CN219278604U

CN219278604U - Electrode roller conveying equipment

Info

Publication number: CN219278604U
Application number: CN202222907754.8U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 李太虎
Original assignee: Lg Energy Solution
Current assignee: Lg Energy Solution
Priority date: 2021-11-03
Filing date: 2022-11-02
Publication date: 2023-06-30
Anticipated expiration: 2032-11-02
Also published as: DE202022105653U1; KR20230064575A

Abstract

An electrode roll transfer apparatus for moving a supply roll around which a sheet for manufacturing a battery is wound. The apparatus may include: a transport unit configured to carry the supply roller; and a guide structure configured to guide the transport unit. The apparatus may include an alignment mechanism, wherein the alignment mechanism may be configured to detect whether the transport unit is at a predetermined position in a first direction along the guide structure, and may be configured to fix the transport unit at the predetermined position in response thereto.

Description

Electrode roller conveying equipment

Technical Field

The present utility model relates to an apparatus for moving a supply roller around which a sheet for manufacturing a battery is wound. In particular, the present utility model relates to an apparatus adapted to move a supply roller wound with an electrode sheet (separator sheet) or a separator sheet (separator sheet) for manufacturing a battery. The battery may be or include a secondary battery.

Background

It may be necessary or advantageous to move a supply roll around which a sheet for manufacturing a battery is wound. In the production of a battery or a part of a battery, in particular a secondary battery, the supply roller may be moved, in particular the supply roller may be transported, transported or delivered to a specific stage or machine for further processing. A conventional means for doing this may be a pneumatic balancing device (air-balancer equipment) which can be operated manually (in particular, manually aligned) for transporting the supply rolls, which is cumbersome and error-prone and which may pose a risk of damaging the supply rolls.

Prior art literature

Korean registered patent publication No.10-2273320 (registered at 2021, 6, 30) describes a stacking apparatus for a secondary battery manufacturing system. However, such stacking apparatus may lack the ability to safely transport or move the supply roll around which the sheet is wound.

Disclosure of Invention

Technical problem

In view of this, it may be an object of the present application to provide an apparatus for transporting a supply roll for manufacturing a battery. Another object of the present application may be to improve alignment accuracy of a supply roller that moves for manufacturing a battery, in particular, to prevent damage to the supply roller, thereby improving product quality of the manufactured battery. Yet another object of the present application may be to improve and optimize the apparatus for manufacturing batteries, in particular in respect of moving the supply roll for manufacturing batteries or parts of batteries. Yet another object of the present application may be to improve the convenience and safety of the work of the operator.

Technical proposal

At least one of the above-mentioned problems is solved by the solutions of the independent claims. Particular embodiments are defined by the features of the dependent claims.

An apparatus for moving a supply roller around which a sheet for manufacturing a battery is wound is provided. The apparatus may include: a transport unit (e.g., as one example of a conveying section) configured to carry, in particular, transport or convey the supply roller; and a guide structure (e.g., a support frame) configured to guide the transport unit. The apparatus may include, for example, as one example of an alignment portion, an alignment mechanism, wherein the alignment mechanism may be configured to detect a predetermined position of the transport unit in a first direction along the guide structure, and may be configured to fix (secure) the transport unit in the predetermined position in response thereto.

The apparatus as disclosed herein and methods stored in a machine-readable medium may help prevent damage to the supply roll when transporting or carrying the supply roll to a next process stage for manufacturing a battery. In addition, the convenience and safety of the operation of the operator can be improved.

In particular, a battery as used herein may refer to a secondary battery (i.e., a rechargeable battery) or a more conventional electrochemical battery for energy storage. The battery may be a coin-type, cylindrical, square or pouch-type battery. In particular, the battery may be configured to provide power to an electric vehicle, or a portable small-sized electrical or electronic device. In a specific example, the battery may be a nickel-hydrogen battery or a lithium secondary battery. In a specific example, the lithium secondary battery may be a battery using carbon (e.g., graphite) as a negative electrode active material, an oxide containing lithium as a positive electrode material, and a nonaqueous solvent as an electrolyte. Hereinafter, the "one" battery will be described so as not to limit the present technical solution to the manufacture of one specific battery.

In general, the steps of manufacturing the battery may include one or more of a slurry mixing step, an electrode (positive electrode material/negative electrode material) coating step, a rolling step, a slitting step, a punching and grooving (notching) step, a drying step, lamination, stacking, a can-cap welding (can-cap welding), a soft pack packaging, an electrolyte injection, a degassing, and a packaging.

The supply roll disclosed herein may refer to a structure, coil, or winding drum having a sheet wound, in particular, wound or coiled around a central axis. During the manufacture of the battery, the sheet material may be unwound from a supply roll and handled or used in a particular manner to manufacture the battery or a portion of the battery. In one particular example, a battery may include one or more layers of electrodes and one or more layers of separators stacked in a particular manner. The electrode and separator may be provided or manufactured by a supply roll around which the electrode sheet or separator sheet, respectively, is wound.

