Manufacturing Apparatus and Manufacturing Method for Electrode Assembly

Abstract

The present invention provides a manufacturing apparatus 1 for an electrode assembly, including a unit cell supply unit 10 configured to include a magazine 100 in which one or more unit cells 700 are stacked in a first direction, and a static eliminator 200 configured to remove static electricity of the unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100. Each of the individual unit cells 700 includes one or more electrodes 710 and one or more separator membranes 720, which are alternately stacked in the first direction. The static eliminator 200 includes a contact body 210 made of a conductive material that contacts an electrode tab 714 of at least one electrode 710 of each of at least one unit cell 700 stacked in the magazine 100 to discharge the static electricity of the unit cell 700. The electrode tab 714 protrudes in one direction of a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the contact body 210 is disposed on one side of the electrode tab 714 in the second direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0068090, filed on June 3, 2022, and all the contents disclosed in the document of the Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly, and more particularly, to an apparatus and a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly capable of individually extracting and supplying unit cells stacked in a magazine.

Background Art

[0003] Generally, a secondary battery, unlike a non-rechargeable primary battery, refers to a battery that can be charged and discharged. These secondary batteries are used not only in small and advanced electronic devices such as mobile phones, PDAs (registered trademarks), and notebook computers, but also as power sources for energy storage systems (ESSs), electric vehicles (EVs), or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).

[0004] Secondary batteries are classified into can-type secondary batteries in which an electrode assembly is installed in a metal can and pouch-type secondary batteries in which an electrode assembly is installed in a pouch (battery case). The pouch-type secondary battery includes an electrode assembly and a pouch (battery case) that houses the electrode assembly. The electrode assembly includes one or more unit cells, and each unit cell has a structure in which electrodes and separator membranes are alternately stacked.

[0005] On the other hand, an electrode assembly is manufactured by an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly. The apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly includes a magazine in which unit cells are stacked and a transfer unit that adsorbs the unit cells stacked in the magazine and then stacks them at a set location.

[0006] However, when the manufacturing apparatus of the electrode assembly adsorbs the unit cells stacked at the uppermost end of the magazine, there is a problem that two or more unit cells stacked at the uppermost end of the magazine are pulled out together due to static electricity.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2021-0047209

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] The present invention has been devised to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a manufacturing apparatus and a manufacturing method of an electrode assembly capable of individually pulling out and supplying unit cells stacked in a magazine.

[0009]

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a manufacturing apparatus of an electrode assembly in which the unit cells are not damaged or deformed and no foreign matter adheres thereto.

[0011]

[0012] The technical problems of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned objects, and other objects and advantages of the present invention not mentioned can be understood from the following description and can be more clearly understood from the embodiments of the present invention. Also, it is obvious that the objects and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means shown in the claims and combinations thereof.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0013] In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a manufacturing apparatus for an electrode assembly including a unit cell supply unit and a unit cell transfer unit.

[0014] The unit cell supply unit can be configured to include a magazine and a static elimination unit.

[0015] One or more unit cells may be stacked in a first direction in the magazine.

[0016] The static elimination unit may be disposed adjacent to the magazine.

[0017] The static elimination unit can remove the static electricity of the unit cells stacked in the magazine.

[0018] The unit cell transfer unit can pull out and transfer the unit cells stacked in the magazine from the magazine.

[0019] Each of the individual unit cells may include one or more electrodes and one or more separator membranes.

[0020] The one or more electrodes and the one or more separator membranes may be alternately stacked in a first direction.

[0021] The one or more electrodes and the one or more separator membranes may be joined to each other in a first direction.

[0022] The static elimination unit may include a contact body made of a conductive material.

[0023] The contact body contacts at least one of the unit cells stacked in the magazine, and contacts an electrode tab of at least one of the at least one electrode of each of the at least one unit cell to discharge the static electricity of the unit cell.

[0024] The electrode tab of at least one of the at least one electrode of each of the at least one unit cell may protrude in one of a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0025] The contact body may be disposed on one side in the second direction of the electrode tab.

[0026] In one embodiment, the unit cell transfer unit can pull out and transfer the unit cell stacked at one end in the first direction of the magazine from the magazine.

[0027] The at least one unit cell may include the unit cell at one end in the first direction among the one or more unit cells stacked in the magazine.

[0028] In one embodiment, each of the at least one electrode of the at least one unit cell may include a body portion and an electrode tab.

[0029] The body portion may be joined to the separation membrane in the first direction.

[0030] The electrode tab may further protrude in one direction of the second direction than the body portion and the separation membrane joined to the body portion.

[0031] The electrode tab may be coupled to the body portion.

[0032] In one embodiment, the at least one unit cell may be a plurality of the unit cells.

[0033] The contact body may extend in the first direction and contact the electrode tab that further protrudes in one direction of the second direction than the body portion and the separation membrane of each of the plurality of unit cells.

[0034] In one embodiment, the contact body may contact the electrode tab of the at least one electrode of each of the at least one unit cell in the second direction.

[0035] In one embodiment, when vertically projected onto an arbitrary plane extending in a second direction and in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions, each of the at least one unit cells, the body portion of the at least one electrode may include a superimposed portion that superimposes with the electrode tab coupled to the body portion in the third direction.

[0036] The distance in the second direction between the superimposed portion of the at least one electrode and the contact body in each of the at least one unit cells may be smaller than the length in the second direction of the electrode tab of the at least one electrode in each of the at least one unit cells.

[0037] In one embodiment, the value obtained by subtracting the distance from the length may be greater than 0 and may be smaller than or equal to 1 / 15 of the length.

[0038] In one embodiment, the contact body and the electrode tab may be made of the same material.

[0039] In one embodiment, the contact body may be grounded.

[0040] In one embodiment, the static eliminator may further include a blower-type ionizer.

[0041] The blower-type ionizer can generate ions and blow the ionized air containing the generated ions toward the unit cells stacked in the magazine to remove the static electricity of the unit cells.

[0042] In one embodiment, the unit cell transfer unit can pull out and transfer the unit cells stacked at one end of the magazine in the first direction from the magazine.

[0043] The blower-type ionizer can blow the ionized air toward at least the unit cells at one end in the first direction among the one or more unit cells stacked in the magazine.

[0044] In one embodiment, the blowing type ionizer may include a first blowing type ionizer, a second blowing type ionizer, and a third blowing type ionizer.

