Protective tape application device and battery cell manufacturing method using the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a protective tape application device for protecting electrode tabs of a secondary battery and a method for manufacturing a battery cell using the same, and more specifically to a protective tape application device that can apply both ends of a protective tape and a method for manufacturing a battery cell using the same. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a protective tape application device can be provided that can adhere both ends of a protective tape to each other above and below via a main application machine that applies a protective tape to an electrode tab and edge application machines that move independently of the main application machine from both sides of the main application machine.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a protective tape application device for protecting electrode tabs of a secondary battery and a method for manufacturing a battery cell using the same, and more specifically to a protective tape application device that can apply both ends of a protective tape and a method for manufacturing a battery cell using the same.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0081113, filed on June 23, 2023, and all contents disclosed in the documents of this Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0003] A secondary battery is a battery that can be repeatedly used through a discharge process, which converts chemical energy into electrical energy, and a charge process, which converts electrical energy into chemical energy.

[0004] Secondary batteries can include nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries, nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH) batteries, lithium-metal batteries, lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries, and lithium-ion polymer batteries (Li-Ion Polymer Battery, hereinafter referred to as "LIPB"), etc.

[0005] Lithium secondary batteries have a cycle life of more than 500 times and a short charging time of about 1 to 2 hours. They are about 30 to 40% lighter than nickel-metal hydride batteries, allowing for weight reduction. They also have the highest voltage per unit cell (30 to 37V) and excellent energy density among existing secondary batteries, making them ideal for mobile devices.

[0006] In lithium secondary batteries, pouch-type battery cells are widely used, in which an electrode assembly is sealed in a pouch made of an aluminum sealing material.

[0007] Generally, the electrode assembly, which is the internal structure of a battery cell, is manufactured by assembling laminated units in a four-layer structure of positive electrode / separator / negative electrode / separator, or a five-layer structure of positive electrode / separator / negative electrode / separator / positive electrode, or a five-layer structure of negative electrode / separator / positive electrode / separator / negative electrode. These electrode assemblies are then housed in a pouch case, which acts as a sealant. Pouch-type batteries house electrode assemblies in pouches made of ductile polymer material with irregular shapes.

[0008] The pouch, which serves as the case for a pouch-type battery cell, is manufactured by forming a cup-shaped receiving portion for receiving an electrode assembly in a pouch film made of a ductile material. That is, once the receiving portion with a receiving space for receiving the electrode assembly is formed in the pouch film, the electrode assembly is placed in the receiving space of the receiving portion and the edges are sealed to manufacture a secondary battery. Such a pouch film is composed of multiple layers, including an outer coating layer, a metal barrier layer, and an inner adhesive layer.

[0009] Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a conventional pouch-type secondary battery, and Fig. 2 is a side view showing the internal configuration of the conventional pouch-type secondary battery.

[0010] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the pouch-type battery cell 20 includes an electrode assembly 50 including a positive electrode 24 and a negative electrode 22 in which an electrode active material is applied to electrode plates, and a separator 23 interposed between the positive electrode 24 and the negative electrode 22.

[0011] In the multiple positive electrodes 24, the electrode tabs are gathered together through a tab guide process, and the electrode tabs after pre-welding can be welded to the positive electrode lead 51.

[0012] Similarly, in multiple negative electrodes 22, the electrode tabs are gathered together through a tab guide process, and after pre-welding, the electrode tabs can be welded to the negative electrode leads 52.

[0013] When the electrode assembly 50 is housed in the pouch case 21, the leads 51 and 52 are drawn out to the outside, thereby serving to establish electrical connection with external terminals (not shown).

[0014] Once the electrode assembly 50 is fabricated, it is accommodated in the accommodation portion 21b1 formed in the lower pouch film 21b. At this time, the electrode assembly 50 has a plurality of leads 51 and 52 protruding outside the accommodation portion 21b1. Once the electrode assembly 50 is inserted into the pouch, a pouch casing process is performed, after which an electrolyte solution can be injected into the pouch case. After that, an initial charge / discharge (activation process) is performed, followed by a sealing process in which the edge portions 21b2 of the upper pouch film 21a and the lower pouch film 21b are heat-sealed to seal them. After the sealing process, an aging process, an inspection process, and the like are performed, and finally, the manufacture of the battery cell 50 can be completed.

[0015] Figure 3 is a partial plan view showing a portion of a pouch-type electrode assembly of the prior art, and Figure 4 is a partial plan view showing a portion of a pouch-type electrode assembly of the prior art.

[0016] The leads 51 and 52 are provided with a lead film 60. That is, the leads 51 and 52 penetrate the pouch, and at this time, the upper and lower surfaces of the leads come into contact with the pouch, and the lead film 60 is provided at these contacting portions for electrical insulation. The lead film 60 is melted during pouch sealing, thereby increasing the sealing strength between the leads 51 and 52 and the pouch.

[0017] The leads 51 and 52 may be subjected to a welding process with the lead film 60 firmly attached to them. Therefore, the process of attaching the lead film 60 to the leads may not be performed in the manufacturing process of the electrode assembly 50 and the battery cell 20.

[0018] The electrode tab 25 and the lead 51 of the positive electrode are firmly connected to each other by resistance welding, ultrasonic welding, or laser welding, which creates a weld 25a with a rough surface. This weld 25a may come into contact with the pouch during a subsequent manufacturing process, potentially causing poor insulation of the pouch. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, a protective tape 70 is applied to protect the weld 25a formed between the lead 51 and the electrode tab 25.

