Separator cutter and electrode assembly apparatus including separator cutter

Abstract

The invention discloses a separator cutter and an electrode assembly apparatus including the same. A separator cutter includes: a melt cutting unit configured to generate a molten portion by locally heating a separator and apply a tensile force to an opposite end of the separator to cut the separator; a driver configured to drive the melt cutting unit to selectively contact the isolation film; and a controller configured to control the driver to heat the isolation film by bringing the isolation film and the melt cutting unit into contact for a predetermined time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This embodiment relates to a separator cutter and an electrode assembly device including the separator cutter. More specifically, it relates to a separator cutter configured to cut a separator of a rechargeable battery and an electrode assembly device including the separator cutter. Background Art

[0002] In general, a rechargeable battery is manufactured by cutting electrode plates into sizes corresponding to the size of the battery, where an active material is coated on the surface of a current collector, stacking the cut positive electrode plates and negative electrode plates with a separator in an alternating manner to form an electrode assembly, and inserting the electrode assembly into a case containing an electrolyte.

[0003] In this case, the electrode assembly is generally assembled by folding the separator supplied from a separator supply unit and then alternately placing positive and negative electrodes on the corresponding folded separator to integrate with the separator. Therefore, in order to form the electrode assembly into a unit electrode of a single secondary battery, it is necessary to cut the folded separator of the electrode assembly from the mother separator connected to the separator supply unit.

[0004]

[0004] A cutter is usually used to cut the folded separator from the mother separator. By moving the cutter to the cutting position and mechanically cutting the mother separator, the folded separator is separated from the mother separator.

[0005] However, with a conventional cutter, there is a problem that the mother separator is cut using physical friction, which crushes the coating applied on the surface of the mother separator, resulting in the scattering of the coating, and due to the wear of the blade, the cutter needs to be frequently replaced.

[0006]

[0005] Specifically, in the case where the cutter is formed of a highly durable high-hardness metal with little wear, the cutting cost may increase. In the case where high-speed cutting is required, a separate acceleration space is needed to accelerate the cutter, thus increasing the installation difficulty.

[0007] Therefore, there is an increasing need for a new type of separator cutter that can replace mechanical cutting and an electrode assembly device including the same.

[0008]

[0006] The above information disclosed in this background art section is for enhancing the understanding of the background of the present disclosure and thus may include information that does not constitute related (or prior) art. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The embodiments include an isolation film cutter. The isolation film cutter includes: a melting cutting unit configured to generate a molten portion by locally heating the isolation film, and tensile forces are applied to opposite ends of the isolation film to cut the isolation film; a driver configured to drive the melting cutting unit to selectively contact the isolation film; and a controller configured to control the driver to heat the isolation film by bringing the isolation film and the melting cutting unit into contact for a predetermined time.

[0010] The melting cutting unit may include: an electrically heated wire that traverses in the width direction of the isolation film and is configured to generate Joule heat; a plurality of support ends that support the electrically heated wire at opposite ends thereof; and a power regulator configured to selectively regulate the power supplied to the electrically heated wire.

[0011] The electrically heated wire may continuously and simultaneously contact the isolation film in the width direction, and the molten portion may be provided as a molten line continuously extending in the width direction.

[0012] The electrically heated wire may discontinuously and simultaneously contact the isolation film in the width direction, and the molten portion may be provided as a plurality of molten portion points discontinuously arranged in the width direction.

[0013] Each of the support ends may include a body having a receiving recess capable of receiving the electrically heated wire and a heat dissipation member provided to cover an inner surface of the receiving recess.

[0014] The driver may include: a drive rod connected to the melting cutting unit; a protruding piston provided on an electrode ejector and configured to convey the drive rod in the longitudinal direction of the isolation film to place the drive rod at a cutting position of the isolation film; and a cutting driver configured to linearly move the drive rod from the cutting position in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the isolation film.

[0015] The cutting driver may include a stepper motor.

[0016] The controller may include: a user interface through which a predetermined time and characteristics of the molten portion are set; a drive controller configured to control the cutting driver such that the isolation film and the melting cutting unit are in contact with each other for a predetermined time; and a power supply configured to supply power to the melting cutting unit.

[0017] The isolation film includes a substrate and a coating provided on the substrate, and the melting cutting unit contacts the coating to melt the substrate by using the conduction heat transferred through the coating.

[0018] The isolation film may be cut by tensile fracture of the substrate at the molten portion.

[0019] The substrate may include one of polyethylene and polypropylene, and the coating may include ceramics.

[0020] The melting portion may have a temperature of 150°C to 200°C, and the predetermined time may be in the range of 0.1 second to 0.5 second.

[0021] The embodiment includes an electrode assembly device for a rechargeable battery. The electrode assembly device includes: a separator supply unit including at least one feed roller and configured to supply a separator with a predetermined tensile force; a folding guide unit configured to move in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction in an electrode stacking area and to form the separator supplied by the feed roller into a plurality of folded separators for electrode stacking; an electrode ejector configured to detachably fix an electrode assembly in which a plurality of electrodes having different polarities are alternately stacked between the plurality of folded separators and to extend the separator connected to the plurality of folded separators to a cutting position; and a separator cutter configured to generate a melting portion by heating the separator at the cutting position and to cut the separator by tensile fracture of the melting portion caused by the tensile force.

[0022] The folding guide unit may include a movement guide unit configured to move in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction at the cutting position of the separator in the electrode stacking area to form the separator into a plurality of folded separators; and a leveling guide unit provided below the movement guide unit to keep the folded separators flat along the surfaces of the plurality of electrodes.

[0023] The folded separator among the folded separators may be disposed on the uppermost electrode of the electrode assembly, may be integrated with the separator to be kept flat and horizontal by means of the leveling guide unit, and the separator may be transferred to the cutting position by the transfer of the electrode ejector for fixing the electrode assembly, so that a predetermined tensile force is applied to the separator.

[0024] The electrode assembly device may further include: a stacking die disposed below the folding guide unit and configured to form an electrode stacking area between the folding guide unit and the stacking die, where a plurality of folded separators are disposed on the upper surface of the stacking die; and an electrode supply unit disposed on the opposite side of the stacking die and configured to alternately stack a plurality of electrodes having different polarities on the plurality of folded separators, wherein each time each of the plurality of electrodes is disposed, the folded separator among the plurality of folded separators is disposed on the upper surface of each of the plurality of electrodes by means of the leveling guide unit.

