Electrode drying equipment and electrode drying system including same

Abstract

According to an exemplary embodiment, a drying system is provided that includes an electrode drying facility and a dehumidifier. The electrode device is configured to dry electrodes. The drying chamber includes a drying chamber, a plurality of forced air supply devices installed on an upper surface of the drying chamber, and a plurality of exhaust ports installed on a rear surface of the drying chamber. The dehumidifier is connected to the forced air supply device and configured to generate dry air that is provided to the drying chamber via the forced air supply device. The dry air generated by the dehumidifier is provided directly to the forced air supply device.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrode drying system. More particularly, the present invention relates to an electrode drying facility including a forced air supply device and an electrode drying system including the same. This application claims the benefit of Korean Application No. 10-2023-0003506 filed on January 10, 2023, and Korean Application No. 10-2024-0000998 filed on January 3, 2024, which applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. [Background technology]

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. Secondary batteries are widely used as energy sources for a variety of wireless devices, such as handsets, laptops, and wireless vacuum cleaners. In recent years, improvements in energy density and economies of scale have dramatically reduced the manufacturing costs of electrically powered hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs). As the driving range of BEVs has increased to the same level as that of fuel-powered vehicles, the primary use of secondary batteries has shifted from mobile devices to mobility.

[0003] Secondary batteries are classified into lithium-ion batteries, lithium-ion polymer batteries, and lithium polymer batteries depending on the structure of the electrodes and electrolyte. Lithium-ion polymer batteries are easy to manufacture, have a low risk of electrolyte leakage, and are increasing in occupancy rate among secondary batteries.

[0004] Depending on the shape of the battery case, secondary batteries are classified into cylindrical batteries, in which the electrode assembly is housed in a cylindrical metal can, prismatic batteries, in which the electrode assembly is housed in a prismatic metal can, and pouch batteries, in which the electrode assembly is housed in a pouch case made of aluminum laminate sheet.

[0005] The electrode assembly housed in the battery case includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the positive and negative electrodes. Electrode assemblies are classified into jelly roll and stack types depending on the assembly format. The jelly roll type is formed by winding up a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between them. The stack type includes multiple positive electrodes, multiple negative electrodes, and multiple separators interposed between them, stacked in sequence.

[0006] The electrode drying process is a process in which moisture is removed from the positive and negative electrode current collectors after the active material is applied to the sheet-shaped positive and negative electrode current collectors and before they are separated. Uniform drying of the entire surface of the electrode sheet can improve the yield and reliability of secondary batteries. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The problem to be solved by the technical idea of ​​the present invention is to provide an electrode drying facility with improved reliability and an electrode drying system including the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention that addresses the above-mentioned problems, a drying system is provided that includes an electrode drying facility and a dehumidifier.

[0009] The electrode device is configured to dry the electrode, and includes a drying chamber including a drying chamber, a plurality of forced air supply devices installed on the upper surface of the drying chamber, and a plurality of exhaust ports installed on the rear surface of the drying chamber.

[0010] The dehumidifier is coupled to the forced air supply device and configured to generate dry air that is provided to the drying chamber via the forced air supply device.

[0011] The dry air produced by the dehumidifier is provided directly to the forced air supply system.

[0012] The electrode drying system further includes a plurality of air supply pipes connected to the dehumidifier, and each of the plurality of air supply pipes is connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of forced air supply devices.

[0013] The electrode drying system further includes a plurality of air supply fans installed in each of the plurality of air supply pipes, and each of the plurality of air supply fans is configured to provide a driving force for transmitting the dried air through each of the plurality of air supply pipes.

[0014] The electrode drying equipment further includes a plurality of first rollers and a plurality of second rollers disposed within the drying chamber and configured to support the electrodes, each of the plurality of first rollers being spaced apart from the upper surface of the drying chamber with the plurality of second rollers interposed therebetween.

[0015] The second rollers are interposed between the first rollers in the longitudinal direction of the electrode.

[0016] The first rollers and the second rollers are configured to support the electrode such that a middle portion of the electrode is elevated relative to an edge portion of the electrode.

[0017] The drying chamber further includes a bottom surface opposite the top surface of the drying chamber, and the distance between each of the plurality of exhaust outlets and the top surface of the drying chamber is smaller than the distance between each of the plurality of exhaust outlets and the bottom surface of the drying chamber.

[0018] The plurality of forced air supply devices do not overlap in a direction perpendicular to the electrode and the top surface of the drying chamber.

[0019] Each of the plurality of forced air supply devices is interposed between the electrode and a front surface of the drying chamber, the front surface of the drying chamber being opposite the rear surface of the drying chamber.

[0020] Each of the plurality of forced air supply devices includes any one of an anemometer, a thermometer, a hygrometer, an electric damper, and a duct.

[0021] The electrode drying system further includes a plurality of manual air supply devices installed at a front surface of the drying chamber, the front surface of the drying chamber being opposite the rear surface of the drying chamber.

