Taping apparatus for electrode sheet

Abstract

The present invention relates to a taping apparatus for an electrode sheet. A taping apparatus for an electrode sheet according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: an electrode sheet supply unit for supplying an electrode sheet including a foil-shaped current collecting part and a plurality of pattern parts arranged along the longitudinal direction of the current collecting part on one surface of the current collecting part; a taping unit forming a tape part attached to one surface of the current collecting part to overlap at least a part of two pattern parts adjacent to each other among the plurality of pattern parts; and an electrode sheet recovery unit for recovering the electrode sheet on which the tape part is formed. The taping unit may comprise: a gripper capable of picking up or placing the tape and capable of moving in the width direction of the current collecting part; and a pressing block capable of pressing the tape toward the current collecting part through an area having a width wider than a gap between the two pattern parts.

Description

Taping device for electrode sheets

[0001] Cross-citation with related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0051566, dated April 17, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Technology field

[0004] The present invention relates to a taping device for an electrode sheet, and more specifically, to a taping device for an electrode sheet capable of attaching a tape to the outer surface of an electrode sheet.

[0005] Secondary batteries have been applied to small fields such as mobile devices and laptop computers, but recently, their research direction has expanded to medium and large fields, and they are widely used in fields requiring high voltage and large capacity, such as energy storage systems (ESS) and electric vehicles (EV).

[0006] Typically, secondary batteries have a structure in which an electrolyte and an electrode assembly are housed within a case or housing. The electrode assembly can be manufactured by processing an electrode sheet having active material patterns formed on the surface of a foil-shaped metal current collector. For example, an electrode assembly can be manufactured by winding the electrode sheet around a predetermined axis, folding it at unit length intervals, or cutting the electrode sheet into units of a predetermined size and then re-stacking it.

[0007] At this time, a taping process may be additionally performed on the electrode sheet. The taping process is a process of attaching tape to the outer surface of the current collector. In this process, the tape is attached so as to cover the edge of the active material pattern and a portion of the uncoated region. Here, the uncoated region refers to a portion of the current collector of the electrode sheet where the active material pattern is not formed and is exposed to the outside. The tape attached to the current collector can protect the edge of the active material pattern and prevent short circuits between active material patterns of different polarities.

[0008] Meanwhile, conventional taping devices for electrode sheets attached a single layer of tape to each edge of the active material pattern. Specifically, the tape attached to the electrode sheet by the conventional device covered one edge of the active material pattern, and the remaining portion covered the uncoated portion of the current collector. Since such conventional devices were configured to individually attach a single layer of tape to each active material pattern, they had problems with low productivity and efficiency.

[0009] To improve the productivity and efficiency of the taping process, a process of attaching tape with a wider width between adjacent active material patterns may be considered. This process allows a single layer of tape to cover the entire edge of adjacent active material patterns simultaneously, thereby improving the efficiency and productivity of the taping process.

[0010] However, increasing the tape width has entailed a deterioration in the tape's adhesion quality. This is because as the tape width increases, the likelihood of defects, such as wrinkles or bubbles forming between the tape and the electrode sheet, increases. Therefore, there has been an urgent need to develop a taping device for electrode sheets that can achieve high-quality tape adhesion while also improving the efficiency and productivity of the taping process.

[0011] The present invention has been devised to solve the above problems, and the object of the present invention is to provide a taping device for an electrode sheet capable of attaching a tape covering the edge portions of adjacent pattern portions to the electrode sheet with high quality.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a taping device for an electrode sheet that can efficiently perform a taping process of the electrode sheet.

[0013] The tasks of the present invention are not limited to the tasks mentioned above, and other tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the description below.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, a taping device for an electrode sheet is provided, comprising: an electrode sheet supply unit for supplying an electrode sheet including a foil-shaped current collector and a plurality of pattern portions arranged along a longitudinal direction of the current collector on one surface of the current collector; a taping unit for forming a tape portion attached to one surface of the current collector so as to overlap at least a portion of two adjacent pattern portions among the plurality of pattern portions; and an electrode sheet recovery unit for recovering an electrode sheet on which the tape portion is formed, wherein the taping unit includes a gripper capable of picking up or placing a tape and being movable in a width direction of the current collector; and a pressing block capable of pressing the tape toward the current collector through an area having a width wider than a gap between the two pattern portions.

[0015] At this time, the gripper may include a first gripper portion; a grip plate portion movably coupled to one side of the first gripper portion; and a second gripper portion that can move toward or away from the first gripper portion so as to pick up or place a tape placed between the grip plate portion and the first gripper portion.

[0016] At this time, the grip plate portion can be rotated around an axis parallel to the width direction of the current collector portion.

[0017]

[0018] *At this time, a plurality of coupling holes arranged in the longitudinal direction of the electrode sheet are formed in the grip plate portion, and the gripper may further include a rotational axis member that is coupled to one of the plurality of coupling holes and becomes the rotational center of the grip plate portion.

[0019] At this time, the pressurizing block may include a pressurizing portion that extends in the width direction of the current collector and can move toward one side of the current collector; and a pressurizing pad portion that is provided on one side of the pressurizing portion and has an embossed pattern formed on an outer surface facing the one side of the current collector.

[0020] At this time, the pressure pad portion has a predetermined width in the longitudinal direction of the current collector portion, and the width direction length of the pressure pad portion may be greater than the interval between adjacent pattern portions.

[0021] At this time, the pressurizing block further includes a plurality of heating parts provided inside the pressurizing part to heat the pressurizing part, and the heating parts may include heating wires extending in the width direction of the current collector.

[0022] At this time, the plurality of heating parts can be arranged along the transport direction of the electrode sheet.

[0023] At this time, a cleaning unit for removing foreign substances attached to the collector may be further included.

[0024] At this time, the cleaning unit may be positioned at the front end of the taping unit based on the direction in which the electrode sheet is transported.

[0025] At this time, the cleaning unit may include a cleaning body part extending in the width direction of the collector part and having a passage formed therein through which air can enter and exit; and a blower part capable of blowing air from the cleaning body part to the one surface of the collector part.

[0026] At this time, the cleaning unit further includes a cleaning roller portion on which the electrode sheet can pass, the cleaning body portion includes a sunken surface that is concavely sunken to correspond to the outer circumference of the cleaning roller portion, and the blower portion may be provided on the sunken surface.

[0027] At this time, the cleaning unit may further include a suction unit capable of sucking in air sprayed from the blower unit and hitting the one surface of the collector unit.

[0028] At this time, the blower part may be positioned at the rear end of the suction part based on the direction in which the electrode sheet is transported.

[0029] At this time, the present invention further includes a sensor unit capable of obtaining information on the relative positions of the pattern portion and the tape portion on the one surface of the current collector; and a processor for determining whether the electrode sheet is defective based on the information obtained from the sensor unit. The sensor unit may include a sensor portion extending in the width direction of the current collector so as to be able to observe the electrode sheet from one end to the other in the width direction.

[0030] At this time, the sensor unit may further include a lighting unit that irradiates light toward the tape portion so that the sensor portion can collect light reflected from a material placed on the outer surface of the tape portion.

