Electrode assembly and method for manufacturing the same

Abstract

An electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of electrodes stacked on top of each other, a plurality of separators interposed between the plurality of electrodes, and a plurality of electrode tabs connected to the plurality of electrodes and protruding outward from the plurality of separators. Each separator may include an edge portion that protrudes beyond the electrode in the direction of extension of the electrode tab and partially overlaps with the electrode tab with respect to the stacking direction of the plurality of electrodes. At least some of the plurality of separators may have their edges sealed to each other so that the plurality of electrode tabs come together.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0074359 filed on June 9, 2023 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0073995 filed on June 5, 2024, and all the contents disclosed in the documents of the Korean patent applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The present invention relates to an electrode assembly and a method for manufacturing the same.

Background Art

[0002] In order to solve the demand for new energy sources due to the depletion of oil resources and to suppress accelerating environmental pollution, research and development related to power production based on environmentally friendly energy sources are being conducted. In particular, research on rechargeable secondary batteries is actively underway, and research is being conducted from various viewpoints such as the materials, structure, process, and stability of secondary batteries.

[0003] During the manufacturing process of a secondary battery, there is a process of assembling the secondary battery, and there is a process of collecting electrode tabs in order to facilitate welding (or temporary welding) of the electrode tabs during the assembly process. In the process of collecting electrode tabs, tab guides can be used from both sides of the electrode tabs, and welding or temporary welding can be performed while the tab guides are collecting the electrode tabs.

[0004] According to the conventional technology, when electrode tabs are collected by tab guides, the electrode tabs may not be uniformly collected depending on the position or interval of the tab guides, or the electrodes, separators, or electrode tabs may be damaged. In addition, due to the influence of vibration during welding (or temporary welding), there may be a risk of disconnection or a problem may occur where the electrode tabs are torn.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide an electrode assembly and a method for manufacturing the same that can assemble multiple electrode tabs without using a tab guide during the manufacturing process. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of electrodes stacked on top of each other, a plurality of separators interposed between the plurality of electrodes, and a plurality of electrode tabs connected to the plurality of electrodes and protruding outward from the plurality of separators. Each separator may include an edge portion that protrudes beyond the electrode in the direction of extension of the electrode tab and partially overlaps with the electrode tab with respect to the stacking direction of the plurality of electrodes. At least some of the plurality of separators may have their edges sealed to each other so that the plurality of electrode tabs come together.

[0007] The edges of the plurality of separators can be bent toward the center of the electrode assembly in the stacking direction. The edge portion may include a center region that overlaps with the electrode tab with respect to the stacking direction of the plurality of electrodes, and side regions located on both sides of the center region. At least some of the side regions of the plurality of separators can be sealed to each other.

[0008] At least some of the center regions of the plurality of separators can be joined to the electrode tab. The plurality of separators may include an inner separator located between the plurality of electrodes, a first outermost separator positioned on the outermost side of one of the plurality of electrodes, and a second outermost separator positioned on the other outermost side of the plurality of electrodes. The edges of the first outermost separator and the second outermost separator may be sealed to each other or to the edges of the inner separator.

[0009] The edge portion of the first outermost separator and the edge portion of the second outermost separator can protrude more than the edge portion of the inner separator in the direction of extension of the electrode tab.

[0010] Multiple units may be provided for at least one of the first outermost separator and the second outermost separator. The plurality of electrode tabs can be welded to each other outside the edges of the plurality of separators.

[0011] A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention may include the steps of: preparing an electrode stack in which a plurality of electrodes and a plurality of separators are alternately stacked, each separator having an edge portion that protrudes beyond the electrode in the direction of extension of the electrode tab connected to the electrode and partially overlaps with the electrode tab with respect to the stacking direction of the electrode stack; and using a sealing tool to seal at least some of the edges of the plurality of separators from each other so that the plurality of electrode tabs come together.

[0012] During the sealing step, the sealing tool can apply pressure to the edges of the first outermost separator and the second outermost separator, which are located on the outermost sides of the plurality of separators. During the sealing step, the sealing tool can bring the multiple electrode tabs together.

[0013] The edge portion may include a center region that overlaps with the electrode tab with respect to the stacking direction of the plurality of electrodes, and side regions located on both sides of the center region. During the sealing step, the sealing tool can pressurize at least some of the side regions of the plurality of separators.

