Electrode manufacturing apparatus, electrode manufacturing method, and electrode manufactured thereby

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrode manufacturing apparatus, an electrode manufacturing method, and an electrode manufactured thereby, and more particularly, to an electrode manufacturing apparatus, an electrode manufacturing method, and an electrode manufactured thereby in which, in an electrode including a positive electrode or a negative electrode in a battery having a high capacity due to a high electrode density, an ion path is structurally forcibly formed to increase ion conductivity and reduce tortuosity, thereby achieving a high output even in terms of battery output characteristics, and preventing an electrode current collector (foil) from being changed in physical properties due to heat in the above process, thereby stabilizing the electrode. An electrode manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a pattern forming mechanism configured to form a pattern groove in an electrode including an electrode current collector and a coated portion made of an electrode active material applied on at least one surface of the electrode current collector, in which the pattern forming mechanism presses a surface of the coated portion to form a concave pattern groove in the coated portion.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0058201, filed on May 4, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This invention relates to an electrode manufacturing apparatus, an electrode manufacturing method, and an electrode manufactured therefrom. More specifically, it relates to such an electrode manufacturing apparatus, an electrode manufacturing method, and an electrode manufactured therefrom, wherein, in an electrode comprising a positive or negative electrode in a battery having high capacity due to high electrode density, ion pathways are structurally forcibly formed to improve ion conductivity and reduce tortuosity, thereby achieving high output even in terms of battery output characteristics, and preventing changes in the physical properties of the electrode current collector (foil) due to heat in the above process, thereby stabilizing the electrode. Background Technology

[0004] In recent years, the depletion of fossil fuels has led to rising energy prices and increased concern about environmental pollution. The demand for eco-friendly alternative energy sources is becoming an indispensable factor in future life. Therefore, research on various power generation technologies such as solar, wind, and tidal power is ongoing, and energy storage devices such as batteries for more efficient utilization of generated electricity are also receiving considerable attention.

[0005] Furthermore, with technological advancements and the increasing demand for battery-powered electronic mobile devices and electric vehicles, the demand for batteries as an energy source is also rapidly increasing. Therefore, much research has been conducted on batteries capable of meeting these diverse needs.

[0006] In particular, there is a high demand for lithium secondary batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries and lithium-ion polymer batteries, which have advantages such as high energy density, discharge voltage and output stability.

[0007] Furthermore, with increasing public concern about environmental issues, extensive research is underway on electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles to replace gasoline and diesel vehicles, which use fossil fuels that are a major contributor to air pollution. Research and application of lithium-ion batteries, with their high energy density and discharge voltage, as a power source for electric and hybrid electric vehicles are actively progressing.

[0008] As mentioned above, with the rapid increase in demand for lithium-ion rechargeable batteries and the increase in battery usage time, the capacity and electrode density of rechargeable batteries have increased. However, when both battery capacity and electrode density increase, porosity decreases and tortuosity increases, increasing the lithium-ion migration path and thus reducing ionic conductivity. Consequently, output characteristics deteriorate. That is, in rechargeable batteries, battery capacity and battery output are generally in a trade-off relationship.

[0009] However, as the application area of ​​lithium-ion rechargeable batteries expands, it is necessary to balance both high capacity and high output. Therefore, it is necessary to develop batteries that achieve high output by forcibly increasing ion conductivity.

[0010] As mentioned above, high electrode density leads to decreased porosity and increased tortuosity, thus increasing lithium-ion pathways and decreasing ionic conductivity. Therefore, a method is needed to improve output characteristics by forming structural and forced ionic pathways to enhance ionic conductivity.

[0011] There may be a method to form patterns that improve ion conductivity by shortening the ion path with lasers, but it is difficult to apply to the positive electrode when forming laser patterns, and there are problems due to the possibility that the physical properties of the electrode foil may change due to high temperature. Summary of the Invention

[0012] Technical issues

[0013] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems and its purpose is to provide an electrode manufacturing apparatus, an electrode manufacturing method, and an electrode manufactured therefrom, wherein, in the electrode including the positive or negative electrode in a battery with high capacity due to high electrode density, ion pathways are structurally forcibly formed to improve ion conductivity and reduce tortuosity, thereby achieving high output even in terms of battery output characteristics, and preventing changes in the physical properties of the electrode current collector (foil) due to heat in the above process, thereby stabilizing the electrode.

[0014] Technical solution

[0015] The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention includes: a pattern forming mechanism configured to form patterned grooves in an electrode, the electrode including an electrode current collector and a coating portion made of an electrode active material applied to at least one surface of the electrode current collector, wherein the pattern forming mechanism applies pressure to the surface of the coating portion to form concave patterned grooves in the coating portion.