[0025] The separator cutter may include: a melting cutting unit configured to generate a molten portion by heating a part of the separator corresponding to a cutting position and cut the separator by applying a predetermined tensile force to the molten portion; a driver configured to perform a transfer operation of transferring the melting cutting unit from an electrode ejector to the cutting position and a lifting operation of selectively moving the melting cutting unit up and down from the cutting position to selectively contact the separator; and a controller configured to control the transfer operation and the lifting operation to control the driver such that the separator and the melting cutting unit contact each other for a predetermined time.

[0026] The melting cutting unit may include: an electric heating wire that crosses in the width direction of the separator and is configured to generate Joule heat; a plurality of support ends that support the electric heating wire at opposite ends of the electric heating wire; and a power regulator configured to selectively adjust the power supplied to the electric heating wire.

[0027] The separator may include a substrate and a coating provided on the substrate, and the melting cutting unit may contact the coating to melt the substrate by using the conduction heat transferred through the coating.

[0028] The driver may include: a driving rod connected to the melting cutting unit; a protruding piston provided on the electrode ejector and configured to transfer the driving rod in the longitudinal direction of the separator to place the driving rod at the cutting position of the separator; and a cutting driver configured to linearly move the driving rod from the cutting position in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the separator.

[0029] However, the technical problems to be solved by the present disclosure are not limited to the above problems, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand other problems not mentioned herein and aspects and features of the present disclosure that will solve these problems from the following description of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and further describe aspects and features of the present disclosure together with the detailed description of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the drawings.

[0031] Figure 1 FIG. illustrates a schematic perspective view of a separator cutter according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 2 FIG. illustrates provided in according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1 one of the support ends in the melting cutting unit shown in;

[0033] Figure 3A FIG. illustrates a separator in which a molten portion is generated by the separator cutter shown in according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 1 in;

[0034] Figure 3B Illustrate a separator film separated in response to tensile fracture of a molten portion shown in Figure 3A ;

[0035] Figure 4 Illustrate a configuration diagram of an electrode assembly device including a separator film cutter shown in Figure 1 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 5 Illustrate a folding guide portion included in an electrode assembly device shown in Figure 4 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 6 Illustrate a state in which a separator film cutter included in an electrode assembly device illustrated in Figure 4 is set at a cutting position according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0038] Figure 7 Illustrate a state in which Figure 6 the separator film cutter illustrated in contacts the separator film according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0039] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, and should be interpreted as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical idea of the present disclosure based on the principle that the inventor can, as his / her own lexicographer, appropriately define the concept of the term to best explain his / her embodiments.

[0040] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are only some embodiments of the present disclosure, and do not represent all the technical ideas, aspects, and features of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace or modify the embodiments described herein at the time of filing this application.

[0041] It will be understood that if an element or layer is referred to as being "on", "connected to" or "coupled to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to or coupled to the other element or layer, or there may also be one or more intervening elements or layers. If an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on", "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers. For example, if a first element is described as being "coupled" or "connected" to a second element, the first element can be directly coupled or connected to the second element, or the first element can be indirectly coupled or connected to the second element via one or more intervening elements.

[0042] In the figures, for clarity of illustration, the dimensions of various elements, layers, etc. may be exaggerated. The same reference numerals designate the same elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Further, when describing embodiments of the present disclosure, the use of "may" relates to "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure". Expressions such as "at least one of..." and "any one of..." modify the entire list of elements if they are before / after the list of elements, and do not modify individual elements in the list. If a phrase such as "at least one of A, B, and C", "at least one of A, B, or C", "at least one selected from the group consisting of A, B, and C", or "at least one selected from among A, B, and C" is used to label a list of elements A, B, C, the phrase can refer to any and all suitable combinations or subsets of A, B, and C, such as A, B, C, both A and B, both A and C, both B and C, or A and B and C. As used herein, the terms "use" and "used for" may be considered synonymous with the terms "utilize" and "utilized for", respectively. As used herein, the terms "substantially", "about" and similar terms are used as approximate terms and not terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent variations in measured or calculated values that would be recognized by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0043] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0044] For ease of description, spatial relative terms, such as "below", "beneath", "under", "above", and "on" etc., may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped over, an element described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features will then be oriented "above" or "over" the other elements or features. Thus, the term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptors used herein should accordingly be interpreted.

[0045] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a / an" are intended to also include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the term "comprising", if used in this specification, specifies the presence of the recited features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0046] Also, any numerical range disclosed and / or set forth herein is intended to include all sub-ranges having the same numerical precision subsumed within the recited range. For example, the range "1.0 to 10.0" is intended to include all sub-ranges between the recited minimum value of 1.0 and the recited maximum value of 10.0 (and including the minimum value of 1.0 and the maximum value of 10.0), i.e., having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as, for example, 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limitation recited herein is intended to include all lower numerical limitations subsumed therein, and any minimum numerical limitation recited in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limitations subsumed therein. Thus, the applicant reserves the right to modify this specification (including the claims) to expressly recite any sub-ranges subsumed within the ranges expressly set forth herein. All such ranges are intended to be inherently described in this specification such that a modification that expressly recites any such sub-ranges will comply with the requirements of 35 U.S.C. § 112(a) and 35 U.S.C. § 132(a).

[0047] Referring to two elements, features, etc. being called "the same" may mean that they are "substantially the same". Thus, the phrase "substantially the same" may include cases where the deviation is considered to be low in the art, such as a deviation of 5% or less. Additionally, if a certain parameter is said to be uniform within a given zone, it may mean that it is uniform in terms of the average value.

[0048] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0049] Disposing any element "above (or below)" or "on (beneath)" another element may mean that the any element may be arranged to contact the upper (or lower) surface of the element, and another element may also be interposed between the element and any element disposed on (or beneath) the element.

[0050] In addition, it will be understood that if a component is referred to as "linked", "coupled" or "connected" to another component, the elements may be directly "coupled", "linked" or "connected" to each other, or another component may be "interposed" between the components.

[0051] Throughout the specification, if "A and / or B" is recited, it means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise stated. That is, "and / or" includes any or all combinations of the recited multiple items. If "C to D" is recited, it means C or more and D or less, unless otherwise indicated.

[0052] Figure 1 The illustration shows a schematic perspective view of a separator film cutter according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0053] Reference Figure 1 , a separator film cutter 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a melting cutting unit 100 (e.g., a melting cutter) configured to cut a separator film SL by melting, a driver 200 configured to drive the melting cutting unit 100, and a controller 300 configured to control the operation of the driver 200 according to cutting conditions.

