Electrode manufacturing apparatus and electrode manufacturing method

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrode manufacturing apparatus and an electrode manufacturing method, which, upon restarting a coating section after a stop, based on the internal humidity of a drying section, adjusts the speed of a fan in the drying section to a rotational speed lower than the rotational speed before the stop, thereby being able to effectively prevent over-drying.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an electrode manufacturing apparatus and an electrode manufacturing method.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0066354, filed on May 22, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] Lithium-ion batteries are equipped with electrodes containing active materials that exhibit electroactive activity. These electrodes are manufactured by coating an electrode slurry containing the active material onto an electrode sheet to form a composite layer and then drying the composite layer. This electrode manufacturing process typically uses a coating apparatus and a drying apparatus. The coating apparatus coats the electrode slurry onto the electrode sheet, which is being conveyed in one direction, during electrode manufacturing. The drying apparatus dries the electrode sheet coated with the electrode slurry to evaporate (or remove) the solvent within the electrode slurry.

[0004] Typically, drying equipment primarily uses drying ovens equipped with fans that supply hot air. In the case of a drying oven, the amount of hot air supplied can be controlled by adjusting the fan speed, and since the amount of solvent volatilized from the slurry is determined based on the amount of hot air supplied, a final product with the desired drying rate can be obtained.

[0005] Even with the same hot air supply, the drying rate of the final product can vary depending on the internal humidity of the drying unit. Therefore, in the case of existing drying units, drying conditions (e.g., fan speed) are established in the section where the internal humidity of the drying unit converges to a constant level during normal coating and drying processes.

[0006] Meanwhile, due to various unavoidable circumstances, the coating equipment usually has to be shut down for a period of time. Since no slurry coating occurs during the shutdown period, the longer the shutdown time, the less solvent evaporates from the drying unit. Therefore, the internal humidity of the drying unit during the shutdown period is relatively lower than the internal humidity of the drying unit before the coating process is shut down.

[0007] Thus, when the coating device is restarted under relatively low internal humidity conditions in the drying device, the problem is that if the drying conditions of the drying device established under relatively high internal humidity conditions are applied, the electrodes will become over-dried. Summary of the Invention

[0008] [Technical Issues]

[0009] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an electrode manufacturing apparatus and an electrode manufacturing method that can effectively prevent excessive drying when restarting the coating section after a shutdown.

[0010] In addition, the present invention aims to provide an electrode manufacturing apparatus and an electrode manufacturing method that, when restarting the coating section after a shutdown, adjusts the speed of the fan in the drying section to a lower speed than before the shutdown based on the measured internal humidity of the drying section, thereby preventing over-drying.

[0011] [Technical Solution]

[0012] To address these issues, according to an example of the present invention, an electrode manufacturing method is provided, comprising: a coating step of coating an electrode slurry onto an electrode sheet conveyed in one direction from a coating section; a drying step of operating a fan supplying hot air in a drying section at a preset first rotational speed and drying the electrode slurry coated on the electrode sheet by hot air; and a control step of controlling the operation of the coating section and the drying section, and, upon restarting the coating section after a shutdown, controlling the rotational speed of the fan in the drying section to a second rotational speed lower than the first rotational speed based on a measured internal humidity of the drying section.

[0013] Furthermore, in the electrode manufacturing method, when restarting the coating section after a shutdown, if the measured internal humidity of the drying section is a second internal humidity that is lower than the first internal humidity before the shutdown or a third internal humidity that is lower than the second internal humidity, the control step can control the speed of the fan in the drying section to a second speed at the second internal humidity, and can control the speed of the fan in the drying section to a third speed that is lower than the second speed at the third internal humidity.

[0014] Furthermore, in the electrode manufacturing method, the drying section may include multiple drying chambers through which the electrode sheets pass in sequence, and the control step may control the speed of the fan in each drying chamber to be the same.

[0015] Furthermore, in the electrode manufacturing method, the drying section may also include a heater, and the control step can control the operating conditions of the heater before the coating section is stopped and the operating conditions of the heater when it is restarted to be the same.

[0016] In addition, the electrode manufacturing method may also include a setting step, which divides the internal humidity of the drying section into multiple segments and sets an optimal rotation speed for each segment.

