Electrode assembly, electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus, and electrode assembly manufacturing method

Abstract

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

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0032112, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on March 15, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to an electrode assembly, an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus, and an electrode assembly manufacturing method. [Background technology]

[0003] Secondary batteries, unlike primary batteries, are rechargeable and have the potential for compact size and large capacity. As technological development and demand for mobile devices increase, the demand for secondary batteries as an energy source is rapidly increasing.

[0004] Secondary batteries are classified into coin-type batteries, cylindrical batteries, prismatic batteries, and pouch-type batteries depending on the shape of the battery case. The electrode assembly attached to the inside of the battery case in a secondary battery is a power generating element that can be charged and discharged and is made up of a laminated structure of electrodes and a separator.

[0005] Electrode assemblies can be broadly classified into a jelly-roll type in which a sheet-type positive electrode and negative electrode coated with an active material are wound up with a separator interposed between them, a stack type in which multiple positive electrodes and negative electrodes are stacked in order with a separator interposed between them, and a stack-and-fold type in which stack-type unit cells are wound up with a long separator film.

[0006] In the stack-and-fold type electrode assembly, the separator is folded in a zigzag pattern and the electrodes are disposed therebetween, and the electrode assembly is fabricated using a plurality of electrodes.

[0007] During this process, heat and pressure are applied to ensure adhesion between the electrodes and the separator. However, since a large number of electrodes are used, applying heat and pressure to ensure adhesion between the electrodes and the separator takes a long time, and there are problems such as uneven performance of the electrode assembly due to uneven temperature between the electrodes.

[0008] To address these issues, a method has been introduced and applied in which electrodes are individually heated and stacked using a contact heater, in which a heat source (or heating element) directly contacts the electrodes to heat them. However, when using a contact heater, all electrodes in the electrode assembly must be heated to the same temperature. That is, even if the electrodes and separators are stacked while individually heated and supplied using a contact heater, there are still problems such as heat loss (cooling) that occurs during the process of transporting the stack including the electrodes and separator after stacking, and difficulty in ensuring temperature uniformity between the electrodes due to external heating during the process of additional heating to complete the stack into the final electrode assembly, resulting in non-uniformity in the performance of the electrode assembly. That is, there is a problem of non-uniformity in the performance of the electrode assembly, such as the adhesive strength and air permeability of the electrodes and separator, due to the occurrence of heating deviations between the electrodes.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for a method of individually heating the electrodes only when necessary so that a predetermined temperature range can be maintained. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2013-0132230 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] The present invention provides an electrode assembly, an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly, and a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] One embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly including a first electrode, a separation membrane, and a second electrode, the apparatus including: a stack table on which the first electrode, separation membrane, and second electrode are stacked to place a stack including the first electrode, separation membrane, and second electrode; a separation membrane supply unit that supplies the separation membrane to the stack table; a first electrode supply unit that supplies the first electrode to the stack table; a second electrode supply unit that supplies the second electrode to the stack table; a first electrode stack unit that stacks the first electrode supplied from the first electrode supply unit on the stack table; and a second electrode stack unit that stacks the second electrode supplied from the second electrode supply unit on the stack table, wherein at least one of the first electrode supply unit, the second electrode supply unit, the first electrode stack unit, and the second electrode stack unit includes a non-contact heater that heats a heating object without directly physically contacting the heating object, and the first electrode and the second electrode are heated by the non-contact heater, respectively.

[0013] Another embodiment of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly including a first electrode, a separator, and a second electrode, the method comprising: heating the separator while supplying it to a stack table and stacking it; heating the first electrode with a non-contact heater that heats an object to be heated without direct physical contact with the object to be heated, and supplying it to the stack table and stacking it; and heating the second electrode with a non-contact heater that heats an object to be heated without direct physical contact with the object to be heated, and supplying it to the stack table and stacking it, wherein the stack table is configured to receive a stack including the first electrode, the separator, and the second electrode.

[0014] Finally, one embodiment of the present invention provides an electrode assembly including a first electrode, a separator, and a second electrode, wherein the first electrode, the separator, and the second electrode are stacked along a stacking axis, and the thickness of the separator stacked in the middle of the electrode assembly is 1 to 1.09 times the thickness of the separator stacked on the outermost edge of the electrode assembly. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus and electrode assembly manufacturing method according to the embodiments of the present application can selectively heat each electrode only when necessary, thereby shortening the time required to manufacture the electrode assembly.

[0016] The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus and electrode assembly manufacturing method according to the embodiments of the present application can selectively adjust the temperature of the electrodes to a specific temperature range only when necessary, thereby reducing temperature deviation between the electrodes and providing an electrode assembly with uniform performance.

[0017] The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus and electrode assembly manufacturing method according to the embodiments of the present application can heat each electrode to a different temperature, thereby reducing temperature non-uniformity (heating deviation) between electrodes that occurs during the process of transporting a stack including electrodes during the electrode assembly manufacturing process, and that occurs when external heating is used to pressurize and heat a stack including electrodes and separators to manufacture a completed electrode assembly, thereby providing an electrode assembly with uniform performance. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view illustrating an exemplary apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a plan view showing the concept of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3]1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of an electrode assembly manufactured by an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view showing a press unit of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 5] 4 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a press unit of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention presses a laminate; FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view showing a stack table of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] 1 is a perspective view showing a separator supply unit of an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 8] 1 is a perspective view showing a first electrode seating table of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 9] 3 is a perspective view showing a second electrode seating table of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 2A and 2B are a perspective view, a bottom view, and a cross-sectional view showing a first suction head of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 1 is a bottom view showing a first suction head of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 1 is a plan view showing a holding mechanism and a stack table of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a front view showing the concept of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14(a) is a perspective view showing a first pressing unit 50 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14(b) is a perspective view showing a second pressing unit 60 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 15(a) is a photographed image showing the electrode assembly of Comparative Example 1, and FIG. 15(b) is a photographed image showing the electrode assembly of Example 1. In FIG. [Explanation of symbols]

[0019] 10...electrode assembly 11...1st electrode 11a First electrode tab 12...Second electrode 12a Second electrode tab 14...Separation membrane 51 Gripper 51a Main body 51b...Fixed part 100, 200 Electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 110 Stack Table 111 Table body 112 Stack Table Heater 120...Separation membrane supply section 121 Separation membrane heating section 121a Main unit 121b Separation membrane heater 122 Separation membrane roll 130...First electrode supply section 131 First electrode seating table 132 First electrode heater 133 First electrode roll 134 First cutter 135 First conveyor belt 136 First electrode supply head 140...Second electrode supply section 141 Second electrode seating table 142 Second electrode heater 143 Second electrode roll 144 Second cutter 145 Second conveyor belt 146 Second electrode supply head 150 First electrode stack section 151 First suction head 151a...Vacuum inlet 151b...Bottom surface 152 First electrode non-contact heater 153 First moving part 160 Second electrode stack section 161 Second suction head 162 Second electrode non-contact heater 163 Second moving part 170 ···Holding mechanism 171 First holding mechanism 172 Second holding mechanism 180 ···Press Department 181 First pressure block 182 Second pressure block 183, 184 Press heater 290 Vision Device 291 ···1st Camera 292 ···Second Camera R Rotating part S ···Laminate DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0021] In this specification, when a part is said to "comprise" a certain component, this does not mean that it excludes other components, but that it may further include other components, unless otherwise specified.

[0022] In this specification, "p to q" means "not less than p and not more than q."

[0023] In this specification, the term "holding mechanism" refers to a mechanism that grips the stacked material on the stack table to stack the first electrodes or the second electrodes during a process of manufacturing a stacked material in which the first electrodes, the separator, and the second electrodes are alternately arranged between the separators folded on the stack table, and its function differs from that of a gripper that grips the stacked material during a process of heating and pressurizing the stacked material. For a specific operation process of the holding mechanism, please refer to the description of the method for manufacturing an electrode assembly described below.

[0024] In this specification, the stacking of the first electrode and the second electrode alternately between the folded separator is referred to as zigzag stacking.

[0025] The folded separator may refer to a separator in which separators are stacked in a zigzag pattern. More specifically, the separators are stacked in a zigzag pattern while being folded alternately to the left and right of the stacking axis. The first and second electrodes are alternately arranged between the stacked separators. Here, the stacking axis refers to an imaginary axis that is parallel to the direction in which the first electrode, separator, and second electrode are stacked and passes through the center of the stack of electrodes and separators.

[0026] In this specification, "heating" is used synonymously with heating.

[0027] In this specification, the term "laminate" may correspond to an unfinished electrode assembly. Furthermore, in this specification, when the laminate is subjected to heating and pressure, this may be referred to as a completed electrode assembly, and unless otherwise specified, the term "electrode assembly" in this specification refers to a completed electrode assembly.

[0028] In addition, in this specification, the uppermost and lowermost ends of the electrode assembly may be positions corresponding to the upper and lower surfaces of the laminate, respectively, or positions corresponding to the bottom and upper surfaces of the unfinished electrode assembly.

[0029] In describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of known techniques that may obscure the gist of the present invention will be omitted.

