Electrode manufacturing method

Abstract

The technical idea of the present invention provides an electrode manufacturing method comprising: a notching step of notching an electrode sheet; a slitting step of slitting the electrode sheet; and a cutting step of cutting the electrode sheet.

Description

Electrode manufacturing method

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an electrode.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0188724 dated December 17, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the document of said Korean patent application are incorporated herein as part of this specification.

[0003] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries are capable of multiple charge-discharge cycles. Secondary batteries are widely used as energy sources for various wireless devices, such as handsets, laptops, and cordless vacuum cleaners. A secondary battery may include an electrode assembly disposed within a battery case, and the electrode assembly may include multiple electrodes spaced apart from each other by a separator, and the multiple electrodes may include a negative electrode and a positive electrode. The electrode assembly may have a stacked structure in which negative and positive electrodes are alternately stacked. As the demand for secondary batteries increases, various studies are being conducted to improve the productivity of the electrode manufacturing process for producing electrodes for secondary batteries.

[0004] The problem that the technical concept of the present invention aims to solve is to provide a method for manufacturing an electrode.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned problem, the technical concept of the present invention provides a method for manufacturing an electrode comprising: a step of preparing an electrode sheet including a first retaining portion, a first non-retaining portion, a second retaining portion, a second non-retaining portion, and a third retaining portion arranged sequentially along a first direction; a notching step of performing notching on the first non-retaining portion and the second non-retaining portion; a slitting step of performing slitting on the second retaining portion; and a cutting step of cutting the electrode sheet in the first direction to separate the electrode sheet into a plurality of electrodes.

[0006] In exemplary embodiments, the width of the first retaining part along the first direction is the same as the width of the third retaining part along the first direction, and the width of the second retaining part along the first direction is greater than the width of the first retaining part along the first direction.

[0007] In exemplary embodiments, the width of the second retaining part along the first direction is at least twice the width of the first retaining part along the first direction.

[0008] In exemplary embodiments, the notching step is characterized by including cutting the first non-retaining portion to form a plurality of first tabs connected to one side of the first retaining portion and a plurality of second tabs connected to one side of the second retaining portion, and cutting the second non-retaining portion to form a plurality of third tabs connected to the other side of the second retaining portion and a plurality of fourth tabs connected to one side of the third retaining portion.

[0009] In exemplary embodiments, in the notching step, the plurality of first tabs are arranged at a first pitch, the plurality of second tabs are arranged at a second pitch identical to the first pitch, the plurality of third tabs are arranged at a third pitch identical to the first pitch, and the plurality of fourth tabs are arranged at a fourth pitch identical to the first pitch.

[0010] In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of first tabs are each spaced apart from each of the plurality of second tabs in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and the plurality of third tabs are each spaced apart from each of the plurality of fourth tabs in the second direction.

[0011] In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of first tabs are each aligned in the first direction to a corresponding one among the plurality of third tabs, and the plurality of second tabs are each aligned in the first direction to a corresponding one among the plurality of fourth tabs.

[0012] In exemplary embodiments, the slitting step is characterized by including cutting the second retainer in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction to separate the second retainer into a fourth retainer connected to the plurality of second tabs and a fifth retainer connected to the plurality of third tabs.

[0013] In exemplary embodiments, the slitting step is characterized by cutting along a slitting line that crosses the center of the second retainer along the first direction in the second direction.

[0014] In exemplary embodiments, the width of the fourth retaining part along the first direction is the same as the width of the fifth retaining part along the first direction.

[0015] In exemplary embodiments, the width of the first retaining part along the first direction, the width of the third retaining part along the first direction, the width of the fourth retaining part along the first direction, and the width of the fifth retaining part along the first direction are the same.

[0016] In exemplary embodiments, the cutting step is characterized by including separating the first retainer into a plurality of first unit retainers, each connected to a first tab; separating the fourth retainer into a plurality of second unit retainers, each connected to a second tab; separating the fifth retainer into a plurality of third unit retainers, each connected to a third tab; and separating the third retainer into a plurality of fourth unit retainers, each connected to a fourth tab.

[0017] In exemplary embodiments, the width along the second direction of each of the plurality of first unit retaining parts, the width along the second direction of each of the plurality of second unit retaining parts, the width along the second direction of each of the plurality of third unit retaining parts, and the width along the second direction of each of the plurality of fourth unit retaining parts are characterized by being identical to each other.

