Taping device for stacked electrode assembly and method for taping stacked electrode assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to a taping device for a stacked electrode assembly and a taping method for a stacked electrode assembly, and more particularly, to a taping device and method for a stacked electrode assembly, which guides movement of a tape and applies pressure to and rolls the tape during a taping process for the stacked electrode assembly. According to an embodiment of the present invention, there may be provided a taping device for a stacked electrode assembly, the taping device including: a support portion provided to correspond to a center portion of the tape to be attached to the stacked electrode assembly and a side of the stacked electrode assembly; a vacuum suction portion for suctioning and fixing a non-adhesive surface of the tape; a gripper portion for gripping an end portion of the tape to additionally fix the tape; and a taping mechanism portion provided at an upper and lower portion of the support portion to move along an upper and lower surface of the stacked electrode assembly to attach the tape to the upper and lower surfaces of the stacked electrode assembly.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a taping device and a taping method for a stacked electrode assembly, and more particularly to a taping device and a taping method for a stacked electrode assembly, which guides tape movement and applies pressure and rolls the tape to adhere it to the stacked electrode assembly during a taping process for the stacked electrode assembly. [Background technology]

[0002] Secondary batteries are attracting attention as a power source for electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), parallel hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), etc., which have been presented as a solution to air pollution caused by existing gasoline and diesel vehicles that use fossil fuels. However, due to the need for high output and large capacity in medium- to large-sized devices such as automobiles, medium- to large-sized battery modules, which electrically connect multiple battery cells, are used.

[0003] Since it is preferable that medium- to large-sized battery modules be manufactured as small and light as possible, prismatic batteries, pouch-type batteries, etc., which can be charged with high integration and are light in weight relative to their capacity, are mainly used as battery cells for medium- to large-sized battery modules.

[0004] An electrode assembly is housed inside the battery cell case, and battery cells are generally classified according to the structure of the electrode assembly, which generally has a positive electrode / separator / negative electrode structure.

[0005] Representative examples include jelly roll (wound) electrode assemblies, which are made by winding long sheet-shaped positive and negative electrodes with a separator interposed between them; stacked (layered) electrode assemblies, in which a number of positive and negative electrodes cut into predetermined sizes are stacked in order with a separator interposed between them; and stack / folded electrode assemblies.

[0006] The stacked electrode assembly has a structure in which a plurality of electrodes and a plurality of separators are alternately stacked.

[0007] In the case of such a stacked electrode assembly, the separator is typically manufactured to be wider in both width and length than the electrodes, and the stacked electrode assembly is manufactured by repeatedly stacking the separator in a magazine or jig having a width corresponding to the width or length of the separator, and then stacking the electrodes on top of the separator.

[0008] Unlike stack / fold type electrode assemblies, the relative positions between the electrodes and separator are not fixed, so a method of covering the sides of the electrode assembly with tape is generally used to fix the relative positions between each layer.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a process of taping a tape 2 to a stacked electrode assembly 1 using a conventional taping device 10 for a stacked electrode assembly.

[0010] Referring to FIG. 1, with the upper and lower ends of the tape vacuum-adsorbed by the vacuum adsorption portions 12a and 12b, the upper elliptical mechanism portion 13a and the lower elliptical mechanism portion 13b are moved forward toward the stacked electrode assembly 1.

[0011] The upper elliptical mechanism 13a presses and fixes the tape 2 onto the upper surface of the stacked electrode assembly 1 while pushing the upper end of the tape onto the upper surface of the stacked electrode assembly 1. The lower elliptical mechanism 13b presses and fixes the tape 2 onto the lower surface of the stacked electrode assembly 1 while pushing the lower end of the tape 2 onto the lower surface of the stacked electrode assembly 1.

[0012] However, when the upper elliptical mechanism 13a and the lower elliptical mechanism 13b push the tape 2 toward the stacked electrode assembly 1 while the tape 2 is not properly adsorbed to the vacuum adsorption portions 12a and 12b, the tape 2 may become detached from the stacked electrode assembly 1, or the tape 2 may become distorted even after being taped to the stacked electrode assembly.

[0013] Therefore, in the past, there was a problem that the separator was folded or wrinkles and air bubbles were generated in the tape during the process of attaching the tape 2 to the stacked electrode assembly 1, resulting in poor appearance of the battery cell. In particular, if the stacked electrode assembly 1 is not fixed accurately with tape, there is a risk of problems such as the separator being bent later.

[0014] Therefore, there is a need for a taping device and method that can effectively fix the stacked electrode assembly 1. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0015] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the problems of conventional taping devices.

[0016] An embodiment of the present invention provides a taping device and a taping method for a stacked electrode assembly, which guides the movement of a tape and applies pressure to the tape by rolling it during a taping process for the stacked electrode assembly.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a taping device and a taping method for a stacked electrode assembly, in which a gripper unit grips the upper and lower ends of the tape and moves forward toward the stacked electrode assembly to guide the movement of the tape, thereby preventing the tape from being separated from the device body.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a pair of pressure members move forward toward the stacked electrode assembly, pressurizing and rolling the tape to attach it to the stacked electrode assembly, thereby preventing the occurrence of wrinkles and bubbles in the tape when the tape is taped to the stacked electrode assembly.

[0019] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention provides a taping device and a taping method for a stacked electrode assembly that can improve taping quality by taping after pulling the tape.

