Dressing device and dressing method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a trimming device for uniformizing the width of an active material layer in an electrode in which an electrode current collector is coated with the active material layer, and more particularly, to a trimming device which can be flexibly used by precisely adjusting a cutting depth and a cutting position. According to an embodiment of the present invention, there may be provided a trimming device for cutting an edge of an active material layer so as to uniformize a width of the active material layer in an electrode in which an electrode current collector is coated with the active material layer, the trimming device comprising: a guide roller for conveying the electrode; a cutting module including a cutter for cutting an edge of the guide roller and the active material layer above the electrode in a direction in which the electrode is conveyed by the guide roller, and an adjusting member for adjusting a gap between a tip portion of the cutter and the guide roller; and a horizontal frame disposed above the guide roller and on which the cutting module is mounted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a trimming apparatus for making the width of the active material layer in an electrode coated with an active material layer on an electrode current collector uniform, and to a trimming apparatus and trimming method that can be used flexibly by precisely adjusting the cutting depth and cutting position.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0141594, dated October 21, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

[0003] Recently, the demand for secondary batteries as an energy source has increased rapidly. In particular, the distribution of lithium-ion secondary batteries has been very active. Compared with other secondary batteries, lithium-ion secondary batteries have the characteristics of high energy density and voltage, long cycle life and low discharge rate.

[0004] A secondary battery comprises an electrode assembly and a housing surrounding the electrode assembly. Depending on the shape of the housing, secondary batteries are typically cylindrical, rectangular, or pouch-shaped. The electrode assembly is manufactured by stacking a positive electrode, a separator, and a negative electrode, wherein the positive and negative electrodes are manufactured by coating positive and negative active material slurries, respectively, onto current collectors made of aluminum and copper foil and then drying them.

[0005] The distribution of positive or negative active materials can lead to differences in electron density, which is related to the performance of the secondary battery. Therefore, the thickness of the positive or negative active materials needs to be managed very precisely during the manufacturing of the electrodes. Furthermore, precise management of the outermost frame, or edges, of the coating of the positive or negative active materials is also required. In other words, it is important to achieve optimal energy efficiency by uniformly managing the edge portions.

[0006] Figure 1 The illustration shows an example of an electrode 1 in which an active material coating 3 is formed on a current collector 2. Electrode 1 can be a positive or negative electrode.

[0007] As shown, edge residue 5 can form beyond the optimal edge line 4. An edge or edge line refers to the boundary between the coated portion (where the active material coating is formed) and the uncoated portion (where the active material coating is not formed) of the electrode. Edge residue 5 is a layer coated beyond the edge line 4 that, as shown, does not make close contact with the current collector 2 or does not meet the precisely required coating thickness. Edge residue 5 can be considered an unavoidable occurrence to ensure the precise coating thickness up to the edge line 4.

[0008] The width of the active material coating must be precisely managed through the edge line, and therefore edge residue 5 extending beyond the edge line 4 must be properly removed.

[0009] However, traditionally, the removal of edge residue 5 is usually performed manually by workers. Workers place tools such as vacuum cleaners 6 on the electrode surface and then remove the edge residue.

[0010] Therefore, removing the edge residue 5 while precisely maintaining the edge line 4 is not easy. In particular, the removal of residue 5 is performed manually, which leads to the problem of not being able to perform efficient electrode manufacturing. Summary of the Invention

[0011] Technical issues

[0012] The present invention is intended to solve the problems associated with removing edge residues from electrodes during conventional electrode processing.

[0013] Through one example of the present invention, it is intended to provide a trimming device and trimming method that can precisely adjust the trimming position through a cutting module and can expand the range of trimmable positions.

[0014] Through one example of the present invention, it is intended to provide a trimming apparatus and trimming method that can precisely adjust and confirm the trimming depth through a cutting module.

[0015] By way of an example of the present invention, it is intended to provide a trimming apparatus and trimming method capable of performing trimming on an electrode having a single active material layer and multiple active material layers having an uncoated portion in the middle.

[0016] By way of an example of the present invention, it is intended to provide a trimming apparatus and a trimming method that can perform trimming by positioning the cutter in the cutting module to one side and mounting the cutting module in a first mounting posture and a second mounting posture having shapes that are 180 degrees reversed from each other to correspond to the variation in the width of the active material layer and the width of the uncoated portion.

[0017] Technical solution

[0018] To achieve the above objectives, according to one example of the invention, a trimming device can be provided that cuts the edge of the active material layer in an electrode in which an active material layer is coated on an electrode current collector.

[0019] Regarding the trimming device, a trimming device may be provided that includes: a guide roller for conveying electrodes; a cutting module including a cutter and an adjusting member, the cutter cutting the edge of the active material layer on the upper part of the guide roller and the electrode along the electrode conveying direction, the adjusting member adjusting the gap between the end of the cutter and the guide roller; and a horizontal frame disposed on the upper part of the guide roller and the cutting module mounted on the horizontal frame.

[0020] The guide rollers can be arranged in multiple ways, and one of the guide rollers can be referred to as the dressing roller on which the dressing is performed.

[0021] The cutting module can be configured to move along the longitudinal direction of the horizontal frame, i.e., along the longitudinal direction of the guide roller, and can be fixed on the horizontal frame after the trimming position is determined.

[0022] The trimming device may include a lower frame that supports the trimming device relative to the ground and an upper frame that supports guide rollers and a horizontal frame above the lower frame.

[0023] Preferably, the upper frame includes a pair of vertical frames arranged facing each other, and the guide roller and the horizontal frame are supported between the pair of vertical frames.

[0024] The horizontal frame can be fixed across the upper ends of a pair of vertical frames.

[0025] Preferably, an opening is formed in the horizontal frame that penetrates vertically in a manner parallel to the guide roller, and the cutting module is supported on the horizontal frame after the cutter penetrates the opening from top to bottom.

