Apparatus and method for manufacturing electrode

Abstract

An apparatus for manufacturing an electrode according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a transfer unit configured to transfer a sheet-shaped current collector; a coating unit configured to coat a matt layer having a reflectance less than that of the current collector on a first region including an edge portion in a width direction of the current collector; a coating unit configured to coat an electrode active material on a second region including a central portion in a width direction of the current collector and provided on one side of the first region; a non-contact temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the matt layer; and a cutout unit configured to cut the current collector to remove the matt layer and form an electrode tab.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the priority benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0174158, filed on December 13, 2022, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for manufacturing an electrode in which an electrode active material is coated on a current collector. Background Art

[0004] Generally, secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and lithium-ion polymer batteries. Such secondary batteries are applied to small products such as digital cameras, P-DVDs, MP3Ps, mobile phones, PDAs, portable game devices, power tools, electric bicycles, etc., as well as large products that require high power such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, power storage devices for storing excess power or renewable energy, and backup power storage devices.

[0005] To manufacture an electrode assembly, a cathode (hereinafter referred to as a positive electrode), a separator, and an anode (hereinafter referred to as a negative electrode) are manufactured and stacked. Specifically, a positive electrode active material is coated on a positive electrode current collector, and a negative electrode active material is coated on a negative electrode current collector, thereby manufacturing a positive electrode (cathode) and a negative electrode (anode). In addition, when a separator is interposed and stacked between the manufactured positive electrode and the manufactured negative electrode, a unit cell is formed. The unit cells are stacked on one another to form an electrode assembly. In addition, when the electrode assembly is accommodated in a specific case and an electrolyte is injected, a secondary battery is manufactured.

[0006] Each electrode, for example, a positive electrode and a negative electrode, includes an electrode tab. The electrode tab can be formed by cutting a non-coated portion of the current collector where the electrode active material is not coated.

[0007] When manufacturing an electrode, the temperature of each electrode is an important factor that must be managed because the temperature of the electrode is directly related to the performance and defect rate of the product. More specifically, the physical properties and drying speed of the electrode active material change according to the temperature of the electrode, and the physical properties of the current collector also change.

[0008] In the related art, an infrared temperature sensor has been used to measure the temperature of an electrode. However, there is a problem in that it is difficult to accurately measure the temperature due to surface reflection of the electrode, especially surface reflection of the current collector. Although there is also an infrared temperature sensor dedicated to metals with high surface gloss, this temperature sensor has a problem of low reliability at temperatures below 200 degrees Celsius. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Technical problem

[0010] To solve the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for manufacturing an electrode, which accurately measures the temperature of a current collector during the process of manufacturing the electrode.

[0011] Technical solution

[0012] The apparatus for manufacturing an electrode according to an embodiment of the present invention includes:

[0013] a transfer unit configured to transfer a sheet-shaped current collector;

[0014] a coating unit configured to coat a non-reflective layer having a reflectivity less than that of the current collector on a first region including an edge portion in the width direction of the current collector;

[0015] a coating unit configured to coat an electrode active material on a second region including a central portion in the width direction of the current collector and provided on one side of the first region;

[0016] a non-contact temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the non-reflective layer; and

[0017] a cutting unit configured to cut the current collector to remove the non-reflective layer and form an electrode tab.

[0018] The coating unit may be configured to coat the non-reflective layer at regular intervals.

[0019] In the transfer direction of the current collector, the coating unit may be disposed behind the coating unit.

[0020] In the transfer direction of the current collector, the non-contact temperature sensor may be disposed behind a heat treatment unit. The apparatus for manufacturing an electrode may further include: a heat treatment unit configured to perform heat treatment on the current collector; and a controller configured to perform feedback control on the temperature of the heat treatment unit and / or the speed of the transfer unit when the measured temperature of the non-contact temperature sensor exceeds a preset temperature range.

[0021] In the transfer direction of the current collector, the non-contact temperature sensor may be disposed behind a drying unit. The apparatus for manufacturing an electrode may further include: a drying unit configured to dry the electrode active material; and a controller configured to perform feedback control on the temperature of the drying unit and / or the speed of the transfer unit when the measured temperature of the non-contact temperature sensor exceeds a preset temperature range.