[0045] The first blowing type ionizer is disposed on one side in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction of the unit cell, and can blow the ionized air toward the unit cell.

[0046] The second blowing type ionizer is disposed on the other side in the third direction of the unit cell, and can blow the ionized air toward the unit cell.

[0047] The third blowing type ionizer is disposed on the other side in the second direction of the unit cell, and can blow the ionized air toward the unit cell.

[0048] In addition, in order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly including a supply step of the unit cell that individually pulls out and supplies the unit cells stacked in the magazine.

[0049] In the supply step of the unit cell, the contact body is brought into contact with the electrode tabs of the at least one electrode of each of the at least one unit cell.

Effects of the Invention

[0050] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the manufacturing apparatus 1 of the electrode assembly may include a unit cell supply unit 10 configured to include a magazine 100 in which one or more unit cells 700 are stacked in a first direction, and a static eliminator 200 disposed adjacent to the magazine 100 and configured to remove static electricity of the unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100. Each individual unit cell 700 may include one or more electrodes 710 alternately stacked in the first direction and joined to each other in the first direction, and one or more separator membranes 720. The static eliminator 200 may include a contact body 210 made of a conductive material that contacts at least one unit cell 700 stacked in the magazine 100 and contacts at least one electrode 710 of each of the at least one unit cell 700 to discharge the static electricity of the unit cell 700.

[0051] Thereby, since the contact body 210, which is a conductor, contacts and is electrically connected to at least one electrode 710 (conductor) of each of the at least one unit cell 700, the static electricity of the unit cell 700 can be effectively discharged.

[0052] Specifically, since the contact body 210, which is a conductor, contacts and is electrically connected to the electrode 710, which is a conductor, the static electricity of the electrode 710 in the unit cell 700 can be effectively discharged. Further, among the unit cells 700, even if the separator membrane 720 is made of an insulating material different from the electrode 710, the static electricity of the separator membrane 720 can be effectively discharged through the electrode 710 joined to the separator membrane 720. For this reason, even when the contact body 210 contacts the electrode 710 of each unit cell 700, the overall static electricity of each unit cell 700 can be effectively discharged.

[0053] Therefore, since the static electricity of the unit cell 700 is effectively reduced, it is possible to prevent two or more unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 from being pulled out together. That is, individual extraction and supply of the unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 are possible. For this reason, it is possible to prevent two or more unit cells 700 from being pulled out and transferred together, resulting in manufacturing defects in the electrode assembly. During the transfer process, one or more unit cells 700 may fall and cover sensors such as cameras, thereby preventing the manufacturing process of the electrode assembly from being interrupted.

[0054] In particular, when the unit cell 700 is a half cell in which the separation membrane 720, the electrode 710, and the separation membrane 720 are stacked, even when a plurality of half cells are stacked in the magazine 100 and stored for a long time, the static electricity of the half cell is effectively discharged, so that the half cell can be individually extracted and transferred from the magazine 100. Therefore, due to the generation of static electricity during long-term storage, two or more half cells are pulled out and transferred from the magazine 100, and two or more half cells are stacked on the upper end of a laminate in which a plurality of mono cells in which the separation membrane 720, the electrode 710, the separation membrane 720, and the electrode 710 are stacked are stacked, thereby preventing manufacturing defects from occurring in the electrode assembly. Also, due to the generation of static electricity during long-term storage, two or more half cells are pulled out from the magazine 100, and during the process of transferring two or more half cells, one or more half cells may fall and cover sensors such as cameras, thereby preventing the manufacturing process of the electrode assembly from being interrupted.

[0055] According to an embodiment of the present invention, it may further include a unit cell transfer unit 50 that pulls out and transfers the unit cell 700 stacked at one end of the magazine 100 in the first direction from the magazine 100. The contact body 210 may be in contact with at least one electrode 710 of at least the unit cell 700 at one end in the first direction among one or more unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100.

[0056] Thus, when the unit cell transfer unit 50 pulls out and transfers the unit cell 700 at one end in the first direction (for example, the upper end) from the magazine 100, the contact body 210 discharges the static electricity of at least the unit cell 700 at one end in the first direction. Therefore, the unit cell transfer unit 50 can be prevented from pulling out and transferring two or more unit cells 700 at one end in the first direction. For this reason, the unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 can be reliably and individually pulled out and supplied.

[0057] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electrode 710 of the unit cell 700 may include a body portion 712 joined to the separation membrane 720 in the first direction, and an electrode tab 714 that further protrudes outside the body portion 712 and the separation membrane 720 joined to the body portion 712 and is coupled to the body portion 712. The contact body 210 can contact the electrode tab 714 of at least one electrode 710 of each of the at least one unit cell 700 to discharge the static electricity of the unit cell 700.

[0058] Thus, the contact body 210, which is a conductor, can be easily and simply electrically connected to the electrode 710 by contacting the electrode tab 714 protruding outside. For this reason, since the structure of the contact body 210 can be simplified, the manufacturing and maintenance costs of the contact body 210 and the manufacturing apparatus of the electrode assembly can be reduced.

[0059] According to an embodiment of the present invention, although the contact body 210 contacts a plurality of unit cells 700, it may contact the electrode tab 714 of at least one electrode 710 of each of the plurality of unit cells 700. The electrode tab 714 of at least one electrode 710 of each of the plurality of unit cells 700 may further protrude in one direction of a second direction intersecting the first direction, rather than the body portion 712 coupled to the electrode tab 714 and the separation membrane 720 joined to the body portion 712. The contact body 210 may extend in the first direction and contact the electrode tab 714 that further protrudes in one direction of the second direction of each of the plurality of unit cells 700.

[0060] In this way, with one contact body 210 extending in the first direction, the static electricity of a plurality of unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 can be effectively discharged. For this reason, since the configuration of the electrode assembly can be simplified, the manufacturing and maintenance costs of the contact body 210 and the manufacturing apparatus of the electrode assembly can be reduced.

[0061] According to an embodiment of the present invention, for each of the at least one unit cell 700, an electrode tab 714 of at least one electrode 710 may further protrude in one of a second direction intersecting the first direction, rather than a body portion 712 coupled to the electrode tab 714 and a separation film 720 joined to the body portion 712. The contact body 210 may be disposed on one side in the second direction from the electrode tab 714 of at least one electrode 710 of each of the at least one unit cell 700, and may be in contact with the electrode tab 714 of at least one electrode 710 of each of the at least one unit cell 700 in the second direction.

