Stacking system and method using same for manufacturing electrode assembly

Abstract

A stacking system according to the present invention comprises: stack mandrels structured to support at least a portion of a separator to be folded so that the separator is folded with an electrode therebetween and to hold the ends of the electrodes; and a pressing device provided to press on the edges of the separator, wherein the edges of the separator includes an overlapping edge region overlapping the stack mandrels and a non-overlapping edge region not overlapping the stack mandrels, and the pressing device presses on the non-overlapping edge region.

Description

Stacking system and method for manufacturing an electrode assembly performed thereby

[0001] [Cross-reference with related applications]

[0002] The present application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean patent application 10-2024-0151402 filed October 30, 2024 and Korean patent application 10-2025-0121351 filed August 28, 2025, and all contents disclosed in the documents of said Korean patent applications are incorporated herein as part of the specification.

[0003] [Technology Field]

[0004] The present invention relates to a stacking system and a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly performed thereby. More specifically, the invention relates to a stacking system configured to prevent lifting of the edges by applying pressure to the edges, and a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly performed thereby.

[0005] A secondary battery may be provided to generate electricity. The secondary battery may include a battery case forming an outer shell and an electrode assembly housed in the battery case. The electrode assembly may include an electrode comprising an active material layer containing an active material such as lithium ions and a current collector provided to move electricity generated from the active material layer, and a separator positioned between opposing electrodes to prevent the electrodes from coming into contact with each other. In other words, a plurality of electrodes may be provided stacked in a row, and a separator may be interposed between the plurality of electrodes.

[0006] When a separator is interposed between multiple electrodes, it can be interposed in various ways using a stacking system. One method involves dividing a single separator into multiple separator parts, with each separator part positioned between multiple electrodes. Another method involves passing a single separator through the electrodes in a zigzag pattern without cutting it, thereby covering one end of the electrode with the separator. This method of interposing a separator can be referred to as the zigzag stacking method.

[0007] In the zigzag stacking method, the separator surrounds the electrodes, reducing the likelihood of contact between adjacent electrodes and thereby lowering the risk of electrical short circuits between them. Therefore, the inclusion of a separator in the zigzag stacking method can provide a stable secondary battery.

[0008] However, in this zigzag stacking method, the separator folds at one end of the electrode; if the folding is not performed properly, a problem may occur where the folded edges of the separator lift up. If the separator lifts, air can enter between the lifted sections, and this ingress of air may interfere with the generation of electricity.

[0009] Additionally, the problem of the separator edges lifting can occur not only in the zigzag stacking method described above, but also in the method of cutting the separator to create separator parts. Therefore, it is necessary to prevent the problem of the edges lifting when inserting the separator.

[0010] The aforementioned background technology is one that the inventor possessed or acquired in the process of deriving the content of the disclosure of the present application, and it cannot be considered as prior art disclosed to the general public prior to the filing of this application.

[0011] The present invention has been devised to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the objective of the present invention is to provide a stacking system that prevents the edges of a separator from lifting.

[0012] The technical problems to be solved in this document are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0013] A stacking system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a stack mandrel configured to support at least a portion of the folding portion of a separator so that the separator is folded with the electrode in between and configured to hold the end of the electrode, and a pressing device configured to press the edge of the separator, wherein the edge of the separator includes an overlapping edge area that overlaps with the stack mandrel and a non-overlapping edge area that does not overlap with the stack mandrel, and the pressing device is configured to press the non-overlapping edge area.

[0014] The pressurizing device can be configured to prevent the edges of each part of the stacked separator from spreading apart while the separator is being folded and stacked.

[0015] The pressurizing device can be configured to apply heat to the separator.

[0016] A pair of stack mandrels are provided, each positioned at an end in the extension direction of the separator to support each end of the folding portion of the separator, and a pressurizing device may be positioned between the pair of stack mandrels while pressurizing the separator.

[0017] The device further includes a separator providing device configured to provide a separator such that, while the separator is supported by a stack mandrel, the separator is folded to form a separator portion located between electrodes, and the separator may include a closing edge to which the ends of adjacent separator portions are connected and an open edge to which the ends of adjacent separator portions are separated from each other.

[0018] The pressurizing device may be configured to pressurize the closing edge while the stack mandrel supports the separator to prevent an air layer from forming on the closing edge.

[0019] The pressurizing device can be spaced apart from the overlapping edge area while the stack mandrel supports the separator.

[0020] The pressurizing device may be configured to pressurize the open edge while the stack mandrel supports the separator to prevent short circuits at the electrodes.

[0021] The stack mandrel comprises a first stack mandrel and a second stack mandrel configured to be positioned adjacent to each of a pair of mutually facing closing edges of the separator while the separator is being folded, and to alternately form each of a pair of closing edges, and the pressurizing device may include a first pressurizing device that pressurizes the separator while the first stack mandrel supports the separator, and a second pressurizing device that pressurizes the separator while the second stack mandrel supports the separator.