[0018] In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of first unit retainers each form a first electrode having a corresponding one among the plurality of first tabs, the plurality of second unit retainers each form a second electrode having a corresponding one among the plurality of second tabs, the plurality of third unit retainers each form a third electrode having a corresponding one among the plurality of third tabs, and the plurality of fourth unit retainers each form a fourth electrode having a corresponding one among the plurality of fourth tabs, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are rotationally symmetric, and the third electrode and the fourth electrode are rotationally symmetric.

[0019] According to exemplary embodiments, a large-area electrode sheet having a width approximately four times that of the electrode produced through the electrode manufacturing process can be prepared, and electrodes can be manufactured by performing notching, slitting, and cutting on the large-area electrode sheet. Accordingly, the productivity of the electrode manufacturing process can be improved.

[0020] The effects obtainable from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure belong from the following description. That is, unintended effects resulting from the implementation of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing an electrode according to exemplary embodiments.

[0022] FIGS. 2 to 6 are drawings illustrating a method for manufacturing an electrode according to exemplary embodiments.

[0023] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0024] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0025] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a method of stacking a plurality of electrodes in a method of manufacturing an electrode assembly according to exemplary embodiments.

[0026] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings. Instead, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best describe his invention, they should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0027] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention; thus, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0028] In addition, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions may obscure the essence of the invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0029] Since embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the invention to those skilled in the art, the shapes and sizes of the components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted for clearer explanation. Accordingly, the size or proportion of each component does not entirely reflect the actual size or proportion.

[0030] In this specification, the term "identical" for two values ​​means not only cases where the two values ​​completely match but also cases where they are substantially identical. That is, the term "identical" for two values ​​includes cases where the two values ​​are substantially identical, taking into account error ranges, process deviations during the manufacturing process, etc. For example, the term "identical" for two values ​​includes cases where one value is between -3% and +3% of the other value.

[0031] In this specification, pitch may refer to the distance between corresponding points of components. For example, when components are arranged in one direction, pitch may refer to the distance between the centers of the components along said one direction.

[0032]

[0033] (1st embodiment)

[0034] FIG. 1 is a flowchart illustrating an electrode manufacturing method (S100) according to exemplary embodiments. FIGS. 2 to 6 are drawings illustrating an electrode manufacturing method according to exemplary embodiments. Specifically, FIGS. 2, FIGS. 4, FIGS. 5, and FIGS. 6 are plan views illustrating an electrode manufacturing method, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along the line AA-AA' of FIG. 2. Hereinafter, an electrode manufacturing method (S100) according to exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 3, the electrode manufacturing method (S100) includes the step of preparing an electrode sheet (10) (S110).

[0036] The electrode sheet (10) may include a current collector layer (CL) and an electrode composite layer (EL). The electrode sheet (10) may have a sheet shape extending in a first direction (D1) and a second direction (D2) perpendicular to each other.

[0037] The above current collector layer (CL) may be an anode current collector. For example, the above anode current collector layer (CL) may include stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, calcined carbon, etc. The above current collector layer (CL) may be a cathode current collector. For example, the above cathode current collector layer (CL) may include copper, stainless steel, nickel, titanium, calcined carbon, etc.

[0038] The electrode composite layer (EL) may be applied to at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the current collector layer (CL). The electrode composite layer (EL) may include an electrode active material, a conductive material, a binder, and an additive. The electrode active material may include a positive electrode active material or a negative electrode active material. For example, the positive electrode active material may include a lithium metal composite oxide containing nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), and manganese (Mn). For example, the negative electrode active material may include one or more of a carbon material and a silicon material. The carbon material may refer to a carbon material having carbon atoms as its main component. The silicon material is a particle containing silicon (Si) as its main component as a metal component, and may include one or more of silicon (Si) particles and silicon oxide particles. The electrode composite layer (EL) may have a lane shape extending in a second direction (D2) parallel to the longitudinal direction of the electrode sheet (10) on the current collector layer (CL).

[0039] The electrode sheet (10) may include a first retaining portion (110), a first non-retaining portion (210), a second retaining portion (120), a second non-retaining portion (220), and a third retaining portion (130) arranged sequentially in a first direction (D1) parallel to the width direction of the electrode sheet (10). That is, the second retaining portion (120) may be located between the first retaining portion (110) and the third retaining portion (130), the first non-retaining portion (210) may be located between the first retaining portion (110) and the second retaining portion (120), and the second non-retaining portion (220) may be located between the second retaining portion (120) and the third retaining portion (130).

