Drying apparatus with automatically adjustable baffle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a drying apparatus having an automatically adjustable shielding film. The drying apparatus having an automatically adjustable shielding film according to the present invention can automatically set a shielding area according to the degree to which the shielding film member opens and closes the opening, can reduce the time loss of the shielding film replacement, and improves drying defects due to improper installation of the shielding film.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a drying apparatus, and more particularly to a drying apparatus with an automatically adjustable shielding film, specifically a drying apparatus with an automatically adjustable shielding film that can automatically set the shielding area according to the degree to which the shielding film components open and close.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0011994, filed on January 27, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] Secondary batteries generally consist of electrodes (positive and negative electrodes), a separator, and an electrolyte, and are manufactured through a series of steps including electrode manufacturing, assembly, and activation. Here, the positive and negative electrodes are manufactured by coating a slurry containing active materials onto a current collector such as an aluminum or copper sheet, mesh, membrane, or foil, and then drying it.

[0004] Meanwhile, the electrode process, also known as the plate process, is the process of manufacturing the positive and negative electrodes, which are essential components of a secondary battery. The electrode process specifically includes mixing, coating, rolling (calendering), slitting, and drying.

[0005] In the coating process, the positive electrode slurry prepared in the mixing process is applied to the positive electrode current collector. Here, the negative electrode slurry is also applied to the negative electrode current collector during the coating process. The current collector with the applied slurry is then cut to meet design standards through a rolling and slitting process.

[0006] After the slitting process, before proceeding to the assembly process, the moisture in the slurry applied to each current collector is removed through a drying process. In this case, hot air or infrared radiation is mainly used to dry the coated slurry.

[0007] Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a view used to explain the process of drying a current collector using a drying device equipped with a shielding component based on conventional technology. Figure 2 Schematic illustration along Figure 1 The cross-section of the line AA in the middle is in a state of cutting.

[0008] During the drying of the current collector (10), heat (Q) is applied to the current collector (10). At this time, a drying rate difference occurs in the width direction (Wa, Wb) of the current collector (10), which is perpendicular to the current collector's running direction (MD). Specifically, the drying of the central part of the current collector (10) is later than that of the two edges of the current collector (10), which leads to reduced production efficiency and affects the coating quality.

[0009] In particular, when the high-temperature gas ejected from the nozzle comes into contact with the current collector (10) to evaporate the solvent, there is a problem that the hot air velocity at the edge of the current collector (10) is relatively faster than the hot air velocity at the center of the current collector (10), and the drying is completed first at the edge of the current collector rather than at the center.

[0010] That is, because the diffusion rate of the internal solvent is different from the evaporation rate of the surface to be dried, the difference in the degree of drying of the slurry (11) occurs at the edge and center of the current collector (10) in the width direction of the current collector (10). As a result, defects such as cracks appear on the surface to be dried.

[0011] Usually, such as Figure 1 As shown, since the drying device (20) is equipped with a detachably coupled shield (20a), the problem of hot air concentrating at the edge of the collector (10) is solved.

[0012] At the same time, depending on the coating width of the current collector (10), shielding components (20a) of different specifications are required. Traditionally, shielding components (20a, 20b) matching each model are replaced and used according to the width (Wa, Wb) of the current collector (10).

[0013] refer to Figure 2 (a) In order to dry the current collector (10) of model A, wherein the width (Wa) of the current collector (10) is 1040 mm, a shield A (20a) with specifications according to model A is used. In this case, the width (W1) of the opening (21a) of the shield A (20a) is 800 mm.

[0014] refer to Figure 2 (b) As another example, in order to dry a current collector (10) of model B, wherein the width (Wb) of the current collector (10) is 1140 mm, a shield B (20b) with specifications according to model B is used. In this case, the width (W2) of the opening (21b) of the shield B (20b) is 900 mm.

[0015] However, in conventional drying equipment (20), when the coating width and coating pattern of each type of current collector (10) differ significantly, it is necessary to design changes to the shielding plates of each type. Typically, the shielding components (20a, 20b) need to be replaced for each type of current collector (10).

