Electrode assembly and apparatus for manufacturing electrode assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrode assembly comprising electrodes and separators, and to an apparatus for manufacturing same electrode assembly. An electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a first separator; a first electrode having one surface in contact with the first separator; a second separator having one surface in contact with an opposite surface of the first electrode; a second electrode having a polarity different from that of the first electrode and having one surface in contact with an opposite surface of the second separator; and a plurality of attachment tapes attached to the first separator, the first electrode, the second separator, and the second electrode so as to couple same together, wherein the first and second separators are wider than the first and second electrodes, widthwise edges of the first and second separators include an adhered portion where the edges are bonded to each other and a non-adhered portion where the edges are not bonded to each other, and the non-adhered portion may not overlap with the plurality of attachment tapes.

Description

Electrode assembly and electrode assembly manufacturing device

[0001] Cross-citation with related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0191524 filed on December 19, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the document of said Korean Patent Application are incorporated herein as part of this specification.

[0003] Technology field

[0004] The present invention relates to an electrode assembly comprising an electrode and a separator, and an apparatus for manufacturing the electrode assembly.

[0005] The secondary battery is a battery capable of repeated charging and discharging, and may have a structure in which an electrode assembly and an electrolyte are housed in a sealed space inside an outer casing. The electrode assembly has a shape in which multiple electrodes and separators are alternately stacked, and a fixing member capable of fixing them may be attached to the outer surface of the electrode assembly.

[0006] The above electrode assembly structure is disclosed in the prior art patent document KR 10-1820442 B1. FIG. 2 of KR 10-1820442 B1 illustrates a structure in which an adhesive tape (43) is attached to the outer surface of an electrode assembly in which electrodes (10, 20) and a separator (30) are alternately stacked. In particular, the separator (30) is formed with a wider width than the electrodes (10, 20), so the edge portion in the width direction of the separator (30) is folded. At this time, the end portion in the width direction of the electrodes (10, 20) is wrapped by an adjacent pair of separators (30), so that the corresponding portion is not exposed to the electrolyte.

[0007] In secondary batteries, it is important for the electrode to be sufficiently impregnated with the electrolyte within a short period of time. If the impregnation of the electrolyte is poor, the electrolyte cannot reach the active material particles on the electrode surface, and the movement of ions is inhibited, resulting in a decrease in current. Furthermore, if the impregnation of the electrolyte is poor, the productivity of the secondary battery is reduced, and it is necessary to improve the impregnation of the electrolyte to maintain an overall balance of secondary battery characteristics.

[0008] The present invention was devised in recognition of the above-mentioned problems, and the objective of the present invention is to provide an electrode assembly with improved electrolyte impregnation of an electrode interposed between separators and an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing such an electrode assembly.

[0009] An electrode assembly according to the present invention comprises: a first separator; a first electrode having one surface in contact with the first separator; a second separator having one surface in contact with the other surface of the first electrode; a second electrode having a polarity different from that of the first electrode and having one surface in contact with the other surface of the second separator; and a plurality of adhesive tapes attached to the first separator, the first electrode, the second separator, and the second electrode to combine them, wherein the first and second separators have a wider width than the first and second electrodes, and the width-direction edges of the first and second separators include an adhesive portion that is bonded to each other and a non-adhesive portion that is not bonded to each other, and the non-adhesive portion may not overlap with the plurality of adhesive tapes.

[0010] A plurality of non-adhesive portions may be formed between adjacent pairs of the attachment tape-attached portions among the width-direction edges of the first and second separators.

[0011] The distance between the center lines of a pair of adjacent attachment tapes may be 100mm to 120mm.

[0012] Three non-adhesive portions may be formed between adjacent pairs of the attachment tape-attached portions among the width-direction edges of the first and second separators.

[0013] The width of each of the above non-adhesive portions may be 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm.

[0014] The above adhesive tape may include a film of PET material with an adhesive layer formed on one surface.

[0015] Meanwhile, the electrode assembly manufacturing device according to the present invention comprises: a first supply unit that supplies a first material, composed of a first separator in a sheet shape extending in one direction and a plurality of first electrodes spaced apart at a predetermined interval along the length direction of the first separator, to an adhesive stage where an adhesive process is performed; a second supply unit that supplies a second material, composed of a second separator in a sheet shape extending in one direction and a plurality of second electrodes spaced apart at a predetermined interval along the length direction of the second separator, to the adhesive stage; an adhesive unit provided on the adhesive stage and adhesively bonding a portion of the parts facing each other among the first separator and the second separator to form an adhesive portion on the first separator and the second separator; and a cutting unit that cuts the first separator and the second separator along the centerline of the adhesive portion to form a laminate in which the first separator, the first electrode, the second separator, and the second electrode are sequentially stacked. The apparatus includes a taping unit that attaches a plurality of tapes to the laminate so that the first separator, the first electrode, the second separator, and the second electrode constituting the laminate are combined, and the taping unit can attach the plurality of tapes to the laminate such that the non-adhesive portions of the first separator and the second separator that are not adhered to each other are non-overlapping with the plurality of tapes.