[0031] At this time, the electrode sheet is formed by a vision sensor that photographs the electrode sheet from one end to the other in the width direction to form image data, and the processor forms a plurality of segmented image data by photographing a plurality of segmented areas divided in the width direction of the electrode sheet based on the image data, and can determine, based on the segmented image data, whether the tape portion and the pattern portion overlap in the segmented area.

[0032] At this time, the apparatus may further include a transfer unit for transferring an electrode sheet from the electrode sheet supply unit to the electrode sheet recovery unit; a chamber for providing a working space through which the electrode sheet transferred by the transfer unit passes and in which the taping unit is arranged; and a circulation unit positioned above the electrode sheet transferred by the transfer unit in the working space for blowing air downward.

[0033] At this time, the chamber includes a chamber portion having the working space inside; and a communication portion provided in the chamber portion to communicate the working space with the outside, and the communication portion can be located on the lower side of the electrode sheet being transported by the transport unit.

[0034] At this time, a sensor unit capable of obtaining information on the relative positions of the pattern portion and the tape portion on the one surface of the current collector; and a processor for determining whether the electrode sheet is defective based on the information obtained from the sensor unit, wherein the processor may be located outside the chamber.

[0035] According to one aspect of the present invention, a gripper of a taping device for an electrode sheet picks up a tape having a width wider than the gap between two adjacent pattern portions and moves it in the width direction of the electrode sheet, whereby one end of the tape can be attached to the electrode sheet so as to cover the facing edge portions of the two pattern portions. Accordingly, the taping process for two adjacent pattern portions can be performed at once, thereby improving productivity and efficiency.

[0036] According to one aspect of the present invention, by having a pressing block of a taping device for an electrode sheet press the tape toward the electrode sheet with an area having a width wider than the gap between the two pattern portions, wrinkles in the tape and / or the occurrence of air bubbles trapped between the tape and the current collector can be minimized. Accordingly, a tape having a wider width can be attached to the electrode sheet with high quality.

[0037] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing showing a taping device for an electrode sheet according to one embodiment of the present invention taping an electrode sheet.

[0039] FIG. 2 is a perspective view from above of a portion of an electrode sheet that is a work target of a taping device for an electrode sheet according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a cleaning unit of a taping device for an electrode sheet according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 4 is a side view schematically illustrating a cleaning unit of a taping device for an electrode sheet according to one embodiment of the present invention cleaning an electrode sheet. At this time, the cleaning body part of the cleaning unit is illustrated in cross-section.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a gripper of a taping device for an electrode sheet according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above.

[0043] Fig. 6 is a side view of a gripper of a taping device for an electrode sheet according to one embodiment of the present invention. At this time, the rotation support frame is not shown, and the rotation shaft member is shown in cross-section.

[0044] FIG. 7 is a schematic drawing showing a gripper of a taping device for an electrode sheet according to one embodiment of the present invention gripping an end side of a tape.

[0045] FIG. 8 is a schematic drawing showing a gripper of a taping device for an electrode sheet according to one embodiment of the present invention moving in the width direction of the electrode sheet while holding the tape.

[0046] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a pressure block of a taping device for an electrode sheet according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below.

[0047] Figure 10 is an enlarged view of the U portion of Figure 9.

[0048] FIG. 11 is a drawing schematically showing a process of attaching a tape to an electrode sheet by a pressure block of a taping device for an electrode sheet according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] FIG. 12 is a perspective view from above of a portion of an electrode sheet taped by a taping device for an electrode sheet according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Fig. 13 is a side view of a portion of the electrode sheet illustrated in Fig. 12.

[0051] FIG. 14 is a perspective view from above of a sensor unit of a taping device for an electrode sheet according to one embodiment of the present invention observing a taping portion of an electrode sheet.

[0052] FIG. 15 is a side view of a sensor unit of a taping device for an electrode sheet according to one embodiment of the present invention observing a taping portion of an electrode sheet.

[0053] FIG. 16 is a plan view schematically showing a segmented area identified by a processor of a taping device for an electrode sheet according to one embodiment of the present invention on an electrode sheet.

[0054] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited or restricted by the following examples.

[0055] In order to clearly explain the present invention, a detailed description of a part that is irrelevant to the description or a related known technology that may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention has been omitted, and when adding reference signs to components of each drawing in this specification, the same or similar reference signs are attached to the same or similar components throughout the specification.

[0056] In addition, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to their usual or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts that conform to the technical idea of ​​the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the term to explain his or her own invention in the best way.

[0057] Fig. 1 is a schematic drawing showing a taping device for an electrode sheet according to one embodiment of the present invention taping an electrode sheet. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of an electrode sheet that is a work target of the taping device for an electrode sheet according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above.

[0058] FIG. 1 discloses a taping device (hereinafter, referred to as a taping device) (1) for an electrode sheet according to one embodiment of the present invention. The taping device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be a device for forming a taped electrode sheet (S_T) by attaching a tape to an electrode sheet (S). Hereinafter, both the non-taped electrode sheet (S) and the taped electrode sheet (S_T) are collectively referred to as electrode sheets (S, S_T), and are distinguished from each other by the drawing reference numerals given together.

[0059] Before describing a taping device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, an electrode sheet (S) that is a working target of the taping device (1) will be described. Fig. 2 discloses an electrode sheet (S) that is a working target of the taping device (1). Referring to Fig. 2, the electrode sheet (S) may include a current collector (F) and a pattern portion (P).

[0060] In the present disclosure, the current collector (F) may be a portion constituting the current collector of the electrode. As illustrated, the current collector (F) may have a foil shape extending in one direction and having a predetermined width. The current collector (F) may be formed of a conductive metal. For example, the current collector (F) may be formed of copper (Cu) or aluminum (Al), but is not limited thereto.

[0061] In the present disclosure, the pattern portion (P) may be a part that imparts polarity to the electrode. For this purpose, the pattern portion (P) may include an electrode active material. For example, the pattern portion (P) may include, but is not limited to, lithium-cobalt oxide (LCO), lithium-manganese oxide (LMO), nickel-cobalt-manganese (NCM), nickel-cobalt-aluminum (NCA), lithium-iron phosphate (LFP), graphite (C), silicon (Si), etc.

[0062] In the present disclosure, the pattern portion (P) may be formed on the outer surface of the collector portion (F) and may have a layer structure having a predetermined area. At this time, the width of the pattern portion (P) may be smaller than the width of the collector portion (F).

[0063] Accordingly, the edge portion located in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the collector (F) can be exposed to the outside without being covered by the pattern portion (P). The pattern portion (P) may be provided on only one side of the collector (F), or may be provided on both sides of the collector (F).

[0064] At this time, the pattern portion (P) may be configured in multiple numbers and arranged along the length direction of the collector portion (F). In addition, the portion between adjacent pattern portions (P) in the collector portion (F) may not be covered by the turn portion (P) and may be exposed to the outside.

[0065] At this time, at least one of the plurality of pattern portions (P) may have a different length from any other one. As illustrated, the plurality of pattern portions (P) may include a first pattern portion (P1) having a first length (L_P1) and a second pattern portion (P2) having a second length (L_P2) shorter than the first length (L_P1). In addition, the first pattern portion (P1) and the second pattern portion (P2) may be alternately arranged along the length direction of the current collector (F).

