Electrode supply device, electrode assembly manufacturing device using same, electrode supply method, and electrode assembly manufacturing method using same

Abstract

The present invention is intended to provide an electrode supply device, an electrode assembly manufacturing device using the same, an electrode supply method, and an electrode assembly manufacturing method using the same.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0000693 filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on January 3, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein.

[0002] The present invention relates to an electrode supply device, an electrode assembly manufacturing device using the same, an electrode supply method, and an electrode assembly manufacturing method using the same. Background Technology

[0003] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries are rechargeable and are currently the subject of extensive research and development due to their potential for miniaturization and high capacity. As technological development and demand for mobile devices increase, the demand for secondary batteries as an energy source is rising rapidly.

[0004] Secondary batteries are classified into coin batteries, cylindrical batteries, prismatic batteries, and pouch batteries according to the shape of the battery case. In secondary batteries, the electrode assembly mounted inside the battery case is a rechargeable power generation device consisting of a laminated structure of electrodes and separators.

[0005] The above electrode assembly can be roughly classified into a jelly-roll type, which is wound with a separator interposed between a sheet-type positive electrode and a negative electrode coated with an active material; a stack type, which is sequentially stacked with a plurality of positive and negative electrodes interposed with a separator; and a stack-and-fold type, which is wound with unit cells of the stack type into a long separator film.

[0006] The above electrode assembly is mostly manufactured by supplying individual electrodes from a magazine in which multiple individual electrodes are stacked. In this process, there has been a problem in which defects occur in the manufactured electrode assembly because the electrode to be supplied among the multiple individual electrodes stacked in the magazine is not properly separated.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a technology to properly separate the electrode for supply among the multiple electrodes stacked within the magazine. Prior art literature

[0008] Korean Published Patent No. 10-2013-0027918 The problem to be solved

[0009] The present invention is intended to provide an electrode supply device, an electrode assembly manufacturing device using the same, an electrode supply method, and an electrode assembly manufacturing method using the same. means of solving the problem

[0010] One embodiment of the present invention provides an electrode supply device comprising: a magazine portion in which a plurality of electrodes are stacked; an electrode pickup portion that picks up the uppermost first electrode among the plurality of electrodes and transfers it to a stack table; and an air supply portion that sprays air toward the upper surface of the first electrode and the lower surface of the second electrode in contact with the first electrode to lower the pressure on the upper surface of the first electrode and the lower surface of the second electrode.

[0011] One embodiment of the present invention provides an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly in which an anode and a cathode are alternately arranged between the folding separators, comprising: an anode supply unit for supplying the anode to a stack table; a cathode supply unit for supplying the cathode to a stack table; a separator supply unit for supplying the separator to a stack table; a stack table for manufacturing a stack in which the anode, separator, and cathode are stacked in a manner in which the anode and the cathode are alternately arranged between the folding separators; and a press unit for manufacturing an electrode assembly by heating and pressurizing the stack to bond the anode, separator, and cathode together, wherein at least one of the anode supply unit and the cathode supply unit includes the electrode supply apparatus.

[0012] One embodiment of the present invention provides an electrode supply method comprising: a step of lowering the pressure on the upper surface of the first electrode and the lower surface of the second electrode in contact with the first electrode by blowing air in the direction of the upper surface of the first electrode and the lower surface of the second electrode, respectively, among a plurality of electrodes stacked in a magazine portion; and a step of picking up the first electrode.

[0013] Finally, one embodiment of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly in which an anode and a cathode are alternately arranged between the folding separators, comprising the steps of: supplying the anode to a stack table; supplying the cathode to a stack table; supplying the separator to a stack table; stacking the anode, separator, and cathode on a stack table in a manner in which the anode and the cathode are alternately arranged between the folding separators to produce a stack; and heating and pressurizing the stack to bond the anode, separator, and cathode together to produce an electrode assembly, wherein at least one of the steps of supplying the anode to a stack table and supplying the cathode to a stack table includes the electrode supply method. Effects of the invention

[0014] The electrode void method and electrode void device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the electrode assembly manufacturing device using the device, and the electrode assembly manufacturing method using the method can prevent defects caused by contact between electrode surfaces or contact between electrode surfaces and separators.

[0015] The electrode void method, electrode void device, electrode assembly manufacturing device using said device, and electrode assembly manufacturing method using said method according to the embodiment of the present invention can prevent defects and thus increase productivity.

[0016] Furthermore, secondary batteries manufactured using this method exhibit excellent performance. In particular, their performance is superior in terms of the safety of the electrode assembly. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0017] FIG. 1 is a figure showing the process of separating an electrode in an electrode supply device and an electrode supply method according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a front view showing the concept of an electrode assembly manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a conventional electrode assembly. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing the pressing process of a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly or a manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6(a) is a perspective view illustrating a first press part (50) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6(b) is a perspective view illustrating a second press part (60) according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a stack table in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an anode mounting table in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a cathode mounting table in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a first suction head in an electrode assembly manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a bottom view showing a first suction head in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a holding mechanism and a stack table in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0018] The present invention is described in detail below so that those skilled in the art can easily implement it. However, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the configurations described herein.

[0019] In this specification, when a part is described as 'comprising' a certain component, it means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components.

[0020] In this specification, 'p to q' means 'p or more, q or less'.

[0021] In this specification, the 'electrode magazine section' performs the function of stacking electrodes in a certain internal space, like bullets existing in a magazine.

[0022] In describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of related known technologies that may unnecessarily obscure the essence of the invention are omitted.

[0023] One embodiment of the present invention provides an electrode supply device comprising: a magazine portion in which a plurality of electrodes are stacked; an electrode pickup portion for picking up the uppermost first electrode among the plurality of electrodes and transferring it to a stack table; and an air supply portion for spraying air toward the upper surface of the first electrode and the lower surface of the second electrode in contact with the first electrode to lower the pressure on the upper surface of the first electrode and the lower surface of the second electrode, respectively.

[0024] In this specification, the term "electrode" means including the electrode and / or a semi-finished product of the electrode. Furthermore, the term "electrode semi-finished product" refers to any semi-assembled product related to the electrode, such as a coated electrode, a rolled electrode, or a notched electrode, manufactured during the process of manufacturing an electrode assembly and a secondary battery including the electrode assembly. That is, in this specification, the electrode or the electrode semi-finished product may be stacked in the magazine section.

[0025] In this specification, the 'electrode magazine section' performs the function of stacking electrodes in a certain internal space, like bullets existing in a magazine.

[0026] An electrode supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention is characterized by reducing pressure on the upper surface of a first electrode and the lower surface of a second electrode using an air supply unit capable of injecting air. Due to this feature, the pressure of the air layer existing between the first electrode and the second electrode is made relatively high, thereby facilitating the separation of the stacked electrodes and preventing defects caused by contact between electrode surfaces.

[0027] As a result, the electrode assembly manufactured by the electrode assembly manufacturing device according to the embodiment of the present invention has excellent performance.

[0028] An electrode supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a magazine portion in which electrodes are stacked. The magazine portion performs the function of stacking electrodes.

[0029] An electrode supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an electrode pickup unit that picks up the uppermost first electrode among the electrodes stacked inside the magazine unit and transfers it to the stack table side.

