Trimming device and method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a trimming device for making the width of an active material layer uniform in an electrode in which an active material layer is coated on an electrode current collector, and more particularly to a trimming device that can be used flexibly by precisely adjusting the cutting depth and cutting position. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a trimming device is provided that cuts the corners of an active material layer in order to make the width of an active material layer uniform in an electrode in which an active material layer is coated on an electrode current collector, comprising: a guide roll for transporting an electrode; a cutting module including a knife for cutting the corners of the active material layer at the top of the guide roll and the electrode in the direction of transport of the electrode by the guide roll, and an adjusting member for adjusting the gap between the end of the knife and the guide roll; and a horizontal frame provided at the top of the guide roll on which the cutting module is mounted.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a trimming device for uniformizing the width of an active material layer in an electrode in which an active material layer is coated on an electrode current collector, and relates to a trimming device and a trimming method that can be elastically used 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 filed on October 21, 2023, and all contents disclosed in the literature of the said Korean patent application are included as part of the present specification.

BACKGROUND ART

[0003] In recent years, demand for secondary batteries as an energy source has increased rapidly. In particular, lithium secondary batteries have been widely popularized very actively. Lithium secondary batteries have characteristics of higher energy density and voltage, longer cycle life, and lower discharge rate compared with other secondary batteries.

[0004] A secondary battery is configured to include an electrode assembly and a case surrounding it. Depending on the form of the case, it is generally provided in a cylindrical, prismatic or pouch form. The electrode assembly is fabricated in a form in which a positive electrode, a separator, and a negative electrode are stacked, and the positive electrode and the negative electrode are fabricated by coating and drying positive electrode active material slurry and negative electrode active material slurry on current collectors made of aluminum foil and copper foil, respectively.

[0005] A difference in electron density may occur depending on the distribution amount of the positive electrode active material or the negative electrode active material, which is related to the performance of the secondary battery. Therefore, during the manufacture of the positive electrode and the negative electrode, it is necessary to control the thickness of the positive electrode active material or the negative electrode active material very precisely. In addition, it is necessary to precisely control the outermost corner of the coating layer of the positive electrode active material or the negative electrode active material, that is, the edge. That is, it is important to uniformly manage the edge portion so as to exhibit optimal energy efficiency.

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

[0007] As shown in the figure, edge residue (5) may be formed outside the optimal edge line (4). An edge or edge line refers to the boundary between a terraform area (a portion where the active material coating layer is formed) and a non-terraform area (a portion where the active material coating layer is not formed) in the electrode. The edge residue (5) is the coating layer that extends beyond the edge line (4), and as shown in the figure, it does not adhere closely to the current collector (2) or fails to meet the precisely required thickness of the coating layer. The edge residue (5) can be said to be a portion that inevitably occurs in order to ensure a precise coating layer thickness up to the edge line (4).

[0008] The width of the active material coating layer must be precisely controlled along the edge line, and therefore, edge residue (5) that deviates from the edge line (4) must be properly removed.

[0009] However, conventionally, the removal of edge residue (5) was generally done manually by the worker. The worker would position a device such as a vacuum cleaner (6) on the electrode surface and then remove the edge residue (5).

[0010] Therefore, it was not easy to remove the edge residue (5) while precisely maintaining the edge line (4). In particular, there was a problem in that the removal of the residue (5) had to be done manually, making it impossible to manufacture electrodes efficiently. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0011] The present invention aims to solve problems related to the removal of edge residue in electrodes during conventional electrode manufacturing processes.

[0012] Through one embodiment of the present invention, we aim to provide a trimming device and trimming method that can precisely adjust the trimming position through a cutting module and expand the range of trimmable positions.

[0013] Through one embodiment of the present invention, we aim to provide a trimming device and trimming method that can precisely adjust and confirm the trimming depth through a cutting module.

[0014] Through one embodiment of the present invention, we aim to provide a trimming apparatus and trimming method that can perform trimming not only on a single active material layer, but also on electrodes having multiple active material layers with blank areas in between.

[0015] Through one embodiment of the present invention, the cutting module is positioned so that the knife is biased to one side, and the cutting module is mounted in a first mounting position and a second mounting position having a configuration in which the cutting module is inverted 180 degrees relative to each other, thereby providing a trimming device and trimming method that can flexibly respond to variations in the width of the active material layer and the width of the plain area. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] To achieve the aforementioned objective, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a trimming device can be provided for cutting the corners of an active material layer in an electrode in which an active material layer is coated on an electrode current collector.

[0017] The trimming device can include a guide roll for transporting an electrode; a cutting module including a knife for cutting the corner of the active material layer at the guide roll and above the electrode in the direction of electrode transport, and an adjusting member for adjusting the gap between the end of the knife and the guide roll; and a horizontal frame provided above the guide roll on which the cutting module is mounted.

[0018] Multiple guide rolls may be provided, and one of these guide rolls can be considered a trimming roll that supports the electrode being trimmed.

[0019] The cutting module is provided so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the horizontal frame, i.e., in the longitudinal direction of the guide roll, and can be fixed to the horizontal frame after the trimming position has been determined.

[0020] The trimming device may include a lower frame that supports the trimming device relative to the ground, and an upper frame that supports the guide roll and horizontal frame on the upper part of the lower frame.

[0021] The upper frame preferably includes a pair of vertical frames arranged opposite to each other, with the guide roll and horizontal frame being supported between the pair of vertical frames.

[0022] The horizontal frame can be fixed across the upper section of the pair of vertical frames.

[0023] Preferably, the horizontal frame has an opening that penetrates vertically in a manner parallel to the guide roll, and the cutting module is supported by the horizontal frame after the knife has passed through the opening from top to bottom.