[0030] One embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly including a first electrode, a separation membrane, and a second electrode, the apparatus comprising: a stack table on which the first electrode, separation membrane, and second electrode are stacked to form a stack including the first electrode, separation membrane, and second electrode; a separation membrane supply unit that supplies the separation membrane to the stack table; a first electrode supply unit that supplies the first electrode to the stack table; a second electrode supply unit that supplies the second electrode to the stack table; a first electrode stack unit that stacks the first electrode supplied from the first electrode supply unit on the stack table; and a second electrode stack unit that stacks the second electrode supplied from the second electrode supply unit on the stack table, wherein at least one of the first electrode supply unit, the second electrode supply unit, the first electrode stack unit, and the second electrode stack unit includes a non-contact heater that heats a heating object without directly physically contacting the heating object, and the first electrode and the second electrode are heated by the heater, respectively.

[0031] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the first electrode supply unit and the second electrode supply unit may include the non-contact heater.

[0032] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first electrode supply unit and the second electrode supply unit may each include the non-contact heater.

[0033] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the first electrode stack unit and the second electrode stack unit may include the non-contact heater.

[0034] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first electrode stack unit and the second electrode stack unit may each include the non-contact heater.

[0035] The electrode assembly manufactured by the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention may have a configuration in which the separators are stacked while being folded in a zigzag shape; and the first electrodes and the second electrodes are alternately stacked between the stacked separators.

[0036] The electrode assembly manufactured by the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention may have a separator folded in a zigzag shape; and the first electrode and the second electrode may be alternately arranged between the folded separators.

[0037] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first electrode supply unit of the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus may further include a first electrode seating table on which the first electrode is seated before being stacked on the stack table by the first electrode stacking unit, and the second electrode supply unit may further include a second electrode seating table on which the second electrode is seated before being stacked on the stack table by the second electrode stacking unit, and at least one of the first electrode seating table and the second electrode seating table may include the non-contact heater.

[0038] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the first electrode seating table and the second electrode seating table may include the non-contact heater.

[0039] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first electrode seating table and the second electrode seating table may each include the non-contact heater.

[0040] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first electrode stack unit further includes a first suction head that vacuum-sucks the first electrode mounted on the first electrode mounting table, and the second electrode stack unit further includes a second suction head that vacuum-sucks the second electrode mounted on the second electrode mounting table, and at least one of the first suction head and the second suction head may include the non-contact heater.

[0041] In one embodiment of the present invention, at least one of the first suction head and the second suction head may include the non-contact heater.

[0042] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first suction head and the second suction head may each include the non-contact heater.

[0043] That is, each of the components related to the electrode supplying component may include the non-contact heater.

[0044] The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a press unit that heats and presses the laminate.

[0045] The press unit according to one embodiment of the present invention may heat and pressurize the stacked material stacked on the stack table.

[0046] The press unit according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to heat and press the stacked material stacked on the stack table after moving the stacked material to the press unit.

[0047] That is, one embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly including a first electrode, a separator, and a second electrode, the apparatus including: a separation membrane supply unit that supplies the separation membrane to a stack table; a first electrode supply unit that supplies the first electrode to the stack table; a second electrode supply unit that supplies the second electrode to the stack table; a stack table on which the first electrode, the separator, and the second electrode supplied to the stack table are stacked to manufacture a laminate including the first electrode, the separator, and the second electrode; a first electrode stack unit that stacks the first electrode supplied from the first electrode supply unit on the stack table; a second electrode stack unit that stacks the second electrode supplied from the second electrode supply unit on the stack table; and a press unit that heats and pressurizes the laminate stacked on the stack table, wherein at least one of the first electrode supply unit, the second electrode supply unit, the first electrode stack unit, and the second electrode stack unit includes a non-contact heater that heats a heating target without directly coming into physical contact with the heating target, and the first electrode and the second electrode are heated by the heater, respectively.

[0048] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first electrode stacking unit may stack the first electrodes supplied from the first electrode supply unit on the stack table and apply pressure to bond the first electrodes and the separation membrane, and the second electrode stacking unit may stack the second electrodes supplied from the second electrode supply unit on the stack table and apply pressure to bond the second electrodes and the separation membrane. Heating may be performed simultaneously during the pressurizing process.

[0049] In the case where the first electrode stacking unit and the second electrode stacking unit stack the first electrode and the second electrode on the stack table and apply pressure to bond the electrodes and the separator, and in the case where the first suction head and the second suction head each include a non-contact heater, one embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly by stacking a first electrode, a separator, and a second electrode, the apparatus comprising: a stack table on which the first electrode, the separator, and the second electrode are stacked so that the first electrode and the second electrode are alternately arranged between the folded separator; a separation membrane supply unit that heats the separator and supplies the separator to the stack table; a first electrode supply unit that heats and supplies the first electrode; a second electrode supply unit that heats and supplies the second electrode; a first electrode stacking unit that stacks the first electrode supplied from the first electrode supply unit on the stack table and applies pressure to bond the first electrode and the separator; and a second electrode stacking unit that stacks the second electrodes supplied from the second electrode supplying unit on the stack table and applies pressure to bond the second electrodes and the separator, the first electrode supplying unit including a first electrode seating table on which the first electrodes are seated before being stacked on the stack table by the first electrode stacking unit, the second electrode supplying unit including a second electrode seating table on which the second electrodes are seated before being stacked on the stack table by the second electrode stacking unit, the first electrode stacking unit including a first suction head that vacuum-sucks the first electrodes seated on the first electrode seating table, the second electrode stacking unit including a second suction head that vacuum-sucks the second electrodes seated on the second electrode seating table, the first suction head and the second suction head each including a non-contact heater, and the first electrodes and the second electrodes are heated by the heater.That is, the stacking device may include a first electrode stacking unit that stacks the first electrodes supplied from the first electrode supply unit on the stack table and heats and pressurizes them to bond the first electrodes and the separation membrane, and a second electrode stacking unit that stacks the second electrodes supplied from the second electrode supply unit on the stack table and heats and pressurizes them to bond the second electrodes and the separation membrane. The heating may be performed by the non-contact heater described above.

[0050] In one embodiment of the present application, the non-contact heater may heat the first electrode and the second electrode by transferring heat in a radiative or inductive heating manner.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the non-contact heater may include a heating element that provides heat to the object to be heated, and a recessed housing that positions the heating element so that it does not come into physical contact with the object to be heated.

[0052] In one embodiment of the present application, the non-contact heater may transfer heat by radiation. Specifically, the non-contact heater may be a non-contact infrared heater (IR heater).

[0053] That is, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to the present application has the advantage of being able to selectively heat electrodes only when necessary and quickly heat them to a desired temperature by using a non-contact heater. Therefore, individual electrodes may be heated to different temperatures. This reduces temperature non-uniformity among the electrodes, which occurs during the process of transferring a stack including the electrodes during electrode assembly manufacturing, and which occurs when external heating is used to pressurize and heat a stack including the electrodes and separator to manufacture a completed electrode assembly, thereby providing an electrode assembly with uniform performance. As described above, the non-contact heater preferably transfers heat by radiation, and a specific example thereof may be, but is not limited to, a non-contact infrared heater (IR heater).

[0054] In addition, the first electrode seating table, the second electrode seating table, the first suction head, and the second suction head included in the first electrode supply unit, the second electrode supply unit, the first electrode stack unit, and the second electrode stack unit each include a non-contact heater, which allows a specific temperature range (hereinafter, the control temperature) to be met while minimizing deformation of the structure. Individual electrodes may be selectively heated as needed. For example, when using a non-contact heater, the outer electrodes of the electrode assembly may be heated at a lower temperature and the central electrodes may be heated at a higher temperature, allowing the electrodes to be individually stacked while maintaining the temperature within the control temperature range. This reduces temperature deviation (heating deviation) between the electrodes without structural deformation of the structure (unfinished electrode assembly), thereby providing an electrode assembly with uniform performance.

[0055] An electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a temperature sensor that measures surface temperatures of the first electrode and the second electrode, and a control unit that adjusts the heating temperature of the non-contact heater based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor to adjust the surface temperatures of the first electrode and the second electrode within a control temperature range.

[0056] In one embodiment of the present invention, the controlled temperature range may be 50°C to 140°C, preferably 60°C to 120°C. Maintaining this temperature range has the advantage that the electrode and separator can be easily bonded without deformation during the subsequent process of applying pressure to bond them to each other. Furthermore, if the temperature is lower than this range, the electrode and separator may be separated due to weak adhesion, resulting in reduced productivity. If the temperature is higher than this range, the separator may become too breathable, resulting in reduced product performance.

[0057] In one embodiment of the present invention, heating may be performed during the process of bonding the first electrode and the separation membrane and the process of bonding the second electrode and the separation membrane.

[0058] That is, the process of bonding the first electrode and the separator and the process of bonding the second electrode and the separator may be a process of applying heat and pressure.

[0059] In one embodiment of the present invention, the control unit may perform a function of stopping operation of the non-contact heater when the surface temperatures of the first electrode and the second electrode are adjusted to within a controlled temperature range. That is, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus of the present invention may operate the non-contact heater to apply heat to the electrodes only when necessary. That is, the control unit may control whether to operate the non-contact heater.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the stack table may include a table body on which the first electrode, the separation membrane, and the second electrode are stacked; and a stack table heater that heats the table body to heat the stacked material.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the stack table heater may be a non-contact heater that heats an object to be heated without directly coming into physical contact with the object to be heated.

[0062] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first electrode stacking unit may stack the first electrodes supplied from the first electrode supplying unit on the stack table, and apply heat and pressure to bond the first electrodes and the separation membrane.

[0063] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second electrode stacking unit may stack the second electrodes supplied from the second electrode supplying unit on the stack table, and apply heat and pressure to bond the second electrodes and the separation membrane.