[0030] More specifically, in one embodiment of the present invention, the electrode pickup unit may include an electrode fixing unit for fixing the first electrode; and an electrode transfer unit for transferring the first electrode fixed by the fixing unit to the stack table side.

[0031] In one embodiment of the present invention, the air supply unit is installed on one side of the magazine unit and includes: an air inlet capable of injecting air; two air outlets for spraying air onto the upper surface of the first electrode and the lower surface of the second electrode in contact with the first electrode; and a flow path connecting the air inlet and the two air outlets, wherein the air outlet may have a shape in which the diameter of the air outlet gradually decreases as it proceeds in the direction of air injection.

[0032] In one embodiment of the present invention, the electrode mounting table may be further included, on which an electrode transported by the electrode supply device is placed and positioned. The electrode placed on the electrode mounting table may be stacked on a stack table by an electrode stacking unit described later.

[0033] One embodiment of the present invention provides an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly in which an anode and a cathode are alternately arranged between the folding separators, comprising: an anode supply unit for supplying the anode to a stack table; a cathode supply unit for supplying the cathode to a stack table; a separator supply unit for supplying the separator to a stack table; a stack table for manufacturing a stack in which the anode, separator, and cathode are stacked in a manner in which the anode and the cathode are alternately arranged between the folding separators; and a press unit for manufacturing an electrode assembly by heating and pressurizing the stack to bond the anode, separator, and cathode together, wherein at least one of the anode supply unit and the cathode supply unit includes the electrode supply device.

[0034] In one embodiment of the present invention, the anode supply unit includes the electrode supply device.

[0035] In one embodiment of the present invention, the cathode supply unit includes the electrode supply device.

[0036] In one embodiment of the present invention, the anode supply unit and the cathode supply unit each include the electrode supply device.

[0037] That is, the anode supply unit and the cathode supply unit may both supply an anode and a cathode, respectively, using an electrode supply device according to the present invention.

[0038] In other words, an electrode assembly manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an electrode supply unit that supplies electrodes to a stack table, and the electrode supply unit may include an electrode placement table on which the electrodes are placed before being stacked on the stack table by the electrode stack unit. Additionally, the electrodes transported by the electrode supply device according to the present invention may be placed on the electrode placement table to align their positions. The aligned electrodes may be stacked on the stack table by the electrode stack unit. Additionally, the electrodes may be positive or negative electrodes.

[0039] In this specification, manufacturing a laminate in which the anode and the cathode are alternately arranged between the folded separators is referred to as Zig Zag Folding.

[0040] In the present specification, the laminate may correspond to an unfinished electrode assembly. Also in the present specification, the uppermost and lowermost ends of the electrode assembly may each be positions corresponding to the upper and lower surfaces of the laminate or positions corresponding to the bottom and upper surfaces of the unfinished electrode assembly.

[0041] That is, in one embodiment of the present invention, the anode supply unit may include the anode supply device, and the cathode supply unit may include the cathode supply device. The anode supply device and the cathode supply device may each be an electrode supply device according to the present invention.

[0042] In addition, the electrode assembly manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an anode supply unit comprising an anode mounting table on which the anode is placed before being stacked on the stack table by the anode stack unit, and a cathode supply unit comprising a cathode mounting table on which the cathode is placed before being stacked on the stack table by the cathode stack unit.

[0043] In one embodiment of the present invention, in order to stack the anode, separator, and cathode in a manner in which the anode and the cathode are alternately arranged between the folding separator, a method in which the stack table moves left and right, a method in which the separator moves left and right, or a method in which the stack table rotates may be used, and conventional techniques in the field may be applied to this.

[0044] An electrode assembly manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a stack table moving part for moving the stack table left and right; or a separator guide part for moving the separator left and right. Furthermore, as long as the stack table moving part and the separator guide part each perform the function of moving the stack table and the separator left and right, their forms are not limited, and devices commonly used in the field may be used.

[0045] In one embodiment of the present invention, the press unit may further comprise a pair of pressure blocks and a press heater for heating the pressure blocks, wherein the pair of pressure blocks move in a mutually facing direction to apply surface pressure to the laminate and each of the laminates is heated by the press heater. In this case, in one embodiment of the present invention, the pair of pressure blocks may include the press heater inside.

[0046] In one embodiment of the present invention, heating the stack may be done by a heater included inside the stack table.

[0047] The pressure and temperature conditions for heating and pressurizing by the above-mentioned press unit may be subject to the description of the conditions for the heat press step described later. The same applies to the time (time condition) during which heating and pressure are applied.

[0048] Here, the pressure condition refers to the pressure applied by the pair of pressure blocks (or pressure blocks for the stack table), and the temperature condition refers to the temperature of the heat applied by the press heater or the heater included inside the stack table.

[0049] In one embodiment of the present invention, a gripper for fixing a laminate in which the anode, the separator, and the cathode are stacked may be further included during the process of heating and pressurizing by the press unit. Specifically, the gripper may be applied in the first heat press step described later.

[0050] In one embodiment of the present invention, the press unit may include a first press unit and a second press unit. Specifically, the first press unit and the second press unit may each be applied to the first heat press step and the second heat press step described below, and the heating conditions and pressurization conditions may be applied according to the details regarding the first heat press step and the second heat press step described below.

[0051] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first press unit comprises a pair of first pressure blocks, and the pressure surfaces of the pair of first pressure blocks may include grooves in a shape corresponding to the gripper, and the pressure surfaces other than the grooves may be provided as flat surfaces. That is, the first press unit may be applied in the first heat press step described above.

[0052] In one embodiment of the present invention, the second press unit comprises a pair of second pressure blocks, and the pressure surfaces of the pair of second pressure blocks may be provided as flat surfaces. That is, the second press unit may be applied in the second heat press step described above.

[0053] A secondary battery manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a holding mechanism for gripping and fixing the laminate during the process of manufacturing the laminate.

[0054] In this specification, the "holding mechanism" performs the function of gripping a stacked product on a stack table to stack an anode or a cathode during the process of manufacturing a stacked product in which the anode, separator, and cathode are stacked in a manner such that the anode and the cathode are alternately arranged between the separator folded on the stack table, and its function is different from that of a gripper that grips the stacked product during the process of heating and pressurizing the stacked product. For a specific operation process of the holding mechanism, refer to the description of the secondary battery manufacturing method described below.

[0055] One embodiment of the present invention provides an electrode supply method comprising: a step of lowering pressure on the upper surface of a first electrode among the electrodes stacked in a magazine and on the lower surface of a second electrode in contact with the first electrode; and a step of picking up and transporting the first electrode among the electrodes stacked in the magazine to supply the electrode to a stack table.

[0056] The electrode supply method according to an embodiment of the present invention is characterized by including a step of lowering the pressure on the upper surface of a first electrode and the lower surface of a second electrode in contact with the first electrode among the electrodes stacked in a magazine portion. Due to this feature, the pressure of the air layer existing between the first electrode and the second electrode in contact with the first electrode is made relatively high, thereby facilitating the separation of the stacked electrodes and preventing defects caused by contact between electrode surfaces.

