Hopper and apparatus for manufacturing electrode sheet

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hopper, comprising: a main accommodation body comprising a main accommodation portion providing a main space in which powder can be accommodated, a main discharge portion which is provided at one side of the main accommodation portion so that the powder in the main space can be discharged toward pressing rollers, and a main inlet portion which is provided at the other side of the main accommodation portion so that powder from outside can enter the main space; and a sub-accommodation body comprising a sub-accommodation portion providing a sub-space connected to the main space, and a sub-discharge portion provided at one side of the sub-accommodation portion so that powder in the sub-space can be discharged toward the pressing rollers, wherein the main space may have a cross-sectional area different from the sub-space, on the basis of a plane perpendicular to a powder flow direction in which the powder flows from the main accommodation portion to the main discharge portion.

Description

Hopper and electrode sheet manufacturing device

[0001] Cross-citation with related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0081361, dated June 21, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Technology field

[0004] The present invention relates to a hopper and an electrode sheet manufacturing device including the hopper, and more specifically, to a hopper for manufacturing an electrode sheet and an electrode sheet manufacturing device.

[0005] Secondary batteries have been applied to small fields such as mobile devices and laptop computers, but recently, their research direction has expanded to medium and large fields, and they are widely used in fields requiring high voltage and large capacity, such as energy storage systems (ESS) and electric vehicles (EV).

[0006] Recently, dry electrodes have emerged as a popular type of electrode used in these secondary batteries. Dry electrodes are manufactured by compressing a powder containing carbon materials, binders, and electrode active materials into a film, which is then attached to a foil-shaped current collector.

[0007] Typically, dry electrodes are manufactured using a manufacturing device comprising a hopper for receiving powder and a pair of pressure rollers that receive the powder from the hopper and perform a molding process. The powder is fed between the pair of pressure rollers (i.e., the gap) and pressed and molded into a film shape having a predetermined width in the axial direction of the pressure rollers.

[0008] However, electrode sheets manufactured using conventional manufacturing equipment have a problem of non-uniform properties in the width direction. For example, the electrode sheets have a problem of non-uniform thickness in the width direction, or non-uniform density.

[0009] The present invention has been devised to solve the above problems, and the object of the present invention is to provide a hopper and electrode sheet manufacturing device capable of manufacturing a high-quality electrode sheet having uniform characteristics in the width direction.

[0010] 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.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, a hopper is provided, including a main receiving portion providing a main space in which powder can be received, a main discharge portion provided on one side of the main receiving portion so that powder in the main space can be discharged toward a pressure roller, and a main input portion provided on the other side of the main receiving portion so that external powder can enter the main space; and a sub receiving portion including a sub receiving portion providing a sub space connected to the main space, and a sub discharge portion provided on one side of the sub receiving portion so that powder in the sub space can be discharged toward a pressure roller, wherein the main space has a different cross-sectional area from the sub space based on a plane perpendicular to a powder flow direction in which powder flows from the main receiving portion toward the main discharge portion.

[0012] At this time, the main space may have a wider width than the sub space.

[0013] At this time, the sub-receptors are configured as a pair, and the pair of sub-receptors can be arranged with the main receptor in between.

[0014] At this time, the direction perpendicular to the width direction of the main space is defined as the length direction, and the sub-receptor can be located on one side of the length direction of the main receptor.

[0015] At this time, the main receiving portion may include a pair of main side walls spaced apart in the width direction with the main space between them.

[0016] At this time, the width of the sub-space may decrease as it moves away from the main space.

[0017] At this time, the sub-exhaust unit can be connected to the main exhaust unit.

[0018] At this time, the sub-receptor may further include a sub-injection unit provided on the other side of the sub-receptor so that external powder can enter the sub-space.

[0019] At this time, the sub-input unit can be connected to the main input unit.

[0020] At this time, a connection receptor including a connection receiving portion that provides a connection space for connecting the main space and the sub space is further included, and the connection space may have a width that decreases as it goes from the main space toward the sub space.

[0021] At this time, the sub-space may have a uniform width in a direction away from the main space.

[0022] At this time, the main space may have a uniform width in the direction from the main space toward the sub space.

[0023] At this time, the connection receptor may further include a connection input portion provided on one side of the connection receptor so that the powder in the connection space can be discharged toward the pressure roller.

[0024] At this time, the connection receptor may further include a connection input portion provided on the other side of the connection receptor so that external powder can enter the connection space.

