Cell transfer pallet, secondary battery manufacturing method, and lamination and stacking equipment

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cell transfer pallet used to manufacture secondary batteries, a manufacturing apparatus including the same, and a manufacturing method and, specifically, to a cell transfer pallet capable of high-speed transfer, a manufacturing apparatus including the same, and a manufacturing method. The cell transfer pallet according to an embodiment of the present invention may comprise: a base capable of traveling in the longitudinal direction along rails; a cell mounting unit which is provided, integrated with the base, on an upper portion of the base, and on which unit cells are mounted such that electrode tabs of the unit cells face the front end of the base; and a windshield unit which is mounted on the base so as to be spaced apart from the cell mounting unit in the forward direction, extends above the cell mounting unit in a height direction perpendicular to the base, and is provided to block wind that strikes a plurality of unit cells, loaded on the cell mounting unit, when the base travels.

Description

Cell transfer pallet, method for manufacturing secondary batteries, and lamination and stacking equipment

[0001] The present invention relates to a cell transfer pallet used in the manufacture of secondary batteries, a manufacturing apparatus including the same, and a manufacturing method. More specifically, it relates to a cell transfer pallet capable of high-speed transfer, a manufacturing apparatus including the same, and a manufacturing method.

[0002] Generally, secondary batteries consist of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and an electrolyte, and generate electrical energy using chemical reactions. The use of secondary batteries is gradually increasing due to the advantage of being rechargeable.

[0003] Among such secondary batteries, lithium secondary batteries are widely used as power sources for electronic communication devices or as driving sources for high-output hybrid and electric vehicles due to their high energy density per unit weight.

[0004] In terms of the shape of these secondary batteries, there is increasing demand for prismatic and pouch-type secondary batteries, which can be applied to products such as mobile phones due to their thin thickness.

[0005] In terms of secondary battery materials, there is increasing demand for lithium secondary batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries and lithium-ion polymer batteries, which offer high energy density, discharge voltage, and output stability.

[0006] The following describes the general assembly process of an electrode assembly for a secondary battery.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining the assembly process of an electrode assembly constituting a secondary battery, FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a conventional pallet, FIG. 3(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electrode assembly, and FIG. 3(b) is a drawing for explaining the problems of an electrode assembly that occur during high-speed driving of a conventional pallet.

[0008] The secondary battery includes an electrode assembly (10) composed of a negative electrode (2), a separator (1), and a positive electrode (3), an electrolyte, and a battery case.

[0009] The above electrode assembly (10) is formed by stacking a negative electrode (2) and an anode (3) in sequence through a separator (1). The above electrode assembly (10) can be manufactured in the form of unit cells (20, 30) and then stacked to facilitate cross-stacking of the negative electrode (2) and the anode (3).

[0010] Referring to FIG. 1, the assembly process of a secondary battery may include a lamination process (S1), a stacking process (S2), and a taping process (S3). The electrode assembly (10) may be manufactured by sequentially undergoing a lamination process (S1), a stacking process (S2), a taping process (S3), and an inspection process (S4).

[0011] As shown in FIG. 3(a), the electrode assembly (10) may be composed of a plurality of first unit cells (20) and one second unit cell (30).

[0012] The first unit cell (20a to 20n) may be composed of one cathode (2), one anode (3), and two separators (1). The first unit cell (20) may be a monocell.

[0013] The second unit cell (30) may be composed of one cathode (2) and two separators (1). The second unit cell (30) may be called a half cell.

[0014] The above lamination process (S1) is a process for producing the first unit cell (20a to 20n) and / or the second unit cell (30).

[0015] The stacking process (S2) is a process for stacking the plurality of first unit cells (20) and then stacking the second unit cell (30) on top.

[0016] The above taping process (S3) is a process for taping the plurality of first unit cells (20) and the second unit cells (30) into a single bundle.

[0017] In the stacking process (S2) above, the plurality of first unit cells (20) are moved to a position where the second unit cells (30) are stacked while loaded on the base (110). Then, the pallet (50) moves to a taping position where the second unit cells (30) are stacked on top of the plurality of first unit cells (20).

[0018] The above pallet (50) passes through the locations where each process (S1 to S3) is performed while repeatedly moving and stopping at a constant speed. The movement speed of the above pallet (50) can be set to match the speed of the lamination process (S1), which takes the longest process time.

