Manufacturing apparatus for electrode assembly and manufacturing method using the same

Abstract

A manufacturing apparatus of an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes an electrode supply unit that supplies an electrode, a separator supply unit that supplies a separator in two directions including a first direction and a second direction, and a guide roller that switches the direction in which the separator is supplied and presses the separator so that the separator and the electrode are bonded, wherein one surface of the electrode supplied from the electrode supply unit is perpendicular to one surface of the separator supplied from the separator supply unit, and the separator is bent by being pressed according to movement of the electrode or a stack including the electrode, and the bent separator covers one surface of the electrode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0138335, filed on October 18, 2021, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] This disclosure relates to an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly and a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly using the same apparatus. More specifically, it relates to an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly with simplified manufacturing processes and a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly using the same apparatus. Background Technology

[0004] In modern society, the daily use of portable devices such as mobile phones, laptops, portable camcorders, and digital cameras has spurred technological development in fields related to these mobile devices. Furthermore, rechargeable / dischargeable secondary batteries are being used as power sources for electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (P-HEVs) in an attempt to address issues such as air pollution caused by existing gasoline vehicles using fossil fuels. Therefore, the demand for secondary battery development continues to grow.

[0005] Currently, commercially available rechargeable batteries include nickel-cadmium (NiCd), nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), nickel-zinc (NiZn), and lithium-ion batteries. Among them, lithium-ion batteries have attracted much attention due to their advantages such as free charge and discharge, very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0006] Secondary batteries can be classified based on the shape of their casing into cylindrical or prismatic batteries with electrode assemblies built into cylindrical or prismatic metal canisters, and pouch batteries with electrode assemblies built into pouch-shaped casings made of stacked aluminum sheets.

[0007] Furthermore, secondary batteries can be classified based on the structure of their electrode assemblies, which have structures in which positive and negative electrodes are stacked with separators inserted between them. Typically, examples include jelly roll (wound) type structures where elongated positive and negative electrodes are wound with separators inserted between them, and stacked (laminated) type structures where multiple positive and negative electrodes cut to predetermined unit sizes are sequentially stacked with separators inserted between them. In recent years, to address the problems caused by jelly roll type and stacked type electrode assemblies, stacked / bent type electrode assemblies, which are a combination of jelly roll type and stacked type electrode assemblies, have been developed.

[0008] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the manufacturing process of a conventional electrode assembly. Figure 1The diagram illustrates the manufacturing process of electrode assemblies using a zigzag stack.

[0009] Reference Figure 1 Z-shaped stacking is an electrode assembly stacking method in which a first electrode 11 and a second electrode 12 are input simultaneously as the unwound diaphragm 13 moves from one side to the other and from the other side to one side. The first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 are stacked in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the diaphragm 13, and the diaphragm 13 covers the upper surfaces of the input first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12, thus separating the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 from each other. Here, if the first electrode 11 is a positive electrode, then the second electrode 12 is a negative electrode, and vice versa.

[0010] When the required number of first electrodes 11 and second electrodes 12 have been laminated, the diaphragm 13 is cut, and the stack is first laminated through a pre-pressing process. Then, the outermost first electrode 11a is fed into the upper and lower parts of the stack, and the stack and the outermost first electrode 11a are finally laminated through a main pressing process to manufacture the electrode assembly.

[0011] However, when through such Figure 1 When manufacturing electrode assemblies using the method shown, the overall manufacturing time increases due to the inconvenience of having to separately input the outermost electrodes at the top and bottom of the stack. Furthermore, the pressing process must be performed twice, as a primary and secondary process, and the outermost electrode input after the zigzag stacking process must be designed to be relatively small. Therefore, its capacity is limited.

[0012] Therefore, a new manufacturing apparatus is needed that can omit the separate stacking process of the outermost electrode in the zigzag stacking process of the electrode assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0013] Technical issues

[0014] One object of this disclosure is to provide an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly that can shorten manufacturing time and maximize electrode capacity by reducing existing zigzag stacking process steps, and a manufacturing method using the same apparatus.

[0015] However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to the problems described above, and various extensions can be made within the scope of the technical concepts included in this disclosure.

[0016] Technical solution

[0017] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly is provided, the apparatus comprising: an electrode supply unit that supplies electrodes; a diaphragm supply unit that supplies diaphragms in two directions including a first direction and a second direction; and a guide roller that switches the direction of diaphragm supply and presses the diaphragm to adhere the diaphragm to the electrode, wherein a surface of the electrode supplied from the electrode supply unit is perpendicular to a surface of the diaphragm supplied from the diaphragm supply unit, and the diaphragm is bent according to movement of the electrode or a stack including the electrodes, and the bent diaphragm covers a surface of the electrode.