[0019] Meanwhile, the electrode tabs provided on the top or bottom layer may be broken during the electrode tab guiding process, free welding process, electrode tab welding process (main welding process), or subsequent processes. Therefore, the protective tape 70 may be a tape for preventing the electrode tabs from being broken.

[0020] The protective tape 70 may be attached to only one of the upper and lower surfaces of the electrode tab, or may be attached to both surfaces.

[0021] FIG. 5 is a front view schematically showing how a tape is applied using a tape application device for applying a protective tape according to the prior art.

[0022] The conventional tape application device 80 may include an upper application unit 81 and a lower application unit 82, and may adhere the upper protective tape 71 and the lower protective tape 72 to the upper and lower surfaces of the welded portion 25a, respectively. Specifically, the upper application unit 81 applies pressure to the upper surface of the welded portion 25a to apply the upper protective tape 71, and the lower application unit 82 applies pressure to the lower surface of the welded portion 25a to apply the lower protective tape 72.

[0023] However, the conventional tape application device 80 can only apply the upper protective tape 71 and the lower protective tape 72 to the upper and lower surfaces of the welded portion 25a of the electrode tab 25 and the lead 51, respectively, and there was a problem in that the two ends 71a of the upper protective tape 71 and the two ends 72a of the lower protective tape 72 protruding on both sides of the welded portion 25a were not able to come into complete contact with each other and were therefore unable to be adhered to each other, or even if they were adhered, they were easily peeled off from each other due to external impact.

[0024] In this way, both ends of the unattached protective tape can cause the adhered portion to detach from the electrode tab or the unadhesive portion to fold over due to external pressure or electrolyte flow. In particular, when the ends of the protective tape are folded toward the sealing area of ​​the pouch, the both ends of the protective tape can be interposed between the pouch film during the pouch sealing process, hindering heat sealing and resulting in an unsealed area. If moisture penetrates from the outside through the unsealed area of ​​the pouch, it can accelerate swelling inside the battery cell.

[0025] Korean Patent Publication No. 2014-0137836 (hereinafter referred to as the "prior patent") discloses a tape application device in which the tape adsorption process and the tape application process are performed in a single line using a tape adsorption unit that moves linearly up and down.

[0026] The prior patent discloses a tape application device that applies protective tape from top to bottom across the uncoated portions of the electrode plates and the electrode tabs.

[0027] The prior patents attach the tape to the electrode tab by raising and lowering a tape suction part that directly attaches the cut tape to the electrode plate, but do not disclose any other adhesive structure or mechanism for adhering both ends of the tape.

[0028] Therefore, a method is needed that can effectively secure both ends of a protective tape that is applied to the leads while traversing the leads laterally. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0029] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the problems that arise with conventional protective tape application devices and application methods.

[0030] An embodiment of the present invention provides a protective tape application device and a protective tape end application device that can apply both ends of an upper protective tape and a lower protective tape to each other, and a method for manufacturing a battery cell using the same.

[0031] An embodiment of the present invention provides a protective tape application device that can be easily added to a main application machine that applies protective tape to electrode tabs to bond both ends of the protective tape to each other, and a method for manufacturing a battery cell using the same.

[0032] An embodiment of the present invention provides a protective tape application device that employs an edge application machine that moves up and down independently of a main application machine, thereby effectively preventing interference with the edge application machine during the process of applying a protective tape to the main application machine, and a method for manufacturing a battery cell using the same.

[0033] An embodiment of the present invention provides a protective tape application device that can prevent damage to the protective tape during the process of pressurizing and adhering both ends of the protective tape and increase the adhesion length of both ends, and a method for manufacturing a battery cell using the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0034] To achieve the above object, according to one embodiment of the present invention, there may be provided a protective tape application device including an upper main applicator that applies an upper protective tape to an upper surface of an electrode tab provided in an electrode assembly, and a lower main applicator that applies a lower protective tape to a lower surface of the electrode tab, and further including an upper edge applicator and a lower edge applicator.

[0035] The upper edge applicators may be provided on both sides of the upper main applicator to apply pressure to both ends of the upper protection tape extending outward from both sides of the upper main applicator.

[0036] The lower edge applicators may be provided on both sides of the lower main applicator to apply pressure to both ends of the lower protective tape extending outward from both sides of the lower main applicator.

[0037] It is preferable that the upper end attachment device and the lower end attachment device are configured to simultaneously pressurize both ends of the upper protective tape and both ends of the lower protective tape, respectively, so that both ends of the upper protective tape and both ends of the lower protective tape are adhered to each other.

[0038] Both ends of the upper protective tape and both ends of the lower protective tape are interposed between the upper edge applicator and the lower edge applicator. Therefore, when the upper edge applicator and the lower edge applicator move in opposite directions, i.e., toward each other, both ends of the upper protective tape and both ends of the lower protective tape overlap and are simultaneously pressed against each other, thereby further strengthening the adhesive strength therebetween.

[0039] It is preferable that the upper edge applicator is moved below the upper main applicator after the upper main applicator is pressed, and the lower edge applicator is moved above the lower main applicator after the lower main applicator is pressed.

[0040] Preferably, the upper edge applicator and the lower edge applicator are provided so as to be raised and lowered integrally with the upper main applicator and the lower main applicator, respectively.

[0041] Preferably, the upper edge applicator and the lower edge applicator are provided so as to be independently elevated and lowered relative to the upper main applicator and the lower main applicator, respectively.

[0042] It is preferable that the upper edge applicator has an adsorption surface to which the upper protective tape is adsorbed, and the lower edge applicator has an adsorption surface to which the lower protective tape is adsorbed.

[0043] The suction surface can suction the non-adhesive surface of the protective tape so that the adhesive surface of the protective tape faces the electrode tab.