[0054] For example, the separator film cutter 500 may cut a separator film for a rechargeable battery. The separator film SL for a rechargeable battery may include: Figure 3A a substrate S shown in, the substrate S includes a flexible material; and a coating CL provided on the substrate S. In the present embodiment, the substrate S may include a flexible film such as polyethylene or polypropylene, and the coating CL may include an inorganic compound such as ceramic.

[0055] Also in Figure 3A and Figure 3B as shown in, by locally heating the separator film SL to generate a molten portion M, while applying a tensile force F to the opposite sides of the separator film SL, and then causing the tensile fracture of the molten portion M by the applied tensile force F, the melting cutting unit 100 may cut the separator film SL.

[0056] The melting cutting unit 100 may include an electric heating wire 110 that crosses in the first direction (i.e., the I-axis), which is the width direction, of the isolation film SL and generates heat (e.g., Joule heat), two support ends 120 that support the electric heating wire 110 at opposite ends of the electric heating wire 110, and a power regulator 130 configured to selectively adjust the power supplied to the electric heating wire 110 through the support ends 120.

[0057] The electric heating wire 110 may include a linear heating element that extends in the first direction (I-axis) and is capable of generating heat through resistance. The heating element may generate Joule heat by the current applied from the power regulator 130 and dissipate the heat to the outside, and the radiated heat may be transferred to the substrate S inside the isolation film SL through the coating CL outside the isolation film SL. Accordingly, the substrate S may include a molten portion M that is partially melted due to the conductive heat transferred through the coating CL. The molten portion M may be stretched in the second direction (i.e., the II-axis), which is the longitudinal direction, of the isolation film SL by the tensile force F applied to the isolation film SL. In the case where the stretching limit is exceeded, the molten portion M may break. As a result, the isolation film SL may be separated at the breaking point where the molten portion M is stretched.

[0058] In some embodiments, the electric heating wire 110 may include a nickel-chromium alloy wire, i.e., an alloy of nickel and chromium. The electric heating wire 110 may be configured to have a length greater than the width of the isolation film SL such that multiple regions of the isolation film SL may be heated together in the first direction (I-axis). For example, the electric heating wire 110 may be provided as a molten wire that continuously extends in the first direction (I-axis) by continuously and simultaneously contacting the isolation film SL in the first direction (I-axis).

[0059] In other embodiments, the electric heating wire 110 may discontinuously and simultaneously contact the isolation film SL in the first direction (I-axis), and thus the molten portion M may be provided as a plurality of molten portion points that are discontinuously arranged in the first direction (I-axis). Herein, the number of the molten portion points may be set to a number sufficient for sufficient tensile fracture by the tensile force F.

[0060] The driver 200 may drive the melting cutting unit 100 to selectively contact the isolation film SL. That is, the melting cutting unit 100 may be driven by the driver 200 to selectively contact the isolation film SL while moving up and down in the third direction (i.e., the III-axis). In one embodiment, the driver 200 may be configured to perform a transfer operation of transferring the melting cutting unit 100 from the electrode ejector 900 to the cutting position and a lifting operation of selectively moving the melting cutting unit 100 up or down from the cutting position to selectively contact the isolation film SL.

[0061] In one embodiment, the driver 200 may include a drive rod 210 connected to the melting cutting unit 100, a protruding piston 220 each configured to convey the corresponding drive rod 210 in a second direction (II axis) to place the drive rod 210 at a cutting position, and a cutting driver 230 configured to linearly move the drive rod 210 in a third direction (III axis).

[0062] Each of the drive rods 210 may be configured as a longitudinal member that is coupled to the outer surface of the support end 120 by a coupling device such as a bolt and extends in a third direction (III axis). The drive rods 210 may be provided in pairs to engage with the support ends 120 provided at opposite ends of the electrically heated wire 110, thereby allowing the electrically heated wire 110 to move while remaining horizontal relative to the isolation film SL.

[0063] Each of the protruding pistons 220 may have a cylindrical shape extending in a second direction (II axis) and be connected to the drive rod 210 such that the protruding piston 220 can linearly move in the second direction (II axis). The protruding piston 220 may be movably fixed to an external support (not shown) that supports the isolation film cutter 500 and may be individually arranged to correspond to the respective drive rods 210.

[0064] If the protruding piston 220 protrudes to advance in the second direction (II axis), the drive rod 210 may also advance in the second direction (II axis), and the melting cutting unit 100 coupled to the drive rod 210 may also advance in the second direction (II axis).

[0065] In contrast, if the protruding piston 220 is pulled to retract in the second direction (II axis), the drive rod 210 may also retract in the second direction (II axis), and the melting cutting unit 100 coupled to the drive rod 210 may also return to its initial position in the second direction (II axis).

[0066] Therefore, the melting cutting unit 100 can be moved to the cutting position by the horizontal movement in the second direction (II axis) caused by the protruding piston 220, and at the cutting position, it can selectively contact the isolation film SL by the vertical movement of the drive rod 210 in the third direction (III axis).

[0067] The drive rod 210 may be provided as a structure having various compositions and shapes, whereby the drive rod 210 has sufficient strength and hardness to reliably support the melting cutting unit 100, and the protruding piston 220 may be provided as a structure having sufficient kinetic characteristics to move the components of the drive rod 210 and the melting cutting unit 100 in the second direction (II axis).

[0068] The protruding piston 220 may be driven by a horizontal driver HP (seeFigure 4 ) moves, and the driving rod 210 can move up and down through the cutting driver 230.

[0069] The cutting driver 230 can linearly move the driving rod 210 in the third direction (III axis) at the cutting position to selectively bring the electric heating wire 110 and the isolation film SL into contact with each other. For example, by providing a rack inside the driving rod 210 and a pinion corresponding to the rack on the surface of the protruding piston 220, the driving rod 210 can move up and down in the third direction through the rolling motion of the rack and the pinion.

[0070] Therefore, as long as the cutting driver 230 can linearly move the driving rod 210 relative to the protruding piston 220, the cutting driver 230 can be provided in various ways. For example, the cutting driver 230 can include a linear motor with sufficient precision to keep the electric heating wire 110 and the isolation film SL in contact for a predetermined contact time and then separate the electric heating wire 110 and the isolation film SL. In this embodiment, the cutting driver 230 can be implemented as a stepper motor that can be precisely controlled within an extremely short contact time.

