Secondary battery manufacturing apparatus and method, and heating lamp unit

Abstract

The invention discloses a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus and method, and a heating lamp unit. The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus includes: a drying chamber configured to receive an electrode plate passing through the drying chamber, a plurality of electrode material coating layers formed on the electrode plate in parallel with an uncoated portion interposed between the plurality of electrode material coating layers; and a heating lamp unit for drying the electrode plate. The heating lamp unit includes: heating lamps respectively corresponding to each row of electrode material coating layers in the drying chamber and configured to heat the electrode material coating layers except for uncoated portions; and a lamp driver configured to drive each of the heating lamps.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of this disclosure relate to the manufacture of secondary batteries and a heating lamp unit for drying electrode plates in a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, which are not designed to be (re)charged, secondary batteries are designed to be recharged. Typically, a secondary battery comprises an electrode assembly containing positive / negative electrode plates and a separator (or formed from positive / negative electrode plates and a separator). The positive / negative electrode plates can be manufactured through various processes such as rolling, drying, slitting, and cutting following a process of coating a substrate with an active material. The electrode assembly is manufactured by inserting a separator between the positive / negative electrode plates and using either a winding or stacking method.

[0003] The manufacturing process of a secondary battery may include a coating process in which a mixture of active materials is coated on one or both sides of an electrode substrate, and a rolling process in which rollers are used to compress and stretch the electrode plate coated with the mixture in the coating process to make the electrode plate thin and flat, thereby increasing the energy density and enabling smooth movement of lithium ions to improve the output performance of the secondary battery.

[0004] A drying unit can be used to dry electrode plates that have undergone coating and / or rolling processes. In conventional drying units, radiant energy is transferred to the electrode plates from near-infrared (NIR) lamps. However, conventional drying apparatuses using NIR lamps have a structure in which multiple rows of coated electrode material are heated by a single heating lamp, and therefore, heat is unnecessarily transferred to uncoated portions, i.e., uncoated areas, and furthermore, the drying quality of each row cannot be adequately controlled.

[0005] The information disclosed in this Background section is intended to enhance the understanding of the background of this disclosure, and therefore may contain information that does not constitute related (prior) art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus and method that improves drying quality and productivity by heating and controlling the electrode material in each channel (or row) to supply heat only to the area coated with the mixture, as well as a heating lamp unit for drying electrode plates in the manufacturing apparatus.

[0007] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus includes: a drying chamber configured to receive an electrode plate passing through the drying chamber, wherein a plurality of electrode material coating layers and uncoated portions between the plurality of electrode material coating layers are formed parallel to each other on the electrode plate; and a heating lamp unit for drying the electrode plate. The heating lamp unit includes: a plurality of heating lamps, each corresponding to an electrode material coating layer in each channel (or row) of the drying chamber, and configured to heat the electrode material coating layers excluding the uncoated portions; and a lamp driver configured to drive each of the plurality of heating lamps.

[0008] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, a secondary battery manufacturing method includes: conveying an electrode plate and passing the electrode plate through a drying chamber, forming a plurality of electrode material coating layers parallel to an uncoated portion between the plurality of electrode material coating layers on the electrode plate; and drying the electrode material coating layers by using a plurality of heating lamps inside the drying chamber and applying heat only to the electrode material coating layers other than the uncoated portions.

[0009] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, a heating lamp unit for drying an electrode plate includes: a plurality of heating lamps corresponding to an electrode material coating layer in each channel (or row) of the electrode plate, the plurality of electrode material coating layers being formed parallel to uncoated portions between the plurality of electrode material coating layers on the electrode plate, and the plurality of heating lamps being configured to heat the electrode material coating layers excluding the uncoated portions; a lamp driver configured to drive the plurality of heating lamps; and a support structure configured to support the plurality of heating lamps.

[0010] The aspects and features of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the following description of this disclosure other aspects and features not specifically mentioned herein. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and further describe aspects and features of the present disclosure, along with a detailed description of the present disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure should not be construed as limited to the drawings, in which:

[0012] Figure 1 The illustration includes an electrode assembly of an electrode plate manufactured by a manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 3 This is a plan view illustrating the arrangement structure of heating lamps in a heating lamp unit for drying electrode plates in a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 4 The diagram illustrates how each electrode material is used. Figure 3 The diagram shows the state of the heating lamp being used for heating;

[0016] Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is a plan view illustrating different arrangements of heating lamps in a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration and operation method of a heating lamp unit for drying electrode plates according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0018] Figures 9 to 11 This is a schematic diagram of a heating lamp unit for drying electrode plates according to other embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 12 This is a flowchart describing a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 13 This is a schematic illustration of a pouch-type secondary battery in which an electrode assembly having electrode plates dried by a manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is applied.