[0044] When the upper end applicator is positioned above the suction surface of the upper main applicator, the upper protective tape may be adsorbed onto the suction surface of the upper main applicator, and then the upper protective tape may be applied; when the lower main applicator is positioned below the suction surface of the lower main applicator, the lower protective tape may be adsorbed onto the suction surface of the lower main applicator, and then the lower protective tape may be applied.

[0045] The upper end attachment device and the lower end attachment device may each include a pressure block provided to apply pressure to the end of the upper protective tape or the lower protective tape, and a moving member that moves the pressure block in an up and down direction.

[0046] The pressure block preferably has rounded corners that contact extension start portions of both ends of the upper protective tape or the lower protective tape, thereby preventing the protective tape from being suddenly bent when it is separated from the electrode tab.

[0047] The moving member may include a wheel that guides the movement of the pressure block relative to the upper main applicator or the lower main applicator, and the upper main applicator or the lower main applicator may be provided with a rail that guides the movement path of the wheel.

[0048] The upper end portion applicator and the lower end portion applicator may include a roller member having a plurality of rolls that are vertically movable along one side of the upper main applicator or the lower main applicator to pressurize one side of the upper protective tape or the lower protective tape.

[0049] The roller member may be configured to press the upper protective tape or the lower protective tape while moving from an inner end where the electrode tabs of the upper protective tape or the lower protective tape are adhered to an outer end.

[0050] The plurality of rolls may include a movable roll installed to be movable up and down along one side of the upper main application machine or the lower main application machine, and a pressure roll installed to pressurize an upper surface of the upper protective tape or a lower surface of the lower protective tape.

[0051] The moving roll may be provided to guide the roller member as it moves up and down, and the pressure roll may be provided to pressurize the roller member while it is in direct contact with the protective tape.

[0052] The roller member may include a transmission member that transmits vertical movement of the moving roll to vertical and horizontal movement of the pressure roll.

[0053] The pressure roll may be configured to press the protective tape vertically at the initial stage of pressing, and then press the protective tape horizontally while maintaining the vertical pressure as pressing is performed. That is, the pressure roll may be configured to be swingable relative to the moving roll via a transmission member.

[0054] To achieve the above object, according to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing a secondary battery, including a taping step of attaching protective tape to an electrode tab. Specifically, the method for manufacturing a secondary battery may include a welding step of welding an electrode tab and an electrode lead to an electrode assembly, a taping step of attaching upper and lower protective tapes to the electrode tab, a casing step of heat-sealing a pouch containing the electrode assembly with the attached upper and lower protective tapes to form a pouch case, a filling step of filling the pouch case with an electrolyte, and a sealing step of sealing the pouch case.

[0055] In the taping step, it is preferable that the upper protective tape and the lower protective tape are attached to the upper and lower surfaces of the electrode tab by applying pressure from an upper main applicator and a lower main applicator, and then both ends of the upper protective tape and both ends of the lower protective tape extending outward on both sides of the electrode tab are attached to each other vertically by applying pressure from an upper edge applicator and a lower edge applicator, independently of the application of pressure from the upper main applicator and the lower main applicator.

[0056] The upper main applicator and the upper end applicator are preferably arranged symmetrically to the lower main applicator and the lower end applicator with respect to the electrode tab, and move in the opposite direction to the movement direction of the lower main applicator and the lower end applicator for applying the protective tape and attaching both ends. That is, the upper end applicator and the lower end applicator move in a pushing manner toward each other, so that the ends of the upper protective tape and the lower protective tape interposed therebetween can be bonded to each other.

[0057] It is preferable that the upper edge applicator moves below the upper main applicator after the upper main applicator applies pressure, and the lower edge applicator moves above the lower main applicator after the lower main applicator applies pressure.

[0058] That is, after the protective tape is attached to the electrode tab, both ends of the protective tape are preferably bonded to each other vertically, so that after the protective tape is stably attached to the electrode tab, both ends of the protective tape can be firmly bonded from the start point to the end point.

[0059] It is preferable that the pressure is applied by the upper edge applicator and the lower edge applicator while the pressure applied by the upper main applicator and the lower main applicator is maintained.

[0060] The upper and lower edge applicators may include pressure blocks that pressurize both ends of the upper and lower protective tapes by raising and lowering.

[0061] The upper and lower edge applicators may include pressure rolls that pressurize both ends of the upper and lower protective tapes by lifting and rolling.

[0062] The edge applicator is configured to move up and down based on the suction surface of the main applicator, and the distance between the edge applicator and the main applicator can be preset.

[0063] In the case of an upper edge applicator, it is preferable that the upper edge applicator adsorbs the protective tape onto the adsorption surface of the main applicator at a position higher than the adsorption surface of the main applicator. Therefore, interference between the upper protective tape and the upper edge applicator can be prevented when adsorbing the upper protective tape. After the protective tape has been applied via the upper main applicator, it is preferable that the upper edge applicator move to a position lower than the adsorption surface of the main applicator to adhere both ends of the protective tape. This minimizes the lifting distance of the upper edge applicator, thereby enabling a short processing speed due to a simple structure.

[0064] To achieve the above object, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a tape end attachment device can be provided that is installed separately from a main attachment device that attaches protective tape to the top and bottom of an electrode tab.

[0065] The tape edge applicator may include an upper edge applicator and a lower edge applicator.

