Electrode grinding device and dry electrode manufacturing device comprising same

Abstract

An electrode grinding device according to the present invention is configured to grind an active material mixture, and comprises: a cyclone configured such that a negative pressure is formed and having a cyclone outlet capable of discharging the ground active material mixture; an intermediate hopper communicating with the cyclone outlet and capable of accommodating the ground active material mixture therein; and a valve configured to open or close the intermediate hopper.

Description

Electrode grinding device and dry electrode manufacturing device including the same

[0001] Cross-citation with related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0015277 filed on February 6, 2025, and all contents disclosed in the document of said Korean Patent Application are incorporated herein as part of this specification.

[0003] Technology field

[0004] The present invention relates to an electrode grinding device and a dry electrode manufacturing device including the same. More specifically, the invention relates to an electrode grinding device configured to prevent clumping of an active material mixture during the process of grinding an active material mixture and a dry electrode manufacturing device including the same.

[0005] Secondary batteries are used not only in small products such as digital cameras, P-DVDs, MP3 players, mobile phones, PDAs, portable game devices, power tools, and E-bikes, but also in large products requiring high output such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, as well as in power storage devices that store surplus power or new and renewable energy and backup power storage devices.

[0006] Typically, a secondary battery is manufactured by applying an electrode active material slurry to a positive electrode current collector and a negative electrode current collector to form an electrode active material layer, then manufacturing a positive electrode and a negative electrode through drying and rolling processes, and then stacking them on both sides of a separator to form an electrode assembly of a predetermined shape, and then housing the electrode assembly in a battery case, injecting an electrolyte, and sealing.

[0007] Meanwhile, during the drying process of the electrode active material slurry, defects such as pinholes or cracks may be induced in the electrode active material layer formed on the current collector as the solvent contained in the slurry evaporates. In addition, since the inner and outer surfaces of the electrode active material slurry are not dried uniformly during the drying process, there is a risk that the electrode quality may deteriorate due to a powder floating phenomenon caused by differences in the solvent evaporation rate, that is, a phenomenon in which powders in the area that dries first rise and form a gap with the area that dries relatively later.

[0008] To solve the above problem, drying devices capable of controlling the evaporation rate of the solvent are being considered so that the inside and outside of the electrode active material slurry can be dried uniformly; however, these drying devices are very expensive and require significant cost and time to operate, which is disadvantageous in terms of manufacturing processability.

[0009] On the other hand, the solvent included in conventional electrode active material slurries is N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), which has a high boiling point and requires high thermal energy and a very long drying oven to dry, making it very unfavorable for mass production. In addition, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) is a toxic substance and is harmful to living organisms, so it has the disadvantage of not being environmentally friendly.

[0010] Therefore, there is a recent trend of active research on dry electrodes that manufacture electrodes without using solvents. The above-mentioned dry electrode is generally manufactured by laminating a free-standing type dry electrode film, which is manufactured in a sheet form and includes an electrode active material, a binder, a conductive material, etc., onto a current collector. This dry electrode film comprises a process of first mixing an active material mixture containing an electrode active material, a carbon material as a conductive material, and a fiberizable binder together using a blender or similar device, then fiberizing the binder by applying shear force through a process such as kneading (kneading process), and finally calendering the obtained mixture into a film form to manufacture a free-standing film.

[0011] Between kneading and calendering the active material mixture, a process of grinding the kneaded active material mixture is required to calender the active material mixture uniformly and thinly. At this time, if clumping occurs during the grinding of the active material mixture, it may be difficult to obtain a properly dispersed active material mixture.

[0012] The aforementioned background technology is one that the inventor possessed or acquired in the process of deriving the contents of the disclosure of the present application, and it cannot be considered as prior art disclosed to the general public prior to the filing of this application.

[0013] The present invention has been devised to solve the above problems, and the objective of the present invention is to provide an electrode grinding device configured to prevent clumping during the process of grinding an active material mixture, and a dry electrode manufacturing method including the same.

[0014] The technical problems to be solved in this document are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0015] An electrode dispersion device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a cyclone configured to pulverize an active material mixture and configured to form negative pressure, the cyclone having a cyclone outlet capable of discharging the pulverized active material mixture, an intermediate hopper communicating with the cyclone outlet and capable of containing the pulverized active material mixture inside, and a valve configured to open or close the intermediate hopper.

