Rechargeable battery manufacturing apparatus and method for manufacturing rechargeable batteries

Abstract

The technical concept of the present disclosure provides a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus configured to manufacture an electrode assembly, the electrode assembly comprising: a folding apparatus comprising a plurality of unit cells stacked in a first direction and a separation membrane sheet covering the top, bottom, first side, and second side of each of the plurality of unit cells; a cutting apparatus configured to cut the first side of the separation membrane sheet to form a first cutting region extending in a second direction on the separation membrane sheet; and a taping apparatus configured to attach a tape to the separation membrane sheet connecting the two portions of the separation membrane sheet separated by the first cutting region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus and a method for manufacturing a secondary battery.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0005148 filed on January 12, 2024, and all the contents disclosed in the literature of the Korean patent application are included as part of this specification.

Background Art

[0003] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. Secondary batteries are widely used as an energy source for various cordless devices such as mobile phones, notebook computers, and cordless vacuum cleaners. Generally, a secondary battery has a structure in which an electrode assembly having a structure in which an electrode and a separator are laminated is built into a battery case such as a pouch. When a gas trap occurs in the electrode assembly, an inactive region is formed on the electrode surface, and there is a problem that lithium is deposited during charge and discharge.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be achieved by the present disclosure is to provide a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus and a method for manufacturing a secondary battery.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the technical concept of the present disclosure provides a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus configured to manufacture an electrode assembly, the electrode assembly comprising: a folding apparatus including a plurality of unit cells stacked in a first direction and a separation membrane sheet covering the top, bottom, first side, and second side of each of the plurality of unit cells; a cutting apparatus configured to cut the first side of the separation membrane sheet to form a first cutting region extending in a second direction on the separation membrane sheet; and a taping apparatus configured to attach a tape to the separation membrane sheet that connects the two parts of the separation membrane sheet separated by the first cutting region.

[0006] In an exemplary embodiment, the first cutting region is characterized by extending continuously in the second direction from one end to the other end of the separation membrane sheet so as to penetrate the separation membrane sheet in the second direction.

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment, the cutting device is characterized by including a cutter blade configured to cut the separation membrane sheet.

[0008] In an exemplary embodiment, the cutting apparatus is characterized by including a laser cutter configured to cut the separation film sheet with a laser beam.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, the cutting device is configured to cut the second side of the separation membrane sheet to form a second cutting region extending in the second direction on the separation membrane sheet, and the taping device is configured to connect the two portions of the separation membrane sheet separated by the second cutting region with the tape.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, the second cutting region is characterized by extending continuously in the second direction from one end to the other end of the separation membrane sheet so as to penetrate the separation membrane sheet in the second direction.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the tape surrounds the separation membrane sheet and is attached to the first and second sides of the separation membrane sheet.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the tape is characterized by including a first tape for fixing the two portions of the separation membrane sheet separated by the first cutting region, and a second tape for fixing the two portions of the separation membrane sheet separated by the second cutting region.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the tape cutting device is further configured to form through holes in the tape that communicate with the first cut region of the separation membrane sheet.

[0014] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the technical concept of the present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a secondary battery, comprising the steps of: manufacturing an electrode assembly, wherein the electrode assembly includes a plurality of unit cells stacked in a first direction and a separation membrane sheet covering the top surface, bottom surface, first side surface, and second side surface of each of the plurality of unit cells; cutting a first side of the separation membrane sheet to form a first cut region extending in a second direction on the separation membrane sheet; and connecting the two portions of the separation membrane sheet separated by the first cut region with tape.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the first cutting region is characterized by extending continuously in the second direction from one end to the other end of the separation membrane sheet so as to penetrate the separation membrane sheet in the second direction.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the step of forming the first cutting region is characterized by including the step of cutting the separation membrane sheet while moving the cutter blade in the second direction.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the step of forming the first cutting region is characterized by including the step of cutting the separation film sheet while moving a laser cutter that irradiates a laser beam in the second direction.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the step further includes cutting a second side of the separation membrane sheet to form a second cut region extending in the second direction on the separation membrane sheet, and the step of connecting with tape includes connecting the two portions of the separation membrane sheet separated by the second cut region with the tape.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the separation membrane sheet includes a central portion that overlaps the plurality of unit cells in the first direction, the first and second sides of the separation membrane sheet do not overlap the plurality of unit cells in the first direction, the first and second sides of the separation membrane sheet are separated in a third direction with the central portion in between, and the second and third directions are perpendicular to each other. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the separation membrane sheet of the electrode assembly has a cut region that functions as a gas passage between the external space outside the separation membrane sheet and the internal space inside the separation membrane sheet. Therefore, during the degassing process, gas inside the electrode assembly can be quickly discharged through the four sides of the electrode assembly, preventing the formation of a gas trap inside the electrode assembly.