In one particular example, a membrane sheet may refer to a sheet of porous membrane that may be used to isolate electrodes in a battery such that direct electrical contact is prevented. In one specific example, the electrode sheet may refer to an electrode substrate and an active material disposed thereon. For example, the active material may be deposited and/or sprayed on the electrode substrate. The electrode substrate may be a metal foil comprising a metal material such as copper, nickel or aluminum. The active material of the battery may be provided as a viscous mixture, which may be referred to as a "slurry". The slurry containing the active material may be disposed on an electrode substrate, dried, and optionally activated to obtain an electrode sheet for manufacturing a battery, in particular, an electrode sheet for a secondary battery. The electrode sheet may be wound in or onto a supply roll.

The supply roll may be rolled and/or slit (i.e., cut in the machine direction). Slitting or slitting process may refer to cutting the sheet into lanes (lanes). In a specific example, the supply roll may also be referred to as a "winding cake". For example, it may be a slit sheet (slit) of an electrode sheet or a diaphragm sheet and a supply roll or winding cake of winding wire (i.e., longitudinal line). The winding cakes may be provided in various sizes, for example, may have a diameter of 600 mm. The winding cake may be wound on a winding drum which may have an outer diameter of 350mm to 495 mm. The weight of the rolled cake may be up to 300kg.

For manufacturing a battery, it may be necessary or advantageous to move the winding cake a distance, for example 5 to 10 meters, to the next process stage, depending on the mechanical arrangement of the production site, to manufacture the battery or a part of the battery. The apparatus disclosed herein may be adapted to transport a rolled cake.

Generally, load bearing as used herein refers to transporting and/or transferring an object from one location to another. Thus, the transport unit may be configured to transport or transfer the supply roll from a first location (e.g. in a factory shop (manufacturing hall)) to a second location adjacent to or remote from the first location. The transport unit may be configured for carrying or accommodating, holding or housing the supply roller during carrying. Furthermore, the transport unit may be configured such that the supply roller can be released from the transport unit.

The transport unit may comprise means for advancing along the guiding structure, for example a motor or a cable winch. For example, the transport unit may be configured to move linearly in a first direction. Additionally or alternatively, the apparatus may comprise external drive means for moving the transport unit.

In some examples, the guide structure may have a shape and size such that the transport unit is guided in the first direction. For example, the guide structure may extend in a first direction. Alternatively or additionally, the first direction may be defined by the direction of extension of the guiding structure. In a specific example, the guiding structure may be a rail, a support frame, a paint line (paint line) or any other structure adapted to guide the transport unit in the first direction.

The apparatus may include a controller configured to automatically perform tasks, process data, and control functions of components of the apparatus such as the transport unit and the alignment mechanism. The controller may include a processor, such as a CPU and/or GPU. The device may include memory (including any type of machine-readable storage medium). The memory may be communicatively coupled to the controller, i.e., the controller may be capable of reading data from the memory and/or storing data in the memory. In particular, the controller may be capable of reading instructions stored in the memory. The controller reading instructions (stored in memory) may include receiving or retrieving instructions from memory, and decoding, interpreting, and/or processing one or more of the instructions to perform tasks

The alignment mechanism may comprise means, such as a sensor, for detecting the position of the transport unit. The alignment mechanism may comprise software instructions for fixing the means of transporting the unit in a predetermined position, such as a mechanical part and/or stored in a memory, for example for controlling the function of the motor. In general, detecting a position as used herein may include determining one or more physical parameters related to an object from which an absolute and/or relative position of the object in three-dimensional space may be inferred. Generally, securing as used herein may refer to grasping an object at a particular location to prevent the object from moving away from the particular location. The position may be predetermined, for example, by the arrangement or position of the mechanical parts and/or by a target position stored in a memory. The predetermined position may be determined by the vicinity of the target position or may have some extent in space.

In one particular example, the alignment mechanism may be configured to continuously detect the position of the transport unit at a particular rate as the transport unit moves in a first direction along the guide structure. For example, the detected position of the transport unit may be compared by the controller with a predetermined (target) position (stored in a memory). Once the detected position substantially matches the predetermined position (e.g., exceeds a preset threshold of overlap of the target position and the detected position), the controller may be configured to activate the alignment mechanism such that the alignment mechanism secures the transport unit in the predetermined position. Additionally or alternatively, the alignment mechanism may be configured to secure the transport unit in a predetermined position in response to detecting a structure of the guide structure, at the guide structure, or on the guide structure.

