Electrode assembly taping device and electrode assembly taping method

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an electrode assembly taping device, and the technical task to be solved is to provide an electrode assembly taping device having improved reliability. To this end, the electrode assembly taping device of the present disclosure comprises: a frame extending in a first direction; a support member disposed on an upper portion of the frame; a guide rail coupled to one end of the frame and extending in a second direction; a tape attachment unit disposed on the guide rail and compressing tape to attach the tape to an electrode assembly; and an elastic member disposed between the tape attachment unit and the support member.

Description

Electrode assembly taping device and electrode assembly taping method

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electrode assembly taping device and an electrode assembly taping method.

[0002] Secondary batteries are rechargeable batteries capable of being charged and discharged multiple times. These batteries are primarily used in a variety of applications, including electronic devices (smartphones, laptops, tablets, etc.), electric vehicles, solar power generation, and emergency power supplies. Lithium-ion batteries, in particular, are used in various electronic devices and electric vehicles due to their high energy density and high charge-discharge efficiency.

[0003] Secondary batteries are manufactured by inserting an electrode assembly into a case and sealing it with a cap plate. The electrode assembly is formed by laminating a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator, and tape is attached to the outside to enhance stability. The thickness of the electrode assembly may vary depending on the location of the tape attachment. If the tape is not properly attached to the electrode assembly, it may detach.

[0004] The above-described information disclosed in the background technology of this invention is only intended to improve understanding of the background of the present invention, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art.

[0005] The problem to be solved by the present disclosure is to provide an electrode assembly taping device and an electrode assembly taping method for solving the above problems.

[0006] However, the technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure for solving the above technical problem, an electrode assembly taping device includes a frame extending in a first direction, a support member disposed on an upper portion of the frame, a guide rail coupled to one end of the frame and extending in a second direction, a tape attachment portion disposed on the guide rail and attaching a tape to the electrode assembly by pressing it, and an elastic member disposed between the tape attachment portion and the support member.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the elastic member is compressed in response to pressure applied to the tape attachment portion in the second direction.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the tape attachment portion includes a guide block moving on a guide rail and a vacuum chuck coupled to the guide block and sucking the tape.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the tape attachment portion further includes a compression roller disposed on an upper surface of the vacuum chuck.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, one end of the elastic member contacts the support member, and the other end of the elastic member contacts the upper surface of the vacuum chuck.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a portion of the vacuum chuck is disposed on an upper surface of the frame.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the support member is coupled to the frame and moves integrally with it.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the electrode assembly taping device further includes a tape cutting portion disposed above the tape attaching portion, the tape cutting portion including a knife for cutting the tape and a cutting actuator coupled to the knife.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the electrode assembly taping device further includes a tape holder disposed at the other end of the frame and holding a tape reel.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the electrode assembly taping device further includes a guide roller coupled to the frame, and the tape is rolled along the guide roller.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the electrode assembly taping device further includes a tape clamp disposed on a side of the frame and securing a tape disposed on a guide roller.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the electrode assembly taping device further includes a base moving in a first direction and an elevating unit disposed on the base and moving in a second direction, and the frame is coupled to the elevating unit.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present invention for solving the above technical problem, an electrode assembly taping device includes a base moving in a first direction, and a plurality of taping modules arranged on the base in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, each of the taping modules includes a lifting unit disposed on the base and moving in a third direction perpendicular to the second direction, a frame coupled to the lifting unit and extending in the first direction, a support member disposed on an upper portion of the frame, a guide rail coupled to one end of the frame and extending in the third direction, a guide block moving on the guide rail, and a tape attachment portion including a vacuum chuck coupled to the guide block for absorbing a tape, and an elastic member disposed between the tape attachment portion and the support member.

[0020] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a portion of the vacuum chuck is disposed between the support member and the frame.

[0021] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the electrode assembly taping device further includes a spacing adjustment unit disposed on a base and adjusting a spacing distance between each taping module.

[0022] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the elastic member is compressed in response to pressure applied to the tape attachment portion in a third direction.