[0026] In other words, preferably, a portion of the cutting module is positioned on the upper part of the horizontal frame, and the remainder is positioned on the lower part of the horizontal frame. Then, some components located in the middle part of the cutting module can be fixedly connected to the horizontal frame.

[0027] Preferably, a pair of guide rails and a moving block are provided in the horizontal frame. The pair of guide rails are arranged in the front and rear of the opening in a direction parallel to the guide roller, and the moving block is configured to slide and be fixed along the guide rails.

[0028] Preferably, the cutting module is fixedly connected to the moving block, so that it can move and be fixed together with the moving block in the direction of the rotation axis of the guide roller.

[0029] The cutting module can be set up as a single module, and the trimming position can be determined by the integrated movement and fixing of the moving block.

[0030] Preferably, the cutting module includes: a lower plate fixed to a horizontal frame; an upper plate disposed on the upper part of the lower plate; and a movable plate disposed between the lower plate and the upper plate and configured to move up and down between the lower plate and the upper plate.

[0031] Preferably, the cutting tool and the moving plate move up and down together as a single unit. The moving plate can be configured to move up and down and be fixed in place, and the trimming depth can vary with the height of the moving plate.

[0032] Multiple support columns can be set to support the upper plate parallel to the lower plate.

[0033] Alternatively, a guide member can be provided, which is fixedly mounted on the upper and lower parts of the movable plate, and thus guides the movable plate to move up and down along the support column that penetrates the movable plate.

[0034] The cutting module may include a tool fixing member that is coupled to a moving plate and penetrates a lower plate to extend vertically downward toward the guide roller.

[0035] Preferably, the tool is mounted on one side of the tool fixing member, and a motor that drives the rotation of the tool is mounted on the other side of the tool fixing member.

[0036] Preferably, the front-to-back width of the tool fixing member and the motor is smaller than the front-to-back width of the opening of the horizontal frame. The tool can be formed in a disc shape, and its diameter is preferably smaller than the front-to-back width of the opening of the horizontal frame. Thus, the tool can be inserted into and connected to the horizontal frame as a single unit with the cutting module. Therefore, the installation of the cutting module becomes easy.

[0037] At the same time, the diameter of the tool can be changed. Therefore, the center of the tool is preferably located lower than the horizontal frame, making tool replacement easy.

[0038] Preferably, the cutter and motor are positioned inside the vertical projection area of ​​the lower plate. Therefore, after the cutter and motor are easily inserted into the opening in the horizontal frame, the lower plate can be connected to the horizontal frame at its upper part.

[0039] Preferably, the cutting tool is positioned offset to one side from the left and right centers of the cutting module.

[0040] Preferably, the lower plate is symmetrically arranged about the front and rear centers and the left and right centers, and the end of the cutter is located directly below the front and rear centers of the lower plate.

[0041] Preferably, the cutting module is configured to be mounted on the horizontal frame in different mounting postures. That is, preferably, the cutting module can be mounted on the horizontal frame in a first mounting posture and a second mounting posture that is 180 degrees reversed from the first mounting posture in the vertical direction.

[0042] Preferably, the rotation direction of the tool is variable, so that it is in opposite directions in the first mounting position and the second mounting position.

[0043] Preferably, the adjusting member is configured to adjust the gap between the end of the cutter and the guide roller by adjusting the height of the moving plate relative to the lower plate.

[0044] Preferably, the adjusting member is a micro gauge, which includes: a body fixedly connected to a movable plate forming a reference surface; and a measuring rod configured to move up and down within the body by penetrating the movable plate.

[0045] Preferably, the adjusting member includes a lever positioned between the upper plate and the movable plate and rotatably disposed relative to the main body, thereby adjusting the raising length of the measuring rod.

[0046] Preferably, the dressing device includes a displacement sensor (LVDT) that uses the position of a probe located at the same height and on the same line as the end of the tool as a reference point to sense the gap between the end of the tool and the guide roller.

[0047] The displacement sensor can be fixedly connected to the moving plate via a sensor bracket.

[0048] To achieve the above objectives, according to an example of the present invention, a trimming apparatus can be provided, comprising: a pair of vertical frames; a trimming roller rotatably disposed between the pair of vertical frames, conveying and supporting an electrode on which a trimming process is performed; a horizontal frame disposed above the trimming roller and fixed between the pair of vertical frames, and having an opening corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the trimming roller; a moving block disposed slidably movable and fixed along the longitudinal direction of the trimming roller at the front and rear portions of the opening; and a cutting module that performs the trimming process by cutting the edge of the active material layer of the electrode.

[0049] The cutting module may include: a lower plate mounted and fixed above and on the moving block; a moving plate disposed above the lower plate; a tool fixing member disposed on the moving plate and extending downward through the lower plate and the opening; a tool mounted on the tool fixing member and thus cutting the edge of the active material layer of the electrode in the vertical part of the electrode; and an adjusting member that adjusts the gap between the tip of the tool and the dressing roller by adjusting the gap between the moving plate and the lower plate.

[0050] To achieve the above objectives, according to an example of the present invention, a trimming method can be provided for performing trimming on a trimming line using a trimming apparatus including a cutting module and a trimming roller. The trimming method is characterized by comprising: a preparation step of positioning an electrode on which trimming is to be performed between the trimming roller and the cutting module; an indication step of using a laser dot to indicate the trimming position; a transfer step of continuously transferring the electrode while the trimming roller rotates; and a trimming step of cutting the edge of the active material layer in the electrode by rotating the cutter of the cutting module simultaneously with the transfer step, wherein an adjustment step is performed to provide feedback on the trimming depth during the trimming step to change the trimming depth.

[0051] The cutting module may include: a lower plate disposed on the upper part of the trimming roller and on a horizontal frame, the cutting module being mounted on the horizontal frame; an upper plate disposed on the upper part of the lower plate; and a movable plate disposed between the lower plate and the upper plate and configured to move up and down between the lower plate and the upper plate, and the cutter may be configured to move up and down integrally with the movable plate.

