Electrode sheet crimping reduction roller, electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus, and electrode assembly manufacturing method

Abstract

The present invention provides an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus including an unwinding machine (200) for unwinding an electrode sheet (50), a curl reduction roller (100) of the electrode sheet which is in contact with the electrode sheet (50) and reduces curl that can be formed on one side of the electrode sheet (50) in a thickness direction, a winding core (300) for winding the electrode sheet (50) by rotation with an end of the electrode sheet (50) fixed, a transport unit (400) for inserting the electrode sheet (50) into the winding core (300), and a cutter (500) which cuts the electrode sheet (50) inserted into the winding core (300).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0029249, filed on February 28, 2024, the entire contents of which are included as part of this specification.

[0002] This invention relates to a deflection reduction roller for electrode sheets, an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus, and an electrode assembly manufacturing method, wherein deflection that may form in the electrode sheet can be easily and effectively reduced at low cost using a simple configuration, the amount of bending and transport direction of the electrode sheet can be easily controlled, the front end (core) of the electrode sheet can be easily and stably inserted / fed for winding, the electrode sheet can be prevented from bending after being inserted / fed into the winding machine, cutting defects can be avoided, and reverse deflection can be reduced. Background Technology

[0003] like Figure 1 As shown, the electrode sheet 50 may include a current collector 52 and a composite layer 54. Additionally, the electrode sheet 50 may include a coated portion G1 on which the composite layer 54 is formed, and an uncoated portion G2 on which the composite layer 54 is not formed. The electrode sheet 50 may include a plurality of unit electrode sheets U having a predetermined length. Each unit electrode sheet U may include a coated portion G1 and an uncoated portion G2, and may constitute an electrode assembly. The electrode sheet 50 may be cut at a predetermined point C, such that the unit electrode sheet U can be separated from adjacent unit electrode sheets U. The electrode assembly manufacturing process can be performed with at least one end (front end) of the unit electrode sheet U separated from adjacent unit electrode sheets U.

[0004] At the same time, such as Figure 2 As shown, the unit electrode sheet U may have a first segment S1 at one end (front end) in the longitudinal direction, wherein a composite layer 54 is coated on one of the two surfaces of the electrode current collector 52 while the other surface is not coated with the composite layer 54. When one end (front end) of the unit electrode sheet U separates from the adjacent unit electrode sheet U, the one end (front end) of the unit electrode sheet U may be bent by the first segment S1 toward the side of the unit electrode sheet U that is not coated with the composite layer 54 in the thickness direction. Here, the thickness direction may be the thickness direction of the electrode sheet 50. That is, curling may form in one end (front end) of the unit electrode sheet U toward one side in the thickness direction. This may be due to the difference in elongation between one side and the other side of the unit electrode sheet U in the thickness direction in the first segment S1.

[0005] Since the electrode assembly manufacturing process is performed with at least one end (front end) of the unit electrode sheet U separated from the adjacent unit electrode sheet U, when the unit electrode sheet U includes the first segment S1, the electrode assembly manufacturing process may have to be performed with curling at the front end of the unit electrode sheet U.

[0006] Here, the electrode assembly manufacturing process may fail due to curling at the front end of the unit electrode sheet U, or manufacturing defects may occur. For example, in the winding process for manufacturing a wound electrode assembly by winding the unit electrode sheet U and the separator 70 together, i) the front end (core) of the unit electrode sheet U may be unable to be inserted / fed into the winding machine 300 due to curling, and ii) the unit electrode sheet U may bend even when inserted / fed into the winding machine 300, resulting in winding defects or separation (cutting) defects at the rear end of the unit electrode sheet U. Here, the winding machine 300 may be a component that fixes and rotates the front end (core) of the unit electrode sheet U inserted / fed thereto and the separator 70 to form a wound electrode assembly.

[0007] Therefore, a method is needed to reduce curling at one end (front end) of the unit electrode sheet U. In particular, curling may become more severe as the length of the first segment S1 increases, and thus a method for reducing curling is urgently needed. The relevant prior art document is Korean Patent Application Publication No. 10-2023-0149762. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a curl reduction roller for electrode sheets, an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus, and an electrode assembly manufacturing method that can easily and effectively reduce curling formed in electrode sheets with a simple configuration, low cost, and minimal workload.

[0010] The purpose of this invention is to provide a deflection reduction roller for electrode sheets, an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus, and an electrode assembly manufacturing method that can easily control the amount of bending of the electrode sheet and the transport direction of the bent electrode sheet.

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide a deflection reduction roller for electrode sheets, an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus, and an electrode assembly manufacturing method that can reduce the size and weight of the electrode sheets and facilitate their transport.

[0012] The object of the present invention is to provide a deflection reduction roller for electrode sheets, an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus and an electrode assembly manufacturing method, which can i) easily and stably insert / feed the front end (core) of the electrode sheet into / to a winding machine, and ii) prevent the electrode sheet from bending after insertion / feeding into / to the winding machine and causing cutting defects.

[0013] The purpose of this invention is to provide a deflection reduction roller for electrode sheets, an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus, and an electrode assembly manufacturing method, which can reduce reverse deflection, thereby preventing the electrode sheets from bending after insertion / feeding to the winding machine and preventing cutting defects.

[0014] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is not limited to the objectives described above, and other objectives and advantages of the present invention not described herein may be understood through the following description and will become clearer through examples of the invention. Furthermore, it is clear that the objectives and advantages of the present invention may be embodied by means of the claims and combinations thereof.

[0015] Technical solutions

[0016] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 10, which includes: an unwinding machine 200; an electrode sheet deflection reduction roller 100; a winding machine 300; a transport device 400; and a cutter 500.

