Electrode Press Roll Cleaning with Segmented Grain Directions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrode rolling roll cleaning apparatuses have insufficient cleaning power, leading to residual contaminants on the rolling rolls, which can reduce the quality of electrodes and batteries during the manufacturing process.

Innovation Solution

A dual-stage cleaning apparatus with cleaning members having grain patterns oriented at specific angles (0-90 degrees, preferably 30-60 degrees) to enhance cleaning efficiency, using a combination of water and alcohol-based cleaning liquids, and incorporating scraping pads, air spray units, and heating units to remove contaminants effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single cleaning part with a cleaning member is used to clean the rolling roll, then the device complexity is low, but the cleaning power is insufficient and contaminants remain on the rolling roll

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning powerVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning apparatus is divided into multiple cleaning parts (first cleaning part, second cleaning part, third cleaning part) with cleaning members having different grain directions. Each cleaning part targets different types or orientations of contaminants, collectively providing comprehensive cleaning that a single cleaning part cannot achieve, thereby resolving the contradiction between cleaning power and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each cleaning member is designed with specific grain directions (first grain direction, second grain direction, third grain direction) tailored to address different contaminant orientations on the rolling roll surface. This localized optimization of cleaning characteristics in different areas/directions enhances overall cleaning effectiveness without requiring an overly complex system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If cleaning members with different grain directions are used in multiple cleaning parts, then cleaning efficiency is improved and contaminants are effectively removed, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning members are segmented into multiple parts with distinct grain directions, allowing each segment to specialize in removing contaminants of specific orientations. This segmentation enables parallel cleaning actions on different portions of the rolling roll surface, improving overall cleaning efficiency while maintaining a manageable device structure through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces the dimension of grain direction orientation as a new variable for cleaning effectiveness. By arranging cleaning members with grains in different directions (0-90 degrees, preferably 30-60 degrees) relative to the rolling roll rotation, the system addresses contaminants that a single-direction cleaning member cannot remove, thereby enhancing cleaning efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If multiple cleaning parts with different grain directions are implemented, then cleaning power is improved and no residual cleaning liquid remains on the rolls, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecleaning powerVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning apparatus is segmented into multiple cleaning parts that operate simultaneously or sequentially on the rolling roll. Each cleaning part with its specific grain direction works independently but cooperatively, allowing the system to maintain high cleaning power while the integrated design ensures that operation remains straightforward through unified control of all cleaning parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention optimizes the grain direction parameters of cleaning members (specifically 0-90 degrees, preferably 30-60 degrees relative to rolling roll rotation) to achieve maximum cleaning effectiveness. This parameter optimization ensures thorough contaminant removal and complete drying of the rolling roll surface, while the standardized parameter ranges simplify operation and maintenance procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The apparatus effectively removes contaminants and prevents secondary contamination, ensuring high-quality electrode production by improving cleaning power and efficiency, with no residual cleaning liquid left on the rolls.

Implementation Method 1

a heating unit configured to heat the rolling roll, thereby removing residual cleaning liquid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

an air spray unit configured to spray air to the rolling roll, thereby removing residual cleaning liquid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid spray: Fluid Spray

Data Source

PatentEP3797885B1Cleaning apparatus and cleaning method for press rolls for electrodes
Publication Date: 2023.05.24 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP3797885B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3797885B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3797885B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(d)

AI summary

The present invention relates to an apparatus for cleaning press rolls for electrodes, comprising two or more cleaning units provided with cleaning members having grains. According to the present invention, the apparatus for cleaning press rolls for electrodes comprises a plurality of, i.e., two or more, cleaning units, wherein the cleaning units respectively comprise cleaning members having grains with different directions, thus allowing a residual cleaning solution and contaminants to be effectively removed. In addition, when press rolls are cleaned using the apparatus for cleaning press rolls according to the present invention, an aqueous cleaning solution and an alcoholic cleaning solution, which have different properties, can be used together, and after cleaning, the cleaning solutions do not remain on the press rolls, and thus subsequently, secondary contamination of electrodes is prevented, and accordingly, when electrodes are manufactured, the occurrence of defects in the electrodes can be reduced.