[0016] It may further include a dispersion device configured to disperse an active material mixture contained in an intermediate hopper.

[0017] The dispersion device can be configured to inject air into the middle hopper.

[0018] The cyclone is configured to generate a swirling flow inside to crush the active material mixture, and the dispersion device may be configured to spray air in a direction not toward the cyclone outlet to prevent mixing with the swirling flow generated inside the cyclone.

[0019] The dispersion device can be located closer to the valve than to the cyclone.

[0020] The dispersion device may have a guide inclined surface on the side facing the valve to guide the movement of the active material mixture.

[0021] The guide inclined surface may have an angle of 30° or more with respect to the direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the intermediate hopper.

[0022] The dispersion device has a guide inclined surface on the side facing the valve to guide the movement of the active material mixture, and the dispersion device can be installed on the guide inclined surface.

[0023] The dispersion device can be configured to spray air in the opposite direction of gravity.

[0024] The intermediate hopper can be configured such that the diameter of the side connected to the cyclone outlet is larger than the diameter of the cyclone outlet.

[0025] It may further include an outlet pipe connected to the intermediate hopper on the opposite side where the cyclone outlet of the intermediate hopper is located, so as to communicate with the intermediate hopper.

[0026] It further includes an outlet pipe connected to communicate with the intermediate hopper on the opposite side where the cyclone outlet of the intermediate hopper is located, and the guide inclined surface can be connected to the outlet pipe.

[0027] The valve is installed in the outlet pipe, and the valve may include a first valve and a second valve located below the first valve.

[0028] It may further include a control unit configured to control the first valve and the second valve so as to alternately open or close the first valve and the second valve.

[0029] The apparatus further includes a dispersion device configured to inject air into the middle hopper, and the control unit may be configured to control the dispersion device to inject air based on the first valve being closed.

[0030] An electrode grinding device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a cyclone configured to form a negative pressure to grind an active material mixture, the cyclone having a cyclone outlet capable of discharging the ground active material mixture, an intermediate hopper installed at the cyclone outlet and capable of receiving the ground active material mixture, and a dispersion device configured to disperse the active material mixture received in the intermediate hopper.

[0031] It may further include a valve installed in the intermediate hopper to enable the intermediate hopper to be opened or closed.

[0032] The dispersion device can be configured to inject air into the middle hopper.

[0033] The cyclone is configured to generate a swirling flow inside to crush the active material mixture, and the dispersion device may be configured to spray air in a direction not toward the cyclone outlet to prevent mixing with the swirling flow generated inside the cyclone.

[0034] A dry electrode manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a mixing device configured to mix an active material mixture, a kneading device configured to knead the active material mixture mixed in the mixing device, an electrode grinding device configured to grind the active material mixture kneaded in the kneading device, and a calendering device configured to calender the active material mixture ground in the electrode grinding device. The electrode grinding device comprises a cyclone configured to form negative pressure to grind the active material mixture, a cyclone having a cyclone outlet capable of discharging the ground active material mixture, an intermediate hopper installed at the cyclone outlet capable of containing the ground active material mixture, and a valve installed in the intermediate hopper capable of opening or closing the intermediate hopper.

[0035] An electrode grinding device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a cyclone and an intermediate hopper in which the active material mixture is temporarily stored while being ground in the cyclone, thereby preventing the active material mixture from accumulating in the cyclone and causing clumping of the active material mixture.

[0036] An electrode grinding device according to one embodiment of the present invention further includes a dispersion device configured to disperse an active material mixture contained in an intermediate hopper, thereby preventing the active material mixture from clumping together within the intermediate hopper.

[0037] An intermediate hopper according to one embodiment of the present invention has an inclined guide surface, so that the active material mixture moves along the inclined guide surface, thereby preventing the active material mixture from clumping in the intermediate hopper.

[0038] A dry electrode manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present invention can have the above effects by including the above electrode grinding device.

[0039] The effects obtainable from the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0040] FIG. 1 illustrates an assembly diagram of a secondary battery according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a plurality of electrodes and a separator of the electrode assembly shown in FIG. 1 stacked.

[0042] Figure 3 is a flowchart regarding a method for manufacturing the electrode shown in Figure 2.