[0017] In addition, the electrode manufacturing method may also include a measurement step, which measures the internal humidity of the drying section when the coating section is restarted after a shutdown, and a control step that can search for a segment corresponding to the measured internal humidity of the drying section and control the speed of the fan in the drying section to the set speed of the searched segment.

[0018] In addition, the electrode manufacturing method may also include: a collection step, which collects information about the weight of the electrode sheet coated with electrode slurry before drying, the weight of the electrode sheet coated with electrode slurry after drying, and the solid content of the electrode slurry coated on the electrode sheet before drying; and an evaluation step, which evaluates the appropriateness of the first rotation speed based on the collected information.

[0019] Furthermore, in the electrode manufacturing method, when the electrode dry rate calculated according to Equations 1 and 2 below is in the range of 80% to 99%, the evaluation step can assess whether the first rotation speed is appropriate:

[0020] [Equation 1]

[0021]

[0022] [Equation 2]

[0023]

[0024] In Equations 1 and 2, M1 is the weight of the electrode sheet coated with electrode paste before drying, M1* is the average weight of the electrode sheet coated with electrode paste before drying, M2 is the weight of the electrode sheet coated with electrode paste after drying, M2* is the weight of the electrode sheet coated with over-dried electrode paste after drying, and M3 is the solid content of the electrode paste coated on the electrode sheet before drying.

[0025] According to another example of the present invention, an electrode manufacturing apparatus is provided, comprising: a coating section for coating an electrode slurry onto an electrode sheet conveyed in one direction; a drying section for operating a fan supplying hot air at a preset first rotational speed and drying the electrode slurry coated on the electrode sheet by the hot air; and a control section for controlling the operation of the coating section and the drying section, and, when restarting the coating section after a shutdown, controlling the rotational speed of the fan in the drying section to a second rotational speed lower than the first rotational speed based on the measured internal humidity of the drying section.

[0026] Furthermore, in the electrode manufacturing apparatus, when the coating section is restarted after a shutdown, if the measured internal humidity of the drying section is a second internal humidity that is lower than the first internal humidity before the shutdown or a third internal humidity that is lower than the second internal humidity, the control unit can control the speed of the fan in the drying section to a second speed at the second internal humidity, and can control the speed of the fan in the drying section to a third speed that is lower than the second speed at the third internal humidity.

[0027] In addition, in the electrode manufacturing apparatus, the drying section may include multiple drying chambers through which the electrode sheets pass in sequence, and the control section may control the speed of the fan in each drying chamber to be the same.

[0028] Furthermore, in the electrode manufacturing apparatus, the drying section may also include a heater, and the control section can control the operating conditions of the heater before the coating section is stopped and the operating conditions of the heater when it is restarted to be the same.

[0029] In addition, the electrode manufacturing apparatus may also include a setting unit for dividing the internal humidity of the drying unit into multiple sections and setting an optimal rotation speed for each section.

[0030] In addition, the electrode manufacturing apparatus may also include a measuring unit for measuring the internal humidity of the drying unit when the coating unit is restarted after a shutdown, and a control unit for searching for a segment corresponding to the measured internal humidity of the drying unit and controlling the speed of the fan in the drying unit to the set speed of the searched segment.

[0031] In addition, the electrode manufacturing apparatus may also include: a collection unit for collecting information about the weight of the electrode sheet coated with electrode slurry before drying, the weight of the electrode sheet coated with electrode slurry after drying, and the solid content of the electrode slurry coated on the electrode sheet before drying; and an evaluation unit for evaluating the appropriateness of the first rotation speed based on the collected information.

[0032] Furthermore, in the electrode manufacturing apparatus, when the electrode dry rate calculated according to Equations 1 and 2 below is in the range of 80% to 99%, the evaluation unit can assess that the first rotation speed is appropriate:

[0033] [Equation 1]

[0034]

[0035] [Equation 2]

[0036]

[0037] In Equations 1 and 2, M1 is the weight of the electrode sheet coated with electrode paste before drying, M1* is the average weight of the electrode sheet coated with electrode paste before drying, M2 is the weight of the electrode sheet coated with electrode paste after drying, M2* is the weight of the electrode sheet coated with over-dried electrode paste after drying, and M3 is the solid content of the electrode paste coated on the electrode sheet before drying.

