Method and apparatus for manufacturing electrode

Abstract

A method for manufacturing an electrode according to the present invention comprises: an electrode film manufacturing step of manufacturing a sheet-shaped electrode film by passing a powder-form mixture between sheeting rollers and supplying the electrode film at a predetermined speed; an electrode manufacturing step of manufacturing electrodes by additionally inputting an electrode foil and adhering the electrode film and the electrode foil to each other by passing the stacked electrode film and the electrode foil between press rollers; a press-roller control step of controlling the size of the gap between the press rollers and the rotational speed of same by sensing the thickness of the electrode before the electrode is collected; and a feedback control step of controlling via feedback the electrode film manufacturing step so that the thickness and supply speed of the electrode film are adjusted according to the size of the gap between the press rollers or the rotational speed thereof. The manufacturing method according to the present invention can limit the occurrence of wrinkles in the electrode.

Description

Electrode manufacturing method and manufacturing device

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0119020, filed September 7, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0121915, filed September 6, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a method and a manufacturing apparatus for an electrode, and more particularly, to a method and a manufacturing apparatus for an electrode capable of suppressing or minimizing thickness deviation and wrinkle occurrence of an electrode and further increasing production efficiency.

[0003]

[0004] Batteries that store electrical energy can generally be divided into primary and secondary batteries. Primary batteries are disposable, consumable batteries, while secondary batteries are rechargeable batteries manufactured using materials capable of repeating oxidation and reduction processes between current and substances.

[0005] That is, when a reduction reaction is performed on a material by current, it is charged, and when an oxidation reaction is performed on the material, it is discharged, and when this charging-discharging is performed repeatedly, electricity is generated.

[0006] Common types of secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and lithium-ion polymer batteries. These batteries are used in small products such as digital cameras, DVDs, MP3 players, mobile phones, PDAs, portable game devices, power tools, and e-bikes, as well as in larger products requiring high output, such as electric and hybrid vehicles, as well as power storage devices that store surplus generated power or renewable energy, and as backup power storage devices.

[0007] In general, lithium secondary batteries are manufactured by housing an electrode assembly comprising a cathode, a separator, and an anode in a case such as a cylindrical can or a square pouch.

[0008] The above positive and negative electrodes are each manufactured by applying electrode slurry to both sides (or one side) of electrode foil, which is a current collector. There are various methods for manufacturing the electrode slurry and for adhering it to the electrode foil, but a method of manufacturing the electrode slurry into a thin electrode film, such as a film, and laminating and bonding it has been known.

[0009] At this time, the electrode film and electrode foil are manufactured into an electrode by rolling after bonding or simultaneously with bonding, and subsequent processing is performed to form an electrode tab (in the part where the electrode film is not covered and the electrode foil is exposed).

[0010] Meanwhile, a method for manufacturing the electrode film is known to be a process of forming a powder mixture containing active material, carbon material, and binder as main components into a sheet.

[0011] That is, as shown in Fig. 1a, which illustrates a simplified powder sheeting process and a calendaring process, the powder sheeting process is performed by feeding a powder-like mixture (C) between the sheeting rollers (10: 11, 12). The mixture (C) fed between the sheeting rollers (10) is formed into a sheet-like electrode film (S) by applying pressure and shear force (due to the difference in rotational speed between the sheeting rollers).

[0012] And, following the powder sheeting process, a calendering process is continuously performed to thin the electrode film (S) to the target thickness.

[0013] In the above-described calendaring process, the electrode film (S) is formed thinly by passing through successively adjacent calendaring rollers (20: 21, 22, 23, 24). At this time, the gap between the adjacent calendaring rollers (20) and the ratio of the difference in rotational speed (rotational speed ratio) and the temperature of the calendaring rollers (20) become process variables.

[0014] Accordingly, by appropriately controlling the gap and rotation speed between the calendaring rollers (20), an electrode film (S) having a target thickness and density can be manufactured.

[0015] And, as shown in Fig. 1b, which is a simplified illustration of the manufacturing process of an electrode through adhesion and rolling of an electrode film (S) and an electrode foil (F) through a rolling process, the electrode film (S) is recovered in a roll shape, then rolled out together with the electrode foil (F) and laminated, and in a laminated state, is passed between rolling rollers (30: 31, 32) to perform adhesion and rolling. Here, rolling means that the electrode film (S) and the electrode foil (F) are compressed to have a predetermined thickness and density and to increase the bonding force.

[0016] And, depending on the process design, the powder sheeting process, calendaring process, and rolling process may be configured to be performed continuously.

[0017] In this case, the rollers (10, 20, 30) are controlled so that the thickness of the electrode film (S) and the thickness of the electrode film (S) and the electrode foil (F) are individually controlled in each process.

[0018] However, if a difference in the thickness (and / or density) of the electrode film (S) occurs in the pre-processes (powder sheeting process, calendaring process), the rolling roller (30) had to be controlled in the rolling process to compensate for this.

[0019] However, if there is a change in the gap or rotation speed between the rolling rollers (31, 32) during rolling, there is a high possibility that wrinkles will occur near the boundary between the electrode foil (F) and the electrode film (S) (see Fig. 6).

[0020]

[0021] Accordingly, the main purpose of the present invention is to provide a method and a manufacturing device for an electrode, which can increase production efficiency by continuously performing a powder sheeting process, a calendaring process, and a rolling process, and can suppress the occurrence of wrinkles by controlling other processes based on the rolling rollers (maintaining the rotation speed of the rolling rollers constant, but instead suppressing the occurrence of wrinkles by feedback-controlling the gap and rotation speed of the rollers of other processes).

