Electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus. The electrode sheet manufacturing apparatus, according to one aspect of the present invention, may comprise: pressing rollers which enable the manufacturing of an electrode sheet by pressing a powder; a hopper which is configured to supply the powder received therein toward the pressing rollers, and is provided with at least one measuring hole; and a measuring unit which, in order to measure the amount of the powder received in the hopper, is configured to measure the internal pressure of the hopper by injecting a predetermined fluid into the measuring hole.

Description

Electrode sheet manufacturing device

[0001] Cross-citation with related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0149006, filed November 1, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0153001, filed October 31, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Technology field

[0004] The present invention relates to an electrode sheet manufacturing device, and more specifically, to an electrode sheet manufacturing device that manufactures an electrode sheet by rolling powder.

[0005] Secondary batteries have generally been applied to small-sized applications such as mobile devices and laptop computers, but recently, their research direction has expanded to medium- to large-sized applications, and they are widely used in applications requiring high output, such as energy storage systems (ESS) and electric vehicles (EVs). Secondary batteries accommodate electrode assemblies composed of multiple electrodes in a stacked or coiled form. At this time, the electrodes are manufactured by cutting electrode sheets into a predetermined length or shape. One method for manufacturing such electrode sheets is to roll powder or powder-like particles to manufacture electrode sheets in the form of films or sheets with a predetermined thickness. At this time, the powder may be a slurry containing an electrode active material, a binder, a conductive material, etc.

[0006] Typically, a pair of pressure rollers and a hopper are used to manufacture electrode sheets from powder. The pressure rollers press the powder into a sheet or film-like form, and the hopper supplies the powder contained within between the pressure rollers. In conventional electrode sheet manufacturing devices, a screw-type agitator is placed inside the hopper to ensure smooth supply of the powder between the pressure rollers, and the agitator is used to agitate the powder.

[0007] Meanwhile, for the stable production of electrode sheets, it is important that the hopper accommodates an appropriate amount of powder and that the powder is heated to an appropriate temperature. If the amount of powder accommodated in the hopper exceeds the appropriate range, the powder may be over- or under-rolled, resulting in uneven characteristics or poor quality of the electrode sheets produced. To address this, conventional electrode sheet production equipment utilizes the characteristic that the load on the agitator increases as the amount of powder accommodated in the hopper increases, thereby indirectly measuring the amount of powder accommodated in the hopper.

[0008] However, during the agitation process using the agitator, the powder contained in the hopper locally clumped together, which resulted in problems such as the powder not being smoothly supplied between the pressure rollers or defects occurring in the electrode sheets being manufactured. Furthermore, the method of measuring the amount of powder contained in the hopper using the load applied to the agitator was problematic in that it did not directly measure the amount of powder. This is because fluctuations in the load applied to the agitator can be caused not only by the amount of powder contained in the hopper but also by other factors.

[0009] Accordingly, there has been a pressing need for the development of an electrode sheet manufacturing device capable of accurately measuring the amount of powder contained in the hopper, while minimizing the impact on the powder, thereby stably manufacturing electrode sheets. Furthermore, there is a pressing need for an electrode sheet manufacturing device capable of heating the powder to an appropriate temperature while minimizing the impact on the powder contained in the hopper.

[0010] The present invention has been devised to solve the above problems, and the object of the present invention is to provide an electrode sheet manufacturing device capable of stably manufacturing an electrode sheet by measuring the amount of powder accommodated in a hopper while minimizing the impact on the powder accommodated in the hopper.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrode sheet manufacturing device capable of stably manufacturing an electrode sheet by accurately measuring the amount of powder received in a hopper.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrode sheet manufacturing device capable of heating powder received in a hopper to an appropriate temperature.

[0013] The tasks of the present invention are not limited to the tasks mentioned above, and other tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the description below.

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, an electrode sheet manufacturing device is disclosed, comprising: a pressurizing roller capable of manufacturing an electrode sheet by pressurizing powder; a hopper configured to supply powder accommodated therein toward the pressurizing roller, the hopper having at least one measuring hole; and a measuring unit configured to measure the pressure inside the hopper by injecting a predetermined fluid into the measuring hole to measure the amount of powder accommodated in the hopper.

[0015] At this time, the predetermined fluid may be external air of the hopper.

[0016] At this time, the measuring unit may include a flow-forming member having one side connected to the measuring hole; and a pressure sensor that measures the pressure of a fluid flowing through the flow-forming member.

[0017] At this time, the measuring hole may be formed through so as to connect the inside and outside of the hopper.

[0018] At this time, at least a portion of the above measuring unit may be installed on the outer surface of the above hopper.

[0019] At this time, the measuring hole may include a first measuring hole and a second measuring hole that are spaced apart from each other.

[0020] At this time, the pressure rollers are configured as a pair, and one of the first measuring hole and the second measuring hole is positioned between the pair of pressure rollers, and the other of the first measuring hole and the second measuring hole can be positioned at a predetermined distance from the pair of pressure rollers.