[0020] An embodiment of the present invention provides a taping device and a taping method for a stacked electrode body that can effectively fix the tape up to the attachment position where the tape is pulled, and can then effectively release the fixation of the tape to effectively guide the tape position for taping. [Means for solving the problem]

[0021] To achieve the above-mentioned object, according to one embodiment of the present invention, there may be provided a taping device for a stacked electrode assembly, including: a support portion provided to correspond to a central portion of a tape to be attached to the stacked electrode assembly and to a side surface of the stacked electrode assembly; a vacuum suction portion that suctions and fixes the non-adhesive side of the tape; a gripper portion that operates to grip an end portion of the tape to further fix the tape; and a taping mechanism portion that moves along the upper and lower surfaces of the stacked electrode assembly at upper and lower portions of the support portion to attach the tape to the upper and lower surfaces of the stacked electrode assembly.

[0022] Here, the support portion can be called a support device, the gripper portion can be called a gripper device, and the taping mechanism portion can be called a taping device.

[0023] In an initial position of the tape before taping, a support surface of the support portion that supports the tape and a vacuum suction surface of the vacuum suction portion may be coplanar. The tape before taping may be positioned in a band shape having the same vertical plane.

[0024] At this time, one side of the tape may be an adhesive side facing the stacked electrode assembly, and the other side may be a non-adhesive side facing the taping device.

[0025] In an initial position before taping, the side of the stacked electrode assembly may be positioned to contact the support surface with the tape sandwiched therebetween.

[0026] In an initial position before taping, the side of the stacked electrode assembly may be spaced apart from the tape, and this space may be filled during the taping process so that the center of the tape may be attached to the side of the stacked electrode assembly.

[0027] It is preferable that the vacuum suction portion and the gripper portion are provided in pairs, one above the other, symmetrically with respect to the support portion.

[0028] It is preferable that the support portion and the vacuum suction portion are integrally formed in an E-shape, and the gripper portion and the taping mechanism portion are provided so as to be movable back and forth relative to the support portion and the vacuum suction portion.

[0029] The gripper unit may be configured to move forward from an initial position before taping the tape to a taping position for taping and stretch the tape, and at least a portion of the tape may be taped in a stretched state.

[0030] Preferably, the gripper unit deforms the upper and lower portions of the tape from a vertical position to a diagonal position relative to the support unit while moving to the attachment position. Since the tape is positioned in a diagonal position, the tape position for taping can be guided. That is, since the end of the tape is released from the diagonal position rather than the vertical position, the tape can be effectively prevented from folding during taping.

[0031] The gripper unit preferably includes a gripper surface onto which the end of the tape is attached, and a grip bar foldably provided on the gripper surface to fix and release the end of the tape.

[0032] The gripping bar presses the front and rear surfaces of the tape to secure it, so that the tape can be effectively secured even when a force pulling the tape in the length direction acts on it. This means that the tape can be effectively secured together with the vacuum suction unit that suctions and secures the tape in the thickness direction of the tape. In other words, it is difficult to secure the tape by overcoming the force pulling the tape in the length direction using the vacuum suction unit.

[0033] The gripper unit may include a guide bar that is provided on the vacuum suction unit so as to be movable back and forth.

[0034] The gripper unit preferably releases the end of the tape after moving to the attachment position, and the tape may be released through the vacuum suction unit immediately before the tape moves to the attachment position or after the tape has been completely fixed through the gripper unit.

[0035] The taping mechanism may include a moving block configured to move back and forth with respect to the support; and a pressure member configured to apply pressure to the tape to the stacked electrode assembly while moving back and forth by the moving block.

[0036] The taping mechanism may include a support bar coupled between the moving block and a pressure member, and the pressure member may be a roller rotatably mounted on the support bar.

[0037] Preferably, the roller is rotatably and elastically supported on the support bar, and the roller performs the taping by pressing and rolling the surface of the stacked electrode assembly with an elastic restoring force.

[0038] Since taping is performed by pressure and rolling, it is possible to significantly reduce the possibility of the tape being attached in a folded state or with air trapped in it. In particular, pressure and rolling are performed using elastic restoring force, allowing the tape to be taped with sufficient adhesive strength.

[0039] To achieve the above-mentioned object, according to one embodiment of the present invention, there may be provided a taping device for a stacked electrode assembly, including: a support portion provided to correspond to a central portion of a tape to be attached to the stacked electrode assembly and to a side surface of the stacked electrode assembly; a vacuum suction portion that suctions and fixes the non-adhesive surface of the tape; a gripper portion that operates to grip an end portion of the tape to fix the tape and moves from an initial position to an attachment position to pull the tape for attachment; and a taping mechanism portion that moves above and below the support portion along the upper and lower surfaces of the stacked electrode assembly to attach the tape to the upper and lower surfaces of the stacked electrode assembly.

[0040] The gripper units may be provided in pairs, symmetrically arranged above and below the support unit, and may be configured to additionally fix the upper and lower ends of the tape in addition to being fixed by the vacuum suction unit.

[0041] The vacuum suction unit may be provided for primary fixation of the tape, and the gripper unit may be provided for secondary fixation of the tape. After the fixation of the tape through the gripper is completed, the fixation of the tape may be released through the vacuum suction unit.

