Electrode assembly, and electrode assembly manufacturing device and method

Abstract

Provided is an electrode assembly manufacturing device for manufacturing an electrode assembly in which an electrode is laminated between layers of a separator which are provided consecutively and folded in a staggered manner on both sides in the width direction, wherein the electrode is transferred to and laminated on the separator in a state where a folding part is formed on the separator, and the electrode assembly manufacturing device includes a gripper having a punching unit which protrudes in the width direction and forms one or more holes to be arranged in the front-rear direction in the folding part through punching.

Description

Electrode assembly, electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method

[0001] This application is based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0194742, which was filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on December 23, 2024, and whose contents are incorporated herein by reference in whole, and claims priority thereof.

[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly, a method, and an electrode assembly.

[0003] Secondary batteries, which offer high applicability across product lines and possess electrical characteristics such as high energy density, are widely applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) powered by electric driving sources.

[0004] These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for improving eco-friendliness and energy efficiency, as they not only have the primary advantage of being able to drastically reduce the use of fossil fuels but also the advantage of not generating any by-products from the use of energy.

[0005] Currently, widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium-polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of these individual secondary battery cells is approximately 2.5V to 4.5V. Therefore, if a higher output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery pack. Additionally, depending on the charge / discharge capacity required for the battery pack, multiple battery cells are connected in parallel to form a battery pack. Accordingly, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack and the electrical connection type can be set in various ways depending on the required output voltage and / or charge / discharge capacity.

[0006] The present invention provides an apparatus and method for manufacturing an electrode assembly with improved lifespan and performance, and reduced risk of explosion or ignition.

[0007] The apparatus and method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to the present invention manufacture an electrode assembly in which side reactions such as lithium precipitation can be suppressed.

[0008] The present invention provides an apparatus and method for manufacturing an electrode assembly configured so that no air pockets occur in the folding portion of a separator when manufacturing the electrode assembly.

[0009] The technical aspects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other uses and advantages of the present invention not mentioned may be understood from the following description and will be more clearly understood by the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that the uses and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims.

[0010] The present invention provides an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly in which a first electrode and a second electrode are stacked between each layer of a separator that is continuously supplied and folded in a zigzag pattern on both sides in the width direction.

[0011] The electrode assembly manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a first gripper having a first perforation portion that protrudes in the first width direction and perforates one or more first holes arranged in the front-rear direction on the first folding portion, wherein the first electrode is transported and stacked on the separator while the first folding portion is formed on the first width direction side of the separator.

[0012] The above electrode assembly manufacturing device may be used to perform the electrode assembly manufacturing method described below, but it may also be used to perform a similar or completely different process.

[0013] The above electrode assembly manufacturing device may additionally include a second gripper that operates alternately with the first gripper and transports the second electrode and stacks it on the separator while a second folding portion is formed on the second width direction side of the separator, and has a second perforating portion that protrudes in the second width direction and perforates one or more second holes arranged in the front-rear direction on the second folding portion.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the electrode assembly manufacturing device may include a first gripper and a second gripper that is symmetrically positioned with respect to the first gripper and driven symmetrically. In this case, as described below, the configuration added to the first gripper is symmetrically added to the second gripper as well, so that the electrode assembly manufacturing device may have a roughly and substantially symmetrical structure.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the first gripper may be driven to move along the width direction from a first position on the second width direction side of the first folding part to a second position where the first electrode is positioned. For example, at the first position, the first gripper may be configured to grip the first electrode, and at the second position, release the gripping of the first electrode and simultaneously punch the first hole in the first folding part.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the first gripper is driven to move from the first position to the second position while the first perforation portion is protruding, and the first hole can be perforated as the first gripper moves in a direction approaching the first folding portion. In other words, as the first gripper moves in the first width direction to transport the first electrode, the first perforation portion also moves in the first width direction, penetrating the first folding portion and perforating the first hole.

[0017] In this way, when the first hole is perforated along the width direction, the first hole can be perforated at the end of the first folding part where the air pocket is most likely to be trapped, thereby allowing the air pocket to be removed more effectively.

[0018] According to a different variant thereof, the first gripper is driven to move from the first position to the second position in a state where the first perforation portion is not protruding or is less protruding, and the first hole can be perforated as the first perforation portion protrudes further in the first width direction after the first gripper has moved to the second position. In this case, the perforation of the first hole does not occur during the process of the first gripper moving to transport the first electrode, and the first perforation portion protrudes further and the first hole can be perforated only after the first gripper is placed at the second position.

