Secondary battery manufacturing equipment and method for manufacturing secondary battery using same

Abstract

According to embodiments, secondary battery manufacturing equipment is provided. The equipment comprises: a rolling roll configured to press an electrode sheet; and a pinch roll configured to press the electrode sheet, wherein the electrode sheet includes a coated portion that is coated with an electrode slurry and an uncoated portion that is spaced apart from the electrode slurry. Different parts of the electrode sheet are pressed by the pinch roll and the rolling roll, and the pinch roll is configured to press the uncoated portion of the electrode sheet.

Description

Secondary battery manufacturing equipment and method for manufacturing secondary batteries using the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a secondary battery manufacturing facility and a method for manufacturing a secondary battery using the same. This application claims the benefit of Korean Application No. 10-2023-0132299, filed October 5, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. They are widely used as a power source for various wireless devices, including handsets, laptops, and cordless vacuum cleaners. Recently, improved energy density and economies of scale have dramatically reduced the per-unit manufacturing cost of secondary batteries. Furthermore, as the range of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has increased to match that of fuel-powered vehicles, the primary use of secondary batteries is shifting from mobile devices to mobility.

[0003] Secondary batteries are manufactured through electrode processes, assembly processes, and activation processes. Among these, the electrode process is the most critical process in determining the yield and performance of the battery cell. The electrode process may include a coating process, a roll-pressing process, and a slitting process. In the coating process, active and insulating materials may be applied to the surface of the current collector. In the roll-pressing process, the electrode may be pressed by pressure rolls. The roll-pressing process may determine the density, performance, and surface quality of the electrode. In the slitting process, the electrode may be cut into multiple electrodes depending on the battery cell design.

[0004] The technical idea of ​​the present invention aims to solve a problem by providing a secondary battery manufacturing facility with improved productivity and a method for manufacturing a secondary battery using the facility.

[0005] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, a secondary battery manufacturing facility is provided. The facility comprises: a rolling roll configured to press an electrode sheet, wherein the electrode sheet includes a holding portion lane coated with an electrode slurry and a non-coated portion spaced apart from the electrode slurry; and a pinch roll configured to press the electrode sheet, wherein a portion of the electrode sheet pressed by the pinch roll is different from a portion of the electrode sheet pressed by the rolling roll, and the pinch roll is configured to press the non-coated portion of the electrode sheet.

[0006] The above pinch roll is located downstream in the running direction of the electrode sheet relative to the above rolling roll.

[0007] The above pinch roll is located upstream in the running direction of the electrode sheet relative to the above rolling roll.

[0008] The above rolling roll is configured to press the above maintenance lane and the above uncoated section.

[0009] The above pinch roll is configured to locally elongate the above-mentioned portion.

[0010] The above pinch roll is configured to move in the transverse direction of the electrode sheet.

[0011] The transverse width of the electrode sheet of the pinch roll is smaller than the transverse width of the pressure roll.

[0012] The transverse width of the electrode sheet of the pinch roll is smaller than the transverse width of the electrode sheet.

[0013] According to exemplary embodiments, a secondary battery manufacturing facility is provided. The facility includes a rolling roll configured to press an electrode sheet, the electrode sheet including a retention lane coated with electrode slurry and a non-coated portion spaced apart from the electrode slurry; and a pinch roll configured to locally stretch the non-coated portion.

[0014] The above pinch roll is spaced from the transverse center of the electrode sheet.

[0015] According to exemplary embodiments, a secondary battery manufacturing facility is provided. The facility includes a rolling roll configured to press an electrode sheet; and a pinch roll configured to press edge portions of the electrode sheet, wherein the pinch roll is spaced apart from the transverse center of the electrode sheet.

[0016] The above pinch roll is configured to stretch the edge portions of the electrode sheet.

[0017] According to exemplary embodiments, a method for manufacturing a secondary battery is provided. The method includes the steps of: pressing a retaining portion lane and a non-conducting portion of an electrode sheet; and stretching the non-conducting portion of the electrode sheet.

