Method and apparatus for cleaning a press roller

Abstract

A method for automatically cleaning a platen roller used in an electrode rolling process according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises the steps of: determining whether the platen roller is in a non-operating state; and cleaning the platen roller in a first cleaning mode when the platen roller is in the non-operating state, in which the platen roller is cleaned in a state in which the electrode rolling process on the platen roller is stopped.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the priority of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0125135 filed on September 30, 2022, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0127648 filed on September 25, 2023, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] The present invention relates to a method and device for cleaning a press roller used in an electrode manufacturing process, and more particularly, to a method and device for cleaning a press roller that automatically cleans the press roller when the press roller is in operation and when the press roller is not in operation. Background Art

[0004] As the depletion of fossil fuels leads to rising energy prices and people are concerned about environmental pollution, the demand for environmentally friendly alternative energy has become an indispensable factor in future life. In particular, with the development of technology and the increase in demand for mobile devices, the demand for secondary batteries as energy sources is rapidly increasing.

[0005] Generally, in terms of battery shape, there is a high demand for prismatic secondary batteries and pouch-type secondary batteries that can be used in thin products such as mobile phones. In terms of materials, there is a high demand for lithium secondary batteries such as lithium-ion batteries and lithium-ion polymer batteries that have high energy density, high discharge voltage, and stable output.

[0006] Generally, to prepare a secondary battery, an electrode mixture containing an electrode active material is applied to the surface of a current collector to form a positive electrode and a negative electrode, and then a separator is inserted between the positive electrode and the negative electrode to make an electrode assembly, and then the electrode assembly is installed in a cylindrical or prismatic metal can or in a pouch case of an aluminum laminate, and a liquid electrolyte or a solid electrolyte is injected or impregnated into the electrode assembly to prepare a secondary battery.

[0007] In addition, secondary batteries are classified according to the structure of an electrode assembly having a positive electrode / separator / negative electrode structure. Representative examples thereof include: a jelly roll (wound) type electrode assembly, in which a long sheet positive electrode and a long sheet negative electrode are wound together with a separator inserted between them; a stacked electrode assembly, in which a plurality of positive electrodes and negative electrodes cut in a specified size unit are stacked in sequence, with a separator inserted between the positive electrode and the negative electrode; and a stacked / folded electrode assembly, in which a bicell or a full cell is wound together with a separator sheet, in which the positive electrode and the negative electrode of a specified unit are stacked, with a separator inserted between the positive electrode and the negative electrode.

[0008] On the other hand, the electrode generates current through ion exchange, and the positive electrode and the negative electrode constituting the electrode have a structure in which an electrode active material is applied to an electrode current collector made of metal.

[0009] The separator is located between the positive and negative electrodes of the battery to insulate and hold the electrolyte to provide a path for ion conduction.

[0010] Rolling, slitting, cutting, laminating or folding processes for manufacturing electrodes, separators, etc. are often performed by a roll-to-roll process. Here, the roll-to-roll process refers to a process in which a plurality of flexible metal foils, etc., are moved between rolls and processes such as coating and printing are performed.

[0011] That is, for example, a material is supplied by unwinding a roll formed by winding a flexible sheet-like material, the supplied material is coated and printed, and then the processed material is rewound and recycled into another roll. Specifically, the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the secondary battery are made by applying a positive electrode active material or a negative electrode active material to a sheet and pressing the sheet.

[0012] In this rolling process, when pressing is repeated, if the active material or other foreign matter remaining after pressing is attached to the roller, the foreign matter may adhere to the electrode in the subsequent rolling process, thereby reducing the quality of the electrode and the battery including the electrode. Therefore, a press roller cleaning device is used to remove contaminants from the press roller.

[0013] In a conventional press roller cleaning apparatus, while a press roller is driven to manufacture an electrode, a cleaning liquid is sprayed onto a cleaning unit such as a cleaning roller through a nozzle, and the press roller is wiped with the cleaning unit sprayed with the cleaning liquid.

[0014] However, if there are contaminants on the surface of the roller, the roller drive is stopped and the operator uses a wiper or similar tool to remove the contaminants on the roller surface, which becomes a factor that reduces the production efficiency of electrode manufacturing.

[0015] On the other hand, in the process of manufacturing electrodes, when the roller is cleaned during driving, there are restrictions on the type and amount of cleaning liquid used in order to maintain the residual moisture content in the electrode. Therefore, oil-based cleaning liquid containing oil components is mainly used.

[0016] However, when using such an oil-based cleaning fluid, there are limitations in removing contaminants. Taking the negative electrode roller used to press the negative electrode of a secondary battery as an example, since the solvent of the negative electrode is water, there are certain limitations in using only an oil-based cleaning oil to remove contaminants on the negative electrode roller. Therefore, the contaminants cannot be completely removed and it is likely that contaminants will remain. Similarly, when using a roller to press the electrode in a state where contaminants remain, there is also the problem of defects such as indentations on the electrode surface and electrode detachment due to contaminants on the surface of the roller.

