Plate for manufacturing electrode assembly, electrode assembly manufacturing device, and electrode assembly manufacturing method

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrode assembly manufacturing plate including a support plate; a sub-plate provided on one side of the support plate; and a distance control unit provided on the support plate and configured to push out a portion of the surface of the sub-plate opposite to the surface facing the support plate from the support plate so that the distance to the support plate is different from that of other portions, as well as an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus including the same, and a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a plate for manufacturing an electrode assembly, an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly, and a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0135772 filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on October 12, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0137536 filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on October 10, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0003] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries are rechargeable and have the potential to be small and have large capacities. Due to technological developments and increasing demand for mobile devices, the demand for secondary batteries as an energy source is rapidly increasing.

[0004] Secondary batteries are classified into coin-type batteries, cylindrical batteries, prismatic batteries, and pouch-type batteries depending on the shape of the battery case. The electrode assembly installed inside the battery case of a secondary battery is a power generating element that can be charged and discharged and is made up of a laminated structure of electrodes and a separator.

[0005] Electrode assemblies can be broadly classified into jelly-roll types, in which a separator is interposed between sheet-like positive and negative electrodes coated with active material and wound up, stack types, in which multiple positive and negative electrodes are stacked in sequence with a separator interposed between them, and stack-and-fold types, in which stack-type unit cells are wound up with a long separator film.

[0006] To manufacture an electrode assembly, a separator containing an adhesive binder may be used. The electrode assembly including such a separator may be heated and pressurized to bond the electrodes and separator. This stabilizes the stacked structure of the electrodes and separator constituting the electrode assembly. To ensure uniform bonding of the electrodes and separator, the electrode assembly may be preheated before being heated and pressurized. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The inventors have discovered that when an electrode assembly including electrodes and a separator is pressurized and / or heated, the electrode assembly may stick to a stack table or a pressure plate, reducing the efficiency of the electrode assembly manufacturing process. The inventors have also discovered that the electrode assembly may be damaged during the process of separating the electrode assembly from the stack table or the pressure plate.

[0008] The present invention provides an electrode assembly manufacturing plate for preventing sticking of electrode assemblies during the manufacturing process of the electrode assembly, thereby improving process efficiency and preventing damage to the electrode assembly, an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus including the same, and an electrode assembly manufacturing method including the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] One embodiment of the present invention comprises: Support plate; a subplate provided on one surface of the support plate; and a distance control unit provided on the support plate, the distance control unit pushing out a part of a surface of the sub-plate opposite to a surface facing the support plate from the support plate so that the distance to the support plate is different from that of other parts; A plate for manufacturing an electrode assembly is provided, comprising:

[0010] According to one embodiment, the distance control unit is a vertical drive unit that supports a portion of the sub-plate and is arranged to move in a direction perpendicular to one surface of the support plate.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the electrode assembly manufacturing plate further includes an auxiliary support unit provided on the support plate that supports at least a portion of the edge of the subplate when the position of the edge of the subplate changes due to changes in the distance of a portion of the subplate to the support plate.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the sub-plate has a structure that expands when air is injected into the inside, and the distance control unit is an air blow unit that is provided to inject air into the inside of the sub-plate.

[0013] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention is an upper plate and a lower plate provided to apply pressure to an electrode assembly including a first electrode, a separator, and a second electrode; At least one of the upper plate and the lower plate includes the electrode assembly manufacturing plate according to the above embodiment.

[0014] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention is a stack table on which an electrode assembly including a first electrode, a separation membrane, and a second electrode is placed; a first electrode supply unit that supplies the first electrode to the stack table; a second electrode supply unit that supplies the second electrode to the stack table; and a separation membrane supply unit that supplies the separation membrane to the stack table; Including, The stack table provides an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus including an electrode assembly manufacturing plate according to the above embodiment.

[0015] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention is A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly including a first electrode, a separator, and a second electrode, the method comprising: disposing a laminate including the first electrode, the separator, and the second electrode between an upper plate and a lower plate; at least one of the upper plate and the lower plate moves to compress the stack to form the electrode assembly; and Separating the electrode assembly from the upper plate and the lower plate. Including, At least one of the upper plate and the lower plate includes the electrode assembly manufacturing plate according to the above embodiment.

[0016] Furthermore, one embodiment of the present invention is A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly including a first electrode, a separator, and a second electrode, comprising: stacking a stack including the first electrode, the separator, and the second electrode on a stack table; applying heat and pressure to the laminate to form the electrode assembly; and Separating the electrode assembly from the stack table Including, The stack table provides a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly including an electrode assembly manufacturing plate according to the above embodiment. [Effects of the Invention]

[0017] The electrode assembly manufacturing plate, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus including the same, and the electrode assembly manufacturing method including the same according to the embodiments of the present invention can shorten the time required to manufacture an electrode assembly by quickly separating the electrode assembly from the plate or the manufacturing apparatus.

[0018] The electrode assembly manufacturing plate, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus including the same, and the electrode assembly manufacturing method including the same according to the embodiments of the present invention can prevent damage to the electrode assembly due to the sticking phenomenon of the electrode assembly, and can provide a uniform electrode assembly with excellent performance.

