Apparatus for manufacturing electrode assembly and method for manufacturing electrode assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly and a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly may be provided, in which a lamination step of manufacturing unit cells through a lamination unit and a stacking step of manufacturing an electrode assembly by sequentially stacking the unit cells through stacking equipment are sequentially and continuously performed, wherein, a buffer input step of inputting the unit cells manufactured in the lamination step into a buffer magazine is performed in order to continue manufacturing the unit cells when the stacking equipment is stopped, or a buffer release step of providing the unit cells stored in the buffer magazine to the stacking equipment is performed in order to continue manufacturing the electrode assembly when the lamination unit is stopped.

Description

Electrode assembly manufacturing device and electrode assembly manufacturing method

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrode assembly manufacturing device and an electrode assembly manufacturing method, and more particularly, to an electrode assembly manufacturing device and an electrode assembly manufacturing method capable of manufacturing an electrode assembly even when either a lamination unit for manufacturing a unit cell or a stacking facility for stacking the unit cells into an electrode assembly is stopped.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Republic of Korea Patent Application No. 10-2024-0027462, filed February 26, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Recently, demand for secondary batteries capable of repeated charging and discharging has been increasing. A secondary battery consists of an electrode assembly and a case surrounding the electrode assembly. Various types of secondary batteries are available, depending on the shape of the electrode assembly and the type of case.

[0004] The electrode assembly is formed by repeatedly stacking an anode, a separator, a cathode, and a separator, and various methods for manufacturing a single electrode assembly are provided.

[0005] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, an example of a conventional secondary battery and an example of a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly will be described.

[0006] Fig. 1(a) is a cross-sectional view of a secondary battery, Fig. 1(b) is a drawing for explaining an electrode assembly composed of multiple monocells and one half-cell, and Fig. 2 is a drawing for explaining a process for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to a conventional lamination unit and stacking equipment.

[0007] A secondary battery (1) includes an electrode assembly (3), an electrolyte, and a case (2). The electrode assembly (3) is formed by sequentially stacking a negative electrode (7) and a positive electrode (8) with a separator (6) as a medium. The electrolyte acts as a medium that enables the movement of ions between the negative electrode (7) and the positive electrode (8) during charging and discharging of the secondary battery (1).

[0008] The manufacturing step of the electrode assembly (3) may include a manufacturing step of an electrode, a lamination step of manufacturing a mono-cell (4) and a half-cell (5) including the electrode and a separator (6), and a stacking step of manufacturing the electrode assembly (3). The mono-cell (4) is formed by sequentially stacking the separator (6), the cathode (7), the separator (6), and the anode (8). The half-cell (5) is formed by sequentially stacking the separator (6), the cathode (7), and the separator (6). The electrode assembly (3) is formed by sequentially stacking a plurality of mono-cells (4) and one half-cell (5).

[0009] The above monocell (4) and halfcell (5) can be referred to as unit cells or semi-finished cells, and a plurality of unit cells or semi-finished cells can be stacked to form a single finished cell or electrode assembly.

[0010] The above lamination equipment (10) includes a lamination unit (11) for producing a monocell (4) and a lamination transport unit (13) for transporting the monocell (4) to the stacking equipment (20).

[0011] The above lamination unit (11) can sequentially laminate a separator (6), a cathode (7), a separator (6) and an anode (8), and seal the edges of the two separators (6), thereby producing one monocell (4). Alternatively, the above lamination unit (11) can sequentially laminate a separator (6), a cathode (7), and a separator (6), and seal the edges of the two separators (6), thereby producing one halfcell (5).

[0012] The stacking equipment (20) includes a stack table (25) arranged to sequentially stack the plurality of monocells (4), a stack transfer unit (21) connecting the stack table (25) and the lamination transfer unit (13), and a pickup unit (23) arranged to absorb the monocells (4) transferred along the stack transfer unit (21) and transport them to the stack table (25).

[0013] The stacking equipment (20) is connected inline to the lamination equipment (10) so that the stack transfer unit (21) is positioned in a straight line with the lamination transfer unit (13) of the lamination equipment (10). The stacking equipment (20) is installed at the rear end of the lamination equipment (10).

[0014] When the lamination equipment (10) and stacking equipment (20) are in normal operation, the monocell (4) produced in the lamination unit (11) is sealed at the edge of the separator (6) in the cell sealing unit (12) and is transported toward the stacking equipment (20) along the lamination transport unit (13).

[0015] The monocells (4) discharged from the above-mentioned rami transfer unit (13) to the above-mentioned stack transfer unit (21) are transferred along the above-mentioned stack transfer unit (21) toward the above-mentioned stack table (25). The above-mentioned pickup unit (23) adsorbs the above-mentioned monocells (4) transferred along the above-mentioned stack transfer unit (21) and transports them to the above-mentioned stack table (25), and stacks the above-mentioned monocells (4) on the above-mentioned stack table (25).

[0016] The process of manufacturing the above monocell (4) and sequentially stacking the manufactured monocells (4) to manufacture the electrode assembly (3) is carried out as a continuous process.

[0017] When either the lamination equipment (10) or the stacking equipment (20) is stopped, the production of the electrode assembly (3) is stopped.

[0018] When the lamination equipment (10) is stopped, the monocell (4) cannot be manufactured, and thus the electrode assembly (3) cannot be manufactured. When the stacking equipment (20) is stopped, the monocell (4) manufactured in the lamination equipment (10) cannot be stacked, and thus the electrode assembly (3) cannot be manufactured.