[0022] The first pressurizing device and the second pressurizing device may not come into contact with the separator at the same time.

[0023] The device further includes an electrode moving device configured to move the electrode toward the separator, and the pressurizing device can be combined with the electrode moving device.

[0024] The apparatus further includes an electrode moving device configured to move an electrode toward a separator, the electrode moving device is configured to hold the electrode to move the electrode and to separate the electrode from the upper side of the separator, and a pressurizing device may be located below the electrode moving device to pressurize the separator while the electrode moving device is located above the separator.

[0025] The electrode moving device is configured to hold the electrode by negative pressure and may further include an alignment table on which the electrode is placed so that the electrode moving device holds the electrode.

[0026] The pressurizing device can be spaced apart from the electrode while pressurizing the separator.

[0027] The apparatus further includes a stack table arranged to stack the separator and the electrode, and the stack table may be configured to support the separator while the separator is pressurized by a pressurizing device.

[0028] A stacking system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a pair of stack mandrels configured to hold the ends of an electrode and to support both ends of the folding portion of a separator so that the separator is folded with the electrode in between, and a pressing device configured to press the edge of the separator, wherein the pressing device is positioned between the pair of stack mandrels while pressing the edge of the separator.

[0029] The edge of the separator includes an overlapping edge area that overlaps with the stack mandrel and a non-overlapping edge area that does not overlap with the stack mandrel, and the pressurizing device may be configured to pressurize the non-overlapping edge area.

[0030] The pressurizing device can be configured to prevent the edges of each part of the stacked separator from spreading apart while the separator is being folded and stacked.

[0031] The pressurizing device can be configured to apply heat to the separator.

[0032] A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a preparation step of preparing an electrode, a separator arranged to be positioned between the electrodes, a stack mandrel configured to hold the ends of the electrode and the separator, and a pressurizing device configured to press the edge of the separator; an electrode stacking step of stacking the electrodes; a separator stacking step of stacking the separator onto the electrodes; a separator folding step of folding the separator after fixing the ends of the separator and the electrode by the stack mandrel; and a pressurizing step of pressing the edge of the separator by the pressurizing device, wherein the pressurizing step is configured to press a non-overlapping edge region where the separator does not overlap with the stack mandrel.

[0033] A stacking system according to one embodiment of the present invention can prevent lifting of the edges of the separator in an electrode assembly by pressing the edges of the separator while stacking the separator.

[0034] A stacking system according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a pressurizing device that holds the edge of the separator that cannot be held by the stack mandrel holding the separator and the electrode while the separator is being stacked, thereby effectively preventing lifting of the edge of the separator in the electrode assembly.

[0035] A pressurizing device according to one embodiment of the present invention can prevent the closing edge from lifting by preventing the closing edge from returning to its original state due to the elasticity of the closing edge by pressing the closing edge formed by folding the separator.

[0036] A pressurizing device according to one embodiment of the present invention can prevent a short circuit caused by an electrode coming out of and coming into contact with an open edge by pressing the ends of adjacent separator parts that are separated from each other.

[0037] A pressurizing device according to one embodiment of the present invention is coupled to an electrode moving device configured to move an electrode toward a separator, so that as the electrode moves toward the separator, the pressurizing device presses the edge of the separator, thereby minimizing the increase in process time caused by the addition of the pressurizing device.

[0038] A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention can have the above effects by being performed using the stacking system above.

[0039] The effects obtainable from the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0040] FIG. 1 is an assembly diagram of a secondary battery according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a stacking system provided to manufacture the electrode assembly shown in FIG. 1, with the electrodes moving.

[0042] Figure 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the stacking system shown in Figure 2 moving the electrodes.

[0043] FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the folding and stacking of a separator to wrap the electrode shown in FIG. 3, and the separation of the stack mandrel from the electrode assembly.

[0044] FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating that a stack mandrel is reinserted into the electrode assembly shown in FIG. 4, and after the electrode is placed on the separator, the separator is folded again.

[0045] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the electrode assembly being stacked and the stack mandrel inserted into the electrode assembly shown in FIG. 5, cut along the AA' cut line of FIG. 5.

[0046] FIG. 7 is a top view of the electrode assembly being stacked as shown in FIG. 6.

[0047] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the electrode moving device and the pressurizing device shown in FIG. 2, viewed from the bottom.

[0048] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the electrode moving device and a plurality of pressurizing devices shown in FIG. 2, viewed from the bottom.

[0049] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly performed by the stacking system shown in FIG. 2.

[0050] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an electrode moving device and a pressurizing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the bottom.

[0051] FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a stacking system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited or restricted by the following embodiments.