[0016] The pattern forming mechanism can use ultrasonic vibration during the formation of the pattern groove.

[0017] The patterned groove can have at least one shape among line type, dot type, or grid type in the planar view of the electrode.

[0018] The pattern forming mechanism may include a pressure tool having a pressure plane as a plane facing the coating portion and a pressure protrusion protruding from the pressure plane toward the coating portion, wherein the pressure protrusion can apply pressure to the coating portion to form the pattern groove, and the pressure protrusion can vibrate by ultrasonic waves when forming the pattern groove.

[0019] The pattern forming mechanism may further include a lower support portion configured to support the electrode at the lower part of the electrode.

[0020] The pattern forming mechanism may include: a roller having a rotating body that rotates at a predetermined distance from the coating portion and a pressure protrusion protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the rotating body, wherein the pressure protrusion can apply pressure to the coating portion to form the pattern groove when the rotating body rotates, and the pressure protrusion can be vibrated by ultrasonic waves when forming the pattern groove.

[0021] The pattern forming mechanism may further include a lower support portion configured to support the electrode at the lower part of the electrode and to move relative to the rotating body in a direction from one side to the other.

[0022] The pattern forming mechanism may include: a roller having a rotating body that rotates at a predetermined distance from the coating portion and a pressure protrusion protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the rotating body; and a lower support portion configured to support the electrode at the lower part of the electrode and movable relative to the rotating body in a direction from one side to the other, wherein the pressure protrusion can apply pressure to the coating portion to form the pattern groove when the rotating body rotates, and the lower support portion can be vibrated by ultrasonic waves when the pressure protrusion forms the pattern groove in the coating portion.

[0023] The electrode manufacturing apparatus may further include: a roller-shaped unwinder on which the electrode current collector is wound; a conveying section configured to convey the electrode current collector unwound from the unwinder; a coating unit configured to apply an electrode active material to at least one surface of the electrode current collector conveyed by the conveying section to form a coating; a drying section configured to dry the coating by a drying mechanism; and a rolling section configured to roll the coating after it has passed through the drying section by a pair of rollers, wherein the pattern forming mechanism may apply pressure to the coating after it has passed through the rolling section by ultrasonic vibration to form the patterned groove in the coating.

[0024] The electrode manufacturing equipment may further include: a roller rewinder configured to rewind the electrode in which the patterned groove is formed in the coating section by the pattern forming mechanism.

[0025] An electrode manufacturing method may include a patterning process in which a patterned groove is formed in an electrode, the electrode including an electrode current collector and a coating portion made of an electrode active material applied to at least one surface of the electrode current collector, wherein the patterning process may include a process of applying pressure to the surface of the coating portion to form a concave patterned groove in the coating portion.

[0026] In the pattern forming process, ultrasonic vibration can be used to form the pattern groove.

[0027] The method may further include: an unwinding process of unwinding a coiled electrode current collector; a conveying process of conveying the unwound electrode current collector; a coating formation process, wherein an electrode active material is applied to at least one surface of the conveyed electrode current collector to form the coating; a drying process of drying the coating; and a rolling process, wherein the rolling process rolls the coating after the drying process, wherein the pattern forming process may include a process of applying pressure to the coating after the rolling process using ultrasonic waves to form the patterned grooves in the coating.

[0028] The method may further include: a rewinding process, in which the electrode in which the pattern groove is formed in the coating portion during the pattern forming process is rewinded.

[0029] An electrode may include: an electrode current collector; and a coating portion made of an electrode active material applied to at least one surface of the electrode current collector, wherein a grooved pattern may be formed in the coating portion, and traces generated by ultrasonic vibrations of a mechanism configured to form the groove may be formed on the inner wall of the groove.

[0030] The marks may include at least one of the following in the cross-sectional view: uneven shape, stepped shape, wavy shape, or serrated shape.

[0031] The patterned groove can have at least one shape among line type, dot type, or grid type in the plan view.

[0032] Technical effect

[0033] In the electrode manufacturing apparatus, electrode manufacturing method, and electrodes manufactured according to the present invention, in electrodes including positive or negative electrodes in batteries with high capacity due to high electrode density, ion pathways are structurally forcibly formed to improve ion conductivity and reduce tortuosity, thereby achieving high output even in terms of battery output characteristics, and preventing changes in the physical properties of the electrode current collector (foil) due to heat in the above process, thereby stabilizing the electrode. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view is shown of the pattern forming mechanism of the electrode manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 2 A diagram illustrating an embodiment of an electrode manufactured by an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is shown, wherein, Figure 2 (a) is a plan view. Figure 2 (b) is a three-dimensional image.

