Secondary battery electrode manufacturing apparatus and control method therefor

Abstract

The present invention relates to a secondary battery electrode manufacturing apparatus and, more specifically, to secondary battery electrode manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method, which are capable of effectively coping with breakage of an electrode and minimizing loss when the electrode is manufactured in a roll-to-roll manner. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the secondary battery electrode manufacturing apparatus and method, which are capable of easily collecting a broken electrode while a loss rate of the broken electrode is minimized and easily connecting the broken electrode, can be provided.

Description

Device for manufacturing electrodes for secondary batteries and method for controlling the same

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for manufacturing electrodes for secondary batteries, and more specifically, to an apparatus and method for manufacturing electrodes for secondary batteries that can effectively address electrode breakage and minimize electrode loss when manufacturing electrodes by roll-to-roll.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0001660 dated January 6, 2025, and all contents disclosed in the document of said Korean Patent Application are incorporated herein as part of this specification.

[0003] In modern society, as the use of portable devices such as mobile phones, laptops, camcorders, and digital cameras has become commonplace, technological development in fields related to such mobile devices is becoming active. Furthermore, rechargeable secondary batteries are being utilized as power sources for electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (P-HEVs) as a solution to address air pollution caused by conventional gasoline vehicles using fossil fuels; consequently, the need for expanded development of secondary batteries is increasing.

[0004] Secondary batteries can be provided in pouch, prismatic, and cylindrical types depending on the type and shape of the battery case.

[0005] Currently commercialized rechargeable batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium-ion batteries. Among these, lithium-ion batteries are receiving the most attention due to their advantages of free charging and discharging, low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0006] A lithium secondary battery is manufactured in the order of an electrode process for manufacturing an electrode, an assembly process for manufacturing an electrode assembly by interposing the electrode and a separator and embedding it in a secondary battery case together with an electrolyte to manufacture a secondary battery, and an activation process for shipping the manufactured secondary battery.

[0007] The electrode manufacturing process is a process for manufacturing an anode and a cathode, and may include a coating process for coating a slurry onto a thin electrode substrate, a rolling process for rolling the coated slurry, and a notching process for notching an uncoated portion of the electrode substrate to form an electrode tab.

[0008] The electrode manufacturing process is generally performed in a roll-to-roll manner to increase continuity and productivity.

[0009] Figure 1 illustrates an example of an electrode manufacturing process.

[0010] The electrode (20) is fed into the manufacturing device (10) in the form of a roll, and the electrode that has been manufactured can be discharged in the form of a roll. That is, the electrode (20) is continuously transported and fed through the unwinder (1), and the electrode (20) that has been manufactured can be recovered through the rewinder (2).

[0011] A plurality of transfer rollers (6) are provided between the unwinder (1) and the rewinder (2), and the transfer rollers can perform the function of guiding and supporting the transfer of the electrode. Some of the transfer rollers may be driving rollers having a driving force, or they may be supporting rollers that simply support the electrode.

[0012] The process can be performed while the electrode (20) is transported between the unwinder (1) and the rewinder (2). In particular, in the case of the coating process, many detailed processes such as coating the upper surface of the electrode, coating the lower surface of the electrode, and drying are performed sequentially. Therefore, the distance between the unwinder and the rewinder becomes very long.

[0013] Tension control of the electrode (10) being transported in a roll-to-roll device is very important. This is because the process must be performed while the electrode is transported in a taut state without being crumpled, and excessive tension causes the electrode to break. Therefore, means or measures to prevent the electrode from breaking are very important.

[0014] Meanwhile, in addition to preventing electrode breakage, means or measures to effectively deal with the event of breakage to increase productivity are also very important.

[0015] Unexplained reference numeral 3 may mean at least one of a coater, a dryer, a rolling mill, or a slitter, and may be a detailed device that performs the process intended for the device.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, the electrode (20) being transported may have a retaining portion (22) and a non-retaining portion (21), and may be broken during transport, resulting in a broken portion (23).

[0017] When the electrode breaks, tension is lost at the broken portion (23) of the electrode. In particular, since the tension is released at the unwinder-side end (23a), it may detach from the support rollers and fall to the floor. That is, the unwinder-side end (23a) may detach from the roll path and fall to the floor. At this time, secondary damage such as creasing or tearing of the electrode may occur. That is, the damaged electrode is removed from the unwinder-side end (23a).

