Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates to an electrode manufacturing device and an electrode manufacturing method using the same, and more particularly, to an electrode manufacturing device that automatically separates and discards a normal electrode and a defective electrode, and automatically reconnects a normal electrode, thereby improving equipment efficiency and productivity, and an electrode manufacturing method using the same.

Along with the increase of technology development and demands for mobile devices, the demand for batteries as energy sources is increasing rapidly. In particular, a secondary battery has attracted considerable attention as an energy source for power-driven devices, such as an electric bicycle, an electric vehicle, and a hybrid electric vehicle, as well as an energy source for mobile devices, such as a mobile phone, a digital camera, a laptop computer and a wearable device.

The secondary battery may be classified based on the shape of a battery case into a cylindrical battery having an electrode assembly mounted in a cylindrical metal can, a prismatic battery having an electrode assembly mounted in a prismatic metal can, and a pouch type battery having an electrode assembly mounted in a pouch-shaped case made of a laminated aluminum sheet.

Further, the secondary battery can be formed by inserting an electrode assembly composed of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator into a case, and then sealing the case. The electrode assembly can be formed by interposing a separator between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and winding the electrode in a jelly-roll type many times or laminating it in a plurality of layers.

Meanwhile, in recent years, secondary batteries perform a roll-to-roll process when manufacturing raw materials for electrodes such as a positive electrode, a negative electrode and a separator. However, if the raw materials contain defects during the operation of the roll-to-roll process, it is necessary to discard the defective parts at the beginning of the process and then reconnect the normal parts.

<FIG> is a diagram showing a conventional electrode manufacturing device. <FIG> is a diagram showing a state where in the electrode manufacturing device of <FIG>, defective electrodes are separated and discarded, and normal electrodes are reconnected.

Referring to <FIG>, the conventional electrode manufacturing device <NUM> includes an electrode suction unit <NUM>, an electrode moving unit <NUM>, and a cutting unit <NUM>. Here, the electrode suction unit <NUM> can suction an electrode <NUM> moved by the electrode moving unit <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the electrode <NUM> may include a normal electrode <NUM> and a defective electrode <NUM>. Here, when the defective electrode <NUM> passes through the electrode suction unit <NUM>, the conventional electrode manufacturing device <NUM> manually cuts between the normal electrode <NUM> and the defective electrode <NUM> via the cutting unit <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, the defective electrode <NUM> cut by the cutting unit <NUM> in <FIG> is manually wound around the winding unit <NUM> along the guide roll <NUM>, and the space between the defective electrode <NUM> and the normal electrode <NUM> is manually cut. Referring to <FIG>, the normal electrode <NUM> manually cut in <FIG> manually attaches and reconnects the normal electrode <NUM> and a tape <NUM> cut by the cutting unit <NUM> of <FIG>.

However, the conventional electrode manufacturing device <NUM> manually performs both the discarding and winding of the defective electrode <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, and also manually performs the reconnection between the normal electrodes <NUM>, which causes a problem that equipment efficiency and productivity are deteriorated. Thereby, there is a growing need to develop an electrode manufacturing device that automatically separates the defective electrode and the normal electrode, and can automatically perform the disposal of the defective electrode and the reconnection of the normal electrode, unlike the conventional electrode manufacturing device <NUM>.

<CIT> discloses an electrode manufacturing device comprising: a first electrode unit and a second electrode holding unit that are configured to hold a first electrode, the first electrode including a normal electrode and a defective electrode; a third electrode holding unit that is configured to hold a second electrode; a rotating unit that is connected to an end of the first electrode holding unit and is configured to rotate the first electrode holding unit; a cutting unit that is configured to cut between the normal electrode and the defective electrode wherein the rotating unit can rotate so that the first electrode holding unit is arranged on the same plane as the second electrode holding unit or the third electrode holding unit.

It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an electrode manufacturing device that automatically separates and discards a normal electrode and a defective electrode, and automatically reconnects a normal electrode, thereby improving equipment efficiency and productivity, and an electrode manufacturing method using the same.

The objects of the present disclosure are not limited to the aforementioned objects, and other objects which are not described herein should be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

According to the present invention, there is provided an electrode manufacturing device comprising: a first electrode suction unit and a second electrode suction unit that suction a first electrode, with the first electrode including a normal electrode and a defective electrode; a third electrode suction unit that suctions a second electrode; a rotating unit that is connected to an end of the first electrode suction unit and rotates the first electrode suction unit; a cutting unit that cuts between the normal electrode and the defective electrode; and a taping unit that is positioned apart from and facing the cutting unit, wherein, when the cutting operation of the cutting unit is completed, the rotating unit rotates so that the first electrode suction unit is arranged on the same plane as the second electrode suction unit or the third electrode suction unit.