[0038] [Beneficial Effects]

[0039] As described above, the electrode manufacturing apparatus and electrode manufacturing method associated with an example of the present invention have the following effects.

[0040] When restarting the coating section after a shutdown, the speed of the fan in the drying section is adjusted to a lower speed than before the shutdown, based on the measured internal humidity of the drying section, which can effectively prevent over-drying. Attached Figure Description

[0041] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to an example of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 2 This is a detailed diagram of an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to an example of the present invention.

[0043] Figures 3 to 6 This is used to explain the shutdown and restart states of the coating and drying sections in an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to an example of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0044] In the following, an electrode manufacturing apparatus and electrode manufacturing method according to an example of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] Furthermore, regardless of the reference numerals used, identical or corresponding parts are indicated by the same or similar reference numerals, and their repeated descriptions will be omitted. In order to facilitate interpretation, the size and shape of each component shown may be enlarged or reduced.

[0046] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to an example of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a detailed diagram of an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to an example of the present invention.

[0047] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The electrode manufacturing apparatus 1 includes a coating section 100, a drying section 200, and a control section 300.

[0048] The coating unit 100 is arranged to coat the electrode paste 20 onto the electrode sheet 10 being conveyed. Specifically, the coating unit 100 coats the electrode paste 20 onto the electrode sheet 10 being conveyed in one direction. In addition, the coating unit 100 may include one or more coating machines (e.g., slot die coating machines) and may be arranged to coat (or apply) the electrode paste 20 on one or both sides of the electrode sheet 10.

[0049] Electrode sheet 10 can be either a negative electrode or a positive electrode. Electrode paste 20 can contain electrode active materials and solvents, and may also contain additives, such as conductive materials or binders. As an example, when electrode sheet 10 is a negative electrode, electrode paste 20 can contain negative electrode active materials, and when electrode sheet 10 is a positive electrode, electrode paste 20 can contain positive electrode active materials. The composition of the active materials is not particularly limited, and various known components can be used without restriction.

[0050] The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention may include a conveying section 400 for conveying electrode sheets 10 in one direction. The conveying section 400 is not particularly limited to any device capable of conveying electrode sheets, and may use conveyor belts, conveyor rollers, etc. As an example, the conveying section 400 may be arranged to convey electrode sheets in a roll-to-roll manner via multiple conveyor rollers. The electrode sheets 10 may have a predetermined length and may be sequentially conveyed from the coating section 100 to the drying section 200 while they are positioned on the conveying section 400.

[0051] The drying unit 200 is arranged to dry the electrode paste 20 coated on the electrode sheet 10. The drying unit 200 may include a fan 210 with adjustable rotation speed (rpm) and a humidity sensor 230. The drying unit 200 operates the fan 210, which supplies hot air, at a preset first rotation speed, thereby drying the electrode paste 20 coated on the electrode sheet 10 with hot air. The degree of drying of the electrode can be determined based on the rotation speed of the fan 210. As the rotation speed of the fan 210 increases, the drying rate of the electrode can increase.

[0052] Here, the term "preset first rotation speed" can refer to the rotation speed at which the internal humidity of the drying unit 200 converges to a constant value or range to achieve the desired drying rate when the coating unit 100 operates continuously for a predetermined time without stopping (hereinafter also referred to as "normal operating state"). In other words, by setting the fan speed to the first rotation speed, drying conditions within the drying apparatus can be established under normal operating conditions.

[0053] For example, the first rotation speed can be determined by considering the expected drying rate of the final product in the section where the internal humidity of the drying section 200 converges to (or remains) a constant value.

[0054] More specifically, when the rotation speed for achieving a target drying rate of 80% is A (rpm) in the section where the internal humidity of the drying section 200 converges to a constant value, the rotation speed for achieving a target drying rate of more than 80% can be set to be higher than A (rpm), and the rotation speed for achieving a target drying rate of less than 80% can be set to be lower than A (rpm).

[0055] When the coating section 100 and the drying section 200 are operating normally, and the fan 210 is operating at a first speed, a final product with the desired drying rate (a completely dried electrode sheet) can be obtained.

