Electrode sheet manufacturing equipment

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus, and an electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a pressure roller capable of manufacturing an electrode sheet by pressurizing powder, a hopper configured to supply the powder contained inside to the pressure roller side and equipped with at least one measuring hole, and a measuring unit configured to measure the amount of powder contained in the hopper by injecting a predetermined fluid into the measuring hole to measure the pressure inside the hopper.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0149006 filed on November 1, 2023 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0153001 filed on October 31, 2024, and all the contents disclosed in the documents of the Korean patent applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to an electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus, and more specifically, to an electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus that manufactures an electrode sheet by rolling powder.

Background Art

[0003] Generally, secondary batteries have been applied to small fields such as mobile devices and notebook computers. Recently, however, the research direction has expanded to medium and large fields, and they are mainly widely used in fields where high power is required, such as energy storage systems (ESS) and electric vehicles (EV). A secondary battery houses an electrode assembly in which a plurality of electrodes are stacked or wound. At this time, the electrodes are manufactured by cutting an electrode sheet into a predetermined length and shape. As one method of manufacturing such an electrode sheet, there is a method of rolling powder or powdery material into a film or sheet-shaped electrode sheet having a predetermined thickness. At this time, the powder may be a slurry in which an electrode active material, a binder, a conductive material, etc. are mixed.

[0004] Generally, in order to manufacture an electrode sheet from powder, a pair of pressing rollers and a hopper are used. Here, the pressing rollers roll the powder into a sheet or film-shaped object, and the hopper supplies the powder housed therein between the pressing rollers. At this time, in a conventional electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus, in order to smoothly supply the powder between the pressing rollers, a stirrer having a screw structure was disposed inside the hopper, and the powder was stirred using the stirrer.

[0005] On the other hand, in order to stably manufacture electrode sheets, it is important that the hopper contains the correct amount of powder and that the powder is heated to the appropriate temperature. If the amount of powder contained in the hopper falls outside the appropriate range, the powder may be over-rolled or under-rolled, which may result in the characteristics of the manufactured electrode sheets being inconsistent or the quality degrading. For this reason, conventional electrode sheet manufacturing equipment has indirectly measured the amount of powder contained in the hopper by utilizing the characteristic that the load on the agitator increases as the amount of powder contained in the hopper increases.

[0006] However, during the stirring process by the agitator, the powder contained in the hopper would locally aggregate into clumps, leading to problems such as the powder not being smoothly supplied between the pressure rollers or defects occurring in the manufactured electrode sheets. Furthermore, the method of measuring the amount of powder contained in the hopper using the load on the agitator was inaccurate because it did not directly measure the amount of powder. This is because fluctuations in the load on the agitator can be caused not only by the amount of powder contained in the hopper but also by other factors.

[0007] Therefore, there has been an urgent need for the development of an electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus that can accurately measure the amount of powder contained in the hopper and stably produce electrode sheets while minimizing the impact on the powder contained in the hopper. Furthermore, there is an urgent need for the development of an electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus that can heat the powder to an appropriate temperature while minimizing the impact on the powder contained in the hopper. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The present invention was devised to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the object of the present invention is to provide an electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus that can stably manufacture electrode sheets by measuring the amount of powder contained in the hopper while minimizing the impact on the powder contained in the hopper.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus that can accurately measure the amount of powder contained in a hopper and stably manufacture electrode sheets.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus that can heat powder contained in a hopper to an appropriate temperature.

[0011] The problems that the present invention will address are not limited to those described above, and any other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person of the ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, an electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus is disclosed, comprising: a pressure roller capable of manufacturing an electrode sheet by pressurizing powder; a hopper configured to supply the powder contained inside to the pressure roller side and equipped with at least one measuring hole; and a measuring unit configured to measure the amount of powder contained in the hopper by injecting a predetermined fluid into the measuring hole to measure the pressure inside the hopper.

[0013] In this case, the predetermined fluid may be the outside air of the hopper.

[0014] In this case, the measuring unit may include a flow path forming member with one side connected to the measuring hole, and a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure of the fluid flowing through the flow path forming member.

[0015] In this case, the measuring hole may be formed to penetrate through the hopper so that it can communicate with the inside and outside of the hopper.

[0016] In this case, at least a portion of the measuring unit may be installed on the outer surface of the hopper.

[0017] In this case, the measuring holes may include a first measuring hole and a second measuring hole that are spaced apart from each other.

[0018] In this case, the pressure rollers are composed of a pair, and either the first measuring hole or the second measuring hole is located between the pair of pressure rollers, while the other of the first measuring hole or the second measuring hole may be located at a predetermined distance from the pair of pressure rollers.