[0019] The lamination process (S1), the stacking process (S2), the taping process (S3), and the inspection process (S4) are performed sequentially. If any one of these processes is delayed, the total process time of the assembly process of the secondary battery is delayed, which may hinder the achievement of the target production quantity per minute. The inspection process (S4) is a process for inspecting whether the electrode assembly (10) is defective.

[0020] In the stacking process (S2), when the number of stacked first unit cells (20) is large, the time for stacking multiple first unit cells (20a to 20n) is relatively long, so even if the transfer speed of the pallet (50) is slow, the speed of the taping process (S3) may not be affected.

[0021] When the number of stacked first unit cells (20) is small, the time for stacking multiple first unit cells (20a to 20n) is relatively short, so the transport speed of the pallet (50) must be increased.

[0022] In other words, the process time in the stacking process (S2) depends on the number of stacks of the first unit cell (20), and if the number of stacks is small, the stacking process is completed relatively quickly. This means that the stack cells must move quickly to the process that follows the stacking process. This is because if the process following the stacking process is delayed, the lamination process, which is the preceding process, will inevitably be delayed.

[0023] However, when the pallet (50) travels at high speed, as shown in FIG. 3(b), the problem of the second unit cell (30) lifting up and folding at the top of the plurality of first unit cells (20) often occurs.

[0024] On the other hand, if the pallet (50) is driven at a low speed to solve the folding problem of the second unit cell (30), the unit cells (20, 30) produced in the lamination process (S1) cannot be quickly transferred to the taping process (S3), resulting in a situation where the lamination equipment must be stopped.

[0025] In the case of the conventional pallet (50), increasing the movement speed causes damage to the second unit cell (30), and decreasing the transfer speed causes the lamination equipment to be stopped, which has a problem of reducing process efficiency and productivity of the electrode assembly (10) when manufacturing an electrode assembly (10) with a low stack count.

[0026] The present invention aims to solve the problems of pallets and manufacturing devices used in conventional secondary battery manufacturing processes.

[0027] Through one embodiment of the present invention, we aim to provide a cell transport pallet and a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus including the same, which can prevent damage to the loaded unit cells even when the movement speed of the pallet is increased by blocking wind applied to a plurality of unit cells loaded on the pallet during the movement of the pallet.

[0028] Through one embodiment of the present invention, the height of a windbreak can be elastically adjusted as the height of a stack cell varies, and a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus including the same is provided.

[0029] A cell transport pallet related to one embodiment of the present invention may include a base configured to travel longitudinally along a rail, a cell mounting portion integrally provided with the base at the upper part of the base and configured to allow a unit cell to be mounted such that the electrode tab of the unit cell faces the front end of the base, and a windbreak portion mounted on the base spaced apart from the front of the cell mounting portion, extending upward in a height direction perpendicular to the base, and configured to block wind applied to a plurality of unit cells loaded in the cell mounting portion when the base travels.

[0030] The above base may be provided to operate integrally with the cell mounting portion and the windbreak portion.

[0031] The above windbreak can be provided to be height-adjustable in the height direction.

[0032] The above windbreak can be configured to be height-adjustable to a position higher than the top position of a plurality of unit cells loaded in the cell mounting section.

[0033] The upper portion of the above windbreak can be arranged to be bent upward toward the cell seating portion.

[0034] The above windbreak part may be provided with a plurality of perforated holes at the bottom, so that when the base is driven, the wind may flow through the plurality of perforated holes to the lower part of the cell mounting part.

[0035] The above windbreak may include a first support member mounted on the base and having a plurality of height adjustment holes arranged in a row in the height direction at the upper portion, a second support member having a slot hole extended in the height direction to correspond to the plurality of height adjustment holes, and a fastening member provided to connect the first support member and the second support member by penetrating the slot hole and one of the height adjustment holes.

[0036] The first support member may be provided with a plurality of perforated holes at its lower end so that, when the base is driven, the wind may flow through the plurality of perforated holes to the lower part of the cell seating portion.

[0037] The first support member is provided such that a first surface coupled to the base and a second surface coupled to the second support member are bent into an L-shape, and a reinforcing rib may be provided between the first surface and the second surface.

[0038] The above-mentioned second support member may be provided with its upper portion bent at a predetermined angle.

[0039] The cell mounting portion described above may be provided so that a portion of the mounted unit cell is exposed to the outside.