[0019] Therefore, the manufacturing time can be shortened and the number of defective products can be reduced, thereby improving the process efficiency. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating the structure and operation principle of a plate for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating the structure and operation principle of a plate for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating the structure and operation principle of a plate for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating the structure and operation principle of a plate for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1A and 1B are diagrams illustrating the structure and operation principle of a plate for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram illustrating an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly including a plate for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram illustrating an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly including a plate for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a zigzag stacked electrode assembly manufactured by a manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Explanation of symbols]

[0021] 1 Vertical drive unit 2,3 Horizontal drive unit 2a, 3a: Elastic member (before stretching) 2a', 3a' Elastic member (after stretching) 2b, 3b Gripper 2c,3c...Support part 2d,3d...Stopper 2e, 3e Guide section 5. Support plate 6 Subplate 7. Plate for manufacturing electrode assembly 10...electrode assembly 11...1st electrode 12...Second electrode 14...Separation membrane 20,100 Electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 21 Upper plate 22 Lower plate 110 Stack Table 120...Separation membrane supply section 121 Separation membrane heat section 122 Separation membrane roll 131 First electrode receiving portion 141 Second electrode receiving portion 150...1st electrode supply section 151 First suction head 153 First moving part 160...Second electrode supply section 161 Second suction head 163 Second moving part T...Protrusion h: Height of the protrusion q Spacing of protrusions M...middle part DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Although the present invention may be embodied in many different forms, it is not intended to be limited to the embodiments set forth herein, and the present invention will be described in detail below so as to enable those skilled in the art to easily practice the present invention.

[0023] The size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are shown arbitrarily for the convenience of explanation, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to those shown.

[0024] In this specification, when a part is said to "comprise" a certain component, this does not mean that it excludes other components, but that it may further include other components, unless otherwise specified.

[0025] In this specification, the term "unit" refers to an interface that performs a specific function within an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus.

[0026] In this specification, when a component is said to be "on" another component, this includes not only the case where the component is "directly above" the other component, but also the case where there is another component between them. Conversely, when a component is said to be "directly above" another component, it means that there is no other component between them. Furthermore, being "on" a reference component means being located above or below the reference component, and does not necessarily mean being located "on" the opposite direction to gravity.

[0027] In the following description of the present invention, detailed descriptions of related publicly known techniques that may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention will be omitted.

[0028] <Electrode assembly manufacturing plate> The plate for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to the present invention includes a support plate and a sub-plate provided on one surface of the support plate, and further includes a distance control unit.

[0029] The distance control unit serves to push a portion of the surface of the sub-plate opposite the surface facing the support plate away from the support plate, thereby varying the distance to the support plate from other portions. In this case, the entire sub-plate may be pushed away from the support plate, or only the surface of the sub-plate opposite the surface facing the support plate, i.e., only a portion of the upper surface of the sub-plate, may be pushed away from the support plate. Due to the function of the distance control unit, the surface of the sub-plate opposite the surface facing the support plate has an uneven structure. This reduces the contact area between the electrode assembly disposed on the sub-plate and the sub-plate, making it easier to separate from the sub-plate. This reduces process time and prevents damage to the electrode assembly.

[0030] The sub-plate is detachably mounted on the support plate. The existence of the sub-plate separate from the support plate not only facilitates the separation of the electrode assembly as described above, but also allows the sub-plate to be separated from the electrode assembly manufacturing plate and replaced when necessary due to deterioration, contamination, or the like.

[0031] The sub-plate may be made of a ductile material, at least one surface of which is reversibly deformed from a flat state to a non-flat state by the distance control unit. According to one example, the sub-plate may be a polymer sheet. A sub-plate made of a ductile material such as a polymer sheet remains flat during the stacking, pressing, and / or heating processes for manufacturing the electrode assembly and does not interfere with the processes. When the electrode assembly is separated from the sub-plate after the processes are performed, the sub-plate is deformed into a non-flat state by the distance control unit, allowing the electrode assembly to be separated from the support plate quickly and without damage.

[0032] The thickness and material of the sub-plate are not particularly limited as long as they do not interfere with the functional execution of the aforementioned steps. For example, when a pressurizing and heating step is performed, the sub-plate is not particularly limited as long as it is not damaged under the pressure and temperature conditions applied during the step, and may be a polymer sheet. For example, the polymer sheet may have a thickness of 100 μm to 160 μm, preferably 110 μm to 150 μm. For example, the polymer sheet may contain a fluororesin. More specifically, the polymer sheet may be made of a fluororesin. In one example, the polymer sheet may contain polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). More specifically, the polymer sheet may be made of polytetrafluoroethylene. Polytetrafluoroethylene is also known as Teflon (registered trademark).

[0033] The material or structure of the support plate is not limited as long as it has properties necessary for the process of manufacturing the electrode assembly. For example, the support plate may include a metal layer on a surface facing the sub-plate, or may be entirely made of a metal layer. The metal layer may include aluminum or stainless steel. The stainless steel may be STS or SUS. In one example, the metal layer may have an aluminum surface. More specifically, the metal layer may be made of aluminum. The support plate may consist of only the metal layer, or may include an additional support layer supporting the metal layer, if necessary.

[0034] FIG. 1 illustrates the structure and operation principle of a plate 7 for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1(a) is a top view of the plate 7, and FIG. 1(b) is a side view of the plate 7. According to FIG. 1, the distance control unit is a vertical drive unit 1 that supports a portion of the sub-plate 6 and moves vertically relative to one surface of the support plate 5. The vertical drive unit 1 supports a portion of the sub-plate 6, but is positioned so that the sub-plate 6 remains flat during the stacking, pressing, and / or heating processes, as shown in the left illustrations of FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b). After these processes, the sub-plate 6 becomes non-flat by pushing a portion of the sub-plate 6 out of the support plate 5, as shown in the right illustrations of FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b).