[0021] At this time, the device may further include a powder supply unit that supplies powder to the hopper; and a controller that controls the powder supply unit based on information obtained by the measuring unit.

[0022] At this time, the measuring unit may further include a controller that controls the operation of the pressure roller based on the information obtained.

[0023] At this time, the controller is configured to change the operating state of the pressure roller when the amount of powder accommodated in the hopper becomes less than a reference amount, and the inner circumferential surface of the hopper includes a first region that comes into contact with the powder accommodated in the reference amount inside the hopper; and a second region located on the opposite side of the pressure roller with respect to the first region, and at least one of the measuring holes can be located in the first region.

[0024] At this time, at least one of the above measuring holes may be formed at a position where it can be blocked by the powder accommodated in the standard amount inside the hopper.

[0025] At this time, at least one of the above measuring holes may be positioned adjacent to the boundary between the first region and the second region.

[0026] At this time, the pressure rollers are configured as a pair, and the controller can stop the operation of the pressure rollers, increase the distance between the pair of pressure rollers, or lower the pressure at which the pressure rollers pressurize the powder when the amount of powder received in the hopper becomes less than a reference amount.

[0027] At this time, the fluid injected into the hopper by the measuring unit may be a heated fluid heated to 80 degrees or higher.

[0028] At this time, the hopper is provided with a receiving space for receiving powder, and an internal passage extending in the circumferential direction of the receiving space is provided inside the hopper so that a predetermined fluid can flow, and a portion of the heating fluid is configured to be injected into the hopper by the measuring unit, and the remaining portion of the heating fluid is configured to be supplied to the internal passage.

[0029] At this time, the hopper may be provided with a receiving space for receiving powder, and an internal flow path extending in the circumferential direction of the receiving space may be provided inside the hopper so that a predetermined fluid may flow, and the heating flow path may be configured to supply a heating fluid heated to 80 degrees or higher.

[0030] At this time, the internal euro may be composed of multiple parts.

[0031] At this time, the plurality of internal channels may extend parallel to each other along the circumferential direction of the receiving space.

[0032] At this time, the measuring unit may be configured to inject at least a portion of the heating fluid discharged from the internal passage into the measuring hole.

[0033] At this time, a heating fluid supply unit for supplying the heating fluid may be further included.

[0034] An electrode sheet manufacturing device according to one aspect of the present invention is configured such that a measuring unit measures the amount of powder accommodated in a hopper using a measuring hole provided in the hopper where the powder is accommodated, so that the amount of powder accommodated can be measured while minimizing the impact on the powder accommodated in the hopper.

[0035] Alternatively, the electrode sheet manufacturing device according to one aspect of the present invention has a measuring unit for measuring the amount of powder accommodated in the hopper provided on the outer surface or outside of the hopper, so that the amount of powder accommodated can be measured while minimizing the impact on the powder accommodated in the hopper.

[0036] Through this, the electrode sheet manufacturing device according to one aspect of the present invention can stably manufacture an electrode sheet based on information about the amount of powder received in the hopper.

[0037] An electrode sheet manufacturing device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a first measuring hole and a second measuring hole arranged at a distance from each other in a hopper, so that the amount of powder accommodated in the hopper can be measured more accurately by utilizing their relative positions and pressure differences.

[0038] In an electrode sheet manufacturing device according to one aspect of the present invention, a measuring hole is positioned in a first region of an inner circumferential surface of a hopper or adjacent to a boundary between the first region and the second region, so that the amount of powder received in the hopper can be compared with a reference amount.

[0039] Through this, the electrode sheet manufacturing device according to one aspect of the present invention can stably manufacture an electrode sheet based on the result of comparing the amount of powder received in the hopper with the reference amount.

[0040] An electrode sheet manufacturing device according to one aspect of the present invention is equipped with a controller so that information about the amount of powder received in a hopper can be used to control a powder supply unit capable of supplying powder to the hopper or an actuator that operates a pressure roller, thereby enabling more stable manufacturing of electrode sheets.

[0041] In an electrode sheet manufacturing device according to one aspect of the present invention, since the fluid injected into the measuring hole can be composed of a heating fluid heated to a predetermined temperature, the powder accommodated in the hopper can be appropriately heated.

[0042] In an electrode sheet manufacturing device according to one aspect of the present invention, an internal flow path is provided inside the hopper through which a heating fluid heated to a predetermined temperature can flow, so that powder contained in the hopper can be appropriately heated.

[0043] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0044] Figure 1 is a schematic drawing illustrating a process of manufacturing an electrode sheet using an electrode sheet manufacturing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. For the purpose of explaining the invention, a supply unit, a hopper, and a pressure roller are shown in cross-section.

[0045] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the hopper and pressure roller of the electrode sheet manufacturing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above.

[0046] Figure 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the hopper, pressure roller, and measuring unit of an electrode sheet manufacturing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, cut so that a measuring hole is visible. For the purpose of explaining the invention, the pump of the measuring unit is schematically illustrated.

