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

Abstract

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

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technical concept of the present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing secondary batteries and a method for manufacturing secondary batteries using the same. This application claims the interests of Korean application No. 10-2023-0048093, filed on April 12, 2023, which is referred to herein in whole. [Background technology]

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, rechargeable batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. Rechargeable batteries are widely used as an energy source for a variety of wireless devices such as handsets, laptops, and wireless vacuum cleaners. In recent years, improvements in energy density and economies of scale have dramatically reduced the unit cost of manufacturing electric-powered vehicles (HEVs) and battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), and as the driving range of BEVs has increased to the same level as fuel-powered vehicles, the main use of rechargeable batteries is shifting from mobile devices to mobility.

[0003] Battery cells are the most fundamental units of secondary batteries, and improving their mechanical and electrical performance is the most effective and core element in improving secondary battery performance. Among these, the manufacturing of electrode assemblies is the most important process in determining the yield and reliability of battery cells. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] The technical concept of this invention aims to solve the problem of manufacturing a secondary battery with enhanced reliability and a method for manufacturing a secondary battery using the same. [Means for solving the problem]

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

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

[0007] The clamping machine described above is configured to rotate the clamp so that either the first main surface or the second main surface of the electrode assembly faces the transfer rail.

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

[0009] The above-mentioned vision inspection device is coupled to the above-mentioned transport rail.

[0010] The system further includes a tape supply configured to overlap the transport rail, be separated from the clamping machine, and store the tape.

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

[0012] The second arm described above is configured to move the side heater such that the distance between the side heater and the transport rail is greater than the distance between the tape gripper and the transport rail.

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

[0014] Each of the side heaters includes a chamfered portion.

[0015] Each of the chamfered portions of the side heater faces the tape gripper.

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

Advantages of the Invention

[0017] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, damage to the electrode assembly can be prevented while taping the electrode assembly. Thereby, the yield and reliability of secondary battery manufacturing can be improved.

[0018] The effects obtainable from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure belong from the following description. That is, unintended effects associated with implementing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] [Figure 1] It is a plan view for explaining an apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2]This is a side view illustrating an apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a plan view illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a side view illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a plan view illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a side view illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a side view illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a side view illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a plan view illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a side view illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a plan view illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a side view illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 14] This is a plan view illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 15] This is a side view illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 16] This is a side view illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 17] This is a side view illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 18] This is a plan view illustrating an apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 19] This is a side view illustrating an apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an exemplary embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0020] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before that, however, the terms and words used herein and in the claims should not be interpreted to be limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but rather to be interpreted as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention, based on the principle that an inventor may appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe his own invention.

[0021] Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the configurations shown in the drawings represent only one of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical concept of the present invention; there are various equivalents and modifications that can substitute for them at the time of filing.

[0022] Furthermore, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a specific description of a related known configuration or function would likely obscure the gist of the invention, such detailed description will be omitted.

[0023] Since embodiments of the present invention are provided to give a more complete explanation to a person of ordinary skill, 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.

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

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

[0026] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the apparatus 100 for manufacturing secondary batteries may include a clamping machine 110, a transport rail 120, a vision inspection device 130, a tape supply 140, and a tape attacher 150.

[0027] The apparatus 100 for manufacturing secondary batteries may be configured to process electrode assemblies EA. The apparatus 100 for manufacturing secondary batteries may be configured to apply tape TF to electrode assemblies EA. The apparatus 100 for manufacturing secondary batteries may be a roller-free apparatus. The apparatus 100 for manufacturing secondary batteries may be configured to apply tape TF to electrode assemblies EA without the use of rollers and without pressurization of the electrode assemblies EA.

[0028] The electrode assembly EA may be of a stacked type. A stacked electrode assembly EA includes multiple positive electrodes, multiple negative electrodes, and multiple separator membranes interposed between them, stacked alternately. The separator membranes can prevent short circuits between the multiple positive electrodes and the multiple negative electrodes. To prevent contact between the multiple positive electrodes and the multiple negative electrodes, each of the separator membranes may have a larger area than each of the multiple positive electrodes and each of the multiple negative electrodes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0036] The electrode assembly EA may include a first main surface F1, a second main surface F2 (see FIG. 10), a first side S1, and a second side S2. The plurality of positive electrodes, the plurality of negative electrodes, and the plurality of separator membranes are each laminate sheets, generally having a thickness of about 1000 μm or less and a width set based on the design of the battery cell. The first main surface F1 and the second main surface F2 (see FIG. 1) of the electrode assembly EA are surfaces that define the width of the plurality of positive electrodes, the plurality of negative electrodes, and the plurality of separator membranes.

[0037] In the following, the direction in which the transport rail 120 extends is defined as the X direction, and the direction in which the clamping machine 110 and the transport rail 120 separate is defined as the Z direction. The X and Z directions may be substantially perpendicular to each other. Furthermore, the direction substantially perpendicular to each of the X and Z directions is defined as the Y direction. Unless otherwise stated, the definitions of directions apply identically to the following drawings. The Z direction may be substantially perpendicular to the base of the space in which the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 100 is installed.

