TECHNICAL FIELD
Cross-reference to Related Applications
[0001] This application claims priority from Korean Patent
Application No. 10-2020-0036394, filed on March 25, 2020, the
disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.
Technical Field
[0002] The present invention relates to cell preparation
apparatus and method, and more particularly, to cell
preparation apparatus and method which may prevent a
displacement of an electrode from its original position when
the electrode and a separator sheet are stacked in a Zfolding
form.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] In general, types of secondary batteries include a
nickel cadmium battery, a nickel hydride battery, a lithium
ion battery, and a lithium ion polymer battery. These
secondary batteries are not only applied and used in small
products such as digital cameras, P-DVDs, MP3Ps, mobile
phones, PDAs, portable game devices, power tools, and E-bikes,
but are also applied and used in large products requiring
high output, such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles,
and a power storage device and a power storage device for
backup which store surplus generated power or renewable
energy.
[0004] In order to prepare such a secondary battery, first,
a positive electrode collector and a negative electrode
2
collector are respectively coated with electrode active
material slurries to prepare a positive electrode and a
negative electrode, and the positive electrode and the
negative electrode are then stacked on opposite sides of a
separator to form an electrode assembly having a
predetermined shape. Then, after the electrode assembly is
accommodated in a battery case and an electrolyte solution is
injected, the battery case is sealed.
[0005] The electrode assembly is classified into various
types. For example, there are a simple stack type in which a
unit cell is not prepared and positive electrodes, separators,
and negative electrodes are simply crossed and continuously
stacked, a lamination & stack type (L&S) in which a unit cell
is first prepared using a positive electrode, a separator,
and a negative electrode and these unit cells are then
stacked, a stack & folding type (S&F) in which a plurality of
electrodes or unit cells are spaced apart and attached to one
surface of a separator sheet having a greater length in one
side and the separator sheet is repeatedly folded in the same
direction from one end, and a Z-folding type that
alternatingly repeats a process in which a plurality of
electrodes or unit cells are alternatingly attached to one
surface and the other surface of a separator sheet having a
greater length in one side and the separator sheet is folded
in a specific direction from one end and then folded in an
opposite direction. Among them, the Z-folding type has been
frequently used in recent years due to a high alignment
degree and a high impregnation degree of the electrolyte
solution.
[0006] However, typically, since a separate laminating
3
process was not performed after stacking the electrode and
the separator sheet in such a Z-folding form, the electrode
and the separator sheet were not adhered to each other, and
thus, there was a problem in that the electrode was out of
position. In order to solve this problem, a separate
laminating process was performed after stacking the electrode
and the separator sheet, but, since an overall thickness of a
stack, in which the electrode and the separator sheet were
stacked, was increased, heat was not transferred to the
inside of the stack, and thus, there was a problem in that
adhesion was reduced. Also, there was also a problem in that
the electrode was out of position in a process of
transferring the stack to perform the separate laminating
process.
[0007] [Prior Art Documents] Korean Patent Application Laid-
Open Publication No. 2010-0016619
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
TECHNICAL PROBLEM
[0008] An aspect of the present invention provides cell
preparation apparatus and method which may prevent a
displacement of an electrode from its original position when
the electrode and a separator sheet are stacked in a Zfolding
form.
[0009] The object of the present invention is not limited to
the aforesaid, but other objects not described herein will be
clearly understood by those skilled in the art from
descriptions below.
TECHNICAL SOLUTION
[0010] According to an aspect of the present invention,
there is provided an apparatus for preparing a cell which
includes: an electrode reel from which an electrode sheet,
4
which is to be a plurality of electrodes, is unwound; a
separator reel from which a separator sheet, which is stacked
with the electrode while covering the electrode by being
folded when the electrode is stably placed, is unwound; a
table having an upper surface on which the electrode and the
separator sheet are stably placed; and a nozzle for applying
an adhesive to at least a portion of a region of the
separator sheet stably placed on the table.
[0011] Also, the electrode reel may include a first
electrode reel from which a first electrode sheet, which is
to be a plurality of first electrodes, is unwound; and a
second electrode reel from which a second electrode sheet,
which is to be a plurality of second electrodes, is unwound.
[0012] Furthermore, the nozzle may include a first nozzle
for applying the adhesive to at least a portion of a first
region of the separator sheet which covers the second
electrode; and a second nozzle for applying the adhesive to
at least a portion of a second region of the separator sheet
which covers the first electrode.
