Apparatus and method for manufacturing secondary battery, and roller cleaning apparatus

Abstract

Provided are an apparatus and a method for manufacturing a secondary battery, and a roller cleaning apparatus. The apparatus includes a roller configured to contact a slurry-coated substrate for a secondary battery. The apparatus also includes a support structure that rotatably supports the roller. The apparatus also includes a cleaning portion provided with the support structure and adjustable between a position spaced apart from the roller and a position where the cleaning portion contacts the roller. The cleaning portion is configured to remove contaminants from the roller when the cleaning portion contacts the roller. The apparatus further includes a driving portion configured to drive the cleaning portion, and a controller configured to control the driving portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the manufacture of secondary batteries. More specifically, this disclosure relates to apparatus and methods for manufacturing secondary batteries, and roller cleaning equipment in an apparatus for manufacturing secondary batteries. Background Technology

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, which cannot be recharged, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged. Typically, a secondary battery comprises an electrode assembly containing a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator. An external material (casing or canister) houses the electrode assembly. Electrode assemblies can be classified as wound or stacked based on the arrangement of the electrode plates and separator. Wound electrode assemblies are called cores, and stacked electrode assemblies are called stacks.

[0003] The positive and negative electrode plates constituting the electrode assembly can be manufactured by coating a slurry containing an active substance of the electrode material onto a substrate, rolling the coated electrode plate, and slitting the rolled electrode plate in the longitudinal direction (i.e., the electrode plate conveying direction).

[0004] In existing apparatuses for manufacturing secondary batteries, streaks can form on the electrode plates during the coating process of a substrate with a slurry. These streaks are created by using coating rollers to transfer the slurry. However, streaks can also form as the slurry is transferred and adheres to the electrode plates if it is not completely dry or if its adhesion to the substrate is insufficient.

[0005] To solve this problem, the rollers used to convey the slurry should be stopped and wiped clean. However, in practice, the rollers are often stopped while the operator wipes the equipment to remove the slurry. This can lead to serious accidents when the operator is near the operating equipment.

[0006] The information disclosed in this section is intended to enhance understanding of the background of this disclosure and may include information that does not constitute related (or prior art). Summary of the Invention

[0007] This disclosure aims to provide an apparatus and method for manufacturing secondary batteries, as well as a roller cleaning device in the apparatus for manufacturing secondary batteries, wherein the coating rollers are frequently cleaned while the equipment is being driven. Therefore, product productivity and quality are greatly improved, and accidents can be prevented.

[0008] According to an aspect of this disclosure, an apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery is provided, the apparatus comprising: a roller configured to contact a slurry-coated substrate for the secondary battery; a support structure rotatably supporting the roller; a cleaning section provided together with the support structure and adjustable between a position spaced apart from the roller and a position in contact with the roller, the cleaning section being configured to remove contaminants from the roller when in contact with the roller; a drive section for driving the cleaning section; and a controller for controlling the drive section.

[0009] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method for manufacturing a secondary battery is provided, the method comprising: a cleaning roller movement operation using a drive unit of an apparatus to move a cleaning roller toward a roller, wherein the apparatus includes a support structure rotatably supporting a roller that contacts a slurry-coated substrate for the secondary battery, the cleaning roller being provided together with the support structure and configured to contact the roller to remove contaminants from the roller, and the drive unit operating the cleaning roller; and a cleaning roller rotation operation to rotate the cleaning roller in contact with the roller to remove contaminants from the surface of the roller.

[0010] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a roller cleaning apparatus is provided, comprising: a cleaning unit provided in an apparatus for manufacturing secondary batteries, the apparatus including a roller configured to contact a slurry-coated substrate for secondary batteries and a support structure supporting the roller, the cleaning unit being provided to the roller and configured to remove contaminants from the surface of the roller by contacting the roller; a drive unit for driving the cleaning unit; and a controller for controlling the drive unit.

[0011] The aspects and features of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other aspects and features not specifically mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0012] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an electrode assembly including an electrode plate manufactured using an apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 2 It includes Figure 1 A view of the electrode assembly of a pouch cell;

[0015] Figure 3 It is a cross-sectional view of a cylindrical battery;

[0016] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the prismatic battery.

[0017] Figure 5It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of line AA;

[0018] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of manufacturing an electrode plate for an electrode assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 7 This is a view illustrating a cleaning apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 8 This is a front view showing the basic structure of an apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0021] Figure 9 and Figure 10 yes Figure 8 The side view of the cleaning equipment in the apparatus shown in the figure;

[0022] Figure 11 It is used for driving Figure 8 A view of the drive section of the cleaning roller;

[0023] Figure 12 It is along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of line DD;

[0024] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 The image shows a view of the cleaning cloth in its unfolded state;

[0025] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating another example of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figures 15 to 17 This is a view illustrating another example of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0027] Figure 18 This is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0028] In the following description, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted narrowly according to their general or dictionary meaning, but should be interpreted as having meanings and concepts consistent with the technical spirit of the present disclosure, based on the premise that the inventor may be his / her own lexicographer to appropriately define the concepts of the terms in order to best describe the principles of his / her invention. The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are merely some embodiments of the present disclosure and do not represent all aspects, features, and embodiments of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that at the time of filing this application, various equivalents and modifications may exist that can replace or modify one or more embodiments or features described herein.

[0029] It will be further understood that, if used in this specification, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and / or “having” indicate the presence of the stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0030] In the accompanying drawings, the dimensions of various elements, layers, etc., may be exaggerated for clarity. The same reference numerals refer to the same elements.

[0031] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc., as “identical” can mean that they are “substantially identical.” Therefore, the phrase “substantially identical” can include cases where the deviation is considered low in the art (e.g., less than 5%). Furthermore, if a parameter is said to be uniform over a given region, it can mean that it is uniform in terms of its average value.

[0032] Although terms such as first and second are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish between first and second components, and it is obvious that a first component can be a second component unless otherwise stated.

[0033] Throughout this specification, each element may be singular or plural unless otherwise stated.

[0034] Placing any element "above (or below)" or "above (or below)" another element can mean that the arbitrary element can contact the upper (or lower) surface of the other element, or that an intervening element can intervene between the other element and the arbitrary element located above (or below) the other element.

[0035] Furthermore, it will be understood that if an element is referred to as being “on”, “connected to”, or “linked to” another element, then the element may be directly on, directly connected to, or linked to the other element, or the other element may be “between” the aforementioned elements, or the aforementioned elements may be “connected” or “linked” to each other by yet another element.

[0036] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items. Furthermore, if embodiments of this disclosure are described, the use of “may” refers to “one or more embodiments of this disclosure.” If following a list of elements, expressions such as “at least one of” and “any one of” modify the entire list of elements and do not modify any individual element in the list.