[0042] The gripper unit may be moved to a taping position, and at this time, a center portion of the tape may be attached to a side surface of the stacked electrode assembly. When taping of the upper and lower surfaces of the stacked electrode assembly is started by the taping mechanism unit, the tape fixed by the gripper may be released.

[0043] The gripper unit preferably includes a grip bar configured to grip and fix the tape by folding.

[0044] When the gripper unit moves from the initial position to the attachment position, the vacuum suction unit may be released from suction.

[0045] It is preferable that, after the gripper unit has moved to the attachment position, attachment of the tape through the taping mechanism unit is started, the fixation of the tape through the gripper unit is released.

[0046] It is preferable that the gripper unit deforms the tape so that the tape is pulled in an oblique line shape having an acute angle with respect to the upper and lower surfaces of the stacked electrode assembly as the gripper unit moves to the attachment position.

[0047] The taping mechanism preferably includes a pressure member configured to attach the tape to the stacked electrode assembly by rolling and pressing as it moves from the initial position to the attachment position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0048] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a taping device and a taping method for a stacked electrode assembly can be provided, which guides the movement of a tape and applies pressure to the tape by rolling it during a taping process for the stacked electrode assembly.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a taping device and a taping method for a stacked electrode assembly can be provided in which a gripper unit grips the upper and lower ends of the tape and moves forward toward the stacked electrode assembly to guide the movement of the tape, thereby preventing the tape from being separated from the device body.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a pair of pressure members move forward toward the stacked electrode assembly, pressurizing and rolling the tape to attach it to the stacked electrode assembly, thereby preventing wrinkles and bubbles from occurring in the tape when the tape is taped to the stacked electrode assembly.

[0051] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a taping device and a taping method for a stacked electrode assembly can be provided, which can improve taping quality by taping after pulling the tape.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a taping device and a taping method for a stacked electrode body that can effectively fix the tape up to the attachment position where the tape is pulled, and thereafter effectively release the fixation of the tape, thereby effectively guiding the position of the tape for taping. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0053] [Figure 1] 1 is a view illustrating a process of taping a stacked electrode assembly using a conventional taping device for a stacked electrode assembly; [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a taping device for a stacked electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overall structure of a taping device for a stacked electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic view of an upper structure of a taping device for a stacked electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic view of a lower structure of a taping device for a stacked electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a taping device for a stacked electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] 4 is a diagram illustrating a positional relationship of a tape with respect to a taping device of a stacked electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 8] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an operation state of a taping device for a stacked electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an operation state of a taping device for a stacked electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 10] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an operation state of a taping device for a stacked electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 11] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an operation state of a taping device for a stacked electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 12] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an operation state of a taping device for a stacked electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 13] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an operation state of a taping device for a stacked electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0054] The present invention can be modified in various ways and can have various embodiments, and a specific embodiment will be described by way of example in the drawings.

[0055] However, this is not intended to limit the present application to a particular embodiment, and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, or alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the present application. In describing the present application, if it is determined that a detailed description of related publicly known technology may obscure the gist of the present application, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0056] Terms such as "first," "second," etc. may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. Terms are used only to distinguish one component from another.

[0057] The terms used in this application are merely used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of this application. Unless otherwise clearly indicated in the context, singular expressions include plural expressions.

[0058] In this application, the terms "comprise" or "have" and the like are intended to specify the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, but should be understood as not precluding the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0059] Therefore, the configurations illustrated in the embodiments described in this specification are merely the most preferred embodiment of the present application and do not represent the entire technical idea of ​​the present application, and there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0060] It should also be understood that the drawings attached to this application have been drawn to an enlarged or reduced size for the convenience of explanation.

[0061] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0062] However, the attached drawings are merely examples, and the scope of the stacked electrode assembly taping device and stacked electrode assembly taping method of the present application is not limited by the attached drawings.

[0063] 2 to 7, a taping device 100 for a stacked electrode assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a support unit 110, a vacuum suction unit 120, a taping mechanism unit 130, and a gripper unit 140.

[0064] The support portion 110 supports the side surface of the stacked electrode assembly 1. The support portion 110 has a support surface 111 that contacts the side surface of the stacked electrode assembly 1. The support surface 111 supports a support area A1 of the tape T that is attached to the stacked electrode assembly 1 (see FIG. 7).

[0065] In this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, a position on the same virtual plane as the support surface 111 will be referred to as an "initial position P1" (see FIG. 7).

[0066] The vacuum suction portion 120 is provided on the same virtual plane as the support surface 111 and has a vacuum suction surface that suctions the non-adhesive surface T1 of the tape. For ease of explanation, in this embodiment, the vacuum suction surfaces are referred to as a first vacuum suction surface 121b and a second vacuum suction surface 122b.

[0067] The first vacuum suction surface 121b and the second vacuum suction surface 122b are located on the same virtual plane as the support surface 111. The first vacuum suction surface 121b and the second vacuum suction surface 122b are spaced apart from each other above and below the support part 110. The structure of the vacuum suction part 120 will be described later.

[0068] The taping mechanism 130 may be movably coupled to the support unit 110 or the vacuum suction unit 120. Specifically, the taping mechanism 130 may be configured to move linearly. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the taping mechanism 130 may be operated to pressurize the non-adhesive surface T1 of the tape while moving from an initial position P1 toward the stacked electrode assembly 1 to an attachment position P2, so that the adhesive surface T2 of the tape is attached to the stacked electrode assembly 1.