[0013] Also, the first nozzle and the second nozzle may be
disposed at opposite sides with the separator sheet disposed
therebetween.
[0014] Furthermore, the first electrode may be stably placed
in the first region of the separator sheet, and the second
electrode may be stably placed in the second region of the
separator sheet.
[0015] Also, the apparatus for preparing a cell may further
include a first header which sucks the first electrode to
stably place the first electrode in the first region; and a
second header which sucks the second electrode to stably
5
place the second electrode in the second region.
[0016] Furthermore, the apparatus for preparing a cell may
further include a moving box which accommodates the separator
sheet, the first nozzle, and the second nozzle therein.
[0017] Also, the table may linearly reciprocate in a
direction in which the separator sheet covers the first
electrode and the second electrode.
[0018] Furthermore, the table may swing back and forth in a
direction in which the separator sheet covers the first
electrode and the second electrode.
[0019] Also, when the first electrode is stably placed on
the separator sheet, one side of the separator sheet may be
folded to cover the first electrode, and, when the second
electrode is stably placed on the separator sheet, the other
side of the separator sheet may be folded to cover the second
electrode.
[0020] According to another aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a method of preparing a cell which
includes: cutting a first electrode sheet unwound from a
first electrode reel to form a plurality of first electrodes;
stably placing a separator sheet unwound from a separator
reel on a table; applying an adhesive by a first nozzle to at
least a portion of a first region of the separator sheet;
stably placing the first electrode in the first region to
which the adhesive has been applied; and covering the first
electrode with a second region of the separator sheet by
folding the separator sheet.
[0021] Also, after the covering of the first electrode, the
method may further include cutting a second electrode sheet
unwound from a second electrode reel to form a plurality of
6
second electrodes; applying an adhesive by a second nozzle to
at least a portion of the second region; stably placing the
second electrode in the second region to which the adhesive
has been applied; and covering the second electrode with the
first region of the separator sheet by folding the separator
sheet.
[0022] Furthermore, in the covering of the first electrode
and the covering of the second electrode, the table may
linearly reciprocate in a direction in which the separator
sheet covers the first electrode and the second electrode.
[0023] Also, in the covering of the first electrode and the
covering of the second electrode, the table may swing back
and forth in a direction in which the separator sheet covers
the first electrode and the second electrode.
[0024] Furthermore, in the covering of the first electrode
and the covering of the second electrode, a moving box, which
accommodates the separator sheet, the first nozzle, and the
second nozzle therein, may linearly reciprocate in a
direction in which the separator sheet covers the first
electrode and the second electrode.
[0025] Other specific details of the present invention are
included in the detailed description and drawings.
ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS
[0026] According to the embodiments of the present invention,
at least the following effects may be achieved.
[0027] When stacking an electrode and a separator sheet in a
Z-folding form, a displacement of the electrode from its
original position may be prevented by applying an adhesive in
advance whenever the electrode is stably placed on the
separator sheet.
7
[0028] The effects according to the present invention are
not limited to the contents as exemplified above, but more
various effects are included in the specification.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a method of preparing a cell
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 2 is a schematic view illustrating a state in
which a first electrode is stably placed in a first region of
a separator sheet in an apparatus for preparing a cell
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 3 is a schematic view illustrating a state in
which a table linearly moves and a second nozzle applies an
adhesive to a second region of the separator sheet in the
apparatus for preparing a cell according to the embodiment of
the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating a state in
which a second electrode is stably placed in the second
region of the separator sheet in the apparatus for preparing
a cell according to the embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 5 is a schematic view illustrating a state in
which the table linearly moves and a first nozzle applies an
adhesive to the first region of the separator sheet in the
apparatus for preparing a cell according to the embodiment of
the present invention;
[0034] FIG. 6 is a schematic view illustrating a state in
which a first electrode is stably placed in a first region of
a separator sheet in an apparatus for preparing a cell
according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0035] FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustrating a state in
which a table swings and a second nozzle applies an adhesive
8
to a second region of the separator sheet in the apparatus
for preparing a cell according to the another embodiment of
the present invention;
[0036] FIG. 8 is a schematic view illustrating a state in
which a second electrode is stably placed in the second
region of the separator sheet in the apparatus for preparing
a cell according to the another embodiment of the present
invention;
[0037] FIG. 9 is a schematic view illustrating a state in
which the table swings and a first nozzle applies an adhesive
to the first region of the separator sheet in the apparatus
for preparing a cell according to the another embodiment of
the present invention;
[0038] FIG. 10 is a schematic view illustrating a state in
which a first electrode is stably placed in a first region of
a separator sheet in an apparatus for preparing a cell
according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 11 is a schematic view illustrating a state in
which a moving box linearly moves and a second nozzle applies
an adhesive to a second region of the separator sheet in the
apparatus for preparing a cell according to the another
embodiment of the present invention;
[0040] FIG. 12 is a schematic view illustrating a state in
which a second electrode is stably placed in the second
region of the separator sheet in the apparatus for preparing
a cell according to the another embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0041] FIG. 13 is a schematic view illustrating a state in
which the moving box linearly moves and a first nozzle
applies an adhesive to the first region of the separator
9
sheet in the apparatus for preparing a cell according to the
another embodiment of the present invention.
MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0042] Advantages and features of the present invention, and
implementation methods thereof will be clarified through
following embodiments described with reference to the
accompanying drawings. The present invention may, however,
be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as
limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these
embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be
thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the
present invention to those skilled in the art. Further, the
present invention is only defined by scopes of claims. Like
reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.
[0043] Unless defined otherwise, all terms (including
technical and scientific terms) used herein may be intended
to have meanings understood by those skilled in the art. In
addition, terms defined in general dictionaries should not be
interpreted abnormally or exaggeratedly, unless clearly
specifically defined.
[0044] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of
describing particular example embodiments only and is not
intended to be limiting of the present invention. In the
specification, the terms of a singular form may include
plural forms unless referred to the contrary. It will be
further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or
"comprising" when used in this specification, specify the
presence of stated components, but do not preclude the
presence or addition of one or more other components.
[0045] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present
10
invention will be described in detail with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
[0046] FIG. 1 is a flowchart of a method of preparing a cell
according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0047] According to an embodiment of the present invention,
when stacking an electrode 11 and a separator sheet 122 in a
Z-folding form, a displacement of the electrode 11 from its
original position may be prevented by applying an adhesive in
advance whenever the electrode 11 is stably placed on the
separator sheet 122.
[0048] For this purpose, the method of preparing a unit cell
according to the embodiment of the present invention includes
the steps of: cutting a first electrode sheet 1111 unwound
from a first electrode reel 111 to form a plurality of first
electrodes 1112; stably placing a separator sheet 122 unwound
from a separator reel 121 on a table 16; applying an adhesive
by a first nozzle 171 to at least a portion of a first region
1221 of the separator sheet 122; stably placing the first
electrode 1112 in the first region 1221 to which the adhesive
has been applied; and covering the first electrode 1112 with
a second region 1222 of the separator sheet 122 by folding
the separator sheet 122.
[0049] Hereinafter, each step illustrated in the flowchart
of FIG. 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
2 and 13.
[0050] FIG. 2 is a schematic view illustrating a state in
which the first electrode 112 is stably placed in the first
region 1221 of the separator sheet 112 in an apparatus 1 for
preparing a cell according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
11
[0051] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the apparatus 1 for
preparing a unit cell according to the embodiment of the
present invention may include an electrode reel from which an
electrode sheet, which is to be a plurality of electrodes 11,
is unwound; a separator reel 121 from which a separator sheet
122, which is stacked with the electrode 11 while covering
the electrode 11 by being folded when the electrode 11 is
stably placed, is unwound; a table 16 having an upper surface
on which the electrode 11 and the separator sheet 122 are
stably placed; and a nozzle 17 for applying an adhesive to at
least a portion of a region of the separator sheet 122 stably
placed on the table 16. In addition, the electrode reel may
include a first electrode reel 111 from which a first
electrode sheet 1111, which is to be a plurality of first
electrodes 1112, is unwound; and a second electrode reel 112
from which a second electrode sheet 1121, which is to be a
plurality of second electrodes 1122, is unwound, and the
nozzle 17 may include a first nozzle 171 for applying the
adhesive to at least a portion of a first region 1221 of the
separator sheet 122 which covers the second electrode 1122;
and a second nozzle 172 for applying the adhesive to at least
a portion of a second region 1222 of the separator sheet 122
which covers the first electrode 1112.
[0052] The electrode reel 111 is a reel on which the
electrode sheet is wound, and the electrode sheet is unwound
from the electrode reel. Then, the electrode sheet is cut to
form the electrode 11. The electrode sheet may be prepared
by coating a slurry of an electrode active material, a
conductive agent, and a binder on an electrode collector,
drying, and then pressing the coated electrode collector.
