Electrode drying equipment and electrode drying system comprising same

Abstract

According to an exemplary embodiment, an electrode drying apparatus and a drying system including a dehumidifier are provided. The electrode apparatus includes a drying chamber, a plurality of forced air supply devices provided on an upper surface of the drying chamber, and a plurality of exhaust ports provided on a rear surface of the drying chamber, and dries an electrode. The dehumidifier is connected with a plurality of forced air supply devices and generates dry air, and the dry air is supplied to the drying chamber through the forced air supply devices. Dry air generated by the dehumidifier can be directly supplied to the forced air supply device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrode drying system. More specifically, the present invention relates to an electrode drying device having a forced air supply device and an electrode drying system including the same. This application claims the priority benefit based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0003506 filed on January 10, 2023 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0000998 filed on January 3, 2024, and the entire contents of these Korean patent applications are incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged many times. Secondary batteries have been widely used as energy sources for various types of wireless devices (e.g., mobile phones, laptops, and cordless vacuum cleaners). Recently, due to improved energy density and economies of scale, the manufacturing costs of electric hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) have been significantly reduced, and the range of BEVs has increased to the same level as that of fuel vehicles, and therefore, the main use of secondary batteries is moving from mobile devices to mobility.

[0003] Secondary batteries are classified into lithium ion batteries, lithium ion polymer batteries, lithium polymer batteries, etc. according to the configuration of electrodes and electrolytes. The market share of lithium ion polymer batteries in the field of secondary batteries has increased due to the low possibility of electrolyte leakage and easy manufacturing.

[0004] According to the shape of the battery case, secondary batteries are divided into: cylindrical batteries in which the electrode assembly is built in a cylindrical metal can; prismatic batteries in which the electrode assembly is built in a prismatic metal can; and pouch batteries in which the electrode assembly is built in a pouch-shaped case of an aluminum laminate.

[0005] The electrode assembly included in the battery case includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The electrode assembly can be classified into a jelly roll type electrode assembly or a stacked type electrode assembly according to the form of the assembly. The jelly roll type electrode assembly is manufactured by winding the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the separator interposed therebetween. The stacked type electrode assembly includes a plurality of positive electrodes, a plurality of negative electrodes, and a plurality of separators interposed therebetween stacked in sequence.

[0006] The electrode drying process is the process of applying active materials to sheet-shaped positive and negative current collectors and removing moisture from them before separating them from each other. By uniformly drying all surfaces of the electrode sheet, the yield and reliability of secondary batteries can be improved. Summary of the invention

[0007] Technical issues

[0008] The present invention relates to providing an electrode drying apparatus having improved reliability and an electrode drying system including the same.

[0009] Technical Solution

[0010] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a drying system including an electrode drying apparatus and a dehumidifier.

[0011] The electrode drying apparatus includes a drying chamber, a plurality of forced air supply devices on a top surface of the drying chamber, and a plurality of exhaust ports on a rear surface of the drying chamber, and is configured to dry the electrode.

[0012] The dehumidifier is connected to the plurality of forced air supply devices and is configured to generate dry air, which is supplied to the drying chamber through the plurality of forced air supply devices.

[0013] The dry air produced by the dehumidifier can be provided directly to the forced air supply.

[0014] The electrode drying system may further include a plurality of air supply pipes connected to the dehumidifier, and each of the plurality of air supply pipes may be connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of forced air supply devices.

[0015] The electrode drying system may further include a plurality of air supply fans, each of which is installed in one of the plurality of air supply pipes, and each of the plurality of air supply fans may be configured to provide a driving force for conveying drying air through the plurality of air supply pipes.

[0016] The electrode drying apparatus may further include a plurality of first rollers and a plurality of second rollers disposed in the drying chamber and configured to support the electrode, and each of the plurality of first rollers may be spaced apart from a top surface of the drying chamber with the plurality of second rollers interposed therebetween.

[0017] The plurality of second rollers may be interposed between the plurality of first rollers in a direction in which the electrodes extend.

[0018] The plurality of first rollers and the plurality of second rollers may be configured to support the electrode such that a middle portion of the electrode is elevated compared to an edge portion of the electrode.

[0019] The drying chamber may further include a bottom surface opposite to the top surface of the drying chamber, and a distance between each of the plurality of exhaust ports and the top surface of the drying chamber may be smaller than a distance between each of the plurality of exhaust ports and the bottom surface of the drying chamber.

[0020] Each of the plurality of forced air supply devices may not overlap the electrode in a direction perpendicular to a top surface of the drying chamber.

[0021] Each of the plurality of forced air supply devices may be interposed between the electrode and a front surface of the drying chamber, and the front surface of the drying chamber may be opposite to a rear surface of the drying chamber.

[0022] Each of the plurality of forced air supply devices may include an anemometer, a thermometer, a hygrometer, an electrical damper, or a duct.

[0023] The electrode drying system may further include a plurality of passive air supply devices located on a front surface of the drying chamber, and the front surface of the drying chamber may be opposite to a rear surface of the drying chamber.

[0024] Each passive air supply device may not be connected to a dehumidifier.

