An apparatus for manufacturing an electrode and a method for manufacturing the electrode

Abstract

A rolling device for manufacturing an electrode according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a rolling member that rolls an electrode substrate when the electrode substrate passes through; and a non-existent portion stretching member that further stretches a non-existent portion of the electrode substrate that has passed through the rolling member, wherein the relative position of the non-existent portion stretching member relative to the electrode substrate is adjusted according to the condition of the non-existent portion of the electrode substrate.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] Cross-citation with related application(s)

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0165533 filed on December 1, 2022, and all contents disclosed in the document of said Korean patent application are incorporated herein as part of this specification.

[0003] The present invention relates to a rolling apparatus for manufacturing electrodes and a rolling method for manufacturing electrodes, and more specifically, to a rolling apparatus for manufacturing electrodes and a rolling method for manufacturing electrodes that enables precise control of additional elongation in the uncoated portion of an electrode substrate during the electrode rolling process. Background Technology

[0004] In modern society, as the use of portable devices such as mobile phones, laptops, camcorders, and digital cameras has become commonplace, the development of technologies related to such mobile devices is becoming active. Furthermore, rechargeable secondary batteries are being utilized as power sources for electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (P-HEVs) as a solution to address air pollution caused by conventional gasoline vehicles using fossil fuels; consequently, the need for the development of secondary batteries is increasing.

[0005] Currently commercialized secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium, nickel-hydrogen, nickel-zinc, and lithium secondary batteries. Among these, lithium secondary batteries are gaining attention for their advantages, such as the ability to freely charge and discharge with almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, a very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0006] The manufacturing process of such lithium secondary batteries is broadly divided into three stages: electrode process, assembly process, and formation process. The electrode process is further divided into active material mixing process, electrode coating process, rolling process, slitting process, and winding process. Among these, the rolling process is a process of compressing an electrode substrate to a desired thickness by passing it between a pair of high-temperature heated rolling rolls in order to reduce the thickness of the electrode substrate after the coating process to increase capacity density and increase adhesion between the electrode current collector and the electrode active material.

[0007] Meanwhile, when rolling the electrode substrate, there is a problem in that a phenomenon such as ripples occurs on the uncoated portion (11) of the electrode substrate after rolling due to the difference in elongation between the retained portion (12) coated with active material and the uncoated portion (11) not coated with active material. To improve this, referring to FIG. 1, the process is carried out by applying additional elongation to the uncoated portion (11) of the electrode substrate (10) that has passed through the rolling member (110) using an uncoated portion elongation member (120). However, depending on the tension applied to the uncoated portion (11) of the electrode substrate by the uncoated portion elongation member (120), the ripples on the uncoated portion (11) may be improved, but in some cases, they may worsen further.

[0008] Therefore, a method is needed to more effectively improve the problem of ripples occurring in the uncoated portion (11) of the electrode substrate during the rolling process of the electrode substrate. The problem to be solved

[0009] The present invention aims to improve the problem of ripples occurring in the unstretched portion (11) of the electrode substrate by additionally stretching the unstretched portion (11) during the rolling process of the electrode substrate and controlling the degree of stretching.

[0010] However, the problems that the embodiments of the present invention aim to solve are not limited to the problems described above and can be expanded in various ways within the scope of the technical ideas included in the present invention. means of solving the problem

[0011] A rolling device for manufacturing an electrode according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a rolling member that rolls an electrode substrate when the electrode substrate passes through; and a non-existent portion stretching member that further stretches a non-existent portion of the electrode substrate that has passed through the rolling member, wherein the relative position of the non-existent portion stretching member relative to the electrode substrate can be adjusted according to the condition of the non-existent portion of the electrode substrate.

[0012] The device further includes a driving unit for adjusting the position of the above-mentioned non-stretching member, and the position of the above-mentioned non-stretching member can be adjusted by maintaining the position, advancing toward the electrode substrate, or retracting from the electrode substrate in the opposite direction.

[0013] The apparatus further includes a monitoring unit that monitors the electrode substrate to determine the state of the unexposed portion of the electrode substrate, wherein when the unexposed portion of the electrode substrate is in a normal state, the unexposed portion stretching member maintains its position, when the unexposed portion of the electrode substrate is in a predetermined first abnormal state, the unexposed portion stretching member advances toward the electrode substrate, and when the unexposed portion of the electrode substrate is in a predetermined second abnormal state, the unexposed portion stretching member can retract toward the electrode substrate.

[0014] The first abnormal state is a state in which the ridge or crest of the wavy portion of the above-mentioned uneven portion occurs in the longitudinal direction of the electrode substrate, and the second abnormal state may be a state in which the ridge or crest of the wavy portion of the above-mentioned uneven portion occurs in the width direction of the electrode substrate.

[0015] If the angle between the direction of the trough or crest of the ripple of the above-mentioned unoccupied portion and the direction of travel of the electrode substrate is 0 degrees or more and less than 45 degrees, the above-mentioned unoccupied portion is determined to be a first ideal state; if the angle between the direction of the trough or crest of the ripple of the above-mentioned unoccupied portion and the direction of travel of the electrode substrate is greater than 45 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees, the above-mentioned unoccupied portion is determined to be a second ideal state; and if the angle between the direction of the trough or crest of the ripple of the above-mentioned unoccupied portion and the direction of travel of the electrode substrate is 45 degrees, the above-mentioned unoccupied portion may be determined to be either the first ideal state or the second ideal state.

[0016] When the unexposed portion of the electrode substrate is in a predetermined first abnormal state, the unexposed portion stretching member advances toward the electrode substrate by a first predetermined value, and the advance of the unexposed portion stretching member by the first predetermined value can be repeated until the unexposed portion of the electrode substrate is determined to be in a normal state.

[0017] When the unexposed portion of the electrode substrate is in a predetermined second abnormal state, the unexposed portion stretching member retracts from the electrode substrate by a second predetermined value, and the retraction of the unexposed portion stretching member by the second predetermined value can be repeated until the unexposed portion of the electrode substrate is determined to be in a normal state.