[0071] In one embodiment, the controller 300 can be configured to control the transfer operation and the lifting operation to control the driver 200. The controller 300 can control the driver 200 to bring the isolation film SL and the melting cutting unit 100 into contact for a predetermined contact time, thereby heating the isolation film SL. Therefore, the melting cutting unit 100 can heat the substrate S of the isolation film SL by contacting the isolation film SL according to the control logic of the controller 300. The controller 300 can include a control processor 340, and the control processor 340 is systematically connected to the user interface 310, the drive controller 320, and the power supply 330 to form a control system.

[0072] The user interface 310 can set various drive data for performing the isolation film cutting, including the contact time between the electric heating wire 110 and the isolation film SL and the characteristics of the substrate S. For example, the user interface 310 can include input devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, and a touch screen, and can input or set appropriate operation data for various isolation films SL considering the cutting environment.

[0073] Because the isolation film SL is cut by using the conduction heat transmitted through the coating CL to stretch and break the substrate S (see Figure 3A and Figure 3B) It is desirable to melt the substrate S of the separation film SL to an appropriate degree for tensile fracture by applying a tensile force F to the separation film SL. That is, it may be desirable to adjust the supplied heat according to the characteristics of the substrate S. Therefore, the characteristics of the substrate S and the corresponding heat transfer time, that is, the contact time, can be input as operation data for cutting the separation film SL. The contact time and the characteristics of the substrate S can be set manually by the user, or can be automatically set according to the characteristics from the existing contact time data.

[0074] The drive controller 320 may include a numerical control algorithm for adjusting the contact between the electric heating wire 110 and the separation film SL for a predetermined contact time. The numerical control algorithm can precisely control the operation of a driver (such as a stepper motor) with precise control characteristics to control the operation of the driver within nanoseconds. Therefore, by precisely controlling the linear transfer of the drive rod 210 adjusted by the cutting driver 230 in the third direction (III axis), the contact time between the electric heating wire 110 and the separation film SL can be precisely controlled.

[0075] In particular, since the flexible material including the substrate S has low heat resistance, if the predetermined contact time is exceeded, the tensile characteristics of the substrate S may be damaged, and the molten portion M may press against the coating CL. Therefore, the drive controller 320 can be configured to precisely maintain the predetermined contact time.

[0076] In this embodiment, the separation film SL may include, for example, polyethylene and be heated such that in a state where a tensile force of about 2 kgf is applied to the separation film SL, the molten portion M may have a temperature of about 150 °C to about 200 °C. If the temperature of the molten portion M is lower than 150 °C, the set tensile force may not be sufficient to cause the molten portion M to be tensile fractured, making it difficult to cut the separation film SL. If the temperature of the molten portion M is higher than 200 °C, the viscosity of the molten portion M may be low, making it difficult to obtain a sufficient elongation rate. Therefore, for example, if a tensile force of about 2 kgf is applied to the separation film SL including polyethylene, the electric heating wire 110 can heat the separation film SL to maintain the temperature of the molten portion M at about 150 °C to about 200 °C.

[0077] In particular, the temperature of the electric heating wire 110 can be set to a sufficiently high temperature such that the separation film SL and the electric heating wire 110 can be in contact with each other instantaneously to form the molten portion M. As the contact time increases, the size of the molten portion M can increase to increase the elongation rate of the separation film SL, resulting in a decrease in the thickness of the separation film provided on the upper part of the electrode assembly. In this embodiment, the contact time between the separation film SL and the electric heating wire 110 can be set to not exceed about 0.5 seconds. For example, the contact time can be set to about 0.1 seconds to about 0.5 seconds.

[0078] The separator film SL can be configured to have a thickness of about 15 μm to about 20 μm, and only the substrate S except for the coating CL can be stretched in the molten portion M. Thus, the thickness of the substrate S can be reduced to less than or equal to about 12 μm in the molten portion M.

[0079] Preferably, by contacting the electric heating wire 110, the thickness of the substrate S in the molten portion M can be set in the range of about 8 μm to about 10 μm. If the thickness of the substrate S in the molten portion M exceeds about 10 μm, the tensile force F for stretching and breaking the separator film SL can increase, and the separator film SL can be damaged when it is being conveyed. In contrast, if the thickness of the substrate S in the molten portion M is less than about 8 μm, it is difficult to accurately set the breaking point B of the substrate S because the wall thickness of the substrate S will rapidly decrease. For these reasons, it is preferred that the thickness of the substrate S in the molten portion M be set in the range of about 8 μm to about 10 μm. The power supply 330 can be connected to an external power supply or can include its battery. The power supply 330 can be configured to always be connected to the power regulator 130, and the power supply to the electric heating wire 110 can be automatically adjusted by the temperature sensor 131 and the conveyance sensor 132.

[0080] The control processor 340 can provide a process for performing the separator film cutting process to systematically control the operations of the user interface 310, the drive controller 320, and the power supply 330. The control processor 340 can include a built-in memory and logic elements to reliably execute the automatic cutting process for the separator film SL.

[0081] Thus, in accordance with the control logic that works in cooperation with the battery assembly process of the controller 300, the separator film cutter 500 can perform the separator film cutting required in the battery assembly process.

[0082] In this embodiment, the separator film cutter 500 configured to cut the separator film for a rechargeable battery is disclosed, but the application of the separator film cutter 500 is not limited thereto. If the film to be separated includes a flexible film and a solid-phase coating having a low heat deformation rate and surrounding the flexible film, and the solid-phase coating can be used as a heat transfer medium, the film can be easily cut by the separator film cutter 500.

[0083] According to the above separator film cutter, the separator film SL can be cut by stretching and breaking the substrate S by bringing the separator film SL and the molten cutting unit 100 into contact with each other for an appropriate contact time according to the characteristics of the substrate S.

[0084] In the conventional cutting process using a cutting knife, dust is generated when cutting the coating CL. In contrast, the separator film cutter 500 of the present disclosure does not damage the coating CL, thereby fundamentally preventing the generation of dust.

[0085] In addition, the melting cutting unit 100 can generate a melted portion M suitable for the configuration of the separator SL through the controller 300, and can cut the separator SL by stretching and breaking the substrate S, thereby preventing a defect that the breaking point B of the separator SL (see Figure 3B ) would change if the separator SL to which a tensile force is applied is cut by a cutting knife. In addition, the cutting knife can be replaced with the electric heating wire 110, so that the replacement cost of the cutting knife with reduced wear can be reduced, thereby increasing the efficiency of the electrode assembly process.