[0018] The above-mentioned plain portion is configured to press the above-mentioned plain portion and is stretched by a pinch roll spaced apart from the above-mentioned maintenance portion lane.

[0019] According to exemplary embodiments, a method for manufacturing a secondary battery is provided. The method includes the steps of stretching a non-conductive portion of an electrode sheet; and the steps of pressing a retention portion lane and non-conductive portion of the electrode sheet.

[0020] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the difference in elongation between the retention layer and the non-retaining layer of the electrode sheet can be reduced. Accordingly, warping of the electrode sheet can be mitigated, and the reliability of secondary battery manufacturing can be improved.

[0021] The effects that can be obtained from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure pertain from the following description. In other words, unintended effects resulting from practicing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 1 illustrates a secondary battery manufacturing device according to exemplary embodiments.

[0023] Figure 2 is a plan view showing the pressure rolls and pinch rolls.

[0024] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to exemplary embodiments.

[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates a secondary battery manufacturing device according to other exemplary embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing pressure rolls and pinch rolls according to other exemplary embodiments.

[0027] Figure 6 illustrates a secondary battery manufacturing device according to other exemplary embodiments.

[0028] FIG. 7 is a plan view showing pressure rolls and pinch rolls according to other exemplary embodiments.

[0029] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, it should be noted that the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings. Based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best explain his or her invention, they should be interpreted in a way that aligns with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0030] Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0031] In addition, when describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description is omitted.

[0032] Since the embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the present invention to those skilled in the art, the shapes and sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated for clearer explanation. Accordingly, the sizes and proportions of each component do not fully reflect the actual sizes or proportions.

[0033]

[0034] (Example 1)

[0035] FIG. 1 illustrates a secondary battery manufacturing device (100) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0036] Figure 2 is a plan view showing the pressure rolls (120) and pinch rolls (130).

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the secondary battery manufacturing device (100) may include an unwinder (111), a rewinder (113), rolling rolls (120), and pinch rolls (130).

[0038] The secondary battery manufacturing device (100) may be configured to perform an electrode process for manufacturing a secondary battery. More specifically, the secondary battery manufacturing device (100) may be configured to perform a roll pressing process on an electrode sheet (ES). In the secondary battery manufacturing device (100), a roll pressing process is performed on an electrode sheet (ES) unwound from a first electrode roll (ER1) by an unwinder (111), and the electrode sheet (ES) may be wound again onto a second electrode roll (ER2) by a rewinder (113). Accordingly, the roll pressing process by the secondary battery manufacturing device (100) may be a roll-to-roll process.

[0039] Hereinafter, the moving direction (or longitudinal direction) of the electrode sheet (ES) is referred to as the machine direction (MD), and the direction parallel to the electrode sheet (ES) and perpendicular to the machine direction (MD) is referred to as the transverse direction (TD). The transverse direction (TD) may also be the width direction of the electrode sheet (ES).

[0040] The first electrode roll (ER1) can be provided by the completion of a coating process. The coating process is a process of applying a coating material, such as electrode slurry, onto an electrode sheet (ES). The electrode slurry can include an electrode active material, a conductive agent, a binder, and a solvent. The electrode slurry can be provided by dissolving the electrode active material, the conductive agent, the binder, etc. in a solvent. By the coating process, a retention lane (CL) and uncoated portions (UC) can be formed. The retention lane (CL) can be a portion of the electrode sheet (ES) to which the electrode slurry is applied, and the uncoated portions (UC) can be portions of the electrode sheet (ES) to which the electrode slurry is not applied (i.e., spaced apart from the electrode slurry or where the electrode plate is exposed). In the coating process, an insulating layer can be further coated on the boundary of the retention lane (CL) of the electrode sheet (ES).

