Electrode assembly manufacturing method and electrode assembly manufacturing device

Abstract

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

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0041550, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on April 4, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for manufacturing an 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 three types: a jelly-roll type in which a sheet-like positive electrode and negative electrode coated with an active material are wound up with a separator interposed between them; a stack type in which multiple positive electrodes and negative electrodes are stacked in order with a separator interposed between them; and a stack-and-fold type in which stack-type unit cells are wound up with a long separator film.

[0006] Here, the separator is folded in a zigzag pattern, and the stacked structure having the electrodes positioned therebetween is fixed with a gripper, and heated and pressed to manufacture a stack-and-fold type electrode assembly.

[0007] In this way, when a stack of multiple positive and negative electrodes stacked in sequence with a separator interposed between them is fixed with a gripper and heated and pressurized, pressure is not applied to the part corresponding to the gripper, resulting in the problem of wrinkles in the separator. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2013-0132230 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly, the method including the steps of: manufacturing a stack by stacking first electrodes, separators, and second electrodes on a stack table so that the first electrodes and second electrodes are alternately arranged between separators being folded; gripping a first region of the stack with a first gripper and fixing the stack to the stack table; heating and pressurizing only a second region of the stack fixed by the first gripper; after heating and pressurizing the second region of the stack is completed, ceasing gripping with the first gripper to release the first region of the stack; gripping the second region of the stack with a second gripper and fixing the stack to the stack table; and heating and pressurizing only the first region of the stack fixed by the second gripper, wherein the first region and the second region partially overlap or are different from each other.

[0011] Another embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly by stacking a first electrode, a separator, and a second electrode, the apparatus including: a stack table on which the first electrode, the separator, and the second electrode are stacked in the form of a stack in which the first electrode and the second electrode are alternately arranged between the folded separator; a first gripper for gripping a first region of the stack and fixing the stack to the stack table; a second gripper for gripping a second region of the stack and fixing the stack to the stack table; and a press unit located between the first gripper and the second gripper and applying heat and pressure to only the first region or the second region of the stack to bond the first electrode, the separator, and the second electrode, wherein the first region and the second region are partially overlapping or different from each other. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The manufacturing method and apparatus for an electrode assembly according to the embodiments of the present application can reduce problems such as wrinkles in a separator or misalignment of electrodes during the manufacturing process of an electrode assembly, which is manufactured by stacking electrodes and a separator.

[0013] The electrode assembly manufacturing method and manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiments of the present application can manufacture electrode assemblies with uniform performance, and can align and fix electrodes to prevent misalignment, thereby improving energy density and preventing the electrodes from protruding from the electrode assembly and projecting onto the exterior of the battery. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view illustrating an example of an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a front view showing the concept of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of an electrode assembly manufactured by an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4]1 is a perspective view showing a press unit in an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] 1 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a press unit presses a laminate in a conventional electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view showing a stack table in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] 2 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; [Figure 8] 1 is a perspective view showing a first electrode mounting table in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 3 is a perspective view showing a second electrode mounting table in the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 10] 1 is a perspective view showing a first suction head in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 3 is a bottom view showing a first suction head in the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 12] 1 is a plan view showing a gripper and a stack table in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a front view showing the concept of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. [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...First 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 Gripper 171 First gripper 172 Second gripper 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] While the present invention may be embodied in many different forms, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein, and that the invention may be practiced in various different forms without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

[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, "p to q" means "not less than p and not more than q."

[0019] In this specification, stacking the first electrode and the second electrode alternately between the folded separator is referred to as zigzag stacking.

[0020] The folded separator may refer to a separator in which separators are stacked in a zigzag pattern. More specifically, the separators are folded alternately back and forth between the left and right sides of the stacking axis and stacked in a zigzag pattern. The stacking axis refers to a virtual axis that is parallel to the direction in which the first electrode, separator, and second electrode are stacked and passes through the center of the stack of electrodes and separators.

[0021] In this specification, "heating" may be used interchangeably with heating.

[0022] In this specification, the term "laminate" may correspond to an unfinished electrode assembly. However, in this specification, when the step of heating and pressurizing the laminate is completed, this may be expressed as a completed electrode assembly, and unless otherwise specified, the term "electrode assembly" in this specification refers to a completed electrode assembly.