[0019] Accordingly, when manufacturing a conventional electrode assembly (3), if either the lamination equipment (10) or the stacking equipment (20) is stopped, the other equipment also stops, resulting in a problem in that the productivity of the electrode assembly (3) is reduced.

[0020] In addition, there is a problem that if either the lamination equipment (10) or the stacking equipment (20) is stopped, the other equipment is also stopped, resulting in a decrease in the equipment's operating rate.

[0021] The present invention aims to solve the problems of conventional electrode assembly manufacturing devices and methods.

[0022] Through one embodiment of the present invention, it is intended to provide an electrode assembly manufacturing device and method capable of continuously manufacturing unit cells in a situation where electrode assembly manufacturing is not easy when unit cell manufacturing and electrode assembly manufacturing are performed continuously and sequentially.

[0023] Through one embodiment of the present invention, it is intended to provide an electrode assembly manufacturing device and method capable of continuously manufacturing an electrode assembly in a situation where manufacturing a unit cell is not easy when manufacturing a unit cell and manufacturing an electrode assembly are performed continuously and sequentially.

[0024] In order to achieve the above-described object, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly can be provided, characterized in that the lamination step is continuous, including: a lamination step of manufacturing a unit cell through a lamination unit; a transport step of transporting the unit cell through a lamination transport unit; a transport step of transporting the unit cell from the lamination transport unit to a stacking facility; a stacking step of sequentially stacking the unit cells through the stacking facility to manufacture an electrode assembly; and a buffer input step of feeding the unit cell being transported along the lamination transport unit into a buffer magazine when the stacking facility is stopped.

[0025] In order to achieve the above-described object, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly can be provided, including a lamination step of manufacturing a unit cell through a lamination unit; a transfer step of transferring the unit cell through a lamination transfer unit; a transfer step of transferring the unit cell from the lamination transfer unit to a stacking facility; a stacking step of sequentially stacking the unit cells through the stacking facility to manufacture an electrode assembly; and a buffer release step of inputting a unit cell stored in a buffer magazine into the lamination transfer unit when the lamination unit is stopped, wherein the stacking step is characterized in that the stacking step is continuous.

[0026] The above buffer magazine is provided at the lower portion of the Rami transport unit, and in the buffer injection step, the unit cell can be dropped into the buffer magazine and stored.

[0027] It is preferable that the above buffer injection step and the buffer release step are performed exclusively. When the electrode assembly manufacturing device is operating normally and manufacturing the electrode assembly normally, it is preferable that the performance of the buffer injection step and the buffer release step is excluded.

[0028] When the above buffer injection step is performed, it is preferable that the performance of the above transfer step and stacking step is stopped.

[0029] When the above buffer dissolution step is performed, it is preferable that the performance of the above lamination step is stopped.

[0030] The above buffer magazine is provided at the lower portion of the rami transfer unit, and in the buffer dissolution step, the unit cell is preferably adsorbed to the rami transfer unit.

[0031] It is preferable that the unit cells used for stacking be supplied through the drive of the lamination section or through the buffer magazine.

[0032] The above manufacturing method may include a defect feeding step of feeding a defective unit cell being transported along the Rami transport section into a defect magazine spaced apart from the buffer magazine.

[0033] In order to achieve the above-described purpose, according to one embodiment of the present invention, in a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly, a lamination step for manufacturing a unit cell through a lamination unit and a stacking step for manufacturing an electrode assembly by stacking the unit cells in a shielding manner through a stacking facility are sequentially and continuously performed, a buffer input step for loading the unit cell manufactured in the lamination step into a buffer magazine is performed in order to continue manufacturing the unit cell when the stacking facility is stopped, or a buffer release step for providing the unit cell stored in the buffer magazine to the stacking facility is performed in order to continue manufacturing the electrode assembly when the lamination unit is stopped.

[0034] It is preferable that the above buffer injection step and the above buffer release step are performed exclusively.

[0035] Even if stacking is difficult due to a problem with the stacking equipment, lamination can be performed continuously without stopping using the lamination equipment. Furthermore, even if lamination is difficult due to a problem with the lamination equipment, stacking can be performed continuously without stopping using the stacking equipment.

[0036] In order to achieve the above-described object, according to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an electrode assembly manufacturing device including a lamination equipment including a lamination equipment for manufacturing a unit cell and a lamination transport equipment for absorbing and transporting the unit cell manufactured in the lamination equipment; a stacking equipment for manufacturing an electrode assembly by sequentially stacking the unit cells transferred from the lamination transport equipment; a buffer magazine disposed below the lamination transport equipment and into which the unit cells dropped from the lamination transport equipment are loaded; and a buffer pusher for pushing the unit cell being transported along the lamination transport equipment into the buffer magazine so as to continue manufacturing the unit cell when the stacking equipment is stopped.

[0037] It is desirable that the operation of the pusher for the buffer is stopped during normal operation of the above stacking equipment.

[0038] The above buffer pusher may be installed so as to be able to enter a buffer input position, which is a point in the driving path of the lamination transport unit, and may be characterized by pushing the unit cell passing through the buffer input position into the buffer magazine while repeatedly entering and retracting from the lamination transport unit.

[0039] The above buffer magazine may be characterized in that the upper portion thereof is open toward the lamination transfer portion and has a bottom surface on which the unit cells are loaded, and is installed coaxially with the buffer pusher at the bottom of the lamination transfer portion.

[0040] It is preferable that the above buffer magazine includes a buffer drive unit that moves the bottom surface toward or away from the lamination transfer unit.