[0022] A method for manufacturing an electrode according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the following steps:

[0023] Transport a sheet-shaped current collector;

[0024] Coat a matte layer having a reflectance less than that of the current collector on a first region including an edge portion in the width direction of the current collector;

[0025] Coat an electrode active material on a second region including a central portion in the width direction of the current collector and disposed on one side of the first region;

[0026] Measure the temperature of the matte layer using a non-contact temperature sensor; and

[0027] Cut the current collector to remove the matte layer and form an electrode tab.

[0028] In the coating of the matte layer, the matte layer can be coated at regular intervals in the transport direction of the current collector.

[0029] The coating of the matte layer can be performed before the coating of the electrode active material.

[0030] The method may further include the step of heat-treating the current collector using a heat treatment unit. In the transport direction of the current collector, the non-contact temperature sensor can be disposed behind the heat treatment unit. When the measured temperature of the non-contact temperature sensor exceeds a preset temperature range, feedback control is performed on the heat treatment temperature of the current collector and / or the speed of the transport unit.

[0031] The method may further include the step of drying the current collector using a drying unit. In the transport direction of the current collector, the non-contact temperature sensor can be disposed behind the drying unit. When the measured temperature of the non-contact temperature sensor exceeds a preset temperature range, feedback control is performed on the drying temperature of the electrode active material and / or the speed of the transport unit.

[0032] Advantageous effects

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the non-contact temperature sensor can measure the temperature of the matte layer coated on the current collector. Since the reflectance of the matte layer is lower than that of the current collector, the non-contact temperature sensor can accurately measure the temperature.

[0034] In addition, since the matte layer is removed while cutting the electrode tab, there is an advantage that a separate process for removing the matte layer does not need to be added.

[0035] In addition, since the coating of the electrode active material is performed after the coating of the matte layer, it is possible to prevent the matte layer from being coated on the electrode active material.

[0036] In addition, based on the accurate measurement of temperature by the non-contact temperature sensor, the heat treatment of the current collector and / or the drying of the electrode active material can be controlled. Therefore, the quality of the manufactured battery can be improved.

[0037] In addition, effects that are obvious to those skilled in the art can be predicted from the configuration according to an embodiment of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] The following drawings attached to this specification show a preferred embodiment of the present invention, and are used together with the detailed description of the present invention to further understand the technical gist of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the drawings.

[0039] Figure 1 is a configuration diagram of a device for manufacturing an electrode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a plan view of the current collector shown in

[0041] Figure 3 is a plan view showing Figure 2 the matte layer and the electrode active material on the current collector shown in

[0042] Figure 4 is Figure 3 a plan view of the current collector after being cut shown in

[0043] Figure 5 is a configuration diagram of a device for manufacturing an electrode according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 6 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing an electrode according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, so that those of ordinary skill in the art can easily implement the present invention. However, the present invention can be implemented in several different forms and is not limited or restricted by the following examples.

[0046] To clearly explain the present invention, detailed descriptions of parts irrelevant to this specification are omitted, or related known technologies that may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention are omitted, and reference numerals are added to the components in each drawing in this specification. In this case, throughout the specification, the same or similar components are designated with the same or similar reference numerals.

[0047] In addition, the terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be construed restrictively as their ordinary meanings or dictionary-based meanings, but should be construed as meanings and concepts consistent with the scope of the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the terms to best describe and explain his invention.

[0048] Figure 1 is a configuration diagram showing a device for manufacturing an electrode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] A device 100 for manufacturing an electrode according to an embodiment of the present invention can manufacture an electrode by coating an electrode active material 2 on a current collector 1.

[0050] The electrode can be manufactured by coating the electrode active material 2 on the current collector 1 and then drying and pressing the electrode active material 2. Optionally, the electrode active material 2 can contain a conductive material, a binder, a filler, etc. as needed.

[0051] The current collector 1 can be in sheet form. The current collector 1 can generally be manufactured with a thickness of 3 μm to 500 μm. The current collector 1 can generally be manufactured using a material that has conductivity and does not cause chemical changes.

[0052] The current collector 1 can have fine irregularities on its surface to increase the adhesion of the electrode active material 2. The current collector 1 can be manufactured in different shapes, such as a film, a sheet, a foil, a net, a porous body, a foam, or a non-woven fabric.

[0053] If the electrode manufactured by the device 100 for manufacturing an electrode is a positive electrode, the current collector 1 can be a positive current collector and the electrode active material 2 can be a positive electrode active material.