[0018] Electrodes or stacks can be moved from one side of the diaphragm to the other, or from the other side of the diaphragm to one side, thereby pressing the diaphragm.

[0019] As the electrodes or stacks move, the guide rollers can rotate to a specified position, thereby switching the direction of the diaphragm supply.

[0020] The guide rollers include a first roller and a second roller located on one side of the diaphragm, a first electrode or a first stack including the first electrode moving upward in a third direction to press the diaphragm, and the first roller and the second roller switching directions to supply the diaphragm upward in the third direction, and the third direction being perpendicular to the direction in which the diaphragm is supplied with the diaphragm supply unit.

[0021] The first roller and the second roller may be arranged separately from each other, and the first electrode or the first stack may pass between the first roller and the second roller.

[0022] The separation distance between the first roller and the second roller can be determined based on the thickness of the first electrode or the first stack passing between the first roller and the second roller, and the thickness of the diaphragm.

[0023] The guide rollers include a third roller and a fourth roller located on the other side of the diaphragm, and the third roller and the fourth roller can switch directions to supply the diaphragm in the fourth direction when the second electrode presses the diaphragm in the fourth direction.

[0024] The guide rollers include a first roller and a second roller located on one side of the diaphragm, and a third roller and a fourth roller located on the other side of the diaphragm. When the electrode moves from the other side of the diaphragm toward one side of the diaphragm, the separation distance between the third roller and the fourth roller can be greater than the separation distance between the first roller and the second roller.

[0025] The guide roller may be a heating roller.

[0026] The diaphragm supply unit includes a first supply unit that supplies a diaphragm in the first direction and a second supply unit that supplies a diaphragm in the second direction, the first direction and the second direction being opposite to each other, and the diaphragm supplied from the first supply unit and the diaphragm supplied from the second supply unit being arranged in a straight line.

[0027] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly is provided, comprising the following steps: (a) supplying a first electrode such that the first electrode is arranged perpendicular to a surface of a diaphragm supplied in a first direction and a second direction; (b) moving the first electrode or a first stack including the first electrode along a third direction, and switching the direction of the diaphragm supplied through a first roller and a second roller such that the diaphragm is folded to cover the first electrode; (c) supplying a second electrode such that the second electrode is arranged perpendicular to a surface of the diaphragm supplied in the first direction and the second direction; (d) moving a second stack including the second electrode along a fourth direction, and switching the direction of the diaphragm supplied through a third roller and a fourth roller such that the diaphragm is folded to cover the second electrode; and (e) supplying the outermost electrode to the stack formed by repeating steps (a) to (d).

[0028] The manufacturing method may further include performing lamination by pressing after step (e).

[0029] In step (a), if no previously supplied electrode exists, one first electrode may be supplied, and if a previously supplied electrode exists, two first electrodes may be supplied.

[0030] The manufacturing method may include: adjusting the separation distance between the first roller and the second roller before step (a).

[0031] The manufacturing method may include: prior to step (a), adjusting the separation distance between the third roller and the fourth roller to be greater than the separation distance between the first roller and the second roller. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 It is a diagram illustrating the manufacturing process of a conventional electrode assembly;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a simplified block diagram of an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the manufacturing process of an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0035] Figure 5 It is a diagram based on Figure 3 and Figure 4 A diagram illustrating the stacking process of the stacked bodies during the manufacturing process. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The various embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, enabling those skilled in the art to readily implement these embodiments. This disclosure can be modified in various ways and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0037] Parts irrelevant to the description will be omitted in order to clearly describe the contents of this disclosure, and the same reference numerals will denote the same elements throughout the specification.

[0038] Furthermore, the size and thickness of various elements are arbitrarily shown in the accompanying drawings for ease of explanation, and this disclosure is not limited to those shown in the drawings. The thickness of layers, regions, etc., is exaggerated in the accompanying drawings for clarity. The thickness of some layers and regions is exaggerated in the accompanying drawings for ease of explanation.

[0039] Furthermore, it should be understood that when an element such as a layer, membrane, region, or plate is referred to as being "on" or "above" another element, it may be directly on the other element, or there may be intermediate elements present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, this means that there are no other intermediate elements present. Additionally, the terms "on" or "above" refer to being arranged above or below a reference portion, and do not necessarily mean being arranged at the upper end of the reference portion in the opposite direction to gravity. Similarly, just as being described as being located "on" or "above" another portion, being described as being located "below" or "below" another portion should also be understood with reference to the above.