[0024] In other words, it is preferable that a portion of the cutting module is located at the top of the horizontal frame, and the remaining portion is located at the bottom of the horizontal frame. Furthermore, some of the components provided in the middle portion of the cutting module can be fixedly coupled to the horizontal frame.

[0025] Preferably, the horizontal frame is provided with a pair of guide rails arranged parallel to the guide roll in the direction before and after the opening, and a movable block that is slidable and fixed along the guide rails.

[0026] Preferably, the cutting module is fixedly coupled to the moving block, and is capable of moving and being fixed in the direction of the rotation axis of the guide roll integrally with the moving block.

[0027] The cutting module is integrally provided as a single module, and can integrally determine the trimming position through the movement and fixation of the moving block.

[0028] Preferably, the cutting module includes a lower plate fixed to the horizontal frame; an upper plate provided on an upper portion of the lower plate; and a moving plate provided between the lower plate and the upper plate, the moving plate being arranged to be vertically movable between the lower plate and the upper plate.

[0029] Preferably, the knife moves up and down integrally with the moving plate. The moving plate is provided to be capable of moving up and down and being fixed, and the trimming depth can be changed by changing the height of the moving plate.

[0030] A plurality of support columns for supporting the upper plate in parallel with the lower plate may be provided.

[0031] Furthermore, guide members fixedly provided on the upper and lower portions of the moving plate and configured to guide the vertical movement of the moving plate along the support columns penetrating the moving plate may be provided.

[0032] The cutting module may include a knife fixing member coupled to the moving plate, penetrating the lower plate, and extending vertically downward toward the guide roll.

[0033] Preferably, the knife is mounted on one side of the knife fixing member, and a motor for driving the rotation of the knife is mounted on the other side of the knife fixing member.

[0034] The front-to-back width of the knife fixing member and motor is preferably smaller than the front-to-back width of the opening in the horizontal frame. The knife can be formed in a disc shape, and its diameter is preferably smaller than the front-to-back width of the opening in the horizontal frame. This allows the knife to be inserted and coupled to the horizontal frame as a single unit with the cutting module. Therefore, the cutting module can be easily attached.

[0035] On the other hand, the diameter of the knife may vary. Therefore, it is preferable that the center of the knife be located below the horizontal frame so that the knife can be easily replaced.

[0036] The knife and motor are preferably located inside the vertical projection area of ​​the lower plate. Therefore, after the knife and motor are easily inserted into the opening of the horizontal frame, the lower plate can be joined to the horizontal frame at the top of the horizontal frame.

[0037] Preferably, the knife is positioned off-center from the left and right center of the cutting module.

[0038] Preferably, the lower plate is provided symmetrically with respect to the front-to-back center and the left-to-right center, and the end of the knife is located directly below the front-to-back center of the lower plate.

[0039] Preferably, the cutting modules are provided so that they can be mounted on the horizontal frame in different mounting positions. That is, it is preferable that they can be mounted on the horizontal frame in a first mounting position and a second mounting position which is the first mounting position inverted 180 degrees with respect to the vertical direction.

[0040] Preferably, the rotation direction of the knife can be changed so that it is in opposite directions between the first mounting position and the second mounting position.

[0041] Preferably, the adjusting member is provided to adjust the height of the movable plate relative to the lower plate and to adjust the gap between the end of the knife and the guide roll.

[0042] The adjustment member is preferably a microgauge including a main body fixedly coupled to the movable plate that forms the reference surface, and a measuring rod that is provided to penetrate the movable plate from the main body and be movable up and down.

[0043] Preferably, the adjusting member is located between the upper plate and the movable plate, is rotatably mounted relative to the main body, and includes a lever for adjusting the vertical length of the measuring rod.

[0044] The trimming device preferably includes a displacement sensor (LVDT) that senses the gap between the end of the knife and the guide roll, using the position of a measuring probe located at the same height and on the same line as the end of the knife as a reference point.

[0045] The displacement sensor can be fixedly coupled to the movable plate via a sensor bracket.

[0046] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a trimming apparatus can be provided that includes a pair of vertical frames; a trimming roll rotatably provided between the pair of vertical frames for transporting electrodes and supporting electrodes on which a trimming process is performed; a horizontal frame provided to be fixed between the pair of vertical frames above the trimming roll and having an opening corresponding to the longitudinal direction of the trimming roll; a moving block provided before and after the opening so as to be slidable and fixed in the longitudinal direction of the trimming roll; and a cutting module for performing a trimming process by cutting the corners of the active material layer of the electrodes.

[0047] The cutting module may include, on the upper part of the moving block, a lower plate attached to and fixed to the moving block; a moving plate provided on the upper part of the lower plate; a knife fixing member provided on the moving plate, extending downward and passing through the lower plate and the opening; a knife attached to the knife fixing member for cutting the corner of the active material layer of the electrode at the vertical upper part of the electrode; and an adjusting member for adjusting the gap between the moving plate and the lower plate, and for adjusting the gap between the end of the knife and the trimming roll.

[0048] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a trimming method is provided in which trimming is performed on a trimming line via a trimming device including a cutting module and a trimming roll, the method comprising: a preparation step of positioning an electrode to be trimmed between the trimming roll and the cutting module; a display step of displaying the trimming position through a laser point; a transfer step of continuously transferring the electrode while the trimming roll rotates; and a trimming step of rotating the knife of the cutting module and cutting the corner of the active material layer with the electrode simultaneously with the transfer step, wherein in the trimming step, an adjustment step is performed to feed back the trimming depth and vary the trimming depth.

