Patent Publication Number: US-2023150784-A1

Title: Electrode Connection Apparatus and Electrode Connection Automation Method Using the Same

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 2020-0087016 filed on Jul. 14, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     The present invention relates to an electrode connection apparatus and an electrode connection automation method using the same, and more particularly to an electrode connection apparatus capable of automatically connecting a new standby electrode roll to an end of a moving electrode roll during an electrode manufacturing process performed as a roll-to-roll process and an electrode connection automation method using the same. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     A lithium secondary battery, which is capable of being charged and discharged, has been widely used as an energy source for wireless mobile devices or wearable devices, which are worn on bodies, and has also been used as an energy source for electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles presented as alternatives to existing gasoline and diesel vehicles, which cause air pollution. 
     In the lithium secondary battery, a positive electrode and a negative electrode are stacked in the state in which a separator is interposed therebetween, and lithium ions move between the positive electrode and the negative electrode, whereby the lithium secondary battery is repeatedly charged and discharged. 
     A process of manufacturing an electrode including the positive electrode and the negative electrode includes a step of coating the remaining part of an electrode sheet wound in the form of a roll, excluding parts at which electrode tabs are to be formed, with an electrode agent, a step of drying and rolling the electrode agent, a step of slitting the electrode sheet, and a step of notching the slit electrode sheet into unit electrodes. 
     An electrode manufacturing process is performed as a roll-to-roll continuous process. In the case in which an electrode roll wound in the form of a roll is completely consumed while electrodes are continuously manufactured using the electrode roll, a worker stops equipment, connects a tip of the electrode roll that is being used and a tip of a new electrode roll to each other using a tape, and reoperates the equipment. 
     In the case in which an electrode production process is suspended in order to replace the electrode roll and then the electrode production process is resumed, as described above, productivity is reduced. 
     In connection therewith, Patent Document 1 discloses an electrode production system for secondary batteries capable of connecting a first electrode material mounted to a first electrode material supply reel and a second electrode material mounted to a second electrode material supply reel to each other in order to perform a continuous process, but does not concretely disclose a method of automatically attaching a tape to the first electrode material and the second electrode material using a tape suction plate. 
     Patent Document 2 relates an automatic electrode film replacement apparatus configured such that, when an electrode film wound in the form of a roll is almost completely consumed during a process of continuously transferring the electrode film to manufacture a secondary battery, a tip of the electrode film that is being used and a tip of a new electrode film are automatically connected to each other by joining, whereby the secondary battery manufacturing process is continuously performed without interruption. 
     Patent Document 2 is capable of realizing joint connection when the electrode film that is being used and the new electrode film are moved and disposed so as to face each other, but does not disclose an apparatus capable of transferring the new electrode film to the electrode film that is being used and disposing the new electrode film when the electrode film that is being used is not disposed so as to face the new electrode film. 
     Therefore, there is a high necessity for technology capable of automatically connecting electrode rolls to each other without intervention of a worker even in the case in which the electrode rolls are not disposed so as to face each other when a continuous electrode manufacturing process is performed, whereby uniform electrode connection quality is achieved irrespective of skill of the worker. 
     PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS 
     (Patent Document 1) Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 1857396 (2018.05.04) 
     (Patent Document 2) Korean Patent Application Publication No. 2016-0133264 (2016.11.22) 
     DISCLOSURE 
     Technical Problem 
     The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide an electrode connection apparatus capable of continuously supplying an electrode roll without interruption during an electrode manufacturing process, whereby it is possible to improve productivity and to prevent occurrence of defects during an electrode roll connection process, and an electrode connection automation method using the same. 
     Technical Solution 
     In order to accomplish the above object, an electrode connection apparatus according to the present invention includes a transfer unit configured to transfer a start portion of a standby electrode roll in a state of gripping the start portion, a leading unit configured to move upwards in a state of gripping the start portion of the standby electrode roll transferred by the transfer unit, a first connection unit configured to fix the standby electrode roll transferred by the leading unit, a second connection unit configured to fix an end portion of a moving electrode roll, and a taping unit configured to connect the standby electrode roll and the moving electrode roll to each other. 