[0041] In order to continue manufacturing the electrode assembly when the lamination unit is stopped, it is preferable that the buffer driving unit raise the bottom surface to adsorb the uppermost unit cell loaded in the buffer magazine to the lamination transfer unit.

[0042] It is preferable that the above lamination transfer unit continues to operate to transfer the unit cell from the buffer magazine to the stacking equipment when the lamination unit is stopped, and continues to operate to store the unit cell in the buffer magazine when the stacking equipment is stopped.

[0043] The above stacking equipment preferably includes a stack transfer unit that is connected inline with the rami transfer unit below the stack transfer position and that adsorbs and transfers the unit cells transferred from the rami transfer unit.

[0044] The above manufacturing device may include a transfer pusher for transferring the unit cell from the Rami transfer unit to the stack transfer unit.

[0045] The above manufacturing device may include a defective pusher that transfers defective unit cells among the above unit cells from the Rami transfer unit to the defective magazine.

[0046] Through one embodiment of the present invention, when unit cell manufacturing and electrode assembly manufacturing are performed continuously and sequentially, an electrode assembly manufacturing device and method can be provided that can continuously perform unit cell manufacturing in a situation where electrode assembly manufacturing is not easy.

[0047] Through one embodiment of the present invention, when unit cell manufacturing and electrode assembly manufacturing are performed continuously and sequentially, an electrode assembly manufacturing device and method can be provided that can continuously perform electrode assembly manufacturing in a situation where unit cell manufacturing is not easy.

[0048] Figure 1(a) is a cross-sectional view of a secondary battery, and Figure 1(b) is a drawing for explaining an electrode assembly composed of multiple monocells and one half-cell.

[0049] Figure 2 is a drawing for explaining a process for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to a conventional lamination section and stacking section.

[0050] Figure 3 is a configuration diagram of an electrode assembly manufacturing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 4 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of a rami transfer unit in which a unit cell is adsorbed on the rami transfer unit in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining the positions of the buffer pusher and the buffer magazine during normal operation of the lamination unit and stacking equipment in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining the operating state of a pusher for a buffer when the stacking equipment is stopped in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] FIGS. 8 to 13 are drawings for explaining a process in which unit cells loaded in a buffer magazine are provided to a lamination transfer unit when the lamination unit is stopped in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Fig. 14 is a drawing for explaining an electrode assembly manufacturing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, an electrode assembly manufacturing device and an electrode assembly manufacturing method according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0058] ● First embodiment

[0059] Figure 3 is a configuration diagram of an electrode assembly manufacturing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 3, an electrode assembly manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a lamination facility (200) and a stacking facility (300).

[0061] The lamination equipment (200) is equipment for manufacturing unit cells (4), and the stacking equipment (300) can be said to be equipment for manufacturing electrode assemblies by stacking unit cells. A plurality of detailed equipments can be organically connected and operated to form a single equipment. In addition, a plurality of equipments can be organically connected and operated to form a manufacturing device.

[0062] The lamination equipment (200) may include a lamination unit (210) configured to manufacture a unit cell (4) including two separators (6) and at least one electrode, and a lamination transfer unit (230) configured to adsorb and transfer the unit cell (4).

[0063] The above-mentioned Rami transport unit (230) may include a conveyor belt in the form of a track.

[0064] According to the present embodiment, a buffer magazine (250) may be included, which is arranged at the bottom of the rami transfer unit (230) and is configured to allow unit cells (4) dropped from the rami transfer unit (230) to be loaded.

[0065] According to the present embodiment, the stacking equipment (300) may be connected inline to the rami transfer unit (230) at the rear end of the rami transfer unit (230), and may be provided to sequentially stack unit cells (4) delivered from the rami transfer unit (230) to produce an electrode assembly (3, see FIG. 1).

[0066] According to the present embodiment, the stacking facility (300) may include a buffer pusher (240) that is interlocked with the stacking facility (300) and is configured to push the unit cell (4) being transported along the lamination transport section (230) into the buffer magazine (250) when the stacking facility (300) is stopped. The unit cell (4) may be dropped by the buffer pusher (240) and stored in the buffer magazine.

[0067] The above electrode assembly manufacturing device (100) includes a lamination facility (200), a stacking facility (300), and a control unit (400). The control unit (400) is provided to control the operation of the lamination facility (200) and the stacking facility (300).

[0068] The above lamination equipment (200) may include a lamination unit (210), a lamination transfer unit (230), a buffer magazine (250), a buffer pusher (240), a transfer pusher (220), a defective pusher (280), and a defective magazine (270).

[0069] The above lamination part (210) is for manufacturing a unit cell (4). The above lamination part (210) sequentially laminates a separator (6), a cathode (7), the separator (6), and an anode (8), and seals the edge of the separator (6) to manufacture the unit cell (4).

[0070] The above unit cell (4) may be a monocell (4) or a half-cell (5). The monocell (4) is formed by sequentially stacking a separator (6), a cathode (7), a separator (6), and an anode (8). The half-cell (5) is formed by sequentially stacking a separator (6), a cathode (7), and a separator (6). The electrode assembly (3, see Fig. 1) described below is composed of a plurality of monocells (4) and one half-cell (5, see Fig. 1). The half-cell (5, see Fig. 1) is loaded on the top of a plurality of monocells (4).

[0071] The above lamination transfer unit (230) transfers the unit cell (4), for example, the monocell (4), manufactured in the lamination unit (210) to the stacking equipment (300).

