Electrode drying device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an electrode drying apparatus, comprising: a housing unit; an electrode transfer unit configured to transfer an electrode inside the housing unit in the first direction; an air supply unit configured to supply air into the housing unit; and a light source unit disposed between the electrode and the air supply unit. According to the present invention, unlike a conventional drying method for drying an electrode using high-temperature hot air, by configuring a light source unit including a halogen lamp generating a near-infrared wavelength, it is possible to dry the electrode by operating the light source unit to transfer high-temperature thermal energy and light energy to the electrode while the electrode is transferred without stop.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an electrode drying apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid proliferation of battery-powered electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops, and electric vehicles, the demand for rechargeable batteries with high energy density and high capacity is increasing rapidly. Correspondingly, research and development to improve the performance of lithium-ion rechargeable batteries are actively underway.

[0003] A lithium-ion secondary battery comprises a positive electrode and a negative electrode containing active materials capable of inserting and deintercalating lithium ions, as well as an electrolyte. Lithium-ion secondary batteries generate electrical energy through oxidation and reduction reactions that occur when lithium ions are inserted into and deintercalated from the positive and negative electrodes.

[0004] The information disclosed in this section is used to form the context of this disclosure to improve understanding of this disclosure, and may include information that does not constitute related technology. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure aims to provide an electrode drying apparatus that can improve productivity by maintaining the drying quality of the electrodes while increasing the drying speed.

[0006] These and other aspects and features of this disclosure will be described in the following description of embodiments of this disclosure, or may be apparent from the following description.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an electrode drying apparatus is provided, including a housing unit; an electrode conveying unit configured to convey an electrode inside the housing unit in a first direction; an air supply unit configured to supply air to the housing unit; and a light source unit disposed between the electrode and the air supply unit.

[0008] The light source unit can be spaced apart from the electrode in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the air supply unit can be spaced apart from the light source unit in the second direction.

[0009] The light source unit may include multiple light source units provided in the first direction.

[0010] The electrode drying device may further include a reflector configured to reflect light emitted from the light source unit toward the electrode.

[0011] The reflector may include: a first reflector disposed between the light source unit and the air supply unit; and a second reflector extending from the first reflector to cover the side of the light source unit.

[0012] The second reflector can be tilted at an angle relative to the first reflector.

[0013] The angle between the first reflector and the second reflector can be an obtuse angle.

[0014] The electrode may include a negative electrode plate and a layer of negative electrode active material coated on the negative electrode plate.

[0015] The negative electrode plate may include a coated portion on which a negative electrode active material layer is coated, and an uncoated portion on which no negative electrode active material layer is coated.

[0016] The electrode drying apparatus may further include a mask plate located between the electrode and the light source unit and configured to block a portion of the light emitted from the light source unit.

[0017] The photomask may include: a light-transmitting portion, a coated portion configured to face the electrode; and a light-blocking portion, an uncoated portion configured to face the electrode.

[0018] The electrode drying device may further include an exhaust unit configured to exhaust internal air from the housing unit.

[0019] The exhaust unit may include: a first exhaust unit disposed between the electrode and the air supply unit; and a second exhaust unit disposed between the air supply unit and the inner surface of the housing unit.

[0020] The light source unit may include a plurality of light source units provided in the first direction, and the first exhaust unit may include an inner exhaust unit disposed between the plurality of light source units and an outer exhaust unit spaced apart from the inner exhaust unit in the first direction.

[0021] The internal exhaust unit may include: an internal exhaust duct portion forming an air flow path; and an internal exhaust port portion provided in the outer surface of the internal exhaust duct portion, through which air can flow into the internal exhaust duct portion.

[0022] The internal exhaust port portion may include: a first internal exhaust port portion passing through a first surface and a second surface of the internal exhaust pipe portion, the second surface facing the first surface and spaced apart from the first surface in a first direction; and a second internal exhaust port portion passing through a third surface of the internal exhaust pipe portion, the third surface intersecting the first surface and the second surface.

[0023] The external exhaust unit may include: an external exhaust duct portion forming an air flow path; and an external exhaust port portion provided in the outer surface of the external exhaust duct portion, through which air can flow into the external exhaust duct portion.

[0024] The external exhaust port portion may include: a first external exhaust port portion that passes through a first surface of the external exhaust pipe portion in a first direction; and a second external exhaust port portion that passes through a second surface of the external exhaust pipe portion in a second direction, the second surface intersecting the first surface.

[0025] The electrodes can be multiple electrodes spaced apart in a third direction intersecting the first and second directions.

[0026] Light sources can include halogen lamps. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The accompanying drawings illustrate some embodiments of this disclosure and further describe aspects and features of this disclosure together with the detailed description thereof. However, this disclosure should not be construed as limited to the drawings.

[0028] Figure 1 A perspective view illustrating the configuration of the electrode drying apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the electrode drying apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 3 A plan view illustrating the arrangement of electrodes according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 4 A perspective view illustrating the configuration of the electrode drying apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the electrode drying apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure is shown for illustrative purposes.

[0033] Figure 6 A perspective view illustrating the configuration of an electrode drying apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of an electrode drying apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 8 A plan view illustrating the configuration of the mask template according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure is provided.

