Electrode assembly, manufacturing apparatus therefor, and manufacturing method therefor

Abstract

An electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an electrode supplying unit that provides an electrode sheet on which a plurality of electrodes are formed, a separation membrane supplying unit that provides a separation membrane sheet that is folded when the electrodes are placed thereon to cover the electrodes and be laminated with the electrodes, a table that places the electrodes on an upper surface thereof so as to have the separation membrane sheet folded between the electrodes to form the electrode assembly, a separation membrane guide that guides the folding direction of the separation membrane sheet, a pair of applicators that apply adhesive to at least a portion of the separation membrane sheet and / or the electrodes placed on the table, and a pair of pressure rollers that pressurize the separation membrane sheet guided by the separation membrane guide.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0124049, filed September 16, 2021, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0114322, filed September 8, 2022, and all contents disclosed in the documents of said Korean patent applications are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to an electrode assembly, a manufacturing apparatus thereof, and a manufacturing method thereof, and more particularly to an electrode assembly in which electrodes and a separator sheet are stacked in a Z-folding type, in which the electrodes can be prevented from coming off from their fixed positions, a manufacturing apparatus thereof, and a manufacturing method thereof. [Background technology]

[0003] Generally, types of secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, lithium-ion batteries, lithium-ion polymer batteries, etc. These secondary batteries are used not only in small products such as digital cameras, DVD players, MP3 players, mobile phones, PDAs (registered trademark), portable game devices, power tools, and e-bikes, but also in large products that require high output, such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, as well as in power storage devices and backup power storage devices that store surplus generated power and renewable energy.

[0004] To manufacture such a secondary battery, first, an electrode active material slurry is applied to a positive electrode current collector and a negative electrode current collector to form a positive electrode and a negative electrode, which are then stacked on both sides of a separator to form an electrode assembly of a predetermined shape, and then the electrode assembly is placed in a battery case, filled with an electrolyte, and sealed.

[0005] Electrode assemblies are classified into various types. Examples include the simple stack type, in which positive electrodes, separators, and negative electrodes are simply stacked in a cross pattern without fabricating unit cells; the lamination and stack type (L&S), in which unit cells are fabricated using positive electrodes, separators, and negative electrodes and then stacked; the stack and folding type (S&F), in which multiple unit cells are attached at a distance to one side of a long separator sheet and then repeatedly folded in the same direction from one end; and the Z-folding type, in which multiple electrodes or unit cells are alternately attached to one side and the other side of a long separator sheet and then repeatedly folded in the opposite direction from one end. Among these, the Z-folding type has recently become popular due to its high degree of alignment and electrolyte impregnation.

[0006] However, in conventional Z-folding fuel cells, since a separate lamination process is not performed after stacking the electrodes and separator sheet, the electrodes and separator sheet are not adhered to each other, resulting in the problem of the electrodes coming off from their designated positions. To solve this problem, a separate lamination process is performed after stacking the electrodes and separator sheet. However, since the total thickness of the laminate containing the electrodes and separator sheet is increased, heat is not transferred to the interior of the laminate, resulting in a decrease in adhesive strength. Furthermore, to perform this separate lamination process, the electrodes come off from their designated positions during the process of transporting the laminate. This problem is exacerbated when the adhesive strength of the separator sheet itself is low, depending on the material of the separator sheet.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need to develop an electrode assembly, including a Z-folding type electrode assembly, which improves the performance of the battery cell while preventing the electrodes from coming out of position, a manufacturing apparatus therefor, and a manufacturing method therefor. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide an electrode assembly in which electrodes and separator sheets are stacked in a Z-folding manner, in which the electrodes can be prevented from coming off from their designated positions, a manufacturing apparatus for the electrode assembly, and a manufacturing method for the electrode assembly.

[0009] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] An electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an electrode supplying unit that provides an electrode sheet on which a plurality of electrodes are formed; a separation membrane supplying unit that provides a separation membrane sheet that folds when the electrodes are placed thereon to cover the electrodes and be stacked with the electrodes; a table that places the electrodes on an upper surface thereof so that the separation membrane sheet is folded between the electrodes to form the electrode assembly; a separation membrane guide that guides the folding direction of the separation membrane sheet; a pair of applicators that apply adhesive to at least a portion of the separation membrane sheet and / or the electrodes placed on the table; and a pair of pressure rollers that pressurize the separation membrane sheet guided by the separation membrane guide.

[0011] The pair of pressure rollers may be positioned between the table and the separation membrane guide.

[0012] The electrode supply unit may include a first electrode supply unit provided with a first electrode sheet on which a plurality of first electrodes are formed, and a second electrode supply unit provided with a second electrode sheet on which a plurality of second electrodes are formed.

[0013] The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus may further include a first transfer device that transfers the first electrode toward the table, and a second transfer device that transfers the second electrode toward the table.

[0014] The pair of applicators includes a first nozzle and a second nozzle, and the pair of applicators can apply adhesive to the separator membrane sheet or the electrode positioned on the table, respectively.

[0015] The first nozzle and the second nozzle are disposed on either side of the separation membrane guide.

[0016] The pair of pressure rollers may include a first pressure roller and a second pressure roller, the first pressure roller being positioned between the first nozzle and the separation membrane guide, and the second pressure roller being positioned between the second nozzle and the separation membrane guide.

[0017] The first electrode can be placed on a first region of the separation membrane sheet, and the second electrode can be placed on a second region of the separation membrane sheet.

[0018] The substrate may further include a first header for adsorbing the first electrode and placing it in the first region, and a second header for adsorbing the second electrode and placing it in the second region.

[0019] The separation membrane guide, the pair of applicators, and the pair of pressure rollers are fixed, and the table can move linearly back and forth toward the first transfer device and the second transfer device.

[0020] The table is fixed, and the separation membrane guide, the pair of applicators, and the pair of pressure rollers can move linearly back and forth toward the first transfer device and the second transfer device.

[0021] The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus may further include a moving box that accommodates the separator guide and the pair of applicators therein.

[0022] A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of cutting a first electrode sheet provided from a first electrode supply unit to form a plurality of first electrodes; guiding a separation membrane sheet provided from a separation membrane supply unit along a separation membrane guide, placing the separation membrane sheet on a table while a first pressure roller presses the separation membrane sheet guided from the separation membrane guide, and applying adhesive to a first region of the separation membrane sheet with a first nozzle; placing the first electrode on the first region of the separation membrane sheet; applying adhesive to an upper portion of the first electrode with the first nozzle; and folding the separation membrane sheet in a folding direction guided by the separation membrane guide so that a second region of the separation membrane sheet covers the first electrode.

