Electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus and electrode assembly manufacturing method

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly in which a first electrode and a second electrode are alternately arranged between folded portions of a separator, the apparatus comprising: a first electrode supply unit for supplying the first electrode to a stacking table; a second electrode supply unit for supplying a second electrode to the stacking table; a diaphragm supply unit for supplying a diaphragm to the stacking table, the diaphragm finally stacked on the stacking table having a region in contact with at least one side of the stack and extending to be wound; the stacking table, the first electrode, the diaphragm and the second electrode are stacked on the stacking table to form a stack in which the first electrode and the second electrode are alternately arranged between folded parts of the diaphragm; a diaphragm winding unit for winding a region of the diaphragm extending to be wound such that it is in contact with the at least one side of the stack; and a brush unit for brushing the wound stack while heating the same.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0000706 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on January 3, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The invention relates to an electrode assembly manufacturing device and an electrode assembly manufacturing method. Background Art

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

[0004] Secondary batteries are classified into button 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 inside a battery case is a chargeable and dischargeable power generation device having a structure in which electrodes and separators are stacked.

[0005] Electrode assemblies can be roughly divided into: core-wound electrode assemblies, in which a separator is placed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, each separator is provided in the form of a sheet coated with an active material, and then the positive electrode, separator and negative electrode are wound; stacked electrode assemblies, in which multiple positive electrodes and negative electrodes are stacked in sequence with separators sandwiched between them; and stacked folding electrode assemblies, in which stacked unit cells are wound using a separation membrane with a longer length.

[0006] Among them, such an electrode assembly can be manufactured in which the separator is folded in a zigzag manner and the electrodes are alternately positioned between the corresponding folded parts. To this end, a stack can be manufactured in which the separator is folded in a zigzag manner and the electrodes are alternately positioned between the corresponding folded parts.

[0007] In this case, a winding process may be performed in which the ends of the separators stacked (folded) on the stack are pulled and cut, and the cut ends of the separators of a predetermined length are wound around the stack. Finally, the wound stack is heated and pressed to complete the electrode assembly.

[0008] However, there is a problem in that wrinkles in the stacked separators due to the influence of air space or static electricity in the winding process cause the performance of the completed electrode assembly to deteriorate. Summary of the invention

[0009] Technical issues

[0010] The present invention provides an apparatus and method for manufacturing an electrode assembly.

[0011] Technical Solution

[0012] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides an electrode assembly manufacturing device for manufacturing an electrode assembly, in which a first electrode and a second electrode are alternately arranged between a folded portion of a diaphragm, and the electrode assembly manufacturing device includes: a first electrode supply unit, the first electrode supply unit being configured to supply the first electrode to a stacking station; a second electrode supply unit, the second electrode supply unit being configured to supply the second electrode to the stacking station; a diaphragm supply unit, the diaphragm supply unit being configured to supply the diaphragm to the stacking station; the stacking station, the first electrode, the diaphragm and the second electrode being stacked on the stacking station in the form of a stack, in which the diaphragm finally stacked on the stacking station has an extended area so as to be wound while being in contact with at least one surface of the stack, and the first electrode and the second electrode are alternately arranged between the folded portions of the diaphragm; a diaphragm winding unit, the diaphragm winding unit being configured to perform winding so that the extended area of ​​the diaphragm for winding is in contact with the at least one surface of the stack; and a brush unit, the brush unit being configured to brush the wound stack while heating it.

[0013] In addition, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides an electrode assembly manufacturing method for manufacturing an electrode assembly, in which a first electrode and a second electrode are alternately arranged between a folded portion of a diaphragm, and the electrode assembly manufacturing method includes the following steps: supplying the first electrode to a stacking table; supplying the second electrode to the stacking table; supplying the diaphragm to the stacking table; manufacturing a stack including the first electrode, the diaphragm and the second electrode by stacking the first electrode, the diaphragm and the second electrode on the stacking table, so that the diaphragm finally stacked on the stacking table has an extended area for winding while contacting at least one surface of the stack, and the first electrode and the second electrode are alternately arranged between the folded portions of the diaphragm; performing winding so that the extended area of ​​the diaphragm for winding contacts the at least one surface of the stack; and brushing the wound stack while heating it.

[0014] Beneficial Effects

[0015] The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus and the electrode assembly manufacturing method according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application may shorten the time required to manufacture an electrode assembly.

[0016] The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus and the electrode assembly manufacturing method according to the exemplary embodiment of the present application may prevent wrinkles in a separator during the manufacturing process, and thus may provide an electrode assembly having excellent performance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 is a flow chart schematically illustrating steps of applying a brush unit or a brushing method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 is a plan view schematically illustrating an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 is a front view illustrating a concept of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a general electrode assembly.

[0021] Figure 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a pressing process in an electrode assembly manufacturing method or an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 6 (a) is a perspective view showing a first pressing unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, Figure 6 (b) is a perspective view showing a second pressing unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] 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.

[0024] Figure 8 is a perspective view illustrating a first electrode installation stage in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing a second electrode installation stage in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Fig.10 is a perspective view illustrating a first suction head in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] 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.

[0028] Fig.12 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.

[0029] [Description of Reference Numerals and Symbols]

[0030] 10: Electrode assembly

[0031] 11: First electrode

[0032] 11a: First electrode connector

[0033] 12: Second electrode

[0034] 12a: Second electrode connector

[0035] 14: Diaphragm

[0036] 51: Gripper

[0037] 51a: Main body

[0038] 51b: Fixed part

[0039] 100: Electrode assembly manufacturing equipment

[0040] 110: Stacking table

[0041] 111: Main body

[0042] 112: Stacking table heater

[0043] 120: Diaphragm supply unit

[0044] 121: Diaphragm heating unit

[0045] 122: Diaphragm roll

[0046] 130: First electrode supply unit

[0047] 131: First electrode placement platform

[0048] 132: First electrode heater

[0049] 133: First electrode roll

[0050] 134: First Cutter

[0051] 135: First conveyor belt

[0052] 136: First electrode supply head

[0053] 140: Second electrode supply unit

[0054] 141: Second electrode placement platform

[0055] 142: Second electrode heater

[0056] 143: Second electrode roll

[0057] 144: Second Cutter

[0058] 145: Second conveyor belt

[0059] 146: Second electrode supply head

[0060] 150: first electrode stacking unit

[0061] 151: First suction head

[0062] 151a: Vacuum suction hole

[0063] 151b: Bottom

[0064] 152: First head heater

[0065] 153: First mobile unit

[0066] 160: Second electrode stack unit

[0067] 161: Second suction head

[0068] 162: Second head heater

[0069] 163: Second mobile unit

[0070] 170: Maintaining the institution

[0071] 171: First holding mechanism

[0072] 172: Second holding mechanism

[0073] 180: Pressing unit

[0074] 181: First pressing block

[0075] 182: Second pressing block

[0076] 183, 184: Autoclave

[0077] 190: Brush unit

[0078] 190a: Brush body

[0079] 190b: Brush heating unit

[0080] S: Stacked pieces

[0081] A: Extended area of ​​the diaphragm DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0082] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can easily implement the present invention. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the configurations described herein.

[0083] When a part “includes,” “contains,” or “has” a constituent element in the present specification, unless specifically described otherwise, this does not mean that another constituent element is excluded but means that another constituent element may be further included.