[0057] As a result, the electrode assembly manufactured by the method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention has excellent performance.

[0058] In one embodiment of the present invention, the step of stacking electrodes in the magazine portion may be further included. More specifically, in one embodiment of the present invention, the step of stacking two or more electrodes in the magazine portion may be further included.

[0059] In one embodiment of the present invention, the step of picking up and transporting a first electrode among the electrodes stacked in the magazine and supplying the electrode to the stack table side may include: a step of fixing the first electrode; and a step of transporting the fixed first electrode to the stack table side.

[0060] In one embodiment of the present invention, the step of aligning the position of the transferred electrode before supplying the electrode to the stack table may be further included. The description of the electrode mounting table described above may be applied to the step.

[0061] In one embodiment of the present invention, the step of lowering the pressure on the upper surface of the first electrode among the electrodes stacked in the magazine and the lower surface of the second electrode in contact with the first electrode may include the step of spraying air in the direction of the upper surface of the first electrode among the electrodes stacked in the magazine and the lower surface of the second electrode in contact with the first electrode.

[0062] One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly in which an anode and a cathode are alternately arranged between the folding separators, comprising the steps of: supplying the anode to a stack table; supplying the cathode to a stack table; supplying the separator to a stack table; stacking the anode, separator, and cathode on a stack table in a manner in which the anode and the cathode are alternately arranged between the folding separators to produce a stack; and heating and pressurizing the stack to bond the anode, separator, and cathode together to produce an electrode assembly, wherein at least one of the steps of supplying the anode to a stack table and supplying the cathode to a stack table comprises the electrode supply method.

[0063] In one embodiment of the present invention, the step of supplying the anode to the stack table side includes the electrode supply method.

[0064] In one embodiment of the present invention, the step of supplying the cathode to the stack table side includes the electrode supply method.

[0065] In one embodiment of the present invention, the step of supplying the anode to the stack table side and the step of supplying the cathode to the stack table side each include the electrode supply method.

[0066] That is, the step of supplying the anode to the stack table side and the step of supplying the cathode to the stack table side may both involve supplying the anode and the cathode, respectively, using the electrode supply method according to the present invention.

[0067] In one embodiment of the present invention, the step of manufacturing a laminate by stacking the anode, separator, and cathode on a stack table in a manner in which the anode and the cathode are alternately arranged between the folded separator

[0068] (S1) A step of stacking the cathode on the stack table;

[0069] (S2) A step of stacking the separator on the stack table so that the separator covers the upper surface of the cathode stacked on the stack table;

[0070] (S3) A step of stacking an anode on the opposite side of the separator covering the upper surface of the cathode that is in contact with the cathode;

[0071] (S4) A step of additionally supplying the above separator to cover the upper surface of the anode;

[0072] (S5) A step of stacking the cathode on the opposite side of the surface of the separator covering the upper surface of the anode that is in contact with the anode; and

[0073] (S6) A step of additionally supplying the separator to cover the upper surface of the cathode, and

[0074] The steps (S1) to (S6) above may be repeated one or more times. That is, this means that the electrode is stacked first on the stack table.

[0075] In one embodiment of the present invention, the step of manufacturing a laminate by stacking the anode, separator, and cathode on a stack table in a manner in which the anode and the cathode are alternately arranged between the folded separator

[0076] (SS1) Step of stacking a separator on the stack table above;

[0077] (SS2) A step of laminating an anode on the upper surface of the separator;

[0078] (SS3) A step of additionally supplying the above separator to cover the upper surface of the anode;

[0079] (SS4) A step of laminating the cathode on the opposite side of the separator covering the upper surface of the anode that is in contact with the anode; and

[0080] (SS5) A step of additionally supplying the above separator to cover the upper surface of the cathode, and

[0081] The steps of (SS1) to (SS5) above may be repeated one or more times. That is, this means the case where the separator is stacked first on the stack table.

[0082] In one embodiment of the present invention, steps (S4), (S6), (SS3), and (SS5), that is, the step of additionally supplying the separator to cover the upper surface of the anode or the cathode, may each be carried out in one of the following ways: the stack table moves left and right, the separator moves left and right, and the stack table rotates.

[0083] In one embodiment of the present invention, the separator may be supplied in the form of a separator sheet. That is, the additionally supplied separator may be supplied in a continuous form. In addition, the "upper surface" may refer to the surface opposite to the surface where the separator or electrode faces the stack table.

[0084] That is, in order to stack the anode, separator, and cathode in a manner where the anode and the cathode are alternately arranged between the folded separator membranes, a method in which the stack table moves left and right, a method in which the separator membrane moves left and right, or a method in which the stack table rotates may be used, and conventional technology in the field may be applied to this.

[0085] At this time, the alignment of the laminate can be maintained during the process of adding the anode, cathode, and separator by gripping the laminate with a holding mechanism, so that the anode and cathode can be alternately arranged between the folded separators to manufacture a laminate.

[0086] In one embodiment of the present application, the method for manufacturing the electrode assembly may further include a heat press step of heating and pressing the laminate along the stacking axis.

[0087] Additionally, in one embodiment of the present application, the heat press step of heating and pressurizing along the stacking axis may include the step of moving the stack between a pair of pressurizing blocks including a press heater; the step of moving the pair of pressurizing blocks in a mutually facing direction along the stacking axis and pressurizing the stack; and the step of heating the stack by the press heater.

[0088] Additionally, in one embodiment of the present application, the heat press step may include a first heat press step of gripping the laminate with a gripper and heating and pressing the laminate; and a second heat press step of stopping the gripping of the gripper and heating and pressing the laminate after the first heat press step.

[0089] In one embodiment of the present application, the first heat press step may include: a step of fixing the laminate by pressing the upper surface of the laminate using a gripper; a step of moving the laminate fixed by the gripper between a pair of pressure blocks including a press heater; a step of moving the pair of pressure blocks in a mutually facing direction along the stacking axis of the laminate and pressing the fixed laminate; and a step of heating the laminate fixed by the press heater.

[0090] In one embodiment of the present application, the second heat press step may include: a step of stopping the heating and pressurizing of the laminate after the first heat press step; a step of separating the gripper from the laminate; a step of moving the laminate separated from the gripper between a pair of pressurizing blocks including a press heater; a step of moving the pair of pressurizing blocks in a mutually facing direction along the stacking axis of the laminate separated from the gripper and pressing the laminate; and a step of heating the laminate by the press heater.

[0091] In one embodiment of the present application, the pressure block used in the first heat press step may have a groove corresponding to a gripper.

[0092] In one embodiment of the present application, the step of separating the gripper from the laminate may include: the step of stopping pressing the upper surface of the laminate using the gripper; and the step of separating the gripper from the laminate.

[0093] Additionally, in the heat press step (including the first and second heat press steps), the step of moving the laminate between a pair of pressure blocks including a press heater may include not only the case where the laminate itself is moved, but also the case where the laminate is moved together with the stack table while placed thereon. In this case, the objects heated and pressurized by the pair of pressure blocks and the press heater may refer to the laminate and the stack table.

