Apparatus and method for manufacturing electrodes

Abstract

An electrode manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a transporting unit that transports a sheet-shaped current collector; a coating unit that coats a light-shielding layer having a lower reflectivity than the current collector on a first region including an edge portion in a width direction of the current collector; a coating unit that coats an electrode active material on a second region including a center portion in the width direction of the current collector and located on one side of the first region; a non-contact temperature sensor that measures a temperature of the light-shielding layer; and a notching unit that notches the current collector to remove the light-shielding layer and form an electrode tab.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0174158 filed on December 13, 2022, and all the contents disclosed in the document of the Korean Patent Application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for manufacturing an electrode in which an electrode active material is coated on a current collector.

Background Art

[0003] Generally, types of secondary batteries include nickel cadmium batteries, nickel hydrogen batteries, lithium ion batteries, and lithium ion polymer batteries. Such secondary batteries are not only applicable to small products such as digital cameras, P-DVDs, MP3Ps, mobile phones, PDAs, portable game devices, power tools, and electric bicycles, but also to large products that require high power such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, power storage devices for storing surplus generated power and new / renewable energy, and backup power storage devices.

[0004] To manufacture an electrode assembly, a cathode, a separator, and an anode are manufactured and laminated. Specifically, a cathode active material is coated on a cathode current collector, and an anode active material is coated on an anode current collector to manufacture a cathode and an anode. Then, when a separator is interposed and laminated between the manufactured cathode and anode, a unit cell is formed, and the electrode assembly is formed by laminating the unit cells together. Further, when such an electrode assembly is housed in a specific case and an electrolyte is injected, a secondary battery is manufactured.

[0005] The electrodes, such as the positive and negative electrodes, include electrode tabs, which can be formed by cutting out a blank area in the current collector where the electrode active material is not coated.

[0006] On the other hand, during electrode manufacturing, electrode temperature is a crucial factor that must be carefully controlled because it is directly related to product performance and defect rate. More specifically, the physical properties and drying rate of the electrode active material change depending on the electrode temperature, and the physical properties of the current collector also change.

[0007] Traditionally, infrared temperature sensors have been used to measure electrode temperatures. However, accurate temperature measurement has been difficult due to surface reflection from the electrodes, particularly the current collector. While infrared temperature sensors specifically designed for highly glossy metals exist, these sensors have the problem of low reliability below 200 degrees Celsius. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] One problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide an apparatus and method for manufacturing electrodes that can accurately measure the temperature of the current collector during the electrode manufacturing process. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] An electrode manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a transfer unit for transferring a sheet-shaped current collector; a coating unit for applying a non-reflective layer having a lower reflectivity than the current collector to a first region including the widthwise edge of the current collector; a coating unit for coating an electrode active material to a second region including the widthwise central portion of the current collector and located on one side of the first region; a non-contact temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the non-reflective layer; and a notching unit for cutting out the current collector to remove the non-reflective layer and form an electrode tab.

[0010] The coating unit can coat the light-free layer at a predetermined interval.

[0011] With respect to the transport direction of the current collector, the coating unit can be positioned behind the application unit.

[0012] The non-contact temperature sensor may be positioned behind the heat treatment unit with respect to the transport direction of the current collector. The electrode manufacturing apparatus may further include a heat treatment unit for heat-treating the current collector, and a controller that provides feedback control of the temperature of the heat treatment unit and / or the speed of the transport unit when the temperature measured by the non-contact temperature sensor deviates from a preset temperature range.

[0013] The non-contact temperature sensor may be positioned behind the drying unit with respect to the transport direction of the current collector. The electrode manufacturing apparatus may further include a drying unit for drying the electrode active material and a controller that provides feedback control of the temperature of the drying unit and / or the speed of the transport unit when the temperature measured by the non-contact temperature sensor deviates from a preset temperature range.

[0014] A method for manufacturing an electrode according to an embodiment of the present invention may include the steps of: transporting a sheet-shaped current collector; a coating unit applying a non-reflective layer having a lower reflectivity than the current collector onto a first region including the widthwise edge of the current collector; a coating unit coating an electrode active material onto a second region including the widthwise central portion of the current collector and located on one side of the first region; measuring the temperature of the non-reflective layer with a non-contact temperature sensor; and cutting out the current collector to remove the non-reflective layer and form an electrode tab.

