Electrode manufacturing apparatus and method of manufacturing electrode

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an electrode manufacturing apparatus and a method of manufacturing an electrode. An electrode manufacturing apparatus includes a conveying section configured to move an electrode coated with an active material; a rolling section configured to roll the electrode; a marking section in front of the rolling section, the marking section configured to make a plurality of marking sections on the electrode; a measuring section configured to measure a distance between the marking sections before and after the electrode is rolled; and a control section configured to calculate an elongation degree of the electrode by comparing the measurement results of the measuring section. According to the present disclosure, when rolling is performed to increase the density of a slurry coated on an electrode and dried, by accurately measuring the elongation degree before / after rolling and the length of the slurry after rolling, a defect rate in a winding process can be minimized.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0173333, filed on November 28, 2024, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to an electrode manufacturing apparatus and a method for manufacturing electrodes. Background Technology

[0004] Generally speaking, with the rapid supply of battery-powered electronic devices such as mobile phones, laptops, and electric vehicles, the demand for secondary batteries with high energy density and capacity has recently increased dramatically. Accordingly, research and development to improve the performance of lithium-ion secondary batteries is actively underway.

[0005] A lithium secondary battery is a battery that includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode. The positive electrode and the negative electrode include active materials that can intercalate and deintercalate lithium ions and electrolytes. The battery generates electrical energy through oxidation and reduction reactions when lithium ions are intercalated / deintercalated at the positive electrode and the negative electrode.

[0006] A thin metal film (foil) formed of aluminum or copper is coated with an electrode material capable of transferring electrons to manufacture a secondary battery, including lithium-ion batteries. The electrode of the secondary battery includes an uncoated portion that is not coated with electrode material and serves as a terminal portion. That is, the electrode includes an uncoated portion and a coated portion; the foil in the uncoated portion is not coated with electrode material, and the coated portion extends in a first direction from the uncoated portion and the foil in the coated portion is coated with electrode material.

[0007] The information disclosed in this background section is provided to enhance the understanding of the background of this disclosure, and therefore may contain information that does not constitute related (or prior art). Summary of the Invention

[0008] The embodiment includes an electrode manufacturing apparatus, comprising: a conveying unit configured to move an electrode coated with an active material; a rolling unit configured to roll the electrode; a marking unit in front of the rolling unit, the marking unit being configured to form a plurality of marking portions on the electrode; a measuring unit configured to measure the distance between the plurality of marking portions before and after the rolling of the electrode; and a control unit configured to calculate the degree of elongation of the electrode by comparing the measurement results of the measuring unit.

[0009] Multiple marking portions may be on the uncoated portion of the electrode edge and spaced a predetermined distance apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the electrode.

[0010] The measuring unit may include: a first measuring unit located in front of the rolling section, the first measuring unit being configured to measure the distance between a plurality of marked portions before the rolling electrode; and a second measuring unit located behind the rolling section, the second measuring unit being configured to measure the distance between a plurality of marked portions after the rolling electrode.

[0011] The first and second measuring units may each include one or more charge-coupled device (CCD) sensors configured to convert multiple marked portions into digital data.

[0012] The electrode manufacturing apparatus may further include an elongation correction unit configured to apply tension to the electrode according to an elongation calculated by a control unit, such that the elongation reaches a reference elongation of the electrode.

[0013] The elongation correction section can be located behind the rolling section, and the elongation correction section can be configured to press the electrode in one direction to change the angle of the electrode.

[0014] The elongation correction unit may include: a pressure roller configured to guide the electrode; and a variable drive unit configured to change the position of the pressure roller to change the angle of the electrode relative to the horizontal line.

[0015] The elongation correction unit may further include: an angle sensor configured to measure the angle of the electrode; and a variable drive unit configured to set the angle of the electrode in multiple stages.

[0016] The variable drive unit may include: a linear motion guide configured to linearly move the pressure roller; and an auxiliary motor configured to operate the linear motion guide.

[0017] The electrode manufacturing apparatus may further include a fine tension adjustment unit behind the elongation correction unit, the fine tension adjustment unit being configured to precisely control the magnitude of the tension applied to the electrode according to the elongation of the electrode.

[0018] The fine tension adjustment unit may include: a tension meter configured to measure the tension applied to the electrode; and a tensioning roller configured to adjust or reduce the tension by applying pressure to the electrode according to the magnitude of the tension measured by the tension meter.

[0019] The tensioning roller section may include multiple tensioning roller sections, and the multiple tensioning roller sections may include a first tensioning roller movable by a cylinder and a second tensioning roller behind the first tensioning roller, the second tensioning roller being oscillated by a motor.