[0066] Of course, depending on the need, multiple pattern sections (P) may all have the same length, or three or more types of pattern sections having different lengths may be arranged in a certain manner.

[0067] Hereinafter, components of a taping device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described.

[0068] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a cleaning unit of a taping device for an electrode sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a side view schematically showing a cleaning unit of a taping device for an electrode sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention cleaning an electrode sheet. At this time, the cleaning body of the cleaning unit is shown in cross-section. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a gripper of a taping device for an electrode sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above. FIG. 6 is a side view of a gripper of a taping device for an electrode sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention. At this time, the rotation support frame is not shown, and the rotation shaft member is shown in cross-section. FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a gripper of a taping device for an electrode sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention gripping an end side of a tape. FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing a gripper of a taping device for an electrode sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention moving in the width direction of the electrode sheet while gripping a tape. Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the pressure block of the taping device for an electrode sheet according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below. Fig. 10 is an enlarged view of the U portion of Fig. 9. Fig. 11 is a drawing schematically showing a process of attaching a tape to an electrode sheet by the pressure block of the taping device for an electrode sheet according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 1, a taping device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a chamber (10). The chamber (10) may be configured to provide a working space (S_12) in which a taping process of an electrode sheet (S) is performed. The electrode sheet (S) may be taped while passing through the working space (S_12) from the left (negative direction of the Y-axis) to the right (positive direction of the Y-axis).

[0070] In this embodiment, the chamber (10) may include a chamber portion (12). The chamber portion (12) may be provided as a box-shaped structure having a working space (S_12) inside. The working space (S_12) may be partitioned from the outside by the chamber portion (12).

[0071] Through this, the electrode sheet (S) can be protected from external contamination or impact during the taping process. This chamber section (12) can be provided as a structure of various shapes that can partition the outside and the working space (S_12).

[0072] Meanwhile, the chamber section (12) may be provided with a penetration section or a door section to allow an untaped electrode sheet (S) to enter the work space (S_12) or a taped electrode sheet (S_T) to exit.

[0073] In this embodiment, the chamber (10) may include a communication portion (14). The communication portion (14) may be a configuration provided in the chamber portion (12) to communicate the working space (S_12) with the outside. As an example, the communication portion (14) may be formed as a window formed in the chamber portion (12).

[0074] At this time, a mesh-shaped structure may be installed in the window. This can minimize the entry of external foreign substances into the work space (S_12) through the communication portion (14). The structure or shape of the communication portion (14) is not particularly limited as long as it can ventilate the work space (S_12) to the outside.

[0075] In this embodiment, the communication portion (14) may be positioned on the lower side (in the negative direction of the Z-axis) of the electrode sheet (S) passing through the working space (S_12). For this purpose, the communication portion (14) may be positioned at or close to the bottom of the working space (S_12). The effect of such a configuration will be described later together with the circulation unit (110).

[0076] Referring again to FIG. 1, a taping device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an electrode sheet supply unit (hereinafter, referred to as a supply unit) (20). The supply unit (20) may be configured to supply an electrode sheet (S) toward a taping unit (50) described later.

[0077] As illustrated, the supply unit (20) may be configured as an unwinding device capable of unwinding an electrode sheet (S) wound in a cylindrical shape. The supply unit (20) may be positioned outside the working space (S_12) to supply the electrode sheet (S) to the working space (S_12). However, the structure or position of the supply unit (20) is not particularly limited. For example, the supply unit (20) may be placed in the working space (S_12).

[0078] A taping device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a transport unit (30). The transport unit (30) may be configured to transport electrode sheets (S, S_T). As illustrated, the transport unit (30) may be composed of a plurality of transport rollers. However, the configuration of the transport unit (30) is not particularly limited as long as it can transport the electrode sheets (S, S_T).

[0079] In the present embodiment, the transport unit (30) can transport the electrode sheets (S, S_T) in a horizontal direction (Y-axis direction) so that the electrode sheets (S, S_T) are moved from the supply unit (20) toward the electrode sheet recovery unit (100) described later. Accordingly, the electrode sheets (S, S_T) can pass through the working space (S_12) in a horizontal direction (Y-axis direction).

[0080] Of course, as shown, some sections of the electrode sheet (S, S_T) may be configured to be transported in an inclined direction with respect to the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) or horizontal direction (Y-axis direction) by the transport unit (30).

[0081] Referring to FIGS. 1, 3, and 4, a taping device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a cleaning unit (40). The cleaning unit (40) may be configured to clean the outer surface of the electrode sheet (S) to remove foreign substances. Here, the foreign substances may be dust, metal fragments, etc.

[0082] In this embodiment, the cleaning unit (40) can be placed inside the working space (S_12). Therefore, the cleaning unit (40) can be protected from external impact or contamination by the chamber (10).

[0083] At this time, the cleaning unit (40) may be positioned at the front end of the taping unit (50) described later based on the transport direction of the electrode sheet (S) in the work space (S_12). This may be to improve the process quality by cleaning the outer surface of the electrode sheet (S) before the electrode sheet (S) is taped.

[0084] To this end, in the present embodiment, the cleaning unit (40) may be positioned in the left (negative direction of the Y-axis) area of ​​the working space (S_12) so as to be positioned closer to the supply unit (20) than the taping unit (50).

[0085] In this embodiment, the cleaning unit (40) may include a cleaning body part (42). The cleaning body part (42) may be configured to serve as a base for the blower part (46) and suction part (48) described later.

[0086] The cleaning body part (42) can extend in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the electrode sheet (S) (or, current collector (F)). At this time, the length of the cleaning body part (42) can be longer than the width of the electrode sheet (S). As a result, the cleaning body part (42) can cover the electrode sheet (S) entirely along the width direction.

[0087] In this embodiment, the cleaning body (42) may be provided with a flow path (L_S, L_B) through which air can enter and exit. The flow paths (L_S, L_B) may include a blower flow path (L_B) through which air discharged to the blower section (46) flows, and a suction flow path (L_S) through which air sucked into the suction section (48) flows.

[0088] At this time, the blower flow path (L_B) and the suction flow path (L_S) can be extended in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the cleaning body part (42). Through this, wind can be blown or sucked entirely along the width direction (X-axis direction) of the electrode sheet (S).

[0089] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, a blower tube (43_B) and a suction tube (43_S) may be fluidly connected to the cleaning body (42). The blower tube (43_B) and the suction tube (43_S) may be connected to a blower flow path (L_B) and a suction flow path (L_S), respectively. A predetermined pump (not shown) may be connected to the blower tube (43_B) or the suction tube (43_S). Through this, air may be forced into and out of the cleaning body (42) at a predetermined pressure.

[0090] In this embodiment, the cleaning body part (42) may be provided with a recessed surface (42a). The recessed surface (42a) may be recessed concavely toward the inside of the cleaning body part (42). This may be to ensure that the recessed surface (42a) faces the outer peripheral portion of the cleaning roller part (44) described later at a position as close as possible.