[0022] Each of the manual air supply devices is not connected to the dehumidifier.

[0023] According to an exemplary embodiment, an electrode drying apparatus is provided, the electrode drying apparatus including a drying chamber, a plurality of forced air supply devices installed on an upper surface of the drying chamber, and a plurality of exhaust ports installed on a rear surface of the drying chamber, wherein each of the plurality of forced air supply devices is spaced apart from an electrode loaded in the drying chamber in a direction parallel to the upper surface of the drying chamber.

[0024] Each of the plurality of air supply devices does not overlap the electrode.

[0025] The distance between each of the plurality of forced air supply devices and the front surface of the drying chamber is smaller than the distance between each of the plurality of air supply devices and the rear surface of the drying chamber, and the front surface of the drying chamber is opposite the rear surface of the drying chamber.

[0026] Each of the plurality of forced air supply devices is interposed between the electrode and the front surface of the drying chamber in a first direction parallel to the top surface of the drying chamber.

[0027] The electrode drying equipment further includes a plurality of manual air supply devices configured to supply dry air to the drying chamber, and the plurality of manual air supply devices are located at the front surface of the drying chamber.

[0028] The forced air supply device is directly connected via an air supply line to a dehumidifier configured to produce dry air.

[0029] The manual air supply is not connected to the dehumidifier.

[0030] The distance between each of the plurality of exhaust outlets and the upper surface of the drying chamber is smaller than the distance between each of the plurality of exhaust outlets and the lower surface of the drying chamber, and the lower surface of the drying chamber is opposite the upper surface of the drying chamber.

[0031] According to an exemplary embodiment, an electrode drying facility is provided, the electrode drying facility including a drying chamber, a plurality of forced air supply devices installed on a lower surface of the drying chamber, and a plurality of exhaust ports installed on a rear surface of the drying chamber, and each of the plurality of forced air supply devices is spaced apart from an electrode loaded in the drying chamber in a direction parallel to the lower surface of the drying chamber.

[0032] The distance between each of the plurality of forced air supply devices and the front surface of the drying chamber is smaller than the distance between each of the plurality of air supply devices and the rear surface of the drying chamber, and the front surface of the drying chamber is opposite the rear surface of the drying chamber.

[0033] Each of the plurality of forced air supply devices is interposed between the electrode and the front surface of the drying chamber in a first direction parallel to the rear surface of the drying chamber.

[0034] The electrode drying equipment further includes a plurality of manual air supply devices configured to supply dry air to the drying chamber, and the plurality of manual air supply devices are located at the front surface of the drying chamber.

[0035] The forced air supply system is directly connected by an air supply line to a dehumidifier configured to produce dry air.

[0036] The manual air supply is not connected to the dehumidifier.

[0037] The distance between each of the plurality of exhaust outlets and the lower surface of the drying chamber is smaller than the distance between each of the plurality of exhaust outlets and the upper surface of the drying chamber, and the upper surface of the drying chamber is opposite the lower surface of the drying chamber. [Effects of the Invention]

[0038] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the moisture mass fraction in the drying chamber can be reduced, and the generation of vortexes and turbulence in the drying chamber can be mitigated, thereby improving the uniformity and reliability of the drying process by the electrode drying system.

[0039] The effects that can be obtained from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood from the following description by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure belong. In other words, unintended effects accompanying the implementation of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure by a person having ordinary skill in the art. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0040] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an electrode drying system according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an electrode drying facility according to an exemplary embodiment; [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram illustrating an electrode drying facility according to an exemplary embodiment; [Figure 4] 10 is a diagram illustrating an electrode drying facility according to another exemplary embodiment; [Figure 5] 10 is a diagram illustrating an electrode drying facility according to another exemplary embodiment; [Figure 6]1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing an electrode according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before that, the terms and words used in the specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts that are consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of the terms to best describe his own invention.

[0042] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical idea of ​​the present invention, and there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace them at the time of this application.

[0043] Furthermore, in the description of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related publicly known structures or functions may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0044] The embodiments of the present invention are provided to more completely explain the present invention to those skilled in the art, and therefore the shapes and sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or shown in a schematic manner for clearer explanation. Therefore, the sizes and proportions of each component do not completely reflect the actual sizes and proportions.

[0045] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an electrode drying system 10 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 1, the electrode drying system 10 may include an electrode drying facility 100, a dehumidifier 200, a plurality of air supply pipes 210, a plurality of air supply fans 220, a plurality of exhaust pipes 310, and a plurality of exhaust fans 320.

[0047] The electrode drying system 10 can be configured to perform a drying process on an electrode EL. The electrode EL can be used for manufacturing a secondary battery. The electrode EL can be a positive electrode or a negative electrode. The positive electrode includes a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode active material coated on the positive electrode current collector, and the negative electrode includes a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material coated on the negative electrode current collector.

