Electrode supply device, electrode assembly manufacturing device using same, electrode supply method, and electrode assembly manufacturing method using same

Abstract

The present invention provides an electrode supply device comprising: an electrode cartridge unit in which a plurality of electrodes are stacked; an electrode pickup unit configured to pick up an uppermost first electrode among the plurality of electrodes; wherein at least one of the electrode cartridge unit and the electrode pickup unit includes a heating unit configured to heat the first electrode and the second electrode adjacent to the first electrode to expand an air layer between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the priority of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0184454 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on December 26, 2022, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to an electrode supply device, an electrode assembly manufacturing device using the electrode supply device, an electrode supply method, and an electrode assembly manufacturing method using the electrode supply method. Background Art

[0003] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be recharged and can be formed into secondary batteries with small size and large capacity. Therefore, a lot of research and development on secondary batteries is currently underway. With the development of technology and the increase in demand for mobile devices, the demand for secondary batteries as energy sources has increased dramatically.

[0004] Secondary batteries are classified into coin-type batteries, cylindrical batteries, prismatic batteries, and pouch-type batteries according to the shape of the battery case. In secondary batteries, an electrode assembly installed in a battery case is a chargeable and dischargeable power generation device having a stacked structure of electrodes and separators.

[0005] Electrode assemblies can be roughly divided into: wound electrode assemblies, in which a separator is placed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, the positive electrode and the negative electrode are provided in the form of sheets coated with active materials, and then the positive electrode, separator and negative electrode are wound together; stacked electrode assemblies, in which multiple positive electrodes and negative electrodes are stacked in sequence with a separator placed between them; stacked and folded electrode assemblies, in which stacked unit cells are wound with a separation film having a longer length.

[0006] The electrode assembly is mainly manufactured by receiving a single electrode from a cassette in which a plurality of monolithic electrodes are stacked. During the manufacturing process, there is a problem that defects occur in the manufactured electrode assembly because the electrodes to be supplied among the plurality of monolithic electrodes stacked in the cassette are not properly separated.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a technology for appropriately separating electrodes to be supplied between a plurality of electrodes stacked in a cassette.

[0008] <Reference List>

[0009] <Patent Documents>

[0010] (Patent Document 1) Korean Patent Application Publication No.: 10-2013-0027918 Summary of the invention

[0011] Technical issues

[0012] The present invention provides an electrode supply device, an electrode assembly manufacturing device using the electrode supply device, an electrode supply method, and an electrode assembly manufacturing method using the electrode supply method.

[0013] Technical Solution

[0014] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides an electrode supply device, comprising: an electrode box unit stacked with a plurality of electrodes; an electrode picking unit configured to pick up a topmost first electrode among the plurality of electrodes, wherein at least one of the electrode box unit and the electrode picking unit comprises a heating unit configured to heat the first electrode and a second electrode adjacent to the first electrode to expand an air layer between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0015] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides an electrode assembly manufacturing device for manufacturing an electrode assembly in which positive electrodes and negative electrodes are alternately arranged between folded portions of a separator, the electrode assembly manufacturing device comprising: a positive electrode supply unit configured to supply positive electrodes to a stacking table side; a negative electrode supply unit configured to supply negative electrodes to a stacking table side; a separator supply unit configured to supply separators to a stacking table side; a stacking table on which a stacking body is manufactured, in which positive electrodes, separators and negative electrodes are stacked so that positive electrodes and negative electrodes are alternately arranged between folded portions of the separator; and a pressure unit configured to heat and press the stacking body to bond positive electrodes, separators and negative electrodes, thereby manufacturing an electrode assembly, wherein at least one of the positive electrode supply unit and the negative electrode supply unit comprises the above-mentioned electrode supply device.

[0016] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides an electrode supply method, comprising: heating the topmost first electrode and the second electrode adjacent to the first electrode among multiple electrodes stacked in an electrode box unit to expand the air layer between the first electrode and the second electrode; and picking up and conveying the first electrode to the stacking table side.

[0017] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides an electrode assembly manufacturing method for manufacturing an electrode assembly in which positive electrodes and negative electrodes are alternately arranged between folded portions of a separator, the electrode assembly manufacturing method comprising: supplying a positive electrode to a stacking table side; supplying a negative electrode to a stacking table side; supplying a separator to a stacking table side; stacking a positive electrode, a separator, and a negative electrode on the stacking table so that the positive electrode and the negative electrode are alternately arranged between the folded portions of the separator, thereby manufacturing a stack; and heating and pressing the stack to bond the positive electrode, the separator, and the negative electrode, thereby manufacturing an electrode assembly, wherein at least one of supplying a positive electrode to the stacking table side and supplying a negative electrode to the stacking table side includes the above-mentioned electrode supply method.

[0018] Beneficial Effects

[0019] An electrode supplying method, an electrode supplying device, an electrode assembly manufacturing device using the electrode supplying device, and an electrode assembly manufacturing method using the electrode supplying method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can prevent the problem of multi-piece separation caused by contact between electrode surfaces or contact between electrode surfaces and a diaphragm.

[0020] An electrode supplying method, an electrode supplying device, an electrode assembly manufacturing device using the same, and an electrode assembly manufacturing method using the same according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can prevent a multi-sheet separation problem, thereby improving productivity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 1 is a view illustrating a process of separating electrodes in an electrode assembly manufacturing method and an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 is a plan view illustratively showing an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 is a front view illustrating a concept of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view illustratively showing a general electrode assembly.

[0025] Figure 5 1 is a conceptual view illustrating a pressurizing process in an electrode assembly manufacturing method or an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 6 (a) is a perspective view showing a first pressure unit 50 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, Figure 6 (b) is a perspective view showing the second pressure unit 60 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing a stacking stage in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a positive electrode installation stage in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing a negative electrode installation table in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Fig.10is a perspective view illustrating a first adsorption head in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Fig.11 is a bottom view illustrating a first adsorption head in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Fig.12 1 is a plan view showing a holding mechanism and a stacking stage in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Below, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. However, the present invention can be embodied in various forms and is not limited to the configuration described herein.

[0034] When a component “includes,” “contains,” or “has” a constituent element in the specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, this does not mean that another constituent element is excluded but means that another constituent element may be further included.

[0035] In the present specification, "p to q" means a range of "p or more and q or less".

[0036] In describing the present invention, detailed description of related known technologies which may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention will be omitted.

[0037] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides an electrode supply device, comprising: an electrode box unit stacked with a plurality of electrodes; an electrode picking unit configured to pick up a topmost first electrode among the plurality of electrodes, wherein at least one of the electrode box unit and the electrode picking unit comprises a heating unit configured to heat the first electrode and a second electrode adjacent to the first electrode to expand an air layer between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0038] In this specification, "electrode" refers to an electrode and / or a semi-finished product of an electrode. In addition, a semi-finished product of an electrode refers to all semi-assembled products related to an electrode, such as a coated electrode, a rolled electrode, a slotted electrode, a single cell, a half cell, and a bi-cell, manufactured in the process of manufacturing an electrode assembly and a secondary battery including the electrode assembly. That is, in this specification, an electrode or a semi-finished product of an electrode can be stacked in an electrode cartridge unit.

[0039] At least one of the electrode box unit and the electrode pickup unit of the electrode supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a heating unit, which can heat the topmost first electrode and the second electrode adjacent to the first electrode among the multiple electrodes stacked in the electrode box unit, so as to expand the air layer between the first electrode and the second electrode. By expanding the air layer between the first electrode and the second electrode in this way, it has the advantage that only the topmost electrode can be separated. In this way, when only the topmost electrode is separated, the problem of multiple separation caused by the contact between the electrode surface and the electrode surface or the contact between the electrode surface and the diaphragm can be prevented.

[0040] Therefore, productivity may be improved by using the electrode supply apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention and the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus using the same.

[0041] At least one of the electrode cartridge unit and the electrode pickup unit of the electrode supply device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a heating unit for heating the first electrode and the second electrode to expand an air layer between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electrode box unit may include a heating unit for heating the topmost first electrode and the second electrode adjacent to the first electrode among the plurality of electrodes stacked in the electrode box unit, thereby expanding the air layer between the first electrode and the second electrode. When the electrode box unit includes the heating unit, regardless of the height of the electrodes stacked in the electrode box unit, heating can be easily performed between the topmost first electrode and the second electrode adjacent to the topmost first electrode by the heating unit.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electrode pickup unit may include a heating unit for heating the topmost first electrode and the second electrode adjacent to the first electrode among the plurality of electrodes stacked in the electrode cartridge unit, thereby expanding the air layer between the first electrode and the second electrode. When the electrode pickup unit includes the heating unit, the heating unit expands the air layer between the topmost first electrode and the second electrode adjacent to the topmost first electrode, which can facilitate separation of the electrodes, and can preheat a single electrode, facilitating uniform bonding when heating and pressurizing a stack including electrodes and a diaphragm to bond the electrodes and the diaphragm.

