Pre-lithiation process equipment and pre-lithiation control method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pre-lithiation process apparatus, and more particularly, to a pre-lithiation process apparatus capable of performing a physical pre-lithiation process by effectively controlling a reaction between an electrode and lithium. According to one example of the present invention, there may be provided a pre-lithiation process apparatus comprising: a front chamber isolated from the outside and provided with an unwinder for releasing an electrode roll; a main chamber isolated from the outside, in which a lithium sheet having a lithium layer and a base layer and an electrode supplied from the front chamber are subjected to pre-lithiation by lamination, and in which a rewinder for winding a pre-lithiated electrode roll is provided; and the isolation device is arranged between the front chamber and the main chamber which are separated from each other, and is arranged to selectively communicate the front chamber with the main chamber.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a pre-lithiation process apparatus, and more specifically, to a pre-lithiation process apparatus and control method thereof capable of performing a physical pre-lithiation process by effectively controlling the reaction between the electrode and lithium. Background Technology

[0002] Rechargeable and discharging batteries have recently been widely used in various devices. Rechargeable batteries are attracting attention as an environmentally friendly energy source that can reduce air pollution, especially from existing vehicles, by reducing the use of fossil fuels.

[0003] Based on the composition of electrodes and electrolytes, secondary batteries can be classified into lithium-ion batteries, lithium-ion polymer batteries, etc., and based on the shape of the battery casing, secondary batteries can be classified into square batteries, pouch batteries, and cylindrical batteries, etc.

[0004] An electrode assembly built into a battery casing has a structure consisting of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator sandwiched between the positive and negative electrodes. It can be referred to as a power generating element capable of charging and discharging. Electrode assemblies can be divided into two types: a jelly roll type in which the separator is sandwiched between long sheet-like positive and negative electrodes coated with active material, and a stacked type in which multiple positive and negative electrodes are sequentially stacked while being sandwiched with a separator.

[0005] The positive and negative electrodes are formed by coating the positive electrode active material onto the positive electrode current collector and the negative electrode current collector, respectively. Aluminum film is usually used as the positive electrode current collector, and copper film is usually used as the negative electrode current collector.

[0006] In the case of the negative electrode, during the initial charging process, a passivation film, such as a solid electrolyte interface layer (SEI layer), is formed on the surface of the negative electrode. This passivation film prevents organic solvents from intercalating into the negative electrode and inhibits their decomposition reactions, thereby improving the structural stability and reversibility of the negative electrode and enabling it to be used as a negative electrode.

[0007] However, since the passivation film formation reaction is irreversible, it causes lithium-ion consumption and reduces battery capacity. Furthermore, as the battery undergoes repeated charge and discharge cycles, lithium-ion consumption increases further, leading to reduced capacity and cycle life.

[0008] Therefore, to address these issues, pre-lithiation studies were conducted, involving the pre-insertion of lithium into the negative electrode. In other words, pre-lithiation research was carried out to increase battery capacity and improve fast-charging performance.

[0009] As pre-lithiation methods, physical methods such as direct contact between lithium metal and the negative electrode surface and methods such as connecting lithium metal to the negative electrode and then electrochemically charging have been attempted.

[0010] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates an example of a pre-lithiation process performed using physical methods.

[0011] The pre-lithiation process can be performed by supplying the negative electrode 3 and the lithium sheet 4 together between the upper pressure roller 1 and the lower pressure roller 2, and depositing lithium on the negative electrode by pressure.

[0012] The lithium sheet 4 includes a base layer and a lithium layer, wherein a lithium sheet with the lithium layer disposed on its upper surface can be supplied to the lower part of the negative electrode 3, and a lithium sheet with the lithium layer 6 disposed on its lower surface can be supplied to the upper part of the negative electrode 3. Thus, pre-lithiation via lithium lamination can be performed on both sides of the negative electrode 3. That is, a pre-lithiated negative electrode 5 can be obtained via lithium lamination using the upper pressure roller 1 and the lower pressure roller 2.

[0013] The process of rolling electrodes and lithium sheets together to deposit lithium onto the negative electrode can be called a lamination process. That is to say, the lamination process can be performed as an example of physical pre-lithiation.

[0014] However, although pre-lithiation can be performed very simply through lamination processes and equipment, there are concerns about heat generation and fire ignition in atmospheric conditions. That is, there is a possibility that the negative electrode and lithium may react chemically in atmospheric conditions, thereby generating heat and causing a fire.

[0015] Therefore, although pre-lithiation can be easily performed through lamination processes and equipment, it has not been actively used due to these issues, and only experimental tests have been conducted using manual equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0016] Technical issues

[0017] By way of one example of the present invention, it is intended to provide a pre-lithiation process and apparatus capable of efficiently performing pre-lithiation.

[0018] Through one example of the present invention, it is intended to provide a pre-lithiation process and equipment capable of effectively controlling the risk factors that may be involved in the pre-lithiation process.

[0019] By way of one example of the present invention, it is intended to provide a pre-lithiation process and apparatus that improves control efficiency by configuring the space in which the entire pre-lithiation process is performed as a chamber isolated from the outside, and dividing the chamber into multiple sub-chambers that are different from each other and isolating them.