[0069] At the initial position P1, the tape T is positioned so that the non-adhesive surface T1 of the tape is in contact with the support surface 111 and the vacuum suction surfaces 121b, 122b, and the stacked electrode assembly 1 is positioned so that it is in contact with the support surface 111 with the tape T sandwiched between them.

[0070] The taping mechanism 130 contacts the non-adhesive surface T1 of the tape and presses the non-adhesive surface T1 of the tape between the support area A1 and the end portion while moving toward the stacked electrode assembly 1, so that the adhesive surface T2 of the tape adheres to the stacked electrode assembly 1. The structure of the taping mechanism 130 will be described later.

[0071] Here, the end portions of the tape refer to the upper end T3 and lower end T4 of the tape that are not suctioned to the first vacuum suction surface 121b and the second vacuum suction surface 122b. Referring to Figure 7, the upper end T3 of the tape is the portion adjacent to the upper region A2. The lower end T4 of the tape is the portion adjacent to the lower region A3.

[0072] The gripper unit 140 grasps the upper end T3 of the tape that is not adsorbed to the first vacuum suction surface 121b and the lower end T4 of the tape that is not adsorbed to the second vacuum suction surface 122b, and moves forward F1 toward the stacked electrode assembly 1, guiding the movement of the tape T when the taping mechanism unit 130 is operated.

[0073] The gripper unit 140 grips the upper end T3 and the lower end T4 of the tape at the initial position P1, and guides the movement of the tape T when the taping mechanism unit 130 is operated while moving from the initial position P1 to the attachment position P2. After releasing the upper end T3 and the lower end T4 of the tape at the attachment position P2, the gripper unit 140 operates to return to the initial position P1.

[0074] The gripper unit 140 includes a first gripper unit 141 and a second gripper unit 145. At the initial position P1, the first gripping surface 142b and the second gripping surface 146b of the gripper unit 140, which contact the upper end T3 of the tape, are positioned on the same virtual plane as the support surface 111. That is, the tape before taping can be positioned and fixed in a single plane.

[0075] 3 and 4, the first gripper unit 141 is connected to the vacuum suction unit 120 at the top of the support unit 110 so as to be movable back and forth. The first gripper unit 141 can be operated to grip an upper end T3 of the tape that is not suctioned to the first vacuum suction surface 121b and move forward F1 toward the stacked electrode assembly 1. The first gripper unit 141 may be configured to additionally grip a portion of the tape that is suctioned to the first vacuum suction surface 121b.

[0076] The first gripper unit 141 includes a first guide bar 142 , a first grip bar 143 and a first grip driving unit 144 .

[0077] The first guide bar 142 is coupled to the first vacuum suction body 121 so as to be movable back and forth. The first guide bar 142 may be provided with a first guide rail 142a in a direction parallel to the support part 110.

[0078] The first gripping bar 143 is rotatably coupled to one end of the first guide bar 142 where the first gripping surface 142b of the first guide bar 142 is provided. As the first gripping bar 143 rotates toward the first gripping surface 142b, it operates to pinch the tape T and contact the first gripping surface 142b to grip the upper end T3 of the tape. As the first gripping bar 143 rotates away from the first gripping surface 142b, it operates to release the upper end T3 of the tape.

[0079] The first grip driver 144 is coupled to the other end of the first guide bar 142 and provides a driving force to the first guide bar 142 to move the first guide bar 142 back and forth. The first grip driver 144 provides a driving force to the first guide bar 142 to adjust the position of the first guide bar 142. A linear motor may be used as the first grip driver 144.

[0080] 3 and 5, the second gripper unit 145 is disposed below the support unit 110 and spaced apart from the first gripper unit 141. The second gripper unit 145 is coupled to the vacuum suction unit 120 so as to be movable back and forth, and operates to grip the lower end T4 of the tape that is not suctioned to the second vacuum suction surface 122b, and to move forward F1 toward the stacked electrode assembly 1.

[0081] The second gripper unit 145 includes a second guide bar 146 , a second grip bar 147 , and a second grip drive unit 148 .

[0082] The second guide bar 146 is connected to the second vacuum suction body 122 so as to be movable back and forth. The second guide bar 146 is provided with a second guide rail 146a in a direction parallel to the support part 110.

[0083] The second gripping bar 147 is rotatably coupled to one end of the second guide bar 146 where the second gripping surface 146b of the second guide bar 146 is provided. As the second gripping bar 147 rotates toward the second gripping surface 146b, it contacts the second gripping surface 146b with the tape T sandwiched therebetween to grip the bottom end T4 of the tape. As the second gripping bar 147 rotates away from the second gripping surface 146b, it separates from the bottom end T4 of the tape.

[0084] The second grip driver 148 is coupled to the other end of the second guide bar 146. The second grip driver 148 is a device that applies a driving force to the second guide bar 146 to move the second guide bar 146 back and forth. The second grip driver 148 applies a driving force to the second guide bar 146 to adjust the position of the second guide bar 146. A linear motor may be used as the second grip driver 148.

[0085] As described above, the first gripper unit 141 and the second gripper unit 145 may be provided symmetrically above and below the support unit 110. Preferably, the linear movement of the first gripper unit 141 and the second gripper unit 145 is performed integrally. Therefore, the driving units 144 and 148 for the linear movement of the first gripper unit 141 and the second gripper unit 145 may be configured as a single driving unit.