[0016] When replacing the shielding components (20a, 20b), time loss occurs due to the process being stopped during the replacement, and process instability occurs due to improper installation of the shielding components.

[0017] Due to improper installation of the shielding component (20a or 20b), the coefficients of thermal expansion of the coated part (11, the part where the slurry is applied) and the uncoated part (the part where the slurry is not applied) of the current collector (10) are different, which may lead to problems such as electrode wrinkling or cracking.

[0018] Electrode problems, such as wrinkling or cracking, may affect the adhesion between the slurry (11) and the current collector (10). In this case, problems such as separation of the slurry from the current collector (10) may occur in subsequent processes.

[0019] Therefore, a technology is needed that can automatically set the shielding area without replacing the shielding components (20a, 20b). Summary of the Invention

[0020] Technical issues

[0021] The present invention aims to provide a drying device with an automatically adjustable shielding film that can automatically set the shielding area according to the degree to which the shielding film component opens and closes.

[0022] Technical solution

[0023] According to an example of the present invention, a drying apparatus having an automatically adjustable shielding film includes: a housing mounted on a transport path of a substrate and having an opening on a reference surface facing the substrate; a drying component mounted in the housing to provide heat to the substrate through the opening; a shielding film component configured to cover a portion of the opening and movably disposed along the length of the opening to adjust the opening area; a sensing component configured to sense the area of ​​the opening covered by the shielding film component; and a control component that controls the operation of the shielding film component based on coating pattern information and sensing information from the sensing component, the coating pattern information including width information of the substrate and width information of the slurry applied to the substrate.

[0024] Furthermore, the shielding membrane component can be configured to move in a closing direction based on the two edges of the opening in units of 1 / n (n is a natural number of 2 or greater) of the opening area, wherein the closing direction can be the direction of movement from the edge of the opening towards the center of the opening.

[0025] In addition, the shielding membrane component can be configured to move in the opening direction in units of 1 / n (n is a natural number of 2 or greater) of the opening area, wherein the opening direction can be the direction of movement from the center of the opening to the edge of the opening.

[0026] Furthermore, the shielding membrane component may include a pair of guide members mounted on a reference surface along the length of the opening, and a plurality of shielding membrane units movably mounted on the pair of guide members, the plurality of shielding membrane units covering a region or the entire region of the opening when moving in a closing direction or an opening direction. Furthermore, the closing direction may be a direction of movement from the edge of the opening towards the center of the opening, and the opening direction may be a direction opposite to the closing direction.

[0027] Additionally, the plurality of shielding membrane units may include a first shielding membrane unit that covers one area of ​​the opening when moving along the pair of guide members and a second shielding membrane unit that covers another area of ​​the opening when moving along the pair of guide members.

[0028] In addition, the first shielding film unit may include: a first reference rod mounted on a reference surface on one side of the opening; a first shielding film member that moves in a closing direction or an opening direction, one end of the first shielding film member being wrapped around the first reference rod and the other end being configured to move along the rotation direction of the first reference rod to the pair of guide members; and a first drive unit that provides rotational force to the first reference rod.

[0029] The second shielding membrane unit may include: a second reference rod mounted on a reference surface on the other side of the opening; a second shielding membrane member that moves in a closing or opening direction, one end of the second shielding membrane member being wrapped around the second reference rod and the other end being configured to move along the rotation direction of the second reference rod to the pair of guide members; and a second drive unit that provides rotational force to the second reference rod.

[0030] In addition, the first shielding membrane unit includes a plurality of first shielding membrane components covering 1 / n (n is a natural number of 2 or greater) of the opening area, wherein the plurality of first shielding membrane components can be configured to be folded and unfolded in multiple segments along the pair of guide members.

[0031] In addition, the second shielding membrane unit includes a plurality of second shielding membrane components covering 1 / n (n is a natural number of 2 or greater) of the opening area, wherein the plurality of second shielding membrane components can be configured to be folded and unfolded in multiple segments along the pair of guide members.

[0032] In addition, the sensing component includes multiple sensing sensors, which can be arranged separately along a line along the length of the opening.

[0033] Furthermore, multiple sensing sensors can be arranged apart from each other at intervals of 1 / n of the opening length (where n is a natural number of 2 or greater).