[0025] At this time, the inner wall of the sub-space may be inclined toward the main space in the direction of the powder flow.

[0026] At this time, the sub-receiving portion includes a pair of sub-side walls spaced apart from the main space; and an inclined plate provided between the pair of sub-side walls to divide the main space and the outside, and the inclined plate may be arranged to be inclined toward the main space as it increases in the powder flow direction.

[0027] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electrode sheet manufacturing device comprising: a pair of pressure rollers configured to pressurize and mold introduced powder; and a hopper for receiving powder introduced between the pair of pressure rollers, wherein the hopper comprises: a main receiving portion providing a main space in which powder can be received; a main discharge portion provided on one side of the main receiving portion so that powder in the main space can be discharged toward the pressure rollers; and a main input portion provided on the other side of the main receiving portion so that external powder can enter the main space; and a sub receiving portion providing a sub space connected to the main space, and a sub input portion provided on one side of the sub receiving portion so that powder in the sub space can be discharged toward the pressure rollers, wherein, based on a plane perpendicular to a powder flow direction in which powder flows from the main receiving portion toward the main discharge portion, the main space has a different cross-sectional area from the sub space.

[0028] According to one aspect of the present invention, since the main space and sub-space of the hopper, which receive powder and supply it to the press rollers, have different cross-sectional areas, the amount of powder fed along the longitudinal direction through the gap formed between the press rollers can be controlled. This allows for the production of high-quality electrode sheets having uniform properties in the width direction.

[0029] 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.

[0030] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an electrode sheet manufacturing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above. At this time, the pressure roller is indicated by a dotted line.

[0031] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the hopper of the electrode sheet manufacturing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below.

[0032] Figure 3 is a plan view of the hopper illustrated in Figure 2.

[0033] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the hopper of the electrode sheet manufacturing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above.

[0034] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the hopper illustrated in Figure 4 viewed from below.

[0035] Figure 6 is a plan view of the hopper illustrated in Figure 4.

[0036] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the hopper of the electrode sheet manufacturing device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above.

[0037] Figure 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of an electrode sheet manufacturing device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Here, the pressure roller is indicated by a dotted line.

[0038] Figure 9 is a plan view of the inclined plate illustrated in Figure 7.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an electrode sheet manufacturing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above. At this time, the pressure roller is indicated by a dotted line. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a hopper of an electrode sheet manufacturing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below. Fig. 3 is a plan view of the hopper illustrated in Fig. 2.

[0043] Figures 1 to 3 disclose an electrode sheet manufacturing device (hereinafter, referred to as a manufacturing device) (1) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The manufacturing device (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may be a device for manufacturing a film-shaped electrode sheet by compression molding a powder.

[0044] At this time, the powder may be a slurry in which a powder-type electrode active material, binder, conductive material, etc. are mixed, and the electrode sheet may be an electrode sheet for manufacturing a dry electrode, but the types of the powder and / or electrode sheet are not limited thereto.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 1, a manufacturing device (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a pressure roller (10). The pressure roller (10) may be configured to pressurize powder and press-form it into a film shape.

[0046] The pressure roller (10) may extend in one direction. For example, the pressure roller (10) may extend in the left-right direction (Y-axis direction) as illustrated. Of course, the pressure roller (10) may also have a stepped or curved shape at one portion.

[0047] In this embodiment, the pressure rollers (10) may be configured as a pair. Furthermore, the pair of pressure rollers (10) may be arranged parallel to each other. A predetermined space may be formed between the pair of pressure rollers (10). Hereinafter, the space is referred to as a roller gap.

[0048] In this embodiment, the roller gap may be provided as a narrow gap (or slit-shaped space) formed between a pair of pressure rollers (10). The roller gap may extend in a direction parallel to the pressure rollers (10).

[0049] When powder is supplied to one side of the roller gap and a pair of pressure rollers (10) rotate in opposite directions, the powder in the roller gap is pressed and formed into a film shape and can be discharged to the other side.

[0050] Hereinafter, the present embodiment will be described assuming that powder is supplied to the upper side of the roller gap (positive direction of the Z-axis) and is compressed and formed and discharged to the lower side of the roller gap (positive direction of the Z-axis). This direction of powder flow is referred to as the powder flow direction.