[0023] After covering the tops of the first electrodes, the method may further include cutting a second electrode sheet supplied from a second electrode supply unit to form a plurality of second electrodes; applying adhesive to a second region of the separator sheet with a second nozzle while a second pressure roller presses the separator sheet guided from the separator guide; placing the second electrode on the second region of the separator sheet; applying adhesive to the tops of the second electrodes with the second nozzle; and folding the separator sheet in a folding direction guided by the separator guide so that the first region of the separator sheet covers the second electrodes.

[0024] The separation membrane guide, the first nozzle, the second nozzle, the first pressure roller, and the second pressure roller are fixed, and the table can move linearly back and forth toward the first transfer device and the second transfer device.

[0025] The table is fixed, and the separation membrane guide, the first nozzle, the second nozzle, the first pressure roller, and the second pressure roller can move linearly back and forth toward the first transfer device and the second transfer device.

[0026] According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an electrode assembly in which electrodes and separator sheets are alternately stacked, the electrodes including a first electrode and a second electrode, the separator sheet having a zigzag shape formed by folding at least two times, the separator sheet being folded with the first electrode placed on a first region of the separator sheet and the second region of the separator sheet covering the first electrode, and the separator sheet being folded with the second electrode placed on the second region of the separator sheet and the first region of the separator sheet covering the second electrode, an adhesive layer being formed between the electrodes and the separator sheet, and the adhesive layer being dissolvable in an electrolyte for use in a battery cell.

[0027] The adhesive layer may include a first adhesive layer and a second adhesive layer, the first adhesive layer being located between the lower part of the electrode and the separator sheet, and the second adhesive layer being located between the upper part of the electrode and the separator sheet.

[0028] The first adhesive layer and the second adhesive layer may each be formed by applying adhesive in the shape of a plurality of dots.

[0029] A battery cell according to another embodiment of the present invention includes the above-described electrode assembly, and further includes a battery case that accommodates the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte, and the adhesive layer dissolves in the electrolyte. [Effects of the Invention]

[0030] According to the embodiments, the present invention provides an electrode assembly in which an electrode and a separator sheet are stacked in a Z-folding manner and an adhesive is pre-applied to the upper and lower parts of the electrode, a manufacturing apparatus therefor, and a manufacturing method therefor, which can prevent the electrode from coming off from its designated position.

[0031] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] 1 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a portion of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 3 is a schematic view showing how an adhesive is applied to a first region of a separator sheet while a table is moving linearly in an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 3 is a schematic view showing a state in which a first electrode is placed on a first region of a separator sheet in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic view illustrating a state in which an adhesive is applied to an upper portion of a first electrode while a table moves linearly in an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 10 is a schematic view showing how an adhesive is applied to a second region of a separator sheet while a table is moving linearly in an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 4 is a schematic view showing a state in which a second electrode is placed in a second region of a separator sheet in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a schematic view showing a state in which an adhesive is applied to a first region of a separator sheet while a first nozzle moves linearly in an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 10 is a schematic view showing a state in which a first electrode is placed on a first region of a separator sheet in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10]10 is a schematic view illustrating a state in which an adhesive is applied to an upper portion of a first electrode while a first nozzle moves linearly in an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing how an adhesive is applied to a second region of a separator membrane sheet while a second nozzle moves linearly, and how a second electrode is placed on the second region of the separator membrane sheet, in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] The present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0034] In order to clearly explain the present invention, parts that are not necessary for the explanation will be omitted, and the same reference numerals will be used throughout the specification to refer to the same or similar components.

[0035] In addition, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for the convenience of explanation, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to those shown in the drawings. In the drawings, thicknesses are exaggerated to clearly show various layers and regions. In the drawings, thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated for the convenience of explanation.

[0036] Furthermore, throughout the specification, when a part is described as "comprising" a certain element, this does not mean that it can further include other elements, unless otherwise specified.

[0037] Furthermore, throughout the specification, "in a plane" means a view of the subject matter as viewed from above, and "in cross section" means a view of the subject matter as viewed from the side across a vertical cross section.

[0038] A method for manufacturing a battery cell according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

[0039] Fig. 1 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing a portion of an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a schematic view showing a state in which a first electrode is placed on a first region of a separator membrane sheet in the apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a schematic view showing a state in which a first electrode is placed on a first region of a separator membrane sheet in the apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] An electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an electrode supplying unit that provides an electrode sheet on which a plurality of electrodes are formed; a separation membrane supplying unit that provides a separation membrane sheet that is folded when the electrodes are placed thereon to cover the electrodes and be stacked with the electrodes; a table that places the electrodes on an upper surface thereof so that the separation membrane sheet is folded between the electrodes to form the electrode assembly; a separation membrane guide that guides the folding direction of the separation membrane sheet; a pair of nozzles that apply adhesive to at least a portion of the separation membrane sheet and / or the electrodes placed on the table; and a pair of pressure rollers that pressurize the separation membrane sheet guided by the separation membrane guide.

[0041] 1 to 3, a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention includes step S101 of cutting electrode sheets (first electrode sheet 1111, second electrode sheet 1121) to form electrodes 11, step S102 of placing a separator sheet 122 on a table 16 and applying adhesive to the separator sheet 122, step S103 of placing an electrode 11 on the separator sheet 122, step S104 of applying adhesive to the top of the electrode 11 and the separator sheet 122, and step S105 of folding the separator sheet 122 to cover the electrode 11.

[0042] Therefore, in the method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to this embodiment, when the electrode 11 and the separator sheet 122 are stacked in a Z-folding manner, adhesive is applied to the top and bottom of the electrode 11, preventing the electrode 11 from coming off from its designated position.

[0043] Each step shown in the flowchart of FIG. 1 will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0044] An electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus (cell manufacturing apparatus 1) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes electrode reels (first electrode reel 111, second electrode reel 112) from which electrode sheets forming a plurality of electrodes 11 are unwound, a separation membrane reel 121 from which a separation membrane sheet 122 is unwound when the electrode 11 is placed thereon to fold and cover the electrode 11 and to be laminated with the electrode 11, a table 16 on which the electrode 11 and the separation membrane sheet 122 are placed, a separation membrane guide 125 that guides the folding direction of the separation membrane sheet 122, a pair of nozzles 17 that apply adhesive to at least a portion of the separation membrane sheet 122 or the electrode 11 placed on the table 16, and a pair of pressure rollers 130 that pressurize the separation membrane sheet 122 guided from the separation membrane guide 125. The electrode reels 111 and 112 are an example of the electrode supply unit described above, and the separation membrane reel 121 may also be an example of the separation membrane supply unit described above. The pair of nozzles 17 may also be an example of one of the applicators described above.

