Apparatus for manufacturing secondary battery and method for manufacturing secondary battery using the same

Abstract

According to an exemplary embodiment, there is provided an apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery, the apparatus including: a clamping machine including a clamp configured to secure an electrode assembly, a transport rail overlapping the clamping machine, and a tape applicator coupled to the transport rail and configured to move along the transport rail, the tape applicator including a tape gripper configured to apply vacuum pressure to a tape and a side heater adjacent to an end of the tape gripper.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery and a method for manufacturing a secondary battery using the same. This application claims the benefit of Korean Application No. 10-2023-0048093, filed on April 12, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [Background technology]

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. Secondary batteries are widely used as energy sources for a variety of wireless devices, such as handsets, laptops, and wireless vacuum cleaners. In recent years, improvements in energy density and economies of scale have dramatically reduced the manufacturing costs of electrically powered hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs). As the driving range of BEVs has increased to the same level as that of fuel-powered vehicles, the primary use of secondary batteries has shifted from mobile devices to mobility.

[0003] A battery cell is the most basic unit of a secondary battery, and improving the mechanical and electrical performance of the battery cell is the most effective and crucial factor in improving the performance of the secondary battery. Among these, manufacturing of the electrode assembly is the most important process that determines the yield and reliability of the battery cell. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The problem to be solved by the technical concept of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery having improved reliability and a method for manufacturing a secondary battery using the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to an exemplary embodiment of the technical concept of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems, there is provided an apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery, the apparatus for manufacturing the secondary battery including: a clamping machine including a clamp configured to fix an electrode assembly, a transfer rail overlapping the clamping machine, and a tape applicator coupled to the transfer rail and configured to move along the transfer rail, the tape applicator including a tape gripper configured to apply vacuum pressure to a tape and a side heater adjacent to an end of the tape gripper.

[0006] The clamping machine further includes a shaft coupled to the clamp and configured to rotate the clamp.

[0007] The clamping machine is configured to rotate the clamp so that one of the first and second main surfaces of the electrode assembly faces the transfer rail.

[0008] The electrode assembly further includes a vision inspection device configured to inspect the appearance of the electrode assembly.

[0009] The vision inspection device is coupled to the transfer rail.

[0010] The apparatus further includes a tape supply overlapping the transport rail, spaced apart from the clamping machine, and configured to store the tape.

[0011] The tape applicator includes a first arm configured to move the tape gripper relative to the transport rail and a second arm configured to move the side heater relative to the transport rail.

[0012] The second arm is configured to move the side heater so that the distance between the side heater and the transfer rail is greater than the distance between the tape gripper and the transfer rail.

[0013] The side heater is configured to press the tape and the side of the electrode assembly so that the tape contacts the side of the electrode assembly, and is configured to heat the tape on the side of the electrode assembly.

[0014] The side heaters each include a chamfered portion.

[0015] The chamfered portion of each of the side heaters faces the tape gripper.

[0016] The tape gripper is configured to press the tape and the first major surface so that the tape contacts the first major surface of the electrode assembly, and is configured to heat the tape on the first major surface of the electrode assembly. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, damage to an electrode assembly may be prevented during taping, thereby improving the yield and reliability of secondary battery manufacturing.

[0018] The effects that can be obtained from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood from the following description by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure belong. In other words, unintended effects accompanying the implementation of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure by a person having ordinary skill in the art. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating an apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2]1 is a side view illustrating an apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 3] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4] 1A to 1C are plan views illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 5] 1A to 1C are side views illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 6] 1A to 1C are plan views illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 7] 1A to 1C are side views illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 8] 1A to 1C are side views illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 9] 1A to 1C are side views illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 10] 1A to 1C are plan views illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 11] 1A to 1C are side views illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 12] 1A to 1C are plan views illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 13] 1A to 1C are side views illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 14] 1A to 1C are plan views illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 15] 1A to 1C are side views illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 16] 1A to 1C are side views illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 17] 1A to 1C are side views illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating an apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 19] 1 is a side view illustrating an apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before that, the terms and words used in the specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts that are consistent with the technical idea of the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of the terms to best describe his own invention.

[0021] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical idea of the present invention, and there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace them at the time of this application.