[0025] An exemplary embodiment provides an electrode drying device. The electrode drying device includes a drying chamber, a plurality of forced air supply devices located on a top surface of the drying chamber, and a plurality of exhaust ports located on a rear surface of the drying chamber, wherein each of the plurality of forced air supply devices is spaced apart from an electrode loaded in the drying chamber in a direction parallel to the top surface of the drying chamber.

[0026] Each of the plurality of forced air supply devices may not overlap with the electrode.

[0027] A distance between each of the plurality of forced air supply devices and a front surface of the drying chamber may be smaller than a distance between each of the plurality of forced air supply devices and a rear surface of the drying chamber, and the front surface of the drying chamber may be opposite to the rear surface of the drying chamber.

[0028] Each of the plurality of forced air supply devices may be interposed between the electrode and a front surface of the drying chamber in a first direction parallel to a top surface of the drying chamber.

[0029] The electrode drying apparatus may further include a plurality of passive air supply devices configured to supply drying air to the drying chamber, and the plurality of passive air supply devices may be located on a front surface of the drying chamber.

[0030] The forced air supply device may be directly connected to a dehumidifier configured to generate dry air through an air supply pipe.

[0031] The passive air supply may not be connected to a dehumidifier.

[0032] A distance between each of the plurality of exhaust ports and a top surface of the drying chamber may be smaller than a distance between each of the plurality of exhaust ports and a bottom surface of the drying chamber, and the bottom surface of the drying chamber may be opposite to the top surface of the drying chamber.

[0033] An exemplary embodiment provides an electrode drying device. The electrode drying device includes a drying chamber, a plurality of forced air supply devices located on a bottom surface of the drying chamber, and a plurality of exhaust ports located on a rear surface of the drying chamber, and each of the plurality of forced air supply devices is spaced apart from an electrode loaded in the drying chamber in a direction parallel to the bottom surface of the drying chamber.

[0034] A distance between each of the plurality of forced air supply devices and a front surface of the drying chamber may be smaller than a distance between each of the plurality of forced air supply devices and a rear surface of the drying chamber, and the front surface of the drying chamber may be opposite to the rear surface of the drying chamber.

[0035] Each of the plurality of forced air supply devices may be interposed between the electrode and the front surface of the drying chamber in a first direction parallel to the rear surface of the drying chamber.

[0036] The electrode drying apparatus may further include a plurality of passive air supply devices configured to supply drying air to the drying chamber, and the plurality of passive air supply devices may be located on a front surface of the drying chamber.

[0037] The forced air supply device may be directly connected to a dehumidifier configured to generate dry air through an air supply pipe.

[0038] Passive air supply units may not be connected to a dehumidifier.

[0039] A distance between each of the plurality of exhaust ports and a bottom surface of the drying chamber may be smaller than a distance between each of the plurality of exhaust ports and a top surface of the drying chamber, and the top surface of the drying chamber may be opposite to the bottom surface of the drying chamber.

[0040] Beneficial Effects

[0041] According to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the moisture content in the drying chamber can be reduced, and the generation of eddy currents and turbulence in the drying chamber can be alleviated. Therefore, the uniformity and reliability of the drying process using the electrode drying system can be improved.

[0042] The effects that can be achieved by the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above effects, and those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present invention belong will clearly derive and understand other effects not described herein from the following description. That is, those skilled in the art can derive from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention the unexpected effects achieved when implementing the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Figure 1 is a diagram for describing an electrode drying system according to example embodiments.

[0044] Figure 2 and Figure 3 is a diagram for describing an electrode drying apparatus according to an example embodiment.

[0045] Figure 4 is a diagram for describing an electrode drying apparatus according to other example embodiments.

[0046] Figure 5 is a diagram for describing an electrode drying apparatus according to other example embodiments.

[0047] Figure 6 is a flow chart of a method of manufacturing an electrode according to an example embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before describing the embodiments of the present invention, the terms or expressions used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to those defined in commonly understood or commonly used dictionaries, and should be understood based on the inventor of the present application can appropriately define the terms or expressions to best explain the principle of the present invention according to the meaning and concept matching corresponding to the present invention.

[0049] Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely embodiments of the present invention and do not reflect all technical ideas of the present invention, and therefore it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications of alternative configurations will be made on the filing date of this application.

[0050] Well-known configurations or functions related to describing the present invention are not described in detail when it is determined that they would obscure the subject matter of the present invention due to unnecessary detail.

[0051] Because the embodiments of the present invention are provided to explain the present invention more comprehensively to those skilled in the art, the shapes, sizes, etc. of the components shown in the drawings may be enlarged, omitted, or schematically illustrated for the sake of clarity. Therefore, it should not be understood that the size or ratio of the components fully reflects their actual size or ratio.

[0052] Figure 1 is a diagram for describing an electrode drying system 10 according to an example embodiment.

[0053] Reference Figure 1 The electrode drying system 10 may include an electrode drying apparatus 100 , a dehumidifier 200 , a plurality of air supply pipes 210 , a plurality of air supply fans 220 , a plurality of exhaust pipes 310 , and a plurality of exhaust fans 320 .

