Apparatus for manufacturing electrode

Abstract

The present invention may provide an apparatus for manufacturing an electrode, the apparatus comprising: a sheet supply unit for supplying a lithium metal sheet; an ultrasonic cutting unit that repeatedly approaches the supplied lithium metal sheet to cut the lithium metal sheet; and a blade that is provided in the cutting unit and forms a cutting line on the lithium metal sheet, wherein the cutting line (CL) is formed inside an outer boundary (OL) of the supplied lithium metal sheet.

Description

Electrode manufacturing equipment

[0001] Cross-citation with related applications

[0002] This application is based upon and claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0008004, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on January 18, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0003] Technology field

[0004] The present application relates to an electrode manufacturing device for manufacturing an electrode including lithium metal.

[0005] Recently, demand for mobile devices such as smartphones, tablet PCs, and wireless earphones has been increasing. Furthermore, with the development of electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, robots, and satellites in full swing, research is actively underway on high-performance secondary batteries capable of repeated charging and discharging as an energy source.

[0006] Currently commercially available secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries. Among these, lithium secondary batteries offer advantages over nickel-based batteries, including virtually no memory effect, free charging and discharging, a very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0007] Meanwhile, lithium metal batteries sometimes use lithium metal as the anode. While lithium metal is highly advantageous for increasing energy density, it is softer than the copper (Cu) that was commonly used in the past. This characteristic of lithium metal posed challenges during the cutting process to form the electrode tabs.

[0008] To manufacture cathodes containing efficient lithium metal, a roll-to-roll process is sometimes used. This process involves unrolling lithium metal from a roll, continuously supplying it in sheet form, and then cutting the supplied sheet. However, problems can arise during cutting, such as improper cutting due to distance deviation or skew. Furthermore, due to the inherent softness of lithium metal, cutting equipment and the metal can stick together during cutting, or the resulting residue can become entangled, making handling difficult.

[0009] The present application provides an electrode manufacturing device that can improve the problem of lithium metal not being properly cut due to distance deviation or meandering in a battery system using lithium metal as an anode, and can improve various problems that may occur during cutting due to the soft nature of lithium metal. In addition, the present application can provide an electrode manufacturing method using the electrode manufacturing device, or an electrode manufactured by the electrode manufacturing device or electrode manufacturing method.

[0010] An electrode manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present application includes a sheet supply unit for supplying a lithium metal sheet, an ultrasonic cutting unit for repeatedly approaching the supplied lithium metal sheet to cut the lithium metal sheet, and a blade provided in the cutting unit for forming a cutting line on the lithium metal sheet, wherein the cutting line (CL) can be formed inside an outer boundary (OL) of the supplied lithium metal sheet.

[0011] In an electrode manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present application, the cutting line (CL) may include a protruding line (PL) corresponding to an electrode tab and an extension line (EL) corresponding to one edge of the electrode extending from the protruding line (PL), and the blade may include a first blade portion forming the extension line (EL) and a second blade portion forming the protruding line (PL).

[0012] In an electrode manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present application, at least a part of the extension line (EL) includes a first parallel line (CLP1) parallel to a supply direction (MD) of a lithium metal sheet, and at least a part of the protruding line (PL) includes a second parallel line (CLP2) parallel to the supply direction (MD) of the lithium metal sheet, and the first blade part may further include a first parallel blade part forming the first parallel line (CLP1), and the second blade part may further include a second parallel blade part forming the second parallel line (CLP2).

[0013] In an electrode manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present application, the cutting line (CL) may further include a first auxiliary line (CLA1) provided at an end of the extension line (EL) so as to face the outer side in the width direction of the lithium metal sheet, and the first blade portion may further include a first auxiliary blade portion forming the first auxiliary line (CLA1).