[0020] The embodiment includes a method for manufacturing an electrode, the method comprising: forming a plurality of marked portions on the electrode; measuring a first distance between the plurality of marked portions; rolling the electrode to have a predetermined thickness to obtain a rolled electrode; measuring a second distance between the plurality of marked portions on the rolled electrode; and comparing the first distance before rolling the electrode with the second distance after rolling the electrode to calculate the degree of elongation of the electrode.

[0021] In the step of forming multiple marking portions, the multiple marking portions may be formed on the uncoated portion of the edge of the electrode and spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the longitudinal direction of the electrode.

[0022] Measuring the first distance and measuring the second distance may each involve converting multiple marked portions into digital data.

[0023] The method may further include correcting the elongation of the electrode after calculating the elongation, and applying tension to the electrode so that the elongation reaches the target elongation of the electrode.

[0024] Correcting the degree of elongation may involve pressing the electrode with a pressure roller after rolling the electrode to change the electrode's conveying angle.

[0025] The pressure roller can be used to press the electrode, and the position of the pressure roller can be controlled in multiple stages.

[0026] After correcting the degree of electrode elongation, the tension applied to the electrode is measured, and the magnitude of the tension applied to the electrode is finely adjusted according to the degree of electrode elongation.

[0027] Tension measurement may include using a tension meter to measure the tension applied to the electrodes to obtain the measured tension, and adjusting or reducing the tension by applying pressure to the electrodes according to the magnitude of the measured tension. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Features will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided.

[0030] Figure 2 A schematic perspective view of the rolling section of an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0031] Figure 3 The following is a plan view of an electrode before / after rolling is performed by an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 4A view for illustrating the calculation of the degree of elongation after being rolled by an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 5 A view of the elongation correction section of an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0034] Figure 6 A table showing the tension control items for the elongation of an electrode manufactured by an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 7 The view illustrates the adjustment of tension in the elongation of an electrode manufactured by an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 8 A view of the fine tension adjustment section of an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0037] Figure 9 A view illustrating the operation of the fine tension adjustment unit of an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 10 This is a configuration diagram for a method of manufacturing an electrode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0039] Figure 11 The flowchart illustrates a method for manufacturing an electrode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0040] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, they may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey exemplary implementation to those skilled in the art.

[0041] In the accompanying drawings, for clarity, the dimensions of layers and regions may be enlarged. It will also be understood that when a layer or element is referred to as "on" another layer or substrate, it may be directly on the other layer or substrate, or an intermediary layer may be present. Furthermore, it will be understood that when a layer is referred to as "below" another layer, it may be directly below the other layer, and one or more intermediary layers may be present. Additionally, it will be understood that when a layer is referred to as "between" two layers, it may be the only layer between the two layers, or one or more intermediary layers may be present. The same reference numerals refer to the same elements throughout the drawings.

[0042] The terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their general or dictionary meanings, and based on the principle that the inventor can be his / her own lexicographer to properly define the terms and concepts, they should be interpreted as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical ideas of this disclosure.

[0043] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are provided as some embodiments of this disclosure and do not represent all technical ideas, aspects, and features of this disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications may exist at the time of filing this application, and the embodiments described herein may be replaced or modified.

[0044] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on" another element or layer, "connected to," or "linked to" another element or layer, it may be directly on, connected to, or linked to the other element or layer, or one or more intermediary elements or layers may be present. When an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on" another element or layer, "directly connected to," or "directly linked to" another element or layer, no intermediary element or layer is present. For example, when a first element is described as being "linked" or "connected" to a second element, the first element may be directly linked to or connected to the second element, or the first element may be indirectly linked to or connected to the second element via one or more intermediary elements.

[0045] In the accompanying drawings, the dimensions of various elements, layers, etc., may be enlarged for clarity. The same reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated enumerated items. Furthermore, the use of "may" in describing embodiments of this disclosure refers to "one or more embodiments of this disclosure." Expressions such as "at least one of" and "any one of" modify the entire list of elements without modifying individual elements in the list when placed before / after it. When phrases such as "at least one of A, B, and C," "at least one of A, B, or C," "at least one selected from the group of A, B, and C," or "at least one selected from A, B, and C" are used to denote a list of elements A, B, and C, the phrase may refer to any and all suitable combinations or subsets of A, B, and C, such as A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. As used herein, the terms “use,” “using,” and “used” are to be regarded as synonyms with the terms “utilize,” “utilizing,” and “utilized,” respectively. As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and similar terms are used as approximations rather than terms of degree and are intended to describe the inherent variations in measured or calculated values ​​that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0046] It will be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or segments, these elements, components, regions, layers, or segments should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or segment from another. Therefore, the first element, component, region, layer, or segment discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or segment without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0047] For ease of description, spatial relative terms, such as “below,” “under,” “down,” “above,” and “above,” are used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures, spatial relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features will be oriented “above” or “above” other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” can cover both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or otherwise), and the spatial relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0048] The terminology used herein is for describing embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to limit the disclosure. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a” and “an” as used herein are intended to also include the plural forms. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and / or “comprising,” when used in this specification, indicate the presence of said features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0049] Furthermore, any numerical range disclosed and / or set forth herein is intended to include all subranges with the same numerical precision contained within the set forth range. For example, the range “1.0 to 10.0” is intended to include all subranges between the stated minimum value of 1.0 and the stated maximum value of 10.0, i.e., a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as, for example, 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limit set forth herein is intended to include all lower numerical limits contained herein, and any minimum numerical limit set forth in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limits contained herein. Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to amend this specification (including the claims) to expressly set forth any subranges contained within the range expressly set forth herein.