[0084] In this specification, a "holding mechanism" is used to clamp a stack stacked on a stacking table so as to stack a first electrode or a second electrode during the process of manufacturing the stack, wherein the first electrode, the diaphragm and the second electrode are stacked in a manner in which the first electrode and the second electrode are alternately arranged between corresponding folded portions of the diaphragm on the stacking table, and has a function different from that of a clamp that clamps the stack during the process of heating and pressing the stack.

[0085] As used herein, "winding" refers to a process of winding a stack using a separator that is finally stacked in the stack to manufacture an electrode assembly. In this case, the separator may be wound while in contact with at least one surface of the stack. For this reason, a portion corresponding to a desired length of the separator is defined as an "extension region" in this specification.

[0086] As used herein, “a stack in which first electrodes and second electrodes are alternately arranged between folded portions of a separator” may refer to an unfinished electrode assembly before the stack is heated and pressed to complete the electrode assembly.

[0087] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides an electrode assembly manufacturing device for manufacturing an electrode assembly, wherein a first electrode and a second electrode are alternately arranged between folded portions of a diaphragm, the device comprising: a first electrode supply unit, configured to supply the first electrode to a stacking table; a second electrode supply unit, configured to supply the second electrode to the stacking table; a diaphragm supply unit, configured to supply the diaphragm to the stacking table; a stacking table, on which the first electrode, the diaphragm, and the second electrode are stacked in the form of a stack, wherein the diaphragm finally stacked on the stacking table has an extended area so as to be wound while contacting at least one surface of the stack, and the first electrode and the second electrode are alternately arranged between the folded portions of the diaphragm; a diaphragm winding unit, configured to perform winding so that the extended area for winding the diaphragm contacts at least one surface of the stack; and a brush unit, configured to brush the wound stack while heating the wound stack.

[0088] The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention has a feature that it includes a brush unit configured to brush the wound stack while heating the stack. The brush unit can brush the entire surface of the extended area of ​​the separator. That is, the brush unit that brushes while heating can prevent the stacked separator from wrinkling due to air space or static electricity, thereby providing an electrode assembly with excellent performance.

[0089] Furthermore, since the electrode assembly may be manufactured in a continuous process without using a separate sub-member for fixing the electrode assembly, the time required to manufacture the electrode assembly may be shortened.

[0090] As used herein, a "unit" refers to an interface that performs a specific function within an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus.

[0091] As used herein, "brushing" refers to a process of flattening the surface of a wound stack in a short period of time using a heatable roller or the like.

[0092] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the brush unit includes a brush main body configured to directly contact the wound stack and a brush heating unit configured to heat the wound stack.

[0093] The brush body may be provided in the form of a rotating roller, or provided with bristles implanted on one surface. Preferably, the brush body may be provided with bristles implanted on one surface of the plate.

[0094] The brush heating unit may generate heat for heating the stack during brushing. Heating the stack may prevent the separator stacked on the electrode assembly from wrinkling due to static electricity or air space, thereby providing an electrode assembly with excellent performance.

[0095] The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may further include a temperature control unit. The temperature control unit may control the temperature and heating time for heating the stack during the brushing process. The temperature control unit may include a sensor for measuring the surface temperature of the stack.

[0096] That is, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may further include a temperature control unit for enabling the process of brushing the wound stack while heating the wound stack to be performed at a temperature of 100°C to 150°C, and preferably 100°C to 120°C for 2 to 10 seconds.

[0097] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a pressing unit configured to heat and press the brushed stack and a clamp configured to clamp and move the brushed stack to the pressing unit may also be included. The clamp is different from the holding mechanism described above and may be the same as the clamp used in the first hot pressing step described below.

[0098] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the pressing unit may include a pair of pressing blocks, each of which includes a heater.

[0099] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the diaphragm winding unit may include: a clamp configured to clamp an end of an extended region of the diaphragm; a clamp moving unit configured to pull the clamped extended region of the diaphragm in a direction opposite to the folded position of the diaphragm; and a rotating unit configured to rotate a stack in which the extended region is pulled in a direction opposite to the folded position of the diaphragm and clamped by the clamp. When the rotating unit rotates the stack, the stack can be wound around the diaphragm while the extended region of the diaphragm is in contact with at least one surface of the stack. In this case, in the process of rotating the stack, if necessary, the stack can be fixed by a holding mechanism or a clamp described below.

[0100] The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may further include a diaphragm cutting unit configured to cut the end of the extended region of the diaphragm. Since the diaphragm supplied from the diaphragm supply unit may be in the form of a continuous diaphragm sheet, it is necessary to cut the end of the extended region of the diaphragm, and the clamp may clamp the cut portion.

[0101] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the pressing unit may include a pair of pressing blocks, and may be configured to surface-press the stack stacked on the stage while moving the pair of pressing blocks in directions facing each other.

[0102] In this specification, the diaphragm may be supplied in the form of a diaphragm sheet.

[0103] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides an electrode assembly manufacturing method for manufacturing an electrode assembly, wherein a first electrode and a second electrode are alternately arranged between folded portions of a diaphragm, and the electrode assembly manufacturing method includes the following steps: supplying a first electrode to a stacking table; supplying a second electrode to the stacking table; supplying a diaphragm to the stacking table; manufacturing a stack including a first electrode, a diaphragm, and a second electrode by stacking the first electrode, the diaphragm, and the second electrode on the stacking table, so that the diaphragm finally stacked on the stacking table has an extended area for winding while contacting at least one surface of the stack, and the first electrode and the second electrode are alternately arranged between the folded portions of the diaphragm; performing winding so that the extended area for winding the diaphragm contacts at least one surface of the stack; and brushing the wound stack while heating the wound stack.

[0104] In this specification, a stacking form in which the first electrode and the second electrode are alternately arranged between the folded portions of the separator is referred to as a zigzag stack.

[0105] The electrode assembly manufacturing method according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention may further include the following steps: clamping the stacked piece with a clamper and conveying the stacked piece to heat and press. The clamper corresponds to a clamper that clamps the stacked piece in the process of heating and pressing the stacked piece, and has a function different from the holding mechanism described above.

[0106] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the step of brushing the wound stack while heating the wound stack is a step of brushing the surface of the wound stack while heating the entire extension area to wind the separator by a brush unit. In this case, the brush unit may include a brush body and a brush heating unit, and the brush body may be provided in the form of a rotating roller or have bristles implanted on one surface or an outer surface.

[0107] Preferably, the brushing step may include the following steps: bringing a brush body into contact with the entire extended area for winding the diaphragm, the brush body including a brush heating unit and having bristles implanted on one surface or an outer surface; moving the brush body in a contact state in one direction while heating the stack with the brush heating unit; and releasing the brush body from the contact state. In this case, if there are two or more surfaces to be brushed, the above steps may be performed on each surface.

[0108] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the step of brushing the wound stack while heating the wound stack may be performed at a temperature of 100° C. to 150° C., and preferably 100° C. to 120° C. for 2 to 10 seconds.

[0109] The electrode assembly manufacturing method according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention may further include a hot pressing step of heating and pressing the brushed stack.