[0022]

[0023] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing an electrode and an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode.

[0024] The method for manufacturing an electrode according to the present invention comprises: an electrode film manufacturing step of manufacturing and supplying a sheet-shaped electrode film; an electrode manufacturing step of additionally introducing an electrode foil, and passing the electrode film and the electrode foil through (paired) rolling rollers in a laminated state to adhere them to each other, thereby manufacturing an electrode; a rolling roller control step of sensing the thickness of the electrode before the electrode is recovered and controlling at least one of a gap size between the rolling rollers or a rotational speed of the rolling rollers; and a feedback control step of feedback-controlling the electrode film manufacturing step so that the thickness and supply speed of the electrode film are adjusted in accordance with the gap size between the rolling rollers or the rotational speed of the rolling rollers.

[0025] In the above rolling roller control step, even if the rotation speeds of the rolling rollers are controlled, the rotation speeds of each rolling roller are adjusted so that the main speed ratio, which is the rotating speed ratio of the rolling rollers on both sides, is maintained constant.

[0026] In the above electrode film manufacturing step, a powder-type mixture is manufactured into a sheet-type electrode film by passing between sheeting rollers, and the electrode film manufacturing step includes a calendering step in which the thickness of the electrode film manufactured into a sheet type is adjusted while passing between a plurality of calendering rollers.

[0027] The above feedback control step controls the thickness and supply speed of the electrode film by controlling at least one of the gap size between the calendaring rollers or the rotation speed of the calendaring rollers.

[0028] The above feedback control step controls the thickness and supply speed of the electrode film by controlling the operation of at least one of the gap size between the seating rollers or the rotation speed of the seating rollers.

[0029] The above electrode film manufacturing step includes a step of sensing the thickness of the electrode film before it passes through the sheeting rollers and enters the calendaring roller; and a step of sensing the thickness of the electrode film and electrode foil before it enters the rolling roller in a laminated state after the electrode film passes through the calendaring roller. The sensed data is then transmitted to a feedback control unit that performs a feedback control step.

[0030] In the above feedback control step, the thickness change along the path along which the electrode film moves in the electrode film manufacturing step is measured and compared, and it is determined whether to control the operation of the seating rollers or the operation of the calendaring rollers.

[0031] The above electrode film includes a first electrode film laminated on one side of the electrode foil with the electrode foil in between, and a second electrode film laminated on the other side of the electrode foil.

[0032] In the above electrode film manufacturing step, a first electrode film is supplied to one side of the electrode foil at a predetermined speed, and a second electrode film is supplied to the other side of the electrode foil at a predetermined speed.

[0033] In the above electrode manufacturing step, the electrode foil passes between rolling rollers while the first electrode film and the second electrode film are laminated on each of one side and the other side.

[0034] The above electrode film manufacturing step includes a step of sensing at least one of the thickness of the first electrode film before it reaches the rolling roller or the thickness of the second electrode film before it reaches the rolling roller;

[0035] The above feedback control step determines whether to control the thickness of the first electrode film or the thickness of the second electrode film.

[0036] The electrode manufacturing device according to the present invention comprises: an electrode film manufacturing device including sheeting rollers that apply pressure and shear force to a powder-type mixture when the mixture is inputted to process the mixture into a sheet-type electrode film, and calendaring rollers that apply pressure to the electrode film passing through the sheeting rollers to process the electrode film to a target thickness; a rolling roller that applies pressure to the electrode film and electrode foil manufactured and supplied by the electrode film manufacturing device so as to bond them when the electrode film and electrode foil are supplied in a laminated state to manufacture the electrode; and a feedback control unit that receives data from an electrode thickness sensor that is positioned before the electrode reaches a recovery unit and senses the thickness of the electrode, and controls a gap size between the rolling rollers and a rotational speed of the rolling rollers; wherein the feedback control unit is characterized in that it feedback-controls the electrode film manufacturing device so that the thickness and supply speed of the electrode film are adjusted in accordance with the gap size between the rolling rollers and the rotational speed of the rolling rollers.

[0037] The above feedback control unit can individually control the gap size between the seating rollers and the rotation speed of the seating rollers, and the gap size between the calendaring rollers and the rotation speed of the calendaring rollers.

[0038] The electrode film manufacturing device includes a first electrode film manufacturing device that manufactures and supplies a first electrode film laminated on one side of the electrode foil so that the electrode film is individually supplied from each side with the electrode foil in between; and a second electrode film manufacturing device that manufactures and supplies a second electrode film laminated on the other side of the electrode foil; wherein the first electrode film manufacturing device and the second electrode film manufacturing device are respectively arranged on one side and the other side of the rolling rollers with the rolling rollers in between.

[0039] The first electrode film manufacturing device includes a first electrode film thickness sensor that senses the thickness of the first electrode film, and the second electrode film manufacturing device includes a second electrode film thickness sensor that senses the thickness of the second electrode film, and each of the first electrode film thickness sensor and the second electrode film thickness sensor is connected to a feedback control unit so as to be able to transmit data.