[0021] The effects obtained from the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure belong from the following description. In other words, unintended effects associated with carrying out the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can also be derived by a person of ordinary skill in the art from the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0022] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2a] It is a perspective view showing an electrode assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2b] It is a cross-sectional view showing the electrode assembly shown in FIG. 2a. [Figure 3a] It is a perspective view showing an electrode assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3b] It is a cross-sectional view showing the electrode assembly shown in FIG. 3a. [Figure 4a] It is a perspective view showing an electrode assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4b] It is a cross-sectional view showing the electrode assembly shown in FIG. 4a. [Figure 5] It is a schematic view showing a secondary battery including an electrode assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6a] It is a perspective view showing an electrode assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6b] It is a cross-sectional view showing an electrode assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view showing an electrode assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] It is a plan view schematically showing a folding device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] It is a plan view schematically showing a cutting device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] It is a plan view schematically showing a cutting device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] It is a plan view schematically showing a taping device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] It is a block diagram showing a secondary battery manufacturing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13a] It is a perspective view showing an electrode assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13b] It is a cross-sectional view showing the electrode assembly shown in FIG. 13a.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0023] Preferred embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. As a premise, terms and words used herein and in the claims should not be construed to be limited to their usual or dictionary meanings, but rather to meanings and concepts consistent with the technical idea of ​​this disclosure, based on the principle that inventors may appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe their own inventions.

[0024] Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the configurations shown in the drawings represent only one of the most preferred embodiments of the disclosure and do not represent the entire technical concept of the disclosure. As a result, there may be a variety of equivalents and modifications that can be substituted for them at the time of filing.

[0025] Furthermore, if it is determined that a specific description of a relevant publicly known configuration or function in this disclosure would obscure the gist of this disclosure, such detailed description will be omitted.

[0026] Since embodiments of this disclosure are provided to explain the disclosure more fully to an ordinary person, the shapes and sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or shown schematically for the sake of clarity. Accordingly, the sizes and proportions of each component do not fully reflect their actual sizes and proportions.

[0027] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 10 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figures 2a to 5 are drawings illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 2a is a perspective view showing an electrode assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2b is a cross-sectional view showing the electrode assembly shown in Figure 2a; Figure 3a is a perspective view showing an electrode assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 3b is a cross-sectional view showing the electrode assembly shown in Figure 3a; Figure 4a is a perspective view showing an electrode assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 4b is a cross-sectional view showing the electrode assembly shown in Figure 4a; and Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing a secondary battery including an electrode assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] Referring to Figures 1 to 5, the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 10 may include a folding apparatus 110, a cutting apparatus 120, a taping apparatus 130, and a packaging apparatus 140.

[0030] Referring to Figures 2a and 2b, the folding apparatus 110 can perform a stack-folding process for manufacturing a stack-folding electrode assembly 200. The stack-folding electrode assembly 200 may include a plurality of unit cells 210 stacked vertically (e.g., in the Z direction) and a separation membrane sheet 230 surrounding each of the plurality of unit cells 210. The stack-folding electrode assembly 200 may have a short axis parallel to a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) and a long axis parallel to a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). That is, the length of the stack-folding electrode assembly 200 along the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) may be less than the length of the stack-folding electrode assembly 200 along the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction).

[0031] Each unit cell 210 can constitute a secondary battery. Each unit cell 210 may be a laminate in which at least one positive electrode, at least one separator membrane, and at least one negative electrode are stacked vertically (e.g., in the Z direction). The positive electrode may include a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode active material. The negative electrode may include a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material. Each unit cell 210 may include an electrode tab 211 connected to at least one positive electrode and / or at least one negative electrode.

[0032] Each unit cell 210 may include a bi-cell or a monocell. A bi-cell can have two outermost electrodes of the same type in its stacked structure, such as positive electrode / separator / negative electrode / separator / positive electrode, positive electrode / separator / negative electrode / separator / separator / positive electrode / separator / negative electrode, negative electrode / separator / positive electrode / separator / negative electrode, negative electrode / separator / positive electrode / separator / negative electrode / separator / positive electrode / separator / negative electrode. A monocell can have two outermost electrodes of different types in its stacked structure, such as positive electrode / separator / negative electrode, positive electrode / separator / negative electrode / separator / negative electrode, etc.

