Electrode assembly bonding apparatus, electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus including the same, electrode assembly bonding method, and electrode assembly manufacturing method

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrode assembly bonding device, which includes a gripper that grips a portion of a laminate in which a plurality of positive electrodes and a plurality of negative electrodes are alternately stacked and includes separators that are respectively disposed between the plurality of positive electrodes and the plurality of negative electrodes; a press unit that bonds the laminate; and a laminate moving unit that supports or partially moves the laminate.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0166846 filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on December 2, 2022, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0165636 filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on November 24, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to an electrode assembly bonding apparatus, an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus including the same, an electrode assembly bonding method, and an electrode assembly manufacturing method. [Background technology]

[0003] In general, a secondary battery is a battery that can be charged and discharged, unlike a primary battery that cannot be charged. Such secondary batteries are widely used in advanced electronic devices such as phones, laptops, and camcorders.

[0004] The stability of the secondary battery can be ensured by passing a stability test in which one side of the secondary battery is crimped with a crimping machine and an internal short circuit is measured.

[0005] Depending on the shape of the battery case, secondary batteries are classified into cylindrical batteries and prismatic batteries, in which the electrode assembly is housed in a cylindrical or prismatic metal battery case, and pouch batteries, in which the electrode assembly is housed in a pouch-type battery case made of an aluminum laminate sheet.

[0006] In a conventional process for manufacturing a stack-and-fold type electrode assembly, a laminate in which electrodes and a separator are stacked is heated and pressurized to bond the electrodes and the separator. However, the conventional process for manufacturing an electrode assembly has a problem in that the electrodes are distorted when the laminate is pressurized.

[0007] In order to solve the problems in the conventional manufacturing process of an electrode assembly, the electrodes and the separator are heated and laminated, and each layer is pressurized while being laminated, and bonded at the same time.

[0008] However, in the electrode assembly produced by the above-mentioned manufacturing process, the adhesive strength of the first stacked electrodes is increased through multiple pressure processes, whereas the adhesive strength of the last stacked electrodes is relatively low due to only one pressure process.

[0009] That is, in the electrode assembly produced by the conventional manufacturing process, the adhesive strength decreases in the stacking direction, and there is a limit to ensuring uniformity in the adhesive strength of the electrode assembly. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] In view of the above-mentioned problems of the conventional technology, the present invention aims to provide an apparatus and method for manufacturing an electrode assembly that prevents steps from occurring on the surface of the electrode assembly due to double pressure application. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] One embodiment of the present invention provides an electrode assembly bonding device, comprising: a gripper that grips a portion of a laminate in which a plurality of positive electrodes and a plurality of negative electrodes are alternately stacked, the laminate including separators disposed between the plurality of positive electrodes and the plurality of negative electrodes; a press unit that bonds the laminate; and a laminate moving unit that supports or partially moves the laminate.

[0012] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode, a separator, and a negative electrode are stacked, the electrode assembly including at least one first portion and at least one second portion adjacent to the first portion, the electrode assembly including a step (a) of gripping a first portion of a stack in which the negative electrode, the positive electrode, and the separator are stacked with a gripper; a first bonding step (b) of heating and pressurizing the second portion, where the gripper does not contact the stack, in a press unit to bond the negative electrode and the separator, and the positive electrode and the separator; a step (c) of supporting or partially moving the stack using a stack transfer unit that supports or partially moves the stack; and a second bonding step (d) of heating and pressurizing the first portion not bonded in the first bonding step in the press unit to bond the negative electrode and the separator, and the positive electrode and the separator. Effect of the Invention

[0013] The electrode assembly bonding apparatus and method according to the embodiment of the present invention can simplify the electrode assembly bonding process by bonding the electrodes to the separator through two bonding processes in one chamber for the entire laminate.

[0014] In addition, the present invention can minimize the areas that are double-pressurized during the two bonding processes, thereby preventing the occurrence of unpressurized areas and minimizing the double-pressurized areas.

[0015] In addition, the present invention can prevent defects caused by steps occurring in the height direction of the electrode assembly at the top and bottom of the electrode assembly due to no pressure or double pressure.