[0017] Therefore, it is necessary to develop a method and device for cleaning the pressure roller more effectively to solve the above problems. Summary of the invention

[0018] [Technical issues]

[0019] An object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for more effectively cleaning a pressing roller used in an electrode manufacturing process, and specifically, to provide a method and apparatus for cleaning a pressing roller for electrode manufacturing and automatically performing cleaning of the pressing roller even when the pressing roller is not in operation.

[0020] However, the technical problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above problems, and various extensions can be made within the scope of the technical ideas included in the present invention.

[0021] [Technical solution]

[0022] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for automatically cleaning a pressure roller used in an electrode rolling process is provided, the method comprising the following steps: determining whether the pressure roller is in a non-operating state, and cleaning the pressure roller in a first cleaning mode when the pressure roller is in the non-operating state, wherein, in the first cleaning mode, the pressure roller is cleaned while the electrode rolling process on the pressure roller is stopped.

[0023] The method further includes cleaning the pressing roller in a second cleaning mode when the pressing roller is in an operating state, wherein in the second cleaning mode, the pressing roller is cleaned while an electrode rolling process is performed on the pressing roller.

[0024] In the first cleaning mode and the second cleaning mode, at least one of the type of cleaning liquid, the supply frequency and the supply amount of the cleaning liquid, and the moving speed of the cleaning cloth is different.

[0025] The step of determining whether the pressure roller is in a non-operating state may include: a step of receiving a rotation speed input of the pressure roller; a step of counting a waiting time of the pressure roller when the rotation speed of the pressure roller is zero; and a step of determining that the pressure roller is in a non-operating state when the rotation speed of the pressure roller is zero for more than a first predetermined time.

[0026] The step of determining whether the pressure roller is in a non-operating state may include: a step of receiving a position input of the pressure roller; a step of counting a waiting time of the pressure roller when the pressure roller is in a predetermined waiting position; and a step of determining that the pressure roller is in a non-operating state when the pressure roller is in the predetermined waiting position for more than a second predetermined time.

[0027] The step of determining whether the pressure roller is in a non-operating state may include: a step of receiving a rotation speed and position input of the pressure roller; a step of counting the waiting time of the pressure roller when the rotation speed of the pressure roller is zero; a step of counting the waiting time of the pressure roller when the pressure roller is in a predetermined waiting position; and a step of determining that the pressure roller is in a non-operating state when the state of the pressure roller rotation speed being zero exceeds a first predetermined time and the state of the pressure roller being in a predetermined waiting position exceeds a second predetermined time.

[0028] The step of cleaning the pressure roller in the first cleaning mode may include: measuring a brightness value of the pressure roller surface; and cleaning the pressure roller for a third predetermined time when the brightness value of the pressure roller surface is less than or equal to a first predetermined brightness value.

[0029] The step of cleaning the pressure roller in the first cleaning mode also includes: measuring the brightness value of the surface of the pressure roller after cleaning and determining whether the brightness value is greater than or equal to a second predetermined brightness value, wherein when the brightness value of the surface of the pressure roller is greater than or equal to the second predetermined brightness value, the cleaning step in the first cleaning mode is automatically ended.

[0030] The step of cleaning the pressure roller in the first cleaning mode also includes: the step of measuring the brightness value of the surface of the pressure roller after cleaning and determining whether the brightness value is greater than or equal to a second predetermined brightness value, wherein, when the brightness value of the surface of the pressure roller is less than the second predetermined brightness value, repeating the step of cleaning the pressure roller for a third predetermined time.

[0031] The third predetermined time may be any time selected from 3 minutes to 10 minutes.

[0032] The second predetermined brightness value may be greater than the first predetermined brightness value.

[0033] The first predetermined brightness value may be 40%, and the second predetermined brightness value may be 80%.

[0034] The supply frequency and the supply amount of the cleaning liquid in the first cleaning mode may be greater than the supply frequency and the supply amount of the cleaning liquid in the second cleaning mode.

[0035] The cleaning liquid supplied in the first cleaning mode may be an oil-based cleaning agent.

[0036] The cleaning liquid supplied in the first cleaning mode may be any one selected from water, acetone, an aqueous cleaning liquid, or a combination of at least two selected therefrom.

[0037] The cleaning liquid supplied in the second cleaning mode may be an oil-based cleaning agent.

[0038] An apparatus for automatically cleaning a pressure roller for executing the method according to the above-described embodiment may include: a sensor unit for measuring a brightness value of a pressure roller surface, a cleaning liquid supply unit for supplying cleaning liquid to the pressure roller, a cleaning unit for cleaning the pressure roller surface, and a control unit for receiving data input from the sensor unit and controlling whether the cleaning liquid supply unit and the cleaning unit are in operation.

[0039] A plurality of cleaning liquid supply units are provided, some of which can supply oil-based cleaning agents, and the rest of which can supply any one of water, acetone, aqueous cleaning liquids, or a combination of at least two selected ones.