[0054] For example, the positive current collector can contain at least one selected from stainless steel, nickel, titanium, calcined carbon, and aluminum. In addition, the positive current collector can be manufactured by surface-treating the surface of stainless steel with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, etc. However, this embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0055] For example, the positive electrode active material can contain layered compounds such as lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) and lithium nickel oxide (LiNiO2), or compounds substituted with one or more transition metals; lithium manganese oxide; lithium copper oxide (Li2CuO2); vanadium oxide; nickel (Ni)-site type lithium nickel oxide; lithium manganese composite oxide; disulfide compounds, etc. However, this embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0056] If the electrode manufactured by the device 100 for manufacturing an electrode is a negative electrode, the current collector 1 can be a negative current collector and the electrode active material 2 can be a negative electrode active material.

[0057] For example, the negative electrode current collector may include at least one selected from copper, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, and calcined carbon. Alternatively, the negative electrode current collector may be manufactured by surface treatment with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, etc. on the surface of copper or stainless steel, or may include an aluminum cadmium alloy. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0058] For example, the negative electrode active material may include: carbon, such as non-graphitized carbon and graphitic carbon; metal composite oxides; lithium metal; lithium alloys; silicon-based alloys; tin-based alloys; metal oxides; conductive polymers, such as polyacetylene; Li-Co-Ni-based materials, etc. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto.

[0059] In the apparatus 100 for manufacturing an electrode, a matte layer 3 may be coated on the current collector 1, and a non-contact temperature sensor 140 may be used to measure the temperature of the matte layer 3.

[0060] More specifically, the apparatus 100 for manufacturing an electrode may include a transfer unit 110 for transferring the current collector 1, a coating unit 120 for coating the matte layer 3 onto the current collector 1, a coating unit 130 for coating the electrode active material 2 onto the current collector 1, and a non-contact temperature sensor 140 for measuring the temperature of the matte layer 3.

[0061] The sheet-like current collector 1 may be unwound from an unwinder 101.

[0062] The transfer unit 11 may transfer the current collector 1. The transfer unit 110 may include rollers that rotate and transfer the current collector 1. A plurality of transfer units 110 may be provided along the transfer direction of the current collector 1.

[0063] The coating unit 120 may coat the matte layer 3 (see Figure 3 ) on the current collector 1, and more specifically, on the first region 11 of the current collector 1 (see Figure 2 ), which will be described later. The method by which the coating unit 120 coats the matte layer 3 is not limited. For example, the coating unit 120 may form the matte layer 3 by spraying a matte material.

[0064] The reflectance of the matte layer 3 may be lower than that of the current collector 1. The material of the matte layer 3 is not limited. For example, the matte layer 3 may include matte paint.

[0065] The coating unit 130 may coat the electrode active material 2 on the current collector 1, and more specifically, on the second region 12 of the current collector 1 (see Figure 2 ), which will be described later.

[0066] In the conveying direction of the current collector 1, the coating unit 130 may be disposed behind the coating unit 120. That is to say, the electrode active material 2 may be coated on the current collector 1 after the light-blocking layer 3. Therefore, even if a part of the light-blocking layer 3 coated by the coating unit 120 partially invades the second region 12 of the current collector 1, the electrode active material 2 can cover the invaded second region 12.

[0067] The coating unit 130 is not limited as long as the coating unit 130 has a form capable of coating the electrode active material 2, and may have a typical known configuration, such as a coating die, a coating roll or a slide groove. For example, as Figure 1 shown, the coating unit 130 may include a coating die 131 and a coating roll. The coating die 131 is provided with an outflow groove such that the electrode active material 2 flows outward toward the current collector 1 in the form of a slurry. The coating roll is arranged at a predetermined distance from the outflow groove of the coating die 131 and conveys the current collector 1 by rotation, so that the electrode active material 2 is coated onto the current collector 1 through the coating die 131.

[0068] The coating unit 120 may coat the light-blocking layer 3 on at least one surface of the current collector 1, and the coating unit 130 may coat the electrode active material 2 on at least one surface of the current collector 1. For example, the light-blocking layer 3 may be coated on one surface of the current collector 1, and the electrode active material 2 may also be coated on one surface of the current collector 1. As another example, the light-blocking layer 3 may be coated on one surface of the current collector 1, and the electrode active material 2 may be coated on another surface of the current collector 1. As another example, the light-blocking layer 3 may be coated on one surface of the current collector 1, and the electrode active material 2 may be coated on both surfaces of the current collector 1.