[0017] The unwinding machine 200 can unwind the electrode sheet 50;

[0018] The electrode sheet curl reduction roller 100 can reduce the curling formed on one side of the electrode sheet 50 in the thickness direction by contacting the electrode sheet 50.

[0019] The winding machine 300 can wind the electrode sheet 50 by rotation while the end of the electrode sheet 50 is fixed.

[0020] The transport device 400 can deliver the electrode sheet 50 to the winding machine 300.

[0021] The cutter 500 can cut the electrode sheet 50 fed to the winding machine 300.

[0022] The electrode sheet curl reduction roller 100 may include: a first roller 110 and a second roller 120, or a second roller 120 and a third roller 130.

[0023] The first roller 110 and the second roller 120, or the second roller 120 and the third roller 130, can sequentially contact the electrode sheet 50 transported in the longitudinal direction.

[0024] The first roller 110 and the second roller 120, or the second roller 120 and the third roller 130, can change the transport direction of the electrode sheet 50.

[0025] Each of the first roller 110 and the third roller 130 can contact the electrode sheet 50 along its outer periphery, such that the electrode sheet 50 bends toward one side in the thickness direction.

[0026] The second roller 120 can contact the electrode sheet 50 along its outer periphery, causing the electrode sheet 50 to bend toward the opposite side in the thickness direction.

[0027] The second diameter R2 of the second roller 120 can be greater than 0 and less than the first diameter R1 of the first roller 110 and the third diameter R3 of the third roller 130.

[0028] The electrode sheet curling reduction roller 100 can be set in the transport path of the electrode sheet 50, downstream of the unwinding machine 200 and upstream of the cutter 500.

[0029] The transport distance of electrode sheet 50 from unwinding machine 200 to electrode sheet curl reduction roller 100 can be less than the transport distance of electrode sheet 50 from curl reduction roller 100 to cutter 500.

[0030] In one embodiment, the electrode sheet curl reduction roller 100 may be located adjacent to the unwinding machine 200.

[0031] In one embodiment, the electrode sheet curling reduction roller 100 may include a first roller 110, a second roller 120, and a third roller 130.

[0032] The first roller 110, the second roller 120, and the third roller 130 can sequentially contact the electrode sheet 50 transported in the longitudinal direction.

[0033] The first roller 110, the second roller 120, and the third roller 130 can change the transport direction of the electrode sheet 50.

[0034] In one embodiment, the second bending angle E2 of the electrode sheet 50 when it bends along the outer periphery of the second roller 120 can be greater than or equal to the first bending angle E1 and the third bending angle E3 of the electrode sheet 50 when it bends along the outer periphery of the first roller 110 and the third roller 130, respectively.

[0035] In one embodiment, the third bending angle E3 of the electrode sheet 50 when it bends along the outer periphery of the third roller 130 may be smaller than the first bending angle E1 of the electrode sheet 50 when it bends along the outer periphery of the first roller 110.

[0036] In one embodiment, the first roller 110, the second roller 120, and the third roller 130 can rotate about an imaginary first axis A1, a second axis A2, and a third axis A3 extending in the width direction, respectively.

[0037] In a first direction perpendicular to an imaginary plane including the first axis A1 and the third axis A3, when the electrode sheet 50 contacts the outer periphery of one side of the second roller 120, the second axis A2 is positioned on one side of the first axis A1 and the third axis A3.

[0038] In one embodiment, the second diameter R2 can be greater than 0 and less than 3 / 5 of the first diameter D1 and 3 / 5 of the third diameter D3.

[0039] In one implementation, the third diameter D3 may be equal to or greater than the first diameter D1.

[0040] In one embodiment, the curl reduction roller 100 may include a fourth roller 140, a first roller 110, and a second roller 120, which sequentially contact the electrode sheet 50 transported in the longitudinal direction and change the transport direction of the electrode sheet 50.

[0041] The fourth roller 140 can contact the electrode sheet 50 along its outer periphery, causing the electrode sheet 50 to bend toward the opposite side in the thickness direction.

[0042] The fourth diameter D4 of the fourth roller 140 can be greater than 0 and less than the first diameter R1.

[0043] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides an electrode assembly manufacturing method S900, which includes: a fixing process S910 of fixing the end of an electrode sheet 50 to a winding machine 300; a winding process S920 of winding the electrode sheet 50 by rotating the winding machine 300; and a cutting process S930 of cutting a first electrode sheet 50A.

[0044] When the electrode sheet 50 is transported in the winding process S920, the curling reduction roller 100 can reduce the curling that may form on one side of the electrode sheet 50 in the thickness direction.

[0045] Beneficial effects

[0046] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus may include: an unwinding machine 200 for unwinding an electrode sheet 50; an electrode sheet curl reduction roller 100 for reducing curling formed on one side of the electrode sheet 50 in the thickness direction by contacting the electrode sheet 50; a winding machine 300 for winding the electrode sheet 50 by rotation while the end of the electrode sheet 50 is fixed; a transport device 400 for feeding the electrode sheet 50 to the winding machine 300; and a cutter 500 for cutting the electrode sheet 50 fed to the winding machine 300. The electrode sheet curl reduction roller 100 may include a first roller 110 and a second roller 120, or a second roller 120 and a third roller 130. The first roller 110 and the second roller 120, or the second roller 120 and the third roller 130, sequentially contact the electrode sheet 50 transported in the longitudinal direction and change the transport direction of the electrode sheet 50. Each of the first roller 110 and the third roller 130 may contact the electrode sheet 50 along its outer periphery, causing the electrode sheet 50 to bend towards one side in the thickness direction. The second roller 120 may contact the electrode sheet 50 along its outer periphery, causing the electrode sheet 50 to bend towards the opposite side in the thickness direction. The second diameter R2 of the second roller 120 may be greater than 0 and smaller than the first diameter R1 of the first roller 110 and the third diameter R3 of the third roller 130. The electrode sheet curl reduction roller 100 may be positioned downstream of the unwinding machine 200 and upstream of the cutter 500 in the transport path of the electrode sheet 50. The transport distance of electrode sheet 50 from unwinding machine 200 to electrode sheet curl reduction roller 100 can be less than the transport distance of electrode sheet 50 from curl reduction roller 100 to cutter 500.