The first electrode suction unit, the second electrode suction unit, and the third electrode suction unit may respectively include a suction plate.

The second electrode suction unit and the third electrode suction unit may be arranged separately in a direction perpendicular to each other.

The rotating unit may be composed of a motor and a worm gear.

The cutting unit may be composed of a rodless cylinder.

The cutting unit includes a first cutting unit and a second cutting unit, and the taping unit includes a first taping unit and a second taping unit, the first cutting unit and the first taping unit are positioned between the first electrode suction unit and the second electrode suction unit, and the second cutting unit and the second taping unit are positioned between the first electrode suction unit and the third electrode suction unit.

The normal electrode includes a first normal electrode and a second normal electrode, and the defective electrode may be positioned between the first normal electrode and the second normal electrode.

The first normal electrode may be positioned on the second electrode suction unit, and the first cutting unit cuts between the first normal electrode and the defective electrode.

The first electrode suction unit may be rotated by the rotating unit and connected to the third electrode suction unit, and the defective electrode may be connected to the second electrode by the second taping unit.

The second taping unit may attach a first adhesive sheet between the defective electrode and the second electrode.

The electrode manufacturing device may further include a winding unit that winds at least a part of the connected defective electrode and the second electrode.

A length wound by the winding unit may be equal to or greater than the length of the defective electrode.

The second normal electrode is positioned in the first electrode suction unit by the winding unit, and the second cutting unit may cut between the second normal electrode and the defective electrode.

The first electrode suction unit may be rotated by the rotating unit and connected to the second electrode suction unit, and the second normal electrode may be connected to the first normal electrode by the first taping unit.

The first taping unit may attach a second adhesive sheet between the first normal electrode and the second normal electrode.

Whether or not the cutting operation is completed may be determined based on the position of the cutting unit.

The electrode manufacturing device further includes a detection unit, the detection unit determines whether or not a defective electrode is included in the first electrode, and suction operations of the first electrode suction unit and the second electrode suction unit may be performed based on the information acquired by the detection unit.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for manufacturing an electrode , which is performed by the above-mentioned electrode manufacturing device, the method comprising the steps of: cutting the first electrode positioned in the first electrode suction unit and the second electrode suction unit by the cutting unit, thus separating a normal electrode from a defective electrode; positioning the first electrode suction unit on the same plane as the third electrode suction unit by rotating the rotating unit, and connecting the defective electrode on the first electrode suction unit and the second electrode on the third electrode suction unit by the taping unit.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided an electrode manufacturing device that can automatically separate a normal electrode from a defective electrode, and automatically reconnect a normal electrode, thereby improving equipment efficiency and productivity.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily carry out them. The present disclosure may be modified in various different ways, and is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

A description of parts not related to the description will be omitted herein for clarity, and like reference numerals designate like elements throughout the description.

Further, throughout the description, when a portion is referred to as "including" a certain component, it means that the portion can further include other components, without excluding the other components, unless otherwise stated.

Further, throughout the description, when referred to as "planar", it means when a target portion is viewed from the upper side, and when referred to as "cross-sectional", it means when a target portion is viewed from the side of a cross section cut vertically.

Now, the electrode manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

<FIG> is a diagram showing an electrode manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, an electrode manufacturing device <NUM> according to the present embodiment includes a first electrode suction unit <NUM> and a second electrode suction unit <NUM> that suction a first electrode <NUM>; a third electrode suction unit <NUM> that suctions a second electrode <NUM>; a cutting unit <NUM>; and a taping unit <NUM>.

The first electrode <NUM> may be a positive electrode or a negative electrode commonly used in the manufacture of an electrode. At this time, the structure, shape, constituent material, etc. of the positive electrode or negative electrode are not limited. Further, the second electrode <NUM> may be a discarded electrode. As an example, the second electrode <NUM> may be a discarded electrode corresponding to a defective electrode at the time of manufacturing the electrode.

More specifically, the first electrode suction unit <NUM>, the second electrode suction unit <NUM>, and the third electrode suction unit <NUM> may each include a suction plate. As an example, in the first electrode suction unit <NUM>, the second electrode suction unit <NUM>, and the third electrode suction unit <NUM>, the surface of the suction plate is finely perforated, and a hood is installed in the lower part of the suction plate, and then a hose can be installed in the lower part of the hood. Suction can be performed via a hose using a ring blower. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and any part capable of sucking the first electrode <NUM> or the second electrode <NUM> can be used without limitation.