[0014] In an electrode manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present application, the cutting line (CL) may further include a separation line (DL) spaced apart from the extension line (EL) in the width direction (TD) and corresponding to the other edge of the electrode, and the blade may further include a third blade portion spaced apart from the first blade portion and cutting the opposite boundary of the lithium metal sheet to form the separation line (DL).

[0015] In an electrode manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present application, at least a portion of the separation line (DL) may include a third parallel line (CLP3) parallel to the supply direction (MD) of the lithium metal sheet, and the third blade portion may further include a third parallel blade portion forming the third parallel line (CLP3).

[0016] In an electrode manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present application, the cutting line (CL) may further include a second auxiliary line (CLA2) provided at an end of the separation line (DL) so as to face the outer side in the width direction of the lithium metal sheet, and the third blade part may further include a second auxiliary blade part forming the second auxiliary line (CLA2).

[0017] In an electrode manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present application, the cutting line (CL) further includes a first auxiliary line (CLA1) provided at the end of the extension line (EL) so as to face the outer side in the width direction of the lithium metal sheet, and the directions in which the first auxiliary line (CLA1) and the second auxiliary line (CLA2) face may be opposite directions.

[0018] In an electrode manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present application, a distance between the first blade portion and the third blade portion may be shorter than the width direction (TD) length of the lithium metal sheet before cutting.

[0019] In an electrode manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present application, two adjacent cutting lines (CL) formed by two consecutive approaches of the cutting part may include a margin area (M) that at least partially overlaps with respect to the supply direction (MD) of the lithium metal sheet.

[0020] In an electrode manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present application, a first residual sheet is formed as a lithium metal sheet is cut by the first blade portion and the second blade portion, and the first residual sheet formed by the continuous approach of the cutting portions may have an integral shape.

[0021] In an electrode manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present application, a second residual sheet is formed when a lithium metal sheet is cut by the third blade portion, and the second residual sheet formed by the continuous approach of the cutting portion may have an integral shape.

[0022] The present application can improve the problem of lithium metal not being properly cut due to distance deviation or meandering in a battery system using lithium metal as an anode, and can improve various problems that may occur during cutting by taking into account the soft nature of lithium metal.

[0023] The drawings shown in this application are based on examples of this application, and the ratios of the width, depth, or thickness (or height) of each component are for the purpose of explaining this application in detail, and these ratios may differ from the actual ones. In addition, in the coordinate system shown in the drawings, each axis is perpendicular to each other, the direction indicated by the arrow is the + direction, and the direction opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow (the direction rotated by 180 degrees) may be the - direction.

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating at least a portion of an electrode manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating a cutting line to be formed or formed on a lithium metal sheet in one embodiment of the present application.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating a portion of a cutting section of an electrode manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating a cutting line to be formed or formed on a lithium metal sheet in one embodiment of the present application.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating a lithium metal sheet cut along a cutting line in one embodiment of the present application.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating at least a portion of an electrode manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0030] Before proceeding with a detailed description of this application, it should be noted that terms and words used in this specification and claims may not be interpreted solely based on their conventional or dictionary meanings. Furthermore, inventors should interpret terms and concepts in a way that aligns with the technical concept of this application, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of a term to best explain his or her invention. The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations depicted in the drawings represent only the most preferred embodiments of this application and may not represent the entire technical concept of this application. Therefore, various equivalents and variations may exist at the time of filing of this application.

[0031] The same reference numbers or symbols in each drawing attached to this specification may indicate parts or components that perform substantially the same functions. For convenience of explanation and understanding, the same reference numbers or symbols may be used in different embodiments. In other words, even if components with the same reference numbers are depicted in multiple drawings, they may not all represent a single embodiment.

[0032] In the following description, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms such as "comprise" or "comprises" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but are to be understood as not excluding in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0033] In addition, in the description below, expressions such as upper, upper, lower, lower, side, front, and rear are expressed based on the direction shown in the drawing, and may be expressed differently if the direction of the object is changed.

