Electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method

Abstract

The present invention provides a manufacturing apparatus 1 for an electrode assembly, including a unit cell supply unit 10 configured to include a magazine 100 in which one or more unit cells 700 are stacked in a first direction, and a static eliminator 200 configured to remove static electricity of the unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100. Each of the individual unit cells 700 includes one or more electrodes 710 and one or more separator membranes 720, which are alternately stacked in the first direction. The static eliminator 200 includes a contact body 210 made of a conductive material that contacts an electrode tab 714 of at least one electrode 710 of each of at least one unit cell 700 stacked in the magazine 100 to discharge the static electricity of the unit cell 700. The electrode tab 714 protrudes in one direction of a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the contact body 210 is disposed on one side of the electrode tab 714 in the second direction.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0068090 dated June 3, 2022, and all contents disclosed in the documents of this Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for manufacturing an electrode assembly, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for manufacturing an electrode assembly that is capable of individually drawing out and supplying unit cells stacked in a magazine. [Background technology]

[0003] In general, a secondary battery refers to a battery that can be charged and discharged, unlike a primary battery that cannot be recharged. These secondary batteries are used not only in small, advanced electronic devices such as mobile phones, PDAs, and laptops, but also as a power source for energy storage systems (ESS), electric vehicles (EVs), and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs).

[0004] Secondary batteries are classified into can-type secondary batteries, in which an electrode assembly is housed in a metal can, and pouch-type secondary batteries, in which an electrode assembly is housed in a pouch (battery case). A pouch-type secondary battery includes an electrode assembly and a pouch (battery case) that houses the electrode assembly. The electrode assembly includes one or more unit cells, and the unit cells have a structure in which electrodes and separators are alternately stacked.

[0005] Meanwhile, the electrode assembly is manufactured by an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus, which includes a magazine in which unit cells are stacked, and a transfer unit that attracts the unit cells stacked in the magazine and then stacks them in a set location.

[0006] However, when the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus attracts the unit cells stacked at the top of the magazine, static electricity can cause two or more unit cells stacked at the top of the magazine to be pulled out together. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] Patent Document 1: Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2021-0047209 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The present invention has been devised to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for manufacturing an electrode assembly that allows individual extraction and supply of unit cells stacked in a magazine.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly that has a simple structure and configuration and reduces manufacturing and maintenance costs.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly in which unit cells are not damaged or deformed and no foreign matter is attached.

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus that is simple and easy to operate.

[0012] The technical object of the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned objects, and other unmentioned objects and advantages of the present invention can be understood from the following description and can be more clearly understood from the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it is clear that the objects and advantages of the present invention can be achieved by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly, including a unit cell supply unit and a unit cell transfer unit.

[0014] The unit cell supply unit may include a magazine and a static eliminator.

[0015] The magazine may have one or more unit cells stacked in a first direction.

[0016] The static eliminator may be disposed adjacent to the magazine.

[0017] The static eliminator may eliminate static electricity from the unit cells stacked in the magazine.

[0018] The unit cell transfer unit may extract the unit cells stacked in the magazine from the magazine and transfer the unit cells.

[0019] Each of the unit cells may include one or more electrodes and one or more separators.

[0020] The one or more electrodes and the one or more separators may be stacked alternately in a first direction.

[0021] The one or more electrodes and the one or more separators may be joined to each other in a first direction.

[0022] The static eliminator may include a contact body made of a conductive material.

[0023] The contact body is in contact with at least one of the unit cells stacked in the magazine, and is also in contact with an electrode tab of at least one of the electrodes of each of the at least one unit cell, thereby discharging static electricity from the unit cell.

[0024] The electrode tab of the at least one electrode in each of the at least one unit cell may protrude in a second direction intersecting the first direction.

[0025] The contact body may be disposed on one side of the electrode tab in the second direction.

[0026] In an embodiment, the unit cell transfer unit may extract the unit cells stacked at one end of the magazine in a first direction from the magazine and transfer the unit cells.

[0027] The at least one unit cell may include a unit cell at one end in a first direction of the one or more unit cells stacked in the magazine.

[0028] In one embodiment, the at least one electrode of each of the at least one unit cell may include a body portion and an electrode tab.

[0029] The body portion may be joined to the separation membrane in a first direction.

[0030] The electrode tab may protrude further in one direction in the second direction than the body portion and the separation film joined to the body portion.

[0031] The electrode tab may be coupled to the body portion.

[0032] In one embodiment, the at least one unit cell may be a plurality of the unit cells.

[0033] The contact body may extend in a first direction and contact the electrode tab of each of the plurality of unit cells, the electrode tab protruding further in one direction in the second direction than the body portion and the separation film.

[0034] In one embodiment, the contact body may contact the electrode tab of the at least one electrode of each of the at least one unit cell in a second direction.

[0035] In one embodiment, when vertically projected onto any plane extending in the second direction and a third direction intersecting the first and second directions, the body portion of the at least one electrode in each of the at least one unit cell may include an overlapping portion that overlaps, in the third direction, the electrode tab coupled to the body portion.

[0036] A distance in the second direction between the overlapping portion of the at least one electrode and the contact body in each of the at least one unit cell may be smaller than a length in the second direction of the electrode tab of the at least one electrode in each of the at least one unit cell.

[0037] In one embodiment, the length minus the distance may be greater than 0 and less than or equal to 1 / 15 of the length.

[0038] In one embodiment, the contact body and the electrode tab may be made of the same material.

[0039] In one embodiment, the contact may be grounded.

[0040] In one embodiment, the static eliminator may further include an air-blowing ionizer.

[0041] The air-blowing ionizer generates ions and blows ionized air containing the generated ions toward the unit cells stacked in the magazine, thereby removing static electricity from the unit cells.

[0042] In an embodiment, the unit cell transfer unit may extract the unit cells stacked at one end of the magazine in a first direction from the magazine and transfer the unit cells.

[0043] The air-blowing ionizer may blow the ionized air toward at least one unit cell at one end in a first direction among the one or more unit cells stacked in the magazine.

