, electric vehicles, and energy storage devices has been expanding. Among rechargeable batteries, lithium-ion batteries are the most widely used type. A lithium-ion battery cell is manufactured by sealing an electrode assembly, which includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator, within an outer packaging material that is shaped like a triangle, a pouch, or a cylinder.

[0003] The electrode assembly of a secondary battery is manufactured by preparing positive and negative electrodes of a certain size, folding the separator membrane into a zigzag shape, and inserting the positive and negative electrodes in such a way that they are located between the folded separator membrane.

[0004] As an example, the applicant’s patent application No. 10-2024-0065026 discloses a stacking device, which includes a positive electrode plate supply module for supplying positive electrode plates, a negative electrode plate supply module for supplying negative electrode plates, and a stacking head for stacking positive electrode plates, negative electrode plates, and a separation membrane on a stacking worktable. The stacking head picks up the positive electrode plates and negative electrode plates in sequence and stacks them on the stacking worktable.

[0005] In such electrode assemblies, the quality of the manufactured electrode assembly can only be maintained if the separator membrane is supplied under tension. Therefore, there is a need for an apparatus capable of supplying the separator membrane while maintaining a constant tension. Furthermore, there is a need for an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus capable of efficiently performing the processes of supplying the positive and negative electrodes, the separator membrane, and stacking these layers.

[0006] (Existing technical literature)

[0007] (Patent Documents)

[0008] Patent Document 1: Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2024-0065026 (May 14, 2024) Summary of the Invention

[0009] (The problem the invention aims to solve)

[0010] The purpose of this invention is to provide an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus for a secondary battery, which includes a separation membrane supply module capable of supplying a separation membrane under a certain tension, thereby improving the manufacturing performance of the electrode assembly.

[0011] (The measures taken to solve the problem)

[0012] The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus of the present invention includes: a stacking module, which includes a stacking worktable and a stacking head for stacking a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate and a separation membrane on the stacking worktable; a first electrode plate supply module for supplying the first electrode plate; a second electrode plate supply module for supplying the second electrode plate; a separation membrane supply module for supplying the separation membrane to the stacking head; and a head-side tension adjustment mechanism for adjusting the tension of the separation membrane supplied to the stacking head side.

[0013] In one embodiment, the tension adjustment unit includes: the head-side tension adjustment mechanism includes a gas injection unit, which injects gas onto the surface of the separation membrane along the path from the separation membrane supply module to the laminating head to adjust the tension of the separation membrane.

[0014] In addition, the gas injection section includes a slit nozzle having a slit formed along the width direction of the separation membrane.

[0015] In addition, the gas injection section injects gas along the width direction of the separation membrane between two guide rollers used to guide the separation membrane from the separation membrane supply module to the separation membrane lead-out section of the stacking head.

[0016] In one embodiment, the head-side tension adjustment mechanism includes an auxiliary tension adjustment section having a tension adjustment roller for pulling the separation membrane supplied to the stacking head.

[0017] In one embodiment, the auxiliary tension adjustment unit further includes an auxiliary actuator and an operating rod that rotates under the action of the auxiliary actuator. The tension adjustment roller is arranged along the width direction of the separation membrane and pulls the separation membrane under the operation of the auxiliary actuator.

[0018] In addition, the aforementioned operating lever rotates around the lever rotation axis. With the lever rotation axis as a reference, one side of the operating lever is connected to the pressure part of the aforementioned auxiliary actuator for pressure application, and the aforementioned tension adjusting roller is provided on the other side of the operating lever.

[0019] In one embodiment, a force sensor is provided on one side of the auxiliary actuator, and the force sensor measures the force generated by the tension of the separation membrane transmitted by the auxiliary actuator.