[0022] Furthermore, in the description of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related publicly known structures or functions may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0023] The embodiments of the present invention are provided to more completely explain the present invention to those skilled in the art, and therefore the shapes and sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or shown in a schematic manner for clearer explanation. Therefore, the sizes and proportions of each component do not completely reflect the actual sizes and proportions.

[0024] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating an apparatus 100 for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating an apparatus 100 for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, an apparatus 100 for manufacturing a secondary battery may include a clamping machine 110, a transfer rail 120, a vision inspection device 130, a tape supply 140, and a tape applicator 150.

[0027] The apparatus 100 for manufacturing a secondary battery may be configured to process an electrode assembly EA. The apparatus 100 for manufacturing a secondary battery may be configured to apply a tape TF to the electrode assembly EA. The apparatus 100 for manufacturing a secondary battery may be a roller-free apparatus. The apparatus 100 for manufacturing a secondary battery may be configured to apply the tape TF to the electrode assembly EA without applying pressure to the tape TF and electrode assembly EA using a roller.

[0028] The electrode assembly EA may be a stack type. The stack type electrode assembly EA includes a plurality of alternately stacked positive electrodes, a plurality of negative electrodes, and a plurality of separators interposed therebetween. The separators may prevent short circuits between the positive electrodes and the negative electrodes. To prevent contact between the positive electrodes and the negative electrodes, each of the separators may have an area larger than each of the positive electrodes and the negative electrodes.

[0029] The positive electrode may include a positive electrode plate and a positive electrode active material. The negative electrode may include a negative electrode plate and a negative electrode active material. The positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate may include a coated portion and an uncoated portion. The coated portion may be a portion of the positive electrode plate coated with the positive electrode active material or a portion of the negative electrode plate coated with the negative electrode active material. The uncoated portion may be a portion of the positive electrode plate not coated with the positive electrode active material (i.e., separated from the positive electrode active material) or a portion of the negative electrode plate not coated with the negative electrode active material (i.e., separated from the negative electrode active material). The uncoated portions of the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate may include electrode tabs ET1 and ET2 for connecting to the outside. The electrode tab ET1 may be, for example, a positive electrode tab, and the electrode tab ET2 may be a negative electrode tab.

[0030] 1 and 2 show a bidirectional electrode assembly EA in which the electrode tabs ET1 and ET2 are on opposite sides, this is for illustrative purposes only and does not limit the technical concept of the present invention in any way. For example, the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 100 can also process a unidirectional battery cell in which the electrode tabs are arranged on the same side.

[0031] The thickness of the positive electrode plate may range from about 3 μm to about 500 μm. The positive electrode plate may not induce chemical changes in the final secondary battery and may have high conductivity. The positive electrode plate may include, for example, stainless steel, nickel, titanium, calcined carbon, and aluminum. The positive electrode plate may also include stainless steel surface-treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, or the like. The surface of the positive electrode plate may include a micro-textured structure to enhance the adhesion of the active material. The positive electrode plate may have the shape of a film, sheet, foil, net, porous material, foam, nonwoven fabric, or the like.

[0032] The thickness of the negative electrode plate may range from about 3 μm to about 500 μm. The negative electrode plate may not induce chemical changes in the final secondary battery and may have high conductivity. The negative electrode plate may include copper, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, sintered carbon, and aluminum-cadmium alloy. The negative electrode plate may also include stainless steel surface-treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, or the like. The surface of the negative electrode plate may include a micro-textured structure to enhance the adhesion of the active material. The negative electrode plate may have the shape of a film, sheet, foil, net, porous material, foam, nonwoven fabric, or the like.

[0033] The positive electrode active material is a material capable of undergoing an electrochemical reaction. The positive electrode active material can be a lithium transition metal oxide. Examples of the positive electrode active material include layered compounds such as lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) and lithium nickel oxide (LiNiO2) substituted with one or more transition metals; lithium manganese oxide substituted with one or more transition metals; and lithium manganese oxides with the chemical formula LiNi 1-y M y Lithium nickel-based oxide represented by O2 (wherein M is any one of Co, Mn, Al, Cu, Fe, Mg, B, Cr, Zn, and Ga, and 0.01≦y≦0.7); Li 1+z Ni 1 / 3 Co 1 / 3 Mn 1 / 3 O2, Li 1+z Ni 0.4 Mn 0.4 Co 0.2 Li like O2 1+z Ni b Mn c Co 1-(b+c+d) M d O (3-e) A e (wherein -0.5≦z≦0.5, 0.1≦b≦0.8, 0.1≦c≦0.8, 0≦d≦0.2, 0≦e≦0.2, b+c+d<1, M is any one of Al, Mg, Cr, Ti, Si, and Y, and A is any one of F, P, and Cl); lithium nickel cobalt manganese composite oxide represented by the chemical formula Li 1+x M 1-y M' y PO 4-z X z (wherein M is a transition metal, more specifically, any one of Fe, Mn, Co, and Ni; M′ is any one of Al, Mg, and Ti; X is any one of F, S, and N; −0.5≦x≦+0.5; 0≦y≦0.5; and 0≦z≦0.1).