[0044] In one embodiment, the air-blowing type ionizer may include a first air-blowing type ionizer, a second air-blowing type ionizer, and a third air-blowing type ionizer.

[0045] The first blowing type ionizer is disposed on one side of the unit cell in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions, and may blow the ionized air toward the unit cell.

[0046] The second blowing type ionizer is disposed on the other side of the unit cell in the third direction and can blow ionized air toward the unit cell.

[0047] The third blowing-type ionizer is disposed on the other side of the unit cell in the second direction and can blow ionized air toward the unit cell.

[0048] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly, including a unit cell supply step of individually pulling out and supplying the unit cells stacked in the magazine.

[0049] In the step of providing the unit cells, the contact body is brought into contact with the electrode tab of the at least one electrode of each of the at least one unit cell. [Effects of the Invention]

[0050] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 1 may include a unit cell supply unit 10 including a magazine 100 in which one or more unit cells 700 are stacked in a first direction, and a static eliminator 200 disposed adjacent to the magazine 100 and configured to remove static electricity from the unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100. The individual unit cells 700 may be stacked alternately in the first direction and may include one or more electrodes 710 and one or more separators 720 joined to each other in the first direction. The static eliminator 200 may contact at least one unit cell 700 stacked in the magazine 100 and may include a contact member 210 made of a conductive material that contacts at least one electrode 710 of each of the at least one unit cell 700 to discharge static electricity from the unit cell 700.

[0051] As a result, the contact body 210, which is a conductor, is in contact with and electrically connected to at least one electrode 710 (conductor) of each of at least one unit cell 700, thereby effectively discharging static electricity from the unit cells 700.

[0052] Specifically, the contact body 210, which is a conductor, is in contact with and electrically connected to the electrode 710, which is also a conductor, and therefore can effectively discharge static electricity from the electrode 710 of the unit cell 700. Furthermore, even though the separator 720 of the unit cell 700 is made of an insulating material, unlike the electrode 710, static electricity from the separator 720 can be effectively discharged through the electrode 710 that is joined to the separator 720. Therefore, even when the contact body 210 is in contact with the electrode 710 of each unit cell 700, static electricity from the entire unit cell 700 can be effectively discharged.

[0053] Therefore, static electricity of the unit cells 700 is effectively reduced, thereby preventing two or more unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 from being pulled out together. That is, the unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 can be pulled out and fed individually. This prevents two or more unit cells 700 from being pulled out and fed together, which could result in a manufacturing defect in the electrode assembly, and also prevents one or more unit cells 700 from falling off and covering a sensor such as a camera during the feeding process, which could result in an interruption in the manufacturing process of the electrode assembly.

[0054] In particular, when the unit cells 700 are half cells in which a separator 720, an electrode 710, and another separator 720 are stacked, even if the unit cells 700 are stored for a long period of time in a state in which a plurality of half cells are stacked in the magazine 100, static electricity of the half cells is effectively discharged, and the half cells can be individually drawn out and transported from the magazine 100. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a manufacturing defect in the electrode assembly from occurring when two or more half cells are drawn out and transported from the magazine 100 together due to static electricity generated during long-term storage, resulting in two or more half cells being stacked on top of a stack of multiple mono cells each having a separator 720, an electrode 710, another separator 720, and another electrode 710 stacked thereon. In addition, it is possible to prevent an interruption in the manufacturing process of the electrode assembly from occurring when two or more half cells are drawn out and transported from the magazine 100 due to static electricity generated during long-term storage, resulting in one or more half cells falling off and covering a sensor, such as a camera, during the process of transferring the two or more half cells.

[0055] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the magazine 100 may further include a unit cell transfer unit 50 that pulls out and transfers the unit cells 700 stacked at one end in the first direction of the magazine 100. The contactor 210 may be in contact with at least one electrode 710 of at least one unit cell 700 at one end in the first direction among the one or more unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100.

[0056] As a result, when the unit cell transfer unit 50 extracts and transfers the unit cells 700 at one end (e.g., the upper end) in the first direction from the magazine 100, static electricity in at least the unit cells 700 at one end in the first direction is discharged by the contact body 210, so that the unit cell transfer unit 50 can prevent the unit cell transfer unit 50 from extracting and transferring two or more unit cells 700 at one end in the first direction. As a result, the unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 can be extracted and fed reliably and individually.

[0057] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electrode 710 of the unit cell 700 may include a body portion 712 joined to the separation membrane 720 in the first direction, and an electrode tab 714 that protrudes further outward than the body portion 712 and the separation membrane 720 joined to the body portion 712 and is coupled to the body portion 712. The contactor 210 may contact the electrode tab 714 of the at least one electrode 710 of each of the at least one unit cell 700 to discharge static electricity from the unit cell 700.

[0058] As a result, the contact body 210, which is a conductor, can be simply and easily electrically connected to the electrode 710 by contacting the outwardly protruding electrode tab 714. As a result, the structure of the contact body 210 can be simplified, which can reduce the manufacturing and maintenance costs of the manufacturing equipment for the contact body 210 and the electrode assembly.

[0059] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the contact body 210 may contact the plurality of unit cells 700, but may also contact the electrode tab 714 of at least one electrode 710 of each of the plurality of unit cells 700. The electrode tab 714 of the at least one electrode 710 of each of the plurality of unit cells 700 may protrude further in a second direction intersecting with the first direction than the body portion 712 coupled to the electrode tab 714 and the separation film 720 joined to the body portion 712. The contact body 210 may extend in the first direction and contact the electrode tab 714 of each of the plurality of unit cells 700 protruding further in the second direction.

[0060] As a result, one contactor 210 extending in the first direction can effectively discharge static electricity from the plurality of unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100. This can simplify the configuration of the electrode assembly, thereby reducing the manufacturing and maintenance costs of the contactor 210 and the electrode assembly manufacturing equipment.

[0061] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electrode tab 714 of the at least one electrode 710 in each of the at least one unit cell 700 may protrude further in one direction in a second direction intersecting the first direction than the body portion 712 coupled to the electrode tab 714 and the separation film 720 joined to the body portion 712. The contactor 210 may be disposed on one side of the electrode tab 714 of the at least one electrode 710 in each of the at least one unit cell 700 in the second direction and may be in contact with the electrode tab 714 of the at least one electrode 710 in each of the at least one unit cell 700 in the second direction.