[0040] The first electrode film thickness sensor includes a front-side first electrode film thickness sensor that senses the thickness of the first electrode film before it passes through the sheeting rollers and enters the calendaring roller; and a rear-side first electrode film thickness sensor that senses the thickness of the first electrode film and the electrode foil before it enters the rolling roller in a laminated state after the first electrode film passes through the calendaring roller.

[0041] The second electrode film thickness sensor includes a front-side second electrode film thickness sensor that senses the thickness of the second electrode film before it passes through the seating rollers and enters the calendaring roller; and a rear-side second electrode film thickness sensor that senses the thickness of the second electrode film after the second electrode film passes through the calendaring roller and before it enters the rolling roller.

[0042]

[0043] The present invention having the above configuration can solve the problem of wrinkles occurring in the electrode foil by maintaining the rotation speed (and main speed ratio) between the rolling rollers constant even while the thickness of the electrode film is adjusted.

[0044] That is, in the present invention, the thickness and density of the electrode film are feedback-controlled while the electrode foil and electrode film are rolled, so that an electrode of constant quality can be manufactured.

[0045] In the present invention, since feedback control can be individually performed in the powder sheeting process for manufacturing an electrode film from a powder mixture and the calendering process for thinning the thickness of the electrode film, the thickness and density of the electrode film can be controlled more precisely. In particular, individual automatic compensation can be performed by distinguishing between the OS (Operator Side) and the DS (Driver Side). For example, with reference to FIG. 3, the left (L) gap and the right (R) gap between the rollers can be adjusted independently, so that the left and right thicknesses of the electrode film can be controlled to be more precisely balanced.

[0046]

[0047] Figure 1a is a simplified drawing showing the powder sheeting process and the calendaring process.

[0048] Figure 1b is a simplified drawing showing the process of manufacturing an electrode by bonding and rolling an electrode film and an electrode foil through a rolling process.

[0049] Figure 2 is a simplified drawing showing the overall appearance of an electrode manufacturing device for manufacturing an electrode in which an electrode film is laminated on one surface of an electrode foil.

[0050] Figure 3 is a drawing showing the arrangement of seating rollers, calendaring rollers, and rolling rollers.

[0051] Figure 4a is a simplified drawing showing the overall appearance of an electrode manufacturing device for manufacturing an electrode in which electrode films are laminated on both sides of electrode foil.

[0052] Figures 4b and 4c are drawings showing the arrangement of rollers in a modified form in Figure 4a, respectively.

[0053] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the order of feedback control in the method for manufacturing an electrode according to the present invention.

[0054] Figure 6 is a drawing showing the appearance of wrinkles occurring due to changes in the main speed ratio of the rolling rollers, and the appearance of wrinkles occurring when the main speed ratio of the rolling rollers is maintained constant.

[0055]

[0056] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily practice the present invention. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0057] In order to clearly explain the present invention, parts that are not related to the description are omitted, and the same reference numerals are used for identical or similar components throughout the specification.

[0058] In addition, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to their usual or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts that conform to the technical idea of ​​the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the term to explain his or her own invention in the best way.

[0059] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for manufacturing an electrode, which can increase production efficiency and suppress wrinkle formation in an electrode by continuously performing a powder sheeting process, a calendaring process, and a rolling process. Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0060]

[0061] First embodiment

[0062]

[0063] The present invention provides, as a first embodiment, an electrode manufacturing device capable of manufacturing an electrode (E1: an electrode in which an electrode film is laminated only on one side of an electrode foil, E2: an electrode in which an electrode film is laminated on both sides of an electrode foil) from a powder-form mixture (C), that is, a powder sheeting process, a calendaring process, and a rolling process can be continuously performed.

[0064] FIG. 2 is a simplified drawing showing the overall appearance of an electrode manufacturing device for manufacturing an electrode in which an electrode film is laminated on one side of an electrode foil, FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the arrangement of sheeting rollers, calendaring rollers, and rolling rollers, and FIG. 4 is a simplified drawing showing the overall appearance of an electrode manufacturing device for manufacturing an electrode in which an electrode film is laminated on both sides of an electrode foil.

[0065] The electrode manufacturing device provided in this embodiment comprises an electrode film manufacturing device, a rolling roller (30), and a feedback control unit (40). In addition, the feedback control unit (40) is characterized by performing feedback control on the electrode film manufacturing device according to the operating state of the rolling rollers (31, 32) and the thickness (and / or density) of the electrodes (E1, E2). Here, 'feedback control' means controlling the electrode film manufacturing device to adjust the thickness (and density) of the electrode film (S), which is an input, based on the electrodes (E1, E2), which are outputs.

[0066] The above electrode film manufacturing device manufactures an electrode film (S) in the form of a sheet having a predetermined thickness from a powder-type mixture (C). At this time, the electrode film manufacturing device adjusts the thickness (and density) of the electrode film (S) in accordance with the rolling roller (30).

[0067] The above electrode film device includes a pair (or more) of sheeting rollers (10: 11, 12) that apply pressure and shear force to a powder-form mixture (C) when the mixture (C) is fed into the device to process the mixture (C) into a sheet-form electrode film (S). The paired sheeting rollers (11, 12) are arranged so that a gap (g1) is formed by a predetermined distance and are heated to a predetermined temperature range. Then, while the powder-form mixture (C) is fed between the sheeting rollers (11, 12), the paired sheeting rollers (11, 12) rotate so that a speed difference occurs between them. Accordingly, the powder-form mixture (C) is subjected to pressure and shear force and is formed into a sheet-form electrode film (S).