[0069] The non-contact temperature sensor 140 may be an optical temperature sensor. The non-contact temperature sensor 140 may measure the temperature of the light-blocking layer 3 coated on the current collector 1. That is to say, in the conveying direction of the current collector 1, the non-contact temperature sensor 140 may be disposed behind the coating unit 120.

[0070] The non-contact temperature sensor 140 may face the first region 11 of the current collector 1. The non-contact temperature sensor 140 may be arranged at a distance from the current collector 1 so as to measure the temperature of the light-blocking layer 3 in a non-contact manner. For example, the non-contact temperature sensor 140 may be an infrared temperature sensor. However, the type of the non-contact temperature sensor 140 is not limited thereto.

[0071] Since the reflectivity of the light-blocking layer 3 is lower than that of the current collector 1, the non-contact temperature sensor 140 can accurately measure the temperature of the light-blocking layer 3.

[0072] In the conveying direction of the current collector 1, the non-contact temperature sensor 140 may be disposed behind the coating unit 130. As a result, the temperature of the non-light-emitting layer 3 can be measured after a certain degree of thermal equilibrium is reached between the current collector 1 and the non-light-emitting layer 3, and the temperature of the current collector 1 can be measured more accurately. However, it is not limited thereto. In the conveying direction of the current collector 1, the non-contact temperature sensor 140 may be disposed between the coating unit 120 and the coating unit 130.

[0073] The apparatus 100 for manufacturing an electrode may further include a heat treatment unit 150 for heat-treating the current collector 1.

[0074] In the conveying direction of the current collector 1, the heat treatment unit 150 may be disposed in front of the coating unit 130. Preferably, the heat treatment unit 150 may be disposed in front of the coating unit 120.

[0075] By heat treatment, the elongation and toughness of the current collector 1 can be improved, thereby reducing the risk of disconnection of the current collector 1.

[0076] The heat treatment unit 150 may perform heat treatment by convection using hot air, heating by a heat source, or both heat treatment and heating. For example, the heat treatment unit 150 may be configured to pass the sheet-like current collector 101 through a space such as a tube or a box containing a heat source and / or a member for supplying hot air. The configuration of the heat treatment unit 150 and the heat treatment method are not limited thereto.

[0077] The heat treatment unit 150 may perform heat treatment on the current collector 1 at a preset temperature for a preset time. The time taken for heat-treating the current collector 1 may be adjusted according to the speed of the conveying unit 110, and the temperature for heat-treating the current collector 1 may be adjusted according to the temperature of the heat treatment unit 150.

[0078] Feedback control may be performed on the speed of the conveying unit 110 and / or the temperature of the heat treatment unit 150 according to the temperature measured by the non-contact temperature sensor 140. More specifically, if the measured temperature of the non-contact temperature sensor 140 exceeds a preset temperature range, at least one of the speed of the conveying unit 110 or the temperature of the heat treatment unit 150 may be changed.

[0079] For example, if the measured temperature of the non-contact temperature sensor 140 is higher than the upper limit of the preset temperature range, the speed of the conveying unit 110 may be increased or the temperature of the heat treatment unit 150 may be decreased. As a result, oxidation of the current collector 1 due to excessive heat treatment can be prevented.

[0080] As another example, if the measured temperature of the non-contact temperature sensor 140 is lower than the lower limit of the preset temperature range, the speed of the conveying unit 110 can be reduced or the temperature of the heat treatment unit 150 can be increased. As a result, the measured temperature may not be the recrystallization temperature of the material forming the current collector 1, thereby preventing concerns about insufficient increase in the toughness of the current collector 1.

[0081] The apparatus 100 for manufacturing an electrode may further include a drying unit 160 for drying the electrode active material 2. That is, in the conveying direction of the current collector 1, the drying unit 160 may be disposed behind the coating unit 130.

[0082] The electrode active material 2 on the current collector 1 may pass through the drying unit 160, whereby the solvent can be evaporated to form an electrode mixture. The drying unit 160 is not limited as long as the drying unit 160 is a device capable of forming an electrode mixture by evaporating the solvent in the electrode active material 2. For example, the drying unit 160 can be dried by heating and / or in a hot air manner.