[0014] During the sealing step, the sealing tool can pressurize at least some of the center regions of the plurality of separators together with the side regions.

[0015] The method for manufacturing the electrode assembly may further include a step of welding together the plurality of electrode tabs gathered by the edge portions sealed to each other.

Advantages of the Invention

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electrode tabs can be uniformly gathered without using a tab guide. Thereby, it is possible to prevent damage to the electrodes, separators, and electrode tabs that may occur due to conventional tab guides.

[0017] Also, it is possible to prevent disconnection failures of the electrode tabs. In addition, it can include effects that can be easily predicted by those skilled in the art from the configuration according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing a secondary battery. [Figure 2] It is a side view showing a state before the edge portions of the plurality of separators according to an embodiment of the present invention are sealed to each other. [Figure 3] It is a side view showing a state where the edge portions of the plurality of separators shown in FIG. 2 are sealed to each other. [Figure 4] It is a cutaway perspective view showing a part of an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a plan view of an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a plan view showing a modified example of the electrode assembly shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] It is a side view showing a state where the plurality of electrode tabs shown in FIG. 2 are welded to each other. [Figure 8] It is a side view showing a state before the edge portions of the plurality of separators according to another embodiment of the present invention are sealed to each other. [Figure 9] It is a side view showing a state where the edge portions of the plurality of separators shown in FIG. 8 are sealed to each other. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can easily implement it. However, the present invention may be realized in various different forms and is not limited or restricted by the following embodiments.

[0020] To clearly explain the present invention, detailed descriptions of parts not related to the explanation or related known technologies that unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention are omitted. In this specification, when attaching reference numerals to the components of each drawing, the same or similar components throughout the specification shall be given the same or similar reference numerals.

[0021] Also, the terms and words used in this specification and the claims should not be construed as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings. In accordance with the principle that the inventors can appropriately define the concept of the terms in order to explain their invention in the best way, they should be construed in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical idea of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a secondary battery. The secondary battery 1 may include an electrode assembly 10, an exterior member 30 that houses the electrode assembly 10, and an electrode terminal 20 that is connected to the electrode assembly 10 and exposed outside the exterior member 30. The electrode terminal 20 can electrically connect an external load to the electrode assembly 10.

[0023] For example, the secondary battery 1 may be a pouch-type secondary battery, as shown in Figure 1. In this case, the outer casing material 30 may be a pouch manufactured by molding a laminate sheet. However, it is not limited to this, and the secondary battery 1 may consist of various types such as prismatic or cylindrical batteries.

[0024] Figure 2 is a side view showing the state before the edges of the multiple separators of an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention are sealed to each other, Figure 3 is a side view showing the state after the edges of the multiple separators shown in Figure 2 are sealed to each other, and Figure 4 is a cutaway perspective view showing a part of the electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] An electrode assembly 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of electrodes 100 stacked on top of each other. The plurality of electrodes 100 may include negative electrodes 110 and positive electrodes 120. The negative electrodes 110 and positive electrodes 120 may be stacked alternately with a separator 200 in between.

[0026] The electrode assembly 10 may include a plurality of separators 200 positioned between a plurality of electrodes 100. The separators 200 can be interposed alternately with the electrodes 100.

[0027] Multiple separators 200 may be members that are separated from each other before the edge portions 201, described later, are sealed to each other. However, the invention is not limited to this, and multiple separators 200 may be formed integrally. For example, a long separator sheet can be interposed between multiple electrodes 100 by Z-folding, in which case the portion of the separator sheet located between the multiple electrodes 100 can be defined as the multiple separators 200. Furthermore, the separator sheet can be folded from the side where the electrode tabs 300, described later, do not protrude.

[0028] The separator 200 may include polypropylene and / or polyethylene. The separator 200 may also include materials such as polymer composites, polyvinyl alcohol, polyester, and polyamide. The above description of the materials for the separator 200 is illustrative and not limited to those described above. The material of the separator 200 can be sealed by heating and pressurizing using the sealing tool 400 described later.

[0029] Each separator 200 may be larger than the electrode 100. More specifically, the ends of the separators 200 may protrude outward beyond the ends of the electrode 100.