[0052] The cutting module may include an adjustment component that adjusts the gap between the tip of the cutter and the guide roller by adjusting the gap between the lower plate and the moving plate, and the trimming depth can be adjusted by operating the adjustment component during the adjustment step.

[0053] The cutting module may include a displacement sensor having a probe positioned at the same height and on the same line as the end of the tool, and the displacement sensor can sense the feedback trimming depth.

[0054] It can perform adjustment steps that provide feedback on the trimming position during the trimming process to change the trimming position.

[0055] The trimming device may include a position adjustment device that adjusts the trimming position by moving the cutting module from one side to the other, and the adjustment of the trimming position can be performed by operating the position adjustment device during the adjustment step.

[0056] The trimming device can be configured to move multiple cutting modules as a single unit from one side to the other. By moving any one cutting module via a position adjustment device, the remaining cutting modules can also be moved as a whole.

[0057] The dressing position can be sensed by visually capturing the laser spot. A laser indicator that generates the laser spot can be mounted on the tool housing protecting the tool. The laser spot can be projected onto the position immediately preceding the dressing point to visually indicate the dressing location.

[0058] Beneficial effects

[0059] Through one example of the present invention, a trimming device and trimming method can be provided that can precisely adjust the trimming position through a cutting module and can expand the range of trimmable positions.

[0060] Through one example of the present invention, a trimming apparatus and trimming method can be provided that can precisely adjust and confirm the trimming depth through a cutting module.

[0061] By way of an example of the present invention, a trimming apparatus and trimming method can be provided that can perform trimming on an electrode having a single active material layer and multiple active material layers having an uncoated portion in the middle.

[0062] By way of an example of the present invention, a trimming apparatus and a trimming method can be provided, which can perform trimming by positioning the cutter in the cutting module biased to one side and mounting the cutting module in a first mounting posture and a second mounting posture having shapes that are 180 degrees reversed from each other to correspond to the variation in the width of the active material layer and the width of the uncoated portion. Attached Figure Description

[0063] Figure 1 A simplified illustration shows the appearance of trimmed edge lines of the active material layer in a conventional electrode.

[0064] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a trimming device according to an example of the present invention.

[0065] Figure 3 This is a front view of a trimming device according to an example of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 4 This is an enlarged view of the trimming point and the trimming point according to an example of the trimming device based on the present invention.

[0067] Figure 5 This is a front view of the cutting module mounted on the horizontal frame.

[0068] Figure 6 It is a 3D view of the cutting module.

[0069] Figure 7 It is a plan view of a cutting module assembly that includes three cutting modules.

[0070] Figure 8 This is the front view of the cut module component, and

[0071] Figure 9 The illustration shows the flow of a trimming method according to an example of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0072] In the following description, a trimming device according to an example of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0073] A trimming device can be considered as a device that removes, or trims, edge residue that deviates from the edge line using a cutting tool.

[0074] The trimming device according to this example can be a device for continuously or automatically cutting the edges of the active material on the electrode, thereby the trimming device can be a device for forming precise edge lines or corner lines.

[0075] To create a precise edge line, it is preferable that the tool be precisely positioned on the edge line and also be able to cut away edge residue at a precise cutting depth.

[0076] Figure 2 and Figure 3 An example of a trimming device 100 according to this example is illustrated.

[0077] Electrodes can be continuously supplied to the dressing device 100 via an electrode roller on which dressing is to be performed. That is, electrodes can be continuously supplied to the dressing device 100 via an electrode roller on which active material is coated on the current collector winding, and the dressing device 100 can continuously perform dressing.

[0078] The trimming device 100 may include a cutting module 40 configured to cut the edge of the active material layer. The cutting module 40 may include a blade that removes edge residue by rotating to cut the edge. That is, the blade can remove only unnecessary edge residue while rotating vertically above the electrode to be transferred, thereby forming a precise edge line. For this purpose, it is preferable that the axis of rotation of the blade is perpendicular to the electrode transfer direction.

[0079] Here, because the cutting tool is vertically positioned relative to the active material layer of the electrode, the cutting efficiency is the highest, but the contact angle is not limited to vertical.

[0080] Specifically, the trimming device 100 includes guide rollers 23 and 24 for conveying electrodes. Electrode 1 can be continuously supplied to the trimming device 100 via the guide rollers and then discharged.

[0081] Guide rollers 23 and 24 are provided with multiple rollers, which perform electrode transfer and support as they rotate. The multiple guide rollers 23 and 24 are arranged in parallel, but the height and installation position of the multiple guide rollers 23 and 24 can be different from each other.

[0082] Figure 2 and Figure 3 An example is illustrated in which the dressing device 100 is equipped with four guide rollers 23, 24, wherein dressing can be performed on any one of the guide rollers 24. That is, the guide roller 24 that faces the tool directly and is supported on the electrode on which dressing is performed can be referred to as the dressing roller 24.

[0083] The process for manufacturing electrodes may include multiple processes, and these processes may be executed organically and continuously.

[0084] As an example, a coating process can be performed on the current collector, in which an active material is coated onto the current collector as the winding unfolds. The current collector, i.e., the electrode, on which the coating has been completed, can then be continuously supplied to the trimming device 100 for a trimming process. The trimmed electrode can then be manufactured in the form of a unit electrode winding through a slitting process. In other words, electrode processing can be performed continuously from roll to roll.

[0085] Here, the trimming device 100 according to an example of the present invention can also be referred to as a device for performing some processes, namely trimming processes, during roll-to-roll operations, and can also be used to continuously perform subsequent processes by continuously supplying electrodes and continuously discharging electrodes after trimming.