[0015] In the step of applying the non-reflective layer, the non-reflective layer can be applied at predetermined intervals with respect to the transport direction of the current collector.

[0016] The step of applying the non-reflective layer can be performed before the step of coating the electrode active material.

[0017] The method for manufacturing the electrode may further include a step in which a heat treatment unit heat-treats the current collector. The non-contact temperature sensor may be positioned behind the heat treatment unit with respect to the transport direction of the current collector. If the temperature measured by the non-contact temperature sensor deviates from a preset temperature range, the temperature at which the current collector is heat-treated and / or the transport speed of the current collector may be feedback-controlled.

[0018] The method for manufacturing the electrode may further include a step in which a drying unit dries the electrode active material. The non-contact temperature sensor may be positioned behind the drying unit with respect to the transport direction of the current collector. If the temperature measured by the non-contact temperature sensor deviates from a preset temperature range, the temperature at which the electrode active material is dried and / or the transport speed of the current collector can be feedback controlled. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a non-contact temperature sensor can measure the temperature of a non-reflective layer coated on a current collector. Since the reflectance of the non-reflective layer is lower than that of the current collector, the non-contact temperature sensor can accurately measure the temperature.

[0020] Furthermore, since the non-reflective layer is removed by cutting out the electrode tab, there is the advantage that no additional step is required to remove the non-reflective layer.

[0021] Furthermore, since the electrode active material coating is performed after the application of the non-reflective layer, it is possible to prevent the non-reflective layer from being applied on top of the electrode active material.

[0022] Furthermore, the heat treatment of the current collector and / or the drying of the electrode active material can be controlled based on the accurate temperature measurement of the non-contact temperature sensor. This can improve the quality of the manufactured electrodes.

[0023] In addition, the present invention may include effects that can be easily predicted by those skilled in the art from the configuration of preferred embodiments.

[0024] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further understand the technical idea of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention to be described later. The present invention should not be construed as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] It is a configuration diagram of an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a plan view of the current collector shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] It is a plan view showing the non-light-emitting layer and the electrode active material on the current collector shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 4] It is a plan view of the current collector shown in FIG. 3 with a notch. [Figure 5] It is a configuration diagram of an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart of an electrode manufacturing method according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can easily implement it. However, the present invention can be realized in various different forms and is not limited or restricted by the following embodiments.

[0027] For the purpose of clearly explaining the present invention, a detailed description of parts not related to the explanation or related known technologies that may obscure the gist of the present invention is omitted. When assigning reference numerals to the components of each drawing in this specification, the same or similar reference numerals are assigned to the same or similar components throughout the specification.

[0028] Furthermore, the terms and words used in this specification and in the claims should not be interpreted in a manner limited to their ordinary 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 define the concepts of terms as appropriate to best describe their invention.

[0029] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] An electrode manufacturing apparatus 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention can manufacture electrodes by coating an electrode active material 2 onto a current collector 1.

[0031] The electrodes can be manufactured by coating an electrode active material 2 onto a current collector 1, drying it, and then pressing it. Optionally, the electrode active material 2 may selectively contain conductive agents, binders, fillers, etc.

[0032] The current collector 1 can be in sheet form. The current collector 1 can generally be manufactured to a thickness of 3 μm to 500 μm. The current collector 1 can usually be manufactured from a conductive material that does not undergo chemical changes.

[0033] The current collector 1 can have fine irregularities formed on its surface to enhance the adhesion of the electrode active material 2. The current collector 1 can be manufactured in various forms, such as film, sheet, foil, mesh, porous material, foam, or nonwoven fabric.

[0034] If the electrode manufactured by the electrode manufacturing apparatus 100 is a positive electrode, then the current collector 1 can be a positive electrode current collector, and the electrode active material 2 can be a positive electrode active material.

[0035] For example, the positive electrode current collector may include at least one selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, calcined carbon, and aluminum. Alternatively, the positive electrode current collector may be made of stainless steel with a surface treatment of carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, etc., but is not limited to these.

