Electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus and method

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus, and an electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to one aspect of the present disclosure can include an electrode sheet supply unit for supplying an electrode sheet including a current collector in the form of a foil, an adhesive layer disposed on one surface of the current collector, and an electrode layer formed on an outer surface of the adhesive layer, an infrared sensor for obtaining information about infrared rays emitted by the electrode sheet, and a processor for determining whether the electrode sheet is defective based on the information about the infrared rays, wherein the processor can calculate information about a position of at least one of an electrode region in which the electrode layer is formed on the one surface of the current collector and an adhesive region in which the adhesive layer is formed based on the information about the infrared rays, and can determine whether the electrode sheet is defective based on the information about the position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0050197 filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on April 15, 2024, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0183605 filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on December 11, 2024, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0004] This disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for manufacturing an electrode sheet, and more specifically to an apparatus and method for manufacturing an electrode sheet capable of charging and discharging electrical energy. Background Technology

[0005] Secondary batteries have been used in small applications such as mobile devices or laptops, but in recent years, research has expanded to medium and large applications and they are widely used in applications requiring high voltage and large capacity, such as energy storage systems (ESS) or electric vehicles (EVs).

[0006] Secondary batteries can be manufactured by housing electrode components and an electrolyte within a casing. Here, the electrode components can be formed by cutting and stacking or winding electrode sheets in a predetermined manner. The electrode sheets can be formed by applying an electrode active material onto a foil-shaped current collector. In recent years, to improve the coupling force between the current collector and the electrode active material, products and manufacturing processes for applying the electrode active material onto a current collector coated with an adhesive layer have been developed.

[0007] In this case, the electrode active material is preferably applied to the region on the current collector where the adhesive layer is formed. This is because if the electrode active material is applied to a region where no adhesive layer is formed, the coupling force between the electrode active material and the current collector is insufficient, and they may therefore detach from each other during charging and discharging. This detachment significantly increases the resistance of the electrode assembly.

[0008] To prevent this defect, it is necessary to perform a process to determine whether the electrode active material is correctly applied to the area on the current collector where the adhesive layer is applied. Traditionally, to determine whether the electrode active material is correctly applied to the current collector, a visual sensor is used or the operator directly observes the electrode sheet with the naked eye.

[0009] However, when the electrode active material and adhesive layer are similar in color, it is difficult to determine whether the electrode sheet is good or defective using only visual sensors or the operator's eyesight, as is the case in existing technologies. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a manufacturing apparatus and method that can produce electrode sheets of good quality, regardless of the color of the electrode active material and adhesive layer. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Technical issues

[0011] This disclosure is designed to solve the above-mentioned problems, and therefore, this disclosure aims to provide an electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus and method capable of producing high-quality electrode sheets in which electrode active material is correctly applied to the area where an adhesive layer is formed.

[0012] The technical problems to be solved by this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other problems not mentioned herein can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art based on the following description of this disclosure.

[0013] Technical solution

[0014] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus is disclosed, comprising: an electrode sheet supply unit including a foil-shaped current collector, an adhesive layer disposed on one surface of the current collector, and an electrode layer formed on the outer surface of the adhesive layer; an infrared sensor for acquiring information about infrared radiation emitted by the electrode sheet; and a processor for determining whether the electrode sheet is defective based on the information about the infrared radiation, wherein the processor calculates information about the position of at least one of an electrode region on one surface of the current collector where the electrode layer is formed and an adhesive region on which the adhesive layer is formed, based on the information about the infrared radiation, and determines whether the electrode sheet is defective based on the information about the position.

[0015] At this point, the adhesive layer and the electrode layer can have the same color.

[0016] At this point, the electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus may also include a heater for applying heat to the electrode sheet, wherein an infrared sensor can obtain information about infrared radiation emitted by the adhesive layer and electrode layer heated by the heater.

[0017] At this point, the heater and infrared sensor can be arranged side by side along the conveying direction of the electrode sheet.

[0018] At this point, the heater and infrared sensor can be arranged side by side along a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the electrode sheet.

[0019] At this point, the heater and the infrared sensor can be spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the electrode sheets, with the electrode sheets inserted between them.

[0020] At this point, the electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus may also include a drying unit for drying the electrode sheet.

[0021] At this time, the infrared sensor can obtain information about infrared radiation at the front end of the drying unit in the direction of electrode sheet conveying.

[0022] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a method for manufacturing an electrode sheet is provided, comprising: providing an electrode sheet including a foil-shaped current collector, an adhesive layer disposed on one surface of the current collector, and an electrode layer formed on the outer surface of the adhesive layer; obtaining information about infrared radiation emitted by the electrode sheet; calculating, based on the information about the infrared radiation, information about the position of at least one of an electrode region on one surface of the current collector where the electrode layer is formed and an adhesive region on which the adhesive layer is formed; and determining, based on the information about the position, whether the electrode sheet has defects.

[0023] At this point, the adhesive layer and the electrode layer can have the same color.