[0036] Figure 9 A perspective view illustrating the configuration of an electrode drying apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 10 A cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the electrode drying apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 11 A cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of an internal exhaust unit according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0039] Figure 12 A cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of an external exhaust unit according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is shown for illustrative purposes. Detailed Implementation

[0040] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their general or dictionary meanings, and based on the principle that the inventor can be his / her own lexicographer to appropriately define terminology, they should be interpreted as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical spirit of this disclosure.

[0041] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are exemplary embodiments of this disclosure and do not necessarily represent all technical ideas, aspects, and features of this disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications may exist at the time of filing this application, which may replace or modify the embodiments described herein.

[0042] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on" another element or layer, "connected to," or "linked to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, connected to, or linked to the other element or layer, or one or more intermediary elements or layers may be present. When an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on" another element or layer, "directly connected to," or "directly linked to" another element or layer, no intermediary element or layer is present. For example, when a first element is described as being "linked" or "connected" to a second element, the first element may be directly linked to or connected to the second element, or the first element may be indirectly linked to or connected to the second element via one or more intermediary elements.

[0043] In the accompanying drawings, the dimensions of various elements, layers, etc., may be enlarged for clarity. The same reference numerals denote the same elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated enumerated items. Furthermore, the use of "may" in describing embodiments of this disclosure refers to "one or more embodiments of this disclosure." Expressions such as "at least one of..." and "any one of..." modify the entire list of elements without modifying individual elements in the list when placed before / after the list of elements. When phrases such as "at least one of A, B, and C," "at least one of A, B, or C," "at least one selected from the group consisting of A, B, and C," or "at least one selected from A, B, and C" are used to denote a list of elements A, B, and C, the phrase may refer to any and all suitable combinations or subsets of A, B, and C, such as A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. As used herein, the terms “use,” “using,” and “used” are to be regarded as synonyms with the terms “utilize,” “utilizing,” and “utilized,” respectively. As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and similar terms are used as approximations rather than terms of degree and are intended to describe the inherent variations in measured or calculated values ​​that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0044] It will be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, areas, layers, and / or segments, these elements, components, areas, layers, or segments are not limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, area, layer, or segment from another. Therefore, the first element, component, area, layer, or segment discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, area, layer, or segment without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0045] For ease of description, spatial relative terms, such as “below,” “under,” “down,” “above,” and “above,” are used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures, spatial relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features will be oriented “above” or “above” other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” can cover both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or otherwise), and the spatial relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0046] The terminology used herein is for describing embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to limit the disclosure. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a” and “an” as used herein are intended to also include the plural forms. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and / or “comprising,” when used in this specification, indicate the presence of said features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0047] Furthermore, any numerical range disclosed and / or set forth herein includes all subranges with the same numerical precision contained within the set forth range. For example, the range “1.0 to 10.0” is intended to include all subranges between the stated minimum value of 1.0 and the stated maximum value of 10.0, i.e., a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as, for example, 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limit set forth herein includes all lower numerical limits contained herein, and any minimum numerical limit set forth in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limits contained herein. Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to amend this specification (including the claims) to expressly set forth any subranges contained within the range expressly set forth herein.

[0048] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc., as “identical” can mean that they are “same or substantially the same.” Therefore, the phrase “identical” or “substantially the same” can include situations in the art where the deviation is considered low, for example, a deviation of 5% or less. Additionally, when a parameter is described as uniform in a given region, this can mean that it is uniform in terms of average value.

[0049] Throughout the manual, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0050] When any element is referred to as being arranged (or located, positioned) "above (or below)" or "on" the "above (or below)" of a component, it may mean that the element is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the component, or that another component may be inserted between the component and any element arranged (or located, positioned) on (or below) the component.

[0051] Furthermore, it should be understood that when a component is referred to as "connected," "linked," or "attached" to another component, these components may be directly "connected," "linked," or "attached" to each other, or one or more intermediary components may exist between them, through which the component can be "connected," "linked," or "attached" to the other component. Additionally, when a component is referred to as "electrically connected" to another component, the component may be directly electrically connected to the other component, or one or more intermediary components may exist between them, allowing the component to be indirectly electrically connected to the other component.

[0052] Throughout the instruction manual, when “A and / or B” is stated, unless otherwise stated, it means A, B, or A and B. That is, “and / or” includes any or all of the listed items. When “C to D” is stated, unless otherwise indicated, it means greater than or equal to C and less than or equal to D.

[0053] Figure 1 A perspective view illustrating the configuration of the electrode drying apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 2 A cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the electrode drying apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 3 A plan view illustrating the configuration of electrodes according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown for illustrative purposes.

[0054] refer to Figures 1 to 3 The electrode drying apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure can be used as an apparatus for continuously drying long sheet-shaped electrodes 10. The electrode drying apparatus 1 may include a housing unit 100, an electrode conveying unit 200, an air supply unit 300, and a light source unit 400.

