Secondary battery manufacturing equipment

Abstract

According to exemplary embodiments, secondary battery manufacturing equipment is provided. The equipment comprises: an electrode slurry supply tank for accommodating electrode slurry; a pump for moving the slurry in the electrode slurry supply tank; a die coater for applying the electrode slurry to an electrode current collector; a first supply pipe for connecting the electrode slurry supply tank and the pump; a second supply pipe for connecting the pump and a branch pipe; a third supply pipe for connecting the branch pipe and the die coater; a return pipe for connecting the branch pipe and the electrode slurry supply tank; a supply valve provided in the third supply pipe; and a return valve provided in the return pipe, wherein the sum of the length of the first supply pipe and the length of the second supply pipe is different from the length of the third supply pipe.

Description

Secondary battery manufacturing facilities

[0001] The present invention relates to a secondary battery manufacturing facility. This application claims the benefit of Korean Application No. 10-2024-0051960, filed April 18, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

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

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

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

[0005] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, a secondary battery manufacturing facility is provided. The facility includes: an electrode slurry supply tank configured to receive electrode slurry; a pump configured to move the slurry in the electrode slurry supply tank; a die coater configured to apply the electrode slurry to an electrode current collector; a first supply pipe connecting the electrode slurry supply tank and the pump; a second supply pipe connecting the pump and a branch pipe; a third supply pipe connecting the branch pipe and the die coater; a return pipe connecting the branch pipe and the electrode slurry supply tank; a supply valve installed in the third supply pipe; and a return valve installed in the return pipe, wherein a sum of the lengths of the first supply pipe and the second supply pipe is different from a length of the third supply pipe.

[0006] The sum of the length of the first supply pipe and the length of the second supply pipe is shorter than the length of the third supply pipe.

[0007] The sum of the length of the first supply pipe and the length of the second supply pipe is less than or equal to 50% of the length of the third supply pipe.

[0008] According to exemplary embodiments, a secondary battery manufacturing facility is provided. The facility includes: an electrode slurry supply tank configured to receive electrode slurry; a pump configured to move slurry within the electrode slurry supply tank; a die coater configured to apply the electrode slurry to an electrode current collector; a first supply pipe connecting the electrode slurry supply tank and the pump; a second supply pipe connecting the pump and a branch pipe; a third supply pipe connecting the branch pipe and the die coater; a return pipe connecting the branch pipe and the electrode slurry supply tank; a supply valve installed in the third supply pipe; and a return valve installed in the return pipe, wherein a length of the return pipe is different from a length of the third supply pipe.

[0009] The length of the above return pipe is shorter than the length of the above third supply pipe.

[0010] The length of the above return pipe is less than or equal to 50% of the length of the above third supply pipe.

[0011] According to exemplary embodiments, a secondary battery manufacturing facility is provided. The facility includes: an electrode slurry supply tank configured to receive electrode slurry; a pump configured to move slurry within the electrode slurry supply tank; a die coater configured to apply the electrode slurry to an electrode current collector; a first supply pipe connecting the electrode slurry supply tank and the pump; a second supply pipe connecting the pump and a branch pipe; a third supply pipe connecting the branch pipe and the die coater; a return pipe connecting the branch pipe and the electrode slurry supply tank; a supply valve installed in the third supply pipe; and a return valve installed in the return pipe, wherein a distance between the branch pipe and the electrode slurry supply tank is different from a distance between the branch pipe and the die coater.

[0012] The distance between the branch pipe and the electrode slurry supply tank is shorter than the distance between the branch pipe and the die coater.

[0013] The distance between the branch pipe and the electrode slurry supply tank is less than or equal to 50% of the distance between the branch pipe and the die coater.

[0014] According to exemplary embodiments, a method of manufacturing a secondary battery is provided. The method includes the steps of turning off a return valve installed in a return pipe connecting a branch pipe and an electrode slurry supply tank; and turning on a supply valve installed in a supply pipe connecting the branch pipe and a die coater, wherein the length of the return pipe is different from the length of the supply pipe.

[0015] The length of the above return pipe is shorter than the length of the above supply pipe.

[0016] The length of the above return pipe is less than 50% of the length of the above supply pipe.