[0048] The drying process may include supplying dry air into the drying chamber 110 after loading the electrode EL into the drying chamber 110. The drying process may be performed based on temperature control and dew point control inside the drying chamber 110. The drying process may include maintaining the temperature and dew point inside the drying chamber 110 within set ranges based on measurements from a temperature sensor and a dew point sensor installed inside the drying chamber 110. As an example, the dew point inside the drying chamber 110 may be maintained at approximately -70°C or below, but is not limited thereto. In the drying process, the dew point inside the drying chamber 110 may be in the range of approximately -20°C to approximately -70°C.

[0049] Dehumidifier 200 may be configured to generate dry air by removing contaminants and moisture from external air. The dry air generated by dehumidifier 200 may be distributed to each part and element of electrode drying system 10 as needed. Electrode drying system 10 may include an environment control unit, which may control the atmosphere inside electrode drying system 10 using the dry air generated from dehumidifier 200.

[0050] The dehumidifier 200 may be connected to the plurality of forced air supply devices 120 of the electrode drying equipment 100 by a plurality of air supply pipes 210. According to an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of forced air supply devices 120 may be directly connected to the dehumidifier 200 by a plurality of air supply pipes 210. Each of the plurality of air supply pipes 210 may be connected to a corresponding one of the dehumidifier 200 and the plurality of forced air supply devices 120.

[0051] In FIG. 1, the connections between the plurality of air supply pipes 210 and the plurality of exhaust pipes 310 are indicated by dashed lines.

[0052] Each of the plurality of air supply pipes 210 may provide a passage for the movement of dry air generated by the dehumidifier 200. The dry air generated by the dehumidifier 200 may be provided to the plurality of forced air supply devices 120 via the plurality of air supply pipes 210. As a result, even if a moisture source such as an operator is located inside the electrode drying system 10, the dry air generated by the dehumidifier 200 is immediately provided to the drying chamber 110 via the forced air supply device 120, thereby improving the uniformity and reliability of the drying process.

[0053] A plurality of intake air fans 220 may be installed in the plurality of intake air pipes 210. Each of the plurality of intake air fans 220 may be configured to provide a driving force for moving the dry air through the plurality of intake air pipes 210. Each of the plurality of intake air fans 220 may be configured to adjust the speed of the flow of the dry air through the plurality of intake air pipes 210.

[0054] The air inside the drying chamber 110 may be discharged through the multiple exhaust ports 130. As the drying process progresses, the air inside the drying chamber 110 may have a higher humidity level than the dried air provided by the multiple forced air supply devices 120. The multiple exhaust ports 130 may discharge the air inside the drying chamber 110 so that the atmosphere inside the drying chamber 110 (e.g., humidity, temperature, pressure, etc.) is maintained constant.

[0055] Each of the plurality of exhaust ports 130 may be connected to each of the plurality of exhaust pipes 310. The plurality of exhaust pipes 310 may provide a path for discharging air from inside the drying chamber 110.

[0056] A plurality of exhaust fans 320 may be installed in each of the plurality of exhaust pipes 310. Each of the plurality of exhaust fans 320 may provide a driving force for exhausting air from the drying chamber 110 through the plurality of exhaust pipes 310. Each of the plurality of exhaust fans 320 may adjust the speed of the flow of air flowing out from the plurality of exhaust ports 130.

[0057] The plurality of manual air supply devices 140 of the electrode drying equipment 100 may be configured to provide dry air to the interior of the drying chamber 110. The plurality of manual air supply devices 140 may provide dry air distributed from the dehumidifier 200 to the electrode drying system 10 to the interior of the drying chamber 110.

[0058] The manual air supply devices 140 may not be connected to the dehumidifier 200. The electrode drying system 10 may not include piping connecting the manual air supply devices 140 to the dehumidifier 200. The manual air supply devices 140 may provide dry air to the interior of the drying chamber 110 by suction force provided through the exhaust ports 130.

[0059] The manual air charge devices 140 may have an openable / closable structure. When the manual air charge devices 140 are closed, the air flow through the manual air charge devices 140 may be blocked, so that the manual air charge devices 140 may not provide dry air to the drying chamber 110. When the manual air charge devices 140 are open, the air flow through the manual air charge devices 140 may be permitted, so that the manual air charge devices 140 may provide dry air to the drying chamber 110.

[0060] 2 and 3 are diagrams illustrating an electrode drying equipment 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. More specifically, Fig. 2 is a diagram of the electrode drying equipment 100 as seen from the front surface 110F of the drying chamber 110, and Fig. 3 is a diagram of the electrode drying equipment 100 as seen from the top surface 110T of the drying chamber 110.

[0061] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the electrode drying equipment 100 may include a plurality of first rollers 151 and a plurality of second rollers 152 in addition to the drying chamber 110, a plurality of forced air supply devices 120, a plurality of exhaust vents 130, and a plurality of manual air supply devices 140 described above.