[0043] FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of an electrode grinding device according to a first embodiment of the present invention for performing the grinding process illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0044] Figure 5 is a conceptual diagram showing an active material mixture accumulated in the intermediate hopper of the electrode grinding device shown in Figure 4.

[0045] Figure 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a dispersion device radiating air inside the intermediate hopper of the electrode grinding device shown in Figure 5.

[0046] FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the movement of an active material mixture along the guide inclined surface of the intermediate hopper of the electrode grinding device shown in FIG. 6.

[0047] FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the opening of the first valve shown in FIG. 7 and the movement of the active material mixture.

[0048] FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an active material mixture positioned between the first valve and the second valve shown in FIG. 8.

[0049] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram illustrating the second valve shown in FIG. 9 being opened and the active material mixture being moved.

[0050] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an electrode crushing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an electrode crushing device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited or restricted by the following embodiments.

[0053] In order to clearly explain the present invention, detailed descriptions of related prior art that are irrelevant to the explanation or that may unnecessarily obscure the essence of the invention have been omitted. Furthermore, when assigning reference numerals to the components of each drawing in this specification, identical or similar reference numerals are assigned to identical or similar components throughout the entire specification.

[0054] Furthermore, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention.

[0055] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments.

[0056] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0057] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0058] In this document, each of the phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0059] The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0060] Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish a component from another component and do not limit the components in other aspects (e.g., importance or order).

[0061] Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicationly," it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0062] Terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this document, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0063] When it is said that a component is "connected," "combined," "supported," or "in contact" with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, combined, supported, or in contact, but also cases where they are indirectly connected, combined, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0064] When it is said that a component is located "on" another component, this includes not only cases where one component is in contact with the other, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0065] Meanwhile, terms such as "up-and-down direction," "downward side," and "front-backward direction" used in the following description are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0066] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0067] First embodiment

[0068] FIG. 1 illustrates an assembly diagram of a secondary battery (B) according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a plurality of electrodes (E) and a separator (30) of an electrode assembly (EA) shown in FIG. 1 stacked. FIG. 3 is a flowchart regarding a method for manufacturing the electrode (E) shown in FIG. 2.

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a dry electrode (E) according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0070] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a secondary battery (B) for generating electricity may be provided. The secondary battery (B) illustrated in FIG. 1 may be pouch-type. However, if necessary, the secondary battery (B) may be prismatic or cylindrical. Additionally, the secondary battery (B) in the present disclosure may refer to a secondary battery (B) that has been manufactured, but may also refer to a secondary battery (B) that is currently being completed. The meaning of the secondary battery (B) may be interpreted differently depending on the context.

[0071] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a secondary battery (B) may include an electrode assembly (EA) and a battery case (99). The electrode assembly (EA) may be accommodated in the battery case (99). The battery case (99) may be formed by stretching a pouch film. At this time, the battery case (99) may also accommodate an electrolyte or an electrolyte to promote the reaction of the electrode assembly (EA).

[0072] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the electrode assembly (EA) may include a plurality of electrodes (E) and a separator (30) interposed between the plurality of electrodes (E). The electrodes (E) may be positioned to face each other to form a positive electrode and a negative electrode, respectively. Furthermore, ions such as lithium may move between the electrode (E) forming the positive electrode and the electrode (E) forming the negative electrode, thereby generating electricity. At this time, the separator (30) can prevent a short circuit from occurring when the electrode (E) forming the positive electrode and the electrode (E) forming the negative electrode come into direct contact.

[0073] The electrode (E) may include an active material mixture (10) and a current collector (20).

[0074] When electricity is generated at the positive electrode (E) and the negative electrode (E), the generated electricity can be collected in a current collector (20) to be moved to the outside. The current collector (20) generally has a metal material, and if necessary, it may include a material other than metal or be composed of a material other than metal so that electricity can flow through it.

[0075] The active material mixture (10) may include an active material (11), a conductive material (13), and a binder (12). The active material (11) is intended to directly generate electricity, and the active material (11) forming the positive and negative electrodes may be different. For example, the positive active material (11) may be a lithium-ion composite, and the active material (11) forming the negative electrode may be graphite. However, the active material (11) may be a different material as needed. The active material mixture (10) may be placed on a current collector (20). At this time, resistance occurs between the active material mixture (10) and the current collector (20), and accordingly, the electricity generated by the active material (11) may be transferred to the current collector (20) with some loss. To preserve this, a conductive material (13) containing a material with excellent electrical conductivity, such as carbon, may be included. The binder (12) can be configured to strengthen the bonding between the active material mixture (10) and the current collector (20).