[0068] At this time, since the formed electrode film (S) has an uneven thickness and density and does not have the target thickness, a calendaring process is required. That is, the electrode film manufacturing device includes calendaring rollers (20: 21, 22, 23) that apply pressure to the electrode film (S) that has passed through the sheeting rollers (11, 12) to process it into the target thickness. For reference, the number of calendaring rollers (20) is determined according to the specifications of the electrode film required according to the process specifications, as described below, and may be optionally added or omitted.

[0069] Meanwhile, in the powder sheeting process, the greater the speed ratio between the sheeting rollers (the greater the difference in rotational speed between the sheeting rollers), the less the thickness of the electrode film, and the smaller the gap (g1) between the sheeting rollers, the more the density increases.

[0070] At least two of the above-described calendaring rollers (21, 22, 23) are provided, and are cooled or heated to have a predetermined temperature range, and are arranged so that a gap (g2, g3) is formed between adjacent calendaring rollers (21, 22, 23) within a predetermined range. In addition, the above-described calendaring rollers also rotate so that a speed difference occurs between adjacent ones.

[0071] Accordingly, the electrode film (S) that has passed between the seating rollers (11, 12) is processed to have the target thickness and density while passing between the calendaring rollers (21, 22, 23). At this time, the gap (g3) formed at the front side is arranged so that the gap (g2) becomes equal to or smaller toward the rear side so that the thickness of the electrode film (S) gradually decreases (or the density gradually increases), and the peripheral speed ratio of the neighboring calendaring rollers (21, 22, 23) is also set so that it gradually changes.

[0072] As in the above powder sheeting process, in the calendering process, the greater the rotational speed ratio between the calendering rollers (21, 22, 23) (the greater the difference in rotational speed between the calendering rollers), the less the thickness of the electrode film (S), and the smaller the gap (g2, g3) between the calendering rollers (21, 22, 23), the more the density increases.

[0073] In addition, the above-described seating rollers (11, 12) and calendaring rollers (21, 22, 23) are coupled with an external device (not shown) to enable temperature control and rotational speed control, and are also coupled with a sliding device (13, 29) composed of a screw device or cylinder that slides by a motor or pneumatic or hydraulic pressure to adjust the size of the gap (g1, g2, g3) with neighboring ones.

[0074] The above-described sliding devices (13, 29, 33) can be individually controlled and are respectively arranged on both sides of the rollers, so that individual automatic compensation can be performed by distinguishing between the OS (Operator Side) and the DS (Driver Side). That is, the left (L) gap and the right (R) gap between the rollers can be adjusted independently, thereby preventing a difference in the left and right thicknesses of the electrode film. Such external devices and sliding devices (13, 29, 33) are controlled by the feedback control unit (40) described below.

[0075] And, the rolling rollers (30: 31, 32) provided in this embodiment apply pressure to compress the electrode film (S) and electrode foil (F) manufactured and supplied by the electrode film manufacturing device in a laminated state in such a direction that adhesion and thickness are reduced, thereby manufacturing the electrode (E1).

[0076] Meanwhile, one (31) of the above rolling rollers (30:31, 32) is arranged with a predetermined gap from the outermost calendering roller (23). At this time, the rolling roller (31) may be arranged completely separated from the calendering roller (23) depending on the size of the gap, or may be arranged to be used as one of the calendering rollers. In addition, the other rolling roller (32) is configured to be slidable by a sliding device (33) so as to enable gap adjustment. Of course, the rolling roller (31) arranged toward the outermost calendering roller may also be combined with a sliding device (not shown).

[0077] The above electrode film is introduced in a state of being combined (laminated) with the electrode foil (F) before being introduced between the rolling rollers (31, 32). That is, between the rolling rollers (31, 32), the electrode film (S) and the electrode foil (F) are bonded by applying a predetermined pressure and are simultaneously pressed to obtain the target thickness.

[0078] The above rolling rollers (31, 32) are also coupled to an external device (not shown) to enable temperature control and individual rotational speed control. In addition, the sliding device (33) is operated by a motor, pneumatic pressure, or hydraulic pressure, and the external device and the sliding devices (33) are controlled by a feedback control unit (40) described below.

[0079] Meanwhile, as shown in Fig. 2, before the electrode (E1) manufactured by passing between the rolling rollers (31, 32) with the electrode film (S) and electrode foil (F) laminated reaches the recovery section (W), an electrode thickness sensor (50) that senses the thickness of the electrode (E1) is placed.

[0080] The thickness data sensed by the electrode thickness sensor (50) is transmitted to the feedback control unit (40). The feedback control unit (40) controls the gap size between the rolling rollers (31, 32) and the rotation speed of the rolling rollers (31, 32) according to the thickness data.

[0081] For reference, as shown in Fig. 6, it is known that the wrinkles that occur are more affected by changes in the rotational speed difference (change in the main speed ratio) of the rolling rollers (31, 32) than by changes in the gap size of the rolling rollers (31, 32). Therefore, the feedback control unit (40) can control the gap size of the rolling rollers (31, 32) to change rather than by changes in the main speed ratio of the rolling rollers (31, 32).

[0082] In addition, the feedback control unit (40) feedback-controls the electrode film manufacturing device so that the thickness and supply speed of the electrode film (S) are adjusted in accordance with the gap size between the rolling rollers (31, 32) and the rotational speed and main speed ratio of the rolling rollers (31, 32).