[0035] The vertical movement distance of the vertical driving unit 1 can be designed to allow the electrode assembly located on the sub-plate 6 to be easily separated. This can be determined in consideration of the size, contact area, and material of the contact portion of the electrode assembly and the sub-plate 6. For example, the vertical driving unit 1 can move to a height of 0.1 mm to 100 mm from the support plate 5.

[0036] The vertical driving unit 1 may be driven by any method as long as it can push a portion of the sub-plate away from the support plate 5 and return it to its original position by vertical movement. For example, the vertical driving unit 1 may be driven by a method selected from various methods such as a cylinder method or a servo motor method.

[0037] 1 supports an intermediate portion of the sub-plate 6 that is spaced apart from any pair of opposing edges. If necessary, the intermediate portion may support a central portion that is spaced apart the same distance from any pair of opposing edges of the sub-plate 6. In this case, movement of the vertical drive unit 1 can stably separate the electrode assembly from the sub-plate 6 without the electrode assembly provided on the sub-plate 6 deviating from an unintended position.

[0038] The position and number of the vertical drive units 1 can be selected as needed. For example, the vertical drive unit 1 may be located adjacent to the edge portion rather than the middle portion. Also, only one vertical drive unit 1 may be provided, but two or more vertical drive units 1 may also be provided.

[0039] The length and area of ​​the region where the vertical drive unit 1 supports the sub-plate 6 may be designed to a degree necessary to cause the sub-plate 6 to be non-flat, as described above. As shown in FIG. 1 , the vertical drive unit 1 may be designed to support the entire width (100%) of the sub-plate 6. However, for example, the vertical drive unit 1 may be configured to support 50% or more of the width of the sub-plate, or may have the form of a bar configured to support 90% or more of the width of the sub-plate. Here, the width of the sub-plate refers to the shorter distance between the opposing sides of the rectangle when one surface of the sub-plate is rectangular. The length of the sub-plate refers to the longer distance between the opposing sides of the rectangle when one surface of the sub-plate is rectangular. In addition, the vertical drive unit 1 may support an area corresponding to 1% or more, for example, 3% or more, 5% or more, or 10% or more of the area of ​​the sub-plate 6 that contacts the electrode assembly. The area of ​​the sub-plate 6 that contacts the electrode assembly may be supported by the vertical drive unit 1 at 90% or less, for example, 70% or less, or 50% or less.

[0040] If the surface of the vertical drive unit 1 that supports the sub-plate 6 is flat, this can be advantageous in that it can prevent the electrode assembly located on the sub-plate 6 from coming off even during operation of the vertical drive unit 1. However, depending on the moving height and support area of ​​the vertical drive unit 1, at least a part or all of the surface of the vertical drive unit 1 that supports the sub-plate 6 can also be curved as long as it does not cause unintended detachment of the electrode assembly. If at least a part of the surface of the vertical drive unit 1 that supports the sub-plate 6 is curved, it can prevent damage or elongation of the sub-plate 6 or the electrode assembly due to operation of the vertical drive unit 1 during processing.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the electrode assembly manufacturing plate further includes an auxiliary support unit that supports at least a portion of an edge of the sub-plate. The auxiliary support unit is provided on the support plate and supports at least a portion of the edge of the sub-plate even when the position of the edge of the sub-plate fluctuates due to changes in the distance of the portion of the sub-plate to the support plate. The support area of ​​the auxiliary support unit that supports the sub-plate may be determined as needed, and in one example, may be smaller than the support area of ​​the sub-plate supported by the vertical drive unit. The auxiliary support unit and the edge of the sub-plate may be fixed to each other. This fixation may be achieved by a gripping member, an adhesive member, or an adhesive member.

[0042] 1, the auxiliary support units are horizontal drive units 2 and 3 that are arranged to move horizontally relative to one surface of the support plate. When the vertical drive unit 1 pushes the sub-plate 6 to make it non-flat, the edge of the sub-plate 6 moves toward the vertical drive unit 1. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1(b), before the vertical drive unit 1 and the horizontal drive units 2 and 3 are driven, the height of the upper surfaces of the vertical drive unit 1 and the horizontal drive units 2 and 3 is the same, so the sub-plate 6 supported by them maintains a flat state.

[0043] When the vertical driving unit 1 moves vertically, the heights of the portions supported by the vertical driving unit 1 and the horizontal driving units 2 and 3 change, causing the sub-plate 6 to become uneven. This uneven state facilitates separation of the electrode assembly positioned on the sub-plate 6. At this time, the edge of the sub-plate 6 moves toward the vertical driving unit 1, and the horizontal driving units 2 and 3 also move horizontally toward the vertical driving unit 1. In this way, the horizontal movement of the auxiliary support unit can prevent damage or stretching of the sub-plate supported by the auxiliary support unit and unintended displacement of the electrode assembly mounted on the sub-plate.

[0044] According to an example, the horizontal drive units 2 and 3 may be connected to the support plate 5 by a rail structure and may be provided to move horizontally. The horizontal drive units may be implemented by a motor, a cylinder, an elastic member, or the like.

[0045] According to one example, the auxiliary support unit may include an elastic member whose length or shape can be reversibly changed for horizontal movement. Even if the position of the edge of the sub-plate 6 fixed to the auxiliary support unit changes, the edge of the sub-plate 6 can be supported when the auxiliary support unit is extended in length or tilted or bent in shape.