[0020] By way of one example of the present invention, it is intended to provide a pre-lithiation process and apparatus capable of effectively and stably controlling oxygen concentration by isolating a chamber for centralized oxygen concentration control and a chamber for non-oxygen concentration control through an isolation device.

[0021] By way of one example of the present invention, it is intended to provide a pre-lithiation process and apparatus capable of efficiently and continuously performing lamination and aging by selectively isolating the main chamber for lamination and the aging chamber for aging.

[0022] Technical solution

[0023] To achieve the above objectives, according to an example of the present invention, a pre-lithiation process apparatus can be provided, comprising: a front chamber isolated from the outside and provided with an unwinder for releasing an electrode roll; a main chamber isolated from the outside, in which a lithium sheet having a lithium layer and a base layer and an electrode supplied from the front chamber undergo pre-lithiation by lamination, and a rewinder for winding the pre-lithiated electrode roll is provided; and an isolation device disposed between the front chamber and the main chamber, which are separated from each other, and configured to selectively connect the front chamber and the main chamber.

[0024] The isolation device can have a full isolation mode and a partial isolation mode. This isolation device can be a gate valve.

[0025] The partial isolation mode is a mode in which the isolation device is opened to the extent that only the electrodes are supplied from the front chamber to the main chamber. That is, the partial isolation mode can be described as a mode that minimizes the air communication between the front chamber and the main chamber.

[0026] The complete isolation mode is one in which the front chamber and the main chamber are completely isolated from each other. That is, the complete isolation mode can be described as a mode that prevents atmosphere mixing between the two chambers. The two chambers differ, particularly in whether or not oxygen concentration is controlled. Specifically, oxygen concentration control is not performed in the front chamber, while a higher level of oxygen concentration control can be performed in the main chamber. Therefore, oxygen concentration control in the main chamber can be performed more effectively by the isolation device.

[0027] Preferably, a nitrogen atmosphere is formed inside the front chamber and the main chamber to reduce the reaction between the electrode and lithium.

[0028] An oxygen atmosphere of a predetermined concentration or lower can be formed inside the main chamber. Preferably, the interior of the main chamber is controlled such that an oxygen atmosphere is formed independently of the interior of the front chamber. Preferably, the oxygen concentration can be actively controlled to a level of 10 ppm or lower.

[0029] When replacing the electrode roll in the front chamber, the front chamber and the main chamber can be isolated from each other by the isolation device, and the isolation through the isolation device can be released during the pre-lithiation process. That is, the isolation can be switched from complete isolation to partial isolation. This switching can be performed manually or automatically.

[0030] The main chamber is preferably provided with a plurality of conveying rollers for conveying and supporting the electrode and the lithium sheet, and a laminating roller for performing lamination of the electrode and the lithium sheet. The laminating roller consists of an upper pressure roller and a lower pressure roller, so that the lithium layer can be deposited on the electrode by roller pressing.

[0031] The main chamber is preferably provided with a laminating device, which includes the pressure roller, an unwinder for releasing the lithium sheet roll, and a rewinder for winding the lithium sheet roll after the lithium layer has been removed during the lamination process.

[0032] In other words, the supply and recovery of lithium sheets for lamination can be provided in a single lamination apparatus. This allows for the separation of the chamber supplying the electrodes and the chamber supplying lithium.

[0033] The pressure roller is preferably a heated roller. This allows for more efficient lamination.

[0034] The laminating apparatus preferably includes a peeling device that separates the lithium sheet from the pre-lithiated electrode after lamination. Preferably, the peeling position can be adjusted using the peeling device, allowing the lithium sheet to separate at an optimal peeling position. This means that by adjusting the peeling angle, the peeling can be performed at the optimal angle.

[0035] The laminating apparatus may be equipped with a vision device that inspects residual lithium particles in the lithium sheet after the lithium layer has been removed.

[0036] The main chamber is preferably equipped with an inspection device, which performs visual inspection of the pre-lithiated electrode after lamination. The inspection device may include a vision device.

[0037] Therefore, according to this example, the degree of pre-lithiation, shape, angle, etc., can be checked by visual inspection of the pre-lithiation electrode. Furthermore, the degree of pre-lithiation and completion, etc., can be checked by visual inspection of the lithium sheet from which lithium has been removed. That is, dual visual inspection can be performed to confirm and determine whether pre-lithiation has been optimally performed.

[0038] The conveying roller is preferably a cooling roller for cooling the heat of reaction between the electrode and lithium. A cooling pipe may be provided, which cools the heat of reaction between the electrode and lithium by providing cold air during the conveying of the pre-lithiated electrode.

[0039] The cooling roller and the cooling pipe can more effectively ensure the stability of the pre-lithiated electrode by directly cooling it.

[0040] A dry atmosphere with a set humidity or lower can be created inside the main chamber. Furthermore, an electrostatic removal device can be provided to remove static electricity from the main chamber. Therefore, the humidity and static electricity inside the main chamber are actively controlled, thereby significantly reducing the fire hazard caused by humidity and static electricity.

[0041] In this example, a pre-lithiation process apparatus may be provided, characterized by including an aging chamber, which is isolated from the outside and ages the pre-lithiated electrode roll.