[0053] In order to clearly explain the present invention, detailed descriptions of related prior art that are irrelevant to the explanation or that may unnecessarily obscure the essence of the invention have been omitted. Furthermore, when assigning reference numerals to the components of each drawing in this specification, identical or similar reference numerals are assigned to identical or similar components throughout the entire specification.

[0054] Furthermore, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention.

[0055] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments.

[0056] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0057] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0058] In this document, each of the phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0059] The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0060] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish a component from another component and do not limit the components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0061] Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicationly," it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0062] Terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this document, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0063] When it is said that a component is "connected," "combined," "supported," or "in contact" with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, combined, supported, or in contact, but also cases where they are indirectly connected, combined, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0064] When it is said that a component is located "on" another component, this includes not only cases where one component is in contact with the other, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0065] Meanwhile, terms such as "up-and-down direction," "downward side," and "front-backward direction" used in the following description are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0066] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0067] First embodiment

[0068] FIG. 1 is an assembly diagram of a secondary battery (B) according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a secondary battery (B) may be provided to generate electricity. The secondary battery (B) may include an electrode assembly (EA) formed by stacking electrodes (20) that substantially generate electricity, and a battery case (10) that accommodates the electrode assembly (EA). For reference, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the battery case (10) may be formed through a pouch. After the battery case (10) is sealed, additional processes may be performed to reduce the space occupied by cutting or folding parts other than the convex portions that form a space to accommodate the electrode assembly (EA). More specifically, the electrode assembly (EA) and an electrolyte (not shown) are accommodated within the battery case (10), and when a reaction occurs in the electrode assembly (EA) and metal ions, such as lithium ions, move through the electrolyte, electricity may be generated according to the movement of the metal ions.

[0070] Such an electrode assembly (EA) can be formed by alternately stacking a plurality of electrodes (20) forming a positive electrode and a negative electrode, and positioning a separator (30) between adjacent electrodes (20). In particular, the separator (30) can be configured to prevent adjacent electrodes (20) from coming into contact. Since an electrical short circuit may occur if the electrodes (20) come into contact with each other, the separator (30) may be configured to prevent a short circuit that may occur in the electrodes (20). To achieve this effect, the separator (30) can be stacked together with the electrodes (20), and the process of stacking the separator (30) and the electrodes (20) can be referred to as a stacking process.

[0071] There may be multiple stacking methods for such separators (30). One stacking method for separators (30) may be a method in which a single separator (30) is divided into multiple separator (30) parts, and each separator (30) part is positioned between multiple electrodes (20). Another method among the multiple methods may be a method in which one end of an electrode (20) is covered with the separator (30) by penetrating between the electrodes (20) in a zigzag pattern without cutting the separator (30). A stacking method for separators (30) of this type may be called a zigzag stacking method. In particular, such a stacking method for separators (30) can be understood by referring to FIG. 6.

[0072] In the zigzag stacking method, the separator (30) surrounds the electrode (20), thereby reducing the possibility of contact between adjacent electrodes (20) and lowering the possibility of an electrical short circuit occurring between electrodes (20). Therefore, a stable secondary battery (B) can be provided by interposing the separator (30) of the zigzag stacking method.

[0073] However, in this zigzag stacking method, the separator (30) is folded at one end of the electrode (20). If the folding of the separator (30) is not performed properly, a problem may occur where the folded edge of the separator (30) lifts up. If the separator (30) lifts up, air enters between the lifted separator (30), and the entered air may interfere with the generation of electricity.

[0074] Additionally, the problem of the edges of the separator (30) lifting up can occur not only in the above zigzag stacking method but also in the stacking method in which the separator (30) is cut to form parts of the separator (30). Therefore, regardless of the stacking method, it is necessary to prevent the problem of the edges of the separator (30) lifting up during the stacking of the separator (30). However, the first embodiment of the present invention describes a stacking system (1) that prevents the edges of the separator (30) from lifting up during zigzag stacking. Furthermore, in the present disclosure, the electrode assembly (EA) and the separator (30) may refer to a state in which they are in the process of being processed rather than a completed state. Depending on the context, the electrode assembly (EA) and the separator (30) may be understood differently in the present disclosure as being completed or in the process of being completed.

[0075] Below, a stacking system (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention that solves the above problems is described.

[0076] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a stacking system (1) provided to manufacture an electrode assembly (EA) illustrated in FIG. 1 moving an electrode (20). FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the stacking system (1) illustrated in FIG. 2 moving the electrode (20). FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a separator (30) being folded and stacked to wrap the electrode (20) illustrated in FIG. 3, and a stack mandrel (200) being separated from the electrode assembly (EA). FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the stack mandrel (200) being re-inserted into the electrode assembly (EA) illustrated in FIG. 4, the electrode (20) being placed on the separator (30), and the separator (30) being folded again. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the AA' cut line of FIG. 5 of an electrode assembly (EA) being stacked and a stack mandrel (200) inserted into the electrode assembly (EA) as shown in FIG. 5.