[0044] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electrode box unit and the electrode pickup unit may each include a heating unit, which is used to heat the topmost first electrode and the second electrode adjacent to the first electrode among the plurality of electrodes stacked in the electrode box unit, thereby expanding the air layer between the first electrode and the second electrode. Since both the electrode box unit and the electrode pickup unit include the heating unit, the above advantages can be obtained at the same time.

[0045] The electrode supply device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include an electrode pickup unit for picking up an uppermost first electrode among a plurality of electrodes stacked in the electrode magazine unit.

[0046] More specifically, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electrode pickup unit may include: an electrode fixing unit for fixing the first electrode; and an electrode conveying unit for conveying the first electrode fixed by the electrode fixing unit to the stacking stage side.

[0047] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an electrode placement table may be further included, on which the electrodes conveyed by the electrode pickup unit are placed and the positions of the electrodes are aligned. The electrodes placed on the electrode placement table may be stacked on the stacking table by an electrode stacking unit, which will be described below.

[0048] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the temperature sensor unit is used to measure the surface temperature of the first electrode and the second electrode; the temperature control unit is used to adjust the temperature of the heating unit so that the surface temperature measured by the temperature sensor unit meets the management temperature range.

[0049] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the management temperature range may be 40° C. to 140° C., preferably 50° C. to 120° C., and more preferably 60° C. to 100° C. When the temperature of the heating unit is adjusted within a range such that the surface temperatures of the first electrode and the second electrode satisfy the management temperature range, the air layer between the first electrode and the second electrode may expand in a short time without damaging the electrodes, which further facilitates electrode separation.

[0050] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the heating unit may include a non-contact heating source that is not in physical contact with the first electrode and the second electrode. An advantage of using a non-contact heating source is that it is easy to transfer heat to the electrodes only when necessary.

[0051] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the non-contact heating source may be a radiant heating source, an induction heating source, or a laser heating source, but is not limited thereto. That is, a suitable heating source may be selected according to the application environment.

[0052] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides an electrode assembly manufacturing device for manufacturing an electrode assembly in which positive electrodes and negative electrodes are alternately arranged between folded portions of a separator, the electrode assembly manufacturing device comprising: a positive electrode supply unit configured to supply positive electrodes to a stacking table side; a negative electrode supply unit configured to supply negative electrodes to a stacking table side; a separator supply unit configured to supply separators to a stacking table side; a stacking table on which a stacking body is manufactured, in which positive electrodes, separators and negative electrodes are stacked so that positive electrodes and negative electrodes are alternately arranged between folded portions of the separator; and a pressure unit configured to heat and press the stacking body to bond positive electrodes, separators and negative electrodes, thereby manufacturing an electrode assembly, wherein at least one of the positive electrode supply unit and the negative electrode supply unit comprises the above-mentioned electrode supply device.

[0053] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a positive electrode supply unit includes the above-mentioned electrode supply device.

[0054] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a negative electrode supply unit includes the above-mentioned electrode supply device.

[0055] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, both the positive electrode supply unit and the negative electrode supply unit include the above-mentioned electrode supply device.

[0056] That is, the positive electrode supply unit and the negative electrode supply unit may supply the positive electrode and the negative electrode, respectively, using the electrode supply device according to the present invention.

[0057] In other words, the electrode assembly manufacturing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include an electrode supply unit for supplying electrodes to the stacking table, and the electrode supply unit may include an electrode placement table, and the electrode is placed on the electrode placement table before the electrode is stacked on the stacking table by the electrode stacking unit. In addition, the electrode delivered by the electrode supply device according to the present invention can be placed and aligned on the electrode placement table. The aligned electrodes can be stacked on the stacking table by the electrode stacking unit. In addition, the electrode can be a positive electrode or a negative electrode.

[0058] In this specification, manufacturing a stack in which positive electrodes, separators, and negative electrodes are stacked so that positive electrodes and negative electrodes are alternately arranged between folded portions of the separator is referred to as Z-folding.

[0059] In this specification, the stack may correspond to a semi-finished electrode assembly. In addition, in this specification, the top and bottom ends of the electrode assembly may be located at positions corresponding to the upper and lower surfaces of the stack, or at positions corresponding to the lower and upper surfaces of the semi-finished electrode assembly, respectively.

[0060] That is, the electrode assembly manufacturing device according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention is an electrode assembly manufacturing device for manufacturing an electrode assembly in which the positive electrode and the negative electrode are alternately arranged between the folded parts of the separator, and may include: a stacking table on which the positive electrode, the separator and the negative electrode are stacked in the form of a stack in which the positive electrode and the negative electrode are alternately arranged between the folded parts of the separator; a positive electrode supply unit for supplying the positive electrode to the stacking table; a negative electrode supply unit for supplying the negative electrode to the stacking table; a separator supply unit for supplying the separator to the stacking table; a pressure unit for heating and pressing the stack to bond the positive electrode, the separator and the negative electrode, wherein the positive electrode supply unit may include a positive electrode box unit and a positive electrode pickup unit, in which a plurality of positive electrodes are stacked, and the positive electrode pickup unit is used to pick up and convey the uppermost of the plurality of positive electrodes stacked in the positive electrode box unit A first positive electrode, at least one of the positive electrode box unit and the positive electrode picking unit may include a first heating unit, the first heating unit is used to heat the topmost first positive electrode among the multiple positive electrodes stacked in the positive electrode box unit and the second positive electrode adjacent to the first positive electrode, so that the air layer between the first positive electrode and the second positive electrode expands, the negative electrode supply unit may include a negative electrode box unit and a negative electrode picking unit, multiple negative electrodes are stacked in the negative electrode box unit, the negative electrode picking unit is used to pick up and transport the topmost first negative electrode among the multiple negative electrodes stacked in the negative electrode box unit, at least one of the negative electrode box unit and the negative electrode picking unit may include a second heating unit, the second heating unit is used to heat the topmost first negative electrode among the multiple negative electrodes stacked in the negative electrode box unit and the second negative electrode adjacent to the first negative electrode, so that the air layer between the first negative electrode and the second negative electrode expands.

[0061] In addition, in an electrode assembly manufacturing device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the positive electrode supply unit may include a positive electrode placement table, on which the positive electrode is placed before being stacked on the stacking table by the positive electrode stacking unit, and the negative electrode supply unit may include a negative electrode placement table, on which the negative electrode is placed before being stacked on the stacking table by the negative electrode stacking unit.

[0062] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in order to stack the positive electrode, the separator and the negative electrode so that the positive electrode and the negative electrode are alternately arranged between the folded parts of the separator, a method of moving the stacking table to the left and right, a method of moving the separator to the left and right, or a method of rotating the stacking table can be used, and general techniques in the related field can be applied to this method.

[0063] The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a stacking table moving unit for moving the stacking table to the left and right, or a diaphragm guiding unit for moving the diaphragm to the left and right. In addition, the stacking table moving unit and the diaphragm guiding unit are not limited in form as long as they respectively perform the functions of moving the stacking table and the diaphragm to the left and right, and devices generally used in the related field can be used.

[0064] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the pressure unit may further include a pair of pressure blocks and a pressure heater for heating the pressure blocks, wherein the pair of pressure blocks may be moved in a direction toward each other to apply surface pressure to the stacked body, and the pressure heater may heat the stacked body. In this case, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the pair of pressure blocks may include a pressure heater located therein.

[0065] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the stacked body may be heated using a heater included in the stacking stage.

[0066] For the pressure conditions and temperature conditions for heating and pressurizing by the press unit, the description of the conditions for the heat press step described below can be applied. The same applies to the time (time conditions) for heating and pressurizing.

[0067] Here, the pressure condition refers to the pressure applied by a pair of pressure applying blocks (or the pressure applying blocks of the stacking stage), and the temperature condition refers to the temperature of heat applied by a pressure heater or a heater included in the stacking stage.

[0068] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a clamp for fixing the stacked body in which the positive electrode, the separator, and the negative electrode are stacked when the pressure unit is heated and pressurized may be further included. Specifically, the clamp may be applied to the first hot pressing step described later.

[0069] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the pressure unit may include a first pressure unit and a second pressure unit. Specifically, the first pressure unit and the second pressure unit may be applied to the first hot pressing step and the second hot pressing step described below, respectively, and for the heating conditions and the pressurizing conditions, the description of the first hot pressing step and the second hot pressing step described below may be applied.