[0018] The monitoring unit is located at the rear end of the non-existent stretching member to monitor the condition of the non-existent portion of the electrode substrate that has passed through the non-existent stretching member, and accordingly, the position of the non-existent stretching member can be adjusted.

[0019] The monitoring unit is positioned between the rear end of the rolled member and the front end of the unrolled portion stretching member to monitor the condition of the unrolled portion of the electrode substrate that has passed through the rolled member, and accordingly, the position of the unrolled portion stretching member can be adjusted.

[0020] The above rolling member is a pair of rolling rollers that rotate in opposite directions around a rotation axis, and the above non-existent stretching member is a non-existent pressure roller including a pressure part, and the pressure part is provided at a position corresponding to the non-existent part of the electrode substrate and may have a structure protruding from the outer surface of the non-existent pressure roller.

[0021] The above driving unit may be an actuator connected to the above-mentioned pressure roller.

[0022] It may further include a guide member that guides the movement of the electrode substrate.

[0023] It may further include an electrode rewinder that winds and recovers the above electrode substrate.

[0024] A rolling method for manufacturing an electrode according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a step of rolling an electrode substrate with a rolling member; a step of additionally stretching a non-existent portion of the rolled electrode substrate with a non-existent portion stretching member; and a step of monitoring the electrode substrate with a monitoring unit to determine the state of the non-existent portion of the electrode substrate, and may further include a step of adjusting the relative position of the non-existent portion stretching member relative to the electrode substrate when the state of the non-existent portion of the electrode substrate is abnormal.

[0025] When the unexposed portion of the electrode substrate is in a normal state, the unexposed portion stretching member can maintain its position.

[0026] The step of adjusting the relative position of the above-mentioned non-existent portion stretching member may include at least one of the following steps: when the non-existent portion of the electrode substrate is in a predetermined first or higher state, the non-existent portion stretching member advances toward the electrode substrate; and when the non-existent portion of the electrode substrate is in a predetermined second or higher state, the non-existent portion stretching member retreats toward the electrode substrate.

[0027] The first abnormal state is a state in which the ridge or crest of the wavy portion of the above-mentioned uneven portion occurs in the longitudinal direction of the electrode substrate, and the second abnormal state may be a state in which the ridge or crest of the wavy portion of the above-mentioned uneven portion occurs in the width direction of the electrode substrate.

[0028] If the angle between the direction of the trough or crest of the ripple of the above-mentioned unoccupied portion and the direction of travel of the electrode substrate is 0 degrees or more and less than 45 degrees, the above-mentioned unoccupied portion is determined to be a first ideal state; if the angle between the direction of the trough or crest of the ripple of the above-mentioned unoccupied portion and the direction of travel of the electrode substrate is greater than 45 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees, the above-mentioned unoccupied portion is determined to be a second ideal state; and if the angle between the direction of the trough or crest of the ripple of the above-mentioned unoccupied portion and the direction of travel of the electrode substrate is 45 degrees, the above-mentioned unoccupied portion may be determined to be either the first ideal state or the second ideal state.

[0029] When the unexposed portion of the electrode substrate is in a predetermined first abnormal state, the unexposed portion stretching member advances toward the electrode substrate by a first predetermined value, and the advance of the unexposed portion stretching member by the first predetermined value can be repeated until the unexposed portion of the electrode substrate is determined to be in a normal state.

[0030] When the unexposed portion of the electrode substrate is in a predetermined second abnormal state, the unexposed portion stretching member retracts from the electrode substrate by a second predetermined value, and the retraction of the unexposed portion stretching member by the second predetermined value can be repeated until the unexposed portion of the electrode substrate is determined to be in a normal state. Effects of the invention

[0031] According to the present invention, during the rolling process of the electrode substrate, additional stretching is applied to the unstretched portion (11) of the electrode substrate, and by adjusting the position of the unstretched portion stretching member, the problem of ripples occurring in the unstretched portion (11) can be improved more effectively. Accordingly, the production efficiency of the electrode assembly can be maximized, and the quality of the produced electrode assembly can also be improved.

[0032] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description in the claims. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0033] Figure 1 shows a rolling device for manufacturing electrodes according to the prior art. FIG. 2 shows a rolling apparatus for manufacturing electrodes according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a part of the electrode substrate. Figure 4 shows a rolling roller without a part equipped in the rolling device for manufacturing electrodes of Figure 2. Figure 5 shows an example of setting the degree of forward and backward movement of the unextended elongated member of Figure 2 as a process variable of the wrap angle (θ). Figures 6 and 7 each show examples of abnormal conditions of the unoccupied portion of the electrode substrate. FIG. 8 shows a rolling device for manufacturing electrodes according to another embodiment of the present invention, which is a modified example of the rolling device for manufacturing electrodes of FIG. 2. FIGS. 9 and FIGS. 10 show a flowchart of a rolling method for manufacturing an electrode according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0034] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0035] To clearly explain the present invention, parts unrelated to the explanation have been omitted, and the same reference numerals are used for identical or similar components throughout the specification.

[0036] Furthermore, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are depicted arbitrarily for convenience of explanation, and thus the present invention is not necessarily limited to what is illustrated. Thicknesses have been enlarged in the drawings to clearly represent various layers and regions. Additionally, for convenience of explanation, the thickness of some layers and regions has been exaggerated in the drawings.

[0037] Furthermore, when a part such as a layer, membrane, region, or plate is said to be "on" or "on" another part, this includes not only the case where it is "directly above" the other part, but also the case where there is another part in between. Conversely, when a part is said to be "directly above" another part, it means that there is no other part in between. Also, saying that a part is "on" or "on" a reference part means that it is located above or below the reference part, and does not necessarily mean that it is located "on" or "on" facing the opposite direction of gravity.