[0077] Hereinafter, a stacking system (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 6.

[0078] As illustrated in FIG. 2, a stacking system (1) configured to stack a separator (30) and an electrode (20) may be provided. The stacking system (1) may include a first electrode moving device (410), a second electrode moving device (420), an alignment table (500), a stack table (100), a separator providing device (300), a first stack mandrel (201), and a second stack mandrel (202). Furthermore, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the stacking system (1) may further include a pressurizing device (600) coupled to the lower side of the second electrode moving device (420). However, if necessary, the stacking system (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may omit the remaining components except for the stack mandrel (200) and the pressurizing device (600).

[0079] A stack table (100) can be provided so that a separator (30) and an electrode (20) are stacked.

[0080] The first electrode moving device (410) and the second electrode moving device (420) may be configured to move the electrode (20). The first electrode moving device (410) and the second electrode moving device (420) may be referred to as the electrode moving device (400) with common features as a higher concept.

[0081] More specifically, the first electrode moving device (410) may be configured to fix the electrode (20) as shown in FIG. 2 and move the electrode (20) to the alignment table (500). The first electrode moving device (410) may adsorb the electrode (20), fix the electrode (20) to the lower surface of the first electrode moving device (410), and then move it to the upper side of the alignment table (500). Additionally, the electrode (20) may be released from adsorption at the upper side of the alignment table (500) to position the electrode (20) on the alignment table (500). In other words, the alignment table (500) may be configured to allow the electrode (20) moved by the electrode moving device (400) to be placed thereon.

[0082] The second electrode moving device (420) can move the electrode (20) from the alignment table (500) to the stack table (100) as shown in FIG. 2. The method by which the second electrode moving device (420) moves the electrode (20) may correspond to the first electrode moving device (410). Here, "correspondence" may be a word meaning identical or similar. In other words, the electrode moving device (400) may be configured to hold the electrode (20) by negative pressure. The second electrode moving device (420) can move the electrode (20) from the alignment table (500) to the stack table (100) so that the electrode (20) is positioned on the separator (30) when the separator (30) is positioned on the stack table (100). Based on FIG. 2, the separator (30) may be positioned on the upper side of an electrode assembly (EA) in which the electrode (20) and the separator (30) are already stacked and formed, and the newly moved electrode (20) may be placed on the separator (30) positioned on the upper side of the electrode assembly (EA) by a second electrode moving device (420). At this time, the electrode (20) may include a retaining portion (21) in which an active material layer is positioned on a current collector and the active material overlaps with the current collector, and a non-retaining portion (22) in which only the current collector is positioned to form an electrode (20) tab. The electrode (20) may be positioned on the separator (30) such that the retaining portion (21) is wrapped by the separator (30) and the non-retaining portion (22) is exposed from the separator (30).

[0083] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 6, when an electrode (20) is positioned on the separator (30), the separator (30) can be folded to surround the electrode (20). The separator (30) can be supplied from a separator providing device (300), and the separator providing device (300) can move and fold the separator (30). That is, the separator providing device (300) can be configured to provide the separator (30) such that while the separator (30) is supported by a stack mandrel (200), the separator (30) is folded to form a separator portion (39) located between the electrodes (20). More specifically, the inner side of the portion where the separator (30) is folded is supported by the stack mandrel (200), so that the separator (30) can be easily folded. At this time, the stack mandrel (200) may be a higher concept that extracts the common characteristics of the first stack mandrel (201) and the second stack mandrel (202). The stack mandrel (200) may be configured to support at least a portion of the folding part of the separator (30) so that the separator (30) is folded with the electrode (20) in between. Additionally, the stack mandrel (200) may be configured to hold the end of the electrode (20). Referring again to FIG. 3, the first stack mandrel (201) may be positioned to the left of the non-removable portion (22), and the second stack mandrel (202) may be positioned to the right of the non-removable portion (22). As shown in FIG. 4, while the separator (30) is being folded, the second stack mandrel (202) may support the separator (30) from the inside of the separator (30) to assist in the folding of the separator (30).

[0084] The stack mandrel (200) not only assists in folding the separator (30), but also simultaneously presses the separator (30) downward so that the separator (30) is fixed to the stack table (100). Furthermore, the stack mandrel (200) can fix the electrode (20). More specifically, the end of the electrode (20) and the stack mandrel (200) may be positioned to overlap so as to press the electrode (20) downward. Accordingly, the electrode (20) can be fixed to the stack table (100). That is, the stack mandrel (200) can fix the separator (30) and the electrode (20) to the stack table (100) while the separator (30) and the electrode (20) are stacked to form an electrode assembly (EA).