[0070] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first pressure unit may include a pair of first pressure blocks, the pressure surfaces of the pair of first pressure blocks may include grooves having a shape corresponding to the clamper, and the pressure surfaces other than the grooves may be provided as a plane. That is, the first pressure unit may be applied to the above-mentioned first hot pressing step.

[0071] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second pressure unit may include a pair of second pressure blocks, and the pressure surfaces of the pair of second pressure blocks may be provided as planes. That is, the second pressure unit may be applied to the above-mentioned second heat pressing step.

[0072] The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention may further include a holding mechanism for clamping and fixing the stacked body in a process of manufacturing the stacked body.

[0073] In this specification, the "holding mechanism" is used to clamp the stacked body stacked on the stacking table in the process of manufacturing the stacked body so as to stack the positive electrode or the negative electrode. The positive electrode, the separator and the negative electrode in the stacked body are stacked on the stacking table so that the positive electrode and the negative electrode are alternately arranged between the folded parts of the separator. The function of the holding mechanism is different from the clamping device that clamps the stacked body during the heating and pressurization of the stacked body. For the specific operation process of the holding mechanism, reference can be made to the description of the electrode assembly manufacturing method described below.

[0074] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides an electrode supply method, comprising the following steps: heating the topmost first electrode and the second electrode adjacent to the first electrode among a plurality of electrodes stacked in an electrode cartridge unit to expand the air layer between the first electrode and the second electrode; picking up, conveying and supplying the first electrode to the stacking table side.

[0075] The electrode assembly manufacturing method according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention can heat the topmost first electrode and the second electrode adjacent to the first electrode among the plurality of electrodes stacked in the electrode box unit to expand the air layer between the first electrode and the second electrode. In this way, the air layer between the first electrode and the second electrode is expanded, which has the advantage that only the topmost electrode can be separated. In this way, when only the topmost electrode is separated, the problem of multiple separation caused by the contact between the electrode surface and the electrode surface or the contact between the electrode surface and the diaphragm can be prevented.

[0076] Therefore, by using the electrode supplying method according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention and the electrode assembly manufacturing method using the same, productivity may be improved.

[0077] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electrode supply method may further include a step of stacking electrodes in the electrode cartridge unit. More specifically, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electrode supply method may further include a step of stacking two or more electrodes in the electrode cartridge unit.

[0078] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the step of picking up, conveying and supplying the topmost first electrode among the electrodes stacked in the electrode magazine unit to the stacking stage side may include the steps of: fixing the first electrode; and conveying the fixed first electrode to the stacking stage side.

[0079] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electrode supply method may further include a step of aligning the position of the delivered electrode before supplying the electrode to the stacking stage. For the above steps, the description of the above electrode placement stage may be applied.

[0080] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the step of heating the topmost first electrode and the second electrode adjacent to the first electrode among the plurality of electrodes stacked in the electrode cartridge unit may include the following steps: measuring the surface temperatures of the first electrode and the second electrode; and performing heating while adjusting the temperature of the heat source so that the measured surface temperature satisfies the management temperature range. In this case, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the management temperature range may be 40°C to 140°C, preferably 50°C to 120°C, and more preferably 60°C to 100°C. As described above, when the temperature of the heating unit is adjusted within the range where the surface temperatures of the topmost first electrode and the second electrode adjacent to the first electrode satisfy the management temperature range, the air layer between the first electrode and the second electrode can expand in a short time without damaging the electrodes, which further facilitates electrode separation.

[0081] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the heating source may be a non-contact heating source that is not in physical contact with the first electrode and the second electrode. In addition, the non-contact heating source may be a radiant heat heating source, an induction heat heating source, or a laser heating source, but is not limited thereto. That is, a suitable heating source may be selected according to the application environment. As described above, the advantage of using a non-contact heating source is that it is easy to transfer heat to the electrode only when necessary.

[0082] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides an electrode assembly manufacturing method for manufacturing an electrode assembly in which positive electrodes and negative electrodes are alternately arranged between folded portions of a separator, the electrode assembly manufacturing method comprising the following steps: supplying a positive electrode to a stacking table side; supplying a negative electrode to a stacking table side; supplying a separator to a stacking table side; stacking a positive electrode, a separator and a negative electrode on the stacking table so that the positive electrode and the negative electrode are alternately arranged between the folded portions of the separator, thereby manufacturing a stack; and heating and pressing the stack to bond the positive electrode, the separator and the negative electrode, thereby manufacturing an electrode assembly, wherein at least one of supplying a positive electrode to the stacking table side and supplying a negative electrode to the stacking table side includes the above-mentioned electrode supply method.

[0083] That is, in the electrode assembly manufacturing method according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electrode refers to the positive electrode or the negative electrode, and the step of supplying the electrode to the stacking station may include the following steps: supplying the positive electrode to the stacking station; and supplying the negative electrode to the stacking station. The electrode assembly manufacturing method may also include the following steps: supplying the separator to the stacking station; stacking the positive electrode, the separator, and the negative electrode on the stacking station so that the positive electrode and the negative electrode are alternately arranged between the folded parts of the separator, thereby manufacturing a stack; and heating and pressing the stack to bond between the positive electrode, the separator, and the negative electrode, thereby manufacturing the electrode assembly. In this case, the step of heating and pressing the stack to bond between the positive electrode, the separator, and the negative electrode to manufacture the electrode assembly can be described as a hot pressing step.

[0084] That is, the electrode assembly manufacturing method according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention is an electrode assembly manufacturing method for manufacturing an electrode assembly in which positive electrodes and negative electrodes are alternately arranged between folded portions of a separator, and may include the following steps: supplying the separator to a stacking station; supplying the positive electrode to the stacking station; supplying the negative electrode to the stacking station; stacking the positive electrode, the separator, and the negative electrode on the stacking station so that the positive electrode and the negative electrode are alternately arranged between the folded portions of the separator, thereby manufacturing a stack; and a hot pressing step of heating and pressing the stack, wherein the step of supplying the positive electrode to the stacking station may include the following steps: supplying the plurality of positive electrodes stacked in the positive electrode cartridge unit to the stacking station; supplying the positive electrode to the stacking station; supplying the negative electrode to the stacking station; stacking the positive electrode, the separator, and the negative electrode on the stacking station so that the positive electrode and the negative electrode are alternately arranged between the folded portions of the separator, thereby manufacturing a stack; and a hot pressing step of heating and pressing the stack, wherein the step of supplying the positive electrode to the stacking station may include the following steps: The top first positive electrode and the second positive electrode adjacent to the first positive electrode are heated to expand the air layer between the first positive electrode and the second positive electrode; the top first positive electrode among the multiple positive electrodes stacked in the positive electrode box unit is picked up, transported and supplied to the stacking table, and the step of supplying the negative electrode to the stacking table may include the following steps: the top first negative electrode among the multiple negative electrodes stacked in the negative electrode box unit and the second negative electrode adjacent to the first negative electrode are heated to expand the air layer between the first negative electrode and the second negative electrode; the top first negative electrode among the multiple negative electrodes stacked in the negative electrode box unit is picked up, transported and supplied to the stacking table.

[0085] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the step of supplying the positive electrode to the stacking stage includes the above-described electrode supply method.

[0086] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the step of supplying the negative electrode to the stacking stage includes the above-mentioned electrode supply method.

[0087] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the step of supplying the positive electrode to the stacking stage and the step of supplying the negative electrode to the stacking stage both include the above-described electrode supply method.

[0088] That is, the step of supplying the positive electrode to the stacking stage side and the step of supplying the negative electrode to the stacking stage side may be configured to supply the positive electrode and the negative electrode, respectively, using the electrode supply method according to the present invention.

[0089] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the step of stacking the positive electrode, the separator, and the negative electrode on the stacking table so that the positive electrode and the negative electrode are alternately arranged between the folded portions of the separator to manufacture the stacked body may include the following steps:

[0090] (S1) stacking the negative electrode on a stacking table;

[0091] (S2) stacking the separator on the stacking table so that the separator covers the upper surface of the negative electrode stacked on the stacking table;

[0092] (S3) stacking the positive electrode on a surface of the separator covering the upper surface of the negative electrode, the surface being opposite to the surface in contact with the negative electrode;

[0093] (S4) further supplying a separator to cover the upper surface of the positive electrode;

[0094] (S5) stacking the negative electrode on a surface of the separator covering the upper surface of the positive electrode, the surface being opposite to the surface in contact with the positive electrode; and

[0095] (S6) supplying a separator to cover the upper surface of the negative electrode,

[0096] Steps (S1) to (S6) may be repeated one or more times. That is, this case refers to the case where the electrodes are first stacked on the stacking table.