[0086] Figure 2 Illustrate one of the support ends provided in the melting cutting unit shown in Figure 1 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0087] The support end 120 can support and fix the electric heating wire 110 at the opposite end of the electric heating wire 110.

[0088] As Figure 2 illustrated, the support end 120 can include a main body 121 having a receiving recess G capable of receiving the electric heating wire 110 and a heat dissipation member 122 provided to cover the inner surface of the receiving recess G to prevent heat transfer from the electric heating wire 110 to the main body 121.

[0089] The main body 121 can include various shapes and components, through which the main body 121 can cross and fix the electric heating wire 110 in the first direction (I axis), and can reciprocate in the third direction (III axis) perpendicular to the upper surface of the separator SL in combination with the driving rod 210 described later.

[0090] In this embodiment, the electric heating wire 110 is disclosed as being provided in the receiving recess G provided in the main body 121, but the electric heating wire 110 can have various structures and shapes, through which the electric heating wire 110 can be fixed to the main body 121.

[0091] The power regulator 130 can be provided inside the main body 121 to selectively supply the driving current applied by the controller 300 to the electric heating wire 110. The power regulator 130 can be connected to the power supply 330 of the controller 300 to supply power for generating heat (e.g., Joule heat) to the electric heating wire 110.

[0092] In particular, the power regulator 130 can include a temperature sensor 131 capable of detecting the temperature of the electric heating wire 110, and can selectively block or regulate the power supply to the electric heating wire 110 by comparing the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 131 with a predetermined temperature (i.e., the target temperature of the electric heating wire 110).

[0093] In addition, a conveyance sensor 132 that detects the moving direction of the electric heating wire 110 may further be configured to detect upward or downward movement of the electric heating wire 110. When the electric heating wire 110 moves downward to contact the separator film SL, power is automatically supplied to the electric heating wire 110, and when the electric heating wire 110 moves upward to separate from the separator film SL, power supply to the electric heating wire 110 is automatically blocked. Accordingly, power supplied to the electric heating wire 110 can be effectively controlled.

[0094] Figure 3A Illustrating a separator film generated by a separator film cutter shown in Figure 1 which the molten portion is formed according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, and Figure 3B Illustrating a separated separator film in response to Figure 3A tensile fracture of the molten portion shown in

[0095] The separator film SL for a rechargeable battery may include a substrate S including a flexible material and a coating CL disposed to surround the substrate S. In the present embodiment, the substrate S may include a flexible film such as polyethylene or polypropylene, and the coating CL may include an inorganic compound such as ceramic.

[0096] Joule heat may be generated by a current applied to a heating element included in the electric heating wire 110 and radiated to the outside. When the electric heating wire 110 can move downward toward the separator film SL and contact the coating CL, the Joule heat of the electric heating wire 110 can be conducted through the coating CL to the substrate S, thereby forming a molten portion M in which the substrate S is partially melted.

[0097] Once the molten portion M is formed, the molten portion M may be stretched by a tensile force F applied to the separator film SL in a second direction (II axis), i.e., the longitudinal direction of the separator film SL. If the elongation amount of the molten portion M exceeds the elongation limit, i.e., the characteristics of the substrate S, the molten portion M may break. As a result, the separator film SL may be separated at the breaking point B of the stretched molten portion M. Herein, the coating CL may include an inorganic compound such as ceramic having a sufficiently high melting point such that the coating CL is not melted by the Joule heat transferred through the electric heating wire 110. If the molten portion M of the substrate S (which substantially forms the separator film SL) breaks, the coating CL may also be divided in a responsive manner, thereby cutting the separator film SL.

[0098] Compared with a conventional cutting blade, the melting cutting unit 100 can melt the separator film SL and separate the separator film SL by tensile fracture of the molten portion M of the substrate S, and thus can cut the separator film SL without causing any physical damage or friction to the coating CL. That is, the separator film SL can be cut without damaging the coating CL.

[0099] Since the substrate S is stretched and broken by using the conductive heat transferred through the coating CL to cut the separator film SL, the substrate S can be melted to a desired degree, so that the separator film SL is stretched and broken by the tensile force F. In other words, the heat supplied to the separator film SL can be appropriately adjusted according to the physical properties of the substrate S.

[0100] Figure 4 Illustrating a configuration diagram of an electrode assembly device showing a separator film cutter according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 1 as shown in.

[0101] Reference Figure 4 , the electrode assembly device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a separator film supply unit 600; a folding guide unit 700 configured to form a folded separator film FSL by folding the separator film SL into a zigzag shape on a stacking die SD; an electrode supply unit 800 configured to form an electrode assembly by supplying electrodes PE, NE with different polarities to the folded separator film FSL; an electrode ejector 900 configured to eject a unit electrode assembly onto an electrode tray (not shown); and a separator film cutter 500 configured to generate a unit electrode assembly by cutting the folded separator film FSL and the separator film SL provided on the electrode assembly.

[0102] Herein, the separator film cutter 500 may have substantially the same configuration as the separator film cutter 500 described in reference Figures 1 to 3B . Therefore, in Figure 4 , the same reference numerals represent Figures 1 to 3B the same components in, and any further detailed description of the same components is omitted.

[0103] In one embodiment, the separator film supply unit 600 may include: a winding roll WR on which a separator film SL including a continuous flexible polymer is wound; and a plurality of feed rolls FR1-FR4 configured to transfer the separator film SL unwound from the winding roll WR to the electrode supply unit 800 with a predetermined tensile force to form an electrode assembly.

[0104] The separator film SL can separate the anode and cathode of a rechargeable battery, and includes a substrate S including a flexible material and a coating CL provided on the outer surface of the substrate S. The separator film SL of this embodiment has substantially the same configuration as the separator film SL described in reference Figure 3A and Figure 3B . Therefore, no further detailed description of the separator film SL will be provided.

[0105] The feed rollers FR1 to FR4 can convey the separator film SL from the winding roller WR to the electrode supply section 800. The feed rollers FR1 to FR4 can feed the separator film SL to the folding guide section 700 with an appropriate tensile force so as to form a folded separator film FSL on the stacking die SD.

[0106] According to the characteristics of the conveying path extending from the winding roller WR to the folding guide section 700, the feed rollers FR1 to FR4 can be arranged in a variety of different shapes and structures. Although not shown, a tension regulator can be further provided between the winding roller WR and any one of the feed rollers FR1 to FR4 to adjust the change in the tensile force according to the unwinding tangential speed of the separator film SL.