[0066] The upper edge applicator may be configured to descend to pressurize both ends of the upper protective tape, and the lower edge applicator may be configured to ascend to pressurize both ends of the lower protective tape. The upper edge applicator and the lower edge applicator may be configured to be symmetrical vertically and move in opposite directions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0067] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a protective tape application device and a protective tape end application device capable of attaching both ends of an upper protective tape and a lower protective tape to each other, and a method for manufacturing a battery cell using the same can be provided.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a protective tape application device that can be easily added to a main application device that applies a protective tape to an electrode tab to bond both ends of the protective tape to each other, and a method for manufacturing a battery cell using the same, can be provided.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a protective tape application device can be provided that employs an edge application device that moves up and down independently of a main application device, thereby effectively preventing interference with the edge application device during the process of applying a protective tape to the main application device, and a method for manufacturing a battery cell using the same.

[0070] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a protective tape application device that can prevent damage to the protective tape during the process of pressurizing and adhering both ends of the protective tape and increase the adhesion length of both ends, and a method for manufacturing a battery cell using the same. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0071] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a pouch-type secondary battery according to the prior art.

[0072] [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a side view showing the internal configuration of a pouch-type secondary battery according to the prior art.

[0073] [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a partial plan view showing a portion of a pouch-type electrode assembly of the prior art.

[0074] [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a partial plan view showing a portion of a pouch-type electrode assembly of the prior art.

[0075] [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a front view schematically showing taping using a conventional tape application device for applying a protective tape.

[0076] [Figure 6] 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of a protective tape application device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] [Figure 7] 1 is a front view schematically showing a protective tape application device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0078] [Figure 8] 1 is a side view schematically showing a partial configuration of a protective tape application device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0079] [Figure 9] 1 is a front view schematically showing an operation of a protective tape application device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 10] 1 is a front view schematically showing an operation of a protective tape application device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0080] [Figure 11] 10 is a partially enlarged view of a part of the protective tape application device of the present invention shown in FIG. 9. FIG.

[0081] [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a front view schematically showing an operation of a protective tape applying device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a front view schematically showing an operation of a protective tape applying device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] [Figure 14] 3 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0083] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A pouch forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0084] Furthermore, regardless of the reference number, identical or corresponding components will be given the same or similar reference numbers, and duplicate descriptions thereof will be omitted. The size and shape of each component shown may be exaggerated or reduced for the sake of convenience.

[0085] Fig. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of a protective tape application apparatus 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 is a front view showing a schematic view of the protective tape application apparatus 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] Referring to Figures 6 and 7, a protective tape application device 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention can be configured to apply protective tape to each of the upper and lower surfaces of the electrode tab 25 provided on the electrode assembly 50, and further to apply both ends of the protective tapes 71 and 72 to each other.

[0087] The portions of the electrode tabs 25 covered by the protective tapes 71 and 72 may be the portions welded to the electrode leads.

[0088] Specifically, the protective tape application apparatus 1000 may include an upper main application machine 121. The upper main application machine 121 may be configured to apply pressure to the upper surface of a portion of the electrode tab 25 provided in the electrode assembly 50 to apply the upper protective tape 71 to the upper surface. The upper main application machine 121 may be configured such that a lower portion thereof directly applies pressure to the upper surface of the upper protective tape 71. The upper main application machine 121 may be moved up and down by a separate first linear driving unit 131. For example, the first linear driving unit 131 may include a linear motor or a servo motor to move the upper main application machine 121 up and down linearly.

[0089] The upper main attaching machine 121 may strengthen the adhesive strength of the upper protective tape 71 attached to the electrode tab 25 by applying pressure to the upper protective tape 71. In addition, the upper main attaching machine 121 may attach the upper protective tape 71 to the electrode tab 25 by applying pressure to the upper protective tape 71 while the upper protective tape 71 is being attracted to the electrode tab 25.

[0090] Furthermore, the protective tape application apparatus 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a lower main application machine 122. The lower main application machine 122 may be configured to apply pressure to the lower surface of a portion of the electrode tab 25 included in the electrode assembly 50 to apply the lower protective tape 72 to the lower surface. The lower main application machine 122 may be configured such that an upper portion thereof directly applies pressure to the lower surface of the lower protective tape 72. The lower main application machine 122 may be moved up and down by a separate second linear driver 132. For example, the second linear driver 132 may include a linear motor or a servo motor to allow the lower main application machine 122 to move up and down linearly.

[0091] The protective tapes 71 and 72 may have an adhesive applied to one side thereof and no adhesive applied to the other side thereof. That is, the adhesive may be applied to one side (adhesion side) facing the electrode tab 25, and no adhesive may be applied to the other side (non-adhesion side) facing the main applicators 121 and 122.

[0092] The main attachment units 121 and 122 can suction and fix the non-adhesive surface of the protective tape, which does not have an adhesive, and can release the suction after the adhesive is complete. This suction can be performed using a vacuum. Therefore, the main attachment units 121 and 122 have suction surfaces 121b and 122b that suction the protective tape. The suction surfaces 121b and 122b can be provided parallel to the surfaces of the electrode tabs.

[0093] Meanwhile, the upper main applicator 121 and the lower main applicator 122 may be formed symmetrically in the vertical direction and preferably operate simultaneously to apply the upper protective tape 71 and the lower protective tape 72, as described below. Also, the upper main applicator 121 and the lower main applicator 122 may be configured to operate in opposite directions.

[0094] The protective tape application apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention preferably includes an upper edge application machine 111. The upper edge application machine 111 may be provided on both sides of the upper main application machine 121.

[0095] Furthermore, the protective tape application apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention preferably includes a lower edge application machine 112. The lower edge application machine 112 may be provided on both sides of the lower main application machine 122.

[0096] 7 shows a state in which the protective tapes 71 and 72 are attracted to the attracting surfaces 121b and 122b of the main applicators 121 and 122. That is, this shows a preparation state for applying the protective tapes to the electrode tabs.