The first electrode suction unit <NUM> may have a rotating part <NUM> formed at one end of the first electrode suction unit <NUM>. Also, the first electrode suction unit <NUM> may be rotated around the rotating unit <NUM> as an axis.

More specifically, the rotating unit <NUM> may be composed of a motor and a worm gear. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and any part capable of rotating the first electrode suction unit <NUM> at a predetermined angle can be used without limitation.

Further, the first electrode suction unit <NUM> may be connected to the second electrode suction unit <NUM> or the third electrode suction unit <NUM> according to the rotation of the rotating unit <NUM>. In other words, the first electrode suction unit <NUM> may be arranged on the same plane as the second electrode suction unit <NUM> or the third electrode suction unit <NUM> according to the rotation of the rotating unit <NUM>. Thereby, the first electrode suction unit <NUM> and the second electrode suction unit <NUM> can each allow the first electrode <NUM> to suction on the same plane. Further, the first electrode suction unit <NUM> and the third electrode suction unit <NUM> can allow the first electrode <NUM> or the second electrode <NUM> to suction on the same plane, respectively.

When the first electrode <NUM> is cut by a cutting unit <NUM>, the first electrode suction unit <NUM> can be rotated by the rotating unit <NUM>. More specifically, the first electrode suction unit <NUM> is connected to the second electrode suction unit <NUM> or the third electrode suction unit <NUM>, but can be rotated by the rotating unit <NUM> when it is cut by the cutting unit <NUM>. At this time, the first electrode suction unit <NUM> may be connected to the second electrode suction unit <NUM> or the third electrode suction unit <NUM> that have not been connected by the rotating unit <NUM>.

Further, the second electrode suction unit <NUM> and the third electrode suction unit <NUM> may be separated from each other with respect to the first electrode suction unit <NUM>. As an example, the second electrode suction unit <NUM> and the third electrode suction unit <NUM> may be separated from each other by the same distance with respect to the first electrode suction unit <NUM>. The distance may be equal to or greater than the length of the first electrode suction unit <NUM>.

Further, the second electrode suction unit <NUM> and the third electrode suction unit <NUM> may be arranged separately from each other in a direction having an angle of <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees with respect to the first electrode suction part <NUM>. As an example, the second electrode suction unit <NUM> and the third electrode suction unit <NUM> may be arranged separately in a direction perpendicular to each other.

Further, the cutting unit <NUM> can cut the first electrode <NUM>. Here, the first electrode <NUM> includes a normal electrode and a defective electrode, so that the cutting unit <NUM> can cut between the normal electrode and the defective electrode in the first electrode <NUM>. As an example, the cutting unit <NUM> may cut a boundary line between the normal electrode and the defective electrode. Alternatively, the cutting unit <NUM> cuts between the normal electrode and the defective electrode, and may cut a portion adjacent to the normal electrode based on a boundary line between the normal electrode and the defective electrode.

More specifically, the cutting unit <NUM> may be composed of a rodless cylinder. As another example, the cutting unit <NUM> may be composed of a saw type knife, but can be driven by a cylinder. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and any part capable of cutting the first electrode <NUM> can be used without limitation.

Further, the taping part <NUM> can attach any one of a metal foil, a general tape, an insulating tape, and a conductive tape to the first electrode <NUM> and/or the second electrode <NUM> as an adhesive sheet. Moreover, the taping part <NUM> may coat the first electrode <NUM> and/or the second electrode <NUM> with an adhesive composition such as an adhesive binder or a conductive binder. Thereby, the first electrode <NUM> and/or the second electrode <NUM> may be connected to each other without interfering with the current flowing through the first electrode <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM>. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and various types of materials can be adhered or coated.

Further, the cutting unit <NUM> cuts the first electrode <NUM>, and the taping unit <NUM> may be positioned separately in a direction facing the cutting unit <NUM>. As an example, the cutting part <NUM> is positioned in the lower part of the first electrode <NUM> with respect to the first electrode <NUM>, and the taping unit <NUM> may be positioned in the upper part of the first electrode <NUM>. Conversely, the cutting unit <NUM> is positioned in the upper part of the first electrode <NUM> with respect to the first electrode <NUM>, and the taping unit <NUM> may be positioned in the lower part of the first electrode <NUM>.

The cutting unit <NUM> includes a first cutting unit and a second cutting unit, and the taping part <NUM> includes a first taping unit and a second taping unit. Here, the first cutting unit and the first taping unit may be positioned between the first electrode suction unit <NUM> and the second electrode suction unit <NUM>. Thereby, the first electrode <NUM> positioned on the first electrode suction unit <NUM> and the second electrode suction unit <NUM> may be cut and reconnected by the first cutting unit and the first taping unit.