[0040] A method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a lamination step of producing a first unit cell in which a separator, a negative electrode, a separator, and a positive electrode are stacked in sequence, and a second unit cell in which a separator, a negative electrode, and a separator are stacked in sequence; a step of loading a plurality of first unit cells onto a cell mounting portion of a cell transport pallet; a step of moving the cell transport pallet to a position where the second unit cell is loaded while the plurality of first unit cells are loaded; a step of loading the second unit cell onto the top of the plurality of first unit cells while the cell transport pallet is stationary; and a step of moving the cell transport pallet to a taping position for taping the plurality of first unit cells and one second unit cell as a bundle, wherein the cell transport pallet includes a windbreak member spaced apart and mounted in front of the cell mounting portion, and the windbreak member can block wind applied to the plurality of unit cells loaded on the cell mounting portion when the cell transport pallet is moving.

[0041] The cell transfer pallet may be configured to move cyclically between the loading position of the first unit cell, the loading position of the second unit cell, and the taping position.

[0042] The cell transfer pallet repeatedly travels and stops at a set speed, and the loading of the first unit cell, the loading of the second unit cell, and the taping of the plurality of first unit cells and the second unit cells into a bundle can be performed when the cell transfer pallet stops.

[0043] The lamination, the loading of the first unit cell, the loading of the second unit cell, and the taping can be performed continuously in a series of flows.

[0044] A lamination and stacking facility related to one embodiment of the present invention may include a lamination device configured to produce a first unit cell in which a separator, a cathode, a separator, and an anode are stacked in sequence, and a second unit cell in which a separator, a cathode, and a separator are stacked in sequence; a stacking device configured to stack a plurality of first unit cells and then stack the second unit cell on top of the plurality of first unit cells; a taping device configured to tape the plurality of first unit cells and the second unit cell together; an inspection device configured to inspect an electrode assembly including the plurality of first unit cells and the second unit cell; and a cell transport pallet equipped with a windbreak part configured in front of the electrode tab to block wind applied to the electrode tab of the first unit cell and the second unit cell during driving, and may include a linear motion part configured to sequentially transport the cell transport pallet to the stacking device, the taping device, and the inspection device.

[0045] The above windbreak is provided to be height-adjustable in the stacking direction of the unit cell, and can be adjusted to be higher than the stacking height of the unit cell loaded on the cell transport pallet.

[0046] The above windbreak may be provided with perforated holes arranged to allow wind to pass through at a position not facing the first unit cell loaded on the cell transfer pallet.

[0047] The above windbreak may be installed at the front of the cell transfer pallet such that it faces the electrode tab of a unit cell loaded on the cell transfer pallet and the upper part of the windbreak is bent upward at a predetermined angle toward the rear of the cell transfer pallet.

[0048] A cell transfer pallet having the configuration and structure as described above has the following effects.

[0049] The above windbreak can be assembled to the base of an existing pallet using a bolting method, so it can be applied without modifying the structure of the existing pallet.

[0050] The above windbreak can block wind applied to the plurality of first unit cells and second unit cells during high-speed travel of the cell transport pallet.

[0051] Even when the cell transfer pallet travels at high speed, the wind can be minimized through the windbreak to the top of the plurality of first unit cells and the second unit cells.

[0052] Accordingly, the present invention can improve the production efficiency of an electrode assembly by preventing the second unit cell located at the top of a plurality of unit cells loaded in a cell mounting portion from folding due to drag generated at the top of the unit cells during high-speed driving.

[0053] The cell transfer pallet described above can transfer the plurality of first unit cells and the second unit cells while traveling at high speed, thereby improving the assembly process efficiency of the secondary battery.

[0054] According to the present embodiment, when a cell transport pallet transports stacked unit cells from the stacking process after the lamination process to the inspection process, it is possible to provide basic conditions for adjusting the transport speed of the cell transport pallet according to the number of stacks. That is, even if the movement speed is adjusted from low speed to high speed, it is possible to prevent the electrode tabs of the unit cells from being deformed by wind during transport. Through this, a series of assembly processes from the lamination process to the final inspection process can be performed efficiently without backlog or delay.

[0055] In particular, the position of the electrode tabs affected by wind can vary depending on the number of layers, but a flexible response is possible through a height-adjustable windbreak.

[0056] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the assembly process of an electrode assembly constituting a secondary battery.

[0057] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a conventional pallet.