[0016] In addition, the present invention can provide uniform adhesion and air permeability between the separator and the electrodes over the entire region of the electrode assembly, thereby improving the quality of the electrode assembly. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view showing an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 is a perspective view showing an electrode assembly bonding device according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an electrode assembly bonding apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an electrode assembly bonding apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an electrode assembly bonding apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an electrode assembly bonding device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, the device including a gripper whose fingers extend in the longitudinal direction of the laminate. [Figure 8] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an electrode assembly bonding device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, the device including two grippers whose finger portions extend in the longitudinal direction of the laminate. [Explanation of symbols]

[0018] 100 Manufacturing apparatus for electrode assembly 1...Negative electrode, first electrode 1a Negative electrode tab 2 Positive electrode, second electrode 2a Positive electrode tab 4...Separation membrane 10. Stack Table 11 Table body 20...Separation membrane supply section 22 Separation membrane roll 30...First electrode supply section 31 First electrode placement table 32 No. 1 suction head 33 First electrode roll 34 First cutter 35 First conveyor belt 36 First electrode supply head 37 First moving part 40...Second electrode supply section 41 Second electrode placement table 42 Second suction head 43 Second electrode roll 44 No. 2 cutter 45 Second conveyor belt 46 Second electrode supply head 47 Second moving part 50 Gripper 50a Main body 50b Finger part 51 Gripper No. 1 52 Second gripper 60 Press Department 60a ···First pressure block 60b Second pressure block 61 Gripper groove 70 ...Laminated material moving section 80 Chamber S ···Laminate DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] The detailed description of the present invention is intended to fully explain the present invention to those skilled in the art. Throughout the specification, when a part is described as "comprising" a certain element or as "featuring" a certain structure and shape, this means that the part may include other elements, structures, and shapes, but not excluding other elements or excluding other structures and shapes, unless otherwise specified to the contrary.

[0020] Since the present invention can be modified in various ways and can have various embodiments, a specific embodiment will be presented and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the content of the invention by the embodiment, and it should be understood that the present invention includes all modifications, equivalents, or alternatives included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0021] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the drawings are for illustrating the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is not limited by the drawings.

[0022] An apparatus 100 for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a stack table 10, a separation membrane supply unit 20, a first electrode supply unit 30, a second electrode supply unit 40, and a bonding device.

[0023] In the present invention, the laminate S refers to a structure in which a plurality of negative electrodes 1, separators 4, and positive electrodes 2 are laminated, and the electrode assembly refers to a structure in which the laminate S is heated and pressurized to bond and fix the negative electrodes 1 and the separators 4, and the positive electrodes 2 and the separators 4.

[0024] That is, a configuration in which one negative electrode and one positive electrode are stacked with a separator between them can be called a unit cell, and a set of such unit cells stacked by separating them with a separator can be called a stacked body. The unit cell may be a combination of various configurations such as a mono-cell, a bi-cell, and a half-cell.

[0025] A negative electrode 1 (or first electrode), a separation membrane 4, and a positive electrode 2 (or second electrode) are alternately supplied and stacked on one surface of the stack table 10, to form a stack S in which a separation membrane 4 and a plurality of first electrodes 1 and second electrodes 2 are stacked. In one embodiment, the separation membrane 4 may be folded in a zigzag pattern, and the first electrodes 1, separation membranes 4, and second electrodes 2 may be stacked in such a manner that the first electrodes 1 and second electrodes 2 are alternately arranged between the folded separation membranes 4.

[0026] That is, the laminate may be laminated by a zigzag stacking method, but the laminate may also be laminated by a stack and folding method or a lamination and stacking method.

[0027] The stack table 10 can stack the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 supplied to the stack table 10 through rotation. Therefore, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 according to the present invention may further include a rotating unit (not shown) that rotates the stack table 10.

[0028] Also, the stack may be manufactured in various forms by combining a rotating, swinging or horizontally moving motion of the stack table with a rotating, swinging or horizontally moving motion of the separation membrane supply unit.

[0029] In the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 according to the present invention, the first electrode supply unit 30 may be located on one side of the stack table 10, and the second electrode supply unit 40 may be located on the other side. In this case, the rotation unit may rotate the stack table 10 alternately toward the first electrode supply unit 30 and the second electrode supply unit 40.

[0030] For example, the separation membrane supply unit 20 may be located above the stack table 10, i.e., in the stacking direction of the stack S, and the first electrode supply unit 30 may be located on the left side and the second electrode supply unit 40 may be located on the right side based on the stacking direction of the stack S.

[0031] A separation membrane 4 is supplied and placed on the stack table 10, and when the rotating unit rotates the stack table to the left, a first electrode can be supplied to one side of the separation membrane 4. Then, simultaneously with the supply of the separation membrane 4, the rotating unit can rotate the stack table 10 to the right. In this case, the separation membrane 4 can cover the lower surface, right side surface, and upper surface of the first electrode 1, and a second electrode 2 can be supplied to the upper surface of the first electrode 1 where the separation membrane 4 is located.

[0032] By repeating the above process, the separator 4 may be provided with openings on the left and right sides alternately for each layer.

[0033] The separation membrane supply unit 20 can supply the separation membrane 4 to the stack table 10 side.

[0034] The separation membrane supply unit 20 may be provided in the form of a separation membrane roll on which the separation membrane 4 is wound. Here, the separation membrane 4 wound on the separation membrane roll 22 can be gradually released and supplied to the stack table 10. For example, the separation membrane supply unit 20 may be located above the stack table 10.