[0107] According to the thickness of the separator film SL wound on the winding roller WR, the unwinding speed of the separator film SL can change, thereby changing the tensile force of the conveyed separator film SL over time. Therefore, a tension regulator can be further provided to keep the tensile force of the conveyed separator film SL uniform regardless of the thickness of the separator film SL wound on the winding roller WR.

[0108] The folding guide section 700 can feed the separator film SL to the stacking die SD, and through the stacking die SD, the separator film SL is folded to form a folded separator film FSL, and the electrode PE or NE can be easily covered with the folded separator film FSL, where the electrodes PE or NE are stacked on the corresponding surfaces of the folded separator film FSL.

[0109] Reference will be made to Figures 5 to 7 describe in more detail the detailed operation of the electrode assembly device 1000.

[0110] Figure 5 Illustrate the Figure 4 folding guide section included in the electrode assembly device shown in one or more embodiments according to the present disclosure.

[0111] Reference Figure 5 , the folding guide section 700 can move in the second direction (II axis) and the third direction (III axis) in the electrode stacking area ESA, and the separator film SL fed by the feed roller FR4 can be formed into a folded separator film FSL for electrode stacking through the folding guide section 700.

[0112] The stacking die SD for forming the folded separator film FSL can be provided under the folding guide section 700, and the electrodes PE, NE with different polarities can be alternately provided on the folded separator film FSL provided on the stacking die SD, thereby forming an electrode assembly. Therefore, a vertical space can be provided between the folding guide section 700 and the stacking die SD as an electrode stacking area ESA for electrode stacking.

[0113] The separator film SL fed by the feed roller FR4 can move in the second direction (II axis), and then gradually move upward in the third direction (III axis) from the stacking die SD through the folding guide portion 700, so that the separator film SL can be folded into a zigzag shape.

[0114] At this time, each time the separator film SL is folded into a zigzag shape, the positive electrode PE and the negative electrode NE are alternately supplied from the electrode supply portion 800 located on one side of the stacking die SD onto the upper surface of the corresponding folded separator film FSL. As the folding guide portion 700 moves upward, the folding of the separator film SL and the supply of the positive electrode PE or the negative electrode NE can be repeated to form an electrode assembly on the stacking die SD.

[0115] In this embodiment, the folding guide portion 700 may include a movement guide portion 710 near the feed roller FR4 and a leveling guide portion 720 below the movement guide portion 710. The movement guide portion 710 can guide the separator film SL that has passed through the feed roller FR4 to move in the third direction (III axis) and in the second direction (II axis) at each folding position of the separator film SL, so as to form or shape the separator film SL into a folded separator film FSL. The leveling guide portion 720 can be provided below the movement guide portion 710 to keep the folded separator film FSL flat along the surfaces of the electrodes PE and NE, so that the folded separator film FSL can have flat surfaces corresponding to the upper and lower surfaces of the electrodes PE and NE. In this embodiment, the movement guide portion 710 and the leveling guide portion 720 can be hexahedral steel members arranged side by side in the vertical direction, and each of them has a slit through which the separator film SL passes at the center. However, this is illustrative, and as long as the separator film SL can be conveyed in the electrode stacking area ESA, the movement guide portion 710 and the leveling guide portion 720 can be formed of various materials with different shapes.

[0116] The movement guide portion 710 can be configured to move in the third direction (III axis), that is, the vertical direction, and in the second direction (II axis), that is, the horizontal direction, in the electrode stacking area ESA, and the leveling guide portion 720 can be configured to move in the third direction (III axis) together with the movement guide portion 710 and move separately from the movement guide portion 710 in the second direction (II axis).

[0117] If the separator film SL fed by the feed roller FR4 is inserted into the slit of the folding guide portion 700, the folding guide portion 700 can guide the separator film SL to the upper surface of the stacking die SD, that is, to the lowest part of the electrode stacking area ESA. Subsequently, the folding guide portion 700 can move in the second direction (II axis) toward the second end E2 of the stacking die SD (see Figure 4) Move while fixing one end of the isolation film SL to a fixed end (not shown) provided at the first end E1 of the stacked mold SD. The first end E1 and the second end E2 may be edge regions of the stacked mold SD symmetrically positioned with respect to each other in the second direction (II axis).

[0118] Thus, the isolation film SL can be formed to be folded to cover the first folded isolation film of the stacked mold SD, and after the first folding operation, the folding guide portion 700 can be located at the second end E2 of the stacked mold SD.

[0119] After the first folding operation is completed, the electrodes can be supplied by the electrode supply unit 800. The electrode supply unit 800 may include a first supply unit 810 for supplying the positive electrode PE and a second supply unit 820 for supplying the negative electrode NE. The first supply unit 810 and the second supply unit 820 may be provided on opposite sides of the stacked mold SD.

[0120] For example, if the first folding operation is completed, the positive electrode PE can be supplied onto the surface of the first folded isolation film FSL provided on the upper surface of the stacked mold SD. If the supply of the positive electrode PE is completed, the folding guide portion 700 can return to the first end E1. As a result, the first positive electrode PE1 can be provided on the first folded isolation film FSL covering the upper surface of the stacked mold SD. In this embodiment, a configuration in which the positive electrode PE is fed first is disclosed, but this is illustrative, and it is obvious that the negative electrode NE can be fed first. If the folding guide portion 700 returns to the first end E1, the leveling guide portion 720 can flatten the isolation film SL below the movement guide portion 710 according to the surface shape of the first positive electrode PE1. Thus, the isolation film SL can be secondarily folded so that the second folded isolation film FSL can be provided on the first positive electrode PE1.

[0121] When the folding guide portion 700 returns to the first end E1, the second supply unit 820 can supply the negative electrode NE onto the surface of the second folded isolation film FSL provided on the first positive electrode PE1. If the supply of the negative electrode NE is completed, the folding guide portion 700 can move back to the second end E2 again. As a result, the first negative electrode NE1 can be provided on the folded isolation film FSL to cover the surface of the first positive electrode PE1. When the folding guide portion 700 moves back to the second end E2, the positive electrode PE can be supplied again from the first supply unit 810 to the folded isolation film FSL to cover the surface of the first negative electrode NE1, thereby providing the second positive electrode PE2.