[0019] In this case, the system may further include a powder supply unit that supplies powder to the hopper, and a controller that controls the powder supply unit based on information acquired by the measuring unit.

[0020] In this case, the system may further include a controller that controls the operation of the pressure roller based on the information acquired by the measurement unit.

[0021] In this configuration, the controller is configured to change the operating state of the pressure rollers when the amount of powder contained in the hopper falls below a standard amount, and the inner circumferential surface of the hopper includes a first region that is in contact with the powder contained in the standard amount inside the hopper, and a second region located on the opposite side of the pair of pressure rollers with respect to the first region, and at least one of the measuring holes can be located in the first region.

[0022] In this case, at least one of the measuring holes may be formed in a position where it can be blocked by the powder contained inside the hopper in the specified standard amount.

[0023] In this case, at least one of the measurement holes can be located adjacent to the boundary between the first region and the second region.

[0024] At this time, the pressing rollers are configured as a pair, and when the amount of powder accommodated in the hopper becomes less than the reference amount, the controller can interrupt the operation of the pressing rollers, or increase the distance between the pair of pressing rollers, or reduce the pressure with which the pressing rollers press the powder.

[0025] At this time, the fluid injected into the hopper by the measuring unit may be a heated fluid heated to 80 degrees or more.

[0026] At this time, the hopper is provided with an accommodation space for accommodating powder, and inside the hopper, an internal flow path extending in the circumferential direction of the accommodation space is provided so that a predetermined fluid can flow. A part of the heated fluid can be configured to be injected into the hopper by the measuring unit, and the remaining part of the heated fluid can be configured to be supplied to the internal flow path.

[0027] At this time, the hopper is provided with an accommodation space for accommodating powder, and inside the hopper, an internal flow path extending in the circumferential direction of the accommodation space is provided so that a predetermined fluid can flow. The internal flow path can be configured to be supplied with a heated fluid heated to 80 degrees or more.

[0028] At this time, the internal flow path may be composed of a plurality of parts.

[0029] At this time, the plurality of internal flow paths can extend parallel to each other along the circumferential direction of the accommodation space.

[0030] At this time, the measuring unit may be configured to inject at least a part of the heated fluid discharged from the internal flow path into the measuring hole.

[0031] At this time, a heating fluid supply unit for supplying the heating fluid can be further included.

Advantages of the Invention

[0032] In one aspect of the present invention, the electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus is configured such that the measuring unit measures the amount of powder contained in the hopper using a measuring hole provided in the hopper containing the powder. Therefore, the amount of powder contained can be measured while minimizing the impact on the powder contained in the hopper.

[0033] Alternatively, in an electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, a measuring unit for measuring the amount of powder contained in the hopper is provided on the outer surface or outside of the hopper, so that the amount of powder contained can be measured while minimizing the impact on the powder contained in the hopper.

[0034] As a result, the electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention can stably manufacture electrode sheets based on information regarding the amount of powder contained in the hopper. An electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a first measuring hole and a second measuring hole in the hopper, which are spaced apart from each other. Therefore, by utilizing the relative positions and pressure differences between the first measuring hole and the second measuring hole, the amount of powder contained in the hopper can be measured more accurately.

[0035] An electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention has a measuring hole located in a first region on the inner circumferential surface of the hopper, or adjacent to the boundary between the first region and the second region, allowing the amount of powder contained in the hopper to be compared with a reference amount.

[0036] As a result, the electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention can stably manufacture electrode sheets based on a comparison between the amount of powder contained in the hopper and a reference amount.

[0037] An electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention is equipped with a controller, and information regarding the amount of powder contained in the hopper can be used to control a powder supply unit capable of supplying powder to the hopper and an actuator that operates a pressure roller, thereby enabling more stable production of electrode sheets.

[0038] In an electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, the fluid injected into the measurement hole can be a heated fluid heated to a predetermined temperature, thereby enabling proper heating of the powder contained in the hopper.

[0039] In an electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, an internal flow path is provided inside the hopper through which a heating fluid heated to a predetermined temperature can flow, thereby enabling proper heating of the powder contained in the hopper.