[0062] The drying chamber 110 may provide a space for the drying process. The drying chamber 110 may isolate the interior space of the drying chamber 110 from the outside. The interior of the drying chamber 110 may have a controlled temperature, humidity, and pressure, which may allow a uniform drying process to be performed over the entire surface of the electrode EL.

[0063] The drying chamber 110 may include a front surface 110F, a rear surface 110R, a bottom surface 110B, a top surface 110T, a first side surface 110S1, and a second side surface 110S2. Hereinafter, the direction substantially perpendicular to each of the front surface 110F and the rear surface 110R is defined as the X direction, the direction substantially perpendicular to each of the first side surface 110S1 and the second side surface 110S2 is defined as the Y direction, and the direction substantially perpendicular to each of the bottom surface 110B and the top surface 110T is defined as the Z direction. The X direction, Y direction, and Z direction may be substantially perpendicular to each other. Unless otherwise defined, the definitions of the X direction, Y direction, and Z direction in the following drawings are the same as those described above.

[0064] The bottom surface 110B may face the bottom of the space in which the drying chamber 110 is installed. The top surface 110T may be opposite the bottom surface 110B. The top surface 110T may be separated from the bottom of the space in which the drying chamber 110 is installed, with the bottom surface 110B therebetween. Multiple forced air supply devices 120 may be installed on the top surface 110T.

[0065] Each of the multiple forced air intake devices 120 may include any one of an anemometer, a thermometer, a hygrometer, an electric damper, and a duct. The anemometer may be configured to measure the velocity of the dry air flowing through each of the multiple forced air intake devices 120. The thermometer may be configured to measure the temperature of the dry air flowing through each of the forced air intake devices 120. The hygrometer may be configured to measure the absolute humidity of the dry air flowing through each of the forced air intake devices 120. The hygrometer may also measure the relative humidity of the dry air flowing through each of the forced air intake devices 120. The electric damper may be configured to adjust the flow rate of the dry air flowing through each of the forced air intake devices 120. The duct may be configured to adjust the direction of the dry air emitted through each of the forced air intake devices 120.

[0066] A signal for controlling each of the multiple forced air supply devices 120 may be generated based on the measurement values ​​of the anemometer, thermometer, and hygrometer of each of the multiple forced air supply devices 120. For example, a signal for controlling the dehumidifier 200 (see FIG. 1) and a heater installed in any one of the multiple air supply pipes 210 (see FIG. 1) may be generated based on the measurement value of the thermometer of each of the multiple forced air supply devices 120. As another example, a signal for controlling the output of any one of the multiple air supply fans 220 may be generated based on the measurement value of the anemometer of each of the multiple forced air supply devices 120. As another example, a signal for controlling the operation of the dehumidifier 200 (see FIG. 1) may be generated based on the measurement value of the hygrometer of each of the multiple forced air supply devices 120.

[0067] The above control signals may be generated based on, but are not limited to, negative feedback to ensure that process parameters of the drying chamber 110 are within normal ranges. Motorized dampers and ducts may operate based on the above control signals and additional control signals.

[0068] The plurality of exhaust ports 130 may be disposed on the rear surface 110R. The rear surface 110R may be coupled to the top surface 110T and the bottom surface 110B. The rear surface 110R may be interposed between the top surface 110T and the bottom surface 110B. The plurality of exhaust ports 130 may be closer to the top surface 110T than to the bottom surface 110B. A distance d1 between each of the plurality of exhaust ports 130 and the top surface 110T may be smaller than a distance d2 between each of the plurality of exhaust ports 130 and the bottom surface 110B.

[0069] Multiple manual air supply devices 140 may be installed on the front surface 110F. The front surface 110F may be opposite the rear surface 110R. The front surface 110F may be interposed between the top surface 110T and the bottom surface 110B. Although not explicitly shown, the front surface 110F may include one or more doors for operator access. Operator access may include maintenance of the internal elements of the drying chamber 110, loading and unloading the electrodes EL, stopping work when a warning signal is generated, etc.

[0070] The first side surface 110S1 and the second side surface 110S2 may be connected to the bottom surface 110B, the top surface 110T, the front surface 110F, and the rear surface 110R, respectively, so that the first side surface 110S1 and the second side surface 110S2, the bottom surface 110B, the top surface 110T, the front surface 110F, and the rear surface 110R may form a closed space for the drying process.

[0071] A plurality of first rollers 151 and a plurality of second rollers 152 may be disposed inside the drying chamber 110. The plurality of first rollers 151 may be adjacent to the bottom surface 110B, and the plurality of second rollers 152 may be adjacent to the top surface 110T. Each of the plurality of first rollers 151 may be spaced apart from the top surface 110T with the plurality of second rollers 152 interposed therebetween. Each of the plurality of second rollers 152 may be spaced apart from the bottom surface 110B with the plurality of first rollers 151 interposed therebetween.

