Electrode assembly and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract

The present application relates to an electrode assembly and a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0185877, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on December 23, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to an electrode assembly and a method for manufacturing the electrode assembly. [Background technology]

[0003] Secondary batteries, unlike primary batteries, are rechargeable and have the potential to be small and have large capacities. As technological development and demand for mobile devices increases, 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 attached to the inside of the battery case in 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] In a stack-and-fold type electrode assembly, the separator is folded in a zigzag pattern with the electrodes positioned between them. This means that the adhesive strength between the electrode and separator is weak in the initial stage, causing the separator to be pushed inward, exposing the electrode and increasing the risk of a short circuit, a problem known as a pull-back phenomenon. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2013-0132230 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an electrode assembly and a method for manufacturing the electrode assembly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly in which first electrodes and second electrodes are alternately arranged between folded separators, the method including: supplying the first electrodes to a stack table; supplying the second electrodes to the stack table; supplying the separator to the stack table; stacking the separator on the stack table; after the separator is first stacked on the stack table, winding the first electrode that is first stacked on the stack table around the separator at least once; and after winding the first electrodes around the separator at least once, stacking the second electrodes so that the first electrodes and second electrodes are alternately arranged between the folded separators, and stacking the first electrodes, separators, and second electrodes on the stack table to manufacture a stack.

[0010] Another embodiment of the present invention provides an electrode assembly manufactured by the above manufacturing method, in which the first electrodes and the second electrodes are alternately arranged between the folded separators, and all surfaces of the bottom electrode of the assembly are enclosed by the separator. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The electrode assembly and manufacturing method thereof according to the embodiment of the present application can mitigate the problem of pull-back, which occurs during the manufacturing process of an electrode assembly, which is manufactured by stacking electrodes and a separator, whereby the separator is pushed inward, exposing the electrodes and increasing the risk of short circuits.

[0012] That is, the electrode assembly and the manufacturing method thereof according to the embodiments of the present application can improve the stability of the battery.

[0013] The method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present application can manufacture an electrode assembly with uniform performance, align and fix the electrodes and separator so that they do not shift, improve energy density, and prevent the electrodes from protruding from the electrode assembly and thus protruding onto the exterior of the battery. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1A to 1C are diagrams illustrating a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a plan view illustrating an example of an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly that can implement a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a front view showing the concept of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus capable of carrying out a manufacturing method of an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of an electrode assembly manufactured by a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a perspective view showing a press unit in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus capable of carrying out a manufacturing method of an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 8]1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a state in which a press unit presses a laminate in an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly that can implement a manufacturing method of an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 9] 1(a) is a perspective view showing a first press section 50 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1(b) is a perspective view showing a second press section 60 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 1 is a perspective view showing a stack table in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus capable of carrying out a manufacturing method of an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 11] 1 is a perspective view illustrating a separator supply unit of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus capable of carrying out a manufacturing method of an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 12] 1 is a perspective view showing a first electrode mounting table in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus capable of carrying out a manufacturing method of an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 1 is a perspective view showing a second electrode mounting table in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus capable of carrying out a manufacturing method of an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 1 is a perspective view showing a first suction head of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus capable of carrying out a manufacturing method of an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 1 is a bottom view showing a first suction head of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus capable of carrying out a manufacturing method of an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] 1 is a plan view showing a holding mechanism and a stack table in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus capable of carrying out a manufacturing method of an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] 10 is a front view showing the concept of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus capable of carrying out an electrode assembly manufacturing method according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Explanation of symbols]

[0015] 10...electrode assembly 11...1st electrode 11a First electrode tab 12...Second electrode 12a Second electrode tab 14...Separation membrane 100, 200 Electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 110 Stack Table 111 Table body 112 Stack Table Heater 120...Separation membrane supply section 121 Separation membrane heating section 121a...torso 121b Separation membrane heater 122 Separation membrane roll 130...1st electrode supply section 131 First electrode placement table 132 First electrode heater 133 First electrode roll 134 First cutter 135 No. 1 conveyor belt 136 First electrode supply head 140...Second electrode supply section 141 Second electrode placement table 142 Second electrode heater 143 Second electrode roll 144 Second cutter 145 Second conveyor belt 146 Second electrode supply head 150 First electrode stack section 151 First suction head 151a...Vacuum inlet 151b...Bottom surface 152 First head heater 153 First moving part 160 Second electrode stack section 161 Second suction head 162 Second head heater 163 Second moving part 170 Holding mechanism 171 First holding mechanism 172 Second holding mechanism 180 ···Press Department 181 First pressure block 182 Second pressure block 183,184 Press heater 290 Vision Device 291 ···1st Camera 292 ···Second Camera R Rotating part S ···Laminate DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the configurations set forth herein.

[0017] In this specification, when a part is said to "comprise" a certain component, this does not mean that it may further include other components, unless specifically stated to the contrary, but rather that it does not exclude other components.

[0018] In this specification, "folding the electrode so that the separator wraps around all sides of the electrode" means that the separator is wound up one or more times so as to wrap the electrode while in contact with it.

[0019] In this specification, "heating" a specific object means heating the specific object, and "heating and pressurizing" the specific object means heating and pressurizing the specific object.

[0020] In describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of related publicly known techniques that may obscure the gist of the present invention will be omitted.

[0021] One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly in which first and second electrodes are alternately arranged between folded separators, the method including: supplying the first electrodes to a stack table; supplying the second electrodes to the stack table; supplying the separator to the stack table; stacking the separator on the stack table; after the separator is first stacked on the stack table, winding the first electrode, which is the first electrode stacked on the stack table, around the separator at least once; and, after winding the first electrodes around the separator at least once, stacking the second electrodes on the stack table to manufacture a stack, so that the first and second electrodes are alternately arranged between the folded separators.