[0017] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the length of the return pipe connecting the branch pipe and the electrode slurry supply tank can be reduced. Accordingly, the amount of electrode slurry remaining in a stationary state in the smooth pipe during supply mode can be reduced or minimized, thereby improving the reliability of the coating process.

[0018] The effects that can be obtained from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure pertain from the following description. In other words, unintended effects resulting from practicing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 1 illustrates a secondary battery manufacturing facility according to exemplary embodiments.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to exemplary embodiments.

[0021] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, it should be noted that the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings. Based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best explain his or her invention, they should be interpreted in a way that aligns with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0022] Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0023] In addition, when describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description is omitted.

[0024] Since the embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the present invention to those skilled in the art, the shapes and sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated for clearer explanation. Accordingly, the sizes and proportions of each component do not fully reflect the actual sizes or proportions.

[0025]

[0026] (Example 1)

[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates a secondary battery manufacturing facility (100) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 1, the secondary battery manufacturing facility (100) may include an electrode slurry supply tank (110), a pump (120), a first supply pipe (131), a second supply pipe (133), a branch pipe (135), a third supply pipe (137), a return pipe (139), a supply valve (141), a return valve (143), a die coater (150), and a controller (160).

[0029] According to exemplary embodiments, a secondary battery manufacturing facility (100) may be configured to perform a process for manufacturing a secondary battery. The secondary battery manufacturing facility (100) may be an electrode slurry supply system. The secondary battery manufacturing facility (100) may be configured to perform a coating process of applying a negative electrode slurry or a positive electrode slurry to an electrode current collector.

[0030] The secondary battery manufacturing facility (100) may further include a mixer. The mixer may be configured to perform a mixing process. The mixing process may include a pre-mixing process for dissolving a binder and / or a conductive material in a solvent before introducing the binder and / or conductive material into the main mixer, and a main mixing process for finally mixing the active material, conductive material, binder, etc. to provide an electrode slurry.

[0031] Here, an electrode slurry can be used in a coating process of a secondary battery. The electrode slurry can include an electrode active material, a conductive agent, a binder, and a solvent. The electrode slurry can be prepared by dissolving the electrode active material, the conductive agent, and the binder in a solvent. The solvent can disperse the electrode active material, the binder, and the conductive agent. The solvent can be an aqueous solvent or a non-aqueous solvent. The solvent can include any one of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), isopropyl alcohol, N-methylpyrrolidone (NMP), acetone, water, and mixtures thereof. The amount of the solvent used can be determined based on the target viscosity of the electrode slurry. Parameters determining the amount of the solvent used include the coating thickness of the electrode slurry, the manufacturing yield, and the workability.

[0032] A cathode active material is a material that can cause an electrochemical reaction. The cathode active material may be a lithium transition metal oxide. The cathode active material may be, for example, a layered compound such as lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) and lithium nickel oxide (LiNiO2) substituted with one or more transition metals, lithium manganese oxide substituted with one or more transition metals, or a lithium manganese oxide having the chemical formula LiNi. 1-y M y Lithium nickel oxide, Li, expressed as O2 (wherein, M is any one of Co, Mn, Al, Cu, Fe, Mg, B, Cr, Zn, and Ga, and 0.01≤y≤0.7) 1+z Ni 1 / 3 Co 1 / 3 Mn 1 / 3 O2, Li 1+zN i 0.4 Mn 0.4 Co 0.2 Li like O2 1+z Ni b Mn c Co 1-(b+c+d) M d O (2-e) A e(wherein, -0.5≤z≤0.5, 0.1≤b≤0.8, 0.1≤c≤0.8, 0≤d≤0.2, 0≤e≤0.2, b+c+d<1, M is any one of Al, Mg, Cr, Ti, Si and Y, and A is any one of F, P and Cl) lithium nickel cobalt manganese composite oxide, and chemical formula Li 1+x M 1-y M' y PO 4-z X z (wherein, M is a transition metal, more specifically, one of Fe, Mn, Co, and Ni, M' is one of Al, Mg, and Ti, X is one of F, S, and N, -0.5≤x≤+0.5, 0≤y≤0.5, and 0≤z≤0.1) and may include one of the olivine-based lithium metal phosphates.