[0023] According to some embodiments of the present invention for solving the above technical problem, a method for taping an electrode assembly includes the steps of: arranging a tape attachment portion having tape adsorbed thereon on an upper surface of an electrode assembly to be spaced apart from each other; moving the tape attachment portion in a first direction to attach the tape to the upper surface of the electrode assembly; moving the tape attachment portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; attaching the tape to a side surface of the electrode assembly by moving the tape attachment portion in the first direction; and attaching the tape to a lower surface of the electrode assembly by moving the tape attachment portion in a third direction opposite to the second direction, wherein the step of attaching the tape to the upper surface of the electrode assembly includes the steps of: moving a frame and the tape attachment portion arranged on the frame in the first direction to contact the tape on the upper surface of the electrode assembly; and moving the frame in the first direction to space apart a vacuum chuck of the frame and the tape attachment portion.

[0024] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the step of separating the vacuum chuck of the frame and the tape attachment portion includes the step of compressing an elastic member disposed between the tape attachment portion and the support member according to pressure applied to the tape attachment portion.

[0025] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the electrode assembly taping method further comprises, after the step of attaching the tape on the side of the electrode assembly, the step of securing the tape with a tape clamp, and the step of cutting the secured tape with a tape cutting portion.

[0026] According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the step of attaching a tape to the lower surface of the electrode assembly includes the step of a pressing roller of a tape attachment portion pressing and attaching the tape to the lower surface of the electrode assembly.

[0027] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the height of the tape attachment portion can be supplemented by utilizing an elastic member disposed between the vacuum chuck and the support member. Accordingly, the reliability of the electrode assembly taping device can be improved.

[0028] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the height of the tape attachment portion can be supplemented by utilizing an elastic member positioned between the vacuum chuck and the support member. Accordingly, the efficiency of the taping process can be improved.

[0029] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the horizontality of the vacuum chuck can be maintained by utilizing a guide block that moves on a guide rail. Accordingly, the accuracy of the tape attachment process can be improved.

[0030] However, the effects that can be obtained through the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and other technical effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0031] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention, and together with the detailed description of the invention described below, serve to further understand the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to matters described in such drawings.

[0032] FIG. 1 is an exemplary drawing of an electrode assembly manufactured using an electrode assembly taping device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an electrode assembly taping device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a drawing illustrating a taping module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 4 is an exemplary drawing illustrating an electrode assembly to which a tape is attached using an electrode assembly taping device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIGS. 5 to 7 are drawings for explaining an electrode assembly taping method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an electrode assembly taping method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to their typical or dictionary meanings, and should be interpreted with meanings and concepts that conform to the technical spirit of the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of a term to best explain his or her own invention. Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are only some of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical spirit of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modified examples may exist as substitutes for them at the time of filing this application.

[0039] Additionally, when used herein, the terms "comprise", "include" and / or "comprising", "including" specify the presence of stated features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, elements and / or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, operations, elements, elements and / or groups thereof.

[0040] Additionally, to facilitate understanding of the invention, the attached drawings are not drawn to scale and some components may be exaggerated in size. Furthermore, identical components may be assigned the same reference numbers in different embodiments.

[0041] The statement that two compared objects are "identical" means "substantially identical." Therefore, "substantially identical" may include deviations considered low in the art, such as deviations of less than 5%. Furthermore, uniformity of a parameter over a given region may imply uniformity on average.

[0042] Although terms like "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise specified, a "first" component may also be a "second" component.

[0043] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0044] Any configuration being placed "on (or under)" or "above (or below)" a component may mean not only that any configuration is placed in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface) of said component, but also that other configurations may intervene between said component and any configuration placed on (or below) said component.

[0045] Additionally, when it is described that a component is "connected," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the components may be directly connected or connected to one another, but that other components may also be "interposed" between the components, or that each component may be "connected," "coupled," or "connected" through another component. Furthermore, when it is said that a part is electrically coupled to another part, this includes not only cases where they are directly connected, but also cases where they are connected with another element in between.

[0046] When reference is made throughout the specification to "A and / or B," this means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise stated. In other words, "and / or" includes all or any combination of the listed items. When reference is made to "C through D," this means C or more and D or less, unless otherwise stated.

[0047] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention.