[0036] For example, the positive electrode active material may include, but is not limited to, layered compounds such as lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) and lithium nickel oxide (LiNiO2), compounds substituted with one or more transition metals; lithium manganese oxide; lithium copper oxide (Li2CuO2); vanadium oxide; nickel (Ni)site-type lithium nickel oxide; lithium manganese composite oxide; and disulfide compounds.

[0037] If the electrode manufactured by the electrode manufacturing apparatus 100 is a negative electrode, then the current collector 1 can be a negative electrode current collector, and the electrode active material 2 can be a negative electrode active material.

[0038] For example, the negative electrode current collector may include at least one selected from the group consisting of copper, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, and calcined carbon. Alternatively, the negative electrode current collector may be made of copper or stainless steel with a surface treatment of carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, etc., or may include an aluminum-cadmium alloy. However, it is not limited to these.

[0039] For example, the negative electrode active material may include carbon such as non-graphitizable carbon and graphite-based carbon; metal composite oxides; lithium metal; lithium alloys; silicon-based alloys; tin-based alloys; metal oxides; conductive polymers such as polyacetylene; and Li-Co-Ni-based materials. However, it is not limited to these.

[0040] On the other hand, the electrode manufacturing apparatus 100 can coat the current collector 1 with a light-free layer 3 and measure the temperature of the light-free layer 3 with a non-contact temperature sensor 140.

[0041] More specifically, the electrode manufacturing apparatus 100 may include a transfer unit 110 for transferring the current collector 1, a coating unit 120 for applying a light-free layer 3 to the current collector 1, a coating unit 130 for coating the current collector 1 with electrode active material 2, and a non-contact temperature sensor 140 for measuring the temperature of the light-free layer 3.

[0042] The sheet-shaped current collector 1 can be unwound from the unwinder 101.

[0043] The transfer unit 110 can transfer the current collector 1. The transfer unit 110 may include a roll that transfers the current collector 1 while rotating. Multiple transfer units 110 may be provided along the transfer direction of the current collector 1.

[0044] The coating unit 120 can coat the current collector 1, or more specifically, the first region 11 (see Figure 2) of the current collector 1, which will be described later, with the non-reflective layer 3 (see Figure 3). The method by which the coating unit 120 coats the non-reflective layer 3 is not limited. For example, the coating unit 120 can form the non-reflective layer 3 by coating the non-reflective material by spraying.

[0045] The non-reflective layer 3 may have a lower reflectivity than the current collector 1. The material of the non-reflective layer 3 is not limited. For example, the non-reflective layer 3 may include non-reflective paint.

[0046] The coating unit 130 can coat the electrode active material 2 onto the current collector 1, or more specifically, onto the second region 12 (see Figure 2) of the current collector 1, which will be described later.

[0047] The coating unit 130 can be positioned behind the coating unit 120 with respect to the transport direction of the current collector 1. That is, the electrode active material 2 can be coated onto the current collector 1 after the non-reflective layer 3. This ensures that even if a portion of the non-reflective layer 3 coated by the coating unit 120 penetrates into the second region 12 of the current collector 1, the electrode active material 2 can cover it.

[0048] The coating unit 130 is not limited to any configuration that can coat the electrode active material 2, and may have conventionally known configurations such as a coating die, a coating roll, or a slide-slot. As an example, as shown in Figure 1, the coating unit 130 may include a coating die 131 with an outflow slot so that the electrode active material 2 flows out in a slurry-like manner toward the current collector 1, and a coater roll 132 positioned at a predetermined distance from the outflow slot of the coating die 131, which rotates to transport the current collector 1 so that the electrode active material 2 is applied to the current collector 1 by the coating die 131.

[0049] The coating unit 120 can apply the non-reflective layer 3 to at least one surface of the current collector 1, and the coating unit 130 can coat the electrode active material 2 to at least one surface of the current collector 1. For example, the non-reflective layer 3 can be applied to one surface of the current collector 1, and the electrode active material 2 can also be coated to the same surface of the current collector 1. As another example, the non-reflective layer 3 can be applied to one surface of the current collector 1, and the electrode active material 2 can be coated to the other surface of the current collector 1. As yet another example, the non-reflective layer 3 can be applied to one surface of the current collector 1, and the electrode active material 2 can be coated to both surfaces of the current collector 1.