[0097] First, to attach the protective tapes 71 and 72 to the suction surfaces 121b and 122b, the protective tapes are pulled from a protective tape roll and placed under the main applicator, and then cut to the appropriate length. At this time, both ends 71a and 72a are formed, respectively, protruding from both sides of the suction surface. Therefore, interference from the edge applicators 111 and 122 may occur during the process of attaching the protective tapes to the main applicator. Therefore, as shown, it is preferable that the edge applicators 111 and 122 are positioned apart from the suction surfaces 121b and 122b during the preparation process for attaching the protective tapes to the electrode tabs.

[0098] As shown, the upper edge applicator 111 may be provided on the upper main applicator 121 so as to be able to move up and down integrally with the upper main applicator 121. It is also preferable that the upper edge applicator 111 be able to move up and down independently of the movement of the upper main applicator 121. This feature may be equally applied to the lower edge applicator 112 and the lower main applicator 122.

[0099] First, the upper main applicator 121 and the lower main applicator 122 approach the electrode tab 25 to attach the upper protective tape and the lower protective tape to the electrode tab 25. In this state, both ends of the upper protective tape and the lower protective tape are not attached to each other. Thereafter, while the upper main applicator and the lower main applicator are stopped, the upper end applicator and the lower end applicator further approach the electrode tab 25 to pressurize the protective tape in both directions. As a result, both ends of the upper protective tape can be bonded to the ends of the lower protective tape.

[0100] Therefore, the protective tape application device 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an upper main application machine 121 and a lower main application machine 122, as well as an upper end application machine 111 and a lower end application machine 112, so that the upper and lower surfaces of the electrode tabs 25 of the upper protective tape 71 and the lower protective tape 72 can be applied, and then both ends 71a of the upper protective tape 71 and both ends 72a of the lower protective tape 72 can be bonded to each other.

[0101] As a result, the protective tape application device 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention solves the problems of the prior art, where both ends 71a of the upper protective tape 71 and both ends 72a of the lower protective tape 72 do not fully contact each other and are unable to adhere to each other, or where they easily peel off from each other due to external impact. Furthermore, it also solves the problems of both ends 71a, 72a of the unattached protective tapes 71, 72 being detached from the electrode tab 25 or where the unattached portions are folded over due to external pressure or electrolyte flow. In particular, when the ends of the protective tapes 71, 72 are folded over toward the sealing area of ​​the pouch, the both ends 71a, 72a of the protective tapes 71, 72 are interposed between the pouch films during the pouch sealing process, preventing heat sealing and preventing the creation of unsealed areas.

[0102] FIG. 8 is a side view that schematically shows a partial configuration of a protective tape application apparatus 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0103] The upper edge applicators 111 of the protective tape application apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to move up and down independently of the upper main applicator 121. The protective tape application apparatus 1000 may further include a third linear driver 133 that moves the upper edge applicator 111 up and down. For example, the third linear driver 133 may include a linear motor. In addition, the upper main applicator 121 may have an upper rail 121a formed on a side thereof, along which the upper edge applicator 111 moves up and down. The upper rail 121a may be formed such that a portion of the upper rail 121a is recessed into the side of the upper main applicator 121 in the vertical direction. The upper rail 121a may have a recessed space into which a portion of the upper main applicator 121 can be inserted. That is, the upper edge applicator 111 may move up and down along the upper rail 121a.

[0104] Furthermore, in the protective tape application apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the lower edge applicators 112 may be configured to move up and down independently of the lower main applicator 122. The protective tape application apparatus 1000 may further include a fourth linear driver 134 that moves the lower edge applicator 112 up and down. For example, the fourth linear driver 134 may include a linear motor. Furthermore, the lower main applicator 122 may have a lower rail 122a formed on its side, along which the lower edge applicator 112 moves up and down. The lower rail 122a may be formed by extending a portion of the side of the lower main attachment part 122 in the vertical direction. The lower rail 122a may have a recessed space into which a portion of the lower main applicator 122 can be inserted. That is, the lower edge applicator 112 may move up and down along the lower rail 122a.

[0105] The protective tape application device 1000 may further include a control unit 140. The control unit 140 may control the operation of each of the first linear driving unit 131, the second linear driving unit 132, the third linear driving unit 133, and the fourth linear driving unit 134.

[0106] 7, 9, and 10, the operation of the protective tape application device 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0107] As shown in Fig. 7, the main applicator moves to the protective tape application position in preparation for application of the protective tape. That is, the protective tape is applied to the electrode tab as shown in Fig. 9. Thereafter, the edge applicators 111 and 112 may be further driven to bond both ends of the protective tape.

[0108] 10, after the upper main applicator 121 presses the upper protective tape 71, the upper edge applicator 111 may be further moved downward below the upper main attaching unit 121 by the third linear driver 133. At this time, as the upper edge applicator 111 is further moved downward below the upper main applicator 121, it presses the upper surface of the upper protective tape 71 downward.

[0109] After the lower main applicator 122 presses the lower protective tape 72, the lower edge applicator 112 may be moved further upward than the lower main applicator 122 by the fourth linear driver 134. At this time, as the lower edge applicator 112 is moved further upward than the lower main applicator 122, it presses the lower surface of the lower protective tape 72 upward.

[0110] Therefore, in the protective tape application apparatus 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention, after the application processes of the protective tapes 71 and 72 by the upper main application machine 121 and the lower main application machine 122 are completed, both ends 71 ​​a of the upper protective tape 71 and both ends 72 a of the lower protective tape 72 can be completely bonded to each other using the upper end application machine 111 and the lower end application machine 112. This prevents the protective tapes 71 and 72 attached to the electrode tabs 25 from being detached, and also prevents problems such as the protective tapes 71 and 72 being attached to other components and causing defects or being intervening in the sealing area and interfering with the sealing process.