[0016] The second supply unit can supply the second material to the upper side of the first material so that the first material and the second material overlap each other at the adhesive stage.

[0017] The adhesive unit may include a cylindrical body that rotates by a motor; and a plurality of protrusions formed protruding from the surface of the body and spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the body.

[0018] The above protrusion may include a first protrusion provided on one side in the longitudinal direction of the body; a second protrusion spaced apart from the first protrusion at a predetermined distance in the longitudinal direction of the body; and a third protrusion spaced apart from the second protrusion at a predetermined distance in the longitudinal direction of the body.

[0019] Each of the first to third protrusions may include a coupling plate coupled to the body; and a plurality of protruding tips formed protruding from the coupling plate and spaced apart at a predetermined interval along the longitudinal direction of the body.

[0020] The distance between the first protrusion and the second protrusion may be the same as the distance between the second protrusion and the third protrusion.

[0021] The distance between the first protrusion and the second protrusion may be the same as the distance between adjacent protrusion tips.

[0022] According to an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, only a portion of the width-direction edges of the first and second separators may be bonded to each other. That is, a non-adhesive portion may be formed on the width-direction edges of the first and second separators. Since this non-adhesive portion does not overlap with the adhesive tape, the electrolyte may flow into the electrode through the non-adhesive portion, thereby providing an advantageous effect of improving the electrolyte impregnation of the electrode interposed between the first and second separators.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the electrode assembly of Figure 1 cut in the AA' direction.

[0025] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the electrode assembly of Figure 1 cut in the BB' direction.

[0026] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the difference in electrolyte impregnation between an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention and comparative examples.

[0027] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating that an adhesive unit rolls to bond the first separator and the second separator.

[0029] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining that as the adhesive unit rolls, non-adhesive and adhesive portions are formed on parts of the first and second separators.

[0030] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the adhesive unit.

[0031] Figure 9 is a drawing for explaining the structure of the first protrusion of the adhesive unit.

[0032] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining the structure of the second protrusion of the adhesive unit.

[0033] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining the structure of the third protrusion of the adhesive unit.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037]

[0038] electrode assembly

[0039] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the electrode assembly of FIG. 1 taken in the AA' direction. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the electrode assembly of FIG. 1 taken in the BB' direction.

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the electrode assembly (10) according to the present invention may include a first separator (11), a first electrode (12) with one side in contact with the first separator (11), a second separator (13) with one side in contact with the other side of the first electrode (12), a second electrode (14) having a polarity different from that of the first electrode (12) and with one side in contact with the other side of the second separator (13), and a plurality of attachment tapes (17) attached to the first separator (11), the first electrode (12), the second separator (13), and the second electrode (14) to combine them.

[0041] At this time, the first and second separators (11, 13) have a wider width than the first and second electrodes (12, 14), and the edge portions in the width direction of the first and second separators (11, 13) may include an adhesive portion (15) that is bonded to each other and a non-adhesive portion (16) that is not bonded to each other. Additionally, the non-adhesive portion (16) may not overlap with a plurality of adhesive tapes (17).

[0042] In this case, since only a portion of the widthwise edges of the first and second separators (11, 13) are bonded to each other, a non-bonded portion (16) that is not bonded to each other can be formed on the widthwise edges of the first and second separators (11, 13). Since this non-bonded portion (16) does not overlap with the adhesive tape (17), the electrolyte can flow into the first electrode (12) through the free volume between the non-bonded portions (16). Therefore, the electrode assembly (10) according to the present invention has the advantageous effect of not impairing the electrolyte impregnation of the electrode (12) interposed between the first and second separators (11, 13).

[0043] The first and second separators (11, 13) are films that separate the electrodes (12, 14) from each other and may be composed of an insulating material. For example, each of the first and second separators (11, 13) may be composed of a polymer resin material such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP).

