Winding device capable of real-time precise tension measurement in winding process

Abstract

To provide a winding device capable of real-time precise tension measurement in a winding process, which is a winding device capable of precise tension measurement in real time during a winding process by precisely measuring and monitoring a tension value generated during the winding process of a base material (electrode plate and / or separator) with a narrow width and low tension, and dynamically synchronizing the measured tension value of the base material with a winding speed of the base material.SOLUTION: This winding device includes a control unit that determines a winding speed corresponding to a tension profile of a base material to be wound and outputs a motor control signal corresponding to the winding speed; an electric motor that rotates a core to wind the base material in response to the motor control signal; and a tension sensor that is installed on a transfer roller that transfers the base material to be wound around the core and precisely senses the tension value of the base material in real time and provides the tension value to the control unit, in which the control unit dynamically controls the winding speed of the electric motor using the tension value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to a winding device capable of real-time precise tension measurement during the winding process. [Background technology]

[0002] In the battery field, the winding process (winding, un-winding, re-winding, etc.) refers to the process of winding positive and negative electrodes and / or separators in a straight line with the appropriate force after slitting the electrode plate. Currently, the straight winding function is realized using technologies such as EPC (Edge Position Control), but the short width tension control technology for winding with the appropriate force is insufficient. Long width (raw materials, basic materials, etc.) tension control technology is generally well known, but short width tension control technology has a problem that the required tension level is very low, making it impossible to apply existing sensors. The level and control of the relevant tension affects not only quality factors such as deformation and cracks of the electrode assembly or electrode group, but also the improvement of the index.

[0003] For example, tension control in a conventional winding process is performed using common measuring instruments and devices such as potentiometers and dancers, as disclosed in Korean Patent Registration No. 10-1914566 and Korean Patent Registration No. 10-1899991. However, this is mainly for maintaining tension on the supply part of the electrode plate and / or separator, and there is a problem in that it is not possible to monitor and control real-time tension generated during the winding process.

[0004] The above information disclosed in this Background of the Invention section is merely intended to enhance the understanding of the background of the invention and may therefore include information that does not constitute prior art. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent No. 10-1914566 [Patent Document 2] Korean Patent No. 10-1899991 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present disclosure provides a winding device capable of precisely measuring tension in real time during the winding process of a substrate (electrode plate and / or separator) having a short width and low tension, by precisely measuring and monitoring the tension value generated during the winding process in real time and dynamically synchronizing the measured tension value of the substrate with the winding speed of the substrate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An exemplary winding device capable of real-time precise tension measurement in a winding process according to the present disclosure includes a controller that determines a winding speed corresponding to a tension profile of a substrate to be wound and outputs a motor control signal corresponding to the winding speed; an electric motor that rotates a winding core to wind the substrate in accordance with the motor control signal; and a tension sensor that is installed on a transfer roller that transfers the substrate to be wound around the winding core and precisely senses a tension value of the substrate in real time and provides the tension value to the controller, and the controller can dynamically control the winding speed of the electric motor using the tension value.

[0008] In some examples, the tension values ​​may include a tension average value, a tension period, and a tension amplitude.

[0009] In some examples, the transfer roller may include a fixed rod fixed to the winding device and protruding in the longitudinal direction; an extension rod protruding in the longitudinal direction from the fixed rod; and a rotating roller rotatably coupled to the extension rod so that the substrate is transferred under tension.

[0010] In some examples, the tension sensor may be mounted on the fixed rod.

[0011] In some examples, the tension sensor may be located in a region of the extension rod and a portion of the fixed rod adjacent to the rotating roller.

[0012] In some examples, the tension sensor may include a load cell or a strain gauge.

[0013] In some examples, the device may further include a data conversion unit that converts the time of the tension value into a frequency value.

[0014] In some examples, the system may further include an input / output unit configured to input a tension profile of a substrate being wound into the controller and to output the tension value and the frequency value.