[0072] The plurality of first rollers 151 and second rollers 152 may be configured to support the electrode EL. The plurality of first rollers 151 and second rollers 152 may be configured to move the electrode EL. By rotation of the plurality of first rollers 151 and second rollers 152, the electrode EL may be moved from the first side surface 110S1 toward the second side surface 110S2, or from the second side surface 110S2 to the first side surface 110S1.

[0073] In this example, the plurality of second rollers 152 may be interposed between the plurality of first rollers 151 in the Y direction. This may cause a middle portion of the electrode EL inside the drying chamber 110 to be elevated relative to the edge portions of the electrode EL. Here, the middle portion of the electrode EL refers to the portion of the electrode EL between the plurality of second rollers 152, and the edge portions of the electrode EL refer to the portion of the electrode EL between the plurality of first rollers 151 and the first side surface 110S1 and the second side surface 110S2.

[0074] The Y direction may be substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction in which the middle and edge portions of the electrode EL extend, and thus the Y direction may also be referred to as the longitudinal direction. The Y direction may also be substantially parallel to the direction in which the middle and edge portions of the electrode EL move, and thus the Y direction may also be referred to as the movement direction of the electrode EL.

[0075] The X direction may be substantially parallel to the width direction of the electrode EL, and thus the X direction may also be referred to as the width direction of the electrode EL. The Z direction may also be referred to as the height direction.

[0076] According to an exemplary embodiment, the forced air supply device 120 may not overlap the electrode EL in the Z direction. According to an exemplary embodiment, the forced air supply device 120 may be spaced apart from the electrode EL in the X direction. According to an exemplary embodiment, the forced air supply device 120 may be interposed between the electrode EL and the front surface 110F in the X direction. According to an exemplary embodiment, the forced air supply device 120 may not overlap the surfaces of the first roller 151 and the second roller 152 that support the electrode EL in the Z direction. According to an exemplary embodiment, the forced air supply device 120 may be spaced apart from the surfaces of the first roller 151 and the second roller 152 that support the electrode EL in the X direction. According to an exemplary embodiment, the forced air supply device 120 may be interposed between the surfaces of the first roller 151 and the second roller 152 that support the electrode EL and the front surface 110F in the X direction. This may prevent the dry air introduced through the forced air supply device 120 from being directly sprayed onto a specific portion of the electrode EL, thereby improving the uniformity of the drying process.

[0077] Experimental examples have shown that when the middle portion of the electrode EL loaded inside the drying chamber 110 is elevated relative to the edge portion of the electrode EL, the forced air supply device 120 is disposed adjacent to the upper surface 110T of the chamber, reducing vortexes and turbulence inside the drying chamber 110. Furthermore, experimental examples have shown that the provision of the forced air supply device 120 increases the amount of water evaporation inside the drying chamber 110 by approximately 30% compared to conventional electrode drying equipment. This confirms that the electrode drying equipment 100 according to the exemplary embodiment and the electrode drying system 10 including the same (see FIG. 1) provide improved drying process uniformity and efficiency.

[0078] 4 is a diagram illustrating an electrode drying equipment 101 according to another exemplary embodiment. More specifically, FIG. 4 shows a portion of the electrode drying equipment 101 corresponding to FIG.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 4, the electrode drying equipment 101 may include a drying chamber 110, a plurality of forced air supply devices 121, a plurality of exhaust vents 131, a plurality of manual air supply devices 140, a plurality of first rollers 151, and a plurality of second rollers 152.

[0080] The drying chamber 110 and the plurality of manual air supply devices 140 are substantially the same as those described with reference to FIG. 1, and therefore a repeated description thereof will be omitted.

[0081] A plurality of forced air supply devices 121 may be installed on the bottom surface 110B. Each of the plurality of forced air supply devices 120 may include any one of an anemometer, a thermometer, a hygrometer, an electric damper, and a duct. The operation and function of the anemometer, the thermometer, the hygrometer, the electric damper, and the duct are substantially the same as those described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0082] The plurality of exhaust ports 131 may be disposed on the rear surface 110R. The plurality of exhaust ports 131 may be closer to the bottom surface 110B than to the top surface 110T. A distance d1' between each of the plurality of exhaust ports 131 and the top surface 110T may be greater than a distance d2' between each of the plurality of exhaust ports 131 and the bottom surface 110B.

[0083] 2, in this example, the plurality of first rollers 151 may be interposed between the plurality of second rollers 152 in the Y direction. This may cause the edge portions of the electrode EL inside the drying chamber 110 to be elevated relative to the middle portion of the electrode EL. Here, the middle portion of the electrode EL refers to the portion of the electrode EL between the plurality of first rollers 151, and the edge portions of the electrode EL refer to the portion of the electrode EL between the plurality of second rollers 152 and the first side surface 110S1 and the second side surface 110S2.