[0022] That is, in the method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to the present invention, the separator is supplied to a stack table, and then the first electrode that is supplied to the stack table first is wound one or more times so that the separator envelops the first electrode.

[0023] In this specification, the stacking of the first electrode and the second electrode alternately arranged between the folded separator is referred to as zigzag folding.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present invention, the step of stacking the separation membrane first on the stack table and then winding the first electrode, which is to be stacked first on the stack table, around the separation membrane one or more times may include the steps of stacking the separation membrane on the stack table so that the separation membrane is the first to be stacked on the stack table; stacking the first electrode on the first-stacked separation membrane; and winding the first electrode, which is stacked on the first-stacked separation membrane, around the separation membrane one or more times. That is, the separation membrane may be stacked on the stack table before the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0025] In one embodiment of the present invention, the step of stacking the separation membrane first on the stack table and then winding the first electrode, which is to be stacked first on the stack table, around the separation membrane one or more times may include the steps of stacking the second electrode on the stack table so that the second electrode is the first electrode to be stacked on the stack table; stacking the separation membrane first on the stacked second electrode; stacking the first electrode on the first-stacked separation membrane; and winding the first electrode, which is stacked on the first-stacked separation membrane, around the separation membrane one or more times. That is, the second electrode may be stacked on the stack table before the separation membrane.

[0026] In this specification, the step of winding the first electrode around the separator one or more times may refer to folding the first electrode so that the separator encloses all sides of the first electrode. That is, in this specification, the step of winding the first electrode around the separator one or more times may be expressed as folding the electrode so that the separator encloses all sides of the electrode.

[0027] In other words, "folding the electrode so that the separator wraps around all surfaces of the electrode" means that the separator is wound up one or more times so as to wrap around the electrode while in contact with the surface of the electrode.

[0028] Here, "all surfaces of the electrode" refers to the upper and lower surfaces of the electrode and the surface of the electrode perpendicular to the separator supply direction. Here, the "lower surface" refers to the surface of the electrode facing the stack table, and the "upper surface" refers to the surface of the electrode opposite to the surface facing the stack table. Furthermore, the surface of the electrode perpendicular to the separator supply direction refers to the surface of the electrode that contacts the surface where the separator is folded as the stack undergoes typical zigzag folding along the stacking axis, and the surface opposite to the surface of the electrode that contacts the surface where the separator is folded.

[0029] That is, all surfaces of the electrode refer to surfaces of the separator that can come into contact with the electrode during stacking.

[0030] In the method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to the present application, the separator is fed onto a stack table, and then wound up one or more times so that the separator envelops all sides of the electrode that is fed first onto the stack table. This allows the separator to be positioned between the first and second electrodes in a zigzag folding process, thereby reducing problems such as separation of the electrode and separator and pull-back, a phenomenon in which the electrode or separator is pushed backward. This means that the electrodes and separator can be aligned and fixed without misalignment, improving energy density and preventing the electrodes from protruding from the electrode assembly and forming protruding shapes on the exterior of the battery.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the step of winding the first electrode one or more times may be winding the first electrode one time. When the number of windings is limited to one time, the process speed can be increased.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the present invention, after the step of winding the first electrode around the separator one or more times, stacking the second electrode while stacking the first electrode, the separator, and the second electrode on a stack table so that the first electrode and the second electrode are alternately arranged between the folded separators to manufacture a stack may further include the step of winding the first electrode, which is supplied last to the stack table, around the separator one or more times.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the step of manufacturing a stack by stacking the first electrode, the separator, and the second electrode on a stack table so that the first electrode and the second electrode are alternately arranged between the folded separator while stacking the second electrode after the step of winding the first electrode around the separator one or more times may further include the steps of winding the first electrode, which is supplied last to the stack table, around the separator one or more times; and stacking the second electrode on the separator that has been wound one or more times.

[0034] Generally, the outer portions of the first and last electrodes have the weakest adhesive strength with the separator, which is the main cause of separation between the electrode and the separator and a "pull-back" phenomenon, in which the electrode or separator is pushed backward during the process of manufacturing the electrode assembly. Therefore, the method of manufacturing an electrode assembly according to the present invention folds the separator so that it envelops all sides of not only the first electrode but also the last electrode, thereby more effectively reducing the separation between the electrode and the separator and the "pull-back" phenomenon, in which the electrode or separator is pushed backward during the process of manufacturing the electrode assembly, in which the separator is zigzag folded so that it is located between the first and second electrodes.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the steps of supplying the first electrode to a stack table; supplying the second electrode to a stack table; and supplying the separation membrane to a stack table may include supplying the first electrode, the second electrode, and the separation membrane to the stack table while heating them, respectively.

[0036] In one embodiment of the present application, the step of stacking the first electrodes, the separators, and the second electrodes on a stack table such that the first electrodes and the second electrodes are alternately arranged between the folded separators to manufacture a stack includes: (S1) stacking the separation membranes on the stack table; (S2) stacking a first electrode on the separator; (S3) providing the separator to cover the upper surface of the first electrode; (S4) stacking the second electrode on a surface of the separator covering the upper surface of the first electrode opposite to the surface that contacts the first electrode; and (S5) providing the separator to cover the upper surface of the second electrode; and repeating the steps (S1) to (S5) one or more times.

[0037] In one embodiment of the present application, the separation membrane may be supplied in the form of a separation membrane sheet. That is, the separation membrane may be supplied in a continuous form. In addition, the "upper surface" may refer to the surface of the separation membrane or electrode opposite to the surface facing the stack table.

[0038] In this case, the step (S3) of supplying the separation film to cover the upper surface of the first electrode and the step (S5) of supplying the separation film to cover the upper surface of the second electrode may be performed by one of a method of moving the stack table left and right, a method of moving the separation film left and right, and a method of rotating the stack table, respectively.