12
[0053] According to an embodiment of the present invention,
the electrode reel includes the first electrode reel 111 and
the second electrode reel 112. The first electrode reel 111
is a reel on which the first electrode sheet 1111 is wound,
and the first electrode sheet 1111 is unwound from the first
electrode reel 111. In addition, the second electrode reel
112 is a reel on which the second electrode sheet 1121 is
wound, and the second electrode sheet 1121 is unwound from
the second electrode reel 112. Herein, the first electrode
1112 and the second electrode 1122 may be electrodes 11
having different polarities. That is, if the first electrode
1112 is a positive electrode, the second electrode 1122 may
be a negative electrode, and, if the first electrode 1112 is
a negative electrode, the second electrode 1122 may be a
positive electrode.
[0054] The separator reel 121 is a reel on which the
separator sheet 122 is wound, and the separator sheet 122 is
unwound from the separator reel 121. Then, the separator
sheet 122 is stacked with the electrode 11 which is formed by
cutting the electrode sheet. The electrode 11 and the
separator sheet 122 are stacked in a Z-folding form.
Particularly, according to an embodiment of the present
invention, when the first electrode 1112 is stably placed on
the separator sheet 122, one side of the separator sheet 122
is folded to cover the first electrode 1112, and, when the
second electrode 1122 is stably placed on the separator sheet
122, the other side thereof is folded to cover the second
electrode 1122.
[0055] The table 16 is a place where a cell is prepared by
stably placing and stacking the electrode 11 and the
13
separator sheet 122 on an upper surface thereof. It is
desirable that the upper surface of the table 16 is formed
substantially flat so that the cell may be stably prepared.
The table 16 may be disposed between the first electrode reel
111 and the second electrode reel 112. Then, when the first
electrode sheet 1111 unwound from the first electrode reel
111 is cut to form the first electrode 1112, a first transfer
device 141 transfers the first electrode 1112 toward the
table 16. Also, when the second electrode sheet 1121 unwound
from the second electrode reel 112 is cut to form the second
electrode 1122, a second transfer device 142 transfers the
second electrode 1122 toward the table 16. That is, since
the first electrode 1112 and the second electrode 1122 are
respectively transferred from opposite sides of the table 16,
it may be easy to alternatingly stack the first electrode
1112 and the second electrode 1122 on the separator sheet 122.
[0056] According to an embodiment of the present invention,
the table 16 may linearly reciprocate in a direction in which
the separator sheet 122 covers the first electrode 1112 and
the second electrode 1122. That is, if the electrode 11 is
stacked on the separator sheet 122 whenever the table 16
linearly reciprocates toward the first transfer device 141
and the second transfer device 142, the separator sheet 122
may cover the electrode 11.
[0057] The nozzle 17 applies an adhesive to the separator
sheet 122. In this case, if the separator sheet 122 is
folded in a direction of covering the electrode 11, the
nozzle 17 may apply the adhesive to an upper surface of a
region of the separator sheet 122 which covers the electrode
11.
14
[0058] It is desirable that the adhesive is uniformly
applied to the region of the separator sheet 122. However,
if the adhesive is applied to an entire surface of the region
of the separator sheet 122, an amount of the adhesive applied
may be excessively large. Accordingly, the adhesive may flow
to the outside of the separator sheet 122 to contaminate
other parts, and a function of generating power may not be
smooth when a secondary battery is prepared. Thus, the
adhesive may be applied to the upper surface of the region of
the separator sheet 122 by a spot application method of
applying the adhesive in the form of a dot or a line
application method of applying the adhesive in the form of a
line.
[0059] In contrast, if the amount of the adhesive applied is
excessively small, the electrode 11 is still not fixed to the
separator sheet 122 while the cell is moved, and the
electrode 11 may be out of position. Thus, it is desirable
that a spacing between regions to which the adhesive is
applied is not excessively large.
[0060] The adhesive must maintain adhesiveness even if a
separator is impregnated with an electrolyte solution. Thus,
it is desirable that the adhesive has a property of corrosion
resistance that is not modified by chemical causes. Such an
adhesive is a hot melt adhesive, wherein the adhesive may
include a modified olefin-based thermoplastic resin.
[0061] The nozzle 17 includes the first nozzle 171 for
applying the adhesive to at least a portion of the first
region 1221 of the separator sheet 122 which covers the
second electrode 1122; and the second nozzle 172 for applying
the adhesive to at least a portion of the second region 1222
15
of the separator sheet 122 which covers the first electrode
1112. In addition, the first nozzle 171 and the second
nozzle 172 are disposed at opposite sides with the separator
sheet 122 disposed therebetween. Thus, among the first
nozzle 171 and the second nozzle 172, the nozzle 17 located
above a region where the separator sheet 122 covers the
electrode 11 may apply the adhesive to the region.