[0041] The roll pressing process is a process of passing an electrode sheet (ES) coated with electrode slurry between opposing pressure rolls (120). The surface of the electrode sheet (ES) can be flattened by the pressure rolls (120), and the bonding strength between the active material and the current collector can be improved. The opposing pressure rolls (120) can rotate in opposite directions, but are not limited thereto.

[0042] The press rolls (120) may be configured to press the entire electrode sheet (ES). By the press rolls (120), the holding portion lanes (CL) and the uncoated portions (UC) of the electrode sheet (ES) may be pressed, respectively. The length of each of the press rolls (120) in the transverse direction (TD) may be longer than the length of the electrode sheet (ES). By the pressurization of the press rolls (120), in addition to increasing the bonding force between the electrode slurry and the current collector, the electrode sheet (ES) may be elongated in the traveling direction (MD).

[0043] The pinch rolls (130) may be configured to press a different portion than the press rolls (120). According to exemplary embodiments, the pinch rolls (130) may be configured to press the uncoated portions (UC) of the electrode sheet (ES). According to exemplary embodiments, the pinch rolls (130) may be configured to elongate the uncoated portions (UC) of the electrode sheet (ES).

[0044] The length in the transverse direction (TD) of each of the pinch rolls (130) may be different from the length in the transverse direction (TD) of each of the pressure rolls (120). The length in the transverse direction (TD) of each of the pinch rolls (130) may be shorter than the length in the transverse direction (TD) of each of the pressure rolls (120). The length in the transverse direction (TD) of each of the pinch rolls (130) may be different from the length in the transverse direction (TD) of the electrode sheet (ES). The length in the transverse direction (TD) of each of the pinch rolls (130) may be shorter than the length in the transverse direction (TD) of the electrode sheet (ES).

[0045] According to exemplary embodiments, the pinch rolls (130) may be configured to press only the uncoated portions (UC) of the electrode sheet (ES). According to exemplary embodiments, the pinch rolls (130) may be configured to stretch only the uncoated portions (UC) of the electrode sheet (ES). The pinch rolls (130) may be spaced apart from the holding portion lane (CL) of the electrode sheet (ES). The pinch rolls (130) may not overlap the holding portion lane (CL) of the electrode sheet (ES).

[0046] Due to the electrode slurry, the pressure applied to the holding lane (CL) by the pressing rolls (120) may be greater than the pressure applied to the uncoated portions (UC) by the pressing rolls (120). Accordingly, the elongation of the holding lane (CL) of the electrode sheet (ES) processed by the pressing rolls (120) may be different from the elongation of the uncoated portions (UC). The elongation of the holding lane (CL) of the electrode sheet (ES) processed by the pressing rolls (120) may be greater than the elongation of the uncoated portions (UC).

[0047] In this example, the pinch rolls (130) may be downstream of the pressure rolls (120) in the driving direction (MD). That is, the electrode sheet (ES) processed by the pressure rolls (120) may be processed by the pinch rolls (130).

[0048] According to exemplary embodiments, by processing the electrode sheet (ES) processed by the pressure rolls (120) with the pinch rolls (130), the difference in elongation between the holding portion lane (CL) and the uncoated portions (UC) can be reduced, and thus, warping of the electrode sheet (ES) can be prevented.

[0049] According to exemplary embodiments, the pinch rolls (130) may be configured to press edge portions of the electrode sheet (ES) in the transverse direction (TD). According to exemplary embodiments, the pinch rolls (130) may be configured to stretch edge portions of the electrode sheet (ES) in the transverse direction (TD).

[0050] According to exemplary embodiments, the pinch rolls (130) may be configured to press only the edge portions of the electrode sheet (ES) in the transverse direction (TD). According to exemplary embodiments, the pinch rolls (130) may be configured to stretch only the edge portions of the electrode sheet (ES) in the transverse direction (TD). Each of the pinch rolls (130) may be spaced apart from the central portion of the electrode sheet (ES) in the transverse direction (TD). Each of the pinch rolls (130) may not overlap the central portion of the electrode sheet (ES) in the transverse direction (TD).