[0110] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the step of manufacturing a stack including a first electrode, a separator, and a second electrode by stacking the first electrode, the separator, and the second electrode on a stacking table so that the separator finally stacked on the stacking table has an extended area so as to be wound while being in contact with at least one surface of the stack, and the first electrode and the second electrode are alternately arranged between folded portions of the separator may include the following steps:

[0111] (S1) stacking a second electrode on a stacking table;

[0112] (S2) stacking the separator on the stacking table so that the separator covers the upper surface of the second electrode stacked on the stacking table;

[0113] (S3) stacking the first electrode on a surface of the separator covering the upper surface of the second electrode, the surface being opposite to a surface in contact with the second electrode;

[0114] (S4) additionally supplying a separator to cover the upper surface of the first electrode;

[0115] (S5) stacking a second electrode on a surface of the separator covering the upper surface of the first electrode, the surface being opposite to the surface in contact with the first electrode; and

[0116] (S6) additionally supplying a separator to cover the upper surface of the second electrode, and

[0117] It may be configured to repeat steps (S1) to (S6) one or more times, wherein the last stacked separator may have an extended region so as to be wound while in contact with at least one surface of the stack. That is, this case refers to the case where the electrodes are first stacked on the stacking table, and after winding, the last electrode may be stacked.

[0118] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the step of manufacturing a stack including a first electrode, a separator, and a second electrode by stacking the first electrode, the separator, and the second electrode on a stacking table such that the separator finally stacked on the stacking table has an extended region so as to be wound while being in contact with at least one surface of the stack and the first electrode and the second electrode are alternately arranged between folded portions of the separator may include the following steps:

[0119] (SS1) stacking the diaphragms on a stacking table;

[0120] (SS2) stacking a first electrode on an upper surface of the separator;

[0121] (SS3) additionally supplying a separator to cover the upper surface of the first electrode;

[0122] (SS4) stacking a second electrode on a surface of the separator covering the upper surface of the first electrode, the surface being opposite to the surface in contact with the first electrode; and

[0123] (SS5) additionally supplying a separator to cover the upper surface of the second electrode, and

[0124] It may be configured to repeat steps (SS1) to (SS5) one or more times, wherein the last stacked membrane may have an extended region so as to be wound when in contact with at least one surface of the stack. That is, this case refers to the case where the membrane is first stacked on the stacking table.

[0125] 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 diaphragm to cover the upper surface of the first electrode or the second electrode can be performed by one of a method of moving the stacking stage left and right, a method of moving the diaphragm left and right, and a method of rotating the stacking stage.

[0126] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the diaphragm may be supplied in the form of a diaphragm sheet. That is, the diaphragm to be supplied additionally may be supplied in a continuous form. In addition, the "upper surface" may refer to the surface of the diaphragm or electrode opposite to the surface facing the stacking station.

[0127] That is, in order to stack the first electrode, the diaphragm, and the second electrode so that the first electrode and the second electrode are alternately arranged between the folded portions of the diaphragm, a method of moving the stacking table left and right, a method of moving the diaphragm left and right, or a method of rotating the stacking table can be utilized, and general techniques in the relevant field can be applied to such methods.

[0128] In this case, in the process of adding the first electrode, the second electrode and the separator, the stack can be clamped by a holding mechanism to maintain the alignment of the stack, so that a stack in which the first electrode and the second electrode are alternately arranged between the folded portions of the separator can be manufactured.

[0129] As described above, the electrode assembly manufacturing method according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention may further include a hot pressing step of heating and pressing the brushed stack along the stack axis.

[0130] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the hot pressing step of heating and pressing the brushed stack may include the following steps: clamping the brushed stack with a clamp and moving it to a space between a pair of pressing blocks, each pressing block including a heater; removing the clamp from the stack; after removing the clamp, moving the pair of pressing blocks in a direction approaching each other to surface press the stack; and heating the stack by the heater.

[0131] Hereinafter, the stack heated and pressed in the heat pressing step may be referred to as a brushed stack.

[0132] In addition, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the hot pressing step of heating and pressing the stack along the stacking axis may include the following steps: moving the stack to a space between a pair of pressing blocks including an autoclave; pressing the stack by surfaces of a pair of pressing blocks moving in directions facing each other along the stacking axis; and heating the stack by the autoclave.

[0133] The electrode assembly manufacturing method according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention may further include a step of stopping clamping of the clamper before the hot pressing step.

[0134] More specifically, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the hot pressing step of heating and pressing the stack may include the following steps: a first hot pressing step of clamping the stack with a clamp and heating and pressing the stack; and a second hot pressing step of stopping the clamping of the clamp and heating and pressing the stack after the first hot pressing step.

[0135] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first hot pressing step may include the following steps: fixing the stack by pressing the upper surface of the stack using a clamp; moving the stack fixed by the clamp to a space between a pair of pressing blocks including an autoclave; surface pressing the fixed stack by moving the pair of pressing blocks in directions facing each other along a stacking axis of the stack; and heating the fixed stack by the autoclave.

[0136] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second hot pressing step may include the following steps: stopping heating and pressing the stack after the first hot pressing step; spacing the clamper from the stack; moving the stack spaced apart from the clamper to a space between a pair of pressing blocks including an autoclave; pressing the stack by a pair of pressing blocks moving in directions facing each other along a stacking axis of the stack spaced apart from the clamper; and heating the stack by the autoclave.

[0137] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the pressing block used in the first heat-pressing step may have a groove corresponding to the gripper.

[0138] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the step of spacing the gripper apart from the stack may include the steps of: stopping pressing the upper surface of the stack with the gripper; and spacing the gripper apart from the stack.

[0139] Furthermore, the step of moving the stacked member to the space between the pair of pressing blocks including the autoclave in the hot pressing step (including the first hot pressing step and the second hot pressing step) may include not only moving the stacked member itself but also moving the stacked member together with the stacking table in a state where the stacked member is placed on the stacking table. In this case, the target heated and pressed by the pair of pressing blocks and the autoclave may refer to the stacked member and the stacking table.

[0140] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first hot pressing step may be configured to heat and press 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 pressed for 10 to 20 seconds at a temperature of 65 to 75° C. and a pressure of 1.5 to 2 MPa.

[0141] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second hot pressing step may be configured to heat and press the stack for 5 to 60 seconds at a temperature of 50 to 90° C. and a pressure of 1 to 6 MPa, preferably for 5 to 30 seconds at a temperature of 65 to 90° C. and a pressure of 1.5 to 6 MPa. More preferably, the stack may be heated and pressed for 7 to 25 seconds at a temperature of 65 to 85° C. and a pressure of 3 to 5.5 MPa.

[0142] When heating and pressing are performed while satisfying the above conditions, adhesion of the electrodes and the separator of the stack including the first electrode, the separator, and the second electrode can be easily obtained without damaging the first electrode, the separator, and the second electrode, and the performance of the manufactured electrode assembly can be excellent.

[0143] In addition, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the conditions of the second hot pressing described above can be applied to the temperature conditions, pressure conditions and time conditions of the hot pressing step. That is, the hot pressing step can be configured to heat and press the stack 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 press the stack for 5 to 30 seconds. More preferably, the stack can be heated and pressed for 7 to 25 seconds at a temperature of 65°C to 85°C and a pressure of 3MPa to 5.5MPa.

[0144] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the step of brushing the wound stack while heating the wound stack may be performed only in the region of the stack where winding is completed.

[0145] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the step of performing winding so that the extended region for winding the diaphragm contacts at least one surface of the stack may include the following steps: clamping the end of the extended region of the last stacked diaphragm; pulling the clamped extended region of the diaphragm in a direction opposite to the folded position of the diaphragm; and rotating the stack in which the extended region is pulled in a direction opposite to the folded position of the diaphragm and is clamped. By rotating the stack as described above, the stack can be wound around the diaphragm while the extended region of the diaphragm contacts at least one surface of the stack. The end of the extended region can be clamped by the above-mentioned clamp, and the step of rotating the stack can be completed by the above-mentioned rotating unit and the holding mechanism or clamp.