[0094] In one embodiment of the present application, the first heat press step may be heating and pressurizing the laminate for 10 to 30 seconds under temperature conditions of 65°C to 90°C and pressure conditions of 1 MPa to 3 MPa. More preferably, the laminate may be heating and pressurizing for 10 to 20 seconds under temperature conditions of 65°C to 75°C and pressure conditions of 1.5 MPa to 2 MPa.

[0095] In one embodiment of the present application, the second heat press step may involve heating and pressurizing the laminate for 5 to 60 seconds under a temperature condition of 50°C to 90°C and a pressure condition of 1 MPa to 6 MPa, preferably for 5 to 30 seconds under a temperature condition of 65°C or higher and 90°C or lower and a pressure condition of 1.5 MPa to 6 MPa. More preferably, the laminate may be heated and pressurized for 7 to 25 seconds under a temperature condition of 65°C to 85°C and a pressure condition of 3 MPa to 5.5 MPa.

[0096] When heating and pressurizing while satisfying the above conditions, the adhesion of the electrode and separator of the laminate of the anode, separator, and cathode is facilitated without damaging the anode, separator, and cathode, and the performance of the manufactured electrode assembly can be excellent.

[0097] In addition, in one embodiment of the present application, the temperature, pressure, and time conditions of the heat press step may be applied to the conditions of the second heat press described above. That is, the heat press step may heat and pressurize the laminate for 5 seconds to 60 seconds at a temperature condition of 50°C to 90°C and a pressure condition of 1 MPa to 6 MPa, preferably for 5 seconds to 30 seconds at a temperature condition of 65°C or higher and 90°C or lower and a pressure condition of 1.5 MPa to 6 MPa. More preferably, it may heat and pressurize the laminate for 7 seconds to 25 seconds at a temperature condition of 65°C to 85°C and a pressure condition of 3 MPa to 5.5 MPa.

[0098] Hereinafter, a secondary battery manufacturing method and a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail through FIGS. 1 to 13.

[0099] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the process of separating electrodes in an electrode supply method and electrode supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, a first electrode (2) at the uppermost position among the stacked electrodes, a second electrode (3) in contact with the first electrode, and a plurality of other electrodes (4) are stacked inside the magazine section (7). At this time, the first electrode (2) is picked up by the electrode pickup section (1) and then transported. A thin air layer (A) is formed between the first electrode (2) and the second electrode (3). At this time, the pressure on the upper surface of the first electrode and the lower surface of the second electrode can be lowered by an air nozzle (B) installed on one side of the magazine section. As a result, the pressure between the second electrodes (3) is formed relatively high, and as a result, the thin air layer (A) forms an expanded air layer (A'), and accordingly, the gap between the first electrode (2) and the second electrode (3) inside the magazine section (7) widens. At this time, due to the air injection, the other multiple electrodes (4) and the second electrode (3) may also be partially separated. Since the gap between the first electrode (2) and the second electrode (3) has widened, the electrode pickup unit (1) can pick up and transport only the first electrode (2).

[0100] Additionally, although not explicitly shown in the drawing, the air supply unit (8) may include an air inlet (8a) capable of injecting air; two air outlets (8b) that spray air onto the upper surface of the first electrode and the lower surface of the second electrode among the electrodes stacked in the magazine unit; and a passage (8c) connecting the air inlet and the air outlets, and the air outlets (8b) may have a shape in which the diameter of the air outlets (8b) gradually decreases as they proceed in the direction of air injection.

[0101] FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating an electrode assembly manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a front view illustrating the concept of an electrode assembly manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Here, for convenience, the holding mechanism (170) shown in FIG. 3 is omitted in FIG. 2, the press unit (180) located on the rear side in the plan view is shown as a dotted line, and the separator supply unit (120) shown in FIG. 2 is omitted in FIG. 3. For reference, the content described in FIG. 1 may be applied to the parts indicated by dotted lines in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.

[0102] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, an electrode assembly manufacturing device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a stack table (110), a separator supply unit (120) for supplying a separator (14), an anode supply unit (130) for supplying an anode (11), a cathode supply unit (140) for supplying a cathode (12), an anode stack unit (150) for stacking an anode (11) on the stack table (110), a cathode stack unit (160) for stacking a cathode (12) on the stack table (110), and a press unit (180) for bonding between the anode (11), the separator (14), and the cathode (12). Additionally, the electrode assembly manufacturing device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a holding mechanism (170) for fixing the anode (11) and the cathode (12) when they are stacked on the stack table (110).

[0103] In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, the anode, the separator, and the cathode may each be supplied to a stack table while being heated.

[0104] That is, the separator supply unit may supply the separator to the stack table while heating it, and the anode supply unit and the cathode supply unit may supply the anode and cathode to the stack table while heating the anode and cathode, respectively.

[0105] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an electrode assembly in an exemplary manner. A secondary battery according to the present invention may include the electrode assembly.

[0106] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, an electrode assembly manufacturing device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention is a device for manufacturing an electrode assembly (10) by stacking an anode (11), a separator (14), and a cathode (12).

[0107] As shown in FIG. 3, the electrode assembly (10) is generally a power generation element capable of charging and discharging, and can be formed in a form in which an anode (11), a separator (14), and a cathode (12) are alternately stacked and assembled. Here, the electrode assembly (10) may be, for example, in a form in which the separator (14) is folded in a zigzag shape, and the anode (11) and the cathode (12) are alternately arranged between the folded separator (14). At this time, as shown in FIG. 3, the electrode assembly (10) may be provided in a form in which the outermost part is wrapped by the separator (14).

[0108] In one embodiment of the present application, the separator supply unit may further include a separator roll on which the separator is wound. The separator wound on the separator roll may be gradually unwound and supplied to a stack table. That is, the separator may be in the form of a separator sheet.

[0109] FIG. 5 is a perspective view exemplarily showing a press part of an electrode assembly manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present invention and a state in which the press part of the electrode assembly manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present invention presses a laminate.

[0110] Referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 5, the press unit (180) includes a pair of pressure blocks (181, 182), and the pair of pressure blocks (181, 182) are moved in a direction facing each other, and a stack of an anode (11), a separator (14), and a cathode (12) can be placed between the pressure blocks (181, 182). Subsequently, the press unit (180) can heat and press the stack while pressing the stacked anode (11), separator (14), and cathode (12) to bond the anode (11), separator (14), and cathode (12) together.

[0111] In addition, the press unit (180) further includes a press heater (183, 184) that heats a pair of pressure blocks (181, 182), so that the pair of pressure blocks (181, 182) can heat and press the laminate. Accordingly, thermal fusion between the anode (11), separator (14), and cathode (12) within the laminate can be achieved more effectively, enabling a more robust bond.

[0112] A pair of pressure blocks (181, 182) may be formed such that the width and length of the pressure surface are longer than the width and length of the stack. Additionally, a pair of pressure blocks (181, 182) may include a first pressure block (181) and a second pressure block (182), and the first pressure block (181) and the second pressure block (182) may be provided as rectangular blocks in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped.

[0113] FIG. 6(a) is a perspective view illustrating a first press part (50) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6(b) is a perspective view illustrating a second press part (60) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] Referring to FIG. 6(a), the first press unit (50) can heat and pressurize a laminate (S) while holding it in place with a gripper (51). The first press unit (50) is composed of a pair of first pressurizing blocks (50a, 50b), and the first pressurizing blocks (50a, 50b) have a flat pressing surface except for a groove that corresponds to the fixing part (51b) of the gripper (51).