[0097] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the step of stacking the positive electrode, the separator, and the negative electrode on the stacking table so that the positive electrode and the negative electrode are alternately arranged between the folded portions of the separator to manufacture the stacked body may include the following steps:

[0098] (SS1) stacking the diaphragms on a stacking table;

[0099] (SS2) stacking a positive electrode on an upper surface of the separator;

[0100] (SS3) additionally supplying a separator to cover the upper surface of the positive electrode;

[0101] (SS4) stacking the negative electrode on a surface of the separator covering the upper surface of the positive electrode, the surface being opposite to the surface in contact with the positive electrode; and

[0102] (SS5) A separator is additionally supplied to cover the upper surface of the negative electrode,

[0103] Steps (SS1) to (SS5) may be repeated one or more times. That is, this case refers to the case where the separators are first stacked on the stacking table.

[0104] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, step (S4), step (S6), step (SS3) and step (SS5), i.e., the step of additionally supplying a separator to cover the upper surface of the positive electrode or the negative electrode, can be performed by one of a method of moving the stacking table to the left and right, a method of moving the separator to the left and right, and a method of rotating the stacking table.

[0105] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the separator may be provided in the form of a separator sheet. That is, the separator to be supplied additionally may be supplied in a continuous form. In addition, the "upper surface" may refer to the separator surface or electrode surface opposite to the surface facing the stacking station.

[0106] That is, in order to stack the positive electrode, the separator and the negative electrode so that the positive electrode and the negative electrode are alternately arranged between the folded parts of the separator, a method of moving the stacking table to the left and right, a method of moving the separator to the left and right, or a method of rotating the stacking table can be used, and general techniques in the relevant field can be applied to these methods.

[0107] In this case, in the process of adding positive electrodes, negative electrodes, and separators, the stack can be clamped by a holding mechanism to maintain the alignment of the stack, so that a stack in which positive electrodes and negative electrodes are alternately arranged between folded portions of the separator can be manufactured.

[0108] In the exemplary embodiment of the present application, the electrode assembly manufacturing method may further include a hot pressing step of heating and pressing the stacked body along a stacking axis.

[0109] In addition, in an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the hot pressing step of heating and pressing the stacked body along the stacking axis may include the following steps: moving the stacked body between a pair of pressure blocks including a pressure heater; moving the pair of pressure blocks in directions facing each other along the stacking axis to apply surface pressure to the stacked body; and heating the stacked body by the pressure heater.

[0110] In addition, in an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the heat pressing step may include: a first heat pressing step of clamping the stacked body with a clamper and heating and pressing the stacked body; and a second heat pressing step of stopping the clamping of the clamper and heating and pressing the stacked body after the first heat pressing step.

[0111] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the first hot pressing step may include the following steps: fixing the stack by pressurizing the upper surface of the stack using a clamp; moving the stack fixed by the clamp between a pair of pressure blocks including a pressure heater; moving the pair of pressure blocks in directions facing each other along the stacking axis of the stack to perform surface pressure on the fixed stack; and heating the fixed stack by the pressure heater.

[0112] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the second hot pressing step may include the following steps: stopping the heating and pressurizing of the stack after the first hot pressing step; separating the clamp from the stack; moving the stack separated from the clamp between a pair of pressure blocks including a pressure heater; moving the pair of pressure blocks in directions facing each other along the stacking axis of the stack separated from the clamp to pressurize the stack; and heating the stack using the pressure heater.

[0113] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, a pressure block used in the first heat-pressing step may have a groove corresponding to the holder.

[0114] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the step of separating the clamper from the stacked body may include the following steps: stopping the use of the clamper to pressurize the upper surface of the stacked body; and separating the clamper from the stacked body.

[0115] Furthermore, the step of moving the stacked body between a pair of pressure blocks including a pressure heater in the hot pressing step (including the first hot pressing step and the second hot pressing step) may include not only moving the stacked body itself but also moving the stacked body together with the stacking table in a state where the stacked body is placed on the stacking table. In this case, the target of heating and pressurizing by the pair of pressure blocks and the pressure heater may refer to the stacked body and the stacking table.

[0116] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the first hot pressing step may be configured to heat and pressurize the stack for 10 to 30 seconds at a temperature of 65 to 90° C. and a pressure of 1 to 3 MPa. More preferably, the stack may be heated and pressurized for 10 to 20 seconds at a temperature of 65 to 75° C. and a pressure of 1.5 to 2 MPa.

[0117] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the second hot pressing step may be configured to heat and pressurize the stack for 5 to 60 seconds at a temperature of 50 to 90° C. and a pressure of 1 to 6 MPa, preferably at a temperature of 65 to 90° C. and a pressure of 1.5 to 6 MPa, for 5 to 30 seconds. More preferably, the stack may be heated and pressurized for 7 to 25 seconds at a temperature of 65 to 85° C. and a pressure of 3 to 5.5 MPa.

[0118] When heating and pressurizing are performed while satisfying the above conditions, adhesion of electrodes and separators of a stack including a positive electrode, a separator, and a negative electrode may be easily obtained without damaging the positive electrode, the separator, and the negative electrode, and performance of the manufactured electrode assembly may be excellent.

[0119] In addition, in an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the above-mentioned second hot pressing condition can be applied to the temperature condition, pressure condition and time condition of the hot pressing step. That is, the hot pressing step can be configured to heat and pressurize the stacked body for 5 to 60 seconds at a temperature of 50°C to 90°C and a pressure of 1MPa to 6MPa, preferably at a temperature of 65°C to 90°C and a pressure of 1.5MPa to 6MPa, and heat and pressurize the stacked body for 5 to 30 seconds. More preferably, the stacked body can be heated and pressurized for 7 to 25 seconds at a temperature of 65°C to 85°C and a pressure of 3MPa to 5.5MPa.

[0120] Next, we will refer to Figure 1 to Figure 1 3 describes in more detail an electrode assembly manufacturing method and an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0121] Figure 1 1 is a view showing a process of separating electrodes in an electrode supply method and an electrode supply device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 As shown, the topmost first electrode 2 among a plurality of stacked electrodes, the second electrode 3 adjacent to the first electrode, and a plurality of other electrodes 4 are stacked in an electrode cartridge unit 7. In this case, the topmost first electrode 2 of the stacked electrodes is picked up and conveyed by an electrode pickup unit 1. A thin air layer A is formed between the first electrode 2 and the second electrode 3. In this case, the thin air layer A is heated by a heating unit (not shown) included in the electrode cartridge unit 7 and / or the electrode pickup unit 1. At this time, the temperature sensor unit 5 measures the surface temperatures of the first electrode 2 and the second electrode 3, and a temperature control unit 6 for adjusting the temperature of the heating unit (not shown) cooperates with the temperature sensor 5 to adjust the heating temperature of the heating unit so that the surface temperature measured by the temperature sensor 5 meets the management temperature range.

[0122] Therefore, the thin air layer A is heated to form an expanded air layer A′, and accordingly, the interval between the uppermost first electrode 2 and the second electrode 3 adjacent to the first electrode among the plurality of stacked electrodes in the electrode cassette unit 7 increases.

[0123] As the interval between the first electrode 2 and the second electrode 3 increases, the electrode pickup unit 1 can pick up and convey only the uppermost first electrode 2 among the stacked electrodes.

[0124] Figure 2 is a plan view illustratively showing an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 1 is a front view showing the concept of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 Omitted Figure 3The holding mechanism 170 is shown, and the pressure unit 180 located at the rear side is indicated by a dotted line in the plan view. Figure 3 Omitted Figure 2 As a reference, the membrane supply unit 120 is shown. Figure 1 The description can be applied to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The part indicated by the dotted line.

[0125] Reference Figures 1 to 3 , the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a stacking stage 110, a separator supply unit 120 for supplying a separator 14, a positive electrode supply unit 130 for supplying a positive electrode 11, a negative electrode supply unit 140 for supplying a negative electrode 12, a positive electrode stacking unit 150 for stacking the positive electrode 11 on the stacking stage 110, a negative electrode stacking unit 160 for stacking the negative electrode 12 on the stacking stage 110, and a pressure unit 180 for performing bonding between the positive electrode 11, the separator 14, and the negative electrode 12. In addition, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention may further include a holding mechanism 170 for fixing the positive electrode 11 and the negative electrode 12 when the electrodes are stacked on the stacking stage 110. In this case, as Figure 1 As shown, the electrode box unit 7 is formed with an expanded air layer A', which is formed by heating the thin air layer A formed between the topmost first electrode 2 among multiple stacked electrodes and the second electrode 3 adjacent to the first electrode. Therefore, the interval between the first electrode 2 and the second electrode 3 is increased, so that the electrode picking unit 1 can only pick up and transport the topmost first electrode 2 in the stacked electrodes.