     In the electrode connection apparatus according to the present invention, the transfer unit may be configured to have a structure capable of moving toward the standby electrode roll in a first direction and moving in a second direction, which is a direction opposite the first direction, in a state of griping opposite side tips of the start portion of the standby electrode roll. 
     In the electrode connection apparatus according to the present invention, the leading unit may move downwards, may grip a tip of the start portion of the standby electrode roll, and may move upwards. 
     In the electrode connection apparatus according to the present invention, the first connection unit may fix the start portion of the standby electrode roll by suctioning. 
     In the electrode connection apparatus according to the present invention, the first connection unit may include a moving cutter configured to cut the standby electrode roll. 
     In the electrode connection apparatus according to the present invention, the standby electrode roll may be fixed to a first surface of the first connection unit, the moving cutter may be disposed at a second surface, which is an outer surface opposite the first surface, and the first connection unit may be provided with a slit such that the moving cutter cuts the standby electrode roll while moving therealong. 
     In the electrode connection apparatus according to the present invention, the first connection unit may be configured to have a structure in which the first connection unit moves toward the second connection unit such that a tip of the start portion of the standby electrode roll abuts the end portion of the moving electrode roll fixed to the second connection unit. 
     In the electrode connection apparatus according to the present invention, the end portion of the moving electrode roll may be fixed to a second surface of the second connection unit, and the taping unit may be disposed outside a first surface, which is an outer surface opposite the second surface. 
     In the electrode connection apparatus according to the present invention, the second connection unit may be provided with a penetrated portion configured to allow a tape of the taping unit to pass therethrough. 
     In the electrode connection apparatus according to the present invention, the taping unit may include a supply portion configured to supply a tape, a tape gripper configured to transfer the tape supplied by the supply portion to an attachment portion, and the attachment portion configured to move to an electrode roll connection portion in a state of fixing the tape, and the tape gripper may be provided with a tape cutter configured to cut the tape. 
     In addition, the present invention provides an electrode connection automation method using the electrode connection apparatus, the electrode connection automation method including (a) transferring a start portion of a standby electrode roll in a state of gripping the start portion, (b) the leading unit moving downwards to grip the start portion of the standby electrode roll and transferring the start portion of the standby electrode roll to the first connection unit, (c) cutting the start portion of the standby electrode roll, and (d) connecting the standby electrode roll and a moving electrode roll to each other. 
     The electrode connection automation method according to the present invention may include moving the standby electrode roll in a direction toward the moving electrode roll after step (c). 
     In the electrode connection automation method according to the present invention, step (d) may include mounting a tape to the attachment portion of the taping unit and attaching the tape to a connection portion at which the start portion of the standby electrode roll and an end portion of the moving electrode roll are connected to each other. 
     Advantageous Effects 
     As is apparent from the above description, an electrode connection apparatus according to the present invention includes a transfer unit and a leading unit. Even though a start portion of a standby electrode roll and an end portion of a moving electrode roll do not face each other in parallel with each other, therefore, it is possible to automatically connect the electrode rolls to each other. 
     Also, in the case in which the electrode connection apparatus according to the present invention is used, a tape is attached to only one surface of each of the standby electrode roll and the moving electrode roll, whereby it is possible to simplify a connection process, and therefore it is possible to improve productivity. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of an electrode connection apparatus according to the present invention. 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view showing a process of transferring a standby electrode roll using a transfer unit and a leading unit of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view showing a process of cutting the standby electrode roll using a first connection unit of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view showing movement of the standby electrode roll cut in  FIG.  3    to a second connection unit of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view showing a process of attaching a tape to an electrode roll connection portion. 
         FIG.  6    is a plan view showing the state in which the standby electrode roll and a moving electrode roll are connected to each other. 
     
    
    
     BEST MODE 
     Now, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings such that the preferred embodiments of the present invention can be easily implemented by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. In describing the principle of operation of the preferred embodiments of the present invention in detail, however, a detailed description of known functions and configurations incorporated herein will be omitted when the same may obscure the subject matter of the present invention. 
