Winding apparatus

Abstract

A winding apparatus is disclosed. The disclosed invention comprises a push member disposed between an input port and a camera for photographing the input port, which is arranged at one side of a rewinder for winding an electrode and a separator, wherein the push member comprises a protruding plate which is disposed between the camera and the input port, and a photographing passage which opens a part of the push member so that at least a part of the input port can be open toward the camera.

Description

winder

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority from Republic of Korea Patent Application No. 10-2024-0005692, dated January 12, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a winding machine for manufacturing a jelly roll electrode assembly.

[0003] As technological development and demand in the mobile, automotive, and energy storage device fields increase, the demand for batteries as an energy source is rapidly increasing. Among these secondary batteries, lithium secondary batteries with high energy density and discharge voltage have been studied extensively and are now commercialized and widely used.

[0004] In particular, lithium secondary batteries have an operating voltage of 3.6 V or higher, which is three times higher than nickel-cadmium batteries or nickel-hydrogen batteries, which are widely used as power sources for portable electronic devices, and are rapidly expanding in terms of their high energy density per unit weight.

[0005] Secondary batteries are also classified according to the structure of the electrode assembly, which includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator structure interposed between the positive and negative electrodes. Representative examples include a jelly roll electrode assembly in which long sheet-shaped positive and negative electrodes are rolled up with a separator interposed between them, a stacked electrode assembly in which a plurality of positive and negative electrodes cut into units of a predetermined size are sequentially stacked with a separator interposed between them, and a stack-folding electrode assembly in which unit cells such as a bi-cell or full cell in which positive and negative electrodes of predetermined units are rolled up with a separator interposed between them.

[0006] Among these, jellyroll electrode assemblies offer the advantages of ease of manufacture and high energy density per unit weight. In particular, jellyroll-shaped electrode assemblies with high energy density can be housed in cylindrical metal cans to form cylindrical secondary batteries. These cylindrical batteries are widely used in fields requiring high-capacity secondary batteries, such as electric vehicles.

[0007] A jellyroll electrode assembly is typically manufactured by connecting an anode, a separator, and a cathode to a core, and then rotating the core to wind the anode, separator, and cathode together around the core. For example, a jellyroll electrode assembly can be manufactured by winding the layers in the order of cathode-first separator-anode-second separator.

[0008] Recently, as cylindrical batteries have become more powerful, the length of electrodes used in jelly roll electrode assemblies has also increased, and the increased length has made it difficult to accurately measure the electrode length.

[0009] Additionally, the increased length of the electrode during slitting of the electrode may cause swells, and these swells have the problem of causing the electrode to meander as it is wound.

[0010] If electrode meandering occurs during the manufacturing process of the jellyroll electrode assembly, in severe cases, internal short circuits due to contact between the positive and negative electrodes and lithium precipitation due to positive / negative polarity reversal may occur, which poses a critical safety issue.

[0011] In addition, since problems may arise during the manufacturing process, such as the jelly roll not being formed properly or the outer diameter being too large to allow the jelly roll to be inserted into the cylindrical case, the process of determining whether there is a defect in the manufacturing process of the jelly roll electrode assembly is very important.

[0012] Typically, detection of skew is accomplished by a vision inspector using a camera. According to this method, a camera is installed facing the rewinder, which manufactures jellyroll electrode assemblies by winding electrodes and separators together. The camera photographs the area surrounding the rewinder, and the vision inspector determines whether skew exists based on the captured images. In this case, the vision inspector's camera photographs the area of ​​the electrode being transported toward the rewinder, just before it is inserted into the rewinder.

[0013] Meanwhile, a push member supporting the separator may be installed around the rewinder. When the push member is installed around the rewinder, the separator can be supported so that the push member can cut at the appropriate position. However, the push member may block the camera and the rewinder, preventing the vision inspector from functioning properly.

[0014] The present invention has been devised to solve the above-described problems, and provides a winder with an improved structure that can provide a passage necessary for image acquisition by a camera.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved winder that can effectively acquire images required for the determination of skewness by a vision inspector while maintaining the membrane support function.

[0016] The technical objectives of the present invention are not limited to the purposes mentioned above. Other objectives and advantages of the present invention not mentioned above can be understood through the following description and will be more clearly understood through the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that the objectives and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims.

[0017] The present invention for solving the above-described problem includes a camera for photographing an input portion disposed on the inlet side of a rewinder for winding electrodes and separators, and a push member disposed between the input portion, wherein the push member includes a protruding plate disposed between the camera and the input portion, and a photographing passage portion for opening a portion of the push member so that at least a portion of the input portion can be opened toward the camera.

[0018] According to one aspect of the present invention, a winder for manufacturing an electrode assembly by winding an electrode and a separator supplied in a second direction orthogonal to a first direction may include: an input unit into which the electrode and the separator are input so that the electrode is positioned on one side of the separator in the first direction; a rewinder for winding the electrode and the separator supplied through the input unit at a first position; and a camera for photographing the input unit from one side of the input unit in the first direction and a push member disposed between the input unit.