[0019] According to another variant, the first gripper is driven to move from the first position to the second position with the first perforation not protruding or protruding less, and the first hole may be perforated as the first perforation protrudes further in the height direction after the first gripper moves to the second position. For example, the first hole does not necessarily have to be perforated along the width direction. Rather, if the first hole is perforated along the height direction, it may be easier for the air pocket, which has a lower density than the electrolyte, to escape the first folding part as it attempts to rise.

[0020] In this case, since the direction in which the electrode assembly is mounted with respect to the direction of gravity in the environment after actual manufacturing varies depending on the case, the first hole may be drilled not only on the upper side of the first folding part, but also on the lower side or on both the upper and lower sides.

[0021] According to another variant, the first gripper may be driven to move along the front-rear direction from a first position on the front or rear side of the first folding part to a first position where the first electrode is positioned. That is, the first gripper does not necessarily need to be driven to move along the width direction, but may be driven to move along the front-rear direction.

[0022] In this case, the first gripper is driven to move from the first position to the second position in a state where the first perforation does not protrude or protrudes less so as to prevent interference with the separator, and the first hole can be perforated as the first perforation protrudes further in the first width direction after the first gripper moves to the second position.

[0023] At this time, the first hole may also be perforated as the first perforation protrudes further in the height direction after the first gripper moves to the second position, and at this time, the first hole may be perforated not only on the upper side of the first folding part, but also on the lower side or on both the upper and lower sides.

[0024] The first perforation portion may have various shapes to perforate the first hole by penetrating the first folding portion.

[0025] For example, the first perforation portion includes a needle shape, and the needle-shaped first perforation portion can form a first hole in the shape of a pin hole in the first folding portion.

[0026] Alternatively, for example, the first perforated portion may include a blade shape, and the blade-shaped first perforated portion may form a slit-shaped first hole extending in the front-rear direction in the first folding portion.

[0027] However, unlike this, the first perforated portion may have various other structures, such as a heating portion that melts the first folding portion to perforate it, in addition to its shape.

[0028] The above electrode assembly manufacturing device may further include a pair of thermal compression units that thermally compress the electrode assembly in the height direction at a predetermined compression area on the plane of the electrode assembly after the stacking of the first electrode and the second electrode is completed. The thermal compression units may be provided to improve the structural stability of the electrode assembly, increase the efficiency of the battery reaction, increase energy density, and further suppress the occurrence of air pockets by improving the impregnation of the electrolyte, by compressing and fixing the first electrode, the second electrode, and the separator in the stacking direction.

[0029] At this time, a fused binder is applied to the surface of the first electrode, the second electrode, and / or the separator so that the first electrode, the second electrode, and / or the separator can be fused and fixed to each other according to the thermal compression action of the thermal compression part.

[0030] The above compression area may be set to avoid the first hole. This is because if the compression area is formed in the area where the first hole is formed, the first hole may be narrowed or the first hole may be completely blocked due to fusion between the separators.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the compression area includes a plurality of unit compression areas that extend in the width direction and are spaced apart in the front-rear direction, and each of the first holes may be interposed in the front-rear direction between the unit compression areas. In other words, the compression area may be formed in a stripe pattern arranged in the front-rear direction.

[0032] According to one variant, one or more non-compressed regions having a shape enclosed by a closed curve may be provided within the compressed region. In this case, each of the first holes may be located within the non-compressed region.

[0033] The present invention also provides a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly by stacking a first electrode and a second electrode between each layer of a separator that is continuously supplied and folded in a zigzag pattern on both sides in the width direction.

[0034] The above method for manufacturing an electrode assembly comprises: a first folding step in which a first folding portion is formed on the first width direction side of the separator; a first stacking perforation step in which a first gripper transports the first electrode and stacks it on the separator, and a first perforation portion protruding from the first gripper perforates a first hole in the first folding portion; a second folding step in which a second folding portion is formed on the second width direction side of the separator; and a second stacking perforation step in which a second gripper transports the second electrode and stacks it on the separator, and a second perforation portion protruding from the second gripper perforates a second hole in the second folding portion; wherein the stacking step is repeated.