[0047] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a process in which a controller of an electrode sheet manufacturing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention controls a supply unit and a pressure roller. For the purpose of explaining the invention, the supply unit, hopper, and pressure roller are shown in cross-section.

[0048] Figure 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the hopper, pressure roller, and measuring unit of an electrode sheet manufacturing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, cut so that a measuring hole is visible. For the purpose of explaining the invention, the pump of the measuring unit is schematically illustrated.

[0049] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the hopper and pressure roller of the electrode sheet manufacturing device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above.

[0050] Figure 7 is a schematic drawing showing an electrode sheet manufacturing device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 8 is a schematic drawing showing an electrode sheet manufacturing device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 9 is a schematic drawing of an electrode sheet manufacturing device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement them. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited or restricted by the following examples.

[0054] In order to clearly explain the present invention, a detailed description of a part that is irrelevant to the description or a related known technology that may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention has been omitted, and when adding reference signs to components of each drawing in this specification, the same or similar reference signs are attached to the same or similar components throughout the specification.

[0055] 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.

[0056] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a process for manufacturing an electrode sheet by an electrode sheet manufacturing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. For the purpose of explaining the invention, a supply unit, a hopper, and a pressure roller are shown in cross-section. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a hopper and a pressure roller of an electrode sheet manufacturing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above. FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a hopper, a pressure roller, and a measuring unit of an electrode sheet manufacturing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, cut so that a measuring hole is visible. For the purpose of explaining the invention, a pump of the measuring unit is schematically illustrated. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a process for a controller of an electrode sheet manufacturing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention to control a supply unit and a pressure roller. For the purpose of explaining the invention, a supply unit, a hopper, and a pressure roller are shown in cross-section.

[0057] At this time, each component of the electrode sheet manufacturing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention is schematically illustrated in the drawing, and the size of the component or the thickness of the line may be expressed somewhat exaggeratedly for the convenience of understanding.

[0058] Figures 1 to 4 disclose an electrode sheet manufacturing device (1) (hereinafter referred to as a manufacturing device) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The manufacturing device (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a device for manufacturing an electrode sheet (E) by rolling a powder (P).

[0059] In this embodiment, the powder (P) may be a slurry in which a powder-type electrode active material, a binder, a conductive material, etc. are mixed, but is not limited thereto, and the powder (P) may be made of various materials capable of forming an electrode sheet (E).

[0060] Referring to FIG. 1, a manufacturing device (1) according to a first embodiment of the present invention may include a powder supply unit (10). In this embodiment, the powder supply unit (10) may be a unit for supplying powder (P) to a hopper (20) described below.

[0061] In this embodiment, the powder supply unit (10) may include a tank-shaped receiving portion (12) that receives powder (P) inside and has a discharge port at the bottom, and an opening / closing portion (14) that opens / closes the discharge port to control the amount of powder (P) discharged from the receiving portion (12). The operation of the opening / closing portion (14) may be controlled by a controller (50) described below.

[0062] Meanwhile, the powder supply unit (10) is not particularly limited in structure or type as long as it can supply powder (P) into the hopper (20). For example, the powder supply unit (10) may be configured as a conveyor or the like that supplies powder (P).

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a manufacturing device (1) according to a first embodiment of the present invention may include a hopper (20) and a pair of pressure rollers (30). In this embodiment, the hopper (20) may be a structure that supplies powder (P) between a pair of pressure rollers (30).

[0064] In addition, a pair of pressure rollers (30) may be rollers that pressurize powder (P) entering a gap formed between them to manufacture a sheet-shaped electrode. At this time, the gap between the pressure rollers (30) may mean the narrowest gap formed between the pressure rollers (30). The highest pressure may be formed in the gap within the hopper (20) by the pressure rollers (30).

[0065] In this embodiment, the hopper (20) may have a body shape so as to accommodate powder (P) therein. In addition, the hopper (20) may be spaced apart from the lower side of the powder supply unit (10).

[0066] At this time, the hopper (20) may be opened at the top so that it can receive powder (P) falling by gravity from the powder supply unit (10). Of course, if the hopper (20) and the powder supply unit (10) are connected by a pipe or the like, the hopper (20) may not be provided with a separate open surface.

[0067] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the hopper (20) may be provided with a size sufficient to accommodate a standard amount or more of powder (P) therein. At this time, the standard amount may be a preset amount of powder for a predetermined purpose.

[0068] For example, the reference amount may be the minimum amount of powder (P) that must be accommodated in the hopper (20) to stably manufacture an electrode sheet (E) on a pair of pressure rollers (30).

[0069] If the pressure roller (30) operates while the powder (P) below the minimum amount is received in the hopper (20), a sufficient amount of powder (P) is not supplied between the pressure rollers (30), and the pressure rollers (30) may collide with each other or a defective electrode sheet (E) may be manufactured.