[0015] In some examples, the controller may output a warning signal via the input / output unit if the frequency value deviates from a preset frequency value. Effect of the Invention

[0016] The present disclosure provides a winding device capable of precisely measuring tension in real time during the winding process by precisely measuring and monitoring the tension value generated during the winding process of a substrate (electrode plate and / or separator) having a short width and low tension, and dynamically synchronizing the measured tension value of the substrate with the winding speed of the substrate. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary electrode assembly being wound by an exemplary winding device according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the mechanical configuration of an exemplary winding device according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a mechanical configuration of an exemplary tension sensor in an exemplary winding device according to the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the electrical configuration of an exemplary winding device according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 1 is a graph illustrating the relationship between tension and time as measured by an exemplary tension sensor of an exemplary winding device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6a] 11 is a graph illustrating a conversion result by a data conversion unit in an exemplary winding device according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6b] 11 is a graph illustrating a conversion result by a data conversion unit in an exemplary winding device according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] The present disclosure is provided to more completely explain the present invention to those skilled in the art, and the following examples may be modified in various different forms, and the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following examples. Rather, these examples are provided to make the present disclosure more faithful and complete, and to fully convey the idea of ​​the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0020] In the following drawings, the thickness and size of each layer are exaggerated for convenience and clarity of description, and the same reference numerals in the drawings refer to the same elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any one and all combinations of one or more of the corresponding listed items. In addition, in this specification, "connected" means not only when member A and member B are directly connected, but also when member A and member B are indirectly connected with member C interposed between them.

[0021] The terms used in this specification are used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. As used in this specification, the singular form can include the plural form unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Also, as used in this specification, "comprise", "include" and / or "comprising", "including" specify the presence of a referenced feature, number, step, operation, member, element, and / or group, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, operations, members, elements, and / or groups.

[0022] In this specification, the terms first, second, etc. are used to describe various members, parts, regions, layers, and / or portions, but it is clear that these members, parts, regions, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one member, part, region, layer, or portion from another region, layer, or portion. Thus, a first member, part, region, layer, or portion detailed below can refer to a second member, part, region, layer, or portion without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

[0023] Space-related terms such as "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," and "upper" may be used to facilitate understanding of one element or feature from another element or feature illustrated in the drawings. Such space-related terms are used to facilitate understanding of the present invention in various process or use states of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the present invention. For example, when an element or feature in the drawing is turned over, an element or feature described as "below" or "below" becomes "upper" or "above." Thus, "below" is a concept that encompasses "upper" or "lower."

[0024] The controller and / or other associated devices or components of the present disclosure may be implemented using any suitable hardware, firmware (e.g., application specific semiconductors), software, or a suitable combination of software, firmware, and hardware. For example, the various components of the controller and / or other associated devices or components of the present disclosure may be formed on a single integrated circuit chip or on separate integrated circuit chips. The various components of the controller may be implemented on a flexible printed circuit film, tape carrier package, printed circuit board, or the same substrate as the controller. The various components of the controller may be processes or threads executed by one or more processors in one or more computing devices, which may execute computer program instructions and interact with other components to perform various functions as described below. The computer program instructions may be stored in a memory that may be executed by the computing device using standard memory devices such as random access memory. The computer program instructions may also be stored in other non-transitory computer readable media, such as CD-ROMs, flash drives, and the like. Additionally, those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains should recognize that the functionality of various computing devices may be combined with one another, integrated into a single computing device, or the functionality of a particular computing device may be distributed across one or more other computing devices without departing from exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0025] As an example, the control unit (controller) of the present disclosure may be operated by a conventional commercial computer comprising a central processing unit, a mass storage device such as a hard disk or solid state disk, a volatile memory device, input devices such as a keyboard or mouse, and output devices such as a monitor or printer.

[0026] In this disclosure, "short width" may mean a range of about 3 mm to about 80 mm. Also, in this disclosure, "low tension" may mean a range of about 10 gf to about 600 gf. As an example, this disclosure relates to a winding process in which a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and / or a separator having a width of about 3 mm to about 80 mm is wound straight with a tension in the range of about 10 gf to about 600 gf after slitting of the electrode plate.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 1, an exemplary electrode assembly 10 is shown being wound by an exemplary winding device according to the present disclosure.