[0091] At this time, the sunken surface (42a) may correspond to the outer circumference of the cleaning roller part (44) described later. Here, the fact that the sunken surface (42a) corresponds to the outer circumference of the cleaning roller part (44) means that the curvatures of the sunken surface (42a) and the cleaning roller part (44) are the same or slightly different based on a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the cleaning roller part (44).

[0092] Through this, a gap (or gap) between the recessed surface (42a) and the outer surface of the cleaning roller part (44) can be uniformly formed in the circumferential direction of the cleaning roller part (44). And, the electrode sheet (S) can enter and exit through the gap. In other words, the electrode sheet (S) can enter and exit between the recessed surface (42a) and the cleaning roller part (44).

[0093] Of course, as needed, the gaps in one section and the gaps in another section in the circumferential direction of the cleaning roller unit (44) may have different sizes, or the gaps may be configured to gradually change in size in the circumferential direction of the cleaning roller unit (44). The size of the gap will not be particularly limited as long as the electrode sheet (S) can enter and exit.

[0094] Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, the cleaning unit (40) of the taping device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a cleaning roller unit (44). The cleaning roller unit (44) may be configured to transport the electrode sheet (S) by bringing it into close contact with the recessed surface (42a) of the cleaning body unit (42). Accordingly, the blower unit (46) and the suction unit (48) provided on the recessed surface (42a) may be positioned as close as possible to the electrode sheet (S).

[0095] In this embodiment, the cleaning roller unit (44) can extend in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the electrode sheet (S). At this time, the length of the cleaning roller unit (44) can be longer than or equal to the width of the electrode sheet (S). Through this, the cleaning roller unit (44) can stably press the electrode sheet (S) toward the cleaning body unit (42).

[0096] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the cleaning unit (40) of the taping device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a blower unit (46). The blower unit (46) may be configured to clean the outer surface of the electrode sheet (S) by blowing air toward the electrode sheet (S).

[0097] As illustrated, in the present embodiment, the blower unit (46) may be provided in the form of an air injection hole formed in a sunken surface (42a). The blower unit (46) may be connected to a blower passage (L_B). Accordingly, high-pressure air introduced into the cleaning body unit (42) through the blower tube (43_B) may be injected through the blower unit (46).

[0098] At this time, the blower part (46) can be extended in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the electrode sheet (S) from the sunken surface (42a). Through this, the blower part (46) can spray air to the entire electrode sheet (S). In order to perform this possibility more effectively, the length of the blower part (46) can be formed to be equal to or longer than the width of the electrode sheet (S).

[0099] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the blower unit (46) may be positioned at a rear end relative to the suction unit (48) described later based on the transport direction of the electrode sheet (S). In addition, the blower unit (46) may be configured to inject air in a direction facing the transport direction of the electrode sheet (S). This configuration may be achieved by adjusting the direction of the air injection holes forming the blower unit (46).

[0100] Here, the fact that the air is sprayed from the blower section (46) in a direction facing the transport direction of the electrode sheet (S) may mean that the direction vector of the air sprayed from the blower section (46) includes a component that faces the opposite direction to the transport direction of the electrode sheet (S).

[0101] Accordingly, the air injected from the blower section (46) can remove foreign substances attached to (or adsorbed) the electrode sheet (S) with greater force. This is because the air is injected in the opposite direction to the transport direction, so the relative speed between the electrode sheet (S) and the wind can become faster.

[0102] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the air injection hole constituting the blower part (46) may be smaller in size than the air intake hole of the suction part (48) described later. This may be because the injection speed of the blower part (46) is faster than the intake speed of the suction part (48).

[0103] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the air injection hole constituting the blower section (46) is illustrated as an elongated slit shape. However, the air injection hole may be appropriately modified as needed. For example, the air injection hole may be provided in the form of a circular hole having a predetermined diameter. In addition, the circular holes may be configured in multiple numbers and arranged in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the cleaning body section (42).

[0104] Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, the cleaning unit (40) of the taping device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a suction unit (48). The suction unit (48) may be configured to suck up foreign substances that have fallen off the electrode sheet (S) by the blower unit (46) described above. Accordingly, the fallen foreign substances can be prevented from being reattached or adsorbed to the electrode sheet (S).

[0105] In this embodiment, the suction part (48) may be provided in the form of an air suction hole formed in the sunken surface (42a). The suction part (48) may be connected to a suction path (L_S). Accordingly, foreign substances and air sucked into the suction part (48) may be discharged to the outside through the cleaning body part (42) and the cleaning tube (43_S).

[0106] At this time, the suction part (48) can be extended in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the electrode sheet (S) from the sunken surface (42a). Through this, the suction part (48) can suck up foreign substances entirely along the width direction of the electrode sheet (S). In order to perform this possibility more effectively, the length of the suction part (48) can be formed to be equal to or longer than the width of the electrode sheet (S).

[0107] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the suction unit (48) may be positioned in front of the blower unit (46) described above with respect to the transport direction of the electrode sheet (S). In addition, the suction unit (48) may be configured to suck air in a direction parallel to the transport direction of the electrode sheet (S). This configuration may be achieved by adjusting the direction of the air suction holes forming the suction unit (48).

[0108] Here, the fact that air is sucked in parallel with the transport direction of the electrode sheet (S) from the suction unit (48) may mean that the direction vector of the air entering the suction unit (48) includes a component that faces the transport direction of the electrode sheet (S). Accordingly, the suction unit (48) can more effectively recover foreign substances that have fallen off the electrode sheet (S).

[0109] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the air suction hole constituting the suction part (48) may be larger in size than the air injection hole of the blower part (46) described above. This may be because the suction speed of the suction part (48) is faster than the injection speed of the blower part (46), and also because foreign substances that fall off from the electrode sheet (S) enter the suction part (48).

[0110] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the air suction hole constituting the suction part (48) is illustrated as an elongated slit shape, but the air suction hole may be appropriately modified as needed. For example, the air suction hole may be provided in the form of a circular hole having a predetermined diameter. In addition, the circular holes may be configured in multiple numbers and arranged in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the cleaning body part (42).

[0111] As described above, according to the taping device according to one embodiment of the present invention, since the cleaning unit (40) can remove foreign substances attached to or adsorbed on the electrode sheet (S), foreign substances can be prevented from being interposed or lifted between the tape and the electrode sheet (S). Accordingly, a tape having a wide width can be attached to the electrode sheet (S) with high quality.

[0112] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the cleaning unit (40) is configured to clean the outer surface of the electrode sheet (S) by using air injection and suction. However, the structure or cleaning method of the cleaning unit (40) is not particularly limited as long as it can clean the outer surface of the electrode sheet (S). For example, the cleaning unit (40) may include a brush or the like capable of brushing off the electrode sheet (S).

[0113] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 5 to 7, a taping device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a taping unit (50). The taping unit (50) may be configured to attach a tape (T) to an electrode sheet (S).

[0114] At this time, in the present embodiment, the taping unit (50) can be placed inside the work space (S_12). Accordingly, the taping unit (50) can perform taping work while being protected from external contamination or impact.