[0034] In addition, multiple sensing sensors can be disposed on the opposite surfaces of the housing facing the opening.

[0035] In addition, the control unit can calculate the closed area of ​​the opening covered by the shielding film component based on the sensing information of the sensing sensor, and adjust the opening area of ​​the opening through the shielding film component according to the coating pattern information.

[0036] Beneficial effects

[0037] As described above, according to an example of the drying apparatus with an automatically adjustable shielding film according to the invention, the shielding area can be automatically set according to the degree of opening and closing of the shielding film components, which can reduce the time loss of shielding film replacement and improve drying defects caused by improper installation of the shielding film. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a view used to explain the process of drying a current collector using a drying device equipped with a shielding element based on conventional technology.

[0039] Figure 3 The diagram schematically illustrates the installation state of a drying apparatus with an automatically adjustable shielding membrane according to an example of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 4 Schematic illustration along Figure 3 The cross-section of the drying device with an automatically adjustable shielding film was obtained from the BB cross-section. Figure 5 It is a view used to explain the process of providing heat to the substrate during the operation of the drying device.

[0041] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a drying apparatus with an automatically adjustable shielding film according to an example of the present invention is shown.

[0042] Figure 7 This is a view used to explain the opening of the housing and the arrangement of the multiple sensing sensors before the installation of the shielding membrane component in one example of the invention.

[0043] Figure 8 and Figure 9 This is a view used to explain the operational status of a shielding membrane component based on an example.

[0044] Figure 10 This is a view used to explain the operating state of a shielding membrane component according to another example.

[0045] Figure 11 The schematic diagram illustrates a pre-set coating pattern information scheme in the control unit. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Hereinafter, a drying apparatus having an automatically adjustable shielding film according to an example of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] Furthermore, regardless of the reference numerals used, identical or corresponding elements are given by the same or similar reference numerals, and repeated descriptions will be omitted. For ease of interpretation, the size and shape of the elements shown may be exaggerated or reduced.

[0048] Figure 3 The diagram schematically illustrates the installation state of a drying apparatus with an automatically adjustable shielding film according to an example of the present invention. Figure 4 Schematic illustration along Figure 3 The cross-section of the drying device with an automatically adjustable shielding film was obtained from the BB cross-section. Figure 5 It is a view used to explain the process of providing heat to the substrate during the operation of the drying device.

[0049] also, Figure 6 A schematic diagram of a drying apparatus with an automatically adjustable shielding film according to an example of the present invention is shown.

[0050] According to one example of the invention, a drying device (100) having an automatically adjustable shielding film includes a housing (110), a control unit (120), a sensing unit (130), a drying unit (150), and a shielding film unit (170).

[0051] The drying apparatus (100) includes: a housing (110) mounted on a transport path of a substrate (10) and having an opening (111) on a reference surface (112) facing the substrate (10); a drying component (150) mounted in the housing (110) to provide heat to the substrate (10) through the opening (111); a shielding film component (170) configured to cover a portion of the opening (111) and movably configured along the length of the opening (111) to adjust the opening area of ​​the opening (111); a sensing component (130) configured to sense the area of ​​the shielding film component (170) covering the opening (111); and a control component (120) controlling the operation of the shielding film component (170) based on coating pattern information and sensing information from the sensing component (130), wherein the coating pattern information includes width information of the substrate (10) and width information of the slurry (11) coated onto the substrate (10).

[0052] refer to Figure 3 The housing (110) is mounted on the transport path (MD) of the substrate (10). The housing (110) has an opening (111) on the reference surface (112) facing the substrate (10). The sensing component (130), the drying component (150), and the shielding film component (170) are all mounted inside the housing (110).

[0053] A sensing component (130) is mounted on an opposing surface (114) of the housing (110). This opposing surface (114) is the surface facing the reference surface (112). The sensing component (130) can be mounted on the opposing surface (114) inside the housing (110) along the length of the opening (111). The sensing component (130) senses the area of ​​the shielding film component (170) covering the opening (111).