[0034] Additionally, terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., may be used in this specification and claims to distinguish between components. These ordinal numbers are used to distinguish identical or similar components from each other, and the use of these ordinal numbers should not be interpreted in a limited manner. For example, components associated with these ordinals should not be interpreted in a restricted manner, such as in the order of use or arrangement, based on their numbers. If necessary, each ordinal number may be used interchangeably.

[0035] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, the scope of the present application may not be limited to the presented embodiments. For example, those skilled in the art who understand the scope of the present application may propose other embodiments within the scope of the present application by adding, modifying, or deleting components, but such embodiments will also be considered within the scope of the present application. The shapes and sizes of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0036] In this specification, the term "battery" may be used with the same meaning as "cell." Furthermore, the terms "battery" and "cell" may collectively refer to a battery cell, which is a unit thereof, or a battery module or battery pack containing a battery cell.

[0037] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating at least a portion of an electrode manufacturing device (10) according to one embodiment of the present application. The electrode manufacturing device (10) may include a sheet supply unit (100) for supplying a lithium metal sheet (110). The method for supplying the lithium metal sheet (110) is not particularly limited, but may be a method for unrolling a roll-shaped lithium metal (120) at a constant speed. The sheet supply unit (100) may include a device for unrolling a roll-shaped lithium metal (120) so that the lithium metal sheet (110) is continuously supplied, and a moving device for moving the unrolled lithium metal (110) in a sheet shape in a supply direction (MD). The sheet supply unit (100) may use a so-called roll-to-roll method.

[0038] The electrode manufacturing device (10) may include a cutting unit (200) that repeatedly approaches a supplied lithium metal sheet (110). The cutting unit (200) may cut the lithium metal sheet (110). In addition, the cutting unit (200) is not particularly limited as long as it is one used in the art, but may use an ultrasonic method considering the soft nature of lithium metal. For the ultrasonic method, reference may be made to Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2022-0035741.

[0039] The cutting unit (200) can perform ultrasonic cutting. The cutting unit (200) can include an ultrasonic generator (210) that can perform ultrasonic cutting. The ultrasonic generator (210) can include a generator (211) that generates ultrasonic waves, a booster (213) that amplifies or reduces vibration energy generated by the generator (211), and a horn (212) that transmits the vibration energy of the booster (213) to a blade (220) to be described later. In addition, the ultrasonic generator (210) can further include a vision inspection device (214) that can perform vision inspection to check the cutting quality, if necessary. The generator (211) can generate ultrasonic waves having a frequency of 15 kHz to 40 kHz and an amplitude of 10 μm to 60 μm. The ultrasonic method can cut a lithium metal sheet (110) using vibration energy from ultrasonic waves, and can cut the lithium metal while minimizing problems such as sticking despite its soft nature.

[0040] The cutting unit (200) is arranged vertically spaced from one surface of the supplied lithium metal sheet (110) and can repeatedly approach the lithium metal sheet (110) for cutting. The approach to the lithium metal sheet (110) can be implemented by a moving device, and the movement of the cutting unit (200) can be perpendicular to one surface of the lithium metal sheet (110). That is, the supply direction (MD) of the lithium metal sheet (110) and the movement direction of the cutting unit (200) can be perpendicular to each other.

[0041] The sheet supply unit (100) can continuously supply a lithium metal sheet (110), and the cutting unit (200) can repeatedly approach the continuously supplied lithium metal sheet (110) to cut the lithium metal sheet (110), and as a result, the lithium metal sheet (110) can form a cutting line (CL) along the supply direction (MD).

[0042] The sheet supply unit (100) can temporarily stop supplying the lithium metal sheet (110) when the cutting unit (200) and the lithium metal sheet (110) come into contact, thereby securing time for cutting. The sheet supply unit (100) can resume supplying the lithium metal sheet (110) that was stopped when the cutting unit (200) that was in contact with the lithium metal sheet (110) is released from contact with the lithium metal sheet (110) and returns to its original position.