[0047] Therefore, the deflection reduction roller 100 reduces the deflection that may form at the front end of the first electrode sheet 50A after being cut by the first cutter 500A. Figure 2 This allows i) the front end (core) of the first electrode sheet 50A to be easily and stably inserted into / fed into the winding machine 300, and ii) the first electrode sheet 50A to remain straight after being inserted into / fed into the winding machine 300, and to avoid cutting defects caused by the first cutter 500A.

[0048] Furthermore, the transport distance from the deflection reduction roller 100 of the electrode sheet to the first cutter 500A or the winding machine 300 can be made longer. Therefore, even if a reverse curl (towards the opposite side in the thickness direction) is formed on the first electrode sheet 50A via the deflection reduction roller 100 of the electrode sheet, it can still achieve the desired effect. Figure 2 When curling in the opposite direction (as shown), reverse curling can also be reduced by applying tension to the first electrode sheet 50A during the process of transporting the first electrode sheet 50A to the first cutter 500A or the winding machine 300.

[0049] Furthermore, due to the large curvature of the second roller 120, the amount of bending (bending angle) per unit length of the electrode sheet 50 can be increased when the electrode sheet 50 is bent toward the opposite side in the thickness direction by the second roller 120. Therefore, by using the second roller 120, curling that may form in the electrode sheet 50 can be easily and effectively reduced at low cost using a simple configuration.

[0050] Furthermore, since the curvature of the first roller 110 and the third roller 130 is small, the amount of bending per unit length of the electrode sheet 50 can be reduced when the electrode sheet 50 is bent toward one side in the thickness direction by the first roller 110 or the third roller 130. Therefore, even when the electrode sheet 50 is bent by the first roller 110 or the third roller 130, curling will not form on the side of the electrode sheet 50 toward the thickness direction, or only slight curling may form.

[0051] In addition, since the first roller 110 is located upstream of the second roller 120, or the third roller 130 is located downstream of the second roller 120, the bending amount of the second roller 120 on the electrode sheet 50 and the transport direction of the electrode sheet 50 after bending can be easily controlled.

[0052] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electrode sheet curling reduction roller 100 may be disposed adjacent to the unwinding machine 200.

[0053] Therefore, the transport distance from the deflection reduction roller 100 of the electrode sheet to the first cutter 500A or the winding machine 300 can become longer. Thus, even if a reverse curl (towards the opposite side in the thickness direction) is formed on the first electrode sheet 50A via the deflection reduction roller 100 of the electrode sheet, it can still achieve this. Figure 2 When curling in the opposite direction (as shown), reverse curling can also be reduced by applying tension to the first electrode sheet 50A during the process of transporting the first electrode sheet 50A to the first cutter 500A or the winding machine 300. Therefore, the first electrode sheet 50A can be curled without bending after being inserted / fed into the winding machine 300, and cutting defects caused by the first cutter 500A can be avoided.

[0054] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electrode sheet curling reduction roller 100 may include a first roller 110, a second roller 120, and a third roller 130. The first roller 110, the second roller 120, and the third roller 130 may sequentially contact the electrode sheet 50 transported longitudinally and change the transport direction of the electrode sheet 50.

[0055] Therefore, since the first roller 110 and the third roller 130 are respectively located on the upstream and downstream sides of the second roller 120, the bending amount of the second roller 120 on the electrode sheet 50 and the transport direction of the electrode sheet 50 after bending can be easily controlled.

[0056] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second bending angle E2 of the electrode sheet 50 when it bends along the outer periphery of the second roller 120 can be greater than or equal to the first bending angle E1 and the third bending angle E3 of the electrode sheet 50 when it bends along the outer periphery of the first roller 110 and the third roller 130, respectively.

[0057] Therefore, since the second roller 120 increases the amount of bending (bending angle) of the electrode sheet 50 toward the opposite side in the thickness direction, the curling that may form in the electrode sheet 50 toward the thickness direction can be effectively reduced.

[0058] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the third bending angle E3 of the electrode sheet 50 when it bends along the outer periphery of the third roller 130 can be smaller than the first bending angle E1 of the electrode sheet 50 when it bends along the outer periphery of the first roller 110.

[0059] Therefore, the degree to which the curl reduction effect of the second roller 120 is reduced / cancelled by the third roller 130 can be reduced.

[0060] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first roller 110, the second roller 120, and the third roller 130 rotate about an imaginary first axis A1, a second axis A2, and a third axis A3 extending in the width direction, respectively. In a first direction perpendicular to the imaginary plane including the first axis A1 and the third axis A3, when the electrode sheet 50 contacts the outer periphery of one side of the second roller 120, the second axis A2 can be positioned on one side of the first axis A1 and the third axis A3.

[0061] Therefore, since the amount of bending (bending angle) of the second roller 120 on the opposite side of the electrode sheet 50 in the thickness direction can be increased, the curling formed on the side of the electrode sheet 50 in the thickness direction can be effectively reduced.