[0051] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the powder flow direction is described as being from the top to the bottom. However, the powder flow direction may be appropriately modified depending on the arrangement of the pressure roller (10) and the shape and arrangement of the hopper (20) described below.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a manufacturing device (1) according to a first embodiment of the present invention may include a hopper (20). The hopper (20) may be configured to accommodate powder therein and supply the powder to the gap of the pressure roller (10) described above. To this end, the hopper (20) may have a body shape with a predetermined space therein and an open side toward the pressure roller (10).

[0053] In this embodiment, the hopper (20) can be placed above the pressure roller (10). The hopper (20) can supply the powder to the gap of the pressure roller (10) by discharging the powder contained therein downward.

[0054] In the present embodiment, the hopper (20) may include a main receptor (30). The main receptor (30) may be a receptor for supplying powder to the central portion of the roller gap. The powder supplied from the main receptor (30) to the pressure roller (10) may form the central portion of the electrode sheet. Here, the central portion may refer to a portion that is relatively centrally located with respect to the left-right direction (Y-axis direction), which is the longitudinal direction of the roller gap.

[0055] In this embodiment, the main receiver (30) may include a main receiving portion (32) having a main space (S1) therein. The main space (S1) may be a predetermined space located above the central portion of the roller gap. Powder may be received in the main space (S1).

[0056] To this end, the main receiving portion (32) may be formed of a pair of main side walls for partitioning the main space (S1) from the outside. The pair of main side walls may be arranged at a predetermined distance in the width direction (X-axis direction) of the main space (S1) with the main space (S1) interposed therebetween. The pair of main side walls may extend parallel to the length direction of the roller gap.

[0057] At this time, in the present embodiment, the main space (S1) may have a uniform width (W1) in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the roller gap. Here, the width direction (X-axis direction) of the space may be defined in a direction perpendicular to both the powder flow direction (Z-axis direction) and the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the roller gap. For this purpose, a pair of main side walls may be arranged parallel to each other. The width (W1) of the main space (S1) may be appropriately modified as needed.

[0058] Meanwhile, the main receiver (30) of the manufacturing device (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a main discharge portion (34). The main discharge portion (34) may be provided on the lower side of the main receiver (32). The main discharge portion (34) may be opened downward toward the gap of the pressure roller (10). In addition, the main discharge portion (34) may be connected to the main space (S1).

[0059] Due to this, the powders contained in the main space (S1) can be supplied to the central portion of the roller gap through the main discharge portion (34). In the present embodiment, the main discharge portion (34) may be formed by the open lower surface of the main space (S1). However, the shape or position of the main discharge portion (34) is not particularly limited as long as it can supply powder from the main space (S1) toward the pressure roller (10).

[0060] The main receiver (30) of the manufacturing device (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a main input portion (36). The main input portion (36) may be provided on the upper side of the main receiving portion (32). The main input portion (36) may be opened toward the outside of the main receiving portion (32). As illustrated, the main input portion (36) may be opened upward (in the positive direction of the Z-axis). The main input portion (36) may be connected to the main space (S1).

[0061] Due to this, external powder can be supplied and received into the main space (S1). In the present embodiment, the main input portion (36) may be formed as an open upper surface of the main space (S1). However, the shape or position of the main input portion (36) is not particularly limited as long as it can supply external powder into the main space (S1).

[0062] Meanwhile, the hopper (20) of the manufacturing device (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a sub-receptor (40). The sub-receptor (40) may be provided on one side of the main receptacle (30) based on the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the roller gap.

[0063] The sub-receptor (40) may be configured to supply powder to the side portion of the roller gap. The powder supplied from the sub-receptor (40) to the roller gap may form the side portion (edge ​​portion) of the electrode sheet. Here, the side portion may refer to a portion located on one side of the central portion based on the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the roller gap.

[0064] The sub-receptor (40) may include a sub-receptor (42). A sub-space (S2) may be provided inside the sub-receptor (42). The sub-space (S2) may be a predetermined space located on the upper side of the side portion of the roller gap. The sub-space (S2) may be connected to the main space (S1). Powder may be accommodated in the sub-space (S2).

[0065] At this time, the main space (S1) and the sub space (S2) may have different cross-sectional areas based on a plane (a plane including the X-axis and the Y-axis) perpendicular to the up-down direction (Z-axis direction) which is the powder flow direction. In the present embodiment, the plane is the same as a horizontal plane, and therefore, the plane is referred to as a horizontal plane in the following. However, in other embodiments or modified examples, the plane may be defined differently depending on the powder flow direction.