[0018] On the other hand, a pulling force can be momentarily maintained at the rewinder-side end (23b). Therefore, the rewinder-side end (23b) can be caught on the support roller. In particular, the rewinder-side end can be located near the splicing table.

[0019] Recently, stoppers are sometimes provided at certain locations to prevent the electrode from falling off. However, it is difficult to prevent secondary damage to the electrode with such stoppers alone.

[0020] The broken electrode is manually connected by an operator using a replacement sheet and tape, and then re-mounted on the device (10). Afterward, the device is operated so that the temporarily connected portion can be moved to a splicing table, where the replacement sheet is removed and the electrodes are connected. Subsequently, the device is restarted so that the normal manufacturing process is performed again. Here, the replacement sheet is configured to replace the electrode by the length of the electrode removed before and after the broken portion of the electrode, and may be a soluble film. It may be a film made of PET material. After the replacement sheet is inserted into the electrode portion from which it was removed, the broken portion of the electrode can be connected using tape at both ends of the replacement sheet.

[0021] However, the electrode connection method using replacement sheets and tapes—that is, manual connection—is merely a temporary measure, and there is a high probability of continuous fracture occurring in the damaged electrode. Furthermore, manual connection is time-consuming, which can lead to reduced production efficiency. This is because tasks such as identifying the fracture location, removing the damaged electrode, making a temporary connection, and temporarily operating the device must be performed manually rather than automatically.

[0022] Meanwhile, when the distance between the unwinder and the rewinder is very long, the transfer section in which the electrode is transferred between the unwinder and the rewinder can be divided into multiple sub-sections, and a drive roller can be provided in each sub-section to perform tension control. That is, a splicing table (4) can be provided for the whole and for each section.

[0023] Therefore, it is necessary to improve productivity by switching the handling of electrode breakage from manual to automatic.

[0024] The present invention aims to solve the problems of conventional electrode manufacturing apparatus and manufacturing method.

[0025] Through one embodiment of the present invention, we aim to provide an electrode manufacturing apparatus and a manufacturing method that can minimize electrode loss by preventing the fractured electrode from falling.

[0026] Through one embodiment of the present invention, we aim to provide an electrode manufacturing apparatus and a manufacturing method that can easily identify the location of a broken electrode and easily perform the connection of the broken electrode.

[0027] Through one embodiment of the present invention, we aim to provide an electrode manufacturing apparatus and a manufacturing method that minimize manual work in connecting broken electrodes and enable improved productivity and reduced manufacturing costs through automatic work.

[0028] Through one embodiment of the present invention, we aim to provide an electrode manufacturing apparatus and a manufacturing method capable of automatically connecting an electrode breakage portion using an electrode recovery member in the form of a support roller.

[0029] To achieve the aforementioned objective, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus for performing an electrode process may be provided, comprising: an unwinder for continuously supplying an electrode from an electrode roll; a process device for performing a corresponding process on the electrode supplied through the unwinder; a rewinder for continuously recovering the electrode on which the corresponding process has been performed through the process device in the form of a roll; and a support roller provided between the unwinder and the rewinder to support the conveyed electrode and to adsorb the broken electrode to its outer surface when the electrode breaks.

[0030] The above process device may be a coater device that coats an electrode substrate by applying a slurry. The above process device may be a drying device that dries the applied slurry. The above process device may be a roll press device, a slitting device, or a notching device.

[0031] It is preferable that the above manufacturing device is an electrode manufacturing device that manufactures an electrode by performing a corresponding process on an electrode conveyed using a roll-to-roll method.

[0032] It is preferable that the support roller selectively operate in a transport mode for the continuous transport of the electrode and a suction mode in the event of electrode breakage. The transport mode is a mode in which the support roller guides and supports the transported electrode, and the suction mode can be described as a mode in which the contacted electrode is adsorbed and fixed when the manufacturing device stops operating. That is, in the event that breakage occurs in the transported electrode, the mode in which the broken electrode is adsorbed and fixed to the support roller can be called the suction mode.

[0033] The support roller may be a suction roller having a plurality of suction holes formed on its outer surface and configured to selectively open and close the suction holes. When the suction holes are open, suction force is provided to adsorb an electrode in contact with the outer surface. When the suction holes are closed, it can function simply as a support roller.

[0034] The suction roller includes a cylindrical body, and it is preferable that the length of the body is longer than the width of the electrode being conveyed and supported.

[0035] It may include a screen that selectively opens and closes the suction hole inside the support roller.