[0111] Meanwhile, the upper edge attachment device 111 and the lower edge attachment device 112 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a pressure block 114 provided to apply pressure to the edge of the upper protective tape 71 or the lower protective tape 72. For example, the pressure block 114 may be formed with a triangular cross section.

[0112] FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged view of a part of the protective tape applying apparatus 1000 of the present invention shown in FIG.

[0113] The pressure block 114 may have a rounded corner R that comes into contact with the upper protective tape 71 or the lower protective tape 72. For example, as in FIG. 11 , the pressure block 114 of the upper edge attachment machine 111 may have a rounded lower corner R that comes into contact with the upper protective tape 71. Similarly, for example, the pressure block 114 of the lower edge attachment machine 112 may have a rounded upper corner R that comes into contact with the lower protective tape 72.

[0114] The corner R may be provided so that the protective tape can be bent more stably at the position where it is detached from the electrode tab, and in particular, so that the protective tape can be bonded upward and downward from the initial position where it is detached from the electrode tab.

[0115] Therefore, by including the rounded corner R in the pressure block 114, damage to the protective tapes 71, 72 that may occur when the surfaces of the protective tapes 71, 72 are pressed using the pressure blocks 114 of the upper end application machine 111 and the lower end application machine 112 can be effectively prevented, and the adhesive area can be further increased.

[0116] Furthermore, the upper edge pasting machine 111 and the lower edge pasting machine 112 may include a moving member 113 that moves the pressure block 114 in the up and down direction. For example, similar to Fig. 7, the moving member 113 can move up and down with the pressure block 114 mounted thereon. That is, the moving member 113 can have a structure that allows it to move along the rail portion of Fig. 8.

[0117] The moving member 113 may also include a plurality of wheels. The wheels may be configured to be movable with the pressure block 114 mounted thereon. The wheels may be provided to be movable in the vertical direction along a rail portion 121a of the upper main attaching device 121 or a rail portion 122a formed on one side of the lower main attaching device 122.

[0118] The moving member 113 may also include a wheel coupling unit 113a that connects the plurality of wheels to one another. The wheel coupling unit 113a may have a pressure block 114 mounted on an outer surface thereof. For example, the wheel coupling unit 113a may be coupled to the third linear actuator 133. That is, the wheel coupling unit 113a may be moved up and down in accordance with the movement of the drive shaft of the third linear actuator 133. In this case, the pressure block 114 may be mounted so as to be movable up and down a predetermined distance from the outer surface of the wheel coupling unit 113a. That is, the pressure block 114 may have a coupling structure K that is movably coupled to the wheel coupling unit 113a. For example, the wheel coupling unit 113a may have a linear groove (not shown) formed therein, into which a portion of the pressure block 114 is inserted and which allows it to move up and down. The wheel coupling unit 113a may be rotatably coupled to the plurality of wheels.

[0119] In addition, when the downward movement of the moving member 113 is completed, the pressure block 114 of the upper edge applicator 111 may be further moved downward on the moving member 113 by the third linear driver 133. At this time, the pressure block 114 is pressed downward by the third linear driver 133, and the pressure block 114 may move downward along a linear groove (not shown) of the moving member 113 to pressurize the surface of the upper protective tape 71. At this time, a spring member (not shown) may be installed in the linear groove so that the pressure block 114 can be positioned on the moving member 113 when not being pressed by the third linear driver 133. That is, the spring member may be installed so that the pressure block 114 can be elastically pressed in a direction opposite to the pressing direction of the third linear driver 133.

[0120] In addition, when the upward movement of the moving member 113 is completed, the pressure block 114 of the lower edge applicator 112 may be further moved upward on the moving member 113 by the fourth linear driver 134. At this time, the pressure block 114 is pressed upward by the fourth linear driver 134, and the pressure block 114 may descend along the linear groove of the moving member 113 to pressurize the surface of the upper protective tape 71. At this time, a spring member (not shown) may be installed in the linear groove so that the pressure block 114 can be positioned on the moving member 113 when not being pressed by the fourth linear driver 134. That is, the spring member may be installed so that the pressure block 114 can be elastically pressed in the direction opposite to the pressing direction of the fourth linear driver 134.

[0121] Therefore, by arranging the pressure block 114 so that it further moves downward or upward on the movable member 113 when the downward or upward movement of the movable member 113 is completed, the pressure block 114 can delicately pressurize both ends 71a of the upper protective tape 71 and both ends 72a of the lower protective tape 72, thereby bonding the tapes without damaging them.

[0122] 12 and 13 are front views that schematically show the operation of a protective tape applying device 1000 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0123] 12 and 13, a protective tape application apparatus 1000 according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a roller member 115 having a plurality of rolls 115a, 115b as an upper edge applicator and a lower edge applicator instead of the pressure block 114 and the plurality of wheels of the protective tape application apparatus 1000 of Fig. 7. The remaining configuration may be the same as or similar to that of the protective tape application apparatus 1000 of Fig. 7.

[0124] Specifically, the roller member 115 may be provided to pressurize both ends 71a, 72a of the upper protective tape 71 or the lower protective tape 72. For example, one of the plurality of rolls 115a, 115b of the roller member 115 may be a pressure roll 115a, and the other may be a movable roll 115b. That is, as in FIG. 13 , the pressure roll 115a of the roller member 115 of the upper end portion applicator 111 may be provided to pressurize the upper surface of the upper protective tape 71. The pressure roll 115a of the roller member 115 of the lower end portion applicator 112 may be provided to pressurize the lower surface of the lower protective tape 72. The movable roll 115b may be provided to be movable up and down along one side of the upper main applicator 121 or the lower main applicator 122.