[0030] The multiple separators 200 may include an inner separator 210 located between the multiple electrodes 100, a first outermost separator 211 positioned on one of the outermost electrodes 100, and a second outermost separator 212 positioned on the other outermost electrode 100.

[0031] At least one, preferably more than one, inner separator 220 can be provided. Multiple inner separators 220 can be alternately interposed with multiple electrodes 100.

[0032] The electrode assembly 10 may include a plurality of electrode tabs 300 connected to a plurality of electrodes 100 and protruding outward from a plurality of separators 200. The plurality of electrode tabs 300 may be electrically connected to the electrodes 100 and may extend in a unilateral or bilateral direction from the electrodes 100.

[0033] Each electrode tab 300 can protrude from the electrode 100. Each electrode tab 300 can protrude beyond the end of the separator 200. The multiple electrode tabs 300 may include positive electrode tabs connected to the positive electrode 120 and negative electrode tabs connected to the negative electrode 110. For example, the positive electrode tabs may protrude from one side of the electrode assembly 10, and the negative electrode tabs may protrude from the other side of the electrode assembly 10. As another example, the positive electrode tabs and negative electrode tabs may protrude parallel to each other from the same side of the electrode assembly 10.

[0034] Multiple positive electrode tabs can be welded together, and multiple negative electrode tabs can be welded together. The electrode tabs 300 in Figures 2 to 4 are negative electrode tabs, and those skilled in the art can understand the same for positive electrode tabs, which are not shown.

[0035] On the other hand, each separator 200 may include an edge portion 201 that protrudes beyond the electrode 100 in the direction of extension of the electrode tab 300. A portion of the edge portion 201 may partially overlap with the electrode tab 300 with respect to the stacking direction of the multiple electrodes 100 (perpendicular to Figure 2).

[0036] At least some of the multiple separators 200 can have their edges 201 sealed to each other. More specifically, the edges 201 of the first outermost separator 211 and the edges 201 of the second outermost separator 212 can be sealed to each other or to the edges 201 of the inner separator 210.

[0037] As a result, the sealed edges 201 of the multiple separators 200 allow the multiple electrode tabs 300 to come together. The multiple electrode tabs 300 can maintain their joined state even without the presence of another tab guide, and can be easily welded in subsequent welding processes without damage to the electrode tabs 300.

[0038] In this embodiment, the edges 201 of the multiple separators 200 can be sealed to each other so that the multiple electrode tabs 300 meet. More specifically, the edges 201 of the first outermost separator 211 and the edges 201 of the second outermost separator 212 can be sealed to the edges 201 of the inner separator 210.

[0039] The edges 201 of multiple separators 200 can be sealed by a sealing tool 400. The sealing tool 400 can heat and pressurize the edges 201 to seal them together.

[0040] The sealing tool 400 may include a first sealing tool 410 and a second sealing tool 420 that face each other in the stacking direction of the electrode assembly 10. The first sealing tool 410 and the second sealing tool 420 can move toward each other to pressurize the edges 201 of the multiple separators 200 and seal them together.

[0041] The first outermost separator 211 and the second outermost separator 212 can be bent so that they are closer to each other with respect to the stacking direction of the electrode assembly 10. For example, the second outermost separator 212 can be bent downwards, and the first outermost separator 211 can be bent upwards.

[0042] The sealed edges 201 of the multiple separators 200 can support the multiple electrode tabs 300 in an assembled state. More specifically, the edges 201 of the multiple separators 200, which are heated and pressurized and sealed by the sealing tool 400, can maintain the assembled state of the multiple electrode tabs 300.

[0043] When the edges 201 of multiple separators 200 are heated and pressurized to seal them, the edges 201 of the first outermost separator 211 and the edges 201 of the second outermost separator 212 can be joined to the edges 201 of the inner separator 210. In addition, the edges 201 of multiple inner separators 210 can be joined to each other.

[0044] In this case, the edges 201 of the first outermost separator 211, the edges 201 of the second outermost separator 212, and the edges 201 of the multiple inner separators 210 can be maintained in a bent state and joined to each other. Therefore, the edges 201 of the multiple separators 200 can be bent and sealed to each other, and the multiple electrode tabs 300 can be fixed together in an assembled state.