[0062] In this way, since the contact body 210 contacts the protruding end portion (one end portion in the second direction) of the electrode tab 714, that is, the free end of the electrode tab 714, even if the contact body 210 presses the electrode tab 714 in the second direction, the electrode tab 714 will not be severely damaged or deformed.

[0063] Also, while relatively moving the contact body 210 in the second direction from the unit cell 700 and the magazine 100, the contact body 210 can be easily brought into contact with the electrode tab 714 or separated from the electrode tab 714 as needed. For this reason, the operation of the unit cell supply unit 10 of the manufacturing apparatus 1 of the electrode assembly can be made simple and easy.

[0064] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when perpendicularly projected onto an arbitrary plane extending in a second direction and a third direction intersecting the first and second directions, each body portion 712 of at least one of the at least one unit cells 700 coupled to an electrode tab 714 of at least one electrode 710 may include an overlapping portion (P) that overlaps the electrode tab 714 of at least one electrode 710 of each of the at least one unit cells 700 in the third direction. The distance (D) in the second direction between the overlapping portion (P) of the body portion 712 of each of the at least one unit cells 700 coupled to the electrode tab 714 of at least one electrode 710 and the contact body 210 may be smaller than the length (L) in the second direction of the electrode tab 714 of at least one electrode 710 of each of the at least one unit cells 700.

[0065] Thereby, the distance (D) between the contact body 210 and the body portion 712 can be narrowed via the electrode tab 714, and the contact body 210 can be surely brought into contact with the electrode tab 714. For this reason, since the static electricity of the unit cell 700 can be surely discharged via the contact body 210, the unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 can be surely and individually withdrawn and supplied.

[0066] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the value obtained by subtracting the distance (D) from the length (L) may be greater than 0 and smaller than or equal to 1 / 15 of the length (L).

[0067] Thereby, it is possible to prevent the electrode tab 714 from being excessively pressed by the contact body 210. For this reason, while the contact body 210 is surely brought into contact with the electrode tab 714, the electrode tab 714 is not damaged or deformed.

[0068] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the contact body 210 and the electrode tab 714 may be made of the same material.

[0069] Thereby, even when the contact body 210 contacts the electrode tab 714, no foreign matter adheres to the electrode tab 714.

[0070] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the contact body 210 may be grounded.

[0071] As a result, the static electricity of the unit cell 700 can be reliably discharged through the grounded contact body 210, so that the unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 can be reliably and individually withdrawn and supplied.

[0072] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the static eliminator 200 may further include a blowing type ionizer 220 that generates ions and blows the ionized air containing the generated ions toward the unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 to remove the static electricity of the unit cells 700.

[0073] As a result, the static electricity of the unit cell 700 can be reliably removed through the contact body 210 and the blowing type ionizer 220, so that the unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 can be reliably and individually withdrawn and supplied.

[0074] According to an embodiment of the present invention, it may further include a unit cell transfer unit 50 that withdraws and transfers the unit cells 700 stacked at one end of the magazine 100 in the first direction from the magazine 100. The blowing type ionizer 220 can blow the ionized air toward at least the unit cells 700 at one end in the first direction among the one or more unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100.

[0075] As a result, when the unit cell transfer unit 50 withdraws and transfers the unit cells 700 at one end (for example, the upper end) in the first direction from the magazine 100, the static electricity of at least the unit cells 700 at one end in the first direction is removed by the blowing type ionizer 220, so that the unit cell transfer unit 50 can be prevented from withdrawing and transferring with two or more unit cells 700 at one end in the first direction. For this reason, the unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 can be reliably and individually withdrawn and supplied.

[0076] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electrode 710 of the unit cell 700 includes a body portion 712 joined to the separation membrane 720 in a first direction, and an electrode tab 714 coupled to the body portion 712 and protruding from one end in a second direction intersecting the first direction of the body portion 712 toward one side in the second direction, and further protruding toward one side in the second direction than the separation membrane 720 joined to the body portion 712. The contact body 210 may be disposed on one side in the second direction of each of the one or more electrode tabs 714 of the one or more unit cells 700 and may be in contact with the electrode tabs 714 of the one or more electrodes 710 of each of the one or more unit cells 700. The blowing type ionizer 220 may include a first blowing type ionizer 222 disposed on one side in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction of the unit cell 700 and blowing ionized air toward the unit cell 700, a second blowing type ionizer 224 disposed on the other side in the third direction of the unit cell 700 and blowing ionized air toward the unit cell 700, and a third blowing type ionizer 226 disposed on the other side in the second direction of the unit cell 700 and blowing ionized air toward the unit cell 700.

[0077] Accordingly, the first / second / third blowing type ionizers 222, 224, 226 partially surround the unit cell 700 and blow a large amount of ionized air from various directions toward the unit cell 700, so that the static electricity of the unit cell 700 can be effectively and surely removed.

[0078] In addition, since the blowing type ionizer 220 is not disposed on one side in the second direction of the unit cell 700, it is possible to prevent the electrode tab 714 formed to protrude from one end in the second direction to one side in the second direction of the unit cell 700 from being damaged or deformed due to the blowing pressure of the ionized air.

[0079] In addition, all electrode tabs 714 of all unit cells 700 protrude in one direction of the second direction, and the contact body 210 that contacts all electrode tabs 714 of all unit cells 700 may be disposed on one side of the unit cell 700 in the second direction. Therefore, the static electricity of all unit cells 700 can be effectively discharged by the contact body 210 having a simple form (for example, a rod shape extending in the first direction) and configuration (for example, one). For this reason, the manufacturing and maintenance costs of the contact body 210 and the manufacturing apparatus of the electrode assembly can be reduced.

[0080] In addition, since all electrode tabs 714 of all unit cells 700 are formed to protrude in one direction of the second direction, in order to prevent damage or deformation of the electrode tabs 714, it is sufficient that the air blow type ionizer 220 is not disposed on one side of the unit cell 700 in the second direction. That is, the first / second / third air blow type ionizers 222, 224, 226 may be disposed on the other side of the unit cell 700 in the second direction excluding one side of the unit cell 700 in the second direction, and on one side and the other side of the unit cell 700 in the third direction. Therefore, the direction in which the ionized air can be blown toward the unit cell 700 can be increased, and the amount of the ionized air to be blown can be increased. For this reason, the static electricity of the unit cell 700 can be effectively and surely removed.