[0024] At this point, the electrode sheet manufacturing method may further include a heating step of applying heat to the electrode sheet, wherein, in the step of obtaining information about infrared radiation, information about infrared radiation emitted by the electrode sheet heated in the heating step may be obtained.

[0025] At this point, the electrode sheet manufacturing method may also include a drying step for drying the electrode sheet, wherein the step of obtaining information about infrared radiation may be performed before the drying step.

[0026] At this point, the steps for calculating location information may include: identifying the edge of the current collector; and identifying the edge of the electrode region.

[0027] At this time, the step of providing the electrode sheet may include: providing an adhesive sheet including a current collector and an adhesive layer; and forming an electrode layer by applying an electrode active material to the outer surface of the adhesive layer, wherein the step of calculating the position information may further include calculating a first measurement interval, the first measurement interval being the interval between the edge of the current collector and the edge of the electrode region.

[0028] At this point, the electrode sheet manufacturing method may further include: a step of adjusting the position of the electrode layer formed on the adhesive sheet based on information about the position, wherein the step of adjusting the position of the electrode layer may include: a step of comparing a first measurement interval with a first reference interval; a step of moving the position of the electrode layer formed toward one side of the adhesive sheet in the width direction if the first measurement interval is greater than the first reference interval; and a step of moving the position of the electrode layer formed toward the other side of the adhesive sheet in the width direction if the first measurement interval is less than the first reference interval.

[0029] At this point, the step of calculating the location information may also include the step of identifying the edges of the adhesive area.

[0030] At this point, the step of determining whether the electrode sheet is defective may include determining that the electrode sheet is defective if the edge of the adhesive area is not identified.

[0031] At this point, the step of calculating the position information may further include the step of calculating a second measurement interval, which is the interval between the edge of the adhesive region and the edge of the electrode region.

[0032] At this point, the electrode sheet manufacturing method may further include: a step of adjusting the position of the electrode layer formed on the adhesive sheet based on information about the position, wherein the step of adjusting the position of the electrode layer may include: a step of comparing a second measurement interval with a second reference interval; a step of moving the position of the electrode layer formed toward one side of the adhesive sheet in the width direction if the second measurement interval is greater than the second reference interval; and a step of moving the position of the electrode layer formed toward the other side of the adhesive sheet in the width direction if the second measurement interval is less than the second reference interval.

[0033] At this point, the step of determining whether the electrode sheet is defective may include: if the edge of the adhesive area is identified, comparing the second measurement interval with the critical interval; and if the second measurement interval is greater than the critical interval, determining that the electrode sheet is defective.

[0034] Beneficial effects

[0035] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an infrared sensor acquires information about infrared radiation emitted from the electrode sheet, and a processor is configured to calculate information about the region on the current collector where the electrode layer is formed based on the information about the infrared radiation, to determine whether the electrode sheet is good or defective. Therefore, even in cases where it is difficult to distinguish between the region on the current collector where the electrode layer is formed and the region where the adhesive layer is formed, it is possible to accurately determine whether the electrode sheet is good or defective. Thus, a high-quality electrode sheet in which the electrode active material is correctly applied to the region where the adhesive layer is formed can be manufactured.

[0036] The effects to be achieved by this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other effects not described herein can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art based on this specification and the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic view illustrating the manufacturing of an electrode sheet using an electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 2yes Figure 1 An enlarged view of part A. Here, the adhesive sheet is shown in a vertical cross-section.

[0039] Figure 3 It is shown schematically. Figure 2 A plan view of a portion of the adhesive sheet shown.

[0040] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of part B. Here, the electrode sheet is shown in a vertical cross-section.

[0041] Figure 5 It is shown schematically. Figure 4 A plan view of a portion of the electrode sheet shown.

[0042] Figure 6 This is a schematic view illustrating the process of manufacturing an electrode sheet using an electrode layer forming unit, an infrared sensor, and a heater according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 7 This is a schematic view illustrating the process of manufacturing an electrode sheet using an electrode layer forming unit, an infrared sensor, and a heater according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 8 This is a schematic view illustrating the process of manufacturing an electrode sheet using an infrared sensor and a heater according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of an electrode sheet manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 10 Yes Figure 9 The flowchart for steps S40 to S60 is further subdivided.

[0047] Figure 11 This is a plan view schematically illustrating an example of an electrode sheet that has been determined to be a good product by an electrode sheet manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 12 This is a plan view schematically illustrating an example of an electrode sheet that has been determined to be a defective product by an electrode sheet manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 13 This is a plan view schematically illustrating another example of an electrode sheet that has been determined to be a defective product by an electrode sheet manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 14 Yes Figure 9 The flowchart for further subdividing steps S40 and S60. Detailed Implementation

[0051] Preferred embodiments of this disclosure are described in detail to enable those skilled in the art to readily implement this disclosure. However, this disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to or construed as described below.

[0052] For the purpose of clearly describing this disclosure, detailed descriptions of known techniques that are not related to this disclosure or may unnecessarily obscure the main points of this disclosure have been omitted, and when reference numerals are assigned to components in each figure in this specification, the same or similar reference numerals are assigned to the same or similar components throughout the specification.

