Manufacturing equipment of electrode

Abstract

The present application may provide an electrode manufacturing apparatus comprising: a sheet supply unit for supplying a lithium metal sheet; an ultrasonic cutting unit for repeatedly approaching the supplied lithium metal sheet and cutting the lithium metal sheet; and a blade provided in the cutting unit for forming a cutting line on the lithium metal sheet, wherein the cutting line (CL) is formed inside the outer boundary (OL) of the supplied lithium metal sheet.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present application relates to an electrode manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing an electrode containing lithium metal. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, the demand for mobile devices such as smartphones, tablet PCs, and wireless earphones has been increasing. Furthermore, as the development of electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, robots, and satellites accelerates, research on high-performance secondary batteries capable of repeated charging and discharging as energy sources is actively underway.

[0003] Currently commercialized rechargeable batteries include nickel-cadmium, nickel-hydrogen, nickel-zinc, and lithium-ion batteries. Among these, lithium-ion batteries have the advantages of high energy density and a very low self-discharge rate, as they exhibit almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based rechargeable batteries.

[0004] Meanwhile, lithium metal batteries sometimes use lithium metal as the anode. While lithium metal is highly advantageous for increasing energy density, it is softer than copper (Cu), which was conventionally used. Due to this characteristic of lithium metal, there were difficulties in the cutting process for forming the electrode tab.

[0005] In order to manufacture an efficient cathode containing lithium metal, a roll-to-roll process is sometimes used. The roll-to-roll process involves unrolling lithium metal into a sheet form and continuously supplying it, while cutting the supplied sheet. However, problems may arise where the sheet is not properly cut due to distance deviations or meandering during cutting. Additionally, due to the inherently soft nature of lithium metal, problems may occur where the cutting equipment and the lithium metal stick together during cutting, or where residues generated after cutting become entangled and difficult to process. The problem to be solved

[0006] The present application may provide an electrode manufacturing apparatus capable of improving the problem of lithium metal not being properly cut due to distance deviation or meandering in a battery system using lithium metal as a negative electrode, and improving various problems that may occur during cutting due to the soft characteristics of lithium metal. Additionally, the present application may provide a method for manufacturing an electrode using the electrode manufacturing apparatus, or an electrode manufactured by the electrode manufacturing apparatus or the electrode manufacturing method. means of solving the problem

[0007] An electrode manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present application comprises: a sheet supply unit for supplying a lithium metal sheet; an ultrasonic cutting unit for repeatedly approaching the supplied lithium metal sheet and cutting the lithium metal sheet; and a blade provided in the cutting unit for forming a cutting line on the lithium metal sheet, wherein the cutting line (CL) may be formed inside the outer boundary (OL) of the supplied lithium metal sheet.

[0008] In an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present application, the cutting line (CL) includes a protruding line (PL) corresponding to an electrode tab and an extension line (EL) corresponding to one edge of an electrode connected from the protruding line (PL), and the blade may include a first blade portion forming the extension line (EL) and a second blade portion forming the protruding line (PL).

[0009] In an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present application, at least a portion of the extension line (EL) includes a first parallel line (CLP1) parallel to the supply direction (MD) of the lithium metal sheet, and at least a portion of the protruding line (PL) includes a second parallel line (CLP2) parallel to the supply direction (MD) of the lithium metal sheet, and the first blade portion may further include a first parallel blade portion forming the first parallel line (CLP1), and the second blade portion may further include a second parallel blade portion forming the second parallel line (CLP2).

[0010] In an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present application, the cutting line (CL) further includes a first auxiliary line (CLA1) provided at the end of the extension line (EL) so as to face outward in the width direction of the lithium metal sheet, and the first blade portion may further include a first auxiliary blade portion forming the first auxiliary line (CLA1).

[0011] In an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present application, the cutting line (CL) further includes a spacing line (DL) that is spaced apart from the extension line (EL) in the width direction (TD) and corresponds to the other edge of the electrode, and the blade may further include a third blade part that is spaced apart from the first blade part, cuts the opposite boundary of the lithium metal sheet, and forms the spacing line (DL).

[0012] In an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present application, at least a portion of the spacing line (DL) includes a third parallel line (CLP3) parallel to the supply direction (MD) of the lithium metal sheet, and the third blade portion may further include a third parallel blade portion forming the third parallel line (CLP3).