[0056] Meanwhile, when the coating section 100 is restarted after a shutdown, the internal humidity of the drying section 200 can vary depending on the humidity of the hot air or the amount (or length) of coating on the electrode sheet before the shutdown. The hot air is heated external air, and its humidity can vary depending on the humidity of the external air.

[0057] Furthermore, the coating length refers to the length of the electrode paste 20 coated on the electrode sheet 10 along the conveying direction. The coating length is related to the solvent evaporation volume of the electrode paste 20, and the longer the coating length formed by the coating before shutdown, the greater the amount of electrode paste 20, which allows the solvent evaporation volume to increase, and if the evaporation volume increases, the internal humidity of the drying section 200 can increase relatively.

[0058] For example, even if the coating section 100 stops, the electrode sheet 10 can continue to be conveyed through the transfer section 400. Therefore, during the downtime of the coating section 100, the electrode sheet 10, which is no longer coated with electrode paste 20, can be conveyed to the drying section 200.

[0059] During the shutdown of the coating section 100, as the electrode sheet 10 moves to the drying section 200 while the electrode sheet 10 remains uncoated, the volume of solvent evaporation in the drying section 200 no longer increases, thereby the internal humidity of the drying section 200 tends to gradually decrease.

[0060] However, the degree of humidity reduction inside the drying section 200 can vary depending on the amount of coating applied immediately before the coating section 100 is shut down. For example, the greater the amount of coating applied immediately before the coating section 100 is shut down, the less the humidity inside the drying section 200 can decrease during the shutdown of the coating section 100; conversely, the smaller the amount of coating applied immediately before the shutdown of the coating section 100, the faster the humidity inside the drying section 200 decreases during the shutdown of the coating section 100. This is because a larger coating amount results in a larger volume of solvent evaporation.

[0061] The internal humidity variation of the drying section 200 will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, depending on the amount (or length) of the electrode paste 20 applied.

[0062] Figures 3 to 6 This is used to explain the shutdown and restart status of the coating and drying sections of an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to an example of the present invention.

[0063] Figures 3 to 6 The diagrams illustrate different states where the downtime is the same and a restart is performed, with the following example showing a drying section 200 having five drying chambers 201, 202, 203, 204, and 205.

[0064] Figure 3 This shows the state where the coating length (length along the conveying direction of the electrode sheet) has advanced by L1 before the coating unit 100 stops. Figure 4 The coating section 100 is shown in Figure 3 In the state shown, when the predetermined time is stopped, the electrode sheet passes through the drying section 200 using the conveyor unit.

[0065] also, Figure 5This shows the state where the coating length has advanced by L2 before the coating unit 100 stops. Figure 6 Shown in Figure 5 The state shown is in a stopped state for a predetermined time, and the electrode sheet passes through the drying section 200 using the conveyor.

[0066] Figures 3 to 6 The downtime for the coating section is the same. Figure 3 The coating length L1 shown is indicated as longer than Figure 5 The coating length L2 is shown. Furthermore, the longer the coating length on the electrode sheet 10 before the coating section 100 stops, the greater the coating amount can be, and the greater the coating amount, the greater the evaporation volume of the solvent in the slurry within the drying section 200 can be.

[0067] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 6 During the shutdown of the coating section 100, the electrode sheet 10 can continue to move in a state where it is not coated with electrode paste 20. During the shutdown of the coating section 100, the length by which the electrode sheet 10 without electrode paste 20 is moved to the drying section 200 can be L3. As the shutdown time of the coating section 100 increases, the length by which the electrode sheet 10 without electrode paste 20 is moved to the drying section 200 can increase.

[0068] because Figures 3 to 6 The downtime of the coating section 100 shown is the same, and the length of the electrode sheet 10 without electrode paste 20 is in Figures 3 to 6 Similarly, it is represented as L3.

[0069] Reference Figures 3 to 6 Even if the electrode manufacturing apparatus has the same downtime, the coating length of the coating section 100 immediately preceding the shutdown of the coating section 100 may differ. When the coating lengths of the coating sections 100 differ from one another, the internal humidity of the drying section 200 may vary even if the downtime of the coating sections 100 is the same. For example, a coating section with a relatively long coating length... Figure 4 The internal humidity of the drying section 200 shown can be higher than [the specified value]. Figure 6 The internal humidity of the drying section 200 shown.