[0038] Furthermore, throughout the specification, when a part is described as "including" a certain component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components.

[0039] Additionally, throughout the specification, "planar" means when the subject part is viewed from above, and "cross-sectional" means when the cross-section obtained by vertically cutting the subject part is viewed from the side.

[0040] Hereinafter, a rolling device (100) for manufacturing an electrode according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 5.

[0041] The electrode manufacturing rolling device (100) of FIG. 2 includes a rolling member (110), a non-rolling member (120), a monitoring unit (130), a guide member (140), and an electrode rewinder (150).

[0042] As shown in FIG. 3, the electrode substrate (10) has a structure in which an electrode composite is coated on one or both sides of a current collector made of aluminum foil or the like, i.e., a retaining portion (12, see FIG. 3). The electrode substrate (10) is rolled while passing through a rolling member (110).

[0043] The rolling member (110) may be, for example, a pair of rolling rollers. Each of the rolling rollers rotates in opposite directions around a longitudinal axis of rotation located at the center of each of the pair of rolling rollers. When the electrode substrate (10) passes between the rolling rollers, the retaining portion (12) is rolled.

[0044] At this time, ripples may occur on the uncoated portion (11) of the electrode substrate (10) that has passed through the rolled member (110).

[0045] Subsequently, the uncoated portion (11) of the electrode substrate (10) is stretched by an uncoated portion stretching member (120) arranged subsequently to the rolling member (110). More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the uncoated portion stretching member (120) may be, for example, a pressure roller. In addition, to solve the problem of ripples occurring on the uncoated portion (11), a pressure member (120a) for applying pressure only to the uncoated portion (11) of the electrode substrate (10) may be included.

[0046] The pressure portion (120a) of the non-existent stretching member (120) is formed at a position corresponding to the non-existent portions (11) of the electrode substrate (10). Additionally, the pressure portion (120a) has a structure protruding from the outer surface of the non-existent stretching member (120). Accordingly, the pressure portion (120a) of the non-existent stretching member (120) can press only the non-existent portions (11), excluding the retaining portion (12) of the electrode substrate (10).

[0047] The pressure portion (120a) of the non-existent stretching member (120) may be formed integrally with the roller body of the non-existent stretching member (120), or it may be detachable by a shrink fit method on the outer surface of the non-existent stretching member (120).

[0048] Additionally, the pressurizing part (120a) may include a heat ray inside it to apply heat to the unworn part (11) for effective rolling of the unworn part (11).

[0049] The width of the pressure portion (120a) may be equal to or slightly smaller than the width of the unprotected portion (11) of the electrode substrate (10). For example, the pressure portion (120a) may have a width of 90% to 100% of the width of the unprotected portion (11).

[0050] The non-stretchable member (120) can be formed from any one of the following:, for example, a metal such as aluminum or its alloy or stainless steel, or an engineering plastic material with high strength and high hardness, or a plastic material with low hardness or a rubber material.

[0051] With a rotation axis in the longitudinal direction at the center of the non-extended stretching member (120), the non-extended stretching member (120) can rotate in the direction of travel of the electrode substrate (10).

[0052] Meanwhile, both ends of the non-extended stretching member (120) are connected to a driving unit (not shown) capable of adjusting the position of the non-extended stretching member (120). The driving unit may be, for example, an actuator that adjusts the position of the non-extended stretching member (120). The driving unit may advance (A1) the non-extended stretching member (120) toward the electrode substrate (10), or conversely, advance (A2) it backward from the electrode substrate (10).

[0053] For example, a bar-shaped support member is connected to both ends of the non-extended stretching member (120) in the direction of the rotation axis of the non-extended stretching member (120), and the non-extended stretching member (120) and the support member may be advanced (A1) toward the electrode substrate (10) by a driving unit, or conversely, may be advanced (A2) toward the electrode substrate (10).

[0054] The condition of the unexposed portion (11) of the electrode substrate (10) stretched by the unexposed portion stretching member (120) (e.g., degree of wave improvement) is monitored by a monitoring unit (130). The monitoring unit (130) may be, for example, a vision unit that captures the condition of the unexposed portion (11) of the electrode substrate (10).

[0055] The monitoring unit (130) monitors the state of the non-existent portion (11) and determines the state of the non-existent portion (11) by a processor (130a) that is either integrated into the monitoring unit (130) or separately provided and connected. The monitoring unit (130) can determine, for example, the state of the non-existent portion (11) of the electrode substrate (10) as a normal state or an abnormal (abnormal) state.

[0056] The relative position of the non-existent stretching member (120) with respect to the electrode substrate (10) can be adjusted according to the condition of the non-existent portion (11) of the electrode substrate (10).

[0057] If the condition of the unexposed portion (11) of the electrode substrate (10) corresponds to a normal state, the position of the unexposed portion stretching member (120) is maintained as is without changing, and the pressure of the unexposed portion (11) is performed as is. Here, the meaning that the condition of the unexposed portion (11) corresponds to a normal state is that when the unexposed portion (11) of the electrode substrate is monitored by the monitoring unit (130), no ripples or the like occur in the unexposed portion (11), and the flatness of the retaining portion (12) and the flatness of the unexposed portion (11) are the same or within the error range. The degree to which the retaining portion (12) is stretched and the degree to which the unexposed portion (11) is stretched in the electrode substrate are within the error range. However, if the condition of the unexposed portion (11) of the electrode substrate (10) corresponds to an abnormal (abnormal) state, the position of the unexposed portion stretching member (120) is adjusted by the driving unit.