[0023] In describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of related known techniques that may obscure the gist of the present invention will be omitted.

[0024] One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly, the method including the steps of: manufacturing a stack by stacking first electrodes, separators, and second electrodes on a stack table so that the first electrodes and second electrodes are alternately arranged between separators being folded; gripping a first region of the stack with a first gripper and fixing the stack to the stack table; heating and pressurizing only a second region of the stack fixed by the first gripper; after heating and pressurizing the second region of the stack is completed, ceasing gripping with the first gripper to release the first region of the stack; gripping the second region of the stack with a second gripper and fixing the stack to the stack table; and heating and pressurizing only the first region of the stack fixed by the second gripper, wherein the first region and the second region partially overlap or are different from each other.

[0025] In this specification, the first region and the second region refer to the region of the stack fixed by the first gripper or the second gripper in a stack in which the first electrodes and the second electrodes are alternately arranged between the separators to be folded.

[0026] Specifically, the stack may be gripped by a first gripper to fix the separation membrane, the first electrode, and the second electrode, and the fixed area may be defined as a first area, and the stack may be gripped by a second gripper to fix the separation membrane, the first electrode, and the second electrode, and the fixed area may be defined as a second area.

[0027] That is, the present invention provides an electrode assembly that divides a certain area to be heated and pressed in a stack in which first and second electrodes are alternately arranged between separators, and prevents heating and pressing from occurring on the gripper.

[0028] This reduces the problems of separator wrinkles and electrode misalignment during the zigzag folding process, as the separator is positioned between the first and second electrodes, allowing for the manufacture of electrode assemblies with uniform performance, improving energy density, and preventing the electrodes from protruding from the electrode assembly onto the exterior of the battery.

[0029] In this specification, the phrase "the first region and the second region partially overlap" means that a partial overlap may occur at the boundary between the first region and the second region during the process of heating and pressurizing a laminate in which the first electrodes and the second electrodes are stacked in an alternating arrangement.

[0030] In this specification, the phrase "the first region and the second region are different from each other" means that, during the heating and pressurizing process of a laminate in which first electrodes and second electrodes are alternately stacked, the first region and the second region are completely different from each other, so that while the first region is being heated and pressed, the second region is not being heated and pressed, and conversely, while the second region is being heated and pressed, the first region is not being heated and pressed.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first region and the second region may be different from each other. That is, when the first region and the second region are different from each other, not only does heat and pressure not occur on the gripper, but also there is no overlapping region of heat and pressure, so that damage to the electrodes or the separator or wrinkling of the separator can be more effectively prevented.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include the steps of: supplying the first electrode to the stack table; supplying the second electrode to the stack table; and supplying the separation film to the stack table, wherein the step of stacking the first electrode, the separation film, and the second electrode on the stack table so that the first electrode and the second electrode are alternately arranged between the folded separation film to manufacture a stack may include the steps of: continuously supplying the separation film to the stack table; rotating the stack table to one side to face the first electrode when stacking the first electrode on the stack table; and rotating the stack table to the other side to face the second electrode when stacking the second electrode, wherein the steps of rotating the stack table to one side to face the first electrode and rotating the stack table to the other side to face the second electrode when stacking the second electrode may be performed alternately.

[0033] That is, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include the steps of: supplying the first electrode to the stack table; supplying the second electrode to the stack table; and supplying the separation membrane to the stack table.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the steps of supplying the first electrode to the stack table, supplying the second electrode to the stack table, and supplying the separation film to the stack table may each heat the first electrode, the second electrode, and the separation film before supplying them to the stack table. That is, the first electrode, the second electrode, and the separation film may each be heated before supplying them.

[0035] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the step of supplying the first electrode to the stack table may include heating the first electrode and supplying it to the stack table.

[0036] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the step of supplying the second electrode to the stack table may include heating the second electrode and supplying it to the stack table.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the step of supplying the separation film to the stack table may include heating the separation film and supplying it to the stack table.