[0037] Throughout this specification, if "A and / or B" is stated, it means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise stated. When "C to D" is stated, it means C and below, unless otherwise stated.

[0038] 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 of A, B and C” or “at least one selected from A, B and C” are used to specify 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 (e.g., A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C).

[0039] As used herein, the terms “use” and “being used” may be considered synonymous with the terms “exploitation” and “being exploited,” respectively. As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “approximately,” and similar terms are used as approximate terms and not as terms of degree, and are intended to take into account the inherent biases of measurements or calculations that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0040] It will be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another element, component, region, layer, or portion. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer, or portion discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or portion without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0041] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “down,” “above,” and “above” may be used herein to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another element(s) as shown in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood that, in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings, spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the drawings is flipped, then an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features will be oriented as “above” or “above” other elements or features. Therefore, the term “below” can encompass both above and below orientations.

[0042] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0043] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an electrode assembly 10 comprising an electrode plate manufactured using an apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] The electrode assembly 10 can be formed by winding or stacking a first electrode plate 10a, a diaphragm 10c, and a second electrode plate 10e, each of which is formed as a plate or a film. When the electrode assembly 10 is a wound stack, the winding axis can be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the housing (not shown).

[0045] The electrode assembly 10 may be stacked rather than wound, and the shape of the electrode assembly 10 is not limited in this disclosure. In addition, the electrode assembly 10 may be a Z-stacked electrode assembly in which a first electrode plate 10a and a second electrode plate 10e are provided to opposite sides of a diaphragm 10c and the electrode plates 10a and 10e and the diaphragm 10c are then bent into Z-stacked parts.

[0046] One or more electrode assemblies 10 may be stacked such that the long sides of the electrode assemblies 10 are adjacent to each other and housed within a housing. The number of electrode assemblies 10 in the housing is not limited in this disclosure. A first electrode plate 10a of the electrode assembly 10 may be used as a negative electrode, and a second electrode plate 10e may be used as a positive electrode. Of course, the reverse is also possible.

[0047] The first electrode plate 10a can be formed by coating a first electrode active material, such as graphite or carbon, onto a first substrate formed of a metal foil, such as copper, a copper alloy, nickel, or a nickel alloy. The first electrode plate 10a may include a first electrode tab 10g (e.g., a first uncoated portion) that is a region in which the first electrode active material is not provided. The first electrode tab 10g may be connected to an external first terminal (not shown). In some embodiments, when manufacturing the first electrode plate 10a, the first electrode tab 10g can be formed by cutting to protrude from a first side of the electrode assembly 10. In other embodiments, the first electrode tab 10g may protrude significantly beyond the diaphragm 10c from the first side of the electrode assembly 10 (e.g., protruding further than or beyond the diaphragm 10c) without being individually cut.

[0048] The second electrode plate 10e can be formed by coating (e.g., coating or depositing) a second electrode active material, such as a transition metal oxide, onto a substrate formed of a metal foil such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The second electrode plate 10e may include a second electrode tab 10h (e.g., a second uncoated portion) in which the second electrode active material is not supplied. The second electrode tab 10h may be connected to an external second terminal (not shown). In some embodiments, the second electrode tab 10h can be formed by cutting to protrude from a second side of the electrode assembly 10 (e.g., the side opposite to the first electrode tab 10g from which it protrudes). In other embodiments, the second electrode plate 10e may protrude much beyond the diaphragm 10c from the second side of the electrode assembly 10 (e.g., far beyond or beyond the diaphragm 10c) without being cut separately.

[0049] In embodiments, the first electrode contact 10g may be located on the right side surface of the electrode assembly 10, and the second electrode contact 10h may be located on the left side surface of the electrode assembly 10, or the first electrode contact 10g and the second electrode contact 10h may be located on the same surface in the same direction. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first electrode contact 10g and the second electrode contact 10h may be located above the electrode assembly 10. Here, left, right, and top are based on... Figure 1 The electrode assembly 10 shown in the figure can be changed when the secondary battery is rotated in the left-right or vertical direction.

[0050] The diaphragm 10c prevents short circuits between the first electrode plate 10a and the second electrode plate 10e, while allowing lithium ions to move between the first electrode plate 10a and the second electrode plate 10e. The diaphragm 10c can be made of, for example, a polyethylene membrane, a polypropylene membrane, or a polyethylene-polypropylene membrane.

[0051] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly 10 may be housed together with the electrolyte in a housing. In a pouch-type secondary battery, the electrode assembly 10 may be housed in a pouch made of a flexible material (see [link to pouch]). Figure 2 In cylindrical or prismatic secondary batteries, the electrode assembly 10 can be housed in a cylindrical or prismatic metal casing (see [reference]). Figure 3 and Figure 4 ).

[0052] As the positive electrode active material, compounds capable of reversibly inserting / deintercalating lithium (e.g., lithiation intercalation compounds) can be used. For example, at least one of lithium and a composite oxide of a metal selected from cobalt, manganese, nickel, and combinations thereof can be used.

[0053] The composite oxide can be a lithium transition metal composite oxide, and examples include lithium nickel oxides, lithium cobalt oxides, lithium manganese oxides, lithium iron phosphate oxides, cobalt-free nickel manganese oxides, or combinations thereof.

[0054] As an example, a compound represented by any of the following molecular formulas can be used: Li a A 1-b X b O 2-c D c (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.05), Li a Mn 2-b X b O 4-c D c (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.05), Li a Ni 1-b-c Co b X c O 2-α D α (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.5, 0<α<2), Li a Ni 1-b- c Mn b X c O 2-α D α (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.5, 0≤c≤0.5, 0<α<2), Li a Ni b Co c L 1 d G e O2 (0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤b≤0.9, 0≤c≤0.5, 0≤d≤0.5, 0≤e≤0.1), Lia NiG b O2(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1), Li a CoG b O2(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1), Li a Mn 1-b G b O2(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1), Li a Mn2G b O4(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0.001≤b≤0.1), Li a Mn 1-g G g PO4(0.90≤a≤1.8, 0≤g≤0.5), Li 3-f Fe2(PO4)3 (0≤f≤2) and Li a FePO4 (0.90≤a≤1.8). In these molecular formulas: A is Ni, Co, Mn or a combination thereof; X is Al, Ni, Co, Mn, Cr, Fe, Mg, Sr, V, rare earth elements or a combination thereof; D is O, F, S, P or a combination thereof; G is Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Mg, La, Ce, Sr, V or a combination thereof; and L... 1 It is Mn, Al, or a combination thereof.