Specifically, if the second region 1222 covers the first
electrode 1112, the second nozzle 172 located above the
second region 1222 applies the adhesive to the second region
1222, and, if the first region 1221 covers the second
electrode 1122, the first nozzle 171 located above the first
region 1221 applies the adhesive to the first region 1221.
[0062] The plurality of first electrodes 1112 and the
plurality of second electrodes 1122 are alternatingly
attached to one surface of the separator sheet 122 and the
other surface thereof, respectively. The first region 1221
refers to a region on one surface of the separator sheet 122
to which the first electrode 1112 is attached while covering
the second electrode 1122. In addition, the second region
1222 refers to a region on the other surface of the separator
sheet 122 to which the second electrode 1122 is attached
while covering the first electrode 1112.
[0063] However, the present invention is not limited thereto,
and the nozzle 17 located above the electrode 11 may apply an
adhesive to the electrode 11 before the separator sheet 122
covers the electrode 11. Specifically, before the second
region 1222 covers the first electrode 1112, the first nozzle
171 located above the first electrode 1112 may apply an
adhesive to the first electrode 1112, and, before the first
16
region 1221 covers the second electrode 1122, the second
nozzle 172 located above the second electrode 1122 may also
apply an adhesive to the second electrode 1122.
[0064] The method of preparing a unit cell according to the
embodiment of the present invention may be performed as
follows, using the apparatus 1 for preparing a unit cell as
described above.
[0065] When the first electrode sheet 1111 is first unwound
from the first electrode reel 111, a first cutter 131 cuts
the first electrode sheet 1111 (S101). Then, the plurality
of first electrodes 1112 are formed. When the first transfer
device 141 transfers the first electrode 1112, a first header
151 sucks the first electrode 1112.
[0066] When the separator sheet 122 is unwound from the
separator reel 121, the separator sheet 122 is stably placed
on the upper surface of the table 16 (S102). When the table
16 linearly moves toward the first transfer device 141 that
transfers the first electrode 1112, the first nozzle 171
applies an adhesive to at least a portion of the first region
1221 of the separator sheet 122 stably placed on the table 16
(S103).
[0067] When the table 16 linearly moves toward the first
transfer device 141, the first header 151 having the first
electrode 1112 sucked thereon may also linearly move toward
the table 16. In addition, when the first header 151 is
located above the table 16, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the
first header 151 stably places the electrode 1112 in the
first region 1221 of the separator sheet 122 to which the
adhesive has been applied (S104).
[0068] FIG. 3 is a schematic view illustrating a state in
17
which the table 16 linearly moves and the second nozzle 172
applies an adhesive to the second region 1222 of the
separator sheet 122 in the apparatus 1 for preparing a cell
according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0069] The first electrode 1112 is stably placed in the
first region 1221, and, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the table
16 linearly moves toward the second transfer device 142 that
transfers the second electrode 1122. Then, one side of the
separator sheet 122 is folded so that the second region 1222
of the separator sheet 122 covers the first electrode 1112
(S105).
[0070] When the second electrode sheet 1121 is unwound from
the second electrode reel 112, a second cutter 132 cuts the
second electrode sheet 1121. Then, a plurality of second
electrodes 1122 are formed. When the second transfer device
142 transfers the second electrode 1122, a second header 152
sucks the second electrode 1122. When the second region 1222
covers the first electrode 1112, the second nozzle 172
located above the second region 1222 applies an adhesive to
at least a portion of the second regions 1222 of the
separator sheet 122.
[0071] FIG. 4 is a schematic view illustrating a state in
which the second electrode 1122 is stably placed in the
second region 1222 of the separator sheet 122 in the
apparatus 1 for preparing a cell according to the embodiment
of the present invention.
[0072] When the table 16 linearly moves toward the second
transfer device 142, the second header 152 having the second
electrode 1122 sucked thereon may also linearly move toward
the table 16. In addition, when the second header 152 is
18
located above the table 16, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the
second header 152 stably places the second electrode 1122 in
the second region 1222 of the separator sheet 122 to which
the adhesive has been applied.