[0046] According to Fig. 2, the elastic member is a spring member. Fig. 2(a) is a top view of the plate 7, and Fig. 2(b) is a side view of the plate 7. Even if the sub-plate becomes non-flat and the edge moves, as shown on the right side of Fig. 2, the spring member can extend or tilt to horizontally drive and support the edge of the sub-plate 6.

[0047] 3 illustrates a structure in which the elastic members 2a and 3a are arranged so that the distance therebetween can be adjusted in the horizontal direction. When the sub-plate 6 is pushed out from the support plate 5, the elastic members 2a' and 3a' extend in length as shown in the lower part of FIG. 3, so that the edge of the sub-plate 6 can still be supported.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 3, in addition to the elastic members 2a and 3a, the auxiliary support unit may further include grippers 2b and 3b for fixing the edges of the sub-plate 6 and guide members 2e and 3e for guiding the horizontal position of the grippers 2b and 3b in accordance with changes in the length of the elastic members 2a and 3a. The grippers 2b and 3b may serve as connectors between the edges of the sub-plate 6 and the elastic members 2a and 3a. The grippers 2b and 3b may include clamps for fixing the sub-plate in a fastening manner. The guide members 2e and 3e may include a rail structure for horizontal movement of the grippers 2b and 3b. If necessary, the auxiliary support unit may further include support members 2c and 3c for fixing the elastic members 2a and 3a and / or stoppers 2d and 3d for limiting the minimum length of the elastic members 2a and 3a. The support portions 2c and 3c may further play a role in adjusting the tension of the sub-plates in accordance with the change in length of the elastic members 2a and 3a by changing their positions.

[0049] The number of auxiliary support units can be selected depending on the shape and size of the auxiliary support unit and the shape and size of the subplate. For example, if the subplate is rectangular, four horizontal drive units 2 and 3 may be provided to support the four corners of the subplate, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. As another example, if the auxiliary support unit is bar-shaped and supports 50% or more, for example 90% or more of the length of the edge of the subplate, i.e., the length between two adjacent corners, two auxiliary support units may be provided (not shown), each supporting one pair of opposing edges of the subplate.

[0050] 4 and 5 illustrate the structure and operation principle of a plate for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to a second embodiment. Figures 4 and 5 also illustrate the structure of a sub-plate 6 that expands when air is injected into it. The distance control unit (not shown) is an air blowing unit that injects air into the sub-plate.

[0051] The air blowing unit may push a surface of the sub-plate opposite to a surface facing the support plate away from the support plate. The sub-plate may be in the form of an air tube having a hollow space for accommodating air therein, or may be made of a ductile material, specifically, silicone rubber, so as to be non-flat by the air blowing unit. As described above, the sub-plate may have an air injection opening for injecting air, and the air blowing unit may include an air supply unit connected to the air injection opening of the sub-plate to supply air.

[0052] According to one example, one surface of the sub-plate is fixed to the support plate, and when air is injected into the sub-plate, a portion of the other surface of the sub-plate expands so that the distance to the support plate differs from that of the other portion. The method of fixing the sub-plate to the support plate is not particularly limited, and a physical connection method such as bolting may be adopted.

[0053] For example, as shown in Fig. 4, the sub-plate may have a specific pattern of air flow paths, and two or more protrusions T spaced apart from each other and corresponding to the air flow paths may swell when air is injected into the sub-plate.Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 5, the sub-plate may have a structure in which a middle portion M spaced apart from any pair of opposing edge portions on the other surface of the sub-plate swells further from the support plate than other portions when air is injected into the sub-plate.

[0054] The height h of the protrusion T may be 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, and preferably 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm. Referring to Fig. 4, the height h of the protrusion T refers to the distance from the non-inflated portion of the sub-plate to the maximum vertically inflated portion of the sub-plate when the sub-plate is inflated by the air blow unit. As the height of the protrusion T increases, the contact between the sub-plate and the electrode assembly changes from surface contact to line contact, making it easier to separate the electrode assembly without damaging the sub-plate or the electrode assembly.

[0055] The height h of the protrusion T may be 3 to 15 times, preferably 5 to 12 times, the thickness of the sub-plate.

[0056] If the height of the protrusions falls within the above range, damage to the sub-plate or electrode assembly during processing can be prevented.

[0057] The shape of the protrusion is not limited, but if at least a portion of the protrusion is curved, specifically if at least a portion of the surface that contacts the electrode assembly is curved, it may be advantageous to prevent damage to the subplate or electrode assembly.

[0058] The shapes of the two or more protrusions T may be the same or different from each other, and preferably may be the same.

[0059] The distance q between the two or more protrusions can be designed to allow the electrode assembly to be easily separated from the sub-plate. For example, the distance q between the two or more protrusions may be 0.5 cm to 2.5 cm, and preferably 1 cm to 2 cm. Referring to FIG. 4, the distance q between the protrusions T refers to the distance between two protrusions, i.e., the distance between the end point of one protrusion and the start point of the next protrusion.

[0060] When the spacing range of the protrusions is satisfied, damage to the sub-plate or electrode assembly during processing can be prevented.

[0061] When the number of the protrusions is three or more, the intervals between the protrusions may be constant or different from each other, but preferably may be constant from each other.

[0062] When the sub-plate has a structure in which two or more protrusions T spaced apart from each other bulge, as in Figure 4, the time required to let air in and out of the flow path is shorter than when the sub-plate has a structure in which the middle part M of the sub-plate bulges so as to be further away from the support plate than the other parts, as in Figure 5, and the process time can be shortened.