[0062] As a result, the contact body 210 contacts the protruding end (one side end in the second direction) of the electrode tab 714, i.e., the free end of the electrode tab 714, so even if the contact body 210 presses the electrode tab 714 in the second direction, the electrode tab 714 will not be significantly damaged or deformed.

[0063] Furthermore, while the contact body 210 is moved relatively in the second direction from the unit cell 700 and the magazine 100, the contact body 210 can be easily brought into contact with the electrode tab 714 or separated from the electrode tab 714, as needed. This makes it possible to simplify and facilitate the operation of the unit cell supply unit 10 of the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 1.

[0064] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when vertically projected onto any plane extending in the second direction and a third direction intersecting the first and second directions, the body portion 712 coupled to the electrode tab 714 of the at least one electrode 710 in each of the at least one unit cell 700 may include an overlapping portion (P) overlapping in the third direction with the electrode tab 714 of the at least one electrode 710 in each of the at least one unit cell 700. A distance (D) in the second direction between the overlapping portion (P) of the body portion 712 coupled to the electrode tab 714 of the at least one electrode 710 in each of the at least one unit cell 700 and the contact body 210 may be smaller than a length (L) in the second direction of the electrode tab 714 of the at least one electrode 710 in each of the at least one unit cell 700.

[0065] This narrows the distance (D) between the contact body 210 and the body portion 712 via the electrode tab 714, allowing the contact body 210 to reliably contact the electrode tab 714. This allows static electricity in the unit cells 700 to be reliably discharged via the contact body 210, allowing the unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 to be reliably and individually drawn out and supplied.

[0066] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the length (L) minus the distance (D) may be greater than 0 and less than or equal to 1 / 15 of the length (L).

[0067] This prevents the electrode tab 714 from being excessively pressed by the contact body 210. Therefore, the electrode tab 714 is not damaged or deformed while the contact body 210 is securely in contact with the electrode tab 714.

[0068] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the contact body 210 and the electrode tab 714 may be constructed of the same material.

[0069] This prevents foreign matter from adhering to the electrode tab 714 even when the contact body 210 comes into contact with the electrode tab 714 .

[0070] According to an embodiment of the present invention, contact 210 may be grounded.

[0071] This allows the static electricity of the unit cells 700 to be reliably discharged through the grounded contact body 210, so that the unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 can be reliably and individually drawn out and supplied.

[0072] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the static eliminator 200 may further include an air-blowing ionizer 220 that generates ions and blows ionized air containing the generated ions toward the unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 to remove static electricity from the unit cells 700.

[0073] As a result, static electricity of the unit cells 700 can be reliably removed via the contact body 210 and the blower-type ionizer 220, so that the unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 can be reliably and individually drawn out and supplied.

[0074] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the magazine 100 may further include a unit cell transfer unit 50 that extracts and transfers the unit cells 700 stacked at one end in the first direction of the magazine 100. The blow-type ionizer 220 may blow ionized air toward at least the unit cell 700 at one end in the first direction among the one or more unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100.

[0075] As a result, when the unit cell transfer section 50 extracts and transfers the unit cells 700 at one end (e.g., the upper end) in the first direction from the magazine 100, the static electricity of at least the unit cells 700 at one end in the first direction is removed by the air-blowing ionizer 220, so that the unit cell transfer section 50 can prevent the extraction and transfer of two or more unit cells 700 at one end in the first direction. As a result, the unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 can be extracted and supplied reliably and individually.

[0076] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electrode 710 of the unit cell 700 may include a body portion 712 joined to the separation membrane 720 in a first direction, and an electrode tab 714 joined to the body portion 712 and protruding in one direction in the second direction from one end of the body portion 712 in a second direction intersecting the first direction, but protruding further in the one direction in the second direction than the separation membrane 720 joined to the body portion 712. The contact body 210 may be disposed on one side in the second direction of the electrode tab 714 of the one or more electrodes 710 of each of the one or more unit cells 700, and may be in contact with the electrode tab 714 of the one or more electrodes 710 of each of the one or more unit cells 700. The air-blowing ionizer 220 may include a first air-blowing ionizer 222 arranged on one side of the unit cell 700 in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions and blowing ionized air toward the unit cell 700, a second air-blowing ionizer 224 arranged on the other side of the unit cell 700 in the third direction and blowing ionized air toward the unit cell 700, and a third air-blowing ionizer 226 arranged on the other side of the unit cell 700 in the second direction and blowing ionized air toward the unit cell 700.

[0077] As a result, the first / second / third air-blowing ionizers 222, 224, 226 partially surround the unit cell 700 and blow a large amount of ionized air toward the unit cell 700 from various directions, thereby effectively and reliably removing static electricity from the unit cell 700.

[0078] In addition, since the blow-type ionizer 220 is not disposed on one side of the unit cell 700 in the second direction, it is possible to prevent the electrode tab 714, which protrudes from one end of the unit cell 700 in the second direction to one side in the second direction, from being damaged or deformed by the blow-type ionized air pressure.

[0079] In addition, every electrode tab 714 of every unit cell 700 may be formed to protrude in one direction in the second direction, and the contactor 210 in contact with every electrode tab 714 of every unit cell 700 may be disposed on one side in the second direction of the unit cell 700. Therefore, static electricity of every unit cell 700 can be effectively discharged using a contactor 210 with a simple shape (e.g., a rod shape extending in the first direction) and configuration (e.g., one contactor). This can reduce manufacturing and maintenance costs for manufacturing equipment for the contactor 210 and the electrode assembly.

[0080] Furthermore, because every electrode tab 714 of every unit cell 700 is formed to protrude in one direction in the second direction, it is sufficient that the air-blowing ionizer 220 is not disposed on one side of the unit cell 700 in the second direction to prevent damage or deformation of the electrode tab 714. That is, the first, second, and third air-blowing ionizers 222, 224, and 226 may be disposed on the other side of the unit cell 700 in the second direction, excluding one side of the unit cell 700 in the second direction, and on one and both sides of the unit cell 700 in the third direction. This increases the number of directions in which ionized air can be blown toward the unit cell 700, and increases the amount of blown ionized air. This allows static electricity in the unit cell 700 to be effectively and reliably removed.