[0013] In an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present application, the cutting line (CL) further includes a second auxiliary line (CLA2) provided at the end of the spacing line (DL) so as to face outward in the width direction of the lithium metal sheet, and the third blade part may further include a second auxiliary blade part forming the second auxiliary line (CLA2).

[0014] In an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present application, the cutting line (CL) further includes a first auxiliary line (CLA1) provided at the end of the extension line (EL) so as to face outward in the width direction of the lithium metal sheet, and the directions in which the first auxiliary line (CLA1) and the second auxiliary line (CLA2) face may be opposite directions.

[0015] In an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present application, the distance between the first blade portion and the third blade portion may be shorter than the width direction (TD) length of the lithium metal sheet before cutting.

[0016] In an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present application, two adjacent cutting lines (CL) formed by two consecutive approaches of the cutting part may include a margin area (M) that overlaps at least partially with respect to the supply direction (MD) of the lithium metal sheet.

[0017] In an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present application, a lithium metal sheet is cut by the first blade portion and the second blade portion to form a first residual sheet, and the first residual sheet formed by the continuous approach of the cutting portion may have an integral shape.

[0018] In an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present application, a second residual sheet is formed as the lithium metal sheet is cut by the third blade portion, and the second residual sheet formed by the continuous approach of the cutting portion may have an integral shape. Effects of the invention

[0019] The present application can improve the problem of lithium metal not being properly cut due to distance deviation or meandering in a battery system using lithium metal as a negative electrode, and can improve various problems that may occur during cutting by taking into account the soft characteristics of lithium metal. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0020] The drawings shown in this application are illustrative of this application, and the ratios of the width, height, or thickness (or height) of each component are intended to illustrate this application in detail and may differ from the actual proportions. Additionally, in the coordinate system shown in the drawings, each axis is perpendicular to the others, the direction indicated by the arrow is the + direction, and the direction exactly opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow (a direction rotated 180 degrees) may be the - direction. FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating at least a part of an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present application. FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating a cutting line to be formed or formed on a lithium metal sheet in one embodiment of the present application. FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating a part of the cutting section of an electrode manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present application. FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating a cutting line to be formed or formed on a lithium metal sheet in one embodiment of the present application. FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating a lithium metal sheet cut along a cutting line in one embodiment of the present application. FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating at least a part of an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present application. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0021] Prior to the detailed description of this application, terms and words used in this specification and claims may not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings. Furthermore, based on the principle that the inventor may appropriately define the concept of terms to best describe their invention, they may be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of this application. The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of this application and may not represent all of the technical spirit of this application. Therefore, various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0022] Identical reference numbers or symbols in each drawing attached to this specification may represent parts or components that perform substantially the same function. For convenience of explanation and understanding, the same reference numbers or symbols may be used to describe different embodiments. That is, even if components having the same reference number are depicted in multiple drawings, the multiple drawings may not all represent a single embodiment.

[0023] In the following description, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms such as "comprising" or "constituting" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0024] Additionally, in the following description, expressions such as upper side, top, lower side, bottom, side, front, and rear are based on the direction depicted in the drawing, and may be expressed differently if the direction of the object changes.

[0025] Additionally, in this specification and claims, terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to distinguish between components. These ordinal numbers are used to distinguish identical or similar components from one another, and the meaning of the terms should not be limited by the use of such ordinal numbers. For example, the order of use or arrangement of components combined with such ordinal numbers should not be limited by the number. If necessary, each ordinal number may be used interchangeably.

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, the scope of the present application is not limited to the embodiments presented. For example, a person skilled in the art who understands the scope of the present application may propose other embodiments that fall within the scope of the scope of the present application by adding, changing, or deleting components, and such are also to be considered to be within the scope of the scope of the present application. In the drawings, the shapes and sizes of elements may be exaggerated for clearer explanation.

[0027] In this specification, the term "battery" may be used interchangeably with "cell." Additionally, "battery" or "cell" may be a collective term for a battery cell, a battery module containing a battery cell, or a battery pack, which are units thereof.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating at least a portion of an electrode manufacturing apparatus (10) according to one embodiment of the present application. The electrode manufacturing apparatus (10) may include a sheet supply unit (100) that supplies a lithium metal sheet (110). The method of supplying the lithium metal sheet (110) is not particularly limited, but may be a method of unrolling a roll-shaped lithium metal (120) at a constant speed. The sheet supply unit (100) may include a device for unrolling the roll-shaped lithium metal (120) so that the lithium metal sheet (110) is continuously supplied, and a moving device for moving the lithium metal (110) that has been unrolled into a sheet shape in the supply direction (MD). The sheet supply unit (100) may use a so-called roll-to-roll method.