[0063] Furthermore, when the structure of FIG. 4 having two or more protrusions is used, the electrode assembly can be stably supported via the multiple protrusions while air is flowing in and out. This prevents the electrode assembly from sticking together compared to when the electrode assembly is supported by a single protrusion, and prevents the electrode assembly from shifting in direction. This has the advantage of preventing the electrode assembly from shifting in position when using a device that transfers the electrode assembly only along a predetermined route.

[0064] If necessary, a second sub-plate may be further provided on the side of the sub-plate opposite to the side facing the support plate. The second sub-plate may be a polymer sheet.

[0065] The air supply unit is not particularly limited as long as it can supply air, and it is preferable that the amount of air or the air pressure can be adjusted as needed. The distance from the support plate to a part of the surface of the sub-plate opposite to the surface facing the support plate can be adjusted by the amount of air or the air pressure blown by the air blow unit.

[0066] <Electrode assembly manufacturing equipment> The above-described electrode assembly manufacturing plate may be used in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus.

[0067] An apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an upper plate and a lower plate configured to pressurize an electrode assembly, and at least one of the upper plate and the lower plate includes a plate for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to any of the above-described embodiments.

[0068] An apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an upper plate and a lower plate configured to pressurize the electrode assembly, and at least one of the upper plate and the lower plate may be the plate for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to the above-described embodiment.

[0069] An electrode assembly is positioned between the upper plate and the lower plate, and a sub-plate included in the upper or lower plate is positioned to face the electrode assembly.

[0070] The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus may include a heater configured to heat the electrode assembly before or during pressure application, and at least one of the upper plate and the lower plate may include a heater configured to heat the electrode assembly before or during pressure application.

[0071] The electrode assembly is pressed using the upper plate and the lower plate, and then the electrode assembly is pressed and heated as necessary, and then the distance control unit is driven to separate the electrode assembly.

[0072] The upper plate alone, the lower plate alone, or both the upper plate and the lower plate may be plates for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to the above-described embodiment. During the electrode assembly manufacturing process, which includes a pressure and / or heat process, the electrode assembly may stick to the upper plate and / or the lower plate. However, by using the plates according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, the sticking phenomenon of the electrode assembly can be effectively prevented. This can improve process efficiency and provide a superior electrode assembly.

[0073] FIG. 6 shows a manufacturing apparatus 20 including an upper plate 21 and a lower plate 22, which are plates for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to the above-described embodiment of the present invention. As the upper plate 21 moves toward the lower plate 22, pressure is applied to the electrode assembly 10 placed on the lower plate. At this time, the electrode assembly 10 may be heated by a heater (not shown). The heater may heat the electrode assembly 10 by increasing the temperature of the upper plate 21 and / or the lower plate 22 or by increasing the temperature of the process atmosphere. Then, as the upper plate 21 moves away from the lower plate 22, the vertical drive unit 1, which is a distance control unit, moves in a direction that pushes the sub-plate 6 away from the support plate, causing the sub-plate 6 to push the electrode assembly 10. At this time, the horizontal drive units 2 and 3 move toward the vertical drive unit 1 in accordance with the movement of the vertical drive unit 1, thereby supporting the edge of the sub-plate 6 without damaging it, despite any fluctuations in the position of the edge of the sub-plate 6. This effectively prevents the electrode assembly from sticking to the upper and / or lower plates.

[0074] While Fig. 6 illustrates an apparatus in which both the upper and lower plates are plates for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus in which only one of the upper and lower plates is a plate for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention can also be operated in the same manner. Fig. 6 illustrates a manufacturing apparatus using the plate exemplified in Fig. 1, but plates such as those shown in Figs. 2 to 5 can also be applied to the manufacturing apparatus in the same manner.

[0075] When both the upper plate and the lower plate are plates for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, their structures may be the same or different. For example, the number of vertical drive units 1 provided on the upper plate and the lower plate may be the same or different. For example, the upper plate may have one vertical drive unit 1 and the lower plate may have two vertical drive units 1, or vice versa.

[0076] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus includes a stack table on which an electrode assembly is placed; a first electrode supply unit that supplies the first electrode to the stack table; a second electrode supply unit that supplies the second electrode to the stack table; and a separation membrane supply unit that supplies the separation membrane to the stack table, wherein the stack table includes a plate for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to the above embodiment.

[0077] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus includes a stack table on which an electrode assembly is placed; a first electrode supply unit that supplies the first electrode to the stack table; a second electrode supply unit that supplies the second electrode to the stack table; and a separation membrane supply unit that supplies the separation membrane to the stack table, wherein the stack table is a plate for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to the above embodiment.

[0078] The electrode assembly is manufactured by stacking a first electrode, a separator, and a second electrode on a sub-plate of the electrode assembly manufacturing plate. After the stacking process of the electrode assembly on the stack table is completed, the distance control unit is driven to control separation of the electrode assembly.

[0079] The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus may include a heater that heats the electrode assembly during or after the stacking process of the electrode assemblies, and the stack table may include a heater that heats the electrode assembly during or after the stacking process of the electrode assemblies.

[0080] FIG. 7 shows an apparatus 100 for manufacturing an electrode assembly, which includes a stack table 110, a first electrode supply unit 150, a second electrode supply unit 160, and a separation membrane supply unit 120.

[0081] The separation membrane supply unit 120 may include a separation membrane heating unit 121 and a separation membrane roll 122. The separation membrane heating unit 121 is optional.

[0082] The first electrode supply unit 150 transports the first electrode placed in the first electrode receiving unit 131 to the stack table and stacks the first electrode 11. The first electrode supply unit 150 may include a first suction head 151 that vacuum-sucks the first electrode 11 placed in the first electrode receiving unit 131 and a first moving unit 153 that moves the first electrode 11 to the stack table 110.