[0038] In this way, when the first electrode, the second electrode, and the separator are heated and then supplied to the stack table, the step of heating and pressurizing the stack can be performed more efficiently, thereby saving process costs and time.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the step of heating and pressurizing only the first region or the second region of 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 to apply surface pressure to only the first region or the second region of the laminate.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the step of heating and pressurizing only the first region or the second region of the laminate may be carried out under temperature conditions of 30°C or higher and 100°C or lower, preferably 35°C or higher and 95°C or lower, but is not limited thereto.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the step of heating and pressurizing only the first region or the second region of the laminate may be carried out 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.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the step of heating and pressing only the first region or the second region of the laminate may be carried out for 5 seconds or more and 60 seconds or less, preferably 5 seconds or more and 30 seconds or less.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the step of heating and pressurizing only the first region or the second region of the laminate may involve heating and pressurizing the laminate for 5 to 60 seconds at a temperature of 30°C to 100°C and a pressure of 1 MPa to 5 MPa, preferably for 5 to 30 seconds at a temperature of 35°C to 95°C and a pressure of 1.5 MPa to 5 MPa, but is not limited thereto.

[0044] 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.

[0045] Fig. 1 is a plan view illustrating an example of an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 2 is a front view illustrating the concept of the apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. For convenience, the separation membrane supply unit 120 shown in Fig. 2 is omitted in Fig. 1, and the gripper 170 shown in Fig. 1 is omitted in Fig. 2, and the press unit 180 located at the rear in the plan view is indicated by a dotted line.

[0046] 1 and 2, 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 heats and supplies a separator 14, a first electrode supply unit 130 that heats and supplies a first electrode 11, a second electrode supply unit 140 that heats and 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 separator 14, and the second electrode 12. The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a gripper 170 that secures the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 when they are stacked on the stack table 110.

[0047] In the present invention, the gripper is composed of a first gripper that fixes a first region of the stack and a second gripper that fixes a second region of the stack. The first gripper and the second gripper may be made of the same material and operate in the same manner, except for the regions that they fix.

[0048] FIG. 3 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.

[0049] Another embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly by stacking a first electrode, a separator, and a second electrode, the apparatus including: a stack table on which the first electrode, the separator, and the second electrode are stacked in the form of a stack in which the first electrode and the second electrode are alternately arranged between the folded separator; a first gripper for gripping a first region of the stack and fixing the stack to the stack table; a second gripper for gripping a second region of the stack and fixing the stack to the stack table; and a press unit located between the first gripper and the second gripper for applying heat and pressure to only the first region or the second region of the stack to bond the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the first region and the second region partially overlap or are different from each other.

[0050] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first and second regions of the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus may be different from each other. That is, in the case of the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus, if the first and second regions are different from each other, not only will heat and pressure not be applied to the gripper, but there will also be no overlapping areas of heat and pressure, so damage to the electrodes or separator and wrinkling of the separator can be more effectively prevented.

[0051] When using the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention, the electrode assembly can be manufactured by dividing the region to be heated and pressed on the stack in which the first and second electrodes are alternately arranged between the separators, preventing heating and pressing from occurring on the gripper. This reduces the problems of separator wrinkles or electrode misalignment during zigzag folding in a manner in which the separator is positioned between the first and second electrodes. This allows for the manufacture of electrode assemblies with uniform performance, improves energy density, and prevents the electrodes from protruding from the electrode assembly and appearing on the battery exterior.

[0052] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first electrode supply unit that supplies the first electrode and the second electrode supply unit that supplies the second electrode may heat and supply the first electrode and the second electrode, respectively.

[0053] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first electrode supply unit may supply the first electrode by heating it.

[0054] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second electrode supply unit may heat and supply the second electrode.

[0055] Hereinafter, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.

[0056] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of an electrode assembly manufactured by an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] 1 to 3, an apparatus 100 for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to one 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.

[0058] 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 being 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 wrapped by the separator 14.

[0059] FIG. 7 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.

[0060] 2 and 7, the separation membrane supply unit 120 may heat the separation membrane 14 and supply the separation membrane 14 to the stack table 110. The separation membrane supply unit 120 may also include a separation membrane heating unit 121 having a passage through which the separation membrane 14 passes and heating the passing separation membrane 14.

[0061] The separation membrane heating unit 121 may include a pair of bodies 121a and a separation membrane heater 121b for heating the bodies 121a. The pair of bodies 121a may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance so that the separation membrane 14 can pass through. Here, the separation membrane 14 may pass through the separation membrane heating unit 121 without contact, and the separation membrane 14 may be heated in a non-contact manner. Meanwhile, the bodies 121a may be formed in the shape of, for example, a rectangular block.