[0045] The electrode reels 111, 112 may include a first electrode reel 111 from which a first electrode sheet 1111 on which a plurality of first electrodes 1112 are formed is unwound, and a second electrode reel 112 from which a second electrode sheet 1121 on which a plurality of second electrodes 1122 are formed is unwound.

[0046] The electrode reels 111, 112 are reels around which the electrode sheets 1111, 1121 are wound, and the electrode sheets 1111, 1121 are unwound from the electrode reels 111, 112. Then, the electrode sheets 1111, 1121 are cut to form the electrodes 11. More specifically, according to this embodiment, the first electrode reel 111 is a reel around which the first electrode sheet 1111 is wound, and the first electrode sheet 1111 is unwound from the second electrode reel 111. Furthermore, the second electrode reel 112 is a reel around which the second electrode sheet 1121 is wound, and the second electrode sheet 1121 is unwound from the second electrode reel 112.

[0047] Here, the electrode sheets 1111 and 1121 can be manufactured by applying a slurry of an electrode active material, a conductive agent, and a binder onto an electrode current collector, drying the slurry, and pressing it. However, the manufacturing method of the electrode sheets 1111 and 1121 is not limited thereto, and any method generally used in the art for manufacturing the electrode sheets 1111 and 1121 is included in this embodiment.

[0048] More specifically, the first electrode sheet 1111 and the second electrode sheet 1121 may contain electrode active materials having different polarities. That is, the first electrode 1112 and the second electrode 1122 may be electrodes 11 having different polarities. As an example, if the first electrode 1112 is a positive electrode, the second electrode 1122 may be a negative electrode. As another example, if the first electrode 1112 is a negative electrode, the second electrode 1122 may be a positive electrode.

[0049] The separator reel 121 is a reel on which the separator sheet 122 is wound, and the separator sheet 122 is unwound from the separator reel 121. The separator sheet 122 is then stacked on the electrode 11 formed by cutting the electrode sheets 1111 and 1121. Here, the electrode 11 and the separator sheet 122 are stacked in a Z-folded manner. More specifically, in this embodiment, when a first electrode 1112 is placed on the separator sheet 122, one side is folded to cover the first electrode 1112, and when a second electrode 1122 is placed on the separator sheet 122, the other side is folded to cover the second electrode 1122. The separator sheet 122 may have a zigzag shape.

[0050] The electrodes 11 and the separation membrane sheets 122 are placed and stacked on the upper surface of the table 16. More preferably, the upper surface of the table 16 is formed to be substantially flat, so that the electrodes 11 and the separation membrane sheets 122 can be stacked stably.

[0051] The table 16 is disposed between the first electrode reel 111 and the second electrode reel 112. More specifically, the table 16 can move between the first electrode reel 111 and the second electrode reel 112. As an example, the table 16 can move forward and backward along the horizontal direction in FIG. 3 and can move linearly back and forth toward the first electrode reel 111 and the second electrode reel 112.

[0052] As a result, the table 16 moves back and forth linearly between the first electrode reel 111 and the second electrode reel 112, allowing the electrodes 11 to be stacked on the table 16 more quickly and assisting the separation membrane guide 125 in folding the separation membrane sheet 122, thereby further improving the process speed and efficiency.

[0053] The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus (cell manufacturing apparatus 1) according to this embodiment may further include a first transfer device 141 that transfers a first electrode 1112 toward the table 16, and a second transfer device 142 that transfers a second electrode 1122 toward the table 16. Here, the first transfer device 141 may transfer a first electrode 1112 formed by cutting a first electrode sheet 1111 unwound from a first electrode reel 111 toward the table 16. In addition, the second transfer device 142 may transfer a second electrode 1122 formed by cutting a second electrode sheet 1121 unwound from a second electrode reel 112 toward the table 16.

[0054] As a result, in this embodiment, the first electrode 1112 and the second electrode 1122 can be transported to both sides of the table 16 via the first transport device 141 and the second transport device 142, respectively, making it easy to alternately stack the first electrode 1112 and the second electrode 1122 on the separator sheet 122.

[0055] 2 to 4, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 1 according to this embodiment may include headers 151 and 152 that adsorb the electrode 11 and place it on the separator sheet 122. More specifically, the headers 151 and 152 may further include a first header 151 that adsorbs the first electrode 1112 and places it on the separator sheet 122, and a second header 152 that adsorbs the second electrode 1122 and places it on the separator sheet 122. Here, the first header 151 and the second header 152 can each move toward the table 16. For example, in FIG. 3, they can move forward and backward in the horizontal direction and can also move linearly back and forth.

[0056] More specifically, the first header 151 can adsorb the first electrode 1112 transferred toward the table 16 by the first transfer device 141, and the second header 152 can adsorb the second electrode 1122 transferred toward the table 16 by the second transfer device 142. In addition, the first header 151 and the second header 152 can move linearly toward the table 16.

[0057] As a result, in this embodiment, the first header 151 and the second header 152 can move the electrode 11 above the table 16, and the electrode 11 can be stably placed on the separation membrane sheet 122.

[0058] In addition, the headers (first header 151, second header 152) can measure the presence or absence of misalignment of the first electrode 1112 or the second electrode 1122 for each first electrode 1112 or second electrode 1122, and then correct the position as necessary to accurately place the headers in the desired positions on the separator membrane sheet 122 placed on the table 16. As a result, in this embodiment, the degree of alignment between the electrodes 11 and the separator membrane sheet 122 stacked and aligned on the table 16 can be further improved.

[0059] 3, the pair of nozzles 17 applies adhesive to at least a portion of the surface corresponding to the upper portion of the electrode 11 and / or the upper portion of the separator sheet 122. More specifically, the pair of nozzles 17 includes a first nozzle 171 that applies adhesive to at least a portion of the upper portion of the first electrode 1112 and a second nozzle 172 that applies adhesive to at least a portion of the upper portion of the second electrode 1122.

[0060] Here, as shown in Fig. 3, the first nozzle 171 can apply adhesive to the first region 1221 of the separation membrane sheet 122 placed on the table 16 to form a first adhesive layer 1710. More specifically, as the table 16 moves linearly toward the first transfer device 141 as shown in Fig. 3, the adhesive applied from the first nozzle 171 can form the first adhesive layer 1710 in the first region 1221 of the separation membrane sheet 122. Thereafter, the first electrode 1112 can be placed on the first region 1221 of the separation membrane sheet 122 on which the first adhesive layer 1710 has been formed.

