Electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus for forming an electrode stack by alternately stacking a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and a separator. The apparatus comprises: an electrode plate supply unit for alternately supplying electrode plates to a stacking table; and a separator supply unit for supplying a continuous film-shaped separator between the electrode plates while moving the separator in a horizontal reciprocating motion. The separator supply unit operates so that the outermost first electrode plate may be covered by at most two layers of the separator, and provides a structure enabling finishing even without winding the separator around the outer periphery of a stack cell. Accordingly, an electrode assembly enabling the amount of the separator that is used to be reduced and electrode exposure to be prevented may be manufactured.

Description

Electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for manufacturing an electrode assembly, and more specifically, to an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly in which an electrode laminate having an electrode plate and a separator is not wound with a separator, but is finished with a maximum of two layers.

[0002] A secondary battery is an electrochemical device comprising a positive electrode, a negative electrode, a separator, and an electrolyte; it is a rechargeable battery capable of storing or discharging electrical energy through an external circuit. Due to their high energy density and rechargeability, secondary batteries are widely used in various fields, including portable electronic devices, electric vehicles, and energy storage systems (ESS).

[0003] A secondary battery includes an electrode assembly with a separator interposed between a positive electrode and a negative electrode, and such an electrode assembly can be constructed by methods such as stacking or winding. In particular, in the case of a stacked structure, a cell shape is formed by alternately stacking the positive electrode, negative electrode, and separator, and the Z-stacking method is commonly used.

[0004] The Z-stacking method involves alternately stacking positive and negative electrodes in left-right directions while repeatedly supplying them based on a separator, and is evaluated as a structure suitable for realizing high-capacity cells.

[0005] In this Z-stacking method, a process is required to seal the top surface or the entire outer periphery of the cell with a separator before discharging the stacked cells to the outside, so that the electrodes are not exposed to the outside.

[0006] Conventionally, for this finishing process, a winding process was performed in which the separator was left in a roll form with some extra length to wrap around the outer edge of the stack cell one or two turns or more. Winding serves to prevent external exposure by ensuring that the separator sufficiently wraps the electrode, and helps maintain the cell structure during the subsequent press forming and electrolyte impregnation processes.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the schematic cross-sectional structure of an electrode laminate according to the prior art.

[0008] As shown in FIG. 1, the electrode laminate is formed in a structure in which a first electrode plate (1), a second electrode plate (2), and a separator (3) are alternately laminated. The first electrode plate (1) and the second electrode plate (2) each act as an anode and a cathode, respectively, and a separator (3) is interposed between these electrode plates to prevent an electrical short circuit. The separator (3) is provided in the shape of a continuous film and is arranged to be folded in a zigzag pattern during the lamination process.

[0009] Conventionally, in order to finish the outer edge of the electrode stack shown in FIG. 1, a winding process was performed in which the separator (3) was left in a roll shape and wrapped around the electrode stack one or two times or more. This winding is used as a finishing means to insulate the first electrode plate (1) located at the outermost edge of the stack from the outside, and helps maintain the integrity of the electrode structure during subsequent press molding and electrolyte impregnation processes.

[0010] However, when the thickness or weight of the stack cell increases, the separator (3) may lift or wrinkle during the process of winding it along the outer edge of the electrode stack. Such wrinkling or lifting degrades the appearance quality, and in severe cases, the separator may tear while being compressed, or an internal short circuit may occur as the lifted part comes into contact with the electrode. Therefore, the conventional separator winding method has limitations in terms of quality stability in high-weight cells.

[0011] In addition, since extra length must be secured to wind the membrane, the amount of membrane used increases, and as separate pulling and cutting devices are required for winding, the equipment configuration becomes complex and manufacturing costs increase.

[0012] The present invention aims to provide an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus that prevents the exposure of electrodes without winding the separator around the outer edge of the stack cell, thereby preventing quality degradation and electrical short circuits caused by separator wrinkles.

[0013] In addition, the purpose is to provide a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly that can improve manufacturing efficiency by reducing the amount of separator used and simplifying the equipment configuration.