[0036] Figure 3 A diagram illustrating another embodiment of an electrode manufactured by the electrode manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is shown, wherein, Figure 3 (a) is a plan view. Figure 3 (b) is a three-dimensional image.

[0037] Figure 4 This is a plan view showing yet another example of an electrode manufactured by the electrode manufacturing apparatus according to embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 5 These are cross-sectional views comparing electrode cutting under non-oscillating and oscillating ultrasonic waves. Figure 5 (a) is the diagram when the ultrasound is not oscillating. Figure 5 (b) is a diagram of ultrasonic oscillation.

[0039] Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the entire manufacturing electrode apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 7A cross-sectional view is shown of the pattern forming mechanism of the electrode manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view is shown of the pattern forming mechanism of the electrode manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 9 A diagram illustrating each process in the electrode manufacturing method according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention is provided.

[0043] Figure 10 A perspective view and a partial enlarged view of an electrode manufactured by the electrode manufacturing apparatus according to embodiment 5 of the present invention are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0044] Preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings to enable those skilled in the art to readily implement the invention. However, the invention may be implemented in several different forms and is not limited to or restricted by the following embodiments.

[0045] To clearly explain the invention, detailed descriptions of known technologies that are irrelevant to the description or may unnecessarily obscure the spirit of the invention have been omitted, and reference numerals have been used for each component in the figures throughout this specification. In this case, the same or similar reference numerals are assigned to the same or similar elements throughout the specification.

[0046] Furthermore, the terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as having their ordinary or dictionary-based meanings, but rather should be interpreted as meanings and concepts consistent with the scope of this invention, in accordance with the principle that the inventor can appropriately define terms and concepts in order to best describe their invention.

[0047] Implementation Method 1

[0048] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view is shown of the pattern forming mechanism of the electrode manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 2 A diagram illustrating an embodiment of an electrode manufactured by an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is shown, wherein, Figure 2 (a) is a plan view. Figure 2 (b) is a three-dimensional image. Figure 3 A diagram illustrating another embodiment of an electrode manufactured by the electrode manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is shown, wherein, Figure 3 (a) is a plan view. Figure 3 (b) is a three-dimensional image. Figure 4This is a plan view illustrating yet another embodiment of an electrode manufactured by the electrode manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0049] Reference Figure 1 According to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, an electrode manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing an electrode 10 may include a pattern forming mechanism 110 for forming patterned grooves 13 in a coating portion 12 of the electrode 10. Specifically, the pattern forming mechanism 110 may be configured to form patterned grooves 13 in the electrode 10, and the electrode 10 includes an electrode current collector 11 and a coating portion 12 made of an electrode active material applied to at least one surface of the electrode current collector 11. The pattern forming mechanism 110 may be configured to form recessed patterned grooves 13 in the coating portion 12 by applying pressure to the surface of the active material coating portion 12. Furthermore, the pattern forming mechanism 110 may use ultrasonic vibration during the formation of the patterned grooves 13.

[0050] In the electrode manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing electrode 10 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, as described above, patterned grooves 13 can be formed in the coating portion 12 of electrode 10 to structurally force the formation of ion paths, thereby improving ion conductivity and reducing tortuosity, and thus achieving high output characteristics of the battery. If the electrode 10 with the patterned grooves 13 is the electrode 10 of a battery with high capacity due to the high electrode density, both high capacity and high output can be achieved by the electrode manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing electrode 10 of the present invention.

[0051] Furthermore, in the electrode manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing electrode 10 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, since heat-generating means such as lasers are not used to form patterned grooves 13, even the physical properties of electrode current collector (foil) 11 will not change due to heat during the formation of patterned grooves 13, thus enabling stable production of electrode 10.

[0052] Reference Figure 1 The pattern forming mechanism 110 may include a pressure application tool 111. Furthermore, the pressure application tool 111 may include a pressure application plane 111-1 and a pressure application protrusion 111-2. The pressure application plane 111-1 may be a plane facing the coating portion 12, and the pressure application protrusion 111-2 may be a protrusion protruding from the pressure application plane 111-1 toward the coating portion 12. Moreover, when the pressure application tool 111 is moved on the electrode 10, the pressure application plane 111-1 and the pressure application protrusion 111-2 approach the electrode 10. Here, the pressure application protrusion 111-2 can apply pressure to the coating portion 12 to form a pattern groove 13 in the coating portion 12. Furthermore, in the electrode manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing the electrode 10 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, when forming the pattern groove 13, the pressure application protrusion 111-2 may be vibrated by ultrasonic waves. The direction of the ultrasonic vibration of the pressure application protrusion 111-2 is as follows... Figure 1 The figure is labeled V in the attached diagram.