[0039] That is, in one embodiment of the present application, in order to stack the first electrodes, the separator, and the second electrodes so that the first electrodes and the second electrodes are alternately arranged between the folded separator, a method in which the stack table moves left and right, a method in which the separator moves left and right, or a method in which the stack table rotates may be used, and conventional techniques in the art may be applied to this. Preferably, a method in which the stack table rotates may be used. When the stack table rotates, it is advantageous in that it is easier to wind the first electrodes around the separator one or more times, thereby improving process efficiency.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the step of winding the film one or more times may be winding the film only once.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include a heat pressing step of applying heat and pressure to the laminate.

[0042] More specifically, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the heat pressing step of heating and pressing the laminate may include the steps of: heating the stack table body to heat the laminate; and moving a pair of pressure blocks in directions opposite to each other along the lamination axis to apply surface pressure to the laminate.

[0043] More specifically, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the heat pressing step of heating and pressing the laminate may include the steps of: moving a pair of pressure blocks including a press heater in directions opposite to each other along the lamination axis to apply surface pressure to the laminate; and heating the laminate with the press heater while applying surface pressure to the laminate.

[0044] In one embodiment of the present invention, the heat pressing step of heating and pressurizing the laminate may further include a step of transferring the laminate to be heated and pressurized. More specifically, the method may further include a step of gripping the laminate stacked on the stack table with a gripper; and a step of transferring the laminate gripped by the gripper to be heated and pressurized.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the step of heating the laminate in the heat pressing step may be performed at a temperature condition of 30°C or more and 100°C or less, preferably 35°C or more and 95°C or less, but is not limited thereto.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the step of pressing the laminate in the heat pressing step may be performed under a pressure condition of 1 MPa or more and 5 MPa or less, preferably 1.5 MPa or more and 5 MPa or less.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the step of heating and pressing the laminate in the heat pressing step may be performed for 5 seconds or more and 60 seconds or less, preferably 5 seconds or more and 30 seconds or less.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the heat pressing step of heating and pressing the laminate may involve heating and pressing the laminate under temperature conditions of 30°C or higher and 100°C or lower and a pressure of 1 MPa to 5 MPa for 5 to 60 seconds, preferably under temperature conditions of 35°C or higher and 95°C or lower and a pressure of 1.5 MPa to 5 MPa for 5 to 30 seconds, but is not limited thereto.

[0049] In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, the heat pressing step of heating and pressurizing the laminate may include a first heat pressing step of gripping the laminate with a gripper and heating and pressurizing the laminate; and a second heat pressing step of, after the first heat pressing step, stopping the gripping by the gripper and heating and pressurizing the laminate.

[0050] In one embodiment of the present application, the first heat pressing step may include a step of pressing the upper surface of the laminate using a gripper to fix the laminate; a step of moving the laminate fixed by the gripper between a pair of pressure blocks including a press heater; a step of moving the pair of pressure blocks in directions opposite to each other along the lamination axis of the laminate to apply surface pressure to the fixed laminate; and a step of heating the fixed laminate by the press heater.

[0051] In one embodiment of the present application, the second heat pressing step may include, after the first heat pressing step, a step of ceasing heating and pressing the laminate; a step of separating the grippers from the laminate; a step of moving the laminate separated by the grippers between a pair of pressure blocks including a press heater; a step of moving the pair of pressure blocks in opposite directions along the lamination axis of the laminate separated by the grippers to pressurize the laminate; and a step of heating the laminate by the press heater.

[0052] In one embodiment of the present application, the pressurizing block used in the first heat pressing step may have grooves corresponding to the grippers.

[0053] In one embodiment of the present application, the step of moving the gripper away from the stack may include the steps of: ceasing to apply pressure to the top surface of the stack using the gripper; and moving the gripper away from the stack.

[0054] In addition, in the heat pressing step (including the first and second heat pressing steps), the step of moving the laminate between a pair of pressure blocks including a press heater may include not only moving the laminate itself but also moving the laminate together with a stack table. In this case, the objects to be heated and pressed by the pair of pressure blocks and the press heater may refer to the laminate and the stack table.

[0055] In one embodiment of the present application, the temperature, pressure and time conditions of the first and second heat pressing steps may satisfy the ranges of temperature, pressure and time conditions of the heat pressing steps described above.

[0056] When the above temperature, pressure, and time conditions are met, damage to the unit electrodes constituting the electrode assembly can be minimized while ensuring an appropriate level of adhesion and air permeability between the electrodes and separator constituting the electrode assembly.

[0057] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first electrode may be a positive electrode and the second electrode may be a negative electrode.

[0058] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first electrode may be a negative electrode and the second electrode may be a positive electrode.

[0059] In one embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include a step of holding the first electrode or the second electrode stacked on the stack table using a holding mechanism and fixing the first electrode or the second electrode to the stack table.

[0060] In this specification, the term "holding mechanism" refers to a mechanism that grips the stacked material on the stack table in order to stack the first electrodes or the second electrodes during the process of manufacturing a stacked material in which the first electrodes, separation membranes, and second electrodes are stacked, with the first electrodes and the second electrodes alternately arranged between the separation membranes folded on the stack table, and its function is different from that of a gripper that grips the stacked material during the process of heating and pressurizing the stacked material.

[0061] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, it illustrates a case where a first electrode is the first electrode. Referring to FIGS. 1, 4, and 5, a separator 14 is supplied to a stack table 110 before a first electrode 11 or a second electrode 12, and the separator 14 is stacked on the stack table 110. A first first electrode 11 is supplied to the stack table, and the first first electrode 11 is stacked on the stacked separator 14. The separator 14 is wound one or more times to contact and enclose all surfaces of the first first electrode 11 (the upper and lower surfaces of the first electrode 11 and the surface of the first electrode 11 perpendicular to the supply direction of the separator 14), and the separator is folded to enclose all surfaces of the first electrode supplied to the stack table 110. Then, the first electrodes 11 and the second electrodes 12 are alternately stacked between the separators 14 folded onto a stack table 110 to manufacture an electrode assembly 10. As can be seen from FIG. 1, only the first electrode 11 has all surfaces in contact with the separator, while the other electrodes have one surface that does not contact the separator.