[0034] The negative electrode active material may include, for example, carbon such as non-graphitizable carbon or graphite-based carbon. xFe2O3(0≦x≦1), Li x WO2(0≦x≦1), Sn x Me 1-x Me' y O z (where Me is any one of Mn, Fe, Pb, and Ge, and Me' is any one of Al, B, P, Si, Group 1, Group 2, Group 3 elements of the periodic table, and halogen; 0 < x ≦ 1; 1 ≦ y ≦ 3; 1 ≦ z ≦ 8), etc. may contain metal composite oxides. The negative electrode active material may include, for example, lithium metal; lithium alloy; silicon-based alloy; tin-based alloy. The negative electrode active material may include, for example, metal oxides such as SnO, SnO2, PbO, PbO2, Pb2O3, Pb3O4, Sb2O3, Sb2O4, Sb2O5, GeO, GeO2, Bi2O3, Bi2O4, Bi2O5. The negative electrode active material may include, for example, conductive polymers such as polyacetylene; Li-Co-Ni-based materials, etc.

[0035] The tape TF may include a double layer. The tape TF may include a PE (Polyethylene) layer and an EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) layer. The EVA layer may be an adhesive layer, and PE may be a non-adhesive layer. The tape TF may be applied to the electrode assembly EA such that the EVA layer contacts the electrode assembly EA.

[0036] The electrode assembly EA may include a first main surface F1, a second main surface F2 (see Figure 10), a first side S1, and a second side S2. The plurality of positive electrodes, the plurality of negative electrodes, and the plurality of separator membranes are each laminate sheets, generally having a thickness of about 1000 μm or less and a width set based on the design of the battery cell. The first main surface F1 and the second main surface F2 (see Figure 10) of the electrode assembly EA are surfaces that define the width of the plurality of positive electrodes, the plurality of negative electrodes, and the plurality of separator membranes.

[0037] Hereinafter, the direction in which the transfer rail 120 extends is defined as the X direction, and the direction in which the clamping machine 110 and the transfer rail 120 are spaced apart is defined as the Z direction. The X direction and the Z direction may be substantially perpendicular to each other. Furthermore, a direction substantially perpendicular to each of the X direction and the Z direction is defined as the Y direction. The definitions of directions are the same in the following drawings unless otherwise specified. The Z direction may be substantially perpendicular to the base of a space in which the apparatus 100 for manufacturing a secondary battery is installed.

[0038] The clamping machine 110 may be configured to hold the electrode assembly EA so that each of the first and second major surfaces F1 and F2 (see FIG. 10) is substantially perpendicular to the Z direction. The clamping machine 110 may hold the tape TF so that the first major surface F1 faces the transfer rail 120 during the step of applying the tape TF to the first major surface F1. Similarly, the clamping machine 110 may hold the tape TF so that the second major surface F2 (see FIG. 10) faces the transfer rail 120 during the step of applying the tape TF to the second major surface F2.

[0039] The clamping machine 110 may include a support base 111, a shaft 113, and a clamp 115. The support base 111 may support the shaft 113 and the clamp 115.

[0040] The shaft 113 may be coupled to a drive motor. The shaft 113 may be configured to transmit the driving force of the drive motor to the clamp 115. The clamp 115 may be configured to rotate around a rotation axis perpendicular to the Y direction by the shaft 113. The clamping machine 110 may be configured to rotate the clamp 115 so that the first main surface F1 faces the transfer rail 120, or to rotate the clamp 115 so that the first main surface F1 faces the transfer rail 120.