[0035] The first electrode supply unit 30 can supply the first electrodes 1 to the stack table 10 side, and stack the first electrodes 1 on the stack table 10.

[0036] The first electrode supply unit 30 may include a first electrode placement table 31 on which the first electrode 1 is placed before being stacked on the stack table 10.

[0037] The first electrode supply unit 30 may further include a first electrode roll 33, a first cutter 34, a first conveyor belt 35, and a first electrode supply head 36.

[0038] The first electrode supply unit 30 gradually unravels the first electrode 1 wound in sheet form around the first electrode roll 33, so that the first electrode 1 can be supplied to the first electrode mounting table 31 side, and the first cutter 34 can cut the first electrode 1 supplied from the first electrode roll 33 side to a previously set length.

[0039] The first electrode 1 cut by the first cutter 34 is supplied to the first conveyor belt 35, which can move the first electrode 1 toward the first electrode mounting table 31. Then, the first electrode supply head 36 can vacuum-suck the first electrode 1 placed on the first conveyor belt 35 and mount it on the first electrode mounting table 31.

[0040] Here, when cutting the sheet-like first electrode 1, the first cutter 34 can cut it so that a first electrode tab 1a is formed to protrude from an end portion.

[0041] Furthermore, the first electrode supply unit 30 may include a first suction head 32 and a first moving unit 37 .

[0042] The first suction head 32 can vacuum-suck the first electrode 1 placed on the first electrode mounting table 31. The first suction head 32 includes a vacuum suction part (not shown) on the bottom surface thereof, and can suck the first electrode 1 through a vacuum suction port to fix the first electrode 1 to the bottom surface of the first suction head 32. Here, the first suction head 32 may have a passage formed therein that connects the vacuum suction port with a vacuum suction device (not shown).

[0043] The first moving unit 37 can move the first suction head 32 to the stack table 10 so that the first suction head 32 can stack the first electrode 1 placed on the first electrode placing table 31 on the stack table 10.

[0044] The second electrode supply unit 40 can supply the second electrodes 2 to the stack table 10 side, and stack the second electrodes 2 on the stack table 10.

[0045] The second electrode supply unit 40 may include a second electrode placement table 41 on which the second electrode 2 is placed before being stacked on the stack table 10.

[0046] The second electrode supply unit 40 may further include a second electrode roll 43 on which the second electrode 2 is wound in a sheet form, a second cutter 44 which cuts the sheet-like second electrode 2 wound around the second electrode roll 43 at regular intervals to form second electrodes of a predetermined size when the sheet-like second electrode 2 is unwound and supplied, a second conveyor belt 45 which moves the second electrode 2 cut by the second cutter 44, and a second electrode supply head 46 which vacuum-sucks the second electrode 2 transported by the second conveyor belt 45 and places it on the second electrode mounting table 41.

[0047] Here, when cutting the sheet-like second electrode 2, the second cutter 44 can cut it so that a second electrode tab 2a is formed to protrude from an end portion.

[0048] Furthermore, the second electrode supply unit 40 may include a second suction head 42 that vacuum-sucks the second electrode 2 placed on the second electrode mounting table 41, and a second moving unit 47 that can move the second suction head 42 to the stack table 10 so that the second suction head 42 can stack the second electrode 2 placed on the second electrode mounting table 41 on the stack table 10.

[0049] The second suction head 42 may include a vacuum suction port (not shown) that sucks air into the bottom surface on which the second electrode 2 is placed, and fixes the second electrode 2 to the bottom surface of the second suction head 42.

[0050] In this case, the rotating unit according to one embodiment of the present invention can rotate the stack table 10 so that the stack table 10 faces the first suction head 32 when stacking the first electrode 1, and can rotate the stack table 10 so that the stack table 10 faces the second suction head 42 when stacking the second electrode 2.

[0051] <Example 1> The electrode assembly bonding apparatus according to the present invention includes a gripper 50, a press unit 60, and a laminate transfer unit 70. The press unit 60 and the laminate transfer unit 70 may be located within a chamber 80, and therefore, the transfer and bonding of the laminate S can be carried out within one chamber 80.

[0052] Here, the chamber 80 can mean a virtual space, and may be a device that provides a physically closed space. In addition, the chamber 80 is a device that provides a physical space, but may be in an open state.

[0053] The electrode assembly bonding apparatus can bond the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 over the entire area of ​​the laminate S to the separator 4 through two bonding processes. Therefore, the laminate S may include a portion bonded in the first bonding process and a portion bonded in the second bonding process.

[0054] Since the stacks stacked on the stack table are simply stacked with the electrodes and separators not yet bonded to each other, a means for gripping the stacks is required to maintain the alignment of the stacks during pressing in order to press the stacks in the press unit.