[0061] Here, the first region 1221 of the separation membrane sheet 122 refers to the region of the separation membrane sheet 122 where the first electrode 1112 is attached. In some cases, the first region 1221 refers to the region of the separation membrane sheet 122 where the first electrode 1112 is attached while covering the second electrode 1122. The second region 1222 refers to the region of the separation membrane sheet 122 where the second electrode 1122 is attached while covering the first electrode 1112. In other words, the first electrode 1112 can be placed on the first region 1221 of the separation membrane sheet 122, and the second electrode 1122 can be placed on the second region 1222 of the separation membrane sheet 122.

[0062] Here, the adhesive is preferably applied uniformly to the first region 1221 of the separator sheet 122. However, if the adhesive is applied to the entire surface of the first region 1221 of the separator sheet 122, the amount of adhesive applied may be excessive. In this case, the adhesive may flow to the outside of the separator sheet 122 and contaminate other parts, which may hinder smooth power generation when a secondary battery is manufactured.

[0063] Therefore, in this embodiment, the adhesive is preferably applied in a spot coating manner or a line coating manner to the first region 1221 of the separator sheet 122. That is, the first adhesive layer 1710 is preferably formed in a spot pattern or a line pattern.

[0064] On the other hand, if the amount of adhesive applied is too small, the electrode 11 may not be fixed to the separator sheet 122 and may come off from its fixed position as the cell moves. Therefore, it is preferable that the intervals between the areas where the adhesive is applied are not too large.

[0065] Meanwhile, the adhesive contained in the adhesive layer (first adhesive layer 1710) located between the first region 1221 of the separator sheet 122 and the first electrode 1112 is dissolvable in the electrolyte. More specifically, when the first adhesive layer 1710 is immersed in the electrolyte, the adhesive contained in the first adhesive layer 1710 is dissolvable in the electrolyte. Here, dissolving of the adhesive may mean that the adhesive dissolves in the electrolyte. In other words, it may mean that the area of ​​the first adhesive layer 1710 is reduced or that the first adhesive layer 1710 is completely removed, leaving no first adhesive layer 1710 in the first region 1221 of the separator sheet 122.

[0066] For example, the adhesive may be an acrylate adhesive. That is, in this embodiment, by applying an acrylate adhesive to the first region 1221 of the separator sheet 122, the adhesive can be dissolved in the electrolyte contained in the final battery cell.

[0067] Therefore, in this embodiment, the first adhesive layer 1710 fixes the first electrode 1112 to the first region 1221 of the separator sheet 122 during the manufacturing process, preventing it from coming off from its fixed position. Additionally, the first adhesive layer 1710 dissolves in the electrolyte contained in the final battery cell, and does not interfere with the movement of lithium ions between the electrode and the separator, thereby further improving the performance of the battery cell.

[0068] 3 and 4, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus (cell manufacturing apparatus 1) according to this embodiment may include a pair of pressure rollers 130 that pressurize the separator membrane sheet 122 guided from the separator membrane guide 125. The pair of pressure rollers 130 may be designed to deflect the separator membrane sheet 122 between the separator membrane guide 125 and the table 16. More specifically, the pair of pressure rollers 130 may be positioned between the table 16 and the separator membrane guide 125. Here, the pair of pressure rollers 130 may be fixed. For example, the pressure rollers 130 may not move.

[0069] For example, the pair of pressure rollers 130 may have a form in which a pair of rolls are arranged horizontally. For example, as shown in Fig. 3, the pressure rollers 130 are arranged spaced apart from each other in the horizontal direction. The pressure rollers 130 may press one side of the separator membrane sheet 122. However, the form of the pressure roller 130 is not limited thereto, and any form that can press one side of the separator membrane sheet 122 is included in this embodiment.

[0070] 3 and 4, at least one of the pair of pressure rollers 130 presses one side of the separation membrane sheet 122, thereby enabling constant control of the tension, direction, and / or position of the separation membrane sheet 122. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, while the table 16 moves relative to the separation membrane guide 125, the pair of pressure rollers 130 enable the direction and / or distance of the separation membrane sheet 122 relative to the nozzles (first nozzle 171, second nozzle 172) to be maintained.

[0071] In particular, the pair of pressure rollers 130 may be located between the first nozzle 171 and the second nozzle 172. More specifically, the pair of pressure rollers 130 may include a first pressure roller 1301 and a second pressure roller 1302. Here, the first pressure roller 1301 may be located between the first nozzle 171 and the separation membrane guide 125, and the second pressure roller 1302 may be located between the second nozzle 172 and the separation membrane guide 125. In other words, the first nozzle 171 and the second nozzle 172 may apply adhesive to the separation membrane sheet 122 pressed by at least one of the pair of pressure rollers 130.

[0072] 3, the first pressure roller 1301 may pressurize one side of the separator membrane sheet 122 while adhesive is being applied from the first nozzle 171 to the first region 1221 of the separator membrane sheet 122. As a result, the first pressure roller 1301 may maintain a constant height difference between the first region 1221 of the separator membrane sheet 122 and the first nozzle 171, thereby making the amount or thickness of the first adhesive layer 1710 applied relatively uniform. This can be similarly explained for the second pressure roller 1302.

[0073] In addition, with the separator sheet 122 being pressed by the first pressure roller 1301, the height or angle between the first region 1221 of the separator sheet 122 and the first nozzle 171 can be adjusted. For example, the first nozzle 171 can be moved based on the first region 1221 of the separator sheet 122 so that the height difference between the first region 1221 of the separator sheet 122 and the first nozzle 171 remains constant, or can be rotated so that the angle between the first region 1221 of the separator sheet 122 and the first nozzle 171 remains constant.

[0074] As a result, the height difference or angle between the first nozzle 171 and the first region 1221 of the separation membrane sheet 122 can be maintained constant while the separation membrane sheet 122 is pressed by the first pressure roller 1301, thereby improving the reliability of application of adhesive from the first nozzle 171 to the first region 1221 of the separation membrane sheet 122. This can be similarly explained when the second nozzle 172 applies adhesive to the second region 1222 of the separation membrane sheet 122 while the separation membrane sheet 122 is pressed by the second pressure roller 1302, as shown in Figures 6 and 7.

[0075] 5 is a schematic view showing how an adhesive is applied to an upper portion of a first electrode while a table moves linearly in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing how an adhesive is applied to a second region of a separator sheet while a table moves linearly in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] 3 to 6, the first nozzle 171 and the second nozzle 172 are disposed on both sides of the separation membrane sheet 122.

[0077] That is, as shown in Fig. 5, the first nozzle 171 can apply adhesive to at least a portion of the upper surface of the first electrode 1112 before the upper surface of the first electrode 1112 is covered by the second region 1222 of the separator membrane sheet 122, thereby forming the second adhesive layer 1750. Also, as shown in Fig. 6, the second nozzle 172 can apply adhesive to at least a portion of the second region 1222 of the separator membrane sheet 122 after the upper surface of the first electrode 1112 is covered by the second region 1222 of the separator membrane sheet 122, thereby forming the first adhesive layer 1710.