[0062] Furthermore, since the distance between the first roller 110 and the third roller 130 can be reduced, the coiling of the electrode sheet can be reduced, making the roller 100 smaller and lighter. In addition, since the distance between the first roller 110 and the second roller 120 and the distance between the second roller 120 and the third roller 130 can be increased, the electrode sheet 50 can be transported more easily.

[0063] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second diameter R2 is greater than 0 and less than 3 / 5 of the first diameter D1 and 3 / 5 of the third diameter D3.

[0064] Therefore, since the diameter difference between the second roller 120 and the first roller 110 and the third roller 130 increases, the curling that may form on the electrode sheet 50 can be effectively reduced by the second roller 120. At the same time, even when the electrode sheet 50 is bent by the first roller 110 or the third roller 130, curling will not form on the side of the electrode sheet 50 facing the thickness direction, or only slight curling may form.

[0065] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the third diameter D3 may be equal to or greater than the first diameter D1.

[0066] Therefore, the degree to which the curl reduction effect of the second roller 120 is reduced / cancelled by the third roller 130 can be reduced.

[0067] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the crimp-reducing roller 100 may include a fourth roller 140, a first roller 110, and a second roller 120. The fourth roller 140, the first roller 110, and the second roller 120 sequentially contact the electrode sheet 50 transported in the longitudinal direction and change the transport direction of the electrode sheet 50. The fourth roller 140 may contact the electrode sheet 50 along its outer periphery, causing the electrode sheet 50 to bend toward the opposite side in the thickness direction. The fourth diameter D4 of the fourth roller 140 may be greater than 0 and smaller than the first diameter R1.

[0068] Therefore, due to the large curvature of the fourth roller 140 and the second roller 120, the amount of bending (bending angle) per unit length of the electrode sheet 50 can be increased when the electrode sheet 50 is bent toward the opposite side in the thickness direction by the fourth roller 140 and the second roller 120. Therefore, by using the fourth roller 140 and the second roller 120, the curling that may form in the electrode sheet 50 can be easily and effectively reduced at low cost using a simple configuration.

[0069] Furthermore, due to the small curvature of the first roller 110, the amount of bending per unit length of the electrode sheet 50 can be small when it bends towards the thickness direction via the first roller 110. Therefore, even when the electrode sheet 50 bends via the first roller 110, curling will not form on the side towards the thickness direction, or only slight curling may occur.

[0070] Furthermore, since the first roller 110 is located downstream of the fourth roller 140 and upstream of the second roller 120, the bending amount of the fourth roller 140 and the second roller 120 relative to the electrode sheet 50 can be easily controlled.

[0071] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electrode assembly manufacturing method S900 may include: a fixing process S910 of fixing the end of the electrode sheet 50 to the winding machine 300; a winding process S920 of rotating the winding machine 300 to wind the electrode sheet 50; and a cutting process S930 of cutting the electrode sheet 50. When the electrode sheet 50 is transported in the winding process S920, the curling reduction roller 100 can reduce the curling that may form on one side of the electrode sheet 50 in the thickness direction.

[0072] Therefore, the deflection reduction roller 100 reduces the deflection that may form at the front end of the first electrode sheet 50A after being cut by the first cutter 500A. Figure 2 This allows i) the front end (core) of the first electrode sheet 50A to be easily and stably inserted into / fed into the winding machine 300, and ii) the first electrode sheet 50A to remain straight after being inserted into / fed into the winding machine 300, and to avoid cutting defects caused by the first cutter 500A.

[0073] In addition, when the first electrode sheet 50A is transported in the fixing process S910, the curling reduction roller 100 can reduce the curling that may form on one side of the first electrode sheet 50A in the thickness direction.

[0074] In addition to the aforementioned beneficial effects, the specific effects of the present invention will be further described in detail when describing the specific features of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0075] Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a schematic side view of an electrode sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] Figure 3 This is a side view illustrating a deflection reduction roller for an electrode sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Figure 4 This is a side view illustrating an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of an electrode assembly manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] [Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures]

[0080] 10: Electrode assembly manufacturing equipment

[0081] 50: Electrode plate

[0082] 50A: First electrode plate

[0083] 50B: Second electrode plate

[0084] 52: Current collector

[0085] 52: Composite layer

[0086] G1: Coated part

[0087] G2: Uncoated area

[0088] C: Pre-booking point

[0089] U: Unit electrode plate

[0090] S1: First Section

[0091] 70: Divider

[0092] 100: Electrode sheet curling reduction roller

[0093] 110: First roller

[0094] 120: Second roller

[0095] 130: Third roller

[0096] 140: Fourth Roller

[0097] A1: First axis

[0098] A2: Second axis

[0099] A3: Third Axis

[0100] A4: Fourth Axis

[0101] D1: First diameter

[0102] D2: Second diameter

[0103] D3: third diameter

[0104] D4: Fourth Diameter

[0105] E1: First bending angle

[0106] E2: Second bending angle

[0107] E3: Third bending angle

[0108] E4: Fourth bending angle

[0109] 200: First Unwinding Machine

[0110] 300: Winding machine

[0111] 400A: First transport unit

[0112] 400B: Second transport unit

[0113] 500A: First Cutter

[0114] 500B: Second cutter Detailed Implementation

[0115] The above-described objects, features, and advantages will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, enabling those skilled in the art to realize the technical concept of the invention. In describing the invention, detailed descriptions of prior art related to the invention will be omitted where it is determined that such detailed descriptions unnecessarily obscure the essential points of the invention. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same or similar parts.

[0116] Although terms such as "first" and "second" are used to describe various elements, these elements are of course not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another, and unless otherwise specified, the first element can also be the second element.

[0117] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be in singular or plural form.