[0043] For example, referring to FIG. 1, a lithium metal sheet (110) can be supplied in the +x direction through a sheet supply unit (100). A cutting unit (200) can move in the -z direction from a position spaced apart from the supplied lithium metal sheet (110) by a predetermined distance in the +z direction, and approach the supplied lithium metal sheet (110). The cutting unit (200), which approaches the lithium metal sheet (110) and makes contact with it, can move again in the +z direction and return to its original position. The cutting unit (200) can repeatedly approach the lithium metal sheet (110) by moving again in the -z direction and approaching the supplied lithium metal sheet (110). While the cutting unit (200) approaches again, the lithium metal sheet (110) can be supplied in the +x direction to continue a cutting line (CL) with respect to the supply direction (MD).

[0044] The cutting section (200) may include a blade (220) that forms a cutting line (CL) on a lithium metal sheet (110). The blade (220) may contact the supplied lithium metal sheet (110) to form a cutting line (CL) on the lithium metal sheet (110), i.e., cut the lithium metal sheet (110).

[0045] The cutting line (CL) formed by the blade (220) may be formed inside the outer boundary (OL) in the width direction (TD) of the supplied lithium metal sheet (110). As a result, the residue in the area between the cutting line (CL) and the outer boundary (OL) of the lithium metal sheet (110) is formed as a single body without fragmentation, thereby enabling easy processing. Details regarding this will be described later.

[0046] Fig. 2 is a plan view illustrating a cutting line (CL) to be formed or formed on a lithium metal sheet (110) in one embodiment of the present application. Fig. 3 is a plan view illustrating a portion of a cutting section (200) of an electrode manufacturing device (10) according to one embodiment of the present application, specifically, a portion where a blade (220) is provided.

[0047] An electrode manufacturing device (10) can manufacture an electrode, and in particular, can manufacture an anode using lithium metal. The electrode can include an electrode tab, and the electrode manufacturing device (10) can form the electrode tab by cutting a lithium metal sheet (110), and can also naturally form an electrode edge.

[0048] The cutting line (CL) may include a protruding line (PL) corresponding to an electrode tab. A portion of the lithium metal sheet (110) cut along the protruding line (PL) may become an electrode tab. In addition, the cutting line (CL) may include an extension line (EL) corresponding to one edge of the electrode. A portion of the lithium metal sheet (110) cut along the extension line (EL) may become one edge of the electrode. The extension line (EL) may be connected to the protruding line (PL).

[0049] The blade (220) may include a first blade portion (221) forming an extension line (EL) on the supplied lithium metal sheet (110). In addition, the blade (220) may include a second blade portion (222) forming a protruding line (PL) on the supplied lithium metal sheet (110). The first blade portion (221) and the second blade portion (222) may be connected to each other, and thus, the extension line (EL) may be connected to the protruding line (PL). The first blade portion (221) and the second blade portion (222) may be integral.

[0050] At least a portion of the extension line (EL) may include a first parallel line (CLP1) parallel to the supply direction (MD) of the lithium metal sheet (110). At least a portion of the protrusion line (PL) may include a second parallel line (CLP2) parallel to the supply direction (MD) of the lithium metal sheet (110). The first parallel line (CLP1) may be formed to be further from the adjacent outer boundary (OL) of the supplied lithium metal sheet (110) than the second parallel line (CLP2).

[0051] The first blade portion (221) may further include a first parallel blade portion (221P) forming a first parallel line (CLP1). The second blade portion (222) may further include a second parallel blade portion (222P) forming a second parallel line (CLP2). The first parallel blade portion (221P) may be arranged to be further from the outer boundary (OL) of the supplied lithium metal sheet (110) compared to the second parallel blade portion (222P).

[0052] The protruding line (PL) may further include a connecting line (CLC) parallel to the width direction (TD) of the lithium metal sheet (110). The connecting line (CLC) may connect the first parallel line (CLP1) and the second parallel line (CLP2) so as to be connected to each other.