[0078] The opposite is also true: before the first region 1221 of the separator sheet 122 covers the top of the second electrode 1122, the second nozzle 172 can apply adhesive to at least a portion of the top of the second electrode 1122 to form the second adhesive layer 1750. Furthermore, after the first region 1221 of the separator sheet 122 covers the top of the second electrode 1122, the first nozzle 171 can apply adhesive to at least a portion of the first region 1221 of the separator sheet 122 to form the first adhesive layer 1710.

[0079] Here, the table 16 can move linearly back and forth from side to side based on the pair of nozzles 17. That is, the table 16 can apply adhesive to at least a portion of the upper surface of the electrode 11 or the separator sheet 122 while moving linearly from the pair of nozzles 17 toward the first transfer device 141 or the second transfer device 142.

[0080] The adhesive applied from the pair of nozzles 17 and the second adhesive layer 1750 can be described in the same manner as the first adhesive layer 1710. Here, the first adhesive layer 1710 is formed by applying an adhesive between the lower part of the electrode 11 and the separator membrane sheet 122, and the second adhesive layer 1750 is formed by applying an adhesive between the upper part of the electrode 11 and the separator membrane sheet 122.

[0081] 5 and 6, before the second region 1222 of the separator membrane sheet 122 covers the top of the first electrode 1112, the first nozzle 171 can apply adhesive to at least a portion of the top of the first electrode 1112 to form the second adhesive layer 1750, and simultaneously the second nozzle 172 can apply adhesive to at least a portion of the second region 1222 of the separator membrane sheet 122 to form the first adhesive layer 1710. The opposite can also be true: before the first region 1221 of the separator membrane sheet 122 covers the top of the second electrode 1122, the second nozzle 172 can apply adhesive to at least a portion of the top of the second electrode 1122 to form the second adhesive layer 1750, and simultaneously the first nozzle 171 can apply adhesive to at least a portion of the first region 1221 of the separator membrane sheet 122 to form the first adhesive layer 1710.

[0082] As a result, in this embodiment, the pair of nozzles 17 can simultaneously apply adhesive to the separator sheet 122 or the top of the electrode 11, respectively, thereby reducing the processing time for the adhesive application process and further improving process efficiency.

[0083] 5, the pair of pressure rollers 130 may be spaced apart by the second adhesive layer 1750 formed on the first electrode 1112. This prevents the adhesive applied to the second adhesive layer 1750 formed on the first electrode 1112 from coming into direct contact with the pair of pressure rollers 130 when the table 16 moves linearly.

[0084] 6, the second pressure roller 1302 can pressurize the first adhesive layer 1710 and / or the second adhesive layer 1750 between the second region 1222 of the separator membrane sheet 122 and the first electrode 1112 in the direction opposite to the moving direction of the table 16 while pressing one side of the separator membrane sheet 122. This allows the first adhesive layer 1710 and / or the second adhesive layer 1750 formed between the first electrode 1112 and the second region 1222 of the separator membrane sheet 122 to be more uniformly applied. This can be similarly explained when the first pressure roller 1301 presses the first region 1221 of the separator membrane sheet 122 covering the second electrode 1122 on which the first adhesive layer 1710 is formed.

[0085] FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing how a separator guide moves linearly and a second electrode is placed on a second region of a separator sheet in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] 6 and 7, in this embodiment, the folding direction of the separator sheet 122 is guided by the separator guide 125. Here, the pair of pressure rollers 130 can assist the separator guide 125 in guiding the folding direction of the separator sheet 122.

[0087] For example, the separation membrane guide 125 may have a form in which a pair of rolls are arranged horizontally, and the second pressure roller 1302 may pressurize the separation membrane sheet 122 while the separation membrane sheet 122 is inserted between a pair of pressure rollers 130. However, the form of the separation membrane guide 125 is not limited thereto, and any form capable of controlling the folding direction of the separation membrane sheet 122 is included in this embodiment.

[0088] In addition, the separation membrane guides 125 may be located above and below the pair of nozzles 17. However, the positions and number of the separation membrane guides 125 are not limited thereto, and any positions and numbers that can control the folding direction of the separation membrane sheet 122 are included in this embodiment.

[0089] Furthermore, the separation membrane guide 125 may be fixed together with the pair of nozzles 17 and the pair of pressure rollers 130. Here, the table 16 moves linearly back and forth toward the first transfer device 141 and the second transfer device 142 based on the separation membrane guide 125, and the separation membrane sheet 122 guided by the separation membrane guide 125 is folded along the moving direction of the separation membrane guide 125 so that the separation membrane sheet 122 can cover the electrode 11.

[0090] For example, referring to Figures 6 and 7, with the first electrode 1112 placed on the first region 1221 of the separator sheet 122, the table 16 moves linearly toward the second transfer device 142 so that the second region 1222 of the separator sheet 122 covers the top of the first electrode 1112.

[0091] As a result, the linear reciprocating motion of the table 16 allows the adhesive application process by the pair of nozzles 17 and the folding process of the separation membrane sheet 122 by the separation membrane guide 125 to be performed simultaneously, thereby reducing the process time and improving the process efficiency.

[0092] Using such an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus (cell manufacturing apparatus 1), an electrode assembly manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention can be performed as follows.

[0093] First, referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, when the first electrode sheet 1111 is unwound from the first electrode reel 111, the first cutter 131 cuts the first electrode sheet 1111 to form a plurality of first electrodes 1112 (S101).

[0094] Meanwhile, when the separation membrane sheet 122 is unwound from the separation membrane reel 121, the separation membrane sheet 122 is placed on the upper surface of the table 16 while being pressed by the first pressure roller 1301, and the first nozzle 171 applies adhesive to the separation membrane sheet 122 (S102). At this time, the table 16 moves linearly toward the first transfer device 141, and as the table 16 moves, the first nozzle 171 forms a first adhesive layer 1710 on the first region 1221 of the separation membrane sheet 122.

[0095] 1 and 4, the first header 151 can move linearly above the table 16 while adsorbing the first electrode 1112. When the first header 151 is positioned above the table 16, as shown in FIG. 3, the first header 151 places the first electrode 1112 on the first region 1221 of the separator sheet 122 where the first adhesive layer 1710 is formed (S103).

[0096] 1, 5, and 6, after the first electrode 1112 is placed on the first region 1221 of the separation membrane sheet 122, the table 16 moves toward the second transfer device 142, and the first nozzle 171 applies adhesive to the top of the first electrode 1112 to form a second adhesive layer 1750. Then, with one side of the separation membrane sheet 122 being pressed by the second pressure roller 1302, the table 16 moves toward the second transfer device 142, and the second nozzle 172 also applies adhesive to the second region 1222 of the separation membrane sheet 122 to form a first adhesive layer 1710 (S104).