[0036] Preferably, the electrode manufacturing device includes a fracture detection sensor that detects the fracture of an electrode and a controller that controls the operation of the manufacturing device. Preferably, when the fracture of an electrode is detected through the fracture detection sensor, the controller controls the support roller to adsorb the fractured electrode.

[0037] The electrode manufacturing device may include a recovery member configured to be movable along a roll path, which is a path along which the electrode is transported. The recovery member may be configured to move to a suction roller that adsorbs the broken electrode when the electrode breaks, and to receive the broken electrode from the suction roller.

[0038] The retrieval member may be formed to have the same or similar external appearance as the suction roller and may be referred to as a connecting roller. The retrieval member may be an end effector of a collaborative robot.

[0039] The electrode manufacturing device includes a splicing table configured to connect the broken electrodes when the electrode breaks, and it is preferable that the splicing table be configured on the roll pass.

[0040] The above-mentioned recovery member may be configured to receive the broken electrode and then transfer the electrode to the splicing table. At the splicing table, the recovery member may function as a pressure roller that connects the broken electrode by applying pressure.

[0041] Therefore, the recovery member can perform the function of receiving the fractured electrode, moving it to a location for connection, and then connecting the fractured electrode. This function can be performed automatically rather than manually. Through this, damage to the electrode upon fracture can be minimized, and rapid electrode connection can be achieved.

[0042] An insertion slot may be formed in the longitudinal direction of the above-mentioned recovery member, into which the end of the broken electrode is inserted and fixed. Through the insertion slot, the entire width of the broken electrode can be gripped.

[0043] It is preferable that the above-mentioned recovery member be provided as a connecting roller capable of rotatable about a central axis. By gripping the broken electrode and rotating it at a certain angle, the broken electrode can be firmly gripped. Additionally, by rotating it at a certain angle, tensile force can be applied to the electrode by pulling the broken electrode.

[0044] The above recovery member can grip the broken electrode and then move the broken electrode toward the rewinder.

[0045] To achieve the aforementioned objective, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a control method for a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus that performs an electrode process using roll-to-roll between an unwinder and a rewinder may be provided, comprising: an electrode adsorption step of stopping the operation of the manufacturing apparatus when a conveyed electrode breaks and adsorbing and fixing the broken electrode through a suction roller; a first movement step of moving a recovery member to the vicinity of the suction roller that adsorbed the electrode; a recovery step of recovering the adsorbed electrode from the suction roller through the recovery member; and a second movement step of moving the recovery member to a connection position of the broken electrode.

[0046] It is preferable that the above control method be performed automatically.

[0047] It is preferable that the above-mentioned retrieval member be configured to be movable along a roll path, which is the path along which the electrode is transported. It is preferable that the above-mentioned retrieval member be an end effector of a collaborative robot. Accordingly, the function of gripping the broken electrode and providing tensile force to the broken electrode can be implemented through the end effector. In addition, two-dimensional or three-dimensional movement of the retrieval member itself can be easily performed through the attitude control of the collaborative robot.

[0048] In the electrode adsorption step described above, it is preferable that a plurality of suction holes provided in the body of the suction roller are opened so that suction pressure is generated through the suction holes.

[0049] It is preferable that the above plurality of suction holes remain closed when the manufacturing device is in operation. That is, when the manufacturing device is in normal operation, the suction roller performs the function of a support roller, and when the manufacturing device stops due to the breakage of an electrode, the suction roller can perform the function of adsorbing and fixing the broken electrode.

[0050] The above suction rollers are provided in multiple numbers, and by detecting fluctuations in suction pressure, the suction roller that adsorbs the fractured electrode among the multiple suction rollers can be identified.

[0051] In the second movement step, the recovery member is moved to a splicing table equipped to connect the broken electrode, and it is preferable that the recovery member functions as a pressure roller for automatically connecting the broken electrode at the splicing table.

[0052] Through one embodiment of the present invention, an electrode manufacturing apparatus and a manufacturing method can be provided that prevent the falling of a broken electrode to minimize electrode loss.

[0053] Through one embodiment of the present invention, an electrode manufacturing apparatus and a manufacturing method can be provided that allow the location of the broken electrode to be easily identified and the connection of the broken electrode to be easily performed.

[0054] Through one embodiment of the present invention, an electrode manufacturing apparatus and a manufacturing method can be provided that minimize manual work in connecting broken electrodes and enable improved productivity and reduced manufacturing costs through automatic work.