[0050] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc., as "identical" can mean that they are "substantially identical." Therefore, the phrase "substantially identical" can include situations in the art where the deviation is considered low, for example, a deviation of 5% or less. Additionally, when a parameter is described as uniform in a given region, this can mean that it is uniform in terms of average value.

[0051] Throughout the instruction manual, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0052] When any element is referred to as being set (or located or positioned) "above (or below)" or "on top (below)" a component, it may mean that the element is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the component, and may also mean that another component is inserted between the component and the element set (or located or positioned) on (or below) the component.

[0053] Furthermore, it will be understood that when an element is referred to as "connected," "linked," or "attached" to another element, these elements may be directly "connected," "linked," or "attached" to each other, or one or more intermediary elements may exist therein, through which the element may be "connected," "linked," or "attached" to the other element. Additionally, when a component is referred to as "electrically connected" to another component, the component may be directly electrically connected to the other component, or one or more intermediary elements may exist therein, such that the component and the other component are indirectly electrically connected to each other.

[0054] Throughout the instruction manual, unless otherwise stated, when “A and / or B” is mentioned, it means A, B, or A and B. That is, “and / or” includes any or all combinations of the listed items. Unless otherwise indicated, when “C to D” is mentioned, it means C or more and D or fewer.

[0055] Figure 1 A schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. Figure 2A schematic perspective view of the rolling section of an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, and Figure 3 The following is a plan view of an electrode before / after rolling is performed by an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] refer to Figures 1 to 3 An electrode manufacturing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a conveying unit 100, a rolling unit 200, a marking unit 300, a measuring unit 400, and a control unit 500.

[0057] Electrode 20 may be a sheet, a film, or a current collector in the form of a metal foil including a metallic material such as copper. The coating agent is a material coated onto the sheet to form a layer of predetermined thickness; for example, it may be an active material used for the positive electrode 20 or the negative electrode 20. When the sheet is coated with an active material such as the coating agent used for electrode 20, the sheet may be divided into a coated portion 22 and an uncoated portion 24, where the coated portion 22 is the portion coated with the active material for electrode 20, and the uncoated portion 24 is the portion not coated with the coating agent.

[0058] The conveying unit 100 may include an unwinding unit 110 and a winding unit 120, and the conveying unit 100 is movable to the electrode 20 coated with an active material. In addition, the rolling unit 200 may be located between the unwinding unit 110 and the winding unit 120, and may roll the electrode 20 that has moved from the unwinding unit 100 to the winding unit 120.

[0059] The rolling section 200 presses down on the electrode 20, which is coated with an active material, dried, and conveyed in one direction (e.g., the X-axis direction), and the rolling section 200 can roll the electrode 20. The rolling section 200 may include a roller 210 disposed on and below the electrode 20 and providing rolling pressure to the electrode 20.

[0060] Specifically, the rollers 210 may be disposed on and below the electrode 20 in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the electrode 20 (e.g., the Z-axis direction), and may press the electrode 20. Each of the rollers 210 may be formed in any of a variety of shapes, such as a rod shape and a column shape extending in the width direction of the electrode 20. According to one embodiment, the rollers 210 may be formed as a pair of cylindrical shapes, and the pair of rollers 210 may rotate about a rotation center to move the electrode 20 disposed between the pair of rollers 210 and in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the rollers 210 in one direction. In addition, as described above, the rollers 210 may simultaneously move the electrode 20 and press the electrode 20 in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction.

[0061] In this embodiment, a plurality of guide rollers 130 may be provided between the unwinding unit 110 and the winding unit 120.

[0062] The guide roller 130 can be used as a component for conveying the electrode 20, and through the arrangement of the guide roller 130, the electrode 20 can maintain a predetermined tension while being conveyed.

[0063] The marking portion 300 may be provided on the front side of the rolling portion 200 (e.g., in the negative X-axis direction between the unwinding unit 110 and the rolling portion 200). The marking portion 300 may be used as a component for forming marking portions 30 for measuring the elongation of the electrode 20. For example, multiple marking portions 30 may be formed on the electrode 20.