[0086] The electrode formation process can be divided into a wet process and a dry process, wherein in the wet process, a drying process is performed after coating the active material. However, in the case of a dry process, the drying process can be omitted after coating the active material. Therefore, it is preferable that the trimming device according to this example is a device that performs a trimming process after coating the active material in a dry process. In particular, the trimming device can be a device suitable for a dry process of the negative electrode.

[0087] Specifically, the trimming device 100 according to this example may include a lower frame 10 and an upper frame 20. The lower frame 10 may be referred to as a frame that supports the trimming device 100 relative to the ground. In addition, the lower frame 10 may be configured to support the upper frame 20.

[0088] The upper frame 10 can be configured to support guide rollers 23 and 24. Alternatively, the upper frame 10 can be configured to support the horizontal frame 30, on which the cutting module 40 is mounted.

[0089] The upper frame 20 may include a pair of vertical frames 21, 22 arranged facing each other. The guide rollers 23, 24 and the horizontal frame 30 may be supported between the vertical frame 21 on one side and the vertical frame 22 on the other side. Preferably, the horizontal frame 30 is positioned above the guide rollers, especially the trimming roller 24.

[0090] The front and rear portions of the vertical frame 21 on one side and the vertical frame 22 on the other side are open, allowing electrodes for trimming to be supplied through the rear portion and discharged through the front portion. This movement of the electrodes can be achieved by rotating the guide rollers 23 and 24.

[0091] The horizontal frame 30 is disposed on the upper part of the upper frame 20, and the horizontal frame 30 can be fixed by extending from the vertical frame 21 on one side to the vertical frame 22 on the other side. That is, preferably, the horizontal frame 20 and the guide rollers 23 and 24 are arranged parallel to each other.

[0092] The horizontal frame 30 may include a horizontal base 31.

[0093] The horizontal base 31 can be formed such that the two rods are spaced apart from each other and arranged in a parallel manner. Alternatively, the horizontal base 31 is preferably formed in the shape of a single plate with an opening 34. The opening 34 can be formed to penetrate vertically and can be elongated from one side to the other parallel to the guide rollers 23, 24. A portion of the cutting module 40 can be allowed to penetrate from top to bottom through the opening 34. In particular, it is preferred that the cutting module is supported on the horizontal frame after the cutting tool of the cutting module penetrates the opening from top to bottom. That is, it is preferred that a portion of the cutting module is positioned above the horizontal frame and the remainder is positioned below the horizontal frame.

[0094] The front and rear width of the opening 34 can be configured such that only a portion of the cutting module 40, i.e. the lower part, can penetrate it, and the left and right width of the opening 34 can be configured to define the range of the installable position of the cutting module 40.

[0095] Preferably, the horizontal frame 30 includes a pair of guide rails 32 and 33, which are arranged at the front and rear of the opening in a direction parallel to the guide rollers 23 and 24. Preferably, the guide rails 32 and 33 are located on the upper part of the horizontal base 31. Preferably, the cutting module 40 undergoes sliding movement and fixation along the guide rails 32 and 33. That is, preferably, the installation and fixing position of the cutting module 40 can be changed. This allows for precise adjustment of the trimming position.

[0096] Specifically, guide rails 32 and 33 may be equipped with a moving block 79 (see Figure 3 Furthermore, the movable block 79 can slide and be fixed along the guide rails 32 and 33. Additionally, the cutting module 40 can be connected to the movable block. Therefore, the cutting module 40 can be moved and fixed along the movement and fixation of the movable block 79. In other words, the installation and fixing position of the cutting module 40 can be variable.

[0097] Figure 4 The illustration shows the appearance of edge residue being trimmed by the cutter of the cutting module.

[0098] As shown in the figure, the protruding cutter 56, inserted into the lower part of the horizontal frame 30, trims the edge residue 5 along the preset edge line while rotating, thereby forming the edge line 4.

[0099] As described above, the cutting module 40 can be fixed by moving it from one side to the other on the horizontal frame 30. Therefore, the cutter can trim the residue 5 along a predetermined edge line. Here, the cutting depth of the cutter is very important. If the cutting depth is too deep, damage to the collector 2 will occur, and if the cutting depth is too shallow, it will be difficult to properly trim the residue 5. Therefore, it is preferable that the cutting depth of the cutter can be adjusted very precisely.

[0100] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 5 and Figure 6 The cutting module 40 is described in more detail.

[0101] Figure 5 The illustration shows the appearance of the cutting module 40 mounted on the horizontal frame 30, and Figure 6 Only the cutting module 40 is shown in the illustration.

[0102] The cutting module 40 can be constructed by including a lower plate 50, an upper plate 52, and a movable plate 51. The plates can have different sizes, but can all be formed into rectangular or square shapes. However, it is preferred that the plates are positioned parallel to each other and that this parallel relationship is always maintained for precise trimming.

[0103] The lower plate 50 is configured to be fixed on the horizontal frame 30. That is, when the lower plate 50 is installed and fixed on the horizontal frame, the cutting module 50 can be installed and fixed on the trimming device 100.

[0104] The upper plate 51 can be positioned above the lower plate, and multiple support columns 60 can be provided between the two plates. That is, the upper plate 51 and the lower plate 50 can be integrally connected via multiple support columns. Therefore, the upper and lower plates can maintain the same vertical spacing and remain parallel at all times.

[0105] The upper plate 51 and the lower plate 50 can be formed into rectangular plate shapes. Therefore, it is preferable to provide multiple support posts 60 at the four corner portions to securely fix the upper plate 51 and the lower plate 50. Preferably, the upper plate 51 and the lower plate 50 have the same shape and size and are arranged to always face each other at the same interval.

[0106] Preferably, a movable plate 51 is provided between the upper plate 51 and the lower plate 50. Preferably, the upper plate 51 and the lower plate 50 are always fixed, while the movable plate 51 is configured to be movable.