[0064] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first electrode stacking unit stacks a first electrode on the stack table and applies heat and pressure to bond the first electrode and the separator, and the second electrode stacking unit stacks a second electrode on the stack table and applies heat and pressure to bond the second electrode and the separator, may be performed independently at a temperature of 40°C or more and 110°C or less, preferably 50°C or more and 100°C or less, and at a pressure of 0.3 MPa or more and 5 MPa or less, preferably 1.5 MPa or more and 5 MPa or less.

[0065] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the heating and pressure application may be carried out for 5 seconds or more and 60 seconds or less, preferably 5 seconds or more and 30 seconds or less.

[0066] The conditions may correspond to a step of stacking the first electrode on the stack table and applying heat and pressure to bond the first electrode and the separator; and a step of stacking the second electrode on the stack table and applying heat and pressure to bond the second electrode and the separator.

[0067] When the above temperature, pressure, and time conditions are met, damage to the unit electrodes constituting the electrode assembly can be minimized while ensuring appropriate levels of adhesion and air permeability between the electrodes and separator constituting the electrode assembly.

[0068] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the laminate may further include a press unit that presses the laminate. Heating and pressing the laminate using the press unit is referred to as a heat pressing step. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the heat pressing step may include a first heat pressing step in which the laminate is gripped by grippers and heated and pressed; and a second heat pressing step in which, after the first heat pressing step, the gripping by the grippers is stopped and the laminate is heated and pressed.

[0069] The press unit according to one embodiment of the present invention may heat and pressurize the stacked material stacked on the stack table.

[0070] The press unit according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to heat and press the stacked material stacked on the stack table after moving the stacked material to the press unit.

[0071] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first heat pressing step may include the steps of: applying pressure to the upper surface of the laminate using a gripper to fix the laminate; moving the laminate fixed by the gripper between a pair of pressure blocks including a press heater; moving the pair of pressure blocks in directions opposite to each other along the lamination axis of the laminate to apply surface pressure to the fixed laminate; and heating the fixed laminate by the press heater.

[0072] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second heat pressing step may include the steps of: ceasing heating and pressing the laminate after the first heat pressing step; separating the grippers from the laminate; moving the laminate from which the grippers have been separated between a pair of pressure blocks including a press heater; pressing the laminate by moving the pair of pressure blocks in opposite directions along the lamination axis of the laminate from which the grippers have been separated; and heating the laminate using the press heater.

[0073] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the pressurizing block used in the first heat pressing step may have grooves corresponding to the grippers.

[0074] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the step of moving the gripper away from the stack may include the steps of: ceasing to apply pressure to the top surface of the stack using the gripper; and moving the gripper away from the stack.

[0075] In addition, in the heat pressing step (including the first and second heat pressing steps), the step of moving the laminate between a pair of pressure blocks including a press heater may include not only moving the laminate itself but also moving the laminate together with a stack table while being placed on it. In this case, the objects to be heated and pressed by the pair of pressure blocks and the press heater may refer to the laminate and the stack table.

[0076] In one embodiment of the present application, the first heat pressing step may heat and press the laminate at a temperature of 50°C to 90°C, a pressure of 0.3 MPa to 3 MPa, and a time of 10 seconds to 30 seconds, or more preferably at a temperature of 65°C to 75°C, a pressure of 1.5 MPa to 2 MPa, and a time of 10 seconds to 20 seconds.

[0077] In one embodiment of the present application, the second heat pressing step may heat and press the laminate under conditions of a temperature of 50°C to 90°C, a pressure of 0.3 MPa to 6 MPa, and a time of 5 seconds to 60 seconds, preferably a temperature of 65°C to 90°C, a pressure of 1.5 MPa to 6 MPa, and a time of 5 seconds to 30 seconds, and more preferably a temperature of 65°C to 85°C, a pressure of 3 MPa to 5.5 MPa, and a time of 7 seconds to 25 seconds.

[0078] When heating and pressurizing are performed while satisfying the above conditions, the first electrode, separator, and second electrode are not damaged, and the electrodes and separator of the laminate of the first electrode, separator, and second electrode are easily bonded, resulting in excellent performance of the manufactured electrode assembly.

[0079] In one embodiment of the present application, the temperature, pressure, and time conditions of the heat-pressing step may be the same as those of the second heat-pressing step described above. That is, the heat-pressing step may involve heating and pressing the laminate at a temperature of 50°C to 90°C, a pressure of 0.3 MPa to 6 MPa, and a time of 5 to 60 seconds, preferably at a temperature of 65°C to 90°C, a pressure of 1.5 MPa to 6 MPa, and a time of 5 to 30 seconds. More preferably, the laminate may be heated and pressed at a temperature of 65°C to 85°C, a pressure of 3 MPa to 5.5 MPa, and a time of 7 to 25 seconds.

[0080] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the press section may be composed of a pair of pressure blocks, which are moved in directions opposite to each other to apply surface pressure to the laminate stacked on the table.

[0081] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the separation membrane supply unit may further include a separation membrane heating unit having a passage through which the separation membrane passes and heating the separation membrane passing through.

[0082] In the apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first electrode stacking unit may further include a first moving unit that moves the first suction head to the stack table and provides a pressure so that the first suction head stacks and presses the first electrodes on the stack table, and the second electrode stacking unit may further include a second moving unit that moves the second suction head to the stack table and provides a pressure so that the second suction head stacks and presses the second electrodes on the stack table. In this case, the expression "stacking" may be expressed as "loading."

[0083] That is, the first electrode stacking unit of the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a first suction head that vacuum-sucks and holds the first electrode, and may further include a first moving unit that loads and pressurizes the first electrode onto the stack table as the first suction head approaches the stack table, and the second electrode stacking unit may include a second suction head that vacuum-sucks and holds the second electrode, and may further include a second moving unit that loads and pressurizes the second electrode onto the stack table as the second suction head approaches the stack table.

[0084] Furthermore, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a rotation unit that rotates the stack table, wherein a first electrode stack unit is provided on one side of the rotation unit and a second electrode stack unit is provided on the other side of the rotation unit, and the rotation unit rotates the stack table to one side to face the first suction head when stacking the first electrodes, and rotates the stack table to the other side to face the second suction head when stacking the second electrodes. The rotation unit may adjust the positions of the suction head and the stack table to face each other, and the electrodes may be stacked on the stack table.

[0085] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the stack table may include a holding mechanism that holds the first electrode or the second electrode and fixes it to the stack table when the first electrode or the second electrode is stacked on the stack table. The holding mechanism can prevent the electrode assembly from being twisted.

[0086] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when stacking the first electrode on the stack table, the holding mechanism can grip and fix the upper surface of the second electrode stacked on the top side of the stack table, and when stacking the second electrode on the stack table, can grip and fix the upper surface of the first electrode stacked on the top side of the stack table.

[0087] More specifically, the holding mechanism according to one embodiment of the present invention may be configured to apply pressure to an upper surface of the second electrode stacked on the uppermost side of the stack table when stacking the first electrode on the stack table, and to apply pressure to an upper surface of the first electrode stacked on the uppermost side of the stack table when stacking the second electrode on the stack table. That is, the first electrode and the second electrode may be held by applying pressure to the upper surfaces of the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0088] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first electrode stack unit is disposed on one side of the stack table, and the second electrode stack unit is disposed on the other side of the stack table, and the stack table further includes a driver that drives the stack table so that a surface of the stack table faces the first electrode stack unit or the second electrode stack unit, and the driver may move the stack table so that the surface faces the first suction head when the first electrode is loaded onto the stack table, and move the stack table so that the surface faces the second suction head when the second electrode is loaded onto the stack table. In this case, the driver may be a rotation unit that causes the stack table to perform a seesaw motion.

[0089] That is, in the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, the separator may be positioned between the first electrode and the second electrode so as to perform zigzag folding, and the rotating unit may rotate the stack table alternately toward the first electrode stack unit and the second electrode stack unit.

[0090] For reference, in order to stack the first electrodes, the separator, and the second electrodes so that the first electrodes and the second electrodes are alternately arranged between the folded separators, a method in which the stack table moves left and right, a method in which the separator moves left and right, or a method in which the stack table rotates may be used, and conventional techniques in the art may be applied to this. However, in this specification, a method having a rotating part is illustrated in the drawings.

[0091] One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly including a first electrode, a separator, and a second electrode, the method comprising: heating the separator while supplying it to a stack table and stacking it; heating the first electrode without direct physical contact with an object to be heated by a non-contact heater that heats the object to be heated, and supplying it to the stack table and stacking it; and heating the second electrode without direct physical contact with the object to be heated by a non-contact heater that heats the object to be heated, and supplying it to the stack table and stacking it, the stack table being on which a stack including the first electrode, the separator, and the second electrode is placed.In the method for manufacturing an electrode assembly, the electrode assembly may also have a separator that is folded in a zigzag shape; and the first electrode and the second electrode may be alternately arranged between the folded separators.

[0092] That is, the electrode assembly in the method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention may have a configuration in which the separator is stacked while being folded in a zigzag shape; and the first electrode and the second electrode are alternately stacked between the stacked separators.

[0093] In addition, the description of the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus may be applied to the non-contact heater.