[0040] Furthermore, throughout the specification, unless otherwise stated, when a part is referred to as "comprising" or "including" a component, it means that the part may also include other components, but does not exclude other components.

[0041] Furthermore, throughout the instruction manual, when referred to as a "plane," it means the target portion as viewed from above, and when referred to as a "section," it means the target portion as viewed from the side of a vertically cut section.

[0042] The following describes an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. However, the apparatus for manufacturing the electrode assembly can be used in a zigzag stacking process, and compared to conventional apparatus, the pre-pressing step and / or the step of supplying the outermost electrode can be omitted. Furthermore, it is not necessary to limit the size of the outermost electrode disposed in the electrode assembly to a small size.

[0043] Figure 2This is a simplified block diagram of an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the manufacturing process of an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 5 It is a diagram based on Figure 3 and Figure 4 A diagram illustrating the stacking process of the stacked bodies during the manufacturing process.

[0046] Reference Figures 2 to 5 The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 of this embodiment is used to manufacture electrode assemblies and may include an electrode supply unit 110, a diaphragm supply unit 130 and a guide roller 150.

[0047] Electrode supply unit 110 can supply a first electrode 11 or a second electrode 12 in stacking space a1, diaphragm supply unit 130 can supply a diaphragm 13 in stacking space a1, and guide roller 150 can bend the diaphragm 13 so that one surface of the electrodes 11 and 12 contacts the diaphragm 13. Repeating the processes of supplying electrodes 11 and 12 and bending the diaphragm 13 allows for the formation of an electrode assembly in which electrodes 11, 12, and diaphragm 13 are alternately stacked. Here, stacking space a1 can refer to the space where the first electrode 11, the second electrode 12, and the diaphragm 13 are stacked together. Figure 3 As shown, the stacking space a1 can be a space separated from the first supply unit 132 and the second supply unit 134 by the same distance.

[0048] For ease of description, the electrode assembly in which electrodes 11, 12 and diaphragm 13 are alternately stacked will be referred to as stack 20, the stack 20 with the first electrode 11 on the outermost surface will be described as first stack 21, and the stack 20 with the second electrode 12 on the outermost surface will be described as second stack 22.

[0049] The electrode supply unit 110 can supply either the first electrode 11 or the second electrode 12. The structure and shape of the electrode supply unit 110 are not limited, as long as the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 can be positioned on the diaphragm 13, and examples of the electrode supply unit 110 may include a clamp or a suction device. In this case, the supplied first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 may be cut to a predetermined size.

[0050] The diaphragm supply unit 130 can supply the diaphragm 13. The diaphragm 13 can be supplied by unwinding from a wound roll. The diaphragm supply unit 130 may include a first supply unit 132 and a second supply unit 134. The diaphragm 13 can be continuously supplied to the stacking space a1 through the first supply unit 132 and the second supply unit 134.

[0051] The first supply unit 132 can supply the diaphragm 13 in the first direction p1, and the second supply unit 134 can supply the diaphragm 13 in the second direction p2. The diaphragm 13 is supplied from both directions by the first supply unit 132 and the second supply unit 134, such that one surface of the diaphragm 13 is parallel to either the first direction p1 or the second direction p2. Here, the first direction p1 and the second direction p2 can be parallel to each other, and can be opposite directions to each other.

[0052] The two ends of each diaphragm 13 supplied via the first supply unit 132 and the second supply unit 134 can be connected. This is because after the outermost electrodes 11a are stacked, the diaphragms 13 supplied via the first supply unit 132 and the second supply unit 134 are attached to each other and cut in the attached state, as described later. Figure 4 As shown in the diagram, the corresponding diaphragms 13 supplied by the first supply unit 132 and the second supply unit 134 after cutting are in a state of being attached to each other. Therefore, in subsequent processes, the electrodes 11 and 12 can be input into the stacking space a1 where the connected diaphragms 13 are located.

[0053] The diaphragm 13, supplied from the connected end via the first supply unit 132 and the second supply unit 134, can be folded into a Z-shape. The connected end of the diaphragm 13 can be located in the central portion of the completed stacked electrode assembly.

[0054] The guide roller 150 can be used to switch the direction of supplying the diaphragm 13 and adjust the folded position of the diaphragm 13. The guide roller 150 can be a heating roller. The heating guide roller 150 applies heat to the diaphragm 13 so that the diaphragm 13 can adhere well to the electrodes 11, 12.