[0041] The clamp 115 may be configured to secure the electrode assembly EA. The clamp 115 may include a comb shape, which may expose a portion of one of the first major surface F1 and the second major surface F2 (see FIG. 10) of the electrode assembly EA secured by the clamp 115. A tape TF may be applied to the exposed portion of one of the first major surface F1 and the second major surface F2 (see FIG. 10).

[0042] The vision inspection device 130 may be configured to inspect the electrode assembly EA. The vision inspection device 130 may be configured to inspect the appearance of the electrode assembly EA. The vision inspection device 130 may be configured to inspect the alignment of the electrode assembly EA. If the misalignment of the electrode assembly EA exceeds a tolerance, the electrode assembly EA may be realigned with respect to the clamp 115 using a pickup device (or by an operator). If the misalignment of the electrode assembly EA is within a set range, the clamping machine 110 may be driven to align the electrode assembly EA. If the misalignment of the electrode assembly EA is within a tolerance, the tape TF application process may proceed as is. The vision inspection device 130 may also be configured to inspect the electrode assembly EA for defects such as foreign matter, dirt, surface defects, punctures, dents, perforations, protrusions, depressions, nucleated scratches, and non-nucleated scratches.

[0043] The vision inspection device 130 may be coupled to the transport rail 120. The vision inspection device 130 may be configured to move along the transport rail 120. While the electrode assembly EA is being inspected, the vision inspection device 130 may be moved to a position where it overlaps with the clamping machine 110 in the Z direction. After inspection of the electrode assembly EA is completed, the vision inspection device 130 may be moved to a position where it does not overlap with the clamping machine 110 in the Z direction.

[0044] The tape supply 140 can store a plurality of tapes TF, which may be removed from a tape roll and cut before being stored in the tape supply 140. The tape supply 140 can overlap the transport rail 120 in the Z direction.

[0045] The tape applicator 150 may be configured to pick up the tape TF from the tape supply 140. The tape applicator 150 may be configured to apply the tape TF to the electrode assembly EA. The tape applicator 150 may include a tape gripper 151, a first arm 153, a side heater 155, and a second arm 157.

[0046] The tape applicator 150 can be configured to move along the transport rail 120. The tape applicator 150 can be configured to move along the transport rail 120 to a position overlapping either one of the clamping machine 110 and the tape supply 140.

[0047] The tape gripper 151 may be configured to apply a vacuum pressure to the tape TF, thereby securing the tape TF to the tape gripper 151. The tape gripper 151 may be configured to apply heat to the tape TF.

[0048] The tape grippers 151 may be arranged along the Y direction. In this example, the clamp 115 includes six fingers and may expose five portions of the first main surface F1 (or the second main surface F2 (see FIG. 10)). Five tape grippers 151 may be arranged in the Y direction corresponding to the shape of the clamp 115. This allows the tape TF to be simultaneously applied to the portions of the first main surface F1 (or the second main surface F2 (see FIG. 10)) exposed by the clamp 115, thereby improving the productivity of secondary battery manufacturing. A person of ordinary skill in the art can easily devise a tape applicator 150 including a clamp 115 with any number of fingers and a corresponding number of tape grippers 151.

[0049] The first arm 153 may be coupled to each of the transport rail 120 and the tape gripper 151. The first arm 153 may be configured to move the tape gripper 151 in the Z direction. The first arm 153 may be configured to move the tape gripper 151 relative to the transport rail 120. That is, the first arm 153 may be configured to move the tape gripper 151 toward or away from the transport rail 120.

[0050] As a result, the tape gripper 151 can have two-axis motion: it can be moved in the X direction along the transport rail 120 or moved in the Z direction by the first arm 153 .

[0051] The side heaters 155 may be disposed at both ends of the tape gripper 151 (e.g., both ends in the X direction). Each of the side heaters 155 may include a chamfered portion 155CH. The chamfered portion 155CH of each of the side heaters 155 may prevent damage to the tape TF and the electrode assembly EA when applying the tape TF to sides S1 and S2 of the electrode assembly EA. The chamfered portion 155CH of each of the side heaters 155 may face the tape gripper 151. The chamfered portion 155CH of each of the side heaters 155 may face the tape gripper 151.

[0052] The chamfered portion 155CH of each of the side heaters 155 may be formed by trimming the sides. The chamfered portion 155CH of each of the side heaters 155 may include either a straight cross section or a rounded cross section.