[0083] That is, the feedback control unit (40) controls the gap size between the seating rollers (11, 12) and the rotation speed of the seating rollers (11, 12) and the gap size between the calendaring rollers (21, 22, 23) and the rotation speed of the calendaring rollers (21, 22, 23) based on the rotation speed of the rolling rollers (31, 32).

[0084] Therefore, when the thickness of the electrode (E1) needs to be reduced or increased, and when the feeding speed of the electrode film (S) needs to be increased or decreased, the feedback control unit (40) can control the thickness of the electrode (E1) by maintaining the rotation speed (and main speed ratio) of the rolling rollers (31, 32) constant, while controlling the gap size and rotation speed of the seating rollers (10) and calendaring rollers (20).

[0085] Therefore, by minimizing or preventing changes in the main speed ratio of the rolling rollers (31, 32), it is possible to prevent wrinkles from occurring in the exposed portion of the electrode foil (not covered by the electrode film) as shown in Fig. 6.

[0086] For reference, in FIG. 2, three calendering rollers (20: 21, 22, 23) are provided, and in FIG. 3, four calendering rollers (20: 21, 22, 23, 24) are provided. That is, the number of the calendering rollers (20: 21, 22, 23) is determined according to the process situation or specifications or the target specifications of the electrode film and electrode, and the calendering roller (24) can be configured to be selectively added or removed. In addition, each gap (g2, g3, g4, g5, g6) between the calendering rollers (21, 22, 23, 24) and the rolling rollers (31, 32) is configured to be independently adjustable.

[0087] The configuration described above manufactures an electrode (E1) in which an electrode film (S) is laminated on only one side of an electrode foil (F), but the electrode manufacturing device provided in this embodiment can manufacture an electrode (E2) in which an electrode film (S) is laminated on both sides of an electrode foil (F).

[0088] That is, referring to FIG. 4a, which is a simplified illustration of the overall appearance of an electrode manufacturing device for manufacturing an electrode (E2) in which an electrode film (S) is laminated on both sides of an electrode foil (F), and FIG. 4b and FIG. 4c, in which the configuration of the rollers is modified from FIG. 4a, the electrode film manufacturing device includes a first electrode film manufacturing device (100) and a second electrode film manufacturing device (200) so that the electrode film (S) is individually supplied from each of the two sides with the electrode foil (F) interposed therebetween.

[0089] The above first electrode film manufacturing device (100) is configured to manufacture and supply a first electrode film (electrode film supplied from the left in FIG. 4) laminated on one side of an electrode foil (F), and is configured to include a sheeting roller (10: 11, 12) for processing a powder mixture (C) into a sheet-shaped electrode film (S) as described above, and calendaring rollers (20: 21, 22, 23, 24) for thinning the electrode film (S). In addition, a roller (25) for inducing the joining of the electrode film (S) and the electrode foil (F) may be added.

[0090] The above second electrode film manufacturing device (200) is configured to manufacture and supply a second electrode film (electrode film supplied from the left and right in FIG. 4) laminated on the other side of the electrode foil (F), and, like the first electrode film manufacturing device (100), includes a sheeting roller (110: 111, 112) that processes a powder mixture (C) into a sheet-shaped electrode film, and calendaring rollers (120: 121, 122, 123) that thin the electrode film (S).

[0091] That is, the first electrode film manufacturing device (100) and the second electrode film manufacturing device (200) are arranged on one side and the other side of the rolling rollers (31, 32) with the rolling rollers (31, 32) interposed therebetween to continuously supply the first electrode film and the second electrode film.

[0092] In addition, the first electrode film manufacturing device (100) includes a first electrode film thickness sensor (60, 61) that senses the thickness of the first electrode film, and the second electrode film manufacturing device (200) includes a second electrode film thickness sensor (160, 161) that senses the thickness of the second electrode film. Each of the first electrode film thickness sensors (60, 61) and the second electrode film thickness sensors (160, 161) is connected to the feedback control unit (40) so as to enable data transmission.

[0093] The first electrode film thickness sensor includes a front-side first electrode film thickness sensor (60) that senses the thickness of the first electrode film before it passes through the seating rollers (10) and enters the calendaring roller (20), and a rear-side first electrode film thickness sensor (61) that senses the thickness of the first electrode film and the electrode foil before it enters the rolling rollers (30) in a laminated state after the first electrode film passes through the calendaring roller (20).

[0094] Accordingly, the feedback control unit (40) can detect the thickness of the first electrode film that has passed through the seating roller (10) and the thickness of the first electrode film that has passed through the calendaring roller (20), and determine whether to control the seating roller (10), the calendaring roller (20), or both, according to a predetermined logic. Then, the gap and / or rotational speed of the determined rollers (10, 20) can be adjusted to control the thickness of the first electrode film that is fed to the rolling rollers (31, 32).

[0095] Likewise, the second electrode film thickness sensor includes a front-side second electrode film thickness sensor (160) that senses the thickness of the second electrode film before it passes through the seating rollers (110) and enters the calendaring roller (120), and a rear-side second electrode film thickness sensor (161) that senses the thickness of the second electrode film before it passes through the calendaring roller (120) and enters the rolling rolls (30).