[0050] The non-contact temperature sensor 140 can be an optical temperature sensor. The non-contact temperature sensor 140 can measure the temperature of the opaque layer 3 coated on the current collector 1. That is, the non-contact temperature sensor 140 can be positioned behind the coating unit 120 with respect to the transport direction of the current collector 1.

[0051] The non-contact temperature sensor 140 can be directed toward the first region 11 of the current collector 1. The non-contact temperature sensor 140 is positioned at a distance from the current collector 1 and can measure the temperature of the light-free layer 3 in a non-contact manner. For example, the non-contact temperature sensor 140 can be an infrared temperature sensor. However, the type of non-contact temperature sensor 140 is not limited to this.

[0052] Because the reflectivity of the opaque layer 3 is lower than that of the current collector 1, the non-contact temperature sensor 140 can accurately measure the temperature of the opaque layer 3.

[0053] The non-contact temperature sensor 140 can be positioned behind the coating unit 130 with respect to the transport direction of the current collector 1. This allows the temperature of the non-reflective layer 3 to be measured after the current collector 1 and the non-reflective layer 3 have reached a certain degree of thermal equilibrium, enabling more accurate measurement of the temperature of the current collector 1. However, it is not limited to this, and it goes without saying that the non-contact temperature sensor 140 can also be positioned between the coating unit 120 and the coating unit 130 with respect to the transport direction of the current collector 1.

[0054] The electrode manufacturing apparatus 100 may further include a heat treatment unit 150 for heat treating the current collector 1.

[0055] The heat treatment unit 150 can be positioned in front of the coating unit 130 with respect to the transfer direction of the current collector 1. Preferably, the heat treatment unit 150 can be positioned in front of the coating unit 120.

[0056] Heat treatment can increase the elongation and toughness of the current collector 1, and therefore, the risk of wire breakage in the current collector 1 can be reduced.

[0057] The heat treatment unit 150 can be heat-treated by convection using hot air, heating using a heat source, or all of these methods. For example, the heat treatment unit 150 may be configured such that the sheet current collector 1 passes through a space such as a tube or box containing a member that supplies a heat source and / or hot air. The configuration of the heat treatment unit 150 and the heat treatment method are not limited thereto.

[0058] The heat treatment unit 150 can heat treat the current collector 1 at a preset temperature for a preset time. The time for which the current collector 1 is heat treated can be adjusted according to the speed of the transfer unit 110, and the temperature at which the current collector 1 is heat treated can be adjusted according to the temperature of the heat treatment unit 150.

[0059] Depending on the temperature measured by the non-contact temperature sensor 140, the speed of the transfer unit 110 and / or the temperature of the heat treatment unit 150 can be feedback-controlled. More specifically, if the temperature measured by the non-contact temperature sensor 140 deviates from a preset temperature range, at least one of the speed of the transfer unit 110 or the temperature of the heat treatment unit 150 can be varied.

[0060] For example, if the temperature measured by the non-contact temperature sensor 140 is higher than the upper limit of a preset temperature range, the speed of the transfer unit 110 can be increased or the temperature of the heat treatment unit 150 can be decreased. This prevents the current collector 1 from being excessively heat-treated and oxidized.

[0061] As another example, if the temperature measured by the non-contact temperature sensor 140 is lower than the lower limit of a preset temperature range, the speed of the transfer unit 110 can be slowed down or the temperature of the heat treatment unit 150 can be increased. This prevents the risk that the material constituting the current collector 1 cannot reach its recrystallization temperature, and that the toughness of the current collector 1 cannot be sufficiently increased.

[0062] The electrode manufacturing apparatus 100 may further include a drying unit 160 for drying the electrode active material 2. That is, the drying unit 160 may be positioned behind the coating unit 130 with respect to the transport direction of the current collector 1.

[0063] The electrode active material 2 on the current collector 1 can form an electrode mixture as the solvent evaporates while passing through the drying unit 160. The drying unit 160 is not limited to any device that can evaporate the solvent in the electrode active material 2 to form an electrode mixture. For example, the drying unit 160 can perform drying by heating and / or hot air.

[0064] The non-contact temperature sensor 140 can be positioned in front of the drying unit 160 with respect to the transport direction of the current collector 1. Therefore, the non-contact temperature sensor 140 can accurately measure the temperature of the current collector 1 before it is heated by the drying unit 160.