[0064] For example, the marking portion 300 can be formed using an inkjet printer or a laser marker, and the marking portion 30 can be formed to be spaced apart at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the electrode 20.

[0065] In this embodiment, as Figure 3 As illustrated, the marking portion 30 may be formed at 5 mm intervals on the uncoated portion 24 at the edge of the electrode 20.

[0066] The measuring unit 400 can be used as a component to measure the distance between the marking portions 30 before and after using the rolling electrode 20 of the rolling unit 200.

[0067] The measuring unit 400 may include a first measuring unit 410 and a second measuring unit 420. The first measuring unit 410 is provided to measure the distance between the marking portions 30 in front of the rolling section 200 and before the rolling electrode 20, and the second measuring unit 420 is provided to measure the distance between the marking portions 30 behind the rolling section 200 and after the rolling electrode 20.

[0068] Figure 3 Part A shows the distance between the marked portions 30 before the rolling process. Figure 3 Part B shows the distance between the marked portions 30 after the rolling is performed by the rolling section 200.

[0069] The first measuring unit 410 and the second measuring unit 420 may be provided as charge-coupled device (CCD) sensors that convert the marker portions 30 into digital data. The CCD sensor is a device that converts light signals into electrical signals to convert images into digital data, and can convert the distance changes between the marker portions 30 into digital data and transmit the digital data to the control unit 500.

[0070] The control unit 500 can calculate the degree of elongation by comparing the measurement results of the measurement unit 400. The measurement results may include the distance between the marked portions 30 measured before the roller electrode 20 (e.g., a first distance) and the distance between the marked portions 30 measured after the roller electrode 20 (e.g., a second distance).

[0071] Figure 4This is a view used to illustrate the calculation of the elongation after rolling is performed by an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0072] refer to Figure 4 The distance between the marking portions 30 formed on the electrode 20 (e.g., a first distance) can be measured by the first measuring unit 410 before the electrode 20 is rolled, and the distance between the marking portions 30 formed on the electrode 20 rolled by the rolling unit 200 (e.g., a second distance) can be measured by the second measuring unit 420 to calculate the elongation of the electrode 20.

[0073] The number of marking portions 30 corresponding to the coating portion 22 (e.g., marking portions 30 adjacent to the coating portion 22) is counted in the images captured by each of the first measuring unit 410 and the second measuring unit 420. In addition, in the portion of the electrode 20 other than the coating portion 22, the distance L2 between the front end 140 of the coating portion 22 (e.g., the first end of the processed coating portion 22) and the marking portion 30 is measured, and the distance L1 between the rear end 142 of the coating portion 22 (e.g., the second end of the processed coating portion 22) and the marking portion 30 is measured, and the distances L2 and L1 are transmitted to the control unit 500. Then, the control unit 500 can compare the increased distance between the marked portions 30 measured by the first measuring unit 410 and the second measuring unit 420 (e.g., comparing L2 and L1), the number of marked portions 30, the distance L2 between the front end 140 of the coating portion 22 and the marked portions 30 measured by the first measuring unit 410 and the second measuring unit 420, and the distance L1 between the rear end 142 of the coating portion 22 and the marked portions 20, to calculate the degree of elongation of the electrode 20.

[0074] Elongation correction section 600 (see) Figure 1 The elongation correction unit 600 can apply tension to the electrode 20 based on the elongation calculated by the control unit 500, after the roller pressing unit 200 (for example, in the positive X-axis direction between the roller pressing unit 100 and the winding unit 120), so that the elongation of the electrode 20 reaches the reference elongation or target elongation of the electrode 20.

[0075] Figure 5 The following is a view of the elongation correction unit 600 of an electrode manufacturing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 A table showing the tension control items for the elongation of the electrode 20 manufactured by the battery manufacturing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 7 The view illustrates adjusting the tension according to (for example, based on) the degree of elongation of an electrode 20 manufactured by an electrode manufacturing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] refer to Figures 5 to 7 According to this embodiment, the elongation correction unit 600 can be provided behind the rolling unit 200 and can press the electrode 20 in one direction to change the angle of the electrode 20 (e.g., the conveying angle).

[0077] The elongation correction unit 600 may include a pressure roller 610 and a variable drive unit 620. The pressure roller 610 guides the electrode 20, and the variable drive unit 620 changes the position of the pressure roller 610 to change the angle of the electrode 20 relative to the horizontal line. For example, the variable drive unit 620 can control the pressure roller 610 to press the electrode 20 by changing the position of the pressure roller 610, so that the angle of the electrode 20 relative to the horizontal line changes.

[0078] That is, when the calculated elongation of electrode 20 does not reach the target elongation, pressure roller 610 can press electrode 20 to change the angle of electrode 20 to provide tension to electrode 20 in order to achieve the target elongation of electrode 20.