[0014] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0015] An electrode assembly manufacturing device may be provided, comprising: a stacking table in which an electrode stack is formed by alternately stacking electrodes and separators; an electrode plate supply unit located on both sides of the stacking table and alternately supplying a first electrode plate and a second electrode plate to the stacking table; and a separator supply unit located on the upper side of the stacking table and supplying a separator between the electrode plates, wherein the separator supply unit moves horizontally back and forth around the stacking table to supply a continuous film-shaped separator and is configured to move to cover the electrode plate stacked on the outermost edge of the first electrode plate with a separator of up to two layers or less.

[0016] The above electrode plate supply unit includes a first electrode plate supply unit located on the first direction side for supplying a first electrode plate and a second electrode plate supply unit located on the second direction side for supplying a second electrode plate, and the separator supply unit may be configured to move in the first direction after the first electrode plate is supplied, move in the second direction after the second electrode plate is supplied to supply a separator, and reciprocate from the first direction to the second direction after the first electrode plate to be finally stacked is supplied.

[0017] The electrode plate supply unit includes a first electrode plate supply unit located in a second direction that supplies a first electrode plate and a second electrode plate supply unit located in a first direction that supplies a second electrode plate, and the separator supply unit may be configured to move in a second direction after the first electrode plate is supplied, move in a first direction after the second electrode plate is supplied to supply a separator, and reciprocate from the second direction to the first direction before the first electrode plate to be stacked is supplied.

[0018] The apparatus may be configured to further include a transfer table located adjacent to the first direction of the stacking table, a transfer unit for transferring an electrode stack from the stacking table to the transfer table, and a cutting unit located between the stacking table and the transfer table for cutting a separator.

[0019] The above electrode plate supply unit can be configured to swap the position where the first electrode plate is supplied and the position where the second electrode plate is supplied after the electrode stack is formed.

[0020] An electrode assembly may be provided that includes an electrode laminate in which a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and a separator are alternately stacked, wherein the separator is folded in a zigzag shape in a continuous film shape and is positioned between the electrode plates, and is configured to cover the first electrode plate stacked on the outermost edge with a maximum of two layers or less.

[0021] A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly can be provided, comprising the steps of: stacking a first electrode plate on a stacking table; stacking a separator supply unit so that a continuous film-shaped separator is attached to the first electrode plate; stacking a second electrode plate; and stacking the separator supply unit so that it moves horizontally back and forth to stack the separators so that they overlap on their own.

[0022] A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly may be provided, comprising the steps of: preparing a separator supply unit to be positioned on the upper side of a second direction; stacking a first electrode plate on a stacking table in a first direction; moving the separator supply unit in a first direction; stacking a second electrode plate on a stacking table in a second direction; moving the separator supply unit in a second direction; stacking the outermost first electrode plate; and reciprocating the separator supply unit from the first direction to the second direction.

[0023] A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly may be provided, further comprising the steps of transferring an electrode stack from a stacking table to a transfer table, cutting a separator to a predetermined length, transferring the electrode stack to a pressurizing unit, and attaching the cut separator to the outermost first electrode plate at the pressurizing unit.

[0024] A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly can be provided, further comprising the step of swapping the position where the first electrode plate is supplied with the position where the second electrode plate is supplied.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, electrode exposure can be prevented without winding the separator by reciprocating the separator supply unit so that the separator covers only the upper surface of the electrode stack.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the amount of separator used can be minimized by cutting the separator to a predetermined length and supplying it.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the present invention, by switching the electrode supply position and adjusting the separator supply operation, a separator can be formed in a double layer on the top or bottom of the electrode stack.

[0028] In addition, the formation of the separator double-layered structure can be controlled by appropriately selecting the electrode supply direction.

[0029] Further scopes of the applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention are clearly understood by those skilled in the art, specific embodiments, such as the detailed description and preferred embodiments of the present invention, should be understood as being given merely as examples.

[0030] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a conventional electrode assembly.

[0031] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 4 schematically illustrates a cutting section according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 6 illustrates an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in this specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Identical or similar components regardless of drawing symbols are given the same reference number, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0039] The suffixes "module" and "part" for components used in the following description are assigned or used interchangeably solely for the sake of ease of drafting the specification, and do not inherently possess distinct meanings or roles. Furthermore, in describing the embodiments disclosed in this specification, detailed descriptions of related prior art are omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions could obscure the essence of the embodiments disclosed in this specification.

