Device for manufacturing an electrode

Abstract

Device for manufacturing an electrode, comprising: a feed section for dry electrode composition; a laminating section; and a first roller and a second roller which are set up to process a dry electrode composition supplied from the dry electrode composition feed section into a dry electrode sheet, while the dry electrode composition is transferred to the lamination section; wherein the first roller and the second roller have different diameters, in which, in the lamination section, the dry electrode sheet is laminated onto a current collector supplied from the outside.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Area

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a device for manufacturing an electrode. 2. Description of the state of the art

[0002] While the development of electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, robots, satellites and the like is accelerating, research into high-performance secondary batteries capable of repeated charging and discharging (rechargeable) as energy sources is actively progressing.

[0003] Currently commercially available secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries. Among these, lithium secondary batteries (hereinafter referred to as lithium-ion batteries or lithium batteries) offer advantages over nickel-based secondary batteries in that they exhibit almost no memory effect, allow for free charging and discharging, have very low self-discharge rates, and possess a high energy density.

[0004] Electrodes of conventional secondary batteries, manufactured by wet processes, are produced by coating and drying an electrode slurry, in which active material, binder and / or conductive agent are mixed in a solvent, onto a current collector, followed by a press rolling process to control the density of the electrode.

[0005] The rolling process involves inserting an electrode to be rolled between rollers rotating in opposite directions and increasing the electrode density by compressing the electrode through a pressure force generated between the rotating rollers.

[0006] However, when coating both sides, a problem arises in the difficulty of controlling the density uniformly on each side. When the active material is coated onto the current collector and compressed, forces are generated in various directions; among these, a shear force in the lateral direction can form wrinkles on the current collector next to the coated section, which can cause electrode defects.

[0007] In the meantime, a dry electrode manufacturing process without the use of solvents has been proposed to improve upon the problems of the conventional wet process. However, the manufacturing process primarily used in the current dry process is a direct laminating (DLA) process, which adjusts the electrode width by controlling the gap between the rollers used in the process. It has a limitation, however, in that it cannot control the gap and the pressure generated during lamination, as the pressure applied during lamination cannot be controlled. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] One of the various objectives of the present disclosure is to provide a device for manufacturing an electrode that is capable of uniformly controlling the density of the electrode.

[0009] One of the various objectives of the present disclosure is to provide a device for manufacturing an electrode that is capable of reducing the electrode defect rate.

[0010] One of the various objectives of the present disclosure is to provide a device for manufacturing an electrode that is capable of improving process efficiency.

[0011] An embodiment of the present disclosure may provide a device for producing an electrode, which may include: a feed section for dry electrode composition; a lamination section; a first roller and a second roller configured to process the dry electrode composition supplied by the feed section for dry electrode composition into a dry electrode sheet as it is transferred to the lamination section; wherein the first roller and the second roller have different diameters from each other, and wherein in the lamination section the dry electrode sheet is laminated onto a current collector supplied from the outside.

[0012] In one example of the present disclosure, the diameter of the first roller of the device for producing an electrode can be larger than the diameter of the second roller.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the device for producing an electrode may include a plurality of at least one of the first roller and the second roller.

[0014] In one example, the device for producing an electrode according to the present disclosure can include at least a second roller arranged adjacent to the first roller, and a dry electrode composition or a dry electrode sheet can be supplied between the first roller and the second roller.

[0015] In another example, the device for producing an electrode according to the present disclosure can include at least one first roller arranged adjacent to the first roller, and a dry electrode composition or a dry electrode sheet can be supplied between the first roller and the first roller.

[0016] In another example, the device for producing an electrode according to the present disclosure can include at least one second roller arranged adjacent to the second roller, and a dry electrode composition or a dry electrode sheet can be supplied between the second roller and the second roller.

[0017] In yet another example, the device for producing an electrode according to the present disclosure can include at least a second roller arranged adjacent to the laminating section, and the dry electrode sheet can be laminated onto the current collector by the second roller.

[0018] In an example of the present disclosure, the device for producing an electrode can comprise a plurality of first rollers, a plurality of second rollers and a plurality of sections for supplying a dry electrode composition, wherein the plurality of first rollers, second rollers and sections for supplying a dry electrode composition are arranged such that they are symmetrical with respect to the lamination section.

[0019] One of the various effects of the present disclosure is to provide a device for manufacturing an electrode which is able to control the density of the electrode uniformly.

[0020] One of the various effects of the present disclosure is to provide a device for manufacturing an electrode which is capable of reducing the defect rate of the electrode.

[0021] One of the various effects of the present disclosure is to provide a device for producing an electrode which is capable of improving process efficiency.