[0076] Here, the active material mixture (10) can form a dry electrode (E) that uses little or no solvent.

[0077] In conventional electrodes other than dry electrodes (E), defects such as pinholes or cracks may occur in the electrode active material layer formed on the current collector (20) as the solvent contained in the slurry evaporates during the process of drying the electrode active material slurry. In addition, since the inner and outer parts of the electrode active material slurry are not dried uniformly during the drying process, a phenomenon of powder floating due to the difference in the solvent evaporation rate occurs, that is, the powder in the area that dries first rises and forms a gap with the area that dries relatively later, which may cause the electrode quality to deteriorate.

[0078] To solve the above problem, drying devices capable of controlling the evaporation rate of the solvent are being considered so that the inside and outside of the electrode active material slurry can be dried uniformly; however, these drying devices are very expensive and require significant cost and time to operate, which is disadvantageous in terms of manufacturing processability.

[0079] On the other hand, the solvent included in conventional electrode active material slurries is N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), which has a high boiling point and requires high thermal energy and a very long drying oven to dry, making it very unfavorable for mass production. In addition, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) is a toxic substance and is harmful to living organisms, so it has the disadvantage of not being environmentally friendly.

[0080] To solve the above problems, the active material mixture (10) can form a dry electrode (E).

[0081] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the dry electrode (E) can be manufactured through the processes of mixing (S10), kneading (S20), grinding (S30), calendering (S40), and lamination (S60). The mixing process (S10) may be a process of evenly mixing the active material (11), the conductive material (13), and the binder (12). The kneading process (S20) may be a process of fiberizing a portion of the binder (12) so that the mixed active material mixture (10) aggregates together. The grinding process (S30) may be a process of grinding the active material mixture (10) so that the active material mixture (10) can be spread thinly. The calendering process (S40) may be a process of spreading the ground active material mixture (10) thinly like spreading dough. The lamination process (S50) may be a process of laminating the calendered active material mixture (10) onto a current collector (20).

[0082] In other words, the dry electrode (E) manufacturing device may include a mixing device configured to mix an active material mixture (10), a kneading device configured to knead the active material mixture (10) mixed in the mixing device, an electrode grinding device (1) configured to grind the active material mixture (10) kneaded in the kneading device, and a calendering device configured to calender the active material mixture (10) ground in the electrode grinding device (1).

[0083] At this time, an electrode grinding device (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may be provided for grinding the active material mixture (10). This will be explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0084] FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram of an electrode grinding device (1) according to a first embodiment of the present invention for performing the grinding process illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an active material mixture (10) accumulated in an intermediate hopper (200) of the electrode grinding device (1) illustrated in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a dispersion device (300) radiating air inside the intermediate hopper (200) of the electrode grinding device (1) illustrated in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an active material mixture (10) moving along a guide inclined surface (210A) of the intermediate hopper (200) of the electrode grinding device (1) illustrated in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an active material mixture (10) moving when the first valve (410) illustrated in FIG. 7 is opened. FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing an active material mixture (10) positioned between the first valve (410) and the second valve (420) shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing the second valve (420) shown in FIG. 9 opened so that the active material mixture (10) can move.

[0085] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 10, an electrode grinding device (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 4, the electrode grinding device (1) may include a cyclone (100), an intermediate hopper (200), a dispersion device (300), an outlet pipe (500) and / or a valve (400).