Further, the second cutting unit and the second taping unit may be positioned between the first electrode suction unit <NUM> and the third electrode suction unit <NUM>. Thereby, the first electrode <NUM> and/or the second electrode <NUM> positioned on the first electrode suction unit <NUM> and the third electrode suction unit <NUM> can be cut and reconnected by the second cutting unit and the second taping unit.

Referring to <FIG>, the electrode manufacturing device <NUM> according to the present embodiment may further include a guide roll <NUM> that guides the second electrode <NUM> positioned on the third electrode suction unit <NUM>, and a winding unit <NUM> that winds the second electrode <NUM>.

More specifically, the guide roll <NUM> may guide a path in which the second electrode <NUM> may be wound by the winding unit <NUM>. Here, the guide roll <NUM> may be positioned adjacent to the end of the third electrode suction unit <NUM>. Further, the winding unit <NUM> can wind the second electrode <NUM> by a predetermined length. As an example, the winding unit <NUM> can wind the second electrode <NUM> by the length of the defective electrode included in the first electrode <NUM>.

<FIG> are diagrams showing that in the electrode manufacturing device of <FIG>, defective electrodes are separated and discarded, and normal electrodes are reconnected.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, an electrode manufacturing process of separating and discarding the defective electrode included in the first electrode <NUM> and reconnecting the normal electrode through the electrode manufacturing device <NUM> according to the present embodiment will be described.

Here, the electrode manufacturing device <NUM> according to the present embodiment includes a separate control unit (not shown), and thus can control driving of a first electrode suction unit <NUM> and a second electrode suction unit <NUM>; a third electrode suction unit <NUM>; a cutting unit <NUM>; and a taping unit <NUM>.

The control unit (not shown) may process information for determining whether or not the first electrode <NUM> is defective, and can control driving of the first electrode suction unit <NUM> and the second electrode suction unit <NUM>; the third electrode suction unit <NUM>; the cutting unit <NUM>; and the taping unit <NUM>, via the information on whether or not the first electrode <NUM> is defective.

Here, whether or not the first electrode <NUM> is defective may be information acquired by a separate detection unit (not shown). A detection unit (not shown) can determine whether or not the first electrode <NUM> is defective. A detection unit (not shown) may determine whether or not the first electrode <NUM> is defective based on a coating defect or the like. Alternatively, the detection unit (not shown) may determine the presence or absence of defects via a tag previously displayed on the first electrode <NUM>. The detection unit may transmit information for determining whether or not the first electrode <NUM> is defective to a control unit (not shown), and the control unit (not shown) may control the operation of each component based on information transmitted from the detection unit (not shown). Meanwhile, an example of the detection unit (not shown) that can be used in the electrode manufacturing device <NUM> of the present embodiment may include, but is not limited to, a vision for determining the presence or absence of defects, based on an image.

Further, the detection units (not shown) used in the present embodiment may be formed in plural numbers, and in addition to confirming whether or not the first electrode <NUM> is defective, it may be arranged at a position necessary for confirming whether or not to permit the operation of each component. The detection unit (not shown) may transmit information acquired at the corresponding position to the control unit (not shown), and the control unit (not shown) may instruct the operation of each component based on this.

The control unit (not shown) may include one or more selected from CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), GPU (Graphic Processing Unit), one or more microprocessors, and electronic components capable of processing input data according to other predetermined logic. As an example, the control unit (not shown) develops an electrode manufacturing process capable of being performing from an electrode manufacturing device described later on the RAM, and can perform various processes such as controlling the driving of the first electrode suction unit <NUM> and the second electrode suction unit <NUM>; the third electrode suction unit <NUM>; the cutting unit <NUM>; and the taping unit <NUM> according to the developed program.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first electrode <NUM> may include a normal electrode <NUM> and <NUM> and a defective electrode <NUM>. Here, the normal electrode may include a first normal electrode <NUM> and a second normal electrode <NUM>, and the defective electrode <NUM> may be positioned between the first normal electrode <NUM> and the second normal electrode <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the first electrode suction unit <NUM> may suction the first electrode <NUM>, the first normal electrode <NUM>, the defective electrode <NUM>, and the second normal electrode <NUM>. The second electrode suction unit <NUM> may suction the first normal electrode <NUM>. At this time, the first normal electrode <NUM> is positioned on the second electrode suction unit <NUM>, and the cutting unit <NUM> can cut between the first normal electrode <NUM> and the defective electrode <NUM>. Here, the cutting unit <NUM> may be described as the above-mentioned first cutting unit. Further, the first electrode suction unit <NUM> may be rotated by the rotating unit <NUM>. Thereby, the electrode manufacturing device <NUM> according to the present embodiment can automatically separate the defective electrode <NUM> included in the first electrode <NUM> from the first normal electrode <NUM>.