[0045] In other words, the first outermost separator 211 and the second outermost separator 212 can be provided to pressurize the multiple electrode tabs 300. Specifically, the first outermost separator 211 and the second outermost separator 212 are pulled by the inner separator 210, thereby pressurizing the multiple electrode tabs 300. As a result, the multiple electrode tabs 300 can be brought together along the stacking direction of the multiple electrodes 100 by the pressurization of the first outermost separator 211 and the second outermost separator 212.

[0046] The edges 201 of the multiple separators 200 can be bent toward the center of the electrode assembly 10 in the stacking direction. Therefore, the multiple electrode tabs 300 can also converge toward the center of the electrode assembly 10 in the stacking direction.

[0047] The first outermost separator 211 and the second outermost separator 212 can be sealed in a manner that covers multiple electrode tabs 300. For example, the first outermost separator 211 and the second outermost separator 212 can cover a portion of the electrode 100 side of the multiple electrode tabs 300.

[0048] Multiple first outermost separators 211 and second outermost separators 212 can be provided. More specifically, at least one of the first outermost separators 211 and second outermost separators 212 can be provided in a configuration in which multiple layers are stacked on top of each other. This can further increase the rigidity supporting the multiple electrode tabs 300.

[0049] Figure 5 is a plan view of an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 6 is a plan view showing a modified example of the electrode assembly shown in Figure 5. Each separator 200 edge portion 201 may include a center region 202 that overlaps with the electrode tab 300 in the stacking direction of the multiple electrodes 100, and side regions 203 located on both sides of the center region 202.

[0050] Referring to Figure 5, at least some of the side regions 203 of the multiple separators 200 can be sealed to one another. That is, the edges 201 of the multiple separators 200 that are sealed to one another can be joined to one another at the side regions 203. In this case, the sealing tool 400 can heat and pressurize the side region 203 of the first outermost separator 211 and the side region 203 of the second outermost separator 212.

[0051] Referring to Figure 6, at least some of the center regions 202 of the multiple separators 200 can be in close contact (or bonded) to the electrode tabs 300. This allows the multiple electrode tabs 300 to be brought together more effectively. In this case, the sealing tool 400 can heat and pressurize both the center region 202 and side region 203 of the first outermost separator 211 and the center region 202 and side region 203 of the second outermost separator 212.

[0052] In this way, since the edge portion 201 of the separator 200 covers the electrode tab 300, damage to the electrode tab 300 can be prevented. In addition, the sealed edges 201 of the separator 200 reduce the risk of short circuits occurring between multiple electrodes 100.

[0053] Figure 7 is a side view showing how the multiple electrode tabs shown in Figure 2 are welded together. After sealing the edges 201 of multiple separators 200 with a sealing tool 400, multiple electrode tabs 300 can be welded to each other. The multiple electrode tabs 300 can be welded to each other outside the edges 201 of the multiple separators 200.

[0054] Specifically, with the sealed edges 201 of the multiple separators 200 supporting the multiple electrode tabs 300 together, the multiple electrode tabs 300 can be welded (or tack-welded) using the welding device 500.

[0055] In this case, the state in which multiple electrode tabs 300 are clustered together can be maintained even without the presence of a sealing tool 400 or tab guide. This allows welding (or tack welding) to be performed with multiple electrode tabs 300 uniformly aligned even without the presence of tab guides, and prevents damage to the electrode 100, separator 200, and electrode tabs 300 caused by tab guides.

[0056] Conventionally, when welding (or tack welding) using the welding device 500, the tab guide would gather multiple electrode tabs 300 together. In this case, the tab guide could be affected by the progression of ultrasonic welding, which could cause the electrode tabs 300 to tear or become damaged, leading to wire breakage failures.

[0057] In contrast, according to the present invention, the state in which multiple electrode tabs 300 are clustered together can be maintained even without support from the tab guide, thus preventing such defects from occurring.

[0058] Figure 8 is a side view showing the state before the edges of the multiple separators of an electrode assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention are sealed to each other, and Figure 9 is a side view showing the state after the edges of the multiple separators shown in Figure 8 are sealed to each other.