[0048] FIG. 1 is an exemplary drawing of an electrode assembly manufactured using an electrode assembly taping device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 1, a tape (20) may be attached to an electrode assembly (10). The attached tape (20) may extend along the top, side, and bottom surfaces of the electrode assembly (10). As illustrated, a plurality of tapes (20) may be disposed on the electrode assembly (10). The number of tapes (20) disposed on one side of the electrode assembly (10) is illustrated as three, but is not limited thereto. The tape (20) may be attached to the electrode assembly (10) using an electrode assembly taping device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0050] The electrode assembly (10) may be formed by winding or stacking a laminate of a first electrode plate, a separator, and a second electrode plate formed in a thin plate shape or a film shape. When the electrode assembly (10) is a rolled laminate, the winding axis may be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the case. In addition, the electrode assembly (10) may be a stack type rather than a rolled type, and the shape of the electrode assembly (10) is not limited in the present invention. In addition, the electrode assembly (10) may be a Z-stack electrode assembly (10) in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate are inserted on both sides of a separator folded in a Z-stack shape. In addition, the electrode assembly (10) may be housed inside the case by stacking one or more electrode assemblies (10) so that their long sides are adjacent to each other, and the number of electrode assemblies (10) is not limited in the present invention. The first electrode plate of the electrode assembly (10) may function as a negative electrode, and the second electrode plate may function as a positive electrode. Of course, the opposite is also possible.

[0051] The first electrode plate is formed by applying a first electrode active material such as graphite or carbon to a first electrode current collector plate formed of a metal foil such as copper, copper alloy, nickel or nickel alloy, and may include a first electrode tab (12) which is an area where the first electrode active material is not applied. The first electrode tab (12) may be a passage for current flow between the first electrode plate and the first current collector. In some examples, the first electrode tab (12) may be formed by cutting the first electrode plate in advance so as to protrude from one side when manufacturing it, and may protrude further from one side than the separator without separate cutting.

[0052] The second electrode plate is formed by applying a second electrode active material such as a transition metal oxide to a second electrode current collector plate formed of a metal foil such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and may include a second electrode tab (14) which is an area where the second electrode active material is not applied. The second electrode tab (14) may be a passage for current flow between the second electrode plate and the second current collector. In some examples, the second electrode tab (14) may be formed by cutting the second electrode plate in advance so as to protrude to the other side when manufacturing the second electrode plate, and may protrude further to the other side than the separator without separate cutting.

[0053] In some embodiments, the first electrode tab (12) may be positioned on the left end side of the electrode assembly (10), and the second electrode tab (14) may be positioned on the right end side of the electrode assembly (10). Here, left and right are for convenience of explanation based on the electrode assembly (10) illustrated in FIG. 1, and their positions may change when the secondary battery rotates left and right or up and down.

[0054] Unlike some embodiments shown, the first electrode tab (12) and the second electrode tab (14) may be positioned on the same side. For example, the first electrode tab (12) and the second electrode tab (14) may be positioned on the same long side of the electrode assembly (10).

[0055] The first electrode tab (12) of the first electrode plate and the second electrode tab (14) of the second electrode plate are respectively positioned at both ends of the electrode assembly (10) as described above. In some examples, the electrode assembly (10) may be accommodated in a case together with an electrolyte. In addition, the electrode assembly (10) is positioned such that the first current collector and the second current collector are respectively welded and connected to the first electrode tab (12) of the first electrode plate and the second electrode tab (14) of the second electrode plate, which are exposed on both sides.

[0056] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an electrode assembly taping device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For reference, in FIG. 2, the electrode assembly taping device (1) is illustrated excluding components such as a tape cutting portion and a tape clamp.

[0057] Unless specifically limited in this disclosure, "moving" or "capable of moving" in a particular direction should be interpreted to include forward movement and backward movement in the particular direction. For example, "moving in a first direction" or "capable of moving in the first direction" should be interpreted to mean "capable of moving forward in the first direction and capable of moving backward in the first direction."

[0058] Referring to FIG. 2, the electrode assembly taping device (1) may include a base (110), a plurality of taping modules (100), a gap adjustment unit (125), and a control unit (not shown).

[0059] The base (110) can move in a first direction (X). A transport unit (112) can be coupled to a lower portion of the base (110). The transport unit (112) includes a driving unit and can move on a transport rail (114). The transport rail (114) can extend in the first direction (X). That is, the transport unit (112) can move the base (110) in the first direction (X) along the transport rail (114). A control unit can control the operation of the transport unit (112).

[0060] The first direction (X) may refer to the X-axis direction. The second direction (Y) may be perpendicular to the first direction (X). The second direction (Y) may refer to the Y-axis direction. The third direction (Z) may be perpendicular to each of the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y). The third direction (Z) may refer to the Z-axis direction.