[0146] Hereinafter, an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus and an electrode assembly manufacturing method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail.

[0147] Figure 1is a flowchart schematically illustrating the steps of applying a brush unit or a brushing method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, the electrode assembly 10 is stacked, and the end of the last stacked diaphragm 14 is cut using a diaphragm cutting unit (not shown). By cutting, an extended region A of the diaphragm can be formed. Then, the end of the extended region A of the last stacked diaphragm 14 can be clamped by the clamp 1. While maintaining the clamping of the clamp 1, the stack S is rotated using a rotating unit (not shown). As a result, the extended region A of the last stacked diaphragm 14 contacts at least one surface of the stack S and surrounds the stack S, thereby completing the winding. In the process, if necessary, the stack S can be fixed using a holding mechanism 170 or a clamp 51.

[0148] When winding is completed, the brush unit 190 may be moved in the direction of the stack S to perform brushing. Specifically, the brush body 190a including the brush heater 190b is brought into contact with the surface of the wound stack S, and brushing may be performed by moving the brush body 190a in a contact state in one direction while heating the stack S by the brush heater 190b. In this case, if there are two or more surfaces that need to be brushed, brushing may be performed on each surface. When brushing is completed, the brush body 190a may be released from the contact state. That is, the distance between the brush body and the stack may be increased by moving the brush unit 190. In this case, the heating temperature may satisfy the above-mentioned temperature range.

[0149] Figure 2 is a plan view schematically 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 3 The holding mechanism 170 and the pressing unit 180 are shown, and Figure 3 Omitted Figure 2 The membrane supply unit 120 is shown.

[0150] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 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 supplying a separator 14 while heating the separator, a first electrode supply unit 130 supplying a first electrode 11 while heating the first electrode, a second electrode supply unit 140 supplying a second electrode 12 while heating the second electrode, a first electrode stacking unit 150 stacking the first electrode 11 on the stacking stage 110, a second electrode stacking unit 160 stacking the second electrode 12 on the stacking stage 110, and a pressing unit 180 adhering the first electrode 11, the separator 14, and the second electrode 12 therebetween. 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 first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 when the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 are stacked on the stacking stage 110. In addition, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus includes a brush unit 190 that brushes the surface of the stack while heating the surface of the stack after winding the stack.

[0151] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an electrode assembly manufactured by an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus or an electrode assembly manufacturing method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0152] Reference Figures 1 to 4 , the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for stacking a first electrode 11 , a separator 14 , and a second electrode 12 to manufacture the electrode assembly 10 .

[0153] Reference Figure 3 , the electrode assembly 10 is a chargeable / dischargeable power generation element, and can be formed into a shape such that the first electrode 11, the separator 14, and the second electrode 12 are alternately stacked and assembled. Here, the electrode assembly 10 may have such a form that, for example, the separator 14 is folded into a Z shape, and the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 are alternately arranged between the folded portions of the separator 14. In this case, the electrode assembly 10 may be provided in a form in which the separator 14 surrounds the outermost side of the electrode assembly. That is, the electrode assembly may be provided in a wound state. More specifically, after the winding of the unfinished electrode assembly is completed, it may be as described with respect to Figure 1 Brushing is performed as described, and the unfinished electrode assembly may be heated and pressed to complete the electrode assembly 10 .

[0154] Note that the first electrode supply unit 130 may further include: a first electrode roll 133 on which the first electrode 11 is wound in the form of a sheet; a first cutter 134 that cuts the first electrode 11 at predetermined intervals to form the first electrode 11 having a predetermined size when the first electrode 11 in the form of a sheet wound on the first electrode roll 133 is unwound and supplied; a first conveyor belt 135 that moves the first electrode 11 cut by the first cutter 134; and a first electrode supply head 136 that vacuum-sucks the first electrode 11 conveyed by the first conveyor belt 135 to place it on the first electrode placement table 131. Here, the first cutter 134 may cut the sheet-shaped first electrode 11 so that the first electrode lead or the first electrode tap is formed to protrude at the end.

[0155] The second electrode supply unit 140 may further include: a second electrode roll 143 on which the second electrode 12 is wound in the form of a sheet; a second cutter 144 that cuts the second electrode 12 at regular intervals to form a second electrode 12 having a predetermined size when the second electrode 12 in the form of a sheet wound on the second electrode roll 143 is unwound and supplied; a second conveyor belt 145 that moves the second electrode 12 cut by the second cutter 144; and a second electrode supply head 146 that vacuum-sucks the second electrode 12 conveyed by the second conveyor belt 145 to place it on the second electrode placement stage 141. Here, the second cutter 144 may cut the sheet-shaped second electrode 12 so that a second electrode lead or a second electrode tap is formed to protrude at the end.

[0156] Reference Figures 1 to 4 , regarding the operation of the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the separator 14 wound on the separator roll 122 is supplied through the separator heating unit 121. That is, the separator 14 is heated while passing through the separator heating unit 121, and the heated separator 14 is supplied to the stacking stage 110. The separator 14 supplied in this manner is stacked on the stacking stage 110, and the separator 14 is heated by the heated stacking stage 110.

[0157] Then, when the first electrode 11 is heated and supplied from the first electrode supply unit 130 to the first electrode stacking unit 150 , the first electrode 11 is stacked on the upper surface of the separator 14 stacked on the stacking stage 110 by the first electrode stacking unit 150 while being heated.

[0158] In this case, the holding mechanism 170 presses and fixes the upper surface of the first electrode 11 so that the first electrode 11 is not separated from the stacking stage 110 .

[0159] Then, when the stacking stage 110 is rotated in the direction of the second electrode stack unit 160 , the separator 14 is continuously supplied and covers the upper surface of the first electrode 11 .

[0160] Then, the second electrode 12 heated and supplied from the second electrode supply unit 140 is stacked on the portion of the separator 14 covering the upper surface of the first electrode 11 by the second electrode stacking unit 160. Here, the second suction head 161 in the second electrode stacking unit 160 presses and heats the second electrode 12 to continuously heat the second electrode 12.

[0161] In this case, after the holding mechanism 170 pressing the upper surface of the first electrode 11 is separated from the pressing portion, the upper surface of the second electrode 12 is pressed so that the stack including the second electrode 12 is not separated from the stacking stage 110 .

[0162] Then, while repeating the process of stacking the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12, the separator 14 is folded in a zigzag manner, thereby producing a stack in which the separator 14 is positioned between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12. In this case, the stack may be provided in such a form that the extended region of the separator 14 is wound around the outermost side of the stack using the extended region of the last stacked separator. In this case, the extended region of the separator 14 may not completely cover all surfaces of the stack. After the winding of the stack is completed, as described in detail with reference to FIG. Figure 1 Brushing is performed as described, and the stack is heated and pressed using the pressing unit 180 as described later, thereby completing the electrode assembly 10 .

[0163] Figure 5 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a pressing unit of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and a state in which the pressing unit presses a stack in the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0164] Reference Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 5 , the stack S manufactured as described above is moved to the pressing unit 180, and the stack S is heated and pressed in the pressing unit 180, so that the heated first electrode 11, the separator 14, and the second electrode 12 are adhered to each other to manufacture the electrode assembly 10. In this case, the heated first electrode 11, the separator 14, and the second electrode 12 are heated and pressed to each other by the pressing unit 180, and thus can be thermally fused. The stack manufactured here refers to the stack S manufactured with respect to Figure 1 The winding and brushing of the stack is completed in the manner described.