[0055] In detail, in the electrode assembly bonding device, the press unit 60 can bond the laminate S while the gripper 50 grips the laminate S. The laminate S may include a first portion and a second portion.

[0056] For example, if the first and second portions are arranged alternately in the longitudinal direction of the laminate S, the gripper 50 can grip the first portion while the press section 60 can adhere the second portion, and when the gripper 50 grips the second portion, the press section 60 can adhere the first portion.

[0057] In one embodiment, the gripper 50 may include a body portion 50a and a finger portion 50b. The finger portions 50b protrude from the body portion 50a, and at least one pair of the finger portions 50b may be provided.

[0058] The body portion 50a may be provided with a guide groove (not shown) along which the finger portion 50b can move vertically. In this case, the vertical movement refers to the movement of the stack S along an axis parallel to the stacking direction of the plurality of first electrodes 1, the separator 4, and the second electrodes 2.

[0059] One of the pair of finger portions 50b contacts the upper surface of the laminate S, and the other contacts the lower surface of the laminate S, so that the laminate S can be gripped.

[0060] The stack S includes a first portion and a second portion. When the gripper 50 includes a pair of fingers 50b, the first portion and the second portion may be disposed adjacent to each other.

[0061] When the gripper 50 includes two or more pairs of fingers 50b, the fingers 50b of each pair may be spaced apart and the second portions may be disposed between the first portions, i.e., the first portions and second portions may be arranged alternately.

[0062] In addition, in the electrode assembly bonding device, the press unit 60 can heat or heat and press the laminate S while the gripper 50 grips the laminate S.

[0063] The press section 60 may include a pair of pressure blocks 60a, 60b. In one embodiment, the press section 60 may include a first pressure block 60a that heats or heats and presses the upper surface of the laminate S and a second pressure block 60b that heats or heats and presses the lower surface of the laminate S.

[0064] The press unit 60 may further include a gripper groove 61 in which the finger portion 50b may be positioned so that the press unit 60 and the finger portion 50b do not come into direct contact with each other when the press unit 60 presses the laminate. In other words, at least one of the pair of press blocks 60a, 60b may include the gripper groove 61.

[0065] The gripper grooves 61 may have the same width and height as the finger portions 50b, or the width and height of the gripper grooves 61 may be wider and taller than the finger portions 50b.

[0066] In this case, the first portion may be the second portion to be bonded in the laminate S, and the second portion may be the first portion to be bonded. The bonding step is performed by the press unit 60 heating or heating and pressurizing the laminate S to bond the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 to the separator 4 in the laminate S.

[0067] In other words, in the first bonding step, the first portion may be held by the finger portions 50b, and the second portion may be heated or heated and pressurized by the press portion 60. Then, in the second bonding step, the first portion may be heated or heated and pressurized by the press portion 60, and the second portion may be held by the finger portions 50b.

[0068] The laminate moving section 70 can move part of the laminate S while the gripper 50 releases its grip on the laminate S.

[0069] In detail, in the method of bonding the electrode assembly using the electrode assembly bonding device, the gripper 50 grips the first portion of the laminate S, and the pair of press units 60 heats and presses the laminate S to bond the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2 of the second portion to the separator. That is, the laminate S is bonded primarily.

[0070] Then, the press unit 60 releases the pressure, and the gripper 50 releases the grip of the laminate S. At this time, the laminate S is supported by the lower finger unit 50b of the gripper 50, or the gripper 50 can release the grip after stacking the laminate S on the second pressure block 60b.

[0071] Thereafter, the laminate moving unit 70 can horizontally move the laminate S. Then, the gripper 50 can grip the second portion of the laminate S, and the press unit 60 can apply heat and pressure to the first portion of the laminate S.

[0072] At this time, the laminate moving unit 70 can move the laminate S by the width of the finger portion 50b. That is, the laminate moving unit 70 can move the laminate S so that the second portion moves to a position corresponding to the gripper groove 61.

[0073] The horizontal movement means a movement perpendicular to the vertical movement. In other words, the horizontal movement means the longitudinal direction of the laminate S.

[0074] On the other hand, when the first portion of the laminate that has not yet been bonded is heated or heated and pressurized by the press unit 60, the second portion of the laminate has the separation membrane and the electrodes already bonded to each other, so the operation of the gripper 50 re-gripping the laminate S can be omitted.

[0075] In other words, the laminate S can be fixed to a significant extent by the primary bonding of the laminate S, and during the subsequent secondary bonding, the press section 60 can perform the secondary bonding of the laminate S even if the gripper 50 does not grip the laminate S.

[0076] <Example 2> The laminate moving section 70 can partially move when the gripper 50 releases the grip on the laminate S while supporting the laminate S.

[0077] In this case, the stack moving parts 70 may be provided in pairs to support the stack S. In other words, the stack moving parts 70 may be positioned on the insides of two opposing side surfaces of the chamber 80, respectively.