[0053] In this case, the pressure tool 111 itself can vibrate by ultrasound, thereby causing the pressure protrusion 111-2 to vibrate by ultrasound, or only the pressure protrusion 111-2 can vibrate by ultrasound.

[0054] When ultrasonic vibration is applied to the coated electrode 10, or the dried or rolled electrode 10, patterned grooves 13 can be formed in the electrode under low pressure by the patterning mechanism 110. In this case, a low-torque cell (LTC) with reduced tortuosity can be manufactured.

[0055] In other words, when a pattern is formed by ultrasound, the pressure applied to the electrode 10 is reduced by the ultrasound. Therefore, unlike the pattern formed by rolling (simply applying pressure), the density of the electrode 10 on the pattern surface can be locally reduced, thereby improving the output characteristics.

[0056] Furthermore, the pattern forming mechanism of the electrode manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention may further include a lower support portion 112 supporting the electrode 10 on its lower side. The lower support portion 112 can be used to support the electrode 10 on its lower side when the pressure tool 111 applies pressure to the electrode 10. The lower support portion 112 can be fixed or can be slowly moved in the conveying direction of the electrode 10. When the lower support portion 112 moves, since a pattern groove 13 can be formed in the coating portion 12 of the electrode 10 while the electrode 10 is being conveyed, production efficiency can be improved.

[0057] Reference Figures 2 to 4 The patterned groove 13 formed in the coating portion 12 of the electrode 10 by the electrode manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing the electrode 10 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention can have at least one shape among line type, dot type or grid type in a plan view.

[0058] Figure 2 A diagram showing the electrode 10 forming the dotted pattern groove 13 is provided. Figure 2 (a) is a plan view. Figure 2 (b) is a three-dimensional view. Figure 2 In the plan view of (a), the small circular patterned grooves 13 can be arranged side by side in the horizontal or vertical direction. This shape can be a regular shape. Furthermore, in Figure 2 In the cross-sectional view of the patterned groove 13 shown in (b), the cross-sectional shape can be formed as an inverted cone.

[0059] Figure 3 A diagram showing an electrode 10 with a linear patterned groove 13 is provided. Figure 3 (a) is a plan view. Figure 3 (b) is a three-dimensional image. Figure 3 In the plan view of (a), the lines can be arranged vertically. Multiple vertical lines can be spaced apart by predetermined intervals. This shape can be a regular shape. Furthermore, Figure 3 In the cross-sectional view of the patterned groove 13 shown in (b), the cross-sectional shape can be formed as an inverted triangle.

[0060] Figure 4 A diagram is shown illustrating an electrode 10 with grid-like patterned grooves 13. In the plan view, the lines can be arranged in both horizontal and vertical directions. The vertical and horizontal lines can intersect each other, and specifically, they can intersect at 90-degree angles. Furthermore, multiple vertical lines can be formed at predetermined intervals, and multiple horizontal lines can also be formed at predetermined intervals. This shape can be a regular shape. That is, if... Figure 3 The line type is one that only forms vertical or horizontal lines. Figure 4 A grid pattern can be a type that simultaneously forms both vertical and horizontal lines.

[0061] The patterned groove 13 formed in the coating portion 12 of the electrode 10 by the electrode manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing the electrode 10 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention can have various shapes as described above. When the patterned groove 13 is formed in this manner, the wetting properties of the electrolyte can be improved after the electrolyte is injected, and the surface area can be reduced in the lamination process for attaching the diaphragm and the electrode 10, thereby increasing the applied pressure and thus achieving better lamination.

[0062] Furthermore, the wetting characteristics are better in the order of dot type, line type, and grid type. Moreover, the loading of electrode active material is better in the reverse order, i.e., grid type, line type, and dot type. In this case, the increased output characteristics are also advantageous compared to the loss of electrode 10.

[0063] The electrode 10, on which the patterned groove 13 is formed by the electrode manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing the electrode 10 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, can be a positive electrode or a negative electrode. When the patterned groove 13 is formed in the positive electrode 10, a greater force can be generated with high output, while when the patterned groove 13 is formed in the negative electrode 10, an improvement in fast charging performance can be expected.

[0064] Figure 5 This is a comparison of cross-sectional views of electrode 10 cut under non-oscillating and oscillating ultrasonic conditions. Figure 5 (a) is the diagram when the ultrasound is not oscillating. Figure 5 (b) is a diagram of ultrasonic oscillation.

[0065] Reference Figure 5The arrows illustrate the form in which shock waves are transmitted to electrode 10 when an external force is applied to cut electrode 10 or to create a groove in electrode 10. (Refer to...) Figure 5 In (a), the ultrasonic waves do not oscillate, and the impact of the visible cutting force is transmitted to the entire thickness of electrode 10 in one go, thus applying high pressure to electrode 10. In this case, significant material deformation may occur. (Refer to...) Figure 5 (b) shows the state of ultrasonic oscillation, indicating that the impact of the cutting force is not transmitted to the entire thickness of electrode 10 all at once, but is divided into multiple small intervals and small pressure is applied to each interval. In this case, it can be seen that the deformation of the material can be kept to a minimum.