[0021] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view of a cylindrical secondary battery to which an electrode assembly having electrode plates dried by a manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is applied; and

[0022] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view of a prismatic secondary cell to which an electrode assembly having electrode plates dried by a manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is applied. Detailed Implementation

[0023] In the following, embodiments of this 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 rather should be interpreted as having meanings and concepts consistent with the technical spirit of this disclosure, based on the principle that the inventor is capable of appropriately defining the concepts of the terms to best describe his / her disclosure as his / her own lexicographer. The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are only a part of the embodiments of this disclosure and do not represent all aspects, features, and embodiments of this disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications are possible at the time of filing this application, capable of replacing or modifying one or more embodiments or features described herein.

[0024] It will be further understood that, if used in this specification, the terms “comprising” and / or “including” specify 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.

[0025] In the accompanying drawings, the dimensions of various elements, layers, etc., may be exaggerated for clarity. The same reference numerals denote the same elements.

[0026] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc., as "identical" can mean that they are "substantially identical." Therefore, the phrase "substantially identical" can include cases with deviations considered low in the art (e.g., deviations of approximately 5% or less). Additionally, the consistency of parameters within a predetermined region can refer to consistency from an average perspective.

[0027] Although the terms first and second are used to describe various components, these components are not substantially limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise stated, the first component may be the second component.

[0028] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0029] Arranging any element "above (or below)" or "above (below)" another element can mean that the arbitrary element can contact the upper (or lower) surface of the element, and that another element can be located between the element and the arbitrary element located above (or below) the element.

[0030] Additionally, it will be understood that if a component is referred to as “connected,” “linked,” or “attached” to another component, then these components can be directly “connected,” “linked,” or “attached” to each other, or another component can be “between” these components.

[0031] As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Furthermore, the use of “may” refers to “one or more embodiments of this disclosure” when describing embodiments of this disclosure. Expressions such as “at least one of” and “any one of”, if placed after a list of elements, modify the entire list of elements without modifying individual elements within that list.

[0032] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise stated, if “A and / or B” is stated, it means A, B or A and B, and unless otherwise stated, if “C to D” is stated, it means C or above and D or below.

[0033] When phrases such as “at least one of A, B and C”, “at least one of A, B or C”, “at least one of the group selected from A, B and C” or “at least one of 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, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C, A, B and C.

[0034] As used herein, the term “use” and its variations may be considered synonymous with the term “utilize” and its variations, 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 variations in the measured or calculated values ​​that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0035] It will be understood that although the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., can be used to describe various elements, components, areas, layers, and / or portions, these elements, components, areas, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, area, layer, or portion from another element, component, area, layer, or portion. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, the first element, component, area, layer, or portion discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, area, layer, or portion.

[0036] In this document, spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “down,” “above,” and “above” may be used to describe the relationship between one element or feature as shown in the figures and another (or several) other elements or features. It will be understood that, in addition to the orientations shown in the figures, spatial relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” relative to other elements or features will be oriented “above” or “directly above” relative to those other elements or features. Therefore, the term “below” can include both above and below orientations.

[0037] The controller, lamp driver, and / or any other related device or component according to embodiments of the present disclosure described herein can be implemented using any suitable hardware, firmware (e.g., application-specific integrated circuits), software, and / or suitable combinations of software, firmware, and hardware. For example, various components of the controller and / or lamp driver can be formed on a single integrated circuit (IC) chip or on multiple separate IC chips. Furthermore, various components of the controller and / or lamp driver can be implemented on a flexible printed circuit film, a tape-on-a-package (TCP), a printed circuit board (PCB), or formed on the same substrate as the controller and / or lamp driver. Additionally, various components of the controller and / or lamp driver can be processes or threads that run on one or more processors in one or more computing devices, execute computer program instructions, and interact with other system components to perform the various functions described herein. The computer program instructions are stored in memory implemented in the computing device using standard memory devices (e.g., random access memory (RAM)). The computer program instructions can be further stored in other non-transitory computer-readable media such as CD-ROMs, flash drives, etc. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that, without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, the functions of various computing devices may be combined or integrated into a single computing device, or the functions of a particular computing device may be distributed across one or more other computing devices.

[0038] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0039] Figure 1 The illustration includes an electrode assembly 10 of an electrode plate manufactured by a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] The electrode assembly 10 can be formed by winding or stacking the first electrode plate 11, the diaphragm 12, and the second electrode plate 13, each of which is formed as a plate or a film.

[0041] In other embodiments, the electrode assembly 10 may be stacked rather than wound, but the shape of the electrode assembly 10 is not limited in this disclosure. Alternatively, the electrode assembly 10 may be a Z-stacked electrode assembly in which positive and negative electrode plates are inserted into both sides (e.g., opposite sides) of a diaphragm and then bent (or folded) into a Z-stack.