[0044] The first and second electrodes (12, 14) are electrodes having different polarities, and one of the first and second electrodes (12, 14) may be an anode and the other may be a cathode. At this time, the size and shape of the anode and the cathode may be formed in various ways. For example, both the anode and the cathode may have a multilayer sheet structure in which an active material is coated on a metal substrate, and the cathode may have a larger cross-sectional area than the anode.

[0045] The positive electrode comprises a positive current collector and a positive active material coated on the positive current collector, and the positive-free region of the positive current collector, where the positive active material is not coated, can serve as a positive tab. In this case, the positive tab can be electrically connected to the positive lead. Meanwhile, the negative electrode comprises a negative current collector and a negative active material coated on the negative current collector, and the negative-free region of the negative current collector, where the negative active material is not coated, can serve as a negative tab. In this case, the negative tab can be electrically connected to the negative lead.

[0046] The attachment tape (17) is attached to a laminate in which a first separator (11), a first electrode (12), a second separator (13), and a second electrode (14) are sequentially stacked, and is configured to fix the positions of these (11, 12, 13, 14), and can be attached to various positions of the laminate. For example, the attachment tape (17) is a tape that winds the laminate in the width direction, and can be attached to the laminate in multiple numbers.

[0047] In particular, the distance between the center lines of these multiple adhesive tapes (17) may be 100 mm to 120 mm. Additionally, the multiple adhesive tapes (17) may be attached to the laminate so as not to overlap with the non-adhesive portion (16) described later.

[0048] Meanwhile, this attachment tape (17) can be made of various materials. For example, the attachment tape (17) may be a film of PET material with an adhesive layer formed on one side. When the attachment tape (17) is made of a film of PET material, it has high electrical insulation properties, which has the advantageous effect of preventing the first and second electrodes (12, 14) from being energized through the attachment tape (17).

[0049] The first and second separators (11, 13) have a long sheet shape and are each wound into a roll shape and must be unwound by an unwinder before being combined with the first and second electrodes (12, 14). After the first separator (11) having a sheet shape is unwound, the first electrode (12) can be placed on one side of the first separator (11).

[0050] Additionally, after the second separator (13) having a sheet shape is unwound, a second electrode (13) may be placed on one side of the second separator (13). Subsequently, a first material composed of a first separator (11) and a first electrode (12) and a second material composed of a second separator (13) and a second electrode (14) may be combined to form a laminate. An adhesive tape (17) may be attached to this laminate.

[0051] Meanwhile, the first and second separators (11, 13) may have a wider cross-sectional area than the first and second electrodes (12, 14). In particular, the first and second separators (11, 13) may have a wider width than the first and second electrodes (12, 14). When the aforementioned first material and second material are combined to form a laminate, the width-direction edges of the first and second separators (11, 13) may be joined together and folded to one side.

[0052] When the widthwise edges of the first and second separators (11, 13) are joined and folded, the widthwise ends of the first electrode (12) interposed between the first and second separators (11, 13) can be wrapped by the first and second separators (11, 13). When the electrode assembly (10) is accommodated in the internal space of the secondary battery together with the electrolyte, the widthwise ends of the first electrode (12) do not come into direct contact with the electrolyte, so the electrolyte impregnation of the first electrode (12) may be reduced.

[0053] In order to solve the above problem, the electrode assembly (10) according to the present invention may combine only a portion of the width-direction edges of the first and second separators (11, 13) and not combine the remainder. Specifically, both an adhesive portion (15) that is bonded to each other and a non-adhesive portion (16) that is not bonded to each other may be formed on the width-direction edges of the first and second separators (11, 13).

[0054] The adhesive portion (15) is a bonded part of the widthwise edge of the first and second separator membranes (11, 13), and can be formed by pressing a part of the widthwise edge of the first and second separator membranes (11, 13) with a high-temperature pressurizing member. That is, the adhesive portion (15) may be a part of the widthwise edge of the first and second separator membranes (11, 13) that is heat-fused to each other.

[0055] The non-adhesive portion (16) may be a part of the width-direction edge of the first and second separator membranes (11, 13) that is not adhered. That is, while the adhesive portion (15) is heat-fused by being pressed by a high-temperature pressurizing member, the non-adhesive portion (16) may be a part that is not pressed. That is, unlike the adhesive portion (15), the non-adhesive portion (16) is not heated or pressed, so it may have a relatively thicker thickness compared to the adhesive portion (15).

[0056] The widthwise edges of the first and second separators (11, 13) are folded with an adhesive portion (15) and a non-adhesive portion (16) formed therein, and an adhesive tape (17) may be attached thereto. Specifically, the widthwise edges of the first and second separators (11, 13) are folded to one side, and the adhesive tape (17) can maintain the folded state of the widthwise edges of the first and second separators (11, 13).