[0070] To prevent this, the manufacturing device (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a measuring unit (40) and a controller (50) that can control the operation of the powder supply unit (10) or the pressure roller (30), which will be described later.

[0071] Referring again to FIGS. 1 to 3, in the present embodiment, the inner circumferential surface of the hopper (20) may include a first region (A) and a second region (B). At this time, the first region (A) may be a region that comes into contact with the powder (P) when a standard amount of powder (P) is received in the hopper (20).

[0072] And, the second region (B) may be an area of ​​the inner circumference located on the opposite side of the pressure roller (30) with respect to the first region (A). In other words, the second region (B) may be an area that does not come into contact with the powder (P) (or is located at a distance) when the standard amount of powder (P) is received in the hopper (20).

[0073] In this embodiment, the second region (B) is positioned above the first region (A) as the powder (P) accommodated in the hopper (20) is filled from the bottom of the hopper (20) by gravity and supplied to the pressure roller (30). However, the relative positions of the first region (A) and the second region (B) may be appropriately changed depending on the shape of the hopper (20) or the method by which the powder (P) is supplied to the pressure roller (30).

[0074] At this time, a boundary (L) may be provided between the first area (A) and the second area (B). The boundary (L) may be expressed as an imaginary line where the surface (or water surface) of the powder (P) and the inner circumference of the hopper (20) meet when the standard amount of powder (P) is received in the hopper (20).

[0075] In this embodiment, the boundary (L) may be spaced upward from the gap of the pressure roller (30) by a reference distance (s), as illustrated in FIG. 4. This may be because, as described above, the powder (P) is supplied to the pressure roller (30) as it begins to fill from the bottom of the hopper (20).

[0076] In this embodiment, the fact that the powder (P) is received in the hopper (20) beyond the boundary (L) may mean that the powder (P) is received in the hopper (20) in an amount greater than the reference amount. Conversely, the fact that the powder (P) is received in the hopper (20) in an amount that does not reach the boundary (L) may mean that the powder (P) is received in the hopper (20) in an amount less than the reference amount. This information may be used to control the operation of the powder supply unit (10) or the pressure roller (30).

[0077] Meanwhile, referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, the hopper (20) may be provided with at least one measuring hole (21). In the present embodiment, the measuring hole (21) is a hole for measuring the pressure inside the hopper (20). The measuring hole (21) may be formed through the hopper (20) so that the inside and outside of the hopper (20) can be connected.

[0078] In this embodiment, the measuring hole (21) may include a first measuring hole (21a) and a second measuring hole (21b). In addition, the first measuring hole (21a) and the second measuring hole (21b) may be arranged at a predetermined distance from each other.

[0079] At this time, the positions of the first measuring hole (21a) and the second measuring hole (21b) can be adjusted so as to more accurately measure the amount of powder (P) contained in the hopper (20). This will be described later together with the measuring unit (40).

[0080] Referring again to FIGS. 1 to 3, a pair of pressure rollers (30) may be arranged at the lower side of the hopper (20). Accordingly, the powder (P) accommodated inside the hopper (20) may be moved downward by gravity and naturally supplied between the pair of pressure rollers (30). Of course, a screw (not shown) or the like may be provided inside the hopper (20) to assist in supplying the powder (P) between the pressure rollers (30).

[0081] Meanwhile, at least one of the pair of pressure rollers (30) may be operatively connected to an actuator (32). For example, the actuator (32) may be formed by an electric motor. In addition, the actuator (32) and the pressure roller (30) may be connected by predetermined power transmission members.

[0082] By means of such an actuator (32), the pressure roller (30) can be operated, the force with which the pressure roller (30) presses the powder (P) can be adjusted, or the gap between the pressure rollers (30) can be adjusted. The actuator (32) can be controlled by a controller (50) described below.

[0083] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 4, the manufacturing device (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a measuring unit (40) that measures the pressure inside the hopper (20) using a measuring hole (21).

[0084] In this embodiment, the measuring unit (40) may include a flow-forming member (42) formed in a measuring hole (21), a pump (44) capable of injecting a predetermined fluid into the flow-forming member (42), and a pressure measuring sensor (46) for measuring the pressure of the fluid flowing through the flow-forming member (42).

[0085] If the measuring hole (21) is blocked by the powder (P) contained in the hopper (20), a relatively high pressure will be measured by the pressure sensor (46). Conversely, if the measuring hole (21) is not blocked, a relatively low pressure will be measured by the pressure sensor (46).

[0086] Through this, information regarding the amount of powder (P) accommodated in the hopper (20) can be indirectly obtained. Furthermore, the influence on the powder (P) accommodated in the hopper (20) during the process of measuring the amount of powder (P) can be minimized.

[0087] At this time, at least one of the euro forming member (42), the pump (44), and the measuring sensor (46) may be installed on the outer surface of the hopper (20) or positioned on the outside of the hopper (20). Through this, the measuring unit (40) can measure the amount of powder (P) without affecting the amount or condition of the powder (P) accommodated inside the hopper (20).