[0019] In addition, the push member may include a protruding plate disposed between the camera and the input portion, and a shooting passage portion that opens a portion of the push member so that at least a portion of the input portion can be opened toward the camera.

[0020] In addition, the present invention may further include a rotation block that changes the position of the rewinder from the first position to the second position, or from the second position to the third position, or from the third position to the first position along a rotational orbit centered on a third direction axis orthogonal to the first and second directions.

[0021] In addition, it is preferable that the winder includes a plurality of rewinders and a plurality of push members arranged along the rotational orbit of the rotating block.

[0022] Additionally, it is preferable that the rewinder and the push member are arranged crosswise along the rotational orbit of the rotating block.

[0023] In addition, it is preferable that the rewinders are respectively placed at the first position, the second position, and the third position.

[0024] In addition, it is preferable that the above push member is positioned between the third position and the first position, between the first position and the second position, and between the second position and the third position.

[0025] Additionally, it is preferable that each of the above protruding plates protrude in a centrifugal direction from the rotating block.

[0026] In addition, it is preferable that the above-mentioned shooting passage section be arranged on the outside of the protruding plate with respect to the diameter direction of the above-mentioned rotating block.

[0027] Additionally, it is preferable that the camera illuminates the input portion in a direction between the first direction and the second direction.

[0028] In addition, in the pushing member disposed between the third position and the first position, it is preferable that one surface of the protruding plate facing the centrifugal direction is formed to be inclined in a direction between the first direction and the second direction.

[0029] In addition, in the pushing member arranged between the third position and the first position, it is preferable that one surface of the protruding plate facing the centrifugal direction forms an inclined surface that is inclined toward the centripetal direction as it goes toward the first position.

[0030] In addition, it is preferable that the electrode be arranged on the inside of the separator on a plane perpendicular to the first direction, and that the photographing passage be arranged at a position where at least a portion of the boundary between the electrode and the separator can be opened toward the camera.

[0031] In addition, it is preferable that the rewinder, after winding the electrode and the separator together at the first position, moves to the second position while maintaining a state of being connected to the separator.

[0032] In addition, it is preferable that the pushing member be arranged so that at least a portion of the protruding plate can pressurize the separator arranged at the second position in a centrifugal direction while being arranged between the first position and the second position.

[0033] In addition, it is preferable that the electrode be arranged on the inside of the separator on a plane perpendicular to the first direction, and that the photographing passage be arranged at a position where at least a portion of the boundary between the electrode and the separator can be opened toward the camera.

[0034] In addition, it is preferable that the above-mentioned shooting passage section be positioned so that a portion of the boundary between the electrode and the separator along the third direction can be opened toward the camera.

[0035] In addition, it is preferable that the above-mentioned photographing passage section be positioned so that the boundary line between the electrode and the separator along the second direction and the boundary line between the electrode and the separator along the third direction can be opened together toward the camera.

[0036] In addition, it is preferable that the camera be capable of photographing the edge of the electrode where the boundary line of the electrode and the separator along the second direction and the boundary line of the electrode and the separator along the third direction meet.

[0037] In addition, it is preferable that the above-mentioned shooting passage part opens the corner of the electrode toward the camera.

[0038] The winding machine of the present invention can provide an effect of enabling a camera to smoothly capture images of a part that is an object of an image required for the judgment work of a vision inspection device by providing a shooting passage part in a push member that supports a separator so that the separator can be cut at an appropriate position.

[0039] In addition, the present invention can provide an effect in which an image passage can be formed in a push member that supports a separator at a level that minimizes functional degradation of the push member that supports the separator so that the separator can be cut at an appropriate position, thereby maintaining the original function of the push member that supports the separator while effectively obtaining an image necessary for determining a skew of a vision inspection device, thereby enabling the vision inspection device to determine a skew more quickly and accurately.

[0040] In addition to the effects described above, specific effects of the present invention are described below while explaining specific details for carrying out the invention.

[0041] Figure 1 is a front view showing a winding machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Fig. 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the winder illustrated in Fig. 1.

[0043] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of the winder in Figure 2.

[0044] Figure 4 is a plan view showing the push member illustrated in Figure 3 in isolation.

[0045] Figure 5 is a rear view showing the rear surface of the push member illustrated in Figure 4.

[0046] Figure 6 is a side view showing the side of the push member illustrated in Figure 4.

[0047] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional side view showing the internal structure of the push member illustrated in Fig. 6.

[0048] Figures 8 to 11 are drawings showing the operating state of a winder according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Fig. 12 is a front view showing a winding machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Fig. 13 is a plan view showing the push member illustrated in Fig. 12 in isolation.

[0051] Fig. 14 is a side cross-sectional view of the push member illustrated in Fig. 13.

[0052] Fig. 15 is a front view showing a winding machine according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Fig. 16 is a plan view showing the push member illustrated in Fig. 15 in isolation.