[0066] In the present embodiment, the sub-space (S2) may have a smaller cross-sectional area than the main space (S1). More specifically, the sub-space (S2) may have a width (W2) that becomes narrower as it moves away from the main space (S1). In this case, the direction away from the main space (S1) may be parallel to the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the roller gap.

[0067] To be more specific, the sub-space (S2) may have a trapezoidal shape with a long side and a short side. In this case, the long side may be the side connected to the main space (S1), and the short side may be the side located away from the main space (S1).

[0068] This configuration may be intended to ensure that the electrode sheet being pressed and molded by the pressure roller (10) has uniform characteristics in the width direction by controlling the amount of powder introduced into the roller gap. At this time, the width direction of the electrode sheet may be the same as the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the roller gap.

[0069] To be more specific, the roller gap may be narrower at the side than at the center, or may receive more force from the pressure roller (10). This may be because the pressure roller (10) undergoes a certain deformation as the manufacturing device (1) is operated. The deformation may be bending or wear due to the process force.

[0070] Due to these differences, the central and side portions of the electrode sheet may have different physical properties. For example, the central portion of the electrode sheet may be excessively thicker or have an excessively lower density than the side portions. These deviations in properties can degrade the quality of the electrode sheet.

[0071] In the present embodiment, since the sub-space (S2) for supplying powder to the side portion has a smaller area than the main space (S1) for supplying powder to the central portion of the roller gap, the amount of powder supplied to the side portion of the roller gap may be less than that supplied to the central portion. Through this, the manufacturing device (1) according to the present embodiment can manufacture a high-quality electrode sheet having more uniform physical properties in the width direction.

[0072] In order to form such a sub-space (S2), the sub-accommodation (42) according to the present embodiment may include a pair of sub-side walls arranged at a predetermined distance in the direction of the width (W2) of the sub-space (S2) with the sub-space (S2) interposed therebetween.

[0073] The sub-space (S2) can be partitioned from the outside by a pair of sub-side walls. In this case, the pair of sub-side walls can be connected to the pair of main side walls described above, respectively. The pair of sub-side walls can be parallel to each other.

[0074]

[0075] In addition, the sub-accommodating portion (42) may further include a shape control member for forming the shape of the sub-space (S2). In the present embodiment, the shape control member is provided as a triangular prism-shaped member whose thickness increases as it goes outward from the main space (S1). The shape control members may be provided in pairs, and may be respectively placed on the inner surfaces of a pair of sub-side walls.

[0076] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the shape of the sub-space (S2) has been described as being controlled by the sub-side walls and the shape control member. However, it is also possible to control the shape of the sub-space (S2) by arranging a pair of sub-side walls at an angle without including a separate shape control member.

[0077] Referring again to FIGS. 1 to 3, the sub-receptacle (40) of the manufacturing device (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a sub-discharge portion (44). The sub-discharge portion (44) may be provided on the lower side of the sub-receptacle (42). The sub-discharge portion (44) may be opened downward toward the gap of the pressure roller (10). The sub-discharge portion (44) may be connected to the sub-space (S2). The sub-discharge portion (44) may also be connected to the main discharge portion (34).

[0078] Due to this, the powders contained in the sub-space (S2) can be supplied to the side portion of the roller gap through the sub-discharge portion (44). In the present embodiment, the sub-discharge portion (44) may be formed by the open lower surface of the sub-space (S2). However, the shape or position of the sub-discharge portion (44) is not particularly limited as long as it can supply the powder from the sub-space (S2) toward the pressure roller (10).

[0079] The sub-receptacle (40) of the manufacturing device (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a sub-input section (46). The sub-input section (46) may be provided on the upper side of the sub-receptacle (42). The sub-input section (46) may be opened toward the outside of the sub-receptacle (42). As illustrated, the sub-input section (46) may be opened upward (in the positive direction of the Z-axis). The sub-input section (46) may be connected to the sub-space (S2). The sub-input section (46) may also be connected to the main input section (36).

[0080] Due to this, external powder can be supplied and received into the sub-space (S2). In the present embodiment, the sub-input section (46) may be formed by the open upper surface of the sub-space (S2). However, the shape or position of the sub-input section (46) is not particularly limited as long as it can supply external powder into the sub-space (S2).

[0081] Meanwhile, referring again to FIG. 3, the sub-receptacles (40) of the hopper (20) of the manufacturing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention may be configured as a pair. Furthermore, the pair of sub-receptacles (40) may be arranged with the main receptacle (30) interposed therebetween. At this time, the pair of sub-receptacles (40) may be arranged in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the roller gap.