[0083] In the conveying direction of the current collector 1, the non-contact temperature sensor 140 may be disposed in front of the drying unit 160. Therefore, the non-contact temperature sensor 140 can accurately measure the temperature of the current collector 1 before being heated by the drying unit 160.

[0084] The apparatus 100 for manufacturing an electrode may further include a calendering unit 170 for calendering the current collector 1 and the dried electrode active material 2. That is, in the conveying direction of the current collector 1, the calendering unit 170 may be disposed behind the drying unit 160.

[0085] The dried electrode active material 2 (i.e., the electrode mixture) can be calendered by the calendering unit 170 to have an appropriate porosity and electrode density.

[0086] The device and structure of the calendering unit 170 are not limited as long as the calendering unit 170 can calender the electrode mixture. For example, as Figure 1 shown, the calendering unit 170 may include a pair of calendering rollers 171 and 172 disposed on opposite sides with a current collector therebetween to adjust the spaced-apart interval.

[0087] The apparatus 100 for manufacturing an electrode may further include a cutting unit 180 for cutting the current collector 1. The cutting unit 180 can remove the non-light-emitting layer 3 and form an electrode tab 4 (see Figure 4 ). In the conveying direction of the current collector 1, the cutting unit 180 may be disposed behind the calendering unit 170.

[0088] The device and structure of the cutting unit 180 are not limited as long as the cutting unit 180 can cut the current collector 1 into a preset shape.

[0089] For example, as Figure 1 shown, the cutting unit 180 may include a pair of dies 181 and 182 provided on opposite sides with the current collector 1 therebetween to adjust the spaced-apart intervals. One of the pair of dies 181 and 182 may be provided as a protrusion 181a and the other may be provided as a recess 182a, and the protrusion 181a and the recess 182a may engage with each other to form the current collector 1.

[0090] However, the cutting unit 180 may perform laser cutting on the current collector 1.

[0091] The first region 11 of the current collector 1 may be cut by the cutting unit 180 to form the electrode tab 4, whereby a sheet electrode may be manufactured. The sheet electrode may be wound around the rewinder 102.

[0092] However, it is not limited thereto. The current collector 1 passing through the rolling unit 170 may be wound around the rewinder into a roll shape and then unwound again in a subsequent process to pass through the cutting unit 180.

[0093] The device 100 for manufacturing an electrode may further include a controller 190. The controller 190 may control the overall operation of the device 100 for manufacturing an electrode.

[0094] The controller 190 may communicate with the non-contact temperature sensor 140. The controller 190 may receive the temperature information measured by the non-contact temperature sensor 140 to compare the temperature information with a preset temperature range.

[0095] The controller 190 may communicate with at least one of the transfer unit 110 and / or the heat treatment unit 150. If the measured temperature of the non-contact temperature sensor 140 exceeds the preset temperature range, the controller 190 may perform feedback control on the temperature of the heat treatment unit 150 and / or the speed of the transfer unit 110.

[0096] In addition, the controller 190 may communicate with and control at least some of the coating unit 120, the coating unit 130, the drying unit 160, the rolling unit 170, or the cutting unit 180.

[0097] Figure 2 is Figure 1 the plan view of the current collector shown in Figure 3 is showing Figure 2 the plan view of the non-light-emitting layer and the electrode active material on the current collector shown in Figure 4 is Figure 3Plan view of the current collector after the cut shown in the figure.

[0098] The current collector 1 may include a first region 11 including an edge portion in the width direction and a second region 12 including a central portion in the width direction.

[0099] The first region 11 may form an uncoated portion of the electrode, and the electrode active material 2 may be coated on the second region 12. The second region 12 may be provided on one side of the first region 11. The first region 11 and the second region 12 may be divided by a virtual boundary line B, and the boundary line B may be visualized by coating the electrode active material 2 on the current collector 1. That is, the boundary line B may correspond to the edge of the electrode active material 2.

[0100] The first region 11 may be provided on one side of the current collector 1 in the width direction, or may be provided on each of both sides in the width direction. Hereinafter, as Figure 2 shown in the figure, a case where the first region 11 is provided on each of both sides in the width direction of the current collector 1 with the second region 12 therebetween will be described as an example.