[0051] According to exemplary embodiments, the diameter (D2) of each of the pinch rolls (130) may be different from the diameter of each of the rolling rolls (120). According to exemplary embodiments, the diameter (D2) of each of the pinch rolls (130) may be smaller than the diameter of each of the rolling rolls (120).

[0052] According to exemplary embodiments, each of the pinch rolls (130) may be configured to move in the transverse direction (TD). When the specifications of the battery cell to be manufactured through the electrode sheet (ES) change, the width of each of the holding lane (CL) and the non-conducting portions (UC) may be changed. By configuring the pinch rolls (130) to move in the transverse direction, the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus (100) may allow for a changeover of the target products of the production line.

[0053]

[0054] (Example 2)

[0055] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to exemplary embodiments.

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, at P110, the electrode sheet (ES) can be pressed by the rolling rolls (120). The holding portion lane (CL) and the uncoated portions (UC) of the electrode sheet (ES) can be pressed by the rolling rolls (120). The central and edge portions of the transverse direction (TD) of the electrode sheet (ES) can be pressed by the rolling rolls (120).

[0057] Next, at P120, the electrode sheet (ES) can be pressed by the pinch rolls (130). The uncoated portions (UC) of the electrode sheet (ES) can be pressed by the pinch rolls (130). The uncoated portions (UC) of the electrode sheet (ES) can be locally pressed by the pinch rolls (130). The edge portions of the electrode sheet (ES) can be pressed by the pinch rolls (130). The edge portions of the electrode sheet (ES) can be locally pressed by the pinch rolls (130).

[0058] P110 and P120 may be performed in the reverse order. For example, after pressing the electrode sheet (ES) with the pinch rolls (130), the electrode sheet (ES) may be pressed by the pressing rolls (120).

[0059]

[0060] (Example 3)

[0061] FIG. 4 illustrates a secondary battery manufacturing device (101) according to other exemplary embodiments.

[0062] FIG. 5 is a plan view showing pressure rolls (120) and pinch rolls (130) according to other exemplary embodiments.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the secondary battery manufacturing device (101) may include an unwinder (111), a rewinder (113), rolling rolls (120), and pinch rolls (130). The unwinder (111), the rewinder (113), the rolling rolls (120), and the pinch rolls (130) are substantially the same as those described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, except for their arrangement.

[0064] In this example, the pinch rolls (130) may be upstream of the pressure rolls (120) in the running direction (MD). That is, the electrode sheet (ES) processed by the pinch rolls (130) may be processed by the pressure rolls (120).

[0065] According to exemplary embodiments, the elongation of the electrode sheet (ES) by the pinch rolls (130) may be less than the elongation of the electrode sheet (ES) by the pressure rolls (120). Accordingly, by arranging the pinch rolls (130) upstream of the pressure rolls (120), the total amount of stress caused by the difference in elongation within the electrode sheet (ES) can be reduced, and warping of the electrode sheet (ES) can be prevented.

[0066]

[0067] (Example 4)

[0068] FIG. 6 illustrates a secondary battery manufacturing device (102) according to other exemplary embodiments.

[0069] FIG. 7 is a plan view showing pressure rolls (120) and pinch rolls (131) according to other exemplary embodiments.

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the secondary battery manufacturing device (102) may include an unwinder (111), a rewinder (113), rolling rolls (120), and pinch rolls (131). The unwinder (111), the rewinder (113), and the rolling rolls (120) are substantially the same as those described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0071] An electrode sheet (ES') is unwound from a first electrode roll (ER1'), and the electrode sheet (ES') can be processed by rolling rolls (120) and pinch rolls (131) and then wound onto a second electrode roll (ER2'). The electrode sheet (ES') can include a plurality of holding portion lanes (CL) and a plurality of uncoated portions (UC).