[0082] Accordingly, the amount of powder injected into both side portions of the roller gap can be controlled. Accordingly, the electrode sheet formed by compression using the manufacturing device according to the present embodiment can have uniform characteristics in both side portions (or both edge portions) and the central portion.

[0083] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the sub-space (S2) has been described as having a trapezoidal cross-section relative to the horizontal plane. However, the shape of the sub-space (S2) is not particularly limited as long as a smaller amount of powder can be injected into the side portions of the roller gap than into the central portion. For example, the sub-space (S2) may have a semicircular or semi-elliptical shape.

[0084] In addition, in this embodiment, the main space (S1) has been described as having a larger cross-sectional area relative to the horizontal plane than the sub-space (S2). However, it may also be possible to configure the sub-space (S2) to have a larger cross-sectional area than the main space (S1) as needed.

[0085] Below, a manufacturing device according to another embodiment of the present invention is described using different drawings.

[0086] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the hopper of the electrode sheet manufacturing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the hopper illustrated in Fig. 4, viewed from below. Fig. 6 is a plan view of the hopper illustrated in Fig. 4. Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the hopper of the electrode sheet manufacturing device according to the third embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above. Fig. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the electrode sheet manufacturing device according to the third embodiment of the present invention. At this time, the pressure roller is indicated by a dotted line. Fig. 9 is a plan view of the inclined plate illustrated in Fig. 7.

[0087] FIGS. 4 to 6 illustrate a hopper (120) of a manufacturing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, the hopper (120) according to the second embodiment of the present invention may include a main container (30). At this time, the main container (30) of the hopper (120) according to the present embodiment may be configured in the same manner as the main container of the hopper according to the first embodiment described above.

[0088] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the hopper (120) may include a sub-receptor (140). The sub-receptor (140) may be provided on one side of the main receptacle (30) based on the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the roller gap. The sub-receptor (140) may be configured to supply powder to the side portion of the roller gap. This powder may form the side portion (edge ​​portion) of the electrode sheet.

[0089] At this time, in the present embodiment, the sub-receptor (140) may include a sub-receptor (142). A sub-space (S2) may be provided inside the sub-receptor (142). The sub-space (S2) may be a predetermined space located on the upper side of the side portion of the roller gap. The sub-space (S2) may be connected to the main space (S1) via a connection space (S3) described later. Powder may be accommodated in the sub-space (S2).

[0090] In the present embodiment, the sub-space (S2) may have a uniform width based on the longitudinal direction of the roller gap. At this time, the sub-space (S2) may have a narrower cross-sectional area than the main space (S1) based on the horizontal plane. To this end, the width (W2) of the sub-space (S2) may be smaller than the width (W1) of the main space (S1). This may be to ensure that the side portion of the roller gap receives a smaller amount of powder than the central portion, thereby allowing the electrode sheet to have more uniform characteristics in the width direction.

[0091] In order to form such a sub-space (S2), the sub-receptacle (142) may include a pair of sub-side walls arranged at a predetermined distance in the width (W2) direction of the sub-space (S2) with the sub-space (S2) interposed therebetween. At this time, the sub-side walls may be connected to the main side walls of the main receptor (30) via the connecting side walls of the connecting receptor (150) described later. The pair of sub-side walls may be parallel to each other.

[0092] In addition, the sub-accommodating portion (142) may further include a sub-space-side shape control member for forming the shape of the sub-space (S2). In the present embodiment, the sub-space-side shape control member may be provided as a block-shaped member having a uniform width (or thickness) in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the roller gap. The sub-space-side shape control members may be provided in pairs, and may be respectively arranged on the inner surfaces of a pair of sub-side walls.

[0093] Referring again to FIGS. 4 to 6, the sub-receptacle (140) of the manufacturing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention may include a sub-discharge portion (144). The sub-discharge portion (144) may be provided on the lower side of the sub-receptacle (142). The sub-discharge portion (144) may be opened downward toward the gap of the pressure roller. The sub-discharge portion (144) may be connected to the sub-space (S2). The sub-discharge portion (144) may also be connected to the main discharge portion (34) via a connecting discharge portion (154) described below.

[0094] Due to this, the powders contained in the sub-space (S2) can be supplied to the side portion of the roller gap through the sub-discharge portion (144). In the present embodiment, the sub-discharge portion (144) may be formed by the open lower surface of the sub-space (S2). However, the shape or position of the sub-discharge portion (144) is not particularly limited as long as it can supply powders from the sub-space (S2) to the pressure roller side.