[0053] The second blade portion (222) may further include a connecting blade portion (222C) forming a connecting line (CLC). The connecting blade portion (222C) may connect the first parallel blade portion (221P) and the second parallel blade portion (222P) to each other. The first blade portion (221) and the second blade portion (222) may be integrally connected to each other through the connecting blade portion (222C).

[0054] The cutting line (CL) may further include a first auxiliary line (CLA1) provided at the end of the extension line (EL) so as to face the outside in the width direction (TD) of the lithium metal sheet (110). The first blade portion (221) may further include a first auxiliary blade portion (221A) forming the first auxiliary line (CLA1).

[0055] By including the first auxiliary line (CLA1) in the cutting line (CL), the problem of the lithium metal sheet (110) not being properly cut due to distance deviation or meandering during cutting can be minimized. In particular, when supplying the lithium metal sheet (110) by a roll-to-roll process, the supplied lithium metal sheet (110) may move slightly in the width direction (TD). This is called meandering, and if cutting occurs in a situation where meandering has occurred, the previous cutting line (CL) and the subsequent cutting line (CL) may not be connected to each other, so that a part of the lithium metal sheet (110) may not be cut or an electrode of an unintended shape may be obtained. The first auxiliary line (CLA1) is directed toward the width direction (TD) of the lithium metal sheet (110), so that even if such meandering occurs, the possibility that the previous cutting line (CL) and the subsequent cutting line (CL) will be connected to each other is increased, thereby minimizing the problem of the lithium metal sheet (110) not being properly cut.

[0056] At this time, the first auxiliary line (CLA1) may be directed toward the outer side in the width direction (TD) of the lithium metal sheet (110) so as not to affect the shape of the electrode formed later when continuously producing the electrode.

[0057] The first auxiliary line (CLA1) may be arranged closer to the adjacent outer boundary (OL) of the supplied lithium metal sheet (110) than the first parallel line (CLP1). The first auxiliary line (CLA1) may not be arranged further from the adjacent outer boundary (OL) of the supplied lithium metal sheet (110) than the first parallel line (CLP1). Through this positional relationship between the first auxiliary line (CLA1) and the first parallel line (CLP1), the first auxiliary line (CLA1) may not affect the shape of an electrode formed later when the electrode is continuously produced.

[0058] The first auxiliary line (CLA1) may be formed parallel to the width direction (TD). Alternatively, the first auxiliary line (CLA1) may form a predetermined angle with the width direction (TD). Alternatively, the first auxiliary line (CLA1) may have a curved shape that starts along the longitudinal direction of the cutting line (CL) and naturally continues toward the adjacent outer boundary (OL) of the lithium metal sheet (110).

[0059] The cutting line (CL) may include an extension line (EL) and a separation line (DL) spaced apart in the width direction (TD) of the lithium metal sheet (110) and corresponding to the other edge of the electrode. The other edge of the electrode may mean the other side of one edge, which is a portion cut along the extension line (EL).

[0060] The blade (220) may include a third blade portion (223) that is spaced apart from the first blade portion (221) and cuts the opposite boundary of the lithium metal sheet (110) to form a separation line (DL). The opposite boundary of the lithium metal sheet (110) may mean a boundary located on the opposite side of the boundary of the lithium metal sheet (110) adjacent to the first blade portion (221). The first blade portion (221) and the third blade portion (223) may not be connected to each other. In addition, the second blade portion (222) that is integral with the first blade portion (221) may not be connected to the third blade portion (2223).

[0061] At least a portion of the separation line (DL) includes a third parallel line (CLP3) parallel to the supply direction (MD) of the lithium metal sheet (110), and the third blade portion (223) may further include a third parallel blade portion (223P) forming the third parallel line (CLP3).