[0062] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an exemplary method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, the method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 2 illustrates a case in which a second electrode 12 is first stacked on a stacking table 110, and then a separator 14 is stacked thereon. That is, compared to FIG. 1, the method is the same as FIG. 1 except that the second electrode 12 and the separator 14 are first stacked on the stacking table 110, and the first electrode 11 supplied first is wound around the separator 14 at least once to enclose and contact all sides of the first electrode (the upper and lower sides of the first electrode 11 and the side of the first electrode 11 perpendicular to the supply direction of the separator 14). As a result, as can be seen from FIG. 2, the second electrode 12 is stacked at the bottom of the manufactured electrode assembly 10, and only the first electrode 11 stacked thereafter has all sides in contact with the separator, while the other electrodes have one side not in contact with the separator.

[0063] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 3, like FIG. 2, illustrates a case in which a second electrode 12 is first stacked on a stack table 110, and then a separator 14 is stacked thereon. However, compared to FIG. 2, FIG. 3 differs in that the separator 14 is wound around not only the first electrode 11 stacked first on the stack table 110 but also the last-stacked first electrode 11, wrapping the separator 14 around the last-stacked first electrode 11 while contacting all sides of the last-stacked first electrode 11 (the upper and lower surfaces of the first electrode 11 and the surface of the first electrode 11 perpendicular to the feeding direction of the separator 14). 3, the manufactured electrode assembly 10 has a first electrode 11 stacked at the bottom, and the manufactured electrode assembly 10 has a first electrode 11 stacked at the top, with the separator 14 and the first electrode 11 stacked on the top, with the entire surface of the first electrode 11 in contact with the separator, and one surface of the electrode not in contact with the separator. In addition, a second electrode 12 is stacked at the bottom and top of the electrode assembly 10, respectively.

[0064] Fig. 4 is a plan view illustrating an exemplary electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus capable of carrying out a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 5 is a front view illustrating the concept of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus capable of carrying out a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. For convenience, the separation membrane supply unit 120 shown in Fig. 5 is omitted in Fig. 4, the holding mechanism 170 shown in Fig. 4 is omitted in Fig. 5, and the pressing unit 180 located at the rear side in the plan view is indicated by a dotted line.

[0065] 1 to 6, an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a stack table 110, a separation membrane supply unit 120 that supplies a separation membrane 14, a first electrode supply unit 130 that supplies a first electrode 11, a second electrode supply unit 140 that supplies a second electrode 12, a first electrode stacking unit 150 that stacks the first electrode 11 on the stack table 110, a second electrode stacking unit 160 that stacks the second electrode 12 on the stack table 110, and a press unit 180 that bonds the first electrode 11, the separation membrane 14, and the second electrode 12. Furthermore, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a holding mechanism 170 that fixes the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 when they are stacked on the stack table 110.

[0066] At this time, as described above, the first electrode, the second electrode, and the separator can be supplied while being heated.

[0067] 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of an electrode assembly manufactured by a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, it illustrates the electrode assembly 10 manufactured by the method shown in FIG. 1. As described above, only the first electrode has all surfaces in contact with the separator, while the other electrodes have one surface that does not contact the separator.

[0068] Hereinafter, a method for implementing the electrode assembly manufacturing method according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail using, as an example, an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus shown in Figures 1 to 17. That is, Figures 1 to 17 relate to an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus that can implement the electrode assembly manufacturing method, and correspond to exemplary aspects, but are not limited thereto.

[0069] Specifically, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus may be an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly by stacking a first electrode, a separator, and a second electrode, and may include: a stack table on which the first electrode, the separator, and the second electrode are stacked so that the first electrode and the second electrode are alternately arranged between the folded separator; a separation membrane supply unit that supplies a separation membrane; a first electrode supply unit that supplies the first electrode; a second electrode supply unit that supplies the second electrode; a first electrode stacking unit that stacks the first electrode supplied from the first electrode supply unit on the stack table; a second electrode stacking unit that stacks the second electrode supplied from the second electrode supply unit on the stack table; and a press unit that heats and pressurizes the stacked first electrode, the separation membrane, and the second electrode to bond the first electrode, the separation membrane, and the second electrode together.

[0070] In this case, the separation membrane supply unit, the first electrode supply unit, and the second electrode supply unit may perform the function of supplying the separation membrane, the first electrode, and the second electrode while heating them, respectively.

[0071] 1 to 6, an apparatus 100 for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly 10 by stacking a first electrode 11, a separator 14, and a second electrode 12.

[0072] The electrode assembly 10 is a chargeable and dischargeable power generating element, and may be formed by alternately stacking and assembling a first electrode 11, a separator 14, and a second electrode 12. Here, the electrode assembly 10 may be formed, for example, by folding the separator 14 in a zigzag pattern, and the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 may be alternately arranged between the folded separator 14. In this case, the electrode assembly 10 may be provided in such a way that the outermost periphery is surrounded by the separator 14.

[0073] In addition, in the electrode assembly 10 according to the present invention, the entire surface of the first electrode 11 at the bottom of the electrode assembly 10 may be covered by the separator 14. Alternatively, the entire surface of the first electrode 11 at the top of the electrode assembly 10 may also be covered by the separator 14.

[0074] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a separator supply unit of an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] 5 and 11, the separation membrane supply unit 120 may heat the separation membrane 14 and supply the separation membrane 14 to the stack table 110. More specifically, the separation membrane supply unit 120 may include a separation membrane heating unit 121 having a passage through which the separation membrane 14 passes and heating the passing separation membrane 14.