[0084] According to an exemplary embodiment, the forced air supply device 121 may not overlap the electrode EL in the Z direction. According to an exemplary embodiment, the forced air supply device 121 may be spaced apart from the electrode EL in the X direction. According to an exemplary embodiment, the forced air supply device 121 may be interposed between the electrode EL and the front surface 110F in the X direction. According to an exemplary embodiment, the forced air supply device 121 may not overlap the surfaces of the first roller 151 and the second roller 152 that support the electrode EL in the Z direction. According to an exemplary embodiment, the forced air supply device 121 may be spaced apart from the surfaces of the first roller 151 and the second roller 152 that support the electrode EL in the X direction. According to an exemplary embodiment, the forced air supply device 121 may be interposed between the surfaces of the first roller 151 and the second roller 152 that support the electrode EL and the front surface 110F in the X direction. This may prevent the dry air introduced through the forced air supply device 121 from being directly sprayed onto the electrode EL, thereby improving the uniformity of the drying process.

[0085] 5 is a diagram illustrating an electrode drying facility 102 according to another exemplary embodiment. More specifically, FIG. 5 shows a portion of the electrode drying facility 102 corresponding to FIG. 2.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 5, the electrode drying equipment 102 may include a drying chamber 110, a plurality of forced air supply devices 120, 121, a plurality of exhaust vents 130, 131, a plurality of manual air supply devices 140, a plurality of first rollers 151, and a plurality of second rollers 152.

[0087] The drying chamber 110 and the plurality of manual air supply devices 140 are substantially the same as those described with reference to FIG. 1, and therefore a repeated description thereof will be omitted.

[0088] A plurality of forced air supply devices 120 may be installed on the top surface 110T, and a plurality of forced air supply devices 121 may be installed on the bottom surface 110B. In Fig. 5, two forced air supply devices 120 are shown installed on the top surface 110T, and one forced air supply device 121 is shown installed on the bottom surface 110B, but this is for convenience of explanation, and the number and arrangement of the forced air supply devices 120 and 121 may be changed as needed.

[0089] The multiple forced air supply devices 120 and the multiple exhaust ports 130 are substantially the same as those shown in Figures 1 to 3, and the multiple forced air supply devices 121 and the multiple exhaust ports 131 are substantially the same as those shown in Figure 4.

[0090] The plurality of exhaust ports 130, 131 may be located on the rear surface 110R. The plurality of exhaust ports 130 may be closer to the top surface 110T than to the bottom surface 110B. The plurality of exhaust ports 131 may be closer to the bottom surface 110B than to the top surface 110T.

[0091] At least two second rollers 152 may be interposed between any two adjacent ones of the plurality of first rollers 151, and at least two first rollers 151 may be interposed between any two adjacent ones of the plurality of second rollers 152. As a result, in this embodiment, the path line of the electrode EL may have a zigzag shape, unlike the embodiments of Figures 2 and 4. As described above, the electrode EL may be moved by the rotation of the first rollers 151 and the second rollers 152, and the path line may be the movement path of the electrode EL.

[0092] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing an electrode according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0093] According to an exemplary embodiment, the electrodes may be formed from P110.

[0094] A sheet-like electrode can be formed by applying an electrode slurry containing an electrode active material onto a current collector, drying and rolling the resulting mixture to form an electrode mixture layer. The electrode slurry can be applied to the current collector using a coating die. The coating die can be, for example, a slot die. The current collector can be a positive electrode current collector or a negative electrode current collector, and the electrode active material can be a positive electrode active material or a negative electrode active material. The electrode slurry can further include a conductive material and a binder in addition to the electrode active material.

[0095] The thickness of the positive electrode current collector may range from about 3 μm to about 500 μm. The positive electrode current collector may be one that does not induce chemical changes in the final secondary battery and may have high conductivity. The positive electrode current collector may include, for example, stainless steel, nickel, titanium, calcined carbon, and aluminum. The positive electrode current collector may also include stainless steel that has been surface-treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, or the like. The surface of the positive electrode current collector may include a micro-textured structure to enhance the adhesive strength of the active material. The positive electrode current collector may have the shape of a film, sheet, foil, net, porous material, foam, nonwoven fabric, or the like.

[0096] The thickness of the negative electrode current collector may be in the range of about 3 μm to about 500 μm. The negative electrode current collector may be one that does not induce chemical changes in the final secondary battery and may have high conductivity. The negative electrode current collector may include copper, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, sintered carbon, and aluminum-cadmium alloy. The negative electrode current collector may include stainless steel surface-treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, or the like. The surface of the negative electrode current collector may include a micro-textured structure to enhance the adhesion of the active material. The negative electrode current collector may have the shape of a film, sheet, foil, net, porous material, foam, nonwoven fabric, or the like.