[0061] A plurality of taping modules (100) may be arranged on a base (110). Each of the taping modules (100) may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a second direction (Y). In some embodiments, the plurality of taping modules (100) may be configured to simultaneously attach a tape (20) to an electrode assembly. For example, when three tapes (20) are attached to one side of an electrode assembly (10) as shown in FIG. 1, the three taping modules (100) may be arranged in the second direction (Y).

[0062] The spacing adjustment unit (125) can be placed on the base (110). The spacing adjustment unit (125) can be coupled to a plurality of taping modules (100). For example, the spacing adjustment unit (125) can be coupled to the lifting unit (120) of each taping module (100). The spacing adjustment unit (125) can adjust the spacing distance of the taping modules (100). The control unit can control the operation of the spacing adjustment unit (125).

[0063] Although not shown, the gap adjustment unit (125) may include a plurality of fixed clamps, guide rods, gap adjustment actuators, etc. The gap adjustment actuators may move each taping module (100) in the second direction (Y) based on a preset gap distance. Each fixed clamp may be coupled to an elevating unit (120) of each taping module (100). The guide rods may extend in the second direction (Y) and pass through the plurality of fixed clamps. After the gap distance between each taping module (100) is adjusted, the fixed clamps may be fixed to the guide rods. As a result, the gap distance between the taping modules (100) may be fixed. Hereinafter, the configuration of the taping module (100) will be described in detail.

[0064] The taping module (100) may include a lifting unit (120), a frame (130), a support member (132), a guide rail (136), a tape attachment member (140), an elastic member (150), a tape holder (160), and a guide roller (180).

[0065] The elevating unit (120) can be placed on the base (110). For example, the elevating unit (120) can be placed on the upper portion of the base (110). The elevating unit (120) can move in the third direction (Z). For example, the elevating unit (120) can be configured with a combination of a linear guide and a drive motor or a linear guide and a hydraulic / pneumatic cylinder. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The elevating unit (120) can include any configuration that can move in the third direction (Z). The elevating unit (120) can move in the third direction (Z) to adjust the height of the frame (130) (for example, the height in the third direction (Z)). The control unit can control the operation of the elevating unit (120).

[0066] The frame (130) can be placed on the elevating unit (120). The frame (130) can extend in the first direction (X). The frame (130) is coupled to the elevating unit (120) and can move integrally with the elevating unit (120). For example, when the elevating unit (120) moves in the third direction (Z), the frame (130) can move in the third direction (Z) simultaneously with the elevating unit (120).

[0067] The support member (132) may be disposed on the upper portion of the frame (130). A portion of the support member (132) may be spaced apart from the frame (130) in a third direction (Z). For example, the support member (132) may extend in the third direction (Z) from the upper portion of the frame (130) and may extend in the first direction (X) from an end in the third direction (Z). An elastic member (150) may be disposed at an end of the support member (132) extending in the first direction (X). The support member (132) is coupled to the frame (130) and may move integrally with it. For example, when the frame (130) moves in the third direction (Z), the support member (132) may move in the third direction (Z) simultaneously with the frame (130).

[0068] The guide rail (136) may be arranged at one end of the frame (130). For example, the guide rail (136) may be arranged at the lower end of one end of the frame (130). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, unlike the drawing, the guide rail (136) may be arranged at the outermost end of one end of the frame (130). The guide rail (136) may extend in the third direction (Z). The guide rail (136) may include a rail extending in the third direction (Z).

[0069] The guide rail (136) is coupled to the frame (130) and can move integrally with the frame (130). For example, when the frame (130) moves in the third direction (Z), the guide rail (136) can move in the third direction (Z) simultaneously with the frame (130). For example, the guide rail (136) may be a rail of a linear motion guide. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0070] The tape attachment portion (140) may be disposed at one end of the frame (130). The tape attachment portion (140) may be disposed on the guide rail (136). A portion of the tape attachment portion (140) may be disposed on the upper surface of the frame (130). For example, a portion of the vacuum chuck (142) of the tape attachment portion (140) may be disposed on the upper surface of the frame (130). Due to the portion of the tape attachment portion (140) disposed on the upper surface of the frame (130), the tape attachment portion (140) may not descend in the third direction (Z). In other words, the portion of the tape attachment portion (140) that overlaps the frame (130) in the third direction (Z) may prevent the tape attachment portion (140) from descending. Here, the descending direction may mean the direction of gravity.