[0081] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the method of manufacturing the electrode assembly may include a unit cell supply step of individually pulling out and supplying the unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100. In the unit cell supply step, although the contact body 210 is brought into contact with at least one unit cell 700 stacked in the magazine 100, it can be brought into contact with at least one electrode 710 of each of the at least one unit cell 700.

[0082] Thus, in order to bring the contact body 210, which is a conductor, into contact with at least one electrode 710 (conductor) of each of at least one unit cell 700 and electrically connect them, the static electricity of the unit cell 700 can be effectively discharged. Therefore, since the static electricity of the unit cell 700 is effectively reduced, it is possible to prevent two or more unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 from being pulled out and supplied together. That is, it is possible to individually pull out and supply the unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100. For this reason, it is possible to prevent two or more unit cells 700 from being pulled out and transferred together, resulting in manufacturing defects in the electrode assembly. During the transfer process, one or more unit cells 700 may fall and cover sensors such as cameras, thereby preventing the manufacturing process of the electrode assembly from being interrupted.

[0083] The above-described effects and the specific effects of the present invention will be described and described while explaining the embodiments for carrying out the following invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0084]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0085] The above-described objectives, features, and advantages will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can easily implement the technical idea of the present invention. In the description of the present invention, when it is determined that a specific description of a known technology related to the present invention obscures the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings are used to indicate the same or similar components.

[0086] Although terms such as first, second, etc. are used to describe various components, it goes without saying that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise stated, the first component may, of course, be the second component.

[0087] Throughout the entire specification, unless otherwise stated, each component may be singular or plural.

[0088] Hereinafter, when it is stated that an arbitrary configuration is arranged "above (or below)" a component or "on (or under)" a component, it means that the arbitrary configuration is not only arranged in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface) of the above component, but also that other components may be interposed between the above component and any configuration arranged "above (or below)" the above component.

[0089] Also, when a component is described as being "connected", "coupled", or "joined" to another component, it should be understood that the above components may be directly connected or joined to each other, or that other components may "intervene" between the components, or that each component may be "connected", "coupled", or "joined" to another component via other components.

[0090] As used herein, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Terms such as "composed of" or "including" in this application should not be construed as necessarily including all of the plurality of components or plurality of steps described in the specification. Some of the components or some of the steps may not be included, or it should be construed that additional components or steps may be included.

[0091] FIG. 1 is a side view schematically showing a manufacturing apparatus for an electrode assembly and a unit cell according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 2 and 3 are a perspective view and a plan view schematically showing a unit cell supply unit and a unit cell of the manufacturing apparatus for the electrode assembly of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a side view specifically showing an embodiment of the unit cell of FIGS. 1 to 3. FIGS. 5 and 6 are a plan view and a perspective view schematically showing a unit cell supply unit and a unit cell according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] [Unit cell] Referring to FIG. 4, the unit cell 700 may include one or more electrodes 710 and one or more separator membranes 720. The electrode 710 and the separator membrane 720 may be alternately laminated in a first direction (for example, the vertical direction), and may be joined to each other in the first direction.

[0093] The unit cell 700 may be, for example, a half cell as shown in FIG. 4, or may be a mono cell different from FIG. 4. Further, the unit cell 700 may be a cell having a configuration different from that of the half cell and the mono cell.

[0094] Here, the half cell may be a cell in which the separator membrane 720, the electrode 710 (for example, the negative electrode), and the separator membrane 720 are sequentially laminated and joined to each other as shown in FIG. 4. Different from FIG. 4, the mono cell may be a cell in which the separator membrane 720, the electrode 710 (for example, the negative electrode), the separator membrane 720, and the electrode 710 (for example, the positive electrode) are sequentially laminated and joined to each other.

[0095] On the one hand, the electrode assembly (not shown) can be manufactured, for example, by the following method.

[0096] A plurality of monocells are stacked in the first direction to form a monocell stack, and one half cell is further stacked on one end (e.g., the upper end) of the monocell stack in the first direction to complete the stack (not shown). Then, the completed stack is surrounded and fixed with tape to manufacture the electrode assembly.

[0097] In this way, by stacking one half cell on one end of the monocell stack in the first direction to complete the stack, it is possible to prevent the electrode 710 at one end of the monocell in the first direction at one end of the monocell stack from directly contacting a battery case (not shown) that houses the electrode assembly.

[0098] Also, in this way, since only one half cell is required when manufacturing one electrode assembly, a plurality of pre-manufactured half cells can be stored for a long time. That is, when the unit cell 700 in FIGS. 1 to 3 is the half cell as shown in FIG. 4, it can be stored for a long time in a state where the unit cells 700 are stacked as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. For this reason, due to the generation of static electricity during long-term storage, two or more half cells can be pulled out and transferred from the magazine 100 described later.

[0099] The electrode 710 of the unit cell 700 may include a body portion 712 and an electrode tab 714 (FIG. 4).

[0100] The body portion 712 may be joined to the separation membrane 720 in the first direction.

[0101] The electrode tab 714 may further protrude outside the body portion 712 and the separation membrane 720 that joins with the body portion 712. For example, the electrode tab 714 may further protrude in one direction (e.g., the front direction) of the second direction (e.g., the front-rear direction) that intersects the first direction, compared to the body portion 712 to which the electrode tab 714 is coupled and the separation membrane 720 that joins with the body portion 712 (FIG. 4).

[0102] Specifically, for example, the electrode tab 714 may be coupled to the body portion 712 and protrude from one end (e.g., the front end) of the body portion 712 in the second direction (e.g., the front direction) in the second direction (FIG. 4).

[0103] [Manufacturing Apparatus for Electrode Assembly] Referring to FIG. 1, a manufacturing apparatus 1 for an electrode assembly according to an embodiment may include a unit cell supply unit 10 and a unit cell transfer unit 50. The unit cell transfer unit 50 will be considered first, and then the unit cell supply unit 10 will be considered.

[0104] [Unit Cell Transfer Unit] The unit cell transfer unit 50 can, for example, pull out and transfer the unit cell 700 at one end (e.g., the upper end) in the first direction (e.g., the vertical direction) among the unit cells 700 stacked in the first direction in the magazine 100 of the unit cell supply unit 10 from the magazine 100.