[0054] The sensing component (130) may include multiple sensing sensors. For each sensing sensor, a sensor number may be pre-set in the control component (120) according to the arrangement order.

[0055] Figure 7 This is a view used to explain the opening of the housing and the arrangement of the multiple sensing sensors before the installation of the shielding membrane component in one example of the invention.

[0056] Multiple sensing sensors are arranged separately in a straight line along the length of the opening (111). The multiple sensing sensors can be arranged apart from each other at intervals of 1 / n of the length of the opening (111), where n is a natural number of 2 or greater in this paper.

[0057] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 7 For n sensing sensors, the sensing sensor located to the left of the center of the opening (111) is called "L sensing sensor (131 to 138)" and the sensing sensor located to the right of the center of the opening (111) is called "R sensing sensor (131' to 138')".

[0058] In addition, each sensing sensor is numbered such that the sensor numbers increase in sequence from the two sides of the opening (111) toward the center of the opening (111), and the sensor numbers can be stored in the control unit (120).

[0059] For ease of description, the “L-sensing sensors (131 to 138)” are divided and named according to the sensor arrangement order as “first L-sensing sensor (131) to eighth L-sensing sensor (138)”. Then, the “R-sensing sensors (131' to 138')” are divided and named according to the sensor arrangement order as “first R-sensing sensor (131') to eighth R-sensing sensor (138')”.

[0060] Furthermore, the left side of the opening (111) can be divided into regions A1 to A8 based on the center of the opening, and the right side can be divided into regions A1' to A8' based on the center of the opening.

[0061] When the opening (111) is divided into 16 regions along its length, regions A1 to A8 and regions A1' to A8' are the respective subdivision regions. The virtual subdivision regions of the opening (111) vary depending on the number of installed sensing sensors. Furthermore, the number of installed sensing sensors can be set to be equal to the number of virtual subdivision regions.

[0062] Here, a first L-sensing sensor (131) is mounted in the housing (110) facing the opening (111) in region A1. The sensing area A1 of the first L-sensing sensor (131) is closed by the shielding film component (170). The sensing area A2 of the second L-sensing sensor (132) is closed by the shielding film component (170). The sensing area A3 of the third L-sensing sensor (133) is closed by the shielding film component (170). The sensing area A4 of the fourth L-sensing sensor (134) is closed by the shielding film component (170).

[0063] The sensing area A5 of the fifth L-sensor (135) is closed by the shielding film component (170). The sensing area A6 of the sixth L-sensor (136) is closed by the shielding film component (170). The sensing area A7 of the seventh L-sensor (137) is closed by the shielding film component (170). The sensing area A8 of the eighth L-sensor (138) is closed by the shielding film component (170).

[0064] The sensing area A1' of the first R-sensor (131') is closed by the shielding film component (170). The sensing area A2' of the second R-sensor (132') is closed by the shielding film component (170). The sensing area A3' of the third R-sensor (133') is closed by the shielding film component (170). The sensing area A4' of the fourth R-sensor (134') is closed by the shielding film component (170).

[0065] The sensing area A5' of the fifth R sensor (135') is closed by the shielding film component (170). The sensing area A6' of the sixth R sensor (136') is closed by the shielding film component (170). The sensing area A7' of the seventh R sensor (137') is closed by the shielding film component (170). The sensing area A8' of the eighth R sensor (138') is closed by the shielding film component (170).

[0066] Figure 8 and Figure 9 This is a view used to explain the operational status of a shielding membrane component based on an example. Figure 10 This is a view used to explain the operating state of a shielding membrane component according to another example.

[0067] A shielding membrane component (170) is mounted in the housing (110) to open and close an opening (111) on a reference surface (112). The shielding membrane component (170) is movably mounted on the reference surface (112) along the length direction of the opening (111) to adjust the opening area of ​​the opening (111). The shielding membrane component (170) is configured to cover a portion or the entire area including both sides of the opening (111) in the width direction of the opening (111).

[0068] The shielding membrane component (170) includes a pair of guide members (177, 178), a first shielding membrane unit (170a), and a second shielding membrane unit (170b).