[0071] The tape attachment portion (140) may include a vacuum chuck (142), a compression roller (144), and a guide block (146).

[0072] The vacuum chuck (142) can extend in the first direction (X). The vacuum chuck (142) can protrude in the first direction (X) from the frame (130). The vacuum chuck (142) can temporarily fix the tape (20). For example, negative pressure can be provided to the opening of the vacuum chuck (142) to temporarily fix the tape (20).

[0073] The compression roller (144) may be placed on the vacuum chuck (142). For example, the compression roller (144) may be placed on the upper surface of the vacuum chuck (142). The compression roller (144) may be placed at one end of the vacuum chuck (142). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the compression roller (144) may be used when attaching the tape (20) to the lower surface of the electrode assembly.

[0074] The guide block (146) may be placed on the guide rail (136). The guide block (146) may move in the third direction (Z) along the guide rail (136). The guide block (146) is coupled to the vacuum chuck (142) and may move integrally with the vacuum chuck (142). For example, when the vacuum chuck (142) rises in the third direction (Z), the guide block (146) may rise in the third direction (Z) simultaneously with the vacuum chuck (142) along the guide rail (136). Here, the direction of rising in the third direction (Z) may be opposite to the direction of descending in the third direction (Z). For example, the guide block (146) may include a block of a linear motion guide. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0075] The elastic member (150) may be disposed between the tape attachment portion (140) and the support member (132). Specifically, the elastic member (150) may be disposed between the upper surface of the vacuum chuck (142) and the support member (132). The elastic member (150) may be compressed as the distance between the vacuum chuck (142) and the support member (132) decreases. For example, when the vacuum chuck (142) attaches the tape (20) to the upper surface of the electrode assembly, the distance between the vacuum chuck (142) and the support member (132) decreases, and the elastic member (150) may be compressed. The compressed elastic member (150) may provide a downward force in the third direction (Z) to the vacuum chuck (142). For example, the elastic member (150) may include a spring, etc., but is not limited thereto.

[0076] In some embodiments, unlike the one shown, a support member (132) may be coupled to the lower portion of the frame (130), and the arrangement of the vacuum chuck (142) and the compression roller (144) may be reversed. For example, the tape (20) may be adsorbed on the upper surface of the vacuum chuck (142), and the compression roller (144) may be arranged on the lower surface of the vacuum chuck (142). In addition, an elastic member (150) may be arranged between the lower surface of the vacuum chuck (142) and the support member (132).

[0077] The tape holder (160) may be placed at the other end of the frame (130). That is, the tape attachment portion (140) may be placed at one end of the frame (130), and the tape holder (160) may be placed at the other end of the frame (130). The tape holder (160) may hold a tape reel (21). The tape (20) may be wound and provided on the tape reel (21). Depending on the operation of the electrode assembly taping device (1), the tape (20) may be unwound from the tape reel (21).

[0078] In some embodiments, the tape holder (160) may include a torque control unit. The control unit may control the torque control unit to adjust the unwinding speed of the tape (20) and the tension of the tape (20). For example, the control unit may control the torque control unit to maintain the tension of the tape (20) above a set value.

[0079] The guide roller (180) may be placed on the frame (130). The guide roller (180) may be coupled to a side surface of the frame (130). The tape (20) may be transported along the guide roller (180). For example, the tape (20) unwound from the tape reel (21) may be transported along the guide roller (180) to the tape attachment portion (140). It should be understood that the number and position of the guide rollers (180) illustrated in FIG. 2 are exemplary. The number and position of the guide rollers (180) may vary depending on the design of the electrode assembly taping device (1).

[0080] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a taping module according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For convenience of explanation, the description will focus on differences from those described in FIG. 2.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 3, the taping module (100) may further include a tape cutting portion (170) and a tape clamp (190).

[0082] The tape cutting unit (170) may be positioned on top of the vacuum chuck (142). The tape cutting unit (170) may include a knife (171) for cutting the tape and a cutting actuator (172) to which the knife (171) is coupled. The knife (171) may cut the tape (20). For example, the knife (171) may be positioned obliquely between the vacuum chuck (142) and the compression roller (144) to cut the tape (20) exposed between the vacuum chuck (142) and the compression roller (144). The cutting actuator (172) may provide power to drive the knife (171). Although not shown, the tape cutting unit (170) may be coupled to the frame (130).