[0029] The electrode manufacturing device (10) may include a cutting unit (200) that repeatedly approaches a supplied lithium metal sheet (110). The cutting unit (200) may cut the lithium metal sheet (110). Additionally, the cutting unit (200) is not particularly limited as long as it is used in the industry, but considering the soft characteristics of lithium metal, an ultrasonic method may be used. For example, regarding the ultrasonic method, one may refer to Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2022-0035741.

[0030] The cutting unit (200) can perform ultrasonic cutting. The cutting unit (200) may include an ultrasonic generator (210) capable of performing ultrasonic cutting. The ultrasonic generator (210) may include an oscillator (211) that generates ultrasonic waves, a booster (213) that amplifies or reduces vibration energy generated from the oscillator (211), and a horn (212) that transmits the vibration energy of the booster (213) to a blade (220) to be described later. Additionally, the ultrasonic generator (210) may further include a vision inspection device (214) capable of vision inspection to check cutting quality as needed. The oscillator (211) can generate ultrasonic waves having a frequency of 15 kHz to 40 kHz and an amplitude of 10 μm to 60 μm. The ultrasonic method can cut the lithium metal sheet (110) using vibration energy from the ultrasound, and can cut the lithium metal while minimizing problems such as adhesion even with the soft characteristics of the lithium metal.

[0031] The cutting unit (200) is positioned spaced vertically from one side of the supplied lithium metal sheet (110) and can repeatedly approach the lithium metal sheet (110) for cutting. Approach to the lithium metal sheet (110) can be implemented by a moving device, and the movement of the cutting unit (200) can be in a direction perpendicular to one side of the lithium metal sheet (110). That is, the supply direction (MD) of the lithium metal sheet (110) and the movement direction of the cutting unit (200) can be perpendicular to each other.

[0032] The sheet supply unit (100) can continuously supply a lithium metal sheet (110), and the cutting unit (200) can repeatedly approach the continuously supplied lithium metal sheet (110) to cut the lithium metal sheet (110), and as a result, the lithium metal sheet (110) can form a cutting line (CL) along the supply direction (MD).

[0033] The sheet supply unit (100) can temporarily stop supplying the lithium metal sheet (110) when the cutting unit (200) and the lithium metal sheet (110) come into contact, thereby securing time for cutting. The sheet supply unit (100) can resume the supply of the lithium metal sheet (110) that was stopped when the cutting unit (200), which was in contact with the lithium metal sheet (110), returns to its original position after the contact with the lithium metal sheet (110) is released.

[0034] For example, referring to FIG. 1, a lithium metal sheet (110) can be supplied in the +x direction through a sheet supply unit (100). A cutting unit (200) can move in the -z direction from a position spaced a predetermined distance in the +z direction perpendicular to the supplied lithium metal sheet (110) to approach the supplied lithium metal sheet (110). The cutting unit (200), having approached and come into contact with the lithium metal sheet (110), can move again in the +z direction to return to its original position. The cutting unit (200) can repeatedly approach the lithium metal sheet (110) by moving again in the -z direction to approach the supplied lithium metal sheet (110). While the cutting unit (200) approaches again, the lithium metal sheet (110) is supplied in the +x direction to continue the cutting line (CL) with respect to the supply direction (MD).

[0035] The cutting section (200) may include a blade (220) that forms a cutting line (CL) on a lithium metal sheet (110). The blade (220) can contact the supplied lithium metal sheet (110) to form a cutting line (CL) on the lithium metal sheet (110), i.e., cut the lithium metal sheet (110).

[0036] The cutting line (CL) formed by the blade (220) can be formed inside the outer boundary (OL) in the width direction (TD) of the supplied lithium metal sheet (110). This allows the residue in the area between the cutting line (CL) and the outer boundary (OL) of the lithium metal sheet (110) to be formed as a single unit without fragmentation, thereby enabling easy processing. Further details regarding this will be described later.