[0055] like Figure 3 As shown, electrodes 11, 12, or stacks 20 can pass between guide rollers 150. Electrodes 11, 12, or stacks 20 move toward one surface / other surface of diaphragm 13, thereby pressing diaphragm 13, and guide rollers 150 on one / other surface of diaphragm 13 are fixed, but rotation allows diaphragm 13 to move along the direction of movement of electrodes 11, 12, or stacks 20. Here, stacks 20 can be a first stack 21 or a second stack 22 located on the outermost surface of the first electrode 11 or the second electrode 12.

[0056] At this point, the distance between the guide rollers 150 can be adjusted to be narrower so that the diaphragm 13 can easily contact the electrodes 11 and 12, and can be adjusted to be wider to facilitate the movement of the electrodes 11 and 12 or the stack 20. For example, when the electrodes 11, 12 or the stack press against one surface of the diaphragm 13, the distance between the two guide rollers 150 on one surface of the diaphragm 13 can be adjusted to be slightly wider so as not to impede the movement of the electrodes 11, 12 or the stack, and the distance between the two guide rollers 150 on the other surface of the diaphragm 13 can be adjusted to be narrower so that the diaphragm 13 can make good contact with the electrodes 11, 12. Details regarding this will be described later in the context of "Methods for Manufacturing Electrode Assemblies," etc.

[0057] The guide roller 150 may include a first roller 152, a second roller 154, a third roller 156, and a fourth roller 158. The first roller 152 and the second roller 154 are located side by side on one side of the diaphragm 13 with reference to one surface of the diaphragm 13, and the third roller 156 and the fourth roller 158 are located side by side on the other side of the diaphragm 13. The first roller 152 and the second roller 154 are located in a third direction p3 of the diaphragm 13, and the third roller 156 and the fourth roller 158 are located in a fourth direction p4 of the diaphragm 13.

[0058] At this point, the third direction p3 and the fourth direction p4 can be parallel to each other and can be opposite to each other. The third direction p3 is the direction from one side of the diaphragm 13 toward one side, and the fourth direction p4 can be the direction from one side of the diaphragm 13 toward the other side. The third direction p3 can be the direction perpendicular to the first direction p1 or the second direction p2.

[0059] The first roller 152 and the second roller 154 can tightly bond the electrodes 11, 12 or the stack 20 input along the third direction p3 to the diaphragm 13 supplied from the diaphragm supply unit 130. The third roller 156 and the fourth roller 158 can tightly bond the electrodes 11, 12 or the stack 20 input along the fourth direction p4 to the diaphragm 13 supplied from the diaphragm supply unit 130. Here, the stack 20 includes electrodes 11, 12 and diaphragm 13 alternately stacked along the first direction p1 or the second direction p2, and can be a first stack 21 or a second stack 22. Additionally, Figure 3 The diagram shows the first electrode 11 or the first stack 21 moving along a third direction p3, and the second stack 22 moving along a fourth direction p4, but this is not necessarily the case, and they can move in the opposite direction.

[0060] The first roller 152 can guide the diaphragm 13 supplied along the first direction p1 to the third direction p3, thereby switching the orientation of the diaphragm 13. The diaphragm 13 can be bent by the first roller 152 to cover the first surfaces of the electrodes 11 and 12 located on the outermost surfaces of the stack 20 moving along the third direction p3. Here, the first surface can be the surface facing the first direction from the electrodes 11, 12, and for ease of description, the first surface can be described as the upper surface.

[0061] The second roller 154 can guide the diaphragm 13 supplied along the second direction p2 to the third direction p3, thereby switching the orientation of the diaphragm 13. The diaphragm 13 can be bent by the second roller 154 to cover the second surfaces of the electrodes 11 and 12 located on the outermost surface of the stack 20 moving along the third direction p3. Here, the second surface can be the surface facing the second direction from the electrodes 11, 12, and for ease of description, the second surface can be described as the lower surface.

[0062] The third roller 156 can guide the diaphragm 13 supplied along the first direction p1 to the fourth direction p4, thereby switching the direction of the diaphragm 13. The diaphragm 13 can be bent by the third roller 156 to cover the first surfaces of the electrodes 11 and 12 located on the outermost surface of the stack 20 moving along the fourth direction p4.

[0063] The fourth roller 158 can guide the diaphragm 13 supplied along the second direction p2 to the fourth direction p4, thereby switching the orientation of the diaphragm 13. The diaphragm 13 can be bent by the fourth roller 158 to cover the second surfaces of the electrodes 11 and 12 located on the outermost surface of the stack 20 moving along the fourth direction p4.