[0033] The negative active material may include carbon, such as non-graphitizable carbon, graphitic carbon, etc. The negative active material may include, for example, Li x Fe2O3(0≤x≤1), LixWO2(0≤x≤1), Sn x Me 1-x Me' y O z(Here, Me is any one of Mn, Fe, Pb, and Ge, and Me' is any one of Al, B, P, Si, elements of group 1, 2, and 3 of the periodic table, and halogens, and 0 <x≤1 이고, 1≤y≤3 이며, 1≤z≤8) 등의 금속 복합 산화물을 포함할 수 있다. 음극 활물질은, 예컨대, 리튬 금속, 리튬 합금, 규소계 합금, 및 주석계 합금 중 어느 하나를 포함할 수 있다. 음극 활물질은, 예컨대, SnO, SnO2, PbO, PbO2, Pb2O3, Pb3O4, Sb2O3, Sb2O4, Sb2O5, GeO, GeO2, Bi2O3, Bi2O4및 Bi2O5등의 금속 산화물을 포함할 수 있다. 음극 활물질은, 예컨대, 폴리아세틸렌 등의 도전성 고분자, Li-Co-Ni 계 재료 등을 포함할 수도 있다.

[0034] The conductive material can have conductivity without causing a chemical change in the secondary battery ultimately manufactured. The conductive material may include, for example, graphite such as natural graphite or artificial graphite, carbon black such as acetylene black, Ketjen black, channel black, furnace black, lamp black, and summer black, conductive fibers such as carbon fiber or metal fiber, metal powders such as fluorocarbon, aluminum, and nickel powder, conductive whiskey such as zinc oxide or potassium titanate, conductive metal oxides such as titanium oxide, polyphenylene derivatives, and the like.

[0035] The binder can enhance the bonding between the active material and the conductive material and the bonding strength to the current collector. The binder can include, for example, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinyl alcohol, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), starch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, regenerated cellulose, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, tetrafluoroethylene, polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM), sulfonated EPDM, styrene butylene rubber, fluoroelastomer, various copolymers, and the like.

[0036] The electrode slurry supply tank (110) may be configured to store and supply electrode slurry. The electrode slurry supply tank (110) may include a stirrer configured to stir the electrode slurry. The physical properties of the electrode slurry, such as viscosity, may be maintained by the operation of the stirrer. The electrode slurry supply tank (110) may include an input pipe into which the electrode slurry is input. The input pipe may include, but is not limited to, a metering pipe.

[0037] The first supply pipe (131) can connect the electrode slurry supply tank (110) and the pump (120). The pump (120) can be configured to provide power for the flow and circulation of the electrode slurry in the circulation mode and supply mode of the secondary battery manufacturing facility (100).

[0038] The second supply pipe (133) can connect the pump (120) and the branch pipe (135). The electrode slurry passing through the pump (120) can be delivered to the branch pipe (135) through the second supply pipe (133). The branch pipe (135) can be a 3-way pipe. The branch pipe (135) can be connected to the second and third supply pipes (133, 137) and the return pipe (139). Accordingly, the electrode slurry flowing through the second supply pipe (133) can flow to the third supply pipe (137) or to the return pipe (139).

[0039] A filter may be further installed in the second supply pipe (133). The filter may be configured to remove impurities from the electrode slurry or block a portion of the electrode slurry based on particle size. The operation of the filter may provide reliability and uniformity in the coating process.

[0040] The third supply pipe (137) may be connected to the branch pipe (135). The third supply pipe (137) may be connected to a die coater (150). The die coater (150) may be configured to receive electrode slurry through the third supply pipe (137) and perform a coating process.

[0041] More specifically, a sheet-shaped electrode can be formed by applying an electrode slurry containing an electrode active material on a current collector, drying, and rolling to form an electrode mixture layer. The die coater (150) can be, for example, a slot die. The current collector can be a positive electrode current collector or a negative electrode current collector, and the electrode active material can be a positive electrode active material or a negative electrode active material.

[0042] The thickness of the positive electrode current collector may range from about 3 μm to about 500 μm. The positive electrode current collector may not cause chemical changes in the secondary battery to be ultimately manufactured and may have high conductivity. The positive electrode current collector may include, for example, any one of stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, calcined carbon, and aluminum. The positive electrode current collector may also include stainless steel surface-treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, or the like. The surface of the positive electrode current collector may include a micro-roughened structure to increase the adhesion of the active material. The shape of the positive electrode current collector may include any one of a film, a sheet, a foil, a net, a porous material, a foam, and a non-woven fabric.