[0062] The formation of the separation line (DL) ensures that one edge and the other edge of the electrode can be parallel even when a meandering occurs. For example, if the outer boundary (OL) of the lithium metal sheet (110) supplied without a separate separation line (DL) forming the other edge of the electrode, when a meandering occurs, the extension line (EL) of the cutting line (CL) and the other edge of the boundary of the lithium metal sheet (110) are not parallel, which may cause a problem in that one edge and the other edge of the final cut lithium metal sheet (110) are not parallel.

[0063] Meanwhile, the length in the supply direction (MD) of the third parallel line (CLP3) may be equal to the sum of the entire length in the supply direction (MD) of the first parallel line (CLP1) and the entire length in the supply direction (MD) of the second parallel line (CLP2). Here, equal means substantially equal, and the error may be within 5%.

[0064] The cutting line (CL) may further include a second auxiliary line (CLA2) provided at the end of the separation line (DL) so as to face the outer side in the width direction (TD) of the lithium metal sheet (110). The third blade part (223) may further include a second auxiliary blade part (223A) forming the second auxiliary line (CLA2).

[0065] Since the cutting line (CL) includes the second auxiliary line (CLA2), the problem of the lithium metal sheet (110) not being properly cut due to distance deviation or meandering during cutting can be minimized, as with the first auxiliary line (CLA1). The second auxiliary line (CLA2) can be directed toward the width direction (TD) of the lithium metal sheet (110), thereby minimizing the problem of the lithium metal sheet (110) not being properly cut. In addition, the second auxiliary line (CLA2) can be directed toward the outer side in the width direction (TD) of the lithium metal sheet (110), thereby not affecting the shape of the electrode formed later when continuously producing the electrode.

[0066] The second auxiliary line (CLA2) may be arranged closer to the adjacent outer boundary (OL) of the supplied lithium metal sheet (110) than the third parallel line (CLP3). That is, the second auxiliary line (CLA2) may not be arranged further from the adjacent outer boundary (OL) of the supplied lithium metal sheet (110) than the third parallel line (CLP3). Through this positional relationship between the second auxiliary line (CLA2) and the third parallel line (CLP3), the second auxiliary line (CLA2) may not affect the shape of an electrode formed later when the electrode is continuously produced.

[0067] The directions in which the first auxiliary line (CLA1) and the second auxiliary line (CLA2) face may be opposite to each other. The direction in which the first auxiliary line (CLA1) faces may refer to the direction in which the first auxiliary line (CLA1) extends in the width direction (TD) based on the first parallel line (CLP1). Similarly, the direction in which the second auxiliary line (CLA2) faces may refer to the direction in which the second auxiliary line (CLA2) extends in the width direction (TD) based on the third parallel line (CLP3). That is, referring to FIG. 2, the direction in which the first auxiliary line (CLA1) faces may be the +y direction, and the direction in which the second auxiliary line (CLA2) faces may be the -y direction.

[0068] Since the directions of the first auxiliary line (CLA1) and the second auxiliary line (CLA2) are opposite to each other, a sufficient cutting area can be provided even if a bend occurs, the problem of the lithium metal sheet (110) not being properly cut can be minimized, and the shape of the electrode formed later when the electrode is continuously produced can not be affected.

[0069] Meanwhile, the distance between the first blade portion (221) and the third blade portion (223) may be shorter than the length in the width direction (TD) of the lithium metal sheet (110) before cutting. Through this, the cutting line (CL) can be formed inside the outer boundary (OL) of the supplied lithium metal sheet (110), and a residue in the form of fragments is not formed, but rather an integral residue is formed, enabling easier processing.

[0070] FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating a cutting line (CL) to be formed or formed on a lithium metal sheet (110) in one embodiment of the present application.