[0040] In addition, the attached drawings are intended only to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and the technical concept disclosed in this specification is not limited by the attached drawings; it should be understood that all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions included within the concept and technical scope of the present invention are included.

[0041] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components are not limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0042] When it is stated that one component is "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0043] A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0044] In this application, terms such as “comprising” or “having” are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0045] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an electrode assembly manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the electrode assembly manufacturing device (10) is a device for forming an electrode stack (S) by alternately stacking a first electrode plate (100), a second electrode plate (200), and a separator (300), and includes a first electrode plate supply unit (110), a second electrode plate supply unit (210), a separator supply unit (310), and a stacking table (400).

[0048] The first electrode plate supply unit (110) is located on the first direction side (left side in FIG. 2) of the stacking table (400) and supplies the first electrode plate (100) to the stacking table (400). The second electrode plate supply unit (210) is located on the second direction side (right side) of the stacking table (400) and supplies the second electrode plate (200) to the stacking table (400). The first electrode plate (100) and the second electrode plate (200) may each be composed of a negative electrode plate and a positive electrode plate, and the electrode plates are stacked alternately.

[0049] For the sake of convenience of explanation, the first direction may be described as the left direction, the second direction as the right direction, the first electrode plate as the negative plate, and the second electrode plate as the positive plate in combination; this is merely an example.

[0050] The separator supply unit (310) is located on the upper side of the stacking table (400) and supplies the separator (300) in the form of a continuous film. The separator supply unit (310) is configured to be able to reciprocate in a horizontal direction and operates to supply the separator (300) between the first electrode plate (100) and the second electrode plate (200). In addition, at the final stage of the stacking process, the separator supply unit (310) can reciprocate horizontally to implement a structure in which the first electrode plate (100) located at the outermost edge of the stack is covered with the separator (300) in a maximum of two layers or less.

[0051] In the stacking table (400), the first electrode plate (100), the second electrode plate (200), and the separator (300) are supplied sequentially and stacked alternately, and an electrode stack is formed in this manner. The separator supply unit (310) moves back and forth to interpose the separator between the electrode plates after the electrode plates are supplied, and is controlled so that the separator (300) is not excessively extended, thereby allowing the upper surface of the electrode stack to be finished without a conventional winding structure.

[0052] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an electrode assembly manufacturing device according to another embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a case where two layers of a separator are formed on the lower part of the first electrode plate.

[0053] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the electrode assembly manufacturing device (10) is a device for forming an electrode stack by stacking a first electrode plate (100), a second electrode plate (200), and a separator (300), and includes a first electrode plate supply unit (110), a second electrode plate supply unit (210), a separator supply unit (310), and a stacking table (400).

[0054] In one embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the first electrode plate supply unit (110) was positioned on the first direction side of the stacking table (400) and the second electrode plate supply unit (210) was positioned on the second direction side, but in this embodiment, the positioning is configured to be opposite to each other. That is, the first electrode plate supply unit (110) is positioned on the second direction side and the second electrode plate supply unit (210) is positioned on the first direction side.

[0055] The separator supply unit (310) stacks the separator (300) according to the order in which the electrode plates are supplied, and supplies the separator in the order of moving in the first direction after the second electrode plate (200) is supplied, and moving in the second direction after the first electrode plate (100) is supplied. After the stacking is completed, the separator supply unit (310) moves back and forth from the second direction to the first direction, thereby forming a structure in which the separator (300) is stacked in two layers on the lower part of the first electrode plate (100) located at the bottom.

[0056] This configuration allows for the formation of a double structure that covers the lower surface of the electrode stack with a separator through a combination of the reciprocating supply path of the separator and the electrode supply sequence, and enables the implementation of a finishing structure to prevent electrode exposure without conventional winding.

[0057] Meanwhile, the supply direction configuration of the electrode assembly manufacturing device illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 is not a simple symmetrical structure, but is designed to take into account both the continuous discharge flow of the laminate and the movement direction of the separator. Generally, the lamination table is located in the center of the device, and the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate are supplied alternately from both sides. The separator has a structure in which it reciprocates horizontally from the top and is alternately inserted between each electrode plate.