[0055] The outer casing unit 100 can form the appearance of the electrode drying device 1 and can be formed into a hollow shape in which an internal space is provided. Figure 1 An example of a housing unit 100 having a hexahedral shape is shown. However, the shape of the housing unit 100 is not limited to this and can be designed to have various other shapes, such as a circular cross-section, an elliptical cross-section, a polygon with sharp corners, etc.

[0056] The housing unit 100 may be configured such that the front surface of the supply electrode 10 and the rear surface of the discharge electrode 10 are partially open, allowing the electrode 10 to be continuously supplied and discharged. The remaining surfaces of the housing unit 100, namely the bottom surface, top surface, and a pair of side surfaces, may form a closed structure. Therefore, it is possible to maintain the internal temperature of the housing unit 100 within a certain range and to prevent foreign objects from entering the internal space of the housing unit 100 from the outside.

[0057] A portion of the electrode transfer unit 200 may be disposed within the housing unit 100, while other portions of the electrode transfer unit 200 may be disposed outside the housing unit 100. The electrode transfer unit 200 can transfer the electrode 10 in a first direction. More specifically, the electrode transfer unit 200 can transfer the electrode 10 in the first direction such that the electrode 10 passes through the interior of the housing unit 100. For example, the electrode transfer unit 200 may be configured to transfer the electrode 10 inside the housing unit 100 in the first direction. Here, the first direction may refer to the direction of travel of the electrode 10. Therefore, the electrode transfer unit 200 may be arranged on the inlet side and the outlet side of the housing unit 100. The electrode transfer unit 200 may include an unwinding roller 210 disposed on the inlet side of the housing unit 100, from which the electrode 10 is unwound and supplied to the housing unit 100. The winding roller 220 is disposed on the outlet side of the housing unit 100, the electrode 10 is discharged on the outlet side, and the electrode 10 is wound on the winding roller after being unwound from the unwinding roller 210 and passing through the interior of the housing unit 100.

[0058] A drive motor (not shown) can be connected to the winding roller 220. The drive motor can provide rotational force to the winding roller 220. For example, the motor shaft of the drive motor can be axially connected to the center portion of the winding roller 220 to rotate the winding roller 220.

[0059] The electrode transfer unit 200 may further include a guide roller 230. Specifically, the guide roller 230 may be disposed at each of the inlet and outlet sides of the housing unit 100. The guide roller 230 may be disposed between the unwinding roller 210 and the winding roller 220. The guide roller 230 may guide the movement of the electrode 10 in a first direction and support the electrode 10, such that the electrode 10 is dried inside the housing unit 100 while maintaining constant tension and preventing sagging.

[0060] Electrode 10 can be used as a negative electrode or a positive electrode in an electrode assembly of a lithium-ion secondary battery. An example of electrode 10 as a negative electrode of an electrode assembly will be described below. However, electrode 10 is not limited to this and can also be used as a positive electrode of an electrode assembly.

[0061] According to this embodiment, the plurality of electrodes 10 can be configured to be spaced apart from each other in a third direction, which intersects with the first direction and the second direction, such as... Figure 1 As shown. Here, the width direction of the third-direction referential electrode 10 and the width direction of the housing unit 100 are both considered.

[0062] The electrode 10 may include a negative electrode plate 11 and a negative electrode active material layer 12. The negative electrode plate 11 may be formed of a foil including a metallic material (such as copper, copper alloy, nickel, or nickel alloy). As long as the negative electrode plate 11 has conductivity and does not cause chemical changes in the secondary battery in which it is used, the type, size, shape, etc. of the negative electrode plate 11 are not limited. The cross-sectional shape of the negative electrode plate 11 may be various shapes other than the Figure 3 rectangular shape depicted in

[0063] The negative electrode active material layer 12 may be coated on the negative electrode plate 11. The negative electrode active material layer 12 may be coated on both surfaces of the negative electrode plate 11 or only on one surface of the negative electrode plate 11.

[0064] In the present embodiment, since the electrode 10 serves as a negative electrode, the negative electrode active material layer 12 may include a negative electrode active material. The negative electrode active material may include a material capable of reversibly inserting / extracting lithium ions, metallic lithium, an alloy of lithium and a metal, a material capable of doping and dedoping lithium, or a transition metal oxide.

[0065] The material capable of reversibly inserting / extracting lithium ions may be a carbon-based negative electrode active material and may include, for example, crystalline carbon, amorphous carbon, or a combination thereof.

[0066] Examples of crystalline carbon may include graphite, such as natural graphite or artificial graphite in amorphous, flaky, scaly, spherical, or fibrous forms; and examples of amorphous carbon may include soft carbon, hard carbon, mesophase pitch carbide, calcined coke, etc.

[0067] As an alloy of lithium and a metal, an alloy of lithium and a metal selected from Na, K, Rb, Cs, Fr, Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Si, Sb, Pb, In, Zn, Ba, Ra, Ge, Al, and Sn may be used.

[0068] A Si-based negative electrode active material or a Sn-based negative electrode active material may be used as a material capable of doping and dedoping lithium. The Si-based negative electrode active material may include silicon, a silicon-carbon composite, SiO

[0064] (0 < x < 2), a Si-Q alloy, or a combination thereof. In the formula Si-Q, Q is selected from an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal, a Group 13 element, a Group 14 element (excluding Si), a Group 15 element, a Group 16 element, a transition metal, a rare earth element, and a combination thereof. The Sn-based negative electrode active material may be Sn, SnO2, a Sn-based alloy, or a combination thereof.