[0040] The first retaining portion (110), the second retaining portion (120), and the third retaining portion (130) may refer to regions of the electrode sheet (10) on which the electrode composite layer (EL) is applied on the current collector layer (CL). The first retaining portion (110), the second retaining portion (120), and the third retaining portion (130) may each have a lane shape that is continuously extended in the second direction (D2). The first non-retaining portion (210) and the second non-retaining portion (220) may refer to regions of the electrode sheet (10) on which the electrode composite layer (EL) is not applied. The first non-retaining portion (210) and the second non-retaining portion (220) may have a lane shape that is continuously extended in the second direction (D2).

[0041] The width (W1) along the first direction (D1) of the first retaining part (110) may be uniform, the width (W2) along the first direction (D1) of the second retaining part (120) may be uniform, and the width (W3) along the first direction (D1) of the third retaining part (130) may be uniform. In exemplary embodiments, the width (W1) of the first retaining part (110) and the width (W3) of the third retaining part (130) may be the same. In exemplary embodiments, the width (W2) of the second retaining part (120) may be twice the width (W1) of the first retaining part (110) or more than twice the width (W1) of the first retaining part (110). In exemplary embodiments, the width (W2) of the second retaining portion (120) may be equal to the sum of twice the width (W1) of the first retaining portion (110) and the width along the first direction (D1) of the cut area of ​​the electrode sheet (10) that is cut and removed in the subsequent slitting step (S130). The width (W4) along the first direction (D1) of the first non-retaining portion (210) may be uniform, and the width (W5) along the first direction (D1) of the second non-retaining portion (220) may be uniform. In exemplary embodiments, the width (W4) of the first non-retaining portion (210) and the width (W5) of the second non-retaining portion (220) may be equal.

[0042] In exemplary embodiments, the step of preparing an electrode sheet (10) may include a coating step of applying an electrode slurry constituting an electrode composite layer (EL) on a current collector layer (CL), a drying step of drying the electrode slurry, and a cooling step of cooling the electrode slurry after the drying step.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 4, the electrode manufacturing method (S100) includes a notching step (S120) for performing notching on the electrode sheet (10).

[0044] Step S120 may include cutting the first non-retaining portion (210 in FIG. 2) to form a plurality of first tabs (211) connected to one side of the first retaining portion (110) and a plurality of second tabs (213) connected to one side of the second retaining portion (120), and cutting the second non-retaining portion (220 in FIG. 2) to form a plurality of third tabs (231) connected to the other side of the second retaining portion (120) and a plurality of fourth tabs (233) connected to one side of the third retaining portion (130). Notching of the first non-retaining portion (210) and notching of the second non-retaining portion (220) may be performed simultaneously while the electrode sheet (10) moves along the driving direction (MD). The driving direction (MD) of the electrode sheet (10) may be parallel to the second direction (D2).

[0045] A plurality of first tabs (211) may be arranged in a second direction (D2) along one edge of the first retaining portion (110). A plurality of first tabs (211) may have the same dimensions as each other. For example, a plurality of first tabs (211) may have the same length in the first direction (D1) and the same length in the second direction (D2). A plurality of first tabs (211) may be spaced apart from each other at equal intervals. A plurality of first tabs (211) may be arranged at a first pitch (P1).

[0046] A plurality of second tabs (213) may be arranged in a second direction (D2) along one edge of the second retaining portion (120). A plurality of second tabs (213) may have the same dimensions as each other. For example, a plurality of second tabs (213) may have the same length in the first direction (D1) and the same length in the second direction (D2). A plurality of second tabs (213) may be spaced apart from each other at equal intervals. A plurality of second tabs (213) may be arranged at a second pitch (P2).

[0047] A plurality of third tabs (231) may be arranged in a second direction (D2) along the other edge of the second retaining portion (120). A plurality of third tabs (231) may have the same dimensions as each other. For example, a plurality of third tabs (231) may have the same length in the first direction (D1) and the same length in the second direction (D2). A plurality of third tabs (231) may be spaced apart from each other at equal intervals. A plurality of third tabs (231) may be arranged at a third pitch (P3).

[0048] A plurality of fourth tabs (233) may be arranged in a second direction (D2) along one edge of the third retaining portion (130). A plurality of fourth tabs (233) may have the same dimensions as each other. For example, a plurality of fourth tabs (233) may have the same length in the first direction (D1) and the same length in the second direction (D2). A plurality of fourth tabs (233) may be spaced apart from each other at equal intervals. A plurality of fourth tabs (233) may be arranged at a fourth pitch (P4).