[0094] When the first suction head and the second suction head each include a non-contact heater as described above, one embodiment of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly, including the steps of heating a first electrode and supplying it to a stack table; heating a second electrode and supplying it to the stack table; heating a separator and supplying it to the stack table; and stacking the first electrode, separator, and second electrode on the stack table so that the first electrode and the second electrode are alternately arranged between the folded separator to manufacture a stack, wherein the steps of heating the first electrode and supplying it to the stack table and heating the second electrode and supplying it to the stack table are performed by a first suction head that vacuum-sucks the first electrode and a second suction head that vacuum-sucks the second electrode, respectively, and heating the first electrode and the second electrode is performed by a non-contact heater included in the first suction head and the second suction head, respectively.

[0095] That is, in the case of the manufacturing method of the electrode assembly of the present invention, the non-contact heater may be one that transfers heat by a radiation method, and as a specific example, in the manufacturing apparatus, as described above, the non-contact heater may be a non-contact infrared heater (IR heater).

[0096] The above description of the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus of the present invention may be applied to the electrode assembly manufacturing method of the present invention.

[0097] In the method for manufacturing an electrode assembly of the present invention, the step of heating the first electrode by a non-contact heater that heats the heating object without direct physical contact with the heating object and supplying the heated electrode to the stack table may include the steps of measuring a surface temperature of the first electrode; and adjusting the heating temperature of the non-contact heater based on the measured temperature to adjust the surface temperature of the first electrode to within a controlled temperature range, and the step of heating the second electrode by a non-contact heater that heats the heating object without direct physical contact with the heating object and supplying the heated electrode to the stack table may include the steps of measuring a surface temperature of the second electrode; and adjusting the heating temperature of the non-contact heater based on the measured temperature to adjust the surface temperature of the second electrode to within a controlled temperature range.

[0098] That is, in the method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to the present invention, the steps of heating the first electrode and supplying it to the stack table and heating the second electrode and supplying it to the stack table may include measuring the surface temperatures of the first electrode and the second electrode and adjusting the heating temperature of the non-contact heater based on the measured temperatures to adjust the surface temperatures of the first electrode and the second electrode within a controlled temperature range. The controlled temperature range may be 50°C to 140°C, preferably 60°C to 120°C. Maintaining the temperature within this range has the advantage of facilitating bonding without deformation of the structure during a subsequent pressurizing process for bonding the electrodes to the separator. Furthermore, temperatures lower than this range may result in weak adhesion between the electrodes and the separator, leading to separation of the cell assembly and reduced productivity. Higher temperatures may result in excessively high separator permeability, resulting in reduced product performance.

[0099] The method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to the present invention may further include the step of stopping the operation of the non-contact heater when the surface temperatures of the first electrode and the second electrode are adjusted to within a controlled temperature range. That is, by heating the electrodes only when necessary, deformation of the electrode assembly structure and damage to the electrodes can be prevented. This is possible because a non-contact heater is used, which can heat quickly and can be easily stopped at a desired time.

[0100] The method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to the present invention may further include a heat pressing step of heating and pressing the laminate. The above description of the heat pressing step may be applied.

[0101] The method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to the present invention may further include stacking the first electrode on the stack table and applying heat and pressure to bond the first electrode and the separator; and stacking the second electrode on the stack table and applying heat and pressure to bond the second electrode and the separator. The conditions for stacking the electrodes on the stack table and applying heat and pressure may be the same as those described above.

[0102] Hereinafter, an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus and an electrode assembly manufacturing method according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.

[0103] FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating an exemplary apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating a concept of the apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. For convenience, FIG. 1 omits the holding mechanism 170 shown in FIG. 2 . Also, FIG. 1 omits the press unit 180 and illustrates a configuration in which the first electrode stack unit 150 and the second electrode stack unit 160 stack the first electrodes 11 and the second electrodes 12 on the stack table 110 and apply heat and pressure. As described above, the press unit 180 may be additionally included, or the first electrode stack unit 150 and the second electrode stack unit 160 may omit the configuration in which the first electrodes 11 and the second electrodes 12 are stacked on the stack table 110 and apply heat and pressure, and instead may be configured to be heated and pressurized by the press unit 180. In FIG. 2, the separator supply unit 120 shown in FIG. 1 is omitted, and the press unit 180 is illustrated.

[0104] 1 and 2, an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a stack table 110, a separation membrane supply unit 120 that heats and supplies a separator 14, a first electrode supply unit 130 that heats and supplies a first electrode 11, a second electrode supply unit 140 that heats and supplies a second electrode 12, a first electrode stacking unit 150 that stacks the first electrode 11 on the stack table 110, a second electrode stacking unit 160 that stacks the second electrode 12 on the stack table 110, and a press unit 180 that bonds the first electrode 11, the separator 14, and the second electrode 12. The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a holding mechanism 170 that secures the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 when they are stacked on the stack table 110. Alternatively, the first electrode stacking unit 150 and the second electrode stacking unit 160 may be configured to stack the first electrodes 11 and the second electrodes 12 on the stack table 110 and apply heat and pressure thereto.

[0105] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of an electrode assembly manufactured by an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly or a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] 1 to 3, an apparatus 100 for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly 10 by stacking a first electrode 11, a separator 14, and a second electrode 12.

[0107] The electrode assembly 10 may be formed as a chargeable / dischargeable power generating element in the form of an alternately stacked assembly of a first electrode 11, a separator 14, and a second electrode 12. Here, the electrode assembly 10 may be formed, for example, in such a form that the separator 14 is folded in a zigzag pattern, and the first electrodes 11 and the second electrodes 12 are alternately arranged between the folded separator 14. In this case, the electrode assembly 10 may be provided in such a form that the outermost periphery is enclosed by the separator 14.

[0108] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a separator supply unit of an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0109] 1 and 7, the separation membrane supply unit 120 may heat the separation membrane 14 and supply the separation membrane 14 to the stack table 110. The separation membrane supply unit 120 may also include a separation membrane heating unit 121 having a passage through which the separation membrane 14 passes and heating the separation membrane 14 passing through.

[0110] The separator heating unit 121 may include a pair of bodies 121a and a separator heater 121b for heating the bodies 121a. The pair of bodies 121a may be spaced apart by a predetermined distance to allow the separator 14 to pass through. Here, the separator 14 may pass through the separator heating unit 121 without contact, so that the separator 14 may be heated in a non-contact manner. Meanwhile, the body 121a may be formed in the shape of a rectangular block, for example.

[0111] Meanwhile, the separation membrane supply unit 120 may further include a separation membrane roll 122 around which the separation membrane 14 is wound. Here, the separation membrane 14 wound around the separation membrane roll 122 may be gradually unwound and passed through the separation membrane heating unit 121 to be supplied to the stack table 110.

[0112] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a press unit of an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of the press unit of the apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention pressing a laminate.

[0113] Referring to Figures 3 to 5, the press unit 180 applies pressure to the heated and stacked first electrode 11, separator 14, and second electrode 12, thereby bonding the first electrode 11, separator 14, and second electrode 12 together.

[0114] The press section 180 also includes a pair of pressure blocks 181, 182, which can be moved in directions opposite to each other to apply surface pressure to the stack S of the stacked first electrode 11, separation membrane 14, and second electrode 12.

[0115] In this case, when the separator 14 is configured to surround the outer surface of the laminate S, the outer portion of the separator 14 located at the outermost periphery of the laminate S may also be bonded to the opposing first electrode 11, second electrode 12, and inner portion of the separator 14. This more effectively prevents the first electrode 11, second electrode 12, and separator 14 from separating from each other and from each other, thereby preventing the stacked configuration from being broken when the electrode assembly 10 is formed by stacking the first electrode 11, separator 14, and second electrode 12.

[0116] Furthermore, the press unit 180 further includes press heaters 183 and 184 that heat the pair of pressure blocks 181 and 182, and the pair of pressure blocks 181 and 182 can heat and pressurize the laminate S of the first electrode 11, the separator 14, and the second electrode 12. This allows for better thermal fusion between the first electrode 11, the separator 14, and the second electrode 12 when the laminate S is pressed by the press unit 180, resulting in stronger adhesion.

[0117] The pair of pressure blocks 181, 182 may have flat pressure surfaces, and the horizontal and vertical lengths of the pressure surfaces may be longer than the horizontal and vertical lengths of the laminate S in which the first electrode 11, the separation membrane 14, and the second electrode 12 are stacked.

[0118] The pair of pressure blocks 181, 182 includes a first pressure block 181 and a second pressure block 182, and the first pressure block 181 and the second pressure block 182 may be provided in a rectangular block having a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0119] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a stack table of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0120] Referring to Figures 2 and 6, the stack table 110 may have first electrodes 11, separators 14, and second electrodes 12 stacked in a manner such that the first electrodes 11 and the second electrodes 12 are alternately arranged between the folded separators 14.

[0121] The stack table 110 may also include a table body 111 on which the first electrode 11, the separation membrane 14, and the second electrode 12 are stacked, and a stack table heater 112 that heats the table body 111 and thereby heats the stacked stack S.

[0122] The first electrode 11 may be configured as a positive electrode and the second electrode 12 may be configured as a negative electrode, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to this. For example, the first electrode 11 may be configured as a negative electrode and the second electrode 12 may be configured as a positive electrode.

[0123] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a first electrode seating table of an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0124] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 8, the first electrode supply unit 130 may heat the first electrode 11 and supply it to the first electrode stack unit 150.

[0125] The first electrode supply unit 130 may also include a first electrode seating table 131 on which the first electrode 11 is seated before being stacked on the stack table 110 by the first electrode stack unit 150, and a first electrode heater 132 that heats the first electrode seating table 131 to heat the first electrode 11.