[0081] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the method for manufacturing an electrode assembly may include a unit cell supply step of individually pulling out and supplying unit cells 700 stacked in a magazine 100. In the unit cell supply step, the contact body 210 is brought into contact with at least one unit cell 700 stacked in the magazine 100, and can be brought into contact with at least one electrode 710 of each of the at least one unit cell 700.

[0082] As a result, the contact body 210, which is a conductor, contacts and electrically connects at least one electrode 710 (conductor) of each of at least one unit cell 700, thereby effectively discharging static electricity from the unit cells 700. As a result, static electricity from the unit cells 700 is effectively reduced, preventing two or more unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 from being simultaneously drawn out and fed. That is, the unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 can be individually drawn out and fed. This prevents two or more unit cells 700 from being simultaneously drawn out and fed, which could result in a manufacturing defect in the electrode assembly, and also prevents one or more unit cells 700 from falling off and covering a sensor, such as a camera, during the feeding process, which could cause the manufacturing process of the electrode assembly to be interrupted.

[0083] The above-mentioned effects and specific effects of the present invention will be described in conjunction with the following description of the preferred embodiment of the invention. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0084] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view schematically illustrating an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly and a unit cell according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a unit cell supply unit and a unit cell of the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a plan view schematically showing a unit cell supply unit and a unit cell of the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a side view specifically showing one embodiment of the unit cell of FIGS. 1 to 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically illustrating a unit cell supply unit and a unit cell according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a unit cell supply unit and a unit cell according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0085] The above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the technical concept of the present invention. In describing the present invention, if a detailed description of known technologies relating to the present invention is deemed to obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in the drawings are used to indicate the same or similar components.

[0086] Although terms such as "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, it is understood that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise specified, a first component may also be a second component.

[0087] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specified, each element may be singular or plural.

[0088] Hereinafter, when an arbitrary structure is arranged "on top (or bottom)" of a component or "above (or below)" a component, it means that the arbitrary structure is not only arranged in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface) of the component, but also that other structures may be interposed between the component and the arbitrary structure arranged above (or below) the component.

[0089] Furthermore, when a component is described as being "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the components may be directly coupled or connected to each other, but that other components may be "intervening" between the components, or that each component may be "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" via other components.

[0090] As used herein, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Terms such as "comprise" or "include" in this application should not be interpreted as including all of the multiple components or multiple steps described in the specification, but should be interpreted as meaning that some of the components or some of the steps may not be included, or that additional components or steps may be included.

[0091] Fig. 1 is a side view schematically illustrating an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly and a unit cell according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figs. 2 and 3 are a perspective view and a plan view schematically illustrating a unit cell supply unit and a unit cell of the apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a side view specifically illustrating one embodiment of the unit cell of Figs. 1 to 3. Figs. 5 and 6 are a plan view and a perspective view schematically illustrating a unit cell supply unit and a unit cell according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] Unit Cell 4, a unit cell 700 may include one or more electrodes 710 and one or more separation membranes 720. The electrodes 710 and the separation membranes 720 may be alternately stacked in a first direction (e.g., vertically) and may be joined to each other in the first direction.

[0093] The unit cell 700 may be, for example, a half cell as shown in Figure 4, or a mono cell different from that shown in Figure 4. Furthermore, the unit cell 700 may be a cell having a configuration different from that of a half cell or a mono cell.

[0094] Here, the half-cell may be a cell in which a separation membrane 720, an electrode 710 (e.g., a negative electrode), and a separation membrane 720 are sequentially stacked and joined together, as shown in FIG. 4, and the mono-cell may be a cell in which a separation membrane 720, an electrode 710 (e.g., a negative electrode), a separation membrane 720, and an electrode 710 (e.g., a positive electrode) are sequentially stacked and joined together, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0095] Meanwhile, the electrode assembly (not shown) can be manufactured, for example, by the following method.

[0096] A plurality of mono-cells are stacked in a first direction to form a mono-cell stack, and one half-cell is further stacked on one end (e.g., the top end) of the mono-cell stack (not shown) in the first direction to complete a stack (not shown).The completed stack can then be surrounded and fixed with tape to produce an electrode assembly.

[0097] In this way, by stacking one half cell at one end in the first direction of the mono-cell stack and completing the stack, it is possible to prevent the electrode 710 at one end in the first direction of the mono-cell at one end in the first direction of the mono-cell stack from coming into direct contact with the battery case (not shown) that houses the electrode assembly.

[0098] Furthermore, since only one half cell is required to manufacture one electrode assembly, multiple pre-manufactured half cells can be stored for a long period of time. That is, if the unit cell 700 in FIGS. 1 to 3 is a half cell as shown in FIG. 4, the unit cells 700 can be stored for a long period of time in a stacked state as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. Therefore, due to the generation of static electricity during long-term storage, two or more half cells can be pulled out and transported together from the magazine 100 described below.

[0099] The electrode 710 of the unit cell 700 may include a body portion 712 and an electrode tab 714 (FIG. 4).

[0100] The body portion 712 may be joined to the separation membrane 720 in the first direction.

[0101] The electrode tab 714 may protrude further outward than the body portion 712 and the separation membrane 720 joined to the body portion 712. For example, the electrode tab 714 may protrude further in one direction (e.g., forward) in a second direction (e.g., front-to-rear direction) intersecting the first direction than the body portion 712 joined to the electrode tab 714 and the separation membrane 720 joined to the body portion 712 (FIG. 4).

[0102] Specifically, for example, the electrode tab 714 may be coupled to the body portion 712 and protrude in one direction in the second direction (e.g., forward) from one end (e.g., front end) of the body portion 712 in the second direction (Figure 4).