     In addition, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to parts that perform similar functions or operations. In the case in which one part is said to be connected to another part throughout the specification, not only may the one part be directly connected to the other part, but also, the one part may be indirectly connected to the other part via a further part. In addition, that a certain element is included does not mean that other elements are excluded, but means that such elements may be further included unless mentioned otherwise. 
     In addition, a description to embody elements through limitation or addition may be applied to all inventions, unless particularly restricted, and does not limit a specific invention. 
     Also, in the description of the invention and the claims of the present application, singular forms are intended to include plural forms unless mentioned otherwise. 
     Also, in the description of the invention and the claims of the present application, “or” includes “and” unless mentioned otherwise. Therefore, “including A or B” means three cases, namely, the case including A, the case including B, and the case including A and B. 
     In addition, all numeric ranges include the lowest value, the highest value, and all intermediate values therebetween unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. 
     Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 
       FIG.  1    is a perspective view of an electrode connection apparatus according to the present invention. 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , the electrode connection apparatus according to the present invention includes a transfer unit  200  configured to transfer a start portion  111  of a standby electrode roll in a state of gripping the start portion, a leading unit  300  configured to move upwards in a state of gripping the start portion  111  of the standby electrode roll transferred by the transfer unit  200 , a first connection unit  400  configured to fix the standby electrode roll  110  transferred by the leading unit  300 , and a second connection unit  500  configured to fix an end portion of a moving electrode roll  120 . 
     An electrode connection automation method using the electrode connection apparatus includes (a) a step of transferring a start portion  111  of a standby electrode roll in a state of gripping the start portion, (b) a step of the leading unit  300  moving downwards to grip the start portion  111  of the standby electrode roll and transferring the start portion  111  of the standby electrode roll to the first connection unit  400 , (c) a step of cutting the start portion  111  of the standby electrode roll, and (d) a step of connecting the standby electrode roll  110  and a moving electrode roll  120  to each other. 
     In addition, a process of moving the standby electrode roll  110  in a direction toward the moving electrode roll  120  after step (c) may be included, and step (d) may include a process of mounting a tape to an attachment portion of a taping unit and a process of attaching the tape to a connection portion at which the start portion of the standby electrode roll and an end portion of the moving electrode roll are connected to each other. 
     The transfer unit  200 , the leading unit  300 , the first connection unit  400 , and the second connection unit  500  shown in  FIG.  1    constitute an embodiment. The structures of the units are not limited to structures shown in this specification as long as the units are capable of performing functions that will be described below. 
     In a concrete example, the transfer unit  200  includes two transfer grippers  210 . The transfer grippers  210  are disposed spaced apart from each other so as to grip opposite side tips of the standby electrode roll in a moving direction thereof. In addition, the transfer grippers  210  move toward the standby electrode roll  110 , grip the standby electrode roll  110 , and transfer the standby electrode roll in a direction toward the leading unit within a predetermined section in a state of being mounted to the transfer unit  200 . 
     The transfer unit  200  moves toward the standby electrode roll  110  in a first direction, which is an x+ direction, and grips the opposite side tips of the start portion  111  of the standby electrode roll using the transfer grippers  210 . When the transfer unit moves in a second direction, which is an x− direction, in this state, the standby electrode roll  110  is withdrawn. 
       FIG.  2    is a perspective view showing a process of transferring the standby electrode roll using the transfer unit and the leading unit of  FIG.  1   . 
     Referring to  FIG.  2   , when the transfer unit  200  moves in the x− direction in the state in which the transfer grippers  210  of the transfer unit grip the opposite side tips of the start portion  111  of the standby electrode roll  110 , the standby electrode roll  110  is withdrawn. 
     When the start portion  111  of the standby electrode roll reaches under the leading unit  300 , the transfer grippers  210  are rotated in a direction indicated by an arrow such that a tip of the start portion  111  of the standby electrode roll faces the leading unit  300 . Even though the leading unit  300  moves only in an upward-downward direction, therefore, a process of the leading unit  300  gripping the start portion  111  of the standby electrode roll may be easily performed. 