[0105] The unit cell transfer unit 50 may include a suction machine 52 and a transfer frame 54.

[0106] The suction machine 52 can move in the vertical direction. The suction machine 52 can suck and lift the unit cell 700 stacked at one end in the first direction. That is, the suction machine 52 can pull out the unit cell 700 from the magazine 100.

[0107] The transfer frame 54 may be coupled to the suction machine 52. The transfer frame 54 can move in the horizontal direction. Therefore, the unit cell 700 adsorbed by the suction machine 52 can move out of the magazine 100 and move to a predetermined position. Here, the predetermined position may be, for example, one end in the first direction of a laminate (not shown) newly stacked in the first direction for manufacturing a new electrode assembly.

[0108] [Unit Cell Supply Unit According to an Embodiment of the Present Invention] Referring further to FIGS. 2 and 3, the unit cell supply unit 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a magazine 100 and a static eliminator 200. Hereinafter, each component will be considered.

[0109] [Magazine] One or more unit cells 700 can be stacked in the first direction in the magazine 100. For example, in FIGS. 1 and 2, eight unit cells 700 are stacked in the magazine 100.

[0110] Specifically, for example, the magazine 100 may include a base 110 and a guide frame 120. Further, the magazine 100 may further include a lifting plate 130 and a lifting column 140. The lifting plate 130 and the lifting column 140 can be omitted.

[0111] The base 110 can form the basis of the magazine 100. The guide frame 120, the lifting plate 130, and the lifting column 140 can be installed on the base 110.

[0112] The guide frame 120 can be installed on the base 110 and may extend in the first direction. The guide frame 120 can at least partially surround the outer periphery of the unit cell 700 stacked on the base 110. The guide frame 120 may be in contact with the outer periphery of the unit cell 700.

[0113] For example, the guide frame 120 can include a plurality (four in the drawing) corresponding to the number of corners of the unit cell 700. Each guide frame 120 can be arranged at a position corresponding to the corner of the unit cell 700 and can be arranged spaced apart from each other. The cross-section of each guide frame 120 can correspond to the shape of the corner of the unit cell 700 (e.g., "￢" shape) corresponding to each guide frame 120.

[0114] The guide frame 120 can guide the unit cell 700 when pulling the unit cell 700 into the magazine 100. Therefore, the unit cells 700 can be stacked while being aligned on the base 110 or the lifting plate 130, and the aligned state can be maintained.

[0115] Also, the guide frame 120 can at least partially surround the lifting plate 130. The guide frame 120 can guide the lifting and lowering of the lifting plate 130.

[0116] The lifting plate 130 can be disposed on the base 110 and can be lifted and lowered. One or more unit cells 700 can be stacked in the first direction on the lifting plate 130.

[0117] The lifting column 140 can be coupled to the lower end of the lifting plate 130 and can be lifted and lowered. The lifting column 140 can lift and lower the lifting plate 130.

[0118] The lifting plate 130 and the lifting column 140 can be adjusted such that the position (e.g., height) in the first direction of the unit cell 700 at one end (e.g., the upper end) in the first direction among one or more unit cells 700 stacked in the first direction is constant.

[0119] [Static elimination part] The static elimination part 200 may be disposed adjacent to the magazine 100. The static elimination part 200 can remove the static electricity of the unit cell 700 stacked in the magazine 100.

[0120] The static elimination part 200 may include a contact body 210 (Figs. 1 to 3).

[0121] The contact body 210 can be made of a conductive material. For example, the contact body 210 can be made of copper.

[0122] The contact body 210 may be in contact with at least one unit cell 700 stacked on the magazine 100. At this time, the contact body 210 can discharge the static electricity of the unit cell 700 by contacting at least one electrode 710 of each of the at least one unit cell 700.

[0123] For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the contact body 210 may be in contact with eight unit cells 700 stacked on the magazine 100. At this time, when the unit cells 700 in FIGS. 1 to 3 are the aforementioned half-cells each including one electrode 710 as shown in FIG. 4, the contact body 210 can discharge the static electricity of the unit cell 700 by contacting one electrode 710 of each of the eight unit cells 700 (half-cells). If the unit cells 700 in FIGS. 1 to 3 are the aforementioned monocells each including two electrodes 710, different from FIG. 4, the contact body 210 can discharge the static electricity of the unit cell 700 by contacting one or two electrodes 710 of each of the eight unit cells 700 (monocells).

[0124] Thereby, since the contact body 210, which is a conductor, is in contact with and electrically connected to at least one electrode 710 (conductor) of each of the at least one unit cell 700, the static electricity of the unit cell 700 can be effectively discharged.

[0125] Specifically, since the contact body 210, which is a conductor, is in contact with and electrically connected to the electrode 710, which is a conductor, the static electricity of the electrode 710 in the unit cell 700 can be effectively discharged. Also, even if the separation membrane 720 in the unit cell 700 is made of an insulating material, different from the electrode 710, the static electricity of the separation membrane 720 can be effectively discharged through the electrode 710 joined to the separation membrane 720. For this reason, the contact body 210 can effectively discharge the overall static electricity of each unit cell 700 even when contacting the electrode 710 of each unit cell 700.

[0126] Therefore, since the static electricity of the unit cell 700 is effectively reduced, it is possible to prevent two or more unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 from being pulled out together. That is, the individual extraction and supply of the unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 are possible. For this reason, it is possible to prevent two or more unit cells 700 from being pulled out and transferred together and manufacturing defects from occurring in the electrode assembly. During the transfer process, one or more unit cells 700 may fall and cover a sensor such as a camera, thereby preventing the manufacturing process of the electrode assembly from being interrupted.

[0127] In particular, when the unit cell 700 is a half cell in which the separation membrane 720, the electrode 710, and the separation membrane 720 are stacked, even if a plurality of half cells are stored in the magazine 100 in a stacked state for a long time, in order to effectively discharge the static electricity of the half cells, the half cells can be individually extracted and transferred from the magazine 100. Therefore, due to the generation of static electricity during long-term storage, two or more half cells are pulled out and transferred from the magazine 100, and two or more half cells are stacked on the upper end of a laminate in which a plurality of mono cells in which the separation membrane 720, the electrode 710, the separation membrane 720, and the electrode 710 are stacked are stacked, thereby preventing manufacturing defects from occurring in the electrode assembly. Also, due to the generation of static electricity during long-term storage, two or more half cells are pulled out from the magazine 100, and during the process of transferring two or more half cells, one or more half cells may fall and cover a sensor such as a camera, thereby preventing the manufacturing process of the electrode assembly from being interrupted.