[0057] In this case, the total volume of the electrode assembly (10) is reduced, and the energy density can be improved. In particular, since the non-adhesive portion (16) is non-overlapping with the adhesive tape (17), the adhesive tape (17) may not apply pressure to the non-adhesive portion (16). That is, the widthwise edges of the first and second separators (11, 13) are not adhered to each other at the non-adhesive portion (16), and no pressure is applied by the adhesive tape (17) therein.

[0058] Accordingly, a certain gap may be formed between the first and second separators (11, 13) constituting the non-adhesive portion (16), and when the electrode assembly (10) is accommodated in the internal space of the secondary battery together with the electrolyte, the electrolyte may flow into the interior through the gap. That is, the electrolyte may flow into the first electrode (12) interposed between the first and second separators (11, 13) through this gap, thereby preventing the electrolyte impregnation of the first electrode (12).

[0059] Meanwhile, a plurality of non-adhesive portions (16) may be formed on the width-direction edges of the first and second separators (11, 13). In particular, a plurality of non-adhesive portions (16) may be formed between adjacent pairs of attachment tapes (17) attached to the width-direction edges of the first and second separators (11, 13). For example, three non-adhesive portions (16) may be formed between adjacent pairs of attachment tapes (17) attached to the width-direction edges of the first and second separators (11, 13).

[0060] In addition, the number of non-adhesive portions (16) formed on the widthwise edges of the first and second separators (11, 13) and the width of each non-adhesive portion (16) can be varied according to the specifications of the electrode assembly (10). At this time, the widthwise length of the non-adhesive portion (16) may refer to the short-side length of the non-adhesive portion (16).

[0061] For example, the short side length of the first and second separators (11, 13) constituting the electrode assembly (10) is 107 to 109 mm, the long side length of the first and second separators (11, 13) is 540 to 550 mm, and a total of 12 non-adhesive portions (16) may be formed on the width-direction edges of the first and second separators (11, 13). At this time, the non-adhesive portions (16) may be formed to be 2.1 mm to 2.3 mm thicker than the adhesive portions (15).

[0062] At this time, a total of five adhesive tapes (17) are attached along the longitudinal direction of the electrode assembly (10), and the spacing between the adhesive tapes (17) may be 90 to 100 mm. In this case, three non-adhesive portions (16) are formed between the parts where adjacent pairs of adhesive tapes (17) are attached among the widthwise edges of the first and second separators (11, 13), and the width of each non-adhesive portion (16) may be 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm.

[0063] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the difference in electrolyte impregnation between an electrode assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention and comparative examples.

[0064] Figure 4 illustrates the width of the non-adhesive portion and the lithium ion deposition area of ​​Comparative Examples 1 to 3 and the Example, respectively. Comparative Examples 1 to 3 and the Example are intended to compare the difference in the total width of the non-adhesive portion of the electrode assembly and the lithium ion deposition rate with respect to the formation location of the non-adhesive portion. Comparative Examples 1 to 3 and the Example all have the same specifications for the electrode assembly, and differ only in the widthwise length of the non-adhesive portion formed at the edge of the separator and the formation location of the non-adhesive portion.

[0065] Specifically, in Comparative Examples 1 to 3 and the Examples, the specifications of the separator constituting the electrode assembly are all the same. In Comparative Examples 1 to 3 and the Examples, the long side length of the separator constituting the electrode assembly is 545 mm, and the short side length of the separator is 108.5 mm. In Comparative Examples 1 to 3 and the Examples, a non-adhesive portion is formed at the edge portion of the separator constituting the electrode assembly, and the non-adhesive portion may be formed 2.2 mm thinner than the adhesive portion.

[0066] In the case of Comparative Example 1, the total widthwise length of the non-adhesive portion formed on the edge of the separator is 4 mm. In the case of Comparative Example 3, the total widthwise length of the non-adhesive portion formed on the edge of the separator is 30 mm. In the case of Comparative Example 2, the total widthwise length of the non-adhesive portion formed on the edge of the separator is 12 mm. At this time, the non-adhesive portions of Comparative Examples 1 and 2 do not overlap with the adhesive tape, and some of the non-adhesive portions of Comparative Example 2 may overlap with the adhesive tape. That is, in Comparative Example 3, the portion constituting the non-adhesive portion of a pair of separators may be pressed toward each other by the adhesive tape.