[0037] FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating a cutting line (CL) that is to be formed or has been formed on a lithium metal sheet (110) in one embodiment of the present application. FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating a part of the cutting section (200) of an electrode manufacturing device (10) according to one embodiment of the present application, specifically illustrating a part where a blade (220) is provided.

[0038] The electrode manufacturing device (10) can manufacture an electrode, and in particular, can manufacture a negative electrode using lithium metal. The electrode may include an electrode tab, and the electrode manufacturing device (10) can form the electrode tab by cutting the lithium metal sheet (110) and can also naturally form the electrode edge.

[0039] The cutting line (CL) may include a protruding line (PL) corresponding to the electrode tab. The portion of the lithium metal sheet (110) cut along the protruding line (PL) may become the electrode tab. Additionally, the cutting line (CL) may include an extension line (EL) corresponding to one edge of the electrode. The portion of the lithium metal sheet (110) cut along the extension line (EL) may become one edge of the electrode. The extension line (EL) may be connected to the protruding line (PL).

[0040] The blade (220) may include a first blade portion (221) that forms an extension line (EL) on the supplied lithium metal sheet (110). Additionally, the blade (220) may include a second blade portion (222) that forms a protrusion line (PL) on the supplied lithium metal sheet (110). The first blade portion (221) and the second blade portion (222) may be connected to each other, so that the extension line (EL) may be connected to the protrusion line (PL). The first blade portion (221) and the second blade portion (222) may be integral.

[0041] At least a portion of the extension line (EL) may include a first parallel line (CLP1) parallel to the supply direction (MD) of the lithium metal sheet (110). At least a portion of the protruding line (PL) may include a second parallel line (CLP2) parallel to the supply direction (MD) of the lithium metal sheet (110). The first parallel line (CLP1) may be formed to be farther from the adjacent outer boundary (OL) of the supplied lithium metal sheet (110) compared to the second parallel line (CLP2).

[0042] The first blade section (221) may further include a first parallel blade section (221P) forming a first parallel line (CLP1). The second blade section (222) may further include a second parallel blade section (222P) forming a second parallel line (CLP2). The first parallel blade section (221P) may be arranged to be farther from the outer boundary (OL) of the supplied lithium metal sheet (110) than the second parallel blade section (222P).

[0043] The protruding line (PL) may further include a connecting line (CLC) parallel to the width direction (TD) of the lithium metal sheet (110). The connecting line (CLC) may connect the first parallel line (CLP1) and the second parallel line (CLP2) so as to be connected to each other.

[0044] The second blade section (222) may further include a connecting blade section (222C) that forms a connecting line (CLC). The connecting blade section (222C) may connect the first parallel blade section (221P) and the second parallel blade section (222P) so that they are connected to each other. The first blade section (221) and the second blade section (222) may be an integrated type connected to each other through the connecting blade section (222C).

[0045] The cutting line (CL) may further include a first auxiliary line (CLA1) provided at the end of the extension line (EL) to face outward in the width direction (TD) of the lithium metal sheet (110). The first blade portion (221) may further include a first auxiliary blade portion (221A) forming the first auxiliary line (CLA1).

[0046] By including a first auxiliary line (CLA1) in the cutting line (CL), the problem of the lithium metal sheet (110) not being properly cut due to distance deviation or meandering during cutting can be minimized. In particular, when supplying the lithium metal sheet (110) using a roll-to-roll process method, the supplied lithium metal sheet (110) may move slightly in the width direction (TD). This is called meandering, and if cutting occurs in a situation where meandering has occurred, the previous cutting line (CL) and the subsequent cutting line (CL) may not be connected to each other, resulting in a portion of the lithium metal sheet (110) not being cut or an electrode of an unintended shape being obtained. By directing the first auxiliary line (CLA1) toward the width direction (TD) of the lithium metal sheet (110), the possibility of the previous cutting line (CL) and the subsequent cutting line (CL) being connected to each other is increased even if such meandering occurs, thereby minimizing the problem of the lithium metal sheet (110) not being properly cut.

[0047] At this time, the first auxiliary line (CLA1) can be directed outward in the width direction (TD) of the lithium metal sheet (110) so as not to affect the shape of the electrode formed thereafter when continuously producing the electrode.