[0035] The above method for manufacturing the electrode assembly may be performed by the electrode assembly manufacturing device described above, but it may also be performed by a device with a similar or completely different structure.

[0036] According to one embodiment, in at least one of the first lamination perforation step and the second lamination perforation step, lamination and perforation can be performed simultaneously.

[0037] According to a different variation thereof, in at least one of the first lamination perforation step and the second lamination perforation step, the perforation may be performed after lamination.

[0038] The above method for manufacturing the electrode assembly may further include, after the stacking step, a thermal compression step in which the stacked electrode assembly is thermally compressed in the height direction at a predetermined compression area on the plane of the electrode assembly. At this time, the compression area may be set to avoid the first hole and the second hole.

[0039] According to the present invention, as the first hole is formed, an electrode assembly can be manufactured in which an electrolyte can easily penetrate the first folding portion and air can easily escape, thereby suppressing the formation of an air pocket in the first folding portion. Furthermore, according to the present invention, as the first gripper forms the first hole from the inside of the first folding portion, accurate perforation can be performed on the end of the first folding portion, which is bent and difficult to perforate accurately. Additionally, the burr formed by the perforation is formed facing outward, making it easier for air to escape, and stable perforation is possible by receiving a reaction force from the tension applied to the separator during the separator supply process.

[0040] An electrode assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention is an electrode assembly in which a first electrode and a second electrode are stacked between each layer of a separator that is folded in a zigzag manner, and includes one or more first holes arranged in a front-rear direction in a first folding portion formed on the first width direction side of the separator, and one or more second holes arranged in a front-rear direction in a second folding portion formed on the second width direction side of the separator.

[0041] The first electrode is an anode, and the second electrode is a cathode.

[0042] The present invention can provide an apparatus, a method, and an electrode assembly for manufacturing an electrode assembly with improved lifespan and performance, and reduced risk of explosion or ignition.

[0043] The apparatus and method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to the present invention can be used to manufacture an electrode assembly in which side reactions such as lithium precipitation can be suppressed.

[0044] The present invention can provide an apparatus and method for manufacturing an electrode assembly configured so that no air pockets occur in the folding portion of a separator when manufacturing an electrode assembly.

[0045] In addition to the above, the present invention may have various other effects, which are described in each embodiment, or effects that can be easily inferred by a person skilled in the art, etc., will be omitted.

[0046] Figure 1 shows a cross-section of a battery cell.

[0047] Figure 2 shows the formation of an air pocket in the battery cell of Figure 1, resulting in the deposition of lithium.

[0048] FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of a battery cell including an electrode assembly in which a stacking step according to one embodiment is completed.

[0049] FIG. 4 shows an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0050] FIG. 5 shows a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to one embodiment.

[0051] FIGS. 6 to 11 illustrate a stacking step according to one embodiment.

[0052] FIGS. 12 to 14 show a stacking perforation step according to one modified example.

[0053] FIG. 15 shows a heat pressing step according to one embodiment.

[0054] FIG. 16 shows a gripper according to one embodiment.

[0055] FIG. 17 is a top view of an electrode assembly with the stacking step completed according to one embodiment.

[0056] FIG. 18 shows a compression area according to one embodiment.

[0057] FIG. 19 shows a gripper according to one modified example.

[0058] FIG. 20 is a top view of an electrode assembly with the stacking step completed according to one variant example.

[0059] Figure 21 shows a compression area according to one deformation example.

[0060] In parts of the attached drawings, corresponding components are given the same reference numerals. Those skilled in the art understand that the drawings are intended to illustrate elements simply and clearly and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, to aid in understanding various embodiments, the dimensions of some elements depicted in the drawings may be exaggerated compared to others. Additionally, elements of known technology that are useful or essential in commercially viable embodiments may often be omitted so as not to hinder the spirit of the various embodiments of the present invention.

[0061] The aforementioned objectives, features, and advantages are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to easily implement the technical concept of the present invention. In describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of known technologies related to the present invention are omitted if it is determined that such descriptions would unnecessarily obscure the essence of the invention. Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to indicate identical or similar components.

[0062] Although terms such as "first," "second," etc. are used to describe various components, it goes without saying that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another, and unless specifically stated otherwise, the first component may also be the second component.

[0063] Throughout the specification, unless specifically stated otherwise, each component may be singular or plural.