[0053] The second arm 157 may be coupled to each of the transfer rail 120 and the side heater 155. The second arm 157 may be configured to move the side heater 155 in the Z direction. The side heater 155 may be moved simultaneously with the tape gripper 151, or the side heater 155 may be moved independently of the tape gripper 151.

[0054] The second arm 157 may be configured to move the side heater 155 relative to the transfer rail 120. That is, the second arm 157 may be configured to move the side heater 155 toward the transfer rail 120 or away from the transfer rail 120.

[0055] The side heater 155 can have two-axis motion similar to the tape gripper 151. The tape side heater 155 can be moved in the X direction along the transport rail 120 and in the Z direction by the second arm 157.

[0056] The apparatus 100 for manufacturing a secondary battery may include a controller configured to control the operation of the clamping machine 110, the operation of the vision inspection device 130, and the operation of the tape applicator 150. The controller may be configured to control the operation of the clamping machine 110, the operation of the vision inspection device 130, and the operation of the tape applicator 150 based on a preset process recipe. The controller may be configured to generate signals to control the rotation and alignment of the clamps 115 of the clamping machine 110, the inspection of the vision inspection device 130, and the securing, transport, and application of the tape TF by the tape applicator 150.

[0057] The controller may be a computing device such as a workstation computer, desktop computer, laptop computer, or tablet computer. The controller may be configured as separate hardware or may be separate software contained within a single piece of hardware. The controller may be a simple controller, a complex processor such as a microprocessor, CPU, or GPU, a software-configured processor, dedicated hardware, or firmware. The controller may be implemented, for example, by a general-purpose computer or application-specific hardware such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0058] In some embodiments, the operations of the controller may be embodied as instructions stored on a machine-readable medium that can be read and executed by one or more processors. Here, a machine-readable medium may include any mechanism for storing and / or transmitting information in a form readable by a machine (e.g., a computing device). For example, a machine-readable medium may include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory devices, electrical, optical, acoustical, or other forms of radio signals (e.g., carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc.), and any other signals.

[0059] Firmware, software, routines, and instructions may be configured to perform the operations described for the controller or any of the steps described below. However, this is for convenience of explanation, and it should be understood that the operations of the controller described above may also be caused by a computing device, processor, controller, or other device executing firmware, software, routines, instructions, and the like.

[0060] (Second embodiment) FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0061] FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0062] FIG. 5 is a side view illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0063] FIG. 6 is a plan view illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0064] 7 to 9 are side views illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0065] FIG. 10 is a plan view for explaining a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0066] FIG. 11 is a side view illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0067] FIG. 12 is a plan view illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0068] FIG. 13 is a side view illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0069] FIG. 14 is a plan view illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0070] 15 to 17 are side views illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0071] 1 to 3, at P110, the electrode assembly EA may be loaded into the clamping machine 110. Loading the electrode assembly EA may include clamping and aligning the electrode assembly EA. The clamping machine 110 may be an articulated robot. The clamp 115 may be configured to rotate in a direction substantially parallel to the Z direction in addition to rotating about an axis substantially parallel to the Y direction by the shaft 113. Furthermore, the clamp 115 may also be translated in the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction. A first main surface F1 of the electrode assembly EA loaded into the clamping machine 110 may face the transfer rail 120.

[0072] 3 to 5, the first major surface F1 of the electrode assembly EA may be inspected at P120. The inspection of the first major surface F1 may be performed by a vision inspection device 130. The vision inspection device 130 may be moved along the transfer rail 120 to a position P1 that overlaps in the Z direction with the clamping machine 110 that holds the electrode assembly EA. The vision inspection device 130 may be configured to perform image-based inspection. The vision inspection device 130 may be configured to determine defects and misalignments in the electrode assembly EA based on either a change in reflectance distribution in an image of the electrode assembly EA or a comparison of the image of the electrode assembly EA with a standard image.

[0073] While inspection by the vision inspection device 130 is being performed, the tape applicator 150 can move to a position P0 where it overlaps with the tape supply 140 in the Z direction. The first arm 153 and the second arm 157 can move the tape gripper 151 and the side heater 155 toward the tape supply 140. The tape gripper 151, which is close to the tape TF, can pick up the tape TF by applying vacuum pressure to the tape TF. Unlike what is shown in FIG. 5 , the side heater 155 can remain stationary and only the tape gripper 151 can approach the tape TF. The tape TF can also be picked up by the tape applicator 150 after inspection of the first main surface F1 is completed.