[0054] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0055] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but can be implemented in various forms and with various modifications. However, these embodiments are provided to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included within the technical spirit and scope of the present invention, as well as substitutions or additions of the components of one embodiment with those of another embodiment.

[0056] The attached drawings are merely intended to facilitate understanding of the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and should not be construed as limiting the technical ideas disclosed in this specification, but should be understood to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. In the drawings, the components may be expressed in exaggerated sizes or thicknesses for ease of understanding, but the scope of protection of the present invention should not be construed as being limited thereby.

[0057] The terminology used in this specification is only used to describe specific implementations or examples and is not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, the singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In the specification, terms such as "comprises" and "consists of" are intended to indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification. In other words, it should be understood that terms such as "comprises" and "consists of" in the specification do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0058] Terms that include ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but the components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0059] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0060] When a component is referred to as being "above" or "below" another component, it should be understood that it is not only positioned directly above that other component, but that there may also be other components present in between.

[0061] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0062] [Overall structure of the winder]

[0063] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a winder according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the winder shown in FIG. 1.

[0064] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a winding machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention is provided to manufacture an electrode assembly by winding a first electrode (1), a first separator (2), a second electrode (3), and a second separator (4).

[0065] The first electrode (1) can be supplied from the first electrode supply unit, and the second electrode (3) can be supplied from the second electrode supply unit. In addition, the first separation membrane (2) can be supplied from the first separation membrane supply unit, and the second separation membrane (4) can be supplied from the second separation membrane supply unit.

[0066] As an example, the first electrode supply unit and the second electrode supply unit each include a winder for winding the first electrode (1) or a winder for winding the second electrode (3), and the first electrode (1) and the second electrode (3) can be unwound according to the rotation of the winder and the first electrode (1) and the second electrode (3) can be supplied to the winder.

[0067] In addition, the first separation membrane supply unit and the second separation membrane supply unit each include a winder for winding the first separation membrane (2) or a winder for winding the second separation membrane (4), and the first separation membrane (2) and the second separation membrane (4) can be supplied to the winder by unwinding the first separation membrane (2) and the second separation membrane (4) according to the rotation of the winder.

[0068] The winding machine of the present embodiment may include an input section (10).

[0069] In the input section (10), the electrodes (1,3) can be input together with the separator (2,4). When the electrodes (1,3) are input into the input section (10), the electrodes (1,3) can be input so as to be arranged on one side of the first direction of the separator (2,4). For example, the second electrode (3) can be arranged on one side of the second separator (4) in the first direction, and the first electrode (1) can be arranged on one side of the first separator (2) in the first direction. At this time, the first electrode (1) can be arranged on one side of the first separator (2), the second electrode (3), and the second separator (4) in the first direction.

[0070] In this embodiment, the first direction is defined as the forward-backward direction. In this case, one side of the first direction may be defined as the forward side, and the other side of the first direction may be defined as the rear side.

[0071] Additionally, we can define the direction of gravity as downward, and the opposite direction of gravity as upward.

[0072] In this embodiment, the up-down direction is defined as the second direction. Then, the upper side can be said to be one side of the second direction, and the lower side can be said to be the other side of the second direction.

[0073] The horizontal direction perpendicular to the forward / backward direction of the winder can be referred to as the left / right direction. For convenience, the left / right direction can be referred to as the third direction. Then, the right side can be considered one side of the third direction, and the left side can be considered the other side of the third direction.

[0074] The width direction of the above winder may also be referred to as the lateral direction. Then, the right side may be referred to as one side of the lateral direction, and the left side may be referred to as the other side of the lateral direction. The third direction is the direction orthogonal to the first and second directions.

[0075] Additionally, the vertical direction described above can be called the vertical direction. Then, the horizontal direction can be defined as including the front-back direction and the left-right direction, that is, the first direction and the third direction.

[0076] In this embodiment, the input section (10) is defined as an area positioned adjacent to the rewinder (20) positioned at the first position (P1), and is an area positioned at the inlet side of the rewinder (20) positioned at the first position (P1).

[0077] This input section (10) may be an area placed on the second direction side of the rewinder (20) placed at the first position (P1), and may be an area surrounded by a guide member (30) placed on the first direction side of the first electrode (1) and the rewinder (20) placed at the first position (P1).

[0078] The input section (10) and its surroundings can be monitored by a vision inspector. The vision inspector can be provided to determine whether or not the electrodes (1,3) and separators (2,4) supplied to the winder through the input section (10) are warped.

[0079] The vision inspector may include a camera (5) for photographing the input section (10). The vision inspector can analyze the image captured by the camera (5) to determine whether a defect has occurred in the input section (10).

[0080] According to the present embodiment, the first electrode (1) in the input section (10) is arranged on one side of the first direction of the first separator (2), the second electrode (3), and the second separator (4). That is, the first electrode (1) supplied to the winder through the input section (10) can be arranged at the frontmost position among the electrodes (1, 3) and the separators (2, 4). And the first separator (2) can be arranged at the rear thereof.