[0064] In the following, the statement that any configuration is placed on the "upper (or lower)" of a component or on the "upper (or lower)" of a component may mean not only that any configuration is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of said component, but also that another configuration may be interposed between said component and any configuration placed on (or below) said component.

[0065] In addition, where it is stated that one component is "connected," "combined," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that while the components may be directly connected or connected to each other, another component may be "interposed" between each component, or each component may be "connected," "combined," or "connected" through another component.

[0066] Singular expressions used in this specification include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "composed of" or "comprising" should not be interpreted as necessarily including all of the various components or steps described in the specification, and should be interpreted as meaning that some of the components or steps may be omitted or additional components or steps may be included.

[0067] Throughout the specification, "A and / or B" means A, B, or A and B unless specifically stated otherwise, and "C to D" means C or more and D or less unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0068] As types of unit secondary battery cells, cylindrical, prismatic, and pouch-type battery cells are known depending on the shape of the cell case used. Among these, pouch-type battery cells generally house a stacked electrode assembly in which separators and electrodes are alternately stacked. Among the methods for manufacturing such stacked electrode assemblies, the zigzag stacking method, in which the separator is folded in a zigzag pattern and electrodes are inserted between each layer, has recently been used.

[0069] FIG. 1 shows a cross-section of a battery cell. Referring to this, an electrode assembly (1) manufactured by a zigzag stacking method includes a zigzag-folded separator (10) that forms folding portions (101) on both sides in the width direction and electrodes (11) stacked between each layer of the separator (10), and the electrode assembly (1) is contained in a pouch (P) filled with an electrolyte (E) to form a battery cell (C).

[0070] FIG. 2 shows the formation of an air pocket in the battery cell (C) of FIG. 1, which causes lithium to precipitate. Referring to this, in the electrode assembly (1) with the above structure, the separator (10) forms a folding portion (101), so the electrolyte (E) cannot penetrate into the folding portion (101) or air is trapped, which may cause an air pocket to form. As a result, a portion of the surface of the electrode (11) may be exposed to the air pocket. Due to the heat generated during charging and discharging of the electrode (11) and the battery reaction, there is a risk that lithium dissolved in the electrolyte (E) will precipitate in the air pocket area. If side reactions such as the aforementioned lithium precipitation occur excessively, problems may arise regarding the lifespan or performance of the battery cell (C), or the management of risks such as explosion or ignition, such as damage to the separator (10) or the electrode (11) by sharp crystals, or a short circuit occurring due to current flow between electrodes (11) with different polarities.

[0071] Considering these points, the present invention provides an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus, a method, and an electrode assembly configured so that no air pockets occur in the folding portion of the separator when manufacturing the electrode assembly, thereby providing an electrode assembly with improved lifespan and performance and reduced risk of explosion or ignition, as well as an apparatus and a method for manufacturing the same.

[0072] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0073] FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of a battery cell (C) including an electrode assembly (1) in which a stacking step according to one embodiment is completed. FIG. 4 shows an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment. Referring to these drawings, the present invention relates to an electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus and an electrode assembly manufacturing method for manufacturing an electrode assembly (1) in which a first electrode (11) and a second electrode (12) are stacked between each layer of a separator (10) that is continuously supplied and folded in a zigzag pattern on both sides in the width direction.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 3, an electrode assembly (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention has a first electrode (11) and a second electrode (12) stacked on a zigzag-shaped separator (10). According to one embodiment, the first electrode (11) may be an anode and the second electrode (12) may be a cathode. As the first hole (101H) and / or the second hole (102H) are formed in the folding portions (101, 102) formed in the separator (10), the electrolyte (E) can easily penetrate into the first folding portion (101) and / or the second folding portion (102), and even if an air pocket is formed inside the first folding portion (101) and / or the second folding portion (102), air can easily escape, thereby suppressing the formation of an air pocket in the first folding portion (101) and / or the second folding portion (102), thus allowing for the manufacture of an electrode assembly (1).

[0075] Referring to FIG. 4, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the electrode assembly manufacturing device (1000) may include a supply unit (2) driven to move back and forth relative to the first end of the fixed separator (10) in the width direction in order to continuously supply the separator (10) and fold it in a zigzag. At this time, regardless of whether such a supply unit (2) is provided, the separator (10) may be provided with tension within a predetermined range for stable supply and folding.