[0067] On the other hand, the embodiment is an example of an electrode assembly (10) according to the present invention, and the total widthwise length of the non-adhesive portion (16) formed on the edge portion of the separator (11, 13) is 36 mm. In addition, a total of 12 such non-adhesive portions (16) are formed on the edge portion of the separator (11, 13), and the widthwise length of each non-adhesive portion (16) is 3 mm. In addition, all 12 non-adhesive portions (16) are not pressed by an adhesive tape (17).

[0068] Referring to FIG. 4, in the electrode assembly of Comparative Example 1, 10,070 mm 2 Lithium ion precipitation was observed, and in the electrode assembly of Comparative Example 2, 10,419 mm 2 Lithium ion precipitation was observed. In addition, in the electrode assembly of Comparative Example 3, 8,122 mm 2Lithium ion precipitation was observed. On the other hand, in the electrode assembly (10) of the example, 6,233 mm 2 The precipitation of lithium ions was observed.

[0069] That is, the electrode assembly (10) according to the embodiment is provided with a separator (11, 13) having a long side length of 545 mm and a short side length of 108.5 mm, and the thickness of the non-adhesive portion (16) of the separator (11, 13) is 2.2 mm thinner than the thickness of the adhesive portion (15), and significantly less lithium ion deposition was observed compared to Comparative Examples 1 to 3, so it can be seen that the electrolyte impregnation of the first electrode (12) provided between the separator (11, 13) is superior.

[0070]

[0071] Electrode assembly manufacturing device

[0072] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating that an adhesive unit rolls to bond a first separator and a second separator. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating that as the adhesive unit rolls, a non-adhesive portion and an adhesive portion are formed on a part of the first separator and the second separator.

[0073] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus (100) according to the present invention comprises: a first supply unit (110) that supplies a first material (1), composed of a first separator (11) in a sheet shape extending in one direction and a plurality of first electrodes (12) spaced apart at a predetermined interval along the length direction of the first separator (11), to an adhesive stage (140) where an adhesive process is performed; and a second supply unit (120) that supplies a second material (2), composed of a second separator (13) in a sheet shape extending in one direction and a plurality of second electrodes (14) spaced apart at a predetermined interval along the length direction of the second separator (13), to an adhesive stage (140). It may include an adhesive unit (130) provided on an adhesive stage (140) and forming an adhesive portion (15) on the first separator (11) and the second separator (13) by adhesively bonding a portion of the parts facing each other among the first separator (11) and the second separator (13); a cutting unit that cuts the first separator (11) and the second separator (13) along the centerline of the adhesive portion (15) to form a laminate in which the first separator (11), the first electrode (12), the second separator (13), and the second electrode (14) are sequentially stacked; and a taping unit that attaches a plurality of tapes (17) to the laminate so that the first separator (11), the first electrode (12), the second separator (13), and the second electrode (14) constituting the laminate are joined.

[0074] At this time, the taping unit can attach a plurality of tapes (17) to the laminate so that the non-adhesive portion (16) of the first separator (11) and the second separator (13) that are not bonded to each other and the plurality of tapes (17) do not overlap.

[0075] In the case of an electrode assembly (10) manufactured by the electrode assembly manufacturing device (100) according to the present invention, only a portion of the width-direction edges of the first and second separators (11, 13) are bonded to each other, so a non-bonded portion (16) that is not bonded to each other can be formed on the width-direction edges of the first and second separators (11, 13). Since this non-bonded portion (16) does not overlap with the adhesive tape (17), the electrolyte can flow into the first electrode (12) through the free volume between the non-bonded portions (16). Therefore, the electrode assembly (10) according to the present invention has the advantageous effect of not impeding the electrolyte of the electrode (12) interposed between the first and second separators (11, 13).

[0076] The first supply unit (110) supplies a first material (1), which is composed of a first separator (11) in the shape of a sheet extending in one direction and a plurality of first electrodes (12) spaced apart at a predetermined interval along the length direction of the first separator (11), to an adhesive stage (140), and can be configured in various ways. For example, the first supply unit (110) may be a plurality of transfer rollers that supply the first material (1) to the adhesive stage (140).

[0077] The second supply unit (120) can be configured in various ways to supply a second material (2) to an adhesive stage (140), which is composed of a second separator (13) in the shape of a sheet extending in one direction and a plurality of second electrodes (14) that are spaced apart at a predetermined interval along the length direction of the second separator (13). For example, the second supply unit (120) may be a plurality of transfer rollers that supply the second material (2) to the adhesive stage (140).