[0081] The first direction length of the first electrode (1) is shorter than the length of the first separator (2). When the first electrode (1) and the first separator (2) are inserted into the injection unit (10) while being aligned in the correct position, the first electrode (1) can be placed on the inner side of the first separator (2) in the third direction.

[0082] Also, unlike the first separator (2) being supplied continuously by winding, the first electrode (1) can be supplied in a state of being cut to a predetermined length in the second direction.

[0083] Accordingly, in the input section (10), the first electrode (1) can be exposed toward one side in the first direction, and an area of ​​the first separator (2) that is not covered by the first electrode (1) can be exposed toward one side in the first direction.

[0084] The camera (5) is provided so as to be able to photograph the first electrode (1) and the first separator (2) exposed toward one side of the first direction in the input section (10). That is, the camera (5) is arranged on one side of the input section (10) in the first direction and can photograph the input section (10).

[0085] This camera (5) can capture a part of the boundary between the first electrode (1) and the first separator (2) along the third direction, and a part of the boundary between the first electrode (1) and the first separator (2) along the second direction. In addition, the camera (5) can capture the boundary between the first electrode (1) and the first separator (2) along the third direction and the boundary between the first electrode (1) and the first separator (2) along the second direction together, and can capture the corner of the first electrode (1) where the boundary between the first electrode (1) and the first separator (2) along the third direction and the boundary between the first electrode (1) and the first separator (2) along the second direction meet.

[0086] In addition, the winder of the present embodiment may include a rewinder (20). The rewinder (20) is provided so as to be able to wind together the electrodes (1, 3) and the separator (2, 4) supplied through the input portion (10). The rewinder (20) is provided so as to be able to rotate around a third axis, and can manufacture an electrode assembly by winding the electrodes (1, 3) and the separator (2, 4) while rotating around the third axis.

[0087] The above rewinder (20) can be provided to be movable to a first position (P1), a second position (P2), and a third position (P3). This rewinder (20) can manufacture an electrode assembly by winding the electrodes (1,3) and separators (2,4) supplied through the input portion (10) at the first position (P1).

[0088] In addition, the winder of the present embodiment may include a guide member (30). The guide member (30) may be placed between the camera (5) that photographs the input unit (10) from one side in the first direction of the input unit (10) and the input unit (10). This guide member (30) is provided to guide the movement of the first electrode (1) from the input unit (10) toward the rewinder (20).

[0089] Additionally, the winding machine of this embodiment may include a cutter (60), a tape attaching device (70), and a push member (50).

[0090] The cutter (60) can be positioned between the first position (P1) and the second position (P2). This cutter (60) is provided to cut the separator (2,4) connected to the rewinder (20) that has moved to the second position (P2) after completing winding of the electrode assembly at the first position (P1).

[0091] A tape attaching device (70) is positioned adjacent to the second position (P2). This tape attaching device (70) attaches tape to the outer surface of the electrode assembly positioned at the second position (P2) to prevent the separator (2,4) from loosening and to complete the electrode assembly.

[0092] The push member (50) positioned between the first position (P1) and the second position (P2) together with the cutter (60) can play a role in supporting the separator (2,4) so ​​that the separator (2,4) can be cut at an appropriate position.

[0093] [Structure of the push member]

[0094] Fig. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of the winder in Fig. 2, Fig. 4 is a plan view showing the push member shown in Fig. 3 in isolation, and Fig. 5 is a rear view showing the back surface of the push member shown in Fig. 4. In addition, Fig. 6 is a side view showing the side surface of the push member shown in Fig. 4, and Fig. 7 is a side cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the push member shown in Fig. 6.

[0095] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the winder may include a plurality of rewinders (20). In the present embodiment, the winder is exemplified as including a first rewinder (21), a second rewinder (23), and a third rewinder (25).

[0096] The rewinder (20) can be installed on the rotary block (40). The rotary block (40) can be provided to be rotatable around a third axis. The rewinder (20) is arranged on the outer surface of the rotary block (40) and can be rotated in the third direction by the rotary block (40) that rotates in the third direction.

[0097] As an example, the rotating block (40) may be formed in a roughly triangular prism shape. When viewed in the third direction, the shape of the rotating block (40) may be roughly triangular. The rewinder (20) may be positioned at each vertex of the rotating block (40).

[0098] As described above, the rewinder (20) installed on the rotating block (40) can change its position by rotating along the rotating block (40). For example, when the first rewinder (21) is placed at the first position (P1), the second rewinder (23) is placed at the second position (P2), and the third rewinder (25) is placed at the third position, the position of the first rewinder (21) is repeatedly changed in the order of the second position (P2), the third position (P3), and the first position (P1), the position of the second rewinder (23) is repeatedly changed in the order of the third position (P3), the first position (P1), and the second position (P2), and the position of the third rewinder (25) is repeatedly changed in the order of the first position (P1), the second position (P2), and the third position (P3).