[0126] Meanwhile, the first electrode supply unit 130 may further include a first electrode roll 133 on which the first electrode 11 is wound in a sheet state, a first cutter 134 that cuts the sheet-like first electrode 11 wound around the first electrode roll 133 at predetermined intervals to form first electrodes 11 of a predetermined size when the sheet-like first electrode 11 is unwound and supplied, a first conveyor belt 135 that moves the first electrodes 11 cut by the first cutter 134, and a first electrode supply head 136 that vacuum-sucks the first electrodes 11 transported by the first conveyor belt 135 and seats them on the first electrode seating table 131. Here, the first cutter 134 may cut the sheet-like first electrodes 11 so that first electrode tabs 11a are formed protruding from the ends thereof when cutting the sheet-like first electrodes 11.

[0127] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a second electrode seating table of an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0128] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 9, the second electrode supply unit 140 may heat the second electrode 12 and supply it to the second electrode stack unit 160.

[0129] The second electrode supply unit 140 may also include a second electrode seating table 141 on which the second electrode 12 is seated before being stacked on the stack table 110 by the second electrode stack unit 160, and a second electrode heater 142 that heats the second electrode seating table 141 to heat the second electrode 12.

[0130] Meanwhile, the second electrode supply unit 140 may further include a second electrode roll 143 on which the second electrode 12 is wound in a sheet state, a second cutter 144 that cuts the sheet-like second electrode 12 wound around the second electrode roll 143 at predetermined intervals as it is unwound and supplied to form second electrodes 12 of a predetermined size, a second conveyor belt 145 that moves the second electrodes 12 cut by the second cutter 144, and a second electrode supply head 146 that vacuum-sucks the second electrodes 12 transported by the second conveyor belt 145 and seats them on the second electrode seating table 141. Here, the second cutter 144 may cut the sheet-like second electrodes 12 so that second electrode tabs 12a are formed protruding from the ends thereof.

[0131] FIG. 10 is an oblique view, a bottom view, and a cross-sectional view showing a first suction head of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a bottom view showing the first suction head of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0132] 1, 10, and 11, the first electrode stacking unit 150 can stack the first electrodes 11 on the stack table 110.

[0133] The first electrode stack unit 150 may also include a first suction head 151 , a first electrode non-contact heater 152 , and a first moving unit 153 .

[0134] The first suction head 151 can vacuum-suck the first electrode 11 seated on the first electrode seating table 131. At this time, the first suction head 151 has a vacuum suction port 151a formed on a bottom surface 151b thereof, and can suck the first electrode 11 through the vacuum suction port 151a to fix the first electrode 11 to the bottom surface 151b of the first suction head 151. Here, the first suction head 151 may have a passage formed therein that connects the vacuum suction port 151a to a vacuum suction device (not shown).

[0135] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10(a), the first electrode non-contact heater 152 can individually heat the first electrode 11 sucked into the first suction head 151 without physical contact with the first electrode 11. That is, the heater can individually heat the electrodes, rather than indirectly heating the electrodes by heating a seating table or the like. FIG. 10(a) roughly illustrates the location of the first electrode non-contact heater 152. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 10(b) and 10(c), the first electrode non-contact heater 152 is composed of a lamp 152a and a reflector 152b, and is installed on the bottom surface 151b of the first suction head 151. The bottom surface 151b refers to the area where the vacuum suction port 151a is not formed when viewing the surface where the first suction head 151 comes into contact with the electrode. In other words, the first electrode non-contact heater 152 is installed so as to be positioned on the bottom surface 151b of the first suction head 151, which means that the first electrode non-contact heater 152 is installed in a manner such that there is no area where it overlaps with the vacuum suction port 151a of the first suction head 151.

[0136] The arrangement of the non-contact heaters as shown in FIG. 10 is one of the optimal arrangements for uniformly heating the electrodes with the non-contact heaters, but is not limited to this arrangement. Taking into consideration the size of the electrodes, etc., the arrangement of the non-contact heaters may be partially modified to achieve the optimal arrangement for uniformly heating the electrodes of the device.

[0137] FIG. 10(b) shows a plan view of the bottom surface 151b of the first suction head 151. As described above, in the case of the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to the present application, as shown in FIG. 10(b), the first electrode non-contact heater 152 is installed at a position that does not overlap with the vacuum suction port 151a. FIG. 10(c) shows a cross-sectional view of the bottom surface 151b of the first suction head 151 as viewed in the A-A' direction based on FIG. 10(b). That is, as shown in FIG. 10(c), the first electrode non-contact heater 152 is composed of a lamp 152a and a reflector 152b and is installed at a position that does not overlap with the vacuum suction port 151a. The first electrode non-contact heater 152 can adjust its operation and heating temperature depending on the temperature of the first electrode measured by a temperature sensor (not shown).

[0138] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 10(b), a recessed groove may be formed between the vacuum suction ports 151a, and the lamp 152a of the first electrode non-contact heater 152 may be disposed in the groove. A recessed housing (not shown) may also be formed to protect the lamp 152a. Although not shown in FIG. 10(b), a mount may be formed to secure the lamp 152a in the groove. The groove is formed deep enough to prevent the lamp 152a from directly contacting the first electrode even when secured in the groove, taking into account the size of the lamp 152a. The heat generated by the lamp 152a can heat the first electrode with minimal loss by utilizing the reflector 152b. The same explanation may also be applied to a second electrode non-contact heater that heats the second electrode.

[0139] Also, FIG. 10 shows a case where the first electrode stack unit 150 includes a first electrode non-contact heater 152, more specifically, a case where the first electrode non-contact heater 152 is included at the position of the first suction head 151, but this corresponds to one example, and as described above, a non-contact heater may be arranged on the first electrode seating table 131 in the form shown in FIG. 10.

[0140] In this case, the first electrode seating table may also be formed with a recessed groove and a mounting base for fixing a lamp of the non-contact heater in the groove, and the groove is formed with a depth taking into consideration the size of the lamp so that the lamp does not directly touch the first electrode even when fixed in the groove. The description of the first electrode seating table may also be applied to the second electrode seating table.

[0141] The first moving unit 153 can move the first suction head 151 to the stack table 110 so that the first suction head 151 can stack the first electrode 11 seated on the first electrode seating table 131 on the stack table 110.

[0142] 2, the second electrode stacking unit 160 can stack the second electrodes 12 on the stack table 110. Here, the second electrode stacking unit 160 may have the same structure as the above-mentioned first electrode stacking unit 150. In this case, the second electrode stacking unit 160 may include a second suction head 161, a second electrode non-contact heater (not shown), and a second moving unit 163.

[0143] In this case, as a more specific example, when the non-contact heater is a non-contact infrared heater, it may be configured with an infrared lamp and a reflector, or may have a groove formed therein and the infrared lamp may be disposed in the groove.

[0144] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second suction head 161 can vacuum-suck the second electrode 12 seated on the second electrode seating table 141 .

[0145] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second electrode non-contact heater can individually heat the second electrode 12 without physical contact with the second electrode 12 sucked into the second suction head 161. The type, arrangement, and structure of the second electrode non-contact heater may be the same as those of the first electrode non-contact heater described above.

[0146] The second moving unit 163 can move the second suction head 161 to the stack table 110 so that the second suction head 161 can stack the second electrode 12 seated on the second electrode seating table 141 on the stack table 110.

[0147] FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a holding mechanism and a stack table of an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0148] Referring to Figures 1 and 12, the holding mechanism 170 can grasp the first electrode 11 or the second electrode 12 and fix it to the stack table 110 when the first electrode 11 or the second electrode 12 is stacked on the stack table 110.

[0149] In addition, when stacking the first electrode 11 on the stack table 110, the holding mechanism 170 can apply pressure to the upper surface of the first electrode 11 stacked on the top side of the stack table 110 to fix it, and when stacking the second electrode 12 on the stack table 110, the holding mechanism 170 can apply pressure to the upper surface of the second electrode 12 stacked on the top side of the stack table 110 to fix it.

[0150] That is, when the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 are positioned between the separators 14 and stacked to form a stack, the holding mechanism 170 holds the uppermost surface of the stack by applying pressure toward the stack table 110, thereby preventing the stack from being detached from the stack table 110.

[0151] Meanwhile, the holding mechanism 170 may include, for example, a first holding mechanism 171 and a second holding mechanism 172 to fix both sides of the first electrode 11 or the second electrode 12 .

[0152] Then, for example, after the holding mechanism 170 grasps the first electrode 11 or the second electrode 12, when the stack table 110 is rotated, the separation membrane 14 can be unwound from the separation membrane roll 122 in proportion to the amount of rotation of the stack table 110 and supplied to the stack table 110 side.

[0153] Meanwhile, for example, the holding mechanism 170 and the stack table 110 may be connected or coupled to a rotating device (not shown). In this case, the rotating device may be configured, for example, as a mandrel. Here, when the holding mechanism 170 holds the first electrode 11 or the second electrode 12, the rotating device can rotate the holding mechanism 170 and the stack table 110.

[0154] 1 to 3, the operation of the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention is as follows: a separation membrane 14 wound around a separation membrane roll 122 is supplied through a separation membrane heating unit 121. That is, the separation membrane 14 is heated while passing through the separation membrane heating unit 121, and the heated separation membrane 14 is supplied to a stack table 110. The separation membranes 14 thus supplied are stacked on the stack table 110, and the heated stack table 110 heats the separation membrane 14.