[0042] An isolation device may be provided between the aging chamber and the main chamber, which are separated from each other, and configured to selectively connect the aging chamber and the main chamber. The isolation device may also be a gate valve. The isolation device between the front chamber and the main chamber may be referred to as a first isolation device, and the isolation device between the main chamber and the aging chamber may be referred to as a second isolation device.

[0043] A nitrogen atmosphere can be formed inside the aging chamber to reduce the reaction between the electrode and lithium. Of course, the interiors of the front chamber and the aging chamber can also be controlled using a nitrogen atmosphere.

[0044] Preferably, the oxygen concentration inside the aging chamber is controlled gradually. Furthermore, the temperature inside the aging chamber can be controlled by a cooler. Aging tests can be performed at temperatures below room temperature and oxygen concentrations below atmospheric levels while gradually increasing temperature and oxygen concentration.

[0045] The aging chamber may be equipped with a conveying device for transferring the pre-lithiated electrode roll from the main chamber to the aging chamber.

[0046] The anterior chamber and the main chamber are preferably provided with doors for access between the interior and exterior. Preferably, the doors are open to allow access to the interior and exterior of the chambers, and when the doors are closed, the interior of the chambers is isolated from the exterior.

[0047] To achieve the above objectives, according to an example of the present invention, a pre-lithiation process apparatus can be provided, the pre-lithiation process apparatus comprising: a main chamber isolated from the outside, in which lithium sheets having lithium layers and base layers, and electrodes, undergo pre-lithiation by lamination, and a rewinder for winding pre-lithiated electrode rolls is provided; an aging chamber isolated from the outside, in which the pre-lithiated electrode rolls manufactured in the main chamber are conveyed and transferred, thereby performing aging tests on the pre-lithiated electrode rolls; and an isolation device disposed between the main chamber and the aging chamber, which are separated from each other, and which opens when the pre-lithiated electrode rolls are conveyed to the aging chamber, and is configured to perform isolation between the main chamber and the aging chamber for lamination and aging tests.

[0048] To achieve the above objectives, according to an example of the present invention, a control method for a pre-lithiation process apparatus is provided, the pre-lithiation process apparatus comprising: a front chamber isolated from the outside and provided with an unwinder for releasing an electrode roll; and a main chamber isolated from the outside, in which a lithium sheet having a lithium layer and a base layer and an electrode supplied from the front chamber undergoes pre-lithiation through lamination, and a rewinder for winding the pre-lithiated electrode roll is provided, wherein the pre-lithiation process control method comprises: a lamination preparation step, forming a nitrogen atmosphere for reducing the reaction between the electrode and lithium inside the front chamber and the main chamber, and isolating the communication between the main chamber and the front chamber by an isolation device to form an oxygen atmosphere of a set concentration or lower inside the main chamber, which is independent of the interior of the front chamber; and a lamination step, performing lamination after the lamination preparation step.

[0049] The main chamber is relatively larger than the front chamber. Preferably, the oxygen and nitrogen atmospheres in the front and main chambers are controlled independently. Preferably, the atmospheres are controlled to create a lower concentration of oxygen and a higher concentration of nitrogen compared to atmospheric conditions.

[0050] Electrode replacement may be necessary during the pre-lithiation process. In this case, only the front chamber can be opened. Preferably, the air communication between the main chamber and the front chamber is isolated by the isolation device. That is, the main chamber is kept isolated from the atmosphere, and only the front chamber is connected to the atmosphere, so that subsequent active oxygen and nitrogen concentration control can be performed only in the front chamber. In other words, oxygen and nitrogen concentration control can be passively performed only in the main chamber.

[0051] Beneficial effects

[0052] By way of one example of the present invention, it is intended to provide a pre-lithiation process and apparatus capable of efficiently performing pre-lithiation.

[0053] Through one example of the present invention, it is intended to provide a pre-lithiation process and equipment capable of effectively controlling the risk factors that may be involved in the pre-lithiation process.

[0054] By way of one example of the present invention, it is intended to provide a pre-lithiation process and apparatus that improves control efficiency by configuring the space in which the entire pre-lithiation process is performed as a chamber isolated from the outside, and dividing the chamber into multiple sub-chambers that are different from each other and isolating them.

[0055] By way of one example of the present invention, it is intended to provide a pre-lithiation process and apparatus capable of effectively and stably controlling oxygen concentration by isolating a chamber for centralized oxygen concentration control and a chamber for non-oxygen concentration control through an isolation device.

[0056] By way of one example of the present invention, it is intended to provide a pre-lithiation process and apparatus capable of efficiently and continuously performing lamination and aging by selectively isolating the main chamber for lamination and the aging chamber for aging. Attached Figure Description

[0057] Figure 1 A simplified illustration of a typical example of pre-lithiation via roll pressing.

[0058] Figure 2 This is a simplified conceptual diagram of a pre-lithiation process apparatus according to an example of the present invention.

[0059] Figure 3 The diagram illustrates the front view of a pre-lithiation process apparatus according to an example of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 4 The diagram illustrates the pre-lithiation process sequence according to an example of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 5 The diagram illustrates the cross-section of the winding device and the first isolation device.

[0062] Figure 6 The diagram illustrates cross-sections of the laminating device, inspection device, and rewinding device.