[0040] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and any effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art in which the present invention pertains from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0041] [Figure 1] This figure schematically illustrates the process of manufacturing an electrode sheet using an electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. For illustrative purposes, the supply unit, hopper, and pressure roller are shown in cross-section. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view from above of the hopper and pressure roller of the electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a vertical cross-sectional view of the hopper, pressure roller, and measuring unit of the electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, cut so that the measuring hole is visible. For illustrative purposes of the invention, the pump of the measuring unit is shown schematically. [Figure 4] This figure illustrates the process by which a controller of an electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention controls the supply unit and the pressure roller. For illustrative purposes of the invention, the supply unit, hopper, and pressure roller are shown in cross-section. [Figure 5]This is a vertical cross-sectional view of the hopper, pressure roller, and measuring unit of the electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, cut so that the measuring hole is visible. For illustrative purposes of the invention, the pump of the measuring unit is shown schematically. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view from above of the hopper and pressure roller of the electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This figure schematically shows an electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This figure schematically shows an electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] This figure schematically shows an electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0042] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that they can be easily implemented by those with the necessary knowledge. However, the present invention can be realized in a variety of different forms and is not limited or restricted by the following embodiments.

[0043] To clearly illustrate the present invention, detailed descriptions of relevant prior art that are irrelevant to the description or that could unnecessarily obscure the essence of the invention have been omitted. Where reference numerals are used to denote components in the drawings in this specification, the same or similar reference numerals are used throughout the specification for components that are the same or similar.

[0044] Furthermore, the terms and words used in this specification and in the claims should not be interpreted in a manner limited to their general or dictionary meanings, but rather should be interpreted in a manner consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention, in accordance with the principle that inventors may appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe their invention.

[0045] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the process by which an electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention manufactures an electrode sheet. For illustrative purposes, the supply unit, hopper, and pressure roller are shown in cross-section. Figure 2 is a perspective view from above of the hopper and pressure roller of the electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the hopper, pressure roller, and measuring unit of the electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, cut to show the measuring hole. For illustrative purposes, the pump of the measuring unit is shown schematicly. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the process by which a controller of the electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention controls the supply unit and pressure roller. For illustrative purposes, the supply unit, hopper, and pressure roller are shown in cross-section.

[0046] In this case, the drawings schematically show each component of the electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and the size of the components and the thickness of the lines may be slightly exaggerated for ease of understanding.

[0047] Figures 1 to 4 disclose an electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 (hereinafter referred to as the manufacturing apparatus) according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The manufacturing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode sheet E by rolling powder P.

[0048] In this embodiment, the powder P may be a slurry in which powdered electrode active material, binder, conductive material, etc. are mixed, but is not limited thereto, and the powder P may consist of various materials capable of forming an electrode sheet E.

[0049] Referring to Figure 1, the manufacturing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a powder supply unit 10. In this embodiment, the powder supply unit 10 may be a unit for supplying powder P to a hopper 20, which will be described later.

[0050] In this embodiment, the powder supply unit 10 may include a tank-shaped storage section 12 that houses powder P inside and has a discharge port on its lower side, and an opening / closing section 14 that opens and closes the discharge port to control the amount of powder P discharged from the storage section 12. The operation of the opening / closing section 14 can be controlled by a controller 50, which will be described later.

[0051] On the other hand, the structure and type of the powder supply unit 10 are not particularly limited, as long as it can supply the powder P into the hopper 20. For example, the powder supply unit 10 can consist of a conveyor or the like that supplies the powder P.

[0052] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the manufacturing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a hopper 20 and a pair of pressure rollers 30. In this embodiment, the hopper 20 may be a structure that supplies powder P between the pair of pressure rollers 30.

[0053] Furthermore, the pair of pressure rollers 30 may be rollers that pressurize the powder P entering the gap formed between them to produce a sheet-like electrode. In this case, the gap between the pressure rollers 30 can mean the narrowest gap formed between the pressure rollers 30. The highest pressure can be created in the hopper 20 by the pressure rollers 30 in this gap.

[0054] In this embodiment, the hopper 20 may have a housing-like shape so as to be able to contain the powder P inside. The hopper 20 may also be positioned below the powder supply unit 10 at a distance.

[0055] In this case, the hopper 20 may be open on the top so that it can receive the supply of powder P falling from the powder supply unit 10 by gravity. Of course, if the hopper 20 and the powder supply unit 10 are connected by piping or the like, the hopper 20 does not need to have a separate open surface.

[0056] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the hopper 20 can be provided to be large enough to accommodate a standard amount or more of powder P inside. In this case, the standard amount may be a predetermined amount of powder set for a specific purpose.

[0057] For example, the reference amount may be the minimum amount of powder P that should be contained in the hopper 20 in order for the electrode sheet E to be stably manufactured in a pair of pressure rollers 30.