[0086] 3 and 4, the vacuum suction unit 120 includes a first vacuum suction body 121, a second vacuum suction body 122, a first nozzle 123a, a second nozzle 123b, and a vacuum pressure applying member .

[0087] The first vacuum suction body 121 is disposed on the upper part of the support part 110. The first vacuum suction body 121 has an L-shaped structure. The first vacuum suction body 121 has a structure in which the first vacuum suction surface 121b is bent upward relative to the first opposing surface 121a. The first vacuum suction body 121 is coupled to the support part 110 such that the first opposing surface 121a is spaced apart from the upper surface of the support part 110. Therefore, the support part 110 and the vacuum suction part 120 have an E-shaped structure, and the first vacuum suction body 121 and the second vacuum suction body 122 are provided on the upper and lower parts of the support part 110, respectively, to be symmetrical in the vertical direction.

[0088] The end of the first vacuum suction body 121 is bent upward to form a first vacuum suction surface 121b, and the end of the first vacuum suction body 122 is bent downward to form a second vacuum suction surface 122b.

[0089] Here, the first opposing surface 121a is a surface that faces the upper surface of the support part 110. The first vacuum suction surface 121b is a surface that is provided coaxially with the support surface 111 of the support part 110. The first vacuum suction surface 121b is the portion to which the non-adhesive surface T1 of the tape is adsorbed.

[0090] The first vacuum suction body 121 has first opposing surfaces 121a arranged side by side, and a first joining surface 121c bent above the first vacuum suction surface 121b.

[0091] The first guide balls 121e are rotatably installed on the first coupling surface 121c and are inserted into the first guide rails 142a of the first gripper unit 141 to guide the forward and backward movement of the first gripper unit 141.

[0092] A first nozzle 123a is built into the first vacuum suction body 121. The first nozzle 123a applies vacuum pressure to the first vacuum suction surface 121b. The first nozzle 123a is connected to a vacuum pressure applying member 124 by a pipe 123c.

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, the second vacuum suction body 122 is disposed below the support part 110 .

[0094] The second vacuum suction body 122 has an L-shaped structure. The second vacuum suction body 122 has a structure in which the second vacuum suction surface 122b is bent downward relative to the second opposing surface 122a. The second vacuum suction body 122 is coupled to the support part 110 such that the second opposing surface 122a is spaced apart from the upper surface of the support part 110.

[0095] Here, the second opposing surface 122a is a surface that faces the upper surface of the support part 110. The second vacuum suction surface 122b is a surface that is provided coaxially with the support surface 111 of the support part 110. The second vacuum suction surface 122b is a portion to which the non-adhesive surface T1 of the tape is adsorbed.

[0096] The second vacuum suction body 122 has second opposing surfaces 122a arranged side by side, and a second joining surface 122c bent below the second vacuum suction surface 122b.

[0097] The plurality of second guide balls 122e are rotatably installed on the second coupling surface 122c and are inserted into the second guide rails 146a of the second gripper part 145 to guide the forward and backward movement of the second gripper part 145.

[0098] A second nozzle 123b is built into the second vacuum suction body 122. The second nozzle 123b applies vacuum pressure to the second vacuum suction surface 122b. The second nozzle 123b is connected to a vacuum pressure applying member 124 by a pipe 123c.

[0099] The taping mechanism 130 moves forward in the direction of arrow F1 toward the stacked electrode assembly 1, while pressing and rolling the tape T onto the upper and lower surfaces of the stacked electrode assembly 1. The taping mechanism 130 includes a first taping mechanism 131 and a second taping mechanism 135.

[0100] 3 and 4, the first taping mechanism 131 is disposed above the support 110. The first taping mechanism 131 is installed on the first vacuum suction body 121 between the support 110 and the first gripper 141 so as to be movable back and forth.

[0101] Here, the support part 110, the first vacuum suction body 121, and the second vacuum suction body 122 are fixed and may be formed as a single body. That is, the first taping mechanism part 131 and the second taping mechanism part 135 may be installed so as to be movable back and forth relative to the support part 110, the first vacuum suction body 121, and the second vacuum suction body 122.

[0102] The first taping mechanism 131 rolls the tape T onto the upper surface of the stacked electrode assembly 1 under pressure while being moved in the moving direction of the first gripper 141 .

[0103] The first taping mechanism 131 includes a first moving block 132, a first pressure member 133, and a first block driving member .

[0104] The first moving block 132 is coupled to the first vacuum suction body 121 so as to be movable back and forth. The first moving block 132 includes a first block case 132a and at least one first block ball 132b.

[0105] A first support bar 133a is coupled to the first block case 132a to support the first pressure member 133. A first through-hole (not shown in the drawings) that passes through the first vacuum suction body 121 is provided in the first block case 132a.

[0106] At least one first block ball 132b is exposed through the first through-hole and rotatably installed in the first block case 132a. The at least one first block ball 132b is connected to a first body rail 121d of the first vacuum suction body 121 to guide the movement of the first block case 132a. Here, the first body rail 121d is installed on one side of the first vacuum suction body 121, alongside the support part 110.

[0107] The first block driving member 134 is coupled to the first moving block 132 and provides a driving force to the first moving block 132. The first block driving member 134 allows the first moving block 132 to move forward toward the stacked electrode assembly 1 in the direction of arrow F1 (forward direction) or backward away from the stacked electrode assembly 1 in the direction of arrow F2 (reverse direction).