[0083] The second electrode supply unit 160 transports the second electrode placed in the second electrode receiving unit 141 to the stack table and stacks the second electrode 12. The second electrode supply unit 160 may include a second suction head 161 that vacuum-sucks the second electrode 12 placed in the second electrode receiving unit 141 and a second moving unit 163 that moves the second electrode 12 to the stack table 110.

[0084] 7, the first electrode supply unit 150 and the second electrode supply unit 160 may rotate in the direction of the arrow to supply the first electrode and the second electrode to the stack table 110. In particular, since the stack table is also in the form of a plate on which stacked objects can be placed, the stack table may also be a table including a separable sub-plate as in the present invention.

[0085] The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 may include a heater (not shown) for heating the first electrode 11 placed in the first electrode receiving portion 131 and / or the second electrode 12 placed in the second electrode receiving portion 141. The heater may heat the first and / or second electrodes by increasing the temperature of the first electrode receiving portion 131 and / or the second electrode receiving portion 141 or by increasing the temperature of the process atmosphere. When the plate for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to the present invention is used as a stack table, after the stacking process is completed, the electrode assembly can be easily separated from the stack table using the same principle as described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0086] An apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a configuration commonly used in the field, except that it includes a plate for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to the present invention as a stack table or an upper and / or lower plate.

[0087] The electrode assembly manufactured by the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a first electrode, a separator, and a second electrode, and may have a zigzag stacking structure.

[0088] In this specification, zigzag stacking refers to stacking first and second electrodes alternately between separators 14 folded in a zigzag pattern. Specifically, the separator is folded back and forth between the left and right sides of the stacking axis, and stacked in a zigzag pattern. The first and second electrodes are stacked alternately with the separators sandwiched between them. Here, the stacking axis refers to an imaginary axis that is parallel to the direction in which the first electrodes, separators, and second electrodes are stacked and passes through the center of the stack of electrodes and separators.

[0089] The fact that the first electrodes and the second electrodes are alternately arranged between the separation membranes means that the separation membranes are stacked in a zigzag pattern in the direction of the stacking axis, and one first electrode and one second electrode are stacked alternately in the space (between the separation membranes) created by the overlapping separation membranes.

[0090] The zigzag-stacked electrode assembly 10 shown in Figure 8 is a chargeable and dischargeable power generating element, and has a structure in which a first electrode 11, a separator 14, and a second electrode 12 are alternately stacked and assembled. Here, the electrode assembly 10 is formed such that the separator 14 is folded in a zigzag shape, and the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 are alternately arranged between the folded separator 14. The first electrode is a positive electrode and the second electrode is a negative electrode, or the first electrode is a negative electrode and the second electrode is a positive electrode.

[0091] The negative electrode is fabricated by coating and drying a negative electrode slurry containing a negative electrode active material on at least one surface of a negative electrode current collector. The negative electrode slurry may further include additional components, such as a conductive material, a binder, and a solvent, as needed. The positive electrode is fabricated by coating and drying a positive electrode slurry containing a positive electrode active material on at least one surface of a positive electrode current collector. The positive electrode slurry may further include additional components, such as a conductive material, a binder, and a solvent, as needed. The separator includes a porous polymer substrate and an organic / inorganic composite porous coating layer formed on at least one side of the polymer substrate. The organic / inorganic composite porous coating layer may include a particulate binder resin and inorganic particles. The types of the negative electrode active material, positive electrode active material, additional components, and separator, as well as the methods for manufacturing the positive and negative electrodes, may be any known in the art within the scope of the above description.

[0092] <Method for manufacturing electrode assembly> One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly including a first electrode, a separator, and a second electrode using the plate for manufacturing an electrode assembly of the present invention.

[0093] A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention is a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly including a first electrode, a separator, and a second electrode, and includes the steps of: placing a stack including the first electrode, the separator, and the second electrode between an upper plate and a lower plate; moving at least one of the upper plate and the lower plate to pressurize the stack to form an electrode assembly; and separating the electrode assembly from the upper plate and the lower plate, wherein at least one of the upper plate and the lower plate includes a plate for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to the embodiment.

[0094] A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention is a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly including a first electrode, a separator, and a second electrode, and includes the steps of: placing a stack including the first electrode, the separator, and the second electrode between an upper plate and a lower plate; moving at least one of the upper plate and the lower plate to pressurize the stack to form an electrode assembly; and separating the electrode assembly from the upper plate and the lower plate, wherein at least one of the upper plate and the lower plate may be a plate for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to the embodiment.

[0095] A stack including a first electrode, a separator, and a second electrode is positioned between the upper plate and the lower plate, and a sub-plate included in the upper or lower plate is arranged to face the stack, and then the upper plate moves toward the lower plate and presses the arranged stack to form an electrode assembly.

[0096] The step of pressing the laminate may involve pressing the electrode assembly at a temperature of 50°C to 90°C and a pressure of 0.5 MPa to 6.0 MPa for 5 to 60 seconds. More preferably, the laminate may be heated and pressed at a temperature of 65°C to 90°C and a pressure of 1.0 MPa to 6.0 MPa for 5 to 30 seconds. Even more preferably, the laminate may be heated and pressed at a temperature of 65°C to 85°C and a pressure of 3 MPa to 5.5 MPa for 7 to 25 seconds.