[0020] (The effect of the invention)

[0021] According to the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus proposed in this invention, the tension of the separation membrane supplied from the lamination head to the lamination worktable is kept constant, thereby improving the manufacturing quality of the electrode assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 It is a diagram that roughly shows the structure and operation process of the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the general configuration of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, which includes a separation membrane supply module and a stacking head.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the first tension adjustment section included in the separation membrane supply module of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the second tension adjustment section included in the separation membrane supply module of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the third tension adjustment unit included in the separation membrane supply module of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the stacking head of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the supply and withdrawal of the separation membrane in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 9 This diagram illustrates, illustratively, the operation of the lamination head in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 10 This is a diagram showing a stacking head including a gas injection section and an auxiliary tension adjustment section in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 11This is a perspective view of a gas injection section and an auxiliary tension adjustment section disposed in a lamination head in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the operation of the auxiliary tension adjustment unit provided in the lamination head in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] (Explanation of reference numerals in the attached diagram)

[0035] 1—Electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus; 10—Laminator head; 20—Separation membrane lead-out section; 30—First head; 40—Second head; 50—Gas injection section; 60—Auxiliary tension adjustment section; 70—Force sensor; 100—Positive electrode plate supply module; 200—Negative electrode plate supply module; 300—Laminator module; 310—Laminator worktable; 400—Inspection module; 500—Separation membrane supply module. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is worth noting that, firstly, when assigning reference numerals to the constituent elements of each drawing, identical constituent elements will be represented using the same reference numerals as much as possible, even if they are shown in other drawings. Furthermore, in describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of related well-known structures or functions will be omitted if it is determined that this may obscure the essence of the present invention. Additionally, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below, but the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to or restricted thereto; of course, it can be implemented in various ways by those skilled in the art.

[0037] Figure 1 It is a diagram that roughly shows the structure and operation flow of the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus. Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the general configuration of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus.

[0038] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 1 includes: a positive electrode plate supply module 100, a negative electrode plate supply module 200, a separation membrane supply module 500, a stacking module 300 including a stacking worktable 310 and a stacking head 10, a pulling module 600 for pulling out the stacked electrode assembly EA, a winding module 800 for finishing the separation membrane S of the electrode assembly EA, a heating module 820 for bonding the electrode assembly EA, and a pressurizing module 830 for pressurizing the electrode assembly EA. The configuration of this electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus can be the stacking apparatus disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2024-0065026, the contents of which can be used as a reference for the description of this invention.

[0039] The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 1 may also include only a portion of the aforementioned components. For example, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiments may also include: a positive electrode plate supply module 100, a negative electrode plate supply module 200, a separation membrane supply module 500, a stacking worktable 310, and a stacking head 10. Alternatively, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiments may also include: a positive electrode plate supply module 100, a negative electrode plate supply module 200, a separation membrane supply module 500, a stacking worktable 310, a stacking head 10, a pulling module 600, and a winding module 800. That is, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus can be defined as an apparatus that includes at least one of the aforementioned components.

[0040] The positive electrode plate supply module 100 performs the function of supplying multiple positive electrode plates E1 stored in the first storage unit (magazine) 110 in a manner that allows the stacking head 10 to pick them up sequentially. The first storage unit 110 has multiple storage units, such as the first-1 storage unit 110A and the first-2 storage unit 110B. The positive electrode plates E1 stored in the first storage unit 110 move toward the first conveying units 120 arranged adjacent to each other along the first direction (X-axis direction). Thereafter, the positive electrode plates E1 are placed on the first alignment worktable 130 by the first conveying units 120.

[0041] The negative electrode plate supply module 200 performs the function of supplying multiple negative electrode plates E2 stored in the second storage unit 210 in a manner that allows the stacking head 10 to pick them up sequentially. The second storage unit 210, like the second-1 storage unit 210A and the second-2 storage unit 210B, has multiple storage units. The negative electrode plates E2 stored in the second storage unit 210 move toward the second conveying unit 220, which is arranged adjacent to each other along the first direction (X-axis direction). Thereafter, the negative electrode plates E2 are placed on the second alignment worktable 230 by the second conveying unit 220.