[0107] The movable plate 51 may also be formed in a rectangular plate shape, and preferably has a size larger than that of the upper plate 51 and the lower plate 50 to prevent accidental movement. This is a structural example for allowing the movable plate 51 to move up and down while maintaining a horizontal position relative to the upper and lower plates, and this structural example can easily accommodate the guide member 61 described below.

[0108] Preferably, the multiple support columns 60 allow penetration into the corner portions of the movable plate 51. Preferably, multiple guide members 61 are provided to precisely and uniformly execute the intended lifting and lowering movement of the movable plate 51.

[0109] The guide member 61 can be fixedly mounted on the upper and lower parts of the movable plate 51. The support column 60 can penetrate the guide member 61. Therefore, when the movable plate 51 moves up and down along the support column, the entire movable plate 51, including the four corner portions, can move up and down uniformly. Here, the intended up and down movement of the movable plate 51 means adjusting the cutting depth through the tool. That is, the up and down position adjustment of the movable plate 51 needs to be performed very precisely.

[0110] A tool fixing member 54 may be provided for mounting the tool 56. The tool fixing member 54 may be fixedly connected to the movable plate 51 and may be configured to protrude downward. That is, the tool fixing member 54 may be configured to extend further downward by penetrating the lower plate 50.

[0111] The tool 56 can be vertically mounted on one side of the tool fixing member 54 and secured by the fixing cover 57. Then, preferably, a motor is mounted on the other side of the tool fixing member 54.

[0112] Since the motor 53, which drives the rotation of the cutter 56, is positioned rearward with the cutter fixing member 54 in place, the center of gravity of the cutting module 40 can be lowered. Furthermore, the motor 53 itself can perform a counterweight function during cutting by the cutter 56. Therefore, continuous trimming can be performed very stably.

[0113] Preferably, the motor is located approximately at the left-right center of the cutting module 40. Therefore, the tool fixing member 54 and the tool 56 can be positioned offset to one side from the left-right center of the cutting module 40. Figure 5 The illustration shows the appearance of the tool positioned offset to the right side of the cutting module 40, and Figure 6 The illustration shows the appearance of the tool positioned offset on the left side of the cutting module 40.

[0114] The upper limit of the width of the electrode that can be trimmed by introducing it into a single trimming device 100 can be limited, but the width of the trimmable electrode below the upper limit can vary. Then, the width of the active material layer can also vary. This means that the position of the corner lines or edge lines of the active material layer can vary considerably.

[0115] Furthermore, within an electrode, based on its width, one or more active material layers can be provided. When only one active material layer is provided, only two corner lines, i.e., two cutting lines, can be provided. In this case, two cutting modules 40 can be installed. When two active material layers are provided, two intermediate corner lines and two corner lines can be provided. That is, an uncoated portion can be provided in the middle of the electrode. In this case, four cutting modules 40 can be installed. Of course, the two corner lines can also be cut by installing two cutters on the central cutting module.

[0116] In other words, the number of cutting modules 40 installed on a single trimming device 100 can be changed, and correspondingly, the position (position of the tool) and number of cutting lines can be changed.

[0117] For this reason, it is preferable that the cutting module 40 can be mounted on the horizontal frame 30 in two mounting positions. Figure 5 The illustration shows the appearance of the cutting module 40 mounted on the horizontal frame 30 in a first mounting posture, and Figure 6 The diagram shows the cutting module 40 in the second mounting position.

[0118] To enable these two mounting positions, it is preferable that the lower plate 50 is formed symmetrically with respect to the front and rear centers and symmetrically with respect to the left and right centers. Furthermore, it is preferable that the end of the tool is mounted and positioned at the front and rear centers of the lower plate 50.

[0119] For example, when trimming an electrode with an uncoated portion in the middle, it is preferable that the cutting module on the left side is mounted in a first mounting posture and the cutting module on the right side is mounted in a second mounting posture.

[0120] In addition, when the edge lines on both sides are near the two ends of the guide roller, it is preferable that the cutting module on the left side is installed in the second mounting posture and the cutting module on the right side is installed in the first mounting posture.

[0121] This significantly expands the range of cuttable lines, allowing for highly flexible trimming across various electrodes.

[0122] As described above, the position 56 of the tool, i.e., the cutting depth, can be determined by adjusting the position of the movable plate 51. For this purpose, an adjustment member 65 can be provided to adjust the height of the movable plate 51. The adjustment member 65 can be configured to adjust the height of the movable plate relative to the lower plate.

[0123] As the elongation interval, i.e., the height of the moving plate relative to the fixed lower plate, increases, the position of the cutter rises. In this case, the cutting depth becomes shallower. In other words, the vertical distance between the guide roller 24 and the end of the cutter increases. Conversely, as the elongation interval, i.e., the height of the moving plate relative to the fixed lower plate, decreases, the position of the cutter descends. In this case, the cutting depth becomes deeper. In other words, the vertical distance between the guide roller 24 and the end of the cutter narrows.

[0124] Since the cutting depth through the tool must be adjusted very precisely, the adjustment member 65 can be configured as a micro gauge for measuring the precise depth.

[0125] Specifically, the adjusting member 65 can be constructed by including a main body 65a and a measuring rod 65b. The main body 65a is fixedly connected to a movable plate forming a reference surface, and the measuring rod 65b is configured to move up and down within the main body by penetrating the movable plate 51. That is, the protruding length of the measuring rod 65b from the reference surface can be referred to as the interval between the movable plate 51 and the lower plate 50.

[0126] As the protruding length of the measuring rod 65b increases, the measuring rod 65b pushes down the plate, and correspondingly, the reference surface connected to the main body 65a, i.e., the moving plate 51, can rise. Subsequently, as the protruding length of the measuring rod 65b decreases, the moving plate 51 can descend. That is, the adjusting member 65 can adjust the cutting depth by increasing or decreasing the vertical distance between the lower plate and the moving plate.