[0048] The first auxiliary line (CLA1) may be positioned closer to the adjacent outer boundary (OL) of the supplied lithium metal sheet (110) than the first parallel line (CLP1). The first auxiliary line (CLA1) may not be positioned further from the adjacent outer boundary (OL) of the supplied lithium metal sheet (110) than the first parallel line (CLP1). Through this positional relationship between the first auxiliary line (CLA1) and the first parallel line (CLP1), the first auxiliary line (CLA1) may not affect the shape of the electrode subsequently formed when the electrode is continuously produced.

[0049] The first auxiliary line (CLA1) may be formed parallel to the width direction (TD). Alternatively, the first auxiliary line (CLA1) may form a predetermined angle with respect to the width direction (TD). Or, the first auxiliary line (CLA1) may have a curve shape that starts along the length direction of the cutting line (CL) and naturally extends toward the adjacent outer boundary (OL) of the lithium metal sheet (110).

[0050] The cutting line (CL) may include a spacing line (DL) that is spaced apart from the extension line (EL) in the width direction (TD) of the lithium metal sheet (110) and corresponds to the other edge of the electrode. The other edge of the electrode may refer to the other side of the one edge that is the part cut along the extension line (EL).

[0051] The blade (220) may include a third blade section (223) that is spaced apart from the first blade section (221) and cuts the opposite boundary of the lithium metal sheet (110) to form a separation line (DL). The opposite boundary of the lithium metal sheet (110) may refer to a boundary located on the opposite side of the boundary of the lithium metal sheet (110) adjacent to the first blade section (221). The first blade section (221) and the third blade section (223) may not be connected to each other. Additionally, the second blade section (222), which is integral with the first blade section (221), may not be connected to the third blade section (2223).

[0052] At least a portion of the spacing line (DL) includes a third parallel line (CLP3) parallel to the supply direction (MD) of the lithium metal sheet (110), and the third blade portion (223) may further include a third parallel blade portion (223P) forming the third parallel line (CLP3).

[0053] The formation of the separation line (DL) ensures that one edge of the electrode and the other edge remain parallel even when meandering occurs. For example, if the outer boundary (OL) of the supplied lithium metal sheet (110) forms the other edge of the electrode without a separate separation line (DL), a problem may arise in which the extension line (EL) of the cutting line (CL) and the other boundary edge of the lithium metal sheet (110) are not parallel when meandering occurs, resulting in the one edge of the final cut lithium metal sheet (110) and the other edge not being parallel.

[0054] Meanwhile, the supply direction (MD) length of the third parallel line (CLP3) may be equal to the sum of the total supply direction (MD) length of the first parallel line (CLP1) and the total supply direction (MD) length of the second parallel line (CLP2). Here, "equal" means substantially equal, and the error may be within 5%.

[0055] The cutting line (CL) may further include a second auxiliary line (CLA2) provided at the end of the spacing line (DL) to face outward in the width direction (TD) of the lithium metal sheet (110). The third blade portion (223) may further include a second auxiliary blade portion (223A) forming the second auxiliary line (CLA2).

[0056] By including a second auxiliary line (CLA2) in the cutting line (CL), the problem of the lithium metal sheet (110) not being properly cut due to distance deviation or meandering during cutting, similar to the first auxiliary line (CLA1), can be minimized. The second auxiliary line (CLA2) can be directed toward the width direction (TD) of the lithium metal sheet (110) to minimize the problem of the lithium metal sheet (110) not being properly cut. Additionally, the second auxiliary line (CLA2) can be directed toward the outside of the width direction (TD) of the lithium metal sheet (110) so that it does not affect the shape of the electrode formed thereafter when the electrode is continuously produced.

[0057] The second auxiliary line (CLA2) may be positioned closer to the adjacent outer boundary (OL) of the supplied lithium metal sheet (110) than the third parallel line (CLP3). That is, the second auxiliary line (CLA2) may not be positioned further from the adjacent outer boundary (OL) of the supplied lithium metal sheet (110) than the third parallel line (CLP3). Through this positional relationship between the second auxiliary line (CLA2) and the third parallel line (CLP3), the second auxiliary line (CLA2) may not affect the shape of the electrode subsequently formed during continuous production of the electrode.