[0053] Furthermore, the terms or words used in the specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical ideas of this disclosure, based on the principle that the inventors can appropriately define the concepts of the terms in order to best interpret their invention.

[0054] Figure 1 This is a schematic view illustrating the manufacturing of an electrode sheet using an electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An enlarged view of part A. Here, the adhesive sheet is shown in a vertical cross-section. Figure 3 It is shown schematically. Figure 2 A plan view of a portion of the adhesive sheet shown. Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of part B. Here, the electrode sheet is shown in a vertical cross-section. Figure 5 It is shown schematically. Figure 4 A plan view of a portion of the electrode sheet shown.

[0055] exist Figure 1 The present disclosure discloses an electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus (hereinafter referred to as the manufacturing apparatus) 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. Reference Figure 1 According to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the manufacturing apparatus 1 is an apparatus for manufacturing electrode sheet Se using adhesive sheet Sa.

[0056] At this point, the adhesive sheet Sa can be referred to as the primed foil. Depending on the materials of the current collector F and the electrode layer E, which will be described later, the electrode sheet Se can be referred to as the negative electrode sheet or the positive electrode sheet.

[0057] refer to Figures 2 to 5In this disclosure, the adhesive sheet Sa may include a foil-shaped current collector F and an adhesive layer A formed on one surface of the current collector F. The electrode sheet Se may include the adhesive sheet Sa and the electrode layer E.

[0058] In this case, the electrode layer E may be a layer formed on the outer surface of the adhesive layer A included in the adhesive sheet Sa. The electrode layer E may be made of an electrode active material. In the following text, the region on one surface of the current collector F where the adhesive layer A is formed is referred to as the adhesive region, and the region where the electrode layer E is formed is referred to as the electrode region.

[0059] In this disclosure, the current collector F can be a thin metal film made of aluminum (Al) or copper (Cu). However, there are no particular limitations on the material of the current collector F, as long as it allows current to flow through it.

[0060] In this disclosure, adhesive layer A can be formed from at least one of PVDF-based adhesive, acrylic-based adhesive, and PI-based adhesive. However, the material of adhesive layer A is not particularly limited, as long as it can couple the current collector F to the electrode layer E. Adhesive layer A can be referred to as the primer layer.

[0061] In this disclosure, the electrode active material forming the electrode layer E can be lithium cobalt oxide (LCO), lithium manganese oxide (LMO), nickel cobalt manganese (NCM), nickel cobalt aluminum (NCA), lithium iron phosphate (LFP), graphite (C), silicon (Si), etc., but there are no particular restrictions on the type.

[0062] In this disclosure, the electrode sheet Se is shown such that the adhesive layer A and the electrode layer E are disposed on only one surface of the current collector F. However, the adhesive layer A and the electrode layer E may also be disposed on both surfaces of the current collector F.

[0063] Refer again Figure 1 The manufacturing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure may include an adhesive sheet supply unit 10. The adhesive sheet supply unit 10 may be a unit for supplying adhesive sheet Sa to another configuration of the manufacturing apparatus 1 herein.

[0064] As shown in the figure, the adhesive sheet supply unit 10 can consist of an unwinding machine for unwinding the adhesive sheet Sa, which is wound into a cylindrical shape, and a conveyor roller for conveying the unwound adhesive sheet Sa. However, there are no particular limitations on the structure or operation of the adhesive sheet supply unit 10, as long as it can supply the adhesive sheet Sa.

[0065] refer to Figures 1 to 5The manufacturing apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure may include an electrode layer forming unit 20. In this embodiment, the electrode layer forming unit 20 may be a unit for forming an electrode layer E on the outer surface of an adhesive sheet Sa supplied from an adhesive sheet supply unit 10.

[0066] In this embodiment, the electrode layer forming unit 20 can form an electrode layer E on the outer surface of the adhesive layer A in the adhesive sheet Sa. Thus, the electrode layer E can be coupled to the current collector F via the adhesive layer A.

[0067] In this embodiment, the color of the electrode layer E formed by the electrode layer forming unit 20 can be the same as the color of the adhesive layer A of the electrode sheet Sa. It should be understood that "the same color" includes not only two completely identical colors, but also two colors with such minute differences that they cannot be distinguished by the naked eye or visual sensors.

[0068] At this time, the manufacturing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure can be configured to adjust the position of the electrode layer E formed. For this purpose, the manufacturing apparatus 1 may further include a position adjustment unit (not shown) for moving the electrode layer forming unit 20. The position adjustment unit may be configured to move the electrode layer forming unit 20 in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the adhesive sheet Sa.

[0069] This configuration can be used to prevent the electrode layer E and the current collector F from coming into direct contact with each other by ensuring that the electrode layer E is formed within the bonding area of ​​the adhesive sheet Sa rather than in an area outside the bonding area.

[0070] This is because if the electrode layer E is formed in a region of the current collector F other than the bonding region, the coupling force between the electrode layer E and the current collector F is insufficient, and therefore the electrode layer E may detach from the current collector F. This detachment may increase the resistance of the electrode.