[0070] As described above, since the coating length can affect the internal humidity of the drying section 200, it is preferable to further consider the coating length before shutdown in order to prevent the electrodes from drying out excessively.

[0071] The control unit 300 is arranged to control the operation of the coating unit 100 and the drying unit 200. When the coating unit 100 is restarted after a shutdown, the control unit 300 controls the speed of the fan 210 in the drying unit 200 to a second speed lower than the first speed, based on the internal humidity of the drying unit 200 measured by the humidity sensor. In this invention, the internal humidity can be absolute humidity (g / m³). 3 Furthermore, the control unit 300 can also control the operation of the conveyor unit 400. If the downtime of the coating unit 100 continues for more than a predetermined period, the control unit 300 can stop the operation of the conveyor unit 400.

[0072] As described above, when the coating section 100 is operating normally, the first rotation speed is established in the section where the internal humidity of the drying section 200 is constant and convergent. Therefore, if the first rotation speed is maintained when the coating section 100 stops and then restarts, the electrode may be over-dried if the internal humidity of the drying section 200 is relatively reduced.

[0073] Based on the internal humidity of the drying section 200 at the time when the coating section 100 is restarted, the present invention adjusts the speed of the fan 210 of the drying section 200 to a second speed lower than the first speed, thus having the advantage of preventing the electrode from drying out excessively regardless of the humidity of the hot air or the amount of coating.

[0074] In one example, when restarting the coating unit 100 after a shutdown, if the measured internal humidity of the drying unit 200 is a second internal humidity lower than the first internal humidity before shutdown or a third internal humidity lower than the second internal humidity, the control unit 300 can control the speed of the fan 210 in the drying unit 200 to a second speed at the second internal humidity, and can control the speed of the fan in the drying unit 200 to a third speed lower than the second speed at the third internal humidity. As described above, when restarting the coating unit 100 after a shutdown, the control unit 300 can prevent the electrode from over-drying by reducing the fan speed as the internal humidity of the drying unit 200 decreases.

[0075] In a specific example, the drying unit 200 may include a plurality of drying chambers 201, 202, 203, 204, 200n through which the electrode sheet passes in sequence, and the control unit 300 may control the rotational speed of the fan 210 in each drying chamber to be the same. For example, the number of the plurality of drying chambers 201, 202, 203, 204, 200n may be 10 or more, but is not limited thereto. The plurality of drying chambers 201, 202, 203, 204, 200n may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other along the conveying direction of the electrode sheet 10. For example, the electrode sheet 10 coated with electrode slurry 20 may begin drying when it passes through the first drying chamber 201 and achieve the final target drying rate when it passes through the last drying chamber 200n.

[0076] In another example, the drying unit 200 may further include a heater 220 for heating the electrode sheet 10. As an example, each drying chamber may include a fan and a heater. The control unit 300 can control the operating conditions of the heater 220 before the coating unit 100 is stopped and the operating conditions of the heater 220 upon restarting to be the same. As an example, the control unit 300 can control the operating conditions of the heaters in each drying chamber to be the same. The drying unit 200 can adjust the drying rate of the electrode sheet 10 by adjusting the speed of the fan 210 or the temperature (or output) of the heater 220; however, compared to temperature adjustment of the heater 220, speed adjustment of the fan 210 can be reflected in the drying rate of the electrode relatively quickly.

[0077] The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention can exhibit high responsiveness to electrode drying rate by adjusting only the speed of the fan 210 before and after the coating section 100 is stopped, while maintaining the same operating conditions of the heater 220.

[0078] In one example, the electrode manufacturing apparatus according to the invention may include a setting unit that divides the internal humidity measured in the drying unit 200 into multiple sections and sets an optimal rotation speed for each section.

[0079] The optimal rotation speed set by the setting unit can be the rotation speed that produces a final product that meets the target dryness rate without causing the electrode to become over-dry.

[0080] For example, the setting unit can divide the internal humidity of the drying unit 200 into 7.5 g / m³. 3 The internal humidity of the first section, drying section 200, is 7.5 g / m². 3 Up to 15g / m 3 The humidity in the second section and inside the drying section 200 is 15 g / m². 3 The third section above, and the optimal speed is set from the first to the third section. Since the internal humidity increases as it moves to the first, second, and third sections, the speed to be set can increase as it moves to the first, second, and third sections.