[0055] The positive electrode for a lithium secondary battery may include a substrate and a positive electrode active material layer formed on the substrate. The positive electrode active material layer may include a positive electrode active material and may further include a binder and / or a conductive material.

[0056] Based on a 100wt% positive electrode active material layer, the content of the positive electrode active material can be in the range of about 90wt% to about 99.5wt%, and based on the 100wt% positive electrode active material layer, the contents of the binder and conductive material can be in the range of about 0.5wt% to about 5wt%, respectively.

[0057] The substrate may be a metal foil containing aluminum (Al), but this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0058] The negative electrode active material may include materials capable of reversibly inserting / deintercalating lithium ions, lithium metal, lithium metal alloys, materials capable of doping and dedoping lithium, or transition metal oxides.

[0059] Materials capable of reversibly embedding / desorbing lithium ions can be carbon-based negative electrode active materials. Such materials can include, for example, crystalline carbon, amorphous carbon, or a combination thereof. Examples of crystalline carbon include graphite (e.g., natural graphite or artificial graphite), and examples of amorphous carbon include soft carbon, hard carbon, mesophase pitch carbide, and sintered coke, etc.

[0060] Si-based negative electrode active materials or Sn-based negative electrode active materials can be used as materials capable of doping and de-doping lithium. The Si-based negative electrode active material can be silicon, a silicon-carbon composite, SiO x (0 < x < 2), a Si-based alloy, or a combination thereof.

[0061] The silicon-carbon composite can be a composite of silicon and amorphous carbon. According to one embodiment, the silicon-carbon composite can be in the form of silicon particles and amorphous carbon coated on the surface of the silicon particles.

[0062] The silicon-carbon composite can further include crystalline carbon. For example, the silicon-carbon composite can include a core containing crystalline carbon and silicon particles and an amorphous carbon coating on the surface of the core.

[0063] The negative electrode for a lithium secondary battery can include a substrate and a negative electrode active material layer provided on the substrate. The negative electrode active material layer can include a negative electrode active material and can further include a binder and / or a conductive material. For example, the negative electrode active material layer can include about 90 wt% to about 99 wt% of the negative electrode active material, about 0.5 wt% to about 5 wt% of the binder, and about 0 wt% to about 5 wt% of the conductive material.

[0064] A non-aqueous binder, an aqueous binder, a dry binder, or a combination thereof can be used as the binder. When using an aqueous binder as the negative electrode binder, a cellulose-based compound capable of imparting viscosity can be further included. [[ID=I8]]

[0065] As the negative electrode substrate, one selected from a copper foil, a nickel foil, a stainless steel foil, a titanium foil, a nickel foam, a copper foam, a polymer substrate coated with a conductive metal, and a combination thereof can be used.

[0066] The electrolyte for a lithium secondary battery can include a non-aqueous organic solvent and a lithium salt. The non-aqueous organic solvent serves as a medium through which ions participating in the electrochemical reaction of the battery can move. The non-aqueous organic solvent can be a carbonate solvent, an ester solvent, an ether solvent, a ketone solvent, an alcohol solvent, an aprotic solvent, and a combination thereof, and can be used alone or in combination of two or more. When using a carbonate solvent, a mixture of cyclic carbonate and chain carbonate can be used.

[0067] Depending on the type of lithium-ion secondary battery, a separator can be provided between the positive and negative electrodes. The separator can be formed of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, or a multilayer film comprising two or more layers thereof.

[0068] The membrane may include a porous substrate and a coating comprising an organic material, an inorganic material, or a combination thereof on one or both surfaces of the porous substrate. The organic material may include a polyvinylidene fluoride polymer or a (meth)acrylic acid polymer. The inorganic material may include inorganic particles selected from Al₂O₃, SiO₂, TiO₂, SnO₂, CeO₂, MgO, NiO, CaO, GaO, ZnO, ZrO₂, Y₂O₃, SrTiO₃, BaTiO₃, Mg(OH)₂, boehmite, and combinations thereof, but this disclosure is not limited to these examples. The organic and inorganic materials may be mixed in a single coating, or may be in the form of a coating comprising an organic material and a coating comprising an inorganic material stacked on top of each other.

[0069] Figure 2 It includes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the pouch cell 11 of the electrode assembly 10.

[0070] The pouch-type battery 11 includes an electrode assembly 10 and a pouch 11a housing the electrode assembly 10. (Described below) The apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to the present embodiment can be used to manufacture the electrode plates of the pouch-type battery 11. Figure 2 As shown, the first electrode connector 10g and the second electrode connector 10h of the electrode assembly 10 can be electrically connected to corresponding external first terminal lead 11b and second terminal lead 11c by soldering. Each of the first terminal lead 11b and the second terminal lead 11c may be attached with a connector film 11d for insulation from the bag 11a.

[0071] The bag 11a can be sealed by a sealing portion 11e provided at the edge of the bag 11a. When the electrode assembly 10 is housed in the bag 11a, the sealing portions 11e are in contact with each other. In this case, a sealing can be achieved using a connecting piece film 11d between the sealing portions 11e. The sealing portions 11e of the bag 11a can each be made of a hot-melt material with weak adhesion to metal. Therefore, the bag 11a can be melted by inserting a thin connecting piece film 11d between the sealing portions 11e.

[0072] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the cylindrical battery 13. (Described below) The apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to the current embodiment can be used to manufacture the electrode plates of the cylindrical battery 13.

[0073] The cylindrical battery 13 may include an electrode assembly 13a and a housing 13p therein containing the electrode assembly 13a and an electrolyte. A cover assembly 13v may be coupled to an opening in the housing 13p to seal the housing 13p. An insulating plate 13n may be located inside the housing 13p between the electrode assembly 13a and the cover assembly 13v.

[0074] The electrode assembly 13a may include a first electrode plate 13c and a second electrode plate 13e, wherein a diaphragm 13d is located between the electrode plates 13c and 13e. The electrode assembly 13a may be wound into an electrode core shape.

[0075] The first electrode plate 13c includes a first substrate and a first active material layer on the first substrate. A first lead tab 13j can extend outward from a first uncoated portion of the first substrate to which the first active material layer is not provided, and the first lead tab 13j can be electrically connected to the cover assembly 13v.

[0076] The second electrode plate 13e includes a second substrate and a second active material layer on the second substrate. A second lead tab 13k extends outward from a second uncoated portion of the second substrate to which the second active material layer is not supplied, and the second lead tab 13k can be electrically connected to the housing 13p. The first lead tab 13j and the second lead tab 13k can extend in opposite directions.

[0077] The first electrode plate 13c can be used as a positive electrode. In such an embodiment, the first substrate can be made of, for example, aluminum foil, and the first active material layer can include, for example, a transition metal oxide. The second electrode plate 13e can be used as a negative electrode. In such an embodiment, the second substrate can be made of, for example, copper foil or nickel foil, and the second active material layer can include, for example, graphite.