[0099] The push member (50) can be installed on the rotating block (40). The push member (50) can be installed on the outer surface of the rotating block (40), and can be provided in a form that protrudes in a centrifugal direction from the outer surface of the rotating block (40).

[0100] The push member (50) can be placed between the rewinders (20) respectively positioned at each vertex of the rotating block (40). That is, the push member (50) can be placed between the first position (P1) and the second position (P2), between the second position (P2) and the third position (P3), and between the third position (P3) and the first position (P1).

[0101] As an example, a plurality of rewinders (20) and a plurality of push members (50) arranged along the rotational orbit of the rotation block (40) are installed in the rotation block (40), and the rewinders (20) and the push members (50) may be arranged alternately along the rotational orbit of the rotation block (40). For example, the push members (50) may be arranged between the first rewinder (21) and the second rewinder (23), between the second rewinder (23) and the third rewinder (25), and between the third rewinder (25) and the first rewinder (21).

[0102] When one of the plurality of push members (50) is positioned between the first position (P1) and the second position (P2) (hereinafter referred to as the “cutting position”), the push member (50) positioned at that position is positioned between the separator (2,4) connected to the rewinder (20) positioned at the second position (P2) and the rotating block (40). The push member (50) positioned at that position can pressurize the separator (2,4) in the centrifugal direction.

[0103] Meanwhile, when one of the plurality of push members (50) is positioned between the third position (P3) and the first position (P1) (hereinafter referred to as the “covering position”), the push member (50) positioned at that position is positioned between the camera (5) and the input section (10).

[0104] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 7, the push member (50) may include a protruding plate (51). The protruding plate (51) forms most of the skeleton and exterior of the guide member (30), and is provided to pressurize the separator (2, 4) in a centrifugal direction when the push member (50) is in the cutting position.

[0105] The protruding plate (51) can protrude in a centrifugal direction from the rotating block (40). As an example, the protruding plate (51) can be formed in a polyhedral shape that protrudes in a centrifugal direction from the rotating block (40). This protruding plate (51) can be placed between the camera (5) and the input portion (10) when the push member (50) is in the covering position.

[0106] The push member (50) may include a shooting passage (52). The shooting passage (52) is provided so that a portion of the push member (50) can be opened in a first direction. The shooting passage (52) may open a portion of the push member (50) so that at least a portion of the input portion (10) can be opened toward the camera (5).

[0107] The shooting passage (52) is arranged between the input section (10) and the camera (5), but may be arranged within the shooting range (A; see Fig. 8) of the camera (5). This shooting passage (52) may be arranged on the outside of the protruding plate (51) with respect to the diameter of the rotating block (40). For example, when the pushing member (50) is in the covering position, the shooting passage (52) may be arranged on the upper side of the protruding plate (51).

[0108] According to the present embodiment, the camera (5) can capture the input portion (10) by illuminating the input portion (10) in a direction between the first direction and the second direction. Correspondingly, an inclined portion (53) can be formed on one surface of the protruding plate (51). The inclined portion (53) can be formed on one surface of the protruding plate (51) facing the centrifugal direction, and can be an inclined surface so that the protruding length from the rotating block (40) changes along the rotational orbit of the rotating block (40).

[0109] When the push member (50) is in the covering position, the inclined portion (53) may be formed to be inclined in a direction between the first direction and the second direction. For example, when the push member (50) is in the covering position, that is, between the third position and the first position, the inclined portion (53) may form a surface that is inclined toward the centripetal direction as it goes toward the first position (P1).

[0110] As an example, the shooting passage (52) may be formed on the radially outer side of the inclined portion (53). For example, when the overall shape of the push member (50) is approximately a hexahedron, the remaining space excluding the space occupied by the protruding plate (51) may become the shooting passage (52). In addition, the inclined portion (53) may define the boundary between the protruding plate (51) and the shooting passage (52).

[0111] When the overall shape of the push member (50) is said to be approximately a hexahedron, the shooting passage (52) can be said to be formed to penetrate the protruding plate (51) placed at the covering position in a direction between the first direction and the second direction.

[0112] For example, the shooting passage (52) can be said to be formed in a shape in which a portion of the protruding plate (51) is cut off. The shooting passage (52) formed in this way can form a passage in the push member (50) that connects the camera (5) and the input section (10) within the shooting range (A) of the camera (5).

[0113] According to this embodiment, when the electrodes (1, 3) and the separator (2, 4) are fed into the rewinder (20) through the input portion (10), the first electrode (1) is disposed on the inner side of the first separator (2) on a plane perpendicular to the first direction. That is, on the vertical plane formed by the first separator (2), the boundary line between the first electrode (1) and the first separator (2) is disposed on the inner side of the first separator (2).

[0114] The shooting passage (52) is positioned so that a portion of the boundary between the first electrode (1) and the first separator (2) can be opened toward the camera (5).