[0078] For example, the stack moving part 70 is movable in the horizontal direction, that is, the stack moving part 70 is capable of moving horizontally protruding and retracting from the wall surface of the chamber as shown in FIG.

[0079] After the stack moving section 70 moves horizontally while supporting the underside of the edge of the stack S, the gripper 50 can grip the stack again.

[0080] After the pair of press units 60 have bonded the separation membrane 4 and the electrodes 1, 2 at the second portion, the press units 60 release the pressure, and the pair of laminate moving units 70 protrude in opposite directions to prepare to support the laminate S.

[0081] Then, after the gripper 50 places the stack S on the stack moving section 70, the gripper 50 releases its grip on the stack S, and the stack moving section 70 moves horizontally to move the stack S by the width of the finger sections 50b. The gripper 50 can then grip a second portion of the stack.

[0082] A pair of presses 60 can then apply heat and pressure to the first portion.

[0083] On the other hand, in Example 2, the laminate S is moved horizontally while the laminate moving section 70 moves horizontally, but as a modified example, the laminate moving section 70 can simply support both longitudinal ends of the laminate while the gripper 50 moves horizontally to grip the second portion.

[0084] That is, in the modified example, the laminate moving section 70 only supports the laminate S, and the gripper 50 moves horizontally to re-grasp the laminate S.

[0085] <Example 3> As another embodiment of the present invention, another example in which the gripper 50 moves horizontally will be described.

[0086] The gripper 50 is capable of moving horizontally in the longitudinal direction of the laminate S, and the moving distance is equal to the width of the finger portions 50b.

[0087] After the pair of press units 60 bond the separation membrane 4 and the electrodes 1 and 2 at the second portion, the press units 60 release the pressure, and the gripper 50 moves horizontally to partially move the stack S. Thereafter, the gripper 50 releases its grip on the stack S, and places the stack S on the second pressurizing block 60b.

[0088] The gripper 50 can then re-grip the stack S after moving horizontally in the direction opposite to the horizontal movement direction of the stack S.

[0089] When the gripper 50 grips the second portion of the laminate S, the finger portions 50b can be retracted into the gripper grooves 61. That is, the gripper 50 can return to the initial position via, for example, two horizontal movements, a horizontal movement to the right and a subsequent horizontal movement to the left.

[0090] In this case, in the electrode assembly bonding apparatus according to this embodiment, the laminate moving unit 70 can be omitted since the second pressure block 60b serves to support the laminate.

[0091] On the other hand, the gripper 50 can move horizontally while still holding the stack S to partially move the stack S, and then place the stack S on a stack moving section 70 other than the upper surface of the second pressure block 60b.

[0092] <Example 4> 6, the chamber 80 may be perforated on a pair of opposing side surfaces, with a gripper 50 positioned on each of the perforated side surfaces. In particular, the first gripper 51 and the second gripper 52 are positioned on opposing side surfaces of the chamber 80, respectively, and can grip the first portion and the second portion, respectively, in sequence.

[0093] At this time, the press unit 60 can move horizontally and can move partially horizontally.

[0094] For example, the first gripper 51 grips the first portion, and the press unit 60 heats or heats and presses the second portion. Then, after the press unit 60 releases the pressure, the second gripper 52 grips the second portion. After the first gripper 51 releases its grip and is removed from the chamber 80, the press unit 60 can move partially to heat or heat and press the first portion.

[0095] One of the pair of finger portions 50b in the first to fourth embodiments may be provided as an integral flat plate. That is, one of the pair of finger portions 50b may be provided in the shape of a flat plate having an area corresponding to the upper or lower surface of the laminate S.

[0096] For example, finger portion 50b may be divided into a lower finger portion and an upper finger portion, the lower finger portion being an integrated flat plate on which the laminate can be placed as a whole, and the upper finger portion being a structure separated into multiple branch-like portions.

[0097] The flat finger portions 50b may be made of a material with high thermal conductivity.

[0098] In addition, the pressure block of the pair of pressure blocks 60a, 60b that presses the flat finger portion 50b may also be provided in a flat plate shape. That is, the gripper groove 61 may be omitted from the pressure block that presses the flat finger portion 50b.

[0099] In the first to fourth embodiments, at least one pair of finger portions 50b may be arranged in the longitudinal or width direction of the laminate.

[0100] For example, when a pair of fingers 50b are provided, when the fingers 50b grip a first portion, the remaining area of ​​the laminate may be the second portion. When the fingers 50b are provided in multiple pairs and spaced apart from each other, the area gripped by the fingers 50b may be the first portion, and the area between the fingers 50b may be the second portion.

[0101] 7 and 8 show the case where the gripper 50 grips the laminate S in the longitudinal direction of the laminate S.