[0069] Silicon-carbon composites can be composites of silicon and amorphous carbon. Silicon-carbon composites can be in the form of silicon particles with amorphous carbon coated on their surface. For example, a silicon-carbon composite can include secondary particles (cores) in which primary silicon particles are assembled, and an amorphous carbon coating (shell) located on the surface of the secondary particles. Amorphous carbon can also be located between the primary silicon particles; for example, the primary silicon particles can be coated with amorphous carbon. The secondary particles can be dispersed in an amorphous carbon matrix.

[0070] The silicon-carbon composite may further include crystalline carbon. For example, the silicon-carbon composite may include a core comprising crystalline carbon and silicon particles and an amorphous carbon coating on the surface of the core.

[0071] Si-based or Sn-based negative electrode active materials can be used in combination with carbon-based negative electrode active materials.

[0072] The negative electrode active material layer 12 may further include a negative electrode conductive material and a negative electrode binder.

[0073] A conductive material for the negative electrode is used to impart conductivity to the active material layer 12 of the negative electrode. Any material capable of conducting electrons and not causing chemical changes in the secondary battery can be used as the active material layer 12 of the negative electrode. Examples of conductive materials for the negative electrode may include: carbon-based materials (such as natural graphite, artificial graphite, carbon black, acetylene black, Ketjen black, carbon fibers, carbon nanofibers, carbon nanotubes), metallic materials in the form of metal powders or metal fibers containing copper, nickel, aluminum, silver, etc., conductive polymers such as polyphenylene derivatives, or mixtures thereof.

[0074] The negative electrode binder can be used to attach particles constituting the negative electrode active material to each other, and also to attach the negative electrode active material to the negative electrode plate 11. Examples of negative electrode binders can be non-aqueous binders, aqueous binders, dry binders, or combinations thereof.

[0075] Non-aqueous adhesives may include polyvinyl chloride, carboxylated polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl fluoride, ethylene-propylene copolymer, polystyrene, polyurethane, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyimide amide, polyimide, or combinations thereof.

[0076] Waterborne adhesives may be selected from: styrene-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylated styrene-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber, (meth)acrylic rubber, butyl rubber, fluoroelastomers, polyethylene oxide, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyepoxychloropropane, polyphosphazene, poly(meth)acrylonitrile, ethylene-propylene-diene monomer copolymers, polyvinylpyridine, chlorosulfonated polyethylene, latex, polyester resin, (meth)acrylic resin, phenolic resin, epoxy resin, polyvinyl alcohol, and combinations thereof.

[0077] When an aqueous binder is used as a negative electrode binder, the negative electrode binder may further include a cellulose-based compound capable of imparting viscosity. As a cellulose-based compound, one or more of carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, or their alkali metal salts may be mixed and used. As an alkali metal, Na, K, or Li may be used.

[0078] Dry adhesives are fibrous polymeric materials, such as polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene copolymer, polyethylene oxide, or combinations thereof.

[0079] The negative electrode plate 11 may include a coated portion 11a on which a negative electrode active material layer 12 is coated, and an uncoated portion 11b on which the negative electrode active material layer 12 is not coated. The uncoated portion 11b may be formed in the edge region of the negative electrode plate 11.

[0080] An air supply unit 300 can be provided within the housing unit 100 to supply air to the housing unit 100. That is, the air supply unit 300 can supply air from the outside of the housing unit 100 into the housing unit 100. The air supply unit 300 can be configured to prevent the interior of the housing unit 100 from rising above a preset temperature due to the high-temperature heat and light energy emitted by the light source unit 400. In other words, the air supply unit 300 can function to cool the interior of the housing unit 100.

[0081] The air supply unit 300 may be spaced apart from the light source unit 400. More specifically, the air supply unit 300 may be spaced apart from the light source unit 400 in a second direction intersecting the first direction. Here, the second direction is the height direction of the housing unit 100. The air supply unit 300 and the light source unit 400 may be vertically arranged inside the housing unit 100.

[0082] The air supply unit 300 may include an air supply duct portion 310 and an air supply diffuser portion 320. The air supply duct portion 310 may be formed into a hollow shape to provide an internal flow path therein. The air supply duct portion 310 may pass through the top surface of the housing unit 100 and be fixed to the housing unit 100. The air supply duct portion 310 connects the internal space of the housing unit 100 to the external space of the housing unit 100. The air supply duct portion 310 may extend from the top surface of the housing unit 100 in a direction opposite to the second direction. An air supply fan (not shown) for forcibly supplying external air into the housing unit 100 may be provided in the air supply duct portion 310.

[0083] The air supply diffuser portion 320 may extend from the air supply duct portion 310 in the opposite direction to the second direction. The air supply diffuser portion 320 may be accommodated inside the housing unit 100. In particular, the air supply diffuser portion 320 may be disposed inside the housing unit 100 on the upper side of the housing unit 100.