[0072] Figure 5 schematically illustrates a plan view of a rami transfer unit in which a unit cell is adsorbed on the rami transfer unit in this embodiment.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 5, the Rami transport unit (230) may be a conveyor belt configured to be capable of absorbing and transporting the unit cell (4).

[0074] The above-mentioned rami transfer unit (230) is provided so that the upper and lower surfaces of the unit cell (4) are exposed to the outside. The above-mentioned rami transfer unit (230) includes a first roll (231) and a second roll (232). A first adsorption line (235) and a second adsorption line (236) are connected to both ends of the first roll (231) and the second roll (232). The first adsorption line (235) and the second adsorption line (236) can adsorb and transfer the unit cell (4) while circulating in the rotational direction of the first roll (231) and the second roll (232).

[0075] The first adsorption line (235) is provided to adsorb the first edge (4a) of the unit cell (4). And, the second adsorption line (236) is provided to adsorb the second edge (4b) of the unit cell (4). A vacuum pressure (P0) is provided to the first adsorption line (235) and the second adsorption line (236).

[0076] An empty space (233) is provided between the first adsorption line (235) and the second adsorption line (236). The delivery pusher (220), the buffer pusher (240), and the defective pusher (280) are arranged so that they can enter the empty space (233) from different positions.

[0077] When the stacking equipment (300) above is in normal operation, the lamination transfer unit (230) can circulate in a clockwise direction (R1) to absorb the unit cell (4) produced in the lamination unit (210) and transfer it toward the stack transfer unit (210).

[0078] When the lamination unit (210) is stopped, the lamination transfer unit (230) can circulate in the counterclockwise direction (R2) to suck up the unit cell (4) loaded in the buffer magazine (250) and transfer it toward the stack transfer unit (210).

[0079] The above-mentioned transfer pusher (220) pushes the unit cell (4) passing the stack transfer position (P1) to the stack transfer unit (310). Accordingly, the unit cell (4) is transferred from the rami transfer unit (230) to the stack transfer unit (310).

[0080] A buffer magazine (250), a stack transfer unit (310), and a defective magazine (270) are arranged at the bottom of the above-mentioned lamination transfer unit (230). A buffer pusher (240), a transfer pusher (220), and a defective pusher (280) are arranged at the top of the above-mentioned lamination transfer unit (230). The buffer pusher (240), the transfer pusher (220), and the defective pusher (280) are arranged to be able to enter an empty space (233).

[0081] The pusher for buffer (240), the pusher for transfer (220), and the pusher for defective parts (280) are pushers designed to push out the unit cell (4) and may have the same structure. The pusher for transfer (220), the pusher for buffer (240), and the pusher for defective parts (280) may be arranged in a row on the travel path of the unit cell (4) adsorbed on the rami transfer unit (230).

[0082] According to one embodiment of the present invention, by installing the buffer magazine (250) in a location where a defective magazine (270) is installed in an existing lamination unit (210), when the pickup unit (350) of the stacking equipment (300) is stopped, the normal unit cells (4) produced in the lamination unit (210) can be stored in the buffer magazine (250) without being provided to the stack transfer unit (310) of the stacking equipment.

[0083] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining the position of the buffer pusher and the buffer magazine when the lamination unit and stacking equipment are in normal operation in this embodiment, and FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining the operating state of the buffer pusher when the stacking equipment is stopped in this embodiment.

[0084] Referring to Fig. 6, the pusher (240) for the buffer is installed so as to be able to enter the buffer input position (P2) from the upper portion of the lamination transfer unit (230). The pusher (240) for the buffer is installed coaxially with the buffer magazine (250).

[0085] Referring to Fig. 6, the pusher (240) for the buffer is located at the pusher standby position (h1) when the lamination unit (210) and the pickup unit (350) of the stacking equipment (300) are in normal operation. The pusher standby position (h1) is a position that does not come into contact with the unit cell (4) being transported along the lamination transport unit (230).

[0086] Referring to Fig. 7, the buffer pusher (240) operates when the pickup unit (350) of the stacking equipment (300) is stopped. The buffer pusher (240) operates to sequentially push the unit cells (4) passing through the buffer input position (P2) into the buffer magazine (250) while repeatedly entering and retracting from the lamination transfer unit (230) along the height direction (H).

[0087] The pusher (240) for the buffer moves reciprocally between the pusher standby position (h1) and the pusher operating position (h3) along the height direction (H). The pusher operating position (h3) is a position below the pusher standby position (h1) along the height direction (H), and is a position where vacuum pressure is relieved when the pusher (240) for the buffer pushes the unit cell (4).

[0088] Specifically, the pusher (240) for the buffer moves back and forth in a cycle in which one unit cell (4) being transported along the Rami transport section (230) passes the buffer input position (P2), and then the next unit cell (4) passes the buffer input position (P2).

[0089] The pusher (240) for the above buffer is provided so that the pusher contact surface (241) can be in surface contact with the upper surface (e.g., the anode (8)) of the unit cell (4), and can stably push the unit cell (4) during operation.

[0090] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the buffer magazine (250) is placed below the lamination transport unit (230). The buffer magazine (250) is located below the buffer input position (P2). The buffer input position (P2) is a point on the travel path of the lamination transport unit (230).

[0091] The buffer magazine (250) has a bottom surface (251) that is open at the top toward the lamination transfer unit and on which the unit cell (4) is loaded. The bottom surface (251) is provided so that the unit cell (4) can be seated. The bottom surface (251) may have a rectangular cross-section.