[0087] The cyclone (100) is configured to crush an active material mixture (10) and may be capable of discharging the crushed active material mixture (10). The cyclone (100) may include a cyclone body (110) having a cyclone inlet (111A) and a cyclone outlet (112A). Furthermore, the cyclone (100) may include a filter pipe (120) that accommodates a foreign matter inlet (121A) formed at an end of the cyclone body (110). The cyclone body (110) may be extended in an upward and downward direction. The kneaded active material mixture (10) may be introduced toward the cyclone inlet (111A). The cyclone body (110) may be rotated to generate centrifugal force inside. The centrifugal force generated by the cyclone body (110) may form a swirling flow inside the cyclone body (110). The active material mixture (10) can be crushed into small particles by centrifugal force within the cyclone body (110). The active material mixture (10) can be guided to move toward the inner wall of the cyclone body (110) by centrifugal force. The cyclone outlet (112A) can be located below the cyclone inlet (111A). Accordingly, the crushed active material mixture (10) can be moved toward the cyclone outlet (112A) located below. At this time, the lower part of the cyclone body (110), that is, the cyclone body (110) adjacent to the cyclone outlet (112A), has an inner wall formed at an angle such that the cross-sectional area becomes smaller as it goes downward, thereby guiding the movement of the active material mixture (10) so that the crushed active material mixture (10) moves toward the cyclone outlet (112A). At this time, negative pressure is formed in the filter pipe (120) of the cyclone body (110) to suck in foreign substances (F) with a low density among the active material mixture (10). At this time, a filter is provided on the side opposite to the side where the foreign substance inlet (121A) of the filter pipe (120) is formed to filter the sucked foreign substances (F). The filter pipe (120) and the inside of the cyclone (100) can be connected.Therefore, negative pressure can be formed inside the cyclone (100). The negative pressure formed in the filter pipe (120) can be formed such that it is not strong enough to overcome the centrifugal force and move into the filter pipe (120).

[0088] An intermediate hopper (200) can be coupled to a cyclone (100). More specifically, the intermediate hopper (200) is connected to a cyclone outlet (112A) and can accommodate a crushed active material mixture (10) inside. At this time, the cyclone (100) can rotate independently of the intermediate hopper (200). Therefore, if necessary, the intermediate hopper (200) and the cyclone (100) may be coupled by a bearing. The active material mixture (10) may temporarily remain inside the intermediate hopper (200). The active material mixture (10) may require a space to stay temporarily before being discharged to the outside. At this time, if the active material mixture (10) is located inside the cyclone (100), it may obstruct the swirling flow formed inside the cyclone (100), thereby reducing the crushing efficiency of the cyclone (100). By providing an intermediate hopper (200) separately from the cyclone (100), a space for the active material mixture (10) to temporarily stay can be provided, while simultaneously preventing a decrease in the grinding efficiency of the cyclone (100). The intermediate hopper (200) may have a sufficient size to accommodate the active material mixture (10) that exits through the cyclone outlet (112A). The intermediate hopper (200) may be provided with a cross-sectional area larger than the diameter of the cyclone outlet (112A). It may also be understood that the intermediate hopper (200) has a larger cross-sectional area than the cyclone outlet (112A) to avoid the problem of overlapping with other components by avoiding an increase in length. Furthermore, by configuring the intermediate hopper (200) such that the diameter of the side connected to the cyclone outlet (112A) is larger than the diameter of the cyclone outlet (112A), the active material mixture (10) exiting the cyclone outlet (112A) can be dispersed by the pressure difference as the cross-sectional area of ​​the flow path increases rapidly.

[0089] The intermediate hopper (200) may have a guide inclined surface (210A) inclined on the lower side. The guide inclined surface (210A) may be inclined so that the active material mixture (10) moves to the outlet pipe (500) connected to the lower side of the intermediate hopper (200). The guide inclined surface (210A) may be positioned on the side facing the valve (400) to guide the movement of the active material mixture (10). The guide inclined surface (210A) may be connected to the outlet pipe (500). At this time, as shown in FIG. 7, the guide inclined surface (210A) may preferably have an angle (A) of 30° or more with respect to the direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the intermediate hopper (200). Accordingly, the active material mixture (10) may be able to move along the guide inclined surface (210A) by means of the guide inclined surface (210A).