[0118] In the following text, “arranging the element at the upper (or lower) portion of the element” or “arranging the element at the top (or bottom) of the element” means not only “arranging the element in contact with the upper (or lower) surface”, but also “arranging the element above the upper (or lower) surface in such a way that another element is arranged between the element and the upper (or lower) surface”.

[0119] In addition, when an element is described as “connected to another element,” “linked to another element,” or “in contact with another element,” it should be understood that the element may be “directly connected to another element,” “directly linked to another element,” or “in contact with another element,” or the element may be “connected to another element,” “linked to another element,” or “in contact with another element” by means of or via another element arranged between the element and the other element.

[0120] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular expressions used herein include the plural expressions. Terms such as “consisting of” or “comprising” as used herein should not be construed as including all elements or steps of the elements described in the specification, and should be construed as excluding some elements or steps of the elements, or including additional elements or steps.

[0121] Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a schematic side view of an electrode sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a side view illustrating a deflection reduction roller for an electrode sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a side view illustrating an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a flowchart of an electrode assembly manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0122] [Electrode plates]

[0123] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The electrode sheet 50 may include a current collector 52 and a composite layer 54 formed by applying a material containing an active material to the current collector 52. Additionally, the electrode sheet 50 may include a coated portion G1 on which the composite layer 54 is formed, and an uncoated portion G2 without the composite layer 54. The composite layer 54 may be formed on both sides or one side of the current collector 52. The coated portion G1 and the uncoated portion G2 may be formed alternately in the longitudinal direction of the electrode sheet 50.

[0124] The electrode sheet 50 may include a plurality of unit electrode sheets U having a predetermined length. The plurality of unit electrode sheets U may be connected to each other in the longitudinal direction. Each unit electrode sheet U may include a coated portion G1 and an uncoated portion G2, and may constitute an electrode assembly.

[0125] Electrode sheet 50 can be cut at a predetermined point C, so that unit electrode sheet U can be separated from adjacent unit electrode sheets U. That is, among the first unit electrode sheet U, the second unit electrode sheet U, and the third unit electrode sheet U that are adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction, when the point C between the first unit electrode sheet U and the second unit electrode sheet U is cut, one end (front end) of the second unit electrode sheet U can be separated from the first unit electrode sheet U, and when the point C between the second unit electrode sheet U and the third unit electrode sheet U is cut, the other end (rear end) of the second unit electrode sheet U is separated from the third unit electrode sheet U.

[0126] The electrode assembly manufacturing process can be performed with at least one end (front end) of the unit electrode sheet U separated from the adjacent unit electrode sheet U. That is, the electrode assembly manufacturing process (e.g., winding process) can be performed with one end of the unit electrode sheet U separated from the adjacent unit electrode sheet U, and the electrode assembly manufacturing process (e.g., lamination process) can be performed with both one end and the other end (rear end) of the unit electrode sheet U separated from the adjacent unit electrode sheet U.

[0127] Meanwhile, the unit electrode sheet U may have a first segment S1 at one end (front end) in the longitudinal direction, in which a composite layer 54 is coated on one of the two surfaces of the electrode current collector 52 while the composite layer 54 is not coated on the other surface. Figure 2 When one end (front end) of the unit electrode sheet U separates from the adjacent unit electrode sheet U, one end (front end) of the unit electrode sheet U may be bent towards the side of the uncoated composite layer 54 in the thickness direction via the first segment S1. Figure 2 Here, the thickness direction can be the thickness direction of the electrode sheet 50. That is, it is possible that a curl is formed in one end (front end) of the unit electrode sheet U toward one side (e.g., the upper side) in the thickness direction. This may be due to the difference in elongation between one side and the other side (e.g., the lower side) in the thickness direction of the unit electrode sheet U in the first segment S1.

[0128] As mentioned above, the electrode assembly manufacturing process is as follows: Figure 2 This is performed when at least one end (front end) of the unit electrode sheet U shown is separated from the adjacent unit electrode sheet U. Therefore, when the unit electrode sheet U includes the first segment S1, it may be necessary to perform the operation as described above. Figure 2 The electrode assembly manufacturing process described below is performed with the front end of the unit electrode sheet U shown being curled.

[0129] Here, the electrode assembly manufacturing process may fail due to curling at the front end of the unit electrode sheet U, or manufacturing defects may occur. For example, in the winding process for manufacturing a wound electrode assembly by winding the unit electrode sheet U and the separator 70 together, i) the front end (core) of the unit electrode sheet U may be unable to be inserted / fed into the winding machine 300 due to curling, and ii) the unit electrode sheet U may bend even when inserted / fed into the winding machine 300, resulting in winding defects or separation (cutting) defects at the rear end of the unit electrode sheet U. The winding machine 300 will be described later.

[0130] Therefore, the present invention provides an apparatus and method for reducing curling at one end (front end) of the unit electrode sheet U.

[0131] [Electrode sheet curl reduction roller]

[0132] Reference Figure 3 The electrode sheet curl reduction roller 100 according to the embodiment may include a first roller 110 and a second roller 120, or a second roller 120 and a third roller 130. The electrode sheet curl reduction roller 100 can reduce, for example... Figure 2 The curl shown may form on one side of the electrode sheet 50 in the thickness direction.

[0133] Here, "curling that may form on one side of the electrode sheet 50 in the thickness direction" can refer to "curling that forms on one side of the electrode sheet 50 in the thickness direction when no external force (tension) is applied to the electrode sheet 50 before or after cutting the electrode sheet 50". Figure 2 ).

[0134] The first roller 110 and the second roller 120, or the second roller 120 and the third roller 130, can sequentially contact the electrode sheet 50 being transported in the longitudinal direction. Here, the longitudinal direction can be the longitudinal direction of the electrode sheet 50. The first roller 110 and the second roller 120, or the second roller 120 and the third roller 130, can change the transport direction of the electrode sheet 50.