[0028] 1, the exemplary electrode assembly 10 may be completed by winding up the positive electrode plate 11, the separator 12, and the negative electrode plate 13 in a substantially jelly roll shape by rotating the winding core 101 in a predetermined direction while the winding core 101 is still attached to the positive electrode plate 11, the separator 12, and the negative electrode plate 13. After the winding process, the electrode assembly 10 may be separated from the winding core 101. In some examples, the separator 12 may be additionally disposed on the positive electrode plate 11 or below the negative electrode plate 13 and wound up. In some examples, the electrode assembly 10 wound up in a jelly roll shape may be attached to a pouch, case, or can and sealed to complete a secondary battery.

[0029] 2, a mechanical configuration of an exemplary winding device 100 according to the present disclosure is illustrated. For ease of explanation, the positive electrode plate 11, the separator 12, and the negative electrode plate 13 will hereinafter be collectively referred to as a substrate 14.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, an exemplary winding device 100 may include a dancer 102 that maintains the tension of the substrate 14 provided from the unwinder at a predetermined value, a winding core 101 that winds up the substrate 14 with a constant tension supplied from the dancer 102, and at least one transfer roller 103, 104, 105, 106, 107 interposed between the dancer 102 and the winding core 101 to change the direction in which the substrate 14 is provided.

[0031] In some examples, the unwinder can wind the substrate 14 by rotating an electric motor, and the winding core 101 can also wind the substrate 14 by rotating an electric motor 120.

[0032] In some examples, the first and second transfer rollers 103, 104 are positioned at opposing positions, and the third transfer roller 105 is positioned between the first and second transfer rollers 103, 104 at a distance therefrom, and the third transfer roller 105 may be coupled to the dancer 102. Therefore, the substrate 14 passing through the first, second and third transfer rollers 103, 104, 105 has a certain tension depending on the rotation angle based on the rotation center axis 102A of the dancer 102.

[0033] In some examples, the tension sensor 130 may be directly coupled to the fourth transfer roller 106 located closest to the winding core 101. In some examples, the tension sensor 130 may be configured to precisely sense the tension value applied to the fourth transfer roller 106 in real time, so that the winding speed or rotation speed of the winding core 101 (i.e., the rotation speed of the electric motor) may be dynamically adjusted. In some examples, a fifth transfer roller 107 may be further interposed between the fourth transfer roller 106 and the second transfer roller 104.

[0034] Referring to FIG. 3, a mechanical configuration of an exemplary tension sensor 130 of an exemplary winding device 100 according to the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 3, the transfer roller 106 may include a fixed rod 1061 fixed to the winding device 100 and protruding in the length direction, an extension rod 1062 protruding in the length direction from the fixed rod 1061, a rotating roller 1063 rotatably connected to the extension rod 1062 so that the substrate 14 is transferred while receiving tension, and an end block 1064 connected to an end of the extension rod 1062 so that the rotating roller 1063 does not come off.

[0036] In some examples, a bearing may be interposed between the rotating roller 1063 and the extension rod 1062. The substrate 14 may be transferred to the core 101 while rotating the rotating roller 1063, and in some examples, the contact area between the substrate 14 and the rotating roller 1063 may be approximately 1% to approximately 50% of the entire circumference of the rotating roller 1063.

[0037] In some examples, when the direction of the substrate 14 entering the rotating roller 1063 is upward and the direction of the substrate 14 exiting the rotating roller 1063 (i.e., toward the winding core 101) is downward, the direction of tension received by the substrate 14 may be downward. Accordingly, the extension rod 1062 and the fixed rod 1061 may also receive tension in the downward direction.

[0038] In some examples, the tension sensor 130 may be mounted on the fixed rod 1061. In some examples, the tension sensor 130 may be mounted on some area of ​​the fixed rod 1061 adjacent to the extension rod 1062 and / or the rotating roller 1063. In some examples, the tension sensor 130 may include a piezo-type load cell or strain gauge attached to the fixed rod 1061.