[0071] Meanwhile, the adhesive sheet supply unit 10, electrode layer forming unit 20, and position adjustment unit described above in this embodiment can be collectively referred to as the electrode sheet supply unit. Depending on the needs, the electrode sheet supply unit can be configured to supply the formed electrode sheet Se, rather than to form the electrode layer E on the adhesive sheet Sa. For example, the electrode sheet supply unit can be configured to unwind the electrode sheet Se, which is wound into a cylindrical shape.

[0072] Refer again Figure 1 The manufacturing apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure may include a transfer unit 30. The transfer unit 30 may be a unit for transferring an electrode sheet Se formed by the electrode layer forming unit 20 to another configuration to be described later.

[0073] As shown in the figure, the conveying unit 30 can consist of conveying rollers that convey the electrode sheet Se in the rightward direction (positive direction of the X-axis). However, the structure of the conveying unit 30 is not particularly limited, as long as it can convey the electrode sheet Se. Furthermore, the direction in which the electrode sheet Se is conveyed can be appropriately changed as needed.

[0074] refer to Figures 1 to 5 The manufacturing apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of this disclosure may include an infrared sensor 40. The infrared sensor 40 may be a sensor for obtaining information about infrared radiation emitted from the electrode sheet Se. In one example, the information about the infrared radiation may be data about infrared video or images.

[0075] The wavelength of infrared radiation depends on the composition, shape, and temperature of the object emitting the infrared radiation, and is independent of the object's color. In other words, the object emits infrared radiation of a specific wavelength based on its temperature, and this wavelength can be determined according to Wien's displacement law. Furthermore, the infrared sensor 40 can collect information about the infrared radiation and measure the object's temperature according to Wien's law. Here, the shape that does not affect the wavelength of the infrared radiation can include the thickness of the layer. Therefore, by using the information obtained by the infrared sensor 40, regardless of the color or thickness of the adhesive layer A and the electrode layer E, the adhesive area and the electrode area disposed on one surface of the current collector F can be distinguished, and it can be determined whether the electrode sheet Se is good or defective.

[0076] In this embodiment, the infrared sensor 40 can be positioned facing one of the two surfaces of the current collector F, where the adhesive layer A and the electrode layer E are formed. This is to more easily receive infrared light including information about the adhesive region and the electrode region.

[0077] However, if needed, the infrared sensor 40 can be positioned as one of its two surfaces facing the current collector F, opposite to the surface on which the adhesive layer A and the electrode layer E are formed.

[0078] In this embodiment, the infrared sensor 40 can be positioned at the front end of the drying unit 50, which will be described later, when viewed in the transport direction of the electrode sheet Se. This is to receive the infrared radiation emitted by the electrode sheet Se without being affected by the drying unit 50.

[0079] However, if the electrode region and the bonding region can be distinguished by the infrared information emitted by the electrode sheet Se affected by the drying unit 50, the infrared sensor 40 can be positioned at the rear end of the drying unit 50 when viewed in the conveying direction of the electrode sheet Se.

[0080] Refer again Figure 1The manufacturing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure may include a drying unit 50. The drying unit 50 may be a unit for drying the electrode layer E of the electrode sheet Se.

[0081] Therefore, the drying unit 50 can be configured to apply heat to the electrode sheet Se. However, there are no particular limitations on the structure or operation of the drying unit 50, as long as it can dry the electrode layer E.

[0082] Manufacturing apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure may include an electrode sheet recycling unit 60. In this embodiment, the electrode sheet recycling unit 60 may be a unit for recycling and storing the manufactured electrode sheet Se.

[0083] As shown in the figure, the electrode sheet recycling unit 60 can be configured as a winding machine that winds the electrode sheet Se into a cylindrical shape. However, the structure of the electrode sheet recycling unit 60 is not particularly limited, as long as it can recycle the electrode sheet Se and store the electrode sheet Se in a predetermined form.

[0084] Refer again Figures 1 to 5 The manufacturing apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure may include a processor (not shown). In this embodiment, the processor may be configured to determine whether the electrode sheet Se has defects based on information obtained by the infrared sensor 40.

[0085] Therefore, a processor may consist of circuits, a processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a controller, an arithmetic logic unit, an operational logic circuit, a digital signal processing device, a microcomputer, an FPGA, a system-on-a-chip (SoC), a programmable logic unit, a microprocessor, or any device capable of performing the functions described below, but is not limited thereto.

[0086] In this embodiment, the processor can be configured to calculate information about the location of the electrode region on the current collector F based on information about infrared light obtained by the infrared sensor 40, and to determine whether the electrode sheet Se has defects based on the information about the location.

[0087] Furthermore, the processor can be configured to use information about the location to adjust the position of the electrode layer forming unit 20. Thus, the electrode layer E can be formed at a more preferred position on the electrode sheet Se to be manufactured later.