[0054] The electrode drying system 10 may be configured to perform a drying process on the electrode EL. The electrode EL may be used to manufacture a secondary battery. The electrode EL may be a positive electrode or a negative electrode. The positive electrode includes a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode active material applied to the positive electrode current collector, and the negative electrode includes a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material applied to the negative electrode current collector.

[0055] The drying process may include loading the electrode EL in the drying chamber 110 and then supplying dry air into the drying chamber 110. The drying process may be performed based on temperature control and dew point control inside the drying chamber 110. The drying process may include maintaining the temperature and dew point in the drying chamber 110 within a set range according to values ​​measured by a temperature sensor and a dew point sensor installed inside the drying chamber 110. For example, the dew point in the drying chamber 110 may be maintained at about -70°C or less, but is not limited thereto. In the drying process, the dew point in the drying chamber 110 may be in the range of about -20°C to about -70°C.

[0056] The dehumidifier 200 may be configured to generate dry air by removing pollutants and moisture from the outside air. The dry air generated by the dehumidifier 200 may be distributed to each component and part of the electrode drying system 10 as needed. The electrode drying system 10 may include an environmental control unit, and the environmental control unit may use the dry air generated by the dehumidifier 200 to control the atmosphere in the electrode drying system 10.

[0057] The dehumidifier 200 may be connected to the plurality of forced air supply devices 120 of the electrode drying apparatus 100 through the plurality of air supply pipes 210. According to example embodiments, the plurality of forced air supply devices 120 may be directly connected to the dehumidifier 200 through the plurality of air supply pipes 210. Each of the plurality of air supply pipes 210 may be connected to the dehumidifier 200 and a corresponding one of the plurality of forced air supply devices 120.

[0058] exist Figure 1 , the connections between the plurality of air supply pipes 210 and the plurality of exhaust pipes 310 are indicated by dotted lines.

[0059] Each of the plurality of air supply pipes 210 may provide a passage for movement of dry air generated by the dehumidifier 200. The dry air generated by the dehumidifier 200 may be provided to the plurality of forced air supply devices 120 through the plurality of air supply pipes 210. Therefore, even when a moisture source such as an operator is located in the electrode drying system 10, the dry air generated by the dehumidifier 200 is directly provided to the drying chamber 110 through the forced air supply device 120, thereby improving uniformity and reliability of the drying process.

[0060] A plurality of air supply fans 220 may be installed in the plurality of air supply pipes 210. Each of the plurality of air supply fans 220 may be configured to provide a driving force to move the dry air through the plurality of air supply pipes 210. Each of the plurality of air supply fans 220 may be configured to adjust a flow rate of the dry air passing through the plurality of air supply pipes 210.

[0061] The air inside the drying chamber 110 may be exhausted through the plurality of exhaust ports 130. By performing the drying process, the humidity of the air inside the drying chamber 110 may be higher than the humidity of the drying air provided from the plurality of forced air supply devices 120. The plurality of exhaust ports 130 may exhaust the air inside the drying chamber 110 so that the atmosphere (e.g., humidity, temperature, pressure, etc.) inside the drying chamber 110 may be kept constant.

[0062] Each of the plurality of exhaust ports 130 may be connected to one of the plurality of exhaust ducts 310. The plurality of exhaust ducts 310 may provide a passage for exhausting air inside the drying chamber 110.

[0063] Each of the plurality of exhaust fans 320 may be mounted on a corresponding one of the plurality of exhaust ducts 310. Each of the plurality of exhaust fans 320 may provide a driving force to exhaust air from the drying chamber 110 through the plurality of exhaust ducts 310. Each of the plurality of exhaust fans 320 may adjust a flow rate of air exhausted from the plurality of exhaust ports 130.

[0064] The plurality of passive air supply devices 140 of the electrode drying apparatus 100 may be configured to supply dry air into the drying chamber 110. The plurality of passive air supply devices 140 may supply dry air distributed from the dehumidifier 200 to the electrode drying system 10 into the drying chamber 110.

[0065] The plurality of passive air supply devices 140 may not be connected to the dehumidifier 200. The electrode drying system 10 may not include a pipe connecting the plurality of passive air supply devices 140 and the dehumidifier 200. The plurality of passive air supply devices 140 may provide dry air into the drying chamber 110 through suction provided by the plurality of exhaust ports 130.

[0066] The plurality of passive air supply devices 140 may each have a structure that can be opened and closed. When the plurality of passive air supply devices 140 are closed, the air flow through the plurality of passive air supply devices 140 may be blocked, and thus the plurality of passive air supply devices 140 may not provide drying air to the drying chamber 110. When the plurality of passive air supply devices 140 are opened, the air flow through the plurality of passive air supply devices 140 may be allowed, and thus the plurality of passive air supply devices 140 may provide drying air to the drying chamber 110.

[0067] Figure 2 and Figure 3 is a diagram for describing an electrode drying apparatus 100 according to an example embodiment. More specifically, Figure 2 The electrode drying apparatus 100 is shown as viewed from the front 110F of the drying chamber 110, and Figure 3 The electrode drying apparatus 100 is shown as viewed from the top surface 110T of the drying chamber 110 .