[0066] Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the entire electrode manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing electrode 10 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0067] Reference Figure 6 According to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, the electrode manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing electrode 10 may further include an unwinder 120, a conveying unit 130, a coating unit 12, a drying unit 150 and a rolling unit 160, and may also include a rewinder 170 to be provided subsequently.

[0068] Reference Figure 6 The unwinder 120 may have a roller shape on which the electrode current collector 11 is wound. The unwinder 120 may unwind the electrode current collector 11 so that the electrode current collector 11 may be conveyed by the conveying unit 130.

[0069] The transfer unit 130 can receive the electrode current collector 11 unwound from the unwound unit 120 and transfer the electrode current collector 11 to the rewinder 170 via the coating unit 12, the drying unit 150, the rolling unit 160 and the pattern forming mechanism 110.

[0070] Here, the conveying section 130 can be a roller. The electrode current collector 11 can be conveyed by the conveying section 130 at a speed of 40 m / min to 80 m / min, specifically, at a speed of 60 m / min to 80 m / min.

[0071] The conveying speed of the electrode current collector 11 is commercially viable when it falls within a certain speed range. If the conveying speed exceeds this range and proceeds too quickly, problems will arise when performing various processes. For example, the coating or drying of the electrode active material slurry, or the rolling of the coating section 12, may not be performed properly. On the other hand, proceeding at too slow a speed may be undesirable because a commercially viable manufacturing speed for the electrode 10 cannot be achieved.

[0072] Next, the electrode current collector 11, unwound from the unwinder 120 and conveyed by the conveyor 130, is transferred by the conveyor 130 to the coater 140. The coater 140 forms a coated portion 12 by applying an electrode active material slurry to at least one surface of the electrode current collector 11. Here, the coater 140 is not limited, as long as it is capable of applying the electrode active material slurry. The electrode active material slurry can be applied by conventionally known coating devices such as a coating mold 141, a coating roller, or a chute. Figure 6 The diagram illustrates, as one embodiment, a structure in which an electrode active material slurry is applied via a coating mold 141.

[0073] Specifically, the coater 140 may have a structure including a coating mold 141 and a coater roller 142. The coating mold 141 is provided with a discharge groove to allow the electrode active material slurry to flow toward the electrode current collector 11. The coater roller 142 is configured to be separated from the discharge groove of the mold by a predetermined interval and to convey the electrode current collector 11 by rotation so that the electrode active material slurry is applied to the electrode current collector 11 through the coating mold 141.

[0074] Subsequently, the electrode current collector 11 coated with the electrode active material slurry can be conveyed by the conveying unit 130 to the drying unit 150.

[0075] The drying section 150 is not limited, as long as it is a device that can dry the coating section 12 by evaporating the solvent in the electrode active material slurry, and it can have any conventionally known structure.

[0076] When passing through the drying section 150, a dried coating section 12 in the form of solvent evaporation can be formed on the electrode current collector 11, and the coating section 12 can be rolled by the rolling section 160 to have the appropriate porosity and appropriate density of the electrode 10.

[0077] The rolling section 160 is not limited in its device, structure, etc., as long as it has the form of being able to roll the coating section 12. However, for example, the rolling section 160 may have the form of rolling by adjusting the interval between a pair of rolling rollers 161.

[0078] Reference Figure 6 The pattern forming mechanism 110 can apply pressure to the coating section 12 passing through the rolling section 160 by ultrasonic vibration to form a pattern groove 13 in the coating section 12.

[0079] Furthermore, the electrode manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing the electrode 10 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention may further include a rewinder 170 disposed after the pattern forming mechanism 110. The rewinder 170 may have a roll-shaped structure for rewinding the electrode 10, on which the patterned grooves 13 are formed in the coating section 12 by the pattern forming mechanism 110, in a roll form. The rewinder 170 may have the same or similar shape as the unwinder 120.

[0080] Implementation Method 2

[0081] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view is shown of the pattern forming mechanism of the electrode manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0082] The difference between Embodiment 2 and Embodiment 1 is that patterned grooves are formed in the electrode by using a roller 211 instead of a pressure tool.

[0083] Content that overlaps with Implementation 1 will be omitted as much as possible, and Implementation 2 will be described focusing on the differences. In other words, it is obvious that content not described in Implementation 2 can be regarded as part of Implementation 1 as needed.