[0078] The diaphragm 13d prevents short circuits between the first electrode plate 13c and the second electrode plate 13e, while allowing lithium ions to move between the first electrode plate 13c and the second electrode plate 13e. The diaphragm 13d can be made of, for example, a polyethylene membrane, a polypropylene membrane, or a polyethylene-polypropylene membrane.

[0079] The housing 13p houses the electrode assembly 13a and the electrolyte. The housing 13p and the cover assembly 13v form the appearance of the secondary battery. The housing 13p may have a substantially cylindrical body portion 13r and a bottom portion 13q connected to the body portion 13r. An inwardly deformed crimped portion 13f may be formed in the body portion 13r, and an inwardly bent crimped portion 13g may be formed at the open end of the body portion 13r.

[0080] The rolled edge 13f can reduce or prevent movement of the electrode assembly 13a within the housing 13p and can facilitate the positioning of the gasket 13h and the cover assembly 13v. The crimping portion 13g can securely hold the cover assembly 13v in place by pressing the edge of the cover assembly 13v via the gasket 13h. The housing 13p can be formed of, for example, nickel-plated iron.

[0081] The cover assembly 13v can be secured to the inside of the crimp portion 13g via a gasket 13h to seal the housing 13p. The cover assembly 13v may include an upper cover 13w, a safety vent 13s, a lower cover 13t, an insulating member, and a sub-plate 13u. However, this disclosure is not limited to this configuration and can be modified in various ways.

[0082] The top cover 13w may be located at the top of the cover assembly 13v. The top cover 13w may include a terminal portion that protrudes upward and connects to an external circuit. An outlet for venting gas may be arranged around the terminal portion.

[0083] A safety vent 13s may be located below the top cover 13w. The safety vent 13s may include a downwardly projecting protrusion that connects to the sub-plate 13u. At least one recess may be located around the protrusion. When gas is generated due to overcharging or abnormal operation of the secondary battery, the protrusion deforms upward due to gas pressure and separates from the sub-plate 13u, while the safety vent 13s opens along the recess. The opened safety vent 13s prevents the secondary battery from exploding by allowing gas to be released to the outside of the battery.

[0084] The lower cover 13t may be located below the safety vent 13s. The lower cover 13t may have a first opening for exposing the protrusion of the safety vent 13s and a second opening for gas venting. An insulating member may be located between the safety vent 13s and the lower cover 13t to insulate the safety vent 13s from the lower cover 13t.

[0085] Subplate 13u can be located below lower cover 13t. Subplate 13u can be fixed to the lower surface of lower cover 13t to block the first opening of lower cover 13t, and the protrusion of safety vent 13s can be fixed to subplate 13u. First lead tab 13j extending from electrode assembly 13a can be fixed to subplate 13u. Accordingly, upper cover 13w, safety vent 13s, lower cover 13t, and subplate 13u can be electrically connected to the first electrode plate 13c of electrode assembly 13a.

[0086] An insulating plate 13n can be positioned to contact the electrode assembly 13a below the rolled edge 13f. The insulating plate 13n may have a tab opening through which a first lead tab 13j extends. A cover assembly 13v electrically connected to the first electrode plate 13c via the first lead tab 13j may face the electrode assembly 13a, with the insulating plate 13n positioned between the cover assembly 13v and the electrode assembly 13a. Thus, the cover assembly 13v is insulated from the electrode assembly 13a by the insulating plate 13n. Another insulating plate 13m may be included for insulation between the electrode assembly 13a and the bottom portion 13q of the housing 13p.

[0087] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of the exterior of the prismatic battery 15. The electrode plates in the prismatic battery 15 can be manufactured using an apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to the present embodiment.

[0088] The housing 15a defines the prismatic shape of the secondary battery. The housing 15a can be made of a conductive metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel. Furthermore, the housing 15a provides space for housing the electrode assembly therein.

[0089] The cover assembly 15b may include a cover plate 15c that covers the opening of the housing 15a. In some examples, the housing 15a and the cover plate 15c may be made of a conductive material. Here, the first terminal 15d and the second terminal 15e may be electrically connected to the corresponding positive and negative electrodes in the housing 15a, and the terminals 15d and 15e may protrude outward through the cover plate 15c.

[0090] The cover plate 15c may include an electrolyte inlet 15f, a gas vent 15g, and a vent. A gas venting device 15h may be connected to the gas vent 15g. The gas venting device 15h opens due to gas generated inside the battery to allow gas to escape from the battery.

[0091] Figure 5 It is along Figure 4 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of line AA and illustrates the internal configuration of the prismatic battery 15 and the structure of the cover assembly 15b.

[0092] The electrode assembly 15r can be formed by winding or stacking a first electrode plate, a diaphragm, and a second electrode plate, which are formed as a sheet or film. When the electrode assembly 15r is a wound stack (e.g., an electrode core), the winding axis can be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the housing 15a. Furthermore, the electrode assembly 15r can be a stack type instead of a wound type. However, the shape of the electrode assembly 15r is not limited in this disclosure.

[0093] Furthermore, the electrode assembly 15r can be a Z-stacked electrode assembly in which a first electrode plate and a second electrode plate are provided to opposite sides of a diaphragm and the electrode plates and the diaphragm are then bent into a Z-stacked assembly. Additionally, one or more electrode assemblies 15r can be stacked such that the long sides of the electrode assemblies 15r are adjacent to each other and housed within a housing 15a. The number of electrode assemblies 15r in the housing 15a is not limited in this disclosure. The first electrode plate of the electrode assembly 15r can be used as a negative electrode, and the second electrode plate can be used as a positive electrode. Of course, the reverse is also possible.

[0094] The first electrode plate can be formed by coating a first electrode active material, such as graphite or carbon, onto a first substrate formed of a metal foil such as copper, a copper alloy, nickel, or a nickel alloy. The first electrode plate may include a first electrode tab 15p (e.g., a first uncoated portion) in which the first electrode active material is not provided. The first electrode tab 15p can serve as a current flow path between the first electrode plate and the first current collector plate 15m. In some embodiments, when manufacturing the first electrode plate, the first electrode tab 15p is formed by cutting to protrude from a first side of the electrode assembly 15r. In other embodiments, the first electrode tab 15p protrudes significantly beyond the diaphragm from the first side of the electrode assembly 15r without being individually cut.