[0074] 3, 6, and 7, at P130, tape TF may be applied to the first major surface F1 and sides S1, S2 of the electrode assembly EA. Each of the tapes TF applied to the first major surface F1 and sides S1, S2 of the electrode assembly EA may also be referred to as a first tape. After picking up the tape TF, the tape applicator 150 may move along the transport rail 120 to a first position P1.

[0075] 8, the first arm 153 and the second arm 157 can move the tape gripper 151 and the side heater 155 in the Z direction, thereby allowing the tape gripper 151 and the side heater 155 to approach the electrode assembly EA clamped by the clamping machine 110. The tape gripper 151 and the side heater 155 can approach the electrode assembly EA so that the tape TF contacts the first main surface F1 of the electrode assembly EA.

[0076] 9, the second arm 157 may move the side heater 155 so that the tape TF contacts the sides S1 and S2 of the electrode assembly EA. As a result, the distance in the Z direction between the transport rail 120 and the side heater 155 may be greater than the distance in the Z direction between the transport rail 120 and the tape gripper 151.

[0077] The tape gripper 151 and the side heater 155 may include a heat transfer device. The tape gripper 151 and the side heater 155 may be configured to apply heat to the tape TF. The EVA layer of the heated tape TF may have adhesive properties, which may allow the tape TF to be bonded to the first main surface F1 and sides S1 and S2 of the electrode assembly EA. The chamfered portion 155CH of the side heater 155 may prevent damage to the tape TF and sides S1 and S2 of the electrode assembly EA while the tape TF and sides S1 and S2 of the electrode assembly EA are being brought into close contact with each other.

[0078] 3, 10, and 11, the electrode assembly EA can be turned over at P140. The electrode assembly EA can be turned over by driving the clamp 115 with the shaft 113, so that the second main surface F2 of the electrode assembly EA can face the transfer rail 120. The position of the transfer rail 120 facing the second main surface F2 of the electrode assembly EA can be position P2. Position P2 can overlap the electrode assembly EA in the Z direction.

[0079] Before actuating the clamp 115 to flip the electrode assembly EA, the tape applicator 150 can be moved away from position P1 to prevent interference with the clamp 115. The tape applicator 150 can be moved to position P0, for example.

[0080] 3, 12, and 13, the second main surface F2 of the electrode assembly EA can be inspected in P150. The inspection in P150 is substantially the same as the inspection in P120, so a redundant description thereof will be omitted. The tape applicator 150 can pick up the tape TF during the inspection in P150, or can pick up the tape TF after the inspection in P150 is completed.

[0081] 3, 14, and 15, at P160, tape TF may be applied to the second major surface F2 and sides S1, S2 of the electrode assembly EA. Each of the tapes TF applied to the second major surface F2 and sides S1, S2 of the electrode assembly EA may also be referred to as a second tape. After picking up the tape TF, the tape applicator 150 may move along the transport rail 120 to a second position P2.

[0082] 16 , the first arm 153 and the second arm 157 can move the tape gripper 151 and the side heater 155 in the Z direction, thereby allowing the tape gripper 151 and the side heater 155 to approach the electrode assembly EA clamped by the clamping machine 110. The tape gripper 151 and the side heater 155 can approach the electrode assembly EA so that the tape TF contacts the second main surface F2 of the electrode assembly EA.

[0083] 17, the second arm 157 may move the side heater 155 so that the tape TF contacts the sides S1 and S2 of the electrode assembly EA. This allows the distance in the Z direction between the transport rail 120 and the side heater 155 to be greater than the distance in the Z direction between the transport rail 120 and the tape gripper 151.

[0084] The tape gripper 151 and the side heater 155 may include a heat transfer device. The tape gripper 151 and the side heater 155 may be configured to apply heat to the tape TF. The EVA layer of the heated tape TF may have adhesive properties, which may allow the tape TF to be bonded to the second main surface F2 and sides S1 and S2 of the electrode assembly EA. The chamfered portion 155CH of the side heater 155 may prevent damage to the tape TF and sides S1 and S2 of the electrode assembly EA while the tape TF and sides S1 and S2 of the electrode assembly EA are being brought into close contact with each other.