[0115] The above 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 parts (51b) provided on one side of the main body (51a) and formed in the shape of a column or plate along the width (z) direction of the stack (S). Here, the length (x) of the stack (S) refers to the longest part of the stack from one end to the other, the height (y) refers to the distance in the stacking direction of the stack (S), and the width (z) refers to the distance across the upper surface of the stack (S).

[0116] The above fixing part (51b) can be positioned along the height direction of the main body (51a), so that the fixing part (51b) can contact the upper and lower surfaces of the laminate (S) to fix the laminate (S). Afterwards, a pair of first pressure blocks (50a, 50b) included in the first press part (50) are moved in a mutually facing direction and apply surface pressure to one or more of the laminate (S) and the gripper (51) to bond the electrode and the separator included in the laminate (S).

[0117] Referring to FIG. 6(b), the second press unit (60) can finally heat and press the laminate (S) that has been primarily heated and pressurized by the first press unit (50). The second press unit (60) includes a pair of second press blocks (60a, 60b), and the pair of press blocks (61, 62) move in a mutually facing direction to press the laminate (S) surface. Additionally, the pressurizing surfaces of the pair of second press blocks (60a, 60b) included in the second press unit (60) that contact and press the laminate (S) may all be flat.

[0118] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a stack table in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0119] Referring to FIGS. 2, 3 and 7, the stack table (110) can have the positive electrode (11), the separator (14), and the negative electrode (12) stacked in a manner such that the positive electrode (11) and the negative electrode (12) are alternately arranged between the folding separator (14).

[0120] Additionally, the stack table (110) may include a table body (111) on which an anode (11), a separator (14), and a cathode (12) are stacked, and a stack table heater (112) that heats the table body (111) to heat the stacked product (S).

[0121] The anode (11) may be composed of an anode and the cathode (12) may be composed of a cathode, but the present invention is not necessarily limited thereto, and for example, the anode (11) may be composed of a cathode and the cathode (12) may be composed of an anode.

[0122] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing an anode mounting table in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0123] Referring to FIGS. 2, FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 8, the anode supply unit (130) can heat the anode (11) and supply it to the anode stack unit (150).

[0124] Additionally, the anode supply unit (130) may include an anode mounting table (131) on which the anode (11) is placed before being stacked on the stack table (110) by the anode stack unit (150), and an anode heater (132) that heats the anode (11) by heating the anode mounting table (131).

[0125] Meanwhile, the anode supply unit (130) may further include an anode roll (133) on which an anode (11) is wound in the form of a sheet, a first cutter (134) that cuts the sheet-shaped anode (11) wound on the anode roll (133) at regular intervals to form an anode (11) of a predetermined size when it is unwound and supplied, a first conveyor belt (135) that moves the anode (11) cut by the first cutter (134), and an anode supply head (136) that vacuum-adsorbs the anode (11) transported by the first conveyor belt (135) and places it on an anode placement table (131). Here, the first cutter (134) can cut the sheet-shaped anode (11) so that an anode tab (11a) is formed protruding from the end when cutting.

[0126] At this time, the cut anode (11) can be stacked in an anode magazine, and the method of picking up the stacked anode (11) in the anode magazine can be applied to the description of FIG. 1.

[0127] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a cathode mounting table in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0128] Referring to FIGS. 2, FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 9, the cathode supply unit (140) can heat the cathode (12) and supply it to the cathode stack unit (160).

[0129] Additionally, the cathode supply unit (140) may include a cathode mounting table (141) on which the cathode (12) is placed before being stacked on the stack table (110) by the cathode stack unit (160), and a cathode heater (142) that heats the cathode (12) by heating the cathode mounting table (141).

[0130] Meanwhile, the cathode supply unit (140) may further include a cathode roll (143) on which the cathode (12) is wound in the form of a sheet, a second cutter (144) that cuts the sheet-shaped cathode (12) wound on the cathode roll (143) at regular intervals to form a cathode (12) of a predetermined size when the sheet-shaped cathode (12) is unwound and supplied, a second conveyor belt (145) that moves the cathode (12) cut by the second cutter (144), and a cathode supply head (146) that vacuum-adsorbs the cathode (12) transported by the second conveyor belt (145) and places it on a cathode placement table (141). Here, the second cutter (144) can cut the sheet-shaped cathode (12) so that a cathode tab (12a) is formed protruding from the end when cutting.

[0131] At this time, the cut cathode (12) may be stacked in a cathode magazine, and the method of picking up the stacked cathode (12) in the cathode magazine may be applied according to the description of FIG. 1.

[0132] In one embodiment of the present invention, the anode stack portion may include a first suction head for vacuum suctioning the anode seated on the anode seating table, and the cathode stack portion may include a second suction head for vacuum suctioning the cathode seated on the cathode seating table.

[0133] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a first suction head in an electrode assembly manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a bottom view showing a first suction head in an electrode assembly manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0134] Referring to FIGS. 2, FIGS. 3, FIGS. 10 and FIGS. 11, the anode stack portion (150) can stack the anode (11) on the stack table (110).

[0135] Additionally, the anode stack portion (150) may include a first suction head (151) and a first moving portion (153).

[0136] The first suction head (151) can vacuum suction an anode (11) placed on an anode mounting table (131). At this time, the first suction head (151) may have a vacuum suction port (151a) formed on its bottom surface (151b) to suction the anode (11) through the vacuum suction port (151a) and fix the anode (11) to the bottom surface (151b) of the first suction head (151). Here, the first suction head (151) may have a passage formed inside that connects the vacuum suction port (151a) and a vacuum suction device (not shown).

[0137] The first moving part (153) can move the first suction head (151) to the stack table (110) so that the first suction head (151) can stack the anode (11) that is seated on the anode seating table (131) onto the stack table (110).

[0138] Additionally, the negative electrode stacking section (160) can stack the negative electrode (12) on the stacking table (110). Here, the negative electrode stacking section (160) may be formed with the same structure as the anode stacking section (150) described above. At this time, the negative electrode stacking section (160) may include a second suction head (161) and a second moving section (163).

[0139] The second suction head (161) can vacuum suction the cathode (12) placed on the cathode placement table (141). At this time, the second moving part (163) can move the second suction head (161) to the stack table (110) so that the second suction head (161) can stack the cathode (12) placed on the anode placement table (141) onto the stack table (110).

[0140] FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a holding mechanism and a stack table in an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0141] Referring to FIGS. 2, FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 12, the holding mechanism (170) can hold the positive electrode (11) or the negative electrode (12) and fix it to the stack table (110) when the positive electrode (11) or the negative electrode (12) is stacked on the stack table (110).

[0142] Additionally, the holding mechanism (170) can fix the upper surface of the anode (11) stacked on the uppermost side of the stack table (110) by pressing it when the anode (11) is stacked on the stack table (110), and fix the upper surface of the cathode (12) stacked on the uppermost side of the stack table (110) by pressing it when the cathode (12) is stacked on the stack table (110). Additionally, it can fix the upper surface of the stack of the anode (11), the separator (14), and the cathode (12) stacked on the stack table (110) by pressing it.