[0103] [Electrode assembly manufacturing equipment] 1, an apparatus 1 for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment may include a unit cell supply unit 10 and a unit cell transfer unit 50. The unit cell transfer unit 50 will be discussed first, followed by the unit cell supply unit 10.

[0104] [Unit cell transfer section] The unit cell transfer unit 50 can, for example, pull out and transfer a unit cell 700 at one end (e.g., the upper end) in the first direction (e.g., the vertical direction) of the unit cells 700 stacked in a first direction in the magazine 100 of the unit cell supply unit 10 from the magazine 100.

[0105] The unit cell transfer section 50 may include a suction machine 52 and a transfer frame 54 .

[0106] The suction device 52 can move in the vertical direction. The suction device 52 can pick up and lift the unit cells 700 stacked at one end in the first direction. That is, the suction device 52 can pull out the unit cells 700 from the magazine 100.

[0107] The transfer frame 54 may be coupled to the suction device 52. The transfer frame 54 may be movable in a horizontal direction. Therefore, the unit cell 700 attracted to the suction device 52 may be removed from the magazine 100 and moved to a predetermined position. Here, the predetermined position may be, for example, one end in the first direction of a stack (not shown) to be newly stacked in the first direction to manufacture a new electrode assembly.

[0108] [Unit cell supply unit according to one embodiment of the present invention] 2 and 3, the unit cell supply unit 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a magazine 100 and a static eliminator 200. Each component will be discussed below.

[0109] [magazine] One or more unit cells 700 can be stacked in the first direction in the magazine 100. For example, in Figures 1 and 2, eight unit cells 700 are stacked in the magazine 100.

[0110] Specifically, for example, the magazine 100 may include a base 110 and a guide frame 120. The magazine 100 may further include a lifting plate 130 and a lifting column 140. The lifting plate 130 and the lifting column 140 may be omitted.

[0111] The base 110 may form the foundation of the magazine 100. A guide frame 120, a lifting plate 130, and a lifting column 140 may be installed on the base 110.

[0112] The guide frame 120 may be placed on the base 110 and may extend in a first direction. The guide frame 120 may at least partially surround the outer periphery of the unit cell 700 stacked on the base 110. The guide frame 120 may be in contact with the outer periphery of the unit cell 700.

[0113] For example, a plurality of guide frames 120 (four in the drawing) may be provided corresponding to the number of corners of the unit cell 700. Each guide frame 120 may be disposed at a position corresponding to the corner of the unit cell 700 and may be disposed spaced apart from one another. The cross section of each guide frame 120 may correspond to the shape of the corner of the unit cell 700 corresponding to each guide frame 120 (for example, a "￢" shape).

[0114] The guide frame 120 can guide the unit cells 700 when the unit cells 700 are drawn into the magazine 100. Therefore, the unit cells 700 can be stacked while being aligned on the base 110 or the lifting plate 130, and can maintain the aligned state.

[0115] Additionally, the guide frame 120 can at least partially surround the lift plate 130. The guide frame 120 can guide the lift plate 130 as it moves up and down.

[0116] The lift plate 130 can be disposed on the base 110 and can be raised and lowered. One or more unit cells 700 can be stacked on the lift plate 130 in a first direction.

[0117] The lifting column 140 can be coupled to the lower end of the lifting plate 130 and can move up and down. The lifting column 140 can raise and lower the lifting plate 130.

[0118] The lifting plate 130 and the lifting column 140 can be adjusted so that the position (e.g., height) in the first direction of the unit cell 700 at one end (e.g., upper end) in the first direction among one or more unit cells 700 stacked in the first direction is constant.

[0119] [Static eliminator] The static eliminator 200 may be disposed adjacent to the magazine 100. The static eliminator 200 can eliminate static electricity from the unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100.

[0120] The static eliminator 200 may include a contact body 210 (FIGS. 1 to 3).

[0121] The contact body 210 may be made of a conductive material, for example, copper.

[0122] The contact body 210 may be in contact with at least one unit cell 700 stacked in the magazine 100. In this case, the contact body 210 may be in contact with at least one electrode 710 of each of the at least one unit cell 700 to discharge static electricity from the unit cell 700.

[0123] For example, the contactor 210 may be in contact with eight unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. In this case, if the unit cells 700 in FIGS. 1 to 3 are half cells including one electrode 710 as shown in FIG. 4, the contactor 210 can contact one electrode 710 of each of the eight unit cells 700 (half cells) to discharge static electricity from the unit cells 700. If the unit cells 700 in FIGS. 1 to 3 are mono cells including two electrodes 710 as shown in FIG. 4, the contactor 210 can contact one or two electrodes 710 of each of the eight unit cells 700 (mono cells) to discharge static electricity from the unit cells 700.

[0124] As a result, the contact body 210, which is a conductor, is in contact with and electrically connected to at least one electrode 710 (conductor) of each of at least one unit cell 700, thereby effectively discharging static electricity from the unit cells 700.

[0125] Specifically, the contact body 210, which is a conductor, contacts and is electrically connected to the electrode 710, which is also a conductor, so that static electricity of the electrode 710 of the unit cell 700 can be effectively discharged. Furthermore, even if the separator 720 of the unit cell 700 is made of an insulating material different from the electrode 710, static electricity of the separator 720 can be effectively discharged through the electrode 710 that is joined to the separator 720. Therefore, even when the contact body 210 contacts the electrode 710 of each unit cell 700, static electricity of the entire unit cell 700 can be effectively discharged.

[0126] Therefore, static electricity of the unit cells 700 is effectively reduced, thereby preventing two or more unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 from being pulled out together. That is, the unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 can be pulled out and fed individually. This prevents two or more unit cells 700 from being pulled out and fed together, which could result in a manufacturing defect in the electrode assembly, and also prevents one or more unit cells 700 from falling off and covering a sensor such as a camera during the feeding process, which could result in an interruption in the manufacturing process of the electrode assembly.