[0115] At this time, in the present embodiment, the taping unit (50) may be positioned at the rear end of the cleaning unit (40) based on the transport direction of the electrode sheet (S). Accordingly, the taping unit (50) may attach a tape (T) to the electrode sheet (S) cleaned by the cleaning unit (40).

[0116] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, a taping unit (50) of a taping device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a gripper (60). The gripper (60) may be configured to pick up or place a tape (T).

[0117] In this embodiment, the gripper (60) may include a first gripper portion (62). The first gripper portion (62) may be configured to grip one side of the tape (T). As illustrated, the first gripper portion (62) may grip the lower surface of the tape (T).

[0118] For this purpose, the first gripper part (62) can be extended in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the tape (T). At this time, the length of the first gripper part (62) can be longer than the width of the tape (T) so that the first gripper part (62) can stably and entirely grip the tape (T) in the width direction.

[0119] In this embodiment, a grip plate coupling groove (63) may be formed on the upper surface of the first gripper portion (62) facing the second gripper portion (68) described later. The grip plate coupling groove (63) may be configured to provide a space in which a grip plate portion (64) described later is coupled.

[0120] Meanwhile, the gripper (60) of the taping device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a grip plate portion (64). The grip plate portion (64) may be configured to grip the tape (T) while preventing wrinkles or bends from being formed in the tape (T) gripped by the gripper (60).

[0121] In this embodiment, the grip plate portion (64) may have a flat shape extending parallel to the first gripper portion (62). The length of the grip plate portion (64) may be longer than the width of the tape (T). Through this, the grip plate portion (64) can stably and completely grip the tape (T).

[0122] In this embodiment, the grip plate portion (64) can be movably coupled to the upper portion of the first gripper portion (62) toward the second gripper portion (68). The grip plate portion (64) can be placed in the grip plate portion coupling groove (63) described above.

[0123] At this time, in the present embodiment, the grip plate portion (64) can be rotatably coupled to the first gripper portion (62). To this end, the grip plate portion (64) can be rotatably coupled to the first gripper portion (62) by a rotational axis member (66) and a rotational support frame portion (67) described later.

[0124] In this embodiment, the grip plate portion (64) may be configured to be rotatable around an axis (C_64) that is parallel to the width direction (X-axis direction) of the electrode sheet (S) (or, the collector portion (F)). In other words, the grip plate portion (64) may be configured to be rotatable around an axis (C_64) that is parallel to the length direction (X-axis direction) of the tape (T) that is gripped by the gripper (60).

[0125] Through this, a tape (T) having a wide width can be attached to the electrode sheet (S) with high quality. The lower surface of the tape (T) is picked up by being touched on the upper surface of the grip plate portion (64), and this is because the occurrence of wrinkles or bends in the process of the tape (T) being picked up while the grip plate portion (64) rotates can be minimized or prevented.

[0126] Specifically, wrinkles or bends in the tape (T) can be formed when the tape (T) is gripped with an uneven force by the gripper (60) or when a strong force is locally applied. However, in the present embodiment, the grip plate portion (64) can rotate to distribute the force so that the grip force is not excessively applied to a local portion of the tape (T). Through this, the occurrence of wrinkles or bends can be minimized.

[0127] Referring to Fig. 5, a joining hole (64a) may be formed on the edge side of the grip plate portion (64). The joining hole (64a) may be a hole into which a rotational shaft member (66), which serves as the rotational center of the grip plate portion (64), is joined. These joining holes (64a) may be formed on each of the two sides in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the grip plate portion (64).

[0128] At this time, in the present embodiment, the coupling holes (64a) are configured in multiple numbers and can be arranged in the longitudinal direction of the grip plate portion (64) (or the longitudinal direction of the electrode sheet (S)) (Y-axis direction). In addition, the rotation shaft member (66) can be selectively coupled to any one of the multiple coupling holes (64a).

[0129] Due to this, the rotation center of the grip plate portion (64) can be moved in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the electrode sheet (S). For example, when the rotation shaft member (66) is coupled to the coupling hole (63a) located at the far left with reference to Fig. 6, the rotation radius of the right portion of the grip plate portion (64) can be greater than the rotation radius of the left portion.

[0130] In this way, in this embodiment, the rotational center axis position of the grip plate portion (64) can be appropriately adjusted, so that the tape (T) can be picked up without wrinkles or bends in a wider variety of process environments or conditions.

[0131] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, a first grip pad (65) may be provided on the upper surface of the grip plate portion (64) facing the second grip portion (68). The first grip pad (65) may be made of a material having a predetermined elasticity. For example, the first grip pad (65) may be a silicone pad, but is not limited thereto.

[0132] The first grip pad (65) can prevent the tape (T) from being damaged during the process of the gripper (60) picking up or placing the tape (T). At this time, although not shown, predetermined protrusions may be formed on the outer surface of the first grip pad (65). The predetermined protrusions can prevent the tape (T) from slipping on the outer surface of the grip pad (65).

[0133] Referring again to FIGS. 5 and 6, the gripper (60) of the taping device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a rotational shaft member (66) and a rotational support frame portion (67).

[0134] As described above, the rotational axis member (66) may be a member that serves as the rotational center of the grip plate portion (64) and rotatably supports it. To this end, the rotational axis member (66) may extend in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the electrode sheet (S) (or, current collector (F)). One end of the rotational axis member (66) may be coupled to a coupling hole (64a) of the grip plate portion (64).

[0135] In this embodiment, the rotation support frame part (67) can extend from the side of the first gripper part (62) in the thickness direction (Z-axis direction) of the grip plate part (64). The other end of the rotation shaft member (66) can be rotatably supported on one side of the extension direction of the rotation support frame part (67). Through this, the grip plate part (64) can be rotatably coupled to the first gripper part (62).

[0136] At this time, the rotation shaft member (66) and the rotation support frame member (67) may be configured as a pair and configured on both sides of the width direction (X-axis direction) of the grip plate member (64). Accordingly, the grip plate member (64) can be supported in a balanced manner and rotated stably.

[0137] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the gripper (60) of the taping device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a second gripper portion (68). The second gripper portion (68) may extend in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the tape (T) parallel to the first gripper portion (62).

[0138] The second gripper part (68) may be configured to move toward or away from the first gripper part (62) and the grip plate part (64) coupled thereto. This operation may be implemented by an actuator (not shown) provided in the gripper (60). Through this, the tape (T) between the grip plate part (64) and the second gripper part (68) may be picked up or placed.

[0139] At this time, the length of the second gripper part (68) may be longer than or equal to the width of the tape (T). Therefore, the second gripper part (68) can grip or place the entire upper surface of the tape (T) in the width direction.

[0140] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, a second grip pad (69) may be provided on the lower surface of the second gripper portion (68) facing the grip plate portion (64). At this time, the second grip pad (69) may be configured identically or similarly to the first grip pad (68) described above.

[0141] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the gripper (60) of the taping device according to one embodiment of the present invention can be configured to move in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the electrode sheet (S). This operation can be implemented through a predetermined driver (not shown).