[0084] Reference Figure 7 According to Embodiment 2 of the present invention, the pattern forming mechanism 210 of the electrode manufacturing apparatus may include a roller 211. Furthermore, the roller 211 may include a rotating body 211-1 and a pressure protrusion 211-2.

[0085] The rotating body 211-1 can be configured to rotate at a position spaced at a predetermined distance from the coated portion of the electrode. Furthermore, the pressure protrusion 211-2 can have a protruding shape that protrudes from the outer peripheral surface of the rotating body 211-1.

[0086] The pressure protrusion 211-2 can be configured to form patterned grooves by applying pressure to the coating portion when the rotating body 211-1 rotates. The pressure protrusion 211-2 can vibrate ultrasonically during the formation of the patterned grooves. The direction of the ultrasonic vibration of the pressure protrusion 211-2 is as follows... Figure 7 The figure is labeled V in the attached diagram.

[0087] In this case, the roller 211 itself can vibrate by ultrasonic waves, thereby causing the pressure protrusion 211-2 to vibrate by ultrasonic waves, or only the pressure protrusion 211-2 can vibrate by ultrasonic waves.

[0088] When ultrasonic vibration is applied to the coated electrode, or the dried or rolled electrode 10, patterned grooves can be formed in the electrode under low pressure by the patterning mechanism 210. In this case, a low-torque cell (LTC) with reduced tortuosity can be manufactured.

[0089] In other words, when a pattern is formed by ultrasound, the pressure applied to the electrodes is reduced by the ultrasound. Therefore, unlike the pattern formed by rolling (simply applying pressure), the electrode density on the pattern surface can be locally reduced, thereby improving the output characteristics.

[0090] Furthermore, the pattern forming mechanism 210 of the electrode manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention may further include a lower support portion 212 that supports the electrode on the lower side of the electrode. The lower support portion 212 can be used to support the electrode at the lower part of the electrode when the roller 211 applies pressure to the electrode.

[0091] Furthermore, the lower support portion 212 can support the electrode at its lower part and can move from one side to the other in direction F relative to the rotating body 211-1. In this case, the lower support portion 212 can move synchronously with the rotational speed of the rotating body 211-1. Of course, the lower support portion 212 can be fixed as needed; however, it is more efficient if the lower support portion 212 is movable compared to the fixed case. When the lower support portion 212 is movable, patterned grooves can be formed in the coating portion of the electrode while the electrode is being transported, thereby improving production efficiency.

[0092] Implementation Method 3

[0093] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view is shown of the pattern forming mechanism of the electrode manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0094] The difference between Embodiment 3 and Embodiment 2 is that a patterned groove is formed in the electrode by using a lower support portion that vibrates ultrasonically.

[0095] Content that overlaps with Embodiments 1 and 2 will be omitted as much as possible, and Embodiment 3 will be described focusing on its differences. In other words, it is obvious that content not described in Embodiment 3 can be regarded as part of Embodiments 1 and 2 as needed.

[0096] Reference Figure 8 According to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, the pattern forming mechanism 310 of the electrode manufacturing apparatus may include a roller 311 and a lower support 312. Furthermore, the roller 311 may include a rotating body 311-1 and a pressure protrusion 311-2.

[0097] The rotating body 311-1 can be configured to rotate at a position spaced a predetermined distance from the coating portion of the electrode. Furthermore, the pressure protrusion 311-2 can have a protruding shape extending from the outer peripheral surface of the rotating body 311-1. The pressure protrusion 311-2 can be configured to form patterned grooves by applying pressure to the coating portion when the rotating body 311-1 rotates.

[0098] The lower support 312 can be a component that supports the electrode at the lower part of the electrode, and can move from one side to the other in direction F relative to the rotating body 311-1. Of course, the lower support 312 can be fixed as needed; however, it is more efficient if the lower support 312 is movable than if it is fixed.

[0099] Furthermore, in the electrode manufacturing apparatus according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention, when the pressure protrusion 311-2 forms a patterned groove in the coating section, the lower support portion 312 can be rotated by ultrasonic waves. That is, in Embodiment 2, the pressure protrusion 211-2 is vibrated by ultrasonic waves, while in Embodiment 3, the lower support portion 312 is vibrated by ultrasonic waves. The direction of the ultrasonic vibration of the lower support portion 312 is as follows: Figure 8 The figure is labeled V in the attached diagram.

[0100] Implementation Method 4

[0101] Figure 9 A diagram illustrating each process in the electrode manufacturing method according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention is provided.

[0102] The difference between Embodiment 4 of the present invention and Embodiments 1 to 3 is that it relates to an electrode manufacturing method.