[0073] FIG. 5 is a schematic view illustrating a state in
which the table 16 linearly moves and the first nozzle 171
applies an adhesive to the first region 1221 of the separator
sheet 122 in the apparatus 1 for preparing a cell according
to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0074] The second electrode 1122 is stably placed in the
second region 1222, and, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the table
16 again linearly moves toward the first transfer device 141.
Then, the other side of the separator sheet 122 is folded so
that the first region 1221 of the separator sheet 122 covers
the second electrode 1122. When the first region 1221 covers
the second electrode 1122, the first nozzle 171 located above
the first region 1221 applies an adhesive to at least a
portion of the first regions 1221 of the separator sheet 122.
[0075] That is, the method of preparing a cell according to
the embodiment of the present invention may be performed by
repeating the above-described processes.
[0076] FIG. 6 is a schematic view illustrating a state in
which the first electrode 1112 is stably placed in the first
region 1221 of the separator sheet 122 in an apparatus 1a for
preparing a cell according to another embodiment of the
present invention.
[0077] According to another embodiment of the present
invention, a table 16a may swing back and forth in a
direction in which the separator sheet 122 covers the first
electrode 1112 and the second electrode 1122. Then,
19
accordingly, a first header 151a and a second header 152a may
not linearly move, but may swing.
[0078] A method of preparing a unit cell according to
another embodiment of the present invention may be performed
as follows, using the apparatus 1a for preparing a unit cell
as described above.
[0079] When the first cutter 131 cuts the first electrode
sheet 1111, a plurality of first electrodes 1112 are formed
(S101). The first header 151a sucks the first electrode 1112
transferred to the first transfer device 141.
[0080] When the separator sheet 122 is stably placed on an
upper surface of the table 16a (S102) and the table 16a
swings toward the first transfer device 141, the first nozzle
171 applies an adhesive to at least a portion of the first
region 1221 of the separator sheet 122 (S103).
[0081] When the table 16a swings toward the first transfer
device 141, the first header 151a having the first electrode
1112 sucked thereon may also swing toward the table 16a. In
addition, when the upper surface of the table 16a and the
first header 151a are positioned to face each other, as
illustrated in FIG. 6, the first header 151a stably places
the first electrode 1112 in the first region 1221 of the
separator sheet 122 to which the adhesive has been applied
(S104).
[0082] FIG. 7 is a schematic view illustrating a state in
which the table 16a swings and the second nozzle 172 applies
an adhesive to the second region 1222 of the separator sheet
122 in the apparatus 1a for preparing a cell according to the
another embodiment of the present invention.
[0083] When the first electrode 1112 is stably placed in the
20
first region 1221 and, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the table
16a swings toward the second transfer device 142, the second
region 1222 of the separator sheet 122 covers the first
electrode 1112 (S105).
[0084] When the second cutter 132 cuts the second electrode
sheet 1121, a plurality of second electrodes 1122 are formed.
The second header 152a sucks the second electrode 1122
transferred to the second transfer device 142. The second
nozzle 172 located above the second region 1222 applies an
adhesive to at least a portion of the second region 1222 of
the separator sheet 122.
[0085] FIG. 8 is a schematic view illustrating a state in
which the second electrode 1122 is stably placed in the
second region 1222 of the separator sheet 122 in the
apparatus 1a for preparing a cell according to the another
embodiment of the present invention.
[0086] When the table 16a swings toward the second transfer
device 142, the second header 152a having the second
electrode 1122 sucked thereon may also swing toward the table
16a. In addition, when the upper surface of the table 16a
and the second header 152a are positioned to face each other,
as illustrated in FIG. 8, the second header 152a stably
places the second electrode 1122 in the second region 1222 of
the separator sheet 122 to which the adhesive has been
applied.
[0087] FIG. 9 is a schematic view illustrating a state in
which the table 16a swings and the first nozzle 171 applies
an adhesive to the first region 1221 of the separator sheet
122 in the apparatus 1a for preparing a cell according to the
another embodiment of the present invention.
21
[0088] When the second electrode 1122 is stably placed in
the second region 1222 and, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the
table 16a again swings toward the first transfer device 141,
the first region 1221 of the separator sheet 122 covers the
second electrode 1122. The first nozzle 171 located above
the first region 1221 applies an adhesive to at least a
portion of the first region 1221 of the separator sheet 122.
[0089] That is, the method of preparing a cell according to
the another embodiment of the present invention may be
performed by repeating the above-described processes.
[0090] FIG. 10 is a schematic view illustrating a state in
which the first electrode 1112 is stably placed in the first
region 1221 of the separator sheet 122 in an apparatus 1b for
preparing a cell according to another embodiment of the
present invention.