[0092] The above buffer magazine (250) includes a plurality of supports (252). The plurality of supports (252) are provided to support the edge of the bottom surface (251).

[0093] The buffer magazine (250) may be arranged so that the bottom surface (251) can move up and down in the height direction (H) along the plurality of supports (252). Alternatively, the buffer magazine (250) may be arranged so that the bottom surface (251) is fixed to the plurality of supports (252) and the buffer magazine (250) itself can move up and down. The height direction (H) is a direction perpendicular to the ground (G).

[0094] FIGS. 8 to 13 are drawings for explaining the process in which unit cells loaded in the buffer magazine are provided to the lamination transfer unit when the lamination unit is stopped in this embodiment.

[0095] The buffer magazine (250) is equipped with a buffer driving unit (260). The buffer driving unit (260) may be a reciprocating cylinder or a servo motor.

[0096] The buffer driving unit (260) is provided to move the bottom surface (251) of the buffer magazine (250) toward or away from the lamination transfer unit. The buffer magazine (250) may be provided to be able to move up and down along the height direction (H) when the buffer driving unit (260) is operated.

[0097] Referring to Fig. 8, the buffer driving unit (260) operates so that the buffer magazine (250) is positioned at the buffer standby position (h5) when the lamination unit (210) is in normal operation. The buffer standby position (h5) is a position where the unit cell (4) loaded at the top of the buffer magazine (250) is not absorbed by the lamination transfer unit (230).

[0098] Referring to FIG. 9, the buffer driving unit (260) can raise and lower the bottom surface (251) so that the uppermost unit cell (4) loaded in the buffer magazine (250) is positioned at an adsorption position capable of being adsorbed to the lamination transfer unit (230) according to a preset buffer release path when the lamination unit (210) is stopped.

[0099] The above buffer release path is a path in which the loaded uppermost unit cell (4-1) of the buffer magazine (250) is lifted from the buffer standby position (h5) spaced below the rami transfer unit (230) to the adsorption position (h2) capable of being adsorbed to the rami transfer unit (230), and then moves back and forth between the adsorption position (h2) and the retreat position (h4).

[0100] The above retreat position (h4) is a position between the buffer standby position (h5) and the adsorption position (h2). The above retreat position (h4) is a position where the upper unit cell (4) is not adsorbed to the rami transfer unit (230). The above retreat position (h4) may be at the same height as the pusher operating position (h3), and is not limited to the height indicated in this document.

[0101] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 12, the buffer driving unit (260) is operated so that the unit cells (4) loaded in the buffer magazine (250) are sequentially absorbed by the rami transfer unit (230) while repeatedly raising and lowering the bottom surface (251).

[0102] Specifically, referring to FIGS. 10 to 12, the buffer driving unit (260) can be raised so that the uppermost unit cell (4) is positioned at the suction position, and then lowered so that the sub-upper unit cell (4) below the uppermost unit cell (4) is positioned at the retreated position, and then the sub-upper unit cell (4) is positioned at the suction position.

[0103] As illustrated in Fig. 11, when the buffer driving unit (260) operates along the buffer release path, i.e., when the lamination unit (210) is stopped, the lamination transfer unit (230) transfers the unit cell (4) to the stack transfer unit (310) while circulating in a counterclockwise direction (R2). When the lamination unit (210) is stopped, the circulation direction of the lamination transfer unit (230) is the opposite direction to the circulation direction of the lamination transfer unit (230) when the lamination unit is normally operating.

[0104] Referring to Fig. 13, when the buffer driving unit (260) operates according to the buffer release path, the rami transfer unit (230) circulates in a counterclockwise direction (R2). The uppermost unit cell (4-1) loaded from the buffer magazine (250) is absorbed by the rami transfer unit (230) and transferred to the stack transfer position (P1). Continuously, the next upper unit cell (4-2) is also absorbed by the rami transfer unit (230) and transferred to the stack transfer position (P1).

[0105] The above-mentioned transfer pusher (220) pushes the uppermost unit cell (4-1) being transferred along the Rami transfer unit (230) from the stack transfer position (P1) to the stack transfer unit (310). The above-mentioned transfer pusher (220) pushes the uppermost unit cell (4-2) to the stack transfer unit (310) when the uppermost unit cell (4-2) passes the stack transfer position (P1).

[0106] By repeating the above process, the unit cells (4) can be transferred to the stacking equipment (300) even when the lamination unit (210) is stopped.

[0107] According to one embodiment of the present invention, by installing the buffer magazine (250) and the buffer pusher (240) on the travel path of the lamination transport unit (230), the unit cell (4) manufactured in the lamination unit (210) can be stored even when the pickup unit (350) of the stacking equipment (300) is stopped.

[0108] According to one embodiment of the present invention, even when the lamination unit (210) of the lamination equipment (200) is stopped or the pickup unit (350) of the stacking equipment (300) is stopped, the electrode assembly (3, see FIG. 1) can be continuously produced.

[0109] The above-mentioned transfer pusher (220) is installed so as to be able to enter the rami transfer unit (230) from the stack transfer position (P1). The stack transfer position (P1) is a point on the travel path of the rami transfer unit (230). The stack transfer unit (310), which will be described later, is arranged below the stack transfer position (P1). The stack transfer unit (310) has the same structure as the rami transfer unit (230) and is provided so as to be able to absorb and transfer the unit cell (4).

[0110] Referring to FIG. 3, the stacking facility (300) includes a stack transfer unit (310), a stack table (330), and a pickup unit (350).