[0042] Alternatively, one or more electrode assemblies can be stacked (e.g., arranged) such that the long sides of the electrode assemblies are adjacent to each other and housed in a housing, and the number of electrode assemblies in the housing is not limited in this disclosure. The first electrode plate 11 of the electrode assembly 10 can serve as a negative electrode, and the second electrode plate 13 can serve as a positive electrode. Of course, the reverse is also possible.

[0043] The first electrode plate 11 can be formed by applying (e.g., coating or depositing) a first electrode active material (e.g., graphite or carbon) onto a first electrode substrate formed of a metal (e.g., copper, copper alloy, nickel, or nickel alloy) foil. The first electrode plate 11 may include a first electrode tab 14 (e.g., a first uncoated portion), which is an area where the first electrode active material is not applied. The first electrode tab 14 can be connected to an external first terminal. In some embodiments, when manufacturing the first electrode plate 11, the first electrode tab 14 can be formed by being pre-cut to protrude to one side of the electrode assembly 10 (or protruding from one side of the electrode assembly 10), or the first electrode tab 14 can protrude beyond the diaphragm 12 to one side of the electrode assembly 10 (e.g., further than or beyond the diaphragm 12) without being individually cut.

[0044] The second electrode plate 13 can be formed by applying (e.g., coating or depositing) a second electrode active material (e.g., a transition metal oxide) onto a second electrode substrate formed of a metal (e.g., aluminum or an aluminum alloy) foil. The second electrode plate 13 may include a second electrode tab 15 (e.g., a second uncoated portion), which is the area of ​​the second electrode plate 13 where no second electrode active material is applied. The second electrode tab 15 can be connected to an external second terminal. In some embodiments, when manufacturing the second electrode plate 13, the second electrode tab 15 can be formed by being pre-cut to protrude to the other side (e.g., the opposite side) of the electrode assembly 10, or the second electrode tab 15 can protrude beyond the diaphragm 12 to the other side of the electrode assembly (e.g., further than or beyond the diaphragm 12) without being individually cut.

[0045] The diaphragm 12 prevents short circuits between the first electrode plate 11 and the second electrode plate 13 while allowing lithium ions to move between them. The diaphragm 12 can be made of, for example, a polyethylene membrane, a polypropylene membrane, or a polyethylene-polypropylene membrane.

[0046] 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. In a cylindrical or prismatic secondary battery, the electrode assembly 10 may be housed in a cylindrical or prismatic housing.

[0047] The following provides a description of the materials that can be used for the electrode plates in the above-described electrode assembly.

[0048] 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.

[0049] The composite oxide can be a lithium transition metal composite oxide, and examples of it can include lithium nickel oxides, lithium cobalt oxides, lithium manganese oxides, lithium iron phosphate compounds, cobalt-free nickel manganese oxides, or combinations thereof.

[0050] As an example, a compound represented by any of the following 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); Li a 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 aMn 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); Li a FePO4 (0.90≤a≤1.8).

[0051] In the above formula: 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.

[0052] The positive electrode of 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.

[0053] Based on a 99 wt% positive electrode active material layer, the content of the positive electrode active material is in the range of about 90 wt% to about 99 wt%, and based on a 100 wt% positive electrode active material layer, the contents of the binder and conductive material are in the range of about 0.5 wt% to about 5 wt%, respectively.

[0054] The substrate can be aluminum (Al) foil, but is not limited to this.

[0055] The negative electrode active material may include materials capable of reversibly inserting / deintercalating lithium ions, lithium metal, lithium metal alloys, materials capable of being doped with lithium and undoped with lithium, or transition metal oxides.

[0056] Materials capable of reversibly inserting / deintercalating lithium ions can be carbon-based negative electrode active materials, including, for example, crystalline carbon, amorphous carbon, or combinations thereof. Examples of crystalline carbon can include graphite such as natural or artificial graphite, and examples of amorphous carbon can include soft carbon, hard carbon, pitch carbides, mesophase pitch carbides, and sintered coke, etc.

[0057] Si-based or Sn-based negative electrode active materials can be used as materials that can be doped with lithium or not. Si-based negative electrode active materials can be silicon, silicon-carbon composites, SiO₂, etc. x(0 < x ≤ 2), Si-based alloys, or combinations thereof.

[0058] The silicon-carbon composite material can be a composite material of silicon and amorphous carbon. According to one embodiment, the silicon-carbon composite material can be in the form of silicon particles and amorphous carbon coated on the surface of the silicon particles.

[0059] The silicon-carbon composite material can further include crystalline carbon. For example, the silicon-carbon composite material can include a core containing crystalline carbon and silicon particles and an amorphous carbon coating layer on the surface of the core.