[0126] Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the positive electrode, the separator, and the negative electrode may be supplied to the stacking stage while being heated.

[0127] That is, the separator supply unit may supply the separator to the stacking stage while heating the separator, and the positive electrode supply unit and the negative electrode supply unit may supply the positive electrode and the negative electrode to the stacking stage while heating the positive electrode and the negative electrode, respectively.

[0128] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view illustratively showing an electrode assembly.

[0129] Reference Figures 2 to 4 , the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus that stacks a positive electrode 11 , a separator 14 , and a negative electrode 12 to manufacture the electrode assembly 10 .

[0130] like Figure 3As shown, the electrode assembly 10 is generally a chargeable / dischargeable power generation element, and may be formed in a shape in which the positive electrode 11, the separator 14, and the negative electrode 12 are alternately stacked and assembled. Here, the electrode assembly 10 may have a form in which, for example, the separator 14 is folded into a Z shape, and the positive electrode 11 and the negative electrode 12 are alternately arranged between the folded portions of the separator 14. In this case, as Figure 3 As shown, the electrode assembly 10 may be provided in a form in which the separator 14 surrounds the outermost side of the electrode assembly.

[0131] In an exemplary embodiment of the present application, the membrane supply unit may further include a membrane roller on which the membrane is wound. The membrane wound on the membrane roller may be gradually unwound and supplied to the stacking station. That is, the membrane may be in the form of a membrane sheet.

[0132] Figure 5 is a perspective view illustratively showing a pressure unit of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and a state in which the pressure unit in the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention presses a stacked body.

[0133] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 The pressure unit 180 includes a pair of pressure blocks 181 and 182 that move in directions facing each other, and a stack of the positive electrode 11, the separator 14, and the negative electrode 12 may be disposed between the pressure blocks 181 and 182. Then, the pressure unit 180 presses the positive electrode 11, the separator 14, and the negative electrode 12 while heating and pressing the stack, thereby bonding the positive electrode 11, the separator 14, and the negative electrode 12.

[0134] In addition, the pressure unit 180 may further include pressure heaters 183 and 184 for heating the pair of pressure blocks 181 and 182, so that the pair of pressure blocks 181 and 182 can heat and press the stack. Therefore, the thermal fusion between the positive electrode 11, the separator 14 and the negative electrode 12 in the stack can be better achieved, thereby forming a stronger bond.

[0135] The pair of pressure blocks 181 and 182 may have a pressure surface, and the horizontal and vertical lengths of the pressure surface may be greater than the horizontal and vertical lengths of the stack. The pair of pressure blocks 181 and 182 may include a first pressure block 181 and a second pressure block 182, and the first pressure block 181 and the second pressure block 182 may be provided as rectangular blocks having a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0136] Figure 6 (a) is a perspective view showing a first pressure unit 50 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, Figure 6(b) is a perspective view showing the second pressure unit 60 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0137] Reference Figure 6 (a), the first pressure unit 50 can heat and press the stacked body S when the stacked body S is fixed by the clamper 51. The first pressure unit 50 includes a pair of first pressure blocks 50a and 50b, and the pair of first pressure blocks 50a and 50b have a pressure surface for applying pressure, and the pressure surface is flat except for a groove whose shape corresponds to the fixing part 51b of the clamper 51.

[0138] The clamper 51 may include a main body 51a having a size corresponding to or greater than the length (x) and height (y) of the stacked body S, and a plurality of fixing portions 51b, each of which is provided on one surface of the main body 51a in the form of a column or a plate extending in the width (z) direction of the stacked body S. Here, the length (x) of the stacked body S may refer to a portion of the stacked body having the longest distance from one end to the other end of the stacked body S, the height (y) may refer to a distance in the stacking direction of the stacked body S, and the width (z) may refer to a distance passing horizontally through the upper surface of the stacked body S.

[0139] The position of the fixing portion 51b can be adjusted along the height direction of the body 51a so that the fixing portion 51b can fix the stacked body S while contacting the upper and lower surfaces of the stacked body S. Then, a pair of first pressure blocks 50a and 50b of the first pressure unit 50 can be moved in a direction facing each other to perform surface pressure on one or more of the stacked body S and the clamper 51, so that the electrodes and the separators included in the stacked body S can be bonded.

[0140] Reference Figure 6 (b), the second pressure unit 60 may finally heat and press the stacked body S that has been preliminarily heated and pressed by the first pressure unit 50. The second pressure unit 60 includes a pair of second pressing blocks 60a and 60b that can move in directions facing each other to apply surface pressure to the stacked body S. In addition, the pair of second pressing blocks 60a and 60b of the second pressure unit 60 may have a pressing surface that contacts the stacked body S to apply pressure, and the pressing surfaces are both flat.

[0141] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing a stacking stage in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0142] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 7, the positive electrodes 11 , the separators 14 , and the negative electrodes 12 may be stacked on the stacking stage 110 such that the positive electrodes 11 and the negative electrodes 12 are alternately arranged between corresponding folded portions of the separators 14 .

[0143] In addition, the stacking stage 110 may include a stage body 111 on which the positive electrode 11 , the separator 14 , and the negative electrode 12 are stacked, and a stacking stage heater 112 which heats the stacked stack body S by heating the stage body 111 .

[0144] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a positive electrode installation stage in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0145] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 8 , the positive electrode supply unit 130 may supply the positive electrode 11 to the positive electrode stacking unit 150 while heating the positive electrode 11 .

[0146] Furthermore, the positive electrode supply unit 130 may include a positive electrode mounting stage 131 on which the positive electrode 11 is mounted before being stacked on the stacking stage 110 by the positive electrode stacking unit 150 , and a positive electrode heater 132 that heats the positive electrode 11 by heating the positive electrode mounting stage 131 .

[0147] Note that the positive electrode supply unit 130 may further include a positive electrode roller 133, a first cutter 134, a first conveyor belt 135, and a positive electrode supply head 136, the positive electrode 11 is wound in the form of a sheet on the positive electrode roller 133, when the positive electrode 11 wound in the form of a sheet on the positive electrode roller 133 is unwound and supplied, the first cutter 134 cuts the positive electrode 11 at regular intervals to form a positive electrode 11 having a predetermined size, the first conveyor belt 135 moves the positive electrode 11 cut by the first cutter 134, and the positive electrode supply head 136 vacuum-adsorbs the positive electrode 11 conveyed by the first conveyor belt 135 to place it on the positive electrode placement table 131. Here, the first cutter 134 can cut the sheet-shaped positive electrode 11, so that a positive electrode tab 11a protruding from the positive terminal end is formed when the positive electrode 11 is cut.

[0148] In this case, the cut positive electrodes 11 can be stacked in a positive electrode cartridge unit and Figure 1 The related description can be applied to the method of picking up the positive electrodes 11 stacked in the positive electrode cartridge unit.

[0149] Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing a negative electrode installation table in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0150] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Fig. 9, the negative electrode supply unit 140 may supply the negative electrode 12 to the negative electrode stacking unit 160 while heating the negative electrode 12 .

[0151] Furthermore, the negative electrode supply unit 140 may include a negative electrode placement stage 141 on which the negative electrode 12 is placed before being stacked on the stacking stage 110 by the negative electrode stacking unit 160 , and a negative electrode heater 142 that heats the negative electrode 12 by heating the negative electrode placement stage 141 .

[0152] Note that the negative electrode supply unit 140 may further include a negative electrode roller 143, a second cutter 144, a second conveyor belt 145, and a negative electrode supply head 146, the negative electrode 12 is wound in the form of a sheet on the negative electrode roller 143, when the negative electrode 12 wound in the form of a sheet on the negative electrode roller 143 is unwound and supplied, the second cutter 144 cuts the negative electrode 12 at regular intervals to form a negative electrode 12 having a predetermined size, the second conveyor belt 145 moves the negative electrode 12 cut by the second cutter 144, and the negative electrode supply head 146 vacuum-adsorbs the negative electrode 12 conveyed by the second conveyor belt 145 to place it on the negative electrode placement table 141. Here, the second cutter 144 can cut the sheet-like negative electrode 12, so that a negative electrode tab 12a protruding from the negative terminal end is formed when the negative electrode 12 is cut.

[0153] In this case, the cut negative electrodes 12 can be stacked in the negative electrode cartridge unit and Figure 1 The related description can be applied to the method of picking up the negative electrodes 12 stacked in the negative electrode magazine unit.