[0058] FIG. 3(a) schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of an electrode assembly, and FIG. 3(b) is a drawing to explain the problems of an electrode assembly that occur during high-speed driving of a conventional pallet.

[0059] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a perspective view of a cell transfer pallet according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates an exploded perspective view of a windbreak part according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the flow of wind applied to a cell transport pallet during the movement of a cell transport pallet according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Hereinafter, a cell transfer pallet according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0063] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining the assembly process of an electrode assembly, FIG. 3(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electrode assembly, and FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a cell transfer pallet according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the cell transport pallet (100) may include a base (110) configured to be drivable along a rail (60) in a longitudinal direction (x-axis direction), a cell mounting portion (111) configured integrally with the base (110) on the upper part of the base (110) and configured to allow a unit cell (e.g., 20a) to be mounted so that the electrode tab of the unit cell faces the front end of the base (110), and a windbreak portion (130) configured to be mounted on the base (110) so as to be spaced apart from the front of the cell mounting portion (111), extending upward from the cell mounting portion (111) in a height direction (z-axis direction) perpendicular to the base (110), and configured to block wind applied to a plurality of unit cells (20, 30) loaded on the cell mounting portion (111) when the base (110) is driving.

[0065] As explained in the background technology, the base (110) transports the plurality of first unit cells (20) and the second unit cells (30) to a taping position while driving at high speed, but when the base (110) drives at high speed, the problem of the second unit cells (30) lifting up and folding at the top of the plurality of first unit cells (20) often occurs.

[0066] Conventionally, to solve this, the cell transfer pallet (100) was driven at a low speed and the plurality of unit cells (20, 30) were transferred to the taping process (S3), which caused a decrease in the efficiency of the lamination process (S1) and a decrease in the production efficiency of the electrode assembly (10).

[0067] The present invention is intended to block wind (W) applied to a plurality of unit cells (20, 30) loaded on the base (110) through a windbreak part (130) mounted on the base (110) in order to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0068] The cell transfer pallet (100) above may include the base (110) and the windbreak part (130).

[0069] The base (110) may be provided to be transportable along the rail (60). The base (110) may be equipped with a cell mounting portion (111) and clamps (115, 116). The base (110) may be provided to be driven integrally with the cell mounting portion (111) and the windbreak portion (130).

[0070] The cell mounting portion (111) may be provided to allow the plurality of unit cells (20, 30) to be loaded. The cell mounting portion (111) may be provided so that a portion of the mounted unit cell (e.g., 20a) is exposed to the outside.

[0071] The cell mounting portion (111) may include a plurality of columns (112). The plurality of columns (112) may be mounted on the base (110) in a row spaced apart along the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) of the rail. The plurality of columns (112) may be mounted on the base (110) such that their respective upper surfaces are located on the same plane.

[0072] The plurality of columns are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the unit cell, and the gap, or space, between the columns can be used for a subsequent taping process. That is, the electrode assembly can be taped to surround the space between the columns.

[0073] In addition, the electrode tabs of the unit cell may extend forward from the foremost column and be unsupported. For this reason, the electrode tabs of the unit cell become vulnerable to the influence of wind.

[0074] The above pair of clamps (115, 116) may be mounted on the base (110) spaced apart from the cell mounting portion (111). The above pair of clamps (115, 116) are intended to secure the plurality of unit cells (20, 30) to the cell mounting portion (111). The clamps (115, 116) are provided to be rotatable.

[0075] One clamp (115) may be positioned to press the upper surface of the electrode assembly (10) on the negative tab (10a) side of the electrode assembly (10). Another clamp (116) may be positioned to press the upper surface of the electrode assembly (10) on the positive tab (10b) side of the electrode assembly (10).

[0076] The above pair of clamps (115, 116) can be operated to be spaced apart from the cell mounting portion (111) while the unit cell (20, 30) is loaded onto the cell mounting portion (111). The clamps can be operated to fix the unit cell (20, 30) to the cell mounting portion (111) after the loading of the unit cell (20, 30) is completed.

[0077] FIG. 5 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a windbreak part according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining the flow of wind applied to a cell transport pallet during the movement of a cell transport pallet according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] The above windbreak member (130) may include a first support member (140) mounted on the base (110) and having a plurality of height adjustment holes (144) arranged in a row in the height direction (z-axis direction) at the top, a second support member (150) having a slot hole (151) extended long in the height direction (z-axis direction) to correspond to the plurality of height adjustment holes (144), and a fastening member (160) provided to connect the first support member (140) and the second support member (150) by penetrating the slot hole (151) and one of the height adjustment holes (144).