[0115] As an example, the shooting passage (52) can be positioned so that a part of the boundary between the first electrode (1) and the first separator (2) along the third direction can be opened toward the camera (5).

[0116] As another example, the shooting passage (52) can be positioned so that the boundary line between the first electrode (1) and the first separator (2) in the second direction and the boundary line between the first electrode (1) and the first separator (2) in the third direction can be opened together toward the camera (5).

[0117] According to the present embodiment, the camera (5) is arranged to be able to capture the edge of the first electrode (1) where the boundary line of the first electrode (1) and the first separator (2) along the second direction and the boundary line of the first electrode (1) and the first separator (2) along the third direction meet. That is, the shooting range (A) of the camera (5) can be set to an area including the edge of the first electrode (1).

[0118] As another example, the shooting passage (52) can be positioned so that the corner of the first electrode (1) can be opened toward the camera (5).

[0119] Meanwhile, the push member (50) may further include a contact portion (55). The contact portion (55) may be arranged on a surface of the protruding plate (51) facing in the centrifugal direction, for example, a portion where an inclined portion (53) is formed. This contact portion (55) is arranged at a position where it can come into contact with the separator (2, 4) when the push member (50) is in the cutting position, and may be formed of a material that reduces the coefficient of friction between the separator (2, 4) and the protruding plate (51).

[0120] As an example, the contact portion (55) may be formed in a form of superhard welding on one surface of the protruding plate (51). As another example, the contact portion (55) may be formed in a form of being attached to or coated on the surface of the protruding plate (51).

[0121] The above contact portion (55) is formed to have a smooth surface that reduces the coefficient of friction between the separator (2,4) and the protruding plate (51), thereby allowing the separator (2,4) to smoothly slide on the surface of the protruding plate (51) and be fed toward the rewinder (20) placed at the second position (P2).

[0122] In addition, the push member (50) may be provided with an insertion groove (54). The insertion groove (54) may form a passage in the protruding plate (51) so that the cutter (60) can be inserted into the interior of the push member (50) when cutting the separator (2,4). As an example, the insertion groove (54) may be formed in a shape that is recessed in the centripetal direction from one surface of the protruding plate (51).

[0123] [Action and effect of push-button]

[0124] Figures 8 to 11 are drawings showing the operating state of a winder according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0125] Hereinafter, the operation and effect of the winding machine according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11.

[0126] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, at the first position (P1), the first rewinder (21) can wind the electrodes (1, 3) and the separator (2, 4). At this time, the push member (50) can guide the transport of the first electrode (1) so that the first electrode (1) can be inserted between the outer surface of the electrode assembly being wound by the rewinder (20) and the first separator (2) by pressing the first electrode (1) in a direction that brings the first electrode (1) close to the first separator (2).

[0127] The first rewinder (21), which has completed winding the electrodes (1,3) and the separator (2,4) at the first position (P1), moves to the second position (P2), as illustrated in Fig. 10. At this time, the position of the second rewinder (23) changes to the third position (P3), and the position of the third rewinder (25) changes to the first position (P1). At the first position (P1), the third rewinder (25) can wind the electrodes (1,3) and the separator (2,4).

[0128] When the first rewinder (21) that has wound the electrode assembly is at the second position (P2), the supply of the electrodes (1,3) to the first rewinder (21) is stopped, but the separator (2,4) continues to be connected to the first rewinder (21).

[0129] At the second position (P2), the first rewinder (21) winds the separator (2,4) connected to the first rewinder (21) in this way so that the separator (2,4) forms the outer surface of the electrode assembly. When this operation is completed, the cutter (60) positioned between the first position (P1) and the second position (P2) cuts the separator (2,4), and then the tape attacher (70) attaches tape to the outer surface of the electrode assembly to prevent the separator (2,4) from loosening and to finish the electrode assembly.

[0130] The push member (50) positioned at the cutting position together with the cutter (60) can serve to support the separator (2,4) so ​​that the separator (2,4) can be cut at an appropriate position. At this time, the push member (50) can pressurize the separator (2,4) in a centrifugal direction so that the length of the separator (2,4) between the first position (P1) and the second position (P2) can increase.

[0131] The first rewinder (21) that has completed the production of the electrode assembly at the second position (P2) can move to the third position (P3) as illustrated in Fig. 11 and then discharge the completed electrode assembly from the third position (P3). At this time, the electrode assembly wound by the second rewinder (23) is finished at the second position (P2), and the second rewinder (23) can wind the electrodes (1, 3) and the separator (2, 4) at the first position (P1).

[0132] Accordingly, when the separator (2,4) is cut by the cutter (60), the length of the separator (2,4) connected to the rewinder (20) can be increased slightly more than when it is cut without being pressed by the push member (50). As a result, the insulating layer formed on the surface of the electrode assembly by the separator (2,4) wrapped around the outer circumferential surface of the electrode assembly can be formed to a slightly thicker thickness.