[0095] The second electrode plate can be formed by coating a second electrode active material, such as a transition metal oxide, onto a substrate formed of a metal foil such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The second electrode plate may include a second electrode tab 15q (e.g., a second uncoated portion) representing a region to which the second electrode active material is not provided. The second electrode tab 15q can serve as a current flow path between the second electrode plate and the second current collector plate 15n. In some embodiments, the second electrode tab 15q can be formed by cutting to protrude from a second side of the electrode assembly 15r. In other embodiments, the second electrode tab 15q may protrude significantly beyond the diaphragm from the second side of the electrode assembly 15r without being cut separately.

[0096] exist Figure 5 The diagram shows the first electrode contact 15p and the second electrode contact 15q located on the right and left surfaces of the electrode assembly 15r, respectively. However, in other embodiments, both the first electrode contact 15p and the first electrode contact 15q may be located on either the right or left surface of the electrode assembly 15r. Here, the left and right sides of the electrode assembly 15r are based on... Figure 5 The battery is shown in the diagram. The left surface refers to the vertical surface of the electrode assembly 15r that engages with the second current collector plate 15n, and the right surface is the surface that engages with the first current collector plate 15m, opposite to the aforementioned vertical surface. Therefore, the left and right surfaces of the electrode assembly 15r can be changed when the battery is rotated in the left-right or vertical direction.

[0097] The separator prevents or substantially reduces short circuits between the first and second electrode plates while allowing lithium ions to move between them. The separator can be made of, for example, a polyethylene membrane, a polypropylene membrane, or a polyethylene-polypropylene membrane.

[0098] In some embodiments, the electrode assembly 15r may be housed together with the electrolyte in a housing 15a. In the electrode assembly 15r, a first electrode terminal 15p and a second electrode terminal 15q protruding from a first electrode plate and a second electrode plate, respectively, may be connected to a first current collector plate 15m and a second current collector plate 15n, respectively.

[0099] The first current collector plate 15m and the second current collector plate 15n are electrically connected to the first terminal 15d and the second terminal 15e, respectively, via connecting members 15k. In some embodiments, the connecting members 15k may each have a threaded outer peripheral surface and can be fastened to the first terminal 15d and the second terminal 15e by threaded connection. However, this disclosure is not limited to such a configuration. For example, the connecting members 15k may also be connected to the first terminal 15d and the second terminal 15e by riveting or welding.

[0100] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of manufacturing an electrode plate for an electrode assembly according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0101] A supply roller 21, on which a substrate 24 for an electrode plate is wound, is provided. When the positive electrode plate is manufactured using the apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to the present disclosure, the substrate 24 may be, for example, a metal foil containing aluminum (Al). Optionally, when the negative electrode plate is manufactured using the apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to the present disclosure, the substrate 24 may be, for example, a metal foil containing copper (Cu) or nickel (Ni).

[0102] The conveyor roller 22 can be an idle roller that guides the substrate 24 unwound from the supply roller 21, or a drive roller that applies tension to unwound the substrate 24 from the supply roller 21. Figure 6 The example depicted shows four conveyor rollers 22, but the number and position of the conveyor rollers 22 can be changed as needed.

[0103] Coating unit 23a forms a coating on substrate 24 using an electrode material slurry. Here, the coating slurry includes an active material. For example, when manufacturing a positive electrode plate using the apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to this disclosure, the slurry may include active materials such as transition metal oxides, binders, and volatile solvents. When manufacturing a negative electrode plate using the apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery according to this disclosure, the slurry may include active materials such as transition metal oxides, binders, and solvents. Furthermore, in some embodiments, both surfaces of substrate 24 (i.e., the upper surface and the lower surface) are coated simultaneously. In such embodiments, a second coating unit 23b is provided in the same configuration as coating unit 23a, wherein the second coating unit 23b is configured to provide a coating to the lower surface of substrate 24.

[0104] like Figure 7 As shown, cleaning equipment 40 (also referred to as roller cleaning equipment) can be applied to coating unit 23a. Cleaning equipment 40 is used to remove slurry (hereinafter referred to as residual material) that is conveyed onto the surface of roller 30. Cleaning equipment 40 will be described below.

[0105] The extrusion unit 25 (i.e., the roll forming unit) includes rollers to compress the substrate 24, which has been coated with slurry by the coating unit 23a. Roll forming provides high-capacity and high-density secondary batteries.

[0106] The winding roller 27 is provided to wind and accommodate the electrode plate that has been coated and rolled by the coating unit 23a and the extrusion unit 25.

[0107] Although Figure 6 Although not shown, a drying unit can be provided between the coating unit 23a and the winding roller 27 to dry or cure the coated substrate 24. The drying unit may include a heat source and may be physically separate from the extrusion unit 25, or may be functionally integrated into the extrusion unit 25. For example, when the extrusion unit 25 is configured as a roller, the heat source may be located in the roller to heat the coating while simultaneously pressing the coating. Therefore, the extrusion unit 25 can also be used as a drying unit.

[0108] Figure 7 This is a view illustrating a cleaning apparatus 40 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. It can be seen that a substrate 24 coated with slurry 24a is conveyed by rollers 30 in the direction of arrow a. In the following description, "roller" can include all rollers in contact with the conveyed substrate. Roller 30 can include coating rollers.

[0109] like Figure 7As shown, residual material z may be conveyed to the surface of roller 30. Residual material z is the portion of slurry 24a used for coating the electrode plate but conveyed and adhered to the surface of roller 30. Therefore, residual material z is the object to be removed from roller 30. Included in device 20 (see [link]). Figure 8 The cleaning device 40 in the roller 30 is configured to remove residual material z that adheres to the outer peripheral surface of the roller 30.

[0110] The position of the cleaning roller 41 included in the cleaning device 40 can be adjusted relative to the roller 30. For example, the cleaning roller 41 can be spaced apart from the roller 30 and can be periodically moved toward the roller 30 to wipe away residual material z on the roller 30. In related technologies that do not include the cleaning device 40, the operator may need to approach the rotating roller to wipe away the residual material by hand, which may be dangerous.

[0111] Figure 8 This is a front view showing the basic structure of an apparatus 20 for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 9 and Figure 10 yes Figure 8 The side view of the cleaning device 40 in the device 20 shown in the figure.

[0112] As shown, the apparatus 20 for manufacturing secondary batteries according to the current embodiment includes a roller 30, a support structure 50, a cleaning unit, a drive unit, a controller 53, and a communication module 54.

[0113] The support structure 50 can be located on the transport path of the substrate and can horizontally support the roller 30. The opposite end of the roller 30 can be rotatably supported by the support structure 50. The roller 30 can provide a transport force to the substrate by rotating about its axis. The support structure 50 may include a base 52 and a pair of side posts 51. The base 52 can be a hollow frame structure horizontally fixed to the ground and can provide support force.