[0154] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the positive electrode stacking unit may include a first suction head for vacuum suctioning the positive electrode on the positive electrode mounting table, and the negative electrode stacking unit may include a second suction head for vacuum suctioning the negative electrode on the negative electrode mounting table.

[0155] Fig.10 is a perspective view showing a first suction head in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, Fig.11 is a bottom view illustrating a first suction head in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0156] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Fig.10 and Fig.11 , the positive electrode stacking unit 150 may stack the positive electrodes 11 on the stacking stage 110 .

[0157] In addition, the positive electrode stack unit 150 may include a first suction head 151 and a first moving member 153 .

[0158] The first suction head 151 can vacuum-absorb the positive electrode 11 located on the positive electrode placement table 131. In this case, the first suction head 151 has a vacuum suction hole 151a formed on the bottom surface 151b, and can absorb the positive electrode 11 through the vacuum suction hole 151a to fix the positive electrode 11 on the bottom surface 151b of the first suction head 151. Here, the first suction head 151 can form a channel therein connecting the vacuum suction hole 151a and a vacuum adsorption device (not shown).

[0159] The first moving member 153 can move the first suction head 151 to the stacking stage 110 , so that the first suction head 151 can stack the positive electrode 11 located on the positive electrode placement stage 131 on the stacking stage 110 .

[0160] In addition, the negative electrode stacking unit 160 may stack the negative electrode 12 on the stacking stage 110. Here, the negative electrode stacking unit 160 may have the same structure as the above-mentioned positive electrode stacking unit 150. In this case, the negative electrode stacking unit 160 may include a second suction head 161 and a second moving member 163.

[0161] The second suction head 161 can vacuum absorb the negative electrode 12 on the negative electrode placement platform 141. In this case, the second moving member 163 can move the second suction head 161 to the stacking platform 110 so that the second suction head 161 can stack the negative electrode 12 on the negative electrode placement platform 141 on the stacking platform 110.

[0162] Fig.12 1 is a plan view showing a holding mechanism and a stacking stage in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0163] Reference Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Fig.12 When the positive electrode 11 or the negative electrode 12 is stacked on the stacking stage 110 , the holding mechanism 170 can fix the positive electrode 11 or the negative electrode 12 on the stacking stage 110 while clamping the positive electrode 11 or the negative electrode 12 .

[0164] In addition, when the positive electrode 11 is stacked on the stacking stage 110, the holding mechanism 170 can press and fix the upper surface of the uppermost positive electrode 11 stacked on the stacking stage 110, and when the negative electrode 12 is stacked on the stacking stage 110, the holding mechanism 170 can press and fix the upper surface of the uppermost negative electrode 12 stacked on the stacking stage 110. In addition, the holding mechanism can press and fix the upper surface of the stack of the positive electrode 11, the separator 14, and the negative electrode 12 stacked on the stacking stage 110.

[0165] That is, when the positive electrode 11 and the negative electrode 12 are positioned and stacked between the folded portions of the separator 14 to form a stack, the holding mechanism 170 clamps the uppermost surface of the stack by pressing it toward the stacking stage 110, thereby preventing the stack from being separated from the stacking stage 110.

[0166] Note that the holding mechanism 170 may include, for example, a first holding mechanism 171 and a second holding mechanism 172 , and may fix both sides of the positive electrode 11 or the negative electrode 12 .

[0167] In the above example of Z-folding while rotating the stacking table 110, when the holding mechanism 170 clamps the positive electrode 11 or the negative electrode 12 and then rotates the stacking table 110, the separator 14 can be unwound from the separator roller 122 and supplied to the side of the stacking table 110 in proportion to the rotation amount of the stacking table 110.

[0168] Note that, for example, the holding mechanism 170 and the stacking stage 110 may be connected or coupled to a rotating device (not shown). Here, when the holding mechanism 170 clamps the positive electrode 11 or the negative electrode 12, the rotating device may rotate the holding mechanism 170 and the stacking stage 110.

[0169] Then, when the stacked body in which the positive electrode 11 and the negative electrode 12 are arranged between the folded portions of the separator 14 is completed, the stacked body is fixed by a clamper, moved to the above-mentioned press unit, and then heated and pressed by the press unit.

[0170] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus may further include a rotating unit that rotates the stacking table, the positive electrode stacking unit may be disposed on one side of the rotating unit, and the negative electrode stacking unit may be disposed on the other side of the rotating unit, so as to perform a Z-shaped folding in a manner such that the separator is located between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and the rotating unit may be configured to alternately perform: when stacking the positive electrode, the stacking table is rotated to one side so that the stacking table faces the first suction head of the positive electrode stacking unit, and when stacking the negative electrode, the stacking table is rotated to the other side so that the stacking table faces the second suction head of the negative electrode stacking unit.

[0171] The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention may further include a visual device for visually inspecting the positive electrode and the negative electrode.

[0172] The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention may further include a rotating unit for rotating the stacking stage and a visual device for visually inspecting the positive electrode and the negative electrode.

[0173] An electrode assembly manufacturing device according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a stacking table moving unit for moving the stacking table to the left and right or a diaphragm guiding unit for moving the diaphragm to the left and right, and may also include a visual device for visually inspecting the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The stacking table moving unit and the diaphragm guiding unit are not limited in form as long as they respectively perform the functions of moving the stacking table and the diaphragm to the left and right, and devices generally used in the relevant field may be used.

[0174] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electrode assembly manufacturing device may further include a stacking table moving unit for moving the stacking table to the left and right, the positive electrode stacking unit may be arranged on one side of the stacking table, and the negative electrode stacking unit may be arranged on the other side of the stacking table, so as to achieve Z-shaped folding in a manner that the separator is located between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and the stacking table moving unit may be configured to alternately perform: when stacking the positive electrode, the stacking table is moved to one side so that the stacking table faces the first suction head of the positive electrode stacking unit, and when stacking the negative electrode, the stacking table is moved to the other side so that the stacking table faces the second suction head of the negative electrode stacking unit.

[0175] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus may include a membrane guiding unit for moving the membrane to the left and right, and the membrane guiding unit may be configured to repeatedly move the membrane supplied to the stacking table to the left and right so as to perform a Z-shaped folding in such a manner that the membrane is located between the positive electrode and the negative electrode.

[0176] That is, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention may further include additional elements depending on a method of moving the stacking stage or a method of supplying the separator.

[0177] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the visual device may include a first camera and a second camera. The first camera may capture the positive electrode located on the positive electrode placement table from the positive electrode supply unit, and the second camera may capture the negative electrode located on the negative electrode placement table from the negative electrode supply unit. The image information obtained by capturing the first camera and the second camera can check the stacking quality of the positive electrode and the negative electrode. More specifically, the placement position, size, stacking state, etc. of the positive electrode and the negative electrode can be checked.

[0178] In this specification, description of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus may be applicable to an electrode assembly manufacturing method and an electrode assembly, and vice versa.

[0179] In addition, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a positive electrode is manufactured by, for example, coating a mixture of a positive electrode active material, a conductive material, and a binder on a positive electrode current collector and then drying, and a filler is added to the mixture when necessary. For the materials used in this case, materials commonly used in the related art can be used.

[0180] Specifically, examples of the positive electrode active material may include layered compounds such as lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO 2 ) and lithium nickel oxide (LiNiO 2 ), or a compound substituted with one or more transition metals; lithium manganese oxide, such as the chemical formula Li 1+x Mn 2- x O 4 (where x is 0 to 0.33), LiMnO 3 、LiMn 2 O 3 and LiMnO 2 ; Lithium copper oxide (Li 2 CuO 2 ); Vanadium oxides, such as LiV 3 O 8 、LiFe 3 O 4 、V 2 O 5 and Cu 2 V 2 O 7 ; Chemical formula: LiNi 1-x M x O 2 (wherein M is Co, Mn, Al, Cu, Fe, Mg, B or Ga, and x is 0.01 to 0.3) nickel-type lithium nickel oxide; the chemical formula is LiMn 2-x M x O 2 (wherein M is Co, Ni, Fe, Cr, Zn or Ta, and x is 0.01 to 0.1) or Li 2 Mn 3 MO 8 Lithium manganese composite oxide (wherein M is Fe, Co, Ni, Cu or Zn); LiMn in which part of the lithium in the chemical formula is replaced by alkaline earth metal ions 2 O 4 ; disulfide compounds; and Fe 2 (MoO 4 ) 3 , but not limited to this.

[0181] Specifically, as long as it has high conductivity and does not cause chemical changes in the battery, the positive electrode collector has no particular restrictions. For example, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, calcined carbon, aluminum or stainless steel with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, etc. treated on the surface, etc. can be used. Specifically, aluminum can be used. The positive electrode collector may have microscopic irregularities formed on the surface to enhance the adhesion of the positive electrode active material, and can be used in various forms, such as a film, a sheet, a foil, a net, a porous body, a foam body or a non-woven fabric body. In addition, the thickness of the positive electrode collector is generally 3μm to 500μm.