[0039] In some examples, if the tension applied to the substrate 14 is in a downward direction, the tension sensor 130 is installed on the upper surface of the fixed rod 1061, so that the tension applied to the substrate 14 can be precisely sensed in real time.

[0040] In some examples, when the extension rod 1062 and the fixed rod 1061 are slightly bent (deformed) downward from the device 100 due to the tension applied to the base material 14, the tension sensor 130 can sense such minute deformation (rate). In some examples, the tension sensor 130 can convert the deformation rate into a tension value and output it.

[0041] In some examples, the tension sensor 130 can have a resolution of approximately 0.1 g to approximately 2 g, and more preferably between approximately 0.1 g to approximately 1 g, thereby enabling it to precisely sense the tension of the substrate 14 in real time with high resolution and fast response characteristics.

[0042] 4, an electrical configuration of the exemplary winding device 100 according to the present disclosure is illustrated. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the exemplary winding device 100 according to the present disclosure may include a control unit 110, an electric motor 120, and a tension sensor 130. In some examples, the exemplary winding device 100 may further include a data conversion unit 140 and / or an input / output unit 150.

[0043] The control unit 110 can receive and store the winding control program and tension profile, determine a winding speed corresponding to the tension profile of the substrate 14 being wound, and output a motor control signal corresponding to the winding speed to the electric motor 120.

[0044] In some examples, the control unit 110 stores the winding speed corresponding to the tension profile in the form of a lookup table or in the form of a mathematical formula. In some examples, the control unit 110 stores the motor control signal corresponding to the winding speed in the form of a lookup table or in the form of a mathematical formula. In some examples, the control unit 110 can communicate with the electric motor 120, the tension sensor 130, and the data conversion unit 140, and can receive and process various user commands. In some examples, the tension profile can include tension values ​​for each winding cycle and winding speeds for each tension value.

[0045] The electric motor 120 can rotate the winding core 101, which winds the substrate 14, at a predetermined speed by a motor control signal. In some examples, the electric motor 120 can include a step motor or a servo motor. In some examples, the electric motor 120 can provide (feedback) the rotation speed (or winding speed) to the control unit 110. In some examples, a higher rotation speed of the electric motor 120 can increase the tension applied to the substrate 14, and a lower rotation speed of the electric motor 120 can decrease the tension applied to the substrate 14. The opposite is also possible.

[0046] The tension sensor 130 is installed on the transfer roller 106 that transfers the substrate 14 provided to the winding core 101, and can precisely sense the tension value (tension data) of the substrate 14 in real time and provide the tension value to the control unit 110. In some examples, the tension value can include a tension average value, a tension period, and / or a tension amplitude.

[0047] In this manner, the present disclosure can control the winding speed (i.e., rotation speed) of the electric motor 120 (i.e., the winding core 101) using the tension value obtained from the tension sensor 130. In other words, the control unit 110 can precisely sense the tension value applied to the transfer roller 106 in real time, and then dynamically synchronize and control the winding speed (or rotation speed) of the winding core 101 so that the tension value applied to the substrate 14 matches the tension profile input in advance.

[0048] The data converter 140 may convert the time component included in the tension value into a frequency component to provide a frequency value. In some examples, the data converter 140 may include a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) filter and / or a Kalman filter.

[0049] The input / output unit 150 may be configured to input a tension profile of the substrate 14 to be wound in advance to the control unit 110 and to output a tension value and a frequency value to a screen. In some examples, the control unit 110 may output a warning signal through the input / output unit 150 and / or a separate alarm unit if the frequency value deviates from a preset frequency value.

[0050] In this manner, the present disclosure converts the tension value, including time, into a frequency value, thereby making it possible to determine whether the winding process is proceeding normally or abnormally.

[0051] 5, a graph of the relationship between tension values ​​measured by an exemplary tension sensor 130 of an exemplary winding device 100 according to the present disclosure and time is shown, with the X-axis in FIG. 5 being time (seconds) and the Y-axis being microstrain (με).