[0155] Then, the first electrode 11 is heated and supplied from the first electrode supply unit 130 to the first electrode stack unit 150, where the first electrode 11 is heated and stacked on the upper surface of the separator 14 stacked on the stack table 110.

[0156] At this time, the holding mechanism 170 presses the upper surface of the first electrode 11 to fix the first electrode 11 on the stack table 110 so that it does not come off.

[0157] Thereafter, when the stack table 110 is rotated toward the second electrode stack unit 160 , the separation film 14 is continuously supplied to cover the upper surface of the first electrode 11 .

[0158] In addition, the second electrode 12, which is heated and supplied from the second electrode supply unit 140, is stacked by the second electrode stack unit 160 on the portion of the separator 14 covering the upper surface of the first electrode 11. Here, in the second electrode stack unit 160, the second suction head 161 applies pressure to and heats the second electrode 12, thereby continuously heating the second electrode 12.

[0159] At this time, the holding mechanism 170, which is applying pressure to the upper surface of the first electrode 11, is released at the pressure location, and then presses the upper surface of the second electrode 12 to prevent the stack including the second electrode 12 from being released from the stack table 110.

[0160] Thereafter, the process of stacking the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 is repeated to fold the separator 14 in a zigzag pattern, thereby forming a stack in which the separator 14 is positioned between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12.

[0161] The laminate is then moved to the press unit 180, where it is heated and pressurized to bond the heated first electrode 11, separator 14, and second electrode 12 together, thereby manufacturing the electrode assembly 10. At this time, the heated first electrode 11, separator 14, and second electrode 12 can be thermally sealed by applying heat and pressure through the press unit 180.

[0162] The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention configured as described above heats and stacks the first electrode 11, the separator 14, and the second electrode 12, and then applies heat and pressure to the press unit 180 to bond the first electrode 11, the separator 14, and the second electrode 12 together, thereby preventing the electrode assembly 10 from unfolding and preventing the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 from shifting from their stacked positions in the electrode assembly 10.

[0163] An electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention may further include a vision device for inspecting the first electrode or the second electrode. Figure 13 is a front view showing the concept of an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus further including the vision device.

[0164] 13, for convenience, the holding mechanism is omitted, and the pressing unit 180 located on the rear side in the plan view is indicated by a dotted line. Also, for convenience, the first electrode non-contact heater 152 and the second electrode non-contact heater 162 are omitted in FIG.

[0165] Referring to FIG. 13, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 200 includes a stack table 110, a separation membrane supply unit 120 that supplies a separation membrane 14, a first electrode supply unit 130 that supplies a first electrode 11, a second electrode supply unit 140 that supplies a second electrode 12, a first electrode stacking unit 150 that stacks the first electrode 11 on the stack table 110, a second electrode stacking unit 160 that stacks the second electrode 12 on the stack table 110, a press unit 180 that bonds the first electrode 11, the separation membrane 14, and the second electrode 12, and a holding mechanism 170 that fixes the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 when they are stacked on the stack table 110 (see FIG. 12), and may further include a rotation unit R that rotates the stack table 110 and a vision device 290 that vision inspects the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12.

[0166] That is, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 200 of FIG. 13 differs from the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment described above in that it further includes a rotating unit R and a vision device 290 .

[0167] More specifically, in the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention, the vision device 290 may include a first camera 291 and a second camera 292 .

[0168] The first camera 291 can photograph the first electrode 11 mounted on the first electrode mounting table 131 by the first electrode supply unit 130, and the second camera 292 can photograph the second electrode 12 mounted on the second electrode mounting table 141 by the second electrode supply unit 140.

[0169] The stacking quality of the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 can be inspected using the image information acquired by the first camera 291 and the second camera 292. At this time, the seating positions, sizes, stacking conditions, etc. of the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 can be inspected.

[0170] The rotating unit R can rotate the stack table 110 in one direction r1 and the other direction r2. Here, a first electrode stack unit 150 may be provided on one side of the rotating unit R, and a second electrode stack unit 160 may be provided on the other side of the rotating unit R.

[0171] In addition, the rotating unit R may rotate the stack table 110 to one side to face the first suction head 151 when stacking the first electrode 11, and may rotate the stack table 110 to the other side to face the second suction head 161 when stacking the second electrode 12.

[0172] Furthermore, the rotating unit R rotates the stack table 110 alternately toward the first electrode stack unit 150 and the second electrode stack unit 160, thereby enabling zigzag folding in which the separator 14 is positioned between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12.

[0173] The operation of the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

[0174] 1 and 13, the separation membrane 14 wound around the separation membrane roll 122 is supplied through a separation membrane heating unit 121. That is, the separation membrane 14 is heated while passing through the separation membrane heating unit 121, and the heated separation membrane 14 is supplied to a stack table 110. The separation membrane 14 thus supplied is stacked on the stack table 110, and the heated stack table 110 heats the separation membrane 14.

[0175] In addition, when the first electrode 11 is supplied and seated on the first electrode seating table 131 of the first electrode supply unit 130, the vision device 290 inspects the lamination quality of the first electrode 11. At this time, the first electrode 11 is heated by the first electrode seating table 131 heated by the first electrode heater 132.

[0176] The heated first electrode 11 is then supplied to the first electrode stacking unit 150 , where the first electrode 11 is stacked on the upper surface of the separator 14 stacked on the stack table 110 .

[0177] At this time, the holding mechanism 170 applies pressure to the upper surface of the first electrode 11 to fix the first electrode 11 to prevent it from being removed from the stack table 110. Thereafter, when the rotating unit R rotates the stack table 110 toward the second electrode stack unit 160, the separation membrane 14 is continuously supplied to cover the upper surface of the first electrode 11.

[0178] Meanwhile, when the second electrode 12 is supplied and seated on the second electrode seating table 141 of the second electrode supply unit 140, the lamination quality of the second electrode 12 is inspected by the vision device 290. At this time, the second electrode 12 is heated by the second electrode seating table 141 heated by the second electrode heater.

[0179] The heated second electrode 12 is then supplied to the second electrode stacking unit 160 , where the second electrode 12 is stacked on the upper surface of the separator 14 stacked on the stack table 110 .

[0180] At this time, the holding mechanism 170, which is applying pressure to the upper surface of the first electrode 11, is released at the pressure location, and then presses the upper surface of the second electrode 12 to prevent the stack including the second electrode 12 from being released from the stack table 110.

[0181] Thereafter, the stack table 110 is rotated and the process of stacking the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12 is repeated, whereby the separator 14 is zigzag folded to form a stack in which the separator 14 is positioned between the first electrode 11 and the second electrode 12.

[0182] The laminate is then moved to the press unit 180, where heat and pressure are applied to the laminate, thereby bonding the heated first electrode 11, separator 14, and second electrode 12 together to manufacture the electrode assembly 10. At this time, the heated first electrode 11, separator 14, and second electrode 12 can be thermally fused together while heat and pressure are applied by the press unit 180 (see FIG. 3).

[0183] Also, in the case of FIG. 13, as described above, the first electrode stack unit 150 may include a first suction head 151, a first electrode non-contact heater 152, and a first moving unit 153, and the second electrode stack unit 160 may include a second suction head 161, a second electrode non-contact heater, and a second moving unit 163 (not shown), and the description of the first suction head 151, the first electrode non-contact heater 152, the first moving unit 153, the second suction head 161, the second electrode non-contact heater, and the second moving unit 163 is the same as described above.

[0184] In other words, the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 200 of Figure 13 has the same configuration as the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus 100 according to the embodiment described above, except that it further includes a rotating unit R and a vision device 290.

[0185] Additionally, the press unit of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Fig. 14. Specifically, Fig. 14(a) is a perspective view showing a first press unit 50 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 14(b) is a perspective view showing a second press unit 60 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0186] 14(a), the first press unit 50 can apply heat and pressure to the laminate S while it is fixed by the gripper 51. The first press unit 50 is composed of a pair of first pressure blocks 50a and 50b, and the pair of first pressure blocks 50a and 50b have flat pressure surfaces except for a groove corresponding to the fixing portion 51b of the gripper 51.

[0187] The gripper 51 may include a main body 51a that corresponds to the length x and height y of the stack S or is wider than the length x and height y of the stack S, and a plurality of fixing portions 51b provided on one surface of the main body 51a and having a pillar or plate shape along the width z direction of the stack S. Here, the length x of the stack S may refer to the longest part from one end to the other of the stack S, the height y may refer to the distance in the stacking direction of the stack S, and the width z may refer to the distance across the top surface of the stack S.

[0188] The fixing portion 51b can be adjusted in position along the height direction of the main body 51a, and the fixing portion 51b can contact the upper and lower surfaces of the laminate S to fix the laminate S. Thereafter, a pair of first pressure blocks 50a and 50b included in the first press unit 50 are moved in directions opposite to each other to apply surface pressure to at least one of the laminate S and the gripper 51, thereby bonding the electrodes and the separator included in the laminate S.

[0189] 14(b), the second press unit 60 may finally heat and press the laminate S that has been primarily heated and pressed by the first press unit 50. The second press unit 60 includes a pair of second press blocks 60a and 60b that are movable in opposite directions to pressurize the laminate S. In addition, the pair of second press blocks 60a and 60b included in the second press unit 60 may have pressurizing surfaces that come into contact with and pressurize the laminate S as flat surfaces.