[0182] The conductive material can generally be added in an amount of 1 to 50 wt% based on the total weight of the mixture including the positive electrode active material. There is no particular limitation on the conductive material as long as it has conductivity and does not cause chemical changes in the battery. For example, graphite such as natural graphite or artificial graphite; carbon black such as acetylene black, Ketjen black, channel black, furnace black, lamp black, thermal black; conductive fibers such as carbon fibers, metal fibers; metal powders such as fluorocarbon, aluminum, nickel powder; conductive whiskers such as zinc oxide, potassium titanate; conductive metal oxides such as titanium oxide; conductive materials such as polyphenylene derivatives, and the like can be used.

[0183] The binder is a component that aids in the binding of the active material, conductive material, etc. and the binding to the current collector, and is generally added in an amount of 1 to 50 wt% based on the total weight of the mixture including the positive electrode active material. Examples of such binders can include polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinyl alcohol, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), starch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, regenerated cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, tetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene - propylene - diene terpolymer (EPDM), sulfonated EPDM, styrene - butadiene rubber, fluororubber, various copolymers, etc.

[0184] The filler is selectively used as a component to inhibit the swelling of the positive electrode, and there is no particular limitation as long as it is a fibrous material that does not cause chemical changes in the battery. For example, olefin - based polymers such as polyethylene and polypropylene; fibrous materials such as glass fibers and carbon fibers can be used.

[0185] In addition, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the negative electrode is manufactured by coating, drying, and pressing the negative electrode active material on the negative electrode current collector, and if necessary, the above - mentioned conductive material, binder, filler, etc. can be further optionally included. Also in this case, materials commonly used in the art can be used.

[0186] Specifically, as the active material of the negative electrode, for example, carbon such as non - graphitized carbon and graphite - based carbon; metal composite oxides such as LixFe 2 O 3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1), Li x WO 2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1), Sn x Me 1-x Me' y O z (Me: Mn, Fe, Pb, Ge; Me': Al, B, P, Si, elements of Groups 1, 2, and 3 of the periodic table, and halogens; 0 < x ≤ 1; 1 ≤ y ≤ 3; 1 ≤ z ≤ 8); lithium metal; lithium alloy; silicon - based alloy; tin - based alloy; metal oxides such as SnO, SnO 2 、PbO、PbO 2 、Pb2 O 3 , Pb 3 O 4 , Sb 2 O 3 , Sb 2 O 4 , Sb 2 O 5 、GeO、GeO 2 、Bi 2 O 3 、Bi 2 O 4 and Bi 2 O 5 ; Conductive polymers, such as polyacetylene; lithium cobalt nickel-based materials, etc.

[0187] As long as it has conductivity and does not cause chemical changes in the battery, there is no particular limitation on this negative electrode collector. For example, copper, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, sintered carbon, copper or stainless steel with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, etc. treated on the surface, aluminum-cadmium alloy, etc. can be used. In addition, like the positive electrode collector, the negative electrode collector can have microscopic irregularities formed on the surface to enhance the adhesion of the negative electrode active material, and can be used in various forms, such as films, sheets, foils, nets, porous bodies, foams, or non-woven fabrics. In addition, the thickness of the negative electrode collector is generally between 3 μm and 500 μm.

[0188] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the separator may be an organic / inorganic composite porous SRS (Safety Reinforced Separator). The SRS may have a structure in which a coating layer component including inorganic particles and a binder polymer is coated on a polyolefin-based separator substrate.

[0189] Due to the heat resistance of the inorganic particles, the SRS does not experience high-temperature thermal shrinkage, and therefore, the elongation of the safety separator can be maintained even if the electrode assembly is penetrated by the needle-like conductor.

[0190] In addition to the pore structure contained in the separator substrate itself, this SRS can also have a uniform pore structure formed by the interstitial volume between the inorganic particles as the coating component. The pores can not only significantly reduce the impact of the outside world on the electrode assembly, but also promote the migration of lithium ions through the pores, and can fill a large amount of electrolyte solution in the pores, thereby showing a high impregnation rate, thereby promoting the improvement of battery performance.

[0191] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the separator has a separator remainder extending to both sides beyond the width of the positive electrode and the negative electrode based on the width direction, and has a structure in which a coating thicker than the separator thickness is formed on one surface or both surfaces on both sides of the separator remainder to prevent the separator from shrinking.

[0192] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, each membrane remainder may have a size of 5% to 12% of the membrane width.

[0193] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a coating having a size exceeding 50% to 90% of the remaining width of one side of the diaphragm may be coated on both surfaces of the diaphragm. In addition, the widths of the coatings on both surfaces may be the same or different from each other.

[0194] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the coating layer may include inorganic particles and a binder polymer.

[0195] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, examples of the polyolefin-based separator component may include high-density polyethylene, linear low-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, polypropylene, derivatives thereof, and the like.

[0196] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the thickness of the coating layer may be less than the thickness of the positive electrode or the negative electrode. In a specific example, the thickness of the coating layer may be 30% to 99% of the thickness of the positive electrode or the negative electrode.

[0197] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the coating layer may be formed by wet coating or dry coating.

[0198] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the polyolefin-based diaphragm substrate and the coating may exist in a form in which the pores on the substrate surface and the coating are mutually anchored, so that the diaphragm substrate and the active layer can be physically firmly combined. In this case, considering the physical bonding force and the pore structure existing on the diaphragm, the thickness ratio of the substrate to the active layer may be between 9:1 and 1:9, specifically 5:5.

[0199] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the inorganic particles may be inorganic particles commonly used in the art. The inorganic particles form pores by forming gaps between the inorganic particles and also serve as a spacer that maintains a physical shape. In addition, since the inorganic particles generally have properties that do not change their physical properties even at a high temperature of 200° C. or higher, the resulting organic / inorganic composite porous film has excellent heat resistance.

[0200] In addition, as long as the inorganic particles are electrochemically stable, they will not be particularly restricted. That is, the inorganic particles that can be used in the present invention will not be particularly restricted as long as they do not undergo oxidation and / or reduction reactions within the operating voltage range of the battery to which they are applied (e.g., 0 to 5v based on Li / Li+). In particular, the use of inorganic particles with ion transport capabilities can increase the ionic conductivity in the electrochemical device to promote performance improvement. Therefore, it is desirable to use inorganic particles with as high an ionic conductivity as possible. In addition, when the density of inorganic particles is high, it is difficult to disperse the inorganic particles during the coating process, and there is also a problem of weight increase during the battery manufacturing process. Therefore, it is desirable to use inorganic particles with as low a density as possible. In addition, inorganic materials with a high dielectric constant help to increase the degree of dissociation of electrolyte salts (such as lithium salts) in liquid electrolytes, thereby improving the ionic conductivity of the electrolyte solution.

[0201] For the above reasons, the inorganic particles may be one or more types selected from the group consisting of inorganic particles having piezoelectricity and inorganic particles having lithium ion transporting capability.

[0202] Inorganic particles with piezoelectricity refer to materials that are non-conductors under normal pressure, but have the physical property of being conductive due to changes in the internal structure when a certain pressure is applied. Inorganic particles with piezoelectricity not only exhibit a high dielectric constant characteristic of 100 or more, but also, when subjected to stretching or compression due to the application of a certain pressure, due to the generation of charges, one surface is positively charged and the other surface is negatively charged, thereby generating a potential difference between the opposing surfaces.

[0203] In the case of using inorganic particles having the above characteristics as coating components, when the two electrodes are internally short-circuited due to external impact (such as a needle-like conductor), the positive electrode and the negative electrode do not directly contact each other due to the inorganic particles coated on the separator. In addition, due to the piezoelectricity of the inorganic particles, a potential difference may be generated in the particles, so that electron movement, that is, the flow of a small current, may occur between the two electrodes, resulting in a slight decrease in the battery voltage, thereby improving safety.

[0204] Examples of inorganic particulate materials having piezoelectricity can be BaTiO 3 , Pb(Zr,Ti)O 3 (PZT), Pb 1- x La x Zr 1-y Ti y O 3 (PLZT), Pb(Mg 3 Nb 2 / 3 ) 3 -PbTiO 3One or more types selected from the group consisting of (PMN-PT) and hafnium (HfO 2 ), but not limited thereto.

[0205] Inorganic particles having lithium ion transport ability refer to inorganic particles that contain lithium element but do not store lithium, but have the function of migrating lithium ions. Inorganic particles having lithium ion transport ability can transport and migrate lithium ions due to the type of defects in the particle structure. Therefore, the lithium ion conductivity in the battery can be improved, thereby improving the performance of the battery.