[0042] The positive electrode plate supply module 100 is provided with at least one pickup unit, which enables the positive electrode plate E1 stored in the first storage unit 110 to be moved from the first storage unit 110 to the first conveying unit 120 (S11), and then from the first conveying unit 120 to the first alignment worktable 130 (S12). When the first storage unit 110 has multiple storage units, such as the first-1 storage unit 110A and the first-2 storage unit 110B, the positive electrode plate is alternately supplied to the stacking head 10 by the first-1 storage unit 110A and the first-2 storage unit 110B (S11, S11A).

[0043] In one embodiment, the positive electrode plate supply module 100 includes: a first-1 picking unit 140 that moves the positive electrode plate E1 stored in the first storage unit 110 to the first conveying unit 120, and a first-2 picking unit 150 that moves the positive electrode plate E1 from the first conveying unit 120 to the first alignment worktable 130.

[0044] The negative electrode plate supply module 200 is symmetrically arranged with respect to the laminating head 10 in a first direction to the positive electrode plate supply module 100. The negative electrode plate supply module 200 is provided with at least one pickup unit, thus enabling the negative electrode plate E2 housed in the second storage unit 210 to be moved towards the second conveying unit 220 (S21), and from the second conveying unit 220 towards the second alignment worktable 230 (S22). When the second storage unit 210 has multiple storage units, such as the second-1 storage unit 210A and the second-2 storage unit 210B, electrode plates are alternately supplied to the laminating head 10 via the second-1 storage unit 210A and the second-2 storage unit 210B (S21, S21A).

[0045] In one embodiment, the negative electrode plate supply module 200 includes: a second-1 picking unit 240 that moves the negative electrode plate E2 stored in the second storage unit 210 to the second conveying unit 220, and a second-2 picking unit 250 that moves the negative electrode plate E2 from the second conveying unit 220 to the second alignment worktable 230.

[0046] The separation membrane supply module 500 supplies the separation membrane S wound on the separation membrane supply roll 502 to the laminating head 10. The separation membrane S is supplied to the laminating head 10 by multiple rollers passing across the upper part of the positive electrode plate supply module 100.

[0047] The stacking head 10 stacks the positive electrode E1 supplied by the positive electrode supply module 100, the negative electrode E2 supplied by the negative electrode supply module 200, and the separation membrane S supplied by the separation membrane supply module 500 onto the stacking stage 310 to form an electrode assembly EA. In one embodiment, the stacking head 10 includes a first head 30 for picking up the positive electrode E1 and a second head 40 for picking up the negative electrode E2. The first head 30 and the second head 40 swing left and right to stack the positive electrode E1 and the negative electrode E2 sequentially onto the stacking stage 310 through the separation membrane S to form the electrode assembly EA.

[0048] The pulling module 600 passes through the lower part of the negative electrode plate supply module 200 and moves along the first direction to approach the completed electrode assembly EA, and then moves backward in a state of holding the electrode assembly EA to the finishing area WA. A cutting module 700 is provided between the stacking worktable 310 and the pulling module 600 to cut the separation membrane S.

[0049] The winding module 800, located in the finishing area, includes a rotating unit 802 that adheres the separation membrane S remaining in the electrode assembly EA to the electrode assembly EA after winding. After finishing, the electrode assembly EA is moved to the location of the transport unit 810 and then moved by the transport unit 810 to the heating module 820.

[0050] In one embodiment, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 1 includes an inspection module 400, which includes at least one of a positive electrode plate inspection unit, a negative electrode plate inspection unit, and a stacking inspection unit. The positive electrode plate inspection unit is mounted on a first alignment stage 130 to inspect the positive electrode plate E1 on the first alignment stage 130, the negative electrode plate inspection unit is mounted on a second alignment stage 230 to inspect the negative electrode plate E2 on the second alignment stage 230, and the stacking inspection unit inspects the electrode assembly EA stacked on a stacking stage 310. Each of the positive electrode plate inspection unit, the negative electrode plate inspection unit, and the stacking inspection unit may include a camera for acquiring images. Additionally, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 1 may also include a first recycling unit 115 and a second recycling unit 215 for respectively recycling defective positive electrode plates E1 and negative electrode plates E2.