[0101] The width W1 of one of the first regions 11 may be wider than the width W2 of the other first region 11. In this case, one of the first regions 11 may be cut to form an electrode tab 4, and the other first region 11 may be removed by the cut.

[0102] The width W0 of the second region 12 may be wider than the width W1 or W2 of each of the first regions 11. Preferably, the width W0 of the second region 12 may be wider than the sum W1 + W2 of the widths of the two first regions 11.

[0103] As described above, the coating unit 120 may coat the lightless layer 3 on the first region 11 of the current collector 1, and the coating unit 130 may coat the electrode active material 2 on the second region 12 of the current collector 1. Figure 3 The cross section in the figure may show the lightless layer 3 coated on the first region 11 and the electrode active material 2 coated on the second region 12.

[0104] The coating unit 120 may coat the lightless layer 3 at regular intervals. That is, in the transport direction of the current collector 1, the lightless layer 3 may be coated at regular intervals P1. As a result, the region between adjacent lightless layers 3 may be cut as the electrode tab 4.

[0105] The coating unit 120 may coat the lightless layer 3 on the two first regions 11. However, it is not limited thereto, and the coating unit 120 may coat the lightless layer 3 only on the first region 11 having a wider width W1 among the two first regions 11.

[0106] The cut unit 180 can form the electrode tab 4 by cutting the first region 11 (i.e., the uncoated portion). In the longitudinal direction of the current collector 1, the electrode tabs 4 can be formed at a predetermined interval P2.

[0107] Considering the tolerance, the cut unit 180 can cut a part of the second region 12 coated with the electrode active material 2 together with the first region 11.

[0108] The cut unit 180 can cut the first region 11 having a wide width W1 among the two first regions 11 to form the electrode tab 4, and can cut the first region 11 having a narrow width W2 to remove the first region 11.

[0109] The cut unit 180 can cut the current collector 1 along the virtual cut line D. In the current collector 1, the outside of the cut line D can be cut and removed. Since the light-blocking layer 3 of the first region 11 is provided outside the cut line D, the light-blocking layer 3 can be removed by the cut unit 180.

[0110] Therefore, since the formation of the electrode tab 4 and the removal of the light-blocking layer 3 are carried out simultaneously, there is an advantage that there is no need to increase the process for removing the light-blocking layer 3.

[0111] Figure 5 It is a configuration diagram of a device for manufacturing an electrode according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0112] The device 100 for manufacturing an electrode according to another embodiment of the present invention can be the same as the device for manufacturing an electrode according to the foregoing embodiment of the present invention, except that a plurality of non-contact temperature sensors 140 are provided. Therefore, the repeated content will be omitted, and the differences between them will be mainly described.

[0113] The device 100 for manufacturing an electrode according to another embodiment of the present invention can include a first non-contact temperature sensor 140a and a second non-contact temperature sensor 140b.

[0114] In the conveying direction of the current collector 1, the first non-contact temperature sensor 140a can be provided between the coating unit 120 and the drying unit 160.

[0115] The controller 190 can perform feedback control on the speed of the conveying unit 110 and / or the temperature of the heat treatment unit 150 according to the temperature measured by the first non-contact temperature sensor 140a. More specifically, if the measured temperature of the first non-contact temperature sensor 140a exceeds the preset temperature range, at least one of the speed of the conveying unit 110 or the temperature of the heat treatment unit 150 can be changed.

[0116] For example, if the measured temperature of the first non-contact temperature sensor 140a is higher than the upper limit of the preset temperature range, the speed of the transfer unit 110 can be increased or the temperature of the heat treatment unit 150 can be decreased. As a result, oxidation of the current collector 1 due to excessive heat treatment can be prevented.

[0117] As another example, if the measured temperature of the first non-contact temperature sensor 140a is lower than the lower limit of the preset temperature range, the speed of the transfer unit 110 can be decreased or the temperature of the heat treatment unit 150 can be increased. As a result, the measured temperature can not be the recrystallization temperature of the material forming the current collector 1, thereby preventing concerns about insufficient increase in the toughness of the current collector 1.

[0118] In the transfer direction of the current collector 1, the second non-contact temperature sensor 140a can be provided behind the drying unit 160.

[0119] The controller 190 can perform feedback control on the speed of the transfer unit 110 and / or the temperature of the heat treatment unit 160 based on the temperature measured by the second non-contact temperature sensor 140b. More specifically, if the measured temperature of the second non-contact temperature sensor 140b exceeds the preset temperature range, at least one of the speed of the transfer unit 110 or the temperature of the drying unit 160 can be changed.