[0043] The thickness of the negative electrode current collector may be in the range of about 3 μm to about 500 μm. The negative electrode current collector may not cause chemical changes in the secondary battery to be ultimately manufactured and may have high conductivity. The negative electrode current collector may include any one of copper, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, sintered carbon, and an aluminum-cadmium alloy. The negative electrode current collector may also include stainless steel surface-treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, etc. The surface of the negative electrode current collector may include a micro-roughened structure to increase the adhesion of the active material. The shape of the negative electrode current collector may include any one of a film, a sheet, a foil, a net, a porous material, a foam, and a non-woven fabric.

[0044] The return pipe (139) can be connected to the branch pipe (135). The return pipe (139) can be connected to the electrode slurry supply tank (110). Accordingly, when the secondary battery manufacturing facility is in return mode, the electrode slurry can be circulated through the supply pipes (131, 133) and the return pipe (139), and thus, deterioration of the characteristics of the electrode slurry can be prevented.

[0045] According to exemplary embodiments, the length of the return pipe (139) may be different from the length of the third supply pipe (137). According to exemplary embodiments, the length of the return pipe (139) may be shorter than the length of the third supply pipe (137).

[0046] According to exemplary embodiments, the length of the return pipe (139) may be less than or equal to about 90% of the length of the third supply pipe (137). According to exemplary embodiments, the length of the return pipe (139) may be less than or equal to about 80% of the length of the third supply pipe (137). According to exemplary embodiments, the length of the return pipe (139) may be less than or equal to about 70% of the length of the third supply pipe (137). According to exemplary embodiments, the length of the return pipe (139) may be less than or equal to about 60% of the length of the third supply pipe (137). According to exemplary embodiments, the length of the return pipe (139) may be less than or equal to about 50% of the length of the third supply pipe (137). According to exemplary embodiments, the length of the return pipe (139) may be less than or equal to about 40% of the length of the third supply pipe (137). According to exemplary embodiments, the length of the return pipe (139) may be less than or equal to about 30% of the length of the third supply pipe (137). According to exemplary embodiments, the length of the return pipe (139) may be less than or equal to about 20% of the length of the third supply pipe (137). According to exemplary embodiments, the length of the return pipe (139) may be less than or equal to about 10% of the length of the third supply pipe (137).

[0047] According to exemplary embodiments, the sum of the length of the first supply pipe (131) and the length of the second supply pipe (133) may be different from the length of the third supply pipe (137). According to exemplary embodiments, the sum of the length of the first supply pipe (131) and the length of the second supply pipe (133) may be shorter than the length of the third supply pipe (137). According to exemplary embodiments, the sum of the length of the first supply pipe (131) and the length of the second supply pipe (133) may be 50% or less of the length of the third supply pipe (137).

[0048] According to exemplary embodiments, the sum of the length of the first supply pipe (131) and the length of the second supply pipe (133) may be less than or equal to about 90% of the length of the third supply pipe (137). According to exemplary embodiments, the sum of the length of the first supply pipe (131) and the length of the second supply pipe (133) may be less than or equal to about 80% of the length of the third supply pipe (137). According to exemplary embodiments, the sum of the length of the first supply pipe (131) and the length of the second supply pipe (133) may be less than or equal to about 70% of the length of the third supply pipe (137). According to exemplary embodiments, the sum of the length of the first supply pipe (131) and the length of the second supply pipe (133) may be less than or equal to about 60% of the length of the third supply pipe (137). According to exemplary embodiments, the sum of the length of the first supply pipe (131) and the length of the second supply pipe (133) may be less than or equal to about 50% of the length of the third supply pipe (137). According to exemplary embodiments, the sum of the length of the first supply pipe (131) and the length of the second supply pipe (133) may be less than or equal to about 40% of the length of the third supply pipe (137). According to exemplary embodiments, the sum of the length of the first supply pipe (131) and the length of the second supply pipe (133) may be less than or equal to about 30% of the length of the third supply pipe (137). According to exemplary embodiments, the sum of the length of the first supply pipe (131) and the length of the second supply pipe (133) may be less than or equal to about 20% of the length of the third supply pipe (137). According to exemplary embodiments, the sum of the length of the first supply pipe (131) and the length of the second supply pipe (133) may be less than or equal to about 10% of the length of the third supply pipe (137).