[0049] The cutting module includes a lower plate provided on the upper part of the trimming roll and on a horizontal frame on which the cutting module is mounted; an upper plate provided on the upper part of the lower plate; and a movable plate provided between the lower plate and the upper plate and movable vertically between the lower plate and the upper plate, and the knife may be provided integrally with the movable plate and movable vertically.

[0050] The cutting module includes an adjustment member that adjusts the distance between the lower plate and the moving plate and the gap between the end of the knife and the guide roll, and in the adjustment step, the trimming depth can be adjusted by operating the adjustment member.

[0051] The cutting module includes a displacement sensor having a measuring probe positioned at the same height and on the same line as the end of the knife, and the feedback trimming depth can be sensed via the displacement sensor.

[0052] During the trimming stage, the trimming position can be fed back, and an adjustment stage can be performed to vary the trimming position.

[0053] The trimming device includes a position adjustment device that moves the cutting module left and right to adjust the trimming position, and in the adjustment step, the trimming position can be adjusted through the operation of the position adjustment device.

[0054] The trimming device may be configured to move multiple cutting modules as a single assembly from side to side. By moving one of the cutting modules via a position adjustment device, the remaining cutting modules can also be moved as a single unit.

[0055] The feedback trimming position can be sensed by a vision device that captures the laser point. The laser pointer that generates the laser point can be mounted on a knife housing that protects the knife. The laser point can be projected onto the position immediately before trimming to intuitively display the trimming position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0056] Through one embodiment of the present invention, a trimming device and trimming method can be provided that allows for precise adjustment of the trimming position through the cutting module and expands the range of trimmable positions.

[0057] Through one embodiment of the present invention, a trimming device and trimming method can be provided that can precisely adjust and confirm the trimming depth through a cutting module.

[0058] Through one embodiment of the present invention, a trimming apparatus and trimming method can be provided that can perform trimming not only on a single active material layer, but also on an electrode having multiple active material layers with a blank area in between.

[0059] Through one embodiment of the present invention, a trimming device and trimming method can be provided that allows trimming to be performed flexibly in response to variations in the width of the active material layer and the width of the plain area, by positioning the knife in the cutting module so that it is biased to one side, and mounting the cutting module in a first mounting position and a second mounting position in which the cutting module is inverted 180 degrees relative to each other. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0060] [Figure 1] A simplified diagram shows the process of trimming the corner lines of the active material layer of a conventional electrode. [Figure 2] This is a perspective view of a trimming device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a front view of a trimming device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a trimmed area and a magnified view thereof, as seen through a trimming device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a front view of the cutting module mounted on a horizontal frame. [Figure 6] This is a perspective view of the cutting module. [Figure 7] This is a plan view of a cutting module assembly consisting of three cutting modules. [Figure 8] This is a front view of the cutting module assembly. [Figure 9] This shows a flowchart of a trimming method according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0061] In the following, a trimming device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0062] A trimming device can be described as a device that removes the remaining edge material that deviates from the edge line using a knife, in other words, a device that performs trimming.

[0063] The trimming device according to this embodiment may be a device that continuously or automatically cuts the corners of the active material from the electrodes, thereby forming a precise corner line or edge line.

[0064] To form a precise corner line, it is necessary for the knife to be precisely positioned along the corner line, and it is preferable that the edge residue can be cut with a precise cutting depth.

[0065] Figures 2 and 3 show an example of a trimming device (100) according to this embodiment.

[0066] The trimming device (100) can continuously supply electrodes through electrode rolls on which trimming is performed. That is, electrodes are continuously supplied to the trimming device (100) through electrode rolls on which the active material is coated on the current collector roll, and the trimming device (100) can perform trimming continuously.

[0067] The trimming device (100) may include a cutting module (40) provided for cutting the corners of the active material layer. The cutting module (40) may include a knife that rotates to cut the corners and remove edge residue. That is, the knife can rotate vertically above the moving electrode, removing only unwanted edge residue and forming a precise edge line. For this purpose, the axis of rotation of the knife is preferably perpendicular to the direction of electrode movement.

[0068] Here, the knife is positioned perpendicular to the active material layer of the electrode, resulting in the highest cutting efficiency during cutting, but the contact angle is not limited to perpendicular.

[0069] Specifically, the trimming device (100) includes guide rolls (23, 24) for transporting the electrodes, through which the electrodes (1) are continuously supplied to the trimming device (100) and then discharged.

[0070] Multiple guide rolls (23, 24) are provided and rotate to transport and support the electrodes. The multiple guide rolls (23, 24) are arranged side by side, however their heights and mounting positions may differ from one another.

[0071] Figures 2 and 3 show an example in which a trimming device (100) is equipped with four guide rolls (23, 24), and trimming can be performed using any one of the guide rolls (24). In other words, the guide roll (24) that supports the electrode where trimming is performed, directly facing the knife, can be called the trimming roll (24).

[0072] The process of fabricating electrodes can be carried out in multiple steps, and these multiple steps can be carried out organically and continuously.

[0073] As an example, the current collector can undergo a coating process in which an active material is coated onto the current collector as the roll is unrolled. Afterward, the coated current collector, i.e., the electrode, is continuously supplied to a trimming device (100) for a trimming process. The trimmed electrode can then be manufactured in the form of a unit electrode roll through a slitting process. In other words, the electrode process can be carried out continuously through a roll-to-roll process.

[0074] Here, the trimming apparatus (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus that performs a part of the process, namely the trimming process, in the roll-to-roll process, and continuously supplies electrodes, continuously discharges the electrodes after trimming, and can perform subsequent processes continuously in the same manner.