[0033] The unit cell 210 can generally have a flat plate shape extended in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) and a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). The unit cell 210 can have an opposite top and bottom surface in the vertical direction (e.g., the Z direction), a first and second side surface opposite in the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction), and a front and rear surface opposite in the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). Electrode tabs 211 can be provided on the front and / or rear surfaces of the unit cell 210. The top and bottom surfaces of the unit cell 210 can be planes extended in the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) and the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction), respectively, and can contact the separation membrane sheet 230. The unit cell 210 can have a minor axis parallel to the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) and a major axis parallel to the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). In other words, the length of the unit cell 210 along the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) may be smaller than the length of the unit cell 210 along the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction).

[0034] The separation membrane sheet 230 may be a single sheet. The separation membrane sheet 230 can cover the first side, second side, top, and bottom surfaces of each of the multiple unit cells 210. The front and rear surfaces of individual unit cells 210 do not need to be covered by the separation membrane sheet 230. The separation membrane sheet 230 may include a central part 291 that overlaps the multiple unit cells 210 perpendicularly (e.g., in the Z direction), a first side part 293 on one side of the multiple unit cells 210, and a second side part 295 on the other side of the multiple unit cells 210. The central part 291 of the separation membrane sheet 230 may include portions of the separation membrane sheet 230 that are separated perpendicularly (e.g., in the Z direction) with the multiple unit cells 210 in between. The first side part 293 and the second side part 295 of the separation membrane sheet 230 do not need to overlap the multiple unit cells 210. The first side portion 293 and the second side portion 295 of the separation membrane sheet 230 can be separated in a first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction) with the center portion 291 in between. The first side portion 293 of the separation membrane sheet 230 may include a segment of the separation membrane sheet 230 that overlaps in the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction), and the second side portion 295 of the separation membrane sheet 230 may include a segment of the separation membrane sheet 230 that overlaps in the first horizontal direction (e.g., the X direction).

[0035] Referring to Figures 3a and 3b, the cutting device 120 receives the stack folding electrode assembly 200 from the folding device 110 and performs a cutting process on the separation membrane sheet 230 of the stack folding electrode assembly 200, thereby forming a cut region 240 on the separation membrane sheet 230. The cutting device 120 can cut the side of the separation membrane sheet 230 to form a cut region 240 on the side of the separation membrane sheet 230. The cut region 240 can be formed at the same height perpendicular to (for example, in the Z direction) at least one of the multiple unit cells 210.

[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, the cutting device 120 can cut the first side 293 of the separation membrane sheet 230 to form a first cutting region 241 on the first side 293 of the separation membrane sheet 230. The first cutting region 241 extends continuously in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction) from one end of the separation membrane sheet 230 to the other, allowing it to penetrate the separation membrane sheet 230 in the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). A gas passage can be formed between the external space outside the separation membrane sheet 230 and the internal space surrounded by the separation membrane sheet 230 through the first cutting region 241. By forming the first cutting region 241 on the first side 293 of the separation membrane sheet 230, the portion of the separation membrane sheet 230 above the first cutting region 241 and the portion of the separation membrane sheet 230 below the first cutting region 241 can be physically completely separated.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, the cutting device 120 can cut the second side 295 of the separation membrane sheet 230 to form a second cutting region 243 on the second side 295 of the separation membrane sheet 230. The second cutting region 243 extends continuously in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction) from one end of the separation membrane sheet 230 to the other, allowing it to penetrate the separation membrane sheet 230 in the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction). A gas passage can be formed between the external space outside the separation membrane sheet 230 and the internal space surrounded by the separation membrane sheet 230 through the second cutting region 243. By forming the second cutting region 243 on the second side 295 of the separation membrane sheet 230, the portion of the separation membrane sheet 230 above the second cutting region 243 and the portion of the separation membrane sheet 230 below the second cutting region 243 can be physically completely separated.

[0038] Referring to Figures 4a and 4b, the taping device 130 receives the electrode assembly 201 after the cutting process is complete and can perform a taping process to fix the portion of the separation membrane sheet 230 separated by the cutting process to the tape 250.