[0125] In addition, the plurality of rolls 115a, 115b of the roller member 115 may be provided to be movable up and down along one side of the upper main adhering device 121 or the lower main adhering device 122. That is, the plurality of rolls 115a, 115b may be provided to be movable along the rail portion 121a of the upper main adhering device 121 or the rail portion 122a of the lower main adhering device 122 shown in FIG.

[0126] The roller member 115 may include a roll connector 115c that connects the multiple rolls 115a and 115b. For example, similar to FIG. 12, the roller member 115 may include a roll connector 115c that connects the pressure roll 115a and the moving roll 115b. For example, the roll connector 115c may be connected to the third linear driver 133. That is, the roll connector 115c may be moved up and down in accordance with the movement of the drive shaft of the third linear driver 133. The roll connector 115c may be rotatably connected to the multiple rolls 115a and 115b.

[0127] The plurality of rolls 115a, 115b may be provided to pressurize the surfaces of both ends 71a of the upper protective tape 71 or both ends 71a of the lower protective tape 72 while moving from the inner side, where the electrode tabs 25 of the upper protective tape 71 or the lower protective tape 72 are adhered, to the outer end. For example, as shown in FIG. 13 , the pressure roll 115a among the plurality of rolls 115a, 115b of the upper end attachment device 111 may be provided to pressurize the surface of the upper protective tape 71 or the lower protective tape 72 while moving from the inner side, where the electrode tabs 25 of the upper protective tape 71 are adhered, to the outer end.

[0128] For example, the moving roll 115b may be provided to move up and down. The pressure roll 115a located in the upper main laminating machine 121 and the pressure roll 115a located in the lower main laminating machine 122 move laterally to pressurize the protective tapes 71 and 72, thereby bonding both ends 71a of the upper protective tape 71 and both ends 72a of the lower protective tape 72 to each other.

[0129] Meanwhile, in the above-described embodiment, it has been described that the edge applicators 111, 112, and 115 are provided on the main applicators 121 and 122. Alternatively, the edge applicators 111, 112, and 115 may be provided independently on the main applicators 121 and 122. That is, they may be provided on both sides of the main applicators 121 and 122 and may move independently of the movement of the main applicators.

[0130] FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0131] Specifically, in the method for manufacturing a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention, the welding step M01 is a step of welding the electrode tab 25 and the electrode lead 51 to the electrode assembly 50. At this time, a weld mark 25a (see FIG. 3) with a rough surface may be generated on the electrode tab 25 by resistance welding, ultrasonic welding, or laser welding. The welding step may be performed after a process of guiding the electrode tab and a process of temporarily welding the guided electrode tab.

[0132] The method for manufacturing a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention also includes a taping step M02. The taping step M02 may be a step of attaching an upper protective tape 71 and a lower protective tape 72 to the electrode tab 25. That is, in the taping step M02, the upper protective tape 71 and the lower protective tape 72 may be attached to the welded portion 25a so that the welded portion 25a formed on the electrode tab 25 does not damage other components (e.g., a pouch film).

[0133] Furthermore, in the taping step M02, both ends of the upper protective tape 71 and both ends of the lower protective tape 72 can be bonded to each other.

[0134] A method for manufacturing a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a casing step M03. The casing step M03 may be a step of heat-sealing a pouch containing an electrode assembly 50 to which an upper protective tape 71 and a lower protective tape 72 are attached to form a pouch 21 (see FIG. 1). At this time, one side of the pouch 21 (battery cell case) facing the electrode tab 25 may be heat-sealed. That is, the casing step M03 may include a partial sealing step of sealing the left, right, and bottom sides of the pouch case 21, excluding the top side into which the electrolyte is poured.

[0135] The method for manufacturing a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an injection step M04. The injection step M04 is a step of injecting an electrolyte into the pouch case. For example, the injection step M04 may be performed by injecting the electrolyte through the top side of the unsealed pouch case 21.

[0136] The method for manufacturing a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a sealing step M05, which is a step of sealing the pouch case 21. The sealing step M05 is a step of heat-sealing the upper side of the pouch case 21 to prevent external substances from entering the pouch case 21.

[0137] In the taping step M02, the upper protective tape 71 and the lower protective tape 72 may be attached to the upper and lower surfaces of the electrode tab 25 by the pressure of the upper main attaching machine 121 and the lower main attaching machine 122, respectively.

[0138] The respective end portions 71a, 72a of the upper protective tape 71 and the lower protective tape 72 extending outward on both sides of the electrode tab 25 are attached to each other by the pressure of the upper end attachment machine 111 and the lower end attachment machine 112, independently of the pressure of the upper main attachment machine 121 and the lower main attachment machine 122.

[0139] Therefore, in the battery cell manufacturing method according to one embodiment of the present invention, the respective end portions 71a of the upper protective tape 71 and the lower protective tape 72 extending outward on both sides of the electrode tab 25 are attached to each other by the pressure of the upper end portion attachment machine 111 and the lower end portion attachment machine 112, independently of the pressure of the upper main attachment machine 121 and the lower main attachment machine 122. This solves the problem that the end portions 71a of the upper protective tape 71 and the end portions 72a of the lower protective tape 72 are not able to come into complete contact with each other and are therefore unable to be attached to each other, or that they are easily peeled off from each other due to external impact. [Industrial Applicability]

[0140] This is described in the detailed description of the invention.