[0069] Here, a pair of guide members (177, 178) are arranged side by side along the width direction of the opening (111) and are respectively installed on the reference surface (112) along the length direction of the opening (111).

[0070] The first shielding membrane unit (170a) and the second shielding membrane unit (170b) are movably mounted on a pair of guide members (177, 178) and cover part or all of the opening (111) when moving in the closing or opening direction.

[0071] Here, the closing direction (Lc, Rc) is the direction of movement from the edge of the opening (111) towards the center of the opening (111). The opening direction (Lo, Ro) is the opposite direction to the closing direction. The opening direction (Lo, Ro) is the direction of movement from the center (o) of the opening (111) towards the edge of the opening (111).

[0072] The first shielding membrane unit (170a) is configured to cover one side region of the opening (111) when moving along a pair of guide members (177, 178). The first shielding membrane unit (170a) opens and closes one side region of the opening (111) when moving in a first closing direction (Lc) or a first opening direction (Lo) in units of 1 / n of the opening area under the control of the control member (120).

[0073] When the opening area of ​​the opening (111) is reduced, the first shielding film unit (170a) can be controlled by the control unit (120) to move in the first closing direction (Lc) based on one side edge of the opening (111) in units of 1 / n of the opening area to adjust the opening area of ​​the opening (111).

[0074] Then, when the opening area of ​​the opening (111) is expanded, the first shielding film unit (170a) can be moved in the first opening direction (Lo) in units of 1 / n of the opening area by the control unit (120) to adjust the opening area of ​​the opening (111).

[0075] For example, refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 The first shielding film unit (170a) includes a first reference rod (171a), a first shielding film component (172a), and a first driving unit (173a).

[0076] The first reference rod (171a) is mounted on the reference surface (112) on one side of the opening (111). The first shielding film component (172a) is connected to the first reference rod (171a) in the form of a roll-up screen.

[0077] The first shielding membrane component (172a) is configured such that one end is wrapped around the first reference rod (171a), and the other end is movable to a pair of guide members (177, 178). Furthermore, the first shielding membrane component (172a) covers one side of the opening (111) when moving in the closing or opening direction according to the rotation direction of the first reference rod (171a).

[0078] The first drive unit (173a) is coupled to the first reference rod (171a) to provide rotational force to the first reference rod (171a). Depending on the rotation direction of the first drive unit (173a), the first shielding film member (172a) wraps around the first reference rod (171a) when moving in the first opening direction (Lo), or unwraps from the first reference rod (171a) when moving in the first closing direction (Lc).

[0079] As another example, see Figure 10 The first shielding membrane unit (170c) includes a reference rod (171c) and a plurality of first shielding membrane components (172c). Each first shielding membrane component (172c) is configured to cover 1 / n of the opening area. The reference rod (171c) is mounted on one side of the opening (111).

[0080] Multiple first shielding membrane components (172a) may have a louver structure that folds and unfolds in multiple segments along a pair of guide members based on a reference rod (171c). As the first shielding membrane component (172a) moves along a pair of guide members (177, 178), it covers one side of the opening (111) in units of 1 / n of the opening area.

[0081] The second shielding membrane unit (170b) is configured to cover the area on the other side of the opening (111) when moving along a pair of guide members (177, 178). The second shielding membrane unit (170b) moves in a second closing direction (Rc) or a second opening direction (Ro) in units of 1 / n of the opening area to open and close the area on the other side of the opening (111).

[0082] When the opening area of ​​the opening (111) is reduced, the second shielding film unit (170b) can be controlled by the control unit (120) to move in the second closing direction (Rc) based on one side edge of the opening (111) in units of 1 / n of the opening area to adjust the opening area of ​​the opening (111).

[0083] Then, when the opening area of ​​the opening (111) is expanded, the second shielding film unit (170b) can be moved in the second closing direction (Ro) in units of 1 / n of the opening area by the control component (120) to adjust the opening area of ​​the opening (111).

[0084] refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 The second shielding film unit (170b) includes a second reference rod (171b), a second shielding film component (172b), and a second drive unit (173b).

[0085] The second reference rod (171b) is mounted on the reference surface (112) on the other side of the opening (111). The second shielding membrane component (172b) is connected to the second reference rod (171b) in the form of a roll-up screen.