[0108] The first pressure member 133 is coupled to the first moving block 132. The first pressure member 133 is disposed between the upper surface of the support part 110 and the first opposing surface 121a of the first vacuum suction body 121. The first pressure member 133 may be either a pressure block or a roller having a curved surface with a predetermined curvature.

[0109] The first pressure member 133 is moved forward in the direction of arrow F1 by the first moving block 132, and can pressurize and roll the tape T, which is gripped by the first gripper portion 141 and moves to the top of the stacked electrode assembly 1, onto the top surface of the stacked electrode assembly 1.

[0110] 3 and 5, the second taping mechanism 135 is disposed below the support 110. The second taping mechanism 135 is installed between the support 110 and the second gripper 145 so as to be movable back and forth on the second vacuum suction body 122. The second taping mechanism 135 pressurizes and rolls the tape T onto the lower surface of the stacked electrode assembly 1 while moving in the movement direction of the second gripper 145. The second taping mechanism 135 is preferably disposed symmetrically to the first taping mechanism 131 with respect to the support 110.

[0111] The second taping mechanism 135 includes a second moving block 136 , a second pressure member 137 and a second block driving member 138 .

[0112] The second moving block 136 is coupled to the second vacuum suction body 122 so as to be movable back and forth. The second moving block 136 includes a second block case 136a and at least one second block ball 136b.

[0113] A second support bar 137a is coupled to the second block case 136a to support the second pressure member 137. A second through-hole that passes through the second vacuum suction body 122 is provided in the second block case 136a.

[0114] At least one second block ball 136b is exposed through a second through-hole (not shown) and rotatably installed in the second block case 136a. The at least one second block ball 136b is connected to a second body rail 122d of the second vacuum suction body 122 to guide the movement of the second block case 136a. Here, the second body rail 122d is installed on one side of the second vacuum suction body 122, alongside the support part 110.

[0115] The second block driving member 138 is coupled to the second moving block 136 and provides a driving force to the second moving block 136. The second block driving member 138 allows the second moving block 136 to move forward toward the stacked electrode assembly 1 in the direction of arrow F1 or backward away from the stacked electrode assembly 1 in the direction of arrow F2.

[0116] The second pressure member 137 is coupled to the second moving block 136. The second pressure member 137 is disposed between the lower surface of the support part 110 and the second opposing surface 122a of the second vacuum suction body 122. The second pressure member 137 may be either a pressure block or a roller having a curved surface with a predetermined curvature.

[0117] The second pressure member 137 is moved forward in the direction of arrow F1 by the second moving block 136, and pressurizes and rolls the tape T, which is gripped by the second gripper portion 145 and moves to the bottom of the stacked electrode assembly 1, onto the underside of the stacked electrode assembly 1.

[0118] The first and second pressure members 133 and 137 are preferably spaced apart from each other to such an extent that they do not damage the stacked electrode assembly 1 when the stacked electrode assembly 1 is pressure-rolled. The distance between the first and second pressure members 133 and 137 is within the thickness range of the stacked electrode assembly 1. The distance between the first and second pressure members 133 and 137 may be adjusted depending on the specifications of the stacked electrode assembly 1.

[0119] Meanwhile, the first and second pressure members 133 and 137 roll to attach the tape to the upper and lower surfaces of the stacked electrode assembly 1, and may be configured to roll while pressing the upper and lower surfaces of the stacked electrode assembly 1. That is, the first and second pressure members 133 and 137 roll while moving forward along the upper and lower surfaces of the stacked electrode assembly 1. At this time, the first and second pressure members 133 and 137 are elastically supported and press the upper and lower surfaces of the stacked electrode assembly 1 by their elastic force.

[0120] That is, the initial gap between the first and second pressure members 133 and 137 is smaller than the thickness of the stacked electrode assembly 1, and as taping is performed, the gap can increase due to the elastic force of the first and second pressure members 133 and 137 as they press the stacked electrode assembly 1 upward and downward. This allows for more effective taping from start to finish.

[0121] Hereinafter, a method for taping a stacked electrode assembly 1 in which a tape T is adhered to the stacked electrode assembly 1 using a taping device 100 for a stacked electrode assembly will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 13.

[0122] 8, the pair of pressure members 133, 137 and the pair of gripper units 140 are aligned at an initial position P1. Here, the initial position P1 is a position that is coaxial with the support surface 111 of the support unit 110, i.e., a position that is flush with the support surface 111. The pair of pressure members 133, 137 are divided into a first pressure member 133 and a second pressure member 137 depending on their installation positions. That is, the support unit 110 supports the center portion of the tape, and the pair of gripper units 140 fix the upper and lower ends of the tape.

[0123] When vacuum pressure is applied to the first nozzle 123a and the second nozzle 123b of the vacuum suction unit 120, the non-adhesive surface T1 of the tape is suctioned to the first and second vacuum suction surfaces of the vacuum suction unit 120. At this time, the first gripping bar 143 and the second gripping bar 147 are in an open state.

[0124] 9, with the non-adhesive surface T1 of the tape being sucked by the vacuum suction portion 120, the first gripping bar 143 rotates toward the first gripping surface 142b of the first guide bar 142. The first gripping bar 143 pinches the tape T and comes into contact with the first gripping surface 142b to grip the upper end of the tape T.