[0049] The first tab (211), the second tab (213), the third tab (231), and the fourth tab (233) may have the same dimensions. For example, the length of the first tab (211) in the first direction (D1), the length of the second tab (213) in the first direction (D1), the length of the third tab (231) in the first direction (D1), and the length of the fourth tab (233) in the first direction (D1) may be the same. For example, the length of the first tab (211) in the second direction (D2), the length of the second tab (213) in the second direction (D2), the length of the third tab (231) in the second direction (D2), and the length of the fourth tab (233) in the second direction (D2) may be the same.

[0050] The arrangement of multiple first taps (211), the arrangement of multiple second taps (213), the arrangement of multiple third taps (231), and the arrangement of multiple fourth taps (233) may have the same pitch. That is, the first pitch (P1) of the multiple first taps (211), the second pitch (P2) of the multiple second taps (213), the third pitch (P3) of the multiple third taps (231), and the fourth pitch (P4) of the multiple fourth taps (233) may be the same.

[0051] A plurality of first tabs (211) and a plurality of second tabs (213) may be spaced apart from each other. Each of the plurality of first tabs (211) may be spaced apart from each of the plurality of second tabs (213) by a certain distance in the second direction (D2). Among the plurality of first tabs (211), one second tab (213) may be placed between two adjacent first tabs (211), and among the plurality of second tabs (213), one first tab (211) may be placed between two adjacent second tabs (213). A plurality of third tabs (231) and a plurality of fourth tabs (233) may be spaced apart from each other. Each of the plurality of third tabs (231) may be spaced apart from each of the plurality of fourth tabs (233) by a certain distance in the second direction (D2). Among the plurality of third tabs (231), one fourth tab (233) may be placed between two adjacent third tabs (231), and among the plurality of fourth tabs (233), one third tab (231) may be placed between two adjacent fourth tabs (233).

[0052] Each of the multiple first tabs (211) can be aligned in a first direction (D1) to a corresponding one among the multiple third tabs (231). Each of the multiple second tabs (213) can be aligned in a first direction (D1) to a corresponding one among the multiple fourth tabs (233).

[0053] In step S120, notching for the electrode sheet (10) may include laser notching configured to cut the electrode sheet (10) with a laser beam or press notching configured to cut the electrode sheet (10) with a press mold.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 5, the electrode manufacturing method (S100) includes a slitting step (S130) for performing slitting on an electrode sheet (10). The slitting step (S130) may be performed after the notching step (S120).

[0055] Step S130 may include cutting the second retainer (120 in FIG. 4) along a slitting line (SL) that crosses the second retainer (120) in the second direction (D2), thereby separating the second retainer (120) into a fourth retainer (140) connected to a plurality of second tabs (213) and a fifth retainer (150) connected to a plurality of third tabs (231). While the electrode sheet (10) is traveling in the driving direction (MD), the knife of the slitter may cut the electrode sheet (10). The slitting line (SL) may cross the center of the second retainer (120) in the first direction (D1) in the second direction (D2).

[0056] The width (W6) along the first direction (D1) of the fourth retaining part (140) may be uniform, and the width (W7) along the first direction (D1) of the fifth retaining part (150) may be uniform. The width (W6) of the fourth retaining part (140) may be the same as the width (W7) of the fifth retaining part (150). Furthermore, the width (W1) of the first retaining part (110), the width (W3) of the third retaining part (130), the width (W6) of the fourth retaining part (140), and the width (W7) of the fifth retaining part (150) may be the same as each other.

[0057] In step S130, as the second retaining part (120) is separated into the fourth retaining part (140) and the fifth retaining part (150), the electrode sheet (10) can be separated into the first structure (11) and the second structure (13). The first structure (11) may include a first retaining part (110) connected to a plurality of first tabs (211) and a fourth retaining part (140) connected to a plurality of second tabs (213). The second structure (13) may include a fifth retaining part (150) connected to a plurality of third tabs (231) and a third retaining part (130) connected to a plurality of fourth tabs (233).

[0058] Referring to FIG. 6, the electrode manufacturing method (S100) includes a cutting step (S140) of cutting the electrode sheet (10) in a first direction (D1). The cutting step (S140) may be performed after the slitting step (S130). In the cutting step (S140), the electrode sheet (10) may be cut in the first direction (D1) to separate the electrode sheet (10) into a plurality of electrodes. The S140 step may include cutting the first structure (11) of the electrode sheet (10) along first cutting lines (CL1) and cutting the second structure (13) of the electrode sheet (10) along second cutting lines (CL2). In exemplary embodiments, when cutting the first structure (11) of the electrode sheet (10), cutting along two or more first cutting lines (CL1) may be performed simultaneously to increase the cutting processing speed. In exemplary embodiments, when cutting the second structure (13) of the electrode sheet (10), cutting of two or more second cutting lines (CL2) can be performed simultaneously to increase the cutting processing speed.