[0102] Referring to the fifth embodiment of the present invention in FIG. 7, a gripper 50 includes a pair of fingers extending in the longitudinal direction of the laminate S.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 7, the electrode assembly bonding device of this embodiment can be configured with reference to the above-described embodiments 1 to 4, except that only a pair of finger portions 50b are provided and the laminate S is gripped in the longitudinal direction.

[0104] In the electrode assembly bonding apparatus shown in FIG. 7, while the gripper 50 grips a first portion of the laminate S, the press unit 60 heats or heats and presses a second portion that is not gripped by the gripper 50.

[0105] After the separation membrane 4 and the electrodes 1 and 2 are primarily bonded in the second portion, the laminate moving unit 70 partially moves the laminate S. Thereafter, when the laminate S is moved horizontally by the laminate moving unit 70 or the gripper, the gripper 50 grips the laminate S again, and the press unit 60 heats or heats and presses the first portion.

[0106] As another embodiment, the electrode assembly bonding apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of FIG. 8 discloses two grippers, similar to the fourth embodiment.

[0107] In the electrode assembly bonding apparatus of FIG. 8, while the first gripper 51 grips a first portion of the laminate S, the press unit 60 heats or heats and presses a second portion that is not gripped by the first gripper 51.

[0108] With the first gripper 51 gripping the laminate S, the second gripper 52 grips the second portion. After that, the first gripper 51 releases its grip on the laminate S.

[0109] Then, the press unit 60 can move partially to heat or heat and press the first portion.

[0110] In the electrode assembly bonding apparatus shown in FIG. 8, the first gripper 51 and the second gripper 52 may be arranged side by side on the same side of the chamber 80.

[0111] The width of the finger portions 50b may be 1 / 5 to 4 / 5 of the width of the laminate S. Specifically, the pair or more of the finger portions 50b include upper finger portions that contact the upper surface of the laminate S and lower finger portions that contact the lower surface of the laminate S. The sum of the widths of either the upper finger portions or the lower finger portions may be 1 / 5 to 4 / 5 of the width of the laminate S.

[0112] Preferably, the sum of the widths of the finger portions 50b is 1 / 5 to 3 / 5 of the width of the laminate S, and more preferably 1 / 5 to 2 / 5.

[0113] The press unit 60 further includes a press heater (not shown) that heats the pair of pressurizing blocks 60a, 60b, and the pair of pressurizing blocks 60a, 60b can heat and pressurize the laminate S of the negative electrode 1, the separator 4, and the positive electrode 2. This allows for better thermal fusion between the negative electrode 1, the separator 4, and the positive electrode 2 when the laminate S is pressed against the press unit 60, enabling stronger adhesion.

[0114] Meanwhile, the press unit 60 may further include an induction heater that heats in a non-contact manner as a press heater. That is, the press heater may include a built-in contact heater that directly heats the pressurizing block and may further include an induction heater that does not come into contact with the laminate.

[0115] The press heater directly heats the press block, and the heating block can directly contact the laminate to heat the laminate. Meanwhile, the induction heater heats the center of the laminate by magnetic field induction heating targeted at the deep part, i.e., the middle part, of the laminate. As a result, the center of the laminate is heated by induction heating, and the top and bottom ends of the laminate are heated by the heated press block, so that the laminate can be heated uniformly throughout. The uniformity of heating improves the uniformity of the adhesive force and the uniformity of the air permeability of the laminate.

[0116] The area of ​​the laminate S pressed by the press unit 60 can be 30% to 70% of the total area of ​​one side of the laminate S (100%). Preferably, the pressing area of ​​either of the pair of press blocks 60a, 60b may be 40% to 70% of the total area of ​​one side of the laminate S (100%). Here, one side of the laminate S means either the top surface or the bottom surface of the laminate S pressed by the press unit 60.

[0117] The sum of the areas of the finger portions 50b plus the sum of the areas of the press portions 60 excluding the gripper grooves 61 may be the same as the area of ​​the upper or lower surface of the laminate S or may be greater than the area of ​​the upper or lower surface of the laminate S.

[0118] The total area of ​​the press portion 60 excluding the gripper groove 61 may be the same as the total area of ​​the finger portion 50b, or may be larger than the total area of ​​the finger portion 50b.

[0119] Preferably, the total area of ​​the pressing portion 60 excluding the gripper groove 61 may be larger than the total area of ​​the finger portions 50b. In other words, the area of ​​the second portion may be larger than the area of ​​the first portion.

[0120] Therefore, a part of the laminate S may be double-pressurized. In this case, the area of ​​the double-pressurized part may be 1 / 6 or less of the area of ​​the laminate S.

[0121] By minimizing the double pressurized area of ​​the press unit 60, the height difference due to the double pressurization can be minimized, and the occurrence of unpressurized areas can be prevented. Therefore, the adhesive strength between the negative electrode and the separator and between the positive electrode and the separator is uniform, and the safety of the secondary battery can be improved.