[0088] Meanwhile, the fluid injected into the flow forming member (42) by the pump (44) may be external air. Since the external air can be easily procured from the external environment without physically and / or chemically affecting the powder (P) contained in the hopper (20), the measuring unit (40) can be configured simply and compactly. Of course, the injected fluid may be composed of a different type of fluid or mixture other than air.

[0089] In this embodiment, the measuring unit (40) may include a first measuring unit (40a) using a first measuring hole (21a) and a second measuring unit (40b) using a second measuring hole (21b).

[0090] And, the first measuring unit (40a) may include a first flow forming member (42a), a first pump (44a), and a first pressure sensor (46a), and the second measuring unit (40b) may include a second flow forming member (42b), a second pump (44b), and a second pressure sensor (46a).

[0091] At this time, since the first measurement hole (21a) and the second measurement hole (21b) are located at different positions, the first measurement unit (40a) and the second measurement unit (40b) can each measure the pressure of different parts inside the hopper (20).

[0092] And, as previously explained, the positions of the first measuring hole (21a) and the second measuring hole (21b) can be adjusted so as to more accurately measure the amount of powder (P) contained in the hopper (20).

[0093] As an example, the first measuring hole (21a) may be positioned relatively closer to the gap of the pressure roller (30) than the second measuring hole (21b). In other words, the first measuring hole (21a) may be spaced upwardly from the gap of the pressure roller (30) by a first distance (d1), and the second measuring hole (21b) may be spaced upwardly from the gap of the pressure roller (30) by a second distance (d2) that is longer than the first distance (d1).

[0094] As another example, the first measurement hole (21a) and the second measurement hole (21b) may be positioned with a predetermined height difference (h) in the direction of gravity (Z-axis direction). In this case, the first measurement hole (21a) may be positioned relatively lower, and the second measurement hole (21b) may be positioned relatively upper.

[0095] As another example, the first measuring hole (21a) may be positioned between a pair of pressure rollers (30), and the second measuring hole (21b) may be positioned at a predetermined distance from the pair of pressure rollers (30). As illustrated, the second measuring hole (21b) may be spaced apart from the pressure rollers (30) by a second distance (d2). In this case, the second distance (d2) may be greater than the radius of the pressure rollers (30).

[0096] In general, the powder (P) accommodated in the hopper (20) has a higher pressure as it goes toward the gap side of the pressure roller (30). Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the amount of the powder (P) accommodated in the hopper (20) can be indirectly measured based on the relative positions of the first measuring hole (21a) and the second measuring hole (21b) and the difference between the pressure measured by the first measuring unit (40a) and the pressure measured by the second measuring unit (40b).

[0097] At this time, the second measuring hole (21b) can be sufficiently spaced apart from the first measuring hole (21a) to be able to measure the pressure of a space without powder (P) within the hopper (20). For example, the second measuring hole (21b) can be sufficiently spaced apart to be able to measure atmospheric pressure.

[0098] This may be to more accurately measure the amount of powder (P) based on the difference between the atmospheric pressure measured in the second measuring unit (40b) and the pressure of the powder (P) measured in the first measuring unit (40a).

[0099] As another example, the first measuring hole (21a) may be formed in the first area (A) of the hopper (20), and the second measuring hole (21b) may be formed in the second area (B) of the hopper (20). Through this, the amount of powder (P) accommodated in the hopper (20) may be determined based on a reference amount.

[0100] For example, if the pressure of the powder (P) is measured in both the first and second measuring holes (21a, 21b), it can be determined that the amount of the powder (P) accommodated in the hopper (20) is greater than the reference amount. Alternatively, if the atmospheric pressure is measured in both the first and second measuring holes (21a, 21b), it can be determined that the amount of the powder (P) accommodated in the hopper (20) is less than the reference amount. Alternatively, if the pressure due to the powder (P) is measured in the first measuring hole (21a) and the atmospheric pressure is measured in the second measuring hole (21b), it can be determined that the difference between the amount of the accommodated powder (P) and the reference amount is within a predetermined range.

[0101] Meanwhile, the methods described above are merely examples of methods for determining the capacity of the powder (P) based on the positions of the first and second measuring holes (21a, 21b), and the method for determining the capacity of the powder (P) based on the positions of the first and second measuring holes (21a, 21b) can be appropriately modified as needed.

[0102] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, the manufacturing device (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a controller (50). The controller (50) may be configured to control the powder supply unit (10) and the pressure roller (30).

[0103] For this purpose, the controller (50) may be composed of an electric circuit, a processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a controller, an arithmetic logic unit, an operational logic circuit, a digital signal processing device, a microcomputer, an FPGA, a system on a chip (SoC), a programmable logic unit, a microprocessor, or any device capable of performing the functions described below.