[0022] The device for manufacturing an electrode according to the present disclosure can be widely applied in fields of green technology, such as electric vehicles, battery charging stations, and other battery-powered renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power generation. Furthermore, the device of the present disclosure can be used for environmentally friendly electric and hybrid vehicles that suppress air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions to prevent climate change.

[0023] However, the various advantageous effects and benefits of the present disclosure are not limited to the foregoing description and are made more easily understandable by the detailed description of specific embodiments of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic view representing a device for manufacturing an electrode according to an example in the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 2 is an enlarged view of area A of Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic representation showing a modification of the electrode manufacturing device of Fig. 1 represents. Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic representation showing another modification of the electrode manufacturing device of Fig. 1 represents. Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic view representing a device for manufacturing an electrode according to another example in the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 6 is an enlarged view of area B of Fig. 5. Fig. Figure 7 is a schematic representation showing a modification of the electrode manufacturing device of Fig. 5 represents. Fig. Figure 8 is a schematic representation showing another modification of the electrode manufacturing device of Fig. 5 represents. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Before the present disclosure is described in more detail, definitions of terms used in this description are provided.

[0025] In this description, expressions such as "exhibit", "may exhibit", "contain" or "may contain" refer to the presence of the relevant features (e.g. numerical values, functions, operations or components) and do not exclude the presence of additional features.

[0026] In this description, expressions such as "A or B", "at least one of A and / or B", or "one or more of A and / or B" can include all possible combinations of the listed elements. For example, "A or B", "at least one of A and B", or "at least one of A or B" can refer to (1) including at least one A, (2) including at least one B, or (3) including both at least one A and at least one B.

[0027] In this description, the term "battery" can be used interchangeably with "cell", and "battery" or "cell" can collectively refer to battery cells as units thereof, battery modules or battery packs, including the battery cells.

[0028] In the present disclosure, the term "electrode" can include both positive and negative electrodes. The term "current collector" can include both current collectors for positive electrodes and current collectors for negative electrodes. Furthermore, the term "active material layer" can include both active material layers for positive electrodes and active material layers for negative electrodes. Likewise, the term "active material" can include both active materials for positive electrodes and active materials for negative electrodes. Finally, the term "tab" can include both tabs for positive electrodes and tabs for negative electrodes.

[0029] In the drawings, the X-direction can be defined as the first direction, the L-direction or the longitudinal direction; the Y-direction as the second direction, the W-direction or the width direction; and the Z-direction as the third direction, the T-direction or the thickness direction.

[0030] In the following, embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to specific embodiments and the accompanying drawings. This is not intended to limit the technology described in this description to specific embodiments, but should be understood as including various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0031] With regard to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar components. To clearly explain the present invention in the drawings, sections not related to the description are omitted, thicknesses are exaggerated to clearly indicate multiple layers and areas, and functions of components within the scope of the same concept may be described using the same reference numerals.

[0032] The present disclosure relates to a device for manufacturing an electrode. A device for manufacturing an electrode according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise: a feed section for dry electrode composition 101; a laminating section 121; a first roller 111 configured to process the dry electrode composition supplied by the feed section for dry electrode composition 101 into a dry electrode sheet 102 as it is transferred to the laminating section 121; and a second roller 112, wherein the first roller 111 and the second roller 112 have different diameters, and wherein in the laminating section 121 the dry electrode sheet 102 can be laminated onto a current collector 201 supplied from the outside.

[0033] Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic view representing a device for manufacturing an electrode according to an example in the present disclosure. With reference to Fig. 1. The device for manufacturing an electrode according to the present disclosure can comprise a feed section for dry electrode composition 101, a first roller 111, a second roller 112, and a laminating section 121. In this case, the first roller 111 and the second roller 112 can process the dry electrode composition supplied by the feed section for dry electrode composition 101 into a dry electrode sheet 102 as it is transferred to the laminating section 121. As described below, the dry electrode composition and / or the dry electrode sheet 102 can be heated and / or pressed as they are transferred through the first roller 111 and / or the second roller 112.The heated and / or pressed dry electrode composition can be processed into the dry electrode sheet 102, and the heated and / or pressed dry electrode sheet 102 can be coated onto a current collector 201 in the lamination section 121.

[0034] Fig. Figure 2 is an enlarged view of area A of Fig. 1. With reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The dry electrode sheet 102 is transferred through the first roller 111 and the second roller 112 to the laminating section 121, and the dry electrode sheet 102 can be coated onto a current collector 201, which is fed from the outside of the laminating section. The current collector 201 can be fed from a current collector feed section 200, but is not limited to this. An electrode 300 is produced at the laminating section 121, in which the dry electrode sheet 102 is laminated onto at least one surface of the current collector 201, and can be continuously discharged.