[0040] The cleaning devices are provided in a plurality, a part of the plurality of cleaning devices are devices used in the first cleaning mode, and the rest of the plurality of cleaning devices are devices used in the second cleaning mode.

[0041] [Beneficial Effects]

[0042] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the pressure roller is cleaned even when the pressure roller for electrode manufacturing is not in operation, and the cleaning of the pressure roller is automatically started and ended, thereby improving the cleaning efficiency of the pressure roller. Therefore, the manufacturing efficiency of the electrode process is also improved. In addition, since the electrode is manufactured using the pressure roller cleaned according to the improved cleaning method, the battery performance can be improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Figure 1 A press roller cleaning device for performing a press roller cleaning method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0044] Figures 2 to 5 A flow chart of a press roller cleaning method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. The present invention can be modified in various different ways and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0046] For clarity, explanations of parts not related to the description will be omitted, and like reference numerals denote like elements throughout the description.

[0047] In addition, since the size and thickness of each element shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for the convenience of explanation, it is obvious that the present invention is not necessarily limited to those shown in the drawings. In the drawings, the thickness is exaggerated to clearly express multiple layers and regions. In the drawings, the thickness of some layers and regions is exaggerated for the convenience of explanation.

[0048] Furthermore, it should be understood that when an element such as a layer, film, region, or plate is referred to as being "on" or "over" another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may be present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, this means that no other intervening elements are present. Furthermore, a portion being "on" or "over" a reference portion means being above or below the reference portion, and does not necessarily mean being "over" or "on" in the opposite direction to gravity.

[0049] Furthermore, throughout the specification, when a part is referred to as “including” or “comprising” a certain element, it means that the part may further include other elements, rather than excluding other elements, unless otherwise stated.

[0050] Furthermore, throughout the description, “plane” means observing the target portion from above, and “cross-section” means observing the target portion from the side of the cross-section cut vertically.

[0051] Now, refer to Figure 1 and Figures 2 to 5 An apparatus for automatically cleaning a pressing roller used in an electrode rolling process and a method for automatically cleaning a pressing roller according to an embodiment of the present invention are described respectively.

[0052] First, an apparatus for automatically cleaning a pressing roller used in an electrode rolling process and a method for automatically cleaning a pressing roller according to an embodiment of the present invention mainly perform cleaning in a first cleaning mode and cleaning in a second cleaning mode.

[0053] The first cleaning mode is a mode in which the pressure roller 100 is cleaned in a state where the electrode rolling process on the pressure roller 100 is stopped. The second cleaning mode is a mode in which the pressure roller 100 is cleaned while the electrode rolling process is being performed on the pressure roller 100. To further explain, the first cleaning mode is a mode in which the pressure roller 100 is cleaned when the electrode rolling process is stopped and the device is not operating.

[0054] The first cleaning mode includes the case where the electrode rolling process is stopped irregularly, and also includes the case where the electrode rolling process is stopped regularly. For example, the case where the process is stopped irregularly may be the case where the equipment is stopped due to defects in the electrode rolling equipment or in the previous or subsequent process, or the case where the operation of the pressing roller 100 is stopped due to reasons such as inspection or replacement of the equipment. Alternatively, the case where the process is stopped regularly may be the case where the time for completing the electrode rolling process is set separately, so that the equipment is not operated within a predetermined time after the completion of the electrode rolling process.

[0055] The second cleaning mode is a mode in which the pressing roller 100 is cleaned while the pressing roller 100 rotates during the electrode rolling process, that is, foreign matter 110 generated on the surface of the pressing roller 100 is cleaned in real time while the equipment is running.

[0056] Figure 1 A press roller 100 used in an electrode rolling process and an apparatus 200 for automatically cleaning the press roller (hereinafter referred to as a "press roller cleaning apparatus" for convenience) are shown.

[0057] The pressure roller cleaning device 200 mainly includes a sensor unit 210 for measuring the brightness value of the surface of the pressure roller 100, a cleaning unit 220 for cleaning the surface of the pressure roller 100, a cleaning liquid supply unit 230 for supplying a cleaning liquid to the cleaning unit 220, and a drying unit 240 for drying the surface of the pressure roller 100 cleaned with the cleaning liquid. The cleaning unit 220 includes a supply roller 221 for supplying a cleaning cloth 224 and a winding roller 222 for winding back the cleaning cloth 224 after cleaning, and includes a cleaning roller (such as a clamping roller) 223 that increases the close adhesion of the cleaning cloth 224 to improve the cleaning force of the pressure roller 100.

[0058] The sensor unit 210 measures the brightness value of the surface of the pressure roller 100. The brightness value may also be calculated by sensing the entire surface of the pressure roller 100, that is, by sensing half of the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical pressure roller 100 on the side where the sensor unit 210 is located. Figure 1 In the figure, for convenience, one sensor unit 210 is shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and two sensor units 210 may be provided on both sides of the pressure roller 100 to face each other, so that the sensor units 210 on both sides can sense each half of the pressure roller 100 to calculate the brightness value.