[0095] The sub-receptacle (140) of the manufacturing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention may include a sub-input section (146). The sub-input section (146) may be provided on the upper side of the sub-receptacle (142). The sub-input section (146) may be opened toward the outside of the sub-receptacle (142). As illustrated, the sub-input section (146) may be opened upward (in the positive direction of the Z-axis). The sub-input section (146) may be connected to the sub-space (S2). The sub-input section (146) may also be connected to the main input section (36) via a connecting input section (156) described later.

[0096] Due to this, external powder can be supplied and received into the sub-space (S2). In the present embodiment, the sub-input section (146) may be formed as an open upper surface of the sub-space (S2). However, the shape or position of the sub-input section (146) is not particularly limited as long as it can supply external powder into the sub-space (S2).

[0097] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, the hopper (120) of the manufacturing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention may include a connection receptor (150). The connection receptor (150) may be provided between the main receptor (30) and the sub-receptor (140) and may be configured to connect the main space (S1) and the sub-space (S2).

[0098] In the present embodiment, the connection receptor (150) may include a connection receiving portion (152). The connection receiving portion (152) may be provided between the main receiving portion (32) and the sub-receiving portion (142). A connection space (S3) may be provided inside the connection receiving portion (152). At this time, the connection space (S3) may connect the main space (S1) and the sub-space (S2). Therefore, the main space (S1) and the sub-space (S2) may be connected via the connection space (S3).

[0099] At this time, the connecting space (S3) may have a shape in which the width (W3) decreases as it goes from the main space (S1) to the sub space (S2). More specifically, the connecting space (S3) may have a trapezoidal shape having a long side and a short side based on the horizontal plane. At this time, the long side may have a length equal to the width (W1) of the main space (S1), and the short side may have a length equal to the width (W2) of the sub space (S2). Through this, the amount of powder flowing from the main space (S1) to the sub space (S2) can be controlled.

[0100] In order to form such a connection space (S3), the connection receiving portion (152) according to the present embodiment may include a pair of connection side walls arranged at a predetermined distance in the direction of the width (W3) of the connection space (S3) with the connection space (S3) interposed therebetween.

[0101] The connection space (S3) can be partitioned from the outside by a pair of connecting side walls. At this time, the connecting side walls can be connected to the aforementioned main side wall and sub-side wall, respectively. Accordingly, the main side wall and the sub-side wall can be connected via the connecting side walls. The pair of connecting side walls can be parallel to each other.

[0102] In addition, the connection receiving portion (152) may further include a connection space-side shape control member for forming the shape of the connection space (S3). In the present embodiment, the connection space-side shape control member is provided as a triangular prism-shaped member whose thickness increases as it goes from the main space (S1) to the sub space (S2).

[0103] The connecting space-side shape control member may be provided in a pair and may be respectively arranged on the inner surface of a pair of connecting side walls. At this time, the connecting space-side shape control member may be connected to or provided as an integral part with the aforementioned sub-space-side shape control member.

[0104] Meanwhile, referring again to FIGS. 4 to 6, the connection receiver (150) of the manufacturing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention may include a connection discharge portion (154). The connection discharge portion (154) may be provided on the lower side of the connection receiving portion (152). The connection discharge portion (154) may be opened downward toward the gap of the pressure roller. The connection discharge portion (154) may be connected to the connection space (S3). The connection discharge portion (154) may also be connected to the main discharge portion (34) or the sub discharge portion (144).

[0105] Due to this, the powders contained in the connecting space (S3) can be supplied to the connecting portion of the roller gap through the connecting discharge portion (154). This configuration allows the amount of powder to be gradually reduced from the central portion to the side portion. Through this, an electrode sheet having more uniform properties in the width direction can be manufactured.

[0106] In this embodiment, the connection discharge portion (154) may be formed as the open bottom surface of the connection space (S3). However, the shape or position of the connection discharge portion (154) is not particularly limited as long as it can supply powder from the connection space (S3) to the pressure roller side.

[0107] Meanwhile, the connection receiver (150) of the manufacturing device according to the second embodiment of the present invention may include a connection input portion (156). The connection input portion (156) may be provided on the upper side of the connection receiving portion (152). The connection input portion (156) may be opened toward the outside of the connection receiving portion (152). As illustrated, the connection input portion (156) may be opened upward (in the positive direction of the Z-axis). The connection input portion (156) may be connected to the connection space (S3). The connection input portion (156) may also be connected to the main input portion (36) or the sub input portion (146).