[0060] The negative electrode of the 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] A non-aqueous binder, an aqueous binder, a dry binder, or a combination thereof can be used as the binder. When an aqueous binder is used as the negative electrode binder, a cellulose-based compound capable of imparting viscosity can be further included.

[0063] As the negative electrode substrate, one selected from copper foil, nickel foil, stainless steel foil, titanium foil, nickel foam, copper foam, a polymer substrate coated with a conductive metal, and combinations thereof can be used.

[0064] The electrolyte for the lithium secondary battery can include a non-aqueous organic solvent and a lithium salt.

[0065] The non-aqueous organic solvent serves as a medium through which ions participating in the battery electrochemical reaction can move. <00,00195><00,00196>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 can be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0067] In addition, when using a carbonate solvent, a mixture of a cyclic carbonate and a chain carbonate can be used.

[0068] Depending on the type of the lithium secondary battery, a separator can be present between the first electrode plate (e.g., the negative electrode) and the second electrode plate (e.g., the positive electrode). As the separator, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, or a multilayer film including two or more layers thereof can be used.

[0069] The diaphragm may include a porous substrate and a coating layer comprising an organic material, an inorganic material, or a combination thereof on one or both surfaces of the porous substrate.

[0070] Organic materials may include polyvinylidene fluoride polymers or (meth)acrylic acid polymers.

[0071] Inorganic materials may include, but are not limited to, 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.

[0072] Organic and inorganic materials can be mixed in a single coating layer, or they can be in the form of a coating layer containing (or including) organic materials and a coating layer containing (or including) inorganic materials stacked on top of each other.

[0073] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 60 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0074] refer to Figure 2 According to embodiments of this disclosure, the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 60 may include a drying chamber 61 and a heating lamp unit 70 for drying electrode plates. The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 60 may further include a controller 62 and an air supply duct 63.

[0075] The drying chamber 61 can be configured to receive electrode plates passing through it. The drying chamber 61 can provide space for drying the electrode plates 55 therein. The electrode plates 55 can be dried by the heating lamp unit 70 for drying the electrode plates and / or by hot air from the air supply duct 63 inside the drying chamber 61 as they pass through the drying chamber 61.

[0076] The controller 62 can control the operation of the heating lamp unit 70 used for drying the electrode plates. For example, as described below, the controller 62 controls the on / off state and heating temperature of the heating lamp 71. Additionally, it can control the temperature and air pressure (or air velocity) of the hot air supplied through the air supply duct 63. The hot air exhausted through the air supply duct 63 can cool the high-temperature heating lamp 71. Furthermore, it can mitigate or prevent damage or deformation of surrounding structures due to temperature increases.

[0077] The electrode plate 55 has a width (e.g., a predetermined width) and is a drying target conveyed in roll-to-roll form. The electrode plate 55 can be conveyed simultaneously while being supported on a plurality of guide rollers 58. One or both sides of the electrode plate 55 moving along the guide rollers 58 may be coated with an electrode material. In this specification, an example of electrode plate 55 having both sides coated with an electrode material will be described.

[0078] Multiple rows of electrode material coating layers 55b can be stacked (or formed) on both sides of the substrate 55a of the electrode plate 55 (see example). Figure 3 ). Figure 3 An embodiment is shown in which three rows of electrode material coating layers 55b are stacked on a substrate 55a. In this specification, a row of electrode material coating layers may be referred to as a channel.

[0079] The electrode material coating layer 55b can be formed in slurry form using a mold, and can be arranged parallel to an uncoated portion 55c having a width (e.g., a predetermined width) located between the electrode material coating layers 55b. The uncoated portion 55c is the portion of the electrode material that is not coated.

[0080] The air supply duct 63 can guide hot air supplied from the outside to the electrode plate 55. The hot air is discharged from the air supply duct 63 and impacts (e.g., contacts) both sides of the electrode plate 55, thereby drying the electrode material coating layer 55b.

[0081] The heating lamp unit 70 for drying electrode plates may include a plurality of heating lamps 71 and lamp drivers 72 (e.g., a plurality of lamp drivers 72). The heating lamp unit 70 may further include support structures 73 (e.g., a plurality of support structures 73).

[0082] Multiple heating lamps 71 can each correspond to an electrode material coating layer 55b in each channel (or row) within the drying chamber 61, and can selectively heat the electrode material coating layer 55b except for the uncoated portion 55c. The heat generated from the heating lamps 71 can reach the inner region of the electrode material coating layer 55b (e.g., can be incident on the inner region of the electrode material coating layer 55b), and for this purpose, the heating lamps 71 can output light in a light radiation region that matches or substantially matches the width of the electrode material coating layer 55b.