[0135] Each of the first roller 110 and the third roller 130 can contact the electrode sheet 50 along its outer periphery, such that the electrode sheet 50 is bent toward one side in the thickness direction.

[0136] The second roller 120 can contact the electrode sheet 50 along its outer periphery, causing the electrode sheet 50 to bend toward the opposite side in the thickness direction.

[0137] The second diameter R2 of the second roller 120 can be greater than 0 and less than the first diameter R1 of the first roller 110 and the third diameter R3 of the third roller 130.

[0138] Therefore, due to the large curvature of the second roller 120, the amount of bending (bending angle) per unit length of the electrode sheet 50 can be increased when the electrode sheet 50 bends toward the opposite side in the thickness direction via the second roller 120. Thus, the second roller 120, with its simple configuration, can easily and effectively reduce curling that may form in the electrode sheet 50 at low cost.

[0139] Furthermore, since the curvature of the first roller 110 and the third roller 130 is small, the amount of bending per unit length of the electrode sheet 50 can be reduced when it bends towards the thickness direction via the first roller 110 or the third roller 130. Therefore, even when the electrode sheet 50 is bent via the first roller 110 or the third roller 130, curling will not form on the thickness direction side of the electrode sheet 50, or only slight curling may occur.

[0140] In addition, since the first roller 110 is located upstream of the second roller 120, or the third roller 130 is located downstream of the second roller 120, the amount of bending of the electrode sheet 50 by the second roller 120 and the transport direction of the electrode sheet 50 after bending can be easily controlled.

[0141] Here, "upstream side" and "downstream side" can refer to the upstream and downstream sides in the transport path of the electrode sheet 50.

[0142] Meanwhile, the electrode sheet curling reduction roller 100 may include a first roller 110, a second roller 120, and a third roller 130. The first roller 110, the second roller 120, and the third roller 130 may sequentially contact the electrode sheet 50 transported in the longitudinal direction. The first roller 110, the second roller 120, and the third roller 130 may change the transport direction of the electrode sheet 50.

[0143] Therefore, since the first roller 110 and the third roller 130 are respectively located on the upstream and downstream sides of the second roller 120, the bending amount of the second roller 120 on the electrode sheet 50 and the transport direction of the electrode sheet 50 after bending can be easily controlled.

[0144] The second bending angle E2 when the electrode sheet 50 bends along the outer periphery of the second roller 120 can be greater than or equal to the first bending angle E1 and the third bending angle E3 when the electrode sheet 50 bends along the outer periphery of the first roller 110 and the third roller 130, respectively.

[0145] Therefore, since the second roller 120 increases the amount of bending (bending angle) of the electrode sheet 50 toward the opposite side in the thickness direction, the curling that may form in the electrode sheet 50 toward the thickness direction can be effectively reduced.

[0146] The third bending angle E3 when the electrode sheet 50 bends along the outer periphery of the third roller 130 can be smaller than the first bending angle E1 when the electrode sheet 50 bends along the outer periphery of the first roller 110.

[0147] Therefore, the degree to which the curl reduction effect of the second roller 120 is reduced / cancelled by the third roller 130 can be reduced.

[0148] The first roller 110, the second roller 120, and the third roller 130 can rotate about imaginary first axes A1, second axes A2, and third axes A3 extending in the width direction, respectively. In a first direction (e.g., a vertical direction) perpendicular to the imaginary plane including the first axis A1 and the third axis A3, when the electrode sheet 50 contacts the outer periphery of one side of the second roller 120, the second axis A2 can be positioned on one side of the first axis A1 and the third axis A3.

[0149] Therefore, since the amount of bending (bending angle) of the second roller 120 on the opposite side of the electrode sheet 50 in the thickness direction can be increased, the curling formed on the side of the electrode sheet 50 in the thickness direction can be effectively reduced.

[0150] Furthermore, since the distance between the first roller 110 and the third roller 130 can be reduced, the coiling of the electrode sheet can be reduced, making the roller 100 smaller and lighter. In addition, since the distance between the first roller 110 and the second roller 120 and the distance between the second roller 120 and the third roller 130 can be increased, the electrode sheet 50 can be transported more easily.

[0151] The second diameter R2 can be greater than 0 and less than 3 / 5 of the first diameter D1 and 3 / 5 of the third diameter D3.

[0152] Therefore, since the diameter difference between the second roller 120 and the first roller 110 and the third roller 130 increases, the curling that may form on the electrode sheet 50 can be effectively reduced by the second roller 120. At the same time, even when the electrode sheet 50 is bent by the first roller 110 or the third roller 130, curling will not form on the side of the electrode sheet 50 facing the thickness direction, or only slight curling may form.

[0153] The third diameter D3 can be greater than or equal to the first diameter D1.

[0154] Therefore, the degree to which the curl reduction effect of the second roller 120 is reduced / cancelled by the third roller 130 can be reduced.

[0155] The electrode sheet curl reduction roller 100 may include a fourth roller 140, a first roller 110, and a second roller 120.

[0156] The fourth roller 140, the first roller 110, and the second roller 120 can sequentially contact the electrode sheet 50 being transported in the longitudinal direction. The fourth roller 140, the first roller 110, and the second roller 120 can change the transport direction of the electrode sheet 50.

[0157] The fourth roller 140 can contact the electrode sheet 50 along its outer periphery, causing the electrode sheet 50 to bend toward the opposite side in the thickness direction.

[0158] The fourth diameter D4 of the fourth roller 140 can be greater than 0 and less than the first diameter R1.