[0143] That is, when the positive electrode (11) and the negative electrode (12) are positioned and stacked between the separator membranes (14) to form a stack, the holding mechanism (170) can prevent the stack from detaching from the stack table (110) by gripping the uppermost surface of the stack in a manner that presses it toward the stack table (110).

[0144] 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 positive electrode (11) or negative electrode (12).

[0145] And, as described above, for example, in the case where zigzag folding proceeds while the stack table (110) rotates, when the stack table (110) rotates after the holding mechanism (170) grasps the positive electrode (11) or the negative electrode (12), the separator (14) can be released from the separator roll (122) in proportion to the amount of rotation of the stack table (110) and supplied to the stack table (110).

[0146] Meanwhile, for example, the holding mechanism (170) and the stack table (110) may be connected to or coupled with a rotating device (not shown). Here, when the holding mechanism (170) grasps the positive electrode (11) or the negative electrode (12), the rotating device may rotate the holding mechanism (170) and the stack table (110).

[0147] Afterwards, when the stack of anodes (11) and cathodes (12) between the separators (14) is completed, the stack is fixed with a gripper, then moved to the press unit described above, and then the stack can be heated and pressurized by the press unit.

[0148] In one embodiment of the present invention, a rotating part for rotating the stack table is further included, and an anode stack part is provided on one side of the rotating part and a cathode stack part is provided on the other side of the rotating part so that the separator can be positioned between the anode and the cathode in a zigzag folding manner, and the rotating part may alternately rotate the stack table to one side so as to face the first suction head of the anode stack part when stacking the anode, and rotate the stack table to the other side so as to face the second suction head of the cathode stack part when stacking the cathode.

[0149] An electrode assembly manufacturing device according to another embodiment of the present invention may further include a vision device for vision inspecting the anode and cathode.

[0150] An electrode assembly manufacturing device according to another embodiment of the present invention may further include a rotating part that rotates a stack table and a vision device that performs vision inspection of the anode and cathode.

[0151] An electrode assembly manufacturing device according to another embodiment of the present invention may further include a stack table moving part for moving the stack table left and right; or a separator guide part for moving the separator left and right, and a vision device for performing vision inspection of the anode and cathode. As long as the stack table moving part and the separator guide part each perform the function of moving the stack table and the separator left and right, their forms are not limited, and devices commonly used in the field may be used.

[0152] In one embodiment of the present invention, a stack table moving unit for moving the stack table left and right is included, and a positive stack unit is provided on one side of the stack table and a negative stack unit is provided on the other side of the stack table so that the separator can be positioned between the positive electrode and the negative electrode in a zigzag folding manner. The stack table moving unit may alternately move the stack table to one side so as to face the first suction head of the positive stack unit when stacking the positive electrode, and move the stack table to the other side so as to face the second suction head of the negative stack unit when stacking the negative electrode.

[0153] In one embodiment of the present invention, the separator guide member for moving the separator left and right may be included, and the separator guide member may repeatedly move the separator supplied to the stack table left and right so that the separator can be zigzag folded in such a way that the separator is positioned between the anode and the cathode.

[0154] That is, the electrode assembly manufacturing device according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include additional components depending on the movement method of the stack table or the supply method of the separator.

[0155] In one embodiment of the present invention, the vision device may include a first camera and a second camera. The first camera may photograph an anode placed on an anode mounting table from an anode supply unit, and the second camera may photograph a cathode placed on a cathode mounting table from a cathode supply unit. The stacking quality of the anode and cathode can be inspected through image information obtained by the first camera and the second camera. More specifically, the mounting position, size, stacking state, etc., of the anode and cathode can be inspected.

[0156] In one embodiment of the present invention, the anode may be an anode and the cathode may be a cathode. Conversely, the anode may be a cathode and the cathode may be an anode.

[0157] In this specification, the description of the electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus may be applied to the method of manufacturing the electrode assembly and the electrode assembly, and vice versa.

[0158] In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, the anode is manufactured, for example, by applying a mixture of an anode active material, a conductive material, and a binder onto an anode current collector and then drying it, and if necessary, a filler may be further added to the mixture. The material used at this time may be a material commonly used in the relevant field.

[0159] Specifically, the positive electrode active material is, for example, a layered compound such as lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) or lithium nickel oxide (LiNiO2), or a compound substituted with one or more transition metals; chemical formula Li 1+x Mn 2-x Lithium manganese oxides such as O4 (where x is 0 to 0.33), LiMnO3, LiMn2O3, LiMnO2, etc.; lithium copper oxide (Li2CuO2); vanadium oxides such as LiV3O8, LiFe3O4, V2O5, Cu2V2O7, etc.; chemical formula LiNi 1-x M xNi-site type lithium nickel oxide represented by O2 (where M = Co, Mn, Al, Cu, Fe, Mg, B, or Ga, and x = 0.01 ~ 0.3); chemical formula LiMn 2-x M x Examples include lithium manganese complex oxides represented by O2 (where M = Co, Ni, Fe, Cr, Zn or Ta and x = 0.01 to 0.1) or Li2Mn3MO8 (where M = Fe, Co, Ni, Cu or Zn); LiMn2O4 in which part of the Li in the chemical formula is substituted with alkaline earth metal ions; disulfide compounds; Fe2(MoO4)3, but are not limited to these.

[0160] Specifically, the positive current collector is not particularly limited as long as it has high conductivity without causing chemical changes in the battery. For example, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, calcined carbon, or aluminum or stainless steel surface-treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, etc., may be used, but specifically, it may be aluminum. The current collector may form fine irregularities on its surface to increase the adhesion of the positive active material, and various forms such as films, sheets, foils, nets, porous bodies, foams, and nonwoven fabrics are possible. In addition, the positive current collector may generally have a thickness of 3 μm to 500 μm.

[0161] The above conductive material may typically be added in an amount of 1 to 50 weight percent based on the total weight of the mixture including the positive electrode active material. Such conductive material is not particularly limited as long as it is conductive without causing chemical changes in the battery, and examples may be used, such as graphite, such as natural graphite or artificial graphite; carbon black, such as carbon black, acetylene black, Ketjen black, channel black, furnace black, lamp black, or thermal black; conductive fibers, such as carbon fiber or metal fiber; metal powders, such as carbon fluoride, aluminum, or nickel powder; conductive whiskey, such as zinc oxide or potassium titanate; conductive metal oxides, such as titanium oxide; or conductive materials, such as polyphenylene derivatives.

[0162] The above binder is a component that assists in the bonding of the active material and the conductive material, and in the bonding to the current collector, and is typically added in an amount of 1 to 50 weight% based on the total weight of the mixture containing the positive active material. Examples of such binders include polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinyl alcohol, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), starch, hydroxypropylcellulose, regenerated cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, tetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM), sulfonated EPDM, styrene-butylene rubber, fluororubber, and various copolymers.

[0163] The above-mentioned filler is optionally used as a component to suppress the expansion of the positive electrode, and is not particularly limited as long as it is a fibrous material that does not cause chemical changes in the battery; for example, olivine-based polymers such as polyethylene and polypropylene; and fibrous materials such as glass fibers and carbon fibers are used.