[0065] The electrode manufacturing apparatus 100 may further include a rolling unit 170 for rolling the current collector 1 and the dried electrode active material 2. That is, the rolling unit 170 may be positioned behind the drying unit 160 with respect to the transport direction of the current collector 1.

[0066] The dried electrode active material 2, i.e., the electrode mixture, can be rolled by the rolling unit 170 to have an appropriate porosity and electrode density.

[0067] The rolling unit 170 is not limited in its apparatus, structure, etc., as long as it can roll the electrode mixture. For example, as shown in Figure 1, the rolling unit 170 may include a pair of rolling rolls 171 and 172 that are arranged on opposite sides of the current collector 1 and whose mutual spacing can be adjusted.

[0068] The electrode manufacturing apparatus 100 may further include a notching unit 180 for notching the current collector 1. The notching unit 180 can remove the non-reflective layer 3 and form an electrode tab 4 (see Figure 4). The notching unit 180 may be positioned behind the rolling unit 170 with respect to the transport direction of the current collector 1.

[0069] The notch unit 180 is not limited in its device, structure, etc., as long as it can cut out the current collector 1 into a predetermined shape.

[0070] For example, the notch unit 180 may include a pair of molds 181 and 182, as shown in Figure 1, which are located on opposite sides of the current collector 1 and whose relative spacing can be adjusted. One of the pair of molds 181 and 182 may be provided with a relief mark 181a and the other with an indentation mark 182a, and the relief mark 181a and the indentation mark 182a can interlock with each other to cut a notch in the current collector 1.

[0071] However, it goes without saying that the notch unit 180 can also perform laser notches on the current collector 1.

[0072] The notch unit 180 allows a first region 11 of the current collector 1 to be cut out, forming an electrode tab 4, thereby enabling the manufacture of a sheet-shaped electrode. The sheet-shaped electrode can then be wound onto the rewinder 102.

[0073] However, it goes without saying that the current collector 1, after passing through the rolling unit 170, can be wound into a roll shape by the rewinder, and then unwound again in a subsequent process to pass through the notched unit 180.

[0074] On the other hand, the electrode manufacturing apparatus 100 may further include a controller 190. The controller 190 can control the overall operation of the electrode manufacturing apparatus 100.

[0075] The controller 190 can communicate with the non-contact temperature sensor 140. The controller 190 can receive temperature information measured by the non-contact temperature sensor 140 and compare it with a preset temperature range.

[0076] The controller 190 can communicate with at least one of the transfer unit 110 and / or the heat treatment unit 150. If the temperature measured by the non-contact temperature sensor 140 deviates from a preset temperature range, the controller 190 can provide feedback control to the temperature of the heat treatment unit 150 and / or the speed of the transfer unit 110.

[0077] In addition, the controller 190 can communicate with and control at least some of the coating unit 120, coating unit 130, drying unit 160, rolling unit 170, or notching unit 180.

[0078] Figure 2 is a plan view of the current collector shown in Figure 1, Figure 3 is a plan view showing the opaque layer and electrode active material on the current collector shown in Figure 2, and Figure 4 is a cutaway plan view of the current collector shown in Figure 3.

[0079] The current collector 1 may include a first region 11 that includes the edges in the width direction and a second region 12 that includes the central part in the width direction.

[0080] The first region 11 can form a plain area of ​​the electrode, and the electrode active material 2 can be coated onto the second region 12. The second region 12 can be located on one side of the first region 11. The first region 11 and the second region 12 can be separated by a virtual boundary line B, which can be made visible by coating the current collector 1 with the electrode active material 2. That is, the boundary line B can correspond to the edge of the electrode active material 2.

[0081] The first region 11 can be located on one side in the width direction of the current collector 1, or on both sides in the width direction. In the following explanation, we will use the case shown in Figure 2, where the first region 11 is located on both sides in the width direction of the current collector 1, flanking the second region 12, as an example.

[0082] The width W1 of one of the two first regions 11 can be wider than the width W2 of the other first region 11. In this case, one of the first regions 11 can be cut out to form an electrode tab 4, and the other first region 11 can be removed by cutting out.