[0133] While the electrode assembly is being manufactured in the winding machine as described above, the input section (10) and its surroundings can be monitored by a vision inspector, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. The vision inspector analyzes the image captured by the camera (5) to determine whether or not a meandering has occurred in the input section (10), and if a meandering is detected, generates a signal related thereto, thereby generating a signal related thereto so that measures can be taken in the winding machine to correct the meandering of the electrodes (1, 3) and the separator (2, 4).

[0134] For this purpose, the camera (5) can photograph the input section (10) and its surroundings from one side of the first direction of the winder.

[0135] Among the plurality of push members (50) installed on the rotating block (40), the push member (50) positioned at the covering position is positioned between the input unit (10) and the camera (5), so that it can be positioned at a position that can cover the input unit (10) within the shooting range (A) of the camera (5).

[0136] That is, the push member (50) is necessary to support the separator (2,4) so ​​that the separator (2,4) can be cut at an appropriate position, but there may be a problem in that the shooting operation of the camera (5) that seeks to obtain an image to determine whether or not a defect has occurred is hindered by the push member (50).

[0137] Taking these points into consideration, in the present embodiment, a photographing passage (52) is provided in the push member (50). In the push member (50), the photographing passage (52) is positioned within the photographing range (A) of the camera (5) so that at least a portion of the input section (10), i.e., a portion that is the target of an image required for the judgment operation of the vision inspector, can be opened toward the camera (5).

[0138] In the push member (50), since the photographing passage (52) occupies only a portion, the existence of the photographing passage (52) does not significantly affect the original function of the push member (50). In other words, even if the photographing passage (52) is formed in the push member (50), the function of the push member (50) that supports the separator (2,4) so ​​that the separator (2,4) can be cut at an appropriate position is not reduced. Even if the function of the push member (50) is reduced due to the photographing passage (52), this is only at an extremely minimal level.

[0139] On the other hand, the effect provided by providing a shooting passage (52) in the push member (50) can be said to be much greater than the level of functional degradation of the push member (50) due to the shooting passage (52).

[0140] According to this embodiment, a shooting passage (52) is provided in the push member (50), so that the camera (5) can smoothly shoot the image of the part that is the target of the image required for the judgment work of the vision inspector.

[0141] Accordingly, since the vision inspection device can more quickly and accurately determine whether something is wrong, the shooting passage (52) can provide a much greater effect compared to the level of functional degradation of the push member (50) due to the shooting passage (52).

[0142] [Other examples of guide absence]

[0143] The guide member of the form described above is only one embodiment of the present invention, and various embodiments of guide members other than this may exist.

[0144] Fig. 12 is a front view showing a winder according to a second embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 13 is a plan view showing the push member shown in Fig. 12 in an isolated state, and Fig. 14 is a side cross-sectional view of the push member shown in Fig. 13. In addition, Fig. 15 is a front view showing a winder according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 16 is a plan view showing the push member shown in Fig. 15 in an isolated state.

[0145] Hereinafter, various other embodiments of the guide member will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 16.

[0146] First, referring to FIGS. 12 to 14, the push member (50a) provided in the winder according to the second embodiment of the present invention may include a shooting passage (56). The main difference between the push member (50a) of this embodiment and the guide member (30; see FIG. 1) exemplified in the above-described embodiment lies in the shooting passage (56).

[0147] In this embodiment, the shooting passage (56) can be positioned at a position that is biased toward one side or the other side of the third direction among the pushing members (50a).

[0148] When the shooting range (A) of the camera (5) is oriented toward one side of the third direction of the winder or a position oriented toward the other side of the third direction, the shooting passage (56) is arranged in a position oriented toward one side or the other side of the third direction among the pushing members (50a), thereby forming a passage in the pushing members (50a) to enable the camera (5) to smoothly shoot the part that is the target of the image required for the judgment work of the vision inspector.

[0149] To this end, the inclined portion (53a) may be formed only in a portion of the pushing member (50a) along the third direction, rather than in the entire area of ​​the pushing member (50a) along the third direction. For example, the inclined portion (53a) may be formed at a position that is biased toward one or the other side of the pushing member (50a) in the third direction.

[0150] The above-described push member (50a) can provide the effect of improving the function of the push member (50a) that supports the separation membrane (2,4) so ​​that the separation membrane (2,4) can be cut at an appropriate position while effectively obtaining the image required for the vision inspection machine's meandering determination by forming the photographing passage (56) only in a portion of the area required for the camera (5) to photograph the part that is the target of the image required for the determination work of the vision inspection machine.

[0151] Also, referring to FIGS. 15 and 16, the push member (50b) provided in the winder according to the third embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of photographing passage parts (56, 58). The push member (50b) of this embodiment may include a photographing passage part (56) arranged at a position biased toward one side of the third direction among the push members (50a) and a photographing passage part (58) arranged at a position biased toward the other side of the third direction.