[0090] The outlet pipe (500) may be configured to be located below the intermediate hopper (200) so that the active material mixture (10) can be moved. In other words, the outlet pipe (500) may be connected to the intermediate hopper (200) on the opposite side where the cyclone outlet (112A) of the intermediate hopper (200) is located. A valve (400) may be installed in the outlet pipe (500) to open or close the outlet pipe (500) so that the active material mixture (10) moving to the outlet pipe (500) can be moved or restricted from moving. At this time, the valve (400) may be installed in the intermediate hopper (200) as needed. The valve (400) may include a first valve (410) located relatively above and a second valve (420) located below the first valve (410). The first valve (410) and the second valve (420) can be opened alternately. As previously explained, it may be necessary to form negative pressure inside the cyclone (100). If the first valve (410) and the second valve (420) are opened simultaneously, the cyclone (100) and the outside of the cyclone (100) are connected, so the negative pressure formed in the cyclone (100) can be released. To prevent this, the first valve (410) and the second valve (420) can be opened alternately, so that the active material mixture (10) can be moved outward. In other words, during the time the first valve (410) and the second valve (420) are moved, the active material mixture (10) requires a space to temporarily stay, and the intermediate hopper (200) can provide a space for the active material mixture (10) to temporarily stay. Accordingly, the valve (400) may substantially be configured to be able to open or close the intermediate hopper (200).

[0091] The dispersion device (300) may be configured to disperse the active material mixture (10) contained in the intermediate hopper (200). The active material mixture (10) contained in the intermediate hopper (200) may clump together in one place, even if only temporarily. More specifically, the active material mixture (10) may be gathered and positioned at the lower opening of the dispersion device (300). Since the active material mixture (10) has undergone some degree of fiberization by the kneading device, it may be prone to clumping when gathered. If the active material mixture (10) clumps together, it may block the opening of the intermediate hopper (200), which may cause a problem where it is difficult for other active material mixtures (10) crushed in the cyclone (100) to pass through. The dispersion device (300) may be provided to solve the above problem.

[0092] At this time, the dispersion device (300) according to the first embodiment of the present invention may be configured to spray air into the intermediate hopper (200). However, if necessary, the dispersion device (300) may operate on a different principle of dispersing the active material mixture (10) even if it is not a method of spraying air. The active material mixture (10) may be scattered by the air. At this time, the dispersion device (300) may be configured to spray air in a direction not toward the cyclone outlet (112A) so as not to mix with the swirling flow generated inside the cyclone (100). Since the air from the dispersion device (300) may affect the swirling flow, thereby reducing the dispersion efficiency of the cyclone (100), the angle of air injection may be designed to prevent this.

[0093] At this time, the dispersion device (300) may be positioned closer to the valve (400) than to the cyclone (100). The dispersion device (300) may be positioned further away from the cyclone (100) to minimize the impact on the cyclone (100). Accordingly, the dispersion device (300) may be positioned closer to the valve (400). Furthermore, the active material mixture (10) may be accumulated, particularly at a position corresponding to the first valve (410). The dispersion device (300) may be positioned closer to the valve (400) where the active material mixture (10) may be accumulated in order to effectively disperse the active material mixture (10). Furthermore, since the active material mixture (10) may be moved along the guide inclined surface (210A), the dispersion device (300) may be installed on the guide inclined surface (210A).

[0094] At this time, the dispersion device (300) may be configured to spray air in a direction opposite to the direction of gravity. Since the direction in which the active material mixture (10) accumulates is the direction of gravity due to gravity, the direction effective for dispersing the active material mixture (10) may be the direction opposite to the direction of gravity, which counteracts gravity. However, the air spraying direction of the dispersion device (300) may not only be the exact opposite direction of gravity, but may also have an effect similar to the above if it is a direction having a component opposite to the direction of gravity, as needed.

[0095] Furthermore, the electrode grinding device (1) may include a control unit (900) configured to control at least some of the components included in the electrode grinding device (1).

[0096] The control unit (900) may include a memory (920). The memory (920) may include volatile memory (920), such as S-RAM (Static Random Access Memory) and D-RAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), for temporarily storing data. Additionally, the memory (920) may include non-volatile memory (920), such as ROM (Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), for long-term storage of data.

[0097] The control unit (900) may include a processor (910). The processor (910) may generate control signals to control the operation of a drive device, shaft, and / or cam based on instructions, applications, data, and / or programs stored in memory (920). The processor (910) may be hardware and may include logic circuits and arithmetic circuits. The processor (910) may process data according to programs and / or instructions provided from memory (920) and generate control signals according to the processing results. Memory (920) and the processor (910) may be implemented as a single control circuit or as multiple circuits. For example, the processor (910) may be implemented as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an AP (application processor), or a microprocessor.