[0038] The clamping machine 110 may be configured to hold the electrode assembly EA such that the first main surface F1 and the second main surface F2 (see Figure 10) are substantially perpendicular to the Z direction. The clamping machine 110 may hold the tape TF so that the first main surface F1 faces the transport rail 120 during the process of applying the tape TF to the first main surface F1. Similarly, the clamping machine 110 may hold the tape TF so that the second main surface F2 (see Figure 10) faces the transport rail 120 during the process of applying the tape TF to the second main surface F2 (see Figure 10).

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

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

[0041] The clamp 115 may be configured to secure the electrode assembly EA. The clamp 115 may include a comb shape. This allows one of the first principal surface F1 and the second principal surface F2 (see Figure 10) of the electrode assembly EA secured by the clamp 115 to be exposed. Tape TF may be applied to the exposed one of the first principal surface F1 and the second principal surface F2 (see Figure 10).

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

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

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

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

[0046] The tape dispenser 150 may be configured to move along the transport rail 120. The tape dispenser 150 may be configured to move along the transport rail 120 to a position where it overlaps with either the clamping machine 110 or the tape supply 140.

[0047] The tape gripper 151 may be configured to apply vacuum pressure to the tape TF. This allows the tape TF to be secured to the tape gripper 151 by the vacuum pressure. The tape gripper 151 may also be configured to apply heat to the tape TF.

[0048] The tape grippers 151 may be arranged along the Y direction. In this example, the clamp 115 includes six fingers and can expose five portions of the first main surface F1 (or second main surface F2 (see Figure 10)). Corresponding to the shape of the clamp 115, five tape grippers 151 may be arranged along the Y direction. This allows the tape TF to be applied simultaneously to the portions of the first main surface F1 (or second main surface F2 (see Figure 10)) exposed by the clamp 115, potentially improving the productivity of secondary battery manufacturing. A typical technician in the industry can easily access a tape applicator 150 that includes a clamp 115 with any number of fingers and a corresponding number of tape grippers 151.

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

[0050] As a result, the tape gripper 151 can perform biaxial motion. The tape gripper 151 can be moved in the X direction along the transport rail 120 or moved in the Z direction by the first arm 153.

[0051] The side heaters 155 may be positioned at both ends of the tape gripper 151 (for example, both ends in the X direction). Each of the side heaters 155 may include a chamfered portion 155CH. Each chamfered portion 155CH of the side heater 155 may prevent damage to the tape TF and the electrode assembly EA when the tape TF is applied to sides S1, S2 of the electrode assembly EA. Each chamfered portion 155CH of the side heater 155 may face the tape gripper 151. Each chamfered portion 155CH of the side heater 155 may face the tape gripper 151.

[0052] Each chamfered portion 155CH of the side heater 155 may be formed by trimming the side. Each chamfered portion 155CH of the side heater 155 may include either a straight cross section or a round cross section.

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

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

[0055] The side heater 155 can perform biaxial motion similar to that of the tape gripper 151. The tape side heater 155 can be moved in the X direction along the transport rail 120 and in the Z direction by the second arm 157.

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

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

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

[0059] Firmware, software, routines, and instructions may be configured to perform the actions described for the controller, or any of the processes described below. However, this is for illustrative purposes only, and it should be understood that the controller actions described above can also be caused by computing devices, processors, controllers, or other devices that execute firmware, software, routines, instructions, etc.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0073] While the inspection is being performed by the vision inspection device 130, the tape holder 150 may move to a position P0 that overlaps with the tape supply 140 in the Z direction. The first arm 153 and the second arm 157 may move the tape gripper 151 and the side heater 155 toward the tape supply 140. The tape gripper 151, when close to the tape TF, can pick up the tape TF by applying vacuum pressure to the tape TF. Unlike in Figure 5, the side heater 155 may remain stationary while only the tape gripper 151 approaches the tape TF. The tape TF may also be picked up by the tape holder 150 after the inspection of the first main surface F1 is complete.

[0074] Referring to Figures 3, 6, and 7, at P130, tape TF can be applied to the first main surface F1 and sides S1 and S2 of the electrode assembly EA. Each of the tapes TF applied to the first main surface F1 and sides S1 and S2 of the electrode assembly EA can also be referred to as the first tape. The tape holder 150 that has picked up the tape TF can move along the transport rail 120 to the first position P1.

[0075] Next, referring to Figure 8, the first arm 153 and the second arm 157 can move the tape gripper 151 and the side heater 155 in the Z direction. This allows the tape gripper 151 and the side heater 155 to approach the electrode assembly EA clamped by the clamping machine 110. The tape gripper 151 and the side heater 155 can approach the electrode assembly EA so that the tape TF is in contact with the first main surface F1 of the electrode assembly EA.

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

[0077] The tape gripper 151 and the side heater 155 may include a heat transfer device. The tape gripper 151 and the side heater 155 may be configured to apply heat to the tape TF. The EVA layer of the heated tape TF may be adhesive, thereby allowing the tape TF to adhere to the first main surface F1 and sides S1, S2 of the electrode assembly EA. The chamfered portion 155CH of the side heater 155 may prevent damage to the tape TF and sides S1, S2 of the electrode assembly EA while the tape TF is in close contact with the sides S1, S2 of the electrode assembly EA.