[0083] The heating lamp 71 can be a near-infrared (NIR) lamp. NIR lamps have excellent responsiveness in quickly reaching the set temperature, and the temperature of NIR lamps is easy to control. The heating lamp 71 can be positioned to correspond to the upper and lower parts of the electrode plate 55 and emit heat (e.g., thermal energy) toward the electrode material coating layer 55b. For example, heating lamp units 70 (e.g., multiple heating lamps 71) can be positioned above and below the transport path of the electrode plate 55.

[0084] The lamp driver 72 can drive the heating lamp 71. The lamp driver 72 may include electrical components or a junction box for applying externally supplied power to the heating lamp 71. The lamp driver 72 may be connected to and controlled by the controller 62.

[0085] The support structure 73 can support the heating lamp 71 and the lamp driver 72 when installed inside the drying chamber 61. The configuration of the support structure 73 can be implemented in various ways through other embodiments. For example, the support structure 73 can be detached from the drying chamber 61. For example, the support structure 73 can be separated from the drying chamber 61, or the separated support structure 73 can be reinstalled into the drying chamber 61. Because the support structure 73 can be separated and reinstalled, the maintenance of the heating lamp 71 and the lamp driver 72 can be easily performed.

[0086] Figure 3 This is a plan view illustrating the arrangement of heating lamps 71 in a heating lamp unit 70 for drying electrode plates in a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 The diagram illustrates how each electrode material is used. Figure 3 The diagram shows the state of the heating lamp being used for heating.

[0087] As shown in the accompanying drawings, a plurality of heating lamps 71 may be configured to correspond to the upper and lower portions of the electrode material coating layer 55b. The spacing (e.g., pitch) of the heating lamps 71 relative to the electrode plate 55 may be the same.

[0088] The heating lamp 71 may include a central heat radiating part 71a and a connector 71c. The central heat radiating part 71a may be the main body for emitting heat, that is, the main body of the heating lamp 71. In addition, the connector 71c may be a component electrically connected to the lamp driver 72. Power supplied by the lamp driver 72 can be transmitted to the heating lamp 71 through the connector 71c.

[0089] For example, instead of heating two or three channels (or rows) of the electrode material coating layer 55b simultaneously, each heating lamp 71 heats only one electrode material coating layer 55b assigned to each heating lamp 71. Because the electrode material coating layer 55b forms three channels in the width direction of the electrode plate 55, the three heating lamps 71 are arranged in the width direction of the electrode plate 55. The heat emitted from each heating lamp 71 can only reach the inner region of the electrode material coating layer 55b and will not reach the uncoated portion 55c.

[0090] Because the heating lamp 71 applies heat only to the electrode material coating layer 55b and does not heat the uncoated portion 55c, phenomena such as separation of the electrode material coating layer 55b or wrinkles in the uncoated portion 55c are avoided.

[0091] The heating lamp 71 can be a linear lamp and can be arranged horizontally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the electrode material coating layer 55b. Furthermore, multiple heating lamps 71 can be arranged (or configured) in the conveying direction of the electrode plate 55 (i.e., in the longitudinal direction of the electrode material coating layer 55b), and can be arranged in rows in the width direction of the electrode plate 55. In another embodiment, the heating lamps 71 can be grouped into several groups of heating lamps and mounted on the support structure 73. Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, six heating lamps 71 are mounted on a support structure 73.

[0092] Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is a plan view illustrating different arrangements of heating lamps 71 in a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0093] refer to Figure 5 The heating lamps 71 may not be arranged in the row along the width direction of the electrode plate 55, but may be arranged offset from each other. For example, when the width of the uncoated portion 55c is relatively narrow and thus interference occurs between adjacent heating lamps 71, the heating lamps 71 may be arranged as follows: Figure 5 The electrodes are arranged to be offset from each other. In such an embodiment, the heating lamps 71 corresponding to each electrode material coating layer 55b can be arranged at equal intervals in the longitudinal direction of the electrode plate 55.

[0094] In another embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, the heating lamp 71 (e.g., a linear lamp) can be positioned at an angle (e.g., a predetermined angle) relative to the longitudinal direction of the electrode material coating layer 55b. In such an embodiment, this angle can be an acute angle, for example, less than approximately 45 degrees. Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 All heating lamps 71 shown may have the same function, only their arrangement and configuration may differ.

[0095] Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration and operation method of a heating lamp unit 70 for drying electrode plates according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 It is a diagram. Figure 7 The image shows a side view of the heating lamp unit 70 for drying electrode plates.

[0096] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the two ends of the heating lamp 71 in the longitudinal direction can be bent to have shape.

[0097] The bent heating lamp 71 may include a central heat radiating part 71a, a bent end 71b, and a connector 71c.

[0098] The central heat-radiating portion 71a is a straight-line extending portion (e.g., extending along a straight line) and may correspond to the width of the electrode material coating layer 55b. The length of the central heat-radiating portion 71a may be slightly less than or equal to the width of the electrode material coating layer 55b. The central heat-radiating portion 71a can emit heat to the electrode material coating layer 55b.