[0049] According to exemplary embodiments, the distance between the branch pipe (135) and the electrode slurry supply tank (110) may be different from the distance between the branch pipe (135) and the die coater (150). According to exemplary embodiments, the distance between the branch pipe (135) and the electrode slurry supply tank (110) may be shorter than the distance between the branch pipe (135) and the die coater (150).

[0050] According to exemplary embodiments, the distance between the branch pipe (135) and the electrode slurry supply tank (110) may be less than or equal to about 90% of the distance between the branch pipe (135) and the die coater (150). According to exemplary embodiments, the distance between the branch pipe (135) and the electrode slurry supply tank (110) may be less than or equal to about 80% of the distance between the branch pipe (135) and the die coater (150). According to exemplary embodiments, the distance between the branch pipe (135) and the electrode slurry supply tank (110) may be less than or equal to about 70% of the distance between the branch pipe (135) and the die coater (150). According to exemplary embodiments, the distance between the branch pipe (135) and the electrode slurry supply tank (110) may be less than or equal to about 60% of the distance between the branch pipe (135) and the die coater (150). According to exemplary embodiments, the distance between the branch pipe (135) and the electrode slurry supply tank (110) may be less than or equal to about 50% of the distance between the branch pipe (135) and the die coater (150). According to exemplary embodiments, the distance between the branch pipe (135) and the electrode slurry supply tank (110) may be less than or equal to about 40% of the distance between the branch pipe (135) and the die coater (150). According to exemplary embodiments, the distance between the branch pipe (135) and the electrode slurry supply tank (110) may be less than or equal to about 30% of the distance between the branch pipe (135) and the die coater (150). According to exemplary embodiments, the distance between the branch pipe (135) and the electrode slurry supply tank (110) may be less than or equal to about 20% of the distance between the branch pipe (135) and the die coater (150). According to exemplary embodiments, the distance between the branch pipe (135) and the electrode slurry supply tank (110) may be less than or equal to about 10% of the distance between the branch pipe (135) and the die coater (150).

[0051] A pressure gauge may be installed in the third supply pipe (137). The pressure gauge may be installed in the third supply pipe (137). The pressure gauge may be configured to measure the pressure within the third supply pipe (137). The pressure gauge may be adjacent to the die coater (150). Accordingly, the pressure of the portion of the third supply pipe (137) adjacent to the die coater (150) may be monitored, and a pressure similar to the pressure applied to the die coater (150) may be monitored, thereby improving the reliability of the pressure-based supply control.

[0052] According to exemplary embodiments, the length of the third supply pipe (137) between the pressure gauge and the die coater (150) may be different from the length of the third supply pipe (137) between the pressure gauge and the branch pipe (133). According to exemplary embodiments, the length of the third supply pipe (137) between the pressure gauge and the die coater (150) may be greater than the length of the third supply pipe (137) between the pressure gauge and the branch pipe (133).

[0053] The pressure gauge may be a seamless pressure gauge. A seamless pressure gauge may have a seal and gauge that are welded or otherwise processed, thereby preventing or mitigating fluid leakage. The pressure gauge may be configured to transmit measured pressure to the controller (160) based on wireless communication, but is not limited thereto. A communication line may also be installed to transmit pressure data between the pressure gauge and the controller (160).

[0054] The pressure gauge may be configured to operate based on a preset monitoring cycle. The pressure gauge may be configured to measure the pressure in the third supply pipe (137) each time a monitoring cycle occurs and transmit the measured pressure to the controller.

[0055] The supply valve (141) may be configured to allow or block the flow of electrode slurry from the third supply pipe (137) to the die coater (150). The supply valve (141) may be an electronic valve. The supply valve (141) may operate based on a control signal from the controller (160). The supply valve (141) may be turned on or off based on the control signal from the controller (160).

[0056] The return valve (143) may be configured to allow or block the flow of electrode slurry from the return pipe (137) to the electrode slurry supply tank (110). The return valve (143) may be an electronic valve. The return valve (143) may operate based on a control signal from the controller (160). The return valve (143) may be turned on or off based on the control signal from the controller (160).