[0159] Therefore, due to the large curvature of the fourth roller 140 and the second roller 120, the amount of bending (bending angle) per unit length of the electrode sheet 50 can be increased when the electrode sheet 50 is bent toward the opposite side in the thickness direction by the fourth roller 140 and the second roller 120. Therefore, by using the fourth roller 140 and the second roller 120, the curling that may form in the electrode sheet 50 can be easily and effectively reduced at low cost using a simple configuration.

[0160] Furthermore, due to the small curvature of the first roller 110, the amount of bending per unit length of the electrode sheet 50 can be small when it bends towards the thickness direction via the first roller 110. Therefore, even when the electrode sheet 50 bends via the first roller 110, curling will not occur on the side towards the thickness direction, or only slight curling may occur.

[0161] Furthermore, since the first roller 110 is located downstream of the fourth roller 140 and upstream of the second roller 120, the bending amount of the fourth roller 140 and the second roller 120 relative to the electrode sheet 50 can be easily controlled.

[0162] Furthermore, this invention can also be applied to the curling of electrodes in which the composite layer 54 is formed only on one surface of the current collector 50. The following also applies.

[0163] [Electrode assembly manufacturing equipment]

[0164] Reference Figure 4 The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 10 according to the embodiment may include a first unwinding machine 200, an electrode sheet crimping reduction roller 100, a winding machine 300, a first transport device 400A, and a first cutter 500A. Here, the first unwinding machine 200, the first transport device 400A, and the first cutter 500A may be the unwinding machine 200, the transport device 400, and the cutter 500 as claimed in the claims. The same applies below. The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 10 may also include a second transport device 400B and a second cutter 500B.

[0165] The first unwinding machine 200 can unwind the first electrode sheet 50A. Here, the first electrode sheet 50A can be the electrode sheet 50 in the claims. The same applies below.

[0166] The electrode sheet curl reduction roller 100 reduces curl that may form on one side of the first electrode sheet 50A in the thickness direction by contacting the first electrode sheet 50A.

[0167] The electrode sheet curling reduction roller 100 is located downstream of the first unwinding machine 200 in the transport path of the first electrode sheet 50A, and may also be located upstream of the first cutter 500A.

[0168] The winding machine 300 can rotate with the end of the first electrode sheet 50A fixed in order to wind the first electrode sheet 50A. The winding machine 300 can also rotate with the ends of the first electrode sheet 50A, the second electrode sheet 50B, and the separator 70 fixed together in order to wind the first electrode sheet 50A, the second electrode sheet 50B, and the separator 70.

[0169] The first transport device 400A can deliver the first electrode sheet 50A to the winding machine 300. The second transport device 400B can deliver the second electrode sheet 50B to the winding machine 300.

[0170] The first cutter 500A can cut the first electrode sheet 50A fed to the winding machine 300. The second cutter 500B can cut the second electrode sheet 50B fed to the winding machine 300.

[0171] Therefore, the deflection reduction roller 100 reduces the deflection that may form at the front end of the first electrode sheet 50A after being cut by the first cutter 500A. Figure 2 This allows i) the front end (core) of the first electrode sheet 50A to be easily and stably inserted into / fed into the winding machine 300, and ii) the first electrode sheet 50A to remain straight after being inserted into / fed into the winding machine 300, and to avoid cutting defects caused by the first cutter 500A.

[0172] The electrode sheet curling reduction roller 100 can be set adjacent to the first unwinding machine 200.

[0173] Therefore, the transport distance from the deflection reduction roller 100 of the electrode sheet to the first cutter 500A or the winding machine 300 can become longer. Thus, even if a reverse curl (towards the opposite side in the thickness direction) is formed on the first electrode sheet 50A via the deflection reduction roller 100 of the electrode sheet, it can still achieve this. Figure 2 When curling in the opposite direction (as shown), reverse curling can also be reduced by applying tension to the first electrode sheet 50A during the process of transporting the first electrode sheet 50A to the first cutter 500A or the winding machine 300. Therefore, the first electrode sheet 50A can be curled without bending after being inserted / fed into the winding machine 300, and cutting defects caused by the first cutter 500A can be avoided.

[0174] The transport distance of electrode sheet 50 from the first unwinding machine 200 to the electrode sheet crimping reduction roller 100 can be less than the transport distance of electrode sheet 50 from the crimping reduction roller 100 to the first cutter 500A.

[0175] Therefore, the transport distance from the deflection reduction roller 100 of the electrode sheet to the first cutter 500A or the winding machine 300 can become longer. Thus, even if a reverse curl (towards the opposite side in the thickness direction) is formed on the first electrode sheet 50A via the deflection reduction roller 100 of the electrode sheet, it can still achieve this. Figure 2 When curling in the opposite direction (as shown), reverse curling can also be reduced by applying tension to the first electrode sheet 50A during the process of transporting the first electrode sheet 50A to the first cutter 500A or the winding machine 300.

[0176] [Electrode Assembly Manufacturing Method]

[0177] Reference Figure 5 The electrode assembly manufacturing method S900 may include: a fixing process S910; a winding process S920; and a cutting process S930.

[0178] In the fixing process S910, the end of the first electrode sheet 50A can be fixed to the winding machine 300. Here, the first electrode sheet 50A can be the electrode sheet 50 in the claims. The same applies below. In addition, the ends of the first electrode sheet 50A, the second electrode sheet 50B and the separator 70 can be fixed to the winding machine 300.

[0179] In the winding process S920, the first electrode sheet 50A can be wound by rotating the winding machine 300. In addition, the first electrode sheet 50A, the second electrode sheet 50B and the separator 70 can be wound together by rotating the winding machine 300.

[0180] During the cutting process S930, the first electrode sheet 50A can be cut. Additionally, each of the first electrode sheet 50A, the second electrode sheet 50B, and the separator 70 can be cut.