[0058] If it is determined that the condition of the unworn portion (11) of the electrode substrate (10) corresponds to a predetermined first abnormal condition among abnormal (abnormal) conditions, the driving unit advances (A1) the unworn portion stretching member (120) toward the electrode substrate (10). Alternatively, if it is determined that the condition of the unworn portion (11) of the electrode substrate (10) corresponds to a predetermined second abnormal condition among abnormal (abnormal) conditions, the driving unit moves the unworn portion stretching member (120) backward (A2) from the electrode substrate (10) in the opposite direction. That is, when a ripple occurs in the unworn portion (11) of the electrode substrate (10) that has passed between the rolling members (110), the problem of ripple occurrence in the unworn portion (11) is resolved by further stretching the unworn portion (11) with the unworn portion stretching member (120). At this time, the condition of the uncoated portion (11) of the electrode substrate (10) is monitored during the process using a monitoring unit (130), and the position of the uncoated portion stretching member (120) is adjusted accordingly to control the degree of additional stretching of the uncoated portion (11). Depending on various process variables such as the type of electrode current collector and electrode composite, the transfer speed of the electrode substrate (10), and the degree of rolling by the rolling member (110), there may be cases where the degree of wavyness of the uncoated portion (11) is improved when the uncoated portion stretching member (120) is advanced (A1) toward the electrode substrate (10), and conversely, there may be cases where the degree of wavyness of the uncoated portion (11) is improved when the uncoated portion stretching member (120) is retracted (A2) from the electrode substrate (10) to reduce the degree of stretching applied to the uncoated portion (11).

[0059] That is, a predetermined first abnormal state, a predetermined second abnormal state, and a normal state can be pre-set to suit various environments in which the present invention is implemented, and the position of the non-stretchable member (120) can be adjusted accordingly.

[0060] In addition, depending on the various environments in which the present invention is implemented, the degree to which the non-extended stretching member (120) advances (A1) and / or moves backward (A2) may be more specifically pre-set, and the position adjustment of the non-extended stretching member (120) may be performed precisely.

[0061] Meanwhile, the present invention is not limited to the unworn portion (11) of the electrode substrate (10) as depicted in FIG. 3, and likewise, the unworn portion stretching member (120) is not limited to the unworn portion stretching member (120) as depicted in FIG. 4. The unworn portion (11) of the electrode substrate (10) and the unworn portion stretching member (120) can be modified and changed in various ways to suit the various environments and situations in which the present invention is implemented, thereby applying and implementing the present invention. In some cases, the degree to which the unworn portion stretching member (120) advances (A1) and / or moves backward (A2) may be set as a process variable of the wrap angle (θ) to control the degree of the angle. The wrap angle refers to the angle that surrounds a part of the unworn portion stretching member (120) when the electrode substrate (10) comes into contact with the unworn portion stretching member (120), as shown in FIG. 5.

[0062] FIGS. 6 and FIGS. 7 each show examples of abnormal (abnormal) states of the unoccupied portion (11). The top view, side view, and cross-sectional view of the electrode substrate (10) are shown by enlarging the portion indicated by the dotted line of the electrode substrate (10) shown in FIG. 3. The arrow indicates the direction of movement of the electrode substrate (10) during the process, and does not necessarily mean that the direction of movement is the upward direction of the drawing; it is sufficient that the electrode substrate (10) moves along the length direction of the electrode substrate (10) to suit various environments to which the present invention is applied.

[0063] First, one example of a predetermined first ideal state is a case where the ripples of the unincorporated portion (11) are formed along the direction of travel of the electrode substrate (10), as illustrated exemplarily in FIG. 6. It is a case where an extension line extending along the trough of the ripple (direction of the trough of the ripple) and / or an extension line extending along the crest of the ripple (direction of the crest of the ripple) is formed along the direction of travel of the electrode substrate (10).

[0064] This occurs when the degree to which the unstretched portion (11) is stretched is less than the degree to which the retaining portion (12) is stretched. That is, even if the unstretched portion (11) is stretched by the unstretched portion stretching member (120), if it is not stretched sufficiently to the degree to which the retaining portion (12) is stretched, a wave is formed in the direction of travel of the electrode substrate (10) on the taut unstretched portion (11).

[0065] Additionally, depending on the relative degree of elongation of the non-retaining part (11) to the retaining part (12), the groove of the swell becomes deeper or shallower. As the difference between the degree of elongation of the non-retaining part (11) and the degree of elongation of the retaining part (12) (i.e., the absolute value of the value obtained by subtracting the degree of elongation of the retaining part (12) from the degree of elongation of the non-retaining part (11)) decreases, the groove of the swell becomes shallower, and when the degree of elongation of the retaining part (12) and the degree of elongation of the non-retaining part (11) become equal within the error range, the swell of the non-retaining part (11) disappears.

[0066] Meanwhile, in addition to cases where the direction of the ridge and / or crest of the wavy portion (11) matches the direction of travel of the electrode substrate (10), depending on the type of electrode substrate and process environment, the direction of the ridge and / or crest of the wavy portion (11) may have an oblique angle with respect to the direction of travel of the electrode substrate (10), so the angle between the direction of the ridge and / or crest of the wavy portion (11) and the direction of travel of the electrode substrate (10) may be formed within a range of 0 degrees or more and 45 degrees or less.

[0067] In summary, the monitoring unit (130) monitors the direction of the ridges and / or crests of the ripples of the undisturbed portion (11) and determines a first abnormal state when they are formed along the direction of travel of the electrode substrate (10).

[0068] To elaborate, the meaning that the direction of the ridge and / or crest of the wavy portion (11) is formed along the direction of travel of the electrode substrate (10) is determined as a first ideal state when the angle between the direction of the ridge and / or crest of the wavy portion (11) and the direction of travel of the electrode substrate (10) is 0 degrees or more and 45 degrees or less.

[0069] When the state of the unincorporated portion (11) of the electrode substrate (10) is determined to be the first ideal state, the unincorporated portion stretching member (120) advances toward the electrode substrate (10).

[0071] Additionally, one example of a predetermined second ideal state is, as illustrated exemplarily in FIG. 7, a ripple of the unworn portion (11) is formed along the width direction of the electrode substrate (10) (a direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the electrode substrate (10)). It is a case where an extension line extending along the trough of the ripple (direction of the trough of the ripple) and / or an extension line extending along the crest of the ripple (direction of the crest of the ripple) is formed along the width direction of the electrode substrate (10).