[0128] The contact body 210 may be in contact with at least one electrode 710 of the unit cell 700 at at least one end (for example, the upper end) in the first direction among one or more unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100. At this time, as described above, the unit cell transfer unit 50 can pull out and transfer the unit cell 700 stacked at one end in the first direction of the magazine 100 from the magazine 100.

[0129] In this way, when the unit cell transfer unit 50 pulls out and transfers the unit cell 700 at one end (for example, the upper end) in the first direction from the magazine 100, the contact body 210 discharges the static electricity of at least the unit cell 700 at one end in the first direction, so that the unit cell transfer unit 50 can be prevented from pulling out and transferring with two or more unit cells 700 at one end in the first direction. Therefore, the unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 can be reliably and individually pulled out and supplied.

[0130] The contact body 210 contacts at least one unit cell 700, and contacts the electrode tabs 714 of at least one electrode 710 of each of the at least one unit cell 700, so that the static electricity of the unit cell 700 can be discharged.

[0131] For example, when the unit cell 700 in FIGS. 1 to 3 is the aforementioned half cell including one electrode 710 as shown in FIG. 4, the contact body 210 may contact the eight unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and contact the electrode tabs 714 of one electrode 710 of each of the eight unit cells 700 to discharge the static electricity of the unit cell 700. If the unit cell 700 in FIGS. 1 to 3 is different from FIG. 4 and is the aforementioned monocell including two electrodes 710, the contact body 210 can contact the electrode tabs 714 of one or two electrodes 710 of each of the eight unit cells 700 (monocells) to discharge the static electricity of the unit cell 700.

[0132] In this way, the contact body 210, which is a conductor, can be easily and simply electrically connected to the electrode 710 by contacting the electrode tab 714 protruding to the outside. Therefore, since the structure of the contact body 210 can be simplified, the manufacturing and maintenance costs of the manufacturing apparatus of the contact body 210 and the electrode assembly can be reduced.

[0133] The contact body 210 contacts a plurality of unit cells 700, and may contact the electrode tabs 714 of at least one electrode 710 of each of the plurality of unit cells 700.

[0134] At this time, the electrode tab 714 of at least one electrode 710 of each of the plurality of unit cells 700 that contacts the contact body 210 may further protrude in one direction (for example, the front-rear direction) of the second direction (for example, the front) than the body portion 712 coupled to the electrode tab 714 and the separation film 720 joined to the body portion 712, as described above.

[0135] The contact body 210 may extend in the first direction and contact the electrode tabs 714 that further protrude in one direction of the second direction of each of the plurality of unit cells 700 (FIGS. 1 to 3).

[0136] Thereby, the static electricity of the plurality of unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 can be effectively discharged by one contact body 210 extending in the first direction. For this reason, since the configuration of the electrode assembly can be simplified, the manufacturing and maintenance costs of the contact body 210 and the manufacturing apparatus of the electrode assembly can be reduced.

[0137] When the electrode tab 714 of at least one electrode 710 of each of at least one unit cell 700 that contacts the contact body 210 further protrudes in one direction of the second direction than the body portion 712 coupled to the electrode tab 714 and the separation film 720 joined to the body portion 712, as described above, the contact body 210 may be disposed on one side of the second direction than the electrode tab 714 of at least one electrode 710 of each of at least one unit cell 700 that contacts the contact body 210. Further, the contact body 210 may be in contact with the electrode tab 714 of at least one electrode 710 of each of at least one unit cell 700 that contacts the contact body 210 in the second direction (FIGS. 1 to 3).

[0138] As a result, the contact body 210 contacts the protruding end portion (one end portion in the second direction) of the electrode tab 714, that is, the free end of the electrode tab 714. Therefore, even if the contact body 210 presses the electrode tab 714 in the second direction, the electrode tab 714 will not be severely damaged or deformed.

[0139] Further, while relatively moving the contact body 210 in the second direction relative to the unit cell 700 and the magazine 100, if necessary, the contact body 210 can be easily brought into contact with the electrode tab 714 or separated from the electrode tab 714. For this reason, the operation of the unit cell supply unit 10 of the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 1 can be made simple and easy.

[0140] On the other hand, when perpendicularly projected onto an arbitrary plane extending in the second direction and the third direction (for example, the left - right direction) intersecting the first direction and the second direction, the body portion 712 of at least one electrode 710 of each of at least one unit cell 700 that contacts the contact body 210 and is coupled to the electrode tab 714 may include an overlapping portion (P) that overlaps with the electrode tab 714 of at least one electrode 710 of each of at least one unit cell 700 that contacts the contact body 210 in the third direction (FIG. 3).

[0141] At this time, the distance (D, FIG. 3) in the second direction between the overlapping portion (P) of the body portion 712 of at least one electrode 710 of each of at least one unit cell 700 that contacts the contact body 210 and the contact body 210 may be smaller than the length (L, FIG. 4) in the second direction of the electrode tab 714 of at least one electrode 710 of each of at least one unit cell 700 that contacts the contact body 210.

[0142] As a result, the distance (D) between the contact body 210 and the body portion 712 can be narrowed via the electrode tab 714, and the contact body 210 can be surely brought into contact with the electrode tab 714. For this reason, the static electricity of the unit cell 700 can be surely discharged through the contact body 210, so that the unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 can be surely and individually pulled out and supplied.

[0143] The value obtained by subtracting the distance (D) from the length (L) may be greater than 0 and less than or equal to 1 / 15 of the length (L). For example, when the length (L) of the electrode tab 714 of the electrode 710 in the second direction is 15 mm (millimeters), the distance (D) in the second direction between the overlapping portion (P) and the contact body 210 may be less than 15 mm (millimeters) and equal to or greater than 14 mm (millimeters).

[0144] This can prevent the electrode tab 714 from being excessively pressed by the contact body 210. Therefore, while ensuring that the contact body 210 is in reliable contact with the electrode tab 714, the electrode tab 714 will not be damaged or deformed.