[0051] Figure 2 The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 1 shown includes: a stacking stage 310 for stacking a positive electrode plate E1, a negative electrode plate E2, and a separation membrane S; a positive electrode plate supply module 100 for supplying a positive electrode plate E1 to the stacking stage 310; a negative electrode plate supply module 200 for supplying a negative electrode plate E2 to the stacking stage 310; and a stacking head 10 for stacking the positive electrode plate E1 supplied by the positive electrode plate supply module 100 and the negative electrode plate E2 supplied by the negative electrode plate supply module 200 on the stacking stage 310.

[0052] Next, the detailed configuration of the separation membrane supply module 500 in the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. On the other hand, in the description of the present invention, the positive electrode plate E1 may be referred to as the "first electrode plate" and the negative electrode plate E2 may be referred to as the "second electrode plate"; the positive electrode plate supply module 100 may be referred to as the "first electrode plate supply module" and the negative electrode plate supply module 200 may be referred to as the "second electrode plate supply module".

[0053] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, which includes a separation membrane supply module and a stacking head.

[0054] exist Figure 3The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 1, with the separation membrane supply module 500 and the lamination head 10 as its center, is shown in the figure. The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 1 according to the present invention may include, as shown in the figure, the separation membrane supply module 500 and the lamination head 10. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The system comprises a positive electrode plate supply module 100, a negative electrode plate supply module 200, and a stacked worktable 310, as described above.

[0055] The separator membrane supply module 500 receives the separator membrane S from the separator membrane supply roll 502 and supplies it to the laminating head 10. The separator membrane supply module 500 includes: a plurality of supply rollers R1 to R8 for guiding the separator membrane S, at least one tension adjusting part 510, 520, 540 for adjusting the tension of the supplied separator membrane S, and a serpentine detection sensor 530 for detecting whether the separator membrane S is serpentine.

[0056] The first supply roller R1 receives and transfers the separation membrane S from the separation membrane supply roll 502. The second supply roller R2 transfers the separation membrane S to the first tension adjustment unit 510. The third supply roller R3 is located in the first tension adjustment unit 510 and adjusts the tension of the separation membrane S by operating the first tension adjustment unit 510. The fourth supply roller R4 receives the separation membrane S via the third supply roller R3 and transfers it to the second tension adjustment unit 520. The fifth supply roller R5 is located in the second tension adjustment unit 520 and transfers the tension-adjusted separation membrane S to the sixth supply roller R6. The separation membrane S, whose transfer direction has changed at the sixth supply roller R6, is transferred to the eighth supply roller R8 via the seventh supply roller R7. The eighth supply roller R8 guides the separation membrane S to the laminating head 10 and is located in the third tension adjustment unit 540, thereby enabling operation in a manner that adjusts the tension of the separation membrane S.

[0057] In the first to eighth supply rollers R1 to R8, the first, second, fourth, sixth, and seventh supply rollers R1, R2, R4, R6, and R7 can be fixed rollers in the X-axis and Z-axis directions, while the third, fifth, and eighth supply rollers R3, R5, and R8 can be movable rollers in the X-axis or Z-axis direction. Furthermore, in this invention, the third supply roller R3 can be referred to as the "first tension adjusting roller," the fifth supply roller R5 can be referred to as the "second tension adjusting roller," and the eighth supply roller R8 can be referred to as the "head direction supply roller."

[0058] The separation membrane S, supplied from the separation membrane supply roll 502 to the first supply roller R1, is tensioned and transmitted to the stacking head 10 as it moves through the first to eighth supply rollers R1 to R8. During the stacking process of the positive electrode E1, the negative electrode E2, and the separation membrane S in the stacking head 10, the speed at which the separation membrane S is drawn out (extracted) from the stacking head 10 varies depending on the oscillation operation of the stacking head 10. The tension change caused by the difference in the drawing speed of the separation membrane S can be adjusted by operating the first to third tension adjustment units 510, 520, and 540.