[0165] The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention constructed as described above heats and stacks the first electrode 11, the separator 14, and the second electrode 12, and heats and presses the stack by the pressing unit 180 to adhere the first electrode 11, the separator 14, and the second electrode 12 to each other, thereby preventing the electrode assembly 10 from unfolding and preventing the stacking positions of the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 in the electrode assembly 10 from being misaligned.

[0166] More specifically, the pressing unit 180 may include a pair of pressing blocks 181 and 182, and the stack of the first electrode 11, the diaphragm 14, and the second electrode 12 may be arranged between the pair of pressing blocks 181 and 182. Then, the pair of pressing blocks 181 and 182 move in directions facing each other, and the pressing unit 180 heats and presses the stack, thereby adhering the stacked first electrode 11, the diaphragm 14, and the second electrode 12 to each other.

[0167] In addition, the pressing unit 180 may further include autoclaves 183 and 184 for heating the pair of pressing blocks 181 and 182, so that the pair of pressing blocks 181 and 182 can heat and press the stack. Therefore, thermal fusion between the first electrode 11, the diaphragm 14, and the second electrode 12 in the stack can be better achieved, resulting in more robust adhesion.

[0168] The pair of pressing blocks 181 and 182 may have a pressing surface, and the horizontal and vertical lengths of the pressing surface may be greater than the horizontal and vertical lengths of the stack. The pair of pressing blocks 181 and 182 may include a first pressing block 181 and a second pressing block 182, and the first pressing block 181 and the second pressing block 182 may be set as rectangular blocks in a cuboid shape.

[0169] In addition, the pressing unit may further include a pair of pressing blocks and an autoclave for heating the pressing blocks, wherein the pair of pressing blocks may move in directions facing each other to surface-press the stack, and the autoclave may heat the stack.

[0170] In this case, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an autoclave may be included in the pair of pressing blocks.

[0171] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the pressing unit may include a first pressing unit and a second pressing unit. Specifically, the first pressing unit and the second pressing unit may be applied to the first heat pressing step and the second heat pressing step, respectively, and the above description may be applied.

[0172] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first pressing unit may include a pair of first pressing blocks, the pressing surfaces of the pair of first pressing blocks may include grooves corresponding to the shape of the holder, and the pressing surfaces other than the grooves may be set to a plane. That is, the first pressing unit may be applied to the above-mentioned first hot pressing step.

[0173] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the second pressing unit may include a pair of second pressing blocks, and the pressing surfaces of the pair of second pressing blocks may be set to be planes. That is, the second pressing unit may be applied to the above-mentioned second hot pressing step.

[0174] Figure 6 (a) is a perspective view showing a first pressing unit 50 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, Figure 6 (b) is a perspective view showing the second pressing unit 60 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0175] Reference Figure 6 (a) The first pressing unit 50 can heat and press the stack S while the stack S is fixed by the clamper 51. The first pressing unit 50 is composed of a pair of first pressing blocks 50a and 50b having a pressing surface for pressing that is all flat surfaces except for a groove having a shape corresponding to the fixing portion 51b of the clamper 51.

[0176] 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 stack 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 stack S. Here, the length (x) of the stack S may refer to the longest portion of the stack S from one end to the other end, the height (y) may refer to the distance in the stacking direction of the stack S, and the width (z) may refer to the distance horizontally intersecting the upper surface of the stack S.

[0177] The fixing portion 51b can be positionally adjusted in the height direction of the body 51a so that the fixing portion 51b can fix the stack S while contacting the upper and lower surfaces of the stack S. Then, a pair of first pressing blocks 50a and 50B included in the first pressing unit 50 is moved in a direction facing each other to surface-press one or more of the stack S and the clamper 51 so that the electrodes and the separator included in the stack S can be adhered.

[0178] refer to Figure 6(b), the second pressing unit 60 may finally heat and press the stack S that has been mainly heated and pressed by the first pressing unit 50. The second pressing unit 60 includes a pair of second pressing blocks 60a and 60b that can move in directions facing each other to surface-press the stack S. In addition, the pair of second pressing blocks 60a and 60b included in the second pressing unit 60 may have pressing surfaces for pressing in contact with the stack S, which are flat surfaces.

[0179] Reference Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 7 The first electrode 11 , the separator 14 , and the second electrode 12 may be stacked on the stacking stage 110 in a form in which the first electrodes 11 and the second electrodes 12 are alternately arranged between corresponding folded portions of the separator 14 .

[0180] Furthermore, the stacking stage 110 may include a stage main body 111 on which the first electrode 11 , the separator 14 , and the second electrode 12 are stacked, and a stacking stage heater 112 that heats the stacked stack S by heating the stage main body 111 .

[0181] The first electrode 11 may be configured as a positive electrode, and the second electrode 12 may be configured as a negative electrode, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the first electrode 11 may be configured as a negative electrode, and the second electrode 12 may be configured as a positive electrode.

[0182] Figure 8 is a perspective view illustrating a first electrode installation stage in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0183] Reference Figures 1 to 3 and Figure 8 , the first electrode supply unit 130 may supply the first electrode 11 to the first electrode stack unit 150 while heating the first electrode 11 .

[0184] In addition, the first electrode supply unit 130 may include a first electrode placement stage 131 and a first electrode heater 132 , the first electrode 11 is placed on the first electrode placement stage 131 before being stacked on the stacking stage 110 by the first electrode stacking unit 150 , and the first electrode heater 132 heats the first electrode 11 by heating the first electrode placement stage 131 .

[0185] Note that the first electrode supply unit 130 may further include: a first electrode roll 133 on which the first electrode 11 is wound in the form of a sheet; a first cutter 134 that cuts the first electrode 11 at predetermined intervals to form the first electrode 11 having a predetermined size when the first electrode 11 in the form of a sheet wound on the first electrode roll 133 is unwound and supplied; a first conveyor belt 135 that moves the first electrode 11 cut by the first cutter 134; and a first electrode supply head 136 that vacuum-sucks the first electrode 11 conveyed by the first conveyor belt 135 to place it on the first electrode placement table 131. Here, the first cutter 134 may cut the sheet-shaped first electrode 11 so that the first electrode tab 11a is formed to protrude at the end.

[0186] Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing a second electrode installation stage in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0187] Reference Figures 1 to 3 and Fig. 9 , the second electrode supply unit 140 may supply the second electrode 12 to the second electrode stack unit 160 while heating the second electrode 12 .

[0188] In addition, the second electrode supply unit 140 may include a second electrode seating stage 141 on which the second electrode 12 is seated before being stacked on the stacking stage 110 by the second electrode stacking unit 160 , and a second electrode heater 142 that heats the second electrode 12 by heating the second electrode seating stage 141 .

[0189] Note that the second electrode supply unit 140 may further include: a second electrode roll 143 on which the second electrode 12 is wound in the form of a sheet; a second cutter 144 that cuts the second electrode 12 at regular intervals to form a second electrode 12 having a predetermined size when the second electrode 12 in the form of a sheet wound on the second electrode roll 143 is unwound and supplied; a second conveyor belt 145 that moves the second electrode 12 cut by the second cutter 144; and a second electrode supply head 146 that vacuum-sucks the second electrode 12 conveyed by the second conveyor belt 145 to place it on the second electrode placement table 141. Here, the second cutter 144 may cut the sheet-shaped second electrode 12 so that the second electrode tab 12a is formed to protrude at the end.