[0062] Meanwhile, the separation membrane supply unit 120 may further include a separation membrane roll 122 on which the separation membrane 14 is wound. Here, the separation membrane 14 wound on the separation membrane roll 122 may be gradually unwound and supplied to the stack table 110 through the separation membrane heating unit 121.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the stack table may include a heater for heating the stack table body to heat the laminate, and the press unit may include a pair of pressure blocks for surface pressing the laminate. The surface pressing of the laminate is performed only on a first region or a second region of the laminate, and the first region and the second region are not surface pressed simultaneously.

[0064] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly using an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly using an existing electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus.

[0065] 4, a first region of the stack S, in which the first electrodes 11 and the second electrodes 12 are alternately arranged between the separators 14 being folded using the first gripper 171, is gripped and fixed by the first gripper 171, and a press unit 180 located between the first gripper 171 and the second gripper 172 heats and presses only the first region of the stack to bond the first electrodes 11, the separators 14, and the second electrodes 12 in the first region. Thereafter, the first gripper releases its grip to stop fixing the first region of the stack, and a second region of the stack is fixed by the second gripper 172. A press unit located between the first gripper 171 and the second gripper 172 heats and presses only the second region of the stack to bond the first electrodes 11, the separators 14, and the second electrodes 12 in the first region. This avoids the process of directly applying heat and pressure to the grippers. The press unit 180 may be configured with a pair of press blocks (a first press block 181 and a second press block 182), as will be described later. In this case, a process of transferring the stacked material from the stack table 110 to the press unit 180 may be included.

[0066] Meanwhile, as shown in Fig. 5, in a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly using an existing electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus, heat and pressure are applied directly to the areas corresponding to the first gripper 171 and the second gripper 172. In this case, less pressure is applied to the gripper areas than to other areas, which may result in wrinkles in the separator. For reference, the description of Fig. 4 can be applied to the structure, except that heat and pressure are applied directly to the areas corresponding to the first gripper 171 and the second gripper 172.

[0067] In other words, when the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus and the electrode assembly manufacturing method of the present invention are used, it is possible to manufacture the separator without wrinkling while fixing the electrodes of the stack in which the first and second electrodes are alternately arranged between the folded separators so that they do not shift.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the press unit 180 may include a heater. More specifically, the press unit 180 further includes press heaters 183 and 184 that heat a pair of press blocks (first press block 181 and second press block 182), which can heat and pressurize 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 by the press unit 180, resulting in stronger adhesion.

[0069] That is, in addition to the heating of the stack table body, the press unit itself includes a heater, which directly heats and pressurizes the stacked first electrode, separator, and second electrode 12, thereby bonding the first electrode, separator, and second electrode 12 together.

[0070] As described above, the press section 180 includes a pair of pressure blocks (first pressure block 181, second pressure block 182), and the pair of pressure blocks (first pressure block 181, second pressure block 182) can be moved in directions facing each other to apply surface pressure to the stack S of the stacked first electrode 11, separation membrane 14, and second electrode 12.

[0071] In this case, if the separator 14 is configured to surround the outer surface of the laminate S, adhesion can also be provided between the outer portion of the separator 14 located at the outermost periphery of the laminate S and the inner portions of the first electrode 11, the second electrode 12, and the separator 14 facing the outer portion. This more effectively prevents the first electrode 11, the second electrode 12, and the separator 14 from becoming displaced and breaking the stacked configuration when the electrode assembly 10 is formed by stacking the first electrode 11, the separator 14, and the second electrode 12.

[0072] The pair of pressure blocks (first pressure block 181, second pressure block 182) may have flat pressure surfaces, and the horizontal and vertical lengths of the pressure surfaces may 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.

[0073] 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.

[0074] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the heating device may further include a first electrode supply unit that supplies the first electrode; a second electrode supply unit that supplies the second electrode; a first electrode stack unit that stacks the first electrode supplied from the first electrode supply unit on the stack table; and a second electrode stack unit that stacks the second electrode supplied from the second electrode supply unit on the stack table.

[0075] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the first electrode supply unit may include 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 may include 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.