[0120] For example, if the measured temperature of the second non-contact temperature sensor 140b is higher than the upper limit of the preset temperature range, the speed of the transfer unit 110 can be increased or the temperature of the drying unit 160 can be decreased. As a result, over-drying of the electrode active material 2 or oxidation of the current collector 1 can be prevented.

[0121] As another example, if the measured temperature of the second non-contact temperature sensor 140b is lower than the lower limit of the preset temperature range, the speed of the transfer unit 110 can be decreased or the temperature of the drying unit 160 can be increased. As a result, insufficient evaporation of the solvent of the electrode active material 2 can be prevented, and thus there is no possibility of not forming an electrode mixture.

[0122] The apparatus 100 for manufacturing an electrode may not include the first non-contact temperature sensor 140a, but may only include the second non-contact sensor 140b.

[0123] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing a method for manufacturing an electrode according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0124] Hereinafter, a manufacturing method performed by the above-described apparatus 100 for manufacturing an electrode will be described as another embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, the above description of the apparatus 100 for manufacturing an electrode can be cited as a description of the method for manufacturing an electrode.

[0125] A method for manufacturing an electrode according to another embodiment of the present invention may include:

[0126] a step (S10) of conveying the current collector 1,

[0127] a step (S30) of coating the light-absorbing layer 3 on the first region 11 of the current collector 1,

[0128] a step (S40) of coating the electrode active material 2 on the second region 12 of the current collector 1, and

[0129] a step (S50) of measuring the temperature of the light-absorbing layer 3 using a non-contact temperature sensor 140.

[0130] In the step (S10) of conveying the current collector 1, the conveying unit 110 may convey the current collector 1. The step (S10) of conveying the current collector 1 may be continuously or discontinuously continued in other steps (S20 to S70).

[0131] In the step (S30) of coating the light-absorbing layer 3, the coating unit 120 may coat the light-absorbing layer 3 on the first region 11 of the current collector 1. As described above, the coating unit 120 may coat the light-absorbing layer 3 at regular intervals. That is, in the conveying direction of the current collector 1, the light-absorbing layer 3 may be coated at regular intervals P1 (see Figure 3 ).

[0132] The step (S40) of coating the electrode active material 2 may be performed after the step (S30) of coating the light-absorbing layer 3.

[0133] In the step (S40) of coating the electrode active material 2, the coating unit 130 may coat the electrode active material 2 on the second region 12 of the current collector 1.

[0134] In the step (S50) of measuring the temperature of the light-absorbing layer 3, the non-contact temperature sensor 140 may measure the temperature of the light-absorbing layer 3 coated on the current collector 1. Since the reflectivity of the light-absorbing layer 3 is lower than that of the current collector 1, the non-contact temperature sensor 140 can accurately measure the temperature.

[0135] The method for manufacturing an electrode may further include at least one of the following steps:

[0136] a step (S20) of heat-treating the current collector 1,

[0137] a step (S60) of drying the electrode active material 2, or

[0138] a step (S70) of cutting the current collector 1 to remove the light-absorbing layer 3 and form the electrode tab 4.

[0139] The process of heat-treating the current collector 1 (S20) can be carried out before the process of coating the matte layer 3 (S30).

[0140] In the process of heat-treating the current collector 1 (S20), the heat treatment unit 150 can heat-treat the current collector 1. If the measured temperature in the process of measuring the temperature of the matte layer 3 (S50) exceeds the preset temperature range, feedback control can be performed on the conveying speed of the current collector 1 and / or the heat treatment temperature of the current collector 1.

[0141] The process of drying the electrode active material 2 (S60) can be carried out after the process of coating the electrode active material 2 (S40).

[0142] In the process of drying the electrode active material 2 (S60), the drying unit 160 can dry the electrode active material 2.

[0143] The process of measuring the temperature of the matte layer 3 (S50) can be carried out after the process of drying the electrode active material 2 (S60). In this case, if the measured temperature in the process of measuring the temperature of the matte layer 3 (S50) exceeds the preset temperature range, feedback control can be performed on the conveying speed of the current collector 1 and / or the drying temperature of the electrode active material 2.