[0059] Alternatively, the sensor unit 210 may be modified and changed in various ways, for example, the sensor unit 210 may scan while moving along the length or circumference of the cylindrical press roller 100 , or scan while spirally moving on the outer circumferential surface of the cylindrical press roller 100 .

[0060] In addition, optionally, the sensor unit 210 may also determine a portion having a particularly low brightness value relative to surrounding portions as the foreign matter 110 , thereby detecting the foreign matter 110 .

[0061] Since the cleaning unit 220 must first remove foreign matter attached to the pressing roller 100 after rolling, the cleaning unit 220 is located closest to the position where the pressing roller 100 presses the electrode according to the rotation direction of the pressing roller 100 .

[0062] The cleaning cloth 224 is unrolled from the supply roller 221 and conveyed to the cleaning roller 223. The cleaning roller 223 is adjacent to the surface of the pressure roller 100 so that one side of the cleaning cloth 224 can contact the pressure roller 100. The cleaning cloth 224 that has passed through the cleaning roller 223 is recovered by the winding roller 222. The cleaning roller 223 generally has a roller shape for smoothly conveying the cleaning cloth 224, in which case the cleaning roller 223 can rotate simultaneously with the movement of the cleaning cloth 224. When the contact portion between the cleaning roller 223 and the pressure roller 100 is circular as described above, it is possible to prevent the pressure roller 100 from being damaged when the cleaning cloth 224 contacts the pressure roller 100. On the other hand, if the cleaning roller 223 enables the cleaning cloth 224 to contact the pressure roller 100 when guiding the conveyance of the cleaning cloth 224, its shape and structure are not limited.

[0063] The cleaning cloth 224 can smoothly absorb or remove foreign matter attached to the pressure roller 100. As long as the surface of the pressure roller 100 is not damaged, the type of the cleaning cloth 224 is not limited, but non-woven fabric is preferred from the perspective of cleaning ability. In addition, as long as it can absorb or remove foreign matter, the type of material of the non-woven fabric is not limited, such as cotton fiber, polyethylene fiber, polypropylene fiber, polyester fiber, aramid fiber, cellulose fiber, rayon fiber, or non-woven fabrics blended therewith can be used.

[0064] The cleaning liquid supply unit 230 sprays the cleaning liquid onto the cleaning cloth 224. The cleaning liquid supply unit 230 may be provided in plurality. For example, a cleaning liquid supply unit for supplying water and a cleaning liquid supply unit for supplying acetone may be provided separately. Figure 1 The cleaning liquid supply unit 230 is not shown in detail, but it may include a cleaning liquid storage tank, a cleaning liquid delivery pipe, a pump, a valve and / or a nozzle, etc., and the structure, shape, quantity, etc. of the detailed components of the cleaning liquid supply unit 230 may be variously modified and changed according to the environment in which the embodiments described herein are implemented.

[0065] The type of cleaning liquid is not limited as long as it can successfully remove foreign matter, etc. For example, the cleaning liquid may include water, acetone, dimethyl carbonate, dimethylformamide, N-methylformamide, sulfoxide (tetrahydrothiophene-1,1-dioxide), 3-methyl sulfoxide, n-butyl sulfoxide, dimethyl sulfoxide, pyrrolidone (HEP), dimethyl piperidone (DMPD), N-methyl pyridone (NMP), N-methylacetamide, dimethylacetamide (DMAc), dimethylformamide (DMF), diethylacetamide (DEAc), dipropylacetamide (DPAc), ethanol, propanol, butanol, hexanol, ethylene glycol, tetrachloroethylene, propylene glycol, toluene, turpentine, methyl acetate, ethyl acetate, petroleum ether, cresol, glycerin, etc.

[0066] In addition, an aqueous cleaning liquid may be used in the pressure roller cleaning apparatus 200 according to the present invention. Specifically, one or more types selected from the group consisting of water or an alcohol-based compound may be used.

[0067] More specifically, the cleaning fluid can be a mixture of water and an alcohol-based compound, and the alcohol-based compound can be one or more types selected from the following group: ethanol, propanol, butanol, amyl alcohol, hexanol, isopropyl alcohol, enanthol, decanol, octanol, isodecyl alcohol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, ethylene glycol methyl ether, diethylene glycol methyl ether, triethylene glycol methyl ether, ethylene glycol ethyl ether, diethylene glycol ethyl ether, triethylene glycol ethyl ether, ethylene glycol monopropyl ether, diethylene glycol monopropyl ether, triethylene glycol monopropyl ether, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylene glycol monohexyl ether, diethylene glycol monohexyl ether, triethylene glycol monohexyl ether. More preferably, the alcohol-based compound can be one or more types selected from the group comprising amyl alcohol, hexanol, enanthol, octanol and decanol.