[0058] If the pressure rollers 30 are operated while the hopper 20 contains less than the minimum amount of powder P, a sufficient amount of powder P will not be supplied between the pressure rollers 30, which could cause the pressure rollers 30 to collide with each other or result in the production of defective electrode sheets E.

[0059] To prevent this, the manufacturing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a measuring unit 40 and a controller 50, which can control the operation of the powder supply unit 10 and the pressure roller 30, but this will be described later.

[0060] Referring again to Figures 1 to 3, in this embodiment, the inner circumferential surface of the hopper 20 can include a first region A and a second region B. In this case, the first region A may be a region that is in contact with the powder P when a standard amount of powder P is contained in the hopper 20.

[0061] Furthermore, the second region B may be a region on the inner surface located on the opposite side of the pressure roller 30 with respect to the first region A. In other words, the second region B may be a region that does not come into contact with (or is located at a distance from) the powder P when the hopper 20 contains a standard amount of powder P.

[0062] In this embodiment, the powder P contained in the hopper 20 is supplied to the pressure roller 30 by gravity as it is filled from the bottom of the hopper 20, so the second region B is located above the first region A. However, the relative positions of the first region A and the second region B can be appropriately changed depending on the shape of the hopper 20 and the method by which the powder P is supplied to the pressure roller 30.

[0063] In this case, a boundary L may be provided between the first region A and the second region B. The boundary L can be represented by a virtual line where the surface of the powder P (or the water surface) and the inner surface of the hopper 20 are in contact with each other when a standard amount of powder P is contained in the hopper 20.

[0064] In this embodiment, the boundary L may be located above the gap of the pressure roller 30 by a reference distance s, as shown in Figure 4. This is because, as mentioned above, the powder P is supplied to the pressure roller 30 as it begins to fill from the bottom of the hopper 20.

[0065] In this embodiment, if the amount of powder P that exceeds the boundary L is contained in the hopper 20, it can be said that a larger amount of powder P than the standard amount has been contained in the hopper 20. Conversely, if the amount of powder P that does not reach the boundary L is contained in the hopper 20, it can be said that a smaller amount of powder P than the standard amount has been contained in the hopper 20. This information can be used to control the operation of the powder supply unit 10 and the pressure roller 30.

[0066] On the other hand, referring again to Figures 3 and 4, the hopper 20 may be provided with at least one measuring hole 21. In this embodiment, the measuring hole 21 is a hole for measuring the pressure inside the hopper 20. The measuring hole 21 may be formed through the hopper 20 so that the inside and outside of the hopper 20 can communicate.

[0067] In this embodiment, the measuring hole 21 may include a first measuring hole 21a and a second measuring hole 21b. The first measuring hole 21a and the second measuring hole 21b may be arranged at a predetermined distance from each other.

[0068] At this time, the positions of the first measuring hole 21a and the second measuring hole 21b can be adjusted to more accurately measure the amount of powder P contained in the hopper 20. This will be described later along with the measuring unit 40.

[0069] Referring again to Figures 1 to 3, a pair of pressure rollers 30 can be placed on the lower side of the hopper 20. This allows the powder P contained inside the hopper 20 to move downwards due to gravity and be naturally supplied between the pair of pressure rollers 30. Of course, the hopper 20 may also be equipped with a screw (not shown) or the like to assist in supplying the powder P between the pressure rollers 30.

[0070] On the other hand, at least one of the pair of pressure rollers 30 can be operatively connected to the actuator 32. For example, the actuator 32 may be an electric motor. The actuator 32 and the pressure roller 30 can be connected by a predetermined power transmission member.

[0071] Such an actuator 32 can operate the pressure roller 30, adjust the force with which the pressure roller 30 pressurizes the powder P, or adjust the gap between the pressure rollers 30. The actuator 32 can be controlled by a controller 50, which will be described later.

[0072] On the other hand, referring to Figure 3, the manufacturing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a measuring unit 40 that measures the pressure inside the hopper 20 using a measuring hole 21.

[0073] In this embodiment, the measurement unit 40 may include a flow path forming member 42 formed in the measurement hole 21, a pump 46 capable of injecting a predetermined fluid into the flow path forming member 42, and a pressure measuring sensor (pressure sensor) 44 for measuring the pressure of the fluid flowing through the flow path forming member 42.

[0074] If the measurement hole 21 is blocked by the powder P contained in the hopper 20, the pressure measurement sensor 44 will measure a relatively high pressure. Conversely, if the measurement hole 21 is not blocked, the pressure measurement sensor 44 will measure a relatively low pressure.