[0068] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the electrode drying apparatus 100 may include a plurality of first rollers 151 and a plurality of second rollers 152 , a plurality of forced air supply devices 120 , a plurality of exhaust ports 130 , and a plurality of passive air supply devices 140 , in addition to the drying chamber 110 , as described above.

[0069] The drying chamber 110 may provide a space for a drying process. The drying chamber 110 may isolate an inner space of the drying chamber 110 from the outside. The drying chamber 110 may have controlled temperature, humidity, and pressure, so a uniform drying process may be performed on all surfaces of the electrode EL.

[0070] The drying chamber 110 may include a front surface 110F, a rear surface 110R, a bottom surface 110B, a top surface 110T, a first side surface 110S1, and a second side surface 110S2. Hereinafter, a direction substantially perpendicular to each of the front surface 110F and the rear surface 110R is defined as an X-axis direction, a direction substantially perpendicular to each of the first side surface 110S1 and the second side surface 110S2 is defined as a Y-axis direction, and a direction substantially perpendicular to each of the bottom surface 110B and the top surface 110T is defined as a Z-axis direction. The X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction may be substantially perpendicular to each other. Unless otherwise defined, the above-mentioned definitions of the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction apply to the following drawings.

[0071] The bottom surface 110B may face the bottom of the space where the drying chamber 110 is installed. The top surface 110T may be opposite to the bottom surface 110B. The top surface 110T may be spaced apart from the bottom of the space where the drying chamber 110 is installed via the bottom surface 110B. A plurality of forced air supply devices 120 may be installed on the top surface 110T.

[0072] Each of the plurality of forced air supply devices 120 may include one of an anemometer, a thermometer, a hygrometer, an electric damper, and a duct. The anemometer may be configured to measure the velocity of the dry air flowing through each of the plurality of forced air supply devices 120. The thermometer may be configured to measure the temperature of the dry air flowing through each forced air supply device 120. The hygrometer may be configured to measure the absolute humidity of the dry air flowing through each forced air supply device 120. The hygrometer may measure the relative humidity of the dry air flowing through each forced air supply device 120. The electric damper may be configured to adjust the flow velocity of the dry air flowing through each forced air supply device 120. The duct may be configured to adjust the direction of the dry air discharged through each forced air supply device 120.

[0073] A signal for controlling each of the plurality of forced air supply devices 120 may be generated based on a value measured by an anemometer, a thermometer, or a hygrometer of each of the plurality of forced air supply devices 120. For example, a signal for controlling a dehumidifier installed in the dehumidifier 200 (see Figure 1 ) and a plurality of air supply pipes 210 (see Figure 1 ) may be generated based on a value measured by a thermometer of each of the plurality of forced air supply devices 120. As another example, a signal for controlling the output of one of the plurality of air supply fans 220 may be generated based on a value measured by an anemometer of each of the plurality of forced air supply devices 120. As another example, a signal for controlling the output of the dehumidifier 200 (see Figure 1 ) operation signal.

[0074] The control signal may be generated based on negative feedback to ensure that the process parameters of the drying chamber 110 are within a normal range, but is not limited thereto. The electrical damper and the pipeline may be operated based on the control signal and the additional control signal.

[0075] A plurality of exhaust ports 130 may be installed on the rear surface 110R. The rear surface 110R may be connected to the top surface 110T and the bottom surface 110B. The rear surface 110R may be between the top surface 110T and the bottom surface 110B. The plurality of exhaust ports 130 may be closer to the top surface 110T than the bottom surface 110B. A distance d1 between each of the plurality of exhaust ports 130 and the top surface 110T may be smaller than a distance d2 between each of the plurality of exhaust ports 130 and the bottom surface 110B.

[0076] A plurality of passive air supply devices 140 may be mounted on the front surface 110F. The front surface 110F may be opposite to the rear surface 110R. The front surface 110F may be between the top surface 110T and the bottom surface 110B. Although not explicitly shown, the front surface 110F may include one or more doors for operator operation. The operator's operation may include maintenance of the internal elements of the drying chamber 110, loading and unloading of the electrode EL, stopping work when a warning signal occurs, etc.

[0077] Each of the first side surface 110S1 and the second side surface 110S2 may be connected to the bottom surface 110B, the top surface 110T, the front surface 110F, and the rear surface 110R. Therefore, the first side surface 110S1 and the second side surface 110S2, the bottom surface 110B, the top surface 110T, the front surface 110F, and the rear surface 110R may form a closed space for a drying process.

[0078] A plurality of first rollers 151 and a plurality of second rollers 152 may be in the drying chamber 110. The plurality of first rollers 151 may be close to the bottom surface 110B, and the plurality of second rollers 152 may be close to the top surface 110T. Each of the plurality of first rollers 151 may be spaced apart from the top surface 110T, with the plurality of second rollers 152 interposed therebetween. Each of the plurality of second rollers 152 may be spaced apart from the bottom surface 110B, with the plurality of first rollers 151 interposed therebetween.