[0058] Due to the structural characteristics of secondary batteries, the electrode assembly must always have a structure that begins and ends with a negative electrode plate. When the next stacking process follows the completion of one stack, the structure involves stacking the negative electrode plate twice in succession. At this time, the separator supply unit is in a position where it has moved in one direction to cover the upper surface of the negative electrode plate at the time of the previous stacking completion, and it must receive the negative electrode plate while in the opposite position to begin the next process.

[0059] Therefore, a structure for switching the electrode plate supply position is required so that the initial position of the separator supply unit and the electrode plate supply direction can be coupled in conjunction with the stacking flow. Fig. 3 is an example in which the electrode supply unit is arranged opposite to that in Fig. 2, taking this situation into consideration, and supports the continuous process to proceed naturally even when the moving table is fixed in one direction (e.g., left).

[0060] The embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3 are examples designed under the assumption that the electrode stack is discharged in the left direction. This arrangement is a configuration that reflects the position of the moving table and stacking connectivity, which will be explained in more detail later in FIGS. 4.

[0061] In the embodiment of FIG. 2, the cathode plate supply unit is located on the left and the anode plate supply unit is located on the right. The stacking sequence proceeds in such a way that the cathode plate is supplied first from the left and the anode plate is supplied alternately from the right. The separator is supplied in a zigzag manner from the top, and after the last stacking is completed, the separator supply unit moves to the left and performs a reciprocating motion, i.e., a swing, returning once more in the opposite direction. Through this process, the cathode plate located on the upper surface of the stack is finally covered with two layers of separator, and a finishing layer is formed to prevent electrode exposure.

[0062] On the other hand, in the embodiment of FIG. 3, the electrode supply positions are configured in reverse, with the negative plate supply unit located on the right and the positive plate supply unit on the left. In this case, since the separator supply unit is already located on the right before the stacking begins, the separator supply unit moves to the left prior to the start of stacking. At this time, the separator is stacked in two layers on the underside of the negative plate formed at the bottom, and structurally identical insulation finishing effects can be obtained.

[0063] In this way, the two-layer formation of the separator is always set to be located at the outer edge of the cathode plate, and the formation position is determined according to the position of the separator supply unit and the reciprocating motion at the start or end of the stacking sequence. Through this, it is possible to achieve a separator finish that can reliably prevent electrode exposure even under a continuous process.

[0064] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration for cutting and transporting an electrode laminate formed in the embodiments shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3.

[0065] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the stacked electrode stack is transferred from the stacking table (400) to an adjacent moving table (410), and during the transfer process, the separator (300) is cut to a certain length through the cutting section (420). The moving table (410) is positioned on the first direction side of the stacking table (400) and performs the function of moving the stacked electrode stack in a horizontal direction.

[0066] The cutting section (420) performs the function of cutting the separator (300) so that it does not protrude beyond a set length, and by cutting the leading edge of the continuous film-shaped separator (300), only the required length of the separator can be left on the upper surface of the laminate. The separator (300) cut in this way is used to finish the upper surface in a subsequent process, and the excess separator is controlled so that it does not wrap around the outer edge of the stack cell.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 4, if the electrode stack is configured such that the separator supply unit performs the final operation immediately before cutting in only one direction, the stacking process is completed with the separator always moved in a certain direction, for example, to the right. This is because the separator supply unit enters directly into the cutting and transfer process without returning after covering the upper surface of the last electrode plate. Therefore, the operation of the separator supply unit as described in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 is required.

[0068] In addition, the transferred electrode laminate can be continuously transported from the transfer table to the pressurizing unit. The pressurizing unit may be composed of a heating plate, a pressure plate, or a press module, and by simultaneously applying heat and pressure to the laminate, the cut separator located on the upper surface can be fixed to the electrode plate. Since the separator is generally made of a thermoplastic material, when heat above a certain temperature is applied, its surface partially melts and can adhere to the electrode plate.

[0069] In addition to the role of fixing the separator so that it does not detach, this pressurization process can also perform the function of improving interlayer adhesion by applying uniform pressure throughout the laminate. In particular, when the separator is formed in two layers, appropriate pressurization conditions can be set to prevent the upper layer from lifting or being pushed out.