[0079] The windbreak member (130) is mounted on the front end of the base (110) so as to be spaced apart from the front of the cell mounting member (111). As shown in FIG. 6, the windbreak member (130) can be provided to block wind (W) applied to the cell mounting member (111) when the base (110) is in motion.

[0080] The windbreak member (130) may be provided to be height-adjustable in the height direction (z-axis direction). The windbreak member (130) may be provided to be height-adjustable to a position higher than the uppermost position of the plurality of unit cells (20, 30) loaded in the cell mounting portion (111).

[0081] The above windbreak member (130) is provided with a plurality of perforated holes (145) at the bottom, so that when the base (110) is driven, the wind (W) can generate a vortex around the plurality of perforated holes (145), thereby reducing the resistance of the wind (W) applied to the windbreak member (130).

[0082] The windbreak (130) may be provided to be height-adjustable in the stacking direction (z-axis direction) of a plurality of unit cells (20, 30). The stacking direction (z-axis direction) may be parallel to the height direction (z-axis direction) perpendicular to the base (110).

[0083] As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the windbreak member (130) may include a first support (140), a second support (150), and a fastening member (160).

[0084] As shown in FIG. 4, the first support (140) is mounted on the base (110). As shown in FIG. 5, the first support (140) may be provided with a plurality of height adjustment holes (144) and a plurality of perforated holes (145). The first support (140) may be detachably coupled to the second support (150) through the plurality of height adjustment holes (144).

[0085] The first support member (140) may be provided such that the first surface (141) and the second surface (142) are bent into an L-shape. The first surface (141) is provided to be in contact with one surface of the base (110). A bottom hole (148) is provided in the first surface (141). The bottom hole (148) is provided to be fluidly movable with a hole provided in the base (110).

[0086] The first support member (140) can be bolted to the base (110) by a fastening member (160). The fastening member (160) can penetrate the bottom hole (148) and the hole of the base (110) to detachably connect the first support member (140) to the base (110).

[0087] The second surface (142) may be bent in the height direction (z-axis direction) from the first surface (141) and arranged to be in contact with the second support (150). The second surface (142) may be provided with a plurality of height adjustment holes (144) and a plurality of perforated holes (145).

[0088] The plurality of height adjustment holes (144) may be provided so that the fastening member (160) passes through them. The plurality of height adjustment holes (144) may be provided so as to be fluidly movably connected to the slit hole of the second support (150).

[0089] The plurality of height adjustment holes (144) are provided in the area where the first support (140) and the second support (150) come into contact. The plurality of height adjustment holes (144) may be arranged in a line in the height direction (z-axis direction). The plurality of height adjustment holes (144) may be spaced apart in a straight line.

[0090] The plurality of perforated holes (145) may be provided at the bottom of the plurality of height adjustment holes (144). The plurality of perforated holes (145) are holes provided to allow the wind (W) to pass through.

[0091] The plurality of perforated holes (145) may be provided in a portion of the second surface (142). The plurality of perforated holes (145) may be provided in an area where the second surface (142) is not in contact with the second support (150).

[0092] The windbreak member (130) can improve windproof efficiency through the plurality of perforated holes (145). The windproof efficiency is an indicator of how effective a structure (e.g., windbreak member (130)) is for reducing the effect of wind (W). The windproof efficiency may vary depending on the shape, arrangement, height, length, etc. of the structure.

[0093] If there are no multiple perforations (145) in the windbreak (130), when the base (110) travels at high speed, the wind (W) may collide with the second surface (142) and the second support (150), forming disturbed turbulence and deflecting the flow of the wind (W). As a result, the wind speed increases around the windbreak (130), and may affect the unit cells (20, 30) loaded in the cell mounting section (111).

[0094] The above-mentioned disturbed turbulence is a flow pattern of abnormal wind (W). Generally, turbulence refers to a state in which the flow of a fluid is irregular and complex. The above-mentioned disturbed turbulence applies when such turbulence becomes more complex due to a specific cause.

[0095] In contrast, the windbreak member (130) according to the present embodiment is configured to reduce the average energy of the wind (W) applied to the windbreak member (130) by generating a plurality of vortices as the wind (W) passes through the plurality of perforated holes (145).