[0076] The electrode assembly manufacturing device (1000) according to one embodiment comprises: a first gripper (31) having a first perforation portion (310) that protrudes in the first width direction and perforates one or more first holes (101H) arranged in the front-rear direction on the first folding portion (101) while the first folding portion (101) is formed on the first width direction side of the separator (10); It may include a second gripper (32) that operates alternately with the first gripper (31) and, while the second folding part (102) is formed on the second width direction side of the separator (10), transports the second electrode (12) and stacks it on the separator (10), and has a second perforating part (320) that protrudes in the second width direction and perforates one or more second holes (102H) arranged in the front and rear directions on the second folding part (102).

[0077] According to one embodiment, the second gripper (32) is arranged to be symmetrical with respect to the first gripper (31) and can be driven symmetrically. In this case, the configuration added to the first gripper (31) according to the following description is symmetrically added to the second gripper (32) as well, so that the electrode assembly manufacturing device can have a roughly and substantially symmetrical structure.

[0078] The above electrode assembly manufacturing device (1000) may be used to perform the electrode assembly manufacturing method described later, but may also be used to perform a process similar or completely different therefrom.

[0079] FIG. 5 illustrates a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to one embodiment. Referring thereto, a method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to one embodiment comprises: a first folding step (S11) in which a first folding portion (101) is formed on the first width direction side of the separator (10); a first stacking perforation step (S12) in which a first gripper (31) transports the first electrode (11) and stacks it on the separator (10), and a first perforation portion (310) protruding from the first gripper (31) perforates a first hole (101H) in the first folding portion (101); and a second folding step (S13) in which a second folding portion (102) is formed on the second width direction side of the separator (10). The method includes a stacking step (S1) in which a second gripper (32) transports the second electrode (12) and stacks it on the separator (10), and a second perforation step (S14) in which a second perforation portion (320) protruding from the second gripper (32) perforates a second hole (102H) in the second folding portion (102) is repeated.

[0080] The above method for manufacturing the electrode assembly may be performed by the electrode assembly manufacturing device described above, but it may also be performed by a device with a similar or completely different structure.

[0081] Referring again to FIG. 5, in at least one of the first stacking perforation step (S12) and the second stacking perforation step (S14) according to one embodiment, stacking and perforation can be performed simultaneously.

[0082] FIGS. 6 to 11 illustrate stacking steps according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 illustrates the first folding step (S11) according to one embodiment, FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate the first stacking perforation step (S12) according to one embodiment, FIG. 9 illustrates the second folding step (S13) according to one embodiment, and FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate the second stacking perforation step (S14) according to one embodiment.

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, the first gripper (31) can be driven to move along the width direction from a first position on the second width direction side of the first folding part (101) to a second position where the first electrode (11) is positioned. For example, at the first position, the first gripper (31) may be configured to grip the first electrode (11), and at the second position, release the gripper from gripping the first electrode (11) and simultaneously punch the first hole (101H) in the first folding part (101).

[0084] According to one embodiment, the first gripper (31) is driven to move from the first position to the second position while the first perforation portion (310) is protruding, and the first hole (101H) can be perforated as the first gripper (31) moves in a direction approaching the first folding portion (101). In other words, as the first gripper (31) moves in the first width direction to transport the first electrode (11), the first perforation portion (310) also moves in the first width direction, penetrating the first folding portion (101) and perforating the first hole (101H).

[0085] According to one embodiment, the first folding step (S11) may be performed when the first gripper (31) is placed at the first position, and the first stacking punching step (S12) may be performed when the first gripper (31) is placed at the second position or when it is placed at the second position.

[0086] Similarly, referring to FIGS. 9 to 11, the second gripper (32) can be driven to move along the width direction from a first position on the second width direction side of the second folding part (102) to a second position where the second electrode (12) is positioned. For example, at the first position, the second gripper (32) may be configured to grip the second electrode (12), and at the second position, release the gripper from gripping the second electrode (12) and simultaneously punch the second hole (102H) in the second folding part (102).

[0087] According to one embodiment, the second gripper (32) is driven to move from the first position to the second position while the second perforation portion (320) is protruding, and the second hole (102H) can be perforated as the second gripper (32) moves in a direction approaching the second folding portion (102). In other words, as the second gripper (32) moves in the second width direction to transport the second electrode (12), the second perforation portion (320) also moves in the second width direction, penetrating the second folding portion (102) and perforating the second hole (102H).