[0064] In this way, by moving the electrodes 11 and 12 and pressing the guide roller 150, the diaphragm 13 can be bent in the third direction p3 and the fourth direction p4. By repeating this process, it can be bent alternately to form a Z-shape. The Z-shaped diaphragm 13 is inserted between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12, thereby insulating the electrodes 11 and 12 from each other.

[0065] Furthermore, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 according to this embodiment may further include other components besides those described above. For example, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 may include a moving unit for moving the electrodes 11, 12, or the stack in a third direction p3 or a fourth direction p4. In another example, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 may further include a pressing device for stacking electrode assemblies.

[0066] A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described. The manufacturing method described below is a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly using the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 described above.

[0067] In the following text, the numbers S1000 to S1700, indicated in parentheses, are not shown in the accompanying drawings, but it is noted in advance that these numbers are indicated in order to easily distinguish the steps.

[0068] Refer again Figures 3 to 5 The method S1000 for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to this embodiment may include the following steps:

[0069] Supply the first electrode 11 (S1100),

[0070] The first electrode 11 or the first stack 21 is passed between the two guide rollers 150 so that the diaphragm 13 is folded to cover the first electrode 11 (S1200).

[0071] Supply the second electrode 12 (S1300),

[0072] The second stack 22 is passed between the two guide rollers 150 so that the diaphragm 13 is folded to cover the second electrode 12 (S1400).

[0073] The outermost electrode 11a is supplied to the stack 20 formed by repeating the above steps (S1500), and the stack 20 and the outermost electrode 11a are laminated using a pressing process (S1600).

[0074] Cut the diaphragm 13 (S1700).

[0075] The following sections will describe each step in more detail.

[0076] The first electrode 11 can be supplied in the stacking space a1 (S1100).

[0077] The first electrode 11 can be supplied in the stacking space a1 such that one surface of it is perpendicular to one surface of the unfolded diaphragm 13 (S1100). At this time, the first electrode 11 and the first roller 152 and the second roller 154 can be positioned such that the diaphragm 13 is inserted between them. The first roller 152 and the second roller 154 are located on one side of the diaphragm 13, and the first electrode 11 can be located on the other side of the diaphragm 13.

[0078] Furthermore, when the previously supplied electrodes 11 and 12 are not present in the stacking space a1, the number of supplied first electrodes 11 can be one. However, when the previously supplied electrodes 11 and 12 are present in the stacking space a1, that is, when forming the stack body 20, the number of supplied first electrodes 11 can be two. Here, the two supplied first electrodes 11 can be positioned to contact the diaphragm 13 located on the outermost surface of the stack body 20. That is, the two first electrodes 11 can be located on the first surface and the second surface of the stack body 20. Thus, the first stack body 21 can be formed.

[0079] The first electrode 11 or the first stack 21 can pass between the two guide rollers 150, and the diaphragm 13 can be folded to cover the first electrode 11 (S1200).

[0080] The first electrode 11 or the first stack 21 can move along a third direction p3 to press the diaphragm 13. At this time, the first roller 152 and the second roller 154 can be separated from each other. The first electrode 11 can be inserted between the first roller 152 and the second roller 154 to press the diaphragm 13 located between the first roller 152 and the second roller 154. The first roller 152 and the second roller 154 can be fixed in a predetermined position to partially press the diaphragm 13 from one side, and can rotate in a predetermined position to switch the direction of travel of the diaphragm 13. Through the movement of the first electrode 11 or the first stack 21, the diaphragm 13 can be pushed between the first roller 152 and the second roller 154, and the diaphragm 13 can be folded along the first roller 152 and the second roller 154 to stack on the first electrode 11.

[0081] When there is one first electrode 11, the diaphragm 13 can be folded to cover both surfaces of the first electrode 11, thereby stacking on one surface and the other surface of the first electrode 1. Furthermore, when there are two first electrodes 11, i.e., when forming the first stack 21, the diaphragm 13 is folded to cover one surface of the first electrode 11, i.e., the exposed outer surface of the first stack 21, thereby stacking on one surface of the corresponding first electrode 11.

[0082] Therefore, step (S1200) may include the following steps: pressing the diaphragm 13 between the first roller 152 and the second roller 154 by moving the first electrode 11 or the first stack 21 (S1210); switching the travel direction of the diaphragm 13 between the first roller 152 and the second roller 154 (S1220); folding the diaphragm 13 to cover one surface of the first electrode 11 (S1230); and tightly bonding the first electrode 11 to the diaphragm 13 to form the stack 20 (S1240). In step (S1230), the first electrode 11 may be the first electrode 11 itself or located on the outermost surface of the first stack 21.