[0063] Figure 7 The diagram illustrates the appearance of the conveyor belt, and

[0064] Figure 8 The control structure of a pre-lithiation process apparatus according to an example of the present invention is illustrated. Detailed Implementation

[0065] Hereinafter, a pre-lithiation process apparatus according to an example of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0066] Figure 2This is a conceptual diagram of a pre-lithiation process apparatus according to an example of the present invention.

[0067] Conventionally, the pre-lithiation process is performed manually, but unlike this, according to this example, a pre-lithiation process apparatus can be provided that has a chamber 10 and performs the pre-lithiation process within the chamber.

[0068] Chamber 10 is preferably a space isolated from the outside, in which pre-lithiation is performed. More specifically, a physical pre-lithiation process is preferably performed. For this purpose, lithium can be deposited on the electrode because the upper pressure roller 20 and the lower pressure roller 30 for performing lithium lamination are disposed within chamber 10 and roll the electrode and lithium sheet between the two rollers. The upper pressure roller 20 and the lower pressure roller 30 may be referred to as lamination device 138.

[0069] Alternatively, roll-to-roll (R to R) processing can be used to perform lithium lamination within chamber 10. In roll-to-roll processing, electrodes and lithium sheets for the pre-lithiation process are continuously supplied via rolls, allowing the pre-lithiation process to be performed continuously. The pre-lithiated electrodes, having undergone the pre-lithiation process, can then be continuously recycled via rolls again. In other words, the pre-lithiation process can be performed while the electrode roll is being unwound, and then completed while the electrode roll is being wound. Of course, the lithium sheets from which lithium has been removed can also be recycled in roll form. Therefore, according to this example, productivity can be improved by continuously and automatically performing the pre-lithiation process.

[0070] In the physical pre-lithiation process, stability needs to be ensured. This means that there is a possibility of heat generation and fire when the pre-lithiation process is performed under atmospheric conditions, necessitating environmental control during this process, including appropriate oxygen concentrations. In other words, it is necessary to optimally control the air composition ratio or atmospheric conditions within the chamber performing the pre-lithiation process. However, controlling the same conditions throughout the entire roll-to-roll pre-lithiation process is undesirable. In other words, it is not desirable to control the chamber 10 performing the pre-lithiation process under the same atmospheric conditions without detailed partitioning. This is because optimized atmospheric conditions can vary depending on the specific process, and specific atmospheric conditions may be optimal for a particular process but unnecessary or potentially detrimental in other specific processes.

[0071] Therefore, according to this example, chamber 10 is preferably composed of multiple chambers rather than a single chamber, and the internal control of each chamber is configured to have a predetermined internal environment.

[0072] Figure 3 An example of a pre-lithiation process apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Figure 4 The diagram illustrates the sequence of pre-lithiation steps according to an example of the present invention.

[0073] As shown in the figure, a pre-lithiation process apparatus according to an example of the present invention may include a plurality of chambers 110, 120, 160 that are separated from each other and isolated from the outside. Furthermore, specific steps of the pre-lithiation process may be performed sequentially or simultaneously within the chambers.

[0074] For a pre-lithiation electrode, a pre-lithiation target electrode and a lithium sheet for supplying lithium to the electrode are required. It can be assumed that after the pre-lithiation process, a pre-lithiation electrode and a lithium sheet from which lithium has been removed are produced. Here, the pre-lithiation process is performed in a roll-to-roll manner; both the electrode and the lithium sheet are arranged in rolls and introduced into the pre-lithiation process equipment. When the pre-lithiation process is completed, the pre-lithiation electrode and the lithium sheet from which lithium has been removed are also produced in rolls.

[0075] Specifically, the pre-lithiation process can be performed starting from the step of supplying the electrode for performing pre-lithiation (S10). The electrode supply can be performed by continuously conveying and supplying the electrode sheet while releasing the electrode in roll form. A front chamber 110 for this electrode supply can be provided.

[0076] The front chamber 110 is configured to be isolated from the outside, and its internal environment, particularly temperature and atmospheric composition, can be controlled. The front chamber 110 is provided with a door 111, allowing the electrode roll to be replaced and introduced into the front chamber 110 by opening the door 111. Electrode A can be supplied from inside the front chamber 110 to inside the main chamber 120.

[0077] Figure 5 An example of a rewinder device 112 disposed inside the front chamber 110 is illustrated.

[0078] The rewinder device 112 may include a main body 113 and a base 114 supporting the main body 113 relative to the ground. The main body 113 may be provided with a rewinder 116 on which electrode rolls 115 are mounted and released. Furthermore, since the main body 113 is provided with a plurality of rollers 117, electrodes can be conveyed and supported. Such rollers 117 may be referred to as conveyor rollers or support rollers.

[0079] Furthermore, in order to perform the pre-lithiation process via roll-to-roll (R to R), it is preferable to continuously supply lithium and electrodes via rolls. For this purpose, lithium sheet rolls can be provided.

[0080] A lithium sheet may include a base layer and a lithium layer coated on the base layer. The base layer may be manufactured in the form of a synthetic resin film, and the lithium layer may be coated on the base layer to form a single continuous sheet. As an example, the base layer may be formed from PET (polyethylene terephthalate) material. The lithium sheet may be manufactured in rolls and then introduced into a pre-lithiation process device.