[0088] According to one embodiment, the second folding step (S13) may be performed when the second gripper (32) is placed at the first position, and the second stacking punching step (S14) may be performed when the second gripper (32) is placed at the second position or as it is placed at the second position.

[0089] In this way, when the first hole (101H) and / or the second hole (102H) are perforated along the width direction, the first hole (101H) and / or the second hole (102H) may be perforated at the end of the first folding part (101) and / or the second folding part (102) where the air pocket is most likely to be trapped, thereby allowing the air pocket to be removed more effectively.

[0090] Referring again to FIG. 5, in at least one of the first stacking perforation step (S12) and the second stacking perforation step (S14) according to one variant example, the perforation may be performed after stacking.

[0091] FIGS. 12 to 14 illustrate a stacking perforation step according to one modified example. FIG. 12 illustrates the first folding step (S11) according to one modified example, and FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate the first stacking perforation step (S12) according to one modified example.

[0092] Referring to these drawings, the first gripper (31) can be driven to move along the width direction from a first position on the second width direction side of the first folding part (101) to a second position where the first electrode (11) is positioned. For example, at the first position, the first gripper (31) may be configured to grip the first electrode (11), and at the second position, release the grip on the first electrode (11) and simultaneously punch the first hole (101H) in the first folding part (101).

[0093] According to one variant, the first gripper (31) is driven to move from the first position to the second position in a state where the first perforation portion (310) is not protruding or is less protruding, and the first hole (101H) can be perforated as the first perforation portion (310) protrudes further in the first width direction after the first gripper (31) moves to the second position. In this case, the perforation of the first hole (101H) does not occur during the process of the first gripper (31) moving to transport the first electrode (11), and the first perforation portion (310) protrudes further and the first hole (101H) can be perforated only after the first gripper (31) is placed at the second position.

[0094] According to another unillustrated variant, the first gripper (31) is driven to move from the first position to the second position with the first perforation (310) not protruding or protruding less, and the first hole (101H) can be perforated as the first perforation (310) protrudes further in the height direction after the first gripper (31) moves to the second position. That is, the first hole (101H) does not necessarily have to be perforated along the width direction. Rather, if the first hole (101H) is perforated along the height direction, it may be easier for the air pocket, which has a lower density than the electrolyte, to escape the first folding part (101) as it attempts to rise.

[0095] In this case, since the direction in which the electrode assembly (1) is mounted with respect to gravity in the environment after actual manufacturing varies depending on the case, the first hole (101H) may be perforated not only on the upper side of the first folding part (101), but also on the lower side or on both the upper and lower sides.

[0096] According to another unillustrated variant, the first gripper (31) may be driven to move along the front or rear side of the first folding part (101) from a first position to a second position where the first electrode (11) is positioned. For example, the first gripper (31) does not necessarily need to be driven to move along the width direction, but may be driven to move along the front direction.

[0097] In this case, the first gripper (31) is driven to move from the first position to the second position in a state where the first perforation (310) does not protrude or protrudes less so as to prevent interference with the separator (10), and the first hole (101H) can be perforated as the first perforation (310) protrudes further in the first width direction after the first gripper (31) moves to the second position.

[0098] At this time, the first hole (101H) can also be perforated as the first perforation portion (310) protrudes further in the height direction after the first gripper (31) moves to the second position, and at this time, the first hole (101H) can be perforated not only on the upper side of the first folding portion (101), but also on the lower side or on both the upper and lower sides.

[0099] According to the present invention, as the first gripper (31) and / or the second gripper (32) forms the first hole (101H) and / or the second hole (102H) from the inside of the first folding part (101) and / or the second folding part (102), accurate perforation can be performed at the end of the first folding part (101) and / or the second folding part (102), which is folded and difficult to perforate accurately. Additionally, the burr formed by the perforation is formed facing outward, making it easier for air to escape, and stable perforation is possible by receiving a reaction force from the tension applied to the separator (10) during the supply process of the separator (10).

[0100] Referring again to FIG. 5, the method for manufacturing the electrode assembly may additionally include a thermal compression step (S2) after the stacking step (S1), in which the stacked electrode assembly (1) is thermally compressed in the height direction at a predetermined compression area (A) on the plane of the electrode assembly (1).