[0075] The electrode formation process can be divided into a wet process and a dry process. In the wet process, a drying process is performed after the active material coating. However, in the dry process, the drying process after the active material coating can be omitted. Therefore, the trimming apparatus according to this embodiment is preferably an apparatus that performs the trimming process after the active material coating in the dry process. In particular, it may be an apparatus suitable for the dry process of the negative electrode.

[0076] Specifically, the trimming device (100) according to this embodiment may include a lower frame (10) and an upper frame (20). The lower frame (10) can be described as a frame that supports the trimming device (100) with respect to the ground. Furthermore, the lower frame (10) may be configured to support the upper frame (20).

[0077] The upper frame (10) may be configured to support guide rolls (23, 24). The upper frame (10) may also be configured to support a horizontal frame (30) on which a cutting module (40) is mounted.

[0078] The upper frame (20) may include a pair of vertical frames (21, 22) arranged to face each other. The guide rolls (23, 24) and the horizontal frame (30) can be supported between one vertical frame (21) and the other vertical frame (22). Of course, it is preferable that the horizontal frame (30) is located above the guide rolls, particularly the trimming roll (24).

[0079] The front and rear of one vertical frame (21) and the other vertical frame (22) are open, allowing electrodes for trimming to be supplied through the rear and trimmed electrodes to be discharged through the front. Such electrode movement can be achieved through the rotation of guide rolls (23, 24).

[0080] The horizontal frame (30) is provided on the upper part of the upper frame (20) and can be fixed extending from one vertical frame (21) to the other vertical frame (22). In other words, it is preferable that the horizontal frame (20) and the guide rolls (23, 24) are provided so as to be aligned with each other.

[0081] The horizontal frame (30) may include a horizontal base (31).

[0082] The horizontal base (31) can be formed by two bars spaced apart from each other and arranged side by side. 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 horizontally to align with the guide rolls (23, 24). A portion of the cutting module (40) can pass through the opening (34) from top to bottom. In particular, it is preferable that the cutting module is supported by the horizontal frame after the knife of the cutting module has passed through the opening from top to bottom. That is, it is preferable that a portion of the cutting module is located at the top of the horizontal frame and the remaining portion is located at the bottom of the horizontal frame.

[0083] The front-to-back width of the opening (34) is formed so that only a portion of the cutting module (40), i.e., the lower structure, can pass through it, and the left-to-right width of the opening (34) can be formed to determine the range of positions in which the cutting module (40) can be mounted.

[0084] The horizontal frame (30) preferably includes a pair of guide rails (32, 33) positioned parallel to the guide rolls (23, 24) before and after the opening. The guide rails (32, 33) preferably are located on the upper part of the horizontal base (31). The cutting module (40) preferably slides and is fixed along the guide rails (32, 33). That is, the mounting and fixing position of the cutting module (40) preferably can be changed. This allows for precise adjustment of the trimming position.

[0085] Specifically, the guide rails (32, 33) can be equipped with a movable block (79, see Figure 3), and the movable block (79) can be slid along the guide rails (32, 33) and fixed in place. Furthermore, the cutting module (40) can be connected to the movable block. Therefore, the cutting module (40) can be moved and fixed by moving and fixing the movable block (79). In other words, the mounting and fixing position of the cutting module (40) can be varied.

[0086] Figure 4 shows how the edge residue is trimmed through the knife of the cutting module.

[0087] As shown in the diagram, the knife (56) inserted into the lower part of the horizontal frame (30) and then pulled out rotates, trimming the edge residue (5) along a predetermined edge line to form an edge line (4).

[0088] As described above, the cutting module (40) can be moved left and right and fixed in place by the horizontal frame (30). Thus, the knife can trim the residue (5) along a preset edge line through it. Here, the cutting depth of the knife is very important. If the cutting depth is too deep, damage to the current collector (2) will occur, and if the cutting depth is too shallow, the residue (5) will not be trimmed properly. Therefore, it is preferable that the cutting depth of the knife can be adjusted with great precision.

[0089] The cutting module (40) will be described in more detail below with reference to Figures 5 and 6.

[0090] Figure 5 shows the cutting module (40) mounted on the horizontal frame (30), while Figure 6 shows only the cutting module (40).

[0091] The cutting module (40) may be formed including a lower plate (50), an upper plate (52), and a movable plate (51). The plates may vary in size, but all can be formed in a rectangular or square shape. However, it is preferable that the plates are positioned parallel to each other, and that such a parallel relationship is always maintained for precise trimming.

[0092] The lower plate (50) is provided to be fixed to the horizontal frame (30). That is, by attaching and fixing the lower plate (50) to the horizontal frame, the cutting module (40) can be attached and fixed to the trimming device (100).

[0093] The upper plate (52) is mounted on top of the lower plate (50), and multiple support columns (60) can be provided between them. That is, the upper plate (52) and the lower plate (50) can be connected as a single unit via multiple support columns. Therefore, the upper plate and the lower plate can maintain the same vertical distance and always maintain a parallel relationship.

[0094] The upper plate (52) and the lower plate (50) can be formed in the shape of a rectangular plate. Therefore, it is preferable that the plurality of support columns (60) are provided at the four corners so that the upper plate (52) and the lower plate (50) are firmly fixed. It is preferable that the upper plate (52) and the lower plate (50) have the same shape and size and are always positioned facing each other at the same distance.

[0095] Preferably, a movable plate (51) is provided between the upper plate (52) and the lower plate (50). Preferably, the upper plate (52) and the lower plate (50) are always fixed, while the movable plate (51) is provided in a movable manner.

[0096] The movable plate (51) can also be formed in the shape of a rectangular plate, and it is preferable that it be larger than the upper plate (52) and the lower plate (50) in order to prevent unintended movement. This is so that a guide member (61), which will be described later as an example of a configuration that allows the movable plate (51) to move up and down while maintaining a horizontal position relative to the upper plate and the lower plate, can be easily attached.