[0081] In a specific example, the drying unit 200 may include a measuring unit that measures the internal humidity of the drying unit 200 when the coating unit 100 is restarted after a shutdown. The control unit 300 may search for a segment corresponding to the measured internal humidity of the drying unit 200 and control the speed of the fan 210 in the drying unit 200 to a set speed for the searched segment. The measuring unit may be a humidity sensor. For example, the measured internal humidity of the drying unit 200 when the coating unit 100 is restarted after a shutdown may be 10 g / m³. 3At that time, the control unit 300 can control the speed of the fan 210 in the drying unit 200 to the speed set in the second section as described above.

[0082] In one example, the electrode manufacturing apparatus according to the invention may include a collecting unit 400 and an evaluation unit 500. The collecting unit 400 collects information regarding the weight of the electrode sheet 10 coated with electrode paste 20 before drying, the weight of the electrode sheet 10 coated with electrode paste 20 after drying, and the solid content of the electrode paste 20 coated on the electrode sheet 10 before drying. The evaluation unit 500 evaluates the appropriateness of the first rotation speed based on the collected information. The weight can be measured using a web gauge.

[0083] Here, the heavier the electrode sheet 10 coated with electrode paste 20 after drying, the less drying is required; conversely, the lighter the electrode sheet 10 coated with electrode paste 20 after drying, the more over-drying occurs. This is because less drying results in a greater amount of unevaporated solvent remaining in the electrode paste 20.

[0084] Specifically, when the dry rate of the electrode (E) calculated according to Equations 1 and 2 below is in the range of 80% to 99%, the evaluation unit 500 can evaluate the first rotation speed as appropriate. The dry rate can be, for example, 81% to 98%, 81% to 97%, 81% to 96%, 81% to 95%, 81% to 94%, 81% to 93%, 81% to 92%, 82% to 98%, 82% to 97%, 82% to 96%, 82% to 95%, 82% to 94%, 82% to 93%, or 82% to 92%. The dry rate can vary within this range according to product specifications, and the fact that the dry rate is met at both the first and second rotation speeds means that by effectively reflecting the internal humidity of the drying unit 200, the electrode drying does not have problems such as over-drying or under-drying.

[0085] [Equation 1]

[0086]

[0087] [Equation 2]

[0088]

[0089] In Equations 1 and 2 above, M1 is the weight of the electrode sheet 10 coated with electrode paste 20 before drying, M1* is the average weight of the electrode sheet 10 coated with electrode paste 20 before drying, M2 is the weight of the electrode sheet 10 coated with electrode paste 20 after drying, M2* is the weight of the electrode sheet 10 coated with over-dried electrode paste 20 after drying, and M3 is the solid content of the electrode paste 20 coated on the electrode sheet 10 before drying. More specifically, M1* can be calculated by averaging the weights of multiple electrode sheets 10 coated with electrode paste 20 before drying.

[0090] Meanwhile, conventionally, the weight of the electrode sheet 10 coated with electrode paste 20 after drying is measured using a roll-to-roll measuring instrument, thereby assessing the drying rate as undried, normally dried, or over-dried. For example, existing methods determine that the greater the weight of the electrode sheet 10 coated with electrode paste 20 after drying, the greater the amount of solvent, and therefore assess it as undried. However, the error of this existing method is that it is unclear whether an undried electrode is not sufficiently dried or whether the electrode sheet 10 coated with electrode paste 20 before drying was too heavy.

[0091] Conversely, as described above, the evaluation unit 500 according to the present invention determines the drying rate by taking into account the weight before and after drying and the weight of the solid content, thereby preventing errors that occur in existing measurement methods, and thus the evaluation can have excellent reliability.

[0092] The present invention also relates to an electrode manufacturing method. This method uses the electrode manufacturing apparatus described above. Therefore, detailed descriptions that are repeated below will be omitted.