[0059] In step S140, the first structure (11) of the electrode sheet (10) can be cut along the first cutting lines (CL1) to separate the first retainer (110) into a plurality of first unit retainers (111) spaced apart from each other in the second direction (D2) and the fourth retainer (140) into a plurality of second unit retainers (141) spaced apart from each other in the second direction (D2). The first cutting lines (CL1) can be spaced apart from each other in the second direction (D2). The first cutting lines (CL1) can each be extended to cross the first retainer (110) and the fourth retainer (140) in the first direction (D1). The plurality of first cutting lines (CL1) can each be located between a corresponding one of the plurality of first tabs (211) and a corresponding one of the plurality of second tabs (213).

[0060] A plurality of first unit retaining members (111) may each be connected to a single first tab (211). A plurality of first unit retaining members (111) may each have a single first tab (211) connected to an edge facing a corresponding second unit retaining member (141). A plurality of first unit retaining members (111) may have the same dimensions as each other. A plurality of first unit retaining members (111) may have the same length in the first direction (D1) and the same length in the second direction (D2).

[0061] A plurality of second unit retaining members (141) may each be connected to a single second tab (213). A plurality of second unit retaining members (141) may each have a single second tab (213) connected to an edge facing a corresponding first unit retaining member (111). A plurality of second unit retaining members (141) may have the same dimensions as each other. A plurality of second unit retaining members (141) may have the same length in the first direction (D1) and the same length in the second direction (D2).

[0062] In step S140, the second structure (13) of the electrode sheet (10) can be cut along the second cutting lines (CL2) to separate the fifth retainer (150) into a plurality of third unit retainers (151) spaced apart from each other in the second direction (D2) and the third retainer (130) into a plurality of fourth unit retainers (131) spaced apart from each other in the second direction (D2). The second cutting lines (CL2) can be spaced apart from each other in the second direction (D2). The second cutting lines (CL2) can each be extended to cross the fifth retainer (150) and the third retainer (130) in the first direction (D1). The plurality of second cutting lines (CL2) can each be located between a corresponding one of the plurality of third tabs (231) and a corresponding one of the plurality of fourth tabs (233).

[0063] A plurality of third unit retaining members (151) may each be connected to a single third tab (231). A plurality of third unit retaining members (151) may each have a single third tab (231) connected to an edge facing a corresponding fourth unit retaining member (131). A plurality of third unit retaining members (151) may have the same dimensions as each other. A plurality of third unit retaining members (151) may have the same length in the first direction (D1) and the same length in the second direction (D2).

[0064] A plurality of fourth unit retaining members (131) may each be connected to a single fourth tab (233). A plurality of fourth unit retaining members (131) may each have a single fourth tab (233) connected to an edge facing a corresponding third unit retaining member (151). A plurality of fourth unit retaining members (131) may have the same dimensions as each other. A plurality of fourth unit retaining members (131) may have the same length in the first direction (D1) and the same length in the second direction (D2).

[0065] The first unit retaining part (111), the second unit retaining part (141), the third unit retaining part (151), and the fourth unit retaining part (131) may have the same dimensions. For example, the length along the first direction (D1) of the first unit retaining part (111), the length along the first direction (D1) of the second unit retaining part (141), the length along the first direction (D1) of the third unit retaining part (151), and the length along the first direction (D1) of the fourth unit retaining part (131) may be the same. For example, the length along the second direction (D2) of the first unit retaining part (111), the length along the second direction (D2) of the second unit retaining part (141), the length along the second direction (D2) of the third unit retaining part (151), and the length along the second direction (D2) of the fourth unit retaining part (131) may be the same.