[0111] The stack transfer unit (310) is connected inline to the rear end of the rami transfer unit (230) and is provided to be capable of absorbing and transferring the unit cell (4). The stack transfer unit (310) is spaced apart from the buffer magazine (250) and is installed to receive the unit cell (4) dropped from the rami transfer unit (230) at the stack transfer position (P1).

[0112] The above pickup unit (350) is a device that absorbs the unit cell (4) on the stack transfer unit (310) and transports it to the stack table (330). The pickup unit (350) is rotatably mounted on a support unit (351) at a predetermined angle. The support unit (351) is arranged adjacent to the stack table (330). The stack table (330) is a table on which the unit cells (4) transported from the pickup unit (350) are sequentially stacked.

[0113] Referring to Fig. 3, the defective pusher (280) is installed so as to be able to enter the defective input location (P3). The defective input location (P3) is a point on the travel path of the Rami transport unit (230). The defective pusher (280) operates when the defective unit cell (4) passes the defective input location (P3).

[0114] The above-mentioned defective magazine (270) is placed below the defective input position (P3). The above-mentioned defective magazine (270) is a magazine into which defective unit cells (4) are loaded. In this document, a description of a vision inspection device (not shown) that inspects whether the unit cells (4) are normal or defective will be omitted.

[0115] The above defective magazine (270) and the buffer magazine (250) can be arranged in a row at the bottom of the Rami transfer unit (230). A plurality of defective pushers (280) can be provided depending on the number of defective magazines (270) installed.

[0116] In addition, the arrangement order of the defective magazine (270) and the buffer magazine (250) is not necessarily limited to that disclosed in this document. For example, the buffer magazine (250) may be arranged between the defective magazine (270) and the stack transfer unit (310). Alternatively, the defective magazine (270) may be arranged between the buffer magazine (250) and the stack transfer unit (310). The buffer magazine (250) and the defective magazine (270) are arranged at the front end of the stack transfer unit (310).

[0117] The above control unit (400) can operate the buffer driving unit (260) so that the unit cells (4) loaded in the buffer magazine (250) are supplied to the lamination transfer unit (230) when the lamination unit (210) is stopped.

[0118] The stoppage of the lamination unit (210) may temporarily halt the production of the unit cell (4). The stoppage of the lamination unit (210) may occur in various situations, such as a device failure or inspection for maintenance.

[0119] The control unit (400) can operate the buffer pusher (240) when the pickup unit (350) constituting the stacking equipment (300) is stopped so that the unit cells (4) being transported along the Rami transport unit (230) can be loaded into the buffer magazine (250). The control unit (400) can stop the operation of the delivery pusher (220) when the buffer pusher (240) is in operation.

[0120] Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly using an electrode assembly manufacturing device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0121] Figure 4 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 4, a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is for continuously manufacturing and laminating unit cells (4), including a lamination step (S1) in which an electrode is laminated on a separator (6) in a lamination unit (210) to manufacture the unit cells (4), a transport step (S2) in which the unit cells (4) are transported along a lamination transport unit (230) connected to the lamination unit (210), a transfer step (S3) in which the unit cells (4) being transported along the lamination transport unit (230) are transferred to a stacking facility (300), a stacking step (S4) in which the unit cells (4) are sequentially stacked through the stacking facility (300) to manufacture the electrode assembly (3, see FIG. 1), and a buffer input step in which the unit cells (4) being transported along the lamination transport unit (230) are input into a buffer magazine (250) when the stacking facility (300) is stopped. It may include step (S5).

[0123] In addition, in the present embodiment, the electrode assembly manufacturing method may include a buffer release step (S6) of providing the unit cell (4) stored in the buffer magazine (250) to the stacking equipment (300) through the lamination transfer unit (230) when the lamination unit (210) is stopped.

[0124] In the above lamination step (S1), the separator (6), the cathode (7), and the anode (8) are manufactured into the unit cell (4). The unit cell (4) may be either the monocell (4) or the half-cell (5). The lamination step (S1) is performed in the lamination unit (210).

[0125] The unit cells (4) manufactured in the lamination section (210) are transported along the lamination transport section (230). The lamination transport section (230) operates continuously in the transport step (S2), the transfer step (S3), the buffer injection step (S5), and the buffer release step (S6).

[0126] The above transfer step (S3) is performed when the pickup unit (350) of the stacking facility (300) is in normal operation.

[0127] In the above transfer step (S3), the transfer pusher (220) moves back and forth between the pusher standby position (h1) and the pusher operating position (h3) to push the unit cell (4) passing through the stack transfer position (P1) to the stack transfer unit (310). At the stack transfer position (P1), the unit cell (4) is transferred from the rami transfer unit (230) to the stack transfer unit (310) and transferred along the stack transfer unit (310).

[0128] In the stacking step (S4), the pickup unit (350) transports the unit cells (4) being transported along the stack transport unit (310) to the stack table (330). The unit cells (4) are sequentially stacked on the stack table (330) to produce the electrode assembly (3, see FIG. 1).

[0129] When the above-mentioned transmission pusher (220) is in operation, the above-mentioned buffer pusher (240) is not in operation. The above-mentioned buffer pusher (240) is performed when the pickup unit (350) of the above-mentioned stacking equipment (300) is stopped. When the pickup unit (350) of the above-mentioned stacking equipment (300) is stopped, the above-mentioned buffer insertion step (S5) is performed.

[0130] In the buffer insertion step (S5), the buffer pusher (240) is operated to sequentially push the unit cells (4) passing through the buffer insertion position (P2) into the buffer magazine (250) while repeatedly entering and retracting from the Rami transfer unit (230) along the height direction (H). The unit cells (4) dropped from the buffer insertion position (P2) are loaded into the buffer magazine (250).