[0145] The contact body 210 and the electrode tab 714 can be made of the same material. For example, when the electrode tab 714 is made of copper, the contact body 210 can also be made of copper.

[0146] This can prevent foreign matter from adhering to the electrode tab 714 even when the contact body 210 comes into contact with the electrode tab 714.

[0147] The contact body 210 may be grounded (FIGS. 1 to 3).

[0148] This can reliably discharge the static electricity of the unit cell 700 through the grounded contact body 210, so that the unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 can be reliably and individually withdrawn and supplied.

[0149] [Unit Cell Supply Unit According to Another Embodiment of the Present Invention] Referring further to FIGS. 5 and 6, the unit cell supply unit 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a magazine 100 and a static eliminator 200 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. Hereinafter, the differences from FIGS. 1 to 3 will be mainly considered.

[0150] The static eliminator 200 may further include a blower-type ionizer 220.

[0151] The air-blowing type ionizer 220 can generate ions and blow the ionized air containing the generated ions toward the unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 to remove the static electricity of the unit cells 700.

[0152] Accordingly, since the static electricity of the unit cells 700 can be surely removed via the contact body 210 and the air-blowing type ionizer 220, the unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 can be surely and individually pulled out and supplied.

[0153] The air-blowing type ionizer 220 can blow the ionized air toward at least the unit cell 700 at one end in the first direction among one or more unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100. At this time, as described above, the unit cell transfer unit 50 can pull out and transfer the unit cell 700 stacked at one end in the first direction of the magazine 100 from the magazine 100.

[0154] Accordingly, when the unit cell transfer unit 50 pulls out and transfers the unit cell 700 at one end (for example, the upper end) in the first direction from the magazine 100, the static electricity of at least the unit cell 700 at one end in the first direction is removed by the air-blowing type ionizer 220. Therefore, the unit cell transfer unit 50 can prevent pulling out and transferring while accompanying two or more unit cells 700 at one end in the first direction. For this reason, the unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 can be surely and individually pulled out and supplied.

[0155] On the other hand, as described above, the electrode 710 of the unit cell 700 may include a body portion 712 joined to the separation membrane 720 in the first direction, and an electrode tab 714 coupled to the body portion 712 and protruding from one end (for example, the front end) in the second direction of the body portion 712 toward one side (for example, the front) in the second direction, and protruding further toward one side in the second direction than the separation membrane 720 joined to the body portion 712.

[0156] At this time, the contact body 210 may be disposed on one side (e.g., the front side) in the second direction rather than the electrode tabs 714 of one or more electrodes 710 of each of the one or more unit cells 700 stacked on the magazine 100.

[0157] Also, at this time, the contact body 210 may be in contact with the electrode tabs 714 of one or more electrodes 710 of each of the one or more unit cells 700 stacked on the magazine 100. Here, the one or more unit cells 700 stacked on the magazine 100 mean any unit cells 700 stacked on the magazine 100, and the one or more electrodes 710 of each of the one or more unit cells 700 stacked on the magazine 100 mean any electrodes 710 of any unit cells 700.

[0158] Also, at this time, the blowing type ionizer 220 may include a first blowing type ionizer 222, a second blowing type ionizer 224, and a third blowing type ionizer 226.

[0159] The first blowing type ionizer 222 is disposed on one side (e.g., the left side) in the aforementioned third direction (e.g., the left - right direction) of the unit cell 700 and can blow ionized air toward the unit cell 700.

[0160] The second blowing type ionizer 224 is disposed on the other side (e.g., the right side) in the third direction of the unit cell 700 and can blow ionized air toward the unit cell 700.

[0161] The third blowing type ionizer 226 is disposed on the other side (e.g., the rear side) in the second direction of the unit cell 700 and can blow ionized air toward the unit cell 700.

[0162] Thereby, the first / second / third blowing type ionizers 222, 224, 226 partially surround the unit cell 700 and blow a large amount of ionized air from various directions toward the unit cell 700, so that the static electricity of the unit cell 700 can be effectively and reliably removed.

[0163] In addition, since the blowing-type ionizer 220 is not disposed on one side of the unit cell 700 in the second direction, it is possible to prevent damage or deformation of the electrode tab 714 formed to protrude from one end of the unit cell 700 in the second direction toward one side in the second direction due to the blowing pressure of the ionized air.

[0164] In addition, all the electrode tabs 714 of all the unit cells 700 are formed to protrude toward one side in the second direction, and the contact body 210 that contacts all the electrode tabs 714 of all the unit cells 700 may be disposed on one side of the unit cell 700 in the second direction. Therefore, the static electricity of all the unit cells 700 can be effectively discharged by the contact body 210 having a simple form (for example, a rod shape extending in the first direction) and configuration (for example, one). For this reason, the manufacturing and maintenance costs of the contact body 210 and the manufacturing apparatus of the electrode assembly can be reduced.

[0165] In addition, since all the electrode tabs 714 of all the unit cells 700 are formed to protrude toward one side in the second direction, it is sufficient that the blowing-type ionizer 220 is not disposed on one side of the unit cell 700 in the second direction in order to prevent damage or deformation of the electrode tab 714. That is, the first / second / third blowing-type ionizers 222, 224, 226 may be disposed on the other side of the unit cell 700 in the second direction excluding one side of the unit cell 700 in the second direction, and on one side and the other side of the unit cell 700 in the third direction. Therefore, the direction in which the ionized air can be blown toward the unit cell 700 can be increased, and the amount of the ionized air to be blown can be increased. For this reason, the static electricity of the unit cell 700 can be effectively and surely removed.

[0166] [Method for manufacturing electrode assembly] A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly using the manufacturing apparatus of the electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a step of supplying a unit cell.

[0167] In the supply stage of the unit cell, the contact body 210 is brought into contact with at least one unit cell 700 stacked in the magazine 100, and can be brought into contact with at least one electrode 710 of each of the at least one unit cell 700.

[0168] Thereby, since the contact body 210, which is a conductor, is brought into contact with and electrically connected to at least one electrode 710 (conductor) of each of the at least one unit cell 700, the static electricity of the unit cell 700 can be effectively discharged. Therefore, since the static electricity of the unit cell 700 is effectively reduced, it is possible to prevent two or more unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 from being pulled out and supplied together. That is, individual extraction and supply of the unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 are possible. For this reason, it is possible to prevent two or more unit cells 700 from being pulled out and transferred together, resulting in manufacturing defects in the electrode assembly. During the transfer process, one or more unit cells 700 may fall and cover sensors such as cameras, thereby preventing the manufacturing process of the electrode assembly from being interrupted.