[0083] The width W0 of the second region 12 may be wider than the widths W1 and W2 of each of the first regions 11. Preferably, the width W0 of the second region 12 may be wider than the sum of the widths of both first regions 11 (W1 + W2).

[0084] As described above, the coating unit 120 can coat the non-reflective layer 3 onto the first region 11 of the current collector 1, and the coating unit 130 can coat the electrode active material 2 onto the second region 12 of the current collector 1. The cross-sectional view in Figure 3 shows the non-reflective layer 3 coated on the first region 11 and the electrode active material 2 coated on the second region 12.

[0085] The coating unit 120 can coat the non-reflective layer 3 at a predetermined cycle. That is, the non-reflective layer 3 can be coated at a predetermined interval P1 with respect to the transport direction of the current collector 1. This allows the regions between adjacent non-reflective layers 3 to be cut out by the electrode tabs 4.

[0086] The coating unit 120 can coat the non-reflective layer 3 on both first regions 11. However, it is not limited to this, and the coating unit 120 may coat the non-reflective layer 3 only on the first region 11 having a wider width W1 than the other first region 11.

[0087] The notch unit 180 can cut out the first region 11, i.e., the blank area, to form electrode tabs 4. The electrode tabs 4 can be formed at predetermined intervals P2 along the longitudinal direction of the current collector 1.

[0088] The notch unit 180 can cut out a portion of the second region 12, to which the electrode active material 2 is coated, together with the first region 11, taking tolerances into consideration.

[0089] The notch unit 180 can be notched so that the first region 11 having a wider width W1 is notched so that an electrode tab 4 is formed, and the first region 11 having a narrower width W2 is notched so that it is removed.

[0090] The notch unit 180 can cut out the current collector 1 along a virtual notch line D. The part of the current collector 1 outside the notch line D can be cut and removed. The non-reflective layer 3 of the first region 11 is located outside the notch line D and can therefore be removed by the notch unit 180.

[0091] This allows for the simultaneous formation of the electrode tab 4 and the removal of the non-reflective layer 3, eliminating the need for additional steps to remove the non-reflective layer 3.

[0092] Figure 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] Another embodiment of the electrode manufacturing apparatus 100 of the present invention is identical to the above-described embodiment except that it is equipped with multiple non-contact temperature sensors 140. In the following, redundant information will be omitted, and the differences will be the main focus of the explanation.

[0094] An electrode manufacturing apparatus 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a first non-contact temperature sensor 140a and a second non-contact temperature sensor 140b.

[0095] With respect to the transfer direction of the current collector 1, the first non-contact temperature sensor 140a can be positioned between the coating unit 120 and the drying unit 160.

[0096] The controller 190 can provide feedback control of the speed of the transfer unit 110 and / or the temperature of the heat treatment unit 150 in accordance with the temperature measured by the first non-contact temperature sensor 140a. More specifically, if the temperature measured by the first non-contact temperature sensor 140a deviates from a preset temperature range, at least one of the speed of the transfer unit 110 or the temperature of the heat treatment unit 150 can be made variable.

[0097] For example, if the temperature measured by the first non-contact temperature sensor 140a is higher than the upper limit of a preset temperature range, the speed of the transfer unit 110 can be increased or the temperature of the heat treatment unit 150 can be decreased. This prevents the current collector 1 from being excessively heat-treated and oxidized.

[0098] As another example, if the temperature measured by the first non-contact temperature sensor 140a is lower than the lower limit of a preset temperature range, the speed of the transfer unit 110 can be slowed down or the temperature of the heat treatment unit 150 can be increased. This prevents the risk that the material constituting the current collector 1 cannot reach its recrystallization temperature, and that the toughness of the current collector 1 cannot be sufficiently increased.

[0099] With respect to the transport direction of the current collector 1, the second non-contact temperature sensor 140b can be positioned behind the drying unit 160.

[0100] The controller 190 can provide feedback control of the speed of the transfer unit 110 and / or the temperature of the drying unit 160 in response to the temperature measured by the second non-contact temperature sensor 140b. More specifically, if the temperature measured by the second non-contact temperature sensor 140b deviates from a preset temperature range, at least one of the speed of the transfer unit 110 or the temperature of the drying unit 160 can be made variable.