[0071] Two cutting lines (CL) can be formed by two consecutive approaches of the cutting unit (200). The two adjacent cutting lines (CL) thus formed can include a margin area (M) that at least partially overlaps with respect to the supply direction (MD) of the lithium metal sheet (110). If the cutting line (CL) includes the margin area (M), a sufficient cutting area can be provided even if a meandering occurs, and the problem of the lithium metal sheet (110) not being properly cut due to the separation of the pre-cutting line (CL) and the post-cutting line (CL) depending on errors such as the approach interval of the cutting unit (200) and the supply speed of the lithium metal sheet (110) can be minimized.

[0072] The margin area (M) can be formed by overlapping a portion of each extension line (EL) of two adjacent cutting lines (CL). The margin area (M) can be formed by overlapping a portion of each separation line (DL) of two adjacent cutting lines (CL).

[0073] Fig. 5 is a plan view illustrating a lithium metal sheet (110) cut along a cutting line (CL) according to one embodiment of the present application. Fig. 6 is a perspective view illustrating at least a portion of an electrode manufacturing device (10) according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0074] As the lithium metal sheet (110) supplied by the first blade portion (221) and the second blade portion (222) is cut, a first residual sheet (S1) excluding the electrode portion may be formed. The first residual sheet (S1) may have an integral shape. That is, since the first residual sheet (S1) is formed in an integral shape rather than in a fragmented shape, the first residual sheet (S1) may be more easily processed.

[0075] As the lithium metal sheet (110) supplied by the third blade (223) is cut, a second residual sheet (S2) excluding the electrode portion may be formed. The second residual sheet (S2) may have an integral shape. That is, since the second residual sheet (S2) is formed in an integral shape rather than in a fragmented shape, the first residual sheet (S2) may be more easily processed.

[0076] The electrode manufacturing device (10) may include, in addition to the sheet supply unit (100) and the cutting unit (200), a slitter (300) that slits the cut lithium metal sheet (110) to a standard to form an electrode (50). Here, the electrode (50) may be in the form of a finished product having an active material layer formed thereon, or may be in the form of a semi-finished product having no active material layer formed thereon. The electrode (50) manufactured by the electrode manufacturing device (10) may be used as a negative electrode of a battery cell. The slitter (300) may form a slit line (STL) in the cut lithium metal sheet (110). In addition, the slitter (300) may use an ultrasonic method, like the cutting unit (200). In addition, the electrode manufacturing device (10) is not limited to the sheet supply unit (100), the cutting unit, and the slitter (300), but may further include various equipment that may be used in an electrode process widely known in the art.

[0077] An electrode manufacturing device (10) according to an example of the present application can be used to manufacture an electrode containing lithium metal. In particular, the manufactured electrode can be used as a negative electrode of a battery cell. In this way, when lithium metal is used as a negative electrode of a battery cell, the battery cell can be referred to as a lithium metal battery. The type of lithium metal battery is not particularly limited, but may be a lithium-sulfur battery, a lithium-air battery, or the like.

[0078] An electrode manufacturing device according to an example of the present application can be widely applied to green technology fields such as electric vehicles, battery charging stations, and other battery-powered solar and wind power generation. Furthermore, an electrode manufacturing device according to an example of the present application can be applied to eco-friendly electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles, which aim to prevent climate change by suppressing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

[0079] While various embodiments of the present application have been described in detail above, the scope of the present application is not limited thereto, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the technical spirit of the present application as set forth in the claims. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments may be implemented by deleting some components, and the embodiments may be implemented in combination with each other.

[0080] [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 10... Electrode manufacturing device