[0055] Through one embodiment of the present invention, an electrode manufacturing apparatus and a manufacturing method can be provided that can automatically connect the electrode breakage portion using an electrode recovery member in the form of a support roller.

[0056] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an electrode manufacturing apparatus for a secondary battery using roll-to-roll, and

[0057] FIG. 2 illustrates the fractured portion of the electrode, and

[0058] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a suction roller applicable to an embodiment of the present invention, and

[0059] FIG. 4 illustrates the suction hole of a suction roller in a closed state,

[0060] FIG. 5 illustrates the suction hole of a suction roller in an open state,

[0061] FIG. 6 illustrates the mechanism for opening and closing the suction hole of a suction roller, and

[0062] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a recovery member (connecting roller) applicable to an embodiment of the present invention, and

[0063] FIG. 8 illustrates an enlarged view of the insertion slot of the recovery member, and

[0064] FIG. 9 illustrates the recovery member providing tensile force after taking in the fracture electrode, and

[0065] FIG. 10 illustrates a recovery member fixed so as to be slidably movable on a roll pass rail, and

[0066] FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic representation of a roll pass or roll pass rail, which is the movement path of a recovery member in an electrode manufacturing device, and

[0067] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Hereinafter, a manufacturing apparatus and a manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0069] The basic configurations of the manufacturing apparatus according to the present embodiment may be identical or similar to those of the prior art. Features that differentiate it from the prior art will be described in detail.

[0070] First, a suction roller (60) applicable to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail through FIGS. 3 to 6.

[0071] In this embodiment, the suction roller (60) may be a configuration that replaces some or all of the support rollers (6) shown in FIG. 1. Accordingly, it is preferable that the suction roller (60) basically performs the function of a support roller that guides and supports the transport of the electrode.

[0072] The suction roller (60) includes a cylindrical body (61) and can be rotated while an electrode sheet is in contact with the outer surface of the body. That is, the suction roller (60) can be rotated by the frictional force between the conveyed electrode sheet and the body (61).

[0073] An inclined portion (62) may be formed at the front end of the body of the suction roller (60). The inclined portion (62) may be formed in the shape of a cylindrical pyramid with a decreasing diameter. If electrode breakage occurs near the suction roller (60), the electrode can be reloaded onto the suction roller using the inclined portion (62) after the electrode is connected. A rotation axis may be provided at the front end of the body of the suction roller (60) so that the suction roller can be rotatably supported. Accordingly, the suction roller (60) may be configured such that one end is supported in the form of a cantilever beam and the entire body of the suction roller is unsupported.

[0074] The above suction roller (60) can rotate by its own driving force. In this case, the suction roller can be called a driving roller.

[0075] The suction roller (60) can be configured to provide suction force. For example, it can be configured to enable vacuum suction. Therefore, it is not easy to configure both the vacuum suction structure and the self-driving structure in a single roller. Therefore, it is preferable that the suction roller (60) be a support roller that passively rotates to support and guide the electrode during transfer.

[0076] For this reason, a plurality of suction rollers (60) may be provided within the device (10), and a plurality of suction rollers (60) may also be provided in a single sub-section. Additionally, each suction roller (60) may be identified. Thus, the location of a specific suction roller within the device (10) can be determined. Furthermore, a driving roller and a dancer roller for tension control may be provided in each sub-section.

[0077] A plurality of suction holes (63) are formed on the outer surface of the suction roller (60), and the suction holes can be formed substantially along the entire length and circumferential direction of the body (61).

[0078] The inside of the suction roller (60) can be connected to a vacuum line. That is, the inside of the suction roller (60) can be maintained in a negative pressure state. In other words, the suction hole (63) is blocked under normal conditions and can be opened under abnormal conditions. Here, the abnormal condition may refer to a situation where the electrode breaks.

[0079] FIGS. 4 and FIGS. 5 are enlarged views of the suction hole (63).

[0080] As shown in FIG. 4, when the suction hole (63) is closed, the suction roller functions as a support roller. As shown in FIG. 5, when the suction hole (63) is open, it is difficult for the suction roller to function as a support roller. This is because the electrode is adsorbed through the suction hole (63). By selectively opening and closing a plurality of suction holes, the suction roller can function in a suction mode (emergency mode) and a non-suction mode (normal mode).