[0125] The second grip bar 147 rotates toward the second grip surface 146b of the second guide bar 146. The second grip bar 147 pinches the tape T and comes into contact with the second grip surface 146b to grip the lower end of the tape T.

[0126] The first gripping bar 143 and the second gripping bar 147 are simultaneously operated to grip the upper and lower ends of the tape T sucked by the vacuum suction unit 120 .

[0127] Therefore, the upper and lower ends of the tape T are fixed by vacuum suction and by the grip bars 143 and 147. Even if a problem occurs with vacuum suction, the tape is still fixed by the grip bars, so effective and stable tape attachment can be achieved.

[0128] Referring to Figure 10, with the upper and lower ends of the tape T gripped by the first gripper portion 141 and the second gripper portion 145, the stacked electrode assembly 1 is positioned so as to contact the support portion 110 with the tape T sandwiched therebetween.

[0129] The side of the stacked electrode assembly 1 contacts the support surface 111 with the tape T sandwiched therebetween. At this time, the center of the tape T may be fixed to the side of the stacked electrode assembly 1 by the support portion 110.

[0130] The stacked electrode assembly 1 may be supported on a pallet and moved by a rail, belt, or forward moving device so as to contact the support part 110. Of course, a certain gap may be formed between the side of the stacked electrode assembly 1 and the tape T. This is to allow the electrode assembly 1 to be moved in a cross direction relative to the taping device 100. This certain gap may be filled during the taping process. Furthermore, the electrode assembly 1 may be fixed so as not to move back and forth relative to the taping device 100 during the taping process.

[0131] 11, when the side of the stacked electrode assembly 1 is supported by the support surface 111 of the support unit 110, the first gripper unit 141 and the second gripper unit 145 grip the upper and lower ends of the tape T and move forward in the direction of arrow F1 toward the stacked electrode assembly 1. At this time, the tape T is separated from the first and second vacuum suction surfaces of the vacuum suction unit 120 and moved from the initial position P1 to the attachment position P2 by the pair of gripper units 140. At this time, a tensile force is generated overall on the tape T. In addition, the central portion of the tape T also moves forward a certain distance as both ends of the tape T move forward. Therefore, as the pair of gripper units 140 move forward, the central portion of the tape T can be attached to the side of the stacked electrode assembly 1. This process is shown in FIG.

[0132] In the present invention, a pair of gripper units 140 grips the upper and lower ends of tape T and moves forward in the direction of arrow F1 toward stacked electrode assembly 1 to guide the movement of tape T. This prevents tape T from detaching from stacked electrode assembly 1 even when the vacuum is released in vacuum suction unit 120 and tape T is separated from vacuum suction unit 120. Furthermore, as both ends of tape T are moved forward, tape T is pulled. Therefore, tape T is subsequently attached in a stretched overall state, which effectively prevents problems such as tape T being attached while folded, air being trapped at the adhesive surface, and tape distortion.

[0133] 12, the first taping mechanism 131 and the second taping mechanism 135 are moved forward in the direction of arrow F1. Specifically, the first moving block 132 is moved forward along the first body rail 121d of the first vacuum suction body 121.

[0134] At this time, the first pressure member 133 is moved forward in the direction of arrow F1 by the first moving block 132, pushing the non-adhesive surface T1 of the tape from the initial position P1 to the attachment position P2, and pressing and rolling the tape T onto the upper surface of the stacked electrode assembly 1. Accordingly, the adhesive surface T2 of the tape is adhered to the upper surface of the stacked electrode assembly 1.

[0135] The second moving block 136 moves forward in the direction of arrow F1 along the second body rail 122d of the second vacuum suction body 122. At this time, as the second pressure member 137 is moved forward by the second moving block 136, it pushes the non-adhesive surface T1 of the tape from the initial position P1 to the attachment position P2, and pressurizes and rolls the tape T onto the lower surface of the stacked electrode assembly 1. Accordingly, the adhesive surface T2 of the tape is adhered to the lower surface of the stacked electrode assembly 1.

[0136] Meanwhile, the tape T may be strip-shaped with its length longer than its width. A plurality of such tapes T may be attached at intervals along the length of the stacked electrode assembly 1. That is, a plurality of devices for taping one stacked electrode assembly 1 may be provided along the length of the electrode assembly 1.

[0137] The pallet that supports and transports the electrode assembly 1 is fork-shaped and can support the electrode assembly 1. Therefore, taping can be performed on a surface where the electrode assembly 1 is not supported. That is, the overall cross section of the taping device may be the same as the strip-shaped tape T, and the width of this may be smaller than the distance between the unsupported electrode assemblies 1 and the pallet.

[0138] 13, when the taping process for the stacked electrode assembly 1 is completed, the first gripper unit 141, the second gripper unit 145, the first taping mechanism unit 131, and the second taping mechanism unit 135 are moved backward in the direction of arrow F2 from the attachment position P2 to the initial position P1. Then, the electrode assembly 1 for which taping has been completed is preferably transported for the next fixation.

[0139] According to one embodiment of the present invention, in a taping process of a stacked electrode assembly, the gripper unit grips the upper and lower ends of the tape and guides the movement of the tape while moving forward toward the stacked electrode assembly. This prevents the tape from coming off the stacked electrode assembly even when the vacuum is released at the vacuum suction unit and the tape is separated from the vacuum suction unit.