[0083] The tape clamp (190) may be placed on the side of the frame (130). The tape clamp (190) may be coupled to the frame (130). The tape clamp (190) may be placed spaced apart from the guide roller (180). For example, the tape clamp (190) may be placed spaced apart from the guide roller (180) that is closest to the vacuum chuck (142) among the guide rollers (180).

[0084] The tape clamp (190) may include a pressure plate (191) and a clamping actuator (192). The clamping actuator (192) may move the pressure plate (191) forward or backward toward the guide roller (180). For example, the clamping actuator (192) may move the pressure plate (191) forward toward the guide roller (180) to fix the tape (20). The tape cutting unit (170) may cut the fixed tape (20).

[0085] FIG. 4 is an exemplary drawing illustrating an electrode assembly to which a tape is attached using an electrode assembly taping device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 4, the electrode assembly (10) may include an upper surface (10_US), a side surface (10_CS), and a lower surface (10_BS). The tape (20) may be arranged along the upper surface (10_US), the side surface (10_CS), and the lower surface (10_BS) of the electrode assembly (10).

[0087] Tapes (20) may be attached to the first position, the second position, and the third position of the electrode assembly (10), respectively. At the first position, the electrode assembly (10) may have a first thickness (H1). At the second position, the electrode assembly (10) may have a second thickness (H2). At the third position, the electrode assembly (10) may have a third thickness (H3).

[0088] In some embodiments, the first thickness (H1), the second thickness (H2), and the third thickness (H3) may be different from each other. For example, the first thickness (H1) may be greater than the second thickness (H2). The third thickness (H3) may be greater than the second thickness (H2). As illustrated, the thickness of the side surface (10_CS) at the first to third positions of the electrode assembly (10) is not constant, and the height at which the tape (20) is attached on the electrode assembly (10) may be different.

[0089] If the attachment location set on the electrode assembly taping device differs from the location where the tape is to be attached to the electrode assembly, the tape may not be accurately attached. In this case, the tape may detach during subsequent processes, potentially damaging the electrode assembly or reducing the reliability of the secondary battery including the electrode assembly. Furthermore, if the taping process is performed with the tape attachment location misaligned, the device may be damaged.

[0090] An electrode assembly taping device (1) according to some embodiments of the present disclosure can compensate for the height of a tape attachment portion (140) by using an elastic member (150). For example, the tape attachment portion (140) can be placed on the upper surface of an electrode assembly (10). Then, as the tape attachment portion (140) moves toward the upper surface of the electrode assembly (10), the height of the tape attachment portion (140) is compensated as the elastic member (150) is compressed, and the tape (20) can be attached to the upper surface of the electrode assembly (10). In addition, as the compressed elastic member (150) presses the tape attachment portion (140), the tape can be attached to electrode assemblies having various thicknesses. Accordingly, the reliability of the electrode assembly taping device can be improved.

[0091] In addition, since the height of the tape attachment portion (140) is supplemented by the elastic member (150), there is no need to adjust the attachment position of the electrode assembly taping device (1) depending on the thickness of the electrode assembly. As a result, the time and cost required to attach the tape onto the electrode assembly can be reduced. In other words, the efficiency of the taping process can be increased.

[0092] In addition, since the guide block (146) of the tape attachment portion (140) moves on the guide rail (136), the horizontality of the vacuum chuck (142) can be maintained. As a result, the accuracy of the taping process for attaching the tape (20) on the electrode assembly (10) can be improved.

[0093] FIGS. 5 to 7 are drawings illustrating electrode assembly taping methods according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For reference, the electrode assembly taping devices described in FIGS. 2 and 3 may be used in the methods of FIGS. 5 to 7. In some embodiments, the operation of the electrode assembly taping devices described in FIGS. 5 to 7 may be controlled by a control unit of the electrode assembly taping devices.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 5, in the first operation (510), the tape attachment portion (140) can be spaced apart and placed on the upper surface of the electrode assembly (10). Specifically, the frame (130) can be moved by the transport unit and the lifting unit of the electrode assembly taping device. Accordingly, the tape attachment portion (140) coupled to the frame (130) moves, and the vacuum chuck (142) can be spaced apart and placed on the upper surface of the electrode assembly (10).