[0099] The bent ends 71b are portions that are bent at both ends of the central heat-radiating portion 71a. The bent ends 71b can form a right angle with respect to the central heat-radiating portion 71a. Heat is also generated at the bent ends 71b. However, as... Figure 7 As shown, when the bent end 71b is vertically positioned, the heat generated at the bent end 71b is not transferred to the electrode material coating layer 55b.

[0100] Connector 71c can be connected to lamp driver 72. Connector 71c can be the part that electrically connects heating lamp 71 to lamp driver 72. Power supplied from an external source can be transmitted to connector 71c via lamp driver 72.

[0101] Multiple heating lamps 71 can be arranged such that the bent ends 71b are perpendicular to the electrode plate 55. For example, Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the heating lamp 71 with the above configuration can be vertically arranged. Vertical arrangement of the heating lamp 71 means that the bent end 71b is vertical. Because the bent end 71b is vertical, the heat transferred from the heating lamp 71 to the electrode material coating layer 55b is heat provided by the central heat radiation section 71a. As described above, the heat output from the bent end 71b is not transferred to the electrode material coating layer 55b.

[0102] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown, side supports 74 can be provided on both sides of the support structure 73. The side supports 74 are linear members having a cross-sectional shape (e.g., a predetermined cross-sectional shape) in the longitudinal direction. The side supports 74 can be slidably supported on the guide rails 63a of the air supply duct 63. The guide rails 63a support the side supports 74. Because the guide rails 63a support the side supports 74, the heating lamp unit 70 for drying the electrode plates can be held in a horizontal position.

[0103] Furthermore, because the side bracket 74 is slidable while supported on the guide rail 63a, the heating lamp unit 70 for drying the electrode plates can be separated from the drying chamber 61 in the direction of arrow d. For example, when performing maintenance on the heating lamp unit 70 for drying the electrode plates, the heating lamp unit 70 for drying the electrode plates can be pulled out of the drying chamber 61. Alternatively, the separated heating lamp unit 70 for drying the electrode plates can be moved in the opposite direction and returned to the drying chamber 61.

[0104] Figures 9 to 11 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a heating lamp unit for drying electrode plates according to various other embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 10 It is a diagram. Figure 9 The image shows a perspective view of the heating lamp unit 70 for drying electrode plates, and... Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating the installation direction of the heating lamp 71 in the heating lamp unit 70 used for drying electrode plates.

[0105] refer to Figures 9 to 11 , bent into The heating lamps 71 can be horizontally positioned. Horizontal positioning of the heating lamps 71 means that the bent end 71b is horizontal to the electrode plate 55. The heating lamps 71 can be arranged in groups of three on opposite sides, with the support structure 73 positioned between the opposite sides. The number of heating lamps 71 applied can vary depending on the amount of electrode material coating layer 55b.

[0106] Multiple blocking covers 73a can be provided on both sides of the support structure 73. The blocking covers 73a can cover the bent end 71b to prevent heat emitted from the bent end 71b from being transferred to the electrode plate 55. When the blocking covers 73a are omitted, the heat emitted from the bent end 71b may reach the uncoated portion 55c, thereby damaging the electrode plate 55. Only the heat emitted from the central heat radiation portion 71a of the heat output from the heating lamp 71 is transferred to the electrode material coating layer 55b.

[0107] Additionally, a terminal 76 may be provided at the end of the support structure 73. The terminal 76 may be configured to receive externally applied power. Furthermore, an inwardly bent catch portion 73b may be formed at the upper part of the support structure 73.

[0108] The capturing portion 73b is the portion at the lower end of the horizontal guide rail 65 that blocks (e.g., supports) the support end 65a. The capturing portion 73b is slidable when supported on the support end 65a.

[0109] Figure 12 This is a flowchart describing a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a method of drying the electrode material coating layer 55b using the aforementioned secondary battery manufacturing equipment.

[0110] refer to Figure 12 The secondary battery manufacturing method may include an electrode plate transfer operation 101 and a drying operation 103.

[0111] Electrode plate transfer operation 101 can be a process of transferring electrode plate 55 and passing electrode plate 55 through drying chamber 61. As described above, a plurality of electrode material coating layers 55b and uncoated portions 55c between the plurality of electrode material coating layers 55b are formed parallel to each other on electrode plate 55.

[0112] Additionally, multiple heating lamp units 70 for drying the electrode plates can be disposed inside the drying chamber 61 to dry the electrode material coating layer 55b. The heating lamp units 70 for drying the electrode plates are operated by a controller 62 and can generate heat for drying the electrode material coating layer 55b.