Claims

1. an upper main attaching machine that attaches an upper protective tape to an upper surface of an electrode tab provided in the electrode assembly; a lower main attaching machine that attaches a lower protective tape to the lower surface of the electrode tab; upper end applicators provided on both sides of the upper main applicator and configured to pressurize both ends of the upper protective tape extending outward from both sides of the upper main applicator; a lower end applicator provided on both sides of the lower main applicator and configured to apply pressure to both ends of the lower protective tape extending outward from both sides of the lower main applicator, A protective tape application device, wherein the upper end application machine and the lower end application machine are configured to simultaneously pressurize both ends of the upper protective tape and both ends of the lower protective tape, respectively, so that both ends of the upper protective tape and both ends of the lower protective tape are adhered to each other.

2. 2. The protective tape application device of claim 1, wherein the upper edge applicator is moved below the upper main applicator after the upper main applicator applies pressure, and the lower edge applicator is moved above the lower main applicator after the lower main applicator applies pressure.

3. 3. The protective tape applying apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the upper edge applicator and the lower edge applicator are provided so as to be raised and lowered integrally with the upper main applicator and the lower main applicator, respectively.

4. 4. The protective tape applying apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the upper edge applicator and the lower edge applicator are provided so as to be independently movable up and down relative to the upper main applicator and the lower main applicator, respectively.

5. The protective tape application device according to claim 4 , wherein the upper edge application machine has an adsorption surface to which the upper protective tape is adsorbed, and the lower edge application machine has an adsorption surface to which the lower protective tape is adsorbed.

6. The protective tape application device according to claim 5 , wherein the suction surface suctions the non-adhesive surfaces of the upper protective tape and the lower protective tape so that the adhesive surfaces of the upper protective tape and the lower protective tape face the electrode tab.

7. the upper end applicator is positioned above the suction surface of the upper main applicator, and the upper protective tape is adsorbed onto the suction surface of the upper main applicator, and then the upper protective tape is applied; 7. The protective tape application device according to claim 6, wherein the lower protective tape is applied after the lower end application machine is positioned lower than the suction surface of the lower main application machine and the lower protective tape is adsorbed onto the suction surface of the lower main application machine.

8. The upper edge applicator and the lower edge applicator are each a pressure block provided to apply pressure to an end of the upper protective tape or the lower protective tape; The protective tape application device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a moving member that moves the pressure block in the up-down direction.

9. The pressure block is The protective tape application device according to claim 8 , having rounded corners that come into contact with extension start portions of both ends of the upper protective tape or the lower protective tape.

10. The protective tape applying device according to claim 8 , wherein the moving member includes a wheel that guides the movement of the pressure block relative to the upper main applicator or the lower main applicator.

11. The upper edge applicator and the lower edge applicator are 8. The protective tape application device according to claim 1, further comprising a roller member having a plurality of rolls arranged to be movable up and down along one side of the upper end application device or the lower end application device in order to pressurize one side of the upper protective tape or the lower protective tape.

12. 12. The protective tape application device according to claim 11, wherein the roller member is configured to pressurize the upper protective tape or the lower protective tape while moving from an inner end where an electrode tab of the upper protective tape or the lower protective tape is adhered to an outer end.

13. The plurality of rolls include: a moving roll provided to be movable up and down along one side of the upper main applicator or the lower main applicator; 12. The protective tape application device according to claim 11, further comprising: a pressure roll provided to apply pressure to an upper surface of the upper protective tape or a lower surface of the lower protective tape.

14. 14. The protective tape applying device according to claim 13, wherein the roller member includes a transmission member that transmits vertical movement of the moving roll to vertical and horizontal movement of the pressure roll.

15. a welding step of welding the electrode tab and the electrode lead to the electrode assembly; a taping step of attaching an upper protective tape and a lower protective tape to the electrode tab; a casing step of forming a pouch case by heat-sealing the pouch containing the electrode assembly to which the upper and lower protective tapes are attached; an injection step of injecting an electrolyte into the pouch case; a sealing step of sealing the pouch case, In the taping step, The upper and lower protective tapes are attached to the upper and lower surfaces of the electrode tabs by applying pressure to an upper main attaching machine and a lower main attaching machine, respectively. a battery cell manufacturing method in which both ends of the upper protective tape and both ends of the lower protective tape extending outward on both sides of the electrode tab are attached to each other vertically by applying pressure from an upper edge application machine and a lower edge application machine independently of the application of pressure from the upper main application machine and the lower main application machine.

16. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the upper main applicator and the upper end applicator are arranged symmetrically to the lower main applicator and the lower end applicator with respect to the electrode tab, and move in a direction opposite to a moving direction of the lower main applicator and the lower end applicator to apply the upper protective tape and the lower protective tape and apply both ends.

17. The upper end applicator is moved below the upper main applicator after the upper main applicator presses the upper end applicator. The method of manufacturing a battery cell according to claim 16 , wherein the lower edge attachment device is moved above the lower main attachment device after the lower main attachment device applies pressure.

18. The method of manufacturing a battery cell according to claim 17 , wherein the pressure is applied by the upper edge pasting machine and the lower edge pasting machine while the pressure is maintained by the upper main pasting machine and the lower main pasting machine.

19. The method of manufacturing a battery cell according to claim 16 , wherein the upper end attachment machine and the lower end attachment machine include a pressure block that presses both ends of the upper protective tape or the lower protective tape by raising and lowering.

20. The method of manufacturing a battery cell according to claim 16 , wherein the upper end attachment machine and the lower end attachment machine include pressure rolls that pressurize both ends of the upper protective tape or the lower protective tape by lifting and rolling.

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