[0079] The pressure roller 610 can be provided behind the roller pressing section 200 and can push the electrode 20 downward to provide tension to the electrode 20.

[0080] In this case, the elongation correction unit 600 may further include an angle sensor 630 for measuring the angle of the electrode 20, and the variable drive unit 620 may be controlled in multiple stages to set the angle of the electrode 20 in multiple stages.

[0081] In order to control the angle of the electrode 20 in multiple stages using the pressure roller 610, the variable drive unit 620 may include a linear motion (LM) guide 622 for linearly moving the pressure roller 610 and an auxiliary motor 624 for operating the LM guide 622.

[0082] Because the pressure roller 610 can move vertically via the auxiliary motor 624 according to the driving force of the LM guide 622, the angle of the electrode 20 can be set in multiple stages.

[0083] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The pressure roller 610 can be controlled in three stages. That is, when the elongation is measured or calculated using the control unit 500, if the difference between the measured or calculated elongation and the target elongation is less than 10% of the target elongation, the electrode 20 can be controlled to pass through the roller pressing section 200 and move horizontally. In this case, the tension applied to the electrode 20 is 150N.

[0084] Additionally, when the difference between the measured elongation and the target elongation is 10% or more of the target elongation but less than 50% of the target elongation, the pressure roller 610 can move downwards (e.g., in the negative Z-axis direction) to increase the elongation, causing the angle θ of the electrode 20 relative to the horizontal line 650 to become -30°, thereby further ensuring the elongation of the electrode 20. In this case, the tension applied to the electrode 20 is 350 N.

[0085] Furthermore, when the difference between the measured elongation and the target elongation is 50% or greater, the pressure roller 610 can be moved further downward to increase the elongation, causing the angle of the electrode 20 relative to the horizontal line 650 to become -50°, thus significantly ensuring the elongation of the electrode 20. In this case, the tension applied to the electrode 20 is 600N.

[0086] Because the elongation correction unit 600 can provide a predetermined tension to the electrode 20 after rolling, defects such as wrinkles can be prevented from occurring in the electrode 20.

[0087] A fine tension adjustment unit 700 can be provided behind the elongation correction unit 600 (see [link]). Figure 1 ).

[0088] Figure 8 A view of the fine tension adjustment unit 700 of an electrode manufacturing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, and Figure 9 The following is a view illustrating the operation of the fine tension adjustment unit 700 in a battery manufacturing apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0089] refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 According to this embodiment, the fine tension adjustment unit 700 can be used as a component provided behind the elongation correction unit 600, and finely adjusts the tension applied to the electrode 20 according to the elongation of the electrode 20.

[0090] The fine tension adjustment unit 700 can be provided to precisely meet the target elongation of the electrode 20. That is, the fine tension adjustment unit 700 can be used to rapidly reduce the error proportionally to the current error, adjust the error accumulated over time, significantly adjust the degree of control when the error changes rapidly, and slightly adjust the degree of control to reduce jitter or variation when the error changes steadily.

[0091] As an example, the fine tension adjustment unit 700 may include a tension meter 710 and a tension roller 720. The tension meter 710 measures the tension applied to the electrode 20, and the tension roller 720 adjusts or reduces the tension by applying pressure to the electrode 20 according to the tension measured by the tension meter 710.

[0092] The tension meter 710 may include a measuring roller 712 and a force sensor 714. The tension meter 710 can detect the force applied to the electrode 20 and convert the force into an electrical signal to calculate the tension applied to the electrode 20.

[0093] Alternatively, the tensioning roller section 720 may be provided as a plurality of tensioning roller sections 720, and may include a first tensioning roller 722 movable by a cylinder C and a second tensioning roller 724 disposed behind the first tensioning roller 722 and oscillating by a motor M.

[0094] The first tension roller 722 is used to directly adjust the pressure applied to the electrode 20. The magnitude of the force applied by the cylinder C can be adjusted to change the tension. The first tension roller 722 can be used to set and maintain a basic level of tension.

[0095] The second tension roller 724 is used to absorb changes in the tension applied to the electrode 20 when oscillating due to motor movement. The second tension roller 724 is a floating roller; for example, when the tension increases, the floating roller moves upward to provide additional force, or conversely, when the tension decreases, the floating roller moves downward to increase the tension again. That is, the second tension roller 724 can be used to maintain tension by rapidly resisting sudden changes in tension.

[0096] As described above, the first tension roller 722 can focus on maintaining a basic level of tension constantly using the cylinder C, and the second tension roller 724 can adjust the tension more finely by acting more quickly when changes in tension occur.

[0097] In this embodiment, the first tension roller 722 and the second tension roller 724 can be used together to stably maintain the tension applied to the electrode 20 at the rear end behind the roll pressing section 200.

[0098] A method for manufacturing an electrode 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described.