[0035] Electrodes for secondary batteries manufactured using conventional wet processes are produced by coating and drying an active material slurry onto a current collector, followed by pressing. Generally, pressing is performed by rolling, but when the electrode is rolled using a pair of rotating rollers, variations occur in the pressure applied to the electrode, causing difficulties in uniformly controlling the density. Additionally, shear forces generated in the lateral direction of the electrode during rolling can create wrinkles on the current collector, increasing the electrode defect rate.In contrast, the device for producing an electrode according to the present disclosure is a device for producing a dry electrode produced by a dry process, comprising a first roller 111 and a second roller 112 having different diameters, wherein a dry electrode sheet 102, which is processed and transferred in a sheet form through the first roller 111 and the second roller 112, is laminated onto a current collector 201, thereby enabling the production of electrodes with uniform density.

[0036] The electrode can be an electrode for a secondary battery (including a solid-state battery). With reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The dry electrode sheet 102 can be laminated onto a current collector 201 at the lamination section 121 of the device for producing an electrode according to the present disclosure, and when the dry electrode sheet 102 passes through the lamination section 121, an electrode 300 with the dry electrode sheet laminated on it can be produced.

[0037] The current collector is not particularly restricted in terms of type, size, or shape, as long as it is conductive without causing chemical changes in the battery. For example, the current collector can be made of stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, graphitized carbon, or it can be surface-treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, or silver on aluminum or stainless steel.

[0038] The dry electrode composition may contain an active electrode material and a binder.

[0039] In one embodiment, the active electrode material can be an active material for positive electrodes or an active material for negative electrodes.

[0040] According to an exemplary embodiment, the active material for positive electrodes can contain a compound that can reversibly intercalate and deintercalate lithium ions.

[0041] According to one exemplary embodiment, the active material for positive electrodes can contain a lithium transition metal compound oxide. In another example, the active material for positive electrodes can contain a lithium nickel metal compound oxide. The lithium nickel metal compound oxide can further contain at least one of cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), and aluminum (Al).

[0042] In some embodiments, the active material for positive electrodes or the lithium nickel metal composite oxide may contain a layered structure or a crystal structure represented by the following chemical formula 1. Li x Ni a MbO 2+z [Chemical Formula 1]

[0043] In chemical formula 1, 0.9 ≤ x ≤ 1.2, 0.6 ≤ a ≤ 0.99, 0.01 ≤ b ≤ 0.4 and - 0.5 ≤ z ≤ 0.1. As described above, M can contain Co, Mn and / or Al.

[0044] In one embodiment, a in chemical formula 1 can be in the range of 0.8 to 0.95. If a fulfills the above numerical range, the manufactured lithium secondary battery can exhibit high capacity.

[0045] The chemical structure represented by chemical formula 1 indicates bonding relationships present in the layered or crystal structure of the active material for positive electrodes and does not exclude other additional elements. For example, M may contain Co and / or Mn, and Co and / or Mn, together with Ni, may serve as the main active elements in the active material for positive electrodes. Chemical formula 1 is intended to represent the bonding relationships of the main active elements and should be understood to include the introduction and substitution of additional elements.

[0046] Alternatively, the term lithium transition metal compound oxide can refer to compound oxides of other forms besides lithium nickel metal compound oxides. For example, it can refer to oxides based on lithium iron phosphate (LFP), represented by the chemical formula LiFePO4, or oxides based on lithium cobalt (LCO), represented by the chemical formula LiCoO2.

[0047] According to an exemplary embodiment, the active material for negative electrodes can contain a compound that can reversibly intercalate and deintercalate lithium ions.

[0048] For example, the active material for negative electrodes can be a carbon-based active material, which includes carbon-based materials such as crystalline carbon, amorphous carbon, carbon composites, and carbon fibers; a metal-based active material, which contains lithium metal or lithium alloys; a silicon-based active material, which contains silicon (Si) or tin (Sn)-containing materials.

[0049] Examples of amorphous carbon include hard carbon, soft carbon, coke, mesocarbon microspheres (MCMB) and mesophase pitch-based carbon fibers (MPCF).

[0050] Examples of crystalline carbon include graphite-based carbons such as natural graphite, artificial graphite, graphitized coke, graphitized MCMB, and graphitized MPCF.

[0051] The silicon-based active material can provide properties with increased capacity. The silicon-based active material can contain Si, SiO. x (0 < x ≤ 2), a Si-Q alloy (where Q is an element selected from the group consisting of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, elements of group 13, elements of group 14, elements of group 15, elements of group 16, transition metals, rare earth elements and combinations thereof, excluding Si), Si-carbon composites or a mixture of at least one of these with SiO2.

[0052] In one embodiment, the binder can refer to a fiber-malleable binder. Examples include polytetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene oxide, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, and cellulose derivatives.

[0053] In one exemplary embodiment, the binding agent can have a particle-like shape in which fine fibers are bundled together to form a cluster. In this case, the bundled fibers can be unbundled by heating and / or pressing at a predetermined temperature or pressure, enabling bonding between adjacent objects.