[0152] In this way, the push member (50b) of this embodiment, which includes a plurality of shooting passages (56, 58), provides a plurality of passages that enable the camera (5) to take pictures at a plurality of points, compared to the push member (50a; see FIG. 13) exemplified in the second embodiment of the present invention, thereby enabling the images required for the judgment work of the vision inspector to be acquired at a plurality of points, thereby contributing to making the judgment of the vision inspector more accurate.

[0153] It should be understood that the above-described embodiments are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive, and the scope of the present invention will be determined by the claims that follow, rather than by the detailed description set forth above. Furthermore, the meaning and scope of the claims that follow, as well as all possible modifications and variations derived from their equivalent concepts, should be construed as encompassing the scope of the present invention.

[0154] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings exemplified above, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed herein, and that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention. Furthermore, even if the operational effects according to the configuration of the present invention have not been explicitly described while describing the embodiments of the present invention, it is natural that the effects predictable by the corresponding configuration should also be acknowledged.

[0155] <Explanation of symbols>

[0156] 1: First electrode

[0157] 2: First separation membrane

[0158] 3: Second electrode

[0159] 4: Second separation membrane

[0160] 5: Camera

[0161] 10: Input section

[0162] 20: Rewinder

[0163] 21: First Rewinder

[0164] 23: Second Rewinder

[0165] 25: Third Rewinder

[0166] 30: Guide absence

[0167] 40: Rotating block

[0168] 50: Absence of push

[0169] 51: Protruding plate

[0170] 52: Filming passage

[0171] 53: Slope

[0172] 54: Insertion groove

[0173] 55: Contact area

[0174] 60: Cutter

[0175] 70: Tape Applicator

Claims

1. In a winding machine that manufactures an electrode assembly by winding an electrode and a separator supplied in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, An injection unit into which the electrode is injected together with a separator, with the electrode being placed on one side of the first direction of the separator; A rewinder that winds the electrode and the separator supplied through the input section at a first position; and It includes a camera that photographs the input portion from one side of the first direction of the input portion and a push member that is placed between the input portion; A winder in which the above-mentioned pushing member includes a protruding plate arranged between the camera and the input portion, and a shooting passage portion that opens a portion of the pushing member so that at least a portion of the input portion can be opened toward the camera.

2. In paragraph 1, It further includes a rotation block that changes the position of the rewinder from the first position to the second position, or from the second position to the third position, or from the third position to the first position along a rotational orbit centered on a third direction axis orthogonal to the first direction and the second direction; The above winder comprises a plurality of rewinders and a plurality of push members arranged along the rotational orbit of the above rotating block, A winder in which the rewinder and the push member are arranged alternately along the rotational orbit of the above-mentioned rotating block.

3. In paragraph 2, The above rewinders are respectively positioned at the first position, the second position and the third position, The above push members are respectively positioned between the third position and the first position, between the first position and the second position, and between the second position and the third position. Each of the above protruding plates is a winder that protrudes centrifugally from the rotating block.

4. In paragraph 2, The above protruding plate protrudes in a centrifugal direction from the above rotating block, The above-mentioned shooting passage section is a winder arranged on the outside of the protruding plate with respect to the diameter direction of the above-mentioned rotating block.

5. In paragraph 4, The above camera illuminates the input section in a direction between the first direction and the second direction, A winder in which one side of the protruding plate facing in the centrifugal direction is formed to be inclined in a direction between the first direction and the second direction in the pushing member arranged between the third position and the first position.

6. In paragraph 5, A winder in which one side of the protruding plate facing in the centrifugal direction forms an inclined surface that inclines toward the centripetal direction as it approaches the first position, in the pushing member arranged between the third position and the first position.

7. In paragraph 1, On a plane orthogonal to the first direction, the electrode is placed on the inner side of the separator, The above-mentioned photographing passage section is a winder positioned so that at least a portion of the boundary between the electrode and the separator can be opened toward the camera.

8. In paragraph 1, The above rewinder winds the electrode and the separator together at the first position and then moves to the second position while maintaining a state of being connected to the separator. A winder in which the above-mentioned pushing member is arranged between the first position and the second position so that at least a portion of the protruding plate can pressurize the separator arranged at the second position in a centrifugal direction.

9. In paragraph 1, On a plane orthogonal to the first direction, the electrode is placed on the inner side of the separator, The above-mentioned photographing passage section is a winder positioned so that at least a portion of the boundary between the electrode and the separator can be opened toward the camera.

10. In paragraph 9, The above-mentioned shooting passage section is a winder positioned so that a part of the boundary line between the electrode and the separator along a third direction orthogonal to the second direction can be opened toward the camera.

11. In paragraph 10, The above-mentioned shooting passage section is a winder arranged in a position where the boundary line between the electrode and the separator along the second direction and the boundary line between the electrode and the separator along the third direction can be opened together toward the camera.

12. In paragraph 10, The above camera is arranged to be able to capture the edge of the electrode where the boundary line of the electrode and the separator along the second direction and the boundary line of the electrode and the separator along the third direction meet, The above-mentioned photographing passage section is a winder that opens the edge of the electrode toward the camera.

Images