[0081] As illustrated in FIG. 6, the opening and closing of the suction hole (63) can be performed through a screen (65). Since the opening and closing of the suction hole is performed through the screen, the screen can also be referred to as a hole cover. A screen can be rotatably provided inside the body of the suction roller. A screen hole (66) corresponding to the suction hole (63) can be formed in the screen (65). The suction hole can be opened by rotating the screen (65) at a certain angle so that the suction hole (64) and the screen hole (66) communicate. Subsequently, the suction hole (64) can be blocked by the screen (65) by rotating the screen (65) in the reverse direction at a certain angle. Of course, the suction hole (64) can be selectively opened and closed by the screen (65) by translational movement in the axial direction.

[0082] The screen (65) is configured to be in close contact with the inner surface of the body (61) and can rotate integrally with the body (61). However, it is preferable that it be configured to rotate at a certain angle relative to the body (61) or move a certain distance in order to open and close the screen hole.

[0083] The function and operation of the suction roller (60) will be explained in detail below with reference to FIG. 12.

[0084] FIG. 12 illustrates an example of a manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention, and in particular, illustrates a method in which the electrode is connected so that manufacturing can be performed normally when the electrode breaks.

[0085] The secondary battery manufacturing device (10) operates normally to perform the corresponding process. During normal operation, the suction roller (60) can rotate passively while performing the function of a support roller. At this time, the suction roller does not perform the suction function. That is, the suction of the suction roller remains in a closed state (S10). In other words, the suction hole (63) of the suction roller remains in a blocked state.

[0086] In a state where the electrode is broken, the tensile force applied to the electrode is not detected. That is, the tension may be zero. Some of the support rollers may be equipped to detect tension, referred to as dancer rollers. A detection sensor for detecting electrode breakage may be provided on the dancer roller, and the dancer roller itself may also be referred to as a detection sensor. If the electrode tension detected by the dancer roller is zero, it can be recognized as electrode breakage (S20). In other words, it is possible to recognize that the electrode is broken through the sensed value or to directly detect whether it is broken. Such detection or recognition of electrode breakage can be performed by an HMI (human machine interface) or a PLC (programmable logic controller). That is, it can be performed by a controller that controls the operation of the manufacturing device.

[0087] If it is recognized or detected that the electrode has broken, the operation of the manufacturing device may be stopped and the suction may be opened (S30). The stopping of operation and the opening of the suction may be performed immediately. As an example of opening the suction hole (63), the operation of the screen (65) may be performed immediately. That is, the suction mode may be performed.

[0088] When the electrode breaks, the end of the electrode may fall from the location of the break (23) and may advance or retract to the front or rear nearby due to inertia. At this time, the broken electrode can be suctioned and adsorbed by the suction roller, and thus the broken electrode can be fixed to the suction roller in an adsorbed state. Therefore, by immediately stopping the operation of the device and opening the suction (S30), secondary damage that may occur due to the falling of the electrode when the electrode breaks can be prevented in advance.

[0089] Here, when the electrode breaks, the electrode end is located on the rewinder side and the unwinder side, respectively. Additionally, the location where the electrode breaks can occur randomly. Therefore, it is desirable to convert the support rollers into suction rollers to increase the number of points for adsorbing and fixing the electrode end upon breakage.

[0090] As described above, when the electrode breaks, the end (23a) on the unwinder side is particularly fixed by suctioning it from the suction roller, so the length of the electrode damaged by falling can be significantly reduced.

[0091] Meanwhile, it may take a long time for an operator to manually identify the location of the breakage when the electrode breaks. This is because the electrode's transport length is very long. For example, the length of the section where the electrode is transported between the unwinder and the rewinder may be more than 50m. Therefore, the transport section can be divided into multiple sub-sections, and the sub-sections may also be relatively very long.

[0092] In this embodiment, it is possible to automatically determine the fracture location of the electrode using a suction roller. The transport section may be divided into multiple sub-sections, and a suction roller may be provided in each sub-section. Multiple suction rollers may also be provided in a single sub-section.

[0093] The interior of the suction roller can be connected to a vacuum piping. Therefore, when the suction hole is closed, the interior of the suction roller is under negative pressure. However, when the suction hole is opened, the interior of the suction roller is exposed to atmospheric pressure. In other words, a rapid change in pressure occurs as the suction hole opens. On the other hand, one of the suction rollers will adsorb the fractured electrode as the suction hole opens. That is, the pressure change may be relatively small in the suction roller that adsorbed the fractured electrode. Based on this pressure change, it is possible to identify the location of the suction roller currently adsorbing the fractured electrode. Additionally, fracture detection sensors can be provided in each detailed section to detect electrode fracture.