[0085] Here, the stack mandrels (200) are provided in pairs and can be positioned to correspond to both ends of the edge of the folding separator (30). As shown in FIG. 4, while the second stack mandrel (202) secures the electrode (20) and the separator (30) and supports the separator (30) on the right side of the separator (30), the first stack mandrel (201) can be separated from the electrode assembly (EA) to secure the electrode (20) and the separator (30) to be stacked in the next order. Since the stack mandrels (200) are provided in pairs and support the ends of the separator (30), the stack mandrels (200) may not be positioned at the center of the separator (30) in the longitudinal direction of the separator (30). Therefore, the pair of stack mandrels (200) can be separated from the electrode assembly (EA) by moving only slightly in their respective longitudinal directions. Accordingly, the insertion and separation of the electrode assembly (EA) of the stack mandrel (200) can be performed quickly, thereby preventing time delays in the process.

[0086] The first stack mandrel (201) separated from the electrode assembly (EA) can be inserted back into the electrode assembly (EA) as shown in FIG. 5. A drawing showing the process of moving the electrode (20) to the separator (30) between the processes shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 may be omitted. The process of moving the electrode (20) to the separator (30) may be similar to the process shown in FIG. 2 and 3, except that the direction of movement of the electrode (20) is reversed. For example, after the electrode (20) is placed on the upper side of the separator (30) by moving from left to right and the separator (30) is folded, another electrode (20) can be placed on the upper side of the separator (30) by moving from right to left. While the first stack mandrel (201) is separated from and inserted into the electrode assembly (EA), the second stack mandrel (202) can secure the electrode (20) and the separator (30) while remaining inserted into the electrode assembly (EA).

[0087] Referring again to FIG. 6, the positional relationship between the stack mandrel (200) and the electrode assembly (EA) is explained. The separator (30) may be divided into each folded part and may include a separator part (39) located between the opposing electrodes (20). The separator (30) may include a closing edge (32a) connected to the end of an adjacent separator part (39) and an open edge (32b) separated from the end of an adjacent separator part (39). In other words, the separator (30) may have a closing edge (32a) formed by folding, and an open edge (32b) formed on the other side of the side where the closing edge (32a) is formed. The stack mandrel (200) may be positioned adjacent to the closing edge (32a) and may support the inner side of the part where the closing edge (32a) is formed. Accordingly, the separator (30) can be supported by the stack mandrel (200) to form a clear closing edge (32a). The stack mandrel (200) can directly press the separator portion (39). The electrode (20) located between the separator portions (39) can press the separator (30) while indirectly pressing the stack mandrel (200). Accordingly, a stacked structure can appear in the order of electrode (20) - separator portion (39) - stack mandrel (200) as it goes upward.

[0088] Here, the separator (30) is supported by a stack mandrel (200), so that the closing edge (32a) formed in the folding portion can be clearly formed. As shown in FIG. 5, the stack mandrel (200) is provided in a pair for ease of insertion and separation into the electrode assembly (EA), and there may be no configuration to support the separator (30) between the pair of stack mandrels (200) while the separator (30) is folding. Accordingly, the closing edge (32a) of the separator (30) that cannot overlap with the stack mandrel (200) may not be folded properly, and a problem may occur in which lifting occurs. The stacking system (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include the configuration described below to solve such a problem.

[0089] FIG. 7 is a top view of the electrode assembly (EA) being stacked as shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the electrode moving device (400) and the pressurizing device (600) as shown in FIG. 2.

[0090] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, a pressurizing device (600) according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0091] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the edge of the separator (30) that does not overlap with the stack mandrel (200) may lift. To prevent this, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the stacking system (1) may further include a pressurizing device (600) configured to pressurize the edge of the separator (30). The pressurizing device (600) can pressurize the edge of the separator (30) to bring adjacent separators (30) closer together. Furthermore, the pressurizing device (600) can pressurize the part that does not overlap with the stack mandrel (200) so that the edge of the separator (30) does not lift because it is not pressed by the stack mandrel (200).

[0092] In other words, the edge of the separator (30) may include an overlapping edge area (31a) that overlaps with the stack mandrel (200) and a non-overlapping edge area (31b) that does not overlap with the stack mandrel (200). The pressurizing device (600) may be configured to pressurize the non-overlapping edge area (31b). Accordingly, the pressurizing device (600) may be configured to prevent the edges of each part of the stacked separator (30) from spreading apart while the separator (30) is folded and stacked.

[0093] Furthermore, the pressurizing device (600) is configured to apply heat to the separator (30), so that the separator (30) can be folded more effectively and prevented from lifting.