[0079] The first roller 151 and the second roller 152 may be configured to support the electrode EL. The first roller 151 and the second roller 152 may be configured to move the electrode EL. By rotating the first roller 151 and the second roller 152, the electrode EL may move from the first side surface 110S1 to the second side surface 110S2 or from the second side surface 110S2 to the first side surface 110S1.

[0080] In this example, the plurality of second rollers 152 may be interposed between the plurality of first rollers 151 in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the middle portion of the electrode EL in the drying chamber 110 may be elevated compared to the edge portion of the electrode EL. Here, the middle portion of the electrode EL is a portion of the electrode EL located between the plurality of second rollers 152, and the edge portion of the electrode EL is a portion of the electrode EL located between the plurality of first rollers 151 and the first and second side surfaces 110S1 and 110S2.

[0081] The Y-axis direction may be substantially parallel to the direction in which the middle portion and the edge portion of the electrode EL extend, and thus may also be referred to as the extension direction. In addition, the Y-axis direction may be substantially parallel to the direction in which the middle portion and the edge portion of the electrode EL move, and thus may be referred to as the movement direction of the electrode EL.

[0082] The X-axis direction may be substantially parallel to the width direction of the electrode EL, and thus may be referred to as the width direction of the electrode EL. The Z-axis direction may be referred to as the height direction.

[0083] According to example embodiments, the forced air supply device 120 may not overlap with the electrode EL in the Z-axis direction. According to example embodiments, the forced air supply device 120 may be spaced apart from the electrode EL in the X-axis direction. According to example embodiments, the forced air supply device 120 may be inserted between the electrode EL and the front surface 110F in the X-axis direction. According to example embodiments, the forced air supply device 120 may not overlap with the surfaces of the first roller 151 and the second roller 152 supporting the electrode EL in the Z-axis direction. According to example embodiments, the forced air supply device 120 may be spaced apart from the surfaces of the first roller 151 and the second roller 152 supporting the electrode EL in the X-axis direction. According to example embodiments, the forced air supply device 120 may be inserted between the surfaces of the first roller 151 and the second roller 152 supporting the electrode EL and the front surface 110F in the X-axis direction. Therefore, the drying air introduced by the forced air supply device 120 can be prevented from being directly sprayed to a specific portion of the electrode EL, and the uniformity of the drying process can be improved.

[0084] In the experimental example, when the middle portion of the electrode EL loaded into the drying chamber 110 is higher than the edge portion of the electrode EL, the forced air supply device 120 is close to the top surface 110T of the drying chamber 110, so the eddy current and turbulence in the drying chamber 110 are reduced. In addition, according to the experimental example, due to the provision of the above-mentioned forced air supply device 120, it is confirmed that the amount of water evaporation in the drying chamber 110 is increased by about 30% compared with the amount of water evaporation in the conventional electrode drying apparatus. Therefore, it is confirmed that the electrode drying apparatus 100 according to the example embodiment and the electrode drying system 10 including the electrode drying apparatus 100 (see Figure 1 ) helps to improve the uniformity and efficiency of the drying process.

[0085] Figure 4 1 is a diagram for describing an electrode drying device 101 according to another exemplary embodiment. More specifically, Figure 4 Shows the corresponding Figure 2 A portion of the electrode drying device 101.

[0086] Reference Figure 4 The electrode drying apparatus 101 may include a drying chamber 110 , a plurality of forced air supply devices 121 , a plurality of exhaust ports 131 , a plurality of passive air supply devices 140 , a plurality of first rollers 151 , and a plurality of second rollers 152 .

[0087] The drying chamber 110 and the plurality of passive air supply devices 140 are similar to those described above. Figure 1Those described are basically the same, so redundant descriptions thereof are omitted here.

[0088] A plurality of forced air supply devices 121 may be mounted on the bottom surface 110B. Each of the plurality of forced air supply devices 121 may include one of an anemometer, a thermometer, a hygrometer, an electrical damper, and a duct. The operation and function of the anemometer, the thermometer, the hygrometer, the electrical damper, and the duct are the same as those described above with reference to Figure 2 and Figure 3 Those described are essentially the same.

[0089] A plurality of exhaust ports 131 may be installed on the rear surface 110R. The plurality of exhaust ports 131 may be closer to the bottom surface 110B than the top surface 110T. A distance d1' between each of the plurality of exhaust ports 131 and the top surface 110T may be greater than a distance d2' between each of the plurality of exhaust ports 131 and the bottom surface 110B.

[0090] In this example, with Figure 2 Conversely, the plurality of first rollers 151 may be interposed between the plurality of second rollers 152 in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the edge of the electrode EL in the drying chamber 110 may be raised compared to the middle portion of the electrode EL. Here, the middle portion of the electrode EL is a portion of the electrode EL located between the plurality of first rollers 151, and the edge portion of the electrode EL is a portion of the electrode EL located between the plurality of second rollers 152 and the first side surface 110S1 and the second side surface 110S2.