The transport unit may be configured to carry the supply roller in a second direction substantially different or different from the first direction, in particular while the alignment mechanism secures the transport unit in a predetermined position in the first direction. The second direction may be defined by the direction of the transport unit, i.e. the direction transverse to the first direction of the guiding structure. Thus, the first direction and the second direction may be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to each other. More generally, the first direction and the second direction may be non-linear. Wherein the first direction and/or the second direction may extend along a straight line.

The transport unit may comprise a track structure (e.g. as an example of a transport section or a plurality of transport components). In one particular example, the track structure may include a track component, which may include a track. Furthermore, the track structure may also comprise components, such as connection components, which may be combined with the guiding structure. In one example, the second direction may be defined by an extension direction of the rail member. The track structure may be configured to carry the supply roll in a first direction along the guide structure. The alignment mechanism may be configured to fix the track structure in a predetermined position in the first direction in response to detecting that the transport unit is in the predetermined position.

In one particular example, the transport unit may include a carriage configured to carry (i.e., include transporting and transferring) the supply roller in a second direction along the track structure, in particular, along the track component of the track structure. The carriage may be coupled to the track structure such that the carriage, which may house the supply roll, may move in a first direction with the track structure.

The carriage may comprise means for automatically advancing along the rail member, for example a motor or a cable winch, so that the carriage may be moved in the second direction. In one particular example, the carriage may be configured to carry the supply roll in the second direction while securing the track structure in a predetermined position in the first direction.

The alignment mechanism may include a first locking member coupled with the guide structure and a second locking member coupled with the transport unit. The first locking member and the second locking member may be configured to engage with each other to secure the transport unit in a predetermined position. Generally, as used herein, a combination may refer to one object being removably or fixedly mounted on, attached to, disposed on, connected to, in contact with, or otherwise associated with another object. Generally, meshing as used herein may refer to the interaction of two objects in a particular manner, specifically, by physical contact. For example, when the first locking member and the second locking member are engaged and thereby contacted, one may serve as a blocking portion of the other, so that the transport unit is fixed at a predetermined position. Additionally or alternatively, the first locking member and the second locking member may magnetically interact such that the transport unit is fixed in a predetermined position.

The alignment mechanism may include a sensor. In general, the sensor may be a hardware device that generates a measurable response related to a physical condition of the object, such as position, temperature or pressure, and in particular, to a change in the physical condition. The sensor may measure physical data of the parameter to be determined and may have specific characteristics such as accuracy, sensitivity and detection frequency. The measured data may be analog signals, which are digitized by an analog-to-digital converter and sent to a microcontroller for further processing. The sensor disclosed herein may be configured to detect that the transport unit is in a predetermined position. Additionally or alternatively, the sensor may be configured to detect the position of the transport unit relative to the predetermined position, i.e. the position of the transport unit at a determined distance from the predetermined position, from which the alignment mechanism may infer that the transport unit is at the predetermined position. For example, the sensors disclosed herein may include, but are not limited to, optical, electrical, inductive, magnetic, acoustic, optoelectronic, electromagnetic, mechanical, or any other type of sensor suitable for detecting the transport unit at a predetermined location. In particular examples, the sensor may include a proximity sensor, an encoder, a camera, and/or a reader for reading radio frequency identification tags. In a specific example, the sensor may include a microcontroller and/or a communication module. The sensor may be powered by a power cord (if present, e.g., included in the transport unit) or by a battery.

The sensor may be arranged at the transport unit and/or the guiding structure, more particularly may be mounted on the transport unit or the guiding structure. Here, mounting one object on another object may refer to detachably or fixedly disposing, placing, or fixing one object on another object. The sensor may be configured to detect the first locking member or the second locking member (depending on the arrangement of the sensors) when the transport unit is moved in the first direction to detect that the transport unit is in the predetermined position. In a specific example, the sensor may be mounted at one side of the transport unit and face the guide structure, in particular, the first locking member coupled with the guide structure when the transport unit is at a predetermined position.

In one particular example, the guide structure may include a rail (e.g., a rod or ledge extending in the first direction) and act as a stop. The track may be configured to support the transport unit. Thus, the transport unit may be configured to be coupled to the track, for example by means of a rail, a hook or a roller or any other means suitable for coupling to the track, such that the transport unit is supported by the track as it moves along the track.

The first locking member may include a fixing plate (e.g., as one example of a fixing plate) installed at one side of the rail, wherein the second locking member may be configured to contact the fixing plate to fix the transport unit at a predetermined position.

In a specific example, the sensor may be configured to detect whether the transport unit is at the predetermined position in response to detecting the fixed plate when the transport unit moves in the first direction. In particular, the sensor may be configured to detect a characteristic of the fixation plate, e.g. a mark and/or form on the fixation plate, e.g. by using a camera or a proximity sensor.