[0059] The following explanation will omit any content that overlaps with what was mentioned above and will focus on the differences. The edge portion 201 of the first outermost separator 211 and the edge portion 201 of the second outermost separator 212 can protrude more than the edge portion 201 of the inner separator 210 in the direction of extension of the electrode tab 300.

[0060] In this case, when sealing using the sealing tool 400, the edges 201 of the first outermost separator 211 and the edges 201 of the second outermost separator 212 can more stably pressurize the multiple electrode tabs 300.

[0061] In other words, the area over which the edges 201 of the first and second outermost separators 211 and 212 cover the multiple electrode tabs 300 can be increased. Because the edges 201 of the first and second outermost separators 211 and 212 pressurize the multiple electrode tabs 300 over a wide area, the multiple electrode tabs 300 can be brought together more effectively.

[0062] Similar to the previous embodiment, the edges 201 of the first and second outermost separators 211 and 212 can be joined to the edges 201 of the inner separator 210 by heating and pressurizing with the sealing tool 400. In this case, the edges 201 of the first and second outermost separators 211 and 212 can be pulled by the edges 201 of the inner separator 210.

[0063] However, if the edges 201 of the first and second outermost separators 211 and 212 are sufficiently long, the edges 201 of the first outermost separator 211 and the edges 201 of the second outermost separator 212 may be joined and sealed together. More specifically, the side regions 203 of the first and second outermost separators 211 and 212 may be joined and sealed together. This allows the multiple electrode tabs 300 to be stably and effectively supported so that they gather together.

[0064] Figure 10 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to the present invention and other embodiments. The following describes a method for manufacturing the electrode assembly 10 according to the above-described embodiment, as another embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the "manufacturing method") may include the steps of preparing an electrode stack 10 (S100) and sealing at least some of the edge portions 201 of a plurality of separators 200 from one another (S200) (hereinafter referred to as the "sealing step").

[0066] The electrode stack 10 may refer to an electrode assembly 10 in which the edges 201 of multiple separators 200 are not sealed to each other (see Figure 2). For convenience, the electrode stack and the electrode assembly are shown with the same drawing reference numeral "10".

[0067] In other words, the electrode stack 10 may include a plurality of electrodes 100 and a plurality of separators 200 stacked alternately on each other, and a plurality of electrode tabs 300 connected to the plurality of electrodes 100. Furthermore, each separator 200 may include an edge portion 201 that protrudes beyond the electrode 100 in the direction of extension of the electrode tab 300, and a portion of the edge portion 201 may overlap with the electrode tab 300 with respect to the stacking direction of the electrode stack 10.

[0068] During the sealing step (S200), the sealing tool 400 can seal at least some of the edges 201 of the multiple separators 200 together so that the multiple electrode tabs 300 come together. The sealing tool 400 can seal at least some of the edges 201 of the multiple separators 200 by heating and pressurizing them.

[0069] More specifically, the sealing tool 400 can apply pressure to the edges 201 of the first outermost separator 211 and the second outermost separator 212 in a direction that brings them closer together. In this process, the sealing tool 400 can bring together multiple electrode tabs 300.

[0070] As an example, during the sealing step (S200), the edges 201 of the first and second outermost separators 211 and 212 are heated and pressurized via the sealing tool 400 to seal them, thereby allowing multiple electrode tabs 300 to be brought together by the sealing tool 400. In this case, the sealing tool 400 can pressurize at least some of the center regions 202 of the multiple separators 200 together with the side regions 203.

[0071] As another example, during the sealing step (S200), the edges 201 of the first and second outermost separators 211 and 212 are heated and pressurized via the sealing tool 400 to seal them, thereby allowing multiple electrode tabs 300 to converge at the edges 201 of the first and second outermost separators 211 and 212. In this case, the sealing tool 400 can pressurize at least some of the side regions 203 of the multiple separators 200.

[0072] The manufacturing method may further include a step (S300) of welding a plurality of electrode tabs 300 to each other (hereinafter referred to as the "welding step"). The welding step (S300) can be performed after the sealing step (S200). That is, the welding step (S300) can be performed with multiple electrode tabs 300 joined together by sealed edges 201. More specifically, the welding apparatus 500 can weld multiple electrode tabs 300 joined together by sealed edges 201 to each other. This has the advantage of allowing the welding step (S300) to be carried out smoothly without the need for a tab guide.