[0096] That is, the windbreak member (130) allows the wind (W) to pass through a plurality of perforated holes (145) provided in the first support member (140), thereby reducing the resistance of the wind (W) applied to the windbreak member (130) and preventing the wind (W) from being deflected due to disturbed turbulence around the windbreak member (130).

[0097] The first support member (140) may be provided with a reinforcing rib (147). The reinforcing rib (147) is intended to increase the strength of the first support member (140) to prevent bending, twisting, etc. of the first support member (140).

[0098] The reinforcing rib (147) is mounted on the first surface (141) and the second surface (142). The reinforcing rib (147) may be provided in the center of the first surface (141) and the second surface (142). The reinforcing rib (147) may have a triangular cross-section.

[0099] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the second support (150) may be provided to block wind (W) applied to a plurality of unit cells (20, 30) loaded on the cell mounting portion (111).

[0100] The second support member (150) may be positioned to face a plurality of unit cells (20, 30) loaded in the cell mounting portion (111). The second support member (150) may be mounted to the first support member (140) in a height-adjustable manner.

[0101] The second support (150) can be mounted on the first support (140) so that the total height of the first support (140) and the second support (150) is higher than the sum of the height of the cell mounting portion (111) and the stacking height of the plurality of unit cells (20, 30).

[0102] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the second support member (150) is provided with a slot hole (151) and can be connected to the first support member (140) through the slot hole (151). The slot hole (151) is an opening that extends long in the height direction (z-axis direction) to correspond to the plurality of height adjustment holes (144).

[0103] The second support member (150) can be detachably mounted to the first support member (140) by means of a fastening member (160) that passes through the slot hole (151) and one of the height adjustment holes (144).

[0104] The second support member (150) may be provided with a bent portion (153) in which the upper end extending above the slot hole (151) is bent upward toward the cell seating portion (111). Wind (W) applied to the second support member (150) may flow along the bent portion (153) toward the upper part of the cell seating portion (111).

[0105] The windbreak member (130) can minimize the resistance of the wind (W) applied to the plurality of unit cells (20, 30) loaded on the base (110) during high-speed driving of the base (110) through the structure and installation position as described above. Accordingly, the cell transport pallet (100) can transport the plurality of unit cells (20, 30) to the taping position while driving at high speed, thereby improving the process efficiency of the electrode assembly (10).

[0106] The above windbreak (130) can prevent the second unit cell (30) loaded on the top of the base (110) from folding due to the drag force generated when the base (110) travels at high speed.

[0107] The cell transfer pallet (100) above may be installed in a lamination and stacking facility and configured to transfer a loading object to a lamination process (S1), a stacking process (S2), a taping process (S3), and an inspection process (S4). Depending on the location where each process is performed, the loading object may be a first unit cell (20), a second unit cell (30), and an electrode assembly (10).

[0108] The above lamination and stacking equipment may include a lamination device (not shown), a stacking device (not shown), a taping device (not shown), and an inspection device (not shown).

[0109] Before describing the components of the cell transfer pallet (100) above, the manufacturing method of a secondary battery in which the cell transfer pallet (100) is used is described as follows.

[0110] The above method for manufacturing a secondary battery comprises: a lamination step of producing a first unit cell (e.g., 20a) in which a separator (1), a negative electrode (2), a separator (1), and a positive electrode (3) are stacked in sequence, and a second unit cell (30) in which a separator (1), a negative electrode (2), and a separator (1) are stacked in sequence; a step (S21) in which a plurality of first unit cells (e.g., 20a) are loaded onto a cell mounting portion (111) of a cell transport pallet (100); a step in which the cell transport pallet (100) moves to a position where the second unit cell (30) is loaded while the plurality of first unit cells (e.g., 20a) are loaded; a step in which, while the cell transport pallet (100) is in a stationary state, the second unit cell (30) is loaded onto the top of the plurality of first unit cells (e.g., 20a); and a step in which the cell transport pallet (100) is loaded onto the plurality of first unit cells (e.g., It may include the step of moving to a taping position to tape 20a) and one second unit cell (30) together.

[0111] In the above lamination step, the lamination device can produce unit cells (20, 30). The unit cells (20, 30) may include a plurality of first unit cells (20) and one second unit cell (30). The first unit cells (20a to 20n) and the second unit cell (30) may be produced in the lamination process (S1).