[0076] The separator heating unit 121 may include a pair of bodies 121a and a separator heater 121b for heating the bodies 121a. The pair of bodies 121a may be spaced apart by a predetermined distance so that the separator 14 can pass through. Here, the separator 14 may pass through the separator heating unit 121 without contacting it, and thus the separator 14 may be heated in a non-contact manner. Meanwhile, the bodies 121a may be formed in the shape of a rectangular block, for example.

[0077] Meanwhile, the separation membrane supply unit 120 may further include a separation membrane roll 122 around which the separation membrane 14 is wound. Here, the separation membrane 14 wound around the separation membrane roll 122 is gradually unwound and passed through the separation membrane heating unit 121 to be supplied to the stack table 110.

[0078] That is, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the step of supplying the separation membrane to the stack table may include the separation membrane wound on a separation membrane roll passing through a passage formed for the separation membrane to pass through and being continuously supplied to the stack table.

[0079] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the press unit may further include a pair of pressure blocks and a press heater for heating the pressure blocks, and the pair of pressure blocks may move in directions opposite to each other to heat and pressurize the stacked laminate. That is, a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly may further include heating and pressing the stack using the press unit as described above.

[0080] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a press unit in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus capable of carrying out a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a perspective view exemplarily showing a state in which the press unit presses a laminate in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus capable of carrying out a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] 1 to 8, the press unit 180 is heated and pressurizes the stacked first electrode 11, separator 14, and second electrode 12 to bond the first electrode 11, separator 14, and second electrode 12 together.

[0082] The press section 180 also includes a pair of pressure blocks 181, 182, which can move in directions opposite to each other to apply surface pressure to the stack S of the stacked first electrode 11, separation membrane 14, and second electrode 12.

[0083] In this case, when the separator 14 is configured to surround the outer surface of the laminate S, the outer portion of the separator 14 located at the outermost periphery of the laminate S can also be bonded to the inner portions of the first electrode 11, the second electrode 12, and the separator 14 that face it. This more effectively prevents the first electrode 11, the second electrode 12, and the separator 14 from shifting positions and breaking the stacked configuration when the first electrode 11, the separator 14, and the second electrode 12 are stacked to form the electrode assembly 10.

[0084] In addition, the press unit 180 further includes press heaters 183 and 184 that heat the pair of pressure blocks 181 and 182, and the pair of pressure blocks 181 and 182 can heat and press the laminate S of the first electrode 11, the separator 14, and the second electrode 12. This allows for better thermal fusion between the first electrode 11, the separator 14, and the second electrode 12 when the laminate S is pressed against the press unit 180, resulting in stronger adhesion.

[0085] The pair of pressure blocks 181, 182 have flat pressure surfaces, and the horizontal and vertical lengths of the pressure surfaces can be longer than the horizontal and vertical lengths of the laminate S in which the first electrode 11, the separation membrane 14, and the second electrode 12 are stacked.

[0086] The pair of pressure blocks 181, 182 includes a first pressure block 181 and a second pressure block 182, and the first pressure block 181 and the second pressure block 182 may be provided as rectangular blocks in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0087] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the press unit may include a first press unit and a second press unit, wherein the first press unit is used in the first heat pressing step, and the second press unit is used in the second heat pressing step.

[0088] FIG. 9(a) is a perspective view showing a first press section 50 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9(b) is a perspective view showing a second press section 60 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] 9(a), the first press unit 50 can apply heat and pressure to the laminate S while it is fixed with the gripper 51. The first press unit 50 is composed of a pair of first press blocks 50a and 50b, and the pressurizing surfaces of the pair of first press blocks 50a and 50b are all flat except for a groove corresponding to the fixing portion 51b of the gripper 51.

[0090] The gripper 51 may include a body 51a that corresponds to the length x and height y of the stack S or is wider than the length x and height y of the stack S, and a plurality of fixing portions 51b that are provided on one surface of the body 51a and are columnar or plate-shaped along the width z direction of the stack S. Here, the length x of the stack S may refer to the longest part from one end to the other end of the stack S, the height y may refer to the distance in the stacking direction of the stack S, and the width z may refer to the distance across the top surface of the stack S.

[0091] The fixing unit 51b can be adjusted in position along the height direction of the body 51a, and the fixing unit 51b can contact the upper and lower surfaces of the laminate S to fix the laminate S. Thereafter, a pair of first pressure blocks 50a and 50b included in the first press unit 50 are moved in directions facing each other to apply surface pressure to at least one of the laminate S and the gripper 51, thereby bonding the electrodes and the separators included in the laminate S.

[0092] 9(b), the second press unit 60 may finally heat and press the laminate S that has been primarily heated and pressed by the first press unit 50. The second press unit 60 includes a pair of second press blocks 60a, 60b, which move in opposite directions to each other and apply surface pressure to the laminate S. In addition, the pair of second press blocks 60a, 60b included in the second press unit 60 may all have flat pressure surfaces that come into contact with and press the laminate S.

[0093] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly can be provided, wherein the step of supplying the first electrode to the stack table includes the steps of placing the first electrode on a first electrode placement table before the first electrode is stacked on the stack table; and vacuum-sucking and transferring the placed first electrode to the stack table; and the step of supplying the second electrode to the stack table includes the steps of placing the second electrode on a second electrode placement table before the second electrode is stacked on the stack table; and vacuum-sucking and transferring the placed second electrode to the stack table.

[0094] This may be such that, based on the manufacturing apparatus, the first electrode supply unit includes a first electrode placing table on which the first electrode is placed before being stacked on the stack table by the first electrode stack unit, and the second electrode supply unit includes a second electrode placing table on which the second electrode is placed before being stacked on the stack table by the second electrode stack unit.

[0095] In the manufacturing apparatus, the first electrode stacking unit may include a first suction head that vacuum-sucks the first electrode placed on the first electrode placing table, and the second electrode stacking unit may include a second suction head that vacuum-sucks the second electrode placed on the second electrode placing table. That is, the electrodes can be vacuum-sucked by the suction heads and transferred to the stack table.