[0054] In an exemplary embodiment, the binder can further comprise a particulate binder together with the fiber-formable binder. The particulate binder can be one commonly used in electrode manufacturing, for example, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene, polyvinylidene fluoride-trichloroethylene, polymethyl methacrylate, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinyl acetate, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, cyanoethyl pullulan, or pullulan.

[0055] In an exemplary embodiment, the dry electrode composition may further contain a conductive agent to enhance conductivity as required. The conductive agent may be any material commonly used in secondary batteries, without limitation, for example, one or more selected from the group consisting of graphite such as natural or synthetic graphite, carbon black, acetylene carbon black, ketjen carbon black, carbon fibers, carbon nanotubes, metal powders or metal fibers such as copper, nickel, aluminum, silver, and conductive polymers such as conductive oxides or polypyrrole derivatives.

[0056] In one embodiment, the active electrode material and the binder can each be provided in particle form, and accordingly, the dry electrode composition can be provided as a mixture of the respective particles; however, it is not necessarily limited to this and can be provided in various forms, such as a single-particle arrangement with a core-shell structure as required.

[0057] In one example of the present disclosure, the diameter of the first roller 111 of the device for producing an electrode can be larger than the diameter of the second roller 112. With reference to Fig. 1. The relationship R > r can be satisfied if the diameter of the first roller 111 is designated as R and the diameter of the second roller 112 is designated as r.

[0058] As described below, during the calendering process of the dry electrode sheet, the smaller diameter roller can apply a higher pressure per unit contact area compared to the larger diameter roller, thereby applying a higher pressure to the contacted element (in the present disclosure, the dry electrode composition or the dry electrode sheet). Meanwhile, due to the relationship defined by the following comparative expression, the larger diameter roller can exhibit a higher thermal conductivity to the contacted element than the smaller diameter roller. [Comparative expression] P=K*A(ΔT / L)

[0059] In the above comparison expression, P denotes the heat flux (W), A denotes the area of ​​the element (m²). 2), L denotes the thickness of the element (m) and ΔT denotes the temperature difference (°C) between the roller and the sample.

[0060] In one example, the ratio (r / R) of the diameter r of the second roller 112 to the diameter R of the first roller 111 in the device for producing an electrode according to the present disclosure can be 0.7 or less. The ratio (r / R) of the diameter r of the second roller 112 to the diameter R of the first roller 111 can be 0.7 or less, 0.5 or less, 0.3 or less, 0.25 or less, 0.2 or less, or 0.19 or less, but is not limited to these values. The lower limit of the ratio (r / R) of the diameter r of the second roller 112 to the diameter R of the first roller 111 is not specifically limited, but can, for example, be 0.15 or more. That is, in an example, the diameter r of the second roller 112 can be 0.15 times or more and 0.7 times or less than the diameter R of the first roller 111.If the ratio of the diameter R of the first roller 111 to the diameter r of the second roller 112 in the device for producing an electrode according to the present disclosure meets the above range, the defect rate of the produced electrode can be further reduced.

[0061] The diameters R and r of the first roller 111 and the second roller 112, respectively, in the device for producing an electrode according to the present disclosure are not specifically limited, as long as they satisfy the aforementioned ratio. The diameter R of the first roller 111 and the diameter r of the second roller 112 may each be within a range of 5 mm or more and / or 10,000 mm or less, but are not limited thereto. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first roller 111 and / or the second roller 112 can heat an element located on or between the rollers and simultaneously or separately apply pressure to the element located between the rollers. In one embodiment, the first roller 111 and / or the second roller 112 can heat the element located on or between the rollers to a temperature of 80 °C to 200 °C.

[0062] In an exemplary embodiment, the first roller 111 and / or the second roller 112 may contain a heating element. The type of heating element is not particularly limited, as long as it is capable of heating the roller. The heating element may be, but is not limited to, a cartridge heater, a heating element using hot oil, or an induction heater. The material of the heating element is also not particularly limited, as long as it is capable of heating the roller, and may include, but is not limited to, one or more metals selected from the group consisting of nickel (Ni), tungsten (W), molybdenum (Mo), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), silver (Ag), gold (Au), niobium (Nb), titanium (Ti), palladium (Pd), platinum (Pt), or alloys thereof.