[0068] Based on the total weight of the cleaning liquid, the cleaning liquid may contain 10% to 40%, or 20% to 30%, or 30% acetone by weight. Similarly, in the cleaning liquid, based on the total weight of the cleaning liquid, the content of water may be 60% to 90%, or 70% to 80%, or 70% by weight.

[0069] The drying unit 240 dries the surface of the press roller 100 cleaned with the cleaning liquid. The drying unit 240 is used to dry the surface of the press roller 100 by heating and / or blowing. Foreign matter can be dried and removed from the surface of the press roller by heating and / or blowing, and remaining liquid foreign matter can be removed by evaporation by heating and / or blowing. The drying unit 240 may be a heater type that directly applies heat to the surface of the press roller 100, or may be a hot air drying type that applies hot air or the like to the surface of the press roller 100.

[0070] In addition, the pressure roller cleaning device 200 further includes a control unit (not shown), which controls the sensor unit 210, the cleaning unit 220, the cleaning liquid supply unit 230, the drying unit 240, etc. The control unit receives data input from the sensor unit 210 and controls whether the cleaning unit 220, the cleaning liquid supply unit 230, and the drying unit 240 are operated.

[0071] On the other hand, similar to the second cleaning mode, even in the first cleaning mode, the pressure roller cleaning device 200 is fixed, and if necessary, the first cleaning mode can be performed while rotating the pressure roller 100. Alternatively, in the first cleaning mode, the pressure roller 100 is not necessarily rotated for manufacturing the electrode, and therefore, various modifications and changes can be made according to the situation, for example, the various elements of the pressure roller cleaning device 200, such as the sensor unit 210, the cleaning unit 220, the cleaning liquid supply unit 230, and the drying unit 240, are moved simultaneously or individually on the surface of the pressure roller 100.

[0072] On the other hand, in the second cleaning mode, the surface of the pressing roller 100 is cleaned while the electrode is pressed on the pressing roller 100, thereby limiting the use of water and aqueous cleaning liquid so as not to affect the quality of the pressed electrode. However, in the first cleaning mode, since the electrode is not pressed by the pressing roller 100, water, acetone, aqueous cleaning liquid or a mixture thereof can be used. In this case, after cleaning in the first cleaning mode, the surface of the pressing roller 100 is dried with a cloth or a drying device, the moisture is drained from the bottom of the device, and then the electrode rolling process is performed again, which does not affect the quality of the produced electrode.

[0073] A plurality of roller cleaning devices 200 may be provided, and a roller cleaning device 200 for the first cleaning mode and a roller cleaning device 200 for the second cleaning mode may be provided separately. Alternatively, one roller cleaning device 200 may be provided, but a plurality of cleaning liquid supply units 230 may be provided, and an oil-based cleaning liquid or an aqueous cleaning liquid may be provided as required. That is, a portion of the plurality of cleaning liquid supply units 230 may supply an oil-based cleaning liquid in the second cleaning mode or in both the first cleaning mode and the second cleaning mode, and the remaining portion may supply an aqueous cleaning liquid in the first cleaning mode.

[0074] Next, a method of automatically cleaning a press roller used in an electrode rolling process (hereinafter referred to as a “press roller cleaning method”) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0075] Figures 2 to 5 A flow chart of a press roller cleaning method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0076] The pressure roller cleaning method includes: a step of determining whether the pressure roller is in a non-operating state (S100); when the pressure roller 100 is in the non-operating state, a step of cleaning the pressure roller 100 in a first cleaning mode (S200); when the pressure roller 100 is in an operating state, a step of cleaning the pressure roller 100 in a second cleaning mode (S300).

[0077] The cleaning step (S200) in the first cleaning mode and the cleaning step (S300) in the second cleaning mode can be performed by the cleaning unit 220, the cleaning liquid supply unit 230, the drying unit 240, the control unit, etc. of the pressure roller cleaning device 200. These elements of the pressure roller cleaning device 200 can be configured as multiple, so that the cleaning device 200 for the first cleaning mode and the cleaning device 200 for the second cleaning mode can be provided separately. Alternatively, the pressure roller cleaning device 200 can be used to perform the cleaning step (S200) in the first cleaning mode and the cleaning step (S300) in the second cleaning mode, respectively. In the cleaning step (S300) in the second cleaning mode, the cleaning method used in the electrode rolling process when manufacturing conventional electrodes can also be adopted.