[0122] By repeating the above process, in a configuration where the positive electrode and the negative electrode are separated from each other by the folded separator film FSL repeatedly folded on the stacking mold SD, a plurality of positive electrodes and negative electrodes can be alternately stacked on the stacking mold SD, thereby obtaining an electrode assembly. In the present embodiment, three positive electrodes PE1, PE2, and PE3 and two negative electrodes NE1, NE2 are alternately arranged, but this is illustrative, and the number of alternately stacked positive electrodes and negative electrodes can be changed in various ways according to the capacity of the rechargeable battery.

[0123] If the electrode assembly is completed, the hand (not shown) of the electrode ejector 900 can be inserted into the separation groove of the stacking mold SD, and the first positive electrode PE1 (i.e., the lowermost electrode of the electrode assembly) and the third positive electrode PE3 (i.e., the uppermost electrode of the electrode assembly) can be coupled to the electrode ejector 900. Thereafter, the stacking mold SD can be moved downward and separated from the electrode assembly.

[0124] The electrode ejector 900 can include a lower support end 910 that supports the lowermost electrode and an upper support end 920 that is coupled to the uppermost electrode, and the electrode assembly can be firmly fixed between the lower support end 910 and the upper support end 920.

[0125] The electrode assembly fixed to the electrode ejector 900 can be configured such that the upper folded separator film FSL1 provided on the uppermost electrode and the separator film SL passing through the leveling guide portion 720 are connected to each other or become integral with each other to be kept flat and horizontal by means of the leveling guide portion 720. Therefore, it may be necessary to separate the upper folded separator film FSL1 from the separator film SL passing through the leveling guide portion 720 to obtain a unit electrode for a rechargeable battery.

[0126] To separate the electrode assembly from the separator film SL, the electrode ejector 900 can be moved in the longitudinal direction of the separator film SL. That is, the electrode assembly can be fixed to the electrode ejector 900. In this configuration, the upper folded separator film FSL1 is connected to the separator film SL and the electrode ejector 900 can be driven to move away from the folding guide portion 700 at the same vertical position as the leveling guide portion 720. Therefore, the separator film SL flattened by the leveling guide portion 720 can be extended by being pulled by the upper folded separator film FSL1. In this case, the electrode ejector 900 can be controlled to move away from the folding guide portion 700 such that the extended separator film SL is placed at a set cutting position. If the separator film SL is placed at the cutting position, the separator film cutter 500 provided outside the electrode ejector 900 can be conveyed to the cutting position to perform a cutting process on the separator film SL.

[0127] Figure 6 Illustrating one or more embodiments according to the present disclosure, which include in Figure 4The state in which the separator cutter in the electrode assembly device illustrated in [the relevant figure] is set at the cutting position, and Figure 7 illustrates one or more embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure, in which Figure 6 the state in which the separator cutter illustrated in [the relevant figure] contacts the separator.

[0128] In the present embodiment, the separator cutter 500 has substantially the same configuration as the separator cutter 500 described with reference to Figures 1 to 3B Therefore, in Figure 6 and Figure 7 the same reference numerals will be used for the components that are the same as the components in Figures 1 to 3B and no further detailed description of the same components will be provided.

[0129] As Figure 6 illustrated in [the relevant figure], if the separator SL is sufficiently extended to the cutting position, the horizontal driver HP can drive the protruding piston 220 provided on the electrode ejector 900 to move forward, and the molten cutting unit 100 coupled to the driver 200 can move to the cutting position. If the molten cutting unit 100 is placed at the cutting position, the controller 300 can connect power to the power regulator 130 and perform a preliminary operation to heat the separator SL.

[0130] Subsequently, as Figure 7 illustrated in [the relevant figure], in response to a cutting signal from the controller 300, the cutting driver 230 can move the driving rod 210 downward so that the electrically heated wire 110 contacts the separator SL. Herein, the protruding piston 220 can be configured to have a pinion and rack structure together with the driving rod 210.

[0131] Then, the electrically heated wire 110 can heat the separator SL. The separator SL can include a substrate S and a coating CL provided on the substrate S, and the electrically heated wire 110 can contact the coating CL to melt the substrate S by the conduction heat transferred through the coating CL.

[0132] Specifically, the electrically heated wire 110 can be set to have a contact time with the separator SL of about 0.5 seconds or less, so that the molten portion M generated on the substrate S has a temperature of about 150°C to about 200°C. Therefore, the separator SL can be cut by the tensile fracture of the molten portion M without adhesion between the coating CL and the molten portion M. When the separator SL and the upper folded separator FSL1 are cut, the electrode assembly can be formed into an electrode for a single rechargeable battery. The electrode ejector 900 can eject the single electrode assembly separated from the separator SL into an electrode tray (not shown), thereby completing the electrode of the rechargeable battery.

[0133] Therefore, if an isolation film cutting process is performed to manufacture unit electrodes, compared with the conventional cutting process using a cutting knife, damage to the coating CL can be prevented, and replacement of a worn knife can be avoided, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost.

[0134] According to the isolation film cutter and the electrode assembly device including the isolation film cutter as described above, the isolation film SL and the melting cutting unit 100 can contact for an appropriate contact time according to the physical properties of the substrate S, so as to cut the isolation film SL by stretching and breaking the substrate S.

[0135] In the conventional cutting process using a cutting knife, the coating CL is damaged and dust is generated. In contrast, the isolation film cutter 500 according to the present disclosure does not damage the coating CL, and thus can fundamentally prevent the generation of dust.

[0136] In addition, the melting cutting unit 100 can generate a melting part M suitable for the composition of the isolation film SL through the controller 300, and cut the isolation film SL by stretching and breaking the substrate S, so as to prevent the defect that the breaking position of the isolation film SL changes when the isolation film SL subjected to a tensile force is cut by a cutting knife.

[0137] Furthermore, by replacing the cutting knife with an electric heating wire 110, the replacement cost due to the wear of the cutting knife can be reduced, and the efficiency of the electrode assembly process can be increased.

[0138] The exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide an isolation film cutter for cutting an isolation film, which applies a tensile force to the isolation film by local heating without any mechanical friction.

[0139] Other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide an electrode assembly device including the above isolation film cutter.

[0140] In addition, the melting cutting unit can cut the isolation film by appropriately generating a melting part through the controller to stretch and break the substrate according to the composition of the isolation film, and thus can prevent the defect that the breaking position of the isolation film changes when the isolation film subjected to a tensile force is cut by a cutting knife.

[0141] However, the aspects and features of the present disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other aspects and features not mentioned will be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from the detailed description herein.

[0142] Although the present disclosure has been described above with respect to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations within the spirit of the present disclosure and the scope equivalent to the appended claims.