[0070] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a structure in which the upper surface of a stacked electrode laminate is finished with a separator according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 5, the electrode stack is formed by alternately stacking a first electrode plate (100) and a second electrode plate (200), with a separator (300) interposed between each electrode plate. At this time, the first electrode plate (100) is positioned at the top of the stack, and a portion of the separator (300) is arranged to cover the upper surface of the first electrode plate (100).

[0072]

[0073] The separator (300) is supplied in the form of a continuous film, and in the drawing, the end (301) of the separator is shown extending horizontally from the top of the laminate. This reflects the result of cutting the leading edge of the separator (300) to leave only a certain length through the cutting process described in FIG. 4. At this time, the cutting is performed not by completely removing the separator to the edge of the laminate, but by intentionally leaving a minimum length necessary for finishing.

[0074] The remaining end (301) of the separator is induced to cover not only the upper surface of the laminate but also a portion of the side through a subsequent swing motion or pressurization process. In this way, the separator forms a structure that completely encloses the outermost electrode of the electrode laminate in the up-down or left-right directions, and acts as a finishing layer that prevents electrode exposure and minimizes the risk of short circuits during external impact or electrolyte injection.

[0075] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a structure that repeatedly switches the discharge direction and supply position of an electrode stack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] As shown in the drawing, moving tables (410a, 410b) are arranged on the left and right sides of the stacking table (400), respectively, and the electrode stack is discharged alternately in one of the left or right directions during each process. The top drawing shows the case where the electrode stack is discharged to the moving table (410b) located on the right side after the stacking is completed. At this time, the electrodes are supplied alternately from the negative electrode supply unit (110) on the left and the positive electrode supply unit (210) on the right, and the separator is supplied in a zigzag pattern from the top.

[0077] In this structure, the separator supply unit is positioned to the right immediately after covering the last electrode, and the laminate is discharged to the right in that state. In this case, the separator is sufficiently finished by covering the final electrode plate with only one layer, and there is no need to wrap it with two layers. This is because the discharge direction and the separator supply direction coincide, so the structure allows the separator finishing to be completed naturally without any separate reciprocating motion.

[0078] After the laminate is discharged to the right, the next lamination must begin. Since the separator supply unit is located on the left, the position of the supply unit must be switched so that the first cathode plate to be supplied can enter from the right. Accordingly, the positions of the anode supply unit (210) and the cathode supply unit (110) are swapped. The bottom drawing shows the process after such supply unit switching.

[0079] At this time, the negative electrode is supplied from the right and the positive electrode from the left, and the laminate is discharged to the left moving table (410a) in the opposite direction. Likewise, since the laminate is discharged to the left after the separator supply unit is finished while moved to the right, the separator is finished with only one layer. Afterwards, the position of the supply unit is switched again and the same process is repeated.

[0080] The position switching of the supply unit can be implemented in various ways. For example, it is possible to swap the positions of the cathode and anode supply units using a sliding structure, replace the supply device itself, or simply exchange the contents.

[0081] This configuration enables the continuous operation of the process and minimizes equipment placement while maintaining consistent quality of the membrane finish by switching the supply unit so that the stacking direction, membrane position conditions, and discharge direction are naturally connected at every process stage.

[0082] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] First, the first electrode plate can be supplied to a stacking table and stacked (S710). This step forms the electrode layer corresponding to the lowest part of the electrode assembly, and can provide a structure that serves as a standard for the alternating stacking of the separator and the second electrode plate thereafter.

[0084] Next, the separator supply unit moves in a first direction so that the separator can be supplied onto the first electrode plate (S720). The separator is supplied in the form of a continuous film, and at this stage, an insulating layer between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate can be prepared.

[0085] Next, the second electrode plate is supplied to the stacking table and can be stacked on the separator (S730). In this step, the second electrode plate is placed on the separator in an aligned state, thereby forming an insulating structure that prevents short circuits between electrodes.

[0086] Next, the separator supply unit moves in a second direction so that the separator can also be supplied onto the second electrode plate (S740). In this way, preparation for stacking the first electrode plate again can be completed, and the alternating stacking structure of the first electrode plate-separator-second electrode plate-separator can be repeated.