[0097] The positive electrode active material is a material capable of undergoing an electrochemical reaction. The positive electrode active material can be a lithium transition metal oxide. Examples of the positive electrode active material include layered compounds such as lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) and lithium nickel oxide (LiNiO2) substituted with one or more transition metals; lithium manganese oxide substituted with one or more transition metals; and lithium manganese oxides with the chemical formula LiNi 1-y M y Lithium nickel-based oxide represented by O2 (where M is any one of Co, Mn, Al, Cu, Fe, Mg, B, Cr, Zn, and Ga, and 0.01≦y≦0.7); Li 1+z Ni 1 / 3 Co 1 / 3 Mn 1 / 3 O2, Li 1+z Ni 0.4 Mn 0.4 Co 0.2 Li such as O2 1+z Ni b Mn c Co 1-(b+c+d) M d O (2-e) A e (wherein -0.5≦z≦0.5, 0.1≦b≦0.8, 0.1≦c≦0.8, 0≦d≦0.2, 0≦e≦0.2, b+c+d<1, M is any one of Al, Mg, Cr, Ti, Si, and Y, and A is any one of F, P, and Cl); lithium nickel cobalt manganese composite oxide represented by the chemical formula Li 1+x M 1-y M' y PO 4-z X z (wherein M is a transition metal, more specifically any one of Fe, Mn, Co, and Ni; M′ is any one of Al, Mg, and Ti; X is any one of F, S, and N; −0.5≦x≦+0.5; 0≦y≦0.5; and 0≦z≦0.1).

[0098] The negative electrode active material may include, for example, carbon such as non-graphitizable carbon or graphite-based carbon. xFe2O3 (0 ≦ x ≦ 1), Li x WO2 (0 ≦ x ≦ 1), Sn x Me 1-x Me’ y O z (where Me is any one of Mn, Fe, Pb, and Ge, and Me’ is any one of Al, B, P, Si, Group 1 elements, Group 2 elements, Group 3 elements, and halogens; 0 < x ≦ 1; 1 ≦ y ≦ 3; 1 ≦ z ≦ 8), etc. may include metal composite oxides. The negative electrode active material may include, for example, lithium metal; lithium alloys; silicon-based alloys; tin-based alloys. The negative electrode active material may include, for example, metal oxides such as SnO, SnO2, PbO, PbO2, Pb2O3, Pb3O4, Sb2O3, Sb2O4, Sb2O5, GeO, GeO2, Bi2O3, Bi2O4, Bi2O5. The negative electrode active material may include, for example, conductive polymers such as polyacetylene; Li-Co-Ni-based materials, etc.

[0099] The conductive material usually occupies about 1 wt% to about 30 wt% in the mixture containing the positive electrode active material. The conductive material can have conductivity without inducing chemical changes in the finally manufactured secondary battery. The conductive material may include, for example, graphite such as natural graphite and artificial graphite; carbon black such as acetylene black, ketjen black, channel black, furnace black, lamp black, and thermal black; conductive fibers such as carbon fibers and metal fibers; metal powders such as carbon fluoride, aluminum, and nickel powder; conductive whiskers such as zinc oxide and potassium titanate; conductive metal oxides such as titanium oxide; polyphenylene derivatives, etc.

[0100] The binder can improve the bond between the active material and the conductive material and the bonding strength to the current collector. The binder accounts for about 1% to about 30% by weight of the mixture containing the positive electrode active material. The binder can include, for example, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinyl alcohol, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), starch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, regenerated cellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, tetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM), sulfonated EPDM, styrene-butadiene rubber, fluororubber, various copolymers, and the like.

[0101] The electrode slurry may be prepared by dissolving an electrode active material, a conductive material, a binder, and the like in a solvent. The solvent may disperse the electrode active material, etc. The solvent may be an aqueous or non-aqueous solvent. The solvent may include dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), isopropyl alcohol, N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP), acetone, water, or a mixture thereof. The amount of solvent used may be adjusted to ensure that the slurry has a suitable viscosity, taking into consideration the coating thickness of the slurry, production yield, workability, and the like.

[0102] 1 and 6, the electrode EL can be dried using an electrode drying system 10. The drying of the electrode is substantially the same as that described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, and therefore a duplicate description thereof will be omitted.

[0103] The present invention has been described in more detail above through the drawings and embodiments, etc. However, the configurations described in the drawings or embodiments in this specification are merely one embodiment of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention, and therefore, at the time of filing this application, there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace them.

Claims

1. an electrode drying facility configured to dry electrodes, the facility including a drying chamber, a plurality of forced air supply devices installed on an upper surface of the drying chamber, and a plurality of exhaust ports installed on a rear surface of the drying chamber; a dehumidifier coupled to the forced air supply device and configured to generate dry air that is provided to the drying chamber via the forced air supply device.

2. The electrode drying system of claim 1 , wherein the dry air produced by the dehumidifier is provided directly to the forced air supply device.

3. a plurality of air supply pipes connected to the dehumidifier; The electrode drying system according to claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of air supply pipes is connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of forced air supply devices.

4. The air supply system further includes a plurality of air supply fans installed in the plurality of air supply pipes, respectively; The electrode drying system of claim 3 , wherein each of the plurality of air supply fans is configured to provide a driving force for transmitting the dry air through each of the plurality of air supply pipes.