[0122] Furthermore, if the doubly pressurized portion of the electrode assembly exceeds the above range or if the electrode assembly includes an unpressurized portion, a visually noticeable step will be created on the top and bottom surfaces of the electrode assembly. If an electrode assembly with the step is stored in a pouch-type case and sealed, a step will also be created in the case, causing a defect.

[0123] The electrode assembly bonding apparatus according to the present invention may further include a control unit (not shown).

[0124] The control unit can control one or more of the gripping position of the gripper 50 relative to the laminate S, the pressing position of the press unit 60 relative to the laminate S, and the operation of the laminate moving unit 70.

[0125] For example, the control unit can control the movement distance of the laminate moving unit 70 based on data such as the areas of the first and second parts, the points where the ends of the gripper 50 and the press unit 60 are located, and the points where the ends of the pair of laminate moving units 70 are located.

[0126] The electrode assembly bonding apparatus according to the present invention may further include a calculation unit (not shown). The calculation unit may receive data regarding the width of the laminate S from a user, or may store a database regarding standard sizes of the laminate S or electrode assemblies.

[0127] The calculation unit can calculate the movement distance of the laminate moving unit 70, the position of the gripper 50, and the position of the press unit 60 based on data on the size and width of the laminate S or the electrode assembly. That is, the calculation unit can calculate the width of the gripper 50, the area or width of the first and second parts. Then, the calculation unit can calculate the positions where one end of the gripper 50 and one end of the press unit 60 are located.

[0128] The calculation unit can calculate the moving distance of the stack moving unit 70 or the stack S, and the positions where one end of the gripper 50 and one end of the press unit 60 are located, based on the area of ​​the first portion.

[0129] The method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to the present invention includes a method for bonding an electrode assembly. In particular, the method for manufacturing an electrode assembly includes a step of manufacturing a laminate in which a negative electrode, a positive electrode, and a separator are disposed between the negative electrode and the positive electrode, and a step (or method) of bonding an electrode assembly.

[0130] The electrode assembly bonding step includes (a) gripping a first portion of the laminate with a gripper, (b) a first bonding step, (c) supporting or partially moving the laminate, and (d) a second bonding step.

[0131] In the (stage a), the laminate is in a state in which the positive electrode and the separator, and the negative electrode and the separator are not bonded to each other.

[0132] That is, in the step of preparing the laminate, the positive electrode and the separator, and the negative electrode and the separator are arranged in a state where they are not adhered to each other.

[0133] Therefore, in order to prevent the alignment of the laminate from being disturbed by the press unit when bonding the positive electrode and the separator and the negative electrode and the separator to each other (step b), the press unit can apply heat and pressure to the laminate in a state where it is fixed by the gripper.

[0134] The details of step (c) may vary depending on the electrode assembly bonding apparatus according to the first to fourth embodiments described above.

[0135] Step (c) may include the steps of the gripper releasing its grip on the laminate, the laminate movement section horizontally moving the laminate, and the gripper re-gripping the laminate.

[0136] Alternatively, (step c) may include the steps of a laminate transfer section supporting the laminate, a gripper releasing its grip on the laminate, and a gripper moving horizontally to re-grrip the laminate.

[0137] Alternatively, (step c) may include a step of the gripper releasing its grip on the laminate and the first press section supporting the laminate, a step of the laminate movement section horizontally moving the laminate, and a step of the gripper re-gripping the laminate after moving in a direction opposite to the horizontal movement direction of the laminate.

[0138] Alternatively, (step c) may include a step in which, while the first gripper is gripping the laminate, the second gripper grips the laminate from the opposite direction to the first gripper, the first gripper releases its grip on the laminate, and the press section moves horizontally.

[0139] The partial movement distance of the laminate in (step c) may be at least equal to the width of one finger of the gripper. In other words, the laminate may include a first portion that is gripped by the gripper in (step a) and a second portion that is bonded in (step b). The width of the second portion may be greater than the width of the first portion. The partial movement distance of the laminate may be the width of the first portion or the width of the second portion.

[0140] Steps a) to d) may be performed within one chamber. The gripper may be located outside the chamber or may move outside the chamber, but the action of the gripper gripping or re-gripping the laminate may be performed within the chamber.

[0141] Since the electrode assembly bonding step is performed in one chamber, the electrode assembly bonding process is simplified and the process time is shortened, resulting in economical effects.

[0142] The areas bonded in (step b) and (step d) may not overlap each other or may include a minimal double bonding area. By avoiding double pressing or minimizing double pressing, no step is formed in the height of the electrode assembly, which can reduce the defect rate of secondary batteries.

[0143] The electrode assembly bonding step according to the present invention may further include a calculation step of calculating a moving distance of the laminate moving part and areas of the first and second parts, and a control step of controlling at least one of a fixing position of the fixing part and a pressing position of the pressing part based on the calculated moving distance of the laminate moving part and areas of the first and second parts.