[0169] Further, the contact body 210 can be brought into contact with at least one electrode 710 of the unit cell 700 at at least one end (for example, the upper end) in at least the first direction among one or more unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100.

[0170] Also, the contact body 210 is brought into contact with at least one unit cell 700 stacked in the magazine 100, and can be brought into contact with the electrode tab 714 of at least one electrode 710 of each of the at least one unit cell 700.

[0171] Further, the contact body 210 can be brought into contact with the electrode tab 714 of at least one electrode 710 of each of the at least one unit cell 700 in the second direction.

[0172] At this time, the distance (D) in the second direction between the overlapping portion (P) of the body portion 712, which is coupled to the electrode tab 714 of at least one electrode 710 of each of the at least one unit cell 700, and the contact body 210 can be made smaller than the length (L) in the second direction of the electrode tab 714 of at least one electrode 710 of each of the at least one unit cell 700 by bringing the contact body 210 into contact in the second direction.

[0173] Also, the contact body 210 can be grounded.

[0174] Also, the blowing type ionizer 220 can be operated to generate ions, and the ionized air containing the generated ions can be blown toward the unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100.

[0175] It should be understood that the foregoing embodiments are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive, and the scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims to be described later rather than the foregoing detailed description. And, of course, the meaning and scope of the claims to be described later, as well as all modifications and deformable forms conceivable from the equivalent concepts thereof, should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention.

[0176] As described above, the present invention has been described with reference to the exemplary drawings. However, the present invention is not limited by the embodiments and drawings disclosed herein, and it is obvious that various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. Further, even if the effects of the present invention due to the configuration are not explicitly described while describing the embodiments of the present invention, it is natural that the effects predictable by the configuration should also be recognized.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0177] 1 Manufacturing apparatus for electrode assembly 10 Unit cell supply unit 100 Magazine 110 Base 120 Guide frame 130 Lifting plate 140 Lifting column 200 Static eliminator section 210 Contact body 220 Blowing type ionizer 222 First blowing type ionizer 224 Second blowing type ionizer 226 Third blowing type ionizer 50 Unit cell transfer section 52 Adsorber 54 Transfer frame 700 Unit cell 710 Electrode 712 Body section 714 Electrode tab 720 Separation membrane

Claims

1. A magazine in which one or more unit cells are stacked in a first direction, and a charge removal unit that is disposed adjacent to the magazine and removes static electricity of the unit cells stacked in the magazine, and a unit cell supply unit configured to include the same, and a unit cell transfer unit that pulls out and transfers the unit cells stacked in the magazine from the magazine, each of the individual unit cells includes one or more electrodes and one or more separation membranes that are alternately stacked in the first direction and joined to each other in the first direction, the charge removal unit includes a contact body made of a conductive material that contacts at least one of the unit cells stacked in the magazine and contacts an electrode tab of at least one of the electrodes of each of the at least one unit cell to discharge static electricity of the unit cell, the electrode tab of at least one of the electrodes of each of the at least one unit cell protrudes in one of a second direction intersecting the first direction, the contact body is disposed on one side in the second direction of the electrode tab, An apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly.

2. The unit cell transfer unit pulls out and transfers the unit cells stacked at one end of the magazine in the first direction from the magazine, the at least one unit cell includes a unit cell at one end in the first direction among the one or more unit cells stacked in the magazine, An apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 1.

3. Each of the at least one electrode of each of the at least one unit cell includes a body portion joined to the separation membrane in the first direction, and an electrode tab that further protrudes in one of the second directions from the body portion and the separation membrane joined to the body portion and is coupled to the body portion, An apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 1.

4. The at least one unit cell is a plurality of the unit cells, the contact body extends in the first direction and contacts the electrode tab that further protrudes in one of the second directions from the body portion and the separation membrane of each of the plurality of unit cells, An apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 3.

5. The contact body contacts the electrode tab of at least one of the electrodes of each of the at least one unit cell in the second direction, An apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 3.

6. When perpendicularly projected onto an arbitrary plane extending in a second direction and a third direction intersecting the first and second directions, the body portion of each of the at least one electrode of each of the at least one unit cell includes an overlapping portion that overlaps the electrode tab coupled to the body portion in the third direction. The distance in the second direction between the overlapping portion of each of the at least one electrode of each of the at least one unit cell and the contact body is smaller than the length in the second direction of the electrode tab of each of the at least one electrode of each of the at least one unit cell. The manufacturing apparatus for the electrode assembly according to claim 5.

7. The value obtained by subtracting the distance from the length is greater than 0 and smaller than or equal to 1 / 15 of the length. The manufacturing apparatus for the electrode assembly according to claim 6.

8. The contact body and the electrode tab are made of the same material. The manufacturing apparatus for the electrode assembly according to claim 1.

9. The contact body is grounded. The manufacturing apparatus for the electrode assembly according to claim 1.

10. The static eliminator further includes a blower-type ionizer that generates ions and blows ionized air containing the generated ions toward the unit cells stacked in the magazine to remove static electricity from the unit cells. The manufacturing apparatus for the electrode assembly according to claim 1.

11. The unit cell transfer unit pulls out and transfers the unit cells stacked at one end of the magazine in the first direction from the magazine. The blower-type ionizer blows the ionized air toward at least the unit cells at one end in the first direction among the one or more unit cells stacked in the magazine. The manufacturing apparatus for the electrode assembly according to claim 10.

12. The blower-type ionizer includes a first blower-type ionizer disposed on one side in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions of the unit cell and blowing the ionized air toward the unit cell, a second blower-type ionizer disposed on the other side in the third direction of the unit cell and blowing the ionized air toward the unit cell, and a third blower-type ionizer disposed on the other side in the second direction of the unit cell and blowing the ionized air toward the unit cell. The manufacturing apparatus for the electrode assembly according to claim 10.

13. In a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly using the manufacturing apparatus for the electrode assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 12. A unit cell supply step of individually extracting and supplying the unit cells stacked in the magazine is included, In the unit cell supply step, the contact body is brought into contact with the electrode tabs of the at least one electrode of each of the at least one unit cell. A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly.

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