     In order for the leading unit  300  to grip the start portion  111  of the standby electrode roll, the length of a length adjustment portion  320  of the leading unit  300  is increased, whereby a leading gripper  310  may grip the start portion  111  of the standby electrode roll, the tip of which is bent upwards. When the length of the length adjustment portion  320  is decreased in the state in which the leading gripper  310  grips the tip of the start portion  111  of the standby electrode roll, the start portion  111  of the standby electrode roll may be moved upwards. 
       FIG.  3    is a perspective view showing a process of cutting the standby electrode roll using the first connection unit of  FIG.  1   . 
     Referring to  FIG.  3   , the start portion  111  of the standby electrode roll moved upwards by the leading unit  300  is fixed to a first surface  401  of the first connection unit  400 . 
     The first surface  401  may be configured as a suction portion. For example, a vacuum hole may be formed in a second surface  402 , and a vacuum decompression cylinder may be coupled to the first connection unit  400 . Consequently, the standby electrode roll  110  may be fixed to the first surface  401  by suctioning of the suction portion. 
     The first connection unit  400  may be provided with a moving cutter  420  configured to cut the standby electrode roll  110 . The cutting position of the standby electrode roll  110  may be set in consideration of the position of the electrode roll connection portion at which the standby electrode roll  110  and the moving electrode roll  120  are connected to each other, and then cutting may be performed by the moving cutter  420 . 
     The standby electrode roll is fixed to the first surface  401  of the first connection unit  400 , and the moving cutter  420  is disposed at a second surface  402 , which is an outer surface opposite the first surface  401 . The moving cutter  420  is disposed such that a part of a knife edge  421  protrudes outwards from one side tip portion of the first surface  401 . In this state, the moving cutter  420  cuts the standby electrode roll  110  while moving to the other side tip portion of the first surface  401 . A slit  410  is formed in the first connection unit  400  such that the moving cutter  420  can be moved as described above. 
     A residual electrode  112  formed as the result of cutting performed by the moving cutter  420  is removed. 
       FIG.  4    is a perspective view showing movement of the standby electrode roll cut in  FIG.  3    to the second connection unit of  FIG.  1   . 
     Referring to  FIG.  4   , an end portion  121  of the moving electrode roll  120  is fixed to a second surface  502  of the second connection unit  500 , and a taping unit  600  is disposed outside a first surface  501 , which is an outer surface opposite the second surface  502 . 
     The second surface  502  of the second connection unit  500  may be configured as a suction portion. For example, a vacuum hole may be formed in the second surface  502 , and a vacuum decompression cylinder may be coupled to the second connection unit  500 . Consequently, the moving electrode roll  120  may be fixed to the second surface  502  by suctioning of the suction portion. 
     The first connection unit  400  moves toward the second connection unit  500  such that the tip of the start portion  111  of the standby electrode roll abuts the end portion  121  of the moving electrode roll  120 . 
     The standby electrode roll  110  is attached to the second surface  502  of the second connection unit  500  such that the start portion  111  of the standby electrode roll and the end portion  121  of the moving electrode roll  120  come into contact with each other. At this time, air suctioning performed by the suction portion of the first connection unit  400  to suction the standby electrode roll  110  is interrupted, and the second connection unit  500  starts to suction the standby electrode roll  110 , whereby the standby electrode roll  110  is fixed to the second surface  502  of the second connection unit  500 . 
     A tape is attached to the electrode roll connection portion at which the standby electrode roll attached to the second surface  501  of the second connection unit  500  and the moving electrode roll join each other using the taping unit  600  disposed outside the first surface  501  of the second connection unit  500 . The second connection unit  500  is provided with a penetrated portion  510 , through which the tape of the taping unit  600  passes. 
       FIG.  5    is a perspective view showing a process of attaching a tape to the electrode roll connection portion. 