[0057] The secondary battery manufacturing facility (100) may be in supply mode or in circulation mode. The secondary battery manufacturing facility (100) may switch from supply mode to circulation mode, or from circulation mode to supply mode, based on the turn-on and turn-off operations of the supply valve (141) and the return valve (143).

[0058] In the supply mode of the secondary battery manufacturing facility (100), the supply valve (141) can allow the flow of electrode slurry through the third supply pipe (137), and the return valve (143) can block the flow of electrode slurry through the return pipe (137). Accordingly, a supply path of electrode slurry including an electrode slurry supply tank (110), a first supply pipe (131), a pump (120), a second supply pipe (133), a branch pipe (135), a third supply pipe (137), and a die coater can be provided.

[0059] In the circulation mode of the secondary battery manufacturing facility (100), the supply valve (141) can block the flow of electrode slurry through the third supply pipe (137), and the return valve (143) can allow the flow of electrode slurry through the return pipe (137). Accordingly, a circulation path of electrode slurry can be provided, including the electrode slurry supply tank (110), the first supply pipe (131), the pump (120), the second supply pipe (133), the branch pipe (135), and the circulation pipe (135).

[0060] In order for the secondary battery manufacturing facility (100) to switch from supply mode to circulation mode, the supply valve (141) may be turned off and the circulation valve (143) may be turned on. In order for the secondary battery manufacturing facility (100) to switch from circulation mode to supply mode, the supply valve (141) may be turned on and the circulation valve (143) may be turned off.

[0061] The controller (160) may be configured to generate signals for controlling various elements of the secondary battery manufacturing facility (100), including the supply valve (141) and the circulation valve (143), based on a user's operation or a predetermined recipe. The controller (160) may be configured to receive pressure data measured by a pressure gauge. The controller (160) may be configured to generate signals for controlling the supply valve (141) based on the pressure data.

[0062] The controller (160) may be a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). A PLC is a specialized type of microprocessor-based controller that uses programmable memory to store commands and implement functions such as logic, sequencing, timing, counting, and arithmetic to control machines and processes. PLCs are easy to operate and program.

[0063] The controller (160) may include a power supply, a central processing unit (CPU), an input interface, an output interface, a communication interface, and memory devices. The power supply may be configured to supply power to other elements of the controller, such as the CPU, the input interface, the output interface, the communication interface, and the memory devices, for the operation of the controller. The memory devices may include a read-only memory (ROM) configured to store a system program, such as an operating system, and a random access memory (RAM) configured to store data, such as user programs and status information of input and output devices, timers, counters, and other internal device values. The CPU may be configured to control communication between modules that implement logic and convert input signals into output operation signals. The CPU may operate based on the system program and the user program stored in the memory devices. The CPU may be configured to write or read inspection data and measurement data to the data area of ​​the memory devices based on the system program and the user program. Conditions or data of industrial devices and production processes may be transmitted to the CPU through the input module. The results processed by the CPU can be transmitted to the actuator via an output module. The communication interface can be configured to relay data transmission and reception between the controller and other network elements.

[0064] However, the controller (160) is not limited thereto, and may include any one of a simple controller, a complex processor such as a microprocessor, a CPU, a GPU, a processor configured by software, dedicated hardware, and firmware. The controller may be implemented by, for example, a general-purpose computer or application-specific hardware such as a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0065]

[0066] (Example 2)

[0067] FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to exemplary embodiments.

[0068] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, at P110, the return valve (143) can be turned off. The controller (160) can be configured to generate a first signal for turning off the return valve (143) and transmit the first signal to the return valve (143). The return valve (143) can receive the first signal and be turned off based on the first signal.

[0069] Next, at P120, the supply valve (141) can be turned on. The controller (160) can be configured to generate a second signal for turning on the return valve (143) and transmit the second signal to the supply valve (141). The supply valve (141) can receive the second signal and be turned on based on the second signal. Accordingly, the secondary battery manufacturing facility (100) can be in supply mode.

[0070] According to exemplary embodiments, in the supply mode of the secondary battery manufacturing facility (100), the electrode slurry inside the return pipe (139) may be in a stationary state. Typically, the coating process by the secondary battery manufacturing facility (100) is a continuous process that continues for a long period of time. Accordingly, agglomeration and sedimentation may occur in the electrode slurry inside the return pipe (139) that does not flow for a long period of time in the supply mode.