[0097] Also, referring to Figures 1, 6 and 7, as the table 16 moves toward the second transfer device 142 based on the separation membrane guide 125, one side of the separation membrane sheet 122 is folded, and the second region 1222 of the separation membrane sheet 122 covers the first electrode 1112 on which the second adhesive layer 1750 is formed (S105).

[0098] Meanwhile, as shown in Fig. 3, when the second electrode sheet 1121 is unwound from the second electrode reel 112, the second cutter 132 cuts the second electrode sheet 1121. This forms a plurality of second electrodes 1122. Thereafter, as shown in Fig. 7, when the second transfer device 142 transfers the second electrode 1122, the second header 152 adsorbs the second electrode 1122. Then, if the second region 1222 of the separator sheet 122 covers the first electrode 1112, the second header 152 adsorbing the second electrode 1122 moves toward the top of the second region 1222 and places the second electrode 1122 on the second region 1222 where the first adhesive layer 1710 is formed.

[0099] 5, the second nozzle 172 applies adhesive to the upper part of the second electrode 1122. Here, as the table 16 moves toward the first transfer device 141, the second nozzle 172 can form a second adhesive layer 1750 on the upper part of the second electrode 1122.

[0100] Thereafter, the table 16 moves toward the first transfer device 141 based on the separation membrane guide 125, so that the other side of the separation membrane sheet 122 is folded and the first region 1221 of the separation membrane sheet 122 covers the second electrode 1122 on which the second adhesive layer 1750 is formed.

[0101] That is, the above process can be repeated to complete the method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] When the electrode assembly manufacturing method according to the embodiment of the present invention is performed, when the electrode 11 and the separator sheet 122 are stacked in a Z-folding manner, adhesive is applied to the top and bottom of the electrode 11, respectively, to prevent the electrode 11 from coming off from its designated position.

[0103] An electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 2 according to another embodiment of the present invention will now be described. The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 2 of this embodiment can be explained in much the same way as the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus (cell manufacturing apparatus 1) described above with reference to Figures 2 to 7, and only differences from the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus (cell manufacturing apparatus 1) will be described below.

[0104] FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing how an adhesive is applied to a first region of a separator sheet while a first nozzle moves linearly in an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0105] 8, in the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 2 of this embodiment, the table 16a may be fixed. As a result, the electrodes 11 and the separator sheets 122 can be stacked on the table 16a while the table 16a is fixed, thereby improving the alignment of the electrodes 11 and the separator sheets 122.

[0106] In addition, the separation membrane guide 125, the first nozzle 171a, and the second nozzle 172a can move forward and backward in the horizontal direction in FIG. 7 between the first electrode reel 111 and the second electrode reel 112. For example, the separation membrane guide 125, the first nozzle 171a, and the second nozzle 171b can move linearly back and forth from side to side with respect to the table 16a. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the first nozzle 171a can apply adhesive to the first region 1221 of the separation membrane sheet 122 to form a first adhesive layer 1710 by moving linearly from the table 16a toward the second transfer device 142.

[0107] Furthermore, the pair of pressure rollers 130 can move together with the separation membrane guide 125, the first nozzle 171a, and the second nozzle 172a while pressing one side of the separation membrane sheet 122. As an example, the first pressure roller 1301 can move together with the second pressure roller 1302, the first nozzle 171a, and the second nozzle 172a while pressing one side of the separation membrane sheet 122. This allows the pair of pressure rollers 130 to maintain the tension of the separation membrane sheet 122. At the same time, the height difference between the first nozzle 171a and the second nozzle 172a and the separation membrane sheet 122 can be maintained.

[0108] As an example, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 2 of this embodiment may further include a moving box 18 that houses the separation membrane guide 125, the first nozzle 171a, and the second nozzle 172a. That is, in the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 2 of this embodiment, the separation membrane guide 125, the first nozzle 171a, and the second nozzle 172a can move simultaneously as the moving box 18 moves.

[0109] This maintains a constant distance between the first nozzle 171a and the separation membrane guide 125 and a constant distance between the second nozzle 172a and the separation membrane guide 125, thereby improving the reliability of the application of adhesive from the first nozzle 171a and the second nozzle 172a.

[0110] In addition, the angle of the first nozzle 171a and / or the second nozzle 172a can be rotated or the first nozzle 171a and the second nozzle 172a can be moved within the moving box 18 to adjust the height difference or angle between the first nozzle 171a and / or the second nozzle 172a and the separation membrane (separation membrane sheet 122). Even in this case, the distance between the first nozzle 171a and the separation membrane guide 125 and the distance between the second nozzle 172a and the separation membrane guide 125 can be maintained constant within the moving box 18, thereby further improving the application reliability of the adhesive applied from the first nozzle 171a and the second nozzle 172a.

[0111] Using such an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus (cell manufacturing apparatus 1a), an electrode assembly manufacturing method according to another embodiment of the present invention is performed as follows.

[0112] First, referring to FIGS. 1 and 8, when the first electrode sheet 1111 is unwound from the first electrode reel 111, the first cutter 131 cuts the first electrode sheet 1111 to form a plurality of first electrodes 1112 (S101).

[0113] Meanwhile, when the separation membrane sheet 122 is unwound from the separation membrane reel 121, the separation membrane sheet 122 is placed on the upper surface of the table 16a while being pressed by the first pressure roller 1301, and the first nozzle 171a applies adhesive to the separation membrane sheet 122 (S102). At this time, the first nozzle 171a forms a first adhesive layer 1710 on the first region 1221 of the separation membrane sheet 122 while moving linearly toward the second transfer device 142.

[0114] FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing a state in which a first electrode is placed on a first region of a separator sheet in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0115] 1 and 9, the first header 151 can move linearly above the table 16 while adsorbing the first electrode 1112. When the first header 151 is positioned above the table 16a, as shown in FIG. 9, the first header 151 places the first electrode 1112 on the first region 1221 of the separator sheet 122 where the first adhesive layer 1710 is formed (S103).

[0116] Fig. 10 is a schematic view showing how an adhesive is applied to an upper portion of a first electrode while a first nozzle moves linearly in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 11 is a schematic view showing how an adhesive is applied to a second region of a separator membrane sheet while a second nozzle moves linearly in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, and how a second electrode is placed on the second region of the separator membrane sheet.