[0073] On the other hand, although not shown in Figure 10, the manufacturing method may further include the steps of cutting off portions of the plurality of electrode tabs 300 and / or welding the plurality of electrode tabs 300 to the electrode leads.

[0074] The above description is merely illustrative of the technical concept of the present invention, and any person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs can make various modifications and alterations without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention.

[0075] Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in this invention are for illustrative purposes only and not to limit the technical concept of the invention, and the scope of the technical concept of the invention is not limited by such embodiments.

[0076] The scope of protection of this invention must be interpreted in accordance with the claims described below, and all technical concepts within an equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included within the scope of rights of this invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0077] 10: Electrode assembly 100: Electrode 110: Negative electrode 120: Positive electrode 200: Separator 201: (Separator) edge 202: Center area 203: Side area 210: Inner separator 211: First outermost separator 212: Second outermost separator 300: Electrode Tab 400: Seal Tool 410: First sealing tool 420: Second sealing tool 500: Welding equipment

Claims

1. Multiple electrodes stacked on top of each other, Multiple separators interposed between the multiple electrodes, Multiple electrode tabs connected to the aforementioned multiple electrodes and protruding outward from the aforementioned multiple separators, Includes, Each separator includes an edge portion that protrudes beyond the electrode in the direction of extension of the electrode tab and partially overlaps with the electrode tab in the stacking direction of the plurality of electrodes. An electrode assembly in which at least some of the plurality of separators are sealed to each other so that the plurality of electrode tabs come together.

2. The electrode assembly according to claim 1, wherein the edges of the plurality of separators are bent toward the center of the electrode assembly with respect to the stacking direction.

3. The aforementioned edge portion is A center region that overlaps with the electrode tab with respect to the stacking direction of the plurality of electrodes, The center region includes side regions located on both sides of the aforementioned center region, The electrode assembly according to claim 1, wherein at least some of the side regions of the plurality of separators are sealed to one another.

4. The electrode assembly according to claim 3, wherein at least some of the center regions of the plurality of separators are in close contact with the electrode tab.

5. The aforementioned plurality of separators are, An inner separator located between the plurality of electrodes, A first outermost separator is positioned on the outermost side of the plurality of electrodes, The plurality of electrodes also include a second outermost separator positioned on the outermost side, The electrode assembly according to claim 1, wherein the edge portion of the first outermost separator and the edge portion of the second outermost separator are sealed to each other or to the edge portion of the inner separator.

6. The electrode assembly according to claim 5, wherein the edge portion of the first outermost separator and the edge portion of the second outermost separator protrude more than the edge portion of the inner separator in the direction of extension of the electrode tab.

7. The electrode assembly according to claim 5, wherein at least one of the first outermost separator and the second outermost separator is provided in multiple quantities.

8. The electrode assembly according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of electrode tabs are welded to each other outside the edge portions of the plurality of separators.

9. The process involves preparing an electrode stack in which multiple electrodes and multiple separators are alternately stacked, and each separator protrudes beyond the electrode in the direction of extension of the electrode tab connected to the electrode, and includes an edge portion that partially overlaps with the electrode tab with respect to the stacking direction of the electrode stack, The steps include: sealing the edges of at least some of the separators with a sealing tool so that the multiple electrode tabs come together; A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly, including the following:

10. The method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 9, wherein during the sealing step, the sealing tool applies pressure to the edges of the first outermost separator and the second outermost separator, which are located on the outermost sides of the plurality of separators, in a direction that brings them closer together.

11. The method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 9, wherein during the sealing step, the plurality of electrode tabs are brought together by the sealing tool.

12. The aforementioned edge portion is A center region that overlaps with the electrode tab with respect to the stacking direction of the plurality of electrodes, The center region includes side regions located on both sides of the aforementioned center region, The method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 9, wherein during the sealing step, the sealing tool pressurizes at least some of the side regions of the plurality of separators.

13. The method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 12, wherein during the sealing step, the sealing tool pressurizes at least some of the center regions of the plurality of separators together with the side regions.

14. A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 9, further comprising the step of welding the plurality of electrode tabs, which are brought together by the edges that are sealed to each other, to each other.

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