[0108] Due to this, external powder can be supplied and received into the connection space (S3). In the present embodiment, the connection input portion (156) may be formed as an open upper surface of the connection space (S3). However, the shape or position of the connection input portion (156) is not particularly limited as long as it can supply external powder into the connection space (S3).

[0109] Meanwhile, in the present embodiment, the shapes of the sub-space (S2) and the connection space (S3) have been described as being controlled by the sub-space-side shape control member and the connection space-side shape control member. However, it may also be possible to control the shapes of the sub-space (S2) and the connection space (S3) by not including a separate shape control member, but by having a pair of sub-side walls arranged in parallel and spaced apart by the width (W2) of the sub-space (S2) and a pair of connection side walls arranged at an angle.

[0110] Hereinafter, a hopper of an electrode sheet manufacturing device according to a third embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0111] FIGS. 7 to 9 disclose a hopper (220) of a manufacturing device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, the hopper (220) of the manufacturing device according to the third embodiment of the present invention may include a main container (30). At this time, the main container (30) according to the present embodiment may be configured in the same manner as the main container described in the manufacturing device according to the first embodiment.

[0112] The hopper (220) of the manufacturing device according to the third embodiment of the present invention may include a sub-receptor (240). The sub-receptor (240) may be configured to supply powder to the side portion of the roller gap. This powder may form the side portion (edge ​​portion) of the electrode sheet.

[0113] In the present embodiment, the sub-receptor (240) may include a sub-receptor (242). A sub-space (S2) may be provided inside the sub-receptor (242). The sub-space (S2) may be a predetermined space located on the upper side of the side portion of the roller gap. The sub-space (S2) may be connected to the main space (S1). Powder may be accommodated in the sub-space (S2).

[0114] At this time, the sub-space (S2) may have a smaller cross-sectional area than the main space (S1) based on the horizontal plane. More specifically, the sub-space (S2) may have a shape in which the horizontal cross-sectional area decreases as it goes in the powder flow direction (negative direction of the Z-axis). To this end, among the inner surfaces of the sub-space (S2), the inner surface (243) facing the main space (S1) may be inclined so as to get closer to the main space (S1) as it goes in the powder flow direction.

[0115] In order to provide the shape of the aforementioned sub-space (S2), the sub-receptacle (242) may include a pair of sub-side walls (242b) arranged with the sub-space (S2) interposed therebetween. The pair of sub-side walls (242b) may be parallel to each other. The sub-side walls (242b) may each be connected to the main side walls of the main receptacle (30).

[0116] In addition, the sub-receptacle (242) may include an inclined plate (242b). The inclined plate (242b) may be positioned between a pair of sub-side walls (242b). Accordingly, the inclined plate (242b) may partition the sub-space (S2) from the outside.

[0117] At this time, the inclined plate (242b) may be arranged so that one side faces the main space (S1). In addition, the inclined plate (242b) may be arranged so that it is inclined toward the main space (S1) as it goes downward (in the negative direction of the Z-axis) in the powder flow direction. Accordingly, the one side of the inclined plate (242b) may form the inner surface (243) of the aforementioned sub-space (S2).

[0118] In this way, in this embodiment, since the horizontal cross-section of the sub-space (S2) narrows toward the direction of powder flow, a smaller amount of powder can be supplied to the side portions of the roller gap than to the central portion. This allows for more uniform characteristics to be realized in the width direction of the electrode sheet.

[0119] At this time, in the present embodiment, the lower edge portion of the inclined plate (242b) may include an edge portion (242c) that is concavely curved inward. The edge portion (242c) may have a shape identical to, for example, a portion of an ellipse.

[0120] This edge portion (242c) can be shaped to match the outer circumference of the pressure roller (10). Through this, powder leakage between the edge portion (242c) and the outer circumference of the pressure roller (10) can be minimized.

[0121] At this time, the edge portions (242c) may be configured as a pair. In addition, the pair of edge portions (242c) may be symmetrical with respect to the central portion of the inclined plate (242b). Accordingly, the pair of edge portions (242c) may be shaped to fit the outer periphery of the pair of pressure rollers (10), respectively.