[0114] Side posts 51 can be fixed to base 52 and can extend vertically. Side posts 51 can be arranged to face each other on opposite sides of base 52. Side posts 51 can support opposite ends of roller 30. A drive unit for rotating roller 30 can be provided in side posts 51.

[0115] like Figure 9 As shown, roller 30 can be supported by side posts 51 to allow substrate 24 to pass through while being held horizontal. In operation, substrate 24 can be coated with paste 24a.

[0116] like Figure 9As shown, a vertically extending channel 51a can be formed in the inner surface of one of the side pillars 51. The vertically extending channel 51a can be a slit-shaped through-hole having a predetermined width and extending vertically. For example... Figure 11 As shown, the vertical extension channel 51a can be a channel through which the drive shaft 56b extends.

[0117] like Figure 8 As shown, controller 53 and communication module 54 may be provided together with one of the side pillars 51. Controller 53 may be connected to the drive unit (described below) and may control the operation of the drive unit. Controller 53 may include switches, buttons, and display units for inputting operating conditions of the drive unit. For example, an operator may pre-program the operation of the drive unit through controller 53. Controller 53 may automatically operate the drive unit at the operation time input by the operator.

[0118] The communication module 54 can be wirelessly connected to a terminal, receive wireless signals from the terminal being operated by the operator, and send received instructions to the controller 53. The terminal can be, for example, a smartphone. The operator can use his / her terminal to remotely input operating instructions (e.g., operating time or drive conditions of the cleaning equipment 40).

[0119] A cleaning unit can be provided on the support structure 50, and the relative position of the rollers 30 can be adjusted. As discussed above, the cleaning unit can remove contaminants (residual substances) from the rollers 30 by moving to contact them. In the current embodiment, the cleaning unit is a cleaning roller 41. The cleaning roller 41 is driven from the output motor 56 (see...). Figure 11 The drive shaft receives rotational force.

[0120] include Figure 8 The cleaning device 40 with cleaning roller 41 shown can move vertically. That is, the cleaning roller 41 can be positioned as follows: Figure 10 The lowered state shown in the figure can be raised to contact the lower part of the roller 30, thereby cleaning the roller 30. Figure 9 The diagram shows the cleaning roller 41 in contact with the lower part of the roller 30 to remove residual material from the surface of the roller 30. The position and rotational speed of the cleaning roller 41 can be adjusted by the drive unit.

[0121] Figure 11 It is used for driving Figure 8 A view of the drive unit of the cleaning roller 41. As shown, the drive unit may include a lifting frame 55, a vertical track 51c, an output motor 56, and an actuator 57.

[0122] The lifting frame 55 can be a box-shaped component that can move vertically inside the side column 51. The lifting frame 55 can move vertically while supporting the vertical track 51c. The vertical track 51c can be vertically fixed inside the side column 51 and can guide the vertical movement of the lifting frame 55.

[0123] The output motor 56 can be embedded in the lifting frame 55 and can transmit rotational force to the cleaning roller 41. The drive shaft 56b of the output motor 56 can extend to the outside of the side column 51 and pass through the vertical extension channel 51a, and can be fixed to the end of the cleaning roller 41. The cleaning roller 41 can be axially rotated by the operation of the output motor 56 to wipe away residual substances. The output motor 56 can be controlled by the controller 53. The rotational speed and direction of rotation of the cleaning roller 41 can be adjusted by the controller 53.

[0124] Actuator 57 can adjust the height of lifting frame 55. Actuator 57 can be an electric actuator and can be provided below lifting frame 55. The upper end of piston rod 57a of actuator 57 can be fixed to the bottom surface of lifting frame 55. Actuator 57 can be controlled by controller 53, so that the height of lifting frame 55 can be adjusted by controller 53. Therefore, the height of cleaning roller 41 can be adjusted by controller 53.

[0125] Actuator 57 may be provided together with sensor unit 44. Sensor unit 44 can detect the contact between cleaning roller 41 and roller 30, and can send the detected information to controller 53. Controller 53 can operate output motor 56 when cleaning roller 41 is in contact with roller 30. On the other hand, cleaning roller 41 may not necessarily rotate when it is in the descending state.

[0126] The sensor unit 44 can output a detection signal by changing the load applied to the piston rod 57a. When the cleaning roller 41 has risen and cannot rise further due to contact with the roller 30, the load applied to the piston rod 57a can be increased. In this case, a signal can be output. Other types of sensing methods can also be applied.

[0127] Figure 12 It is along Figure 8 The cross-sectional view of line DD, and Figure 13 yes Figure 12 The image shows a view of the cleaning cloth 43 in its unfolded state.

[0128] The cleaning roller 41 may include a hollow roller body 41a and a cleaning cloth 43. The roller body 41a has a predetermined diameter. The diameter of the roller body 41a varies depending on the specific embodiment. The roller body 41a may be made of aluminum or synthetic resin. A through hole 41b may be formed in the roller body 41a.

[0129] The cleaning cloth 43 can surround the roller body 41a. For example... Figure 13 As shown, the cleaning cloth 43 includes an adhesive cloth 43a at its opposite end. The adhesive cloth 43a may be a hook and loop fastener. The adhesive cloth 43a may be secured to an adhesive cloth 45 (which is secured to the roller body 41a). The secured adhesive cloth 45 may be a hook and loop fastener corresponding to the adhesive cloth 43a and may be held secured to the outer peripheral surface of the roller body 41a.

[0130] When the cleaning cloth 43 is unfolded, it wraps around the roller body 41a, and the adhesive cloth 43a is fixed to the fixed adhesive cloth 45 at opposite ends. Therefore, the cleaning cloth 43 can be attached to the roller body 41a. The adhesive cloth 43a can detach from the fixed adhesive cloth 45, and the cleaning cloth 43 can then be separated from the roller body 41a. After separation, the cleaning cloth 43 can be washed.

[0131] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view illustrating another example of the apparatus 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0132] Figure 14 The device 20 shown includes a roller 30, a support structure 50, a cleaning roller 41, a drive unit, a controller 53, and a communication module 54.

[0133] The drive unit in device 20 may include pipe 46, lifting frame 55, output motor 56, power transmission unit, actuator 57 and cleaning fluid supply unit.

[0134] An inner cylinder 41e can be provided inside the cleaning roller 41. The inner cylinder 41e can be a cylindrical member with a predetermined diameter and can allow cleaning fluid from the outside to move close to the inner circumferential surface of the roller body 41a. The cleaning fluid can be held in the space between the outer circumferential surface of the inner cylinder 41e and the inner circumferential surface of the roller body 41a. By providing the inner cylinder 41e, the sloshing of the cleaning fluid contained in the cleaning roller 41 can be minimized when the cleaning roller 41 rotates, and the cleaning fluid can be discharged more quickly through the through hole 41b.