[0066] One first unit retainer (111) and one first tap (211) can form a first electrode (31). One second unit retainer (141) and one second tap (213) can form a second electrode (32). The first electrode (31) and the second electrode (32) may have rotational symmetry. For example, when viewed in a plane, the second electrode (32) may have the same shape as the first electrode (31) rotated 180 degrees with the third direction (D3), which is perpendicular to the first direction (D1) and the second direction (D2), as the axis of rotation. One third unit retainer (151) and one third tap (231) can form a third electrode (33). One fourth unit retainer (131) and one fourth tap (233) can form a fourth electrode (34). The third electrode (33) and the fourth electrode (34) may be rotationally symmetric. For example, when viewed in a plane, the third electrode (33) may have the same shape as the fourth electrode (34) rotated 180 degrees with the third direction (D3) as the axis of rotation. The first electrode (31) and the third electrode (33) may correspond to a first type of electrode with the same tab position. The second electrode (32) and the fourth electrode (34) may correspond to a second type of electrode with the same tab position. After the cutting step (S140), the first electrode (31), the second electrode (32), the third electrode (33), and the fourth electrode (34) may be loaded into a loading case.

[0067] According to exemplary embodiments, a large-area electrode sheet (10) having a width approximately four times the width of an electrode produced through an electrode manufacturing process is prepared, and electrodes can be manufactured by performing notching, slitting, and cutting on the large-area electrode sheet (10). Accordingly, the productivity of the electrode manufacturing process can be improved.

[0068]

[0069] (2nd Example)

[0070] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method (S200) for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to exemplary embodiments. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating a method of stacking a plurality of electrodes in a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to exemplary embodiments. Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to FIG. 7 to FIG. 9.

[0071] A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly (S200) includes the step of preparing a plurality of electrodes (S210). The plurality of electrodes may include a first electrode (511), a second electrode (513), a third electrode (521), a fourth electrode (523), a fifth electrode (531), a sixth electrode (533), a seventh electrode (541), and an eighth electrode (543).

[0072] The first electrode (511) and the second electrode (513) can be manufactured from the same electrode sheet and can have the same polarity. The first electrode (511) and the second electrode (513) can be manufactured through a method substantially identical to the electrode manufacturing method (S100) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. The first electrode (511) may have a tab (511t) on the side along the -Y-axis direction, and the second electrode (513) may have a tab (513t) on the side along the +Y-axis direction.

[0073] The third electrode (521) and the fourth electrode (523) can be manufactured from the same electrode sheet and may have the same polarity. The third electrode (521) and the fourth electrode (523) may be manufactured through a method substantially identical to the electrode manufacturing method (S100) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. The third electrode (521) may have a tab (521t) on the side along the -Y axis direction, and the fourth electrode (523) may have a tab (523t) on the side along the +Y axis direction. The polarity of the third electrode (521) may be different from the polarity of the first electrode (511).

[0074] The fifth electrode (531) and the sixth electrode (533) can be manufactured from the same electrode sheet and may have the same polarity. The fifth electrode (531) and the sixth electrode (533) may be manufactured through a method substantially identical to the electrode manufacturing method (S100) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. The fifth electrode (531) may have a tab (531t) on the side along the -Y-axis direction, and the sixth electrode (533) may have a tab (533t) on the side along the +Y-axis direction. The polarity of the fifth electrode (531) may be the same as the polarity of the first electrode (511).

[0075] The seventh electrode (541) and the eighth electrode (543) can be manufactured from the same electrode sheet and may have the same polarity. The seventh electrode (541) and the eighth electrode (543) may be manufactured through a method substantially identical to the electrode manufacturing method (S100) described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. The seventh electrode (541) may have a tab (541t) on the side along the -Y axis direction, and the eighth electrode (543) may have a tab (543t) on the side along the +Y axis direction. The polarity of the seventh electrode (541) may be different from the polarity of the first electrode (511) and may be the same as the polarity of the third electrode (521).

[0076] A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly (S200) includes the step of placing a plurality of electrodes on a separator (550) (S220).

[0077] Step S220 may include folding the separator (550) in a zigzag shape so that the separator (550) has a plurality of receiving spaces, and arranging a plurality of electrodes in the plurality of receiving spaces of the separator (550) to form a first electrode assembly (501) and a second electrode assembly (503). The first electrode assembly (501) may include a first laminate (591) having a laminated structure in which a first electrode (511), a third electrode (521), a fifth electrode (531), and a seventh electrode (541) are stacked in a vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction), and a part of the separator (550) that separates the first electrode (511), the third electrode (521), the fifth electrode (531), and the seventh electrode (541) from one another. The second electrode assembly (503) may include a second laminate (593) having a laminated structure in which the second electrode (513), the fourth electrode (523), the sixth electrode (533), and the eighth electrode (543) are stacked in a vertical direction (e.g., Z-axis direction), and another part of a separator (550) that separates the second electrode (513), the fourth electrode (523), the sixth electrode (533), and the eighth electrode (543) from one another. In FIGS. 8 and 9, the first electrode assembly (501) is illustrated as including one first electrode (511), a third electrode (521), a fifth electrode (531), and a seventh electrode (541). However, it is not limited thereto, and the first electrode assembly (501) may have a stacked structure in which a plurality of first electrodes (511), a plurality of third electrodes (521), a plurality of fifth electrodes (531), and a plurality of seventh electrodes (541) are vertically stacked. In FIGS. 8 and 9, the second electrode assembly (503) is illustrated as including one second electrode (513), a fourth electrode (523), a sixth electrode (533), and an eighth electrode (543). However, it is not limited thereto, and the second electrode assembly (503) may have a stacked structure in which a plurality of second electrodes (513), a plurality of fourth electrodes (523), a plurality of sixth electrodes (533), and a plurality of eighth electrodes (543) are vertically stacked.In the present disclosure, the separator (550) may be referred to as a separator sheet.