[0078] As described above, the first cleaning mode is a mode in which the pressure roller 100 is cleaned while the electrode rolling process on the pressure roller 100 is stopped. The second cleaning mode is a mode in which the pressure roller 100 is cleaned while the electrode rolling process is performed on the pressure roller 100. In the first cleaning mode, the electrode rolling process is stopped, the pressure roller 100 is separated from the electrode sheet, and the electrode sheet is not pressed. Therefore, since the portion of the electrode sheet close to the pressure roller 100 is marked as a defective portion and then defect removal is performed, even if the pressure roller 100 is cleaned in the first cleaning mode, the quality of the electrode produced in the end is not a problem. In some cases, although the pressure roller 100 is cleaned, the quality of the electrode to be pressed will not be affected, such as when the electrode sheet is not located on the pressure roller 100, the cleaning in the first cleaning mode can usually be performed by changing at least one of the type of cleaning liquid used in the second cleaning mode performed in the electrode rolling process, the supply frequency and supply amount of the cleaning liquid, and the moving speed of the cleaning cloth. However, the present invention is not necessarily so, and the type of cleaning liquid used in the second cleaning mode, the supply frequency and supply amount of the cleaning liquid, and the moving speed of the cleaning cloth can be the same as those in the first cleaning mode, so that the cleaning of the first cleaning mode can be performed when the electrode rolling process is stopped.

[0079] There are roughly two conditions for determining whether the pressure roller 100 is in a non-operating state. The conditions for determining whether the electrode manufacturing equipment including the pressure roller 100 has stopped running and is in a waiting state, that is, in a non-operating state are as follows. On the one hand, the pressure roller 100 must keep the speed at zero for more than a predetermined time. On the other hand, the pressure roller 100 must be in a predetermined waiting position for more than a predetermined time. "The pressure roller 100 is in a predetermined waiting position" refers to a position where the pressure roller 100 cannot press the electrode (electrode sheet). For example, the pressure roller 100 can be in a position that maintains a specified distance from the traveling position of the electrode sheet. For example, when a pair of pressure rollers 100 are used to press the electrode in the electrode rolling process, the interval between the pair of pressure rollers 100 can be larger than the thickness of the electrode. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and according to the specific circumstances, it may refer to that the operation of the equipment is completely completed, and the pressure roller 100 automatically moves to a pre-specified position for cleaning, inspection, etc., so as to remain in this position, and it can be modified, changed and applied in various ways.

[0080] On the other hand, only when both the rotation speed of the pressure roller 100 and the waiting position of the pressure roller 100 are met at the same time can it be determined that the pressure roller 100 is in a non-operating state. However, depending on the environment of the implementation embodiment, when one of the two conditions is met, it can be determined that the pressure roller 100 is in a non-operating state.

[0081] Specifically, refer to Figure 3 , the step (S100) of determining whether the pressure roller 100 is in a non-operating state includes: a step (S110-1) of receiving an input of a rotation speed (driving speed) of the pressure roller 100; a step (S120-1) of counting a waiting time of the pressure roller 100 when the rotation speed of the pressure roller 100 is zero; and a step (S130) of determining that the pressure roller 100 is in a non-operating state when the state of the rotation speed of the pressure roller 100 being zero exceeds a first predetermined time. Here, the waiting time refers to the time for maintaining the state of the rotation speed of the pressure roller 100 being zero. In steps S110-1 and S120-1, the rotation speed of the pressure roller 100 can be detected by a speed sensor, and can be counted according to the time when a control unit (not shown) connected to the pressure roller 100 sends a drive stop command to the pressure roller 100. Therefore, the present invention can be applied in various ways.

[0082] Alternatively, refer to Figure 4, the step (S100) of determining whether the pressure roller 100 is in a non-operating state includes: a step (S110-2) of receiving a position input of the pressure roller 100; a step (S120-2) of counting the waiting time of the pressure roller 100 when the pressure roller 100 is in a predetermined waiting position; and a step (S130) of determining that the pressure roller 100 is in a non-operating state when the pressure roller 100 is in a predetermined waiting position for more than a second predetermined time. Here, the waiting time refers to the time for keeping the pressure roller 100 in a predetermined waiting position. In steps S110-2 and S120-2, a position sensor or the like may be used to detect the position of the pressure roller 100, for example, whether the pressure roller 100 moves toward or away from the electrode. Alternatively, a pressure sensor such as a weighing sensor may be used to detect the pressing force of the pressure roller 100 to indirectly detect the waiting position of the pressure roller 100.

[0083] Alternatively, it may also be determined that the pressure roller 100 is in the non-operating state only when both conditions are satisfied.

[0084] For example, you can first execute Figure 3 Follow the steps shown in the figure and then execute them one by one. Figure 4 That is, if the state of the pressure roller 100 rotating at zero speed exceeds the first predetermined time, and then the state of the pressure roller 100 being at the predetermined waiting position exceeds the second predetermined time, it can also be finally determined that the pressure roller 100 is in the non-operating state.

[0085] Instead, you can first execute Figure 4 Follow the steps shown in the figure and then execute them one by one. Figure 3 That is, if the state of the pressing roller 100 being in the predetermined waiting position exceeds the second predetermined time, and then the state of the pressing roller 100 rotating at zero speed exceeds the first predetermined time, it can also be finally determined that the pressing roller 100 is in the non-operating state.