[0088] In this way, the manufacturing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of this disclosure is configured to determine whether the electrode sheet Se is good or defective based on information about infrared radiation. Therefore, even when it is difficult to distinguish between the bonding area and the electrode area, defects in the electrode sheet Se can be accurately determined, and the position of the electrode layer E can be appropriately adjusted. Thus, a high-quality electrode sheet Se in which the electrode area is appropriately formed within the bonding area can be manufactured.

[0089] The specific method by which the processor according to this embodiment uses information about infrared light to determine whether the electrode sheet Se is good or defective and to adjust the position of the electrode layer E to be formed will be described later in conjunction with an electrode sheet manufacturing method according to an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0090] In the following description, a manufacturing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be used with the aid of different accompanying drawings.

[0091] Figure 6 This is a schematic view illustrating the process of manufacturing an electrode sheet using an electrode layer forming unit, an infrared sensor, and a heater according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 This is a schematic view illustrating the process of manufacturing an electrode sheet using an electrode layer forming unit, an infrared sensor, and a heater according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 This is a schematic view illustrating the process of manufacturing an electrode sheet using an infrared sensor and a heater according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0092] Figure 6 A manufacturing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure is disclosed. (See reference...) Figure 6 The manufacturing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a heater 70. In this embodiment, the heater 70 may be configured to apply heat to the electrode sheet Se.

[0093] According to this embodiment, the electrode sheet Se can be heated to a more suitable temperature by the heater 70, enabling the emission of infrared rays that can more easily or clearly distinguish the adhesive area from the electrode area. The operating temperature of the heater 70 can be from 25 degrees to 200 degrees. This operating temperature can be appropriately adjusted according to the distance between the heater 70 and the electrode sheet Se, the area of ​​the heater 70 and the electrode sheet Se, etc.

[0094] In this embodiment, the heater 70 and the infrared sensor 40 can be arranged side-by-side in the direction of conveying the electrode sheet Se (X-axis direction). In the conveying direction of the electrode sheet Se (positive X-axis direction), the heater 70 can be positioned at the front end of the infrared sensor 40. However, if necessary, the heater 70 can be positioned at the rear end of the infrared sensor 40.

[0095] Figure 7 A manufacturing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure is disclosed. (See reference...) Figure 7 According to the third embodiment of the present disclosure, the heater 170 and the infrared sensor 140 of the manufacturing apparatus can be spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the electrode sheet Se (Z-axis direction) with the electrode sheet Se inserted between them.

[0096] At this point, as shown in the figure, the heater 170 can be positioned on one of its two surfaces facing the current collector F, where the adhesive layer and electrode layer are formed, and the infrared sensor 140 can be positioned on the other of its two surfaces facing the current collector F, opposite to the first surface. Thus, the adhesive layer and electrode layer can be heated more directly by the heater 170.

[0097] Of course, the positions of the heater 170 and the infrared sensor 140 can be changed as needed. More specifically, the infrared sensor 140 can be positioned on one of its two surfaces facing the current collector F, where the adhesive layer and the electrode layer are formed, and the heater 170 can be positioned on the other of its two surfaces facing the current collector F, opposite to that surface. Thus, the infrared sensor 140 can more directly receive infrared radiation emitted from the adhesive layer and the electrode layer.

[0098] Figure 8 A manufacturing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is disclosed. (See reference...) Figure 8 According to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, the heater 270 and the infrared sensor 240 of the manufacturing apparatus can be arranged side by side in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction (X-axis direction) of the electrode sheet Se (Y-axis direction).

[0099] In other words, the heater 270 and the infrared sensor 240 can be arranged side by side in the width direction (Y-axis direction) of the electrode sheet Se. Therefore, the manufacturing apparatus described herein can be provided with a more compact structure.

[0100] In the following, a method for manufacturing an electrode sheet according to an embodiment of the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as the manufacturing method) will be described with the aid of different accompanying drawings.

[0101] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of an electrode sheet manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 10 Yes Figure 9 The flowchart is further subdivided into steps S40 and S50. Figure 11 This is a plan view schematically illustrating an example of an electrode sheet that has been determined to be a good product by an electrode sheet manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 12 This is a plan view schematically illustrating an example of an electrode sheet that has been determined to be a defective product by an electrode sheet manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 13 This is a plan view schematically illustrating another example of an electrode sheet that has been determined to be a defective product by an electrode sheet manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 14 Yes Figure 9 The flowchart for further subdividing steps S40 and S60.

[0102] refer to Figure 2 According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a manufacturing method is used to manufacture an electrode sheet Se using an adhesive sheet Sa. In this case, the manufacturing method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can be performed by the manufacturing apparatus described above according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0103] The processor of the manufacturing apparatus according to embodiments of the present disclosure can control the operation of other components to perform at least one of the steps of the manufacturing method described later. However, the manufacturing method herein is not limited to being performed solely by the manufacturing apparatus described above.

[0104] refer to Figures 9 to 11 In a manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an adhesive sheet Sa is provided (S10), and an electrode layer E is formed on the outer surface of the adhesive sheet Sa (S20). Steps S10 and S20 can be collectively referred to as the step of providing the electrode sheet.