[0094] As previously mentioned, the stack mandrels (200) may be provided as a pair, each positioned at an end in the extension direction of the separator (30) to support each end of the folding portion of the separator (30). At this time, the pressurizing device (600) may be positioned between the pair of stack mandrels (200) in the longitudinal direction of the separator (30) while pressurizing the separator (30). However, if necessary, the stack mandrels (200) may be provided as a single unit rather than a pair; in this case, the pressurizing device (600) may pressurize the portion of the separator (30) where it is expected to lift, rather than between the stack mandrels (200).

[0095] At this time, the pressurizing device (600) may be configured to pressurize the closing edge (32a) while the stack mandrel (200) supports the separator (30) in order to prevent an air layer from being formed on the closing edge (32a). However, the pressurizing device (600) may also pressurize the open edge (32b) as needed. This will be further explained in the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0096] The pressurizing device (600) may be spaced apart from the overlapping edge region (31a) while the stack mandrel (200) supports the separator (30). That is, the pressurizing device (600) may pressurize the edge region where the closing edge (32a) and the non-overlapping edge region (31b) overlap. In particular, the pressurizing device (600) not pressing the overlapping edge region (31a) may mean that the stack mandrel (200) and the separator (30) located in the overlapping edge region (31a) are not pressurized or heated. If the pressurizing device (600) pressurizes the overlapping edge region (31a), the stack mandrel (200) and the separator (30) may be bonded together, making it difficult to separate the stack mandrel (200) from the electrode assembly (EA).

[0097] As previously mentioned, an electrode moving device (400) configured to move the electrode (20) toward the separator (30) may be further included. In this case, the pressurizing device (600) may be coupled with the electrode moving device (400) as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. Accordingly, the pressurizing device (600) may be moved together with the electrode moving device (400). Since the pressurizing device (600) only needs to be moved when the electrode moving device (400) is moved, a separate means for movement may not be required.

[0098] The electrode moving device (400) can move the electrode (20) by holding the electrode (20). This electrode moving device (400) can separate the electrode (20) from the upper side of the separator (30). A pressurizing device (600) may be located below the electrode moving device (400) to pressurize the separator (30) while the electrode moving device (400) is located above the separator (30). More specifically, the pressurizing device (600) may be located below the second electrode moving device (420). However, since the first electrode moving device (410) and the second electrode moving device (420) may be provided as a single unit as needed, if a single electrode moving device (400) is provided, the pressurizing device (600) may be provided coupled to the single electrode moving device (400). Accordingly, while the electrode moving device (400) places the electrode (20) on the upper side of the separator (30), the pressurizing device (600) can press the edge of the separator (30). Therefore, since no separate time is required to press the edge of the separator (30) by the pressurizing device (600), the time required to press the edge of the separator (30) is unnecessary, and thus the delay in the production time of the electrode assembly (EA) can be prevented.

[0099] As previously mentioned, the stack mandrel (200) may include a first stack mandrel (201) and a second stack mandrel (202) configured to be positioned adjacent to each of a pair of mutually facing closing edges (32a) of the separator (30) while the separator (30) is being folded, and to alternately form each of a pair of closing edges (32a).

[0100] Additionally, the pressurizing device (600) may be provided in multiple units. One of the multiple pressurizing devices (600) may be named the first pressurizing device (610), and another of the multiple pressurizing devices (600) may be named the second pressurizing device (620). The first pressurizing device (610) can pressurize the separator (30) while the first stack mandrel (201) supports the separator (30). Additionally, the second pressurizing device (620) can pressurize the separator (30) while the second stack mandrel (202) supports the separator (30). In other words, the pressurizing device (600) here may be a higher-level concept that extracts the common features of the first pressurizing device (610) and the second pressurizing device (620). This pressurizing device (600) can be spaced apart from the electrode (20) while pressurizing the separator (30). The pressurizing device (600) is spaced apart from the electrode (20) so that damage to the electrode (20) can be avoided.

[0101] Referring to FIG. 9, the first pressurizing device (610) may be positioned only on one side of the portion adsorbing the electrode (20). This first pressurizing device (610) may pressurize only one of the closing edges (32a) of the separator (30) while the electrode (20) is placed on the separator (30). The other closing edge (32a) of the separator (30) may be pressed by the second pressurizing device (620). In other words, the second pressurizing device (620) may be positioned on the opposite side of the first pressurizing device (610) relative to the portion adsorbing the electrode (20) in the electrode moving device (400). To this end, the pressurizing device (600) may extend along one of the pair of long sides when the portion adsorbing the electrode (20) has a short side and a long side.

[0102] Furthermore, accordingly, the first pressurizing device (610) and the second pressurizing device (620) may not come into contact with the separator (30) simultaneously. While the pressurizing device (600) pressurizes the edge of the separator (30), the separator (30) may experience a sliding phenomenon. At this time, if each closing edge (32a) is pressed at a different timing, the closing edge (32a) can be pressed while reducing the error in the relative pressurizing position with respect to the electrode (20), even if there is sliding.