[0078] Meanwhile, the second supply unit (120) can supply the second material (2) to the upper side of the first material (1) so that the aforementioned first material (1) and second material (2) overlap each other at the adhesive stage (140). For example, the second supply unit (120) may be a plurality of transfer rollers, and these plurality of transfer rollers may be provided on the upper side of the first supply unit (110).

[0079] The adhesive stage (140) is a stage where an adhesive process is performed to adhesive a portion of the parts facing each other between a first separator (11) included in the first material (1) and a second separator (13) included in the second material (2), and can be configured in various ways. For example, the adhesive stage (140) may be in the shape of a flat plate, and an adhesive unit (130) may be provided on the upper part of the adhesive stage (140) to adhesively bond the first separator (11) and the second separator (13) by applying pressure to a portion of the parts facing each other.

[0080] The adhesive unit (130) forms an adhesive portion (15) on the first separator (11) and the second separator (13) by bonding a portion of the portions facing each other among the first separator (11) and the second separator (13). It may be a unit that forms an adhesive portion (15) by applying heat and pressure to a portion of the portions facing each other among the first separator (11) and the second separator (13) to form a heat-fused adhesive portion (15).

[0081] The adhesive unit (130) is a roller having protrusions formed thereon, and can form an adhesive portion (15) in a part of the rolling area shown in FIG. 6. While the adhesive unit (130) is rolling, the portion of the rolling area that is pressed by the protrusions formed on the adhesive unit (130) can be heat-fused to form an adhesive portion (15). Since the protrusions are spaced apart at a predetermined interval, the portion that is not pressed by the protrusions is not heat-fused and remains in a non-adhesive state, so that the portion can become a non-adhesive portion (16).

[0082] FIG. 7 illustrates the appearance after the adhesive unit (130) has rolled over the rolling area. A plurality of adhesive portions (15) and a plurality of non-adhesive portions (16) may be formed in the rolling area, which is part of the portions facing each other among the first separator (11) and the second separator (13).

[0083] A cutting unit (not shown) cuts the first separator (11) and the second separator (13) along the centerline of the adhesive portion (15) to form a laminate in which the first separator (11), the first electrode (12), the second separator (13), and the second electrode (14) are sequentially stacked, and can be formed in various ways. For example, the cutting unit may be a laser cutter or a conventional cutting unit composed of an upper and a lower cutter.

[0084] A taping unit (not shown) can be formed in various ways by attaching a plurality of tapes (17) to a laminate so that the first separator (11), the first electrode (12), the second separator (13), and the second electrode (14) constituting the laminate are combined. For example, the taping unit may be a conventional tape attachment unit that attaches a tape (17) along the perimeter in the width direction of the laminate while the laminate is fixed with the first separator (11) and the second separator (12) folded to one side.

[0085] Meanwhile, FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an adhesive unit. FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining the structure of a first protrusion of an adhesive unit. FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining the structure of a second protrusion of an adhesive unit. FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining the structure of a third protrusion of an adhesive unit.

[0086] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 11, the adhesive unit (130) may include a cylindrical body (131) that rotates by a motor; and a plurality of protrusions formed protruding from the surface of the body (131) and spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the body (131).

[0087] The body (131) is connected to the rotor of the motor and rotates together with the rotor when the rotor rotates. A plurality of protrusions spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the body (131) may be formed on the surface of the body (131). These protrusions may be provided in various numbers on the body (131). For example, six groups of protrusions may be formed on the surface of the body (131), and each group of protrusions may be spaced apart from each other at equal intervals.

[0088] Each group of protrusions may include a first protrusion (132) provided on one side in the longitudinal direction of the body (131); a second protrusion (133) spaced apart from the first protrusion (132) at a predetermined distance in the longitudinal direction of the body (131); and a third protrusion (134) spaced apart from the second protrusion (133) at a predetermined distance in the longitudinal direction of the body (131). That is, six groups of protrusions are formed on the surface of the body (131), and each group of protrusions may be composed of first to third protrusions (132, 133, 134).

[0089] Meanwhile, each of the first protrusion (132) to the third protrusion (134) may include a coupling plate (132a, 133a, 134a) coupled to the body (131); and a plurality of protruding tips (132b, 133b, 134b) formed protruding from the coupling plate (132a, 133a, 134a) and spaced apart at a predetermined interval along the longitudinal direction of the body (131).

[0090] Specifically, the first protrusion (132) may include a first coupling plate (132a) coupled to the body (131) and a plurality of first protruding tips (132b) formed protruding from the first coupling plate (132a) and spaced apart at a predetermined interval along the longitudinal direction of the body (131). At this time, the plurality of first protruding tips (132b) may be configured to apply pressure to the first separator (11) and the second separator (13) when the adhesive unit (130) rolls over the rolling area to bond them.