[0206] Examples of inorganic particle materials having lithium ion transport ability can be selected from lithium phosphate (Li 3 PO 4 ), lithium titanium phosphate (Li x Ti y (PO 4 ) 3 , 0 < x < 2, 0 < y < 3), lithium aluminum titanium phosphate (Li x Al y Ti z (PO 4 ) 3 , 0 < x < 2, 0 < y < 1, 0 < z < 3), (LiAlTiP) x O y (0 < x < 4, 0 < y < 13) series of glasses, lithium lanthanum titanate (Li x La y TiO 3 , 0 < x < 2, 0 < y < 3), lithium germanium thiophosphate (Li x Ge y P z S w , 0 < x < 4, 0 < y < 1, 0 < z < 1, 0 < w < 5), lithium nitride (Li x N y , 0 < x < 4, 0 < y < 2), SiS 2 (Li x Si y S z , 0 < x < 3, 0 < y < 2, 0 < z < 4) series of glasses, P 2 S 5 (Li x P y S z , 0 < x < 3, 0 < y < 3, 0 < z < 7) series of glasses, but not limited thereto.

[0207] The composition ratio of the inorganic particles and the binder polymer as coating components is not particularly limited, but can be adjusted in the range of 10:90 to 99:1 (wt%), preferably in the range of 80:20 to 99:1 (wt%). If the composition ratio is less than 10:90 (wt%), the content of the polymer will become too large, so due to the reduction of the voids formed between the inorganic particles, the pore size and porosity may decrease, ultimately leading to deterioration of battery performance. On the other hand, if the composition ratio exceeds 99:1 (wt%), the content of the polymer is too small, so due to the weakening of the bonding force between the inorganic materials, the mechanical properties of the final organic / inorganic composite porous diaphragm may deteriorate.

[0208] In the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the binder polymer may be a binder polymer commonly used in the art.

[0209] The coating layer of the organic / inorganic composite porous separator may further include other known additives in addition to the above-mentioned inorganic particles and binder polymer.

[0210] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the coating layer may be referred to as an active layer.

[0211] Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to specific embodiments, this is for the purpose of specifically describing the present invention, and the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention is not limited thereto. Obviously, within the technical spirit of the present invention, those skilled in the art can implement various embodiments.

[0212] <Description of Reference Numerals>

[0213] 1: Electrode pickup unit

[0214] 2: First electrode

[0215] 3: Second electrode

[0216] 4: Multiple other electrodes

[0217] 5: Temperature sensor unit

[0218] 6: Temperature control unit

[0219] 7: Electrode cartridge unit

[0220] 10: Electrode assembly

[0221] 11: Positive electrode

[0222] 11a: Positive terminal

[0223] 12: Negative electrode

[0224] 12a: Negative terminal

[0225] 14: Diaphragm

[0226] 50: First pressure unit

[0227] 50a, 50b: first pressure block

[0228] 51: Gripper

[0229] 51a: Main body

[0230] 51b: Fixed part

[0231] 60: Second pressure unit

[0232] 60a, 60b: second pressure block

[0233] 100: Electrode assembly manufacturing device

[0234] 110: Stacking table

[0235] 111: Taiwan Sports

[0236] 112: Stacking table heater

[0237] 120: Diaphragm supply unit

[0238] 121: Diaphragm heating unit

[0239] 122: Diaphragm roller

[0240] 130: Positive electrode supply unit

[0241] 131: Positive electrode placement table

[0242] 132: Positive electrode heater

[0243] 133: Positive roller

[0244] 134: First Cutter

[0245] 135: First conveyor belt

[0246] 136: Positive supply head

[0247] 140: Negative electrode supply unit

[0248] 141: Negative electrode placement table

[0249] 142: Negative electrode heater

[0250] 143: Negative roller

[0251] 144: Second Cutter

[0252] 145: Second conveyor belt

[0253] 146: Negative supply head

[0254] 150: Positive electrode stacking unit

[0255] 151: First suction head

[0256] 151a: Vacuum suction hole

[0257] 151b: Bottom

[0258] 152: First head heater

[0259] 153: First moving part

[0260] 160: Negative electrode stacking unit

[0261] 161: Second suction head

[0262] 162: Second head heater

[0263] 163: Second moving part

[0264] 170: Maintaining the institution

[0265] 171: First holding mechanism

[0266] 172: Second holding mechanism

[0267] 180: Pressure unit

[0268] 181: First pressure block

[0269] 182: Second pressure block

[0270] 183, 184: Pressure heater

[0271] S: stack

[0272] A: Thin air layer

[0273] A': Expanded air layer

Claims

1. An electrode supply device, comprising: An electrode cartridge unit having a plurality of electrodes stacked thereon; an electrode picking unit configured to pick up an uppermost first electrode among the plurality of electrodes, Wherein, at least one of the electrode box unit and the electrode picking unit includes a heating unit, and the heating unit is configured to heat the first electrode and a second electrode adjacent to the first electrode to expand an air layer between the first electrode and the second electrode.

2. The electrode supply device according to claim 1, wherein: The electrode pickup unit comprises: an electrode fixing unit configured to fix the first electrode; and An electrode transport unit is configured to transport the first electrode fixed by the electrode fixing unit to a stacking stage side.

3. The electrode supply device according to claim 1, further comprising: a temperature sensor unit configured to measure surface temperatures of the first electrode and the second electrode adjacent to the first electrode; and A temperature control unit is configured to adjust the temperature of the heating unit so that the surface temperature measured by the temperature sensor unit satisfies a management temperature range.

4. The electrode supply device according to claim 3, wherein: The management temperature range is 40°C to 140°C.

5. The electrode supply device according to claim 1, wherein: The heating unit includes a non-contact heating source that is not in physical contact with the first electrode and the second electrode.

6. The electrode supply device according to claim 5, wherein: The non-contact heating source is a radiation heating source, an induction heating source or a laser heating source.

7. An electrode assembly manufacturing device for manufacturing an electrode assembly in which positive electrodes and negative electrodes are alternately arranged between folded portions of a separator, the electrode assembly manufacturing device comprising: a positive electrode supply unit configured to supply the positive electrode to the stacking stage side; a negative electrode supply unit configured to supply the negative electrode to the stacking stage side; a membrane supply unit configured to supply the membrane to the stacking table side; a stacking station on which a stacked body is manufactured in which the positive electrode, the separator, and the negative electrode are stacked so that the positive electrode and the negative electrode are alternately arranged between the folded portions of the separator; and a press unit configured to heat and press the stack to perform bonding between the positive electrode, the separator, and the negative electrode, thereby manufacturing an electrode assembly, Wherein, at least one of the positive electrode supply unit and the negative electrode supply unit comprises the electrode supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. An electrode supply method, comprising: heating an uppermost first electrode and a second electrode adjacent to the first electrode among a plurality of electrodes stacked in an electrode cartridge unit to expand an air layer between the first electrode and the second electrode; The first electrode is picked up, conveyed and supplied to the stacking table side.

9. The electrode supply method according to claim 8, wherein: Picking up, conveying and supplying the first electrode to the stacking station side includes: fixing the first electrode; and The fixed first electrode is conveyed to the stacking table side.

10. The electrode supply method according to claim 8, wherein: Heating the first electrode and the second electrode comprises: measuring surface temperatures of the first electrode and the second electrode; and Heating is performed while adjusting the temperature of the heating source so that the measured surface temperature satisfies the management temperature range.

11. The electrode supply method according to claim 10, wherein: The management temperature range is 40°C to 140°C.

12. The electrode supply method according to claim 10, wherein: The heating source is a non-contact heating source that is not in physical contact with the first electrode and the second electrode.

13. The electrode supply method according to claim 12, wherein: The non-contact heating source is a radiation heating source, an induction heating source or a laser heating source.

14. A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly, for manufacturing an electrode assembly in which positive electrodes and negative electrodes are alternately arranged between folded portions of a separator, the method comprising: supplying the positive electrode to the stacking table side; supplying the negative electrode to the stacking stage side; supplying the diaphragm to the stacking table side; stacking the positive electrode, the separator, and the negative electrode on a stacking table so that the positive electrode and the negative electrode are alternately arranged between the folded portions of the separator, thereby manufacturing a stacked body; and heating and pressing the stack to perform bonding between the positive electrode, the separator, and the negative electrode, thereby manufacturing an electrode assembly, wherein at least one of supplying the positive electrode to the stacking stage side and supplying the negative electrode to the stacking stage side includes the electrode supply method according to any one of claims 8 to 13.

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