[0097] It is preferable that the multiple support columns (60) pass through the corners of the movable plate (51). It is preferable that multiple guide members (61) be provided in order to ensure precise and uniform vertical movement of the intended movable plate (51).

[0098] The guide member (61) can be fixed to the upper and lower parts of the movable plate (51). The support column (60) can pass through 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 corners, 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 knife. In other words, the up and down position adjustment of the movable plate (51) must be performed with great precision.

[0099] A knife fixing member (54) may be provided for attaching the knife (56). The knife fixing member (54) may be fixedly coupled to the movable plate (51) and protrude downward. That is, it may penetrate the lower plate (50) and extend further downward.

[0100] A knife (56) is mounted vertically on one side of the knife fixing member (54) and can be secured through a fixing cap (57). Preferably, a motor is mounted on the other side of the knife fixing member (54).

[0101] The motor (53) that drives the rotation of the knife (56) is positioned behind the knife fixing member (54), allowing the center of gravity of the cutting module (40) to be lowered. Furthermore, the motor (53) itself can act as a counterweight during cutting via the knife (56). Therefore, very stable and continuous trimming can be performed.

[0102] Here, it is preferable that the motor is located approximately in the left-right center of the cutting module (40). Therefore, the knife fixing member (54) and the knife (56) can be positioned off-center to one side of the left-right center of the cutting module (40). Figure 5 shows the knife positioned off-center to the right of the cutting module (40), and Figure 6 shows the knife positioned off-center to the left of the cutting module (40).

[0103] While there may be an upper limit on the width of an electrode that can be fed into a single trimming device (100) and trimmed, there can be a wide range of electrode widths that can be trimmed below this limit. Furthermore, the width of the active material layer can also be diverse. This means that the positions of the corner lines or edge lines of the active material layer can be very diverse.

[0104] Furthermore, a single electrode may have one active material layer or multiple active material layers based on its width. If only one active material layer is provided, it may have only two cutting lines, i.e., two corner lines on both sides. In this case, two cutting modules (40) can be attached. If two active material layers are provided, it may have not only two corner lines on both sides but also two corner lines in the middle. That is, a blank section can be provided in the middle of the electrode. In this case, four cutting modules (40) can be attached. Of course, it is also possible to attach two knives to the central cutting module to cut the two corner lines.

[0105] In other words, the number of cutting modules (40) attached to the single trimming device (100) can vary, and as a result, the position (position of the knife) and number of cutting lines can vary.

[0106] For these reasons, it is preferable that the cutting module (40) can be mounted on the horizontal frame (30) in two mounting positions. Figure 5 shows the cutting module (40) mounted on the horizontal frame (30) in the first mounting position, and Figure 6 shows the cutting module (40) in the second mounting position.

[0107] To enable these two mounting positions, the lower plate (50) is preferably formed symmetrically with respect to the front-to-back center and the left-to-right center. Furthermore, the end of the knife is preferably mounted so that it is located at the front-to-back center of the lower plate (50).

[0108] For example, when trimming an electrode with a blank section in the middle, it is preferable that the left cutting module is mounted in the first mounting position and the right cutting module is mounted in the second mounting position.

[0109] Furthermore, when the edge lines on both sides are located near both ends of the guide roll, it is preferable that the cutting module on the left side be mounted in the second mounting position, and the cutting module on the right side be mounted in the first mounting position.

[0110] This allows for a very wide range of possible cutting lines, enabling highly flexible trimming with various electrodes.

[0111] As described above, the position of the knife (56), 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 for adjusting the height of the movable plate (51). The adjustment member (65) can be provided to adjust the height of the movable plate relative to the lower plate.

[0112] As the distance between the movable plate and the fixed lower plate, i.e., the height, increases, the position of the knife rises. In this case, the cutting depth becomes shallower. In other words, the vertical distance between the guide roll (24) and the end of the knife increases. Conversely, as the distance between the movable plate and the fixed lower plate, i.e., the height, decreases, the position of the knife descends. In this case, the cutting depth increases. In other words, the vertical distance between the guide roll (24) and the end of the knife decreases.

[0113] Since the cutting depth through the knife needs to be adjusted with great precision, the adjustment member (65) can be formed in the form of a microgauge for measuring a precise depth.

[0114] Specifically, the adjustment member (65) can be configured to include a main body (65a) fixedly coupled to the movable plate that forms the reference surface, and a measuring rod (65b) that is provided to penetrate the movable plate (51) from the main body and be able to move up and down. In other words, the length to which the measuring rod (65b) protrudes from the reference surface can be said to be the distance between the movable plate (51) and the lower plate (50).

[0115] The longer the measuring rod (65b) protrudes, the more it pushes against the lower plate, which in turn causes the reference surface connected to the main body (65a), i.e., the movable plate (51), to rise. Subsequently, the shorter the protruding length of the measuring rod (65b), the more the movable plate (51) can be lowered. In other words, the adjustment member (65) can adjust the cutting depth by increasing or decreasing the vertical distance between the lower plate and the movable plate.

[0116] The end of the measuring rod (65b) can be connected to the lower plate (50). In this case, as the protruding length of the measuring rod shortens, the measuring rod pulls the lower plate closer, eventually causing the lower plate to descend. Alternatively, the end of the measuring rod (65b) can be provided to simply contact the lower plate (50). In this case, as the protruding length of the measuring rod shortens, contact between the measuring rod and the lower plate may be released, making force transmission impossible. To solve this, elastic support can be provided between the lower plate and the moving plate, or between the moving plate and the upper plate.