[0072] This occurs when the degree of elongation of the non-existent portion (11) is greater than the degree of elongation of the retaining portion (12). That is, when the non-existent portion (11) is elongated by the non-existent portion elongation member (120), if the non-existent portion (11) is elongated more than the retaining portion (12), a ripple is formed in the width direction of the electrode substrate (10) on the non-existent portion (11), which has a relatively longer length.

[0073] Additionally, depending on the relative degree of elongation of the non-retaining part (11) to the retaining part (12), the groove of the swell becomes deeper or shallower. As the difference between the degree of elongation of the non-retaining part (11) and the degree of elongation of the retaining part (12) (i.e., the absolute value of the value obtained by subtracting the degree of elongation of the retaining part (12) from the degree of elongation of the non-retaining part (11)) decreases, the groove of the swell becomes shallower, and when the degree of elongation of the retaining part (12) and the degree of elongation of the non-retaining part (11) become equal within the error range, the swell of the non-retaining part (11) disappears.

[0074] Meanwhile, in addition to the case where the direction of the ridge and / or crest of the wavy of the unoccupied portion (11) is perpendicular to the direction of travel of the electrode substrate (10), depending on the type of electrode substrate and process environment, the direction of the ridge and / or crest of the wavy of the unoccupied portion (11) may have an oblique angle with respect to the direction perpendicular to the direction of travel of the electrode substrate (10), so the angle between the direction of the ridge and / or crest of the wavy of the unoccupied portion (11) and the direction of travel of the electrode substrate (10) may be formed within a range of 45 degrees or more and 90 degrees or less.

[0075] In summary, the monitoring unit (130) monitors the direction of the ridges and / or crests of the ripples of the unworn portion (11) and determines a second abnormal state when they are formed along the width direction of the electrode substrate (10).

[0076] To elaborate, the meaning that the direction of the ridge and / or crest of the wavy portion (11) is formed along the width direction of the electrode substrate (10) is determined as a second ideal state when the angle between the direction of the ridge and / or crest of the wavy portion (11) and the direction of progression of the electrode substrate (10) is 45 degrees or more and 90 degrees or less.

[0077] When the state of the unincorporated portion (11) of the electrode substrate (10) is determined to be a second or higher state, the unincorporated portion stretching member (120) moves backward from the electrode substrate (10).

[0078] For reference, when the ridge and / or crest of the wavy portion (11) is 45 degrees relative to the direction of travel of the electrode substrate (10), whether to advance (A1) or retract (A2) the wavy portion stretching member (120) is predetermined according to the environment, depending on various process variables such as the type of electrode current collector and electrode composite, the transport speed of the electrode substrate (10), and the degree of rolling by the rolling member (110). That is, when the angle between the direction of the ridge and / or crest of the wavy portion (11) and the direction of travel of the electrode substrate (10) is 45 degrees, it is determined to be either the first ideal state or the second ideal state according to the type of electrode substrate (10), process environment, etc., in accordance with the environment in which the present invention is implemented.

[0079] Meanwhile, when the state of the unexposed portion (11) of the electrode substrate (10) is determined to be a first ideal state, the degree to which the unexposed portion stretching member (120) advances toward the electrode substrate (10), and when the state of the unexposed portion (11) of the electrode substrate (10) is determined to be a second ideal state, the degree to which the unexposed portion stretching member (120) retracts from the electrode substrate (10) may each be predetermined according to the type of electrode substrate (10) and / or the corresponding process environment. To elaborate, the degree to which the unexposed portion stretching member (120) advances and the degree to which it retracts are predetermined as a first predetermined value and a second predetermined value, respectively.

[0080] When the monitoring unit (130) determines that the state of the unsupported portion (11) of the electrode substrate (10) monitored is a first abnormal state, the result is fed back to the unsupported portion stretching member (120), and accordingly, the unsupported portion stretching member (120) advances toward the electrode substrate (10) by a first predetermined value.

[0081] In the monitoring unit (130), the unexposed portion (11) of the electrode substrate (10) stretched by the unexposed portion stretching member (120) is monitored in the monitoring unit (130) following the forward / backward movement of the unexposed portion stretching member (120). Alternatively, regardless of this, the unexposed portion (11) of the electrode substrate (10) stretched by the unexposed portion stretching member (120) may be continuously monitored in the monitoring unit (130).

[0082] If it is determined that the state of the unexposed portion (11) of the electrode substrate (10) stretched by the unexposed portion stretching member (120) that has advanced by a first predetermined value is still the first abnormal state, the result is fed back to the unexposed portion stretching member (120), and the unexposed portion stretching member (120) advances again toward the electrode substrate (10) by a first predetermined value.

[0083] When it is determined that the state of the unextended portion (11) of the electrode substrate (10) stretched by the unextended portion stretching member (120) that has advanced by a first predetermined value is normal, the unextended portion stretching member (120) does not advance or retract, and maintains its position.

[0084] Rather, if it is determined that the state of the non-existent portion (11) of the electrode substrate (10) stretched by the non-existent portion stretching member (120) that has advanced by a first predetermined value is a second abnormal state, the result is fed back to the non-existent portion stretching member (120), and the non-existent portion stretching member (120) moves backward from the electrode substrate (10) by a second predetermined value.

[0085] The above-described process is repeated until the state of the unstretched portion (11) of the electrode substrate (10) stretched by the unstretched portion stretching member (120) is determined to be a normal state.

[0086] Likewise, if the condition of the unsupported portion (11) of the electrode substrate (10) monitored by the monitoring unit (130) is determined to be a second abnormal condition, the result is fed back to the unsupported portion stretching member (120), and accordingly, the unsupported portion stretching member (120) moves backward from the electrode substrate (10) by a second predetermined value.