[0076] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first electrode stack section may include a first suction head that vacuum-sucks the first electrode placed on the first electrode placing table, and the second electrode stack section may include a second suction head that vacuum-sucks the second electrode placed on the second electrode stack section.

[0077] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the stacking device may further include a rotating unit that rotates the stack table, wherein the first electrode stack unit is provided on one side of the rotating unit and the second electrode stack unit is provided on the other side of the rotating unit so that the separator can be zigzag folded in a manner such that it is positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode, and the rotating 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 electrodes, 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 electrodes.

[0078] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a stack table in an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] Referring to Figures 2 and 6, the stack table 110 can 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.

[0080] The stack table 110 may also include a table body 111 on which the first electrode 11, the separation membrane 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.

[0081] The first electrode 11 may be configured as a positive electrode and the second electrode 12 may be configured as a negative electrode, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the first electrode 11 may be configured as a negative electrode and the second electrode 12 may be configured as a positive electrode.

[0082] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a first electrode mounting table in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 8, the first electrode supply unit 130 may heat the first electrode 11 and supply it to the first electrode stack unit 150.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a second electrode mounting table in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 9, the second electrode supply unit 140 may heat the second electrode 12 and supply it to the second electrode stack unit 160.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] FIG. 10 is an oblique view showing a first suction head in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a bottom view showing the first suction head in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] 2, 10 and 11, the first electrode stacking unit 150 can stack the first electrodes 11 on the stack table 110.

[0092] The first electrode stack unit 150 may include a first suction head 151 , a first head heater 152 , and a first moving unit 153 .

[0093] 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).

[0094] 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 .

[0095] 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.

[0096] 2, the second electrode stacking unit 160 may 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-described 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.

[0097] The second suction head 161 can vacuum-suck the second electrode 12 placed on the second electrode placement table 141 .

[0098] The second head heater can heat the second suction head 161 and the second electrode 12 sucked into the second suction head 161 .

[0099] 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.

[0100] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus may include a gripper that grips the first electrode or the second electrode and fixes it to the stack table when the first electrode or the second electrode is stacked on the stack table.

[0101] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when stacking the first electrode on the stack table, the gripper may apply pressure to the upper surface of the first electrode stacked on the top side of the stack table to fix it, and when stacking the second electrode on the stack table, the gripper may apply pressure to the upper surface of the second electrode stacked on the top side of the stack table to fix it.

[0102] FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a gripper and a stack table in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0103] Referring to Figures 1 and 12, the gripper 170 can grip 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.

[0104] In addition, when stacking the first electrode 11 on the stack table 110, the gripper 170 can pressurize and fix the upper surface of the first electrode 11 stacked on the top side of the stack table 110, and when stacking the second electrode 12 on the stack table 110, the gripper 170 can pressurize and fix the upper surface of the second electrode 12 stacked on the top side of the stack table 110.

[0105] That is, when the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 are positioned between the separation membranes 14 and stacked to form a stack, the gripper 170 grips 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.

[0106] In this specification, the grippers can be referred to as a first gripper and a second gripper depending on the area where the stack is fixed, and the functions and operating principles of the first gripper and the second gripper can be applied to the description of the grippers described above.

[0107] That is, the gripper 170 includes a first gripper 171 and a second gripper 172 and can fix both sides of the first electrode 11 or the second electrode 12, but in the present invention, it does not fix both sides, but fixes only one side and applies heat and pressure.

[0108] Furthermore, after the gripper 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.

[0109] Meanwhile, for example, the gripper 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 gripper 170 grips the first electrode 11 or the second electrode 12, the rotating device can rotate the gripper 170 and the stack table 110.

[0110] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the operation of the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention is as follows: the separation membrane 14 wound around the separation membrane roll 122 is heated while passing through the separation membrane heating section 121 and then stacked on the stack table 110, and the separation membrane 14 is heated by the heated stack table 110.

[0111] Then, when the first electrode 11 is heated and supplied from the first electrode supply unit 130 to the first electrode stack unit 150, the first electrode 11 is heated and stacked on the upper surface of the separation membrane 14 stacked on the stack table 110 in the first electrode stack unit 150.

[0112] At this time, the gripper 170 presses 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.

[0113] 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 .

[0114] Then, 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 covering the upper surface of the first electrode 11. Here, in the second electrode stack unit 160, the second suction head 161 applies pressure to and heats the second electrode 12, thereby continuously heating the second electrode 12.