[0094] Here, the broken electrode adsorbed to the suction roller may be the unwinder-side end (23a). When connecting the spatially separated unwinder-side end (23a) and rewinder-side end (23b), it is necessary to move the unwinder-side end (23a) to the rewinder-side end position. That is, after gripping the broken electrode, particularly the unwinder-side end (23a), through the suction roller, it is necessary to move the unwinder-side end to the position where the electrode is connected. To this end, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a recovery member may be provided.

[0095] Hereinafter, the recovery member will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 7 to 11.

[0096] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a recovery member. As illustrated, the recovery member may be formed identically or similarly to a support roller. Additionally, the recovery member may be formed identically or similarly to a suction roller. The electrode can be supported through the cylindrical body (71), and the electrode can be easily reloaded through the inclined portion (72) in the shape of a cylindrical cone.

[0097] An insertion slot (74) may be formed in the body (71) in the longitudinal direction, that is, in the width direction of the electrode. The insertion slot (74) may be configured to allow the unwinder-side end (23a) to be inserted. Guide projections (73) may be provided at the front and rear of the insertion slot (74) to guide the insertion of the end (23a).

[0098] The above-mentioned recovery member (70) can be configured to receive the electrode end (23a) adsorbed on the suction roller (60). The suction roller (60) is configured to be fixed at a specific position and rotatable. And, multiple such suction rollers (60) may be provided. Accordingly, it is preferable that the recovery member (70) is not fixed at a specific position but is configured to be movable to access each of the multiple suction rollers (60). For example, if 10 suction rollers are provided, the recovery member may be configured to be accessible to each of the 10 suction rollers. For example, if the electrode end is adsorbed on the third suction roller, the recovery member (70) may be configured to move to the third suction roller.

[0099] The above recovery member (70) may be rotatably provided. It can move near the suction roller (60) that adsorbs the electrode end to detect the electrode (20). That is, the electrode can be detected through a contact sensor (75) provided on the body. At this time, the electrode can be detected through the contact sensor while the recovery member (70) rotates.

[0100] When the recovery member (70) detects the electrode, the recovery member (70) can perform an operation to take the electrode end (23a) from the suction roller. Taking the electrode can be performed by grasping the electrode (20) in the width direction.

[0101] The structure or method of holding the electrode in the recovery member (70) can be varied in many ways.

[0102] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the electrode can be grasped in the width direction through the projections (73) provided at the front and rear of the insertion slot (74). As the two projections (73) rise, the gap between the two projections (73) widens, and as the two projections (73) descend, the gap between the two projections (73) narrows. The two projections (73) may be provided in the form of pads with high frictional force, and the electrode may be interposed and fixed between the two projections (73). To allow the electrode to be easily inserted and fixed between the two projections (73), the recovery member (70) may perform vacuum suction of the electrode through the insertion slot. In this case, the two projections (73) may be referred to as grippers.

[0103] Meanwhile, the recovery member (70) can receive the electrode through vacuum suction. The recovery member (70) can vacuum suction the electrode through the insertion slot while in contact with the entire width of the electrode. Of course, at this time, the vacuum suction of the suction roller can be released. Through the vacuum suction of the insertion slot (74), the electrode can be inserted into the insertion slot (74). At this time, a contact sensor (76) for detecting the electrode may be provided inside the insertion slot (74). It can be confirmed that gripping the electrode is completed through the contact sensor (76).

[0104] As shown in FIG. 9, after confirming that the electrode (20) is fixed to the recovery member (70), the recovery member (70) can rotate in a direction in which a tensile force is applied to the electrode. Due to this rotation of the recovery member (70), the contact area between the recovery member and the electrode increases. Accordingly, the bonding force between the recovery member and the electrode increases.

[0105] After fixing the received electrode (20), the recovery member (70) can move the electrode to a splicing table, for example, a location to connect the broken electrode. That is, the entire recovery member (70) moves. Since the recovery member (70) rotates to pull the electrode, the electrode can be kept taut on the splicing table. Therefore, the process of reconnecting the electrode on the splicing table can be performed accurately and easily.

[0106] The retrieval member (70) may include a body (71) that performs the function of a support roller and a gripper that holds and fixes the electrode, and a shaft (77) that rotatably supports the body. The body (71) may rotate around the shaft (77). Therefore, the retrieval member (70) may be a connecting roller. Unlike the suction roller described above, it is preferable that the connecting roller performs not only the suction function but also the function of actively rotating to provide tensile force to the electrode. That is, the connecting roller can provide tensile force to the electrode by winding a portion of the electrode by rotating.