[0104] At this time, the controller (50) may be configured to control the actuator (32) of the powder supply unit (10) and the pressure roller (30) based on information about the amount of powder (P) obtained using the measuring unit (40).

[0105] First, the controller (50) can indirectly calculate information about the amount of powder (P) received in the hopper (20) based on the information obtained from the measuring unit (40). At this time, the method by which the controller (50) calculates the amount of powder (P) may be any one of the exemplary methods described above.

[0106] And, as shown in Fig. 1, the controller (50) can control the actuator (32) so that the operating state of the pressure roller (30) is maintained when the difference between the amount of powder (P) received in the hopper (20) and the reference amount is greater than a predetermined range.

[0107] At this time, the operating state of the pressure roller (30) may be a factor that can affect the manufacturing of the electrode sheet (E), such as the size of the gap between a pair of pressure rollers (30), the pressure with which the pressure roller (30) presses the powder (P), and the rotation speed of the pressure roller (30).

[0108] Alternatively, the controller (50) can control the actuator (32) to change the operating state of the pressure roller (30) when the difference between the amount of powder (P) received in the hopper (20) and the reference amount is within a predetermined range, as shown in FIG. 4.

[0109] For example, the controller (50) can increase the size of the gap between a pair of pressure rollers (30), lower the pressure at which the pressure rollers (30) press the powder (P), or lower or stop the rotation speed of the pressure rollers (30).

[0110] Alternatively, the controller (50) may control the powder supply unit (10) to supply powder (P) to the hopper (20) if the difference between the amount of powder (P) accommodated in the hopper (20) and the reference amount is within a predetermined range, as illustrated in FIG. 4. Accordingly, the difference between the amount of powder (P) accommodated in the hopper (20) and the reference amount may increase beyond the predetermined range.

[0111] Through this, the manufacturing device (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention can accurately measure the amount of powder (P) received in the hopper (20) while minimizing the impact on the powder (P), and stably manufacture the electrode sheet (E) based on this.

[0112] Below, a manufacturing device according to another embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0113] FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing a hopper, a pressure roller, and a measuring unit of an electrode sheet manufacturing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, cut so that a measuring hole is visible. For the purpose of explaining the invention, a pump of the measuring unit is schematically illustrated. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a hopper and a pressure roller of an electrode sheet manufacturing device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above. FIG. 7 is a drawing schematically showing an electrode sheet manufacturing device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a drawing schematically showing an electrode sheet manufacturing device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a drawing schematically showing an electrode sheet manufacturing device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In this case, each component of a manufacturing device according to another embodiment of the present invention is schematically illustrated in the drawing, and the size of the component, the thickness of the line, etc. may be somewhat exaggerated for the convenience of understanding. In addition, the same reference numerals as in the drawings shown above indicate the same members having the same functions.

[0114] FIG. 5 discloses a hopper (120), a pressure roller (30), and a measuring unit (140) of a manufacturing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The hopper (120) of the manufacturing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention may be provided with one measuring hole (121).

[0115] In addition, the measuring unit (140) of the manufacturing device according to the present embodiment may include a flow path forming member (142) connected to a measuring hole (121), a pressure sensor (144) for measuring the pressure of a fluid flowing through the flow path forming member (142), and a pump (146) for injecting a predetermined fluid (e.g., external air) into the flow path forming member (142).

[0116] At this time, in this embodiment, the measuring hole (121) may be positioned adjacent to the boundary (L) between the first area (A) and the second area (B) of the inner circumference of the hopper (20). For example, the measuring hole (121) may be positioned at the boundary (L).

[0117] Through this configuration, in this embodiment, the amount of powder accommodated in the hopper (20) can be compared with the reference amount. For example, if the pressure of the measuring hole (121) is measured as atmospheric pressure, the amount of powder accommodated in the hopper (20) can be determined to be less than the reference amount. Alternatively, if the pressure of the measuring hole (121) is measured as the pressure caused by the powder, the amount of powder accommodated in the hopper (20) can be determined to be more than the reference amount.

[0118] In this way, the operation of the pressure roller (30) or the powder supply unit can be controlled based on the information obtained by the measuring unit (140), which can be the same as that described in the manufacturing device (1) (illustrated in FIG. 1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0119] In this way, the manufacturing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention can compare the amount of powder received in the hopper (20) with a reference amount using a single measuring hole (121) and a measuring unit (140), and stably manufacture an electrode sheet based on this. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, a compact manufacturing device having a simpler structure can be provided.

[0120] FIGS. 6 and 7 disclose another manufacturing device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, a hopper (220) of a manufacturing device (201) according to the third embodiment of the present invention may be provided with a receiving space (S). The receiving space (S) may be a space for receiving powder.

[0121] At this time, in the present embodiment, an internal flow path (223) may be provided inside the hopper (220). The internal flow path (223) may be a flow path through which a heating fluid, as described later, passes. Through this, the thermal energy of the heating fluid may be transferred to the receiving space (S) of the hopper (220), thereby heating the powder.