[0091] According to example embodiments, the forced air supply device 121 may not overlap with the electrode EL in the Z-axis direction. According to example embodiments, the forced air supply device 121 may be spaced apart from the electrode EL in the X-axis direction. According to example embodiments, the forced air supply device 121 may be inserted between the electrode EL and the front surface 110F in the X-axis direction. According to example embodiments, the forced air supply device 121 may not overlap with the surfaces of the first roller 151 and the second roller 152 supporting the electrode EL in the Z-axis direction. According to example embodiments, the forced air supply device 121 may be spaced apart from the surfaces of the first roller 151 and the second roller 152 supporting the electrode EL in the X-axis direction. According to example embodiments, the forced air supply device 121 may be inserted between the surfaces of the first roller 151 and the second roller 152 supporting the electrode EL and the front surface 110F in the X-axis direction. Therefore, the drying air introduced by the forced air supply device 121 can be prevented from being directly sprayed to the electrode EL, and the uniformity of the drying process can be improved.

[0092] Figure 5 is a diagram for describing an electrode drying device 102 according to another exemplary embodiment. More specifically, Figure 5 Shows the corresponding Figure 2 A portion of the electrode drying device 102.

[0093] Reference Figure 5 The electrode drying apparatus 102 may include a drying chamber 110 , a plurality of forced air supply devices 120 and 121 , a plurality of exhaust ports 130 and 131 , a plurality of passive air supply devices 140 , a plurality of first rollers 151 , and a plurality of second rollers 152 .

[0094] The drying chamber 110 and the plurality of passive air supply devices 140 are similar to those described above. Figure 1 Those described are basically the same, so redundant descriptions thereof are omitted here.

[0095] The forced air supply device 120 may be installed on the top surface 110T, and the forced air supply device 121 may be installed on the bottom surface 110B. For ease of description, Figure 5 It is shown that two forced air supply devices 120 are installed on the top surface 110T and one forced air supply device 121 is installed on the bottom surface 110B, and the number and arrangement of the forced air supply devices 120 and the number of forced air supply devices 121 may be changed as needed.

[0096] The forced air supply device 120 and the exhaust port 130 are similar to those described above. Figures 1 to 3 The forced air supply device 121 and the exhaust port 131 are substantially the same as those described above. Figure 4 Those described are essentially the same.

[0097] A plurality of exhaust ports 130 and 131 may be installed on the rear surface 110R. The exhaust port 130 may be closer to the top surface 110T than the bottom surface 110B. The exhaust port 131 may be closer to the bottom surface 110B than the top surface 110T.

[0098] At least two second rollers 152 may be interposed between two adjacent first rollers 151, and at least two first rollers 151 may be interposed between two adjacent second rollers 152. Therefore, in this embodiment, the passing line of the electrode EL may have the same Figure 2 and Figure 4 As described above, the electrode EL may be moved by the rotation of the first roller 151 and the second roller 152, and the passing line may be a moving path of the electrode EL.

[0099] Figure 6 is a flow chart of a method of manufacturing an electrode according to an example embodiment.

[0100] According to example embodiments, in P110 , electrodes may be formed.

[0101] The sheet electrode can be formed by applying an electrode slurry containing an electrode active material to a current collector, and drying and rolling the electrode slurry to form an electrode mixture layer. The electrode slurry can be applied to the current collector through a coating mold. The coating mold can be, for example, a slit mold. The current collector can be a positive current collector or a negative current collector, and the electrode active material can be a positive active material or a negative active material. The electrode slurry may include a conductive material and a binder as well as the electrode active material.

[0102] The thickness of the positive current collector may be in the range of about 3 μm to about 500 μm. The positive current collector may not cause chemical changes in the secondary battery finally manufactured and may have high conductivity. The positive current collector may include, for example, stainless steel, nickel, titanium, baked carbon and aluminum. The positive current collector may include stainless steel surface-treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, etc. The surface of the positive current collector may include a fine uneven structure to increase the adhesion of the active material. The positive current collector may be in the form of a film, a sheet, a foil, a mesh, a pore, a foam, a non-woven fabric, etc.

[0103] The thickness of the negative electrode collector may be in the range of about 3 μm to about 500 μm. The negative electrode collector may not cause chemical changes in the secondary battery finally manufactured and may have high conductivity. The negative electrode collector may include stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, baked carbon and aluminum-cadmium alloy. The negative electrode collector may include stainless steel surface-treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, etc. The surface of the negative electrode collector may include a fine uneven structure to increase the adhesion of the active material. The negative electrode collector may be in the form of a film, a sheet, a foil, a mesh, a pore, a foam, a non-woven fabric, etc.