[0059] On the other hand, the snake detection sensor 530 can be a CPC sensor (Center Position Control Sensor) or an EPC sensor (Edge Position Sensor). Based on the detection result of the snake detection sensor 530, the snake control of the separation membrane S is performed by controlling the movement of the separation membrane supply roll 502 and the first to eighth supply rollers R1 to R8 included in the separation membrane supply module 500 in a direction perpendicular to the supply direction of the separation membrane S.

[0060] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the first tension adjustment unit included in the separation membrane supply module of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the second tension adjustment unit included in the separation membrane supply module of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the third tension adjustment unit included in the separation membrane supply module of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Reference Figure 4 The first tension adjusting unit 510 includes: a first actuator 512, an actuator operating lever 514, a rotating shaft 516, a roller connecting rod 518, and a third supply roller R3. While not limited to a single actuator, the first actuator 512 can be a pneumatic cylinder. The rotating shaft 516 is rotated by the operation of the first actuator 512. In one embodiment, the first actuator 512 is connected to one end of the actuator operating lever 514, which is connected to the rotating shaft 516, thereby rotating the rotating shaft 516. A pair of roller connecting rods 518 are provided at both ends of the rotating shaft 516 along its length. The third supply roller R3 is connected to the end of the roller connecting rod 518 in a manner parallel to the rotating shaft 516. Through the operation of the first actuator 512, the third supply roller R3 moves approximately along... Figure 3 The tension of the separation membrane S can be adjusted by moving it left and right along the X-axis.

[0062] Reference Figure 5The second tension adjusting unit 520 includes a second actuator 522 and a fifth supply roller R5 connected to a connecting portion 524, wherein the connecting portion 524 is connected to the second actuator 522. While the second actuator 522 is not limited, it can be constructed as a linear motor. Through the operation of the second actuator 522, the fifth supply roller R5 moves approximately along... Figure 3 The tension of the separation membrane S can be adjusted by moving it in the Z-axis direction. As previously explained, a fourth supply roller R4 and a sixth supply roller R6 for supplying and transmitting the separation membrane S can be provided on both sides of the second tension adjustment unit 520.

[0063] Reference Figure 6 The third tension adjustment unit 540 includes: a third actuator 542, a support plate 544, a supply roller bracket 546, a connecting block 548, and an eighth supply roller R8. While the third actuator 542 is not limited, it can be constructed from a linear motor. Through the operation of the third actuator 542, the eighth supply roller R8 can be moved approximately along... Figure 3 The third actuator 542 moves up and down along the Z-axis. A support plate 544 supports the third actuator 542 and may have a guide groove 545 along the Z-axis. A connecting block 548, connected to one side of the supply roller bracket 546, is connected to the third actuator 542 and can move along the guide groove 545 of the support plate 544 in the Z-axis direction. An eighth supply roller R8 is mounted on the supply roller bracket 546, and the separation membrane S is conveyed to the stacking head 10 via the eighth supply roller R8. In one embodiment, to assist in the conveying of the separation membrane S, a ninth supply roller R9 is arranged in pairs with the eighth supply roller R8.

[0064] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the stacking head of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] The stacking head 10 receives the separation membrane S and folds the separation membrane S into a zigzag shape, and loads the first electrode plate E1 and the second electrode plate E2 between the folded separation membrane S.

[0066] This laminating head 10 includes: a laminating head mounting part 12, a laminating head swinging part 14, a separation membrane lead-out part 20, a first head 30, and a second head 40. The first head 30 and the second head 40 are disposed on both sides of the separation membrane lead-out part 20, with the separation membrane lead-out part 20 located between the first head 30 and the second head 40. The separation membrane lead-out part 20, the first head 30, and the second head 40 are connected to each other and are swinging left and right by the laminating head swinging part 14. The laminating head swinging part 14 includes a swing motor (not shown) and a swing shaft, and drives the separation membrane lead-out part 20, the first head 30, and the second head 40 to swing around the swing shaft.