[0084] The air supplied to the housing unit 100 through the air supply unit 300 can be directed toward the light source unit 400 to cool the light source unit 400. In addition, the air directed toward the light source unit 400 can be converted by the light source unit 400 into high-temperature hot air to dry the electrode 10.

[0085] The air supply diffusion section 320 may extend from the lower end portion of the air supply duct section 310 in a first direction, and may extend from the other side of the lower end portion of the air supply duct section 310 in the opposite direction to the first direction. For example, the air supply diffusion section 320 may surround the lower end portion of the air supply duct section 310 and extend outward from the lower end portion of the air supply duct section 310. The air supply diffusion section 320 can be used to diffuse the air supplied through the air supply duct section 310 throughout the interior space of the housing unit 100.

[0086] The light source unit 400 can be provided inside the housing unit 100. The light source unit 400 may include, for example, a halogen lamp that generates light of near-infrared wavelengths. The high-temperature heat and light energy emitted from the light source unit 400 can be transferred to the electrode 10 to dry the electrode 10.

[0087] The light source unit 400 can be located between the electrode 10 and the air supply unit 300, and the light source unit 400 can be spaced apart from the electrode 10. Specifically, the light source unit 400 can be spaced apart from the electrode 10 in a second direction. That is, the light source unit 400 and the electrode 10 can be vertically arranged inside the housing unit 100. Multiple light source units 400 can be spaced apart in a first direction. In some examples, the light source unit 400 can be a combined light source arranged in the first direction.

[0088] The electrode drying apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure can be disposed on one side of the drying oven 20. Specifically, the electrode drying apparatus 1 according to this embodiment can be located behind the drying oven 20 which uses hot air to dry the electrode 10, thereby serving as an auxiliary drying apparatus for further drying the electrode 10 that has passed through the drying oven 20.

[0089] Figure 4 A perspective view illustrating the configuration of an electrode drying apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 5A cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of an electrode drying apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure is shown for illustrative purposes.

[0090] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The electrode drying apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure may include a housing unit 100, an electrode conveying unit 200, an air supply unit 300, a light source unit 400, and a reflector 500.

[0091] In describing the electrode drying apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, a reflector 500 not included in the electrode drying apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. The descriptions of other components of the electrode drying apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure are the same as those of other components of the electrode drying apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0092] A reflector 500 may be provided inside the housing unit 100. In some examples, multiple reflectors 500 corresponding to multiple light source units 400 may be provided inside the housing unit 100. The reflector 500 may reflect light emitted from the light source unit 400 (e.g., the corresponding light source unit 400) in a direction toward the electrode 10. In particular, the reflector 500 may reflect light emitted from the light source unit 400 (e.g., the corresponding light source unit 400) such that the light is focused onto the electrode 10 and does not diffuse throughout the interior of the housing unit 100.

[0093] The reflector 500 can be formed into a flat plate shape. The surface of the reflector 500 can be a glossy surface. The reflector 500 may include a first reflector 510 and a second reflector 520.

[0094] The first reflector 510 can be arranged in the second direction between the light source unit 400 and the air supply unit 300. The first reflector 510 can be horizontally disposed inside the housing unit 100. Light emitted from the light source unit 400 is prevented from radiating in the second direction and is reflected by the first reflector 510 to radiate toward the electrode 10.

[0095] The second reflector 520 can extend from the first reflector 510. Specifically, the second reflector 520 can extend from the end portion of the first reflector 510 to cover both sides of the light source unit 400. The second reflector 520 can extend from the first reflector 510 in the opposite direction to the second direction. Light emitted from the light source unit 400 can be reflected by the second reflector 520 and radiated toward the electrode 10. The second reflector 520 can be positioned in the opposite direction to the second direction. The second reflector 520 can be tilted relative to the first reflector 510 at an angle (θ). The angle (θ) between the first reflector 510 and the second reflector 520 can be an obtuse angle. Furthermore, the interior angle (θ) between one second reflector 520 extending downwards at an angle from one end portion of the first reflector 510 and the first reflector 510 can be an obtuse angle, and the interior angle (θ) between another second reflector 520 extending downwards at an angle from the other end portion of the first reflector 510 and the first reflector 510 can also be an obtuse angle. Therefore, the reflector 500 according to this embodiment can be formed into a shape that widens in the opposite direction to the second direction.

[0096] Figure 6 A perspective view illustrating the configuration of an electrode drying apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 7 A cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the electrode drying apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 8 A plan view illustrating the configuration of a mask template according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure is shown for illustrative purposes.

[0097] refer to Figures 6 to 8 The electrode drying apparatus 3 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure may include a housing unit 100, an electrode conveying unit 200, an air supply unit 300, a light source unit 400, a reflector 500, and a mask 600. In describing the electrode drying apparatus 3 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure, the mask 600, which is not included in the electrode drying apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure or the electrode drying apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, will be described.