[0122] In this embodiment, the internal passage (223) may extend along the circumferential direction of the receiving space (S). This may be to increase the heat transfer area between the internal passage (223) and the receiving space (S). The internal passage (223) may be formed to penetrate the side wall constituting the hopper (220).

[0123] At this time, in order to further expand the heat transfer area, the internal flow path (223) may be configured in multiple numbers. As illustrated, the internal flow path (223) may include a first internal flow path (223a) and a second internal flow path (223b). The first and second internal flow paths (223a, 223b) may extend parallel to each other along the perimeter of the receiving space (S). The number, extension direction, and arrangement of the internal flow paths (223) may be appropriately modified as needed.

[0124] Meanwhile, the manufacturing device (201) according to the third embodiment of the present invention may further include a heating fluid supply unit (260). The heating fluid supply unit (260) may be a unit for supplying a fluid heated to a predetermined temperature. At this time, the temperature may be 80 to 110 degrees. The temperature of the heating fluid may be because the target heating temperature of the powder is 80 to 110 degrees. The temperature of the heating fluid may be appropriately set in consideration of the target heating temperature of the powder, the heat transfer rate between the internal flow path (223) and the receiving space (S), etc.

[0125] In the present embodiment, the heating fluid supply unit (260) may be a tank containing a heating fluid. Alternatively, the heating fluid supply unit (260) may be configured with a tank containing a predetermined fluid (e.g., air) and a heater that heats the fluid contained in the tank. Alternatively, the heating fluid supply unit (260) may be configured with a pipe (or duct) through which a predetermined fluid passes and a heater that is provided in the pipe and heats the fluid passing through it. The structure of the heating fluid supply unit (260) is not particularly limited as long as it can supply a heating fluid.

[0126] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, a heating fluid supply passage member (261) may be connected to the heating fluid supply unit (260). The heating fluid supply passage member (261) may connect the heating fluid supply unit (260) and the internal passage (223). At this time, a heating fluid transport pump (263) may be provided in the heating fluid supply passage member (261) to assist in transporting the heating fluid.

[0127] Meanwhile, a heating fluid supply passage member (261) and a heating fluid discharge passage member (265) may be connected to one side and the other side of the internal passage (223). The heating fluid discharge passage member (265) may be configured to discharge the heating fluid that has exchanged heat while passing through the internal passage (223).

[0128] At this time, in the present embodiment, the heating fluid supply conduit member (261) may be configured to supply heating fluid to the pump (46) of the measuring unit (40) (hereinafter, referred to as a measuring fluid transfer pump). To this end, a portion of the heating fluid supply conduit member (261) may be branched off from another portion and connected to the measuring fluid transfer pump (46).

[0129] By this configuration, the fluid supplied to the receiving space (S) of the hopper (220) by the measuring unit (40) can also be a heating fluid heated to a predetermined temperature. The fluid injected into the hopper (220) can perform not only the function of measuring the capacity of the powder but also the function of heating the powder. Accordingly, the heating action of the powder by the heating fluid can be effectively performed.

[0130] FIG. 8 discloses a manufacturing device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 8, in the manufacturing device (301) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, a heating fluid discharged from an internal flow path (223) can be supplied to a measuring fluid transfer pump (46).

[0131] To this end, a portion (367) of the heating fluid discharge conduit member (265) can be branched off from another portion and connected to a measuring fluid transfer pump (46). With this configuration, all of the heating fluid supplied from the heating fluid supply unit (260) can pass through the internal conduit (223) and undergo heat exchange. In addition, a portion of the heating fluid that has undergone heat exchange can be recycled to determine the powder capacity in the measuring unit (40).

[0132] FIG. 9 discloses a manufacturing device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 9, in the manufacturing device (401) according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, the internal flow path (423) of the hopper (420) may be configured to circumferentially surround the receiving space (S). This allows the heat exchange area between the internal flow path (423) and the receiving space (S) to be increased. In addition, the manufacturing device (401) can be configured with a more compact and simple structure.

[0133] At this time, in the present embodiment, the measuring hole (421) may be branched from a portion of the internal flow path (423). The opening of the measuring hole (421) may be provided only on the inner wall of the receiving space (S). That is, the measuring hole (421) may be opened only toward the receiving space (S) and may not be opened to the outside. As a result, some of the heating fluid flowing in the internal flow path (423) may be injected into the receiving space (S).

[0134] At this time, the heating fluid injected into the receiving space (S) can be used to determine the capacity of the powder. To this end, the pressure sensor (46) may be configured to be provided at least partially inside the hopper (420) and to measure the pressure of the measuring hole (421). Meanwhile, the heating fluid may also perform the function of directly heating the powder contained in the receiving space (S).

[0135] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the measuring hole (421) is branched from a section located at the rear end based on the direction in which the heating fluid is transported in the internal flow path (423). However, the position at which the measuring hole (421) branches is not particularly limited. For example, the measuring hole (421) may be branched from a section located at the front end. In this case, the front end and the rear end of the internal flow path (423) may mean a section located at the front end and a section located at the rear end, respectively, from the center point of the internal flow path (423).