[0093] Specifically, the electrode manufacturing method includes: a coating step, in which electrode paste 20 is coated from coating section 100 onto electrode sheet 10 conveyed in one direction; a drying step, in which a fan supplying hot air in drying section 200 is operated at a preset first speed, and the electrode paste 20 coated on electrode sheet 10 is dried by hot air; and a control step, in which the operation of coating section 100 and drying section 200 is controlled, and when coating section 100 is restarted after shutdown, the speed of fan 210 in drying section 200 is controlled to a second speed lower than the first speed based on the measured internal humidity of drying section 200.

[0094] In one example, when the coating section 100 is restarted after a shutdown, if the measured internal humidity of the drying section 200 is a second internal humidity that is lower than the first internal humidity before the shutdown or a third internal humidity that is lower than the second internal humidity, the control step may control the speed of the fan in the drying section to a second speed at the second internal humidity, and control the speed of the fan in the drying section to a third speed that is lower than the second speed at the third internal humidity.

[0095] In addition, the drying section 200 may include a plurality of drying chambers 201, 202, 203, 204, 200n through which the electrode sheets pass in sequence, and the control steps may control the speed of the fan 210 in each drying chamber to the same speed.

[0096] In another example, the drying section 200 may also include a heater 220, and the control steps may control the operating conditions of the heater 220 before the coating section 100 is stopped and the operating conditions of the heater 220 when it is restarted to be the same.

[0097] For example, the electrode manufacturing method according to the present invention may include a setting step, which divides the internal humidity of the drying section 200 into multiple sections and sets an optimal rotation speed for each section.

[0098] Furthermore, the electrode manufacturing method according to the present invention may include a measurement step, which measures the internal humidity of the drying section 200 when the coating section 100 is restarted after a shutdown, and a control step that can search for a segment corresponding to the measured internal humidity of the drying section 200, and control the rotation speed of the fan 210 in the drying section 200 to a set rotation speed of the searched segment.

[0099] Furthermore, the electrode manufacturing method according to this application may include a collection step and an evaluation step. The collection step collects information about the weight of the electrode sheet 10 coated with electrode paste 20 before drying, the weight of the electrode sheet 10 coated with electrode paste 20 after drying, and the solid content of the electrode paste 20 coated on the electrode sheet 10 before drying. The evaluation step evaluates the appropriateness of the first rotation speed based on the collected information.

[0100] In a specific example, when the electrode dry rate calculated according to Equations 1 and 2 below is in the range of 80% to 99%, the evaluation step can assess the first rotation speed as appropriate.

[0101] [Equation 1]

[0102]

[0103] [Equation 2]

[0104]

[0105] In Equations 1 and 2 above, M1 is the weight of the electrode sheet 10 coated with electrode paste 20 before drying, M1* is the average weight of the electrode sheet 10 coated with electrode paste 20 before drying, M2 is the weight of the electrode sheet 10 coated with electrode paste 20 after drying, M2* is the weight of the electrode sheet 10 coated with over-dried electrode paste 20 after drying, and M3 is the solid content of the electrode paste 20 coated on the electrode sheet 10 before drying.

[0106] Preferred examples of the invention as described above have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, and those skilled in the art with ordinary knowledge of the invention will be able to make various modifications, alterations and additions within the spirit and scope of the invention, and such modifications, alterations and additions should be considered to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0107] [Industrial Applications]

[0108] According to an example of the present invention, an electrode manufacturing apparatus and an electrode manufacturing method can be used to effectively prevent excessive drying when restarting the coating section after a shutdown.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing an electrode, comprising: In the coating step, electrode paste is applied from the coating section onto the electrode sheet that is conveyed in one direction; In the drying step, the fan supplying hot air in the drying section is operated at a preset first speed, and the electrode paste coated on the electrode sheet is dried by the hot air. and The control step controls the operation of the coating section and the drying section, and when restarting the coating section after a shutdown, the fan speed in the drying section is controlled to a second speed lower than the first speed based on the measured internal humidity of the drying section.

2. The electrode manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein, When the coating section is restarted after a shutdown, if the measured internal humidity of the drying section is a second internal humidity that is lower than the first internal humidity before the shutdown, or a third internal humidity that is lower than the second internal humidity, The control steps involve controlling the fan speed in the drying section to the second speed under the second internal humidity, and controlling the fan speed in the drying section to a third speed lower than the second speed under the third internal humidity.