[0063] In the embodiment described above, the surface temperature of the first roller 111 and / or the second roller 112 can increase due to heat supplied by the heating element, thereby heating the dry electrode composition or the dry electrode sheet 102 in contact with the surface of the first roller 111 and / or the second roller 112. In conventional wet processes, heat sources such as hot air, steam, infrared lamps (IR lamps), or VECSEL devices have been used to heat the electrode slurry. However, when such heat sources are used, the solvent evaporates first during heating, causing drying to progress from the surface of the slurry, followed by drying in the interior of the slurry by heat transfer. This process can result in over-drying of the slurry surface or insufficient drying in the interior.The device for producing an electrode according to the present embodiment can calender the dry electrode composition or the dry electrode sheet 102 more effectively by heating the first roller 111 and / or the second roller 112, which are in direct contact with the dry electrode composition or the dry electrode sheet 102, and can laminate the dry electrode sheet 102 more effectively onto the current collector 201 described below.

[0064] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the device for producing an electrode can include a plurality of first rollers 111 and / or a plurality of second rollers 112. The device for producing an electrode according to the present disclosure, which includes a plurality of first rollers 111 and / or second rollers 112, means that the device can include several first rollers 111, several second rollers 112, or several first rollers 111 and several second rollers 112.

[0065] If the device for producing an electrode according to the present disclosure comprises a plurality of first rollers 111 and / or second rollers 112, the processing using the first rollers 111 and / or the second rollers 112 can be carried out multiple times. For example, the dry electrode composition can be calendered and processed into a dry electrode sheet 102 between adjacent rollers, and during this process, the dry electrode sheet 102 can be heated and / or pressed multiple times through the multiple rollers. Meanwhile, the temperature and pressure applied to the dry electrode composition and / or the dry electrode sheet 102 in each heating and / or pressing process can be varied as required. Details thereof are described below.

[0066] In one embodiment, the device for producing an electrode according to the present disclosure may include at least one first roller arranged adjacent to the first roller, and a dry electrode composition or a dry electrode sheet may be supplied between the first roller and the first roller.

[0067] With reference to Fig. 1 The dry electrode composition supplied by the dry electrode composition feed section 101 of the device for producing an electrode of Fig. The dry electrode composition 102 is fed from the dry electrode composition feed section 111 and inserted between the first roller 111 and the second roller 112. As it passes successively through the first roller 111, the second roller 112, and the second roller 112, it is processed into a dry electrode sheet 102 and fed to the lamination section 121. At this point, the dry electrode composition 101, fed from the dry electrode composition feed section 121, can be fed between the second roller 112 and the first roller 111 and can be heated and / or pressed between these two rollers to be processed into a sheet form. Meanwhile, the thickness of the final dry electrode sheet 102 produced can be determined during this process.Furthermore, the dry electrode sheet 102, which has been processed into a sheet form as described above, can be fed between the first roller 111 and the second roller 112 before being fed to the laminating section 121, so that it can be calendered as described below. If the device for producing an electrode according to the present disclosure includes a second roller 112 adjacent to the first roller 111, and the dry electrode composition is fed between the first roller 111 and the second roller 112, the pressure applied to the dry electrode composition can increase due to the presence of the smaller diameter second roller 112, thus enabling the achievement of a thin electrode thickness with fewer rollers, as described above.

[0068] In another example, the device for producing an electrode according to the present disclosure can include at least one first roller 111 arranged adjacent to the first roller 111, and the dry electrode composition or dry electrode sheet 102 can be supplied between the first roller 111 and the first roller 111. With further reference to Fig. 1. The dry electrode composition, supplied by the feed section for the dry electrode composition 101, can pass successively through the first roller 111, the second roller 112, and the second roller 112 to be fed to the lamination section 121. At this point, the dry electrode sheet 102, which has been processed into a sheet form as described above and is supplied by the feed section for the dry electrode composition 101, can be fed between two first rollers 111.When the dry electrode sheet 102 is fed between two first rollers 111, as in the example above, both surfaces of the dry electrode sheet 102 can be pressed and heated simultaneously. As described above, the dry electrode sheet 102 passes through the first rollers 111, which have a large diameter, thus enabling uniform heat transfer to the dry electrode sheet 102. Calendering can therefore be carried out uniformly. This allows for effective calendering, which improves the manufacturing efficiency of the dry electrode.

[0069] In yet another example, the device for producing an electrode according to the present disclosure can include at least a second roller 112 arranged adjacent to the second roller 112, and the dry electrode composition or dry electrode sheet 102 can be supplied between the second roller 112 and the second roller 112.

[0070] Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic representation showing a modification of the electrode manufacturing device of Fig. 1 represents. With reference to Fig. 3 the dry electrode composition supplied by the dry electrode composition feed section 101 of the device for producing an electrode of Fig. 3 is fed in, inserted between the first roller 111 and the second roller 112, and passes successively through the second roller 112, the first roller 111, and the second roller 112 to be fed to the laminating section 121. At this point, the dry electrode sheet 102 can be fed between two second rollers 112. The fed dry electrode sheet 102 can be pressed through the two second rollers 112. When the dry electrode sheet 102 is fed between two second rollers 112, as in this example, it can be pressed through the two rollers with higher pressure, thereby increasing the compaction density of the dry electrode sheet 102 and eliminating the need for an additional pressing process for electrode production. This allows the device for producing an electrode according to the present disclosure to produce a high-quality electrode.