[0105] Then, information about infrared radiation emitted from the electrode sheet Se is obtained (S30). At this time, the information about infrared radiation may include data about infrared video or infrared images obtained by photographing the electrode sheet Se.

[0106] refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 In a manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, information about infrared radiation is obtained (S30), and information about the position of at least one of the electrode region A_E and the adhesive region A_A is calculated based on the information obtained in step S30 (hereinafter referred to as infrared information) (S40).

[0107] In this embodiment, the information regarding the location of electrode region A_E may include data about the first measurement interval D1, which will be described later, and the information regarding the location of adhesive region A_A may include data about the second measurement interval D2, which will be described later.

[0108] refer to Figure 10 and Figure 11 In step S40 of the manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, infrared information is used to identify the edge L_F of the current collector F (S41), the edge L_E of the electrode region A_E is identified (S42), and a first measurement interval D1 is calculated (S43), which is the interval between the edge L_F of the current collector F and the edge L_E of the electrode region A_E. The order of steps S41 and S42 is not particularly limited.

[0109] At this time, the edge L_F of the current collector F identified in step S41 according to this embodiment can be an edge disposed on either side of the edge disposed on both sides of the electrode sheet Se in the width direction (Y-axis direction).

[0110] Furthermore, the edge L_E of the electrode region A_E identified in step S42 may be the edge that is closer to the edge L_F of the current collector F identified in step S41, which is located on both sides of the electrode sheet Se in the width direction (Y-axis direction).

[0111] In this embodiment, the first measurement interval D1 can be the interval between edges measured at a specific point along the length direction (X-axis direction) of the electrode sheet Se. Alternatively, the first measurement interval D1 can be the average of the intervals between edges measured at a segment along the length direction (X-axis direction) of the electrode sheet Se. The first measurement interval D1 can be appropriately defined as needed.

[0112] In step S40 of the manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the edge L_A of the adhesive region A_A is identified (S44), and if the edge L_A of the adhesive region A_A can be identified, a second measurement interval D2 is calculated (S45), the second measurement interval D2 being the interval between the edge L_A of the adhesive region A_A and the edge L_E of the electrode region A_E. At this time, the order of steps S41 to S44 is not particularly limited.

[0113] In this embodiment, the edge L_A of the adhesive region A_A identified in step S44 may be the edge of the electrode sheet Se located closer to the edge L_F of the current collector F identified in step S41, which is located on both sides of the electrode sheet Se in the width direction (Y-axis direction).

[0114] In this embodiment, the second measurement interval D2 can be the interval between edges measured at a specific point along the length direction (X-axis direction) of the electrode sheet Se. Alternatively, the second measurement interval D2 can be the average of the intervals between edges measured within a segment along the length direction (X-axis direction) of the electrode sheet Se. The second measurement interval D2 can be appropriately defined as needed.

[0115] refer to Figures 9 to 13 In a manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, positional information about the electrode region A_E or the adhesive region A_A is calculated based on infrared information (S40), and the positional information is used to determine whether the manufactured electrode sheet Se has defects (S50).

[0116] In step S50 of the manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, if the edge L_A of the adhesive region A_A is identified in step S44, the second measurement interval D2 calculated in step S45 is compared with the critical interval (S51), and if the second measurement interval D2 is less than the critical interval, the electrode sheet Se is determined to be good (S52), and if the second measurement interval D2 is greater than the critical interval, the electrode sheet Se is determined to be defective (S53).

[0117] In this embodiment, the critical interval can be an interval used as a reference for determining whether the electrode region A_E is formed within the adhesive region A_A. In one example, the critical interval can be the difference between the width and length of the adhesive region A_A and the width and length of the electrode region A_E.

[0118] Here, the width and length can be based on Figure 11 The length measured in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction). The critical interval can be a pre-input data value, or it can be directly measured based on the infrared information obtained in step S30.

[0119] Meanwhile, in step S50 of the manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, if the edge L_A of the adhesive region A_A is not identified in step S44, the electrode sheet Se is determined to be defective (S53).

[0120] In the following, step S50 of a manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail together with an example of manufacturing electrode sheet Se.

[0121] like Figure 11 As shown, if the second measurement interval D2 is less than the critical interval, the electrode region A_E is formed within the adhesive region A_A, and therefore the electrode sheet Se1 can be identified as a good product.

[0122] like Figure 12 As shown, if the edge L_A of the adhesive region A_A is not identified, the edge L_A of the adhesive region A_A is covered by the electrode region A_E, and at least a portion of the electrode region A_E may be formed in the region outside the adhesive region A_A, and therefore the electrode sheet Se2 can be identified as defective.

[0123] like Figure 13 As shown, if the second measurement interval D2 is greater than the critical interval, at least a portion of the electrode region A_E may be formed in the region outside the adhesive region A_A, and therefore the electrode sheet Se3 can be identified as defective.

[0124] In this way, according to the manufacturing method of one embodiment of the present disclosure, regardless of the colors of the electrode layer E and the adhesive layer A, it is possible to accurately and quickly determine whether the electrode sheets Se1 to Se3 are good or defective. Thus, higher quality electrode sheets can be manufactured.