5. the electrode drying equipment further includes a plurality of first rollers and a plurality of second rollers disposed within the drying chamber and configured to support the electrodes; The electrode drying system of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of first rollers is spaced apart from the upper surface of the drying chamber with the plurality of second rollers therebetween.

6. The electrode drying system according to claim 5 , wherein the second rollers are interposed between the first rollers in the longitudinal direction of the electrode.

7. 6. The electrode drying system of claim 5, wherein the plurality of first rollers and the plurality of second rollers are configured to support the electrode such that a middle portion of the electrode is elevated relative to edge portions of the electrode.

8. the drying chamber further includes a bottom surface opposite the top surface of the drying chamber; 2. The electrode drying system of claim 1, wherein a distance between each of the plurality of exhaust ports and the top surface of the drying chamber is smaller than a distance between each of the plurality of exhaust ports and the bottom surface of the drying chamber.

9. The electrode drying system of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of forced air supply devices does not overlap in a direction perpendicular to the electrode and the upper surface of the drying chamber.

10. each of the plurality of forced air supply devices is interposed between the electrode and a front surface of the drying chamber; The electrode drying system of claim 1 , wherein the front side of the drying chamber is opposite the rear side of the drying chamber.

11. The electrode drying system according to claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of forced air supply devices includes any one of an anemometer, a thermometer, a hygrometer, an electrically powered damper, and a duct.

12. a plurality of manual air supply devices disposed at a front surface of the drying chamber; The electrode drying system of claim 1 , wherein the front side of the drying chamber is opposite the rear side of the drying chamber.

13. 13. The electrode drying system of claim 12, wherein each of the manual air supply devices is not coupled to the dehumidifier.

14. A drying chamber; a plurality of forced air supply devices installed on the upper surface of the drying chamber; a plurality of exhaust ports disposed on a rear surface of the drying chamber; The electrode drying equipment, wherein each of the plurality of forced air supply devices is spaced apart from the electrodes loaded in the drying chamber in a direction parallel to the upper surface of the drying chamber.

15. The electrode drying equipment according to claim 14 , wherein each of the plurality of forced air supply devices does not overlap the electrode.

16. a distance between each of the plurality of forced air supply devices and a front surface of the drying chamber is smaller than a distance between each of the plurality of forced air supply devices and the rear surface of the drying chamber; The electrode drying equipment of claim 14 , wherein the front surface of the drying chamber is opposite the rear surface of the drying chamber.

17. 17. The electrode drying equipment according to claim 16, wherein each of the plurality of forced air supply devices is interposed between the electrode and a front surface of the drying chamber in a first direction parallel to the top surface of the drying chamber.

18. a plurality of manual air supply devices configured to supply dry air to the drying chamber; The electrode drying equipment of claim 16, wherein the plurality of manual air feed devices are at the front surface of the drying chamber.

19. 20. The electrode drying equipment according to claim 18, wherein the forced air supply device is directly connected via an air supply pipe to a dehumidifier configured to generate dry air.

20. 20. The electrode drying installation of claim 19, wherein the manual air supply device is not coupled to the dehumidifier.

21. a distance between each of the plurality of exhaust ports and the upper surface of the drying chamber is smaller than a distance between each of the plurality of exhaust ports and a lower surface of the drying chamber; and The electrode drying equipment of claim 14 , wherein the lower surface of the drying chamber is opposite the upper surface of the drying chamber.

22. A drying chamber; a plurality of forced air supply devices installed on the lower surface of the drying chamber; a plurality of exhaust ports disposed on a rear surface of the drying chamber; The electrode drying equipment, wherein each of the plurality of forced air supply devices is spaced apart from the electrodes loaded in the drying chamber in a direction parallel to the bottom surface of the drying chamber.

23. a distance between each of the plurality of forced air supply devices and a front surface of the drying chamber is smaller than a distance between each of the plurality of forced air supply devices and the rear surface of the drying chamber; 23. The electrode drying fixture of claim 22, wherein the front surface of the drying chamber is opposite the rear surface of the drying chamber.

24. 24. The electrode drying equipment according to claim 23, wherein each of the plurality of forced air supply devices is interposed between the electrode and the front surface of the drying chamber in a first direction parallel to the rear surface of the drying chamber.

25. a plurality of manual air supply devices configured to supply dry air to the drying chamber; 24. The electrode drying fixture of claim 23, wherein the plurality of manual air feed devices are at the front face of the drying chamber.

26. 26. The electrode drying installation of claim 25, wherein the forced air supply device is directly connected by an air supply pipe to a dehumidifier configured to generate dry air.

27. 27. The electrode drying installation of claim 26, wherein the manual air supply device is not coupled to the dehumidifier.

28. a distance between each of the plurality of exhaust ports and the lower surface of the drying chamber is smaller than a distance between each of the plurality of exhaust ports and the upper surface of the drying chamber; 23. The electrode drying equipment of claim 22, wherein the upper surface of the drying chamber is opposite the lower surface of the drying chamber.

Images