[0112] The first unit cell (20a to 20n) may be composed of one cathode (2), one anode (3), and two separators (1). The first unit cell (20a to 20n) may also be referred to as a monocell. The second unit cell (30) may be composed of one cathode (2) and two separators (1). The second unit cell (30) may be referred to as a halfcell.

[0113] The stacking process (S2) described above is a process for cross-stacking prepared cathodes (2) and anodes (3) via a separator (1). In the stacking process (S2), a stacking device (not shown) may stack a plurality of first unit cells (20) and then stack the second unit cell (30) on top of the plurality of first unit cells (20).

[0114] In the above taping process (S3), a taping device (not shown) can be operated to tape a plurality of first unit cells (20) and second unit cells (30) loaded on the cell transfer pallet (100) as a bundle. The taped electrode assembly (10) can be transferred to an inspection device (not shown) by the cell transfer pallet (100). The above inspection process (S4) is a process for inspecting the quality of the electrode assembly (10).

[0115] The lamination device (not shown), the stacking device (not shown), and the inspection device (not shown) can be arranged inline along the rail (60) of the linear motion section. The cell transfer pallet (100) is mounted so as to be movable along the rail (60).

[0116] The above linear motion unit includes a cell transfer pallet (100) and is configured so that the cell transfer pallet (100) sequentially transfers the lamination device (not shown), the stacking device (not shown), the taping device (not shown), and the inspection device (not shown). The above linear motion unit is a linear motion system (LMS).

[0117] The cell transfer pallet (100) is a device provided to transfer the plurality of unit cells (20, 30). The cell transfer pallet (100) repeatedly travels and stops at a set speed, and the loading of the first unit cell (20), the loading of the second unit cell (30), and the taping of the plurality of first unit cells (20) and the second unit cell (30) into a bundle can be performed when the cell transfer pallet (100) stops.

[0118] The lamination, the loading of the first unit cell (20), the loading of the second unit cell (30), and the taping can be performed continuously in a series of flows.

[0119] The cell transfer pallet (100) can be transported along a driving path including the first unit cell loading position, the second unit cell loading position, and the taping position, and can transfer a stack of the plurality of first unit cells (20) and the second unit cells (30) to the taping position.

[0120] In the stacking process (S2) above, the cell transfer pallet (100) travels along the rail (60) to the second unit cell loading position after a plurality of first unit cells (20) are loaded onto the base (110) at the first unit cell loading position.

[0121] The cell transport pallet (100) can be driven along the rail (60) to a taping position after one second unit cell (30) is stacked on the uppermost first unit cell (20n) among a plurality of first unit cells at the second unit cell loading position.

[0122] The above taping location is the location where the taping process (S3) is performed. The above taping process (S3) is a process for taping the plurality of first unit cells (20) and the second unit cells (30) into a single bundle.

[0123] The preferred embodiments of the present invention described above are disclosed for illustrative purposes only, and those skilled in the art with ordinary knowledge of the present invention will be able to make various modifications, changes, and additions within the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such modifications, changes, and additions should be considered to fall within the scope of the following claims.

[0124] As described in the detailed description of the invention.

Claims

1. A base configured to travel longitudinally along a rail; A cell mounting portion integrally provided with the base at the upper portion of the base, and configured to allow a unit cell to be mounted such that the electrode tab of the unit cell faces the front end of the base; and A cell transport pallet comprising a windbreak member mounted on the base so as to be spaced apart from the front of the cell mounting portion, extending upward from the cell mounting portion in a height direction perpendicular to the base, and configured to block wind applied to a plurality of unit cells loaded on the cell mounting portion during the movement of the base.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above base is a cell transport pallet arranged to travel integrally with the cell mounting portion and the windbreak portion.

3. In Paragraph 1, A cell transfer pallet characterized in that the windbreak portion is provided to be height-adjustable in the height direction.

4. In Paragraph 3, A cell transfer pallet characterized by the above-mentioned windbreak being adjustable in height to a position higher than the uppermost position of a plurality of unit cells loaded in the cell seating section.

5. In Paragraph 3, A cell transport pallet characterized in that the upper portion of the windbreak is arranged to be bent upward toward the cell seating portion.

6. In Paragraph 1, A cell transport pallet characterized by the fact that the windbreak portion has a plurality of perforated holes provided at the bottom, so that when the base is driven, the wind flows through the plurality of perforated holes to the lower part of the cell seating portion.