[0099] Figure 10 This is a configuration diagram of a method for manufacturing electrode 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 11 The flowchart illustrates a method for manufacturing an electrode 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0100] refer to Figures 1 to 11 The manufacturing method of electrode 20 according to this embodiment may include marking operation S100, first measurement operation S200, rolling operation S300, second measurement operation S400 and elongation calculation operation S500.

[0101] The marking portion 30 can be formed on the electrode 20 conveyed by the conveying unit 100 via the marking portion 300 (S100). That is, the marking operation S100 of marking the marking portion can include forming a plurality of marking portions 30 on the electrode 20. The marking portions 30 can be formed on the uncoated portion 24 of the edge of the electrode 20 by an inkjet printer or a laser marker, so that they are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the longitudinal direction of the electrode 20.

[0102] The electrode 20, on which the marking portion 30 is formed by the marking portion 30, can be conveyed along the guide roller 130.

[0103] Then, the marking portions 30 on the electrode 20 (e.g., the first distance between the marking portions 30) can be measured (S200). That is, the first measurement operation S200, which performs the initial measurement, may include measuring the first distance between a plurality of marking portions 30 on the electrode 20. Measuring the first distance between the plurality of marking portions 30 can be performed by a first measuring unit 410 provided in front of the rolling section 200. In addition, the number of marking portions 30 on the electrode 20 can be counted, and the distance between the marking portions 30 can be measured by the first measuring unit 410, which is provided as a CCD sensor. That is, the first measuring unit 410 can measure a reference point used to calculate the degree of elongation of the electrode 20.

[0104] The measured values ​​measured by the first measuring unit 410 can be transmitted to the control unit 500.

[0105] After the marking portion 30, which serves as a reference point, is measured by the first measuring unit 410, the electrode 20 is conveyed by the conveying unit 100 and rolled by the rolling unit 200 (S300). That is, the rolling operation S300, which performs the rolling, may include rolling the electrode 20 to have a predetermined thickness to obtain a rolled electrode.

[0106] The pressing section 200 presses down on the electrode 20, which is coated with an active material, dried, and conveyed in one direction. The pressing section 200 may be disposed on and below the electrode 20, and the rollers 210 may provide roller pressure to press the electrode 20. That is, the electrode 20, which is disposed between a pair of rollers 210 and in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the rollers 210, may be conveyed in one direction (e.g., the X-axis direction), and the rollers 210 may convey the electrode 20 and press it in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction (e.g., the Z-axis direction) to simultaneously press the electrode 20.

[0107] Then, the marked portions 30 of the rolled electrode 20 can be measured (S400), that is, the second measurement operation S400, which performs a secondary measurement, may include measuring a second distance between multiple marked portions 30 on the rolled electrode. Measuring the second distance between multiple marked portions 30 on the rolled electrode (or the electrode 20 after rolling) can be performed by a second measuring unit 420 provided behind the rolling section 200. In addition, the number of marked portions 30 can be counted, and the distance between marked portions 30 can be measured by a second measuring unit 420, which is provided as a CCD sensor, like the first measuring unit 410.

[0108] The degree of elongation of electrode 20 is calculated by control unit 500 based on the measurement values ​​of marker portion 30 measured by first measurement unit 410 and second measurement unit 420 (S500). That is, the elongation calculation operation S500 may include comparing the measurement values ​​(or measurement results) before and after rolling electrode 20 to calculate the degree of elongation of electrode 20. For example, the measurement values ​​(or measurement results) may include a first distance obtained by first measurement operation S200 and a second distance obtained by second measurement operation S400, and the elongation calculation operation S500 may calculate the degree of elongation of electrode 20 by comparing the first distance and the second distance.

[0109] More specifically, the measured value of the marked portion 30 measured by the first measuring unit 410 before rolling and the measured value of the marked portion 30 measured by the second measuring unit 420 after rolling performed by the rolling unit 200 can be compared to calculate the degree of elongation.

[0110] refer to Figure 4 The number of marked portions 30 corresponding to the coated portions 22 in the images captured by each of the first measuring unit 410 and the second measuring unit 420 is counted. Additionally, in the portions of the electrode 20 without coated portions 22, the distance L2 between the front end of the coated portion 22 and the marked portion 30 is measured, and the distance L1 between the rear end of the coated portion 22 and the marked portion 30 is measured; distances L2 and L1 are transmitted to the control unit 500. The degree of elongation of the electrode 20 can be calculated by comparing the increased distance between the marked portions 30 obtained from the measurements, the number of marked portions 30, the distance between the front end of the coated portion 22 and the marked portion 30, and the distance between the rear end of the coated portion 22 and the marked portion 30.

[0111] As described above, since the marking portion 30 of electrode 20 is measured and compared before and after rolling to calculate the degree of elongation, the length of coating portion 22 can be reliably measured.