[0144] For example, the calculation step can calculate the area of ​​the first portion to be bonded in (step b) and the area of ​​the second portion to be bonded in (step d), and then calculate the width of the laminate that the gripper must grip or the press unit must press so that the first and second portions overlap minimally. The control step can move the gripper and the press unit based on the widths calculated in the calculation step.

[0145] For the description of the manufacturing method of the electrode assembly other than the above description, the description of the manufacturing apparatus 100 of the electrode assembly can be cited.

[0146] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be understood that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below.

Claims

1. a gripper that grips a portion of a stack including a plurality of positive electrodes and a plurality of negative electrodes stacked alternately, the stack including separation membranes respectively disposed between the plurality of positive electrodes and the plurality of negative electrodes; a press for bonding the laminate; and A stack moving section for supporting or partially moving the stack An electrode assembly bonding device comprising:

2. 2. The electrode assembly bonding apparatus of claim 1, wherein the laminate includes a first portion and a second portion, and the press portion bonds the second portion while the gripper holds the first portion, and the press portion bonds the first portion while the gripper holds the second portion.

3. The stack moving unit moves a part of the stack while the gripper releases the grip on the stack, or 3. The electrode assembly bonding apparatus of claim 2, wherein the gripper releases the grip on the laminate while the laminate transfer section supports the laminate, the laminate transfer section moves partially, and the gripper re-grips the laminate.

4. The electrode assembly bonding apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a control unit that controls one or more of a gripping position of the gripper relative to the laminate, a bonding position of the press unit relative to the laminate, and an operation of the laminate moving unit.

5. The electrode assembly bonding apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the press unit heats and presses the laminate to bond the positive electrode and the negative electrode to the separator in the laminate.

6. The electrode assembly bonding apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the press unit and the laminate transfer unit are disposed in one chamber.

7. 3. The electrode assembly bonding device of claim 2, wherein the gripper includes a body portion and one or more pairs of finger portions protruding from the body portion, and when the finger portions grip the first portion, the press portion bonds the second portion, and when the finger portions grip the second portion, the press portion bonds the first portion.

8. 8. The electrode assembly bonding device of claim 7, wherein the first portions are arranged in a longitudinal direction of the laminate, the second portions are arranged between the first portions, and the finger portions grip the first portions in a width direction of the laminate.

9. 8. The electrode assembly bonding device according to claim 7, wherein at least one of the first portions is arranged in the width direction of the laminate, the second portion is arranged adjacent to the first portion, and the finger portion grips the first portion in the longitudinal direction of the laminate.

10. The electrode assembly bonding apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the gripper is moved horizontally.

11. The gripper releases its grip on the stack after partially moving the stack, The electrode assembly bonding apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the gripper re-gripped the laminate after horizontally moving in a direction opposite to a moving direction of the laminate.

12. The electrode assembly bonding device according to any one of claims 1 to 11; a separation membrane supply unit for supplying the separation membrane; a first electrode supply unit that supplies the positive electrode; A second electrode supply unit that supplies the negative electrode; and A stack table on which a stack formed by stacking the separation membrane, the positive electrode, and the negative electrode is placed. An apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly, comprising:

13. A method for bonding an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode, a separator, and a negative electrode are stacked, comprising the steps of: a step (a) of gripping the first portion of a stack including at least one first portion and at least one second portion adjacent to the first portion, the stack including the negative electrode, the positive electrode, and the separator, with a gripper; a first bonding step (step b) in which the second portion, which is not in contact with the gripper and the laminate, is heated and pressed in a press unit to bond the negative electrode and the separator and the positive electrode and the separator; A step (c) of supporting or partially moving the stack by a stack moving part that supports or partially moves the stack; and A second bonding step (step d) of bonding the negative electrode and the separator and the positive electrode and the separator to each other by heating and pressing the first portion that is not bonded in the first bonding step in the press unit. A method for bonding an electrode assembly comprising the steps of:

14. The method of claim 13, wherein in step a, the laminate is in a state in which the positive electrode and the separator and the negative electrode and the separator are not adhered to each other.

15. In the step c, the stack moving unit supports the stack; releasing the gripper from the laminate; and the gripper moves horizontally to re-gripping the stack. The method of claim 13, comprising:

16. In the step c, the gripper releases its grip on the laminate; a step of the stack moving unit horizontally moving the stack; and the gripper re-gripping the laminate. The method of claim 13, comprising:

17. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein steps a to d are performed in one chamber.

18. The electrode assembly bonding method according to any one of claims 13 to 17, The method for manufacturing an electrode assembly further includes the step of manufacturing the laminate, in which the negative electrode, the positive electrode, and the separator are disposed between the negative electrode and the positive electrode.

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