[0127] In particular, when the unit cell 700 is a half cell in which a separator 720, an electrode 710, and another separator 720 are stacked, static electricity of the half cells can be effectively discharged, even if multiple half cells are stored in the magazine 100 for a long period of time. Therefore, if static electricity is generated during long-term storage, two or more half cells may be pulled out and transferred from the magazine 100 at the same time, and two or more half cells may be stacked on top of a stack of multiple mono cells, each mono cell having a separator 720, an electrode 710, another separator 720, and another electrode 710, which can prevent manufacturing defects in the electrode assembly. Furthermore, if static electricity is generated during long-term storage, one or more half cells may fall off and cover a sensor, such as a camera, during the process of transferring the two or more half cells, which can prevent interruptions in the manufacturing process of the electrode assembly.

[0128] The contactor 210 may be in contact with at least one electrode 710 of at least one end (e.g., upper end) of the unit cell 700 in the first direction among the one or more unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100. In this case, the unit cell transfer unit 50 may pull out and transfer the unit cell 700 stacked at the end of the magazine 100 in the first direction from the magazine 100, as described above.

[0129] As a result, when the unit cell transfer unit 50 extracts and transfers the unit cells 700 at one end (e.g., the upper end) in the first direction from the magazine 100, the contact body 210 discharges static electricity from at least the unit cells 700 at one end in the first direction, preventing the unit cell transfer unit 50 from extracting and transferring two or more unit cells 700 at one end in the first direction. This allows the unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 to be extracted and fed reliably and individually.

[0130] The contact body 210 contacts at least one unit cell 700 and also contacts the electrode tab 714 of at least one electrode 710 of each of the at least one unit cell 700, thereby discharging static electricity from the unit cell 700.

[0131] For example, if the unit cells 700 in FIGS. 1 to 3 are half cells including one electrode 710 as shown in FIG. 4, the contactor 210 may be in contact with eight unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, and can discharge static electricity from the unit cells 700 by contacting the electrode tab 714 of one electrode 710 in each of the eight unit cells 700. If the unit cells 700 in FIGS. 1 to 3 are mono cells including two electrodes 710 as shown in FIG. 4, the contactor 210 can discharge static electricity from the unit cells 700 by contacting the electrode tab 714 of one or two electrodes 710 in each of the eight unit cells 700 (mono cells).

[0132] As a result, the contact body 210, which is a conductor, can be simply and easily electrically connected to the electrode 710 by contacting the outwardly protruding electrode tab 714. As a result, the structure of the contact body 210 can be simplified, which can reduce the manufacturing and maintenance costs of the manufacturing equipment for the contact body 210 and the electrode assembly.

[0133] The contact body 210 contacts the plurality of unit cells 700 and may contact the electrode tab 714 of at least one electrode 710 of each of the plurality of unit cells 700 .

[0134] In this case, the electrode tab 714 of at least one electrode 710 of each of the plurality of unit cells 700 in contact with the contact body 210 may protrude further in one direction (e.g., forward) in the second direction (e.g., front-to-rear direction) than the body portion 712 coupled to the electrode tab 714 and the separation film 720 joined to the body portion 712, as described above.

[0135] The contact body 210 may extend in the first direction and contact the electrode tabs 714 of each of the plurality of unit cells 700, which further protrude in one direction in the second direction (FIGS. 1 to 3).

[0136] As a result, one contactor 210 extending in the first direction can effectively discharge static electricity from the plurality of unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100. This can simplify the configuration of the electrode assembly, thereby reducing the manufacturing and maintenance costs of the contactor 210 and the electrode assembly manufacturing equipment.

[0137] As described above, when the electrode tab 714 of the at least one electrode 710 of each of the at least one unit cell 700 in contact with the contact body 210 protrudes further in one direction in the second direction than the body portion 712 coupled to the electrode tab 714 and the separation film 720 joined to the body portion 712, the contact body 210 may be disposed on one side in the second direction of the electrode tab 714 of the at least one electrode 710 of each of the at least one unit cell 700 in contact with the contact body 210. Furthermore, the contact body 210 may be in contact in the second direction with the electrode tab 714 of the at least one electrode 710 of each of the at least one unit cell 700 in contact with the contact body 210 (FIGS. 1 to 3).

[0138] As a result, the contact body 210 contacts the protruding end (one side end in the second direction) of the electrode tab 714, i.e., the free end of the electrode tab 714, so even if the contact body 210 presses the electrode tab 714 in the second direction, the electrode tab 714 will not be significantly damaged or deformed.

[0139] Furthermore, while the contact body 210 is moved relatively in the second direction from the unit cell 700 and the magazine 100, the contact body 210 can be easily brought into contact with the electrode tab 714 or separated from the electrode tab 714, as needed. This makes it possible to simplify and facilitate the operation of the unit cell supply unit 10 of the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 1.

[0140] On the other hand, when vertically projected onto any plane extending in the second direction and a third direction (e.g., the left-right direction) intersecting the first and second directions, the body portion 712 coupled to the electrode tab 714 of at least one electrode 710 in each of the at least one unit cell 700 in contact with the contact body 210 may include an overlapping portion (P) that overlaps in the third direction with the electrode tab 714 of the at least one electrode 710 in each of the at least one unit cell 700 in contact with the contact body 210 ( FIG. 3 ).

[0141] In this case, the distance in the second direction (D, FIG. 3) between the overlapping portion (P) of the body portion 712 coupled to the electrode tab 714 of at least one electrode 710 of each of the at least one unit cell 700 in contact with the contact body 210 and the contact body 210 may be smaller than the length in the second direction (L, FIG. 4) of the electrode tab 714 of at least one electrode 710 of each of the at least one unit cell 700 in contact with the contact body 210.

[0142] This narrows the distance (D) between the contact body 210 and the body portion 712 via the electrode tab 714, allowing the contact body 210 to reliably contact the electrode tab 714. This allows static electricity in the unit cells 700 to be reliably discharged via the contact body 210, allowing the unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 to be reliably and individually drawn out and supplied.

[0143] The value obtained by subtracting the distance (D) from the length (L) may be greater than 0 and less than or equal to 1 / 15 of the length (L). For example, if the length (L) of the electrode tab 714 of the electrode 710 in the second direction is 15 mm (millimeters), the distance (D) in the second direction between the overlapping portion (P) and the contact body 210 may be less than 15 mm (millimeters) and greater than or equal to 14 mm (millimeters).