[0098] A photomask 600 may be provided inside the housing unit 100. Specifically, the photomask 600 may be disposed between the electrode 10 and the light source unit 400. The photomask 600 may be formed as a flat plate extending in a first direction. That is, the photomask 600 may be horizontally disposed inside the housing unit 100. The photomask 600 may selectively block light emitted from the light source unit 400 or block a portion of the light emitted from the light source unit 400. For example, the photomask 600 may be made of a non-transmissive material that does not allow light emitted from the light source unit 400 to pass through, or may include a reflective material that reflects at least a portion of the light emitted from the light source unit 400. The photomask 600 may include a light-transmitting portion 610 and a light-blocking portion 620.

[0099] The light-transmitting portion 610 can be a region through which light emitted from the light source unit 400 passes without being blocked or reflected, and can be formed to pass through the mask 600 in the thickness direction. That is, the light-transmitting portion 610 can be formed to pass through the mask 600 in a second direction. For example, the light-transmitting portion 610 can be an opening formed in a part of the mask 600. The light-transmitting portion 610 can be configured to face the coating portion 11a of the negative electrode plate 11. Light emitted from the light source unit 400 can pass through the light-transmitting portion 610 toward the coating portion 11a.

[0100] The light-blocking portion 620 can refer to the remaining area of ​​the mask 600 other than the area forming the light-transmitting portion 610. The light-blocking portion 620 can be the area that blocks or reflects light emitted from the light source unit 400.

[0101] The light-blocking portion 620 can be configured to face the uncoated portion 11b of the negative electrode plate 11. Light emitted from the light source unit 400 can be blocked by the light-blocking portion 620, thus preventing it from radiating to the uncoated portion 11b. Therefore, deformation such as wrinkling that may occur in the uncoated portion 11b due to high-temperature light energy radiating to the uncoated portion 11b for a period of time can be prevented.

[0102] Figure 9 A perspective view illustrating the configuration of an electrode drying apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. Figure 10 A cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of an electrode drying apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is shown for illustrative purposes.

[0103] refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10The electrode drying apparatus 4 according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure may include a housing unit 100, an electrode conveying unit 200, an air supply unit 300, a light source unit 400, a reflector 500, a mask 600, and an exhaust unit 700. In describing the electrode drying apparatus 4 according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure, the exhaust unit 700, which is not included in the electrode drying apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure, the electrode drying apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment of this disclosure, or the electrode drying apparatus 3 according to the third embodiment of this disclosure, will be described.

[0104] An exhaust unit 700 may be provided inside the housing unit 100. The exhaust unit 700 may exhaust air from the housing unit 100 to the outside of the housing unit 100. For example, water vapor, smoke, etc. inside the housing unit 100 may be exhausted to the outside of the housing unit 100 through the exhaust unit 700.

[0105] An exhaust fan (not shown) for forcibly expelling the internal air of the housing unit 100 to the outside can be installed in the exhaust unit 700.

[0106] The exhaust unit 700 may include a first exhaust unit 710 and a second exhaust unit 720. The first exhaust unit 710 may be disposed between the electrode 10 and the air supply unit 300. The first exhaust unit 710 may have a shape extending in a direction parallel to a second direction, and the first exhaust unit 710 may be vertically disposed inside the housing unit 100. According to this embodiment, the first exhaust unit 710 includes an inner exhaust unit 711 and an outer exhaust unit 712.

[0107] Figure 11 A cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of an internal exhaust unit according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is shown for illustrative purposes.

[0108] refer to Figures 9 to 11 The internal exhaust unit 711 can be disposed among multiple light source units 400. The internal exhaust unit 711 can be disposed among multiple light source units 400 arranged along a first direction. The multiple internal exhaust units 711 can be disposed at intervals along the first direction.

[0109] The internal exhaust unit 711 may include an internal exhaust duct portion 711a and an internal exhaust port portion 711b. The internal exhaust duct portion 711a may form the exterior of the internal exhaust unit 711 and may be formed as a hollow structure. The airflow path may be provided inside the internal exhaust duct portion 711a; for example, the internal exhaust duct portion 711a may form an airflow path. The end portion of the internal exhaust duct portion 711a may be connected to the outer surface of the housing unit 100, so that the internal exhaust duct portion 711a communicates with the outside of the housing unit 100. The internal exhaust duct portion 711a may be formed as a prism shape with a quadrilateral cross-section. However, the shape of the internal exhaust duct portion 711a is not limited to this and may be various other shapes, such as having a circular cross-section, an elliptical cross-section, a polygon with acute angles, etc.

[0110] An internal exhaust port portion 711b may be provided in the outer surface of the internal exhaust duct portion 711a. Furthermore, the internal exhaust port portion 711b may be formed to extend through the outer surface of the internal exhaust duct portion 711a. Air can flow into the internal exhaust duct portion 711a through the internal exhaust port portion 711b. The internal exhaust port portion 711b may include a first internal exhaust port portion 711c and a second internal exhaust port portion 711d.

[0111] The first internal exhaust port portion 711c can be provided in the first surface A of the internal exhaust duct portion 711a and the second surface B facing the first surface A and spaced apart from the first surface A. The first surface A of the internal exhaust duct portion 711a can be configured to face the light source unit 400, and the second surface B can be configured to face the adjacent light source unit 400, which is located on the opposite side of the first surface A of the internal exhaust duct portion.