[0190] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the first electrode stack unit may include a first suction head for vacuum suctioning the first electrode placed on the first electrode placement stage, and the second electrode stack unit may include a second suction head for vacuum suctioning the second electrode placed on the second electrode placement stage.

[0191] 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 showing a first suction head in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0192] Reference Figures 1 to 3 , Fig.10 and Fig.11 , the first electrode stacking unit 150 may stack the first electrodes 11 on the stacking stage 110 .

[0193] In addition, the first electrode stack unit 150 may include a first suction head 151 and a first moving unit 153 .

[0194] The first suction head 151 may vacuum-absorb the first electrode 11 seated on the first electrode seating stage 131. In this case, the first suction head 151 has a vacuum adsorption hole 151a formed on a bottom surface 151b, and may adsorb the first electrode 11 through the vacuum adsorption hole 151a to fix the first electrode 11 to the bottom surface 151b of the first suction head 151. Here, the first suction head 151 may be formed with a channel connecting the vacuum adsorption hole 151a and a vacuum suction device (not shown).

[0195] The first moving unit 153 may move the first suction head 151 to the stacking stage 110 so that the first suction head 151 may stack the first electrode 11 seated on the first electrode seating stage 131 on the stacking stage 110 .

[0196] In addition, the second electrode stacking unit 160 may stack the second electrode 12 on the stacking stage 110. Here, the second electrode stacking unit 160 may have the same structure as the above-described first electrode stacking unit 150. In this case, the second electrode stacking unit 160 may include a second suction head 161 and a second moving unit 163.

[0197] The second suction head 161 can vacuum-absorb the second electrode 12 on the second electrode placement platform 141 .

[0198] The second moving unit 163 may move the second suction head 161 to the stacking stage 110 so that the second suction head 161 may stack the second electrode 12 seated on the first electrode seating stage 141 on the stacking stage 110 .

[0199] Fig.12 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.

[0200] Reference Figures 1 to 3 and Fig.12 When the first electrode 11 or the second electrode 12 is stacked on the stacking stage 110, the holding mechanism 170 may fix the first electrode 11 or the second electrode 12 to the stacking stage 110 while clamping the first electrode 11 or the second electrode 12.

[0201] In addition, the holding mechanism 170 can press and fix the upper surface of the first electrode 11 stacked on the uppermost side of the stacking stage 110 when the first electrode 11 is stacked on the stacking stage 110, and can press and fix the upper surface of the second electrode 12 stacked on the uppermost side of the stacking stage 110 when the second electrode 12 is stacked on the stacking stage 110. In addition, the holding mechanism can press and fix the upper surface of the stack of the first electrode 11, the diaphragm 14, and the second electrode 12 stacked on the stacking stage 110.

[0202] That is, when forming a stack while positioning and stacking the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 between the folded portions of the diaphragm 14, the holding mechanism 170 clamps the uppermost surface of the stack by pressing the stack toward the stacking stage 110, thereby preventing the stack from being separated from the stacking stage 110.

[0203] 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 first electrode 11 or the second electrode 12 .

[0204] In the example of performing Z-shaped folding while rotating the stacking stage 110 as described above, when the holding mechanism 170 clamps the first electrode 11 or the second electrode 12 and then rotates the stacking stage 110, the diaphragm 14 can be unfolded from the diaphragm roll 122 in proportion to the rotation amount of the stacking stage 110 and supplied to the stacking stage 110 side.

[0205] 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 first electrode 11 or the second electrode 12, the rotating device may rotate the holding mechanism 170 and the stacking stage 110.

[0206] Then, when the stack in which the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 are positioned between the folded portions of the separator 14 is completed, the stack may be arranged in such a manner that the extended region of the separator 14 is wound around the outermost side of the stack using the extended region of the last stacked separator. In this case, the extended region of the separator 14 may not completely cover all surfaces of the stack. After the winding of the stack is completed, the stack may be wound as described above. Figure 1 Brushing is performed as described, and the top and bottom surfaces of the brushed stack may be heated and pressed by the above-mentioned pressing unit.

[0207] An electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention may further include a vision device for inspecting the first electrode or the second electrode.

[0208] That is, an electrode assembly manufacturing device according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a stacking table, a diaphragm supply unit for supplying a diaphragm to the stacking table, a first electrode supply unit for supplying a first electrode to the stacking table, a second electrode supply unit for supplying a second electrode to the stacking table, a first electrode stacking unit for stacking the first electrode on the stacking table, a second electrode stacking unit for stacking the second electrode on the stacking table, a pressing unit for adhering the first electrode, the diaphragm, and the second electrode 12 to each other, and a holding mechanism for fixing the first electrode and the second electrode when the first electrode and the second electrode are stacked on the stacking table, and also includes a rotating unit for rotating the stacking table and a visual device for visually inspecting the first electrode and the second electrode. That is, compared with the electrode assembly manufacturing device of the above exemplary embodiment, the difference is that a rotating unit and a visual device are also included.

[0209] More specifically, in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the visual device may include a first camera and a second camera.

[0210] The first camera (not shown) may capture the first electrode mounted on the first electrode mounting stage from the first electrode supply unit 130, and the second camera may capture the second electrode mounted on the second electrode mounting stage from the second electrode supply unit.

[0211] The image information captured by the first camera and the second camera can detect the stacking quality of the first electrode and the second electrode. In this case, the placement position, size, stacking state, etc. of the first electrode and the second electrode can be checked.

[0212] The rotating unit may rotate the stacking stage in one direction and in another direction. Here, the first electrode stack unit may be disposed on one side of the rotating unit, and the second electrode stack unit may be disposed on the other side of the rotating unit.

[0213] In addition, the rotation unit can rotate the stacking table toward one side to face the first suction head when stacking the first electrode, and rotate the stacking table toward the other side to face the second suction head when stacking the second electrode.

[0214] Furthermore, the rotation unit can alternately rotate the stacking table in the direction of the first electrode stacking unit and the direction of the second electrode stacking unit, so that a zigzag folding can be performed in such a way that the separator is located between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0215] As a reference, in order to stack the first electrode, the separator, and the second electrode such that the first electrode and the second electrode are alternately arranged between the folding portions of the separator, a method of moving the stacking table left and right, a method of moving the separator left and right, or a method of rotating the stacking table can be used, and general techniques in the related art can be applied to such methods.

[0216] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the long side of the electrode assembly can have a length of 500 mm or more. The long side of the electrode assembly refers to the length perpendicular to the supply direction of the separator supplied during the manufacture of the electrode assembly.

[0217] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the negative current collector has a thickness of 3 to 500 μm. Such a negative current collector is not particularly limited as long as it has conductivity without causing chemical changes in the battery. For example, copper, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, sintered carbon, copper or stainless steel can be used, each surface-treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, etc., aluminum-cadmium alloy, etc. In addition, similar to the positive current collector described below, the negative current collector can have micro-concavities and protrusions formed on its surface to enhance the adhesion of the negative active material, and can be used in various forms, such as a film, sheet, foil, mesh, porous body, foam body, or non-woven fabric.