[0131] The above buffer injection step (S5) is not performed simultaneously with the above transfer step (S3) and the above buffer release step (S6). The above buffer release step (S6) may be performed sequentially with the above transfer step (S3).

[0132] The above buffer release step (S6) is performed when the lamination unit (210) is stopped. In the buffer release step (S6), the buffer driving unit (260) is operated and the unit cell (4) loaded in the buffer magazine (250) is provided to the lamination transfer unit (230). In the buffer release step (S6), the lamination transfer unit (230) can transfer the unit cell to the stack transfer position (P1) while circulating in a counterclockwise direction (R2).

[0133] In the above buffer release step (S6), the buffer driving unit (260) operates as follows.

[0134] Referring to FIG. 9, the buffer driving unit (260) can raise and lower the bottom surface (251) of the buffer magazine (250) according to a preset buffer release path so that the uppermost unit cell (4-1) loaded in the buffer magazine (250) is positioned at the adsorption position (h2).

[0135] Referring to Fig. 10, the buffer driving unit (260) continuously performs a lifting and lowering operation so that the upper unit cell (4-2) is positioned at the retreat position (h4). This is to prevent the upper unit cell (4-2) from being absorbed by the rami transfer unit (230) together with the uppermost unit cell (4-1).

[0136] The above buffer driving unit (260) can lower the bottom surface (251) of the buffer magazine (250) so that the upper unit cell (4-2) is positioned at the retreat position (h4), and then continuously raise the bottom surface (251) of the buffer magazine (250) so that the upper unit cell (4-2) is positioned at the suction position (h2).

[0137] By repeating the above process, the unit cells (4) loaded in the buffer magazine (250) are adsorbed to the lamination transfer unit (230) in individual sheets and can be transferred to the stack transfer position (P1) along the lamination transfer unit (230).

[0138] The unit cells (4) provided from the buffer magazine (250) can be transferred to the stack transfer unit (310) by the transfer pusher (220) while passing through the stack transfer position (P1) in sequence. The transfer pusher (220) pushes the unit cells (4) passing through the stack transfer position (P1) to the stack transfer unit (310).

[0139] In this embodiment, when the pickup unit (350) is stopped, the delivery pusher (220) stops operating and the buffer pusher (240) operates. The buffer pusher (240) repeatedly enters and retreats from the lamination transfer unit (230) along the height direction (H) and pushes the unit cell (4) passing through the buffer input position (P2) into the buffer magazine (250). The unit cell (4) loaded into the buffer magazine (250) is a normal unit cell (4).

[0140] The above electrode assembly manufacturing method can store the unit cells (4) manufactured in the lamination unit (210) in the buffer magazine (250) even when the pickup unit (350) is stopped, thereby maintaining the operating rate of the lamination unit (210) constant.

[0141] Meanwhile, the electrode assembly manufacturing method includes a defective input step (S7) of inputting defective unit cells (4) being transported along the lamination transport section (230) into a defective magazine (270). The defective input step (S7) is performed only when the unit cells (4) being transported along the lamination transport section (230) are "defective."

[0142] The above defective product input step (S7) is performed by the defective product pusher (280) and the defective product magazine (270). The above defective product input step (S7) is performed during the above transport step (S2).

[0143] Through the above process, according to one embodiment of the present invention, when a component constituting the stacking equipment (300), for example, a pickup unit (350), is stopped, the unit cell (4) manufactured in the lamination equipment (200) is loaded into a buffer magazine (250), and when a component constituting the lamination equipment (200), for example, a lamination unit (210), is stopped, the unit cell (4) loaded into the buffer magazine (250) is provided to the stacking equipment (300), so that the electrode assembly (3) can be continuously manufactured.

[0144] ● Second Example

[0145] FIG. 14 is a drawing for explaining an electrode assembly manufacturing device (100) according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0146] The electrode assembly manufacturing device (100) according to the present embodiment includes a lamination device (200), a stacking device (300), a buffer pusher (240), a buffer magazine (250), and a control unit (400). The electrode assembly manufacturing device (100) according to the present embodiment is identical to the first embodiment described above in terms of the remaining components, except for the buffer driving unit.

[0147] The above lamination equipment (200) may include a lamination unit (210), a lamination transfer unit (230), a buffer magazine (250), a buffer pusher (240), a transfer pusher (220), a defective pusher (280), and a defective magazine (270).

[0148] The above-mentioned pusher for delivery (220) is positioned so as to be able to enter the stack delivery position (P1). The pusher for buffer (240) is positioned so as to be able to enter the buffer input position (P2). The pusher for defects (280) is positioned so as to be able to enter the defect input position (P3).

[0149] The above control unit (400) operates the buffer pusher (240) to drop the unit cell (4) being transported along the lamination transport unit (230) of the lamination unit (200) into the buffer magazine (250) when the stacking unit (300) is stopped.

[0150] The buffer magazine (250) according to the present embodiment is detachably installed in the lamination equipment (200). Unlike the first embodiment described above, the buffer magazine (250) according to the present embodiment is not equipped with the buffer driving unit.

[0151] When the lamination equipment (200) is stopped, the worker transports the buffer magazine (250) loaded with a plurality of unit cells (4) to a position adjacent to the stack table (330). The pickup unit (350) of the stacking equipment (300) picks up the unit cells (4) from the stack transfer unit (310) and transports them to the stack table (330). The pickup unit (350) stacks the unit cells (4) loaded in the buffer magazine (250) on the stack table (330).