[0039] In exemplary embodiments, the taping device 130 can attach tapes 250 to the outer surface of the separation membrane sheet 230 so as to surround the separation membrane sheet 230. Multiple tapes 250 spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction (e.g., Y direction) of the electrode assembly 202 can be attached to the separation membrane sheet 230. Each tape 250 can surround the separation membrane sheet 230 and be attached to a first portion and a second portion of the separation membrane sheet 230. Each tape 250 may have a ring-shaped form that extends to surround the separation membrane sheet 230. Each tape 250 can be attached to each of the two portions of the separation membrane sheet 230 separated by a first cutting region 241 to fix the two portions of the separation membrane sheet 230 separated by the first cutting region 241, and can be attached to each of the two portions of the separation membrane sheet 230 separated by a second cutting region 243 to fix the two portions of the separation membrane sheet 230 separated by the second cutting region 243.

[0040] Referring to Figure 5, the packaging apparatus 140 can receive the electrode assembly 202 after the taping process is completed and perform a loading process to place the electrode assembly 202 into the battery case 310, an electrolyte injection process to inject electrolyte into the battery case 310, a charging and discharging process for the electrode assembly 202, a degassing process to remove internal gases from the electrode assembly 202, and a sealing process to seal the battery case 310. The battery case 310 may be a pouch having a storage space in which the electrode assembly 202 is stored. The packaging apparatus 140 can manufacture a secondary battery 300 in which the electrode assembly 202 is stored in the battery case 310.

[0041] The packaging apparatus 140 may include a degassing apparatus 150 configured to perform a degassing process. The degassing apparatus 150 may include a vacuum chamber and a support base for supporting the electrode assembly 202 housed within the vacuum chamber. The degassing apparatus 150 can remove gas from the electrode assembly 202 by reducing the pressure of the internal space of the vacuum chamber.

[0042] In the case of the stack-folding electrode assembly according to the comparative example, during the degassing process, the gas is discharged to the outside through two sides of the electrode assembly that are not covered by the separation membrane sheet (e.g., the front and the rear).

[0043] According to exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the separation membrane sheet 230 of the electrode assembly 202 has a cut region 240 that functions as a gas passage between the external space outside the separation membrane sheet 230 and the internal space inside the separation membrane sheet 230. Therefore, during the degassing process, the gas DG inside the electrode assembly 202 can be rapidly discharged through the four sides of the electrode assembly 202, preventing the formation of a gas trap inside the electrode assembly 202. Since the formation of a gas trap inside the electrode assembly 202 can be prevented, the capacity reduction, increased cell resistance, lithium deposition, etc. caused by the gas trap inside the electrode assembly 202 can be prevented, ultimately improving the reliability of the secondary battery 300 including the electrode assembly 202.

[0044] In an exemplary embodiment, the taping device 130 may be configured to attach a tape 250 containing a porous material to the separation membrane sheet 230. If the tape 250 is made of a porous material and provides a gas passage, gas can also be discharged from the portion to which the tape 250 is attached, and gas within the electrode assembly 202 can be discharged to the outside of the electrode assembly 202 by the cut region 240 of the separation membrane sheet 230 and the tape 250. For example, the tape 250 may include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and / or casting polypropylene (CPP).

[0045] (Second Embodiment) Figure 6a is a perspective view showing an electrode assembly 203 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6b is a cross-sectional view showing an electrode assembly 203 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Referring to Figures 1, 6a, and 6b, the taping device 130 can attach tape 250 to the first side 293 and the second side 295 of the separation membrane sheet 230, respectively. The tape 250 attached to the first side 293 of the separation membrane sheet 230 can be called the first tape, and the tape 250 attached to the second side 295 of the separation membrane sheet 230 can be called the second tape. The two parts of the separation membrane sheet 230 separated by the first cutting region 241 can be fixed by the first tape, and the two parts of the separation membrane sheet 230 separated by the second cutting region 243 can be fixed by the second tape. Multiple first tapes can be attached to the first side 293 of the separation membrane sheet 230, spaced apart from each other in the long axis direction (e.g., Y direction) of the electrode assembly 203, and the two parts of the separation membrane sheet 230 separated by the first cutting region 241 can be fixed by multiple first tapes. Multiple second tapes can be attached to the second side portion 295 of the separation membrane sheet 230, spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction (e.g., Y direction) of the electrode assembly 203, and the two portions of the separation membrane sheet 230 separated by the second cutting region 243 can be fixed together by the multiple second tapes.

[0047] (Third embodiment) Figure 7 is a perspective view showing an electrode assembly 204 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Referring to Figures 1 and 7, the taping device 130 can attach tape 250 to the first side 293 and the second side 295 of the separation membrane sheet 230, respectively. The tape 250 attached to the first side 293 of the separation membrane sheet 230 can be called the first tape, and the tape 250 attached to the second side 295 of the separation membrane sheet 230 can be called the second tape. The two parts of the separation membrane sheet 230 separated by the first cutting region 241 can be fixed together by a single first tape. The two parts of the separation membrane sheet 230 separated by the second cutting region 243 can be fixed together by a single second tape.