[0095] Next, in a second operation (520), the tape attachment portion (140) may be moved in a first direction to attach the tape (20) to the upper surface of the electrode assembly (10). Here, the first direction may be a direction in which the electrode assembly taping device descends. Specifically, the frame (130) may be moved in the first direction to cause the tape (20) to come into contact with the upper surface of the electrode assembly (10). Subsequently, the frame (130) may be moved in the first direction, so that the elastic member (150) is compressed, and the vacuum chuck (142) may be spaced apart from the frame (130) in the first direction. The compressed elastic member (150) may press the vacuum chuck (142) toward the upper surface of the electrode assembly (10). As a result, the tape (20) may be attached to the upper surface of the electrode assembly (10). At this time, the guide block (146) moves along the guide rail (136), so that the horizontality of the vacuum chuck (142) coupled to the guide block (146) can be maintained.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 6, in the third operation (610), the tape attachment portion (140) can be moved in a second direction. Here, the second direction may be the direction in which the electrode assembly taping device moves backward. As the frame (130) and the tape attachment portion (140) move in the second direction, the tape (20) can be unwound.

[0097] Next, in the fourth operation (620), the tape attachment portion (140) may move in a first direction to attach the tape (20) on the side surface of the electrode assembly (10). Here, the first direction may be the direction in which the electrode assembly taping device descends. Specifically, the frame (130) may move in the first direction. At this time, the compressed elastic member (150) may be restored, allowing the tape attachment portion (140) to move further in the first direction.

[0098] In some embodiments, when the tape attachment portion (140) moves in the first direction, the compression roller (144) can press the tape (20) disposed on the side of the electrode assembly (10).

[0099] Referring to FIG. 7, in the fifth operation (710), the tape attachment unit (140) can move in a first direction. Here, the first direction may be the direction in which the electrode assembly taping device descends. The tape attachment unit (140) moves in the first direction, so that the tape (20) can be unwound. Subsequently, the tape clamp (190) can press and fix the tape (20) placed on the guide roller (180). Accordingly, the tension of the tape (20) is maintained, and the tape cutting unit (170) can cut the tape (20) exposed between the pressing roller (144) and the vacuum chuck (142).

[0100] Next, in the sixth operation (720), the tape attachment portion (140) may move in a third direction to attach the tape (20) to the lower surface of the electrode assembly (10). Here, the third direction may be the direction in which the electrode assembly taping device advances. Specifically, the tape attachment portion (140) may move in the third direction to cause the compression roller (144) to press the tape (20) to the lower surface of the electrode assembly (10).

[0101] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an electrode assembly taping method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 8, in the electrode assembly taping method (800), the control unit can place the tape attachment portion, which has absorbed the tape, on the upper surface of the electrode assembly at a distance (810). For example, the control unit can control the transport unit and the lifting unit to move the vacuum chuck of the tape attachment portion so that it is placed on the upper surface of the electrode assembly.

[0103] Next, the control unit can move the tape attachment unit in the first direction to attach the tape onto the upper surface of the electrode assembly (820). Specifically, the control unit can move the frame and the tape attachment unit arranged on the frame in the first direction to bring the tape into contact with the upper surface of the electrode assembly. Next, the control unit can move the frame in the first direction so that the vacuum chucks of the frame and the tape attachment unit can be spaced apart. In this case, depending on the pressure applied to the tape attachment unit, the elastic member arranged between the tape attachment unit and the support member can be compressed.

[0104] Next, the control unit can move the tape attachment unit in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction (830). As the tape attachment unit moves in the second direction, the tape can be unwound. Next, the control unit can move the tape attachment unit in the first direction to attach the tape on the side of the electrode assembly (840). Next, the tape clamp can secure the tape. For example, the control unit can cause the tape clamp to press the tape placed on the guide roller to secure the tape. Next, the tape cutting unit can cut the secured tape.

[0105] Next, the control unit can move the tape attachment unit in a third direction opposite to the second direction to attach the tape to the lower surface of the electrode assembly (850). For example, the tape can be attached by the compression roller of the tape attachment unit pressing the tape to the lower surface of the electrode assembly.