[0078] Next, referring to Figures 3, 10, and 11, at P140, the electrode assembly EA can be flipped over. The electrode assembly EA can be flipped over by the drive of the clamp 115 by the shaft 113, so that the second main surface F2 of the electrode assembly EA can face the transport rail 120. The position of the transport rail 120 facing the second main surface F2 of the electrode assembly EA can be position P2. Position P2 can overlap the electrode assembly EA in the Z direction.

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

[0080] Next, referring to Figures 3, 12, and 13, the second main surface F2 of the electrode assembly EA can be inspected at P150. Since the inspection at P150 is substantially the same as the inspection at P120, a redundant explanation will be omitted. The tape holder 150 may pick up the tape TF during the inspection at P150, or after the inspection at P150 is completed.

[0081] Referring to Figures 3, 14, and 15, at P160, tape TF can be applied to the second main surface F2 and sides S1 and S2 of the electrode assembly EA. Each of the tapes TF applied to the second main surface F2 and sides S1 and S2 of the electrode assembly EA can also be referred to as the second tape. The tape holder 150 that has picked up the tape TF can move along the transport rail 120 to the second position P2.

[0082] Next, referring to Figure 16, the first arm 153 and the second arm 157 can move the tape gripper 151 and the side heater 155 in the Z direction. This allows the tape gripper 151 and the side heater 155 to approach the electrode assembly EA clamped by the clamping machine 110. The tape gripper 151 and the side heater 155 can approach the electrode assembly EA so that the tape TF is in contact with the second main surface F2 of the electrode assembly EA.

[0083] Next, referring to Figure 17, the second arm 157 may move the side heater 155 so that the tape TF is in contact with the sides S1 and S2 of the electrode assembly EA. As a result, the distance in the Z direction between the transport rail 120 and the side heater 155 may be greater than the distance in the Z direction between the transport rail 120 and the tape gripper 151.

[0084] The tape gripper 151 and the side heater 155 may include a heat transfer device. The tape gripper 151 and the side heater 155 may be configured to apply heat to the tape TF. The EVA layer of the heated tape TF may be adhesive, thereby allowing the tape TF to adhere to the second main surface F2 and sides S1, S2 of the electrode assembly EA. The chamfered portion 155CH of the side heater 155 may prevent damage to the tape TF and sides S1, S2 of the electrode assembly EA while the tape TF is in close contact with the sides S1, S2 of the electrode assembly EA.

[0085] The tape TF attached to the first main surface F1 and sides S1 and S2, and the tape TF attached to the second main surface and sides S1 and S2, can surround the electrode assembly EA, thereby improving the mechanical robustness and electrical reliability of the electrode assembly EA.

[0086] Conventional tape applicators include rollers that pressurize the tape and electrode assembly. This can lead to excessive pressure being applied to the electrodes and tape, resulting in damage to the electrode assembly and tape during the tape application process.

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

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

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

[0090] Referring to Figures 18 and 19, the apparatus 101 for manufacturing secondary batteries may include a clamping machine 110, a transfer rail 121, a vision inspection device 130, a tape supply 140, and a tape dispenser 150. The clamping machine 110, the vision inspection device 130, the tape supply 140, and the tape dispenser 150 are substantially the same as those described with reference to Figures 1 and 2, so redundant descriptions of them are omitted.

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

[0092] In this example as well, the movement of the tape dispenser 150 includes only the degrees of freedom along the transport rail 121 and the degrees of freedom of relative motion with respect to the transport rail 121 by the first arm 153 and the second arm 157, so it can be said to be essentially a two-axis movement.

[0093] According to an exemplary embodiment, the transport rail 121 of the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 101 includes an inclined and curved section 121C. This allows for a variety of arrangements of the elements of the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 101 depending on the characteristics of the space in the line where the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 101 is installed, thereby increasing the flexibility of line design.

[0094] The present invention has been described in more detail above through the drawings and embodiments. However, the configurations described in the drawings or embodiments described herein are merely one embodiment of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical concept of the present invention. Therefore, at the time of filing, there may be various equivalents and modifications that can substitute for them.

Claims

1. A clamping machine including a clamp configured to secure an electrode assembly, The transfer rail overlapping the clamping machine, The system includes a tape attacher configured to be coupled to the transport rail and to move along the transport rail, The tape dispenser is A tape gripper configured to apply vacuum pressure to the tape, An apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery, comprising a side heater adjacent to the end of the tape gripper.

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

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

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

5. The vision inspection device is coupled to the transport rail and is an apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 4.

6. The apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 1, further comprising a tape supply configured to overlap with the transport rail, be separated from the clamping machine, and store the tape.

7. The tape dispenser is A first arm configured to move the tape gripper relative to the transport rail, An apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 1, comprising a second arm configured to move the side heater relative to the transport rail.

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

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

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

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

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

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