[0049] (Fourth Embodiment) Figure 8 is a schematic plan view showing a folding device 110 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Referring to Figure 8, the folding device 110 may include a supply roll 111, a laminating device 113, and a winder 115. The supply roll 111 can supply the separation membrane sheet 230. The separation membrane sheet 230 supplied from the supply roll 111 can be moved in the supply direction SD. When a cell supply unit (not shown) that supplies unit cells 210 supplies unit cells 210 onto the separation membrane sheet 230, the unit cells 210 can be transported together with the separation membrane sheet 230 in the supply direction SD. The laminating device 113 is positioned in the path of the separation membrane sheet 230 and can apply heat and / or pressure to adhere the unit cells 210 to the separation membrane sheet 230. The laminating device 113 may include a heating unit having a heat source for applying heat and a pressure roll that applies pressure so that the unit cells 210 are pressed against the separation membrane sheet 230. The winder 115 may be positioned at the end of the path of the separation membrane sheet 230. The winder 115 may include a gripper for gripping the separation membrane sheet 230 and the unit cells 210, and an actuator for rotating the gripper. The axis of rotation of the gripper may be parallel to the long axis of the unit cells 210. The winder 115 can rotate around the axis of rotation while gripping both the separation membrane sheet 230 and the unit cells 210. The winder 115 can wind the separation membrane sheet 230 such that the four surfaces of each individual unit cell 210 (i.e., top, bottom, first side, and second side) are covered by the separation membrane sheet 230. While the winder 115 is rotating, a predetermined number of unit cells 210 can be stacked on top of each other, and the separation membrane sheet 230 can surround each of the multiple unit cells 210. Once the winder 115 has stacked a predetermined number of unit cells 210, a cutter can cut the separation membrane sheet 230.

[0051] (Fifth embodiment) Figure 9 is a schematic plan view showing a cutting apparatus 120 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] Referring to Figure 9 in conjunction with Figures 3a and 3b, the cutting device 120 may include a cutter blade 121 and an actuator 122 for moving the cutter blade 121. The cutter blade 121 is rotated by a drive motor, and a cutting region 240 can be formed in the separation membrane sheet 230 while the cutter blade 121 is rotating. The cutter blade 121 cuts the separation membrane sheet 230 while being linearly moved in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction) by the actuator 122, thereby forming a cutting region 240 in the separation membrane sheet 230 that is linearly extended in the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction).

[0053] (Sixth Embodiment) Figure 10 is a schematic plan view showing a cutting apparatus 120 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] Referring to Figure 10 in conjunction with Figures 3a and 3b, the cutting apparatus 120 may include a laser cutter 123 configured to cut the separation membrane sheet 230 by irradiating it with a laser beam LB. The laser cutter 123 may include a light source and an actuator. The laser cutter 123 can cut the separation membrane sheet 230 while linearly moving in a second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction) by the actuator, thereby forming a cut region 240 on the separation membrane sheet 230 that is linearly extended in the second horizontal direction (e.g., the Y direction).

[0055] (Seventh Embodiment) Figure 11 is a schematic plan view showing a taping device 130 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] Referring to Figure 11 in conjunction with Figures 4a and 4b, the taping device 130 can adhere the tape 250 to the outer surface of the separation membrane sheet 230 so that the two separated portions of the separation membrane sheet 230 are fixed and connected. The taping device 130 may include a tape feeding device 131 that supplies the tape 250, a pressure block 133 that pressurizes the tape 250 so that it adheres to the separation membrane sheet 230, and a tape cutter 135 that cuts the tape 250.

[0057] (Eighth embodiment) Figure 12 is a block diagram showing a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 11 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 13a is a perspective view showing an electrode assembly 205 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 13b is a cross-sectional view showing the electrode assembly 205 shown in Figure 13a. In the following, any content that overlaps with what has been described above will be omitted or simplified.