[0101] FIG. 15 illustrates a thermal compression step according to one embodiment. Referring thereto, the electrode assembly manufacturing device (1000) may additionally include a pair of thermal compression parts (4) that thermally compress the electrode assembly (1) in the height direction at a predetermined compression area (A) on the plane of the electrode assembly (1) after the stacking of the first electrode (11) and the second electrode (12) is completed. The thermal compression parts (4) may be provided to improve the structural stability of the electrode assembly (1), increase the efficiency of the battery reaction, increase the energy density, and further suppress the occurrence of air pockets by improving the impregnation of the electrolyte through compression and fixing of the first electrode (11), the second electrode (12), and the separator (10) in the stacking direction.

[0102] At this time, a fused binder is applied to the surface of the first electrode (11), the second electrode (12), and / or the separator (10), so that the first electrode (11), the second electrode (12), and / or the separator (10) can be fused and fixed to each other according to the heat pressing action of the heat pressing part (4).

[0103] It is preferable that the compression area (A) (e.g., see FIG. 18) be set to avoid the first hole (101H). This is because if the compression area (A) is formed in the area where the first hole (101H) is formed, the first hole (101H) may be narrowed or the first hole (101H) may be completely blocked due to fusion between the separator membranes (10).

[0104] FIG. 16 shows a gripper (31) according to one embodiment, and FIG. 17 shows a top view of an electrode assembly (1) with a stacking step completed according to one embodiment. Referring to these drawings, the first perforation portion (310) may have various shapes to penetrate the first folding portion (101) and perforate the first hole (101H).

[0105] For example, the first perforation portion (310) may include a blade shape, and accordingly, the first hole (101H) may have a slit shape extending in the front-rear direction. However, unlike this, the first perforation portion (310) may have various other structures, such as a heating portion that melts and perforates the first folding portion (101), in addition to its shape.

[0106] FIG. 18 illustrates a compression area (A) according to one embodiment. Referring thereto, the compression area (A) according to one embodiment includes a plurality of unit compression areas (A0) that are extended in the width direction and spaced apart in the front-rear direction, and each of the first holes (101H) may be interposed in the front-rear direction between the unit compression areas (A0). In other words, the compression area (A) according to one embodiment may be formed in a stripe pattern arranged in the front-rear direction.

[0107] FIG. 19 shows a gripper (31) according to one variant, and FIG. 20 shows a top view of an electrode assembly (1) with a stacking step completed according to one variant. Referring to these drawings, the first perforation portion (310) includes a needle shape, and accordingly, the first hole (101H) may have a pin hole shape. However, unlike this, the first perforation portion (310) may have various other structures, such as a heating portion that melts and perforates the first folding portion (101), in addition to its shape.

[0108] FIG. 21 shows a compression area according to one modified example. Referring to the figure, one or more non-compression areas (B) having a shape enclosed by a closed curve may be provided inside the compression area (A) according to one modified example. At this time, each of the first holes (101H) may be located within the non-compression area (B).

[0109] The embodiments described above should be understood as exemplary in all respects and not limiting, and the scope of the invention will be defined by the claims set forth below rather than by the detailed description above. Furthermore, the meaning and scope of the claims set forth below, as well as all modifications and variations derived from equivalents thereof, should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the invention.

[0110] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the illustrated drawings, the present invention is not limited by the embodiments and drawings disclosed in this specification, and it is obvious that various modifications can be made by a person skilled in the art within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. Furthermore, even if the effects of the configuration according to the present invention were not explicitly described while describing the embodiments of the present invention above, it is natural to acknowledge that the effects predictable by said configuration should also be recognized.

Claims

1. An electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly in which a first electrode and a second electrode are stacked between each layer of a separator that is continuously supplied and folded in a zigzag pattern on both sides in the width direction, An electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus comprising a first gripper having a first perforation portion protruding in the first width direction and perforating one or more first holes arranged in the front-rear direction in the first folding portion, wherein the first electrode is transported and stacked on the separator while the first folding portion is formed on the first width direction side of the separator.

2. An electrode assembly manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second gripper that operates alternately with the first gripper and transports the second electrode and stacks it on the separator while a second folding portion is formed on the second width direction side of the separator, and has a second perforating portion that protrudes in the second width direction and perforates one or more second holes arranged in the front-rear direction on the second folding portion.

3. In claim 1, the first gripper is driven to move from a first position to a second position while the first perforation is protruding, and An electrode assembly manufacturing device in which the first hole is perforated as the first gripper moves in a direction approaching the first folding part.