[0104] The positive electrode active material is a material that can cause an electrochemical reaction. The positive electrode active material can be a lithium transition metal oxide. For example, the positive electrode active material may include: a layered compound substituted with one or more transition metals, such as lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) or lithium nickel oxide (LiNiO2); a lithium manganese oxide substituted with one or more transition metals; a lithium nickel oxide having the chemical formula LiNi 1-y M y Lithium nickel-based oxide represented by O2 (herein, M is Co, Mn, Al, Cu, Fe, Mg, B, Cr, Zn or Ga, and 0.01≤y≤0.7); 1+z Ni b Mn c Co 1-(b+c+d) M D (2-e) A represents a lithium nickel cobalt manganese compound oxide, for example, Li 1+ z Ni 1 / 3 Co 1 / 3 Mn 1 / 3 O2 or Li 1+z Ni0.4 Mn 0.4 Co 0.2 O2 (where -0.5 ≤ z ≤ 0.5, 0.1 ≤ b ≤ 0.8, 0.1 ≤ c ≤ 0.8, 0 ≤ d ≤ 0.2, 0 ≤ e ≤ 0.2, b + c + d < 1, M is Al, Mg, Cr, Ti, Si or Y, and A is F, P or Cl); or an olivine-based lithium metal phosphate represented by the chemical formula Li 1+x M 1-y M' y PO 4-z X z (where M is a transition metal, and more specifically, Fe, Mn, Co or Ni, M’ is Al, Mg or Ti, X is F, S or N, -0.5 ≤ x ≤ +0.5, 0 ≤ y ≤ 0.5, and 0 ≤ z ≤ 0.1).

[0105] For example, the negative electrode active material may include, for example, carbon, such as non-graphitized carbon or graphite-based carbon. The negative electrode active material may include, for example, a metal composite oxide, such as Li x Fe2O3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1), LixWO2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) or Sn x Me 1-x Me' y O z (where Me is Mn, Fe, Pb or Ge, Me′ is Al, B, P, Si, a Group I element, a Group II element or a Group III element of the periodic table, or a halogen, 0 < x ≤ 1, 1 ≤ y ≤ 3 and 1 ≤ z ≤ 8). The negative electrode active material may include, for example, lithium metal, a lithium alloy, a silicon-based alloy and a tin-based alloy. The negative electrode active material may include, for example, metal oxides, such as SnO, SnO2, PbO, PbO2, Pb2O3, Pb3O4, Sb2O3, Sb2O4, Sb2O5, GeO, GeO2, Bi2O3, Bi2O4 or Bi2O5. The negative electrode active material may include, for example, conductive polymers, such as polyacetylene, Li-Co-Ni-based materials, etc.).

[0106] Generally, the conductive material accounts for about 1% to about 30% by weight in the mixture containing the cathode active material. The conductive material may not cause chemical changes in the finally manufactured secondary battery and may have electrical conductivity. For example, the conductive material may include: graphite, such as natural graphite or artificial graphite; carbon black, such as acetylene black, Ketjen black, channel black, furnace black, lamp black or summer black; conductive fibers, such as carbon fibers or metal fibers; metal powders, such as carbon fluoride, aluminum or nickel powder; conductive whiskers, such as zinc oxide or potassium titanate; conductive metal oxides, such as titanium oxide; polyphenylene derivatives, etc.).

[0107] The binder can enhance the bonding force between the active material and the conductive material and the bonding force of the current collector. In the mixture containing the positive electrode active material, the binder accounts for about 1% to about 30% by weight. The binder may include, for example, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinyl alcohol, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), starch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, regenerated cellulose, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, tetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene-propylene-diene copolymer (EPDM), sulfonated EPDM, styrene-butylene rubber, fluororubber, various copolymers, etc.

[0108] Electrode slurry can be prepared by dissolving electrode active material, conductive material, binder, etc. in solvent. The solvent can disperse electrode active material, etc. The solvent can be an aqueous solvent or a non-aqueous solvent. The solvent can include dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), isopropanol, N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP), acetone, water or a mixture thereof. Considering the coating thickness, preparation yield, processability, etc. of the slurry, the amount of solvent to be used can be adjusted so that the slurry has an appropriate viscosity.

[0109] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 6 , the electrode EL can be dried using the electrode drying system 10. The electrode EL can be dried using the electrode drying system 10 as described above. Figures 1 to 3 The method described is basically the same as the method for drying, and redundant description thereof is omitted here.

[0110] The present invention has been described in more detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments, etc. However, the configurations shown in the drawings or embodiments described in this specification are merely embodiments of the present invention and do not reflect all technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications to replace these configurations already exist on the filing date of this application.

Claims

1. An electrode drying system, comprising: an electrode drying device configured to dry the electrode and comprising a drying chamber, a plurality of forced air supply devices located on a top surface of the drying chamber, and a plurality of exhaust ports located on a rear surface of the drying chamber; as well as A dehumidifier is connected to the plurality of forced air supply devices and is configured to generate dry air, and the dry air is provided to the drying chamber through the plurality of forced air supply devices.

2. The electrode drying system according to claim 1, wherein: The dry air generated by the dehumidifier is directly provided to the forced air supply.

3. The electrode drying system according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of air supply pipes connected to the dehumidifier, in, Each of the plurality of air supply pipes is connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of forced air supply devices.

4. The electrode drying system according to claim 3, further comprising a plurality of air supply fans, each of which is installed in one of the plurality of air supply pipes, in, Each of the plurality of air supply fans is configured to provide a driving force for conveying dry air through one of the plurality of air supply ducts.