[0144] This prevents the electrode tab 714 from being excessively pressed by the contact body 210. Therefore, the electrode tab 714 is not damaged or deformed while the contact body 210 is securely in contact with the electrode tab 714.

[0145] The contact body 210 and the electrode tab 714 can be made of the same material. For example, if the electrode tab 714 is made of copper, the contact body 210 can also be made of copper.

[0146] This prevents foreign matter from adhering to the electrode tab 714 even when the contact body 210 comes into contact with the electrode tab 714 .

[0147] The contact body 210 may be grounded (FIGS. 1 to 3).

[0148] This allows the static electricity of the unit cells 700 to be reliably discharged through the grounded contact body 210, so that the unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 can be reliably and individually drawn out and supplied.

[0149] [Unit Cell Supply Unit According to Another Embodiment of the Present Invention] 5 and 6, a unit cell supply unit 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a magazine 100 and a static eliminator 200, as shown in Figures 1 to 3. Hereinafter, differences from Figures 1 to 3 will be mainly discussed.

[0150] The static eliminator 200 may further include a blower type ionizer 220 .

[0151] The air-blowing ionizer 220 generates ions and blows ionized air containing the generated ions toward the unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100, thereby removing static electricity from the unit cells 700.

[0152] This allows the static electricity of the unit cells 700 to be reliably removed via the contact body 210 and the blower-type ionizer 220, so that the unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 can be reliably and individually drawn out and supplied.

[0153] The blow-type ionizer 220 may blow the ionized air toward at least one unit cell 700 at one end in the first direction among one or more unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100. In this case, as described above, the unit cell transfer unit 50 may pull out and transfer the unit cell 700 stacked at one end in the first direction of the magazine 100 from the magazine 100.

[0154] As a result, when the unit cell transfer unit 50 extracts and transfers the unit cells 700 at one end (e.g., the upper end) in the first direction from the magazine 100, the static electricity of at least the unit cells 700 at one end in the first direction is removed by the air-blowing ionizer 220, so that the unit cell transfer unit 50 can prevent the extraction and transfer of two or more unit cells 700 at one end in the first direction. As a result, the unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 can be extracted and supplied reliably and individually.

[0155] Meanwhile, as described above, the electrode 710 of the unit cell 700 may include a body portion 712 joined to the separation membrane 720 in the first direction, and an electrode tab 714 coupled to the body portion 712 and protruding from one end (e.g., the front end) of the body portion 712 in the second direction in one direction (e.g., forward) but protruding further in one direction in the second direction than the separation membrane 720 joined to the body portion 712.

[0156] In this case, the contact body 210 may be positioned on one side (e.g., the front side) in the second direction of the electrode tabs 714 of one or more electrodes 710 of each of one or more unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100.

[0157] In addition, at this time, the contact body 210 may be in contact with the electrode tabs 714 of one or more electrodes 710 of each of one or more unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100. Here, the one or more unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 refers to all of the unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100, and the one or more electrodes 710 of each of the one or more unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 refers to all of the electrodes 710 of all of the unit cells 700.

[0158] In this case, the air-blowing ionizer 220 may include a first air-blowing ionizer 222, a second air-blowing ionizer 224, and a third air-blowing ionizer 226.

[0159] The first blowing ionizer 222 is disposed on one side (for example, the left side) of the unit cell 700 in the third direction (for example, the left-right direction) and can blow ionized air toward the unit cell 700.

[0160] The second blowing ionizer 224 is disposed on the other side (for example, the right side) of the unit cell 700 in the third direction, and can blow ionized air toward the unit cell 700.

[0161] The third blowing-type ionizer 226 is disposed on the other side (for example, the rear side) of the unit cell 700 in the second direction, and can blow ionized air toward the unit cell 700.

[0162] As a result, the first / second / third air-blowing ionizers 222, 224, 226 partially surround the unit cell 700 and blow a large amount of ionized air toward the unit cell 700 from various directions, thereby effectively and reliably removing static electricity from the unit cell 700.

[0163] In addition, since the blow-type ionizer 220 is not positioned on one side of the unit cell 700 in the second direction, the electrode tab 714 formed by protruding from one end of the unit cell 700 in the second direction to one side in the second direction can be prevented from being damaged or deformed by the blow-type ionized air pressure.

[0164] In addition, every electrode tab 714 of every unit cell 700 may be formed to protrude in one direction in the second direction, and the contactor 210 in contact with every electrode tab 714 of every unit cell 700 may be disposed on one side in the second direction of the unit cell 700. Therefore, static electricity of every unit cell 700 can be effectively discharged using a contactor 210 with a simple shape (e.g., a rod shape extending in the first direction) and configuration (e.g., one contactor). This can reduce manufacturing and maintenance costs for manufacturing equipment for the contactor 210 and the electrode assembly.

[0165] Furthermore, because every electrode tab 714 of every unit cell 700 is formed to protrude in one direction in the second direction, it is sufficient that the air-blowing ionizer 220 is not disposed on one side of the unit cell 700 in the second direction to prevent damage or deformation of the electrode tab 714. That is, the first, second, and third air-blowing ionizers 222, 224, and 226 may be disposed on the other side of the unit cell 700 in the second direction, excluding one side of the unit cell 700 in the second direction, and on one and both sides of the unit cell 700 in the third direction. This increases the number of directions in which ionized air can be blown toward the unit cell 700, and increases the amount of blown ionized air. This allows static electricity in the unit cell 700 to be effectively and reliably removed.

[0166] [Method for manufacturing electrode assembly] The method for manufacturing an electrode assembly using the above-described electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a step of supplying a unit cell.

[0167] During the unit cell supply stage, the contact body 210 is brought into contact with at least one unit cell 700 stacked in the magazine 100, and can be brought into contact with at least one electrode 710 of each of the at least one unit cell 700.