[0078] Step S220 can be performed in a lamination facility (610) including a separator supply unit (613). The separator supply unit (613) supplies a separator (550) and can fold the separator (550) in a zigzag shape by moving the separator (550) back and forth. For example, the separator supply roll (6131) can unwind to supply the separator (550) toward the table (611), and the separator roller (6133) can fold the separator (550) in a zigzag shape by moving the separator (550) back and forth.

[0079] In step S220, the plurality of receiving spaces of the separator (550) may be separated in a vertical direction (e.g., in the Z-axis direction). In the first receiving space located at the top of the plurality of receiving spaces of the separator (550), the first electrode (511) and the second electrode (513) may be arranged side by side in the Y-axis direction. In the second receiving space located below the first receiving space among the plurality of receiving spaces of the separator (550), the third electrode (521) and the fourth electrode (523) may be arranged side by side in the Y-axis direction. In the third receiving space located below the second receiving space among the plurality of receiving spaces of the separator (550), the fifth electrode (531) and the sixth electrode (533) may be arranged side by side in the Y-axis direction. In the fourth receiving space located below the third receiving space among the plurality of receiving spaces of the separator (550), the seventh electrode (541) and the eighth electrode (543) may be arranged side by side in the Y-axis direction.

[0080] The method for manufacturing an electrode assembly (S200) includes a separator cutting step (S230) for cutting the separator (550). After the step (S220) of placing a plurality of electrodes on the separator (550), the cutting step (S230) for the separator (550) may be performed. The separator (550) may be cut to have a wrapping portion (553) that wraps the first laminate (591) and the second laminate (593). For example, a separator cutter (615) provided in the lamination equipment (610) may be placed below the separator supply roll (6131) and may cut the separator (550) along the width direction of the separator (550) so that the separator (550) has an appropriate length.

[0081] A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly (S200) includes a wrapping step (S240) of wrapping a first laminate (591) and a second laminate (593) with a wrapping portion (553) of a separator (550). The wrapping step (S240) may be performed after a cutting step (S240) for the separator (550). The S240 step may be performed in a wrapping facility (620) that includes a gripper (621) for fixing the first laminate (591) and the second laminate (593). With the first laminate (591) and the second laminate (593) fixed by the gripper (621), the gripper (621) may be rotated so that the first laminate (591) and the second laminate (593) rotate relative to the wrapping portion (553) of the separator (550). The wrapping portion (553) of the separator (550) can wrap around the first laminate (591) and the second laminate (593) one or more times. The wrapping portion (553) of the separator (550) can be a part of the separator (550) forming the outer part of the first electrode assembly (501) and a part of the separator (550) forming the outer part of the second electrode assembly (503).

[0082] The method for manufacturing an electrode assembly (S200) includes an electrode assembly separation step (S250) for separating a first electrode assembly (501) and a second electrode assembly (503). In step S250, the first electrode assembly (501) and the second electrode assembly (503) can be physically separated by cutting the separator (550) with a cutter (630). The cutter can cut the separator (550) such that a portion of the separator (550) in contact with the first laminate (591) and another portion of the separator (550) in contact with the second laminate (593) are separated, and as the separator (550) is cut, the first electrode assembly (501) having the first laminate (591) and the second electrode assembly (503) having the second laminate (593) can be physically separated.

[0083] According to the method for manufacturing an electrode assembly (S200) according to exemplary embodiments, a pair of electrode assemblies can be manufactured through a single electrode assembly manufacturing process, thereby improving the productivity of the electrode assembly manufacturing process.