[0075] This makes it possible to indirectly obtain information regarding the amount of powder P contained in the hopper 20. Furthermore, it is possible to minimize the impact on the powder P contained in the hopper 20 during the process of measuring the amount of powder P.

[0076] In this configuration, at least one of the flow path forming member 42, pump 46, and pressure measuring sensor 44 can be installed on the outer surface of the hopper 20 or located outside the hopper 20. This allows the measuring unit 40 to measure the amount of powder P without affecting the amount or state of the powder P contained inside the hopper 20.

[0077] On the other hand, the fluid injected into the flow path forming member 42 by the pump 46 may be external air. Since external air can be easily obtained from the external environment without physically and / or chemically affecting the powder P contained in the hopper 20, the measurement unit 40 can be configured simply and compactly. Of course, the injected fluid may be other types of fluids or mixtures other than air.

[0078] In this embodiment, the measuring unit 40 may include a first measuring unit 40a that uses a first measuring hole 21a and a second measuring unit 40b that uses a second measuring hole 21b.

[0079] The first measuring unit 40a may include a first flow path forming member 42a, a first pump 46a, and a first pressure sensor 44a, and the second measuring unit 40b may include a second flow path forming member 42b, a second pump 46b, and a second pressure sensor 44b.

[0080] In this case, since the first measuring hole 21a and the second measuring hole 21b are located at different positions, the first measuring unit 40a and the second measuring unit 40b can measure the pressure in different parts of the inside of the hopper 20, respectively.

[0081] As mentioned above, the first measuring hole 21a and the second measuring hole 21b can be positioned to more accurately measure the amount of powder P contained in the hopper 20.

[0082] For example, the first measuring hole 21a may be located more adjacent to the gap of the pressure roller 30 than the second measuring hole 21b. In other words, the first measuring hole 21a can be located a first distance d1 above the gap of the pressure roller 30, and the second measuring hole 21b can be located a second distance d2 above the gap of the pressure roller 30, which is longer than the first distance d1.

[0083] As another example, the first measuring hole 21a and the second measuring hole 21b may be arranged with a predetermined height difference h in the direction of gravity (Z-axis direction). In this case, the first measuring hole 21a may be located relatively lower, and the second measuring hole 21b may be located relatively upper.

[0084] As yet another example, the first measuring hole 21a may be located between the pair of pressure rollers 30, and the second measuring hole 21b may be positioned at a predetermined distance from the pair of pressure rollers 30. As shown in the figure, the second measuring hole 21b can be located at a distance of a second distance d2 from the pressure rollers 30. In this case, the second distance d2 may be greater than the radius of the pressure rollers 30.

[0085] Generally, the powder P contained in the hopper 20 has a higher pressure towards the gap side of the pressure roller 30. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the amount of powder P contained in the hopper 20 can be indirectly measured based on the relative positions of the first measuring hole 21a and the second measuring hole 21b and the difference between the pressure measured by the first measuring unit 40a and the pressure measured by the second measuring unit 40b.

[0086] In this case, the second measuring hole 21b can be sufficiently separated from the first measuring hole 21a so that the pressure in the space without powder P within the hopper 20 can be measured. For example, the second measuring hole 21b may be separated so that atmospheric pressure can be measured.

[0087] This may be intended to more accurately measure the amount of powder P based on the difference between the atmospheric pressure measured by the second measuring unit 40b and the pressure of powder P measured by the first measuring unit 40a.

[0088] As another example, the first measuring hole 21a can be formed in the first region A of the hopper 20, and the second measuring hole 21b can be formed in the second region B of the hopper 20. This allows the amount of powder P contained in the hopper 20 to be determined based on a reference amount.

[0089] For example, if the pressure of powder P is measured in both the first measurement hole 21a and the second measurement hole 21b, it can be determined that the amount of powder P contained in the hopper 20 is greater than the standard amount. Alternatively, if atmospheric pressure is measured in both the first measurement hole 21a and the second measurement hole 21b, it can be determined that the amount of powder P contained in the hopper 20 is less than the standard amount. Alternatively, if the pressure due to powder P is measured in the first measurement hole 21a and atmospheric pressure is measured in the second measurement hole 21b, it can be determined that the difference between the amount of powder P contained and the standard amount is within a predetermined range.

[0090] On the other hand, the method described above is merely an example of a method for determining the amount of powder P to be contained according to the positions of the first measuring hole 21a and the second measuring hole 21b, and the method for determining the amount of powder P to be contained based on the positions of the first measuring hole 21a and the second measuring hole 221b can be modified as needed.

[0091] On the other hand, referring to Figures 1 and 4, the manufacturing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a controller 50. The controller 50 can be configured to control the powder supply unit 10 and the pressure roller 30.