3. The electrode manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein, The drying section includes multiple drying chambers through which the electrode plates pass in sequence. The control steps control the fan speed in each drying chamber to the same speed.

4. The electrode manufacturing method according to claim 1, wherein, The drying section also includes a heater. The control steps ensure that the operating conditions of the heater before the coating unit is stopped and the operating conditions of the heater when it is restarted are the same.

5. The electrode manufacturing method according to claim 1, further comprising: The setting steps divide the internal humidity of the drying section into multiple segments, and set an optimal rotation speed for each segment; and The measurement procedure involves measuring the internal humidity of the drying section when restarting the coating section after a shutdown. The control step involves searching for a segment that corresponds to the measured internal humidity of the drying unit, and controlling the speed of the fan in the drying unit to the set speed of the searched segment.

6. The electrode manufacturing method according to claim 1, further comprising: The collection step involves collecting information about the weight of the electrode sheet coated with the electrode paste before drying, the weight of the electrode sheet coated with the electrode paste after drying, and the solid content of the electrode paste coated on the electrode sheet before drying. and The evaluation step assesses the appropriateness of the first rotational speed based on the collected information.

7. The electrode manufacturing method according to claim 6, wherein, When the electrode dry rate calculated according to Equations 1 and 2 below is in the range of 80% to 99%, the evaluation step assesses the first rotational speed as appropriate: [Equation 1] [Equation 2] Wherein, M1 is the weight of the electrode sheet coated with the electrode paste before drying, M1* is the average weight of the electrode sheet coated with the electrode paste before drying, M2 is the weight of the electrode sheet coated with the electrode paste after drying, M2* is the weight of the electrode sheet coated with over-dried electrode paste after drying, and M3 is the solid content of the electrode paste coated on the electrode sheet before drying.

8. An electrode manufacturing apparatus, comprising: A coating section for coating electrode paste onto an electrode sheet that is conveyed in one direction; A drying section is used to operate a fan that supplies hot air at a preset first speed, and to dry the electrode paste coated on the electrode sheet by the hot air; and The control unit controls the operation of the coating unit and the drying unit, and when restarting the coating unit after a shutdown, controls the speed of the fan in the drying unit to a second speed lower than the first speed based on the measured internal humidity of the drying unit.

9. The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, When the coating section is restarted after a shutdown, if the measured internal humidity of the drying section is a second internal humidity that is lower than the first internal humidity before the shutdown, or a third internal humidity that is lower than the second internal humidity, The control unit controls the speed of the fan in the drying section to the second speed under the second internal humidity, and controls the speed of the fan in the drying section to a third speed lower than the second speed under the third internal humidity.

10. The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, The drying section includes multiple drying chambers through which the electrode plates pass in sequence. The control unit controls the fan speed in each drying chamber to be the same.

11. The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein, The drying section also includes a heater. The control unit controls the operating conditions of the heater before the coating unit is stopped and the operating conditions of the heater when it is restarted to be the same.

12. The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 8 further includes a setting unit for dividing the internal humidity of the drying unit into multiple sections and setting an optimal rotation speed for each section.

13. The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising a measuring unit for measuring the internal humidity of the drying unit when restarting the coating unit after a shutdown. in, The control unit searches for a segment that corresponds to the measured internal humidity of the drying unit, and controls the speed of the fan in the drying unit to the set speed of the searched segment.

14. The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising: The collection unit is used to collect information about the weight of the electrode sheet coated with the electrode paste before drying, the weight of the electrode sheet coated with the electrode paste after drying, and the solid content of the electrode paste coated on the electrode sheet before drying. and An evaluation department is used to evaluate the appropriateness of the first rotational speed based on the collected information.

15. The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein, When the electrode dry rate calculated according to Equations 1 and 2 below is in the range of 80% to 99%, the evaluation unit assesses the first rotation speed as appropriate: [Equation 1] [Equation 2] Wherein, M1 is the weight of the electrode sheet coated with the electrode paste before drying, M1* is the average weight of the electrode sheet coated with the electrode paste before drying, M2 is the weight of the electrode sheet coated with the electrode paste after drying, M2* is the weight of the electrode sheet coated with over-dried electrode paste after drying, and M3 is the solid content of the electrode paste coated on the electrode sheet before drying.

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