[0087] These stacking steps can be repeated until a set number of stacks or a target thickness is reached, and the control unit can determine whether the stacking step is finished (S750). When stacking is completed, the separator supply unit can perform an operation of reciprocating in a horizontal direction to cover the upper surface of the final electrode plate with the separator (S760). At this time, the separator can be formed in a maximum of two layers or less, and the upper surface of the electrode can be finished without a conventional winding method.

[0088] Afterward, the electrode assembly with completed stacking can be transferred from the stacking table to the transfer table (S770). The transfer process is a preparatory process for performing the next step, and the stacked body can be moved stably in a horizontal direction while maintaining its alignment.

[0089] The transferred electrode assembly can be cut so that the separator becomes a predetermined length (S780). This cutting process is intended to remove excess separator and leave a length sufficient to cover the outermost electrode, and the cutting position can be adjusted according to the separator supply distance and the size of the stack.

[0090] The electrode assembly, once the cutting is complete, can be transferred to a pressurizing unit. The pressurizing unit may consist of a heater and a pressure plate, and can fix the cut separator to the upper surface of the laminate using heat and pressure.

[0091] In the above-mentioned pressurizing part, the remaining separator can be pressed to be attached to the upper surface of the outermost first electrode plate, and if necessary, a finishing layer can be formed by closely covering even a part of the side to prevent electrode exposure (S790).

[0092] This allows for the simultaneous securing of insulation and external stability, and enables smooth integration with subsequent packaging or electrolyte injection processes.

[0093] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention, characterized by including an electrode supply direction switching process.

[0094] First, the first electrode plate is supplied to the stacking table and stacked (S810). This step forms the base layer of the electrode assembly and serves as a reference layer for the separator and the second electrode plate to be stacked sequentially thereafter.

[0095] Next, the separator supply unit moves in the first direction to supply a separator onto the first electrode plate (S820). The supplied separator acts as a layer that insulates the space between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate, and is positioned in a predetermined location while controlling the film tension.

[0096] After that, the second electrode plate is supplied to the stacking table and stacked (S830). The second electrode plate is placed on the separator in an aligned state, and an alternating stacking structure is formed.

[0097] Next, the separator supply unit moves in the second direction so that the separator is supplied onto the second electrode plate as well (S840). This completes the preparation for supplying the next first electrode plate, and the alternating structure of electrode-separator-electrode-separator is repeated.

[0098] These stacking steps are repeated until a set number of electrodes or a target thickness is reached, and whether the stacking step has ended is determined in the judgment step (S850). If repetition is required, the process returns to step S810 to continue stacking, and if stacking is completed, the process proceeds to the next step.

[0099] When the stacking step is completed, the position of the electrode supply unit is switched (S860). This step can be performed by swapping the physical arrangement of the first electrode plate supply unit and the second electrode plate supply unit, or by reversing the electrode supply direction by switching only the type of electrode being supplied. For example, if the left supply unit supplied the first electrode plate and the right supply unit supplied the second electrode plate in the previous process, in this step, their positions or roles are changed so that the second electrode plate is supplied from the left and the first electrode plate is supplied from the right. This switching can be implemented in various forms, such as mechanical movement using a sliding rail, replacement of the supply device itself, or replacement of only the contents inside the supply cartridge.

[0100] By switching the electrode supply position, a new stacking sequence can be naturally connected based on the direction in which the separator supply unit was located at the end of the entire process. In particular, due to the structural characteristics of secondary batteries, the same electrode (e.g., negative electrode) must always be located at both ends of the electrode assembly; consequently, alignment between the initial position of the separator supply unit and the electrode supply sequence is required. Therefore, the switching of the supply unit position in this step takes into account the swing direction of the separator, the discharge direction, and the continuity of the starting electrode for stacking.

[0101] This switching of the supply position allows the double stacking position of the separator to be adjusted to the desired direction, either upper or lower, and simultaneously achieves material savings and structural simplification by preventing unnecessary redundant finishing. Furthermore, since the electrode supply direction is regularly switched with each repetition of the stacking process, there is the advantage of maintaining a seamless process flow throughout the entire line.