[0081] like Figure 3 As shown, the anterior chamber 110 can be connected to the main chamber 120. Similar to the anterior chamber 110, the main chamber 120 is isolated from the outside, and its internal environment, especially temperature and atmospheric composition, can be controlled.

[0082] For the pre-lithiation process, a lithium sheet supply step (S20) can be performed. The lithium sheet supply is preferably performed simultaneously with the electrode supply. The lithium sheet roll can also be disposed in the front chamber 110 like the electrode roll. However, according to this example, the lithium sheet roll is preferably disposed in the main chamber 120.

[0083] Lithium is a very sensitive metallic material with extremely high reactivity. Therefore, it is preferable to appropriately control the space in which lithium sheets are located in terms of external environmental factors such as humidity, oxygen, static electricity, and temperature to reduce unwanted lithium reactions.

[0084] Therefore, unlike the electrode roll, the lithium sheet roll is preferably disposed in the main chamber 120. In other words, the environment inside the front chamber 110 and the environment inside the main chamber 120 are preferably controlled to be different from each other. This is because the internal environment of the main chamber 120 is very strictly controlled, and there are relatively many control variables. This is because as the control difficulty increases with the expansion of the control space, it may be unnecessary to extend this control environment to the front chamber 110.

[0085] Specifically, the main chamber 120 can be configured to perform a lamination step (S30) of the electrode and the lithium sheet. Furthermore, after the lamination step, the lithium sheet must be separated from the pre-lithiated electrode. That is, a stripping step (S40) can be performed to separate the sheet from the pre-lithiated electrode after removing lithium from the lithium sheet. This stripping step (S40) is preferably also performed in the main chamber 120.

[0086] Preferably, after the stripping step (S40), the lithium sheet from which lithium has been removed is wound onto a roll and recycled. That is, a lithium sheet recycling step (S50) can be performed. Furthermore, an inspection step (S60) of the pre-lithiated electrode can be performed. That is, the degree and location of lithium deposition can be visually inspected to determine if they are appropriate.

[0087] The pre-lithiated electrode that has completed inspection can be wound onto a roll. That is, the pre-lithiated electrode recycling step (S70) can be performed.

[0088] Here, all the specific steps from the lithium sheet supply step (S20) to the pre-lithiated electrode recovery step (S70) can be referred to as the steps in which lithium as material is moved or used. Therefore, since it is necessary to properly control the lithium reactivity in these steps, it is preferable to perform these steps in a main chamber 120.

[0089] As described above, since the internal space of the front chamber 110 is independent of lithium as a material, it is preferable that the internal environment control of the front chamber is performed in a different manner than the internal environment control of the main chamber 120. On the other hand, environmental control is performed in the main chamber 120 using various control variables. As the space expands with many environmental control variables, control becomes more difficult, inevitably increasing equipment and process costs. Therefore, the front chamber 110 is preferably separated from the main chamber 120.

[0090] Figure 6 An example of a device located inside the main chamber 120 is illustrated.

[0091] A lamination device 132, an inspection device 142, and a recycling device, i.e. a rewinder device 152, for recycling pre-lithiated electrodes can be installed inside the main chamber 120.

[0092] The laminating apparatus 132 includes a main body 133, and the main body is provided with a plurality of rollers 117, so as to convey and support electrodes, lithium sheets or pre-lithiated electrodes.

[0093] Specifically, the laminating device 132 may be equipped with a laminating roller 138. The laminating roller may be configured as an upper pressure roller and a lower pressure roller. The laminating roller 138 may be configured to press and discharge the supplied electrode A and lithium sheet B.

[0094] After lamination is completed, the discharged sheet C can be separated into a pre-lithiated electrode E and a sheet D from which lithium has been removed by passing through the stripping device 139. That is, the stripping device 139 can also be provided in the lamination device 132.

[0095] The peeling device 139 can be configured to allow the peeling position or peeling angle to be adjustable. This enables effective and efficient lamination.

[0096] The laminating apparatus 132 may be provided with an unwinder 135 for releasing the lithium sheet roll 136 to supply lithium sheets. In addition, the laminating apparatus 132 may be provided with a rewinder 137 for winding the lithium sheet roll 138 from which lithium has been removed.

[0097] Furthermore, regarding the electrode, as an example, in the case of the negative electrode, active material is typically coated on both sides of the negative electrode current collector. Therefore, it is preferable to perform pre-lithiation on both sides of the negative electrode current collector. Thus, in this example, the unwinder 135 and the rewinder 137 are preferably arranged in pairs, one above the other, to provide lithium sheets to the upper and lower surfaces of electrode A, respectively.

[0098] The base 134 can be set at the lower part of the main body 133, and the laminating device 132 can be firmly fixed to the ground through the base 134.

[0099] The electrode E, which has been laminated by the laminating device 132, can be transferred to the inspection device 142. The inspection device 142 can be referred to as a device for inspecting the pre-lithiated electrode.

[0100] The inspection device 142 may include a main body 143 and a plurality of conveyor rollers 177 disposed in the main body 143. Vision devices 145 and 146 may be provided to inspect the pre-lithiated electrode E continuously conveyed by the conveyor rollers 177. The vision devices 145 and 146 can inspect the state and extent of lithium deposition on the electrode by photographing the upper and lower parts of the electrode.