[0096] According to one embodiment of the method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to the present invention, after the step of folding the first electrode so that the separator encloses all surfaces of the first electrode, the stack table may be rotated to one side to face the portion of the first electrode to be stacked when stacking the first electrode, and may be rotated to the other side to face the portion of the second electrode to be stacked when stacking the second electrode, so that zigzag folding is possible in a manner such that the separator is located between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0097] To describe the manufacturing method in more detail using the manufacturing apparatus as an example, the manufacturing apparatus may further include a rotation unit that rotates the stack table, wherein a first electrode stack unit is provided on one side of the rotation unit and a second electrode stack unit is provided on the other side of the rotation unit so that the separator can be zigzag folded in a manner such that it is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the rotation unit may alternately rotate the stack table to one side to face the first suction head of the first electrode stack unit when stacking the first electrode, and rotate the stack table to the other side to face the second suction head of the second electrode stack unit when stacking the second electrode.

[0098] Here, rotating so as to face the suction head means rotating so as to face the portion where the electrodes are stacked in the manufacturing method.

[0099] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a stack table of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus capable of carrying out the electrode assembly manufacturing method according to the present invention.

[0100] 1 to 6 and 10, the stack table 110 may stack the first electrodes 11, the separators 14, and the second electrodes 12 in a form in which the first electrodes 11 and the second electrodes 12 are alternately arranged between the folded separators 14.

[0101] The stack table 110 may also include a table body 111 on which the first electrode 11, the separator 14, and the second electrode 12 are stacked, and a stack table heater 112 that heats the table body 111 and thereby heats the stacked stack S.

[0102] The first electrode 11 may be a positive electrode and the second electrode 12 may be a negative electrode, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the first electrode 11 may be a negative electrode and the second electrode 12 may be a positive electrode.

[0103] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a first electrode mounting table in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus capable of carrying out the electrode assembly manufacturing method of the present invention.

[0104] 1 to 6 and 12, the first electrode supply unit 130 can heat the first electrodes 11 and supply them to the first electrode stack unit 150. As shown in FIG.

[0105] The first electrode supply unit 130 may also include a first electrode placing table 131 on which the first electrode 11 is placed before being stacked on the stack table 110 by the first electrode stack unit 150, and a first electrode heater 132 that heats the first electrode placing table 131 to heat the first electrode 11.

[0106] Meanwhile, the first electrode supply unit 130 may further include a first electrode roll 133 on which the first electrode 11 is wound in a sheet state, a first cutter 134 that cuts the sheet-like first electrode 11 wound around the first electrode roll 133 at regular intervals when it is unwound and supplied to form first electrodes 11 of a predetermined size, a first conveyor belt 135 that moves the first electrodes 11 cut by the first cutter 134, and a first electrode supply head 136 that vacuum-sucks the first electrodes 11 transported by the first conveyor belt 135 and places them on the first electrode placement table 131. Here, when cutting the sheet-like first electrode 11, the first cutter 134 may cut the first electrode 11 so that first electrode tabs 11a are formed protruding from the ends.

[0107] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a second electrode mounting table in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus capable of carrying out the electrode assembly manufacturing method of the present invention.

[0108] 1 to 6 and 13, the second electrode supply unit 140 can heat the second electrodes 12 and supply them to the second electrode stack unit 160. As shown in FIG.

[0109] The second electrode supply unit 140 may also include a second electrode placing table 141 on which the second electrode 12 is placed before being stacked on the stack table 110 by the second electrode stack unit 160, and a second electrode heater 142 that heats the second electrode placing table 141 to heat the second electrode 12.

[0110] Meanwhile, the second electrode supply unit 140 may further include a second electrode roll 143 on which the second electrode 12 is wound in a sheet state, a second cutter 144 that cuts the sheet-like second electrode 12 wound around the second electrode roll 143 at regular intervals as it is unwound and supplied to form second electrodes 12 of a predetermined size, a second conveyor belt 145 that moves the second electrodes 12 cut by the second cutter 144, and a second electrode supply head 146 that vacuum-sucks the second electrodes 12 transported by the second conveyor belt 145 and places them on the second electrode placement table 141. Here, when cutting the sheet-like second electrode 12, the second cutter 144 may cut the second electrode 12 so that second electrode tabs 12a are formed protruding from the ends.

[0111] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a first suction head in the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus, and FIG. 15 is a bottom view showing the first suction head in the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus.

[0112] 1 to 6, 14 and 15, the first electrode stacking unit 150 can stack the first electrodes 11 on the stack table 110. As shown in FIG.

[0113] The first electrode stack unit 150 may include a first suction head 151 , a first head heater 152 , and a first moving unit 153 .

[0114] The first suction head 151 can vacuum-suck the first electrode 11 placed on the first electrode placement table 131. At this time, the first suction head 151 has a vacuum suction port 151a formed on a bottom surface 151b thereof, and can suck in the first electrode 11 through the vacuum suction port 151a to fix the first electrode 11 to the bottom surface 151b of the first suction head 151. Here, the first suction head 151 may have a passage formed therein that connects the vacuum suction port 151a to a vacuum suction device (not shown).

[0115] The first head heater 152 can heat the first suction head 151 and the first electrode 11 sucked into the first suction head 151 by heating the first suction head 151 .

[0116] The first moving unit 153 can move the first suction head 151 to the stack table 110 so that the first suction head 151 can stack the first electrode 11 placed on the first electrode placing table 131 on the stack table 110.

[0117] 1 to 6, the second electrode stacking unit 160 can stack the second electrodes 12 on the stack table 110. Here, the second electrode stacking unit 160 may have the same structure as the above-mentioned first electrode stacking unit 150. In this case, the second electrode stacking unit 160 may include a second suction head 161, a second head heater 162 (not shown), and a second moving unit 163.