[0164] In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, the cathode is manufactured by applying, drying, and pressing the cathode active material onto a cathode current collector, and, if necessary, a conductive material, binder, filler, etc. as described above may be optionally further included. In this case as well, materials commonly used in the field may be used.

[0165] Specifically, the above-mentioned negative electrode active material is, for example, carbon such as non-graphitizable carbon, graphite-based carbon, etc.; LixFe2O3 (0≤x≤1), LixWO2 (0≤x≤1), SnxMe 1-x Me y O z (Me: Mn, Fe, Pb, Ge; Me': Al, B, P, Si, Group 1, 2, and 3 elements of the periodic table, halogens; 0 <x≤1; 1≤y≤3; 1≤z≤8) 등의 금속 복합 산화물; 리튬 금속; 리튬 합금; 규소계 합금; 주석계 합금; SnO, SnO2, PbO, PbO2, Pb2O3, Pb3O4, Sb2O3, Sb2O4, Sb2O5, GeO, GeO2, Bi2O3, Bi2O4및 Bi2O5등의 금속 산화물; 폴리아세틸렌 등의 도전성 고분자; Li-Co-Ni 계 재료 등을 사용할 수 있다.

[0166] Such a negative electrode current collector is not particularly limited as long as it is conductive without causing chemical changes in the battery, and for example, copper, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, calcined carbon, copper or stainless steel surface-treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, etc., and aluminum-cadmium alloy may be used. In addition, similar to the positive electrode current collector, fine irregularities may be formed on the surface to strengthen the bonding strength of the negative electrode active material, and it may be used in various forms such as films, sheets, foils, nets, porous bodies, foams, and nonwoven fabrics. In addition, the above negative electrode current collector may generally have a thickness of 3 μm to 500 μm.

[0167] In one embodiment of the present invention, the separator may be an organic / inorganic composite porous SRS (Safety-Reinforcing Separator) separator. The SRS separator may have a structure in which a coating layer component comprising inorganic particles and a binder polymer is applied on a polyolefin-based separator substrate.

[0168] Since these SRS separators do not undergo high-temperature thermal shrinkage due to the heat resistance of inorganic particles, the elongation of the safety separator can be maintained even if the electrode assembly is penetrated by a needle-shaped conductor.

[0169] Such an SRS separator can have a uniform pore structure formed by the interstitial volume between inorganic particles that are components of the coating layer, in addition to the pore structure contained in the separator substrate itself. The pores can not only significantly mitigate external shocks applied to the electrode assembly, but also allow for the smooth movement of lithium ions through the pores and can exhibit a high impregnation rate by filling with a large amount of electrolyte, thereby enabling the improvement of battery performance.

[0170] In one embodiment of the present invention, the separator has a separator excess portion that extends to both sides beyond the width of the anode and cathode with respect to the width direction, and is configured with a structure in which a coating layer thicker than the thickness of the separator is formed on one or both sides of the separator excess portion to prevent shrinkage of the separator.

[0171] In one embodiment of the present invention, the excess portion of the separator may each be 5% to 12% in size based on the width of the separator.

[0172] In one embodiment of the present invention, the coating layer may be coated on both sides of the separator with a size of 50% to 90% based on the width of the excess portion of the separator on one side. Additionally, the widths of the coating layers on both sides may be the same or different sizes.

[0173] In one embodiment of the present invention, the coating layer may include inorganic particles and a binder polymer.

[0174] In one embodiment of the present invention, examples of the polyolefin-based separator components include high-density polyethylene, linear low-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, polypropylene, or derivatives thereof.

[0175] In one embodiment of the present invention, the thickness of the coating layer may be smaller than the thickness of the anode or cathode. In a specific example, the thickness of the coating layer may be 30% to 99% of the thickness of the anode or cathode.

[0176] In one embodiment of the present invention, the coating layer may be formed by wet coating or dry coating.

[0177] In one embodiment of the present invention, the substrate and the coating layer exist in an anchoring form in which the pores on the surface of the polyolefin-based separator substrate and the coating layer are intertwined, so that the separator substrate and the active layer can be physically and firmly bonded. At this time, considering the physical bonding force and the pore structure existing on the separator, the substrate and the active layer may have a thickness ratio of 9:1 to 1:9, and more specifically, a thickness ratio of 5:5.

[0178] In one embodiment of the present invention, the inorganic particles may be inorganic particles commonly used in the industry. The inorganic particles serve the dual role of forming micropores by enabling the formation of empty spaces between the inorganic particles and acting as a spacer capable of maintaining a physical shape. Furthermore, since the inorganic particles generally possess the characteristic that their physical properties do not change even at high temperatures of 200°C or higher, the formed organic / inorganic composite porous film exhibits excellent heat resistance.

[0179] Furthermore, the inorganic particles are not particularly limited as long as they are electrochemically stable. That is, the inorganic particles that can be used in the present invention are not particularly limited as long as they do not undergo oxidation and / or reduction reactions within the operating voltage range of the applied battery (e.g., 0 to 5 V based on Li / Li+). In particular, when using inorganic particles with ion-transfer capabilities, it is desirable to have as high an ion conductivity as possible, as this can improve performance by increasing the ion conductivity within the electrochemical device. Additionally, if the inorganic particles have a high density, it is desirable to have as low a density as possible, as this not only makes it difficult to disperse them during coating but also causes problems with increased weight during battery manufacturing. Furthermore, in the case of an inorganic material with a high dielectric constant, it can contribute to increasing the degree of dissociation of electrolyte salts, such as lithium salts, within the liquid electrolyte, thereby improving the ion conductivity of the electrolyte.

[0180] For the reasons mentioned above, the inorganic particles may be one or more selected from the group consisting of inorganic particles having piezoelectricity and inorganic particles having lithium ion transfer ability.

[0181] The above-mentioned piezoelectric inorganic particles refer to materials that are insulators at atmospheric pressure but possess the property of conducting electricity due to changes in their internal structure when a certain pressure is applied. In addition to exhibiting high dielectric constant characteristics with a dielectric constant of 100 or more, when subjected to tension or compression by applying a certain pressure, electric charge is generated, causing one side to become positively charged and the opposite side to become negatively charged, thereby creating a potential difference between the two sides.

[0182] When inorganic particles having the above characteristics are used as a coating layer component, if an internal short circuit occurs between the two electrodes due to an external impact such as a needle conductor, the inorganic particles coated on the separator not only prevent direct contact between the positive and negative electrodes, but also generate an internal potential difference due to the piezoelectricity of the inorganic particles. This leads to electron movement between the two electrodes, i.e., a flow of minute current, thereby enabling a gradual reduction in the battery voltage and consequently improving safety.

[0183] Examples of the above-mentioned inorganic particles having piezoelectric properties include BaTiO3, Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 (PZT), and Pb 1-x La x Zr 1-y Ti y O3(PLZT), PB(Mg3Nb 2 / 3 It may be one or more selected from the group consisting of )O3-PbTiO3(PMN-PT) and hafnia (HfO2), but is not limited thereto.