[0103] Additionally, the stack table (100) may be configured to support the separator (30) while the separator (30) is pressurized by the pressurizing device (600).

[0104] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly (EA) performed by the stacking system (1) shown in FIG. 2.

[0105] Referring to FIG. 10, a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly (EA) according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0106] An electrode assembly (EA) can be manufactured by stacking the separator (30) and the electrode (20) described above. Therefore, the above description can be seen as describing part of the method for manufacturing an electrode assembly (EA) by the stacking system (1).

[0107] As illustrated in FIG. 10, a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly (EA) may include a preparation step (S100), an electrode stacking step (S200), a separator stacking step (S300), a separator folding step (S400), and a pressurizing step (S500).

[0108] The preparation step (S100) may be a step of preparing an electrode (20), a separator (30) positioned between the electrodes (20), a stack mandrel (200) configured to hold the ends of the electrode (20) and the separator (30), and a pressurizing device (600) configured to press the edges of the separator (30). The electrode stacking step (S200) may be a step of stacking the electrode (20) on the upper side of the separator (30). The separator stacking step (S300) may be a step of stacking the separator (30) on the upper side of the electrode (20). The separator folding step (S400) may be a step of folding the separator (30) after fixing the ends of the separator (30) and the electrode (20) by the stack mandrel (200). The pressurization step (S500) may be a step of pressurizing the edge of the separator (30) by a pressurization device (600). In the pressurization step (S500), the pressurization device (600) may be configured to pressurize a non-overlapping edge region (31b) of the separator (30) that does not overlap with the stack mandrel (200). At this time, the separator stacking step (S300) may be performed simultaneously with or at a similar timing to the pressurization step (S500).

[0109] The first embodiment and other embodiments are described below. Content common to the first embodiment will be omitted as much as possible, and the other embodiments will be described focusing on the differences. In other words, it is obvious that if content not explained in the other embodiments is necessary, it can be supplemented through the content of the first embodiment.

[0110] 2nd embodiment

[0111] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an electrode moving device (400) and a pressurizing device (600-1) according to a second embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 11, a pressurizing device (600-1) according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0113] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the rim pressed by the pressurizing device (600-1) is an open rim (32b).

[0114] The pressurizing device (600-1) may be configured to press the open edge (32b) while the stack mandrel (200) supports the separator (30) to prevent a short circuit from occurring at the electrode (20). When the separator (30) is folded inward, the electrode (20) in the part adjacent to the open edge (32b) is exposed, and there is a risk of contact between adjacent electrodes (20). This can be prevented by the pressurizing device (600-1) according to the second embodiment pressing the open edge (32b).

[0115] The pressurizing device (600-1) may extend along the short side of the part that adsorbs the electrode (20). Furthermore, the pressurizing device (600-1) may be provided in a pair so as to correspond to each of the pair of short sides of the part that adsorbs the electrode (20).

[0116] Third embodiment

[0117] FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a stacking system (1) according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0118] Referring to FIG. 12, a pressurizing device (600-2) according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0119] The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the pressurizing device (600-2) is not coupled to the electrode moving device (400).

[0120] The pressurizing device (600-2) can be provided separately from the electrode moving device (400). Accordingly, the pressurizing device (600-2) can pressurize the separator (30) separately from the movement of the electrode (20).

[0121] Additionally, as previously mentioned, each embodiment was described as being applied under the assumption that the separator (30) is in a zigzag stacking configuration; however, the concept of the present invention can also be applied in cases where the separator (30) parts located between the electrodes (20) are each formed and stacked, provided that the concept of the present invention is not compromised.

[0122] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the embodiments described above may be combined with other embodiments. Alternatively, unless explicitly limited in the combination of any embodiment with another, it should be considered that combinations between embodiments are possible. Any combination of any embodiment with another embodiment is deemed to be disclosed herein.

[0123] Although the present invention has been described above by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various implementations are possible within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims described below by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs.

[0124] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0125] B: Secondary battery

[0126] 10: Battery case

[0127] EA: Electrode assembly

[0128] 20: Electrode

[0129] 21: Maintenance Department

[0130] 22: Mujibu

[0131] 30: Separator

[0132] 31a: Nested border area

[0133] 31b: Non-overlapping border area

[0134] 32a: Closing border

[0135] 32b: Open border

[0136] 39: Separator part

[0137] 1: Stacking System

[0138] 100: Stack table

[0139] 200: Stacked Mandrel

[0140] 201: 1st Stack Mandrel

[0141] 202: Second Stack Mandrel

[0142] 300: Separator providing device

[0143] 400: Electrode moving device

[0144] 410: First electrode moving device

[0145] 420: Second electrode moving device

[0146] 500: Align table

[0147] 600, 600-1, 600-2: Pressurizing device

[0148] 610: First pressurizing device

[0149] 620: Second pressurizing device

Claims

1. A stack mandrel configured to support at least a portion of the folding portion of the separator so that the separator is folded with the electrode in between, and configured to hold the end of the electrode; and It includes a pressurizing device configured to pressurize the edge of the above-mentioned separator, and The edge of the above separator is, An overlapping boundary area overlapping with the stack mandrel above; and It includes a non-overlapping border area that does not overlap with the stack mandrel above, and The above-mentioned pressurizing device is a stacking system configured to pressurize the above-mentioned non-overlapping edge area.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above pressurizing device is a stacking system configured to prevent the edges of each part of the stacked separator from spreading apart while the separator is folded and stacked.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above pressurizing device is a stacking system configured to apply heat to the separator.