[0083] In step (S1200), the separation distance between the first roller 152 and the second roller 154 can be a first value. The first value can be determined based on the thickness of the stack 20 pressed by the first roller 152 and the second roller 154. When one first electrode 11 is supplied, that is, when the first electrode 11 supplied in the stacking space a1 is the first electrode, the first value can correspond to twice the thickness of the diaphragm 13 and the sum of the thicknesses of the first electrode 11. Furthermore, when two first electrodes 11 are supplied, that is, when the previously formed stack 20 and the first electrodes 11 are combined in the stacking space a1 to form a first stack 21, the first value can correspond to twice the thickness of the diaphragm 13 and the sum of the thicknesses of the first stack 21.

[0084] Furthermore, when the first electrode 11 moves on the third direction p3, the third roller 156 and the fourth roller 158 located on the other side of the diaphragm 13 will hinder the movement of the first electrode 11. Therefore, the separation distance between the third roller 156 and the fourth roller 158 can be set to be larger than a first value until the movement of the first electrode 11 on the third direction p3 is completed.

[0085] Taking these points into consideration, the step (S1200) prior to the step (S1210) of pressing the diaphragm 13 between the first electrode 11 or the first stack 21 between the first roller 152 and the second roller 154 may include the following steps: adjusting the separation distance between the third roller 156 and the fourth roller 158 to be greater than a first value; or adjusting the separation distance between the first roller 152 and the second roller 154 to correspond to the first value, etc.

[0086] The second electrode 12 can be supplied in the stacking space a1 (S1300).

[0087] The second electrode 12 can be supplied in the stacking space a1 such that one surface of it is perpendicular to one surface of the unfolded diaphragm 13. At this time, the second electrode 12 and the third roller 156 and the fourth roller 158 can be positioned such that the diaphragm 13 is inserted between them. The third roller 156 and the fourth roller 158 are located on the other side of the diaphragm 13, and the second electrode 12 can be located on one side of the diaphragm 13.

[0088] The number of second electrodes 12 supplied in the stacking space a1 can be two. Here, the two supplied second electrodes 12 can be positioned to contact the diaphragm 13 located on the outermost surface of the stack 20 formed in step (S1200). That is, the two second electrodes 12 can be located on the first surface and the second surface of the stack 20. Thus, a second stack 22 can be formed.

[0089] The second stack 22 can pass between the two guide rollers 150, and the diaphragm 13 can be folded to cover the second electrode 12 (S1400).

[0090] The second stack 22 can move in the fourth direction p4, thereby pressing the diaphragm 13. At this time, the third roller 156 and the fourth roller 158 can be separated from each other. The second stack 22 can be fed between the third roller 156 and the fourth roller 158, thereby pressing the diaphragm 13 located between the third roller 156 and the fourth roller 158. The third roller 156 and the fourth roller 158 can be fixed in a predetermined position, thereby partially pressing the diaphragm 13 from one side, and can be rotated in a predetermined position, thereby switching the direction of travel of the diaphragm 13. By moving the second stack 22, the diaphragm 13 can be pushed between the third roller 156 and the fourth roller 158, and the diaphragm 13 can be folded along the third roller 156 and the fourth roller 158, thereby stacking on the second electrode 12.

[0091] Here, the diaphragm 13 is folded to cover one surface of the second electrode 12 located outside the second stack 22, i.e., the exposed surface, so that it is stacked on one surface of each second electrode 12.

[0092] Therefore, step (S1400) may include the following steps: pressing the diaphragm 13 between the third roller 156 and the fourth roller 158 using the second stack 22 (S1410); switching the travel direction of the diaphragm 13 between the third roller 156 and the fourth roller 158 (S1420); folding the diaphragm 13 to cover one surface of the second electrode 12 (S1430); and tightly bonding the second electrode 12 to the diaphragm 13 to form the stack 20 (S1440). In step (S1430), the second electrode 12 may be located on the outermost surface of the second stack 22.

[0093] Here, when the second electrode 12 is first supplied in the stacking space a1 where the first stack is formed, the stack formed by the above steps can be referred to as the "second stack". Furthermore, when a previously formed Nth stack exists in the stacking space a1, the stack formed by the above steps can be referred to as the "N+1th stack". N can be 1 or a greater natural number. N can correspond to the number of times the electrodes 11, 12, or the stack passes between the guide rollers 150.

[0094] In step (S1400), the separation distance between the third roller 156 and the fourth roller 158 can be a third value. The third value can be determined based on the thickness of the stack 20 pressed by the third roller 156 and the fourth roller 158. Specifically, the third value can correspond to twice the thickness of the diaphragm 13 and the sum of the thickness of the second stack 22.