Meanwhile, whether or not the first electrode <NUM> includes the defective electrode <NUM> may be determined via the above-mentioned detection unit (not shown). Further, the detection unit (not shown) may confirm that the defective electrode <NUM> is positioned on the first electrode suction unit <NUM> or that the first normal electrode <NUM> is positioned on the third electrode suction unit <NUM>.

In the above-mentioned process, the operation of each configuration can be controlled by a control unit (not shown), and the control unit (not shown) may use information transmitted from the detection unit (not shown) or each component. As a specific example, the first electrode <NUM> includes the defective electrode <NUM>, and when it is confirmed that the defective electrode <NUM> is positioned on the first electrode suction unit <NUM> or the first normal electrode <NUM> is positioned on the third electrode suction unit <NUM>, the first electrode suction unit <NUM> and the second electrode suction unit <NUM> can be driven by the control unit.

Further, the control unit (not shown) may instruct the operation of the other configuration after completion of the operation of the specific configuration is conformed. Specifically, when it is confirmed whether the control unit (not shown) holds the first electrode <NUM> by the first electrode suction unit <NUM> and the second electrode suction unit <NUM>, it can instruct an operation to the cutting unit <NUM> so as to separate the first normal electrode <NUM> and the defective electrode <NUM>. Further, after the cutting operation of the cutting unit <NUM> is completed, the control unit (not shown) may cause the rotating unit <NUM> to rotate the first electrode suction unit <NUM> in a direction in which the third electrode suction unit <NUM> is located. Here, the completion of the cutting operation of the cutting unit <NUM> can be confirmed through the position of the cutting unit <NUM>. As an example, it can be determined whether the cutting unit <NUM> has deviated from the device driving space in which the first electrode <NUM> is located, or, as another example, whether the cutting unit <NUM> has returned to its original position. The position of the cutting unit <NUM> may be detected via a detection unit (not shown).

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first electrode suction unit <NUM> may be rotated by the rotating unit <NUM> and arranged on the same plane as the third electrode suction unit <NUM>. Thereby, the first electrode suction unit <NUM> may be connected to the third electrode suction unit <NUM>. Further, the taping unit <NUM> may connect the defective electrode <NUM> positioned on the first electrode suction unit <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM> positioned on the third electrode suction unit <NUM>. Here, the taping unit <NUM> may be described as the above-mentioned second taping unit. Further, the taping unit <NUM> can attach an adhesive sheet <NUM> between the defective electrode <NUM> positioned on the first electrode suction unit <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM> positioned on the third electrode suction unit <NUM>. Thereby, in the electrode manufacturing device <NUM> according to the present embodiment, the defective electrode <NUM> included in the first electrode <NUM> can be automatically connected to the second electrode <NUM>.

Here, when the first electrode suction unit <NUM> and the third electrode suction unit <NUM> are arranged on the same plane, the third electrode suction unit <NUM> may be in a state of holding the second electrode <NUM> in advance. At this time, the first electrode suction unit <NUM> may also be in a state of holding the first electrode <NUM>, that is, the defective electrode <NUM>.

Further, here, the operation of the taping unit <NUM> may be performed after the correspondence between the first electrode suction unit <NUM> and the third electrode suction unit <NUM> is confirmed. The correspondence between the first electrode suction unit <NUM> and the third electrode suction unit <NUM> can be determined by whether or not the rotating unit <NUM> is stopped. Alternatively, through a separate detection unit (not shown) positioned around the first electrode suction unit <NUM> and the third electrode suction unit <NUM> moved by the rotating unit <NUM>, it can be determined whether the first electrode suction unit <NUM> and the third electrode suction unit <NUM> are positioned on the same plane. Meanwhile, as described above, the operation of each configuration may be performed by the control unit, and more specifically, the control unit can instruct the operation of the taping unit <NUM> after the correspondence between the first electrode suction unit <NUM> and the third electrode suction unit <NUM> is confirmed.