[0117] Elastic support can be provided via a spring, which can be attached via the aforementioned support column 60 or guide member (61).

[0118] For example, as the protruding length of the measuring rod (65b) increases, the distance between the moving plate and the lower plate increases, and the distance between the moving plate and the upper plate decreases. At this time, the spring provided between the moving plate and the upper plate can be compressed. Subsequently, as the protruding length of the measuring rod (65b) decreases, the compressed spring is restored, causing the moving plate (51) to move downward.

[0119] On the other hand, it is preferable that the adjustment member (65) includes a lever (66) for adjusting the protruding length of the measuring rod (65b).

[0120] The lever (66) is rotatably mounted on the main body (65a) and can be configured to adjust the vertical length or protruding length of the measuring rod (65b).

[0121] In this embodiment, adjusting the length of the measuring rod means not only moving the measuring rod, but also moving not only the movable plate (51), but also the knife and motor, etc. Therefore, a greater force is required than for adjusting the knob in a typical microgauge. Accordingly, in this embodiment, it is preferable that a lever protruding from one side of the main body is coupled to the knob.

[0122] The lever (66) can display the measurement height. For example, if the zero point is set at the position where the knife and the guide roll are in contact, the displayed number may be the distance between the guide roll and the end of the knife. If the zero point is set at the position where the current collector and the knife are in contact, the displayed number may be the distance between the knife and the current collector, i.e., the cutting depth. Thus, it becomes possible to adjust the position of the knife with great precision.

[0123] On the other hand, as mentioned above, a single trimming device can be used to trim various electrodes. This means that the thickness of the current collector and the thickness of the active material layer can also be varied in various ways. Therefore, when the thickness of the current collector and the thickness of the active material layer vary, it is necessary to precisely adjust the height of the knife accordingly.

[0124] For this reason, according to this embodiment, the cutting module (40) preferably includes a displacement sensor (70, LVDT). The displacement sensor can be described as a sensor for measuring very precise linear displacement. With the main body (73) fixed, the measuring probe (74) moves forward and backward, and the displacement of the measuring probe, i.e., linear displacement, can be sensed. In other words, the actual gap value between the knife and the guide roll can be measured.

[0125] Here, it is preferable that the measuring probe (74) contacts the guide roll directly above it. The angle of contact is not necessarily limited to vertical, but vertical contact can minimize measurement errors. For this reason, it is also preferable that the knife trims directly above the electrode. This increases trimming efficiency and allows for accurate measurement of the gap value.

[0126] The main body (73) of the displacement sensor can be fixed to the movable plate (51). For this purpose, the system may include a vertical bracket (71) coupled to the movable plate and a sensor bracket (72) to which the main body is mounted and fixed.

[0127] The displacement sensor (70) can be provided by penetrating the horizontal frame (30) vertically, and the measuring probe (74) provided at the lower end of the main body (73) can have a variable protrusion length relative to the main body (73). That is, the variable protrusion length can be sensed.

[0128] For example, after the height of the measuring probe (74) is set to zero at the same height and on the same line as the end of the knife, the measuring probe (74) can descend and come into contact with the guide roll (24) or the plain part of the electrode substrate. At this time, the sensed value can be said to be precisely the gap value or cutting depth between the end of the knife and the guide roll.

[0129] The gap value required during trimming may change. In other words, the cutting depth may change. At this time, the gap value of the electrode currently being trimmed is predetermined. Therefore, the height of the knife can be adjusted to match the required gap value, and the accuracy of the set gap value can be confirmed through the displacement sensor (70). That is, by repeatedly adjusting the position of the knife through the adjustment means (65) and confirming the gap value between the end of the knife and the guide roll through the displacement sensor (70), the cutting depth can be set with great precision.

[0130] The positioning mechanism for multiple cutting modules will be described in detail below with reference to Figures 7 and 8.

[0131] Figure 7 is a plan view of the cutting module assembly, and Figure 8 is a front view of the cutting module assembly. Multiple cutting modules can be installed and handled as a single assembly.

[0132] This section describes a case where trimming is performed through three cutting modules in an electrode having two rows of exposed areas. The number of exposed areas and the number of cutting modules can be varied.

[0133] The width of the electrode to be trimmed, the width of the plain and textured areas, the number of textured areas, and the trimming depth are all predetermined. Therefore, unless these predetermined values ​​are changed, the trimming position and trimming depth will also remain unchanged. However, during the electrode manufacturing process and electrode transport process, the actual trimming position and depth can be varied.

[0134] In the case of electrodes with multiple rows or lanes of grounded portions, the number of edge lines increases, and therefore the number of cutting modules to be installed also increases. In this case, it is not easy to individually set and adjust the position of each cutting module, especially its left-right position.

[0135] According to this embodiment, as an example of multiple cutting modules, three cutting modules can be configured as a single module and their positions can be set.

[0136] As shown in the diagram, the three cutting modules can be mounted on the horizontal base (31) in close contact with each other from left to right. In particular, they can be slidably mounted on the guide rails (32, 33).

[0137] The width of the cutting module is pre-set, and the left-right position of the knife attached to the cutting module can also be pre-set.

[0138] Here, it is preferable to configure multiple cutting modules as a single cutting module assembly. That is, it is preferable that it can be handled as a single assembly and that its left and right positions can be adjusted as a single unit. For this purpose, in this embodiment, a position adjustment device (80) can be provided.

[0139] Here, the position adjustment device (80) may be configured to form multiple cutting modules as a single assembly, and at the same time, it may be configured to move multiple cutting modules as a single unit.