[0127] The end of the measuring rod 65b can be connected to the lower plate 50. In this case, when the protruding length of the measuring rod shortens, the measuring rod pulls down the lower plate, thereby causing the lower plate to eventually descend. Simultaneously, the end of the measuring rod 65b can be configured to simply contact the lower plate 50. In this case, as the protruding length of the measuring rod shortens, the contact between the measuring rod and the lower plate may be released, thus making force transmission impossible. To solve this problem, an elastic support can be implemented between the lower plate and the movable plate, or an elastic support can be implemented between the movable plate and the upper plate.

[0128] The elastic support can be actuated by a spring, and the spring can be mounted by the support column 61 or the guide member 71 as described above.

[0129] As an example, the protruding length of the measuring rod 65b increases, thereby increasing the gap between the moving plate and the lower plate, and decreasing the gap between the moving plate and the upper plate. At this time, the spring positioned between the moving plate and the upper plate can be compressed. Subsequently, as the protruding length of the measuring rod 65b shortens, the moving plate 51 can move downwards, while the compressed spring recovers.

[0130] Preferably, the adjusting member 65 includes a lever 66 for adjusting the protruding length of the measuring rod 65b.

[0131] The joystick 66 is configured to rotate relative to the body 65a, which can be configured to adjust the raised or protruding length of the measuring rod 65b.

[0132] In this example, adjusting the length of the measuring rod involves more than just moving the measuring rod itself; it also moves the cutting tool, motor, and moving plate 51. Therefore, this requires more force than a typical knob adjustment in a micro gauge. Thus, in this example, it is preferable that the operating lever protruding to one side from the main body is connected to the knob.

[0133] The measured height can be displayed on the joystick 66. As an example, if the zero point is set at the intersection of the cutter and the guide roller, the displayed number can be the distance between the guide roller and the end of the cutter. If the zero point is set at the intersection of the collector and the cutter, the displayed number can be the distance between the cutter and the collector, i.e., the cutting depth. Therefore, the cutter position can be adjusted very precisely.

[0134] Furthermore, as mentioned above, various electrode dressings can be performed within a single dressing device. This means that the thickness of the current collector and the active material layer can also be varied. Therefore, when the thickness of the current collector and the active material layer changes, the cutter height needs to be precisely adjusted accordingly.

[0135] For this purpose, according to this example, the cutting module 40 preferably includes a displacement sensor 70 (LVDT). The displacement sensor can be described as a sensor used to measure very precise linear displacement. The displacement sensor can sense the displacement, i.e., linear displacement, of the probe 74 as it moves forward and backward with the body 73 fixed. In other words, it can measure the actual gap value between the cutter and the guide roller.

[0136] Preferably, the probe 74 contacts the guide roller directly above it. The contact angle is not limited to vertical, but vertical contact can minimize measurement error. For this reason, it is also preferable that the cutter performs the dressing directly above the electrode. This allows for accurate gap measurement while improving dressing efficiency.

[0137] The main body 73 of the displacement sensor can be fixed to the movable plate 51. For this purpose, a vertical bracket 71 connected to the movable plate and a sensor bracket 72 on which the main body is mounted and fixed can be provided.

[0138] The displacement sensor 70 can be positioned by penetrating the horizontal frame 30 vertically, and the probe 74, located at the lower end of the main body 73, can have a variable protruding length relative to the main body 73. That is, it can sense a variable protruding length.

[0139] As an example, after the height of probe 74 is set to the same height and zero point on the same line as the end of the tool, probe 74 can be lowered to contact the uncoated portion of guide roller 24 or electrode base material. At this point, the sensed value can be accurately referred to as the gap value or cutting depth between the end of the tool and the guide roller.

[0140] The required gap value during dressing can be varied. That is, the cutting depth can be varied. In this case, the gap value of the electrode currently being dressed is predetermined. Therefore, to match the required gap value, the height of the cutter can be adjusted, and the accuracy of the set gap value can be confirmed by the displacement sensor 70. In other words, by changing the position of the cutter using the adjustment device 65 and confirming the gap value between the cutter tip and the guide roller using the displacement sensor 70, the cutting depth can be set very precisely.

[0141] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 7 and Figure 8 Describe in detail the position adjustment mechanism of multiple cutting modules.

[0142] Figure 7 It is a plan view of the cut module components, and Figure 8 This is the front view of the cut module component. Multiple cut modules can be installed and processed as a single component.

[0143] The following describes a scenario where trimming is performed on an electrode with two rows of coated sections using three cutting modules. The number of coated sections and the number of cutting modules can be varied.

[0144] The width of the electrode on which trimming is performed, the width of the uncoated and coated portions, the number of coated portions, and the trimming depth are preset. Therefore, unless the preset values ​​are changed, the trimming position and trimming depth will not change. However, the actual trimming position and depth may vary during the electrode manufacturing process or the electrode transfer process.

[0145] In the case of electrodes with multiple rows or multiple coating sections, the number of edge lines increases, and therefore the number of cutting modules installed also increases. In this case, it is not easy to individually set and adjust the position of the corresponding cutting modules, especially the left and right positions.

[0146] According to this example, the position can be set by constructing multiple cutting modules, such as three cutting modules, into one module.

[0147] As illustrated, the three cutting modules can be mounted on the horizontal base 31 in a state of close contact with each other from one side to the other. In particular, the three cutting modules can be mounted on guide rails 32, 33 to allow them to slide.

[0148] The left and right widths of the cutting module can be preset, as can the left and right positions of the blades mounted on the cutting module.

[0149] Preferably, the multiple cutting modules are constructed as a single cutting module component. That is, preferably, the module can be treated as a single component and its left and right positions can be adjusted as a single unit. For this purpose, a position adjustment device 80 can be provided in this example.

[0150] Here, the position adjustment device 80 can be a structure for moving multiple cutting modules as a whole or a structure for forming multiple cutting modules into a single component.