[0071] In another example, the device for producing an electrode according to the present disclosure can include at least one first roller 111 arranged adjacent to another first roller 111, and at least one second roller 112 arranged adjacent to another second roller 112. Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic representation showing another modification of the electrode manufacturing device of Fig. 1 represents. With reference to Fig. 4. The dry electrode composition, which is fed from the dry electrode composition feed section 101 of the device for producing an electrode according to this example, is introduced between the first rollers 111 and passes successively through the first roller 111, the second roller 112, and the second roller 113 to be fed to the laminating section 121. As in this example, the electrode can be produced by processing the dry electrode sheet 102 in one operation while forming the electrode to a desired thickness.

[0072] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the device for producing an electrode can include at least one second roller 112 arranged adjacent to the laminating section 121, wherein the dry electrode sheet 102 can be laminated onto the current collector 201 by the second roller 112. If the device for producing an electrode includes one or more second rollers 112 arranged adjacent to the laminating section 121, as in this embodiment, at least one of the rollers arranged in the laminating section 121 can be the second roller 112. By arranging two rollers in the laminating section 121 such that they contain at least one second roller 112, the dry electrode sheet 102 can be laminated onto the current collector 201 by the second roller 112.This allows the dry electrode sheet 102 to be laminated evenly onto the current collector 201 in a series of operations without a separate pressing process or pressing device.

[0073] In an example from the present disclosure, the device for producing an electrode according to the present disclosure can comprise a plurality of first rollers 111, a plurality of second rollers 112, and a plurality of feed sections for the dry electrode composition 101. The device for producing an electrode comprising a plurality of first rollers 111, second rollers 112, and feed sections for the dry electrode composition 101 means that the device can comprise multiple first rollers 111, multiple second rollers 112, and multiple feed sections for a dry electrode composition 101.

[0074] In this case, the plurality of first rollers 111, second rollers 112 and feed sections for the dry electrode composition 101 can be arranged so that they are symmetrical with respect to the lamination section 121.

[0075] Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic view representing a device for manufacturing an electrode according to another example in the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 7 is a schematic representation showing a modification of the electrode manufacturing device of Fig. 5 represents. Fig. Figure 8 is a schematic representation showing another modification of the electrode manufacturing device of Fig. 5 represents. With reference to Fig. 5 to Fig. 8 A first set S1, comprising a first roller 111, a second roller 112 and a feed section for the dry electrode composition 101, can be arranged on one side with respect to the lamination section 121, and a second set S2, comprising a first roller 111', a second roller 112' and a feed section for the dry electrode composition 101', can be arranged on the other side with respect to the lamination section 121.

[0076] In the example above, the first set S1 and the second set S2 can have the same configuration. Having the same configuration means that the number of first rollers 111, second rollers 112, and feed sections for the dry electrode composition 101 in the first set S1 is equal to the number of first rollers 111', second rollers 112', and feed sections for the dry electrode composition 101' in the second set S2. Furthermore, the first set S1 and the second set S2 can have a structure that is symmetrical with respect to the lamination section 121.Having a symmetrical structure means that the first rollers 111, the second rollers 112 and the feed sections for the dry electrode composition 101 of the first set S1 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the lamination section 121 to the first rollers 111', the second rollers 112' and the feed sections for the dry electrode composition 101' of the second set S2.

[0077] If a plurality of first rollers 111, second rollers 112 and feed sections for the dry electrode composition 101 of the device for producing an electrode are arranged symmetrically with respect to the lamination section 121 as in this example, an electrode can be produced with dry electrode sheets 102 and 102' laminated onto both surfaces of the current collector 201. Fig. Figure 6 is an enlarged view of area B of Fig. 5. With reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. The dry electrode sheet 102, fed from the first set S1, and the dry electrode sheet 102', fed from the second set S2, are each fed to the laminating section 121 and laminated onto both surfaces of the current collector 201. This allows the device for manufacturing an electrode according to this example to simplify the process equipment and reduce the manufacturing time when producing double-sided laminated electrodes.

[0078] The manufacture of an electrode can comprise: a step of producing a dry electrode composition; a step of processing the dry electrode composition into a dry electrode sheet 102 and transferring the same in a predetermined direction using an electrode manufacturing device comprising a first roller 111 and a second roller 112 having a diameter different from that of the first roller 111; and a step of laminating the dry electrode sheet 102, which is transferred through the first roller 111 and the second roller 112, onto a current collector 201.