[0086] Alternatively, Figure 3 and Figure 4The steps shown in can be executed simultaneously. Steps (S110-1) and (S110-2) are executed simultaneously, and then steps (S120-1) and (S120-2) are executed simultaneously. When the state where the speed of the pressure roller 100 is zero exceeds the first predetermined time, and the state where the pressure roller 100 is in the predetermined waiting position exceeds the second predetermined time, it can also be determined that the pressure roller 100 is in a non-operating state (S130). To further illustrate, the speed and position of the pressure roller 100 are input respectively. When the speed of the pressure roller 100 is zero, the waiting time of the pressure roller 100 is counted. At the same time, when the pressure roller 100 is in the waiting position, the waiting time of the pressure roller 100 is counted. When the state where the speed of the pressure roller 100 is zero exceeds the first predetermined time, and the state where the pressure roller 100 is in the waiting position exceeds the second predetermined time, it can also be determined that the pressure roller 100 is in a non-operating state.

[0087] For example, the first predetermined time and the second predetermined time are any time greater than 0 minutes and less than or equal to 100 minutes, but the present invention is not limited to the above time, and the first predetermined time and the second predetermined time can be appropriately selected according to various environments.

[0088] refer to Figure 5 When the pressure roller 100 is in a non-operating state, the step (S200) of cleaning the pressure roller 100 in a first cleaning mode includes: a step (S210) of measuring a brightness value of the surface of the pressure roller 100 using the sensor unit 210; when the brightness value of the surface of the pressure roller 100 is less than or equal to a first predetermined brightness value, a step (S220) of cleaning the pressure roller 100 for a third predetermined time using the cleaning unit 220; and a step (S230) of measuring the brightness value of the cleaned surface of the pressure roller 100 and determining whether the brightness value is greater than or equal to a second predetermined brightness value.

[0089] At this time, the second predetermined brightness value is greater than the first predetermined brightness value. The larger the brightness value, the clearer the pressure roller. The first predetermined brightness value and the second predetermined brightness value are any brightness value between 0 and 100%, which can be appropriately selected according to various environments. For example, the first predetermined brightness value can be 40%, and the second predetermined brightness value can be 80%. The third predetermined time is, for example, any time from 3 minutes to 10 minutes, such as 5 minutes, but the present invention is not limited to the above time, and the third predetermined time can be appropriately selected according to various environments.

[0090] For step S210, in the second cleaning mode, the quality of the electrode may be deteriorated due to cleaning, and therefore, the type or amount of the cleaning liquid used may be limited. In some cases, foreign matter, residues or contaminants 110 that are not removed even in the second cleaning mode may remain on the surface of the pressure roller 100. Therefore, the brightness value of the surface of the pressure roller 100 may be slightly lower. Depending on the environment in which the embodiment is implemented (i.e., according to the type of electrode active material pressed by the pressure roller 100, the degree of cleaning in the second cleaning mode, etc.), the operator may preset a first predetermined brightness value of the surface of the pressure roller 100 at which the first cleaning mode should be started.

[0091] On the other hand, in step S210, if the brightness value of the surface of the pressing roller 100 exceeds the first predetermined brightness value, the first cleaning mode is not performed and ends immediately.

[0092] After the pressing roller 100 is cleaned for the third predetermined time in step S220 , the brightness value of the pressing roller 100 is measured in step S230 , and it is determined whether the brightness value is greater than or equal to a second predetermined brightness value.

[0093] When the surface of the pressure roller 100 becomes clean and the brightness value increases, that is, when the brightness value of the surface of the pressure roller 100 is greater than or equal to the second predetermined brightness value, the cleaning step in the first cleaning mode ends automatically. However, if foreign matter, residue or contaminant 110 still remains on the surface of the pressure roller 100, and the brightness value of the surface of the pressure roller 100 is less than the second predetermined brightness value, the step of cleaning the pressure roller 100 for the third predetermined time (S220) is performed again. That is, step S220 is repeatedly performed until the first cleaning mode is declared to be over in step S230, that is, until the cleaning step in the first cleaning mode ends automatically.

[0094] Therefore, when the pressure roller 100 is in a non-operating state, the pressure roller 100 can be automatically cleaned, unlike the conventional situation where the pressure roller 100 is manually cleaned one by one by the operator. Further explanation, the brightness value is measured, the pressure roller 100 is cleaned for a third predetermined time, and the brightness value is measured again. If the required brightness value (i.e., the second predetermined brightness value) is not reached, the same process of cleaning the pressure roller 100 for the third predetermined time is continuously repeated again, so that the pressure roller 100 can be automatically cleaned when the pressure roller 100 is in a non-operating state.

[0095] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the pressing roller for electrode manufacturing is cleaned even when the pressing roller is not operated, and the cleaning of the pressing roller is automatically started and ended, thereby improving the cleaning efficiency of the pressing roller. Therefore, the manufacturing efficiency of the electrode process is also improved. In addition, since the electrode is pressed using the pressing roller cleaned according to the improved cleaning method, the performance of the battery can be improved.