[0092] For this purpose, the controller 50 may consist of an electrical circuit, a processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a control unit, an arithmetic logic unit, an operational logic circuit, a digital signal processing unit, a microcomputer, an FPGA, a system on a chip (SoC), a programmable logic unit, a microprocessor, or any device capable of performing the functions described later.

[0093] In this case, the controller 50 may be configured to control the actuator 32 of the powder supply unit 10 and the pressure roller 30 based on information regarding the amount of powder P obtained using the measuring unit 40.

[0094] First, the controller 50 can indirectly calculate information regarding the amount of powder P contained in the hopper 20 based on the information acquired by the measuring unit 40. In this case, the method by which the controller 50 calculates the amount of powder P may be any one of the exemplary methods described above.

[0095] As shown in Figure 1, the controller 50 can control the actuator 32 so that the operating state of the pressure roller 30 is maintained if the difference between the amount of powder P contained in the hopper 20 and the reference amount is greater than or equal to a predetermined range.

[0096] At this time, the operating state of the pressure rollers 30 may be influenced by factors that affect the manufacturing of the electrode sheet E, such as the size of the gap between the pair of pressure rollers 30, the pressure applied by the pressure rollers 30 to the powder P, and the rotational speed of the pressure rollers 30.

[0097] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 4, the controller 50 can control the actuator 32 so that the operating state of the pressure roller 30 is changed when the difference between the amount of powder P contained in the hopper 20 and a reference amount is within a predetermined range.

[0098] For example, the controller 50 can increase the size of the gap between the pair of pressure rollers 30, decrease the pressure applied by the pressure rollers 30 to the powder P, or decrease or stop the rotation speed of the pressure rollers 30.

[0099] Alternatively, as shown in Figure 4, the controller 50 can control the powder supply unit 10 so that powder P is supplied to the hopper 20 when the difference between the amount of powder P contained in the hopper 20 and the reference amount is within a predetermined range. This can cause the difference between the amount of powder P contained in the hopper 20 and the reference amount to exceed the predetermined range.

[0100] As a result, the manufacturing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention can accurately measure the amount of powder P contained in the hopper 20 while minimizing the impact on the powder P, and stably manufacture electrode sheets E based on this.

[0101] The following describes a manufacturing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] Figure 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the hopper, pressure roller, and measuring unit of the electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, cut so that the measuring hole is visible. For the purpose of explaining the invention, the pump of the measuring unit is shown schematically. Figure 6 is a perspective view of the hopper and pressure roller of the electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing the electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing the electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. In this case, the drawings schematically show each component of the manufacturing apparatus according to other embodiments of the present invention, and the size of the components and the thickness of the lines may be slightly exaggerated for the sake of understanding. The same reference numerals as in the aforementioned drawings refer to the same members that perform the same function.

[0103] Figure 5 discloses a hopper 120, a pressure roller 30, and a measuring unit 140 of an electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The hopper 120 of the electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention may be provided with one measuring hole 121.

[0104] Furthermore, the measurement unit 140 of the electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to this embodiment may include a flow channel forming member 142 connected to a measurement hole 121, a pressure sensor 144 for measuring the pressure of the fluid flowing through the flow channel forming member 142, and a pump 146 for injecting a predetermined fluid (for example, external air) into the flow channel forming member 142.

[0105] In this embodiment, the measuring hole 121 can be located adjacent to the boundary L between the first region A and the second region B on the inner circumferential surface of the hopper 120. For example, the measuring hole 121 may be located at boundary L.

[0106] With this configuration, in this embodiment, the amount of powder contained in the hopper 120 can be compared with a reference amount. For example, if the pressure in the measuring hole 121 is measured to be atmospheric pressure, it can be determined that the amount of powder contained in the hopper 120 is less than the reference amount. Alternatively, if the pressure in the measuring hole 121 is measured to be the pressure due to the powder, it can be determined that the amount of powder contained in the hopper 120 is more than the reference amount.

[0107] Thus, the ability to control the operation of the pressure roller 30 and the powder supply unit based on the information acquired by the measurement unit 140 may be the same as what was considered in the electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus 1 (shown in Figure 1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] Thus, the electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention can compare the amount of powder contained in the hopper 120 with a reference amount using a single measuring hole 121 and measuring unit 140, and based on this, can stably manufacture electrode sheets. Therefore, according to this embodiment, a compact manufacturing apparatus with a simpler structure can be provided.

[0109] Figures 6 and 7 disclose an electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the hopper 220 of the electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus 201 according to the third embodiment of the present invention may be provided with a storage space S. The storage space S may be a space for storing powder.