[0122] Meanwhile, referring again to FIG. 7, the sub-receptacles (240) of the hopper (220) of the manufacturing device according to the third embodiment of the present invention may be configured as a pair. Furthermore, the pair of sub-receptacles (240) may be arranged with the main receptacle (30) interposed therebetween. At this time, the pair of sub-receptacles (240) may be arranged in the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the roller gap.

[0123] Accordingly, the amount of powder injected into both side portions of the roller gap can be controlled. Accordingly, the electrode sheet formed by compression using the manufacturing device according to the present embodiment can have uniform characteristics in both side portions (or both edge portions) and the central portion.

[0124] 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.

[0125] [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 1: Electrode sheet manufacturing device

[0127] 10: Pressure roller

[0128] 20, 120, 220: Hopper

[0129] 30: Main receptor

[0130] 40, 140, 240: Sub-receptors

[0131] 150: Connective receptor

[0132] S1: Main space

[0133] S2: Subspace

[0134] S3: Connection space

Claims

1. A main receiving portion that provides a main space in which powder can be received, a main discharge portion provided on one side of the main receiving portion so that the powder in the main space can be discharged toward the pressure roller, and a main input portion provided on the other side of the main receiving portion so that external powder can enter the main space; and It includes a sub-receptor that provides a sub-space connected to the main space and a sub-discharge unit provided on one side of the sub-receptor so that the powder in the sub-space can be directed toward the pressure roller, A hopper in which the main space has a different cross-sectional area from the sub space, based on a plane perpendicular to the direction of powder flow in which powder flows from the main receiving portion to the main discharge portion.

2. In paragraph 1, The above main space is a hopper having a wider width than the above sub space.

3. In paragraph 2, The above sub-receptors are composed of a pair, The above pair of sub-receptors are hoppers arranged with the main receptor between them.

4. In paragraph 2, The direction perpendicular to the width direction of the above main space is defined as the length direction, The above sub-receptor is a hopper located on one longitudinal side of the main receptor.

5. In paragraph 4, The above main receiving section is, A hopper comprising a pair of main side walls spaced apart in the width direction with the main space interposed therebetween.

6. In paragraph 2, The above sub-space is a hopper whose width decreases as it moves away from the main space.

7. In paragraph 2, The above sub-discharge unit is a hopper connected to the above main discharge unit.

8. In paragraph 2, The above sub-receptors are, A hopper further comprising a sub-input section provided on the other side of the sub-receiving section so that external powder can enter the sub-space.

9. In paragraph 8, The above sub-input unit is a hopper connected to the above main input unit.

10. In paragraph 2, Further comprising a connection receptor including a connection receiving portion that provides a connection space for connecting the main space and the sub space, The above connection space is a hopper whose width decreases as it goes from the main space to the sub space.

11. In paragraph 10, The above sub-space is a hopper having a uniform width in a direction away from the main space.

12. In paragraph 10, The above main space is a hopper having a uniform width in the direction from the main space toward the sub space.

13. In paragraph 10, The above connecting receptors are, A hopper further comprising a connection inlet provided on one side of the connection receiving portion so that the powder in the connection space can be discharged toward the pressure roller.

14. In paragraph 10, The above connecting receptors are, A hopper further comprising a connection inlet provided on the other side of the connection receiving portion so that external powder can enter the connection space.

15. In paragraph 1, The inner wall of the above sub-space is a hopper that is inclined toward the main space in the direction of the powder flow.

16. In paragraph 15, The above sub-receptor is, A pair of sub-side walls spaced apart from the main space; and It includes an inclined plate provided between the pair of sub-side walls and dividing the main space and the outside, The above inclined plate is a hopper arranged so as to be inclined toward the main space as it increases in the direction of powder flow.

17. A pair of pressure rollers configured to press and form the powder being injected; and It includes a hopper for receiving powder fed between the pair of pressure rollers, The above hopper, A main receiving portion that provides a main space in which powder can be received, a main discharge portion provided on one side of the main receiving portion so that powder in the main space can be discharged toward the pressure roller, and a main input portion provided on the other side of the main receiving portion so that external powder can enter the main space; and It includes a sub-receptor that provides a sub-space connected to the main space and a sub-input unit provided on one side of the sub-receptor so that the powder in the sub-space can be discharged toward the pressure roller, An electrode sheet manufacturing device, wherein the main space has a different cross-sectional area from the sub space, based on a plane perpendicular to the powder flow direction in which the powder flows from the main receiving portion to the main discharge portion.

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