[0112] The first internal exhaust port portion 711c can be formed to pass through a first surface A and a second surface B of the internal exhaust duct portion 711a in a first direction. Air around the light source unit 400 can flow into the internal exhaust duct portion 711a through the first internal exhaust port portion 711c. The illustrated arrows indicate the direction of airflow.

[0113] The second internal exhaust port portion 711d can be provided in the third surface C of the internal exhaust pipe portion 711a, which is configured to intersect with the first surface A and the second surface B of the internal exhaust pipe portion 711a. The third surface C of the internal exhaust pipe portion 711a can be configured to face the electrode 10.

[0114] The second internal exhaust port portion 711d can be formed as a third surface C that passes through the internal exhaust duct portion 711a in a second direction. Air from around the electrode 10 can flow into the internal exhaust duct portion 711a through the second internal exhaust port portion 711d. The illustrated arrows indicate the direction of airflow.

[0115] Figure 12 A cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of an external exhaust unit according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is shown for illustrative purposes.

[0116] refer to Figures 9 to 12 The external exhaust unit 712 may be spaced apart from the internal exhaust unit 711 in the first direction, and the external exhaust unit 712 may be disposed on the outlet side of the housing unit 100. For example, the external exhaust unit 712 may be spaced apart from the light source unit 400 located on the outlet side of the housing unit 100 in the first direction.

[0117] The external exhaust unit 712 may include an external exhaust pipe portion 712a and an external exhaust port portion 712b.

[0118] The external exhaust duct portion 712a can form the appearance of the external exhaust unit 712 and can be formed into a hollow shape. The air flow path can be provided inside the external exhaust duct portion 712a; for example, the external exhaust duct portion 712a can form an air flow path. The end portion of the external exhaust duct portion 712a can be connected to the outer surface of the housing unit 100, so that the external exhaust duct portion 712a is in fluid communication with the outside of the housing unit 100.

[0119] The external exhaust pipe portion 712a can be formed into a prism shape with a quadrilateral cross section. However, the shape of the external exhaust pipe portion 712a is not limited to this, and can be various other shapes, such as having a circular cross section, an elliptical cross section, a polygon with acute angles, etc.

[0120] An external exhaust port portion 712b may be provided in the outer surface of the external exhaust duct portion 712a. The external exhaust port portion 712b may be formed to extend through the outer surface of the external exhaust duct portion 712a. Air can flow into the external exhaust duct portion 712a through the external exhaust port portion 712b. The external exhaust port portion 712b may include a first external exhaust port portion 712c and a second external exhaust port portion 712d.

[0121] The first external exhaust port portion 712c can be provided in the first surface D of the external exhaust duct portion 712a. The first surface D of the external exhaust duct portion 712a can be configured to face the light source unit 400 located on the outlet side of the housing unit 100. The first external exhaust port portion 712c can be formed to pass through the first surface D of the external exhaust duct portion 712a in a first direction. Air from around the light source unit 400 located on the outlet side of the housing unit 100 can flow into the external exhaust duct portion 712a through the first external exhaust port portion 712c. The illustrated arrows indicate the direction of airflow.

[0122] The second external exhaust port portion 712d can be provided in the second surface E of the external exhaust pipe portion 712a, which is configured to intersect with the first surface D of the external exhaust pipe portion 712a. The second surface E of the external exhaust pipe portion 712a can face the electrode 10.

[0123] The second external exhaust port portion 712d can be formed as a second surface E passing through the external exhaust duct portion 712a in a second direction. Air from around the electrode 10 located on the outlet side of the housing unit 100 can flow into the external exhaust duct portion 712a through the second external exhaust port portion 712d. The illustrated arrows indicate the direction of airflow.

[0124] According to this embodiment, the second exhaust unit 720 can be disposed between the air supply unit 300 and the inner surface of the housing unit 100. The second exhaust unit 720 can have a shape extending in a second direction. The second exhaust unit 720 can be vertically disposed inside the housing unit 100.

[0125] The second exhaust unit 720 and the first exhaust unit 710 can be respectively disposed above and below the air supply unit 300 inside the housing unit 100. The second exhaust unit 720 can be spaced apart from the air supply unit 300 in a second direction, and the first exhaust unit 710 can be spaced apart from the air supply unit 300 in the opposite direction to the second direction.

[0126] Multiple second exhaust units 720 may be provided, spaced apart from each other in a first direction. Each second exhaust unit 720 may be hollow, with its top and bottom surfaces open in a second direction. The path through which air flows may be provided within the second exhaust unit 720.

[0127] The second exhaust unit 720 can be formed into a prism shape with a quadrilateral cross-section. However, the shape of the second exhaust unit 720 is not limited to this, and it can be various other shapes, such as having a circular cross-section, an elliptical cross-section, or a polygon with acute angles. The second exhaust unit 720 can exhaust air containing water vapor, smoke, etc., that flows inside the upper side of the housing unit 100 and is not discharged through the first exhaust unit 710 to the outside of the housing unit 100.

[0128] The upper portion of the second exhaust unit 720 can pass through the top surface of the housing unit 100 and can be fixed to the housing unit 100. The open top surface of the housing unit 100 can communicate with the outside of the housing unit 100.