5. The electrode drying system according to claim 1, wherein: The electrode drying apparatus further includes a plurality of first rollers and a plurality of second rollers, the plurality of first rollers and the plurality of second rollers being arranged in the drying chamber and configured to support the electrode, wherein each of the plurality of first rollers is spaced apart from a top surface of the drying chamber, and the plurality of second rollers are interposed therebetween.

6. The electrode drying system according to claim 5, wherein: The plurality of second rollers are interposed between the plurality of first rollers in a direction in which the electrodes extend.

7. The electrode drying system according to claim 5, wherein: The plurality of first rollers and the plurality of second rollers are configured to support the electrode such that a middle portion of the electrode is elevated compared to an edge portion of the electrode.

8. The electrode drying system according to claim 1, wherein: The drying chamber further includes a bottom surface opposite to the top surface of the drying chamber, and A distance between each of the plurality of exhaust ports and a top surface of the drying chamber is smaller than a distance between each of the plurality of exhaust ports and a bottom surface of the drying chamber.

9. The electrode drying system according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of forced air supply devices does not overlap the electrode in a direction perpendicular to a top surface of the drying chamber.

10. The electrode drying system according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of forced air supply devices is interposed between the electrode and the front surface of the drying chamber, Wherein, the front surface of the drying chamber is opposite to the rear surface of the drying chamber.

11. The electrode drying system according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the plurality of forced air supply devices includes an anemometer, a thermometer, a hygrometer, an electrical damper, or a duct.

12. The electrode drying system according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of passive air supply devices located on a front surface of the drying chamber, in, The front surface of the drying chamber is opposite to the rear surface of the drying chamber.

13. The electrode drying system according to claim 12, wherein: Each of the plurality of passive air supply devices is not connected to the dehumidifier.

14. An electrode drying device, comprising: Drying room; a plurality of forced air supply devices located on a top surface of the drying chamber; as well as a plurality of exhaust ports located on the rear surface of the drying chamber, wherein each of the plurality of forced air supply devices is spaced apart from an electrode loaded in the drying chamber in a direction parallel to a top surface of the drying chamber.

15. The electrode drying device according to claim 14, wherein: Each of the plurality of forced air supply devices does not overlap with the electrode.

16. The electrode drying device according to claim 14, wherein: The distance between each of the plurality of forced air supply devices and the front surface of the drying chamber is smaller than the distance between each of the plurality of forced air supply devices and the rear surface of the drying chamber, Wherein, the front surface of the drying chamber is opposite to the rear surface of the drying chamber.

17. The electrode drying device according to claim 16, wherein: Each of the plurality of forced air supply devices is interposed between the electrode and a front surface of the drying chamber in a first direction parallel to a top surface of the drying chamber.

18. The electrode drying apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising a plurality of passive air supply devices, wherein the plurality of passive air supply devices are configured to supply dry air to the drying chamber, in, The plurality of passive air supply devices are located on the front surface of the drying chamber.

19. The electrode drying device according to claim 18, wherein: The forced air supply device is directly connected to a dehumidifier configured to generate dry air through an air supply pipe.

20. The electrode drying device according to claim 19, wherein: The passive air supply is not connected to the dehumidifier.

21. The electrode drying device according to claim 14, wherein: A distance between each of the plurality of exhaust ports and a top surface of the drying chamber is smaller than a distance between each of the plurality of exhaust ports and a bottom surface of the drying chamber, Wherein, the bottom surface of the drying chamber is opposite to the top surface of the drying chamber.

22. An electrode drying device, comprising: Drying room; a plurality of forced air supply devices located on a bottom surface of the drying chamber; as well as a plurality of exhaust ports located on the rear surface of the drying chamber, wherein each of the plurality of forced air supply devices is spaced apart from an electrode loaded in the drying chamber in a direction parallel to a bottom surface of the drying chamber.

23. The electrode drying device according to claim 22, wherein: The distance between each of the plurality of forced air supply devices and the front surface of the drying chamber is smaller than the distance between each of the plurality of forced air supply devices and the rear surface of the drying chamber, Wherein, the front surface of the drying chamber is opposite to the rear surface of the drying chamber.

24. The electrode drying device according to claim 23, wherein: Each of the plurality of forced air supply devices is interposed between the electrode and a front surface of the drying chamber in a first direction parallel to a rear surface of the drying chamber.

25. The electrode drying apparatus according to claim 23, further comprising a plurality of passive air supply devices, the plurality of passive air supply devices being configured to supply drying air to the drying chamber, in, The plurality of passive air supply devices are located on the front surface of the drying chamber.

26. The electrode drying device according to claim 25, wherein: The forced air supply device is directly connected to a dehumidifier configured to generate dry air through an air supply pipe.

27. The electrode drying device according to claim 26, wherein: The passive air supply is not connected to the dehumidifier.

28. The electrode drying device according to claim 22, wherein: a distance between each of the plurality of exhaust ports and a bottom surface of the drying chamber that is smaller than a distance between each of the plurality of exhaust ports and a top surface of the drying chamber, Wherein, the top surface of the drying chamber is opposite to the bottom surface of the drying chamber.

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