[0152] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the electrode assembly (3) can be manufactured with the unit cells (4) loaded in the buffer magazine (250) even when the lamination unit (210) is stopped.

[0153] The preferred embodiments of the present invention described above are disclosed for illustrative purposes. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, variations, and additions can be made within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Such modifications, variations, and additions should be deemed to fall within the scope of the following claims.

[0154] As described in the detailed description of the invention.

Claims

1. Lamination step for producing unit cells through a lamination section; A transport step of transporting the unit cell through a Rami transport unit; A transfer step of transferring the above unit cell from the Rami transfer unit to the stacking facility; A stacking step of manufacturing an electrode assembly by sequentially stacking the unit cells through the stacking equipment; and A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly, characterized in that the lamination step continues, including a buffer feeding step of feeding unit cells being transported along the lamination transport section into a buffer magazine when the stacking equipment is stopped.

2. In paragraph 1, A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly, characterized in that the buffer magazine is provided at the lower portion of the lamination transfer unit, and the unit cell is dropped into the buffer magazine and stored in the buffer injection step.

3. In paragraph 1, A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly, characterized in that the stacking step continues, including a buffer release step of providing the unit cells stored in the buffer magazine to the stacking equipment through the lamination transfer unit when the lamination unit is stopped.

4. In paragraph 3, A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly, characterized in that the buffer injection step and the buffer dissolution step are performed exclusively.

5. In paragraph 4, A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly, characterized in that when the above buffer injection step is performed, the performance of the above transfer step and stacking step is stopped.

6. In paragraph 4, A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly, characterized in that when the above buffer dissolution step is performed, the performance of the above lamination step is stopped.

7. In paragraph 3, A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly, characterized in that the buffer magazine is provided at the lower portion of the lamination transfer unit, and the unit cell is adsorbed to the lamination transfer unit in the buffer dissolution step.

8. In paragraph 3, A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly, characterized in that it includes a defective unit cell feeding step of feeding a defective unit cell being transported along the above-mentioned Rami transport section into a defective magazine spaced apart from the buffer magazine.

9. In a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly, a lamination step for manufacturing a unit cell through a lamination section and a stacking step for manufacturing an electrode assembly by stacking the unit cells as a shield through a stacking facility are performed sequentially and continuously. In order to continue manufacturing the unit cell when the stacking equipment is stopped, a buffer loading step is performed to load the unit cell manufactured in the lamination step into the buffer magazine, or A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly, characterized in that a buffer dissolution step is performed to provide unit cells stored in the buffer magazine to the stacking equipment in order to continue manufacturing the electrode assembly when the lamination section is stopped.

10. In paragraph 9, A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly, characterized in that the buffer injection step and the buffer dissolution step are performed exclusively.

11. A lamination facility including a lamination unit for producing unit cells and a lamination transfer unit for absorbing and transferring the unit cells produced in the lamination unit; A stacking facility that sequentially stacks unit cells delivered from the above-mentioned Rami transfer unit to produce an electrode assembly; A buffer magazine placed at the bottom of the above-mentioned Rami transfer unit and into which unit cells dropped from the above-mentioned Rami transfer unit are loaded; and An electrode assembly manufacturing device including a buffer pusher that pushes the unit cell being transported along the lamination transport section into the buffer magazine so as to continue manufacturing the unit cell when the stacking equipment is stopped.

12. In paragraph 11, An electrode assembly manufacturing device characterized in that the operation of the pusher for the buffer is stopped when the stacking equipment is in normal operation.

13. In paragraph 11, An electrode assembly manufacturing device characterized in that the pusher for the buffer is installed so as to be able to enter a buffer input position, which is a point in the driving path of the lamination transport unit, and pushes the unit cell passing through the buffer input position into the buffer magazine while repeating entry and retreat from the lamination transport unit.

14. In paragraph 11, An electrode assembly manufacturing device characterized in that the buffer magazine has a bottom surface on which the unit cell is loaded and an upper portion thereof is opened toward the lamination transfer unit, and is installed coaxially with the buffer pusher at the bottom of the lamination transfer unit.

15. In paragraph 14, An electrode assembly manufacturing device characterized in that the buffer magazine includes a buffer driving unit that moves the bottom surface toward or away from the lamination transfer unit.

16. In paragraph 15, An electrode assembly manufacturing device characterized in that the buffer driving unit raises the bottom surface to adsorb the uppermost unit cell loaded in the buffer magazine to the lamination transfer unit so as to continue manufacturing the electrode assembly when the lamination unit is stopped.

17. In paragraph 11, An electrode assembly manufacturing device characterized in that the lamination transfer unit continuously operates to transfer the unit cell from the buffer magazine to the stacking equipment when the lamination unit is stopped, and continuously operates to store the unit cell in the buffer magazine when the stacking equipment is stopped.

18. In paragraph 11, An electrode assembly manufacturing device characterized in that the stacking facility is connected inline with the lamination transfer unit at a lower portion of the stack transfer position and includes a stack transfer unit that absorbs and transfers the unit cells transferred from the lamination transfer unit.

19. In paragraph 18, An electrode assembly manufacturing device characterized by including a transfer pusher for transferring the unit cell from the Rami transfer unit to the stack transfer unit.

20. In paragraph 19, An electrode assembly manufacturing device characterized by including a defective pusher for transferring defective unit cells among the above unit cells from the Rami transfer unit to the defective magazine.

Images