[0218] As the negative active material, for example, the following can be used: carbon, such as non-graphitized carbon and graphite-based carbon; metal composite oxides, such as LixFe2O3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1), Li x WO2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) and Sn x Me 1-x Me' y O z (Me: Mn, Fe, Pb, Ge; Me’: Al, B, P, Si, elements of Group 1, Group 2, and Group 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; oxides, such as SnO, SnO2, PbO, PbO2, Pb2O3, Pb3O4, Sb2O3, Sb2O4, Sb2O5, GeO, GeO2, Bi2O3, Bi2O4, and Bi2O5; conductive polymers, such as polyacetylene, Li-Co-based materials, etc.

[0219] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the lower layer region may include natural graphite as a negative electrode active material, and the upper layer region may include artificial graphite as a negative electrode active material.

[0220] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the lower layer region and the upper layer region may each independently further include a silicon-based compound as a negative electrode active material.

[0221] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the silicon-based compound may include one or more of SiOx (0≤x≤2) and SiC.

[0222] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the silicon-based compound may include one or more of SiOx (x=0), SiOx (0≤x≤2), and SiC.

[0223] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the silicon-based compound may include 70 parts by weight or more or 80 parts by weight or more of SiOx (x=0) based on 100 parts by weight of the silicon-based compound. That is, the negative electrode of the present invention is characterized by a high content of pure Si.

[0224] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the negative electrode may be manufactured by applying and drying a lower layer slurry containing a negative electrode active material for a lower layer on a current collector to form a lower layer region, and then applying and drying an upper layer slurry containing a negative electrode active material for an upper layer on the lower layer region to form an upper layer region.

[0225] That is, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may provide a negative electrode manufacturing method, comprising the steps of: preparing a lower layer slurry containing a negative electrode active material for a lower layer and an upper layer slurry containing a negative electrode active material for an upper layer; coating the lower layer slurry on one surface of a negative electrode current collector, and coating the upper layer slurry on the lower layer slurry simultaneously or at a predetermined time interval; and forming an active material layer by simultaneously drying the coated lower layer slurry and upper layer slurry.

[0226] In this case, a mixed region (mixed with each other) in which different types of active materials are mixed may exist at a portion where the lower region and the upper region of the negative electrode contact each other. This is because a predetermined mixed region occurs at the interface where the lower slurry and the upper slurry contact each other before drying, and then when the active material layer is formed in the following manner, as drying proceeds, the mixed region is formed in the form of a mixed region layer: a lower slurry containing a lower negative electrode active material and an upper slurry containing an upper negative electrode active material are simultaneously or continuously coated on a current collector at very small time intervals, and then the slurries are simultaneously dried.

[0227] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in the active material layer of the negative electrode, a weight ratio (or a loading ratio per unit area) of the upper layer region to the lower layer region may be 20:80 to 50:50, specifically 25:75 to 50:50.

[0228] The thickness of the lower region and the upper region of the negative electrode active material layer of the present invention cannot completely match the thickness of the lower coating slurry and the upper coating slurry. However, as a result of the drying or selective rolling process, the thickness ratio of the lower region and the upper region of the active material layer of the final negative electrode of the present invention can match the thickness ratio of the lower coating slurry and the upper coating slurry.

[0229] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, in the step of coating the lower slurry on one surface of the negative electrode current collector and coating the upper slurry on the lower slurry at the same time or at a predetermined time interval, the predetermined time interval may be a time interval of less than 0.6 seconds, 0.02 seconds to 0.6 seconds, or 0.02 seconds to 0.06 seconds, or 0.02 seconds to 0.03 seconds. Most preferably, the time interval may be 0 seconds. That is, it may be most desirable to coat simultaneously. That is, since the time interval between coating the lower slurry and coating the upper slurry is due to the coating equipment, it is more preferred to coat the lower slurry and the upper slurry simultaneously. In this case, the method of coating the lower slurry and the upper slurry may use a device such as a double groove mold.

[0230] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the step of forming the active material layer by simultaneously drying the coated lower slurry and the upper slurry may include the following steps: simultaneously drying the coated lower slurry and the upper slurry; and rolling the active material layer after the drying step. In this case, the rolling step may be performed by a method commonly used in the art, such as roller pressing, and may be performed at a pressure of 1 MPa to 20 MPa and a temperature of 15° C. to 30° C., but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0231] In this case, the step of forming the active material layer by simultaneously drying the coated lower layer slurry and upper layer slurry may be performed using an apparatus combining hot air drying and infrared drying apparatuses and a method commonly used in the art.

[0232] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wt % of the first binder polymer in the solid content of the lower layer slurry may be equal to or greater than wt % of the second binder polymer in the solid content of the upper layer slurry.

[0233] Specifically, in exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the wt % of the first binder polymer in the solid content of the lower slurry may be 1.0 to 4.2 times, 1.5 to 3.6 times, or 1.5 to 3 times the wt % of the second binder polymer in the solid content of the upper slurry.

[0234] In this case, when the ratio of the wt% of the first binder in the coated lower layer slurry to the wt% of the second binder in the coated upper layer slurry satisfies such a range, the binder in the lower layer region will not be too little, so the electrode layer will not detach, and the binder in the upper layer region will not be too much, which reduces the resistance of the upper layer of the electrode and is beneficial to fast charging performance.

[0235] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the wt% of the first binder polymer in the solid content of the lower layer slurry may be 2 to 30 wt%, or 5 to 20 wt%, and the ratio (wt%) of the second binder polymer in the solid content of the upper layer slurry may be 0.5 to 20 wt%, 1 to 15 wt%, 1 to 10 wt%, or 2 to 5 wt%.

[0236] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a total ratio (wt %) of the first binder polymer and the second binder polymer in the total solid content of the lower layer slurry and the upper layer slurry may be 2 to 20 wt %, or 5 to 15 wt %.

[0237] In the present specification, the first binder polymer and the second binder polymer merely refer to a binder polymer contained in the lower layer slurry and a binder polymer contained in the upper layer slurry, respectively, and do not imply a specific order.

[0238] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the binder polymer is a component that helps to bind the electrode active material particles and the conductive material and is bound to the electrode current collector, and is added in an amount of, for example, 1 to 50wt% based on the total weight of the mixture containing the electrode active material. Embodiments of such binder polymers include, but are not limited to, any one of a binder polymer selected from polyvinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymer (PVdF), polyvinylidene fluoride-trichloroethylene copolymer, polymethyl methacrylate, polybutyl acrylate, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyvinyl acetate, polyethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, polyethylene oxide, polyarylate, cellulose acetate, cellulose acetate butyrate, cellulose acetate propionate, cyanoethyl pullulan, cyanoethyl polyvinyl alcohol, cyanoethyl cellulose, cyanoethyl sucrose, pullulan and carboxymethyl cellulose, or a mixture of two or more thereof.

[0239] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the negative electrode is manufactured by applying and drying negative electrode active material particles on a negative electrode current collector, and may further include components such as a conductive material, a binder, and a solvent, if necessary.

[0240] In addition, in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the negative electrode active material for the negative electrode within the scope of the application of the above description can be used without restriction as long as it is an active material known in the art, and the manufacturing method for the negative electrode within the scope of the application of the above description can also be used without restriction as long as it is known in the art.

[0241] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a positive electrode may include: a positive electrode current collector; and a positive electrode active material layer located on at least one surface of the positive electrode current collector and including a positive electrode active material, a binder polymer, and a conductive material.