[0096] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and those skilled in the art may make various modifications and improvements using the basic concepts of the present invention defined in the appended claims, which also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0097] [Explanation of Reference Numerals]

[0098] 100: Pressing roller

[0099] 110: Foreign matter

[0100] 200: Press roller cleaning equipment

[0101] 210: Sensor unit

[0102] 220: Cleaning unit

[0103] 230: Cleaning fluid supply unit

[0104] 240: Drying unit

Claims

1. A method for automatically cleaning a pressing roller used in an electrode rolling process, the method comprising the following steps: determining whether the pressure roller is in a non-operating state; as well as cleaning the pressing roller in a first cleaning mode when the pressing roller is in a non-operating state, Here, in the first cleaning mode, the pressing roller is cleaned in a state where the electrode pressing process on the pressing roller is stopped.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The method further comprises cleaning the pressing roller in a second cleaning mode when the pressing roller is in an operating state, Wherein, in the second cleaning mode, the pressing roller is cleaned while the electrode pressing process is performed on the pressing roller.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein: In the first cleaning mode and the second cleaning mode, at least one of a type of cleaning liquid, a supply frequency and a supply amount of the cleaning liquid, and a moving speed of the cleaning cloth is different.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Determining whether the pressure roller is in a non-operating state includes: Receiving a rotation speed input of the pressing roller; When the rotation speed of the pressing roller is zero, counting the waiting time of the pressing roller; When the state in which the rotation speed of the pressing roller is zero exceeds a first predetermined time, it is determined that the pressing roller is in a non-operating state.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Determining whether the pressure roller is in a non-operating state includes: receiving a position input of the pressure roller; counting the waiting time of the pressing roller when the pressing roller is in a predetermined waiting position; and When the state of the pressing roller being in the predetermined waiting position exceeds a second predetermined time, it is determined that the pressing roller is in a non-operating state.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Determining whether the pressure roller is in a non-operating state includes: Respectively receiving the speed input and position input of the pressing roller; When the rotation speed of the pressing roller is zero, counting the waiting time of the pressing roller; counting the waiting time of the pressing roller when the pressing roller is in a predetermined waiting position; and When the state in which the rotation speed of the pressing roller is zero exceeds a first predetermined time, and the state in which the pressing roller is at the predetermined waiting position exceeds a second predetermined time, it is determined that the pressing roller is in a non-operating state.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Cleaning the pressure roller in the first cleaning mode includes: measuring the brightness value of the surface of the pressing roller; and When the brightness value of the surface of the pressing roller is less than or equal to the first predetermined brightness value, the pressing roller is cleaned for a third predetermined time.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein: Cleaning the pressure roller in the first cleaning mode further comprises: measuring the brightness value of the surface of the cleaned pressure roller and determining whether the brightness value is greater than or equal to a second predetermined brightness value, When the brightness value of the surface of the pressure roller is greater than or equal to the second predetermined brightness value, the cleaning in the first cleaning mode is automatically terminated.

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein: Cleaning the pressure roller in the first cleaning mode further comprises: measuring the brightness value of the surface of the cleaned pressure roller and determining whether the brightness value is greater than or equal to a second predetermined brightness value, When the brightness value of the surface of the pressing roller is less than the second predetermined brightness value, the pressing roller is repeatedly cleaned for the third predetermined time.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein: The third predetermined time is any time selected from 3 minutes to 10 minutes.

11. The method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein: The second predetermined brightness value is greater than the first predetermined brightness value.

12. The method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein: The first predetermined brightness value is 40%, and the second predetermined brightness value is 80%.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein: A supply frequency and a supply amount of the cleaning liquid in the first cleaning mode are greater than a supply frequency and a supply amount of the cleaning liquid in the second cleaning mode.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein: The cleaning liquid supplied in the first cleaning mode is an oil-based cleaning agent.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein: The cleaning liquid supplied in the first cleaning mode is any one selected from water, acetone, and aqueous cleaning liquid, or a combination of at least two selected therefrom.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein: The cleaning liquid supplied in the second cleaning mode is an oil-based cleaning agent.

17. A device for automatically cleaning a press roller for performing the method according to claim 1, the device comprising: A sensor unit for measuring a brightness value of the surface of the pressure roller; a cleaning liquid supply unit for supplying cleaning liquid to the pressing roller; a cleaning unit for cleaning the surface of the pressure roller; as well as A control unit receives data input from the sensor unit and controls whether the cleaning liquid supply unit and the cleaning unit are operated.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein: The cleaning liquid supply unit is provided in a plurality of units. A portion of the plurality of cleaning fluid supply units supplies an oil-based cleaning agent, The rest of the plurality of cleaning liquid supply units supply any one of water, acetone, an aqueous cleaning liquid, or a combination of at least two selected therefrom.

19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein: The device is provided in a plurality of A portion of the plurality of devices is a device for the first cleaning mode, The remainder of the plurality of devices are devices for the second cleaning mode.

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