[0143] Example embodiments have been disclosed herein, and although specific terms are employed, they are used and interpreted in a general and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. In some instances, as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art at the time of the filing of this application, unless otherwise specifically indicated, features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with a particular embodiment may be used alone or in combination with features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with other embodiments. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. An isolation film cutter, comprising: a melting and cutting unit configured to generate a melting portion by locally heating the separator film, and applying a tensile force to opposite ends of the separator film to cut the separator film; a driver configured to drive the melting and cutting unit to selectively contact the isolation film; as well as A controller is configured to control the driver to heat the separation film by bringing the separation film into contact with the melting and cutting unit for a predetermined time.

2. The release film cutter according to claim 1, wherein the melting and cutting unit comprises: an electric heating wire that crosses in a width direction of the separator and is configured to generate Joule heat; a plurality of support ends supporting the electric heating wire at opposite ends of the electric heating wire; as well as A power conditioner is configured to selectively regulate power supplied to the electric heating wire. 3 . The separator cutter according to claim 2 , wherein the electric heating wire contacts the separator continuously and simultaneously in the width direction, and the melting portion is provided as a melting line extending continuously in the width direction. 4 . The release film cutter according to claim 2 , wherein the electric heating wire contacts the release film discontinuously and simultaneously in the width direction, and the melting portion is provided as a plurality of melting portion points discontinuously arranged in the width direction. 5 . The separator cutter according to claim 2 , wherein each of the plurality of support ends comprises a body including a receiving recess capable of receiving the electric heating wire, and a heat dissipation member provided to cover an inner surface of the receiving recess.

6. The isolation film cutter according to claim 1, wherein the driver comprises: a drive rod connected to the melting and cutting unit; a protruding piston disposed on the electrode injector and configured to convey the driving rod in the longitudinal direction of the isolation diaphragm to place the driving rod at a cutting position of the isolation diaphragm; as well as A cutting driver is configured to linearly move the driving rod from the cutting position in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the isolation membrane. 7 . The insulation film cutter according to claim 6 , wherein the cutting drive comprises a stepping motor.

8. The isolation film cutter according to claim 6, wherein the controller comprises: a user interface, wherein the predetermined time and characteristics of the molten portion are set by the user interface; a drive controller configured to control the cutting drive so that the isolation film and the melting and cutting unit are in contact with each other for the predetermined time; as well as A power source is configured to supply power to the fusion cutting unit. 9 . The release film cutter according to claim 1 , wherein the release film includes a substrate and a coating layer provided on the substrate, and the melting and cutting unit contacts the coating layer to melt the substrate by using conductive heat transferred through the coating layer. 10 . The release film cutter according to claim 9 , wherein the molten portion causes the release film to be cut by tensile fracture of the substrate. 11 . The release film cutter according to claim 9 , wherein the substrate comprises one of polyethylene and polypropylene, and the coating comprises ceramic. 12 . The release film cutter according to claim 1 , wherein the melting portion has a temperature of 150° C. to 200° C., and the predetermined time is in the range of 0.1 second to 0.5 second.

13. An electrode assembly device for a rechargeable battery, the electrode assembly device comprising: a separator film supplying portion including at least one feeding roller and configured to supply the separator film with a predetermined stretching force; a folding guide configured to move in a vertical direction and a horizontal direction in an electrode stacking region and to shape the separator supplied by the feed roller into a plurality of folded separators for electrode stacking; an electrode injector configured to detachably fix an electrode assembly in which a plurality of electrodes having different polarities are alternately stacked between the plurality of folded separators, and to extend the separators connected to the plurality of folded separators to a cutting position; as well as A separator cutter is configured to generate a molten portion by heating the separator at the cutting position to cut the separator by tensile rupture of the molten portion caused by the predetermined tensile force.

14. The electrode assembly apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the folding guide comprises: a moving guide configured to move the cutting position of the separator in the electrode stack region in the vertical direction and in the horizontal direction to shape the separator into the plurality of folded separators; as well as A leveling guide is provided below the moving guide to keep the folded separator flat along the surface of the plurality of electrodes.

15. The electrode assembly apparatus according to claim 14, wherein: A folded separator disposed on the uppermost electrode of the electrode assembly among the plurality of folded separators is integrated with the separator to be kept flat and level by means of the leveling guide, and The separation film is conveyed to the cutting position by conveyance of the electrode ejector for fixing the electrode assembly so that the predetermined tensile force is applied to the separation film.

16. The electrode assembly apparatus according to claim 14, further comprising: a stacking mold disposed below the folding guide and configured to form the electrode stacking region between the folding guide and the stacking mold, and to provide the plurality of folding separation films on an upper surface of the stacking mold; as well as an electrode supplying portion disposed on the opposite side of the stacking mold and configured to alternately stack the plurality of electrodes having different polarities on the plurality of folded separators, Wherein, each time each of the plurality of electrodes is arranged, a folded isolation film of the plurality of folded isolation films is disposed on an upper surface of each of the plurality of electrodes through the leveling guide.

17. The electrode assembly apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the separator cutter comprises: a melting and cutting unit configured to generate the melting portion by heating a portion of the separation film corresponding to the cutting position and to cut the separation film by applying the predetermined tensile force to the melting portion; a driver configured to perform a conveying operation of conveying the melt cutting unit from the electrode ejector to the cutting position and a lifting operation of selectively moving the melt cutting unit upward or downward from the cutting position to selectively contact the isolation film; as well as A controller is configured to control the conveying operation and the lifting operation to control the driver so that the separation film and the melting and cutting unit contact each other for a predetermined time.

18. The electrode assembly apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the melting and cutting unit comprises: an electric heating wire that crosses in a width direction of the separator and is configured to generate Joule heat; a plurality of support ends supporting the electric heating wire at opposite ends of the electric heating wire; as well as A power conditioner is configured to selectively regulate power supplied to the electric heating wire. 19 . The electrode assembly apparatus of claim 18 , wherein the separation film comprises a substrate and a coating layer disposed on the substrate, and the melting and cutting unit contacts the coating layer to melt the substrate by using conductive heat transferred through the coating layer.

20. The electrode assembly apparatus of claim 17, wherein the driver comprises: a drive rod connected to the melting and cutting unit; a protruding piston disposed on the electrode injector and configured to convey the driving rod in the longitudinal direction of the isolation diaphragm to place the driving rod at a cutting position of the isolation diaphragm; A cutting driver is configured to linearly move the driving rod from the cutting position in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the isolation membrane.

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