[0110] In this embodiment, the hopper 220 may be equipped with an internal flow path 223. The internal flow path 223 may be a flow path through which a heating fluid, described later, passes. This allows the thermal energy of the heating fluid to be transferred to the storage space S of the hopper 220, thereby heating the powder.

[0111] In this embodiment, the internal flow path 223 can extend circumferentially along the containment space S. This may be to increase the heat transfer area between the internal flow path 223 and the containment space S. The internal flow path 223 may be formed through the side walls constituting the hopper 220.

[0112] In this case, the internal flow channels 223 may be composed of multiple channels in order to further increase the heat transfer area. As shown in the figure, the internal flow channels 223 may include a first internal flow channel 223a and a second internal flow channel 223b. The first internal flow channel 223a and the second internal flow channel 223b can extend parallel to each other along the perimeter of the containment space S. The number, extension direction, and arrangement of the internal flow channels 223 can be appropriately modified as needed.

[0113] On the other hand, the manufacturing apparatus 201 according to the third embodiment of the present invention may further include a heating fluid supply unit 260. The heating fluid supply unit 260 may be a unit for supplying a fluid heated to a predetermined temperature. In this case, the temperature may be 80 to 110 degrees. The temperature of the heating fluid may be such that the target heating temperature of the powder is 80 to 110 degrees. Such a temperature of the heating fluid can be appropriately set considering the target heating temperature of the powder, the heat transfer coefficient between the internal flow path 223 and the containment space S, and so on.

[0114] In this embodiment, the heating fluid supply unit 260 may be a tank containing a heating fluid. Alternatively, the heating fluid supply unit 260 may consist of a tank containing a predetermined fluid (e.g., air) and a heater for heating the fluid contained in the tank. Alternatively, the heating fluid supply unit 260 may consist of piping (or a duct) through which a predetermined fluid passes and a heater provided in the piping for heating the fluid passing through. The structure of the heating fluid supply unit 260 is not particularly limited as long as it can supply a heating fluid.

[0115] On the other hand, in this embodiment, a heating fluid supply channel member 261 can be connected to the heating fluid supply unit 260. The heating fluid supply channel member 261 can connect the heating fluid supply unit 260 to the internal channel 223. In this case, the heating fluid supply channel member 261 may be equipped with a heating fluid transfer pump 263 to assist in the transfer of the heating fluid.

[0116] On the other hand, a heating fluid supply channel member 261 and a heating fluid discharge channel member 265 can be connected to one side and the other side of the internal channel 223. The heating fluid discharge channel member 265 may be configured to discharge the heating fluid that has passed through the internal channel 223 and undergone heat exchange.

[0117] In this embodiment, the heating fluid supply channel member 261 may be configured to supply heating fluid to the pump 46 of the measuring unit 40 (hereinafter referred to as the measuring fluid transfer pump). For this purpose, a portion of the heating fluid supply channel member 261 may be branched off from another portion and connected to the measuring fluid transfer pump 46.

[0118] With this configuration, the fluid supplied to the storage space S of the hopper 220 by the measuring unit 40 can also be a heated fluid heated to a predetermined temperature. The fluid injected into the hopper 220 can not only measure the amount of powder contained, but also heat the powder. This allows the heating action of the powder by the heated fluid to be carried out effectively.

[0119] Figure 8 discloses an electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 8, in the electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus 301 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, the measuring fluid transfer pump 46 can be supplied with heated fluid discharged from the internal flow path 223.

[0120] For this purpose, a portion 367 of the heating fluid discharge channel member 265 may be branched off from another portion and connected to the measuring fluid transfer pump 46. With this configuration, all of the heating fluid supplied from the heating fluid supply unit 260 can pass through the internal channel 223 and undergo heat exchange. A portion of the heating fluid that has completed heat exchange can then be reused in the measuring unit 40 to determine the amount of powder contained.

[0121] Figure 9 discloses an electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 9, in the electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus 401 according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the internal flow channel 423 of the hopper 420 can be configured to surround the containment space S in the circumferential direction. This makes it possible to increase the heat exchange area between the internal flow channel 423 and the containment space S. Furthermore, the electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus 401 according to this embodiment can be configured with a more compact and simpler structure.

[0122] In this embodiment, the measuring hole 421 can branch off from a portion of the internal flow path 423. The opening of the measuring hole 421 may be provided only on the inner wall of the containment space S. That is, the measuring hole 421 may open only toward the containment space S and not toward the outside. This allows a portion of the heating fluid flowing through the internal flow path 423 to be injected into the containment space S.