[0101] The pre-lithiated electrode E, which has been inspected by inspection device 142, can be rewound in the form of a roll by rewinder device 152. Rewinder device 142 may include a body 153 and a rewinder 155, and the roll of pre-lithiated electrode E can be formed by rewinder 155.

[0102] The rewinder device 152 may include a separate base, and the base 144 of the inspection device 142 may be shared as the base of the rewinder device 152.

[0103] Additionally, the inspection device 142 is used to determine whether the pre-lithiation of the pre-lithiation electrode is appropriate. Besides the inspection device 142, an inspection device 139a can also be provided to inspect the degree or state of lithium removal from the lithium sheet from which lithium has been removed. That is, it can inspect whether lithium particles remain and to what extent. The inspection device 139a can also be a visual inspection device and can be provided in the laminating apparatus 132.

[0104] As an example, it can be determined that lithium lamination is being performed uniformly in the pre-lithiated electrode, but only a portion of the lithium layer thickness can be pre-lithiated. The remaining lithium layer can be visually confirmed before lithium sheet recycling. In this case, it can be determined that lithium lamination was not being performed effectively.

[0105] The main chamber 120 is the space where lithium is used, and lithium moves within the main chamber 120 as the process proceeds. As an example, lithium moves along the laminating device 132, the inspection device 142, and the rewinding device 152.

[0106] At this point, the laminating device 132, the inspection device 142, and the rewinding device 152 can be accessed from the outside. Therefore, the interior of the main chamber 120 is a single space, but it can be divided from the outside into the laminating chamber 130, the inspection chamber 140, and the recovery chamber 150.

[0107] The laminating device 132 can be located inside the laminating chamber 130 and can be accessed from the outside through a door 131. The door 131 can be used for replacing and introducing lithium sheets, as well as for recycling lithium sheets after pre-lithiation. Since pre-lithiation is performed on both the upper and lower sides of the electrodes, the door 131 preferably consists of an upper door and a lower door. The door 131 may preferably have a window for viewing the operation of the laminating device 132 from the outside.

[0108] The inspection device 142 may be located inside the inspection chamber 140 and may be accessed from the outside through the door 141. The display 142 is located on the front surface of the inspection chamber 140, allowing information regarding the pre-lithiation process to be viewed from the outside. The door 141 may preferably have a window for viewing the operation of the inspection device 142 from the outside.

[0109] The rewinder device 152 may be disposed inside the recovery chamber 150. The recovery chamber 150 may preferably have a window for viewing the rewinder device 152 from the outside.

[0110] like Figure 3 As shown, the pre-lithiation process equipment according to this example may include an aging chamber 160.

[0111] In the rewinder chamber 150, the pre-lithiated electrode can be recovered in the form of a roll, and after the pre-lithiated electrode roll is transferred to the aging chamber 160, an aging step (S80) can be performed.

[0112] like Figure 7 As shown, a conveying device 162 can be installed inside the aging chamber 160. The conveying device 162 can be described as a device that conveys the pre-lithiated electrode rewound in the recycling chamber 150 to the aging chamber 160.

[0113] The conveying device 162 can be configured such that the main body 163 rotates relative to the base 164 to convey the pre-lithiated electrode.

[0114] Additionally, according to this example, an isolation device can be provided to divide the chamber into its own areas. The isolation device can be in the form of a manually or electrically operated gate valve 170, 180.

[0115] First, the gate valve 170 can be located between the front chamber 110 and the main chamber 120, particularly between the front chamber 110 and the lamination chamber 120. The gate valve 170 can be configured to have a fully closed mode and a partially closed mode.

[0116] Complete closure can be described as a mode that completely blocks the air communication between the front chamber 110 and the lamination chamber 120 when the pre-lithiation process is not performed. As an example, when changing the electrode roll inside the front chamber 110, the gate valve 170 can be completely closed.

[0117] Partial shutdown can be described as a mode in which the electrode is supplied from the front chamber 110 to the lamination chamber 120 during the pre-lithiation process. It can also be described as a mode that minimizes air communication between the two chambers and allows only the electrode to pass through.

[0118] Furthermore, gate valve 180 can be located between the main chamber 120 and the aging chamber 160, particularly between the recovery chamber 150 and the aging chamber 160. Gate valve 180 can have a fully closed mode and a partially closed mode. Partial closure can also be a fully open mode.

[0119] Partially closed or fully open can be referred to as the mode in which the pre-lithiated electrode is transported from the recycling chamber 150 to the aging chamber 160.

[0120] Complete closure can be described as a mode in which lamination is performed in the main chamber 120 and aging is performed in the aging chamber 160.

[0121] The internal environment of a given chamber can be independently controlled by completely or partially isolating the interior of the chamber via gate valves 170 and 180.

[0122] A nitrogen atmosphere can be formed inside the chamber to reduce the reaction between the electrode and lithium. This nitrogen atmosphere can typically be formed in all chambers 110, 120, and 160.

[0123] The oxygen concentration inside the main chamber 120 can be controlled. This is because as the oxygen concentration increases, the likelihood of ignition due to the lithium electrode reaction increases. As an example, when the average atmospheric oxygen concentration is 21%, the oxygen concentration inside the main chamber 120 can be actively controlled to a level of 10 ppm or less.

[0124] By actively controlling this oxygen concentration, the lithium reaction rate in the electrode can be effectively controlled.