[0103] Content that overlaps with Embodiments 1 to 3 will be omitted as much as possible, and Embodiment 4 will be described focusing on the differences. In other words, it is obvious that content not described in Embodiment 4 can be regarded as part of Embodiments 1 to 3 as needed.

[0104] Reference Figure 9 According to embodiment 4 of the present invention, the electrode manufacturing method may include a dewinding process, a conveying process, a coating part forming process, a drying process, a rolling process, a pattern forming process, and a rewinding process.

[0105] The unwinding process can be the process of unwinding a rolled electrode current collector in an unwinder. The conveying process can be the process of conveying the unwound electrode current collector. The coating formation process can be the process of forming a coating by applying an electrode active material to at least one surface of the conveyed electrode current collector. The drying process can be the process of drying the coated portion of the electrode. The rolling process can be the process of rolling the coated portion after the drying process. Furthermore, the patterning process can be the process of forming patterned grooves in the coated portion by applying pressure to the rolled coated portion using ultrasonic vibration. The rewinding process can be the process of rewinding an electrode having patterned grooves formed in the coated portion by the patterning process.

[0106] The pattern forming process can be specifically a process of forming a patterned groove in an electrode, the electrode including an electrode current collector and a coating made of an electrode active material applied to at least one surface of the electrode current collector, and a process of applying pressure to the surface of the coating to form a concave patterned groove in the coating.

[0107] In the electrode manufacturing method according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention, the patterning process can be performed by using ultrasonic vibration during the pattern groove formation process.

[0108] When ultrasonic vibration is applied to a coated electrode, or an electrode 10 that has been dried or rolled, patterned grooves can be formed in the electrode under low pressure by a patterning mechanism. In this case, a low-torsion cell (LTC) with reduced tortuosity can be manufactured. This means that the output characteristics are improved because there is no local increase in electrode density on the surface of the patterned groove.

[0109] Implementation Method 5

[0110] Figure 10 A perspective view and a partially enlarged view of an electrode manufactured by the electrode manufacturing apparatus according to embodiment 5 of the present invention are shown.

[0111] The difference between Embodiment 5 of the present invention and Embodiments 1 to 4 is that it relates to an electrode manufactured according to the aforementioned embodiments.

[0112] Content that overlaps with Embodiments 1 to 4 will be omitted as much as possible, and Embodiment 5 will be described focusing on its differences. In other words, it is obvious that content not described in Embodiment 5 can be regarded as part of Embodiments 1 to 4 as needed.

[0113] Reference Figure 10 According to embodiment 5 of the present invention, the electrode 10 includes an electrode current collector 11 and a coating portion 12 made of an electrode active material 11 applied to at least one surface of the electrode current collector, and a grooved pattern 13 is formed in the coating portion 12. Moreover, traces 14 generated by ultrasonic vibration of the mechanism forming the grooved pattern 13 may be formed on the inner wall of the grooved pattern 13.

[0114] The traces 14 of ultrasonic vibration can include at least one of the following in the cross-sectional view: uneven shape, stepped shape, wavy shape, or sawtooth shape.

[0115] In other words, when patterns are formed by ultrasound, the pressure applied to the electrodes is reduced by the ultrasound. Therefore, unlike patterns formed by rolling (simply applying pressure), the electrode density on the pattern surface can be reduced, thus improving the output characteristics.

[0116] In the electrode 10 according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention, the patterned groove 13 may have at least one shape selected from linear, dotted, or gridded shapes in a planar view. The specific advantages and descriptions regarding the patterned groove 13 having a linear, dotted, or gridded shape in a planar view have been described in detail in Embodiment 1 above, therefore, a detailed description will be omitted in Embodiment 5.

[0117] Although embodiments of the invention have been described with reference to specific examples, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

[0118] [Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures]

[0119] 10: Electrode

[0120] 11: Electrode current collector

[0121] 12: Coating section

[0122] 13: Pattern Groove

[0123] 14: Traces

[0124] 110: Pattern forming mechanism

[0125] 111: Pressure Application Tools

[0126] 111-1: Pressure Application Plane

[0127] 111-2: Pressure-induced protrusion

[0128] 112: Lower support section

[0129] 120: Unwinder

[0130] 130: Teleportation Department

[0131] 140: Coating device

[0132] 141: Coating mold

[0133] 142: Coating roller

[0134] 150: Drying section

[0135] 160: Rolling Department

[0136] 161: Roller

[0137] 170: Rewinder

[0138] 210: Pattern forming mechanism

[0139] 211: Roller

[0140] 211-1: Rotational Body

[0141] 211-2: Pressure-induced protrusion

[0142] 212: Lower support section

[0143] 310: Pattern forming mechanism

[0144] 311: Roller

[0145] 311-1: Rotational Body

[0146] 311-2: Pressure-induced protrusion

[0147] 312: Lower support section

[0148] V: Direction of ultrasonic vibration

Claims

1. An electrode manufacturing apparatus, the electrode manufacturing apparatus comprising: A pattern forming mechanism configured to form patterned grooves in an electrode, the electrode including an electrode current collector and a coating portion made of an electrode active material applied to at least one surface of the electrode current collector. The pattern forming mechanism applies pressure to the surface of the coating portion to form concave pattern grooves in the coating portion, and The pattern forming mechanism uses ultrasonic vibration during the formation of the pattern groove.