[0140] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a pair of pressure members move forward toward the stacked electrode assembly and pressurize and roll the tape to adhere it to the stacked electrode assembly, thereby increasing the adhesive strength of the tape to the stacked electrode assembly.

[0141] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a gripper unit guides the movement of the tape, and a pair of pressure members pressurize and roll the tape onto the stacked electrode assembly, thereby preventing the occurrence of wrinkles and bubbles in the tape that previously occurred when the tape was attached to the stacked electrode assembly. [Industrial Applicability]

[0142] This is described in the detailed description of the invention.

Claims

1. a support portion provided to correspond to a central portion of the tape attached to the stacked electrode assembly and a side surface of the stacked electrode assembly; a vacuum suction portion that suctions and fixes the non-adhesive surface of the tape; a gripper portion operable to grip the end portion of the tape to provide additional fixation to the tape; and a taping mechanism configured to move along the upper and lower surfaces of the stacked electrode assembly at upper and lower portions of the support to attach the tape to the upper and lower surfaces of the stacked electrode assembly, The taping mechanism includes: a moving block configured to move back and forth relative to the support; and The tape taping device for the stacked electrode assembly includes a pressure member configured to pressurize and attach the tape to the stacked electrode assembly while being moved back and forth by the moving block.

2. 2. The taping device for a stacked electrode assembly according to claim 1, wherein a support surface of the support portion that supports the tape and a vacuum suction surface of the vacuum suction portion are flush with each other when the tape is in an initial position before taping.

3. 3. The taping device for a stacked electrode assembly according to claim 2, wherein, in an initial position before taping, a side surface of the stacked electrode assembly is positioned to contact the support surface with the tape sandwiched therebetween.

4. 2. The taping device for stacked electrode assemblies according to claim 1, wherein the vacuum suction portion and the gripper portion are provided in pairs, symmetrically above and below the support portion.

5. 5. The taping device for a stacked electrode assembly according to claim 4, wherein the support portion and the vacuum suction portion are integrally formed in an E-shape, and the gripper portion and the taping mechanism portion are configured to be movable back and forth relative to the support portion and the vacuum suction portion.

6. 2. The taping device for a stacked electrode assembly according to claim 1, wherein the gripper unit advances from an initial position before taping the tape to a taping position for taping and pulls the tape.

7. 7. The taping device for a stacked electrode assembly according to claim 6, wherein the gripper unit deforms the upper and lower portions of the tape from a vertical shape to an oblique shape relative to the support unit while moving to the attachment position.

8. 7. The taping device for a stacked electrode assembly according to claim 6, wherein the gripper unit includes a gripper surface to which the end of the tape is attached, and a grip bar foldable relative to the gripper surface to fix and release the end of the tape.

9. 9. The taping device for stacked electrode assemblies according to claim 8, wherein the gripper unit includes a guide bar that is provided on the vacuum suction unit so as to be movable back and forth.

10. 7. The taping device for a stacked electrode assembly according to claim 6, wherein the gripper unit releases the end of the tape after moving to the attaching position.

11. the taping mechanism includes a support bar coupled between the moving block and the pressure member, The taping device for a stacked electrode assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the pressure member is a roller rotatably mounted on the support bar.

12. 12. The taping device for a stacked electrode assembly according to claim 11, wherein the roller is rotatably and elastically supported on the support bar, and the roller performs taping by pressing and rolling the surface of the stacked electrode assembly by an elastic restoring force.

13. a support portion provided to correspond to a central portion of the tape attached to the stacked electrode assembly and a side surface of the stacked electrode assembly; a vacuum suction portion that suctions and fixes the non-adhesive surface of the tape; a gripper section configured to operate to grip the end of the tape to fix the tape, and to move from an initial position to a affixing position to tension the tape for affixing the tape; and a taping mechanism configured to move along the upper and lower surfaces of the stacked electrode assembly at upper and lower portions of the support to attach the tape to the upper and lower surfaces of the stacked electrode assembly, The taping mechanism includes a pressure member configured to apply pressure to the tape to the stacked electrode assembly as the taping mechanism moves from the initial position to an application position.

14. 14. The taping device for a stacked electrode assembly according to claim 13, wherein the gripper portions are provided in a pair symmetrically above and below the support portion, and are configured to fix the upper and lower ends of the tape in addition to fixing the tape by the vacuum suction portion.

15. The taping device for stacked electrode assemblies according to claim 14 , wherein the gripper unit includes a grip bar configured to grip and fix the tape by folding.

16. The taping device for a stacked electrode assembly according to claim 14 , wherein the vacuum suction portion is released from suction when the gripper portion moves from the initial position to the attachment position.

17. 15. The taping device for a stacked electrode assembly according to claim 14, wherein, after the gripper unit moves to the attachment position, when attachment of the tape through the taping mechanism unit begins, the fixation of the tape through the gripper unit is released.

18. 15. The taping device for a stacked electrode assembly according to claim 14, wherein the gripper unit deforms the tape so that the tape is pulled in an oblique line shape having an acute angle with respect to the upper and lower surfaces of the stacked electrode assembly as the gripper unit moves to the attachment position.

19. 19. The taping device for a stacked electrode assembly according to claim 13, wherein the taping mechanism includes a pressure member configured to attach the tape to the stacked electrode assembly by rolling and pressing as the taping mechanism moves from the initial position to an attachment position.

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