[0091] Additionally, a void space is formed between the plurality of first protruding tips (132b), and since this part does not pressurize the rolling area, the part through which the void space formed between the plurality of first protruding tips (132b) of the first separator (11) and the second separator (13) passes can form a non-adhesive part (16).

[0092] A variety of first protruding tips (132b) may be formed on the first coupling plate (132a). For example, four first protruding tips (132b) may be formed on the first coupling plate (132a), and the spacing between the first protruding tips (132b) may all be the same. The spacing between the first protruding tips (132b) may all be between 2.5 mm and 3.5 mm, and in particular, the spacing between the first protruding tips (132b) may all be 3 mm. In this case, the widthwise length of each non-adhesive portion (16) may be 3 mm.

[0093] The second protrusion (133) may include a second coupling plate (133a) coupled to the body (131) and a plurality of second protruding tips (133b) formed protruding from the second coupling plate (133a) and spaced apart at a predetermined interval along the longitudinal direction of the body (131). At this time, the plurality of second protruding tips (133b) may be configured to apply pressure to the first separator (11) and the second separator (13) when the adhesive unit (130) rolls over the rolling area to bond them.

[0094] Additionally, a void space is formed between the plurality of second protruding tips (133b), and since this part does not pressurize the rolling area, the part through which the void space formed between the plurality of second protruding tips (133b) of the first separator (11) and the second separator (13) passes can form a non-adhesive part (16).

[0095] A variety of second protruding tips (133b) may be formed on the second coupling plate (133a). For example, five second protruding tips (133b) may be formed on the second coupling plate (133a), and the spacing between the second protruding tips (133b) may all be the same. The spacing between the second protruding tips (133b) may all be between 2.5 mm and 3.5 mm, and in particular, the spacing between the second protruding tips (133b) may all be 3 mm. In this case, the widthwise length of each non-adhesive portion (16) may be 3 mm.

[0096] The third protrusion (134) may include a third coupling plate (134a) coupled to the body (131) and a plurality of third protruding tips (134b) formed protruding from the third coupling plate (134a) and spaced apart at a predetermined interval along the longitudinal direction of the body (131). At this time, the plurality of third protruding tips (134b) may be configured to apply pressure to the first separator (11) and the second separator (13) when the adhesive unit (130) rolls over the rolling area to bond them.

[0097] Additionally, a void space is formed between the plurality of third protruding tips (134b), and since this part does not pressurize the rolling area, the part through which the void space formed between the plurality of third protruding tips (134b) of the first separator (11) and the second separator (13) passes can form a non-adhesive part (16).

[0098] A variety of third protruding tips (134b) may be formed on the third coupling plate (134a). For example, four third protruding tips (134b) may be formed on the third coupling plate (134a), and the spacing between the third protruding tips (134b) may all be the same. The spacing between the third protruding tips (134b) may all be between 2.5 mm and 3.5 mm, and in particular, the spacing between the third protruding tips (134b) may all be 3 mm. In this case, the widthwise length of each non-adhesive portion (16) may be 3 mm.

[0099] Meanwhile, the first to third protruding tips (132b, 133b, 134b) may have various thicknesses. For example, the first to third protruding tips (132b, 133b, 134b) may have a thickness of 2.2 mm, in which case the thickness of the adhesive portion (15) that is pressed and bonded to each other by the first to third protruding tips (132b, 133b, 134b) among the first separator (11) and the second separator (13) may be 2.2 mm thinner than the thickness of the non-adhesive portion (16) that is not pressed by the first to third protruding tips (132b, 133b, 134b).

[0100] The first protrusion (132), the second protrusion (133), and the third protrusion (134) may be spaced apart from each other, and the distance between the first protrusion (132) and the second protrusion (133) may be the same as the distance between the second protrusion (133) and the third protrusion (134). That is, the first to third protrusions (132, 133, 134) may be arranged at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction of the body (131).

[0101] In this case, empty spaces may be formed between the first protrusion (132) and the second protrusion (133), and between the second protrusion (133) and the third protrusion (134). Since these parts do not pressurize the rolling area, the parts through which the empty spaces formed between the first protrusion (132) and the second protrusion (133), and between the second protrusion (133) and the third protrusion (134) pass may form a non-adhesive part (16).