[0144] The process of cutting the current collector 1 (S70) can be carried out after the process of drying the electrode active material 2 (S60). In addition, the electrode active material 2 and the current collector 1 can be calendered together between the process of cutting the current collector 1 (S70) and the process of drying the electrode active material 2 (S60).

[0145] In the process of cutting the current collector 1 (S70), the cutting unit 180 can cut the current collector 1, more specifically the first region 11, to remove the matte layer 3 and form the electrode tab 4.

[0146] Through this series of processes, the temperature of the current collector 1 can be precisely managed during the electrode manufacturing process. In addition, the heat treatment of the current collector 1 and the drying of the electrode active material 2 can be appropriately carried out to improve the quality of the electrode.

[0147] The above-disclosed subject matter is considered illustrative and not restrictive, and the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications, enhancements, and other embodiments that fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0148] Therefore, the embodiments of the present invention are considered illustrative and not restrictive, and the technical gist of the present invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiments.

[0149] Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is not defined by the detailed description of the present invention, but by the appended claims, and all differences within the scope will be construed as being included in the present invention.

[0150] Description of Reference Numerals

[0151] 1: Current collector 11: First region

[0152] 12: Second region 2: Electrode active material

[0153] 3: Lightless layer 4: Electrode tab

[0154] 100: Device for manufacturing an electrode 110: Conveying unit

[0155] 120: Coating unit 130: Coating unit

[0156] 140: Non-contact temperature sensor 150: Heat treatment unit

[0157] 160: Drying unit 170: Calendering unit

[0158] 180: Notching unit 190: Controller

Claims

1. An apparatus for manufacturing an electrode, the apparatus comprising: a conveying unit configured to convey a sheet-shaped current collector; a coating unit configured to coat a light-absorbing layer having a reflectance less than that of the current collector on a first region including an edge portion in the width direction of the current collector; a coating unit configured to coat an electrode active material on a second region including a central portion in the width direction of the current collector and provided on one side of the first region; a non-contact temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the light-absorbing layer; and a cutting unit configured to cut the current collector to remove the light-absorbing layer and form an electrode tab.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the coating unit is configured to coat the light-absorbing layer at regular intervals.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the conveying direction of the current collector, the coating unit is disposed behind the coating unit.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, the apparatus further comprising: a heat treatment unit configured to perform heat treatment on the current collector; and a controller configured to perform feedback control on the temperature of the heat treatment unit and / or the speed of the conveying unit when the measured temperature of the non-contact temperature sensor exceeds a preset temperature range, wherein in the conveying direction of the current collector, the non-contact temperature sensor is disposed behind the heat treatment unit.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, the apparatus further comprising: a drying unit configured to dry the electrode active material; and a controller configured to perform feedback control on the temperature of the drying unit and / or the speed of the conveying unit when the measured temperature of the non-contact temperature sensor exceeds a preset temperature range, wherein in the conveying direction of the current collector, the non-contact temperature sensor is disposed behind the drying unit.

6. A method for manufacturing an electrode, the method comprising the following steps: conveying a sheet-shaped current collector; coating a light-absorbing layer having a reflectance less than that of the current collector on a first region including an edge portion in the width direction of the current collector; coating an electrode active material on a second region including a central portion in the width direction of the current collector and provided on one side of the first region; measuring the temperature of the light-absorbing layer using a non-contact temperature sensor; and cutting the current collector to remove the light-absorbing layer and form an electrode tab.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein In the coating of the light-absorbing layer, the light-absorbing layer is coated at regular intervals in the conveying direction of the current collector.

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein the coating of the light-absorbing layer is performed before the coating of the electrode active material.

9. The method according to claim 6, the method further comprising the following step: performing heat treatment on the current collector using a heat treatment unit, wherein in the conveying direction of the current collector, the non-contact temperature sensor is disposed behind the heat treatment unit, and When the measured temperature of the non-contact temperature sensor exceeds a preset temperature range, feedback control is performed on the heat treatment temperature of the current collector and / or the speed of the transfer unit.

10. The method according to claim 6, wherein the method further comprises the step of drying the current collector using a drying unit, wherein, in the transfer direction of the current collector, the non-contact temperature sensor is disposed behind the drying unit, and when the measured temperature of the non-contact temperature sensor exceeds a preset temperature range, feedback control is performed on the drying temperature of the electrode active material and / or the speed of the transfer unit.

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