[0079] The dry electrode composition can contain an active electrode material and a binder as described above. The step of manufacturing the dry electrode composition can be a step of producing a dry electrode composition containing an active electrode material and a binder. For example, the step can mean producing a dry electrode composition in the form of a mixture by blending particulate active electrode material and binder in a predetermined ratio, but the step is not necessarily limited to this.

[0080] The step of processing and transferring the dry electrode composition to a dry electrode sheet (102) can include using the aforementioned electrode-making device to process and transfer the sheet. The electrode-making device can be configured such that the dry electrode composition is fed from the dry electrode composition feed section 101, and the dry electrode composition is processed to form the dry electrode sheet 102 using a first roller 111 and a second roller 112 having a diameter different from that of the first roller 111, while being transferred in one direction to the laminating section 121 of the aforementioned electrode-making device.In the step of transferring the dry electrode sheet 102 using the first roller 111 and the second roller 112, which has a diameter different from that of the first roller 111, the dry electrode sheet 102 can be transferred along the surface of the first roller 111, along the surface of the second roller 112, or along the surfaces of both the first roller 111 and the second roller 112. If the dry electrode sheet 102 is transferred along the surface of the first roller 111 and / or the second roller 112, the dry electrode sheet 102 can be in contact with the surface of the first roller 111 and / or the second roller 112 during the transfer.

[0081] In one example of the present disclosure, the diameter of the first roller 111 can be larger than the diameter of the second roller 112.

[0082] Meanwhile, in one example of the present disclosure, the ratio (r / R) of the diameter r of the second roller 112 to the diameter R of the first roller 111 may be 0.7 or less. The ratio (r / R) of the diameter r of the second roller 112 to the diameter R of the first roller 111 may be 0.7 or less, 0.5 or less, 0.3 or less, 0.25 or less, 0.2 or less, or 0.19 or less, but the present disclosure is not limited to these. The lower limit of the ratio (r / R) of the diameter r of the second roller 112 to the diameter R of the first roller 111 is not particularly limited, but may, for example, be 0.15 or more. That is to say, in one example, the diameter r of the second roller 112 may be 0.15 times or more and 0.7 times or less of the diameter R of the first roller 111. Other aspects relating to the first roller 111 and the second roller 112 are as above with reference to Fig. 1 described, and therefore duplicate explanations are omitted below. In one example, the transfer step for manufacturing an electrode may include a step in which the dry electrode composition and the dry electrode sheet 102 are heated and pressed by the first roller 111 and the second roller 112.

[0083] Heating by the first roller 111 and / or the second roller 112 can be performed simultaneously while the first roller 111 and / or the second roller 112 are rotating, and can be performed continuously while the dry electrode composition and / or the dry electrode sheet 102 is transferred along the surfaces of the first roller 111 and / or the second roller 112. Heating can be performed up to a temperature required to calender the dry electrode composition and / or the dry electrode sheet 102, and the temperature required for calendering can be a temperature at which the binder contained in the dry electrode composition can be fibrillated, for example, within a range of 150 °C or higher and / or 200 °C or lower, but is not limited to this.

[0084] Meanwhile, pressing can be carried out simultaneously by the first roller 111 and / or the second roller 112 while the first roller 111 and / or the second roller 112 are rotating, and can be carried out continuously while the dry electrode composition and / or the dry electrode sheet 102 is transferred along the surfaces of the first roller 111 and / or the second roller 112. In the pressing step carried out by the first roller 111 and the second roller 112, the thickness of the produced dry electrode sheet 102 can be adjusted to a desired range. Furthermore, the produced electrode can exhibit a high compaction density by pressing the dry electrode sheet 102 with the second roller 112.

[0085] For the production of an electrode, the device for producing an electrode according to the present disclosure can comprise a plurality of first rollers 111, a plurality of second rollers 112 and a plurality of feed sections for the dry electrode composition 101, wherein the plurality of first rollers 111, second rollers 112 and feed sections for the dry electrode composition 101 can be arranged such that they are symmetrical with respect to the lamination section 121.

[0086] In this process, during the lamination step of the dry electrode sheet 102, which is transferred to the current collector 201 by the first rollers 111 and the second rollers 112, the dry electrode sheets 102 can be laminated onto both surfaces of the current collector 201. The production of an electrode can be carried out using the aforementioned electrode-making device, in which the plurality of first rollers 111, second rollers 112, and feed sections for the dry electrode composition 101 are arranged symmetrically with respect to the lamination section 121.As described above, the device for producing an electrode can comprise a first set S1 and a second set S2, each comprising the first rollers 111, the second rollers 112, and the feed sections for the dry electrode composition 101, wherein the first set S1 and the second set S2 have the same configuration and are arranged symmetrically with respect to the laminating section 121. This embodiment can laminate the dry electrode sheets 102, which are fed by the first set S1 and the second set S2, which are arranged symmetrically on both surfaces of the current collector 201.