[0123] In this case, the heated fluid injected into the containment space S can be used to determine the amount of powder contained. For this purpose, the pressure sensor 446 may be configured to measure the pressure in the measuring hole 421, with at least a portion of it located inside the hopper 420. On the other hand, the heated fluid can also directly heat the powder contained in the containment space S.

[0124] On the other hand, in this embodiment, the measuring hole 421 branches off from a section located at the rear end, with reference to the direction in which the heated fluid is transferred in the internal flow path 423. However, the branching position of the measuring hole 421 is not particularly limited. For example, the measuring hole 421 may branch off from a section located at the front end. In this case, the front end and rear end of the internal flow path 423 can refer to the portion located at the front end and the portion located at the rear end, respectively, from the central point of the internal flow path 423.

[0125] As described above, the present invention has been explained by limited embodiments and drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and various implementations are possible by persons with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains, within the equivalent scope of the technical concept of the present invention and the claims described below. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 1, 101, 201, 301, 401: Electrode sheet manufacturing equipment 10: Supply Unit 20, 120, 220, 420: Hoppers 30: Pressure roller 40, 140, 440: Measurement Unit 50: Controller 260: Heating fluid supply unit P: Powder E: Electrode sheet S: Containment space

Claims

1. A pressure roller capable of manufacturing electrode sheets by pressurizing powder, A hopper configured to supply the powder contained inside to the side of the pressure roller, and equipped with at least one measuring hole, A measuring unit configured to measure the amount of powder contained in the hopper by injecting a predetermined fluid into the measuring hole and measuring the pressure inside the hopper, Electrode sheet manufacturing equipment, including...

2. The electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined fluid is the external air of the hopper.

3. The aforementioned measuring unit is A flow channel forming member having one side connected to the measurement hole, A pressure sensor for measuring the pressure of the fluid flowing through the channel forming member, An electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, including the following:

4. The electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the measuring hole is formed through to allow communication between the inside and outside of the hopper.

5. The electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the measuring unit is installed on the outer surface of the hopper.

6. The electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the measurement holes include a first measurement hole and a second measurement hole spaced apart from each other.

7. The aforementioned pressure rollers are composed of a pair, Either the first measuring hole or the second measuring hole is located between the pair of pressure rollers. The electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the other of the first measuring hole and the second measuring hole is positioned at a predetermined distance from the pair of pressure rollers.

8. A powder supply unit that supplies powder to the hopper, A controller that controls the powder supply unit based on the information acquired by the measurement unit, The electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising:

9. The electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a controller that controls the operation of the pressure roller based on information acquired by the measurement unit.

10. The controller is configured to change the operating state of the pressure roller when the amount of powder contained in the hopper falls below a standard amount. The inner surface of the hopper is A first region in contact with the powder contained in the standard amount inside the hopper, A second region located on the opposite side of the pair of pressure rollers with respect to the first region, Includes, The electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein at least one of the measurement holes is located in the first region.

11. The electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the measurement holes is formed in a position where it can be blocked by the powder contained inside the hopper in the standard amount.

12. The electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein at least one of the measurement holes is located adjacent to the boundary between the first region and the second region.

13. The aforementioned pressure rollers are composed of a pair, The electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the controller interrupts the operation of the pressure rollers, increases the distance between the pair of pressure rollers, or reduces the pressure applied by the pressure rollers to pressurize the powder when the amount of powder contained in the hopper falls below the reference amount.

14. The electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fluid injected into the hopper by the measuring unit is a heated fluid heated to 80 degrees or higher.

15. The hopper is provided with a storage space for containing powder, The hopper is provided with internal flow channels that extend circumferentially within the containment space to allow a predetermined fluid to flow. A portion of the heating fluid is configured to be injected into the hopper by the measuring unit. The electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the remaining portion of the heated fluid is configured to be supplied to the internal flow path.

16. The hopper is provided with a storage space for containing powder, The hopper is provided with internal flow channels that extend circumferentially within the containment space to allow a predetermined fluid to flow. The electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the internal channel is configured to be supplied with a heated fluid heated to 80 degrees or higher.

17. The electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the internal flow channels are composed of a plurality of them.

18. The electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the plurality of internal channels extend parallel to each other along the circumferential direction of the containment space.

19. The electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the measuring unit is configured to inject at least a portion of the heated fluid discharged from the internal flow path into the measuring hole.

20. The electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus according to claim 16, further comprising a heating fluid supply unit for supplying the aforementioned heating fluid.

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