[0129] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, unlike conventional drying methods that use high-temperature hot air to dry electrodes, by configuring a light source unit including a halogen lamp that generates near-infrared wavelengths, the electrodes can be dried by operating the light source unit to transfer heat and light energy to the electrodes while they are being continuously transported.

[0130] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the electrode drying apparatus according to the present embodiment can be provided adjacent to the rear side of a conventional drying oven to function as an auxiliary drying apparatus for further drying the electrode after the electrode has passed through the drying oven.

[0131] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, by configuring an air supply unit that supplies external air to the interior of the housing unit to cool the light source unit, it is possible to prevent the internal temperature of the housing unit from rising above a predetermined temperature due to the high-temperature heat and light energy emitted by the light source unit, and the air directed toward the light source unit can be transformed into high-temperature hot air from the light source unit, thereby using the hot air to dry the electrode.

[0132] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, by configuring a mask that can selectively block the light emitted by the light source unit, deformation (e.g., wrinkling) of the uncoated portion of the electrode due to high-temperature light energy radiation can be prevented.

[0133] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, by configuring an exhaust unit to discharge the internal air of the housing unit to the outside, water vapor, smoke, etc. flowing in the housing unit can be discharged to the outside of the housing unit.

[0134] However, the effects that can be obtained through this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the following description of this disclosure other technical effects not mentioned.

[0135] While this disclosure has been described with reference to some exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, these embodiments are merely illustrative, and it should be understood that those skilled in the art can derive various modifications and other equivalent embodiments based on these embodiments.

Claims

1. An electrode drying apparatus, comprising: Housing unit; An electrode transfer unit is configured to transfer electrodes inside the housing unit in a first direction; An air supply unit is configured to supply air to the housing unit; as well as A light source unit is disposed between the electrode and the air supply unit.

2. The electrode drying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light source unit is spaced apart from the electrode in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The air supply unit is spaced apart from the light source unit in the second direction.

3. The electrode drying apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the light source unit comprises a plurality of light source units provided in the first direction.

4. The electrode drying apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a reflector configured to reflect light emitted from the light source unit toward the electrode.

5. The electrode drying apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the reflector comprises: A first reflector is disposed between the light source unit and the air supply unit; as well as A second reflector extends from the first reflector to cover the side of the light source unit.

6. The electrode drying apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the second reflector is tilted at an angle relative to the first reflector.

7. The electrode drying apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the angle between the first reflector and the second reflector is an obtuse angle.

8. The electrode drying apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The electrode includes: Negative electrode plate; as well as A negative electrode active material layer is coated on the negative electrode plate.

9. The electrode drying apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the negative electrode plate comprises: The coating portion is coated with the negative electrode active material layer; as well as The uncoated portion is where the negative electrode active material layer is not coated.

10. The electrode drying apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a mask plate located between the electrode and the light source unit and configured to block a portion of the light emitted from the light source unit.

11. The electrode drying apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the mask comprises: The light-transmitting portion is configured to face the coated portion of the electrode; as well as The light-blocking portion is configured to face the uncoated portion of the electrode.

12. The electrode drying apparatus of claim 2, further comprising an exhaust unit configured to exhaust internal air from the housing unit.

13. The electrode drying apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the exhaust unit comprises: A first exhaust unit is disposed between the electrode and the air supply unit; as well as The second exhaust unit is disposed between the air supply unit and the inner surface of the housing unit.

14. The electrode drying apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the light source unit comprises a plurality of light source units provided in the first direction, and the first exhaust unit comprises: An internal exhaust unit is disposed between the plurality of light source units; as well as An external exhaust unit is spaced apart from the internal exhaust unit in the first direction.

15. The electrode drying apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the internal exhaust unit comprises: The internal exhaust duct section forms the airflow path; as well as An internal exhaust port portion is provided in the outer surface of the internal exhaust duct portion, and air can flow into the internal exhaust duct portion through the internal exhaust port portion.

16. The electrode drying apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the internal vent portion comprises: The first internal exhaust port portion passes through the first surface and the second surface of the internal exhaust pipe portion, the second surface facing the first surface and spaced apart from the first surface in the first direction; as well as The second internal exhaust port portion passes through the third surface of the internal exhaust pipe portion, and the third surface intersects the first surface and the second surface.

17. The electrode drying apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the external exhaust unit comprises: The external exhaust duct section forms the airflow path; as well as An external exhaust port portion is provided in the outer surface of the external exhaust pipe portion, and air can flow into the external exhaust pipe portion through the external exhaust port portion.

18. The electrode drying apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the external exhaust port portion comprises: The first external exhaust port portion passes through the first surface of the external exhaust pipe portion in the first direction; as well as The second external exhaust port portion passes through the second surface of the external exhaust pipe portion intersecting with the first surface in the second direction.

19. The electrode drying apparatus of claim 2, wherein the electrode comprises a plurality of electrodes spaced apart in a third direction intersecting the first direction and the second direction.

20. The electrode drying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light source unit comprises a halogen lamp.

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