[0112] After calculating the degree of elongation, an elongation correction operation S600 can be performed, which corrects the degree of elongation of electrode 20 by applying tension to electrode 20 so that the degree of elongation of electrode 20 reaches the target degree of elongation (S600).

[0113] After the electrode 20 is pressed, the pressure roller 610 can press the electrode 20 to change the conveying angle of the electrode 20.

[0114] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The correction of the elongation of electrode 20 can be performed by controlling the pressure roller 610. Since the pressure roller 610 can be controlled in multiple stages, one of the multiple tensions can be applied to electrode 20 according to the elongation calculated by the control unit 500 to achieve the target elongation of electrode 20.

[0115] More specifically, when the elongation is measured or calculated by the control unit 500, if the difference between the measured or calculated elongation and the target elongation is less than 10% of the target elongation, the electrode 20 can pass through the roller pressing unit 200 and move horizontally, so that a tension of 150N is applied to the electrode 20. If the difference between the measured elongation and the target elongation is 10% or more and less than 50%, in order to increase the elongation, the pressure roller 610 can move downward, so that the angle of the electrode 20 relative to the horizontal line 650 becomes -30°, so as to apply a tension of 350N to the electrode 20, thereby further ensuring the elongation of the electrode 20.

[0116] Furthermore, if the difference between the measured elongation and the target elongation is 50% or greater than the target elongation, the pressure roller 610 can be moved further downwards to increase the elongation, causing the angle of the electrode 20 relative to the horizontal line to become -50°, thereby applying a tension of 600N to the electrode 20 and ensuring a significant elongation of the electrode 20. Accordingly, because the target elongation can be obtained, and the predetermined tension can be applied to the electrode 20 by correcting the elongation, defects such as wrinkles on the electrode 20 can be prevented.

[0117] After the elongation correction operation S600, a fine tension adjustment operation S700 can be further performed, which measures the tension applied to the electrode 20 and finely controls the magnitude of the tension applied to the electrode 20 according to the elongation of the electrode 20 (S700).

[0118] Fine adjustment of the tension applied to the electrode 20 can be performed to accurately obtain the target elongation of the electrode 20. In addition, because the predetermined tension can be maintained, defects such as wrinkles on the electrode 20 can be prevented.

[0119] More specifically, in the fine adjustment of the tension applied to electrode 20, since the tension applied to electrode 30 is measured by tension meter 710, and the tension applied to electrode 40 is adjusted by tension roller 720 according to the tension measured by tension meter 710, the target elongation of electrode 20 can be accurately met, and wrinkles on electrode 20 can be prevented.

[0120] In this case, since the tensioning roller section includes a first tensioning roller 722 driven by a cylinder C and a second tensioning roller 724 oscillating by a motor, the tension generated in the electrode 20 is adjustable.

[0121] The tension meter 710 may include a measuring roller 712 and a force sensor 714. The force applied to the electrode 20 can be detected and converted into an electrical signal to calculate the tension applied to the electrode 20.

[0122] Furthermore, since the tensioning roller section 720 is provided as a plurality of tensioning roller sections 720, and includes a first tensioning roller 722 moved by the cylinder C and a second tensioning roller 724 disposed behind the first tensioning roller 722 and oscillating by the motor, the basic level of tension applied to the electrode 20 can be maintained constant by the first tensioning roller 722, and changes in the tension applied to the electrode 10 can be responded to quickly by the second tensioning roller 724, so that the tension applied to the electrode 20 can be adjusted more precisely.

[0123] To increase the density of the coated portion, although roll forming is required to achieve a set thickness, and the elongation before / after roll forming and the precise length of the coated portion after roll forming are also required, the existing methods for measuring the current length using trigger-type laser sensors and calculating the pulse value of the encoder attached to the surface of the rotating roller have large errors due to slippage between the foil and the roller, thus making it difficult to obtain the required measurement reliability.

[0124] In addition, the method of obtaining samples after rolling, manually measuring the samples and inputting correction values ​​has problems of reduced productivity and difficulty in real-time monitoring.

[0125] As described above, when the electrode is rolled to increase the density of the coated and dried portion, the degree of elongation before / after rolling and the length of the coated portion after rolling can be accurately measured to minimize the defect rate in the winding process, and the tension applied to the electrode can be adjusted according to the degree of elongation after rolling the electrode to obtain the target degree of elongation and prevent defects such as electrode wrinkles.

[0126] According to this disclosure, when rolling is performed to increase the density of the slurry coated on the electrode and dried, the defect rate in the winding process can be minimized by accurately measuring the elongation before / after rolling and the length of the slurry after rolling (or the length of the active material formed by coating the slurry).