[0101] For example, if the temperature measured by the second non-contact temperature sensor 140b is higher than the upper limit of a preset temperature range, the speed of the transfer unit 110 can be increased or the temperature of the drying unit 160 can be decreased. This prevents the electrode active material 2 from drying out excessively or the current collector 1 from oxidizing.

[0102] As another example, if the temperature measured by the second non-contact temperature sensor 140b is lower than the lower limit of a preset temperature range, the speed of the transfer unit 110 can be slowed down or the temperature of the drying unit 160 can be increased. This prevents the risk that the solvent of the electrode active material 2 will not evaporate sufficiently and the electrode mixture will not be formed.

[0103] On the other hand, it goes without saying that the electrode manufacturing apparatus 100 can also be configured to include only the second non-contact temperature sensor 140b and not the first non-contact temperature sensor 140a.

[0104] Figure 6 is a flowchart of a method for manufacturing an electrode according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0105] The manufacturing method carried out by the electrode manufacturing apparatus 100 described above will be described below as yet another embodiment of the present invention. Therefore, the description of the electrode manufacturing apparatus 100 above can be used as an explanation of the electrode manufacturing method.

[0106] A method for manufacturing an electrode according to yet another embodiment of the present invention may include the steps of: transporting a current collector 1 (S10); applying a light-free layer 3 to a first region 11 of the current collector 1 (S30); coating an electrode active material 2 to a second region 12 of the current collector 1 (S40); and measuring the temperature of the light-free layer 3 with a non-contact temperature sensor 140 (S50).

[0107] In the step of transporting the current collector 1 (S10), the transport unit 110 can transport the current collector 1. The step of transporting the current collector 1 (S10) can be continued continuously or discontinuously in the other steps (S20 to S70).

[0108] In step (S30) of applying the non-reflective layer 3, the coating unit 120 can apply the non-reflective layer 3 onto the first region 11 of the current collector 1. As described above, the coating unit 120 can apply the non-reflective layer 3 at a predetermined cycle. That is, the non-reflective layer 3 can be applied at a predetermined interval P1 (see Figure 3) with respect to the transport direction of the current collector 1.

[0109] The step of coating the electrode active material 2 (S40) can be performed after the step of applying the non-reflective layer 3 (S30).

[0110] In the step of coating the electrode active material 2 (S40), the coating unit 130 can coat the electrode active material 2 onto the second region 12 of the current collector 1.

[0111] In step (S50) of measuring the temperature of the opaque layer 3, the non-contact temperature sensor 140 can measure the temperature of the opaque layer 3 coated on the current collector 1. Since the reflectance of the opaque layer 3 is lower than that of the current collector 1, the non-contact temperature sensor 140 can accurately measure the temperature.

[0112] The method for manufacturing the electrode may further include at least one of the following steps: heat-treating the current collector 1 (S20), drying the electrode active material 2 (S60), and cutting out the current collector 1 to remove the non-reflective layer 3 and form an electrode tab 4 (S70).

[0113] The step of heat-treating the current collector 1 (S20) can be performed before the step of applying the non-reflective layer 3 (S30).

[0114] In the step of heat-treating the current collector 1 (S20), the heat treatment unit 150 can heat-treat the current collector 1. If the temperature measured in the step of measuring the temperature of the non-reflective layer 3 (S50) deviates from a preset temperature range, the transfer speed of the current collector 1 and / or the temperature at which the current collector 1 is heat-treated can be feedback-controlled.

[0115] The step of drying the electrode active material 2 (S60) can be carried out after the step of coating the electrode active material 2 (S40).

[0116] In the step of drying the electrode active material 2 (S60), the drying unit 160 can dry the electrode active material 2.

[0117] The step of measuring the temperature of the light-free layer 3 (S50) may also be performed after the step of drying the electrode active material 2 (S60). In this case, if the temperature measured in the step of measuring the temperature of the light-free layer 3 (S50) deviates from a preset temperature range, the transfer speed of the current collector 1 and / or the temperature at which the electrode active material 2 is dried can be feedback controlled.

[0118] The step of cutting out the current collector 1 (S70) can be performed after the step of drying the electrode active material 2 (S60). Furthermore, between the step of cutting out the current collector 1 (S70) and the step of drying the electrode active material 2 (S60), the electrode active material 2 can be rolled together with the current collector 1.