[0113] Drying operation 103 can be a process in which the electrode material coating is dried by using heating lamps inside the drying chamber 61 and by applying heat only to the electrode material coating except for the uncoated portions (e.g., not applying heat to the uncoated portions). Multiple heating lamps 71 can each correspond to an electrode material coating in each channel (or row). For example, drying operation 103 can be a process in which the heating lamps 71 radiate light in a light radiation region matching the width of the electrode material coating 55b.

[0114] As described above, in the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 60 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the structure and arrangement of the heating lamp 71 are optimized to limit the heat reach only to the electrode material coating layer 55b, thereby enabling the electrode plate to be dried effectively. Therefore, since heat is not transferred to the uncoated portion 55c, there are no problems with wrinkles or separation, and the uniformity of the electrode material coating layer can be improved.

[0115] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a pouch-type secondary battery in which an electrode assembly having electrode plates dried by a manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is applied.

[0116] The pouch-type secondary battery includes an electrode assembly 10 and a pouch 20 for housing the electrode assembly 10.

[0117] Figure 13 The first electrode tab 14 and the second electrode tab 15 of the electrode assembly 10 shown can be electrically connected to corresponding external first terminal lead 16 and second terminal lead 17 by soldering. Each of the first terminal lead 16 and the second terminal lead 17 may be attached with a tab film 18 for insulation from the bag 20.

[0118] When the electrode assembly 10 is housed in the bag 20, the bag 20 can be sealed by bringing its sealing portions 21 at its edges into contact with each other. In this case, the seal can be achieved with the connecting piece film 18 positioned between the sealing portions 21. The sealing portions 21 of the bag 20 can each be made of a hot-melt material that typically exhibits weak adhesion to metals. Therefore, the thin connecting piece film 18 can be fused to the bag 20 by positioning it between the sealing portions 21.

[0119] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view of a cylindrical secondary battery to which an electrode assembly having electrode plates dried by a manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is applied.

[0120] The cylindrical battery includes: an electrode assembly 10; a housing 31 that houses the electrode assembly 10 and an electrolyte therein; a cover assembly 32 that is connected to an opening in the housing 31 to seal the housing 31; and an insulating plate 33 located inside the housing 31 between the electrode assembly 10 and the cover assembly 32.

[0121] The housing 31 houses the electrode assembly 10 and, together with the cover assembly 32, forms the appearance of a secondary battery. The housing 31 may have a substantially cylindrical body portion and a bottom portion connected to one side (e.g., one end) of the body portion. An inwardly deformed rolled portion 34 (e.g., a rolled section) may be formed in the body portion, and an inwardly bent crimped portion 35 (e.g., a crimped section) may be formed at the open end of the body portion.

[0122] The rolled edge portion 34 reduces or prevents movement of the electrode assembly 10 within the housing 31 and assists in the installation of the gasket 36 and the cover assembly 32. The crimping portion 35 securely fastens the cover assembly 32 by pressing the edge of the cover assembly 32 against the gasket 36. For example, the housing 31 may be formed of nickel-plated steel.

[0123] The cover assembly 32 can be secured to the inside of the crimp portion 35 by the gasket 36 to seal the housing 31. The first lead connector 37 extending from the electrode assembly 10 can be electrically connected to the cover assembly 32, and the second lead connector 38 extending from the electrode assembly 10 can be electrically connected to the bottom of the housing 31.

[0124] Figure 15 This is a cross-sectional view of a prismatic secondary cell 50 to which an electrode assembly having an electrode plate dried by a manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is applied.

[0125] like Figure 15As shown, the electrode assembly 42 can be formed by winding or stacking the first electrode plate, the diaphragm, and the second electrode plate. When the electrode assembly 42 is wound, the winding axis can be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the housing 41. In other embodiments, the electrode assembly 42 is stacked rather than wound, but the shape of the electrode assembly 42 is not limited in this disclosure. Alternatively, the electrode assembly 42 can be a Z-stacked electrode assembly in which positive and negative electrode plates are inserted into both sides of the diaphragm and then bent into Z-stacks. Alternatively, one or more electrode assemblies 42 can be stacked such that the long sides of the electrode assemblies are adjacent to each other and housed in the housing 41, and the number of electrode assemblies in the housing 41 is not limited in this disclosure. The first electrode plate of the electrode assembly 42 can act as a negative electrode, and the second electrode plate can act as a positive electrode. Of course, the reverse is also possible.

[0126] The first electrode terminal 45 of the first electrode plate and the second electrode terminal 46 of the second electrode plate are respectively located on the upper part of the electrode assembly 42. In some embodiments, the electrode assembly 42 may be housed together with the electrolyte in the housing 41.

[0127] The first electrode contact 45 and the second electrode contact 46 can be welded to the first current collector 43 and the second current collector 44, respectively. The first current collector 43 and the second current collector 44 are connected to the first terminal 48 and the second terminal 49, respectively, via connecting members 52. In some embodiments, the connecting members 52 may each have a threaded outer peripheral surface and can be tightened to the first terminal 48 and the second terminal 49. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the connecting members 52 may also be riveted or welded to the first terminal 48 and the second terminal 49.