[0067] The separation membrane lead-out section 20 includes a separation membrane lead-out frame 22, with lead-out rollers 24a and 24b provided at the ends of the separation membrane lead-out frame 22. The separation membrane S supplied from the eighth supply roller R8 of the separation membrane supply module 500 is conveyed by the first and second guide rollers G1 and G2 provided in the stacking head mounting section 12, and guided by the third and fourth guide rollers G3 and G4 and the fifth and sixth guide rollers G5 and G6 provided in the separation membrane lead-out frame 22 to the lowermost lead-out rollers 24a and 24b. The lead-out rollers 24a and 24b include a first lead-out roller 24a guided to lead the separation membrane S toward the first head 30 side and a second lead-out roller 24b guided to lead the separation membrane S toward the second head 40 side.

[0068] In one embodiment, a first lead-out roller 24a is disposed at the end of a first lead-out roller support rod 26a rotatably connected to a separation membrane lead-out frame 22 at a first location 28a, and a second lead-out roller 24b is disposed at the end of a second lead-out roller support rod 26b rotatably connected to a separation membrane lead-out frame 22 at a second location 28b. The first lead-out roller support rod 26a and the second lead-out roller support rod 26b are elastically supported in a manner that suppresses rotation outward from the first location 28a and the second location 28b (in a direction away from each other). For example, tension springs are connected to the first lead-out roller support rod 26a and the second lead-out roller support rod 26b to elastically support outward rotation. Therefore, when the separation membrane is led out supported by the first lead-out roller 24a or the second lead-out roller 24b, variations in vibration or tension can be easily accommodated. In addition, the first lead-out roller support rod 26a and the second lead-out roller support rod 26b respectively measure the force applied by the first lead-out roller 24a and the second lead-out roller 24b, thereby enabling the indirect measurement of the tension of the separation membrane S.

[0069] The first head 30 has a first pickup part 32 for picking up the first electrode plate E1, and a first support roller 34 for supporting the separation membrane S is provided at the lower end of the first head 30. The second head 40 has a second pickup part 42 for picking up the second electrode plate E2, and a second support roller 44 for supporting the separation membrane S is provided at the lower end of the second head 40.

[0070] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the supply and withdrawal of the separation membrane in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] The separation membrane S supplied to the first supply roller R1 is transferred to the laminating head 10 via the first to eighth supply rollers R1 to R8. The tension of the separation membrane S transferred to the laminating head 10 is adjusted by the first tension adjusting unit 510, the second tension adjusting unit 520, and the third tension adjusting unit 540. In one embodiment, the operation of the first to third tension adjusting units 510, 520, and 540 can be preset according to the operating state of the laminating head 10. The degree of sagging or tension of the separation membrane S during the operation of the laminating head 10 stacking the electrode assembly EA is pre-confirmed, and the operation of the first to third tension adjusting units 510, 520, and 540 is pre-programmed or learned to ensure that the separation membrane S has a certain tension. In other embodiments, a sensor for detecting the tension of the separation membrane S can also be provided on the supply path of the separation membrane S, and the operation of the first to third tension adjusting units 510, 520, and 540 can be adjusted according to the detection result of the tension of the separation membrane S.

[0072] The separation membrane S, supplied by the eighth supply roller R8, passes through the first and second guide rollers G1, G2, the third and fourth guide rollers G3, G4, and the fifth and sixth guide rollers G5, G6, and is drawn out through the lead-out rollers 24a and 24b located at the end of the separation membrane lead-out section 20. The separation membrane S is supported by the first support roller 34 of the first head 30 or the second support roller 44 of the second head 40 and is stacked on the stacking worktable 310.