[0091] According to another embodiment of the present
invention, a table 16b does not move, but is fixed. In
addition, a moving box 18 accommodating the separator sheet
122, a first nozzle 171a, and a second nozzle 172a therein
may linearly reciprocate in a direction in which the
separator sheet 122 covers the first electrode 1112 and the
second electrode 1122. Then, accordingly, the first header
151 and the second header 152 may also linearly move.
[0092] A method of preparing a unit cell according to
another embodiment of the present invention may be performed
as follows, using the apparatus 1b for preparing a unit cell
as described above.
[0093] When the first cutter 131 cuts the first electrode
sheet 1111, a plurality of first electrodes 1112 are formed
(S101). The first header 151 sucks the first electrode 1112
22
transferred to the first transfer device 141.
[0094] When the separator sheet 122 is stably placed on an
upper surface of the table 16b (S102) and the moving box 18
linearly moves toward the second transfer device 142, the
first nozzle 171a applies an adhesive to at least a portion
of the first region 1221 of the separator sheet 122 (S103).
[0095] When the moving box 18 linearly moves toward the
second transfer device 142, the first header 151 having the
first electrode 1112 sucked thereon may also linearly move
toward the table 16b. In addition, when the first header 151
is located above the table 16b, as illustrated in FIG. 10,
the first header 151 stably places the first electrode 1112
in the first region 1221 of the separator sheet 122 to which
the adhesive has been applied (S104).
[0096] FIG. 11 is a schematic view illustrating a state in
which the moving box 18 linearly moves and the second nozzle
172a applies an adhesive to the second region 1222 of the
separator sheet 122 in the apparatus 1b for preparing a cell
according to the another embodiment of the present invention.
[0097] When the first electrode 1112 is stably placed in the
first region 1221 and, as illustrated in FIG. 11, the moving
box 18 linearly moves toward the first transfer device 141,
the second region 1222 of the separator sheet 122 covers the
first electrode 1112 (S105).
[0098] When the second cutter 132 cuts the second electrode
sheet 1121, a plurality of second electrodes 1122 are formed.
The second header 152 sucks the second electrode 1122
transferred to the second transfer device 142. The second
nozzle 172a located above the second region 1222 applies an
adhesive to at least a portion of the second region 1222 of
23
the separator sheet 122.
[0099] FIG. 12 is a schematic view illustrating a state in
which the second electrode 1122 is stably placed in the
second region 1222 of the separator sheet 122 in the
apparatus 1b for preparing a cell according to the another
embodiment of the present invention.
[00100] When the moving box 18 linearly moves toward the
first transfer device 141, the second header 152 having the
second electrode 1122 sucked thereon may also linearly move
toward the table 16b. In addition, when the second header
152 is located above the table 16b, as illustrated in FIG. 12,
the second header 152 stably places the second electrode 1122
in the second region 1222 of the separator sheet 122 to which
the adhesive has been applied.
[00101] FIG. 13 is a schematic view illustrating a state in
which the moving box 18 linearly moves and the first nozzle
171a applies an adhesive to the first region 1221 of the
separator sheet 122 in the apparatus 1b for preparing a cell
according to the another embodiment of the present invention.
[00102] When the second electrode 1122 is stably placed in
the second region 1222 and, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the
moving box 18 again linearly moves toward the second transfer
device 142, the first region 1221 of the separator sheet 122
covers the second electrode 1122. The first nozzle 171a
located above the first region 1221 applies an adhesive to at
least a portion of the first region 1221 of the separator
sheet 122.
[00103] That is, the method of preparing a cell according to
the another embodiment of the present invention may be
performed by repeating the above-described processes.
24
[00104] If the methods of preparing a cell according to the
embodiments of the present invention are performed, when
stacking the electrode 11 and the separator sheet 122 in a Zfolding
form, a displacement of the electrode 11 from its
original position may be prevented by applying the adhesive
in advance whenever the electrode 11 is stably placed on the
separator sheet 122.
[00105] It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in
the art that various changes in form and details may be made
therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention as defined by the following claims. Accordingly,
it is to be understood that the invention has been described
by way of illustration and not limitation. Thus, the scope
of the invention is defined by the following claims rather
than the foregoing detailed description, and it is to be
interpreted that all changes or modifications derived from
the meaning, scope and equivalent concept of the appended
claims are within the scope of the present invention.