[0098] The program described above may include program(s) implemented in at least one form among BIOS, device driver, operating system, firmware, platform, and application program. In one embodiment, the application program may be pre-installed or stored in the kneading device or kneading system at the time of manufacturing the kneading device or kneading system, or may be installed in the kneading device or kneading system based on data received from an external source upon subsequent use. The data of the application program may be downloaded to the kneading device or kneading system from an external server, such as an application market (app store), for example. Such an external server is an example of the computer program product of the present invention, but is not limited thereto.

[0099] The control unit (900) above may be configured to control the first valve (410) and the second valve (420) so as to alternately open or close the first valve (410) and the second valve (420). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, the control unit (900) may be configured to control the dispersion device (300) so as to spray air based on the first valve (410) being closed.

[0100] The electrode grinding device (1) including the configuration described above can perform the following operations.

[0101] First, as shown in FIG. 5, the active material mixture (10) crushed in the cyclone (100) can be collected at the lower side of the intermediate hopper (200). At this time, the first valve (410) and the second valve (420) can be configured to prevent the movement of the active material mixture (10).

[0102] As shown in FIG. 6, the dispersion device (300) can disperse the active material mixture (10) by spraying air.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 7, the dispersed active material mixture (10) can be moved again toward the first valve (410) along the guide inclined surface (210A).

[0104] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the first valve (410) can be opened while the second valve (420) is closed. As the first valve (410) is opened, the active material mixture (10) can be moved to the outlet pipe (500). The active material mixture (10) can be positioned between the second valve (420) and the first valve (410).

[0105] As shown in FIG. 9, after the active material mixture (10) is moved to the outlet pipe (500), the first valve (410) can be closed again.

[0106] As illustrated in FIG. 10, after the first valve (410) is closed, the second valve (420) can be opened. Accordingly, the active material mixture (10) located between the first valve (410) and the second valve (420) can be moved to the outside of the second valve (420). The active material mixture (10) moved to the outside of the second valve (420) can be calendered by a calendering process (S40).

[0107] The first embodiment and other embodiments are described below. Content common to the first embodiment will be omitted as much as possible, and the other embodiments will be described focusing on the differences. In other words, it is obvious that if content not explained in the other embodiments is necessary, it can be supplemented through the content of the first embodiment.

[0108] 2nd embodiment

[0109] FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an electrode crushing device (1) according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 11, a dispersion device (300-1) according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0111] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the method of operation of the distribution device (300-1) is different.

[0112] The dispersion device (300-1) may have a blade that rotates inside the intermediate hopper (200). The blade rotates to disperse the active material mixture (10).

[0113] Third embodiment

[0114] FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram illustrating an electrode crushing device (1) according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 12, a valve (400-2) according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0116] The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the valve (400-2) is a single unit.

[0117] The valve (400-2) may be provided as a single unit. Although the negative pressure formed in the cyclone (100) may be affected while the valve (400-2) is opening and closing, the effect on the negative pressure may not be significant because the time between the opening and closing of the valve (400-2) is not long.

[0118] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the embodiments described above may be combined with other embodiments. Alternatively, unless explicitly limited in the combination of any embodiment with another, it should be considered that combinations between embodiments are possible. Any combination of any embodiment with another embodiment is deemed to be disclosed herein.

[0119] Although the present invention has been described above by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various implementations are possible within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims described below by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs.

[0120] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0121] B: Secondary battery

[0122] EA: Electrode assembly

[0123] E: Electrode

[0124] 10: Active material mixture

[0125] 11: Active substance

[0126] 12: Binder

[0127] 13: Challenger

[0128] F: Foreign substances

[0129] 20: Whole house

[0130] 30: Separator

[0131] 99: Battery Case

[0132] 1: Electrode grinding device

[0133] 100: Cyclone

[0134] 110: Cyclone body

[0135] 111A: Cyclone Inlet

[0136] 112A: Cyclone Outlet

[0137] 120: Filter pipe

[0138] 121A: Foreign matter inlet

[0139] 200: Middle hopper

[0140] 210A: Guide inclined surface

[0141] 300: Distributor

[0142] 400: Valve

[0143] 410: First valve

[0144] 420: Second valve

[0145] 500: Outlet pipe

[0146] 900: Control unit

[0147] 910: Processor

[0148] 920: Memory

Claims

1. A cyclone configured to crush an active material mixture and configured to form negative pressure, the cyclone having a cyclone outlet capable of discharging the crushed active material mixture; An intermediate hopper communicating with the above-mentioned cyclone outlet and capable of accommodating the crushed active material mixture inside; and An electrode grinding device comprising a valve configured to open or close the intermediate hopper.