[0125] Here, it is known that the oxygen concentration inside the main chamber 120 is controlled at a very high level. Then, in the front chamber 110 and aging chamber 160 where lamination is not performed, oxygen concentration control may be unnecessary or at a lower level. Therefore, it is preferable that isolation between the chambers can be achieved via gate valves 170 and 180.

[0126] As an example, when lamination is completed in the main chamber 120 while the oxygen concentration is controlled to 10 ppm or less, the oxygen concentration inside the main chamber 120 increases rapidly when the gate valve 170 is fully opened. Subsequently, it may require significant time and energy to control the oxygen concentration inside the main chamber 120 back to the 10 ppm level. Therefore, the ease and efficiency of oxygen concentration control can be improved by using isolation devices such as gate valves between chambers.

[0127] Furthermore, oxygen concentration control is preferably also performed during the aging process carried out in the aging chamber 160. In the aging chamber, the stability of the pre-lithiated electrode can be ensured by exposing it to a controlled environment for a certain period of time. Here, oxygen concentration control can be performed in 1% increments. That is, the oxygen concentration can be controlled to a level that allows for increasing or decreasing the oxygen concentration in 1% increments at regular intervals.

[0128] In addition, aging tests can be performed by controlling the temperature inside the aging chamber 160. The temperature inside the aging chamber 160 can be controlled to approximately 16°C or higher by a chiller. Temperature control can also include the control of gradually increasing or decreasing the temperature.

[0129] Humidity control, along with oxygen concentration control, can be considered extremely important. Furthermore, static electricity control is also crucial. This is because increased humidity and static electricity can increase the likelihood of heat generation and fire during lamination.

[0130] As an example, the humidity inside the main chamber 120 can be controlled to a level of 1 ppm. That is, by actively controlling the interior of the main chamber 120 as a dry room, the possibility of ignition caused by humidity can be significantly reduced.

[0131] The static electricity level inside the main chamber 120 can also be actively controlled. As an example, by using an X-ray ionizer to remove static electricity from the main chamber 120, the likelihood of static-induced fires can be significantly reduced.

[0132] Active control of humidity and static electricity can be performed more effectively and efficiently by using gate valves 170 and 180 for isolation.

[0133] Additionally, due to the heat generated during the pre-lithiation step, cooling of the pre-lithiation electrode is necessary. This cooling can be performed by cooling the conveyor roller 117. As an example, cooling water can be supplied to the conveyor roller 117. A PCW (process cooling water) system can be used to supply the cooling water. As an example, the pre-lithiation electrode can also be cooled via a cooling pipe. This can be achieved by supplying cold air to the conveyed electrode by installing a cooling pipe (vortex tube) near the conveyor roller 117.

[0134] The pre-lithiation according to this example can be referred to as lamination, which involves depositing lithium onto the electrode by rolling. Therefore, to improve deposition efficiency, heat is preferably applied. For this purpose, a heating roller can be applied to the lamination roller. That is, deposition efficiency can be improved by applying heat and pressure. In addition, as mentioned above, a cooling roller or cooling pipe can be used to remove the reaction heat after deposition.

[0135] Figure 8 This illustration shows an example of the control structure of a pre-lithiation process equipment according to this example.

[0136] The main controller (PC) 200 can be configured to control the operation of the entire pre-lithiation process equipment.

[0137] The drive of multiple rewinders 155, 137 and unwinders 116, 135 is controlled, thereby enabling pre-lithiation to be performed at the pre-lithiation rate.

[0138] The controller 200 can control the complete isolation, partial isolation, or complete opening via the isolation devices 170 and 180, and can also be performed manually.

[0139] To reduce the reactivity of lithium, it is preferable to lower the temperature; however, for lamination, it is preferable to raise the temperature. Therefore, more efficient lamination can be performed by raising the temperature of the electrodes and lithium at the lamination point. For this purpose, it is preferable to have control of the heater 138a that supplies heat to the lamination roller 138.

[0140] Of course, to reduce the reactivity of lithium, various cooling devices can be installed before and after lamination. As an example, a device 195 for supplying coolant or cold air is provided, which can cool the pre-lithiated electrode by means of a cooling conveyor roller, or it can also cool the pre-lithiated electrode by supplying cold air to it. This coolant / cold air supply device 195 can be executed by controlling the controller 200.

[0141] A cooler 191 can be provided for temperature control inside the chamber, specifically a cooler 191 for cooling the inside of the chamber to room temperature or lower. In particular, the temperature inside the aging chamber 160 can be controlled by the cooler 191.

[0142] To remove static electricity from inside the main chamber 120, the operation of the X-ray ion generator 192 can be controlled. As the space requiring static electricity removal increases, the capacity of the X-ray ion generator must increase, and the control efficiency may decrease. Therefore, it is preferable to perform static electricity removal only in the main chamber, rather than in the pre-chamber and aging chamber.

[0143] The operation of vision devices 139a, 145, and 146, used to inspect and determine whether the lamination is appropriate, can be controlled.

[0144] Control of the lamination rate and peeling angle via the peeling device 139 can be performed by reflecting the confirmation and determination results of the vision device.

[0145] The controller 200 can control various operations of the UI 197, or perform lamination process control based on information input through the UI 197. The UI 197 may include multiple displays or input devices.