4. In claim 2, the first gripper is driven to move from a first position to a second position in a state where the first perforation is not protruding or is less protruding, and The above first hole is perforated as the first perforation portion protrudes further in the first width direction after the first gripper moves to the second position, in an electrode assembly manufacturing device.

5. In claim 2, the first gripper is driven to move from a first position to a second position in a state where the first perforation is not protruding or is less protruding, and An electrode assembly manufacturing device in which the first hole is perforated as the first perforation portion protrudes further in the height direction after the first gripper moves to the second position.

6. An electrode assembly manufacturing device according to claim 5, wherein the first hole is perforated on the upper side, lower side, or both upper and lower sides of the first folding part.

7. An electrode assembly manufacturing device according to claim 1, wherein the first gripper is driven to move along the front-rear direction from a first position on the front or rear side of the first folding part to a first position where the first electrode is disposed.

8. In claim 7, the first gripper is driven to move from the first position to the second position in a state where the first perforation is not protruding or is less protruding, and The above first hole is perforated as the first perforation portion protrudes further in the first width direction after the first gripper moves to the second position, in an electrode assembly manufacturing device.

9. In claim 7, the first gripper is driven to move from the first position to the second position in a state where the first perforation is not protruding or is less protruding, and An electrode assembly manufacturing device in which the first hole is perforated as the first perforation portion protrudes further in the height direction after the first gripper moves to the second position.

10. In claim 1, the first perforation portion includes a needle shape, and The electrode assembly manufacturing device, wherein the needle-shaped first perforation portion forms a pinhole-shaped first hole in the first folding portion.

11. In claim 1, the first perforation includes a blade shape, and An electrode assembly manufacturing device in which the first perforated portion having a blade shape forms a first hole having a slit shape extending in the front-rear direction in the first folding portion.

12. In claim 1, after the stacking of the first electrode and the second electrode is completed, the apparatus further comprises a pair of thermal compression parts that thermally compress the electrode assembly in the height direction in a predetermined compression area on the plane of the electrode assembly. The above-mentioned compression area is set to avoid the above-mentioned first hole, an electrode assembly manufacturing device.

13. In claim 12, the compression area comprises a plurality of unit compression areas that extend in the width direction and are spaced apart in the front-rear direction, and Each of the above first holes is interposed in the front-rear direction between the above unit compression regions, an electrode assembly manufacturing device.

14. In claim 12, one or more non-compressing regions having a shape enclosed by a closed curve are provided within the compressed region, and Each of the above first holes is located within the above non-compressing area, forming an electrode assembly manufacturing device.

15. A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly by stacking a first electrode and a second electrode between each layer of a separator that is continuously supplied and folded in a zigzag pattern on both sides in the width direction, wherein A first folding step in which a first folding portion is formed on the first width direction side of the above-mentioned separator; A first stacking and perforating step in which a first gripper transports the first electrode and stacks it on the separator, and a first perforation portion protruding from the first gripper perforates a first hole in the first folding portion; A second folding step in which a second folding portion is formed on the second width direction side of the above-mentioned separator; and A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly comprising a stacking step in which a second stacking perforation step is repeated, wherein a second gripper transports the second electrode and stacks it on the separator, and a second perforation portion protruding from the second gripper perforates a second hole in the second folding portion.

16. A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 15, wherein in at least one of the first stacking and perforating step and the second stacking and perforating step, stacking and perforating are performed simultaneously.

17. A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly according to claim 15, wherein in at least one of the first stacking perforation step and the second stacking perforation step, the perforation is performed after stacking.

18. In claim 15, after the lamination step, the method further comprises a thermal compression step of thermally compressing the lamination-completed electrode assembly in the height direction at a predetermined compression area on the plane of the electrode assembly. A method for manufacturing an electrode assembly, wherein the above-mentioned compression area is set to avoid the first hole and the second hole.

19. An electrode assembly in which a first electrode and a second electrode are stacked between each layer of a zigzag-folding separator, The first folding portion formed on the first width direction side of the above-mentioned separator includes one or more first holes arranged in the front-rear direction, and An electrode assembly comprising one or more second holes arranged in the front-rear direction in a second folding portion formed on the second width direction side of the separator.

20. In Claim 19, An electrode assembly in which the first electrode is an anode and the second electrode is a cathode.

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