[0118] The second suction head 161 can vacuum-suck the second electrode 12 placed on the second electrode placement table 141 .

[0119] The second head heater can heat the second suction head 161 and the second electrode 12 sucked into the second suction head 161 .

[0120] The second moving unit 163 can move the second suction head 161 to the stack table 110 so that the second suction head 161 can stack the second electrode 12 placed on the second electrode placing table 141 on the stack table 110.

[0121] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there may be provided a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly, which may further include, after the step of folding the first electrode to completely enclose the separator, when the first electrode or the second electrode is stacked on the stack table, holding the first electrode or the second electrode with a holding mechanism to fix it to the stack table.

[0122] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the holding mechanism may be configured to apply pressure to the upper surface of the first electrode stacked on the top side of the stack table when stacking the first electrode on the stack table, and to apply pressure to the upper surface of the second electrode stacked on the top side of the stack table when stacking the second electrode on the stack table.

[0123] FIG. 16 is a plan view showing a holding mechanism and a stack table in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus capable of carrying out the electrode assembly manufacturing method of the present invention.

[0124] Referring to Figures 1 to 6 and 16, the holding mechanism 170 can grasp the first electrode 11 or the second electrode 12 and fix it to the stack table 110 when the first electrode 11 or the second electrode 12 is stacked on the stack table 110.

[0125] In addition, when stacking the first electrode 11 on the stack table 110, the holding mechanism 170 can apply pressure to the upper surface of the first electrode 11 stacked on the top side of the stack table 110 to fix it, and when stacking the second electrode 12 on the stack table 110, the holding mechanism 170 can apply pressure to the upper surface of the second electrode 12 stacked on the top side of the stack table 110 to fix it.

[0126] That is, when the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 are positioned between the separators 14 and stacked to form a stack, the holding mechanism 170 holds the uppermost surface of the stack by applying pressure toward the stack table 110, thereby preventing the stack from coming off the stack table 110.

[0127] Meanwhile, the holding mechanism 170 may include, for example, a first holding mechanism 171 and a second holding mechanism 172 and may fix both sides of the first electrode 11 or the second electrode 12 .

[0128] For example, after the holding mechanism 170 grips the first electrode 11 or the second electrode 12, when the stack table 110 rotates, the separation membrane 14 can be unwound from the separation membrane roll 122 in proportion to the amount of rotation of the stack table 110 and supplied to the stack table 110 side.

[0129] Meanwhile, for example, the holding mechanism 170 and the stack table 110 may be connected or coupled to a rotating device (not shown). In this case, the rotating device may be configured, for example, as a mandrel. Here, when the holding mechanism 170 grips the first electrode 11 or the second electrode 12, the rotating device can rotate the holding mechanism 170 and the stack table 110.

[0130] Referring to Figures 1 to 6 and 16, the holding mechanism 170 can grasp the first electrode 11 or the second electrode 12 and fix it to the stack table 110 when the first electrode 11 or the second electrode 12 is stacked on the stack table 110.

[0131] Referring to Figures 2 to 4, the operation of the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 capable of carrying out the electrode assembly manufacturing method of the present invention is shown. The separation membrane 14 wound around the separation membrane roll 122 is heated and supplied through the separation membrane heating section 121, and is stacked on the stack table 110, where the separation membrane 14 is heated by the heated stack table 110.

[0132] Then, the first electrode 11 is heated and supplied from the first electrode supply unit 130 to the first electrode stack unit 150, where the first electrode 11 is heated and stacked on the upper surface of the separation membrane 14 stacked on the stack table 110.

[0133] At this time, a holding mechanism 170 applies pressure to the upper surface of the first electrode 11 to fix the first electrode 11 so that it does not come off the stack table 110.

[0134] Thereafter, when the stack table 110 rotates toward the second electrode stack unit 160 , the separation membrane 14 is continuously supplied and covers the upper surface of the first electrode 11 .

[0135] The second electrode 12, which is heated and supplied from the second electrode supply unit 140, is stacked by the second electrode stack unit 160 on the portion of the separator 14 that covers the upper surface of the first electrode 11. Here, the second suction head 161 in the second electrode stack unit 160 pressurizes and heats the second electrode 12, thereby continuously heating the second electrode 12.

[0136] At this time, after the holding mechanism 170 that is applying pressure to the upper surface of the first electrode 11 is released from the pressure application area, pressure is applied to the upper surface of the second electrode 12 to prevent the stack including the second electrode 12 from falling off the stack table 110.

[0137] Thereafter, the process of stacking the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 is repeated, and the separator 14 is zigzag folded to form a stack in which the separator 14 is located between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12.

[0138] The laminate is then moved to the press unit 180, where heat and pressure are applied to the laminate, thereby bonding the heated first electrode 11, separator 14, and second electrode 12 together to manufacture the electrode assembly 10. At this time, heat and pressure are applied between the heated first electrode 11, separator 14, and second electrode 12 via the press unit 180, so that they can be thermally fused together.

[0139] The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 capable of carrying out the electrode assembly manufacturing method of the present invention configured as described above heats and stacks the first electrode 11, the separator 14, and the second electrode 12, and then applies heat and pressure in the press unit 180 to bond the first electrode 11, the separator 14, and the second electrode 12 together, thereby preventing the folding of the electrode assembly 10 from unraveling and preventing the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 from shifting in their stacking positions in the electrode assembly 10.

[0140] An electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus capable of carrying out the electrode assembly manufacturing method of the present invention may further include a vision device for inspecting the first electrode or the second electrode. Figure 17 is a front view showing the concept of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus further including the vision device.

[0141] In FIG. 17, the holding mechanism is omitted for convenience, and the pressing section 180 located on the rear side in the plan view is indicated by a dotted line.