2. The electrode manufacturing equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The patterned groove has at least one shape among line type, dot type, or grid type in the plan view of the electrode.

3. The electrode manufacturing equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The pattern forming mechanism includes a pressure applying tool having a pressure applying plane as a plane facing the coating portion and a pressure applying protrusion protruding from the pressure applying plane toward the coating portion. The pressure protrusion applies pressure to the coating portion to form the patterned groove, and During the formation of the patterned groove, the pressure protrusions vibrate using ultrasonic waves.

4. The electrode manufacturing equipment according to claim 3, wherein, The pattern forming mechanism further includes a lower support portion configured to support the electrode at the lower part of the electrode.

5. The electrode manufacturing equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The pattern forming mechanism includes a roller having a rotating body that rotates at a predetermined distance from the coating portion and a pressure protrusion protruding from the outer peripheral surface of the rotating body. The pressure-applying protrusion applies pressure to the coating portion as the rotating body rotates to form the patterned groove, and During the formation of the patterned groove, the pressure protrusions vibrate using ultrasonic waves.

6. The electrode manufacturing equipment according to claim 5, wherein, The pattern forming mechanism further includes a lower support portion configured to support the electrode at the lower part of the electrode and to move relative to the rotating body in a direction from one side to the other.

7. The electrode manufacturing equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The pattern forming mechanism includes: A roller having a rotating body that rotates at a predetermined distance from the coating portion and pressure protrusions projecting from the outer peripheral surface of the rotating body; and A lower support portion is configured to support the electrode at its lower part and to move relative to the rotating body in a direction from one side to the other. The pressure-applying protrusion applies pressure to the coating portion as the rotating body rotates to form the patterned groove, and When the pressure protrusion forms the patterned groove in the coating portion, the lower support portion vibrates using ultrasonic waves.

8. The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A roller-shaped unwinder, wherein the electrode current collector is wound on the unwinder; A conveying unit configured to convey the electrode current collector unwound from the unwound device; A coating device configured to apply an electrode active material to at least one surface of the electrode current collector conveyed by the conveying unit to form a coating portion; A drying section, configured to dry the coated portion by a drying mechanism; and A rolling section, configured to roll the coated portion that has passed through the drying section using a pair of rollers. The pattern forming mechanism applies pressure to the coating portion that has passed through the rolling section using ultrasonic vibration to form the pattern groove in the coating portion.

9. The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising: A roller rewinder configured to rewind the electrode in which the patterned groove is formed by the pattern forming mechanism in the coating section.

10. A method for manufacturing an electrode, the method comprising: A patterning process in which patterned grooves are formed in an electrode, the electrode comprising an electrode current collector and a coating made of an electrode active material applied to at least one surface of the electrode current collector. The pattern forming process includes applying pressure to the surface of the coated portion to form concave pattern grooves in the coated portion, and The process of forming the pattern involves using ultrasonic vibrations to create the pattern grooves.

11. The electrode manufacturing method according to claim 10, further comprising: The unwinding process of the unwound coiled electrode current collector; The process of transferring the unwound electrode current collector; The coating formation process involves applying an electrode active material to at least one surface of the conveyed electrode current collector to form the coating. The drying process of the coated part; as well as The rolling process, in which the coated portion that has undergone the drying process is rolled. The pattern forming process includes applying pressure to the coated portion after the rolling process using ultrasonic waves to form the pattern groove in the coated portion.

12. The electrode manufacturing method according to claim 11, further comprising: The rewinding process involves rewinding the electrode in which the pattern groove is formed in the coating section during the pattern forming process.

13. An electrode, the electrode comprising: Electrode current collector; as well as The coating portion is made of an electrode active material applied to at least one surface of the electrode current collector. The coating portion contains grooves with a concave pattern, and Traces generated by ultrasonic vibrations from a mechanism configured to form the pattern groove are formed on the inner wall of the pattern groove.

14. The electrode according to claim 13, wherein, The marks, in the cross-sectional view, include at least one of the following: uneven shape, stepped shape, wavy shape, or serrated shape.

15. The electrode according to claim 13, wherein, The patterned groove has at least one shape in the plan view, which can be a line, a dot, or a grid.

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