[0096] In addition, the feedback control unit (40) detects the thickness of the second electrode film that has passed through the seating roller (110) and the thickness of the second electrode film that has passed through the calendaring roller (120), and determines whether to control the seating roller (110), the calendaring roller (120), or both, according to a predetermined logic. Then, the gap and / or rotation speed of the determined rollers (110, 120) can be adjusted to control the thickness of the second electrode film that is fed to the rolling rollers (30).

[0097] Meanwhile, as illustrated in Fig. 4a, the calendaring rollers may be arranged sequentially so that the thickness of the electrode film is adjusted while passing through each roller. However, depending on the process arrangement situation and for the purpose of more accurately monitoring the thickness adjustment situation, the second electrode film thickness sensor (161) may be arranged separately or spaced apart from the rolling rollers.

[0098] That is, as shown in Fig. 4b, the calendaring rollers (121, 122, 123) can be arranged at a distance from the rolling rollers (31, 32) for additional arrangement of the second electrode film thickness sensor (161).

[0099] In addition, as illustrated in Fig. 4c, a tension adjusting roller may be optionally added between the adjacent calendaring roller (121) and the rolling roller (32) to adjust the tension of the electrode film entering the rolling rollers as they are spaced apart. Of course, a tension adjusting device (not illustrated) of another type may be optionally added instead of the tension adjusting rollers.

[0100] Accordingly, the configuration of the device provided in this embodiment for manufacturing an electrode (E2) in which an electrode film (S) is laminated on both sides of an electrode foil (F) is based on the fact that calendaring rollers are arranged continuously (so that a predetermined gap is formed) as shown in Fig. 4a, but the calendaring rollers may be arranged so that the divided parts are spaced apart as shown in Figs. 4b and 4c so that the divided parts are divided into two parts (or more, as the case may be).

[0101] And, in the case of continuous arrangement (as in Fig. 4a), the second electrode film thickness sensor (161) is omitted due to space constraints, but in the case of division, the second electrode film thickness sensor (161) and / or tension control device, etc. may be optionally added as needed.

[0102] In addition, the first electrode film thickness sensor (60, 61) for sensing the thickness of the first electrode film, the second electrode film thickness sensor (160, 161) for sensing the thickness of the second electrode film, and the electrode thickness sensor (50) may use devices having the same specifications, but their specifications may vary depending on the environment in which they are placed, and the thicknesses of the left and right sides of the rollers (see 'L', 'R' marks in FIG. 3) are measured and transmitted to the feedback control unit (40). In addition, the feedback control unit (40) also individually controls the left gap and the right gap between neighboring rollers.

[0103]

[0104] Second embodiment

[0105]

[0106] The present invention provides, as a second embodiment, a method for manufacturing an electrode capable of manufacturing an electrode using the electrode manufacturing device provided as the first embodiment above.

[0107] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the order of feedback control in the method for manufacturing an electrode according to the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a state in which wrinkles are generated due to a change in the main speed ratio of the rolling rollers and a state in which wrinkles are suppressed by maintaining the main speed ratio of the rolling rollers constant.

[0108] The method for manufacturing an electrode according to the present invention is performed in the following order: manufacturing an electrode film (S), joining (laminating) an electrode film (S) and an electrode foil (F), rolling the joined electrode film (S) and electrode foil (F), and recovering an electrode (E1, E2) manufactured by rolling. However, feedback control of the previous step is performed according to the thickness of the manufactured electrode.

[0109] The method for manufacturing an electrode provided in this embodiment includes an electrode film manufacturing step, an electrode manufacturing step, a rolling roller control step, and a feedback control step.

[0110] In the above electrode film manufacturing step, a powder-type mixture (C) is passed between sheeting rollers (10) to manufacture a sheet-type electrode film (S), and the electrode film (S) is supplied at a predetermined speed. At this time, as described above, the electrode film (S) passes through calendaring rollers (20) before reaching the rolling rollers (30).

[0111] Accordingly, the electrode film manufacturing step includes a calendering step in which the thickness of the electrode film (S) manufactured in a sheet form is adjusted while passing between a plurality of calendering rollers (20).

[0112] In addition, the electrode film manufacturing step includes a step of sensing the thickness of the electrode film (S) before it passes through the sheeting rollers (10) and enters the calendaring roller (20), and a step of sensing the thickness of the electrode film (S) and the electrode foil (F) before it enters the rolling rollers (30) in a laminated state after the electrode film passes through the calendaring roller (20). Then, the sensed data is transmitted to a feedback control unit (40) that performs a feedback control step to be described later.

[0113] In the above electrode manufacturing step, electrode foil (F) is additionally introduced so that the electrode film (S) that has passed through the calendaring roller (20) and the electrode foil (F) are joined (laminated). The electrode film (S) and electrode foil (F) pass between the rolling rollers (30) in a laminated state and are bonded to produce an electrode (E1). Then, the electrode is wound in a roll shape in a recovery unit (W) and recovered.

[0114] At this time, the electrode passes through an electrode thickness sensor (50) that senses the thickness of the electrode before reaching the recovery unit. The electrode thickness sensor (50) senses the thickness of the electrode and transmits the sensed data to the feedback control unit (40).

[0115] In the above rolling roller control step, the feedback control unit (40) controls the gap size between the rolling rollers (30) and the rotational speed of the rolling rollers according to the thickness of the electrode sensed before the electrode is recovered. At this time, the rotational speed of the rolling rollers (31, 32) is not changed or is minimized, but the thickness of the electrode is adjusted by adjusting the gap size. In other words, in the rolling roller control step, even if the rotational speed of the rolling rollers is controlled, the rotational speed of each rolling roller is adjusted so that the rotating speed ratio, which is the main speed ratio, of the rolling rollers on both sides is maintained constant.