[0125] Refer again Figures 9 to 14 In a manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is determined whether the electrode sheet Se is good or defective based on position information (S50), and the position of the electrode layer E formed on the adhesive sheet is adjusted based on the position information (S60).

[0126] Therefore, by means of a manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a high-quality electrode sheet Se in which the electrode layer E is formed at a more preferred location can be manufactured. In this case, the order of steps S50 and S60 is not particularly limited.

[0127] In step S60 of the manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, if a second measurement interval D2 is calculated in step S40, the second measurement interval D2 is compared with a second reference interval (S61), and the position of the electrode layer E is adjusted based on the comparison result of step S61 (S63).

[0128] In this embodiment, the second reference interval can be the interval between the edge L_E of the electrode region A_E and the edge L_A of the adhesive region A_A when the electrode layer E is formed at the preferred location. This second reference interval can be a data value predetermined and stored according to the design of the electrode sheet Se.

[0129] In this embodiment, in step S63, if the second measurement interval D2 is greater than the second reference interval, the position where the electrode layer E is formed is moved to one side of the adhesive sheet in the width direction (Y-axis direction); if the second measurement interval D2 is less than the second reference interval, the position where the electrode layer E is formed is moved to the other side of the adhesive sheet in the width direction (Y-axis direction). The distance by which the position of the electrode layer E is moved corresponds to the difference between the second measurement interval D2 and the second reference interval.

[0130] Meanwhile, in step S60 of the manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, if the edge L_A of the adhesive region A_A is not identified in step S44, the first measurement interval D1 is compared with the first reference interval (S62), and the position of the electrode layer E is adjusted based on the comparison result of step S62 (S63).

[0131] In this embodiment, the first reference interval can be the interval between the edge L_E of the electrode region A_E and the edge L_F of the current collector F when the electrode layer E is formed at the preferred location. The second reference interval can be a data value predetermined and stored according to the design of the electrode sheet Se.

[0132] In this embodiment, in step S63, if the first measurement interval D1 is greater than the first reference interval, the position where the electrode layer E is formed is moved to one side of the adhesive sheet in the width direction (Y-axis direction); if the first measurement interval D1 is less than the first reference interval, the position where the electrode layer E is formed is moved to the other side of the adhesive sheet in the width direction (Y-axis direction). The distance by which the position of the electrode layer E is moved corresponds to the difference between the first measurement interval D1 and the first reference interval.

[0133] The adjustment of the position of the electrode layer E performed in step S63 above can be performed by the processor controlling the position adjustment unit of the manufacturing apparatus to move the electrode layer forming unit in the width direction (Y-axis direction).

[0134] Meanwhile, in a manufacturing method according to an embodiment of this disclosure, it has been described that if the edge L_A of the adhesive region A_A is identified in step S44, then step S61 is executed, and if the edge L_A of the adhesive region A_A is not identified, then step S62 is executed. However, it can also be configured, as needed, to execute step S62 regardless of whether the edge L_A of the adhesive region A_A is identified in step S44.

[0135] The inventors have confirmed through the following experimental examples that the manufacturing apparatus and method according to an embodiment of this disclosure can be used in the electrode manufacturing process. More specifically, the inventors applied an adhesive layer A with a thickness of 1 μm to a current collector F made of an aluminum foil with a thickness of 12 μm, and applied an electrode layer E with a thickness of 100 μm to the outer surface of the adhesive layer A to form an electrode sheet Se. The electrode sheet Se was then exposed (i.e., heated) at 80 degrees Celsius for 30 seconds.

[0136] The inventors have confirmed that, according to the apparatus and method of this disclosure, infrared rays of 9.35 μm, 9.42 μm, and 9.54 μm are emitted from the current collector F, adhesive layer A, and electrode layer E, respectively, and the temperatures of the current collector F, adhesive layer A, and electrode layer E are 37 degrees, 35 degrees, and 31 degrees, respectively. This indicates that the boundary between adhesive layer A and electrode layer E can be accurately identified using the apparatus and method according to embodiments of this disclosure.

[0137] The present disclosure has been described above with respect to a limited number of embodiments and accompanying drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made to the present disclosure within the scope of the technical aspects of the present disclosure and the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0138] [List of reference numerals in the attached diagram]

[0139] 1: Electrode sheet manufacturing equipment

[0140] 10: Adhesive Sheet Supply Unit

[0141] 20: Electrode layer forming unit

[0142] 30: Transmission Unit

[0143] 40: Infrared sensor

[0144] 50: Drying unit

[0145] 60: Electrode sheet recycling unit

[0146] 70, 170, 270: Heaters

[0147] Sa: Adhesive sheet

[0148] Se, Se1, Se2, Se3: Electrode sheets

[0149] F: Current collector

[0150] A: Adhesive layer

[0151] E: Electrode layer

Claims

1. An electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus, comprising: An electrode sheet supply unit is used to supply electrode sheets, the electrode sheets comprising a foil-shaped current collector, an adhesive layer disposed on one surface of the current collector, and an electrode layer formed on the outer surface of the adhesive layer; An infrared sensor, the infrared sensor being used to obtain information about infrared light emitted by the electrode sheet; as well as A processor, configured to determine whether the electrode sheet has defects based on information about the infrared radiation. Wherein, the processor: Based on the information about the infrared radiation, information is calculated regarding the position of at least one of the electrode region where the electrode layer is formed and the adhesive region where the adhesive layer is formed on one surface of the current collector, and The presence or absence of defects in the electrode sheet is determined based on information about the location.