[0135] The tube 46 may be a hollow tube fixed to the end of the roller body 41a and extending into the interior of one of the side posts 51. For example... Figure 14 As shown, the tube 46 can extend horizontally and can pass through the side post 51, thus being exposed on the opposite side. The tube 46 can be supported by the lifting frame 55 via the tube bearing 42a and can rotate axially.

[0136] The output motor 56 can be located above the lifting frame 55. The output motor 56 can be driven by receiving control signals from the controller 53 and can output rotational force.

[0137] The power transmission unit can be used to transmit the rotational force of the output motor 56 to the tube 46 to cause the tube 46 to rotate. The power transmission unit may include a driving gear 56a and a driven gear 42c. The driving gear 56a may be fixed to the drive shaft of the output motor 56, and the driven gear 42c may be fixed to the tube 46 within the lifting frame 55. The driving gear 56a and the driven gear 42c may mesh with each other through a channel formed in the lifting frame 55.

[0138] Actuator 57 can be located below lifting frame 55. Actuator 57 can be operated by controller 53 and the height of lifting frame 55 can be adjusted.

[0139] The cleaning fluid supply unit can supply cleaning fluid to the tube 46. The cleaning fluid supplied to the tube 46 moves to the cleaning roller 41, passes through the through hole 41b, and wets the cleaning cloth 43. The cleaning fluid can be supplied while the cleaning roller 41 is rotating.

[0140] The cleaning fluid supply unit may include a rotary connector 58 and a cleaning fluid supply hose 59. The cleaning fluid supply hose 59 supplies cleaning fluid from the outside to the tube 46 via the rotary connector 58. The rotary connector 58 prevents the cleaning fluid supply hose 59 from twisting when the tube 46 is rotated.

[0141] Figures 15 to 17 This is a view of another example of apparatus 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0142] Figures 15 to 17 The apparatus 20 shown for manufacturing secondary batteries includes a roller 30, a support structure 50, a cleaning unit, a drive unit, a controller 53, and a communication module 54.

[0143] The cleaning section can be a cleaning roller 41 that is adjustable relative to roller 30, and can be configured to remove contaminants from roller 30 while in contact with roller 30. Figures 15 to 17 The cleaning roller 41 shown can be separated from the side post 51, can have a shorter length than the roller 30, and can move flexibly.

[0144] The drive unit for driving the cleaning roller 41 may include a three-dimensional motion output unit. The three-dimensional motion output unit can be mounted on the base 52 so that its position can be adjusted. The three-dimensional motion output unit can adjust the position of the cleaning roller 41 in the front-back, left-right, and up-down directions.

[0145] The three-dimensional motion output unit may include a support platform 61, an X-drive unit, a slider 69, a Y-drive unit, and a Z-drive unit. The support platform 61 may be provided on the base 52 and may reciprocate in the X-axis direction, which is the width direction of the base 52, via the X-drive unit. The X-drive unit may include a platform transmission motor 63, a lead screw 64, and a guide rail 65.

[0146] The lead screw 64 can extend horizontally, pass through the support platform 61, and can be rotated axially by the platform transmission motor 63. As the lead screw 64 rotates, the support platform 61 can move in the X-axis direction. The guide rail 65 can support the support platform 61 and guide its movement.

[0147] A horizontal extension beam 67 can be provided on the support platform 61. The horizontal extension beam 67 can be a linear member extending in the Y-axis direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction, and can guide the movement of the slider 69 in the Y-axis direction.

[0148] The slider 69 can be a linear member supported by a horizontally extending beam 67 on the support platform 61, and can slide in the Y-axis direction. The linear movement of the slider 69 can be guided by the horizontally extending beam 67. A rack and pinion 69a can be provided at opposite ends of the slider 69 in the width direction.

[0149] The Y-drive unit enables the slider 69 to move in the Y-axis direction. The Y-drive unit may include a sliding motor 71, a rack drive gear 71a, and a freewheeling gear 72. The sliding motor 71 can rotate the rack drive gear 71a by receiving a control signal from the controller 53. The rack drive gear 71a can mesh with the rack gear 69a. The freewheeling gear 72 can be located on the opposite side of the rack drive gear 71a and can mesh with the rack gear 69a. The freewheeling gear 72 prevents the slider 69 from becoming eccentric to one side when the slider 69 moves linearly.

[0150] Actuator 57 can be vertically fixed to the upper part of slider 69. Actuator 57 can be a Z-drive unit provided together with slider 69, and can cause cleaning roller 41 to move vertically in the Z-axis direction. Sensor unit 44 can be provided together with actuator 57.

[0151] Using the described configuration, the position of the cleaning roller 41 in the front-back direction, left-right direction, and up-down direction can be adjusted by the X drive unit, Y drive unit, and Z drive unit.

[0152] The support block 73 can be fixed to the upper end of the piston rod 57a of the actuator 57, and the support frame 75 can be mounted on the upper part of the support block 73. The piston rod 57a is restricted to allow only vertical movement and axial rotation is not permitted.

[0153] The support frame 75 can rotate while being supported on the support block 73. Furthermore, the support frame 75 can rotatably support the cleaning roller 41. Additionally, an output motor 56 for rotating the cleaning roller 41 can be provided on one side of the support frame 75.

[0154] The rotating part can be provided together with the support frame 75. The rotating part can be used to rotate the support frame 75 180 degrees about the vertical Z-axis. Figure 16 The support frame 75 is shown relative to Figure 15 The position shown is rotated 180 degrees.

[0155] The rotating part may include a switching motor 77. The switching motor 77 may be a motor vertically fixed to the support frame 75, and the drive shaft of the switching motor 77 may pass through the support frame 75 and be embedded in the support block 73. The switching motor 77 may be controlled by a controller 53. When the switching motor 77 is driven, the drive shaft of the switching motor 77 is fixed to the support block 73, and therefore, the body of the switching motor 77 can rotate together with the support frame 75. As described above, Figures 15 to 17 The cleaning device 40 shown can perform three-dimensional movement and rotational movement of the cleaning roller 41.

[0156] Figure 18 This is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0157] The method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to the current embodiment may include a cleaning roller movement operation 101, a sensing operation 103, a cleaning roller rotation operation 105, and a return to the initial position operation 107.

[0158] The cleaning roller movement operation 101 can be a process of moving the cleaning roller 41, which is spaced apart from the roller 30, toward the roller 30 so that the cleaning roller 41 contacts the roller 30. That is, in Figure 11 and Figure 14 In the embodiment shown, the lifting frame 55 can be raised using the actuator 57, and Figure 15 In the embodiment shown, the cleaning roller 41 can be moved using the X drive unit, Y drive unit, and Z drive unit.

