Apparatus and method for stacking electrode assembly

An apparatus for stacking a plurality of electrode assemblies, the apparatus comprising:

• a magazine having a magazine frame defining a storage space within which the electrode assemblies can be stacked and stored;
• a loading plate configured to support the electrode assemblies, the loading plate having at least one through hole;
• a lifting member positioned in the magazine frame and coupled to the loading plate so as to vertically displace the loading plate within the magazine frame;
• a receiver positioned above the magazine frame and movable between a loading position and a retracted position, the receiver configured to temporarily support the electrode assemblies delivered from above when in the loading position, and the receiver configured to transfer the electrode assemblies to the loading plate when in the retracted position;
• and
• an auxiliary lifting mechanism coupled to the loading plate, the auxiliary lifting mechanism including at least one auxiliary lift configured to advance through the at least one through hole of the loading plate so as to lift the electrode assemblies relative to the loading plate.