[0128] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus and method are provided that avoids heating uncoated portions that do not require heating and provides heat only to the mixed coating area by heating and controlling the electrode material coating layer of each channel (or row), resulting in good drying quality and high electrode plate productivity, as well as a heating lamp unit for drying electrode plates in the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus.

[0129] Although this disclosure has been described above with respect to its embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art will be able to make various modifications and variations within the spirit of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A secondary battery manufacturing apparatus, comprising: A drying chamber is configured to receive an electrode plate passing through the drying chamber, wherein multiple electrode material coating layers and uncoated portions between the multiple electrode material coating layers are formed parallel to the electrode plate; as well as A heating lamp unit for drying the electrode plates, the heating lamp unit comprising: Multiple heating lamps, each corresponding to a row of electrode material coatings in the drying chamber, are configured to heat the electrode material coatings except for the uncoated portions. and A lamp driver is configured to drive each of the plurality of heating lamps.

2. The secondary battery manufacturing equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of heating lamps are linear lamps and are arranged horizontally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the electrode material coating layer.

3. The secondary battery manufacturing equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of heating lamps are linear lamps and are arranged at an angle and horizontally relative to the longitudinal direction of the electrode material coating.

4. The secondary battery manufacturing equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The heating lamp unit for drying the electrode plate is above and below the conveying path of the electrode plate.

5. The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The heating lamp unit for drying the electrode plates further includes a support structure configured to support the plurality of heating lamps when installed in the drying chamber.

6. The secondary battery manufacturing equipment according to claim 5, wherein, The support structure is detachable from the drying chamber.

7. The secondary battery manufacturing equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of heating lamps are lamps whose two ends are bent in the longitudinal direction.

8. The secondary battery manufacturing equipment according to claim 5, wherein, The plurality of heating lamps have a central heat-radiating portion extending in a straight line, bent ends that are bent at both ends of the central heat-radiating portion, and a connector at each of the bent ends that is connected to the lamp driver.

9. The secondary battery manufacturing equipment according to claim 8, wherein, The plurality of heating lamps are arranged such that the bent ends are perpendicular to the electrode plate.

10. The secondary battery manufacturing equipment according to claim 8, wherein, The plurality of heating lamps are arranged such that the bent ends are horizontal to the electrode plates, and The blocking cover is provided on the support structure to cover the bent end.

11. A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, comprising: The electrode plate is conveyed and passed through the drying chamber, and multiple electrode material coatings and uncoated portions between the multiple electrode material coatings are formed on the electrode plate in parallel. as well as The electrode material coating is dried by using multiple heating lamps inside the drying chamber and applying heat only to the electrode material coating layer, except for the uncoated portions.

12. The method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to claim 11, wherein, The plurality of heating lamps correspond to the electrode material coating layer in each row, and During the drying of the electrode material coating, the plurality of heating lamps radiate light in a light radiation region that matches the width of the electrode material coating.

13. A heating lamp unit for drying electrode plates, the heating lamp unit comprising: Multiple heating lamps are respectively associated with each row of electrode material coating layers on the electrode plate. The multiple electrode material coating layers and uncoated portions between the multiple electrode material coating layers are formed parallel to each other on the electrode plate, and the multiple heating lamps are configured to heat the electrode material coating layers except for the uncoated portions. A lamp driver is configured to drive the plurality of heating lamps; as well as A support structure is configured to support the plurality of heating lamps.

14. The heating lamp unit according to claim 13, wherein, The plurality of heating lamps are linear lamps and are arranged horizontally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the electrode material coating layer.

15. The heating lamp unit according to claim 13, wherein, The plurality of heating lamps are linear lamps and are arranged horizontally at an angle relative to the longitudinal direction of the electrode material coating.

16. The heating lamp unit according to claim 13, wherein, The plurality of heating lamps are above and below the transmission path of the electrode plate.

17. The heating lamp unit according to claim 13, wherein, The plurality of heating lamps are lamps with two ends bent in the longitudinal direction.

18. The heating lamp unit according to claim 13, wherein, The plurality of heating lamps have a central heat-radiating portion extending in a straight line, bent ends that are bent at both ends of the central heat-radiating portion, and a connector at each of the bent ends that is connected to the lamp driver.

19. The heating lamp unit according to claim 18, wherein, The plurality of heating lamps are arranged such that the bent ends are perpendicular to the electrode plate.

20. The heating lamp unit according to claim 18, wherein, The plurality of heating lamps are arranged such that the bent ends are horizontal to the electrode plates, and The blocking cover is provided on the support structure and is configured to cover the bent end.

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