[0086] The second shielding membrane component (172b) is configured such that one end is wrapped around the second reference rod (171b), and the other end is movable to a pair of guide members (177, 178). The second shielding membrane component (172b) moves in the closing or opening direction according to the rotation direction of the second reference rod (171b) to cover the area on the other side of the opening (111).

[0087] The second drive unit (173b) is coupled to the second reference rod (171b) to provide rotational force to the second reference rod (171b). Depending on the rotation direction of the second drive unit, the second shielding membrane member (172b) wraps around the second reference rod (171b) when moving in the second opening direction (Ro). Alternatively, the second shielding membrane member (172b) unwraps from the second reference rod (171b) when moving in the second closing direction (Rc).

[0088] As another example, see Figure 10 The second shielding membrane unit (170d) includes a second reference rod (171d) and at least one second shielding membrane member (172d). The second reference rod (171d) is mounted on the other side of the opening.

[0089] The second shielding membrane member (172b) is configured to cover 1 / n of the opening area. At least one second shielding membrane member (172d) may have a louver structure that folds and unfolds in multiple segments along a pair of guide members based on a second reference rod (171d).

[0090] The second shielding membrane component (172d) covers the area on the other side of the opening (111) in units of 1 / n of the opening area as it moves along a pair of guide members (177, 178).

[0091] A drying component (150) is installed in a housing (110) to provide heat (Q) to the substrate (10) through an opening (111). As the drying component (150), a heating device capable of drying the slurry applied to the substrate can be used, for example, various types of heating devices such as hot air or infrared can be used as the drying component (150).

[0092] The control unit (120) controls the operation of the shielding film unit (170) based on the coating pattern information and the sensing information of the sensing unit (130). The coating pattern information may include the width information of the substrate (10) and the width information of the paste (11) applied to the substrate (10). Furthermore, in this document, the substrate (10) refers to a positive current collector or a negative current collector.

[0093] The control unit (120) pre-sets a sensor number for each sensing sensor. When each sensing sensor senses a closed area covered by the shielding membrane component, the control unit (120) obtains sensing information based on the sensor number.

[0094] The control unit (120) can calculate the closed area of ​​the shielding film component (170) covering the opening (111) based on the sensing information. Then, the control unit (120) can adjust the opening area of ​​the opening (111) to match the coating pattern information by controlling the operation of the shielding film component (170) based on the coating pattern information and the closed area calculation information.

[0095] Figure 11 The schematic diagram illustrates a pre-set coating pattern information scheme in the control unit.

[0096] refer to Figure 11 The coating pattern information, along with multiple drying zones set along the substrate transport path, can be divided into "first to thirteenth drying zones," and each drying zone can be equipped with a drying device. Furthermore, a closed area for the drying device set in the relevant drying zone can be set differently for each drying zone. The closed area can be adjusted by the shielding film component (170).

[0097] As an example, the drying scheme based on the coating pattern information of each drying zone is as follows:

[0098] refer to Figure 11 The drying scheme of the first drying zone and the second drying zone can be set to cover the entire area of ​​the shielding membrane opening (111).

[0099] The drying scheme for the third drying zone can be configured such that the first shielding film unit (170a) and the second shielding film unit (170b) each close one area (e.g., area A1 and area A1'), and open areas A2 to A8 and areas A2' to A8' other than areas A1 and area A1'.

[0100] The drying scheme for the fifth, sixth, and seventh drying zones can be set such that the first shielding film unit (170a) and the second shielding film unit (170b) each close two zones (e.g., zone A1, zone A2, zone A1', and zone A2'), and open zones A3 to A8 and zones A3' to A8'.

[0101] The drying scheme for the eighth and ninth drying zones can be set such that the first shielding film unit (170a) and the second shielding film unit (170b) each close three zones (e.g., zones A1 to A3 and zones A1' to A3') and open zones A4 to A8 and zones A4' to A8'.

[0102] In addition, the drying scheme for the tenth to thirteenth drying zones can be set to cover the entire area of ​​the shielding membrane opening (111).