2. The electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, in, The adhesive layer and the electrode layer have the same color.

3. The electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1 further includes: Heater, the heater being used to apply heat to the electrode sheet, The infrared sensor obtains information about infrared radiation emitted by the adhesive layer and the electrode layer, which are heated by the heater.

4. The electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 3, in, The heater and the infrared sensor are arranged side by side along the conveying direction of the electrode sheet.

5. The electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 3, in, The heater and the infrared sensor are arranged side by side along a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the electrode sheet.

6. The electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 3, in, The heater and the infrared sensor are spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the electrode sheet, with the electrode sheet inserted between them.

7. The electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A drying unit for drying the electrode sheets.

8. The electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 7, in, The infrared sensor obtains information about the infrared radiation at the front end of the drying unit in the conveying direction of the electrode sheet.

9. A method for manufacturing an electrode sheet, comprising: The step of providing an electrode sheet, the electrode sheet comprising a foil-shaped current collector, an adhesive layer disposed on one surface of the current collector, and an electrode layer formed on the outer surface of the adhesive layer; The step of obtaining information about the infrared radiation emitted by the electrode sheet; The step of calculating, based on information about the infrared radiation, the position of at least one of the electrode region on a surface of the current collector where the electrode layer is formed and the adhesive region on which the adhesive layer is formed; as well as The step of determining whether the electrode sheet has defects based on information about the location.

10. The method for manufacturing electrode sheets according to claim 9, in, The adhesive layer and the electrode layer have the same color.

11. The method for manufacturing an electrode sheet according to claim 9, further comprising: The heating step of applying heat to the electrode sheet. In the step of obtaining information about the infrared radiation, information about the infrared radiation emitted by the electrode sheet that is heated in the heating step is obtained.

12. The method for manufacturing an electrode sheet according to claim 9, further comprising: The drying step for drying the electrode sheet, The step of obtaining information about the infrared radiation is performed before the drying step.

13. The method for manufacturing electrode sheets according to claim 9, in, The steps for calculating the location information include: The step of identifying the edge of the current collector; and The step of identifying the edges of the electrode region.

14. The method for manufacturing electrode sheets according to claim 13, in, The steps of providing the electrode sheet include: The steps of providing an adhesive sheet including the current collector and the adhesive layer; and The step of forming the electrode layer by applying an electrode active material to the outer surface of the adhesive layer. The step of calculating the location information further includes: The step of calculating the first measurement interval, wherein the first measurement interval is the interval between the edge of the current collector and the edge of the electrode region.

15. The method for manufacturing an electrode sheet according to claim 14, further comprising: The step of adjusting the position of the electrode layer formed on the adhesive sheet based on information about the location. The step of adjusting the position of the electrode layer includes: The step of comparing the first measurement interval with the first reference interval; If the first measurement interval is greater than the first reference interval, then the step of moving the position where the electrode layer is formed toward one side of the adhesive sheet in the width direction; and If the first measurement interval is less than the first reference interval, the step of moving the position where the electrode layer is formed toward the other side of the adhesive sheet in the width direction.

16. The method for manufacturing electrode sheets according to claim 14, in, The step of calculating the location information also includes the step of identifying the edges of the adhesive region.

17. The method for manufacturing electrode sheets according to claim 16, in, The step of determining whether the electrode sheet is defective includes determining that the electrode sheet is defective if the edge of the adhesive area is not identified.

18. The method for manufacturing electrode sheets according to claim 16, in, The step of calculating the position information further includes the step of calculating a second measurement interval, which is the interval between the edge of the adhesive region and the edge of the electrode region.

19. The method for manufacturing an electrode sheet according to claim 18, further comprising: The step of adjusting the position of the electrode layer formed on the adhesive sheet based on information about the location. The step of adjusting the position of the electrode layer includes: The step of comparing the second measurement interval with the second reference interval; If the second measurement interval is greater than the second reference interval, then the step of moving the position where the electrode layer is formed toward one side of the adhesive sheet in the width direction; and If the second measurement interval is less than the second reference interval, the step of moving the position of the electrode layer formed to the other side of the adhesive sheet in the width direction.

20. The method for manufacturing electrode sheets according to claim 18, in, The steps for determining whether the electrode sheet has defects include: If the edge of the adhesive region is identified, the second measurement interval is compared with the critical interval; and The step of determining that the electrode sheet is defective if the second measurement interval is greater than the critical interval.

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