[0106] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the equivalent scope of the patent claims to be described below by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

Claims

1. A frame extending in the first direction; A support member placed on the upper part of the above frame; A guide rail coupled to one end of the above frame and extending in a second direction; A tape attachment portion positioned on the above guide rail and attaching the tape to the electrode assembly by pressing it; and An elastic member arranged between the tape attachment portion and the support member An electrode assembly taping device comprising:

2. In paragraph 1, A secondary battery taping device, wherein the elastic member is compressed according to pressure applied to the tape attachment portion in the second direction.

3. In paragraph 1, An electrode assembly taping device, wherein the tape attachment portion includes a guide block moving on the guide rail and a vacuum chuck coupled to the guide block and absorbing the tape.

4. In paragraph 3, An electrode assembly taping device, wherein the tape attachment portion further includes a compression roller disposed on the upper surface of the vacuum chuck.

5. In paragraph 3, One end of the above elastic member is in contact with the support member, An electrode assembly taping device in which the other end of the elastic member is in contact with the upper surface of the vacuum chuck.

6. In paragraph 3, An electrode assembly taping device, wherein a portion of the vacuum chuck is disposed on the upper surface of the frame.

7. In paragraph 1, An electrode assembly taping device in which the above support member is combined with the above frame and moves as one unit.

8. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a tape cutting portion arranged on the upper portion of the tape attachment portion, An electrode assembly taping device, wherein the tape cutting unit includes a knife for cutting the tape and a cutting actuator coupled to the knife.

9. In paragraph 1, An electrode assembly taping device further comprising a tape holder disposed at the other end of the frame and configured to hold a tape reel.

10. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a guide roller coupled to the above frame, An electrode assembly taping device in which a tape is unwound along the above guide roller.

11. In paragraph 10, An electrode assembly taping device further comprising a tape clamp disposed on the side of the frame and fixing a tape disposed on the guide roller.

12. In paragraph 1, a base moving in the first direction; and An elevating unit placed on the base and moving in the second direction Including more, The above frame is an electrode assembly taping device coupled to the above lifting unit.

13. Base moving in the first direction; and A plurality of taping modules arranged in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction on the base Including, Each of the above taping modules An elevating unit disposed on the base and moving in a third direction perpendicular to the second direction; A frame coupled to the above lifting unit and extending in the first direction; A support member placed on the upper part of the above frame; A guide rail coupled to one end of the above frame and extending in the third direction; A tape attachment unit including a guide block that moves along the guide rail and a vacuum chuck that is coupled to the guide block and absorbs the tape; and An electrode assembly taping device comprising an elastic member disposed between the tape attachment portion and the support member.

14. In paragraph 13, An electrode assembly taping device, wherein a portion of the vacuum chuck is disposed between the support member and the frame.

15. In paragraph 13, An electrode assembly taping device further comprising a spacing adjustment unit disposed on the base and adjusting the spacing distance of each of the taping modules.

16. In paragraph 13, An electrode assembly taping device, wherein the elastic member is compressed according to pressure applied to the tape attachment portion in the third direction.

17. A step of arranging the tape attachment portion, which has absorbed the tape, on the upper surface of the electrode assembly at a distance; A step of moving the tape attachment portion in the first direction to attach the tape on the upper surface of the electrode assembly; A step of moving the tape attachment portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; A step of moving the tape attachment portion in the first direction to attach the tape on the side of the electrode assembly; and A step of moving the tape attachment portion in a third direction opposite to the second direction to attach the tape to the lower surface of the electrode assembly. Including, The step of attaching a tape on the upper surface of the electrode assembly is: A step of moving the frame and the tape attachment portion arranged on the frame in the first direction to contact the tape on the upper surface of the electrode assembly; and A step of moving the frame in the first direction so that the vacuum chuck of the frame and the tape attachment part are spaced apart. A method of taping an electrode assembly, comprising:

18. In paragraph 17, The step of separating the vacuum chuck of the above frame and the above tape attachment part is: An electrode assembly taping method, comprising a step of compressing an elastic member disposed between the tape attachment portion and a support member according to pressure applied to the tape attachment portion.

19. In paragraph 17, After the step of attaching the tape on the side of the above electrode assembly, The step of the tape clamp securing the tape; and A step in which a tape cutting part cuts the fixed tape. A method of taping an electrode assembly, further comprising:

20. In paragraph 17, The step of attaching tape to the lower surface of the above electrode assembly is: An electrode assembly taping method, comprising a step of pressing the tape on the lower surface of the electrode assembly by the compression roller of the tape attachment portion.

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