[0116] That is, in the above rolling roller control step, the gap size between the rolling rollers (31, 32) controlled and the rotation speed of the rolling rollers (31, 32) are preferably maintained as constant as possible unless a large deviation (in electrode thickness) occurs in order to suppress the occurrence of wrinkles, and even if adjustment is necessary, it is preferable that the adjustment be made so as to change gradually within a minimum range.

[0117] In the above feedback control step, the electrode film manufacturing step is feedback controlled so that the thickness and supply speed of the electrode film (S) are adjusted according to the rotation speed (or main speed ratio) of the rolling rollers (31, 32).

[0118] The above feedback control step controls the thickness of the electrode (by adjusting the thickness and density of the electrode film) by adjusting at least one of the calendaring rollers (20) or the seating rollers (10) based on the operating state of the rolling rollers (30).

[0119] That is, in the above feedback control step, the feedback control unit (40) measures and compares the thickness change along the path along which the electrode film (S) moves in the electrode film manufacturing step, and determines whether to control the operation of the seating rollers (10) or the operation of the calendaring rollers (20).

[0120] And, the feedback control unit controls the thickness and supply speed of the electrode film by controlling 'at least one of the gap size between the calendaring rollers or the rotation speed of the calendaring rollers' or 'at least one of the gap size between the seating rollers or the rotation speed of the seating rollers'.

[0121] At this time, the feedback control unit (40) separately acquires information on the left (L) gap and the right (R) gap from each of the seating rollers, calendaring rollers, and rolling rollers, and independently adjusts the left (L) gap and the right (R) gap. Accordingly, a difference between the left and right thicknesses of the electrode film is prevented from occurring.

[0122] Meanwhile, as described above, in the present invention, the electrode film (S) can be laminated on both sides of the electrode foil (F) to produce an electrode (E2).

[0123] That is, the electrode film (S) includes a first electrode film laminated on one side of the electrode foil (F) with the electrode foil (F) interposed therebetween, and a second electrode film laminated on the other side of the electrode foil.

[0124] At this time, in the electrode film manufacturing step, the first electrode film is supplied to one side of the electrode foil (F) at a predetermined speed, and the second electrode film is supplied to the other side of the electrode foil at a predetermined speed.

[0125] Therefore, in the electrode manufacturing step, the electrode foil (F) passes between the rolling rollers (31, 32) while the first electrode film and the second electrode film are laminated on one side and the other side, respectively.

[0126] And, the electrode film manufacturing step includes a step of sensing at least one of the thickness of the first electrode film before it reaches the rolling roller (30) or the thickness of the second electrode film before it reaches the rolling roller (30). At this time, since the feedback control unit (40) determines which electrode film thickness to measure, the decision on whether to adjust the thickness of the first electrode film or the thickness of the second electrode film is made in the feedback control step.

[0127] In this embodiment, the feedback control unit (40) is configured to sense the thickness of the electrode to control the gap size between the rolling rollers, select the electrode film requiring control based on the thickness of the first electrode film or the second electrode film, and control the sheeting roller and / or the calendaring roller included in the first electrode film manufacturing device (100) or the second electrode film manufacturing device (200) according to the rotational speed of the rolling rollers (30) (or according to the main speed ratio of the rolling rollers) to control the thickness of the electrode film. In addition, the above process is continuously repeated while the first electrode film or the second electrode film is supplied.

[0128]

[0129] The present invention having the above configuration can solve the problem of wrinkles occurring in the electrode foil as compared in Fig. 6, since the rotation speed and main speed ratio of the rolling rollers (31, 32) can be kept constant even while the thickness of the electrode film is adjusted.

[0130] That is, in the present invention, the thickness and density of the electrode film are feedback-controlled while the electrode foil and electrode film are rolled, so that an electrode of constant quality can be manufactured.

[0131] In the present invention, since feedback control can be individually performed in the powder sheeting process for manufacturing an electrode film from a powder mixture and the calendering process for thinning the thickness of the electrode film, the thickness and density of the electrode film can be controlled more precisely. In particular, individual automatic compensation can be performed by distinguishing between the OS (Operator Side) and the DS (Driver Side). For example, with reference to FIG. 3, the left (L) gap and the right (R) gap between the rollers can be adjusted independently, so that the left and right thicknesses of the electrode film can be controlled to be more precisely balanced.

[0132] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various embodiments are possible within the scope equivalent to the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the patent claims to be described below by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains.

[0133]

[0134] [Explanation of symbols]

[0135] 10: Seating roller

[0136] 20: Calendaring roller

[0137] 30: Rolling roller

[0138] 40: Feedback control unit

[0139] 50: Electrode thickness sensor

[0140] C: Powder-type mixture

[0141] F: Electrode film

[0142] E1, E2: Electrodes

Claims

1. Electrode film manufacturing step of manufacturing and supplying sheet-shaped electrode film; An electrode manufacturing step in which electrode foil is additionally added, and the electrode film and electrode foil are laminated and passed between rolling rollers to bond them together, thereby manufacturing the electrode; A rolling roller control step for sensing the thickness of the electrode before the electrode is recovered and controlling at least one of the gap size between the rolling rollers or the rotation speed of the rolling rollers; and A method for manufacturing an electrode, comprising a feedback control step for feedback-controlling an electrode film manufacturing step so that the thickness and supply speed of the electrode film are adjusted according to the gap size between the rolling rollers or the rotational speed of the rolling rollers.