[0115] At this time, after the gripper 170 that is applying pressure to the upper surface of the first electrode 11 is released from the pressure area, pressure is applied to the upper surface of the second electrode 12 to prevent the stack including the second electrode 12 from releasing from the stack table 110.

[0116] 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.

[0117] The laminate is then moved to the press unit 180, where heat and pressure are applied to the laminate to bond the heated first electrode 11, separator 14, and second electrode 12 together, thereby manufacturing the electrode assembly 10. At this time, heat and pressure are applied through the press unit 180 to heat-seal the heated first electrode 11, separator 14, and second electrode 12 together.

[0118] The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 according to one embodiment 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 loosening and preventing the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 from shifting in their stacking positions in the electrode assembly 10.

[0119] An electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention may further include a vision device for inspecting the first electrode or the second electrode. Figure 13 is a front view showing the concept of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus further including the vision device.

[0120] In FIG. 13, the grippers are omitted for convenience, and the press unit 180 located on the rear side in the plan view is indicated by a dotted line.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 13, 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 between the first electrode 11, the separation membrane 14, and the second electrode 12, and a gripper 170 that secures the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 when they are stacked on the stack table 110 (see FIG. 12), 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 with vision.

[0122] That is, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 200 of FIG. 13 is different from the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 according to the above-described embodiment in that it further includes a rotating unit R and a vision device 290 .

[0123] More specifically, the vision device 290 in the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a first camera 291 and a second camera 292 .

[0124] 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.

[0125] The stacking quality of the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 can be inspected through 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.

[0126] 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.

[0127] 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.

[0128] 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.

[0129] The operation of the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

[0130] Referring to Figures 1 and 13, the separation membrane 14 wound around the separation membrane roll 122 passes through the separation membrane heating section 121, is heated, and is supplied, stacked on the stack table 110, and the separation membrane 14 is heated by the heated stack table 110.

[0131] Furthermore, when the first electrode 11 is supplied and placed on the first electrode placing table 131 of the first electrode supply unit 130, the lamination quality of the first electrode 11 is inspected via the vision device 290. At this time, the first electrode 11 is heated via the first electrode placing table 131 heated by the first electrode heater 132.

[0132] The heated first electrode 11 is then supplied to the first electrode stacking unit 150 , where the first electrode 11 is stacked on the upper surface of the separator 14 stacked on the stack table 110 .

[0133] At this time, the first gripper 170 presses the upper surface of the first electrode 11 to fix the stacked structure so that the first electrode 11 does not come off the stack table 110.

[0134] Thereafter, when the rotating unit R rotates the stack table 110 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] On the other hand, when the second electrode 12 is supplied and placed on the second electrode placing table 141 of the second electrode supply unit 140, the lamination quality of the second electrode 12 is inspected via the vision device 290. At this time, the second electrode 12 is heated via the second electrode placing table 141 heated by the second electrode heater.

[0136] The heated second electrode 12 is then supplied to the second electrode stacking unit 160 , where it is stacked on the upper surface of the separation membrane 14 stacked on the stack table 110 .

[0137] At this time, after the gripper 170 that is applying pressure to the upper surface of the first electrode 11 is released from the pressure area, pressure is applied to the upper surface of the second electrode 12 to prevent the stack including the second electrode 12 from releasing from the stack table 110.

[0138] Thereafter, by rotating the stack table 110 and repeating the process of stacking the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12, the separator 14 is zigzag folded, and a stack can be formed in which the separator 14 is positioned between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12.

[0139] The laminate is then moved to the press unit 180, where heat and pressure are applied to the laminate, 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, allowing for thermal fusion bonding (see FIG. 3).

[0140] At this time, only a first region of the stack, in which the first electrodes and the second electrodes are alternately arranged between the folded separators, is fixed with a first gripper, and only a second region of the stack is heated and pressurized. Thereafter, only the second region of the stack is fixed with a second gripper, and only the first region of the stack is heated and pressurized.

[0141] As described above, the first and second regions may overlap at the boundary, but more preferably they are different from each other and have no overlapping region.

[0142] That is, in the case of the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 200, the electrode assembly is manufactured by dividing the area where the laminate is fixed and the area where heat and pressure are applied, in the same manner as the above-mentioned method, except that a vision device is provided.