[0084]

[0085] The present invention has been described in more detail above through drawings and embodiments. However, the configurations described in the drawings or embodiments described in this specification are merely one embodiment of the present invention and do not represent all technical concepts of the present invention; therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

Claims

1. A step of preparing an electrode sheet comprising a first retaining portion, a first non-retaining portion, a second retaining portion, a second non-retaining portion, and a third retaining portion arranged sequentially along a first direction; A notching step of performing notching on the first unnotched portion and the second unnotched portion; A slitting step for performing slitting on the second retaining part; and A cutting step of cutting the electrode sheet in the first direction to separate the electrode sheet into a plurality of electrodes; A method for manufacturing an electrode, comprising 2. In Paragraph 1, The width of the first retaining part along the first direction is the same as the width of the third retaining part along the first direction, and A method for manufacturing an electrode characterized in that the width of the second retaining part along the first direction is greater than the width of the first retaining part along the first direction.

3. In Paragraph 2, A method for manufacturing an electrode characterized in that the width of the second retaining part along the first direction is at least twice the width of the first retaining part along the first direction.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above notching step comprises cutting the first non-retaining portion to form a plurality of first tabs connected to one side of the first retaining portion and a plurality of second tabs connected to one side of the second retaining portion, and cutting the second non-retaining portion to form a plurality of third tabs connected to the other side of the second retaining portion and a plurality of fourth tabs connected to one side of the third retaining portion, characterized in that it comprises the above notching step.

5. In Paragraph 4, In the above notching step, The above plurality of first tabs are arranged at a first pitch, and The plurality of second tabs are arranged at a second pitch identical to the first pitch, and The plurality of third tabs are arranged at a third pitch identical to the first pitch, and A method for manufacturing an electrode characterized in that the plurality of fourth taps are arranged at a fourth pitch identical to the first pitch.

6. In Paragraph 5, Each of the plurality of first tabs is spaced apart from each of the plurality of second tabs in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and A method for manufacturing an electrode characterized in that each of the plurality of third tabs is spaced apart from each of the plurality of fourth tabs in the second direction.

7. In Paragraph 5, Each of the above plurality of first tabs is aligned in the first direction to a corresponding one among the above plurality of third tabs, and A method for manufacturing an electrode characterized in that each of the plurality of second tabs is aligned in the first direction to a corresponding one among the plurality of fourth tabs.

8. In Paragraph 4, A method for manufacturing an electrode, characterized in that the above slitting step includes cutting the second retainer in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction to separate the second retainer into a fourth retainer connected to the plurality of second tabs and a fifth retainer connected to the plurality of third tabs.

9. In Paragraph 8, A method for manufacturing an electrode, characterized in that the above slitting step involves cutting along a slitting line that crosses the center of the second retaining part according to the first direction in the second direction.

10. In Paragraph 8, A method for manufacturing an electrode characterized in that the width of the fourth retaining part along the first direction is the same as the width of the fifth retaining part along the first direction.

11. In Paragraph 8, A method for manufacturing an electrode characterized in that the width of the first retaining part along the first direction, the width of the third retaining part along the first direction, the width of the fourth retaining part along the first direction, and the width of the fifth retaining part along the first direction are the same.

12. In Paragraph 8, The above cutting step comprises separating the first retaining portion into a plurality of first unit retaining portions each connected to a first tab, separating the fourth retaining portion into a plurality of second unit retaining portions each connected to a second tab, separating the fifth retaining portion into a plurality of third unit retaining portions each connected to a third tab, and separating the third retaining portion into a plurality of fourth unit retaining portions each connected to a fourth tab, characterized in that it comprises the above cutting step.

13. In Paragraph 12, A method for manufacturing an electrode characterized in that the width according to the second direction of each of the plurality of first unit retaining parts, the width according to the second direction of each of the plurality of second unit retaining parts, the width according to the second direction of each of the plurality of third unit retaining parts, and the width according to the second direction of each of the plurality of fourth unit retaining parts are identical to each other.

14. In Paragraph 12, The plurality of first unit retaining parts each comprise a first electrode having a corresponding one among the plurality of first tabs, and The plurality of second unit retaining parts each comprise a second electrode having a corresponding one among the plurality of second tabs, and The plurality of third unit retaining parts each comprise a third electrode having a corresponding one among the plurality of third tabs, and The plurality of fourth unit retaining parts each comprise a fourth electrode having a corresponding one among the plurality of fourth tabs, and The first electrode and the second electrode are rotationally symmetric, and A method for manufacturing electrodes characterized in that the third electrode and the fourth electrode are rotationally symmetric.

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