[0142] Accordingly, when the gripper (60) passes over the upper side of the electrode sheet (S) in the width direction (X-axis direction) while holding the tape (T), the tape (T) that was wound in a cylindrical shape is unwound and can be extended in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the electrode sheet (S). The extended tape (T) can be arranged to overlap the upper surface of the electrode sheet (S).

[0143] At this time, in the present embodiment, the width of the tape (T) may be wider than the gap between the first pattern portion (P1) and the second pattern portion (P2). The width of the tape (T) may be the length measured in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the electrode sheet (S), which is the direction in which the plurality of pattern portions (P) are arranged.

[0144] Accordingly, the tape (T) extended by the gripper (60) can overlap the pattern inter-portion (F_P) between the first pattern portion (P1) and the second pattern portion (P2) in the collector portion (F). In addition, the tape (T) extended by the gripper (60) can also cover the facing edge portions of the first pattern portion (P1) and the second pattern portion (P2).

[0145] Hereinafter, the border portion overlapping with the tape (T) in the first pattern portion (P1) is referred to as the first overlapping portion (P1_T), and the border portion overlapping with the tape (T) in the second pattern portion (P2) is referred to as the second overlapping portion (P2_T).

[0146] As described above, the gripper (60) of the taping device according to one embodiment of the present invention can stably pick up a wide-width tape (T) without wrinkles or bends and place it so that it overlaps the electrode sheet (S). Accordingly, the wide-width tape (T) can be attached to the electrode sheet (S) with high quality.

[0147] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 11, a taping unit (50) of a taping device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a pressure block (70). The pressure block (70) may be configured to attach a tape (T) positioned to overlap an electrode sheet (S) by applying pressure toward the electrode sheet (S) by a gripper (60).

[0148] In this embodiment, the pressurizing block (70) may include a pressurizing portion (72) that can move in the up-and-down direction (Z-axis direction) to move closer to or farther away from the electrode sheet (S) and press the tape (T). This operation of the pressurizing portion (72) may be implemented by a predetermined driver (not shown).

[0149] At this time, the pressurizing portion (72) can extend in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the electrode sheet (S). The length of the pressurizing portion (72) can be longer than the width of the electrode sheet (S). Accordingly, the pressurizing portion (72) can pressurize the electrode sheet (S) entirely along the width direction (X-axis direction).

[0150] In this embodiment, the pressurizing portion (72) can pressurize the tape (T) with its lower surface facing the electrode sheet (S). At this time, the lower surface of the pressurizing portion (72) can have a width wider than the gap between the first pattern portion (P1) and the second pattern portion (P2). This configuration can improve the process quality by pressing the tape (T) not only to the pattern inter-portion (F_P) of the current collector (F) but also to the first and second overlapping portions (P1_T, P2_T).

[0151] The pressurizing block (70) of the taping device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a heating unit (74). The heating unit (74) may be configured to heat the pressurizing unit (72) described above to a predetermined temperature.

[0152] As an example, the heating unit (74) may be formed of a heating wire that is connected through a pressurizing unit (72) and generates heat with electric energy. However, the configuration of the heating unit (74) is not particularly limited as long as it can heat the pressurizing unit (72).

[0153] In this embodiment, the heating portion (74) may extend in the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the pressurizing portion (72). At this time, the heating portion (74) may be configured in multiple pieces and arranged in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the electrode sheet (S). Accordingly, the pressurizing portion (72) may be heated uniformly throughout.

[0154] In this way, in this embodiment, since the pressurizing portion (72) heated by the heating portion (74) is configured to pressurize the tape (T), wrinkles formed on the tape (T) or air bubbles generated between the tape (T) and the electrode sheet (S) can be removed.

[0155] Referring again to FIGS. 8 to 11, the pressure block (70) of the taping device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a pressure pad portion (76). The pressure pad portion (76) may be provided on the lower surface of the pressure portion (72) facing the electrode sheet (S). The pressure pad portion (76) may be made of a material having a predetermined elasticity. For example, the steel bar pad portion (76) may be made of silicone, but is not limited thereto.

[0156] In this embodiment, the pressure pad portion (76) can extend along the longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the pressure portion (72). At this time, the length of the pressure pad portion (76) can be longer than or equal to the width of the electrode sheet (S). Through this, the pressure pad portion (76) can pressurize the electrode sheet (S) entirely along the width direction (X-axis direction).

[0157] In the present embodiment, the pressure pad portion (76) may have a width wider than the gap between the first pattern portion (P1) and the second pattern portion (P2). Therefore, the pressure pad portion (76) may pressurize the tape (T) not only to the portion between the patterns (F_P) of the current collector portion (F), but also to the first and second overlapping portions (P1_T, P2_T).

[0158] At this time, an embossing pattern (76a) may be formed on the outer surface of the pressure pad portion (76). Here, the outer surface of the pressure pad portion (76) may be the lower surface that directly contacts and presses the electrode sheet (S). The embossing pattern (76a) may improve the wrinkle and bubble removal effect of the pressure block (70).

[0159] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the embossing pattern (76a) is illustrated as having rectangular protrusions formed in a grid pattern. However, the shape of the embossing pattern (76a) may be appropriately modified as needed. For example, the embossing pattern (76a) may have a dome shape. Alternatively, the shape of the embossing pattern formed in one area of ​​the pressure pad portion (76) may be configured differently from the shape of the embossing pattern formed in another area.

[0160] As previously described, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the pressurizing block (70) can press the tape (T) extended by the gripper (60) toward the electrode sheet (S) to remove wrinkles and bubbles, so that the tape (T) can be attached to the electrode sheet (S) with high quality.

[0161] Meanwhile, referring back to FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the taping unit (50) may be configured in multiple units. As illustrated, the taping unit (50) may be configured in eight units, with four units each placed on the upper and lower sides of the electrode sheet (S).

[0162] Due to this, taping sections (T) can be formed at eight locations of the electrode sheet (S), thereby improving the efficiency and productivity of the taping process. The number of such taping units (50) can be appropriately changed in consideration of the size of the work space (S_12), etc.

[0163] Hereinafter, the structure of a taped electrode sheet formed by a taping unit of a taping device according to one embodiment of the present invention is briefly described with different drawings.

[0164] Fig. 12 is a perspective view from above of a portion of an electrode sheet taped by a taping device for an electrode sheet according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 13 is a side view of a portion of the electrode sheet illustrated in Fig. 12.

[0165] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, in the present disclosure, the electrode sheet (S_T) may include a taping portion (T). The taping portion (T) may be formed by attaching a tape to the outer surface of the electrode sheet by a taping unit as described above.

[0166] At this time, in the present disclosure, the taping portion (T) may have a width wider than the gap between the two adjacent pattern portions (P), that is, the first pattern portion (P1) and the second pattern portion (P2). Accordingly, the central portion of the taping portion (T) covers the pattern inter-portion (F_P) of the current collector portion (F), and the edge portions provided on both sides in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the taping portion (T) may cover the first overlapping portion (P1_T) of the first pattern portion (P1) and the second overlapping portion (P2_T) of the second pattern portion (P2), respectively.

[0167] Such a taping portion (T) can protect the collector portion (F) and the pattern portion (P) from external impact or contamination. In particular, the taping portion (T) can cover the edge portion of the pattern portion (P) to prevent short-circuiting with a pattern portion of a different polarity. Through this, the stability of the electrode assembly formed by the electrode sheet (S_T) can be improved.