[0087] If it is determined that the state of the non-existent portion (11) of the electrode substrate (10) stretched by the non-existent portion stretching member (120) that has retracted by a second predetermined value is still the second abnormal state, the result is fed back to the non-existent portion stretching member (120), and the non-existent portion stretching member (120) advances again from the electrode substrate (10) by a second predetermined value.

[0088] When it is determined that the state of the unextended portion (11) of the electrode substrate (10) stretched by the unextended portion stretching member (120) that has retracted by a second predetermined value is normal, the unextended portion stretching member (120) does not advance or retract, and maintains its position.

[0089] Rather, if it is determined that the state of the unexposed portion (11) of the electrode substrate (10) stretched by the unexposed portion stretching member (120) that has retracted by a second predetermined value is the first ideal state, the result is fed back to the unexposed portion stretching member (120), and the unexposed portion stretching member (120) advances toward the electrode substrate (10) by a first predetermined value.

[0090] The above-described process is repeated until the state of the unstretched portion (11) of the electrode substrate (10) stretched by the unstretched portion stretching member (120) is determined to be a normal state.

[0091] In addition, each of the first predetermined value and the second predetermined value can be set in various ways to suit the environment according to the type of electrode substrate (10) in which the present invention is implemented and the process environment (various process variables such as the type of electrode current collector and electrode composite, the transfer speed of the electrode substrate (10), and the degree of rolling by the rolling member (110)).

[0092] Figure 8 shows a modified example of the rolling device for manufacturing electrodes of Figure 2.

[0093] First, in the case of FIG. 2, a monitoring unit (130) is positioned at the rear end of the non-extended stretching member (120). Accordingly, the monitoring unit (130) monitors the electrode substrate (10) that has passed through the non-extended stretching member (120) and adjusts the position of the non-extended stretching member (120) to control the degree of wave on the non-extended portion (11) of the electrode substrate (10) that subsequently enters the non-extended stretching member (120).

[0094] In the case of FIG. 8, a monitoring unit (130) is positioned between the rear end of the rolled member (110) and the front end of the unrolled stretch member (120). Accordingly, the electrode substrate (10) passing through the rolled member (110) is monitored to adjust the position of the unrolled stretch member (120).

[0095] The method of controlling the position of the non-stretching member (120) by monitoring the electrode substrate (10) can be configured by pre-setting a predetermined first abnormal state, a predetermined second abnormal state, and a normal state to suit various environments in which the present invention is implemented, as described in detail in FIG. 2, and controlling the position of the non-stretching member (120) accordingly.

[0096] Hereinafter, a rolling method for manufacturing an electrode according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and FIGS. 10.

[0097] A rolling method for manufacturing an electrode according to one embodiment of the present invention, with reference to FIG. 9, comprises: a step (S110) of rolling an electrode substrate with a rolling member (110); a step (S120) of further stretching a non-existent portion (11) of the rolled electrode substrate (10) with a non-existent portion stretching member (120); and a step (S130) of monitoring the electrode substrate with a monitoring unit (130) to determine the state of the non-existent portion of the electrode substrate. In the embodiment of FIG. 2, step S130 is performed after step S120. Alternatively, in the embodiment of FIG. 8, step S120 may be performed after step S130 is performed. Hereinafter, the apparatus of the embodiment of FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 10.

[0098] In step S130, it is determined whether the state of the unoccupied portion is normal, and if the state of the unoccupied portion is determined to be abnormal, step S130 includes step S131, which determines whether the state of the unoccupied portion is a first abnormal state or a second abnormal state. If the state of the unoccupied portion is determined to be abnormal, step S131 determines whether the direction of the ripple of the unoccupied portion is formed in the direction of travel of the electrode substrate or in the width direction of the electrode substrate, etc., and since a more specific explanation regarding the determination of whether the state of the unoccupied portion is a first abnormal state or a second abnormal state overlaps with the description in FIGS. 1 to 7, the description above is referenced.

[0099] The method includes a step (S140) of adjusting the relative position of the unexposed portion stretching member relative to the electrode substrate using a driving unit, depending on the state of the unexposed portion (11) of the electrode substrate monitored by a monitoring unit.

[0100] If the unexposed portion of the electrode substrate is determined to be in a normal state in step S130, the unexposed portion elongated member maintains its position.

[0101] Step S140 includes a step (S141) in which, if the unexposed portion of the electrode substrate is determined to be in a predetermined first abnormal state in Step S130 (Step S131), the unexposed portion stretching member advances toward the electrode substrate by a first predetermined value. Additionally, Step S140 may include a step (S142) in which, if the unexposed portion of the electrode substrate is determined to be in a predetermined second abnormal state in Step S130 (Step S131), the unexposed portion stretching member retracts toward the electrode substrate by a second predetermined value. The step (S140) of adjusting the relative position of the unexposed portion stretching member is performed repeatedly until the state of the unexposed portion of the electrode substrate is determined to be a normal state.

[0103] In one embodiment, the electrode refers to the positive and / or negative electrode of a lithium secondary battery.

[0104] The positive electrode has a structure in which a two-layer positive active material layer is laminated on a positive current collector. In one example, the positive active material layer includes a positive active material, a conductive material, and a binder polymer, and, if necessary, may further include a positive additive commonly used in the industry.

[0105] The positive electrode active material may be a lithium-containing oxide and may be the same or different. As the lithium-containing oxide, a lithium-containing transition metal oxide may be used.

