Z-Fold Electrode Assembly Alignment With Pre-Applied Separator Adhesive
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Z-folding type electrode assembly in batteries faces issues with electrodes being offset or displaced from their target positions due to insufficient adhesion with the separator sheet, leading to reduced adhesive strength and impaired heat transfer, especially when using separators with low adhesive strength.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for manufacturing an electrode assembly that includes a separator guide and adhesive applicators to control the folding and adhesion of a continuous separator sheet between electrodes, ensuring precise alignment and uniform adhesive application, preventing displacement and enhancing adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If an additional lamination process is performed after stacking electrodes and separator sheet in Z-folding type, then adhesive strength is improved, but overall thickness of stacked body increases which causes heat transfer problems and may lead to electrode displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive is applied to the separator sheet before the stacking process begins. This preliminary application of adhesive ensures that when electrodes are stacked onto the separator sheet, they are immediately secured in position, preventing displacement while avoiding the need for additional post-stacking lamination that would increase thickness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the lamination function from a separate post-stacking process and integrates it into the separator sheet preparation stage. By applying adhesive directly to the separator sheet before stacking, the harmful thickening effect is eliminated while retaining the beneficial adhesive strength.
2Ease of manufacture
If separator sheet with low adhesive strength is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but electrodes become prone to offset and displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of adhesive application timing from post-stacking to pre-stacking. By applying adhesive to the separator sheet before stacking, even separators with inherently low adhesive strength can effectively hold electrodes in place, allowing use of cost-effective separator materials without sacrificing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Adhesive is applied to the separator sheet in advance before the stacking process. This preliminary action ensures that electrodes are secured immediately upon contact with the separator, preventing displacement even when using separators with lower adhesive strength materials.
3Manufacturing precision
If Z-folding type stacking is used, then alignment degree and electrolytic solution impregnation degree are improved, but electrodes may still be offset without additional lamination
Solution Approach 1:
Adhesive is applied to the separator sheet before stacking in the Z-folding configuration. This preliminary application ensures that as electrodes are stacked in the high-precision Z-folding pattern, they are immediately secured, maintaining both the alignment benefits of Z-folding and preventing offset displacement.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively prevents electrode displacement and improves adhesion, maintaining the integrity of the electrode assembly and ensuring efficient heat transfer, thereby enhancing battery performance.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive applicator configured to apply an adhesive to at least a part of said first portion of the separator sheet
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein is an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode assembly for use in a battery, a method of manufacturing an electrode assembly for use in a battery, an electrode assembly for use in a battery and a battery cell comprising an electrode assembly. The apparatus comprises an electrode supply unit configured to provide a plurality of electrodes and a separator supply unit configured to provide a continuous separator sheet. The apparatus further comprises a stacking table for stacking the electrodes thereon with the separator sheet folded between the electrodes to form the electrode assembly and a separator guide configured to guide the folding of the separator sheet, the separator guide being configured to move along a first direction relative to the stacking table and/or vice-versa. The apparatus also comprises a first adhesive applicator configured to apply an adhesive to at least a part of the separator sheet located between the separator guide and the stacking table and a first deflector configured to deflect the separator sheet between the separator guide and the stacking table for maintaining an orientation and/or a distance of the separator sheet relative to the first adhesive applicator while the separator guide is moving relative to the stacking table and/or vice-versa.