[0058] Referring to Figures 12, 13a, and 13b, the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 11 may include a tape cutting apparatus 170 configured to form through-holes 259 in a tape 250 attached to a separation membrane sheet 230. The tape cutting apparatus 170 can form through-holes 259 in the tape 250 that communicate with a cut region 240 of the separation membrane sheet 230 by cutting or cutting the tape 250. The tape cutting process of the tape cutting apparatus 170 may result in the tape 250 having at least one through-hole 259 communicating with a first cut region 241 of the separation membrane sheet 230 and at least one through-hole 259 communicating with a second cut region 243 of the separation membrane sheet 230. The through-holes 259 in the tape 250 can provide gas passages through which gas in the electrode assembly 205 can be discharged. In this case, during the degassing process, gas can also be discharged from the area of ​​the separation membrane sheet 230 covered by the tape 250, allowing for more rapid discharge of gas from within the electrode assembly 205.

[0059] In some exemplary embodiments, the tape cutting device 170 may include a cutter 171 for cutting or incising the tape 250 and an actuator for moving the cutter 171. For example, the cutter 171 may include a needle. In some exemplary embodiments, the tape cutting device 170 may include a laser cutter configured to cut or incise the tape 250 by irradiating it with a laser beam.

[0060] The present disclosure has been described in more detail above with reference to the drawings and embodiments. However, the configurations described in the drawings or embodiments described herein represent only one embodiment of the present disclosure and do not represent the entire technical concept of the present disclosure. Therefore, there may be various equivalents and modifications that can be substituted for them at the time of filing.

Claims

1. A folding apparatus configured to manufacture an electrode assembly, the electrode assembly comprising a plurality of unit cells stacked in a first direction, and a separation membrane sheet covering the top surface, bottom surface, first side surface, and second side surface of each of the plurality of unit cells, A cutting device configured to cut the first side portion of the separation membrane sheet to form a first cutting region extending in a second direction on the separation membrane sheet, A taping device configured to attach a tape to the separation membrane sheet that connects the two portions of the separation membrane sheet separated by the first cutting region, A secondary battery manufacturing device, including a battery manufacturing apparatus.

2. The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first cutting region extends continuously in the second direction from one end to the other end of the separation membrane sheet so as to penetrate the separation membrane sheet in the second direction.

3. The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cutting apparatus includes a cutter blade configured to cut the separation membrane sheet.

4. The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cutting apparatus includes a laser cutter configured to cut the separation membrane sheet with a laser beam.

5. The cutting device is configured to cut the second side portion of the separation membrane sheet to form a second cutting region extending in the second direction on the separation membrane sheet. The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the taping device is configured to connect the two portions of the separation membrane sheet separated by the second cutting region with the tape.

6. The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the second cutting region extends continuously in the second direction from one end to the other end of the separation membrane sheet so as to penetrate the separation membrane sheet in the second direction.

7. The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the tape surrounds the separation membrane sheet and is attached to the first and second sides of the separation membrane sheet.

8. The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the tape includes a first tape for fixing two portions of the separation membrane sheet separated by the first cutting region and a second tape for fixing two portions of the separation membrane sheet separated by the second cutting region.

9. The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a tape cutting device configured to form through holes in the tape that communicate with the first cut region of the separation membrane sheet.

10. A step of manufacturing an electrode assembly, wherein the electrode assembly includes a plurality of unit cells stacked in a first direction, and a separation membrane sheet covering the top surface, bottom surface, first side surface, and second side surface of each of the plurality of unit cells, The steps include cutting the first side portion of the separation membrane sheet to form a first cut region extending in a second direction on the separation membrane sheet, The steps include connecting the two portions of the separation membrane sheet separated by the first cutting region with tape, A method for manufacturing secondary batteries, including the invention of a secondary battery.

11. The method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 10, wherein the first cutting region extends continuously in the second direction from one end to the other end of the separation membrane sheet so as to penetrate the separation membrane sheet in the second direction.

12. The method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 10, wherein the step of forming the first cutting region includes the step of cutting the separation membrane sheet while moving the cutter blade in the second direction.

13. The method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 10, wherein the step of forming the first cutting region includes cutting the separation membrane sheet while moving a laser cutter that irradiates a laser beam in a second direction.

14. The method further includes the step of cutting the second side of the separation membrane sheet to form a second cutting region extending in the second direction on the separation membrane sheet, The method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 10, wherein the step of connecting with the tape includes connecting the two portions of the separation membrane sheet separated by the second cutting region with the tape.

15. The separation membrane sheet includes a central part that overlaps the plurality of unit cells in the first direction, The first and second sides of the separation membrane sheet do not overlap the plurality of unit cells in the first direction. In the separation membrane sheet, the first side portion and the second side portion are separated in a third direction with the central portion in between. The method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 14, wherein the second direction and the third direction are perpendicular to each other.

Images