[0106] For example, lithium-containing transition metal oxides are Li x CoO2(0.5 <x<1.3), Li x NiO2(0.5 <x<1.3), Li x MnO2(0.5 <x<1.3), Li x Mn2O4(0.5 <x<1.3), Li x (Ni a Co b Mn c )O2(0.5 <x<1.3, 0<a<1, 0<b<1, 0<c<1, a+b+c=1), Li x Ni 1-y Co yO2(0.5 <x<1.3, 0<y<1), Li x Co 1-y Mn y O2(0.5 <x<1.3, 0≤y<1), Li x Ni 1-y Mn y O2(0.5 <x<1.3, O≤y<1), Li x (Ni a Co b Mn c )O4(0.5 <x<1.3, 0<a<2, 0<b<2, 0<c<2, a+b+c=2), Li x Mn 2-z Ni z O4(0.5 <x<1.3, 0<z<2), Li x Mn 2-z Co z O4(0.5 <x<1.3, 0<z<2), Li x CoPO4(0.5 <x<1.3) 및 Li x FePO4(0.5 <x<1.3)로 이루어진 군으로부터 선택되는 어느 하나 또는 이들 중 2종 이상의 혼합물일 수 있으며, 리튬 함유 전이금속 산화물은 알루미늄(Al) 등의 금속이나 금속산화물로 코팅될 수도 있다. 또한, 상기 리튬 함유 전이금속 산화물 외에 황화물(sulfide), 셀렌화물(selenide) 및 할로겐화물(halide) 등으로 이루어진 군으로부터 선택되는 1종 이상도 사용될 수 있다.

[0107] The positive active material may be included in the positive active material layer in a range of 94.0 to 98.5 weight percent. When the content of the positive active material satisfies the above range, it is advantageous in terms of manufacturing a high-capacity battery and providing sufficient conductivity of the positive or adhesion between electrode materials.

[0108] Any metal that is highly conductive, allows the anode active material slurry to adhere easily, and is non-reactive within the voltage range of the electrochemical device can be used. Specifically, non-limiting examples of current collectors for the anode include foils made of aluminum, nickel, or a combination thereof.

[0109] The positive active material layer further includes a conductive material. The conductive material is typically added in an amount of 1 to 30 weight percent based on the total weight of the mixture containing the positive active material. Such conductive material is not particularly limited as long as it is conductive without causing chemical changes in the secondary battery. For example, one or more selected from the group consisting of graphite such as natural graphite or artificial graphite; carbon black such as carbon black, acetylene black, Ketjen black, channel black, furnace black, lamp black, or thermal black; conductive fibers such as carbon fiber or metal fiber; metal powders such as carbon fluoride, aluminum, or nickel powder; conductive whiskey such as zinc oxide or potassium titanate; conductive metal oxides such as titanium oxide; and polyphenylene derivatives may be used as conductive materials.

[0110] The cathode has a structure in which a two-layer cathode active material layer is laminated on a cathode current collector. In one example, the cathode active material layer includes a cathode active material, a conductive material, and a binder polymer, and, if necessary, may further include a cathode additive commonly used in the industry.

[0111] The negative electrode active material may include carbon materials, lithium metal, silicon, or tin. When a carbon material is used as the negative electrode active material, both low-crystallinity carbon and high-crystallinity carbon may be used. Representative examples of low-crystallinity carbon include soft carbon and hard carbon, while representative examples of high-crystallinity carbon include one or more high-temperature calcined carbons selected from the group consisting of natural graphite, Kish graphite, pyrolytic carbon, mesophase pitch-based carbon fiber, mesocarbon microbeads, mesophase pitches, and petroleum orcoal tar pitch-derived cokes.

[0112] Non-limiting examples of current collectors used for the cathode include foils made of copper, gold, nickel, copper alloys, or combinations thereof. Additionally, the current collector may be used by laminating substrates made of the above materials.

[0113] In addition, the cathode may include a conductive material and a binder commonly used in the field.

[0114] Meanwhile, a rolling device (100) for manufacturing an electrode according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a guide member (140) that guides the movement of an electrode substrate (10). The guide member (140) may be, for example, a transfer roller. The guide member (140) may control the meandering of the electrode substrate (10) or control the tension of the electrode substrate (10). Finally, the electrode substrate (10) is rewound by an electrode rewinder (150).

[0115] The electrode manufactured by applying the control method of the rolling device for manufacturing electrodes according to the embodiment described above may be included in a secondary battery, and such secondary batteries may be assembled in multiple numbers to form a battery module. The battery module may be mounted together with various control and protection systems, such as a Battery Management System (BMS) and a cooling system, to form a battery pack.

[0116] The above secondary battery, the above battery module, or the above battery pack can be applied to various devices. Specifically, it can be applied to means of transportation such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrids, but is not limited thereto and can be applied to various devices capable of using secondary batteries.

[0117] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention as defined in the following claims also fall within the scope of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0118] 10: Electrode substrate 11: Mujibu 12: Maintenance Department 100: Rolling device for electrode manufacturing 110: Rolled member 120: Unclear body continuous absence 120a: Pressurizing part 130: Monitoring Unit 130a: Processor 140: Absence of guide 150: Electrode rewinder