[0082] 50... electrodes

[0083] 100... sheet supply section

[0084] 110... lithium metal sheet

[0085] 120... lithium metal roll

[0086] 200... cutting section

[0087] 210... Ultrasonic generator

[0088] 220... blade

[0089] 221... First Blade Division

[0090] 221P... 1st parallel blade section

[0091] 221A... 1st auxiliary blade section

[0092] 222... Second Blade Division

[0093] 222P... 2nd parallel blade section

[0094] 222C... connecting blade part

[0095] 223... Third Blade Division

[0096] 223P... 3rd parallel blade section

[0097] 223A... Second auxiliary blade section

[0098] 300... slitter

[0099] S1... First remaining sheet

[0100] S2... Second remaining sheet

Claims

1. Sheet supply section for supplying lithium metal sheets; An ultrasonic cutting unit that repeatedly approaches the supplied lithium metal sheet to cut the lithium metal sheet; and A cutting section is provided with a blade to form a cutting line (CL) on the lithium metal sheet, An electrode manufacturing device in which the above-mentioned cutting line (CL) is formed inside the outer boundary (OL) of the supplied lithium metal sheet.

2. In paragraph 1, The above cutting line (CL) includes a protruding line (PL) corresponding to the electrode tab and an extension line (EL) corresponding to one edge of the electrode extending from the protruding line (PL). An electrode manufacturing device, wherein the blade comprises a first blade portion forming the extension line (EL) and a second blade portion forming the protruding line (PL).

3. In paragraph 2, At least a portion of the above extension line (EL) comprises a first parallel line (CLP1) parallel to the supply direction (MD) of the lithium metal sheet, and at least a portion of the above protrusion line (PL) comprises a second parallel line (CLP2) parallel to the supply direction (MD) of the lithium metal sheet. An electrode manufacturing device, wherein the first blade portion further includes a first parallel blade portion forming the first parallel line (CLP1), and the second blade portion further includes a second parallel blade portion forming the second parallel line (CLP2).

4. In paragraph 2, The above cutting line (CL) further includes a first auxiliary line (CLA1) provided at the end of the extension line (EL) so as to face the outer side in the width direction of the lithium metal sheet, An electrode manufacturing device, wherein the first blade portion further includes a first auxiliary blade portion forming the first auxiliary line (CLA1).

5. In paragraph 2, The above cutting line (CL) further includes a separation line (DL) spaced apart from the extension line (EL) in the width direction (TD) and corresponding to the other edge of the electrode, An electrode manufacturing device, wherein the blade further includes a third blade portion that is spaced apart from the first blade portion and cuts an opposite boundary of the lithium metal sheet to form the separation line (DL).

6. In paragraph 5, An electrode manufacturing apparatus, wherein at least a portion of the above-described separation line (DL) includes a third parallel line (CLP3) parallel to the supply direction (MD) of the lithium metal sheet, and the third blade portion further includes a third parallel blade portion forming the third parallel line (CLP3).

7. In paragraph 5, The above cutting line (CL) further includes a second auxiliary line (CLA2) provided at the end of the separation line (DL) so as to face the outer side in the width direction of the lithium metal sheet, An electrode manufacturing device wherein the third blade portion further includes a second auxiliary blade portion forming the second auxiliary line (CLA2).

8. In paragraph 7, The above cutting line (CL) further includes a first auxiliary line (CLA1) provided at the end of the extension line (EL) so as to face the outer side in the width direction of the lithium metal sheet, An electrode manufacturing device in which the directions of the first auxiliary line (CLA1) and the second auxiliary line (CLA2) are opposite.

9. In paragraph 5, An electrode manufacturing device wherein the distance between the first blade portion and the third blade portion is shorter than the transverse direction (TD) length of the lithium metal sheet before cutting.

10. In paragraph 1, An electrode manufacturing device in which two adjacent cutting lines (CL) formed by two consecutive approaches of the cutting section include a margin area (M) that at least partially overlaps with respect to the supply direction (MD) of the lithium metal sheet.

11. In paragraph 2, A first residual sheet is formed when a lithium metal sheet is cut by the first blade portion and the second blade portion, An electrode manufacturing device in which the first residual sheet formed by the continuous approach of the above cutting section has an integral shape.

12. In paragraph 5, A second residual sheet is formed when the lithium metal sheet is cut by the third blade portion. An electrode manufacturing device in which a second residual sheet formed by the continuous approach of the above cutting section has an integral shape.

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