[0140] Since the cutting modules are physically or mechanically connected on the left and right sides, changing the left-right position of only one cutting module will change the left-right position of the entire cutting module, i.e., the assembly. For this purpose, a connecting block (84) is provided on the rightmost or leftmost cutting module, and the left-right position of the assembly can be changed by pushing or pulling the reference block. On the other hand, the connecting block (84) can be attached to the lower plate of the cutting module. That is, the left-right position of the cutting module can be changed by pushing or pulling the lower plate on the left and right through the connecting block. Through this, the cutting module can be moved stably.

[0141] Specifically, the position adjustment device (80) may include a rotatably mounted rod (rod, 82) and a connecting block (84) that converts the rotational displacement of the rod into a linear displacement. Here, a drive unit for rotating the rod may be provided, which can be manually or electrically driven. For electric drive, a servo motor may be provided.

[0142] More specifically, a reference block (82) is provided on a horizontal base (31), and a rod extending from the reference block (82) rotates, allowing the connecting block (84) to move left and right. In the form of a ball screw, the connecting block can move to the right when the rod rotates in the forward direction and to the left when it rotates in the reverse direction. The rotation of the rod can be controlled through a servo motor (81), which can be provided on the reference block (82).

[0143] Through the rotational control of the servo motor, the lateral movement distance of the connecting block can be controlled with great precision, thereby enabling precise control of the lateral positions of multiple cutting modules, i.e., the lateral position of the entire assembly.

[0144] Furthermore, the movement of the connecting block (84) can be restricted through stoppers (85, 86). The connecting block can be made movable between the stoppers (85, 86) on both sides, thereby restricting excessive movement of the connecting block (84). The upper and lower limits of the movement range of the cutting module can be easily set.

[0145] On the other hand, the horizontal base (31) may be equipped with a connecting rail (87). The connecting block (84) may be supported by the connecting rail (87) and slidably mounted.

[0146] The electrodes have slight lateral deviations, and the electrodes may shift. Therefore, the edge line may also fluctuate slightly from side to side. Furthermore, it is not easy to adjust the lateral position of each cutting module when initially installing them. For these reasons, the cutting modules can be manufactured as a single assembly, allowing for adjustment of their lateral positions during installation, and the lateral position of the assembly can also be automatically adjusted.

[0147] As shown in Figure 8, in this embodiment, a laser (90) can be provided as an example of an indicator member for visually displaying the cutting position. The laser (90) is located in front of the knife and can indicate the edge line. Therefore, it is possible to intuitively understand whether trimming is being performed along an accurate edge line.

[0148] The knife performs trimming through rotation. Therefore, a knife housing (56) can be provided to protect the knife. The knife housing (56) is provided so as to enclose the knife, and only a portion of the knife used for trimming can protrude from the knife housing. The laser (90) can be mounted on the knife housing. Furthermore, the laser (90) can be mounted only on the outermost knife housing, rather than multiple lasers.

[0149] The trimming method according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 9.

[0150] A cutting module, i.e., a cutting module assembly, can be mounted to correspond to the left-right width and edge line of the electrode substrate to be trimmed. Then, the electrode is inserted between the cutting module and the trimming roll (24), completing the trimming preparation (preparation stage) (S10). At this time, it is preferable that the trimming points (trimming positions) be displayed visibly through a laser (display stage) (S20). Of course, the trimming points can be continuously displayed from the middle of the trimming process. If there are multiple trimming positions, the trimming points can be displayed through the laser at each trimming position, but they can also be displayed only at the outermost trimming point. The trimming points can be displayed through a laser point.

[0151] Trimming (trimming stage) (S40) can be performed simultaneously with electrode transfer (transfer stage) (S30). Therefore, it is preferable to maintain trimming along an accurate trimming line or edge line and trimming to an accurate depth.

[0152] Once the trimming preparation (preparation stage) is complete, the cutting module's knife rotates while trimming is performed (S40), and the electrode can be moved at the same time (S30).

[0153] During trimming, the trimming position may change. That is, a deviation may occur between the trimming line that should actually be trimmed and the trimming line that is currently being trimmed. Such deviations can be sensed through vision (95). In other words, a deviation in the cutting position may occur to the left or right, and this can be sensed through vision. It is preferable that a stage (adjustment stage) (S50) is performed during the trimming stage in which feedback is received on the trimming line and it is adjusted. Such an adjustment stage (adjustment stage) (S50) can be performed manually or automatically.

[0154] When multiple cutting modules are installed, it is not easy to adjust the trimming position individually. Since a deviation in the trimming position of one module affects the deviations of the other trimming positions as a whole, it is preferable to adjust the trimming position of all cutting modules at once.

[0155] For this purpose, a position adjustment device (80) is provided to form multiple cutting modules as a single unit and move them as a single unit, and multiple trimming lines can be adjusted simultaneously through manual or automatic operation of the position adjustment device.

[0156] In this case, it is preferable that the position adjustment device adjusts the position of the cutting module, that is, the left-right position of the cutting module, by horizontal movement of the lower plate that forms the reference surface of the cutting module.

[0157] On the other hand, during the trimming process, it is necessary to vary or adjust the trimming depth. The trimming depth can be sensed in real time via a displacement sensor (70). The trimming depth sensed via the displacement sensor can be fed back, thereby allowing the trimming depth to be adjusted.

[0158] The feedback data, namely the feedback position and feedback depth, is transmitted to the control device (97), which can automatically adjust the feedback position and feedback depth. Of course, the control device (97) may include a monitor that can display the current trimming position and trimming depth, and can also display the error between the trimming position and depth.