[0102] Additionally, the distance between the first protrusion (132) and the second protrusion (133) may be the same as the distance between the first protrusion tips (132b). The distance may be the same as the distance between the second protrusion tips (133b) and the distance between the third protrusion tips (134b). The distance between the first to third protrusions (132, 133, 134) may be 3mm. In this case, the width direction length of each non-adhesive part (16) may be 3mm.

[0103]

[0104] 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.

[0105]

[0106] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0107] 10: Electrode assembly 11: First electrode

[0108] 12: First separator 13: Second electrode

[0109] 14: Second separator 15: Connection

[0110] 16: Non-adhesive part 17: Adhesive tape

[0111] 100: Electrode assembly manufacturing device 110: First supply unit

[0112] 120: Second supply unit 130: Adhesion unit

[0113] 140: Adhesion stage

Claims

1. First separator; A first electrode having one surface in contact with the first separator; A second separator having one side in contact with the other side of the first electrode; A second electrode having a polarity different from that of the first electrode, with one side in contact with the other side of the second separator; and It includes a plurality of attachment tapes attached to the first separator, first electrode, second separator, and second electrode to combine them, The first and second separators have a wider width than the first and second electrodes, and The widthwise edges of the first and second separators include an adhesive portion bonded to each other and a non-adhesive portion not bonded to each other, and The above-mentioned non-adhesive portion is an electrode assembly that does not overlap with a plurality of the above-mentioned adhesive tapes.

2. In Claim 1, An electrode assembly having a plurality of non-adhesive portions formed between adjacent pairs of attachment tape-attached portions among the width-direction edges of the first and second separators.

3. In Claim 2, An electrode assembly in which the distance between the centerlines of a pair of adjacent attachment tapes is 100 mm to 120 mm.

4. In Claim 3, An electrode assembly having three non-adhesive portions formed between adjacent pairs of attachment tape-attached portions among the width-direction edges of the first and second separators.

5. In Claim 3, An electrode assembly in which the width of each of the above non-adhesive portions is 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm.

6. In Claim 1, The above adhesive tape is, An electrode assembly comprising a PET film having an adhesive layer formed on one surface.

7. A first supply unit that supplies a first material, comprising a first separator in the shape of a sheet extended in one direction and a plurality of first electrodes spaced apart at a predetermined interval along the length direction of the first separator, to an adhesive stage where an adhesive process is performed; A second supply unit that supplies a second material to the adhesive stage, the second material comprising a second separator in the shape of a sheet extended in one direction and a plurality of second electrodes spaced apart at a predetermined interval along the length direction of the second separator, the second material being seated on one surface of the second separator; An adhesive unit provided on the adhesive stage, which forms an adhesive portion on the first separator and the second separator by adhering a portion of the mutually facing parts of the first separator and the second separator; A cutting unit that cuts the first separator and the second separator along the centerline of the adhesive portion to form a laminate in which the first separator, the first electrode, the second separator, and the second electrode are sequentially stacked; and It includes a taping unit for attaching a plurality of tapes to the laminate so that the first separator, the first electrode, the second separator, and the second electrode constituting the laminate are combined, The above taping unit is an electrode assembly manufacturing device that attaches the plurality of tapes to the laminate so that the plurality of tapes are non-overlapping with the non-adhesive portions of the first separator and the second separator that are not adhered to each other.

8. In Claim 7, The above second supply unit is an electrode assembly manufacturing device that supplies the second material to the upper side of the first material so that the first material and the second material overlap each other at the adhesive stage.

9. In Claim 7, The above adhesive unit is, A cylindrical body that rotates by a motor; and An electrode assembly manufacturing device comprising a plurality of protrusions formed protruding from the surface of the body and spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the body.

10. In Claim 9, The above protrusion is, A first protrusion provided on one side in the longitudinal direction of the above body; A second protrusion spaced apart from the first protrusion at a predetermined interval in the longitudinal direction of the body; and An electrode assembly manufacturing device comprising a third protrusion spaced apart from the second protrusion at a predetermined interval in the longitudinal direction of the body.

11. In Claim 10, Each of the above first to third protrusions is, A coupling plate coupled to the above body; and An electrode assembly manufacturing device comprising a plurality of protruding tips formed protruding from the above-mentioned coupling plate and spaced apart at a predetermined interval along the longitudinal direction of the body.

12. In Claim 11, An electrode assembly manufacturing device in which the distance between the first protrusion and the second protrusion is the same as the distance between the second protrusion and the third protrusion.

13. In Claim 12, An electrode assembly manufacturing device in which the distance between the first protrusion and the second protrusion is the same as the distance between adjacent protrusion tips.

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