Claims

Claim 1 A rolling device for manufacturing an electrode comprises: a rolling member that rolls the electrode substrate when the electrode substrate passes through; a non-existent portion stretching member that further stretches the non-existent portion of the electrode substrate that has passed through the rolling member; and a monitoring unit that monitors the electrode substrate to determine the state of the non-existent portion of the electrode substrate, wherein the non-existent portion stretching member adjusts the relative position of the non-existent portion stretching member relative to the electrode substrate according to the state of the non-existent portion of the electrode substrate, and when the non-existent portion of the electrode substrate is in a predetermined first ideal state, the non-existent portion stretching member advances toward the electrode substrate, and when the non-existent portion of the electrode substrate is in a predetermined second ideal state, the non-existent portion stretching member retreats from the electrode substrate, wherein the first ideal state is a state in which a trough or crest of the ripple of the non-existent portion occurs in the longitudinal direction of the electrode substrate, and the second ideal state is a state in which a trough or crest of the ripple of the non-existent portion occurs in the width direction of the electrode substrate. Claim 2 A rolling device for manufacturing an electrode, wherein, in claim 1, it further includes a driving unit for adjusting the position of the non-existent stretching member, and by means of the driving unit, the non-existent stretching member maintains its position, advances toward the electrode substrate, or moves backward from the electrode substrate in the opposite direction, thereby adjusting the position of the non-existent stretching member. Claim 3 A rolling device for manufacturing electrodes according to claim 1, wherein when the uncoated portion of the electrode substrate is in a normal state, the uncoated portion stretching member maintains its position. Claim 4 delete Claim 5 A rolling device for manufacturing electrodes according to claim 1, wherein if the angle between the direction of the ridge or crest of the ripple of the unworn portion and the direction of travel of the electrode substrate is 0 degrees or more and less than 45 degrees, the unworn portion is determined to be a first ideal state; if the angle between the direction of the ridge or crest of the ripple of the unworn portion and the direction of travel of the electrode substrate is 45 degrees or more and 90 degrees or less, the unworn portion is determined to be a second ideal state; and if the angle between the direction of the ridge or crest of the ripple of the unworn portion and the direction of travel of the electrode substrate is 45 degrees, the unworn portion is determined to be either the first ideal state or the second ideal state. Claim 6 A rolling apparatus for manufacturing an electrode, wherein, in claim 1, when the uncoated portion of the electrode substrate is in a predetermined first ideal state, the uncoated portion stretching member advances toward the electrode substrate by a first predetermined value, and the advance of the uncoated portion stretching member by the first predetermined value is repeated until the uncoated portion of the electrode substrate is determined to be in a normal state. Claim 7 A rolling device for manufacturing an electrode, wherein, in claim 1, when the uncoated portion of the electrode substrate is in a predetermined second or higher state, the uncoated portion stretching member moves backward from the electrode substrate by a second predetermined value, and the backward movement of the uncoated portion stretching member by the second predetermined value is repeated until the uncoated portion of the electrode substrate is determined to be in a normal state. Claim 8 A rolling device for manufacturing electrodes according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring unit is located at the rear end of the non-existent stretching member, monitors the condition of the non-existent portion of the electrode substrate that has passed through the non-existent stretching member, and accordingly, the position of the non-existent stretching member is adjusted. Claim 9 A rolling device for manufacturing electrodes according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring unit is positioned between the rear end of the rolling member and the front end of the unrolled portion stretching member, monitors the condition of the unrolled portion of the electrode substrate that has passed through the rolling member, and accordingly, the position of the unrolled portion stretching member is adjusted. Claim 10 A rolling device for manufacturing an electrode, wherein, in claim 1, the rolling member is a pair of rolling rollers that rotate in opposite directions around a rotation axis, the non-rolling member is a non-rolling pressure roller including a pressure member, and the pressure member is provided at a position corresponding to the non-rolling portion of the electrode substrate and has a structure protruding from the outer surface of the non-rolling pressure roller. Claim 11 In paragraph 2, the above driving unit is an actuator connected to the above-mentioned non-extended stretching member, a rolling device for manufacturing electrodes. Claim 12 A rolling apparatus for manufacturing electrodes according to claim 1, further comprising a guide member that guides the movement of the electrode substrate. Claim 13 A rolling apparatus for manufacturing electrodes, further comprising an electrode rewinder for winding and recovering the electrode substrate in claim 1. Claim 14 A rolling method for manufacturing an electrode comprises: a step of rolling an electrode substrate with a rolling member; a step of additionally stretching a non-existent portion of the rolled electrode substrate with a non-existent portion stretching member; and a step of monitoring the electrode substrate with a monitoring unit to determine the state of the non-existent portion of the electrode substrate, and further comprises a step of adjusting the relative position of the non-existent portion stretching member relative to the electrode substrate when the state of the non-existent portion of the electrode substrate is an abnormal state, wherein the step of adjusting the relative position of the non-existent portion stretching member comprises at least one of: a step in which, when the non-existent portion of the electrode substrate is in a predetermined first abnormal state, the non-existent portion stretching member advances toward the electrode substrate; and a step in which, when the non-existent portion of the electrode substrate is in a predetermined second abnormal state, the non-existent portion stretching member retracts toward the electrode substrate, wherein the first abnormal state is a state in which a trough or crest of the swell of the non-existent portion occurs in the longitudinal direction of the electrode substrate, and the second abnormal state is a state in which a trough or crest of the swell of the non-existent portion occurs in the width direction of the electrode substrate. Claim 15 A rolling method for manufacturing an electrode according to claim 14, wherein when the uncoated portion of the electrode substrate is in a normal state, the uncoated portion stretching member maintains its position. Claim 16 delete Claim 17 delete Claim 18 A rolling method for manufacturing an electrode according to claim 14, wherein if the angle between the direction of the ridge or crest of the wavy portion of the unworn portion and the direction of travel of the electrode substrate is 0 degrees or more and less than 45 degrees, the unworn portion is determined to be a first ideal state; if the angle between the direction of the ridge or crest of the wavy portion of the unworn portion and the direction of travel of the electrode substrate is 45 degrees or more and 90 degrees or less, the unworn portion is determined to be a second ideal state; and if the angle between the direction of the ridge or crest of the wavy portion of the unworn portion and the direction of travel of the electrode substrate is 45 degrees, the unworn portion is determined to be either the first ideal state or the second ideal state. Claim 19 A rolling method for manufacturing an electrode according to claim 14, wherein when the uncoated portion of the electrode substrate is in a predetermined first ideal state, the uncoated portion stretching member advances toward the electrode substrate by a first predetermined value, and the advance of the uncoated portion stretching member by the first predetermined value is repeated until the uncoated portion of the electrode substrate is determined to be in a normal state. Claim 20 A rolling method for manufacturing an electrode according to claim 14, wherein when the uncoated portion of the electrode substrate is in a predetermined second or higher state, the uncoated portion stretching member is retracted from the electrode substrate by a second predetermined value, and the retraction of the uncoated portion stretching member by the second predetermined value is repeated until the uncoated portion of the electrode substrate is determined to be in a normal state.

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