[0136] 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.

[0137] [Explanation of symbols]

[0138] 1, 101, 201, 301, 401: Electrode sheet manufacturing device

[0139] 10: Supply Unit

[0140] 20, 120, 220, 420: Hopper

[0141] 30: Pressure roller

[0142] 40, 140, 440: Measurement units

[0143] 50: Controller

[0144] 260: Heating fluid supply unit

[0145] P: Powder

[0146] E: Electrode sheet

[0147] S: Reception space

Claims

1. A pressure roller capable of manufacturing an electrode sheet by pressurizing powder; A hopper configured to supply powder contained therein to the pressure roller side, the hopper having at least one measuring hole; and An electrode sheet manufacturing device, comprising a measuring unit configured to measure the pressure inside the hopper by injecting a predetermined fluid into the measuring hole to measure the amount of powder accommodated in the hopper.

2. In paragraph 1, An electrode sheet manufacturing device wherein the above-mentioned fluid is external air of the hopper.

3. In paragraph 1, The above measurement unit is, A member forming a flow path having one side connected to the measuring hole; and An electrode sheet manufacturing device comprising a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure of a fluid flowing through the above-mentioned euro forming member.

4. In paragraph 1, An electrode sheet manufacturing device in which the above-mentioned measuring hole is formed through a hole so as to connect the inside and outside of the hopper.

5. In paragraph 1, An electrode sheet manufacturing device, wherein at least a portion of the above measuring unit is installed on the outer surface of the hopper.

6. In paragraph 1, An electrode sheet manufacturing device, wherein the above measurement hole includes a first measurement hole and a second measurement hole spaced apart from each other.

7. In paragraph 6, The above pressure rollers are composed of a pair, Either one of the first measuring hole and the second measuring hole is located between the pair of pressure rollers, An electrode sheet manufacturing device, wherein the other of the first measuring hole and the second measuring hole is positioned at a predetermined distance from the pair of pressure rollers.

8. In paragraph 1, A powder supply unit for supplying powder to the above hopper; and An electrode sheet manufacturing device further comprising a controller that controls the powder supply unit based on information obtained by the measuring unit.

9. In paragraph 1, An electrode sheet manufacturing device further comprising a controller that controls the operation of the pressure roller based on information obtained by the measuring unit.

10. In paragraph 9, The above controller is configured to change the operating state of the pressure roller when the amount of powder received in the hopper becomes less than a reference amount, The inner circumference of the above hopper is A first region in contact with the powder accommodated in the standard amount inside the hopper; and Including a second region located on the opposite side of the pressure roller of the above-mentioned first region, An electrode sheet manufacturing device, wherein at least one of the above measuring holes is located in the first region.

11. In paragraph 10, An electrode sheet manufacturing device, wherein at least one of the above measuring holes is formed at a position that can be blocked by the powder accommodated in the standard amount inside the hopper.

12. In paragraph 10, An electrode sheet manufacturing device, wherein at least one of the above measuring holes is positioned adjacent to a boundary between the first region and the second region.

13. In paragraph 10, The above pressure rollers are composed of a pair, The above controller is an electrode sheet manufacturing device that stops the operation of the pressure roller, increases the distance between the pair of pressure rollers, or lowers the pressure at which the pressure roller presses the powder when the amount of powder received in the hopper becomes less than a reference amount.

14. In paragraph 1, An electrode sheet manufacturing device, wherein the fluid injected into the hopper by the above measuring unit is a heated fluid heated to 80 degrees or higher.

15. In paragraph 14, The above hopper is provided with a receiving space for receiving powder, Inside the above hopper, an internal flow path extending in the circumferential direction of the receiving space is provided so that a predetermined fluid can flow, A portion of the above heating fluid is configured to be injected into the hopper by the measuring unit, An electrode sheet manufacturing device, wherein the remaining portion of the heating fluid is configured to be supplied to the internal passage.

16. In paragraph 1, The above hopper is provided with a receiving space for receiving powder, Inside the above hopper, an internal flow path extending in the circumferential direction of the receiving space is provided so that a predetermined fluid can flow, An electrode sheet manufacturing device configured to supply a heating fluid heated to 80 degrees or higher to the above heating path.

17. In paragraph 16, The above internal euro is an electrode sheet manufacturing device composed of a plurality of electrode sheets.

18. In paragraph 17, An electrode sheet manufacturing device in which the plurality of internal channels extend parallel to each other along the circumferential direction of the receiving space.

19. In paragraph 16, An electrode sheet manufacturing device, wherein the measuring unit is configured to inject at least a portion of the heating fluid discharged from the internal passage into the measuring hole.

20. In paragraph 16, An electrode sheet manufacturing device further comprising a heating fluid supply unit for supplying the heating fluid.

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