[0095] Furthermore, as described above, when the second stack 22 moves along the fourth direction p4, the separation distance between the first roller 152 and the second roller 154 located on one side of the diaphragm 13 can be adjusted so as not to hinder the movement of the second electrode 12. The separation distance between the third roller 156 and the fourth roller 158 can be larger than the third value until the movement of the second stack 22 in the fourth direction p4 is completed.

[0096] Taking these points into consideration, the step (S1400) prior to the step (S1410) of pressing the diaphragm 13 between the third roller 156 and the fourth roller 158 may include the following steps: adjusting the separation distance between the first roller 152 and the second roller 154 to be greater than the third value; or adjusting the separation distance between the third roller 156 and the fourth roller 158 to correspond to the third value, etc.

[0097] By repeating the above steps, the outermost electrode 11a can be supplied on the stack 20 formed in the preset shape (S1500).

[0098] Step (S1500) may include: forming the Nth stack by repeating steps (S1100) to (S1400). Here, N is a natural number of 3 or greater, and may correspond to the number of times the electrodes 11, 12 or the stack 20 passes between the guide rollers 150. That is, the Nth stack may refer to the stack 20 formed by the above steps. In forming the Nth stack, the number of electrodes 11, 12 supplied when forming the first stack may be one, but the number of electrodes 11, 12 supplied when forming the second stack may be two.

[0099] In the Nth stack, the subsequently introduced electrodes 11 and 12 can be located on the outside of the Nth stack. That is, the first electrode 11 introduced in the Nth stack is the innermost electrode of the Nth stack and can be located in the center.

[0100] Step (S1500) may include supplying the outermost electrode 11a to the Nth stack. The outermost electrode 11a may be supplied in the stacking space a1. There may be two outermost electrodes 11a. The two supplied outermost electrodes 11a may be positioned to contact the diaphragm 13 located on the outermost surface of the previously formed Nth stack.

[0101] The outermost electrode 11a can be either positive or negative. More specifically, if the outermost electrodes 11 and 12 of the Nth stack are negative, then the outermost electrode 11a can be positive; and if the outermost electrodes 11 and 12 of the Nth stack are positive, then the outermost electrode 11a can be negative. Furthermore, the outermost electrode 11a can have the same polarity as the first electrode 11 initially input.

[0102] The stack 20 and the outermost electrode 11a can be laminated by a pressing process (S1600).

[0103] As the pressing device used in the pressing process of this step, any device can be used as long as it can uniformly press one surface of the stack 20. Examples may include clamps, pneumatic motors, roller presses, etc. In addition, the pressing device can simultaneously apply heat and pressure to enable heat sealing between the electrodes 11, 12 and the diaphragm 13.

[0104] The pressing device can press the Nth stack body that is coupled to the outermost electrode 11a in a planar direction. The Nth stack body that is coupled to the outermost electrode 11a can be referred to as the N+1th stack body, and the pressing device can press one surface of the N+1th stack body to ensure good contact or coupling between the electrodes 11 and 12 and the diaphragm 13.

[0105] When the outermost electrode 11a is stacked, the stack body can be manufactured by cutting the diaphragm 13 (S1700).

[0106] When the lamination of the stack 20 and the outermost electrode 11a is completed, the guide roller 150 can press and contact the diaphragm 13 supplied from the diaphragm supply unit 130. The first roller 152 and the second roller 154 can approach each other. As the separation distance between the first roller 152 and the second roller 154 decreases, the diaphragms 13 supplied from the first supply unit 132 and the second supply unit 134 can contact each other. The contacting diaphragms 13 can be joined by heat applied from the first roller 152 and the second roller 154. After the diaphragms 13 are joined, the diaphragms 13 can be cut, and the completed stack 20 can be moved to subsequent processes.

[0107] Therefore, step (S1700) may include the following steps: moving the first roller 152 and the second roller 154 toward each other (S1710); bringing the diaphragm 13 supplied from the first supply unit 132 and the second supply unit 134 into contact with each other (S1720); and cutting the diaphragm 13 (S1730).

[0108] While preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the principles of the invention as described in the appended claims.

[0109] [Reference Label Explanation]

[0110] 11: First electrode

[0111] 12: Second electrode

[0112] 13: Diaphragm

[0113] 20: Stacked body

[0114] 21: First stack

[0115] 22: Second stack

[0116] 100: Electrode assembly manufacturing equipment

[0117] 110: Electrode Supply Unit

[0118] 130: Diaphragm Supply Unit

[0119] 150: Guide roller.