[0142] Referring to FIG. 17, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 200 includes a stack table 110, a separation membrane supply unit 120 that supplies a separation membrane 14, a first electrode supply unit 130 that supplies a first electrode 11, a second electrode supply unit 140 that supplies a second electrode 12, a first electrode stacking unit 150 that stacks the first electrode 11 on the stack table 110, a second electrode stacking unit 160 that stacks the second electrode 12 on the stack table 110, a press unit 180 that bonds the first electrode 11, the separation membrane 14, and the second electrode 12, and a holding mechanism 170 that fixes the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 when they are stacked on the stack table 110 (see FIG. 16), and may further include a rotation unit R that rotates the stack table 110 and a vision device 290 that inspects the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 by vision.

[0143] More specifically, in the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention, the vision device 290 may include a first camera 291 and a second camera 292 .

[0144] The first camera 291 can photograph the first electrode 11 placed on the first electrode placing table 131 by the first electrode supply unit 130, and the second camera 292 can photograph the second electrode 12 placed on the second electrode placing table 141 by the second electrode supply unit 140.

[0145] The stacking quality of the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 can be inspected via the image information obtained by the first camera 291 and the second camera 292. At this time, the placement positions, sizes, stacking states, etc. of the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 can be inspected.

[0146] The rotating unit R can rotate the stack table 110 in one direction r1 and the other direction r2. Here, the first electrode stack unit 150 may be provided on one side of the rotating unit R, and the second electrode stack unit 150 may be provided on the other side of the rotating unit R.

[0147] In addition, the rotating unit R can rotate the stack table 110 to one side to face the first suction head 151 when stacking the first electrode 11, and can rotate the stack table 110 to the other side to face the second suction head 161 when stacking the second electrode 12.

[0148] In addition, the rotating unit R may alternately rotate the stack table 110 toward the first electrode stack unit 150 and the second electrode stack unit 160, thereby enabling zigzag folding in a manner in which the separator 14 is positioned between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12.

[0149] In one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an electrode assembly manufactured by the above manufacturing method, in which the first electrodes and the second electrodes are alternately arranged between the folded separators, and all surfaces of the bottom electrode of the assembly are enclosed by the separator.

[0150] The description of the electrode assembly according to the present invention and the configuration of a manufacturing apparatus capable of carrying out the manufacturing method of the electrode assembly according to the present invention can also be applied to the manufacturing method according to the present invention and the electrode assembly manufactured by the manufacturing method according to the present invention.

[0151] 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 that does not deviate from the technical idea of the present invention described in the claims.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly in which first and second electrodes are alternately arranged between folded separators, comprising: providing the first electrode to a stack table; providing the second electrode to a stack table; supplying the separation membrane to a stack table; After the separator is first stacked on a stack table, the first electrode that is first stacked on the stack table is wound around the separator at least once; and and stacking the first electrode, the separator, and the second electrode on a stack table so that the first electrode and the second electrode are alternately arranged between the folded separators, after the step of winding the first electrode around the separator at least once. Including, The step of winding the first electrode, which is first stacked on the stack table, around the separator at least once includes: and folding the first electrode by winding it at least once so that the separator encloses all surfaces of the first electrode; The term "all surfaces" refers to surfaces of the separator that can come into contact with the first electrode during lamination. A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly.

2. The steps of supplying the first electrode to a stack table; supplying the second electrode to a stack table; and supplying the separation film to a stack table include: The method of manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 1 , wherein the first electrode, the second electrode, and the separator are supplied to the stack table while being heated.

3. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: using a holding mechanism to hold the first electrode or the second electrode stacked on the stack table and fix the first electrode or the second electrode to the stack table.

4. The method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 1 , further comprising a heat pressing step of heating and pressing the laminate.

5. The heat pressing step of heating and pressing the laminated body includes: heating the stack table body to heat the stack; and 5. The method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 4, further comprising the step of: moving a pair of pressure blocks in directions opposite to each other along a stacking axis to apply surface pressure to the laminate.

6. The step of supplying the separation membrane to the stack table includes:

2. The method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 1, wherein the separation membrane wound on a separation membrane roll is continuously supplied to the stack table through a passage formed to allow the separation membrane to pass through.

7. the step of supplying the first electrodes to the stack table includes the steps of: placing the first electrodes on a first electrode placement table before the first electrodes are stacked on the stack table; and transporting the placed first electrodes to the stack table by vacuum suction, 2. The method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 1, wherein the step of supplying the second electrode to a stack table includes the steps of: placing the second electrode on a second electrode placement table before the second electrode is stacked on the stack table; and vacuum-sucking the placed second electrode and transferring it to the stack table.

8. After the step of folding the separator so that it encloses all sides of the first electrode, the separator can be zigzag folded in a manner that it is positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode. When stacking the first electrodes, the stack table is rotated to one side so as to face the portion where the first electrodes are stacked; 2. The method of manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 1, wherein, when stacking the second electrodes, the stack table is alternately rotated to the other side so as to face the portion where the second electrodes are stacked.

9. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: after the step of folding the separator to completely enclose the first electrode to be supplied, when the first electrode or the second electrode is stacked on the stack table, holding the first electrode or the second electrode with a holding mechanism to fix it to the stack table.

10. The holding mechanism comprises: When stacking the first electrodes on the stack table, a top surface of the first electrode stacked on the top side of the stack table is pressed and fixed; 10. The method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 9, wherein when stacking the second electrodes on the stack table, the upper surface of the second electrode stacked on the uppermost side of the stack table is pressed and fixed.

11. An electrode assembly, The electrode assembly has a configuration in which first electrodes and second electrodes are alternately arranged between folded separators, the separator covers the entire surface of the lowermost electrode of the electrode assembly, In the uppermost and / or lowermost layers of the electrode assembly, all surfaces of the stacked first electrodes are in contact with the separator, and one surface of each of the other electrodes is not in contact with the separator; The term "all surfaces" refers to surfaces of the separator that can come into contact with the first electrode during lamination. Electrode assembly.

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