Referring to <FIG>, the adhesive sheet <NUM> may be attached between the defective electrode <NUM> positioned on the first electrode suction unit <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM> positioned on the third electrode suction unit <NUM>. Further, the winding unit <NUM> can wind the defective electrode <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM> to which the adhesive sheet <NUM> is attached along a guide roll <NUM> by a predetermined length. The winding unit <NUM> may wind at least a part of the connected defective electrode <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM>. As an example, the winding unit <NUM> can wind the defective electrode <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM> to which the adhesive sheet <NUM> is attached so as to be equal to the length of the defective electrode <NUM> or to be longer than the length of the defective electrode <NUM>. Thereby, the electrode manufacturing device <NUM> according to the present embodiment can allow the defective electrode <NUM> positioned on the first electrode suction unit <NUM> to move onto the third electrode suction unit <NUM>, and a second normal electrode <NUM> may be sucked into the second electrode suction unit <NUM>.

Here, the suction operations of the first electrode suction unit <NUM> and the third electrode suction unit <NUM> may be stopped in the same manner as or earlier than the winding operation of the winding unit <NUM>.

Further, here, the operation of the winding unit <NUM> or a stop of the suction operations of the first electrode suction unit <NUM> and the third electrode suction unit <NUM> may be performed after the operation of the taping unit <NUM> is completed. The completion of the operation of the taping part <NUM> may be determined according to the position of the taping part <NUM> or whether the adhesive sheet <NUM> is attached to the defective electrode <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM>. At this time, the position of the taping unit <NUM> or the presence or absence of adhesion of the adhesive sheet <NUM> may be confirmed by a detection unit (not shown).

Further, here, the winding length by the winding unit <NUM> may be determined based on information collected by the detection unit (not shown). For example, the detection unit (not shown) may confirm the size of the defective electrode <NUM>, and based on this, the operation time of the winding unit <NUM> can be adjusted. As another example, the detection unit (not shown) determines whether the defective electrode <NUM> is completely moved so as to be positioned on the third electrode suction unit <NUM>, or whether the second normal electrode <NUM> is completely moved so as to be completely located on the first electrode suction unit <NUM>. Based on this, the operation of the winding unit <NUM> may be stopped.

Meanwhile, as described above, the operation of each configuration may be instructed by a control unit (not shown). As a specific example, after the operation of the taping unit <NUM> is completed, the control unit can instruct the operation of the winding unit <NUM> or the suction stop of the first electrode suction unit <NUM> and the third electrode suction unit <NUM>. Further, the control unit (not shown) can control the operation time of the winding unit <NUM> based on information acquired from the detection unit (not shown) or each configuration.

Referring to <FIG>, the second normal electrode <NUM> is positioned on the first electrode suction unit <NUM>, and the cutting portion <NUM> can cut between the second normal electrode <NUM> and the defective electrode <NUM>. Further, the first electrode suction unit <NUM> may be rotated by the rotating unit <NUM>. At this time, the second normal electrode <NUM> cut by the cutting unit <NUM> may be positioned on the first electrode suction unit <NUM>. Here, the cutting unit <NUM> may be described as the above-mentioned second cutting unit. Thereby, the electrode manufacturing device <NUM> according to the present embodiment may automatically separate the second normal electrode <NUM> and the defective electrode <NUM> included in the first electrode <NUM>.

Here, when it is confirmed that the second normal electrode <NUM> is positioned on the first electrode suction part <NUM> or the bad electrode <NUM> is positioned on the third electrode suction part <NUM>, the first electrode suction unit <NUM> and the third electrode suction unit <NUM> can be driven. At this time, the position of the second normal electrode <NUM> or the defective electrode <NUM> may be confirmed by a detection unit (not shown). Further, the first electrode suction unit <NUM> and the third electrode suction unit <NUM> may be driven based on the winding operation stop of the winding unit <NUM>.

When it is confirmed whether the first electrode <NUM> is held by the first electrode suction unit <NUM> and the third electrode suction unit <NUM>, the cutting unit <NUM> can separate the second normal electrode <NUM> and the defective electrode <NUM>. When the operation of the cutting unit <NUM> is completed, the rotating unit <NUM> may rotate so that the first electrode suction unit <NUM> moves in a direction in which the second electrode suction unit <NUM> is located. At this time, the completion of the cutting operation of the cutting unit <NUM> can be confirmed via the position of the cutting unit <NUM>. Meanwhile, as described above, the operation of each configuration may be performed by a control unit (not shown), and the control unit (not shown) may use information acquired by the detection unit (not shown) or information transmitted from each component in controlling the operation of each component. For the operation of each configuration according to the determination of the controller, the description of <FIG> can be referred to, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the first electrode suction unit <NUM> may be rotated by the rotating unit <NUM> and rearranged on the same plane as the second electrode suction unit <NUM>. Thereby, the first electrode suction unit <NUM> may be reconnected with the second electrode suction unit <NUM>. Further, the taping part <NUM> may be connected to the second normal electrode <NUM> positioned on the first electrode suction part <NUM> and the first normal electrode <NUM> positioned on the second electrode suction part <NUM>. Here, the taping unit <NUM> may be described as the above-mentioned first taping part. Further, the taping unit <NUM> can attach an adhesive sheet <NUM> between the second normal electrode <NUM> positioned on the first electrode suction part <NUM> and the first normal electrode <NUM> positioned on the second electrode suction part <NUM>. Thereby, the electrode manufacturing device <NUM> according to the present embodiment may automatically connect the first normal electrode <NUM> and the second normal electrode <NUM> included in the first electrode <NUM>. That is, the defective electrode <NUM> included in the first electrode <NUM> may be automatically removed.