[00106] [Description of the Symbols]
[00107] 1: Cell Preparation Apparatus 11: Electrode
[00108] 16: Table 17: Nozzle
[00109] 18: Moving Box 111: First Electrode Reel
[00110] 112: Second Electrode Reel 121: Separator Reel
[00111] 122: Separator Sheet 131: First Cutter
[00112] 132: Second Cutter 141: First Transfer Device
[00113] 142: Second Transfer Device 151: First Header
[00114] 152: Second Header 171: First Nozzle
[00115] 172: Second Nozzle 1111: First Electrode Sheet
[00116] 1112: First Electrode 1121: Second Electrode Sheet
[00117] 1122: Second Electrode 1221: First Region
25
[00118] 1222: Second Region

CLAIMS
1. An apparatus for preparing a cell, the apparatus
comprising:
an electrode reel from which an electrode sheet, which
is to be a plurality of electrodes, is unwound;
a separator reel from which a separator sheet, which is
stacked with the electrode while covering the electrode by
being folded when the electrode is stably placed, is unwound;
a table having an upper surface on which the electrode
and the separator sheet are stably placed; and
a nozzle for applying an adhesive to at least a portion
of a region of the separator sheet stably placed on the table.
2. The apparatus for preparing a cell of claim 1,
wherein the electrode reel comprises:
a first electrode reel from which a first electrode
sheet, which is to be a plurality of first electrodes, is
unwound; and
a second electrode reel from which a second electrode
sheet, which is to be a plurality of second electrodes, is
unwound.
3. The apparatus for preparing a cell of claim 2,
wherein the nozzle comprises:
a first nozzle for applying the adhesive to at least a
portion of a first region of the separator sheet which covers
the second electrode; and
a second nozzle for applying the adhesive to at least a
portion of a second region of the separator sheet which
27
covers the first electrode.
4. The apparatus for preparing a cell of claim 3,
wherein the first nozzle and the second nozzle are disposed
at opposite sides with the separator sheet disposed
therebetween.
5. The apparatus for preparing a cell of claim 3,
wherein the first electrode is stably placed in the first
region of the separator sheet, and
the second electrode is stably placed in the second
region of the separator sheet.
6. The apparatus for preparing a cell of claim 5,
further comprising:
a first header which sucks the first electrode to
stably place the first electrode in the first region; and
a second header which sucks the second electrode to
stably place the second electrode in the second region.
7. The apparatus for preparing a cell of claim 3,
further comprising a moving box which accommodates the
separator sheet, the first nozzle, and the second nozzle
therein.
8. The apparatus for preparing a cell of claim 2,
wherein the table linearly reciprocates in a direction in
which the separator sheet covers the first electrode and the
second electrode.
28
9. The apparatus for preparing a cell of claim 2,
wherein the table swings back and forth in a direction in
which the separator sheet covers the first electrode and the
second electrode.
10. The apparatus for preparing a cell of claim 2,
wherein, when the first electrode is stably placed on the
separator sheet, one side of the separator sheet is folded to
cover the first electrode, and
when the second electrode is stably placed on the
separator sheet, the other side of the separator sheet is
folded to cover the second electrode.
11. A method of preparing a cell, the method
comprising:
cutting a first electrode sheet unwound from a first
electrode reel to form a plurality of first electrodes;
stably placing a separator sheet unwound from a
separator reel on a table;
applying an adhesive by a first nozzle to at least a
portion of a first region of the separator sheet;
stably placing the first electrode in the first region
to which the adhesive has been applied; and
covering the first electrode with a second region of
the separator sheet by folding the separator sheet.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising, after
the covering of the first electrode,
cutting a second electrode sheet unwound from a second
electrode reel to form a plurality of second electrodes;
29
applying an adhesive by a second nozzle to at least a
portion of the second region;
stably placing the second electrode in the second
region to which the adhesive has been applied; and
covering the second electrode with the first region of
the separator sheet by folding the separator sheet.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein, in the covering
of the first electrode and the covering of the second
electrode,
the table linearly reciprocates in a direction in which
the separator sheet covers the first electrode and the second
electrode.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein, in the covering
of the first electrode and the covering of the second
electrode,
the table swings back and forth in a direction in which
the separator sheet covers the first electrode and the second
electrode.
15. The method of claim 12, wherein, in the covering
of the first electrode and the covering of the second
electrode,
a moving box, which accommodates the separator sheet,
the first nozzle, and the second nozzle therein, linearly
reciprocates in a direction in which the separator sheet
covers the first electrode and the second electrode.