[0073] On the other hand, a surface inspection unit 18 for inspecting the surface of the separation membrane S and a gas jetting unit 50 for assisting in maintaining the tension of the separation membrane S may also be provided on the side of the laminating head 10. In one embodiment, the surface inspection unit 18 and the gas jetting unit 50 are disposed between the first guide roller G1 and the second guide roller G2, but this is not a limitation. The surface inspection unit 18 is composed of a camera for photographing the surface of the separation membrane S, which is used to check whether there are foreign objects on the surface of the separation membrane S. The gas jetting unit 50 pressurizes the surface of the separation membrane S by jetting gas (or air) into it, thereby assisting in maintaining the tension of the separation membrane S. The detailed configuration of the gas jetting unit 50 will be described in more detail below.

[0074] Figure 9 This diagram illustrates, illustratively, the operation of the lamination head in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] Reference Figure 9 (a) The separation membrane S, which is led out from the separation membrane lead-out section 20 and supported by the second support roller 44, covers the stacking worktable 310. The second electrode plate E2, picked up by the second head 40, is placed on the stacking worktable 310 from above the separation membrane S.

[0076] Reference Figure 9In (b) and (c), with the second electrode plate E2 placed on the stacking table 310, as the stacking head 10 rotates to the right, the first support roller 34 of the first head 30 supports the separation membrane S so that the separation membrane S covers the top of the stacking table 310 (in other words, the upper surface of the second electrode plate E2 placed on the stacking table 310).

[0077] Reference Figure 9 (d) The first electrode plate E1 picked up by the first head 30 is placed above the separation membrane S.

[0078] By repeating this process, the first electrode plate E1 and the second electrode plate E2 are stacked sequentially through the separation membrane S. Additionally, in Figure 9 In state (a), the first head 30 picks up the first electrode plate E1 from the first alignment stage 130. Figure 9 In state (d), the second head 40 picks up the second electrode plate E2 from the second alignment stage 230. Although not shown, the stacking stage 310 is also provided with pressurizing members on both sides of the stacked separation membrane S that can pressurize the membrane.

[0079] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating a stacking head, including a gas injection section and an auxiliary tension adjustment section, in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 This is a perspective view of a gas injection section and an auxiliary tension adjustment section disposed in a lamination head in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Additionally, Figure 12 This is a diagram showing the operation of the auxiliary tension adjustment unit provided in the lamination head in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Reference Figures 10 to 12 The laminating head 10 is provided with a gas injection section 50 and an auxiliary tension adjustment section 60. In this invention, the gas injection section 50 and the auxiliary tension adjustment section 60 are mechanisms for adjusting the tension of the separation membrane S supplied to the laminating head 10 side, and are referred to as the head-side tension adjustment mechanism.

[0081] The gas injection unit 50 includes a slit nozzle 52, through which compressed gas supplied to the gas injection unit 50 is injected toward the surface of the separation membrane S supplied to the laminating head 10. The slit nozzle 52 has a slit at its front end, allowing the compressed gas supplied from the gas injection unit 50 to be injected onto the surface of the separation membrane S with a narrow thickness. In one embodiment, the gas (Air) injected by the gas injection unit 50 passes between the first guide roller G1 and the second guide roller G2 and is injected onto the surface of the separation membrane S, thereby keeping the separation membrane S taut. However, in embodiments of the present invention, the injection position of the gas from the gas injection unit 50 is not limited to between the first guide roller G1 and the second guide roller G2; the injection position can be set to different positions as needed.

[0082] The auxiliary tension adjusting unit 60 provides auxiliary tension to the separation membrane S supplied to the laminating head 10. In one embodiment, the auxiliary tension adjusting unit 60 adjusts the pull of the separation membrane S between the second guide roller G2 and the seventh guide roller G7, thereby adjusting the tension of the separation membrane S led out to the separation membrane lead-out unit 20. Figure 10 In the embodiments, with Figure 7 Compared to the previous embodiment, a seventh guide roller G7 is also provided between the second guide roller G2 and the third guide roller G3, which is a difference. However, in the implementation of the present invention, the position of the auxiliary tension adjustment unit 60 is not limited to between the second and seventh guide rollers G2 and G7, and its position can be changed as needed.