Here, when the first electrode suction unit <NUM> and the second electrode suction unit <NUM> are arranged on the same plane, the second electrode suction unit <NUM> may be in a state of holding the first normal electrode <NUM>. At this time, the first electrode suction unit <NUM> may also be in a state of holding the second normal electrode <NUM>.

Further, here, the operation of the taping unit <NUM> may be performed after the correspondence between the first electrode suction unit <NUM> and the second electrode suction unit <NUM> is confirmed. For detailed information on this and the operation of each configuration according to the determination of the control unit, the descriptions of <FIG> and <FIG> may be referred to, and thus detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Thereby, referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the electrode manufacturing device <NUM> according to the present embodiment can automatically reconnect the normal electrodes <NUM> and <NUM> while automatically discharging the defective electrode <NUM>, thereby improving equipment efficiency and productivity as compared with the conventional case.

Next, a method of manufacturing an electrode according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described based on the contents described with reference to <FIG>. The electrode manufacturing method described below is performed by the above-mentioned electrode manufacturing device, and the operation of each step may be controlled by the control unit. Further, in describing the electrode manufacturing method of the present embodiment, the reference numerals such as S100 are only indicated for distinguishing each step, and are not shown in the figures.

The electrode manufacturing method S100 according to the present embodiment may include a step S110 of cutting the first electrode <NUM> positioned between the first electrode suction unit <NUM> and a second electrode suction unit <NUM> by a cutting unit <NUM>, a step S120 of positioning on the same plane as the third electrode suction unit <NUM> by rotating the first electrode suction unit <NUM>, a step S130 of connecting the first electrode <NUM> on the first electrode suction unit <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM> on the third electrode suction unit <NUM> by the taping unit <NUM>, a step S140 of winding at least a part of the first electrode <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM> to which the winding unit <NUM> is connected, a step S150 of cutting the first electrode <NUM> positioned between the first electrode suction unit <NUM> and the third electrode suction unit <NUM> by the cutting unit <NUM>, a step S160 of positioning on the same plane as the second electrode suction unit <NUM> by rotating the first electrode suction unit <NUM>, and a step S170 of connecting the first electrode <NUM> on the first electrode suction part <NUM> and the first electrode <NUM> on the second electrode suction part <NUM> by the first electrode <NUM>.

Meanwhile, the electrode manufacturing method S100 according to the present embodiment may further include the step of confirming whether the first electrode <NUM> includes the defective electrode <NUM> before the step S110 of cutting the first electrode <NUM>. At this time, the presence or absence of the defective electrode <NUM> can be confirmed by a detection unit (not shown).

The step S110 of cutting the first electrode <NUM> can be performed depending on whether the first electrode <NUM> includes the defective electrode <NUM>. The above-mentioned step S110 can be embodied through a step of positioning the defective electrode <NUM> on the first electrode suction unit <NUM> and the first normal electrode <NUM> on the second electrode suction unit <NUM>, a step of holding the defective electrode <NUM> by the first electrode suction unit <NUM> and holding the first normal electrode <NUM> by the second electrode suction unit <NUM>, and a step of separating the defective electrode <NUM> and the first normal electrode <NUM> by the cutting unit <NUM>. Here, the cutting unit <NUM> may be a first cutting unit. Detailed description of each step may be specifically given with reference to <FIG> and a description thereof, and thus a detailed description will be omitted.

The step S120 of positioning the first electrode suction unit <NUM> and the third electrode suction unit <NUM> on the same plane by rotating the first electrode suction unit <NUM> can be performed after the completion of the operation of the cutting unit <NUM> is confirmed. The step S130 of connecting the first electrode <NUM> on the first electrode suction unit <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM> on the third electrode suction unit <NUM> by the taping unit <NUM> can be performed after the correspondence between the first electrode suction unit <NUM> and the third electrode suction unit <NUM> is confirmed. Here, the taping unit <NUM> can connect the defective electrode <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM>, and the taping unit <NUM> may be a second taping unit. The above-mentioned steps S120 and S130 can be described in detail with reference to <FIG> and a description thereof, and thus a detailed description will be omitted.