     Referring to  FIG.  5    together with  FIG.  4   , the taping unit  600  includes a supply portion  610  configured to supply a tape, a tape gripper  620  configured to withdraw the tape supplied by the supply portion  610  in a state of gripping the tape such that the tape is disposed at the outer surface of an attachment portion  630 , and the attachment portion  630  configured to move to the electrode roll connection portion in a state of fixing the tape. In addition, the tape gripper  620  is provided with a tape cutter (not shown) configured to cut the tape. 
     The tape gripper  620  grips a tip of a tape roll, and disposes the tape such that a non-adhesive surface of the tape is located at the outer surface of the attachment portion  630 . At this time, the attachment portion fixes the non-adhesive surface of the tape by suctioning. Suctioning of the attachment portion may be performed in the same manner as the suction portion of each of the first connection unit and the second connection unit. A vacuum decompression suctioning method may be used. 
     The tape gripper  620  returns to the position before the tape is transferred, and the tape withdrawn from the tape roll is cut in a state of being gripped. At this time, the tape is cut to a length necessary to be attached to the electrode roll connection portion, and is attached to the attachment portion  630 . 
     The attachment portion  630  is movable by a transfer means, and may pass through the penetrated portion  510  formed in the second connection unit  500  in order to attach the tape to the electrode roll connection portion. 
       FIG.  6    is a plan view showing the state in which the standby electrode roll and the moving electrode roll are connected to each other. 
     Referring to  FIG.  6   , the state in which the tape  640  is attached to the electrode roll connection portion  150  at which the moving electrode roll  120  and the standby electrode roll  110  are connected to each other, whereby the two electrode rolls are connected to each other, is shown. 
     Since the tip of the standby electrode roll  110  is cut by the moving cutter, which moves along the slit formed in the first connection unit, the standby electrode roll may be cut in parallel to a lateral direction a of the electrode roll. 
     As a result, the line along which the ends of the standby electrode roll and the moving electrode roll join each other at the electrode roll connection portion  150  may be straight. Consequently, overlapping between both electrodes at the electrode roll connection portion  150  may be minimized, whereby it is possible to prevent occurrence of a difference in thickness at the electrode roll connection portion  150 . 
     In the case in which the electrode connection apparatus according to the present invention and the electrode connection automation method using the electrode connection apparatus are used, as described above, it is possible to automatically connect the standby electrode roll and the moving electrode roll to each other. Consequently, it is not necessary to suspend the process in order to connect the electrode rolls to each other, and the electrode roll connection portion may be uniformly formed, whereby it is possible to improve productivity in an electrode manufacturing process. 
     Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will appreciate that various applications and modifications are possible within the category of the present invention based on the above description. 
     DESCRIPTION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS 
     
         
           110 : Standby electrode roll 
           111 : Start portion of standby electrode roll 
           112 : Residual electrode 
           120 : Moving electrode roll 
           121 : End portion of moving electrode roll 
           150 : Electrode roll connection portion 
           200 : Transfer unit 
           210 : Transfer gripper 
           300 : Leading unit 
           310 : Leading gripper 
           320 : Length adjustment portion 
           400 : First connection unit 
           401 : First surface 
           402 : Second surface 
           410 : Slit 
           420 : Moving cutter 
           421 : Knife edge 
           500 : Second connection unit 
           501 : First surface 
           502 : Second surface 
           510 : Penetrated portion 
           600 : Taping unit 
           610 : Supply portion 
           620 : Tape gripper 
           630 : Attachment portion 
           640 : Tape 
       
    
     INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY 
     As is apparent from the above description, an electrode connection apparatus according to the present invention includes a transfer unit and a leading unit. Even though a start portion of a standby electrode roll and an end portion of a moving electrode roll do not face each other in parallel with each other, therefore, it is possible to automatically connect the electrode rolls to each other. 
     Also, in the case in which the electrode connection apparatus according to the present invention is used, a tape is attached to only one surface of each of the standby electrode roll and the moving electrode roll, whereby it is possible to simplify a connection process, and therefore it is possible to improve productivity.