[0168] As a result, the contact body 210, which is a conductor, contacts and electrically connects at least one electrode 710 (conductor) of each of at least one unit cell 700, thereby effectively discharging static electricity from the unit cells 700. As a result, static electricity from the unit cells 700 is effectively reduced, preventing two or more unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 from being simultaneously drawn out and fed. That is, the unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100 can be individually drawn out and fed. This prevents two or more unit cells 700 from being simultaneously drawn out and fed, which could result in a manufacturing defect in the electrode assembly, and also prevents one or more unit cells 700 from falling off and covering a sensor, such as a camera, during the feeding process, which could cause the manufacturing process of the electrode assembly to be interrupted.

[0169] Furthermore, the contact body 210 can be brought into contact with at least one electrode 710 of at least one end (for example, upper end) of the unit cell 700 in the first direction among the one or more unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100.

[0170] Furthermore, the contact body 210 can be brought into contact with at least one unit cell 700 stacked in the magazine 100, and can be brought into contact with the electrode tab 714 of at least one electrode 710 of each of the at least one unit cell 700.

[0171] Additionally, the contact body 210 can be brought into contact with the electrode tab 714 of the at least one electrode 710 of each of the at least one unit cell 700 in a second direction.

[0172] In this case, the contact body 210 can be brought into contact with the second direction so that the distance (D) in the second direction between the overlapping portion (P) of the body portion 712 and the contact body 210, which is coupled to the electrode tab 714 of the at least one electrode 710 of each of the at least one unit cell 700, is smaller than the length (L) in the second direction of the electrode tab 714 of the at least one electrode 710 of each of the at least one unit cell 700.

[0173] Additionally, the contact 210 can be grounded.

[0174] In addition, the air-blowing ionizer 220 can be operated to generate ions, and the ionized air containing the generated ions can be blown toward the unit cells 700 stacked in the magazine 100.

[0175] It should be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative in all respects and are not limiting, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the following claims rather than the above detailed description. All modifications and variations within the meaning and scope of the following claims, as well as equivalent concepts, should be construed as being included within the scope of the present invention.

[0176] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to illustrative drawings, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed in this specification, and it is obvious that various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Furthermore, even if the effects of the configuration of the present invention are not explicitly described and explained while describing the embodiments of the present invention, it is natural that the effects that can be predicted by the configuration should also be recognized. [Explanation of symbols]

[0177] 1. Electrode assembly manufacturing equipment 10 Unit cell supply section 100 magazines 110 base 120 Guide Frame 130 Lifting plate 140 Lifting Pillar 200 static elimination unit 210 Contact body 220 Blower Type Ionizer 222 First Blower Ionizer 224 Second blower type ionizer 226 Third Blower Type Ionizer 50 Unit cell transfer section 52 Adsorption machine 54 Transfer Frame 700 unit cells 710 electrode 712 Body 714 Electrode Tab 720 Separation membrane

Claims

1. a unit cell supply unit including a magazine in which one or more unit cells are stacked in a first direction, and a static eliminator disposed adjacent to the magazine and configured to remove static electricity from the unit cells stacked in the magazine; and a unit cell transfer unit configured to extract the unit cells stacked in the magazine from the magazine and transfer the unit cells, The individual unit cells are stacked alternately in a first direction and include one or more electrodes and one or more separators joined to each other in the first direction; the static eliminator includes a contact member made of a conductive material that contacts at least one of the unit cells stacked in the magazine and an electrode tab of at least one of the electrodes of each of the at least one unit cell to discharge static electricity from the unit cell; the electrode tab of the at least one electrode of each of the at least one unit cell protrudes in one direction of a second direction intersecting with the first direction; The contact body is disposed on one side of the electrode tab in the second direction. Electrode assembly manufacturing equipment.

2. the unit cell transfer unit extracts the unit cells stacked at one end of the magazine in a first direction from the magazine and transfers the unit cells; the at least one unit cell includes a unit cell at one end in a first direction among the one or more unit cells stacked in the magazine; The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. The at least one electrode of each of the at least one unit cells includes a body portion joined to the separator in a first direction, and an electrode tab protruding in one direction in a second direction beyond the body portion and the separator joined to the body portion and coupled to the body portion. The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 .

4. the at least one unit cell is a plurality of the unit cells; the contact body extends in a first direction and contacts the electrode tab of each of the plurality of unit cells, the electrode tab protruding in one direction in a second direction beyond the body portion and the separation film; The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to claim 3 .

5. the contact body contacts the electrode tab of the at least one electrode of each of the at least one unit cell in a second direction. The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to claim 3 .

6. When vertically projected onto any plane extending in a second direction and a third direction intersecting the first and second directions, the body portion of the at least one electrode of each of the at least one unit cell includes an overlapping portion that overlaps the electrode tab coupled to the body portion in the third direction; a distance in the second direction between the overlapping portion of the at least one electrode and the contact body in each of the at least one unit cell is smaller than a length in the second direction of the electrode tab of the at least one electrode in each of the at least one unit cell; The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5 .

7. the length minus the distance is greater than 0 and less than or equal to 1 / 15 of the length; The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to claim 6 .

8. The contact body and the electrode tab are made of the same material. The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 .

9. The contact body is grounded. The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 .

10. the static eliminator further includes an air-blowing ionizer that generates ions and blows ionized air containing the generated ions toward the unit cells stacked in the magazine to remove static electricity from the unit cells. The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 .

11. the unit cell transfer unit extracts the unit cells stacked at one end of the magazine in a first direction from the magazine and transfers the unit cells; the blow-type ionizer blows the ionized air toward at least one unit cell at one end in a first direction among the one or more unit cells stacked in the magazine. The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to claim 10.

12. The air-blowing ionizer includes a first air-blowing ionizer disposed on one side of the unit cell in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions and blowing the ionized air toward the unit cell, a second air-blowing ionizer disposed on the other side of the unit cell in the third direction and blowing the ionized air toward the unit cell, and a third air-blowing ionizer disposed on the other side of the unit cell in the second direction and blowing the ionized air toward the unit cell. The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to claim 10.

13. A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly using the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, a unit cell supply step of individually pulling out and supplying the unit cells stacked in the magazine, In the step of providing the unit cells, the contact body is brought into contact with the electrode tab of the at least one electrode of each of the at least one unit cell. A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly.

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