[0159] The sensing operation 103 can be a process of identifying the contact state between the cleaning roller 41 and the roller 30 by using the sensor unit 44. When the cleaning roller 41 contacts the roller 30, the cleaning roller rotation operation 105 can be performed.

[0160] The cleaning roller rotation operation 105 removes contaminants (e.g., residual substances z) from the surface of roller 30 by rotating the cleaning roller 41 that is in contact with roller 30. The rotation speed and direction of rotation of the cleaning roller 41 can be controlled by the controller 53.

[0161] The subsequent return-to-initial-position operation 107 can be a process of moving the cleaning roller 41 away from the roller 30. After the return-to-initial-position operation 107 is completed, the operator can replace the cleaning cloth 43.

[0162] In the apparatus for manufacturing secondary batteries according to this disclosure, the coating rollers are frequently cleaned while the equipment is being driven because the slurry is removed from the rollers to which it is conveyed. Therefore, product productivity and quality are greatly improved, and accidents involving operators are prevented.

[0163] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to embodiments and accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Various modifications and variations can be made to it within the spirit of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An apparatus for manufacturing a secondary battery, the apparatus comprising: A roller is configured to contact a slurry-coated substrate for the secondary battery; A support structure that rotatably supports the roller; A cleaning section, provided together with the support structure, is adjustable between a position spaced apart from the roller and a position where the cleaning section contacts the roller, the cleaning section being configured to remove contaminants from the roller when it contacts the roller; The drive unit is configured to drive the cleaning unit; as well as The controller is configured to control the drive unit.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The support structure includes a base configured to provide support and side posts fixed to the base, the side posts facing each other and supporting opposite ends of the roller. The cleaning section includes a cleaning roller supported by the side pillars, which is capable of rotation and vertical movement.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The drive unit includes: The lifting frame is capable of moving vertically within one of the side columns; An actuator is configured to adjust the height of the lifting frame; and An output motor is provided together with the lifting frame and configured to transmit rotational force to the cleaning roller.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The cleaning roller includes a hollow roller body and a cleaning cloth on the outer surface of the roller body, and The driving unit includes: A tube is fixed to the end of the roller body and extends to one of the side posts; The lifting frame rotatably supports the tube and is capable of moving vertically within one of the side columns; An output motor, connected to the lifting frame and configured to provide rotational force for rotating the tube; and An actuator is configured to adjust the height of the lifting frame.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, Multiple through holes are formed in the periphery of the roller body, and The cleaning fluid supply unit is connected to the end of the tube and is configured to supply cleaning fluid to the tube.

6. The apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: The sensor unit is configured to detect contact between the cleaning roller and the roller and send a signal indicating the contact to the controller.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The support structure includes side columns and a base supporting the side columns, the side columns facing each other, and the side columns rotatably supporting opposite ends of the roller. The drive unit includes a three-dimensional motion output unit provided on the base. The three-dimensional motion output unit is configured such that its position is adjustable, and it is configured to move the cleaning unit in the front-back direction, the left-right direction, and the up-down direction.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein, The three-dimensional motion output unit includes: A support platform is provided on the base; The X-drive unit is configured to move the support platform in the X-axis direction, which is the width direction of the base; A slider is provided on the support platform and configured to slide in the Y-axis direction, which is perpendicular to the X-axis direction; A Y-drive unit is configured to move the slider in the Y-axis direction; and A Z-drive unit is provided on the slider and configured to move the cleaning unit vertically in the Z-axis direction.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, The Z-drive unit is a vertically mounted actuator. The support frame is fixed to the upper end of the piston rod of the actuator, and The cleaning section includes a cleaning roller that is rotatably supported by the support frame and positioned parallel to the roller.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising: A rotating part is mounted on the support frame and configured to allow the support frame to rotate about an axis in the Z-axis direction.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising: The sensor unit is configured to detect contact between the cleaning roller and the roller and send a signal indicating the contact to the controller.

12. A roller cleaning device, comprising: A cleaning unit is provided in an apparatus for manufacturing secondary batteries, the apparatus including a roller configured to contact a slurry-coated substrate for the secondary battery and a support structure supporting the roller, the cleaning unit being provided to the roller and configured to remove contaminants from the surface of the roller by contacting the roller; The drive unit is configured to drive the cleaning unit; as well as The controller is configured to control the drive unit.

13. The roller cleaning device according to claim 12, wherein, The support structure includes a base configured to provide support and side posts fixed to the base, the side posts facing each other and supporting opposite ends of the roller. The cleaning section includes a cleaning roller supported by the side pillars, which is capable of rotation and vertical movement.

14. The roller cleaning device according to claim 13, wherein, The drive unit includes: The lifting frame is capable of moving vertically within one of the side columns; An actuator is configured to adjust the height of the lifting frame; and An output motor is provided together with the lifting frame and configured to transmit rotational force to the cleaning roller.

15. The roller cleaning device according to claim 13, wherein, The cleaning roller includes a hollow roller body and a cleaning cloth on the outer surface of the roller body, and The driving unit includes: A hollow tube is fixed to the end of the roller body and extends to one of the side columns; The lifting frame rotatably supports the tube and is capable of moving vertically within one of the side columns; An output motor, connected to the lifting frame and configured to provide rotational force for rotating the tube; and An actuator is configured to adjust the height of the lifting frame.

16. The roller cleaning device according to claim 15, wherein, Multiple through holes are formed in the periphery of the roller body, and The cleaning fluid supply unit is connected to the end of the tube and is configured to supply cleaning fluid to the tube.

17. The roller cleaning apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising: The sensor unit is configured to detect contact between the cleaning roller and the roller and send a signal indicating the contact to the controller.

18. The roller cleaning device according to claim 12, wherein, The support structure includes side columns and bases for the supporting side columns. The side columns are fixed to the bases, face each other, and rotatably support opposite ends of the roller. The drive unit includes a three-dimensional motion output unit provided on the base. The three-dimensional motion output unit is configured such that its position is adjustable, and it is configured to move the cleaning unit in the front-back direction, the left-right direction, and the up-down direction.

19. A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, the method comprising: The device employs a drive unit to move a cleaning roller toward a roller, wherein the device includes a support structure rotatably supporting the roller in contact with a slurry-coated substrate for the secondary battery, the cleaning roller being provided together with the support structure and configured to contact the roller to remove contaminants from the roller, and the drive unit operates the cleaning roller; and A cleaning roller rotation operation that rotates the cleaning roller that is in contact with the roller to remove the contaminants from the surface of the roller.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein, The device further includes: A sensor unit is configured to detect the contact between the cleaning roller and the roller, and The method further includes a sensing operation using the sensor unit to identify the contact state between the cleaning roller and the roller.

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