[0058] The directions in which the first auxiliary line (CLA1) and the second auxiliary line (CLA2) face may be opposite to each other. The direction in which the first auxiliary line (CLA1) faces may refer to the direction in which the first auxiliary line (CLA1) extends in the width direction (TD) relative to the first parallel line (CLP1). Likewise, the direction in which the second auxiliary line (CLA2) faces may refer to the direction in which the second auxiliary line (CLA2) extends in the width direction (TD) relative to the third parallel line (CLP3). That is, referring to FIG. 2, the direction in which the first auxiliary line (CLA1) faces may be the +y direction, and the direction in which the second auxiliary line (CLA2) faces may be the -y direction.

[0059] Since the first auxiliary line (CLA1) and the second auxiliary line (CLA2) are oriented in opposite directions, a sufficient cutting area can be provided even if meandering occurs, the problem of the lithium metal sheet (110) not being properly cut can be minimized, and the shape of the electrode formed later can not be affected when continuously producing the electrode.

[0060] Meanwhile, the distance between the first blade section (221) and the third blade section (223) may be shorter than the width direction (TD) length of the lithium metal sheet (110) before cutting. Through this, the cutting line (CL) can be formed inside the outer boundary (OL) of the supplied lithium metal sheet (110), and a fragment-shaped residue is not formed, and a solid residue is formed, making it easier to process.

[0061] FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating a cutting line (CL) that is to be formed or has been formed on a lithium metal sheet (110) in one embodiment of the present application.

[0062] Two cutting lines (CL) can be formed by two consecutive approaches of the cutting section (200). The two adjacent cutting lines (CL) thus formed may include a margin area (M) that overlaps at least partially with respect to the feed direction (MD) of the lithium metal sheet (110). If the cutting lines (CL) include a margin area (M), a sufficient cutting area can be provided even if meandering occurs, and the problem of the lithium metal sheet (110) not being properly cut due to the front cutting line (CL) and the back cutting line (CL) being separated by errors such as the approach interval of the cutting section (200) and the feed speed of the lithium metal sheet (110) can be minimized.

[0063] The margin area (M) can be formed by overlapping parts of each extension line (EL) from two adjacent cutting lines (CL). The margin area (M) can be formed by overlapping parts of each spacing line (DL) from two adjacent cutting lines (CL).

[0064] FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating a lithium metal sheet (110) cut along a cutting line (CL) in one embodiment of the present application. FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating at least a part of an electrode manufacturing apparatus (10) according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0065] As the lithium metal sheet (110) supplied by the first blade portion (221) and the second blade portion (222) is cut, a first residual sheet (S1) excluding the electrode portion can be formed. The first residual sheet (S1) can have a monolithic form. That is, since the first residual sheet (S1) is formed as a monolithic form rather than as a fragment, the first residual sheet (S1) can be processed more easily.

[0066] As the lithium metal sheet (110) supplied by the third blade portion (223) is cut, a second residual sheet (S2) excluding the electrode portion can be formed. The second residual sheet (S2) can have a monolithic form. That is, since the second residual sheet (S2) is formed as a monolithic form rather than as fragments, the first residual sheet (S2) can be processed more easily.

[0067] In addition to the sheet supply unit (100) and the cutting unit (200), the electrode manufacturing device (10) may include a slitter (300) that slits the cut lithium metal sheet (110) to a standard size to form an electrode (50). Here, the electrode (50) may be in the form of a finished product with an active material layer formed thereon, or in the form of a semi-finished product without an active material layer formed thereon. The electrode (50) manufactured by the electrode manufacturing device (10) may be used as a negative electrode of a battery cell. The slitter (300) may form a slit line (STL) on the cut lithium metal sheet (110). In addition, the slitter (300) may use an ultrasonic method, similar to the cutting unit (200). Furthermore, the electrode manufacturing device (10) is not limited to the sheet supply unit (100), the cutting unit, and the slitter (300), but may include various additional equipment that can be used in electrode processes widely known in the industry.

[0068] An electrode containing lithium metal can be manufactured using an electrode manufacturing device (10) according to one example of the present application. In particular, the manufactured electrode can be used as a negative electrode of a battery cell. Thus, when lithium metal is used as a negative electrode of a battery cell, the battery cell can be called a lithium metal battery. The type of lithium metal battery is not specifically limited, but it may be a lithium-sulfur battery or a lithium-air battery, etc.