[0120] Industrial applicability

[0121] According to the embodiments, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus and the manufacturing method using the manufacturing apparatus of the present disclosure can reduce the existing Z-shaped stacking process steps, thereby shortening the manufacturing time of the electrode assembly and maximizing the electrode capacity.

[0122] The effects of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the description of the appended claims any additional effects not described above.

Claims

1. An apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly, the apparatus comprising: An electrode supply unit supplies electrodes; A diaphragm supply unit that supplies a diaphragm in two directions, including a first direction and a second direction; as well as A guide roller switches the direction of the diaphragm supply and presses the diaphragm to adhere it to the electrode. One surface of the electrode supplied from the electrode supply unit is perpendicular to one surface of the diaphragm supplied from the diaphragm supply unit, and The diaphragm is bent by pressure according to the movement of the electrode or the stack including the electrode, and the bent diaphragm covers one surface of the electrode. The diaphragm supply unit includes a first supply unit that supplies the diaphragm in the first direction and a second supply unit that supplies the diaphragm in the second direction, wherein the first direction and the second direction are opposite to each other. The end of the diaphragm supplied by the first supply unit and the end of the diaphragm supplied by the second supply unit are connected. in: The guide rollers include a first roller and a second roller located on one side of the diaphragm. The first electrode, or a first stack including the first electrode, moves upward in a third direction to press the diaphragm, and the first roller and the second roller switch directions to supply the diaphragm upward in the third direction. The third party supplies the diaphragm in a direction perpendicular to the diaphragm supply unit. in: The guide rollers include a third roller and a fourth roller located on the other side of the diaphragm, and When the second electrode presses the diaphragm in the fourth direction, the third roller and the fourth roller switch directions to supply the diaphragm in the fourth direction, which is opposite to the third direction and is perpendicular to the first direction or the second direction.

2. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The electrodes or stacks are moved from one side of the diaphragm to the other side, or from the other side of the diaphragm to one side, thereby pressing the diaphragm.

3. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: As the electrodes or stacks move, the guide rollers rotate at a specified position, thereby switching the direction of the diaphragm supply.

4. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The first roller and the second roller are arranged separately from each other, and The first electrode or the first stack passes between the first roller and the second roller.

5. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein: The separation distance between the first roller and the second roller is determined based on the thickness of the first electrode or the first stack passing between the first roller and the second roller, and the thickness of the diaphragm.

6. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The guide rollers include a first roller and a second roller located on one side of the diaphragm, and a third roller and a fourth roller located on the other side of the diaphragm. When the electrode moves from one side of the diaphragm toward the other side of the diaphragm, the separation distance between the third roller and the fourth roller is greater than the separation distance between the first roller and the second roller.

7. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The guide roller is a heating roller.

8. The manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The diaphragms supplied from the first supply unit and the diaphragms supplied from the second supply unit are arranged in a straight line.

9. A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly, comprising the following steps: (a) A first electrode is supplied such that the first electrode is arranged perpendicular to a surface of a diaphragm supplied in a first direction and a second direction, the first direction and the second direction being opposite to each other; (b) Move the first electrode or the first stack including the first electrode along a third direction and switch the direction of the diaphragm supplied by the first roller and the second roller so that the diaphragm is folded to cover the first electrode; (c) Supply a second electrode such that the second electrode is arranged perpendicular to a surface of the diaphragm supplied in the first and second directions, such that the second electrode is located on the diaphragm covering the first electrode; (d) Moving the second stack including the second electrode along a fourth direction, and switching the direction of the diaphragm supplied through the third and fourth rollers such that the diaphragm is folded to cover the second electrode, wherein the third and fourth directions are opposite to each other, and the third direction is perpendicular to either the first or second direction; and (e) Supply the outermost electrode to the stack formed by repeating steps (a) through (d). The ends of the diaphragm supplied in the first direction and the ends of the diaphragm supplied in the second direction are connected, and the diaphragm is bent by pressing according to the movement of the electrode or the stack including the electrode.

10. The manufacturing method according to claim 9, Further, lamination is performed by pressing after step (e).

11. The manufacturing method according to claim 9, wherein: In step (a), if no previously supplied electrode exists, one first electrode is supplied, and if a previously supplied electrode exists, two first electrodes are supplied.

12. The manufacturing method according to claim 9, comprising: Before step (a), the separation distance between the first roller and the second roller is adjusted.

13. The manufacturing method according to claim 9, comprising: Before step (a), the separation distance between the third roller and the fourth roller is adjusted to be greater than the separation distance between the first roller and the second roller.

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