[0103] Therefore, since the shielding area is automatically set to the degree to which the shielding membrane component opens and closes, the present invention can reduce the time loss of shielding membrane replacement and improve the drying defects caused by improper installation of the shielding membrane.

[0104] For illustrative purposes, preferred examples of the invention as described above have been disclosed. Those skilled in the art with general knowledge of the invention will be able to make various modifications, alterations, and additions within the spirit and scope of the invention, and such modifications, alterations, and additions should be considered to fall within the scope of the following claims.

[0105] Industrial applicability

[0106] As described above, a drying apparatus with an automatically adjustable shielding film according to an example of the present invention can automatically set the shielding area according to the degree to which the shielding film components open and close the openings, which can reduce the time loss of shielding film replacement and improve drying defects caused by improper installation of the shielding film.

Claims

1. A drying apparatus, comprising: The housing is mounted on the transport path of the substrate and has an opening on a reference surface facing the substrate; A drying component, which is installed in the housing to provide heat to the substrate through the opening; A shielding film component is configured to cover a portion of the opening and is movably disposed along the length of the opening to adjust the opening area; A sensing component configured to sense the area covered by the shielding film component in the opening; as well as A control component controls the operation of the shielding film component based on coating pattern information and sensing information from the sensing component. The coating pattern information includes width information of the substrate and width information of the slurry applied to the substrate. The sensing component includes multiple sensing sensors. The plurality of sensing sensors are arranged separately along a line along the length of the opening. The plurality of sensing sensors are arranged apart from each other at intervals of 1 / n of the opening length, where n is a natural number of 2 or greater. The shielding film component is moved in the closing or opening direction in units of 1 / n of the opening area under the control of the control component to adjust the opening area of ​​the opening.

2. The drying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein... The closing direction is the direction of movement from the edge of the opening towards the center of the opening.

3. The drying apparatus according to claim 2, wherein... The opening direction is the direction of movement from the center of the opening to the edge of the opening.

4. The drying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the shielding film component comprises: A pair of guide members mounted on the reference surface along the length direction of the opening; as well as A plurality of shielding membrane units are movably mounted to the pair of guide members, the plurality of shielding membrane units covering a region or the entire region of the opening when moving in the closing or opening direction. The closing direction is the direction of movement from the edge of the opening towards the center of the opening, and the opening direction is the opposite direction to the closing direction.

5. The drying apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the plurality of shielding film units comprises: A first shielding membrane unit that covers an area of ​​the opening when moving along the pair of guide members; and A second shielding membrane unit that covers another area of ​​the opening when moving along the pair of guide members.

6. The drying apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the first shielding film unit comprises: A first reference rod is mounted on the reference surface on one side of the opening; A first shielding film member that moves in the closing direction or the opening direction, one end of the first shielding film member being wrapped around the first reference rod, and the other end being configured to move along the rotation direction of the first reference rod to the pair of guide members; and A first drive unit that provides rotational force to the first reference rod.

7. The drying apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the second shielding film unit comprises: A second reference rod is mounted on the reference surface on the other side of the opening; A second shielding film member that moves in the closing direction or the opening direction, one end of the second shielding film member being wrapped around the second reference rod, and the other end being configured to move along the rotation direction of the second reference rod to the pair of guide members; and A second drive unit that provides rotational force to the second reference rod.

8. The drying apparatus according to claim 5, wherein The first shielding membrane unit includes a plurality of first shielding membrane components covering 1 / n of the opening area. The plurality of first shielding membrane components are configured to be folded and unfolded in multiple segments along the pair of guide members.

9. The drying apparatus according to claim 5, wherein The second shielding membrane unit includes a plurality of second shielding membrane components covering 1 / n of the opening area. The plurality of second shielding membrane components are configured to fold and unfold in multiple segments along the pair of guide members.

10. The drying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein The plurality of sensing sensors are disposed on the opposing surfaces of the housing facing the opening.

11. The drying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control component: The closed area covered by the shielding film component of the opening is calculated based on the sensing information from the sensing sensor. The opening area of ​​the opening is adjusted by the shielding film component according to the coating pattern information.

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