7. In claim 1, the windbreak part is, A first support member mounted on the above base, having a plurality of height adjustment holes arranged in a row in the height direction at the upper portion; A second support member having a slot hole extended in the height direction to correspond to the plurality of height adjustment holes; and A cell transfer pallet comprising a fastening member provided to connect the first support and the second support by penetrating the slot hole and one of the height adjustment holes.

8. In Paragraph 7, A cell transport pallet characterized in that the first support member has a plurality of perforated holes provided at the bottom, so that when the base is driven, the wind flows through the plurality of perforated holes to the lower part of the cell seating portion.

9. In Paragraph 7, A cell transfer pallet characterized in that the first support member is provided with a first surface coupled to the base and a second surface coupled to the second support member, both of which are bent into an L-shape, and a reinforcing rib is provided between the first surface and the second surface.

10. In Paragraph 7, A cell transfer pallet characterized in that the upper portion of the second support is bent at a predetermined angle.

11. In Paragraph 1, A cell transfer pallet characterized in that the cell mounting portion comprises a plurality of columns spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the unit cell.

12. In Paragraph 11, A cell transfer pallet characterized in that the electrode tab of the unit cell extends forward from the foremost column among the plurality of columns and is unsupported.

13. A lamination step for producing a first unit cell in which a separator, a cathode, a separator, and an anode are stacked in sequence, and a second unit cell in which a separator, a cathode, and a separator are stacked in sequence; A step of loading a plurality of first unit cells onto the cell mounting portion of a cell transfer pallet; A step of moving the cell transfer pallet to a position where the second unit cell is loaded while the plurality of first unit cells are loaded; A step of loading the second unit cell onto the top of the plurality of first unit cells while the cell transfer pallet is in a stationary state; and The method includes the step of moving the cell transfer pallet to a taping position for taping the plurality of first unit cells and one second unit cell as a bundle, and A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, wherein the cell transfer pallet includes a windbreak member spaced apart and mounted in front of the cell mounting portion, and the windbreak member blocks wind applied to a plurality of unit cells loaded in the cell mounting portion when the cell transfer pallet is moving.

14. In Paragraph 13, A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, characterized in that the cell transfer pallet is configured to circulate between the loading position of the first unit cell, the loading position of the second unit cell, and the taping position.

15. In Paragraph 13, The cell transfer pallet above repeatedly travels and stops at a set speed, and A method for manufacturing a secondary battery characterized in that the loading of the first unit cell, the loading of the second unit cell, and the taping of the plurality of first unit cells and the second unit cell into a bundle are performed when the cell transfer pallet is stopped.

16. In Paragraph 13, A method for manufacturing a secondary battery characterized in that the lamination, the loading of the first unit cell, the loading of the second unit cell, and the taping are performed continuously in a series of flows.

17. A lamination device configured to produce a first unit cell in which a separator, a cathode, a separator, and an anode are stacked in sequence, and a second unit cell in which a separator, a cathode, and a separator are stacked in sequence; A stack device configured to stack a plurality of first unit cells and then stack a second unit cell on top of the plurality of first unit cells; A taping device provided to tape the plurality of first unit cells and the second unit cells together as a bundle; An inspection device provided to inspect an electrode assembly comprising the plurality of first unit cells and the second unit cells; and A lamination and stacking facility comprising a cell transfer pallet having a windbreak portion provided in front of the electrode tab to block wind applied to the electrode tabs of the first unit cell and the second unit cell during driving, and a linear motion portion provided to sequentially transfer the cell transfer pallet to the stacking device, the taping device, and the inspection device.

18. In Paragraph 17, A lamination and stacking facility characterized in that the above windbreak is provided to be height-adjustable in the stacking direction of the unit cell and can be adjusted to be higher than the stacking height of the unit cell loaded on the cell transfer pallet.

19. In Paragraph 18, The above windbreak is characterized by having perforated holes provided to allow wind to pass through at a position not facing the first unit cell loaded on the cell transfer pallet.

20. In Paragraph 18, A lamination and stacking facility characterized in that the windbreak member is installed at the front of the cell transfer pallet such that it faces the electrode tab of a unit cell loaded on the cell transfer pallet and the upper portion of the windbreak member is bent upward at a predetermined angle toward the rear of the cell transfer pallet.

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