[0151] The cutting modules are physically or mechanically connected from one side to the other, so that changing the left-right position of only one cutting module can change the left-right position of all cutting modules, i.e., the assembly. For this purpose, a connecting block 84 can be provided on the rightmost or leftmost cutting module, and the left-right position of the assembly can be changed while pushing or pulling the reference block. Simultaneously, the connecting block 84 can be mounted on the lower plate of the cutting module. That is, the left-right position of the cutting module can be changed while pushing or pulling the lower plate from one side to the other via the connecting block. Thus, the cutting module can move stably.

[0152] Specifically, the position adjustment device 80 may include a rotatable rod 82 and a connecting block 84 that converts the rotational displacement of the rod into a linear displacement. Here, a drive component for rotating the load may be provided, and manual or electric drive can be performed. A servo motor may be provided for electric drive.

[0153] More specifically, when the reference block 82 is mounted on the horizontal base 31 and the rod extending from the reference block 82 rotates, the connecting block 84 can be moved from one side to the other. When the rod rotates forward in the form of a ball screw, the connecting block can move to the right, and when the rod rotates backward, the connecting block can move to the left. The rotation of the rod can be controlled by a servo motor 81, which can be mounted on the reference block 82.

[0154] By controlling the rotation of the servo motor, the left and right movement distance of the connecting block can be controlled very precisely, and thus, the left and right positions of multiple cutting modules, i.e., the left and right positions of the entire assembly, can be precisely controlled.

[0155] Additionally, the movement of the connecting block 84 can be restricted by the stops 85 and 86. By allowing the connecting block to move between the stops 85 and 86 on both sides, excessive movement of the connecting block 84 can be limited. The upper and lower limits of the movement range of the cutting module can be easily set.

[0156] Meanwhile, the connecting track 87 can be set on the horizontal base 31. The connecting block 84 can be supported on the connecting track 87 and can be configured to slide.

[0157] The electrodes can be transferred with a slight deviation from one side to the other. Therefore, the edge line can also be slightly altered from one side to the other. Furthermore, it is not easy to install the cutting module initially by adjusting its left and right position. For this reason, the cutting module can be manufactured as a single component and installed by adjusting its left and right position, and the left and right position of the component can also be automatically adjusted.

[0158] like Figure 8As illustrated in the diagram, in this example, a laser 90 can be provided as an example of an indicator member for visually indicating the cutting position. The laser 90 can be positioned in front of the cutter to indicate the edge line. Therefore, it can be visually determined whether trimming is being performed on a precise edge line.

[0159] The tool performs dressing by rotation. Therefore, a tool housing 56 can be provided to protect the tool. The tool housing 56 can be configured to surround the tool, and only the portion of the tool undergoing dressing can protrude from the tool housing. A laser 90 can be mounted on the tool housing. Alternatively, the laser 90 can be mounted only on the outermost tool housing, rather than on multiple housings.

[0160] In the following text, reference will be made to Figure 9 A trimming method according to an example of the present invention is described in detail.

[0161] The cutting module, or cutting module assembly, can be installed to correspond to the left and right widths and edge lines of the electrode base material to be trimmed. The electrode is then inserted between the cutting module and the trimming roller 24, thereby completing trimming preparation S10. In this case, it is preferable to visually display the trimming points S20 using a laser. Of course, the trimming points can be displayed continuously during trimming. When multiple trimming positions exist, trimming points can also be indicated at the corresponding trimming positions using a laser, but only the trimming point located at the outermost edge can be indicated. The trimming points can be indicated by laser dots.

[0162] The trimming S40 can be performed simultaneously with the electrode transfer S30. Therefore, it is desirable to maintain trimming at accurate trimming lines or edge lines and at accurate depths.

[0163] When the trimming preparation is complete, trimming S40 can be performed while the cutting tool of the cutting module is rotating, and electrode S30 can be transferred at the same time.

[0164] During trimming, the trimming position can change. That is, a deviation may occur between the actual trimming line on which trimming must be performed and the trimming line currently being trimmed. This deviation can be sensed by vision 95. In other words, a deviation in the cutting position from one side to the other may occur, which can be sensed visually. Preferably, the step of receiving feedback about the trimming line and adjusting it (S50) is performed during the trimming step. This adjustment step (S50) can also be performed manually or automatically.

[0165] When multiple cutting modules are installed, it is not easy to adjust the trimming position individually. Since deviations in any trimming position affect deviations in other trimming positions as a whole, it is preferable to perform trimming position adjustments collectively for all cutting modules.

[0166] For this purpose, a position adjustment device 80 can be provided to integrally form multiple cutting modules and move the multiple cutting modules integrally, and multiple trimming lines can be adjusted together by manual or automatic operation of the position adjustment device.

[0167] In this case, it is preferable that the position adjustment device adjusts the position of the cutting module, i.e., the left and right position of the cutting module, by horizontally moving the lower plate that forms the reference surface of the cutting module.

[0168] Meanwhile, during trimming, the trimming depth may change or need to be adjusted. The trimming depth can be sensed in real time by displacement sensor 70. The trimming depth sensed by the displacement sensor can be fed back, and the trimming depth can be adjusted based on this feedback.

[0169] The feedback position and feedback depth, as data to be fed back, are sent to the control device 97, which can automatically adjust the feedback position and feedback depth. The control device 970 may include a monitor, which can display the current trimming position and trimming depth, as well as any errors in the trimming position and depth.

[0170] The operator can manually adjust the trimming position and depth using the values ​​and notifications displayed on the monitor, and this adjustment can also be performed automatically.

[0171] Industrial applicability

[0172] It is described in the invention description.