[0071] Coagulation in electrode slurries refers to the process by which solid particles within the slurry combine to form larger particles or clumps. Coagulation in electrode slurries occurs through physical and chemical interactions between active material particles. Sedimentation in electrode slurries occurs when solid particles within the slurry gradually sink due to gravity, separating the solvent and active material. Coagulation and sedimentation degrade the quality of electrode slurries and are therefore key management factors in the coating process.

[0072] The secondary battery manufacturing facility (100) according to exemplary embodiments can have a shorter return pipe (139) length than the supply pipe (137), thereby improving the yield and reliability of the coating process while reducing the amount of wasted electrode slurry.

[0073]

[0074] The present invention has been described in more detail through drawings and examples. However, the configurations described in the drawings or examples described in this specification are merely embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modified examples may exist as of the time of this application.

Claims

1. An electrode slurry supply tank configured to accommodate electrode slurry; A pump configured to move slurry within the electrode slurry supply tank; A die coater configured to apply the above electrode slurry to an electrode current collector; A first supply pipe connecting the electrode slurry supply tank and the pump; A second supply pipe connecting the above pump and the branch pipe; A third supply pipe connecting the above branch pipe and the die coater; A return pipe connecting the branch pipe and the electrode slurry supply tank; a supply valve installed in the third supply pipe; and Including a return valve installed in the above return pipe, A secondary battery manufacturing facility, characterized in that the sum of the length of the first supply pipe and the length of the second supply pipe is different from the length of the third supply pipe.

2. In paragraph 2, A secondary battery manufacturing facility, characterized in that the sum of the length of the first supply pipe and the length of the second supply pipe is shorter than the length of the third supply pipe.

3. In paragraph 2, A secondary battery manufacturing facility, characterized in that the sum of the length of the first supply pipe and the length of the second supply pipe is 50% or less of the length of the third supply pipe.

4. An electrode slurry supply tank configured to accommodate electrode slurry; A pump configured to move slurry within the electrode slurry supply tank; A die coater configured to apply the above electrode slurry to an electrode current collector; A first supply pipe connecting the electrode slurry supply tank and the pump; A second supply pipe connecting the above pump and the branch pipe; A third supply pipe connecting the above branch pipe and the die coater; A return pipe connecting the branch pipe and the electrode slurry supply tank; a supply valve installed in the third supply pipe; and Including a return valve installed in the above return pipe, A secondary battery manufacturing facility, characterized in that the length of the return pipe is different from the length of the third supply pipe.

5. In paragraph 4, A secondary battery manufacturing facility, characterized in that the length of the return pipe is shorter than the length of the third supply pipe.

6. In paragraph 4, A secondary battery manufacturing facility, characterized in that the length of the return pipe is less than or equal to 50% of the length of the third supply pipe.

7. An electrode slurry supply tank configured to accommodate electrode slurry; A pump configured to move slurry within the electrode slurry supply tank; A die coater configured to apply the above electrode slurry to an electrode current collector; A first supply pipe connecting the electrode slurry supply tank and the pump; A second supply pipe connecting the above pump and the branch pipe; A third supply pipe connecting the above branch pipe and the die coater; A return pipe connecting the branch pipe and the electrode slurry supply tank; a supply valve installed in the third supply pipe; and Including a return valve installed in the above return pipe, A secondary battery manufacturing facility, characterized in that the distance between the branch pipe and the electrode slurry supply tank is different from the distance between the branch pipe and the die coater.

8. In paragraph 7, A secondary battery manufacturing facility, characterized in that the distance between the branch pipe and the electrode slurry supply tank is shorter than the distance between the branch pipe and the die coater.

9. In paragraph 7, A secondary battery manufacturing facility, characterized in that the distance between the branch pipe and the electrode slurry supply tank is 50% or less of the distance between the branch pipe and the die coater.

10. A step of turning off the return valve installed in the return pipe connecting the branch pipe and the electrode slurry supply tank; and Including a step of turning on a supply valve installed in a supply pipe connecting the above branch pipe and the die coater, A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, characterized in that the length of the return pipe is different from the length of the supply pipe.

11. In paragraph 10, A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, characterized in that the length of the return pipe is shorter than the length of the supply pipe.

12. In paragraph 10, A method for manufacturing a secondary battery, characterized in that the length of the return pipe is less than 50% of the length of the supply pipe.

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