[0085] The tape TF attached to the first major surface F1 and sides S1, S2 and the tape TF attached to the second major surface and sides S1, S2 may surround the electrode assembly EA, which may improve the mechanical robustness and electrical reliability of the electrode assembly EA.

[0086] Conventional tape applicators include rollers that pressurize the tape and electrode assembly, which can apply excessive pressure to the electrode and tape, resulting in damage to the electrode assembly and tape during the tape application process.

[0087] According to an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus 100 for manufacturing a secondary battery may turn over the electrode assembly EA and apply the tape TF to the first main surface F1 (see FIG. 1 ) and the second main surface F2 of the electrode assembly EA through separate processes, thereby preventing excessive pressure from being applied to the electrode assembly EA and the tape TF and improving the reliability and yield of secondary battery manufacturing.

[0088] (Third embodiment) FIG. 18 is a plan view illustrating an apparatus 101 for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0089] FIG. 19 is a side view illustrating an apparatus 101 for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0090] 18 and 19, an apparatus 101 for manufacturing a secondary battery may include a clamping machine 110, a transfer rail 121, a vision inspection device 130, a tape supply 140, and a tape applicator 150. The clamping machine 110, the vision inspection device 130, the tape supply 140, and the tape applicator 150 are substantially the same as those described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, and therefore, a repeated description thereof will be omitted.

[0091] According to an exemplary embodiment, the transfer rail 121 may include a curved section 121C and an incline. Thus, the transfer rail 121 may include a portion that is substantially parallel to the X direction and a portion that is substantially parallel to the Y direction. The incline may be relative to the bottom surface of a space in which the apparatus 101 for manufacturing secondary batteries is installed.

[0092] In this example, the movement of the tape applicator 150 includes only the degree of freedom along the transport rail 121 and the degree of freedom of the relative movement of the first arm 153 and the second arm 157 with respect to the transport rail 121, and therefore can be said to be essentially a two-axis movement.

[0093] According to an exemplary embodiment, the transfer rail 121 of the apparatus 101 for manufacturing a secondary battery includes an inclined and curved section 121C. This allows the arrangement of elements of the apparatus 101 for manufacturing a secondary battery to be varied in various ways depending on the spatial characteristics of the line on which the apparatus 101 for manufacturing a secondary battery is installed, thereby improving the flexibility of line design.

[0094] The present invention has been described in more detail above through the drawings and embodiments, etc. However, the configurations shown in the drawings or embodiments in this specification are merely one embodiment of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention, and therefore, various equivalents and modifications may exist at the time of filing this application.

Claims

1. a clamping machine including a clamp configured to secure the electrode assembly; a transfer rail overlapping the clamping machine; a tape applicator coupled to the transport rail and configured to move along the transport rail; and The tape applicator includes: a tape gripper configured to apply vacuum pressure to the tape; and a side heater adjacent to an end of the tape gripper.

2. The apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 1 , wherein the clamping machine further comprises a shaft coupled to the clamp and configured to rotate the clamp.

3. 2. The apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein the clamping machine is configured to rotate the clamp so that one of a first main surface and a second main surface of the electrode assembly faces the transfer rail.

4. The apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 1 , further comprising a vision inspection device configured to inspect the appearance of the electrode assembly.

5. The apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 4 , wherein the vision inspection device is coupled to the transfer rail.

6. The apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 1 , further comprising a tape supply configured to overlap the transfer rail, spaced apart from the clamping machine, and to store the tape.

7. The tape applicator includes: a first arm configured to move the tape gripper relative to the transport rail; The apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 1 , further comprising: a second arm configured to move the side heater relative to the transfer rail.

8. 8. The apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery of claim 7, wherein the second arm is configured to move the side heater so that a distance between the side heater and the transfer rail is greater than a distance between the tape gripper and the transfer rail.

9. 2. The apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein the side heater is configured to press the tape and the side of the electrode assembly so that the tape contacts the side of the electrode assembly, and to heat the tape on the side of the electrode assembly.

10. The apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 1 , wherein each of the side heaters includes a chamfered portion.

11. The apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 10 , wherein the chamfered portion of each of the side heaters faces the tape gripper.

12. 2. The apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 1, wherein the tape gripper is configured to press the tape and the first main surface so that the tape contacts the first main surface of the electrode assembly, and is configured to heat the tape on the first main surface of the electrode assembly.

Images