[0117] 1, 10, and 11, after the first electrode 1112 is placed on the first region 1221 of the separation membrane sheet 122, the first nozzle 171a moves toward the first transfer device 141, whereby the first nozzle 171a applies adhesive to the top of the first electrode 1112 to form a second adhesive layer 1750. Furthermore, with one side of the separation membrane sheet 122 being pressed by the second pressure roller 1302, the second nozzle 172a also moves toward the first transfer device 141, whereby the second nozzle 172a applies adhesive to the second region 1222 of the separation membrane sheet 122 to form a first adhesive layer 1710 (S104).

[0118] Also, referring to Figures 1, 10 and 11, as the separation membrane guide 125 and the pair of pressure rollers 130 move toward the first transfer device 141 based on the table 16a, one side of the separation membrane sheet 122 is folded, and the second region 1222 of the separation membrane sheet 122 covers the first electrode 1112 on which the second adhesive layer 1750 is formed (S105).

[0119] Meanwhile, as shown in Fig. 8, when the second electrode sheet 1121 is unwound from the second electrode reel 112, the second cutter 132 cuts the second electrode sheet 1121. This forms a plurality of second electrodes 1122. Thereafter, as shown in Fig. 11, when the second transfer device 142 transfers the second electrode 1122, the second header 152 adsorbs the second electrode 1122. Then, if the second region 1222 of the separator sheet 122 covers the first electrode 1112, the second header 152 adsorbing the second electrode 1122 moves toward the top of the second region 1222 and places the second electrode 1122 on the second region 1222 where the first adhesive layer 1710 is formed.

[0120] 10, the second nozzle 172 applies adhesive to the top of the second electrode 1122. Here, as the second nozzle 172a moves toward the second transfer device 142, the second nozzle 172a can form a second adhesive layer 1750 on the top of the second electrode 1122.

[0121] Thereafter, the separation membrane guide 125 and the pair of pressure rollers 130 move toward the second transfer device 142 based on the table 16a, whereby the other side of the separation membrane sheet 122 is folded and the first region 1221 of the separation membrane sheet 122 covers the second electrode 1122 on which the second adhesive layer 1750 is formed.

[0122] That is, the above process can be repeated to complete the method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0123] When the electrode assembly manufacturing method according to the embodiment of the present invention is performed, when the electrode 11 and the separator sheet 122 are stacked in a Z-folding manner, adhesive is applied to the top and bottom of the electrode 11, respectively, to prevent the electrode 11 from coming off from its designated position.

[0124] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0125] Referring to Figures 7, 11 and 12, in an electrode assembly 10 in which electrodes and separator sheets are alternately stacked according to another embodiment of the present invention, the electrode 11 includes a first electrode 1112 and a second electrode 1122, and the separator sheet 122 has a zigzag shape formed by being folded at least two times.

[0126] Here, the separation membrane sheet 122 is folded with the first electrode 1112 placed on the first region 1221 of the separation membrane sheet 122, and the second region 1222 of the separation membrane (separation membrane sheet 122) covers the first electrode 11. Also, the separation membrane sheet 122 is folded with the second electrode 1122 placed on the second region 1222 of the separation membrane sheet 122, and the first region 1221 of the separation membrane sheet 122 covers the second electrode 1122.

[0127] In particular, in the electrode assembly 10 according to this embodiment, the electrodes 11 are stacked one by one on the first region 1221 or the second region 1222 of the separator sheet 122. At this time, the electrodes 11 are stacked in accurate positions on the separator sheet 122 after measuring whether there is any misalignment and correcting their positions as necessary. As a result, the electrode assembly 10 according to this embodiment can further improve the alignment between the electrodes 11 and the separator sheet 122.

[0128] Here, an adhesive layer 1700 is formed between the electrode 11 and the separator sheet 122. More specifically, the adhesive layer 1700 includes a first adhesive layer 1710 and a second adhesive layer 1750. The first adhesive layer 1710 can be located between the lower part of the electrode 11 and the separator sheet 122, and the second adhesive layer 1750 can be located between the upper part of the electrode 11 and the separator sheet 122.

[0129] As an example, the first adhesive layer 1710 and the second adhesive layer 1750 may each be formed by applying adhesive in the shape of a plurality of dots. However, as previously described in connection with the battery cell manufacturing apparatus 1, the shapes of the first adhesive layer 1710 and the second adhesive layer 1750 are not limited to this and may be formed in a variety of shapes.

[0130] As a result, in the electrode assembly 10 according to this embodiment, an adhesive layer 1700 is formed between the electrode 11 and the separator sheet 122, and even in the case of a low-cost separator with excessively low adhesive strength, the electrode 11 and the separator are stably fixed to each other, preventing the electrode 11 from coming off from its fixed position. In addition, in the electrode assembly 10 according to this embodiment, one separator sheet 122 is folded to cover the upper and lower parts of the electrode 11, thereby further improving the alignment of the electrode 11 and process efficiency.

[0131] In addition, there is no need for a laminating process as in the past, which reduces the rate of defects caused by high heat and pressure. Furthermore, since the laminator can be eliminated, the volume of the manufacturing equipment is reduced and the manufacturing process is simplified.

[0132] The separator according to the embodiments described herein may be a CCS (ceramic coated separator). Generally, a separator comprises a raw film and a coating layer formed on at least one surface of the raw film. The coating layer may contain alumina powder and a binder to hold the layers together. While a safety-reinforced separator (SRS) has a large amount of binder coated on the surface of the coating layer, a CCS does not have a binder coated on the surface of the coating layer or has a much lower binder content than an SRS. For example, in the case of a CCS separator according to the present embodiment, the binder content coated on the surface of the coating layer of the separator may be about 3 wt% or less. For example, the binder content coated on the surface of the coating layer of the separator may be about 2 wt% or less, or about 1 wt% or less.

[0133] When the separator is CCS, the internal electrodes included in the electrode assembly are transported in an unfixed state, which can lead to misalignment during transport. While CCS separators can be fixed using heat and pressure, the alignment of the internal electrodes can also be disturbed during transport to a heat and pressure fixing device after the electrode and separator stack is formed. Another drawback is that attaching the electrodes and separator using heat and pressure requires the use of expensive separators with high binder content. In contrast, this embodiment can increase the fixing strength while preventing misalignment of the internal electrodes during transport.

[0134] FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0135] 7, 11, 12, and 13, a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present invention is a battery cell including the electrode assembly 10 described above, and includes a battery case 50 that houses the electrode assembly 10 together with an electrolyte, and an adhesive layer 1700 that dissolves in the electrolyte.

[0136] Here, a fixing member such as fixing tape 30 may be attached to the outside of the electrode assembly 10. This helps maintain the stacked alignment of the electrode 11 and the separator sheet 122. The electrode assembly 10 with the fixing tape 30 attached can be called the final electrode assembly 20.