[0146] Additionally, it is preferable to appropriately control the air quality inside the chamber. It may be necessary to remove foreign objects, for which the operation of the air purifier 193 can be controlled. The air purifier 193 can be configured to control the air quality throughout the chamber. As an example, it can be configured for air circulation and nitrogen atmosphere composition.

[0147] As described above, the oxygen concentration inside the main chamber 120 is controlled to a very strict degree. For this purpose, an oxygen concentration control device 196 can be installed and controlled. The oxygen concentration inside the aging chamber 160 also needs to be controlled. However, since a concentration difference between the two chambers is necessary, it is preferable to install independent oxygen concentration control devices for each chamber.

[0148] Industrial applicability

[0149] It is described in the detailed description of the invention.

Claims

1. A pre-lithiation process equipment, characterized in that... include: A front chamber, which is isolated from the outside and is equipped with an unwinder for releasing the electrode roll; The main chamber is isolated from the outside. In the main chamber, lithium sheets having a lithium layer and a base layer, as well as electrodes supplied from the front chamber, undergo pre-lithiation through lamination, and a rewinder for winding the pre-lithiated electrode roll is provided. as well as An isolation device is disposed between the mutually separated anterior chamber and the main chamber, and is configured to selectively connect the anterior chamber and the main chamber, wherein... The main chamber is controlled independently of the front chamber, allowing for the independent creation of an oxygen atmosphere of a set concentration or lower.

2. The pre-lithiation process equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that... A nitrogen atmosphere is formed inside the front chamber and the main chamber to reduce the reaction between the electrode and lithium.

3. The pre-lithiation process equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that... The lamination is performed after the nitrogen atmosphere and the oxygen atmosphere inside the front chamber and the main chamber meet the set conditions.

4. The pre-lithiation process equipment according to claim 3, characterized in that... When the electrode roll in the front chamber is replaced, the front chamber and the main chamber are isolated from each other by the isolation device, and the isolation through the isolation device is released when the pre-lithiation process is performed.

5. The pre-lithiation process equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that... The main chamber is provided with multiple conveying rollers for conveying and supporting the electrodes and the lithium sheet, and pressure rollers for laminating the electrodes and the lithium sheet.

6. The pre-lithiation process equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that... The main chamber is equipped with a laminating device, which includes the pressure roller, an unwinder for releasing the lithium sheet roll, and a rewinder for winding the lithium sheet roll after the lithium layer has been removed during the lamination process.

7. The pre-lithiation process equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that... The pressure roller is a heating roller.

8. The pre-lithiation process equipment according to claim 6, characterized in that... The laminating apparatus is equipped with a stripping device, which separates the lithium sheet from the pre-lithiated electrode after lamination.

9. The pre-lithiation process equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that... The laminating apparatus is equipped with a vision device that inspects residual lithium particles in the lithium sheet after the lithium layer has been removed.

10. The pre-lithiation process equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that... The main chamber is equipped with an inspection device, which performs visual inspection on the pre-lithiated electrode after lamination.

11. The pre-lithiation process equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that... The conveyor roller is a cooling roller used to cool the heat of reaction between the electrode and lithium.

12. The pre-lithiation process equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that... A cooling pipe is provided, which cools the heat of reaction between the electrode and lithium by providing cold air during the transfer of the pre-lithiated electrode.

13. The pre-lithiation process equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that... A dry atmosphere with a set humidity or lower is formed inside the main chamber.

14. The pre-lithiation process equipment according to claim 5, characterized in that... An electrostatic removal device is provided to remove static electricity from the interior of the main chamber.

15. The pre-lithiation process equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that... include: An aging chamber, which is isolated from the outside, is used to age the pre-lithiated electrode roll.

16. The pre-lithiation process equipment according to claim 15, comprising: A second isolation device is disposed between the aging chamber and the main chamber, which are separated from each other, and is configured to selectively connect the aging chamber and the main chamber.

17. The pre-lithiation process equipment according to claim 16, characterized in that... A nitrogen atmosphere is formed inside the aging chamber to reduce the reaction between the electrode and lithium.

18. The pre-lithiation process equipment according to claim 17, characterized in that... The oxygen concentration inside the aging chamber is gradually controlled.

19. The pre-lithiation process equipment according to claim 17, characterized in that... The aging chamber is equipped with a conveying device for transferring the pre-lithiated electrode roll from the main chamber to the aging chamber.

20. A control method for a pre-lithiation process equipment, the pre-lithiation process equipment comprising: A front chamber, which is isolated from the outside and is equipped with an unwinder for releasing the electrode roll; The main chamber is isolated from the outside. In the main chamber, lithium sheets having a lithium layer and a base layer, and electrodes supplied from the front chamber, undergo pre-lithiation through lamination. A rewinder for winding the pre-lithiated electrode roll is provided. The pre-lithiation process control method includes: The lamination preparation step involves forming a nitrogen atmosphere to reduce the reaction between the electrodes and lithium inside the front chamber and the main chamber, and isolating the main chamber from the front chamber using an isolation device to form an oxygen atmosphere of a set concentration or lower inside the main chamber, which is independent of the interior of the front chamber. as well as The lamination step is performed after the lamination preparation step.

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