[0083] The auxiliary tension adjustment unit 60 includes an auxiliary actuator 62, a pressure application unit 64, an operating lever 66, and a tension adjustment roller T1 disposed at one end of the operating lever 66. In one embodiment, it may further include an auxiliary operating lever 67 that supports the tension adjustment roller T1 together with the operating lever 66. The operating lever 66 and the auxiliary operating lever 67 can be connected via a lever rotation shaft 68. The operating lever 66 rotates about the lever rotation shaft 68 as a center. With the lever rotation shaft 68 as a reference, one side of the operating lever 66 is pressurized by the pressure application unit 64, and the other side of the operating lever 66 causes the tension adjustment roller T1 to rotate.

[0084] Reference Figure 12 The tension adjusting roller T1 is in the state where the separation membrane S is attached, and the tension of the separation membrane S is adjusted according to the position of the tension adjusting roller T1. On the other hand, it should be noted that... Figure 11 In order to illustrate the structure of the auxiliary tension adjustment unit 60, the separation membrane S is shown in a state where it is not attached to the tension adjustment roller T1.

[0085] The auxiliary actuator 62 may include an air cylinder and an internal spring, and the position of the pressurization section 64 can be adjusted by operating the auxiliary actuator 62.

[0086] On the other hand, the auxiliary actuator 62 is connected to the laminating head 10 via a load cell 70. Therefore, the reaction force generated by the tension applied to the separation membrane S by the auxiliary tension adjustment unit 60 is applied to the load cell 70. The load cell 70 includes a detection sensor 72 for detecting the force or displacement applied to it. The load cell 70 measures the force generated by the tension of the separation membrane S transmitted through the operating lever 66 and the auxiliary actuator 62, and controls the operation of the actuator 62 based on the force measured by the load cell 70, thereby helping to maintain the tension of the separation membrane S within a certain range.

[0087] The above description is merely an illustrative representation of the technical concept of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications, alterations, and substitutions without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments and drawings disclosed in this invention are intended to illustrate the technical concept of the invention, not to limit it. The scope of the technical concept of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments and drawings. The scope of protection of this invention should be interpreted by the appended claims, and all technical concepts falling within the equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the claims of this invention.

Claims

1. An electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus, characterized in that, include: A stacking module includes a stacking worktable and a stacking head for stacking a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and a separation membrane on the stacking worktable. The first electrode plate supply module supplies the aforementioned first electrode plate; The second electrode plate supply module supplies the aforementioned second electrode plate; A separation membrane supply module supplies the separation membrane to the laminating head; and The tension adjustment mechanism on the head side is used to adjust the tension of the separation membrane supplied to the head side of the stack.

2. The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The aforementioned head-side tension adjustment mechanism includes a gas injection unit, which injects gas onto the surface of the separation membrane along the path from the separation membrane supply module to the stacking head to adjust the tension of the separation membrane.

3. The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The gas injection section includes a slit nozzle having a slit formed along the width direction of the separation membrane.

4. The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The gas injection unit injects gas along the width direction of the separation membrane between two guide rollers used to guide the separation membrane from the separation membrane supply module to the separation membrane lead-out section of the stacking head.

5. The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The aforementioned head-side tension adjustment mechanism includes an auxiliary tension adjustment section, which has a tension adjustment roller for pulling the separation membrane supplied to the aforementioned laminating head.

6. The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The aforementioned auxiliary tension adjustment unit further includes: an auxiliary actuator and an operating lever that rotates under the action of the auxiliary actuator. The tension adjusting roller is arranged along the width direction of the separation membrane and pulls the separation membrane under the operation of the auxiliary actuator.

7. The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, The aforementioned operating lever rotates around the lever rotation axis. With the lever rotation axis as a reference, one side of the operating lever is connected to the pressure part of the aforementioned auxiliary actuator for pressure application, and the aforementioned tension adjusting roller is provided on the other side of the operating lever.

8. The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, A force sensor is provided on one side of the aforementioned auxiliary actuator, and the force sensor measures the force generated by the tension of the separation membrane transmitted by the aforementioned auxiliary actuator.

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