[0052] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the tension value of the substrate 14 sensed by the tension sensor 130 can include a tension average value (1), a tension period (2) and / or a tension amplitude (3).

[0053] Tension average value (1) refers to the average value of the tension value sensed by tension sensor 130, but in the present disclosure, the tension average value may be smaller than approximately 1 με. Tension period (2) refers to the sensing period (i.e., related to response speed and resolution) by tension sensor 130, but in the present disclosure, the tension period may be approximately 0.1 s to 0.3 s. Tension amplitude (3) refers to the bandwidth by tension sensor 130 (the higher the bandwidth, the more advantageous it is), but in the present disclosure, the bandwidth may be approximately -1 με to approximately 3 με. Also, in the present disclosure, one winding cycle may be approximately 10 seconds.

[0054] In this manner, the present disclosure enables precise sensing of tension values ​​for substrates 14 having short widths and low tensions, and by precisely acquiring three pieces of data, such as tension average value, tension period, and tension amplitude, in real time, the tension of the substrate 14 being wound can be more dynamically controlled.

[0055] 6a and 6b, graphs of the conversion results by the data conversion unit 140 of the exemplary winding device 100 according to the present disclosure are shown. In Fig. 6a and 6b, the X-axis is frequency and the Y-axis is magnitude.

[0056] In some cases, one winding cycle is 10 seconds, and during a normal winding process, 10 Hz peak data mainly appears as in Fig. 6a. However, if peak data of, for example, 60 Hz appears in addition to the 10 Hz peak data as in Fig. 6b, it can be determined that a problem has occurred in the winding process, and subsequent measures (e.g., stopping the winding process and adjusting the parameters of the winding equipment) can be taken.

[0057] What has been described above is merely one embodiment for implementing an exemplary winding process according to the present disclosure, which is capable of real-time precise tension measurement. The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and it can be said that the technical spirit of the present invention is within the scope of the following claims, to the extent that anyone having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains can make various modifications without departing from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 10 Electrode assembly 11 Positive electrode plate 12 Separation membrane 13 Negative electrode plate 14 Base material 100 Winding device 101 Roll core 102 Dancer 103 First transfer roller 104 Second transfer roller 105 Third transfer roller 106 Fourth transfer roller 1061 Fixed rod 1062 Extension Rod 1063 Rotating roller 1064 End Block 107 5th transfer roller 110 Control section 120 Electric Motor 130 Tension sensor 140 Data Conversion Unit 150 Input / output section

Claims

1. a control unit that determines a winding speed corresponding to a tension profile of the substrate being wound and outputs a motor control signal corresponding to the winding speed; an electric motor that rotates a winding core that winds the substrate in response to the motor control signal; and a tension sensor installed on a transfer roller that transfers the substrate to be wound around the core, for precisely sensing a tension value of the substrate in real time and providing the tension value to the control unit; The control unit dynamically controls the winding speed of the electric motor by utilizing the tension value.

2. The winding device according to claim 1 , wherein the tension values ​​include a tension average value, a tension period, and a tension amplitude.

3. The transport roller is a fixed rod fixed to the winding device and projecting in a longitudinal direction; an extension rod extending longitudinally from the fixed rod; and The winding device of claim 1 , further comprising a rotating roller rotatably coupled to the extension rod for transporting the substrate under tension.

4. The winding device according to claim 3 , wherein the tension sensor is mounted on the fixed rod.

5. The winding device according to claim 4 , wherein the tension sensor is installed in a portion of the fixed rod adjacent to the extension rod and the rotating roller.

6. The winding device according to claim 5 , wherein the tension sensor includes a load cell or a strain gauge.

7. The winding device according to claim 1 , further comprising a data conversion unit that converts the time of the tension value into a frequency value.

8. The winding device of claim 7 , further comprising an input / output unit configured to input a tension profile of a substrate being wound into the control unit and to output the tension value and the frequency value.

9. The winding device according to claim 8 , wherein the control unit outputs a warning signal through the input / output unit when the frequency value deviates from a preset frequency value.

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