[0184] The inorganic particles having the above lithium ion transfer capability refer to inorganic particles that contain lithium elements but do not store lithium and have the function of moving lithium ions. Since the inorganic particles having the lithium ion transfer capability can transfer and move lithium ions due to a type of defect existing within the particle structure, the lithium ion conductivity within the battery is improved, thereby enabling the improvement of battery performance.

[0185] Examples of inorganic particles having the above-mentioned lithium ion transfer ability include lithium phosphate (Li3PO4) and lithium titanium phosphate (Li x Ti y (PO4)3, 0 <x<2, 0<y<3), 리튬알루미늄티타늄포스페이트 (Li x Al y Ti z (PO4)3, 0 <x<2, 0<y<1, 0<z<3), (LiAlTiP) x Oy series glass(0 <x<4, 0<y<13), 리튬란탄티타네이트 (Li x La y TiO3, 0 <x<2, 0<y<3), 리튬게르마니움티오포스페이트 (Li x Ge y P z S w , 0 <x<4, 0<y<1, 0<z<1, 0<w<5), 리튬나이트라이드 (Li x N y , 0 <x<4, 0<y<2), SiS2(Li x Si y S z , 0 <x<3, 0<y<2, 0<z<4) 계열 glass 및 P2S5(Li x P y S z , 0 <x<3, 0<y< 3, 0<z<7) 계열 glass로 이루어진 군으로부터 선택된 1종 이상일 수 있으나 이에 한정되는 것은 아니다.

[0186] The composition ratio of the inorganic particles and binder polymer, which are components of the coating layer, is not significantly restricted, but can be adjusted within a range of 10:90 to 99:1 weight%, and a range of 80:20 to 99:1 weight% is preferred. If the ratio is less than 10:90 weight%, the polymer content becomes excessively high, which leads to a decrease in pore size and porosity due to a reduction in the empty space formed between the inorganic particles, causing a decrease in the final battery performance. Conversely, if the ratio exceeds 99:1 weight%, the polymer content is too low, which can lead to a decrease in the mechanical properties of the final organic / inorganic composite porous separator due to weakened adhesion between the inorganic particles.

[0187] In one embodiment of the present invention, the binder polymer may be a binder polymer commonly used in the industry.

[0188] The coating layer of the above organic / inorganic composite porous membrane may further include other commonly known additives in addition to the aforementioned inorganic particles and binder polymer.

[0189] In one embodiment of the present invention, the coating layer may be referred to as an active layer.

[0190] Although the present invention has been described in detail through specific embodiments, this is for the purpose of specifically explaining the invention, and the electrode assembly manufacturing device according to the present invention is not limited thereto. It should be understood that various implementations are possible by those skilled in the art within the technical scope of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0191] 1: Electrode pickup unit 2: The first electrode at the uppermost position among the stacked electrodes 3: The second electrode in contact with the first electrode 4: Multiple other electrodes 7: Magazine Department 10: Electrode assembly 11: Bipolar 11a: Positive tab 12: Cathode 12a: Cathode tab 14: Separator 50: 1st Press Section 51: Gripper 51a: Main body 51b: Fixed part 60: 2nd Press Section 60a, 60b: 2nd pressure block 100: Electrode assembly manufacturing device 110: Stack table 111: Table body 112: Stack Table Heater 120: Membrane supply unit 121: Separator heating section 122: Separator Roll 130: Anode supply unit 131: Anode mounting table 132: Positive heater 133: Anode Roll 134: 1st Cutter 135: 1st conveyor belt 136: Anode supply head 140: Cathode supply unit 141: Cathode mounting table 142: Cathode heater 143: Cathode Roll 144: 2nd Cutter 145: 2nd conveyor belt 146: Cathode supply head 150: Positive stack section 151: 1st suction head 151a: Vacuum suction port 151b: Bottom face 152: 1st Head Heater 153: 1st Mobile Unit 160: Cathode stack section 161: 2nd suction head 162: Second Head Heater 163: 2nd Mobile Unit 170: Holding mechanism 171: 1st Holding Mechanism 172: Second holding mechanism 180: Press section 181: 1st pressure block 182: 2nd pressure block 183,184: Press heater S: Laminate A: Thin layer of air A': Expanded air layer B: Air supply unit

Claims

Claim 1 An electrode supply device comprising: a magazine portion in which a plurality of electrodes are stacked; an electrode pickup portion for picking up the uppermost first electrode among the plurality of electrodes; and an air supply portion for lowering the pressure on the upper surface of the first electrode and the lower surface of the second electrode in contact with the first electrode by spraying air in the direction of the upper surface of the first electrode and the lower surface of the second electrode, respectively. Claim 2 An electrode supply device according to claim 1, wherein the electrode pickup unit comprises: an electrode fixing unit for fixing the first electrode; and an electrode transfer unit for transferring the first electrode fixed by the fixing unit to the stack table side. Claim 3 An electrode supply device according to claim 1, wherein the air supply unit comprises: an air inlet capable of injecting air; two air outlets for spraying air onto the upper surface of the first electrode and the lower surface of the second electrode; and a flow path connecting the air inlet and the air outlets, wherein the air outlet has a shape in which the diameter of the flow path gradually decreases as it proceeds in the direction of air injection. Claim 4 An electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly in which an anode and a cathode are alternately arranged between folding separators, comprising: an anode supply unit for supplying the anode to a stack table; a cathode supply unit for supplying the cathode to a stack table; a separator supply unit for supplying the separator to a stack table; a stack table for manufacturing a stack in which the anode, separator, and cathode are stacked in a form in which the anode and the cathode are alternately arranged between folding separators; and a press unit for manufacturing an electrode assembly by heating and pressurizing the stack to bond the anode, separator, and cathode together, wherein at least one of the anode supply unit and the cathode supply unit comprises an electrode supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Claim 5 A method for supplying electrodes, comprising: a step of lowering the pressure on the upper surface of the first electrode and the lower surface of the second electrode in contact with the first electrode by blowing air in the direction of the upper surface of the first electrode and the lower surface of the second electrode, respectively, among a plurality of electrodes stacked in a magazine section; and a step of picking up the first electrode. Claim 6 The electrode supply method according to claim 5, wherein the step of picking up and transporting the first electrode to supply the electrode to the stack table side comprises: a step of fixing the first electrode; and a step of transporting the fixed first electrode to the stack table side. Claim 7 In claim 5, the step of lowering the pressure on the upper surface of the first electrode and the lower surface of the second electrode comprises the step of spraying air in the direction of the upper surface of the first electrode and the lower surface of the second electrode, an electrode supply method. Claim 8 A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly having an electrode assembly in which an anode and a cathode are alternately arranged between folding separators, comprising: a step of supplying the anode to a stack table; a step of supplying the cathode to a stack table; a step of supplying the separator to a stack table; a step of manufacturing a stack by stacking the anode, separator, and cathode on a stack table in a form in which the anode and the cathode are alternately arranged between folding separators; and a heat press step of manufacturing an electrode assembly by heating and pressurizing the stack to bond the anode, separator, and cathode together, wherein at least one of the steps of supplying the anode to a stack table and supplying the cathode to a stack table comprises an electrode supply method according to any one of claims 5 to 7.

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