[0181] When transporting the electrode sheet 50A in the winding process S920, the curling reduction roller 100 can reduce the curling that may form on one side of the electrode sheet 50A in the thickness direction.

[0182] Therefore, the deflection reduction roller 100 reduces the deflection that may form at the front end of the first electrode sheet 50A after being cut by the first cutter 500A. Figure 2 This allows i) the front end (core) of the first electrode sheet 50A to be easily and stably inserted into / fed into the winding machine 300, and ii) the first electrode sheet 50A to remain straight after being inserted into / fed into the winding machine 300, and to avoid cutting defects caused by the first cutter 500A.

[0183] In addition, when the first electrode sheet 50A is transported in the fixing process S910, the curling reduction roller 100 can reduce the curling that may form on the first electrode sheet 50A in one thickness direction.

[0184] It should be understood that the described embodiments are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive, and the scope of the invention will be indicated by the appended claims rather than the detailed description described. Furthermore, the meaning and scope of the claims, as well as all variations and modifications derived from equivalent concepts, should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the invention.

[0185] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the illustrated drawings, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed in this specification, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope and concept of the invention. Furthermore, although the operational effects of the configuration according to the invention are not explicitly described in the description of embodiments of the invention, it should be understood that predictable effects will also be identified through this configuration.

Claims

1. An electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus, comprising: Unwinding machine (200), said unwinding machine (200) unwinds electrode sheet (50); The electrode sheet curl reduction roller (100) reduces the curl formed on one side of the electrode sheet (50) in the thickness direction by contacting the electrode sheet (50). A winding machine (300) winds the electrode sheet (50) by rotation while the end of the electrode sheet (50) is fixed. A transport device (400) that delivers the electrode sheet (50) to the winding machine (300); and A cutter (500) cuts the electrode sheet (50) fed to the winding machine (300). The electrode sheet curl reduction roller (100) includes a first roller (110) and a second roller (120), or the second roller (120) and a third roller (130). The first roller (110) and the second roller (120), or the second roller (120) and the third roller (130), sequentially contact the electrode sheet (50) being transported in the longitudinal direction and change the transport direction of the electrode sheet (50). Each of the first roller (110) and the third roller (130) contacts the electrode sheet (50) along its outer periphery, such that the electrode sheet (50) bends toward one side in the thickness direction. The second roller (120) contacts the electrode sheet (50) along its outer periphery, causing the electrode sheet (50) to bend toward the opposite side in the thickness direction. The second diameter (R2) of the second roller (120) is greater than 0 and smaller than the first diameter (R1) of the first roller (110) and the third diameter (R3) of the third roller (130). The deflection reduction roller (100) of the electrode sheet is disposed downstream of the unwinding machine (200) and upstream of the cutter (500) in the transport path of the electrode sheet (50), and The transport distance of the electrode sheet (50) from the unwinding machine (200) to the de-curling roller (100) of the electrode sheet is less than the transport distance of the electrode sheet (50) from the de-curling roller (100) to the cutter (500).

2. The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The deflection reduction roller (100) of the electrode sheet is disposed adjacent to the unwinding machine (200).

3. The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The deflection reduction roller (100) of the electrode sheet includes a first roller (110), a second roller (120) and a third roller (130), which sequentially contact the electrode sheet (50) being transported along the longitudinal direction and change the transport direction of the electrode sheet (50).

4. The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The second bending angle (E2) of the electrode sheet (50) when it contacts the outer periphery of the second roller (120) is greater than or equal to the first bending angle (E1) and the third bending angle (E3) of the electrode sheet (50) when it contacts the outer periphery of the first roller (110) and the third roller (130), respectively.

5. The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, The third bending angle (E3) of the electrode sheet (50) when it contacts the outer periphery of the third roller (130) is smaller than the first bending angle (E1) of the electrode sheet (50) when it contacts the outer periphery of the first roller (110).

6. The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to claim 3 or 5, wherein, The first roller (110), the second roller (120), and the third roller (130) rotate about imaginary first axes (A1), second axes (A2), and third axes (A3) extending in the width direction, respectively, and In a first direction perpendicular to an imaginary plane including the first axis (A1) and the third axis (A3), when the electrode sheet (50) contacts the outer periphery of one side of the second roller (120), the second axis (A2) is positioned on one side of the first axis (A1) and the third axis (A3).

7. The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The second diameter (R2) is greater than 0 and less than 3 / 5 of the first diameter (D1) and 3 / 5 of the third diameter (D3).

8. The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to claim 3, 5 or 7, wherein, The third diameter (D3) is equal to or greater than the first diameter (D1).

9. The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The curl reduction roller (100) includes a fourth roller (140), a first roller (110), and a second roller (120). The fourth roller (140), the first roller (110), and the second roller (120) sequentially contact the electrode sheet (50) being transported along the longitudinal direction and change the transport direction of the electrode sheet (50). The fourth roller (140) contacts the electrode sheet (50) along its outer periphery, causing the electrode sheet (50) to bend toward the opposite side in the thickness direction, and The fourth diameter (D4) of the fourth roller (140) is greater than 0 and smaller than the first diameter (R1).

10. A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly (S900), the method using an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, the method comprising: The fixing process (S910) is to fix the end of the electrode sheet (50) to the winding machine (300). The winding process (S920) in which the winding machine (300) is rotated to wind the electrode sheet (50); and Cutting process (S930) for cutting the electrode sheet (50). During the winding process (S920), when the electrode sheet (50) is transported, the curling reduction roller (100) reduces the curling formed on one side of the electrode sheet (50) in the thickness direction.

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