[0143] The description of the manufacturing apparatus for an electrode assembly according to the present invention and the configuration of the manufacturing apparatus 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.

[0144] 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. 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; gripping at least a portion of a first region of the stack with a first gripper and securing the stack to the stack table; applying heat and pressure to only a second region of the laminate secured by the first gripper; After the heating and pressurizing of the second region of the laminate is completed, the first gripper stops gripping the first region of the laminate to release the fixation of the first region of the laminate; gripping at least a portion of the second region of the stack with a second gripper and securing the stack to the stack table; and applying heat and pressure to only the first region of the stack held by the second gripper; A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly, comprising: The laminate is divided into two regions, the first region and the second region, and the first region and the second region partially overlap or are different from each other.

2. providing the first electrode to the stack table; providing the second electrode to the stack table; and The method further includes the step of supplying the separation membrane to the stack table, 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, comprises: continuously supplying the separation membrane to the stack table; rotating the stack table to one side so as to face the first electrode when stacking the first electrode on the stack table; and When stacking the second electrodes, the stack table is rotated to the other side so as to face the second electrodes, 2. The method of manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 1, wherein the steps of rotating the stack table to one side to face the first electrode and rotating the stack table to the other side to face the second electrode when stacking the second electrode are alternately performed.

3. The steps of supplying the first electrode to the stack table; supplying the second electrode to the stack table; and supplying the separation film to the stack table include: The method of claim 2 , wherein the first electrode, the second electrode, and the separator are heated and then supplied to the stack table.

4. The step of applying heat and pressure to only the first region or the second region of the laminate comprises: heating the stack by heating the body of the stack table; and The method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 1 , further comprising the step of: moving a pair of pressure blocks in directions opposite to each other to apply surface pressure to only the first region or the second region of the laminate.

5. The step of applying heat and pressure to only the first region or the second region of the laminate comprises: The method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the heating is carried out at a temperature of 30°C to 100°C and a pressure of 1 MPa to 5 MPa for 5 seconds to 60 seconds.

6. An apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly by stacking a first electrode, a separator, and a second electrode, a stack table on which the first electrodes, the separators, and the second electrodes are stacked in the form of a stack in which the first electrodes and the second electrodes are alternately arranged between the folded separators; a first gripper for gripping at least a portion of a first region of the stack and securing the stack to the stack table; a second gripper for gripping at least a portion of a second region of the stack and securing the stack to the stack table; and a first press unit that heats and presses only a first region of the laminate to bond the first electrode, the separator, and the second electrode together; and a second press unit that heats and presses only a second region of the laminate to bond the first electrode, the separator, and the second electrode together. Including, The laminate is divided into two regions, the first region and the second region, and the first region and the second region partially overlap or are different from each other.

7. The stack table includes a heater for heating the stack by heating a body of the stack table, The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the first and second press units include a pair of press blocks capable of applying surface pressure to the laminate.

8. 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 electrodes supplied from the first electrode supplying unit on the stack table; and The apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 6 , further comprising a second electrode stacking unit that stacks the second electrodes supplied from the second electrode supplying unit on the stack table.

9. the first electrode supply unit includes a first electrode placement table on which the first electrodes are placed before being stacked on the stack table by the first electrode stack unit, 9. The apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 8, wherein the second electrode supply unit includes a second electrode placement table on which the second electrodes are placed before being stacked on the stack table by the second electrode stack unit.

10. the first electrode stack unit includes a first suction head that vacuum-sucks the first electrode placed on the first electrode placement table, The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus of claim 9 , wherein the second electrode stacking unit includes a second suction head that vacuum-sucks the second electrode placed on the second electrode placement table.

11. Further comprising a rotating unit that rotates the stack table, The separator can be zigzag folded in a manner that the separator is positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode. the first electrode stack unit is provided on one side of the rotating unit, and the second electrode stack unit is provided on the other side of the rotating unit; the rotating unit rotates the stack table to one side to face the first suction head of the first electrode stack unit when stacking the first electrodes; 11. The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus of claim 10, wherein when stacking the second electrodes, the stack table is alternately rotated to the other side so as to face the second suction head of the second electrode stack unit.

Images