[0107] It is possible to move the recovery member (70) by moving the shaft (77). In the electrode manufacturing device (10), the electrode (20) can be moved substantially two-dimensionally. Therefore, the roll path, which is the path the electrode moves along, can also be set two-dimensionally.

[0108] For this reason, the retrieval member (70) may be configured to move along a roll path. The roll path may be redirected via support rollers. Thus, the retrieval member may be configured to move while avoiding the support rollers.

[0109] FIG. 10 illustrates that one end of the retrieval member (70) can be fixed to a wall or a fixed structure and can be fixed so as to be movably movable through a roll pass rail (78) formed on the wall or a fixed structure. According to FIG. 10, the retrieval member (60) has the same shape as the support roller (6), but is additionally provided with the function of grasping a broken electrode and the function of moving along a roll pass.

[0110] FIG. 11 illustrates that a roll pass rail (78) can be formed on the roll pass (80). The roll pass rail (78) can be formed on the premise that the recovery member (70) moves in two dimensions.

[0111] Meanwhile, the retrieval member (70) may be provided in the form of an end effector of a collaborative robot. An end effector is a configuration provided at the end of a robot arm of a collaborative robot that moves in six axes and has the function of acting directly on a work object. Therefore, the end effector itself can be moved three-dimensionally by the collaborative robot in space. The end effector may be, for example, a gripper, a welding torch, a spray gun, or a drill. In this embodiment, the retrieval member may be an end effector that simultaneously performs the functions of a support roller and a gripper.

[0112] Collaborative robots can move retrieval members in two dimensions and can also move them in three dimensions.

[0113] As illustrated in FIG. 12, when the electrode is broken, a suction mode is performed (S30) through a suction roller, and the broken electrode is fixed to a specific suction roller. Afterwards, the recovery member (70) moves to the specific suction roller holding the broken electrode. That is, the first movement step (S40) can be performed.

[0114] The recovery member (70) takes the broken electrode from the suction roller (S50) while gripping the broken electrode. At this time, contact of the electrode can be detected in the body of the recovery member, and insertion, i.e., whether the electrode is gripped, can be detected in the insertion slot of the recovery member.

[0115] When the recovery of the broken electrode from the recovery member is completed, the recovery member moves to a position where the broken electrode is connected. That is, a second movement step (S60) can be performed. In the second movement step, the recovery member moves along the roll path (80). Strictly speaking, the roll path (80) along which the recovery member moves follows the roll path of the electrode but can be described as a path that bypasses the support rollers (6). The roll path (80) may substantially be formed above or below the support rollers.

[0116] The movement path of the recovery member, i.e., the roll path (80), can be pre-configured to allow maximum contact with the electrode while avoiding contact with the support roller, and it is also possible to easily implement the complex roll path using a collaborative robot.

[0117] Meanwhile, the recovery member may perform a first movement to recover the broken electrode and a second movement to a position connecting the recovered broken electrode. Here, the second movement is intended to continuously reload the electrode into the manufacturing device. Therefore, it is preferable that the second movement of the recovery member be performed along the roll path (80) so that the electrode is accurately mounted on the normal track.

[0118] The recovery member moves the broken electrode to a splicing table that connects the broken electrode, for example, and the broken electrode can be connected (S70) at the splicing table.

[0119] For example, if a splicing table is provided for each detailed section, the recovery member may be positioned on the splicing table during normal operation of the manufacturing device. Interference between the recovery member and the electrode being transported at the splicing table can be eliminated. When the manufacturing device stops due to the breakage of the electrode, the recovery member may move along the roll path (80) toward the unwinder. During the movement, the recovery member continuously detects the broken electrode, and upon detecting the broken electrode, it takes it over. Afterward, the recovery member may move along the roll path (80) toward the rewinder and return to the splicing table.

[0120] Among the electrodes broken at the splicing table, the unwinder-side end (23a) may be supported by a recovery member. Among the electrodes broken at the splicing table, the rewinder-side end (23b) may be supported by a pressure roller. The recovery member at the splicing table may function as a pressure roller. That is, opposing pressure rollers may press against each other to press the unwinder-side end and the rewinder-side end, thereby connecting the two.

[0121] Accordingly, according to the present embodiment, the recovery member can perform the functions of a support roller, a gripper, and a pressure roller.

[0122] When the connection of the broken electrode is terminated, the manufacturing device can be operated (S80) to perform the manufacturing of the electrode.