[0159] Operators can manually adjust the trimming position and depth through numerical values ​​and notifications displayed on the monitor, or these adjustments can be performed automatically. [Industrial applicability]

[0160] This is described in the detailed description of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0161] 10. Upper frame 23, 24 Guide Roll 30 horizontal frames 40 Cutting Modules 100 trimming devices

Claims

1. In a trimming method that performs trimming on a trimming line via a trimming device including a cutting module and a trimming roll, A preparatory step of positioning the trimming electrode between the trimming roll and the cutting module, A display stage that shows the trimming position via a laser pointer, A transfer step in which the electrode is continuously transferred while the trimming roll rotates, Simultaneously with the transfer step, a trimming step is performed in which the knife of the cutting module is rotated and the corners of the active material layer are cut with the electrode, Includes, A trimming method characterized in that, in the trimming stage, the trimming depth is fed back and an adjustment stage is performed to vary the trimming depth.

2. The cutting module is A lower plate provided on the upper part of the trimming roll and on the horizontal frame on which the cutting module is mounted, An upper plate provided on the upper part of the lower plate, A movable plate is provided between the lower plate and the upper plate, and is provided between the lower plate and the upper plate so as to be vertically movable, Includes, The trimming method according to claim 1, characterized in that the knife is provided to be movable vertically in conjunction with the movable plate.

3. The cutting module includes an adjustment member that adjusts the distance between the lower plate and the moving plate, and adjusts the gap between the end of the knife and the guide roll. The trimming method according to claim 2, characterized in that the trimming depth is adjusted through the operation of the adjustment member during the adjustment step.

4. The cutting module includes a displacement sensor having a measuring probe that is located at the same height and on the same line as the end of the knife, The trimming method according to claim 3, characterized in that the trimming depth to be fed back is sensed via the displacement sensor.

5. The trimming method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, in the trimming step, the trimming position is fed back and an adjustment step is performed to vary the trimming position.

6. The trimming device includes a position adjustment device that moves the cutting module left and right to adjust the trimming position. The trimming method according to claim 5, characterized in that, in the adjustment step, the trimming position is adjusted through the operation of the position adjustment device.

7. The trimming method according to claim 6, characterized in that the feedback trimming position is sensed by a vision that captures the laser point.

8. In an electrode in which an active material layer is coated on an electrode current collector, a trimming device for cutting the corners of the active material layer, A guide roll for transporting electrodes, A cutting module including the guide roll and a knife that cuts the corner of the active material layer at the top of the electrode in the direction of transport of the electrode, and an adjusting member that adjusts the gap between the end of the knife and the guide roll, A horizontal frame provided above the guide roll, on which the cutting module is mounted, A lower frame that supports the trimming device relative to the ground, An upper frame is provided at the top of the lower frame to support the guide roll and the horizontal frame, Including, The trimming device is characterized in that the horizontal frame has an opening formed therein that penetrates vertically in a manner parallel to the guide roll, and the cutting module is supported by the horizontal frame with the knife penetrating the opening from top to bottom.

9. The trimming device according to claim 8, characterized in that it is provided with a pair of guide rails arranged in a direction parallel to the guide roll before and after the opening, and a movable block that is slidable and fixable along the guide rails.

10. The trimming apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the cutting module is fixedly coupled to the moving block and is movable and fixed in the rotational axis direction of the guide roll together with the moving block.

11. The cutting module is A lower plate fixed to the aforementioned horizontal frame, An upper plate provided on the upper part of the lower plate, A movable plate is provided between the lower plate and the upper plate, and is provided between the lower plate and the upper plate so as to be vertically movable, Includes, The trimming device according to claim 8, characterized in that the knife moves up and down together with the movable plate.

12. The trimming device according to claim 11, further comprising a plurality of support columns that support the upper plate parallel to the lower plate, and guide members fixed to the upper and lower parts of the movable plate, which guide the vertical movement of the movable plate along the support columns that penetrate the movable plate.

13. The trimming apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the cutting module includes a knife fixing member coupled to the moving plate and extending vertically downward toward the guide roll through the lower plate.

14. The trimming device according to claim 13, characterized in that the knife is mounted on one side of the knife fixing member, and a motor that causes the knife to rotate is mounted on the other side of the knife fixing member.

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

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

17. The adjustment member is A main body fixedly coupled to the movable plate that forms the reference surface, A measuring rod is provided that is movable through the movable plate from the main body and can be raised and lowered, The trimming device according to claim 16, characterized in that it is a microgauge containing

18. The trimming device according to claim 8, characterized in that it includes a displacement sensor (LVDT) that senses the gap between the end of the knife and the guide roll, with the position of the measuring probe located at the same height and on the same line as the end of the knife as the reference point.

19. A pair of vertical frames, A trimming roll is rotatably mounted between the pair of vertical frames, which transports the electrodes and supports the electrodes on which the trimming process is performed. A horizontal frame is provided above the trimming roll, fixed between the pair of vertical frames, and having an opening corresponding to the length of the trimming roll; A movable block is provided before and after the opening so as to be slidable and fixed in the longitudinal direction of the trimming roll, A cutting module that performs a trimming process by cutting the corners of the active material layer of the electrode, Includes, The cutting module is The upper part of the movable block includes a lower plate that is attached and fixed to the movable block, A movable plate is provided on the upper part of the lower plate, A knife fixing member is provided on the movable plate, extends downward, and penetrates the lower plate and the opening, A knife is attached to the knife fixing member and cuts the corner of the active material layer of the electrode at the upper part of the electrode, An adjustment member adjusts the gap between the moving plate and the lower plate, and adjusts the gap between the end of the knife and the trimming roll, A laser pointer that generates a laser point at the trimming position and displays the trimming position, A trimming device that includes a trimming device.

20. The trimming device according to claim 19, characterized in that it includes a position adjustment device for moving the mounting position of the cutting module left or right to adjust the trimming position.

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