[0072] The pinch rolls (131) may have a shape and / or arrangement corresponding to the electrode sheet (ES') specifications (i.e., the arrangement of the plurality of holding portion lanes (CL) and the plurality of uncoated portions (UC). Each of the pinch rolls (131) may be configured to press the uncoated portions (UC) of the electrode sheet (ES'). Each of the pinch rolls (131) may be configured to press only the uncoated portions (UC) of the electrode sheet (ES'). Each of the pinch rolls (131) may be configured to stretch the uncoated portions (UC) of the electrode sheet (ES'). Each of the pinch rolls (131) may be configured to stretch only the uncoated portions (UC) of the electrode sheet (ES').

[0073] Some of the pinch rolls (131) may be configured to press edge portions of the electrode sheet (ES') in the transverse direction (TD). Some of the pinch rolls (131) may be configured to press center portions of the electrode sheet (ES') in the transverse direction (TD).

[0074]

[0075] The present invention has been described in more detail through drawings and examples. However, the configurations described in the drawings or examples described in this specification are merely embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modified examples may exist as of the time of this application.

Claims

1. A rolling roll configured to press an electrode sheet, wherein the electrode sheet includes a retention lane coated with electrode slurry and a non-retaining portion spaced apart from the electrode slurry; and Including a pinch roll configured to press the above electrode sheet, The portion of the electrode sheet pressed by the pinch roll is different from the portion of the electrode sheet pressed by the rolling roll, and A secondary battery manufacturing facility characterized in that the pinch roll is configured to press the non-conductive portion of the electrode sheet.

2. In paragraph 1, A secondary battery manufacturing facility characterized in that the pinch roll is located downstream in the traveling direction of the electrode sheet relative to the rolling roll.

3. In paragraph 1, A secondary battery manufacturing facility characterized in that the pinch roll is located upstream in the running direction of the electrode sheet relative to the rolling roll.

4. In paragraph 1, A secondary battery manufacturing facility characterized in that the above rolling roll is configured to press the above maintenance lane and the above uncoated section.

5. In paragraph 1, A secondary battery manufacturing facility characterized in that the pinch roll is configured to locally elongate the non-woven portion.

6. In paragraph 1, A secondary battery manufacturing facility characterized in that the pinch roll is configured to move in the transverse direction of the electrode sheet.

7. In paragraph 1, A secondary battery manufacturing facility, characterized in that the transverse width of the electrode sheet of the pinch roll is smaller than the transverse width of the pressure roll.

8. In paragraph 1, A secondary battery manufacturing facility, characterized in that the transverse width of the electrode sheet of the pinch roll is smaller than the transverse width of the electrode sheet.

9. A rolling roll configured to press an electrode sheet, wherein the electrode sheet includes a retention portion lane coated with electrode slurry and a non-retaining portion spaced apart from the electrode slurry; and A secondary battery manufacturing facility comprising a pinch roll configured to locally elongate the above-mentioned non-woven fabric.

10. In paragraph 9, A secondary battery manufacturing facility, characterized in that the pinch roll is spaced apart from the transverse center of the electrode sheet.

11. A rolling roll configured to press the electrode sheet; and Including a pinch roll configured to press the edge portions of the electrode sheet, A secondary battery manufacturing facility, characterized in that the pinch roll is spaced apart from the transverse center of the electrode sheet.

12. In paragraph 11, A secondary battery manufacturing facility characterized in that the pinch roll is configured to stretch the edge portions of the electrode sheet.

13. A step of pressurizing the maintenance lane and the non-maintenance portion of the electrode sheet; and A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, comprising a step of stretching the non-conductive portion of the electrode sheet.

14. In paragraph 13, A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, wherein the non-conductive portion is configured to press the non-conductive portion and is stretched by a pinch roll spaced apart from the maintenance portion lane.

15. A step of stretching the non-conductive part of the electrode sheet; and A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, comprising the step of pressurizing a maintenance portion lane and a non-conductive portion of an electrode sheet.

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