The step S140 of winding at least a part of the first electrode <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM> to which the winding unit <NUM> is connected can be performed after the operation of the taping unit <NUM> is completed. The above-mentioned step S140 can be embodied through a step of stopping the suction of the first electrode suction unit <NUM> and the third electrode suction unit <NUM>, a step of winding at least a part of the first electrode <NUM> and the second electrode <NUM> to which the winding unit <NUM> is connected, and a step of stopping the winding operation by the winding unit <NUM>. Detailed description of each step may be specifically given with reference to <FIG> and a description thereof, and thus a detailed description will be omitted.

The step S150 of cutting the first electrode <NUM> positioned between the first electrode suction unit <NUM> and the third electrode suction unit <NUM> by the cutting unit <NUM> can be performed after the winding operation of the winding portion <NUM> is stopped. The above-mentioned step S150 may be embodied through a step of positioning the second normal electrode <NUM> on the first electrode suction unit <NUM> and positioning the defective electrode <NUM> on the third electrode suction part <NUM>, a step of holding the second normal electrode <NUM> by the first electrode suction unit <NUM> and holding the defective electrode <NUM> by the third electrode suction unit <NUM>, and a step of separating the defective electrode <NUM> and the second normal electrode <NUM> by the cutting unit <NUM>. Here, the cutting unit <NUM> may be a second cutting unit. Detailed description of each step may be given in detail with reference to <FIG> and a description thereof, and thus a detailed description will be omitted.

The step S160 of positioning the first electrode suction unit <NUM> on the same plane as the second electrode suction unit <NUM> by rotating the first electrode suction unit <NUM> can be performed after completion of the operation of the cutting unit <NUM> is confirmed. The step S170 of connecting the first electrode <NUM> on the first electrode suction part <NUM> and the first electrode <NUM> on the second electrode suction part <NUM> by the taping unit <NUM> can be performed after the correspondence between the first electrode suction unit <NUM> and the second electrode suction unit <NUM> is confirmed. Here, the taping unit <NUM> may connect the first normal electrode <NUM> and the second normal electrode <NUM>, and the taping unit <NUM> may be a first taping unit. The above-mentioned steps S160 and S170 can be described in detail with reference to <FIG> and a description thereof, and thus a detailed description will be omitted.

The electrode for a secondary battery according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may be manufactured by the above-mentioned electrode manufacturing device. The electrode for a secondary battery manufactured by the electrode manufacturing device described above may be applied to various secondary batteries. Such a secondary battery can be applied to a cylindrical battery having an electrode assembly mounted in a cylindrical metal can, a prismatic battery having an electrode assembly mounted in a prismatic metal can, and a pouch type battery having an electrode assembly mounted in a pouch-shaped case made of a laminated aluminum sheet, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto and is applicable to various secondary batteries in which the electrode for secondary batteries can be used, which also falls within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claim 1:
An electrode manufacturing device (<NUM>) comprising:
a first electrode suction unit (<NUM>) and a second electrode suction unit (<NUM>) that are configured to apply suction to a first electrode (<NUM>), the first electrode (<NUM>) including a normal electrode (<NUM>, <NUM>) and a defective electrode (<NUM>);
a third electrode suction unit (<NUM>) that is configured to apply suction to a second electrode (<NUM>);
a rotating unit (<NUM>) that is connected to an end of the first electrode suction unit (<NUM>) and is configured to rotate the first electrode suction unit (<NUM>);
a cutting unit (<NUM>) that is configured to cut between the normal electrode (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the defective electrode (<NUM>); and
a taping unit (<NUM>) that is positioned apart from and facing the cutting unit (<NUM>),
wherein, the device is configured so that when the cutting operation of the cutting unit is completed, the rotating unit (<NUM>) rotates so that the first electrode suction unit (<NUM>) is arranged on the same plane as the second electrode suction unit (<NUM>) or the third electrode suction unit (<NUM>),
wherein:
the cutting unit (<NUM>) includes a first cutting unit and a second cutting unit, and the taping unit (<NUM>) includes a first taping unit and a second taping unit,
the first cutting unit and the first taping unit are positioned between the first electrode suction unit (<NUM>) and the second electrode suction unit (<NUM>), and the second cutting unit and the second taping unit are positioned between the first electrode suction unit (<NUM>) and the third electrode suction unit (<NUM>).