[0097] When heating and pressurizing are performed while satisfying the above conditions, the adhesive strength between the first electrode and the separator and between the separator and the second electrode can be improved without damaging the first electrode, the separator, and the second electrode, thereby improving the performance of the electrode assembly manufactured by pressing the laminate.

[0098] In one embodiment of the present invention, the step of moving at least one of the upper plate and the lower plate to pressurize the laminate to form an electrode assembly may further include a step of heating at least one of the upper plate and the lower plate using a heater (not shown) provided to heat the electrode assembly before or during pressing of the electrode assembly.

[0099] The heater may be included in at least one of the upper and lower plates, or may be provided as a separate component.

[0100] After the pressure application is completed, the electrode assembly is separated from the upper and lower plates while still in contact with the upper and lower plates.

[0101] At this time, by using the above-described plate for manufacturing the electrode assembly as at least one of the upper plate and the lower plate, it is possible to effectively prevent the electrode assembly from sticking to the upper and / or lower plate.

[0102] In one embodiment of the present invention, the step of separating the electrode assembly from the upper plate and the lower plate may include driving the distance control unit to push a portion of a surface of the sub-plate opposite to a surface facing the support plate away from the support plate so that the distance to the support plate is different from that of other portions.

[0103] Specifically, when upper plate 21 moves in a direction away from lower plate 22, vertical drive unit 1, which is a distance control unit, moves in a direction pushing sub-plate 6 away from the support plate, causing sub-plate 6 to push out electrode assembly 10. At this time, horizontal drive units 2 and 3 move toward vertical drive unit 1 according to the extent to which vertical drive unit 1 moves, thereby enabling support of the edge of sub-plate 6 without damaging sub-plate 6 despite positional fluctuations of the edge of sub-plate 6.

[0104] A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention is a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly including a first electrode, a separator, and a second electrode, and includes the steps of stacking a laminate including the first electrode, the separator, and the second electrode on a stack table; heating and pressurizing the laminate to form an electrode assembly; and separating the electrode assembly from the stack table, wherein the stack table includes a plate for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to the embodiment.

[0105] A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention is a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly including a first electrode, a separator, and a second electrode, and includes the steps of stacking a laminate including the first electrode, the separator, and the second electrode on a stack table; heating and pressurizing the laminate to form an electrode assembly; and separating the electrode assembly from the stack table, wherein the stack table may be a plate for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to the embodiment.

[0106] In one embodiment of the present invention, the stacking step may include the steps of: supplying the first electrode to a stack table; supplying the second electrode to the stack table; and supplying the separation membrane to the stack table.

[0107] The step of forming the electrode assembly by heating and pressurizing the laminate may further include the step of using a lower plate on which the electrode assembly to be heated and pressurized is placed and to which heat can be applied, and an upper plate corresponding to the lower plate and to which heat can be applied. The lower plate and the upper plate may be a pair of pressure blocks.

[0108] The step of forming the electrode assembly by heating and pressurizing the laminate may include heating the laminate while pressing the laminate in the lamination axis direction, and the heating and pressurizing may be performed using a press heater, which will be described later.

[0109] In one embodiment of the present invention, the heating and pressurizing step may include the steps of: moving the laminate between a pair of pressurizing blocks including a press heater; moving the pair of pressurizing blocks relative to each other in the lamination axis direction to apply surface pressure to the laminate; and heating the laminate.

[0110] The pair of pressure blocks may be a lower plate and an upper plate facing the lower plate.

[0111] In one embodiment of the present invention, the step of forming an electrode assembly by heating and pressurizing the laminate may include the steps of moving the laminate between a pair of pressurizing blocks; moving the pair of pressurizing blocks in the lamination axis direction to apply surface pressure to the laminate; and heating the laminate by a separately provided press heater.

[0112] That is, the press heater may be included in the press block or may be provided in a separate configuration.

[0113] The method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include releasing the grip of the grippers before the heat pressing step.

[0114] That is, the step of releasing the grip of the gripper may include the steps of: stopping the gripper from applying pressure to the upper surface of the stack; and moving the gripper away from the stack.

[0115] In addition, in the step of forming an electrode assembly by heating and pressurizing the laminate, the step of moving the laminate between a pair of pressurizing blocks including a press heater may include a case where only the laminate itself is moved, or a case where the laminate is placed on a stack table and moved together with the stack table. In this case, the objects heated and pressurized by the pair of pressurizing blocks and the press heater may refer to the laminate and the stack table.

[0116] In one embodiment of the present invention, the step of heating and pressurizing the laminate to form an electrode assembly may involve heating and pressurizing the laminate at a temperature of 50°C to 90°C and a pressure of 0.5 MPa to 6.0 MPa for 5 to 60 seconds. More preferably, the laminate may be heated and pressurized at a temperature of 65°C to 90°C and a pressure of 1.0 MPa to 6.0 MPa for 5 to 30 seconds. Even more preferably, the laminate may be heated and pressurized at a temperature of 65°C to 85°C and a pressure of 3 MPa to 5.5 MPa for 7 to 25 seconds.

[0117] When the heating and pressure are applied while satisfying the above conditions, the adhesive strength between the first electrode and the separator, and between the separator and the second electrode can be improved without damaging the first electrode, the separator, and the second electrode, thereby improving the performance of the electrode assembly.

[0118] After the pressure application is completed, the electrode assembly is separated from the stack table while in contact with the stack table.

[0119] In this case, by using the electrode assembly manufacturing plate as the stack table, it is possible to effectively prevent the electrode assembly from sticking to the stack table.