[0168] Below, other configurations of a taping device according to an embodiment of the present invention are described with different drawings.

[0169] Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a sensor unit of a taping device for an electrode sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention observing a taped portion of an electrode sheet as viewed from above. Fig. 15 is a side view of a sensor unit of a taping device for an electrode sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention observing a taped portion of an electrode sheet as viewed from the side. Fig. 16 is a plan view schematically showing a segmented area identified by a processor of a taping device for an electrode sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention on an electrode sheet.

[0170] Referring to FIGS. 1, 14, and 15, a taping device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a sensor unit (80). In this embodiment, the sensor unit (80) may be configured to obtain information regarding the relative positions of a pattern portion (P) and a taping portion (T) in an electrode sheet (S_T).

[0171] To this end, the sensor unit (80) may be positioned at the rear end of the taping unit (50) based on the transport direction (Y-axis direction) of the electrode sheet (S_T) in the working space (S_12). In the present embodiment, the sensor unit (80) may include a sensor section (82). The sensor section (82) may be an image sensor that captures the upper surface of the electrode sheet (S_T) to generate image data.

[0172] At this time, according to the present embodiment, the sensor unit (82) can be extended in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the electrode sheet (S_T) (or, the collector unit (F)) so as to be able to photograph the electrode sheet (S_T) from one end to the other end in the width direction (X-axis direction) at once.

[0173] Accordingly, the sensor unit (82) can generate image data that captures the entire area where the taping portion (T) is formed in the electrode sheet (S_T). In the drawing, the area captured by the sensor unit (82) is indicated by the drawing symbol S_82. Such a sensor unit (82) may be formed of a bar vision sensor, but is not limited thereto.

[0174] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the sensor unit (80) may include a lighting unit (84). The lighting unit (84) may be configured to irradiate light (L_84) toward the taping unit (T) of the electrode sheet (S_T). The type of light (L_84) is not particularly limited as long as it can be recognized by the sensor unit (82).

[0175] Light (L_84) irradiated from the lighting unit (84) is reflected from the electrode sheet (S_T) and transmitted toward the sensor unit (82) so that it can be photographed by the sensor unit (82). In this way, information about the light (L_84) collected by the sensor unit (82) can be used to identify foreign substances attached to or adsorbed on the electrode sheet (S_T).

[0176] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 16, a taping device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a processor (90). The processor (90) may be configured to determine whether an electrode sheet (S_T) is defective based on information obtained from a sensor unit (80).

[0177] At this time, whether the electrode sheet (S_T) is defective can be determined based on the relative position between the taping portion (T) and the pattern portion (P). For example, if the taping portion (T) covers the edge portions of the first and second pattern portions (P1, P2) to form the first and second overlapping portions (P1_T, P2_T), the electrode sheet (S_T) can be determined as a good product, and if not, it can be determined as a defective product. These judgment criteria can be appropriately changed as needed.

[0178] At this time, in the present embodiment, the processor (90) can divide the image data generated by the sensor unit (82) into segmented image data. At this time, the segmented image data may be image data obtained by photographing a plurality of segmented areas (A1 to An) (n is a natural number) on the electrode sheet (S_T), and the plurality of segmented areas (A1 to An) may be areas in which the area photographed by the sensor unit (82) is divided in the width direction of the electrode sheet (S).

[0179] In addition, the processor (90) can individually determine whether the tape portion (T) and the pattern portion (P) overlap each other in each segmented area (A1 to An) based on a plurality of segmented image data. Through this, the taping device (1) according to the present embodiment can improve the speed and accuracy of the determination of whether the electrode sheet (S_T) is good or bad.

[0180] Meanwhile, the step of the processor (90) determining whether the taping portion (T) and the pattern portion (P) overlap in each partition area (A1 to An) may be as follows. The determination method described below may be appropriately changed as needed.

[0181] Based on Fig. 16, the processor (90) measures a first gap between the upper edge line of the tape portion (T) and the upper edge line of the first pattern portion (P1), and compares the first gap with a first reference value.

[0182] At this time, the first reference value may be stored in advance in the processor (90). The first reference value may be a design value of the first pattern portion (P1) set in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the electrode sheet (S).

[0183] Next, the processor (90) determines that the product is good if the first gap is smaller than the first reference value, and determines that the product is defective if the first gap is larger. This is because the first gap is smaller than the first reference value when the first pattern portion (P) is covered by the tape portion (T).

[0184] Similarly, the processor (90) measures a second gap between the lower edge line of the tape portion (T) and the lower edge line of the second pattern portion (P2), and compares the second gap with a second reference value.

[0185] At this time, the second reference value may be stored in advance in the processor (90). The second reference value may be a design value of the second pattern portion (P2) set in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the electrode sheet (S).

[0186] Next, the processor (90) determines that the product is good if the second gap is smaller than the second reference value, and determines that the product is defective if the second gap is larger. This is because the second gap is smaller than the second reference value when the second pattern portion (P) is covered by the tape portion (T).

[0187] Referring again to FIG. 1, a taping device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an electrode sheet recovery unit (hereinafter, referred to as a recovery unit) (100). The recovery unit (100) may be configured to recover an electrode sheet (S_T) taped by a taping unit (50).

[0188] As illustrated, the recovery unit (100) may be configured as a winding device for winding the taped electrode sheet (S_T) into a cylindrical shape. The recovery unit (100) is positioned outside the working space (S_12) and can recover the electrode sheet (S_T) coming out of the working space (S_12).

[0189] As illustrated, the recovery unit (100) may be positioned on the opposite side of the supply unit (20) with the chamber (10) interposed therebetween. The recovery unit (100) may be positioned at a predetermined distance in the horizontal direction (Y-axis direction) from the supply unit (20). However, the structure or position of the recovery unit (100) is not particularly limited. For example, the recovery unit (100) may be positioned in the working space (S_12).

[0190] A taping device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a circulation unit (110). The circulation unit (110) may be configured to circulate air in a working space (S_12). For this purpose, the circulation unit (110) may be equipped with a fan (not shown) capable of blowing air.

[0191] At this time, in the present embodiment, the circulation unit (110) may be configured to be positioned above (in the positive direction of the Z-axis) the electrode sheet (S, S_T) in the work space (S_12) and blow air downward (in the negative direction of the Z-axis). Accordingly, foreign substances placed on the outer surface of the electrode sheet (S, S_T) can be cleaned. Accordingly, the process quality of the present taping device (1) can be improved.

[0192] In this embodiment, so that cleaning by the circulation unit (110) can be performed more effectively, the upper surfaces of the circulation unit (110) and the electrode sheets (S, S_T) can be arranged to face each other in the up-down direction (Z-axis direction).

[0193] Here, the fact that the circulation unit (110) is arranged to face the electrode sheet (S, S_T) may mean that at least a portion of the air flow formed by the circulation unit (110) can reach the electrode sheet (S, S_T) without being blocked by other components, thereby removing foreign substances attached to the outer surface of the electrode sheet (S, S_T).