Claims

1. A trimming method, the trimming method being used to perform trimming on a trimming line by means of a trimming device including a cutting module and a trimming roller, characterized in that, The trimming method includes: The preparation step of positioning the electrode on which the trimming is performed between the trimming roller and the cutting module; Instructions using laser dots to indicate the trimming position; The electrode transfer step is performed while the dressing roller rotates; and A trimming step involves rotating the cutter of the cutting module simultaneously with the transfer step to cut the edge of the active material layer in the electrode. An adjustment step is performed to change the trimming depth by providing feedback on the trimming depth during the trimming step.

2. The trimming method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cutting module includes: The lower plate is disposed on the upper part of the trimming roller and on a horizontal frame, and the cutting module is mounted on the horizontal frame; An upper plate, wherein the upper plate is disposed on the upper part of the lower plate; and A movable plate is disposed between the lower plate and the upper plate, and is configured to move vertically between the lower plate and the upper plate; and The cutting tool is configured to move up and down as a single unit with the moving plate.

3. The trimming method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cutting module includes an adjustment component that adjusts the gap between the end of the cutter and the guide roller by adjusting the gap between the lower plate and the moving plate. In the adjustment step, the adjustment depth is performed by operating the adjustment member.

4. The trimming method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The cutting module includes a displacement sensor having a probe positioned at the same height and on the same line as the end of the cutter. The trimming depth is sensed by the displacement sensor.

5. The trimming method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The adjustment step is performed to provide feedback on the adjustment position in the adjustment step in order to change the adjustment position.

6. The trimming method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The trimming device includes a position adjustment device that adjusts the trimming position by moving the cutting module from one side to the other. In the adjustment step, the adjustment of the trimming position is performed by operating the position adjustment device.

7. The trimming method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The adjusted position is sensed by visually capturing the laser point.

8. A trimming device that cuts the edge of an active material layer in an electrode in which an active material layer is coated on an electrode current collector, characterized in that, The trimming device includes: Guide rollers, which convey the electrodes; A cutting module, comprising a cutting tool and an adjusting component, wherein the cutting tool cuts the edge of the active material layer on the upper part of the electrode along the conveying direction of the electrode, and the adjusting component adjusts the gap between the end of the cutting tool and the guide roller; A horizontal frame is disposed on the upper part of the guide roller and the cutting module is mounted on the horizontal frame; A lower frame, which supports the trimming device relative to the ground; and The upper frame supports the guide roller and the horizontal frame above the lower frame, wherein... An opening is formed in the horizontal frame that penetrates vertically in a manner parallel to the guide roller, and the cutting module is supported on the horizontal frame after the cutter penetrates the opening from top to bottom.

9. The trimming device according to claim 8, characterized in that, A pair of guide rails and a moving block are provided. The pair of guide rails are arranged at the front and rear of the opening in a direction parallel to the guide roller. The moving block is configured to slide and be fixed along the guide rails.

10. The trimming device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The cutting module is fixedly connected to the moving block, so that it can move and be fixed together with the moving block in the direction of the rotation axis of the guide roller.

11. The trimming device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The cutting module includes: The lower plate is fixed to the horizontal frame. An upper plate, wherein the upper plate is disposed on the upper part of the lower plate; and A movable plate is disposed between the lower plate and the upper plate, and is configured to move vertically between the lower plate and the upper plate; and The cutting tool moves up and down together with the moving plate.

12. The trimming device according to claim 11, characterized in that, include: Multiple support columns, which support the upper plate in parallel with respect to the lower plate; And a guide member, which is fixedly disposed on the upper and lower parts of the movable plate and thus guides the movable plate to move up and down along the support column that penetrates the movable plate.

13. The trimming device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The cutting module includes a tool fixing component, which is connected to the moving plate and penetrates the lower plate to extend vertically downward toward the guide roller.

14. The trimming device according to claim 13, characterized in that, The cutting tool is mounted on one side of the cutting tool fixing member, and a motor that drives the rotation of the cutting tool is mounted on the other side of the cutting tool fixing member.

15. The trimming device according to claim 14, characterized in that, The cutting tool and the motor are positioned inside the vertical projection area of ​​the lower plate.

16. The trimming device according to claim 11, characterized in that, The adjusting member is configured to adjust the gap between the end of the cutter and the guide roller by adjusting the height of the moving plate relative to the lower plate.

17. The trimming device according to claim 16, characterized in that, The adjustment component is a micro gauge. The micro gauge includes: a body, the body being fixedly connected to the movable plate forming the reference surface; and A measuring rod, which is configured to move up and down within the main body by penetrating the movable plate.

18. The trimming device according to claim 8, characterized in that, include: A displacement sensor (LVDT) uses a probe located at the same height and on the same line as the end of the cutter as a reference point to sense the gap between the end of the cutter and the guide roller.

19. A trimming device, the trimming device comprising: A pair of vertical frames; A trimming roller, rotatably disposed between the pair of vertical frames, conveys and supports the electrodes, and performs a trimming process on the electrodes; A horizontal frame is configured to be fixed above the trimming roller between a pair of vertical frames and has an opening corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the trimming roller. A movable block, the movable block being configured to slide and be fixed along the longitudinal direction of the trimming roller at the front and rear of the opening; as well as A cutting module performs the trimming process by cutting the edges of the active material layer of the electrode, wherein... The cutting module includes: The lower plate is installed in the upper part of the movable block and fixed to the movable block; A movable plate, wherein the movable plate is disposed above the lower plate; A tool fixing member is disposed on the movable plate and extends downward through the lower plate and the opening; A cutting tool, which is mounted on the cutting tool fixing member, and thus cuts the edge of the active material layer of the electrode in the upper part of the electrode; An adjusting member that adjusts the gap between the end of the cutter and the dressing roller by adjusting the gap between the moving plate and the lower plate; and A laser pointer that indicates the trimming position by generating a laser dot at the trimming position.

20. The trimming device according to claim 19, characterized in that, include: A position adjustment device that adjusts the trimming position by moving the installation position of the cutting module from one side to the other.

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