4. In Paragraph 1, The stack mandrels are provided as a pair, each positioned at an end in the extension direction of the separator to support each end of the folding portion of the separator, and The above pressurizing device is a stacking system positioned between a pair of stack mandrels while pressurizing the separator.

5. In Paragraph 1, The device further includes a separator providing device configured to provide the separator such that, while the separator is supported by the stack mandrel, the separator is folded to form a separator portion located between the electrodes. The above separator is, A closing edge connected to the end of the adjacent above-mentioned separator portion; and A stacking system comprising open edges at the ends of adjacent separator portions.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above pressurizing device is a stacking system configured to pressurize the closing edge while the stack mandrel supports the separator in order to prevent an air layer from forming on the closing edge.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above pressurizing device is a stacking system spaced apart from the overlapping edge area while the stack mandrel supports the separator.

8. In Paragraph 5, The above pressurizing device is a stacking system configured to pressurize the open edge while the stack mandrel supports the separator in order to prevent short circuits from occurring at the electrode.

9. In Paragraph 5, The stack mandrel comprises a first stack mandrel and a second stack mandrel configured to be positioned adjacent to each of a pair of mutually facing closing edges of the separator while the separator is being folded, and to alternately form each of a pair of closing edges. The above-mentioned pressurizing device is, A first pressurizing device for pressurizing the separator while the first stack mandrel supports the separator; and A stacking system comprising a second pressurizing device that pressurizes the separator while the second stack mandrel supports the separator.

10. In Paragraph 9, A stacking system in which the first pressurizing device and the second pressurizing device do not simultaneously come into contact with the separator.

11. In Paragraph 1, It further includes an electrode moving device configured to move the electrode toward the separator, The above-mentioned pressurizing device is a stacking system combined with the above-mentioned electrode moving device.

12. In Paragraph 1, It further includes an electrode moving device configured to move the electrode toward the separator, The electrode moving device is configured to hold the electrode to move the electrode and to separate the electrode from the upper side of the separator. The above-mentioned pressurizing device is a stacking system located below the electrode moving device to pressurize the separator while the electrode moving device is located above the separator.

13. In Paragraph 11, The above electrode moving device is configured to hold the electrode by negative pressure, and A stacking system further comprising an alignment table on which the electrode is placed so that the electrode moving device holds the electrode.

14. In Paragraph 1, The above pressurizing device is a stacking system that is spaced apart from the electrode while pressurizing the separator.

15. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a stack table provided for stacking the above separator and the above electrode, and The stacking table above is a stacking system configured to support the separator while the separator is pressurized by the pressurizing device.

16. A pair of stack mandrels configured to hold the ends of the electrodes and provided to support both ends of the folding portion of the separator so that the separator is folded with the electrodes in between; and It includes a pressurizing device configured to pressurize the edge of the above-mentioned separator, and The above pressurizing device is a stacking system positioned between a pair of stack mandrels while pressurizing the edge of the separator.

17. In Paragraph 16, The edge of the above separator is, An overlapping boundary area overlapping with the stack mandrel above; and It includes a non-overlapping border area that does not overlap with the stack mandrel above, and The above-mentioned pressurizing device is a stacking system configured to pressurize the above-mentioned non-overlapping edge area.

18. In Paragraph 16, The above pressurizing device is a stacking system configured to prevent the edges of each part of the stacked separator from spreading apart while the separator is folded and stacked.

19. In Paragraph 16, The above pressurizing device is a stacking system configured to apply heat to the separator.

20. A preparation step of preparing an electrode, a separator arranged to be positioned between the electrodes, a stack mandrel configured to hold the ends of the electrode and the separator, and a pressurizing device configured to press the edge of the separator; Electrode stacking step for stacking the above electrodes; A separator stacking step of stacking the above separator onto the electrode; A separator folding step of folding the separator after fixing the ends of the separator and the electrode by the stack mandrel; and It includes a pressurizing step of pressurizing the edge of the above-mentioned separator by the above-mentioned pressurizing device, and A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly in which the above-mentioned pressurizing step is configured to pressurize a non-overlapping edge region where the separator does not overlap with the stack mandrel.

Images