[0194] Meanwhile, as previously described, in this embodiment, the circulation unit (110) is positioned on the upper side (positive direction of the Z-axis) and the communication part (14) is positioned on the lower side (negative direction of the Z-axis) with respect to the electrode sheet (S, S_T).

[0195] Through this configuration, foreign substances that have fallen off from the electrode sheets (S, S_T) can move downward (in the negative direction of the Z-axis) along the air flow generated by the circulation unit (110) and then escape to the outside of the working space (S_12) through the communication portion (14). Through this, foreign substances can be prevented from circulating within the working space (S_12) and then attaching to the outer surface of the electrode sheets (S, S_T) again.

[0196] At this time, in the present embodiment, the circulation unit (110) may be configured in multiple units and arranged along the transport direction (Y-axis direction) of the electrode sheets (S, S_T). Through this, cleaning by the circulation unit (110) can be performed entirely in the work space (S_12).

[0197] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various embodiments are possible within the scope equivalent to the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the patent claims to be described below by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

[0198] [Explanation of symbols]

[0199] 1: Taping device for electrode sheet

[0200] 10: Chamber

[0201] 20: Electrode sheet supply unit

[0202] 30: Transfer unit

[0203] 40: Cleaning unit

[0204] 50: Taping unit

[0205] 80: Sensor unit

[0206] 90: Processor

[0207] 100: Electrode sheet recovery unit

[0208] 110: Circulation Unit

[0209] S: Electrode sheet

[0210] S_T: Taped electrode sheet

[0211] F: Power supply

[0212] P: Pattern Department

[0213] T: Tape section

Claims

1. An electrode sheet supply unit that supplies an electrode sheet including a foil-shaped current collector and a plurality of pattern portions arranged along the length direction of the current collector on one surface of the current collector; A taping unit that forms a tape portion attached to one surface of the current collector so as to overlap at least a portion of two adjacent pattern portions among the plurality of pattern portions; and It includes an electrode sheet recovery unit that recovers the electrode sheet on which the above tape portion is formed, The above taping unit, A gripper capable of picking up or placing a tape and moving in the width direction of the collector; and A taping device for an electrode sheet, comprising a pressing block capable of pressing the tape toward the collector through an area having a width wider than the gap between the two pattern portions.

2. In paragraph 1, The above gripper, 1st gripper section; A grip plate portion movably coupled to one side of the first gripper portion; and A taping device for an electrode sheet, comprising a second gripper portion that can be moved toward or away from the first gripper portion so as to pick up or place a tape placed between the grip plate portion.

3. In paragraph 2, A taping device for an electrode sheet, wherein the grip plate portion can be rotated around an axis parallel to the width direction of the current collector portion.

4. In paragraph 3, In the grip plate portion, a plurality of bonding holes arranged in the longitudinal direction of the electrode sheet are formed, The above gripper, A taping device for an electrode sheet, further comprising a rotating shaft member that is coupled to one of the plurality of connecting holes and becomes the center of rotation of the grip plate portion.

5. In paragraph 1, The above pressurized block, A pressure portion extending in the width direction of the collector portion and movable toward one side of the collector portion; and Including a pressure pad part provided on the outer surface facing the collector part in the pressure part, A taping device for an electrode sheet, wherein an embossing pattern is formed on the outer surface of the above-mentioned pressure pad portion.

6. In paragraph 5, The above pressure pad portion has a predetermined width in the longitudinal direction of the current collector portion, A taping device for an electrode sheet, wherein the width direction length of the above-mentioned pressure pad portion is greater than the interval between adjacent pattern portions.

7. In paragraph 5, The above pressurized block, It further includes a plurality of heating parts provided inside the pressurizing part to heat the pressurizing part, A taping device for an electrode sheet, wherein the heating part includes a heating wire extending in the width direction of the current collector.

8. In paragraph 7, A taping device for an electrode sheet, wherein the plurality of heating parts are arranged along the transport direction of the electrode sheet.

9. In paragraph 1, A taping device for an electrode sheet, further comprising a cleaning unit for removing foreign substances attached to the above-mentioned collector.

10. In paragraph 9, The above cleaning unit is a taping device for an electrode sheet, which is positioned at the front end of the taping unit based on the direction in which the electrode sheet is transported.

11. In paragraph 9, The above cleaning unit, A cleaning body part extending in the width direction of the above-mentioned collector and having a passage formed therein through which air can enter and exit; and A taping device for an electrode sheet, comprising a blower section capable of blowing air from the cleaning body section to the one surface of the current collector section.

12. In paragraph 11, The above cleaning unit, It further includes a cleaning roller section through which the above electrode sheet can pass, The above cleaning body part, It includes a concave sunken surface corresponding to the outer circumference of the above cleaning roller part, The above blower part is a taping device for an electrode sheet provided on the above sunken surface.

13. In paragraph 11, The above cleaning unit, A taping device for an electrode sheet, further comprising a suction unit capable of sucking air sprayed from the blower unit and hitting the one surface of the current collector unit.

14. In paragraph 13, The above blower unit is a taping device for an electrode sheet, which is located at the rear end of the suction unit based on the direction in which the electrode sheet is transported.

15. In paragraph 1, A sensor unit capable of obtaining information about the relative positions of the pattern portion and the tape portion on the one surface of the collector portion; and Further comprising a processor that determines whether the electrode sheet is defective based on information obtained from the sensor unit; The above sensor unit, A taping device for an electrode sheet, comprising a sensor section extending in the width direction of the current collector so as to enable observation of the electrode sheet from one end to the other in the width direction.

16. In paragraph 15, The above sensor unit, A taping device for an electrode sheet, further comprising a lighting unit that irradiates light toward the tape portion so that the sensor portion can collect light reflected from a material placed on the outer surface of the tape portion.

17. In paragraph 15, The above sensor part, It is composed of a vision sensor that photographs the electrode sheet from one end to the other in the width direction to form image data. The above processor, Based on the above image data, a plurality of segmented image data are formed by photographing a plurality of segmented areas divided in the width direction of the electrode sheet, A taping device for an electrode sheet, which determines whether the tape portion and the pattern portion overlap in the divided area based on the divided image data.

18. In paragraph 1, A transfer unit that transfers an electrode sheet from the electrode sheet supply unit to the electrode sheet recovery unit; A chamber for providing a working space through which the electrode sheet conveyed by the conveying unit passes and in which the taping unit is placed; and A taping device for an electrode sheet, further comprising a circulation unit positioned above the electrode sheet being transported by the transport unit in the above working space and blowing air downward.

19. In paragraph 18, The above chamber, A chamber section having the above working space inside; and It includes a communication part provided in the above chamber part to connect the work space with the outside, The above-mentioned connecting portion is a taping device for an electrode sheet, which is located on the lower side of the electrode sheet transported by the above-mentioned transport unit.

20. In paragraph 18, A sensor unit capable of obtaining information about the relative positions of the pattern portion and the tape portion on the one surface of the collector portion; and Further comprising a processor that determines whether the electrode sheet is defective based on information obtained from the sensor unit; The above processor is a taping device for an electrode sheet, located outside the chamber.

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