[0242] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cathode current collector has a thickness of, for example, 3 to 500 μm. Such a cathode current collector is not particularly limited as long as it has conductivity without causing chemical changes in the battery. For example, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, sintered carbon, aluminum or stainless steel, etc., each of which is surface-treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, etc., can be used. The electrode current collector may have microscopic concave-convex portions formed on the surface to enhance the adhesion of the cathode active material, and may 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.

[0243] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the positive electrode active material may include a lithium intercalation material as a main component, such as a layered compound such as lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) and lithium nickel oxide (LiNiO2), or one or more transition metal substituted compounds; lithium manganese oxide (LiMnO2), such as Li 1+x Mn 2-x O4 (where x is 0 to 0.33), LiMnO3, LiMn2O3 and LiMnO2; lithium copper oxide (Li2CuO2); vanadium oxides such as LiV3O8, LiFe3O4, V2O5 and Cu2V2O7; 1-x M x Ni-site lithium nickel oxide represented by O2 (wherein M is Co, Mn, Al, Cu, Fe, Mg, B or Ga, and x is 0.01 to 0.3); represented by the chemical formula LiMn 2-x M x Lithium manganese composite oxide represented by Li2Mn3MO8 (wherein M is Co, Ni, Fe, Cr or Ta, and x is 0.01 to 0.1) or Li2Mn3MO8 (wherein M is Fe, Co, Cu or Zn); LiMn2O4 in which part of the Li in the chemical formula is replaced by alkaline earth metal ions; disulfide; Fe2(MoO4)3; or a composite oxide formed by a combination thereof, but not limited thereto.

[0244] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the conductive material is added in an amount of 1 to 50 wt % based on the total weight of the mixture containing the positive electrode active material. The conductive material is not particularly limited as long as it has high conductivity without causing chemical changes in the battery, and for example: graphite such as natural graphite or artificial graphite; carbon black such as acetylene black, ketjen black, channel black, furnace black, lamp black, and thermal black; conductive fibers such as carbon fibers and metal fibers; metal powders such as fluorocarbons, aluminum, and nickel powders; conductive whiskers such as zinc oxide and potassium titanate; conductive oxides such as titanium oxide; conductive materials such as polyphenylene derivatives, etc. can be used.

[0245] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the positive electrode is manufactured by applying and drying positive electrode active material particles on a positive electrode current collector, and may further include components such as a conductive material, a binder, and a solvent, if necessary.

[0246] Furthermore, in the present invention, a positive electrode active material and the like for manufacturing a positive electrode may be used without limitation as long as it is known in the art, and a method for manufacturing a positive electrode may also be used without limitation as long as it is known in the art.

[0247] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, non-limiting examples of solvents for making negative or positive electrodes (i.e., electrodes) include acetone, tetrahydrofuran, dichloromethane, chloroform, dimethylformamide, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), cyclohexane, water, or a mixture thereof. These solvents provide an appropriate level of viscosity to the electrode current collector surface so that a slurry coating can be formed at a desired level.

[0248] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the separator may include a porous polymer substrate and an organic / inorganic composite porous coating layer formed on at least one side of the polymer substrate, and the organic / inorganic composite porous coating layer may include a particle binder resin and inorganic particles.

[0249] The material used in the separator may be a common material used in the related art.

[0250] Furthermore, the description of the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention and the configuration of the manufacturing apparatus may be applied to the manufacturing method according to the present invention and the electrode assembly manufactured by the manufacturing method according to the present invention.

[0251] Although the exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto and that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention defined in the claims.

Claims

1. An electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly, in which a first electrode and a second electrode are alternately arranged between folded portions of a separator, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus comprising: a first electrode supply unit configured to supply the first electrode to a stacking station; a second electrode supply unit configured to supply the second electrode to the stacking stage; a membrane supply unit configured to supply the membrane to the stacking station; the stacking stage on which the first electrode, the separator and the second electrode are stacked in the form of a stack in which the separator stacked last on the stacking stage has an extended region so as to be wound while being in contact with at least one surface of the stack, and the first electrode and the second electrode are alternately arranged between the folded portions of the separator; a diaphragm winding unit configured to perform winding such that the extended region of the diaphragm for winding contacts the at least one surface of the stack; as well as A brush unit is configured to brush the wound stack while heating it.

2. The electrode assembly manufacturing equipment according to claim 1, wherein: The brush unit includes a brush main body in direct contact with the wound stack and a brush heating unit configured to heat the wound stack.

3. The electrode assembly manufacturing equipment according to claim 2, wherein: The brush body is provided in the form of a rotating roller or is provided with bristles implanted on one surface.

4. The electrode assembly manufacturing equipment according to claim 1, wherein: The brush unit is configured to brush an entire surface of the extended region of the diaphragm.

5. The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a temperature control unit for enabling brushing of the wound stack while heating it to be performed at a temperature of 100°C to 150°C for 2 seconds to 10 seconds.

6. The electrode assembly manufacturing equipment according to claim 1, further comprising: a pressing unit configured to heat and press the brushed stack; as well as A gripper is configured to grip the brushed stack and move it to the pressing unit.

7. The electrode assembly manufacturing equipment according to claim 6, wherein: The pressing unit includes a pair of pressing blocks, each of which includes a heater.

8. The electrode assembly manufacturing equipment according to claim 1, wherein: The diaphragm winding unit comprises: a clamp configured to clamp an end of the extended region of the diaphragm; a clamp moving unit configured to pull the clamped extended region of the diaphragm in a direction opposite to a folded position of the diaphragm; and A rotating unit configured to rotate the stack in which the extended region is pulled in a direction opposite to the folded position of the diaphragm and clamped by the clamp.

9. An electrode assembly manufacturing method for manufacturing an electrode assembly, in which a first electrode and a second electrode are alternately arranged between folded portions of a separator, the electrode assembly manufacturing method comprising the following steps: supplying the first electrode to a stacking station; supplying the second electrode to the stacking stage; supplying the membrane to the stacking station; manufacturing a stack including the first electrode, the separator, and the second electrode by stacking the first electrode, the separator, and the second electrode on the stacking stage, so that the separator finally stacked on the stacking stage has an extended region so as to be wound while being in contact with at least one surface of the stack, and the first electrode and the second electrode are alternately arranged between the folded portions of the separator; performing winding so that the extended region of the diaphragm for winding is in contact with the at least one surface of the stack; as well as The wound stack is brushed while being heated.

10. The method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 9, wherein: The step of brushing the wound stack while heating it is performed at a temperature of 100° C. to 150° C. for 2 seconds to 10 seconds. 11 . The electrode assembly manufacturing method according to claim 9 , further comprising a hot pressing step of heating and pressing the brushed stack.

12. The method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 11, wherein: The hot pressing step of heating and pressing the brushed stack comprises the following steps: holding the brushed stack with a holder and moving it to a space between a pair of pressing blocks, each of which includes a heater; removing the holder from the stack; After the clamper is removed, moving the pair of pressing blocks in directions approaching each other to surface-press the stack; and The stack is heated by the heater.

13. The method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 9, wherein: The step of brushing the wound stack while heating it is performed only in the area of ​​the stack where the winding has been completed.

14. The method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 9, wherein: The step of performing the winding so that the extended area of ​​the membrane for winding is in contact with the at least one surface of the stack comprises the following steps: clamping the ends of the extended regions of the last stacked diaphragms; pulling the clamped extended region of the diaphragm in a direction opposite to the folded position of the diaphragm; and The stack in which the extended region is pulled and clamped in a direction opposite to the folded position of the membrane is rotated.

Images