[0127] According to this disclosure, since the tension applied to the electrode can be adjusted according to the degree of elongation after the electrode is rolled, the target degree of elongation can be achieved, and defects such as electrode wrinkles can be prevented.

[0128] However, the effects that can be obtained through this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the following description of this disclosure other technical effects not mentioned.

[0129] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, these embodiments are merely illustrative, and it should be understood that those skilled in the art can derive various modifications and equivalent other embodiments based on these embodiments.

[0130] Therefore, the technical scope of this disclosure should be defined by the appended claims.

[0131] Exemplary embodiments are disclosed herein, and although specific terminology is used, it is used and interpreted in a general and descriptive sense only and is not intended to be limiting. In some cases, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon filing of this application, features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with particular embodiments may be used alone or in combination with features, characteristics, and / or elements described in connection with other embodiments, unless otherwise specifically indicated. Accordingly, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. An electrode manufacturing apparatus, comprising: The conveyor is configured to move the electrode coated with the active material; A rolling section is configured to roll the electrode; A marking section, located in front of the rolling section, is configured to form a plurality of marking portions on the electrode; A measuring unit is configured to measure the distance between the plurality of marked portions before and after the electrodes are rolled; as well as The control unit is configured to calculate the degree of elongation of the electrode by comparing the measurement results of the measuring unit.

2. The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of marking portions are on the uncoated portions of the edge of the electrode and are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the longitudinal direction of the electrode.

3. The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the measuring unit comprises: A first measuring unit, located in front of the rolling section, is configured to measure the distance between the plurality of marked portions before rolling the electrodes; as well as A second measuring unit, located behind the rolling section, is configured to measure the distance between the plurality of marked portions after the electrodes have been rolled.

4. The electrode manufacturing apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first measuring unit and the second measuring unit each include one or more charge-coupled device sensors configured to convert the plurality of marked portions into digital data.

5. The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an elongation correction unit configured to apply tension to the electrode according to the elongation calculated by the control unit, such that the elongation reaches a reference elongation of the electrode.

6. The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the elongation correction unit is located behind the rolling unit, and the elongation correction unit is configured to press the electrode in one direction to change the angle of the electrode.

7. The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the elongation correction unit comprises: A pressure roller is configured to guide the electrodes, and A variable drive unit is configured to change the position of the pressure roller to change the angle of the electrode relative to the horizontal line.

8. The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein: The elongation correction unit further includes an angle sensor configured to measure the angle of the electrode, and The variable drive unit is further configured to set the angle of the electrode in multiple stages.

9. The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the variable drive unit comprises: A linear motion guide is configured to move the pressure roller linearly; as well as A secondary motor is configured to operate the linear motion guide.

10. The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising a fine tension adjustment unit downstream of the elongation correction unit, the fine tension adjustment unit being configured to finely control the magnitude of the tension applied to the electrode according to the elongation of the electrode.

11. The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the fine tension adjustment unit comprises: A tension meter is configured to measure the tension applied to the electrodes; as well as The tensioning roller is configured to adjust or reduce the tension by applying pressure to the electrode according to the magnitude of the tension measured by the tension meter.

12. The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein: The tensioning roller section includes multiple tensioning roller sections, and The plurality of tensioning roller sections include a first tensioning roller movable by a cylinder and a second tensioning roller located behind the first tensioning roller, the second tensioning roller being oscillated by a motor.

13. A method for manufacturing an electrode, the method comprising: Multiple marking portions are formed on the electrode; Measure the first distance between the plurality of marked portions; The electrode is rolled to a predetermined thickness to obtain a rolled electrode; Measure the second distance between the plurality of marked portions on the roll-forming electrode; as well as The first distance before the electrode is rolled and the second distance after the electrode is rolled are compared to calculate the degree of elongation of the electrode.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, In the step of forming the plurality of marking portions, the plurality of marking portions are formed on the uncoated portion of the edge of the electrode and are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the longitudinal direction of the electrode.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein measuring the first distance and measuring the second distance each comprise converting the plurality of marked portions into digital data.

16. The method of claim 13, further comprising: After calculating the degree of elongation, the degree of elongation of the electrode is corrected; as well as Tension is applied to the electrode so that the elongation reaches the target elongation of the electrode.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein correcting the elongation comprises pressing the electrode with a pressure roller after rolling the electrode to change the conveying angle of the electrode.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein pressing the electrode with the pressure roller comprises controlling the position of the pressure roller in multiple stages.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising: After correcting for the degree of elongation of the electrode, the tension applied to the electrode is measured; as well as The magnitude of the tension applied to the electrode is precisely adjusted according to the degree of elongation of the electrode.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein measuring the tension comprises: The tension applied to the electrode is measured using a tension meter to obtain the measured tension; as well as The tension can be adjusted or reduced by applying pressure to the electrode based on the magnitude of the measured tension.

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