[0069] An electrode manufacturing device according to one example of the present application can be widely applied in green technology fields such as electric vehicles, battery charging stations, and other solar and wind power generation utilizing batteries. In addition, an electrode manufacturing device according to one example of the present application can be applied to eco-friendly electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles, etc., to prevent climate change by suppressing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

[0070] Although various embodiments of the present application have been described in detail above, the scope of the present application is not limited thereto, and it will be obvious to those with average knowledge in the art that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical concept of the present application as described in the claims. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments may be implemented by deleting some components, and each embodiment may be implemented in combination with one another. Explanation of the symbols

[0071] 10... Electrode manufacturing device 50... Electrode 100... Sheet supply unit 110... Lithium metal sheet 120... Lithium metal roll 200... Cutting part 210... Ultrasonic generator 220... Blade 221... 1st blade section 221P... 1st parallel blade section 221A... 1st auxiliary blade section 222... 2nd blade section 222P... Second parallel blade section 222C... Connecting blade section 223... Third Blade Section 223P... Third Parallel Blade Section 223A... 2nd Auxiliary Blade Part 300... Slitter S1... 1st remaining sheet S2... 2nd remaining sheet

Claims

Claim 1 An electrode manufacturing apparatus comprising: a sheet supply unit for supplying a lithium metal sheet; an ultrasonic cutting unit for repeatedly approaching the supplied lithium metal sheet and cutting the lithium metal sheet; and a blade provided in the cutting unit for forming a cutting line (CL) on the lithium metal sheet, wherein the cutting line (CL) is formed inside the outer boundary (OL) of the supplied lithium metal sheet. Claim 2 An electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cutting line (CL) includes a protruding line (PL) corresponding to an electrode tab and an extension line (EL) corresponding to one edge of the electrode connected from the protruding line (PL), and the blade includes a first blade portion forming the extension line (EL) and a second blade portion forming the protruding line (PL). Claim 3 An electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein at least a portion of the extension line (EL) includes a first parallel line (CLP1) parallel to the supply direction (MD) of the lithium metal sheet, and at least a portion of the protrusion line (PL) includes a second parallel line (CLP2) parallel to the supply direction (MD) of the lithium metal sheet, wherein the first blade part further includes a first parallel blade part forming the first parallel line (CLP1), and the second blade part further includes a second parallel blade part forming the second parallel line (CLP2). Claim 4 In claim 2, the cutting line (CL) further comprises a first auxiliary line (CLA1) provided at the end of the extension line (EL) to face outward in the width direction of the lithium metal sheet, and the first blade portion further comprises a first auxiliary blade portion forming the first auxiliary line (CLA1). Claim 5 An electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the cutting line (CL) further includes a spacing line (DL) that is spaced apart from the extension line (EL) in the width direction (TD) and corresponds to the other edge of the electrode, and the blade further includes a third blade portion that is spaced apart from the first blade portion, cuts the opposite boundary of the lithium metal sheet, and forms the spacing line (DL). Claim 6 An electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein at least a portion of the spacing line (DL) includes a third parallel line (CLP3) parallel to the supply direction (MD) of the lithium metal sheet, and the third blade part further includes a third parallel blade part forming the third parallel line (CLP3). Claim 7 In claim 5, the cutting line (CL) further includes a second auxiliary line (CLA2) provided at the end of the spacing line (DL) to face outward in the width direction of the lithium metal sheet, and the third blade part further includes a second auxiliary blade part forming the second auxiliary line (CLA2). Claim 8 An electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the cutting line (CL) further comprises a first auxiliary line (CLA1) provided to face outward in the width direction of the lithium metal sheet at the end of the extension line (EL), and the directions in which the first auxiliary line (CLA1) and the second auxiliary line (CLA2) face are opposite. Claim 9 An electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the distance between the first blade portion and the third blade portion is shorter than the width direction (TD) length of the lithium metal sheet before cutting. Claim 10 An electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein two adjacent cutting lines (CL) formed by two consecutive approaches of the cutting section include a margin area (M) that overlaps at least partially with respect to the supply direction (MD) of the lithium metal sheet. Claim 11 An electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a lithium metal sheet is cut by the first blade portion and the second blade portion to form a first residual sheet, and the first residual sheet formed by the continuous approach of the cutting portion has an integral shape. Claim 12 An electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a lithium metal sheet is cut by the third blade portion to form a second residual sheet, and the second residual sheet formed by the continuous approach of the cutting portion has an integral shape.

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