[0190] One embodiment of the present invention provides an electrode assembly including a first electrode, a separator, and a second electrode, wherein the first electrode, the separator, and the second electrode are stacked along a stacking axis, and the thickness of the separator stacked in the middle of the electrode assembly is 1 to 1.09 times the thickness of the separator stacked on the outermost edge of the electrode assembly.

[0191] An embodiment of the present invention provides an electrode assembly manufactured by the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention or the electrode assembly manufacturing method according to the present invention. In the electrode assembly manufactured by the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention or the electrode assembly manufacturing method according to the present invention, the first electrode, the separator, and the second electrode may be stacked along a stacking axis, and the thickness of the separator stacked in the middle of the electrode assembly may be 1 to 1.09 times the thickness of the separator stacked on the outermost edge of the electrode assembly.

[0192] In addition, in this specification, the "outermost portion of the electrode assembly" refers to the uppermost or lowermost position in the stacking direction of the stacked bodies, which are stacked based on the stacking axis.

[0193] In addition, in this specification, the "middle of the electrode assembly" refers to a position corresponding to the middle between the uppermost and lowermost positions in the stacking direction of the laminate, which is stacked based on the stacking axis. The stacking axis is as described above. That is, the stacking axes of the laminate (unfinished electrode assembly) and the electrode assembly are aligned.

[0194] In one embodiment of the present invention, the thickness of the separator located in the middle of the electrode assembly may be 1 to 1.09 times, preferably more than 1 to 1.09 times, more preferably more than 1 to 1.05 times, and even more preferably more than 1 to 1.03 times the thickness of the separator located in the outermost portion of the electrode assembly.

[0195] That is, in one embodiment of the present invention, the thickness of the separator located at the outermost portion of the electrode assembly may be thinner than the thickness of the separator located at the middle portion of the electrode assembly, and the thickness of the separator located at the middle portion of the electrode assembly may be 1.09 times or less the thickness of the separator located at the outermost portion of the electrode assembly.

[0196] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an electrode assembly manufactured by the apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to the present invention, or the method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to the present invention. In the electrode assembly manufactured by the apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to the present invention, a thickness of a separator located at an outermost portion of the electrode assembly may be thinner than a thickness of a separator located at a middle portion of the electrode assembly, and the thickness of the separator located at the middle portion of the electrode assembly may be 1.09 times or less the thickness of the separator located at the outermost portion of the electrode assembly.

[0197] In one embodiment of the present invention, the thickness deviation of the separator of the electrode assembly may be 9% or less, preferably 5% or less, and more preferably 3% or less. The electrode assembly according to the present invention is manufactured by heating and pressurizing a laminate (unfinished electrode assembly) in which electrodes and separators are stacked. Since the thickness deviation between the outermost separator of the electrode assembly and the intermediate separator of the electrode assembly is the largest, it is possible to check whether the thickness deviation of the separator of the electrode assembly is within the above numerical range by comparing the thicknesses of the outermost separator of the electrode assembly and the intermediate separator of the electrode assembly.

[0198] As described above, the electrode assembly according to the embodiment of the present application has a uniform separator thickness, which results in uniform performance and superior voltage resistance.

[0199] In one embodiment of the present invention, the separator of the electrode assembly may be more compressed than the separator supplied for manufacturing the electrode assembly, i.e., the separator supplied for manufacturing the assembly may be compressed during the process of stacking the electrodes and separator and during the process of heating and pressurizing the stack of the electrodes and separator for manufacturing the electrode assembly.

[0200] In one embodiment of the present invention, the separator of the electrode assembly may be more compressed than the separator supplied for manufacturing the electrode assembly, and the compressibility of the separator located at the outermost portion of the electrode assembly may be 3% to 8%, preferably 4% to 8%.

[0201] In one embodiment of the present invention, the separator of the electrode assembly may be more compressed than the separator supplied for manufacturing the electrode assembly, and the compressibility of the separator located in the middle of the electrode assembly may be 3% to 8%, preferably 4% to 8%.

[0202] In one embodiment of the present invention, the separator of the electrode assembly may be more compressed than the separator supplied for manufacturing the electrode assembly, and the compressibility of the separator located at the outermost portion of the electrode assembly may be 3% to 8%, preferably 4% to 8%, and the compressibility of the separator located in the middle of the electrode assembly may be 3% to 8%, preferably 4% to 8%.

[0203] The compressibility of the separator can be calculated based on the difference between the thickness of the separator supplied (raw thickness, before processing) and the thickness of the separator after the electrode assembly is completed (after processing).

[0204] In one embodiment of the present invention, the separator of the electrode assembly may be more compressible than the separator supplied for manufacturing the electrode assembly, and the compressibility of the separator located at the outermost portion of the electrode assembly may be greater than the compressibility of the separator located in the middle of the electrode assembly.

[0205] In one embodiment of the present invention, the separator of the electrode assembly may be more compressed than the separator supplied for manufacturing the electrode assembly, and the compressibility of the separator located at the outermost portion of the electrode assembly may be greater than the compressibility of the separator located at the middle of the electrode assembly, and the difference in compressibility may be 3%p (Percentage Point), preferably 2%p, and more preferably 1.5%p.

[0206] As described above, the electrode assembly according to the present invention is characterized in that the separator is compressed during the process of heating and pressurizing an unfinished electrode assembly to increase the adhesion between the electrode and the separator. Another feature is that the compression rate of the separator due to the heating and pressurization does not vary significantly depending on the position of the separator within the electrode assembly. That is, the electrode assembly according to the present invention has a uniform separator thickness, resulting in uniform performance and superior withstand voltage.

[0207] In one embodiment of the present invention, the withstand voltage of the electrode assembly may be 1.5 kV or more.

[0208] Furthermore, the description of the manufacturing apparatus for an electrode assembly according to the present invention and the configuration of the manufacturing apparatus may also be applied to the manufacturing method according to the present invention and the electrode assembly manufactured by the manufacturing method according to the present invention.

[0209] That is, the electrode assembly may have a configuration in which the separators are stacked while being folded in a zigzag shape; and the first electrodes and the second electrodes are alternately stacked between the stacked separators. [Example]

[0210] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious to those having ordinary skill in the art that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope that does not deviate from the technical idea of ​​the present invention described in the claims.

[0211] <Manufacturing of electrode assembly> 1) Example 1 Nineteen positive electrodes, 20 negative electrodes, and 20 separation membranes were supplied to the stack table from the positive electrode supply section, negative electrode supply section, and separation membrane supply section, respectively.

[0212] More specifically, the positive electrode and the negative electrode were supplied in the form of cut positive electrode sheets and negative electrode sheets, respectively, and the separator was supplied in the form of a separator sheet, and then the stack table was rotated to fold the supplied separator, thereby stacking the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the separator.

[0213] At this time, the positive and negative electrodes were supplied using an electrode stack unit including a suction head, an electrode non-contact heater, and a moving unit, and the electrode non-contact heater heated the electrodes while supplying them so that the control temperature in Table 1 below (60°C in Example 1) was met. That is, the electrodes were supplied while being heated so that the surfaces of the positive and negative electrodes reached 60°C.

[0214] In addition, when the electrode was heated by the electrode non-contact heater while being supplied, "O" was entered in the item of preheating application in Table 1 below.

[0215] At the same time, the positive electrode or negative electrode stacked on the top of the stack table was stacked using a holding mechanism, and as a result, the positive electrode and negative electrode were stacked on the stack table in a form in which they were alternately arranged between the folded separators, thereby producing a stack using 39 electrodes.

[0216] After the laminate was produced, it was gripped with a gripper and pressed for 15 seconds while being heated at a temperature of 70°C and a pressure of 1.91 MPa (first heat press step).

[0217] After the first heat pressing step, a second heat pressing step was performed in which the stack table was heated to 70°C (temperature condition), and a pressure of 2.71 MPa (pressure condition) was applied to the laminate using the pressure block of the press for 10 seconds (pressing time), thereby producing the electrode assembly of Example 1.

[0218] In the process of manufacturing the electrode assembly, the above-described contents related to the present invention may be applied.

[0219] 2) Examples 2 to 4, Comparative Examples 1 and 2 Electrode assemblies of Examples 2 to 4 and Comparative Examples 1 and 2 were manufactured in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the electrodes were heated and supplied so that the control temperatures in Table 1 below were satisfied. 3) Comparative Example 3

[0220] The process of heating and feeding the electrodes using an electrode non-contact heater was omitted, and in order to ensure stable adhesion between the electrodes and the separator, the first heat pressing step in Example 1 was increased to 30 seconds, and the second heat pressing step was increased to 30 seconds, to prepare an electrode assembly of Comparative Example 3.

[0221] <Experimental Example 1 - Evaluation of adhesion stability of separation membrane> The side surfaces of the electrode assemblies of Examples 1 to 4 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3 were visually observed to evaluate the adhesion stability of the separator.

[0222] 15(a) is a photographed image showing the electrode assembly of Comparative Example 1, and FIG. 15(b) is a photographed image showing the electrode assembly of Example 1. In FIG.

[0223] When the adhesion between the electrode and the separator is poor and separation between the electrode and the separator is observed (at the position indicated by the dotted circle) as shown in Figure 15(a), the adhesive stability of the separator is determined to be "X" and is shown in Table 1. Conversely, when separation between the electrode and the separator is not observed (at the position indicated by the dotted circle) as shown in Figure 15(b), the adhesive stability of the separator is determined to be "O".