2. In Paragraph 1, An electrode grinding device further comprising a dispersion device configured to disperse the active material mixture contained in the intermediate hopper.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above dispersion device is an electrode grinding device configured to inject air into the middle hopper.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above cyclone is configured to generate a swirling flow inside in order to crush the above active material mixture, and The above dispersion device is an electrode crushing device configured to spray air in a direction not toward the cyclone outlet so as not to mix with the swirling flow generated inside the cyclone.

5. In Paragraph 2, The above dispersion device is an electrode grinding device located closer to the valve among the cyclone and the valve.

6. In Paragraph 2, The above dispersion device is an electrode grinding device having a guide inclined surface on the side facing the valve to guide the movement of the active material mixture.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above guide inclined surface is an electrode grinding device having an angle of 30° or more with respect to a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the above intermediate hopper.

8. In Paragraph 2, The dispersion device has a guide inclined surface on the side facing the valve to guide the movement of the active material mixture, The above dispersion device is an electrode grinding device installed on the guide inclined surface.

9. In Paragraph 3, The above dispersion device is an electrode grinding device configured to spray air in a direction opposite to the direction of gravity.

10. In Paragraph 2, The above intermediate hopper is an electrode grinding device configured such that the diameter of the side coupled to the cyclone outlet is larger than the diameter of the cyclone outlet.

11. In Paragraph 2, An electrode grinding device further comprising an outlet pipe coupled to communicate with the intermediate hopper on the opposite side where the cyclone outlet of the intermediate hopper is located.

12. In Paragraph 8, It further includes an outlet pipe coupled to communicate with the intermediate hopper on the opposite side where the cyclone outlet of the intermediate hopper is located, and The above guide inclined surface is an electrode grinding device connected to the above outlet pipe.

13. In Paragraph 11, The above valve is installed in the above outlet pipe, and The above valve is First valve; and An electrode grinding device comprising a second valve located below the first valve.

14. In Paragraph 13, An electrode grinding device further comprising a control unit configured to control the first valve and the second valve so as to alternately open or close the first valve and the second valve.

15. In Paragraph 14, It further includes a dispersion device configured to inject air into the intermediate hopper, and The above control unit is configured to control the dispersion device to spray air based on the fact that the first valve is closed, in an electrode grinding device.

16. A cyclone configured to form negative pressure to crush an active material mixture, the cyclone having a cyclone outlet capable of discharging the crushed active material mixture; An intermediate hopper installed at the above-mentioned cyclone outlet and capable of accommodating the crushed active material mixture inside; and An electrode grinding device comprising a dispersion device configured to disperse the active material mixture contained in the intermediate hopper.

17. In Paragraph 16, An electrode grinding device further comprising a valve installed in the intermediate hopper to enable the intermediate hopper to be opened or closed.

18. In Paragraph 16, The above dispersion device is an electrode grinding device configured to inject air into the middle hopper.

19. In Paragraph 16, The above cyclone is configured to generate a swirling flow inside in order to crush the above active material mixture, and The above dispersion device is an electrode crushing device configured to spray air in a direction not toward the cyclone outlet so as not to mix with the swirling flow generated inside the cyclone.

20. A mixing device configured to mix an active material mixture; A kneading device configured to knead the active material mixture mixed in the mixing device; An electrode grinding device configured to grind the active material mixture kneaded in the above-mentioned kneading device; and It includes a calendering device configured to calender the active material mixture crushed in the electrode crushing device, and The above electrode grinding device is, A cyclone configured to form negative pressure to pulverize an active material mixture, the cyclone having a cyclone outlet capable of discharging the pulverized active material mixture; An intermediate hopper installed at the above-mentioned cyclone outlet and capable of accommodating the crushed active material mixture inside; and A dry electrode manufacturing apparatus comprising a valve installed in the intermediate hopper to enable the intermediate hopper to be opened or closed.

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