[0123] As described in the detailed description of the invention.

Claims

1. In a manufacturing apparatus for performing an electrode process for a secondary battery, An unwinder that continuously supplies electrodes from an electrode roll; A process device for performing a corresponding process on an electrode supplied through the above-mentioned unwinder; A rewinder that continuously recovers the electrode on which the corresponding process has been performed through the above process device in the form of a roll; and A secondary battery manufacturing apparatus comprising a support roller provided between the unwinder and the rewinder to support the electrode being transported, and configured to adsorb the broken electrode to the outer surface when the electrode breaks.

2. In Paragraph 1, A secondary battery manufacturing apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned support roller selectively operating in a transfer mode for continuous transfer of the electrode and a suction mode when the electrode breaks.

3. In Paragraph 2, A secondary battery manufacturing apparatus characterized in that the support roller is a suction roller having a plurality of suction holes formed on its outer surface and configured to selectively open and close the suction holes.

4. In Paragraph 3, A secondary battery manufacturing apparatus characterized by including a screen that selectively opens and closes the suction hole inside the support roller.

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 4, It includes a fracture detection sensor that detects the fracture of the electrode and a controller that controls the operation of the manufacturing device, A secondary battery manufacturing apparatus characterized by the above controller controlling the adsorption of the broken electrode from the support roller when the breakage of the electrode is detected through the breakage detection sensor.

6. In Paragraph 5, A secondary battery manufacturing apparatus characterized by including a recovery member configured to move to a suction roller adsorbing the broken electrode upon electrode breakage and to receive the broken electrode.

7. In Paragraph 6, A secondary battery manufacturing apparatus characterized in that the above-mentioned recovery member includes a connecting roller configured to move along a roll path, which is a path for transporting electrodes.

8. In Paragraph 7, A secondary battery manufacturing apparatus comprising a splicing table configured to connect the broken electrodes when the electrode breaks, wherein the splicing table is configured on the roll pass.

9. In Paragraph 8, A secondary battery manufacturing apparatus characterized by the above connecting roller receiving a broken electrode and then transferring the electrode to the splicing table.

10. In Paragraph 7, A secondary battery manufacturing device characterized in that the above connecting roller is an end effector of a collaborative robot.

11. In Paragraph 7, A secondary battery manufacturing apparatus characterized by having a slot formed in the longitudinal direction of the above-mentioned connecting roller, into which the end of a broken electrode is inserted and fixed.

12. In Paragraph 11, A secondary battery manufacturing device characterized by the above-mentioned connecting roller being rotatably provided around a central axis.

13. A control method for a manufacturing apparatus that performs an electrode process for a secondary battery using roll-to-roll between an unwinder and a rewinder, An electrode adsorption step in which the operation of the manufacturing device is stopped upon fracture of the conveyed electrode, and the fractured electrode is adsorbed and fixed through a suction roller; A first movement step of moving the recovery member to the vicinity of the suction roller that adsorbs the electrode; A recovery step of recovering the adsorbed electrode from the suction roller through the recovery member; A control method for a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus characterized by including a second moving step of moving the above-mentioned recovery member to the connection position of the ruptured electrode.

14. In Paragraph 13, A control method for a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus, characterized in that the above-mentioned recovery member is configured to be movable along a roll path, which is a path through which the electrode is transported.

15. In Paragraph 12, A control method for a secondary battery manufacturing device characterized in that the above-mentioned recovery member is an end effector of a collaborative robot.

16. In Paragraph 12, A control method for a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus, characterized in that the above-mentioned recovery member is a connecting roller that provides tensile force to the electrode by rotating after receiving the electrode.

17. In Paragraph 14, A control method for a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus characterized in that, in the electrode adsorption step, a plurality of suction holes provided in the body of the suction roller are opened, and suction pressure is generated through the suction holes.

18. In Paragraph 17, A control method for a secondary battery manufacturing device characterized in that the plurality of suction holes are maintained in a closed state when the manufacturing device is in operation.

19. In Paragraph 17, A control method for a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus characterized by the fact that the suction rollers are provided in plurality, and the suction roller that adsorbs the broken electrode among the plurality of suction rollers is identified by detecting fluctuations in suction pressure.

20. In Paragraph 13, In the second movement step above, the recovery member is moved to a splicing table equipped to connect the broken electrode, and A control method for a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus characterized in that the above recovery member functions as a connecting roller for automatically connecting the broken electrodes on the splicing table.

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