2. In paragraph 1, In the above electrode film manufacturing step, a powder-type mixture is manufactured into a sheet-type electrode film by passing between sheeting rollers. The above electrode film manufacturing step is, A calendering step in which the thickness of an electrode film manufactured in a sheet form is controlled while the electrode film passes between a plurality of calendering rollers; The above feedback control step is, A method for manufacturing an electrode, wherein the thickness and supply speed of an electrode film are controlled by controlling at least one of the gap size between the calendering rollers or the rotation speed of the calendering rollers.

3. In paragraph 2, The above feedback control step is, A method for manufacturing an electrode, wherein the thickness and supply speed of an electrode film are controlled by controlling the operation of at least one of the gap size between the seating rollers or the rotation speed of the seating rollers.

4. In paragraph 3, The above electrode film manufacturing step is, A step of sensing the thickness of the electrode film before passing through the above seating rollers and entering the calendaring roller; and A method for manufacturing an electrode, comprising: a step of sensing the thickness of an electrode film and electrode foil before the electrode film and electrode foil enter the rolling rollers in a laminated state after the electrode film passes through a calendaring roller; 5. In paragraph 4, In the above feedback control step, the thickness change along the path along which the electrode film moves in the electrode film manufacturing step is measured and compared, A method for manufacturing an electrode that determines whether to control the operation of the above-mentioned seating rollers or the operation of the above-mentioned calendaring rollers.

6. In paragraph 2, The above electrode film includes a first electrode film laminated on one side of the electrode foil with the electrode foil in between, and a second electrode film laminated on the other side of the electrode foil. In the above electrode film manufacturing step, a first electrode film is supplied to one side of the electrode foil at a predetermined speed, and a second electrode film is supplied to the other side of the electrode foil at a predetermined speed. A method for manufacturing an electrode in which, in the above electrode manufacturing step, the electrode foil passes between rolling rollers while the first electrode film and the second electrode film are laminated on each of one side and the other side.

7. In paragraph 6, The above electrode film manufacturing step is, A step of sensing at least one of the thickness of the first electrode film before it reaches the rolling roller or the thickness of the second electrode film before it reaches the rolling roller; The above feedback control step is, A method for manufacturing an electrode, which determines whether to control the thickness of the first electrode film or the thickness of the second electrode film.

8. An electrode film manufacturing device including sheeting rollers that apply pressure and shear force to a powder-type mixture when the mixture is input to process the mixture into a sheet-type electrode film, and calendaring rollers that apply pressure to the electrode film passing through the sheeting rollers to process it into a target thickness; A rolling roller that applies pressure to the electrode film and electrode foil manufactured and supplied from the above electrode film manufacturing device to form an electrode by bonding them when the electrode film and electrode foil are supplied in a laminated state; and A feedback control unit that receives data from an electrode thickness sensor that is positioned before the electrode reaches the recovery section and senses the thickness of the electrode, and controls the gap size between the rolling rollers and the rotational speed of the rolling rollers; The above feedback control unit is an electrode manufacturing device that feedback controls an electrode film manufacturing device so that the thickness and supply speed of the electrode film are adjusted according to the gap size between the rolling rollers and the rotation speed of the rolling rollers.

9. In paragraph 8, The above feedback control unit, An electrode manufacturing device capable of individually controlling the gap size between the seating rollers and the rotational speed of the seating rollers, and the gap size between the calendaring rollers and the rotational speed of the calendaring rollers.

10. In Article 8, The electrode film manufacturing device is configured so that the electrode film is supplied individually from each side with the electrode foil in between. A first electrode film manufacturing device that manufactures and supplies a first electrode film laminated on one side of an electrode foil; and A second electrode film manufacturing device that manufactures and supplies a second electrode film laminated on the other side of the electrode foil; The above first electrode film manufacturing device and the second electrode film manufacturing device are electrode manufacturing devices arranged on one side and the other side of the rolling rollers, respectively, with the rolling rollers interposed therebetween.

11. In paragraph 10, The above first electrode film manufacturing device includes a first electrode film thickness sensor that senses the thickness of the first electrode film, The above second electrode film manufacturing device includes a second electrode film thickness sensor that senses the thickness of the second electrode film, A manufacturing device for electrodes, wherein each of the first electrode film thickness sensor and the second electrode film thickness sensor is connected to a feedback control unit so as to enable data transmission.

12. In paragraph 11, The above first electrode film thickness sensor, A front-side first electrode film thickness sensor that senses the thickness of the first electrode film before it passes through the above seating rollers and enters the calendaring roller; and An electrode manufacturing device including a rear-side first electrode film thickness sensor that senses the thickness of the first electrode film and electrode foil before the first electrode film and electrode foil enter the rolling rolls in a laminated state after the first electrode film passes through the calendaring roller.

13. In paragraph 11, The above second electrode film thickness sensor, A front-side second electrode film thickness sensor that senses the thickness of the second electrode film before it passes through the above seating rollers and enters the calendaring roller; and An electrode manufacturing device including a rear-side second electrode film thickness sensor that senses the thickness of a second electrode film after the second electrode film passes through a calendaring roller and before the second electrode film enters the rolling rollers.

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