[0224] <Experimental Example 2 - Evaluation of separation membrane air permeability> The electrode assemblies of Examples 1 to 4 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3 were disassembled to obtain a separator corresponding to a midpoint between the upper and lower ends of the electrode assembly based on the stacking direction of the electrode assembly, and then cut into a 5 cm x 5 cm (width x length) separator sample. The separator sample was then washed with an organic solvent.

[0225] Next, in accordance with the JIS Gurley measurement method of the Japanese Industrial Standard, a Toyoseiki Gurley Densometer (No. 158) was used to measure the time it took for 100 ml (or 100 cc) of air to pass through 1 square inch of the separation membrane at room temperature and a pressure of 0.05 MPa, thereby measuring the air permeability of Examples 1 to 4 and Comparative Examples 1 to 3.

[0226] The results are shown in Table 1 below. [Table 1]

[0227] As can be seen from Table 1, the results of Comparative Example 1 confirmed that even when the electrodes are heated individually, the adhesion stability of the separator is poor when the surface temperature of the electrodes is below the control temperature range according to the present invention.

[0228] In addition, in Comparative Example 2, where the surface temperature of the electrode exceeded the control temperature range according to the present invention, there was no problem with the adhesive stability of the separator, but the air permeability was excessively high at 5940 sec / 100 ml, which may have degraded the performance of the electrode assembly.

[0229] Comparative Example 3 was similar to the Examples in terms of separator adhesion stability and separator air permeability, but it was confirmed that the heat pressing step had to be performed for a longer period of time than in the Examples. In terms of mass production of electrode assemblies, the increased manufacturing time means that Comparative Example 3 is inferior to Examples 1 to 4 in terms of process efficiency and cost.

[0230] <Experimental Example 3 - Evaluation of thickness change of separator film and separator film compressibility> The electrode assemblies of Example 1 and Comparative Example 3 were evaluated for thickness change of the separator sheet and compressibility of the separator.

[0231] Specifically, the thickness of the separator roll was measured before lamination, and then the electrode assemblies of Example 1 and Comparative Example 3 were disassembled to obtain a separator located at the top (outermost) of the electrode assembly based on the lamination direction of the electrode assembly and a separator located at a midpoint (center) between the top and bottom of the electrode assembly. The change in thickness of the separator roll before and after the process was measured, and the results are shown in Table 2. The separator compressibility was also calculated from the change in thickness of the separator roll and is shown in Table 2.

[0232] [Table 2]

[0233] As can be seen from Table 2, when the electrodes were not heated individually, the deviation in thickness of the separator roll was large, with the outermost portion showing a greater reduction in thickness than necessary, and the central portion showing almost no deviation in thickness of the separator roll. That is, Comparative Example 3 was similar to the Examples in terms of separator adhesion stability and separator breathability, but the heat press step had to be performed for a longer period of time than the Examples, and unlike the Examples, it was found that the deviation in separator thickness occurred significantly depending on the position of the electrode assembly.

[0234] This means that the electrode assembly is unlikely to have uniform performance at all positions on the electrode assembly. In other words, it was confirmed that the electrode assembly manufactured using the manufacturing apparatus and method according to the present invention has uniform performance.

[0235] <Experimental Example 4 - Withstand Voltage Evaluation> The withstand voltage was evaluated for the electrode assemblies of Example 1 and Comparative Example 3. The results are shown in Table 3 below.

[0236] [Table 3]

[0237] As can be seen from Table 3, it was confirmed that when the electrodes were heated individually, the withstand voltage was better than when the electrodes were not heated individually. That is, in Comparative Example 3, the separator adhesion stability and separator air permeability were similar to those of the Examples, but the heat press step had to be performed for a longer period of time than in the Examples, and the withstand voltage performance was not as good as in the Examples.

[0238] From these experimental examples, it was confirmed that the electrode assembly manufactured by the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus and method of the present invention has excellent stability of the electrodes and separator, and has an appropriate level of air permeability that does not cause deformation of the separator.

[0239] It was also confirmed that an electrode assembly with excellent voltage resistance and uniform performance could be manufactured.

Claims

1. An apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly including a plurality of first electrodes, a separator, and a plurality of second electrodes, a stack table on which the first electrode, the separation membrane, and the second electrode are stacked to form a stack including the first electrode, the separation membrane, and the second electrode; a separation membrane supply unit that supplies the separation membrane to the stack table; a first electrode supply unit that supplies the first electrode; a second electrode supply unit that supplies the second electrode; a first electrode stacking unit that stacks the first electrodes supplied from the first electrode supplying unit on the stack table; a second electrode stacking unit that stacks the second electrodes supplied from the second electrode supplying unit on the stack table; and A press section for heating and pressing the laminate Including, at least one of the first electrode supply unit, the second electrode supply unit, the first electrode stack unit, and the second electrode stack unit includes a non-contact heater, and the first electrode and the second electrode are heated by the non-contact heater, respectively; The press unit includes a first press unit and a second press unit, The first press unit is composed of a pair of first pressure blocks, and applies heat and pressure to the laminate while fixing it with grippers, The gripper includes a main body that is wider than the length and height of the stack, and a plurality of fixing portions that are provided on one surface of the main body and are provided in a column-like or plate-like shape along the width direction of the stack, and the fixing portions contact the upper and lower surfaces of the stack, The second press unit further heats and presses the laminate heated and pressed by the first press unit. Electrode assembly manufacturing equipment.

2. The electrode assembly includes the separator that is stacked while being folded in a zigzag shape; and 2. The apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first electrodes and the second electrodes are alternately stacked between the stacked separators.

3. the first electrode supplying unit further includes a first electrode seating table on which the first electrodes are seated before being stacked on the stack table by the first electrode stacking unit, the second electrode supply unit further includes a second electrode seating table on which the second electrodes are seated before being stacked on the stack table by the second electrode stack unit, The apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first electrode seating table and the second electrode seating table includes the non-contact heater.

4. the first electrode stack unit further includes a first suction head configured to vacuum-suck the first electrode mounted on the first electrode mounting table, the second electrode stack unit further includes a second suction head configured to vacuum-suck the second electrode mounted on the second electrode mounting table, The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to claim 3 , wherein at least one of the first suction head and the second suction head includes the non-contact heater.

5. The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the non-contact heater heats the first electrode and the second electrode by transferring heat in a radiation or induction heating manner.

6. further comprising a temperature sensor for measuring a surface temperature of the first electrode and the second electrode; 2. The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a control unit that adjusts the heating temperature of the non-contact heater based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor to adjust the surface temperatures of the first electrode and the second electrode within a controlled temperature range.

7. 7. The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the controlled temperature range is 50°C to 140°C.

8. The stack table a table body on which the first electrode, the separation membrane, and the second electrode are stacked; and a stack table heater that heats the table body to heat the stacked material stacked on the table body; The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 , comprising:

9. The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to claim 8 , wherein the stack table heater is a non-contact heater.

10. 2. The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a holding mechanism that grips the first electrode or the second electrode and fixes it to the stack table when the first electrode or the second electrode is stacked on the stack table.

11. The holding mechanism includes: When stacking the first electrodes on the stack table, an upper surface of the second electrode stacked on the uppermost side of the stack table is gripped and fixed; The electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein when stacking the second electrode on the stack table, an upper surface of the first electrode stacked on the uppermost side of the stack table is gripped and fixed.

12. A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly including a plurality of first electrodes, a separator, and a plurality of second electrodes, feeding the separator film onto a stack table while heating it and stacking it; heating the first electrode with a non-contact heater and supplying it to the stack table for stacking; and heating the second electrode with a non-contact heater and feeding the second electrode to the stack table for stacking; Including, the stack table is configured to place a stack including the first electrode, the separation membrane, and the second electrode thereon; The method further includes heating and pressing the stack placed on the stack table in a press unit, The press unit includes a first press unit and a second press unit, The first press unit is composed of a pair of first pressure blocks, and applies heat and pressure to the laminate while fixing it with grippers, The gripper includes a main body that is wider than the length and height of the stack, and a plurality of fixing portions that are provided on one surface of the main body and are provided in a column-like or plate-like shape along the width direction of the stack, and the fixing portions contact the upper and lower surfaces of the stack, The second press unit further heats and presses the laminate that has been heated and pressed by the first press unit.

13. The electrode assembly includes the separator that is stacked while being folded in a zigzag shape; and The method of manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 12 , wherein the first electrodes and the second electrodes are alternately stacked between the stacked separators.

14. The method of manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 12 , wherein the non-contact heater heats the first electrode and the second electrode by transferring heat in a radiation manner or an induction manner.

15. The step of heating the first electrode by a non-contact heater and supplying the first electrode to a stack table includes: measuring the surface temperature of the first electrode; and adjusting the heating temperature of the non-contact heater based on the measured temperature to adjust the surface temperature of the first electrode within a controlled temperature range. Including, The step of heating the second electrode by a non-contact heater and supplying the second electrode to a stack table includes: measuring the surface temperature of the second electrode; and adjusting the heating temperature of the non-contact heater based on the measured temperature to adjust the surface temperature of the second electrode within a controlled temperature range. The method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 12, comprising:

16. The method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 15, wherein the controlled temperature range is 50°C to 140°C.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising: stopping operation of the non-contact heater when the surface temperatures of the first electrode and the second electrode are adjusted to within a controlled temperature range.

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