[0119] In the step of cutting out the current collector 1 (S70), the cutting unit 180 can cut out the current collector 1, more specifically the first region 11, remove the opaque layer 3, and form the electrode tab 4.

[0120] Through this series of processes, the temperature of the current collector 1 can be precisely controlled during the electrode manufacturing process. Furthermore, this ensures that the heat treatment of the current collector 1 and the drying of the electrode active material 2 are carried out properly, thereby improving the quality of the electrode.

[0121] The above description is merely illustrative of the technical concept of the present invention, and any person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs can make various modifications and alterations without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention.

[0122] Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in this invention are for illustrative purposes only and not to limit the technical concept of the invention, and the scope of the technical concept of the invention is not limited by such embodiments.

[0123] The scope of protection of this invention shall be interpreted in accordance with the following claims, and all technical ideas within an equivalent scope shall be interpreted as being included within the scope of the rights of this invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0124] 1 Current collector 11 First area 12 Second area 2 Electrode active material 3 Aphotic layer 4 Electrode Tabs 100 Electrode Manufacturing Equipment 110 Transfer Unit 120 coating units 130 Coating Unit 140 Non-contact temperature sensor 150 Heat Treatment Units 160 drying units 170 Rolling Units 180 Notch Unit 190 Controllers

Claims

1. A transfer unit for transporting sheet-shaped current collectors, A coating unit that coats a non-reflective layer having a lower reflectivity than the current collector onto a first region including the widthwise edge of the current collector, A coating unit for coating an electrode active material on a second region located on one side of the first region, which includes the central portion in the width direction of the current collector, A non-contact temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the light-free layer, An electrode manufacturing apparatus, comprising a notched unit that cuts out the current collector to remove the non-reflective layer and form an electrode tab.

2. The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the coating unit coats the light-free layer at a predetermined interval.

3. The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the coating unit is positioned behind the coating unit with respect to the transport direction of the current collector.

4. A heat treatment unit for heat-treating the current collector, The system further includes a controller that provides feedback control to the temperature of the heat treatment unit and / or the speed of the transfer unit when the temperature measured by the non-contact temperature sensor deviates from a preset temperature range. The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the non-contact temperature sensor is positioned behind the heat treatment unit with respect to the transfer direction of the current collector.

5. A drying unit for drying the electrode active material, The system further includes a controller that provides feedback control to the temperature of the drying unit and / or the speed of the transfer unit when the temperature measured by the non-contact temperature sensor deviates from a preset temperature range. The non-contact temperature sensor is positioned behind the drying unit with respect to the transport direction of the current collector, as described in claim 1 for the electrode manufacturing apparatus.

6. Steps include: transferring a sheet-shaped current collector, The coating unit applies a non-reflective layer having a lower reflectivity than the current collector to a first region including the widthwise edge of the current collector, The coating unit coats an electrode active material on a second region located on one side of the first region, including the central portion in the width direction of the current collector. The steps include measuring the temperature of the light-free layer with a non-contact temperature sensor, A method for manufacturing an electrode, comprising the steps of cutting out the current collector to remove the non-reflective layer and forming an electrode tab.

7. The method for manufacturing an electrode according to claim 6, wherein in the step of applying the non-reflective layer, the non-reflective layer is applied at predetermined intervals with respect to the transport direction of the current collector.

8. The method for manufacturing an electrode according to claim 6, wherein the step of applying the light-free layer is performed before the step of coating the electrode active material.

9. The heat treatment unit further includes the step of heat-treating the current collector, The non-contact temperature sensor is positioned behind the heat treatment unit with respect to the transport direction of the current collector. The method for manufacturing an electrode according to claim 6, wherein if the temperature measured by the non-contact temperature sensor deviates from a preset temperature range, the temperature at which the current collector is heat-treated and / or the transfer speed of the current collector are feedback-controlled.

10. The drying unit further includes the step of drying the electrode active material, The non-contact temperature sensor is positioned behind the drying unit with respect to the transport direction of the current collector. The method for manufacturing an electrode according to claim 6, wherein if the temperature measured by the non-contact temperature sensor deviates from a preset temperature range, the temperature for drying the electrode active material and / or the transfer speed of the current collector are feedback controlled.

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