[0137] The battery case 50 includes a receiving portion 60 in which the electrode assembly 10 or the final electrode assembly 20 is installed, and a sealing portion 70 that seals the outer periphery of the receiving portion 60. As an example, the battery case 50 may be a laminate sheet including a resin layer and a metal layer. More specifically, the battery case 50 is made of a laminate sheet and includes an outer resin layer forming the outermost corners, a barrier metal layer that prevents penetration of materials, and an inner resin layer for sealing.

[0138] The receiving portion 60 of the battery case 50 may also contain an electrolyte together with the electrode assembly 10. Here, the adhesive layer 1700 included in the electrode assembly 10 may dissolve in the electrolyte. In particular, in the battery cell according to this embodiment, the adhesive layer 1700 included in the electrode assembly 10 may dissolve in the electrolyte under high temperature and / or pressure conditions during an activation process such as a formation process.

[0139] More specifically, in the battery cell according to this embodiment, when the adhesive layer 1700 formed between the electrode 11 of the electrode assembly 10 and the separator sheet 122 dissolves in the electrolyte, little or no adhesive 14 remains on the surface of the electrode 11.

[0140] In contrast, because the separator sheet 122 is generally a porous sheet, some of the adhesive 14 may have permeated into the separator sheet 122. However, even in the case of the adhesive layer 1700 that has permeated into the separator sheet 122, it may be mostly or completely dissolved in the electrolyte, and during this process, traces of the adhesive layer 1700 may remain on the separator sheet 122.

[0141] Here, the application trace of the adhesive layer 1700 may mean that the adhesive component contained in the adhesive layer 1700 does not remain, but a part of the outer surface of the separator sheet 122 is deformed by the adhesive layer 1700. However, without being limited thereto, the application trace of the adhesive layer 1700 may mean a trace that can be used to determine whether or not an adhesive has been applied in various ways, such as a trace that can be checked with the naked eye. Thus, the application trace of the adhesive layer 1700 formed on the separator sheet 122 is formed in the same position as the position where the adhesive is applied.

[0142] As a result, in the battery cell according to this embodiment, the adhesive layer 1700 is completely dissolved on the surface of the electrode 11 or the separator (separator sheet 122), eliminating any unreacted areas due to the adhesive layer 1700, preventing performance degradation and achieving excellent battery performance.

[0143] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention defined in the following claims also fall within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0144] 1, 1a: Cell manufacturing equipment 11: Electrode 16, 16a: Table 17: Nozzle 111: First electrode reel 112: Second electrode reel 121: Separation membrane reel 122: Separation membrane sheet 125:Separation Membrane Guide 131: First cutter 132: Second cutter 141:First transfer device 142:Second transfer device 151: First header 152: Second header 171, 171a: first nozzle 172, 172a: second nozzle 1111: First electrode sheet 1112: 1st electrode 1121: Second electrode sheet 1122:Second electrode 1221:First area 1222:Second area 1301: First pressure roller 1302: Second pressure roller 1710: 1st adhesive layer 1750:Second adhesive layer

Claims

1. an electrode supply unit provided with an electrode sheet on which a plurality of electrodes are formed; a separation membrane supply unit that provides a separation membrane sheet that is folded when the electrode is placed thereon to cover the electrode and be laminated with the electrode; a table on which the electrodes are placed with the separator sheet folded between the electrodes to form an electrode assembly; A separation membrane guide that guides the folding direction of the separation membrane sheet; a pair of applicators that apply adhesive to at least a portion of the separation membrane sheet and / or the electrode placed on the table; a pair of pressure rollers for pressing the separator membrane sheet guided by the separator membrane guide;

2. The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the pair of pressure rollers are positioned between the table and the separator guide.

3. The electrode supply unit includes: a first electrode supply unit that supplies a first electrode sheet on which a plurality of first electrodes are formed; 3. The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: a second electrode supplying unit that supplies a second electrode sheet on which a plurality of second electrodes are formed.

4. a first transfer device that transfers the first electrode toward the table; The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to claim 3 , further comprising: a second transfer device that transfers the second electrode toward the table.

5. the pair of applicators includes a first nozzle and a second nozzle; The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein the pair of applicators apply the adhesive to the separator sheet or the electrode positioned on the table, respectively.

6. The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the first nozzle and the second nozzle are disposed on both sides of the separation membrane guide.

7. the pair of pressure rollers includes a first pressure roller and a second pressure roller, 7. The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first pressure roller is positioned between the first nozzle and the separation membrane guide, and the second pressure roller is positioned between the second nozzle and the separation membrane guide.

8. The first electrode is placed on a first region of the separation membrane sheet, The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the second electrode is placed on the second region of the separator sheet.

9. a first header that adsorbs the first electrode and places it on the first region; The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus of claim 8 , further comprising: a second header that attracts and places the second electrode in the second region.

10. the separation membrane guide, the pair of applicators, and the pair of pressure rollers are fixed; The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the table moves linearly back and forth toward the first transfer device and the second transfer device.

11. The table is fixed, The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the separation film guide, the pair of applicators, and the pair of pressure rollers linearly reciprocate toward the first transfer device and the second transfer device.

12. The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to claim 10 , further comprising a moving box that houses the separation membrane guide and the pair of applicators therein.

13. cutting a first electrode sheet provided by a first electrode supply unit to form a plurality of first electrodes; a separation membrane sheet provided from a separation membrane supply unit is guided along a separation membrane guide, the separation membrane sheet is placed on a table in a state where a first pressure roller presses the separation membrane sheet guided from the separation membrane guide, and a first nozzle applies adhesive to a first region of the separation membrane sheet; placing the first electrode on the adhesive applied to the first region of the separator sheet; applying the adhesive onto the first electrode through the first nozzle; folding the separator sheet in a folding direction guided by the separator guide so that a second region of the separator sheet covers the first electrode.

14. After the step of covering the top of the first electrode, cutting the second electrode sheet supplied from the second electrode supply unit to form a plurality of second electrodes; a second nozzle applying adhesive to a second region of the separation membrane sheet while a second pressure roller presses the separation membrane sheet guided by the separation membrane guide; placing the second electrode on a second region of the separator sheet; applying the adhesive onto the second electrode through the second nozzle; 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising folding the separator sheet in a folding direction guided by the separator guide so that the first region of the separator sheet covers the second electrode.

15. the separation membrane guide, the first nozzle, the second nozzle, the first pressure roller, and the second pressure roller are fixed; The method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 14, wherein the table moves linearly back and forth toward the first transfer device and the second transfer device.

16. The table is fixed, 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the separation membrane guide, the first nozzle, the second nozzle, the first pressure roller, and the second pressure roller linearly reciprocate toward the first transfer device and the second transfer device.

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