[0087] In one example of electrode manufacturing, the device includes two secondary rollers 112 adjacent to the current collector 201. In the lamination step, the dry electrode sheet 102, fed between the current collector 201 and the two secondary rollers 112, can be laminated onto the current collector 201. This embodiment laminates the dry electrode sheet 102 onto the current collector 201 using the two secondary rollers 112, thereby enabling uniform lamination of the dry electrode sheet 102 onto the current collector 201 in a series of operations without a separate pressing process or pressing device. Consequently, the process equipment can be simplified and the manufacturing time reduced.

[0088] The person skilled in the art will understand that the multitude of exemplary embodiments described above are specific examples of the following aspects.

[0089] Aspect 1: A device for manufacturing an electrode, comprising: a dry electrode composition feed section; a laminating section; and a first roller and a second roller configured to process a dry electrode composition supplied by the dry electrode composition feed section into a dry electrode sheet while the dry electrode composition is transferred to the laminating section; wherein the first roller and the second roller have different diameters from each other, and wherein in the laminating section the dry electrode sheet is laminated onto a current collector supplied from the outside.

[0090] Aspect 2: The device for producing an electrode according to Aspect 1, wherein the diameter of the first roller is larger than the diameter of the second roller.

[0091] Aspect 3: The device for producing an electrode according to one of the preceding aspects, wherein the diameter of the second roller is 0.15 times or more and 0.7 times or less than the diameter of the first roller.

[0092] Aspect 4: The device for manufacturing an electrode according to one of the preceding aspects, comprising a plurality of at least one of the first roller and the second roller.

[0093] Aspect 5: The device for producing an electrode according to any of the preceding aspects, comprising at least a second roller arranged adjacent to the first roller, wherein a dry electrode composition or a dry electrode sheet is supplied between the first roller and the second roller.

[0094] Aspect 6: The device for producing an electrode according to one of the preceding aspects, comprising at least one first roller arranged adjacent to the first roller, wherein a dry electrode composition or a dry electrode sheet is supplied between the first roller and the first roller.

[0095] Aspect 7: The device for producing an electrode according to one of the preceding aspects, comprising at least a second roller arranged adjacent to the second roller, wherein a dry electrode composition or a dry electrode sheet is supplied between the second roller and the second roller.

[0096] Aspect 8: The device for producing an electrode according to one of the preceding aspects, comprising at least a second roller arranged adjacent to the laminating section, wherein the dry electrode sheet is laminated onto the current collector by the second roller.

[0097] Aspect 9: The device for producing an electrode according to one of the preceding aspects, comprising a plurality of first rollers, a plurality of second rollers and a plurality of feed sections for the dry electrode composition, wherein the plurality of first rollers, second rollers and feed sections for the dry electrode composition are arranged such that they are symmetrical with respect to the lamination section.

[0098] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and the accompanying drawings and is intended to be limited only by the appended claims. Accordingly, various substitutions, modifications, and alterations can be made by a person skilled in the art without departing from the technical spirit of the invention as set forth in the claims, and such substitutions, modifications, and alterations are also within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

[1] Device for manufacturing an electrode, comprising: a feed section for dry electrode composition; a laminating section; and a first roller and a second roller which are set up to process a dry electrode composition supplied from the dry electrode composition feed section into a dry electrode sheet, while the dry electrode composition is transferred to the lamination section; wherein the first roller and the second roller have different diameters, in which, in the lamination section, the dry electrode sheet is laminated onto a current collector supplied from the outside. [2] Device for producing an electrode according to claim 1, wherein the diameter of the first roller is larger than the diameter of the second roller. [3] Device for producing an electrode according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the diameter of the second roller is 0.15 times or more and 0.7 times or less than the diameter of the first roller. [4] Device for manufacturing an electrode according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of at least one of the first roller and the second roller. [5] Device for producing an electrode according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least a second roller arranged adjacent to the first roller, wherein a dry electrode composition or a dry electrode sheet is supplied between the first roller and the second roller. [6] Device for producing an electrode according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least a first roller arranged adjacent to the first roller, wherein a dry electrode composition or a dry electrode sheet is supplied between the first roller and the first roller. [7] Device for producing an electrode according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least a second roller arranged adjacent to the second roller, wherein a dry electrode composition or a dry electrode sheet is supplied between the second roller and the second roller. [8] Device for producing an electrode according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least a second roller arranged adjacent to the lamination section, wherein the dry electrode sheet is laminated onto the current collector by the second roller. [9] Device for producing an electrode according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of first rollers, a plurality of second rollers and a plurality of feed sections for the dry electrode composition, wherein the plurality of first rollers, second rollers and feed sections for the dry electrode composition are arranged such that they are symmetrical with respect to the lamination section.

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