[0102] It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit and essential features of the invention.

[0103] The foregoing detailed description should not be interpreted restrictively in all respects and should be considered exemplary. The scope of the invention shall be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention are included within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A stacking table in which an electrode stack is formed by alternately stacking a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and a separator; Electrode plate supply units located on both sides of the stacking table and alternately supplying the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate to the stacking table; A separator supply unit located on the upper side of the stacking table and supplying the separator so that the separator is positioned between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate; Includes, The above membrane supply unit An electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus characterized by horizontally reciprocating around the stacking table and supplying the separator in a continuous film shape, and moving to cover the first electrode plate stacked on the outermost edge of the first electrode plates with a separator of up to two layers or less.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above electrode plate supply unit It includes a first electrode plate supply unit located on the first direction side of the stacking table and supplying a first electrode plate, and a second electrode plate supply unit located on the second direction side of the stacking table and supplying a second electrode plate. The above membrane supply unit An electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus characterized by moving in a first direction after the first electrode plate is supplied to the stacking table, moving in a second direction after the second electrode plate is supplied to the stacking table to supply the separator, and reciprocating from the first direction to the second direction after the first electrode plate to be last stacked among the first electrode plates is supplied.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above electrode plate supply unit It includes a first electrode plate supply unit located in the second direction of the stacking table and supplying a first electrode plate, and a second electrode plate supply unit located in the first direction of the stacking table and supplying a second electrode plate. The above membrane supply unit An electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus characterized by moving in a second direction after the first electrode plate is supplied to the stacking table, moving in a first direction after the second electrode plate is supplied to the stacking table to supply the separator, and moving in a first direction before the first electrode plate to be stacked first among the first electrode plates is supplied.

4. In Paragraph 1, A transfer table located adjacent to the first direction of the stacking table above; A transfer unit for transferring the electrode stack from the stacking table to the transfer table; and An electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus characterized by further including a cutting section located between the stacking table and the transfer table and cutting the separator.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above electrode plate supply unit An electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus characterized by swapping the position where the first electrode plate is supplied and the position where the second electrode plate is supplied after the above electrode stack is formed.

6. In Paragraph 5, A transfer table located adjacent to the stacking table; and Further comprising a transfer unit for transferring the electrode stack from the stacking table to the transfer table, The position of the above transfer table is An electrode assembly manufacturing device characterized by being determined based on the position where the first electrode plate is supplied.

7. Includes an electrode laminate in which a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, and a separator are alternately stacked, and The above separator is An electrode assembly characterized by being located between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate, which are folded in a zigzag pattern in a continuous film shape and alternately stacked, and covering the first electrode plate stacked at the outermost edge of the electrode stack with a maximum of two layers or less.

8. Step of stacking the first electrode plate on the stacking table; A step of moving a separator supply unit to stack a continuous film-shaped separator so that it is attached to the first electrode plate; A step of stacking a second electrode plate on the stacking table above; An electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus comprising the step of stacking the separator membranes by having the separator membrane supply unit perform horizontal reciprocating motion so that the separator membranes overlap on their own.

9. In Paragraph 8, A step of preparing the above-mentioned separator supply unit to be positioned on the upper side of the second direction of the stacking table; A step of stacking a first electrode plate on a stacking table in a first direction of the stacking table; Step of moving the membrane supply unit in the first direction; A step of stacking a second electrode plate on the stacking table in a second direction of the stacking table; Step of moving the above membrane supply unit in a second direction; A step of stacking the outermost first electrode plate among the first electrode plates above; A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly comprising the step of the above-mentioned separator supply unit reciprocating from a first direction to a second direction.

10. In Paragraph 9, A step of transferring the electrode stack from the stacking table to the transfer table; A step of cutting the above separator to a predetermined length; A step of transferring the above-mentioned electric laminate to a pressurizing unit; A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly, further comprising the step of applying pressure to the cut separator in the above-mentioned pressure section to attach it to the outermost first electrode plate.

11. In Paragraph 8, A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly characterized by further including the step of swapping the position where the first electrode plate is supplied with the position where the second electrode plate is supplied.

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