[0120] In one embodiment of the present invention, the step of separating the electrode assembly from the stack table may include driving the distance control unit to push out a portion of the surface of the sub-plate opposite to the surface facing the support plate from the support plate so that the distance to the support plate is different from that of other portions.

[0121] When the electrode assembly manufacturing plate according to the present invention is used as a stack table, after the stacking process is completed, the electrode assembly can be easily separated from the stack table using the same principle as described above with reference to Figures 1 to 4.

[0122] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention as set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. Support plate; a subplate provided on one surface of the support plate; and a distance control unit provided on the support plate, the distance control unit pushing out a part of a surface of the sub-plate opposite to a surface facing the support plate from the support plate so that the distance to the support plate is different from that of other parts; A plate for manufacturing an electrode assembly, comprising:

2. 2. The plate for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 1, wherein the sub-plate is made of a ductile material, at least one surface of which is reversibly deformed from a flat state to a non-flat state by the distance control unit.

3. The plate for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the sub-plate is a polymer sheet.

4. 2. The electrode assembly manufacturing plate according to claim 1, wherein the distance control unit is a vertical drive unit that supports a portion of the sub-plate and moves in a direction perpendicular to one surface of the support plate.

5. 5. The electrode assembly manufacturing plate according to claim 4, wherein the vertical drive unit supports a middle portion of the sub-plate spaced apart from any pair of opposing edges thereof and is configured to support 50% or more of the width of the sub-plate.

6. 6. The plate for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 5, wherein the vertical drive unit has a bar shape configured to support a middle portion of the sub-plate spaced apart from any pair of opposing edges and to support 90% or more of a width of the sub-plate.

7. 6. The electrode assembly manufacturing plate according to claim 5, further comprising an auxiliary support unit provided on the support plate that supports at least a portion of the edge of the subplate when the position of the edge of the subplate changes as the distance of a portion of the subplate to the support plate changes.

8. 8. The plate for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 7, wherein the auxiliary support unit is a horizontal drive unit that is provided to move horizontally relative to one surface of the support plate.

9. 8. The plate for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 7, wherein the auxiliary support unit includes an elastic member whose length or shape is reversibly variable.

10. The plate for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 9 , wherein the elastic member is a spring member.

11. The electrode assembly manufacturing plate according to claim 7 , further comprising four auxiliary support units that support four corners of the sub-plate, respectively.

12. 2. The electrode assembly manufacturing plate according to claim 1, wherein the sub-plate has a structure that expands when air is injected into the interior thereof, and the distance control unit is an air blowing unit configured to inject air into the interior of the sub-plate.

13. 13. The plate for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 12, wherein the sub-plate has an air injection opening, and the air blowing unit includes an air supply part connected to the air injection opening of the sub-plate to supply air.

14. 13. The electrode assembly manufacturing plate of claim 12, wherein one surface of the subplate is fixed to the support plate, and when air is injected into the subplate, a portion of the other surface of the subplate expands so that the distance to the support plate is different from that of other portions.

15. 15. The electrode assembly manufacturing plate of claim 14, wherein the sub-plate has a structure in which, when air is injected into the interior, a middle portion of the other surface of the sub-plate, which is spaced from any pair of opposing edges, bulges out so as to be further away from the support plate than other portions, or a structure in which two or more protrusions spaced apart from each other on the other surface of the sub-plate bulge out.

16. The plate for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 12 , further comprising a second sub-plate provided on the opposite surface of the sub-plate facing the support plate.

17. an upper plate and a lower plate provided to pressurize an electrode assembly including a first electrode, a separator, and a second electrode; An apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly, wherein at least one of the upper plate and the lower plate comprises the electrode assembly manufacturing plate according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

18. 18. The apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 17, wherein at least one of the upper plate and the lower plate includes a heater configured to heat the electrode assembly before or during pressing of the electrode assembly.

19. a stack table on which an electrode assembly including a first electrode, a separation membrane, and a second electrode is placed; a first electrode supply unit that supplies the first electrode to the stack table; a second electrode supply unit that supplies the second electrode to the stack table; and a separation membrane supply unit that supplies the separation membrane to the stack table; Including, An apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly, wherein the stack table includes the electrode assembly manufacturing plate according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

20. 20. The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the stack table includes a heater that heats the electrode assembly during or after the stacking process of the electrode assembly.

21. A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly including a first electrode, a separator, and a second electrode, comprising: disposing a laminate including the first electrode, the separator, and the second electrode between an upper plate and a lower plate; at least one of the upper plate and the lower plate moves to compress the stack to form the electrode assembly; and separating the electrode assembly from the upper plate and the lower plate; Including, The method for manufacturing an electrode assembly, wherein at least one of the upper plate and the lower plate comprises the plate for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

22. 22. The method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 21, wherein the step of separating the electrode assembly from the upper plate and the lower plate includes driving the distance control unit to push out a portion of a surface of the sub-plate opposite to a surface facing the support plate from the support plate so that a distance to the support plate is different from that of other portions.

23. A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly including a first electrode, a separator, and a second electrode, comprising: stacking a stack including the first electrode, the separator, and the second electrode on a stack table; applying heat and pressure to the laminate to form the electrode assembly; and separating the electrode assembly from the stack table; Including, The method for manufacturing an electrode assembly, wherein the stack table includes the electrode assembly manufacturing plate according to any one of claims 1 to 16.

24. 24. The method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 23, wherein the step of separating the electrode assembly from the stack table includes driving the distance control unit to push out a portion of a surface of the sub-plate opposite to a surface facing the support plate from the support plate so that a distance to the support plate is different from that of other portions.

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