In one particular example, the second locking member may include a telescoping member (e.g., as one example of a support member) configured to extend to contact the securing plate to secure the transport unit in a predetermined position in response to the sensor detecting that the transport unit is in the predetermined position. In a specific example, the telescoping member may be rod-shaped or cylindrical. The telescopic member may comprise pneumatic means for telescopic movement, in particular for increasing its length and/or for moving one of its parts to the fixed plate. In one particular example, the alignment mechanism may include a microcontroller configured to activate the telescoping component.

In a specific example, the fixation plate may include a recess configured to receive the telescoping member when the telescoping member is in contact with the fixation plate. The recess may have a corresponding shape and size such that the telescoping member may extend into and rest within the recess. Thus, the predetermined position at which the transport unit is fixed may be determined by the position of the fixing plate along the guiding structure, in particular by the position and shape of the recess in the fixing plate.

In a specific example, the sensor may be configured to detect that the transport unit is at the predetermined position in response to the sensor passing the groove when the transport unit moves in the first direction along the fixed plate. Thus, in a specific example, the sensor may be configured to scan the fixed plate to detect a first position on the fixed plate before passing through the groove and a second position on the fixed plate after passing through the groove to detect whether the transport unit is in a predetermined position.

The telescoping member may include a roller at a distal end of the telescoping member. Here, the distal end of the telescoping member may refer to the end of the telescoping member facing the recess. The roller may be a cylinder capable of rotating or turning about its central axis. The retractable member may further comprise a retractable portion (e.g. as one example of a cylinder) in combination with the roller and configured to, in particular, move the roller towards the fixed plate in response to the sensor detecting that the transport unit is in the predetermined position, to bring the roller into contact with the fixed plate. In a specific example, the telescopic portion may include a hydraulic cylinder that expands and contracts by using air pressure.

The recess of the fixing plate may include a slope, i.e., a surface forming an angle with the first direction. The chamfer may define a central region of the groove. Accordingly, the retractable part may be configured to move the roller into the groove of the fixed plate to bring the roller into contact with the inclined surface in response to the sensor detecting that the transport unit is at the predetermined position, thereby placing the retractable part at a central position of the groove. Here, placement in a central position may refer to the telescoping member being positioned and held substantially in a central region of the recess defined by the chamfer. In a specific example, the chamfer may form a V-shape.

There is further provided a machine-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when read and executed by an apparatus disclosed herein, cause the apparatus to perform a method of moving a supply roll wound with sheet material for manufacturing a battery, the method comprising the steps of. The supply roll is transported in a first direction. A predetermined position of the transport unit in a first direction along the guiding structure is detected. And fixing the transport unit at a predetermined position.

The machine-readable storage medium referred to herein may comprise one or more of mechanical, acoustical, photochemical, optical, magnetic, and electronic storage media. In particular examples, a machine-readable storage medium may include, but is not limited to, punch cards, bar codes, magnetic disks, magnetic tapes, CDs, volatile or non-volatile memory cards, or Random Access Memory (RAM).

The machine-readable storage medium may store instructions that, when read and executed by the apparatus disclosed herein, cause the apparatus to further perform the following operations. Specifically, the supply roller is transported in a second direction different from the first direction while the transport unit is fixed at a predetermined position in the first direction. The extension of the retractable member is activated to contact the fixed plate in response to the sensor detecting that the transport unit is in the predetermined position, thereby securing the transport unit in the predetermined position, in particular the retractable portion of the retractable member is activated to move the roller towards the fixed plate in response to the sensor detecting that the transport unit is in the predetermined position, thereby bringing the roller into contact with the inclined surface in the recess of the fixed plate, thereby placing the retractable member in a middle position of the recess.

Drawings

In the following detailed description, examples of the utility model are described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 schematically shows a side view of an apparatus for moving a supply roll wound with a sheet for manufacturing a battery according to one example of the present utility model;

fig. 2 schematically shows a side view of an apparatus for moving a supply roll wound with a sheet for manufacturing a battery according to one example of the present utility model;

fig. 3 schematically shows a perspective view of an apparatus for moving a supply roll wound with a sheet for manufacturing a battery according to one example of the present utility model;

fig. 4 schematically shows a side view of an apparatus for moving a supply roll wound with a sheet for manufacturing a battery according to one example of the present utility model;

fig. 5a schematically shows an apparatus for moving a supply roll wound with a sheet for manufacturing a battery, before an alignment mechanism fixes a transport unit at a predetermined position in a first direction, according to an example of the present utility model;

fig. 5b schematically shows an apparatus for moving a supply roller wound with a sheet for manufacturing a battery, while an alignment mechanism fixes a transport unit at a predetermined position in a first direction, according to an example of the present utility model;

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 to 4, 5a and 5b show an example of an apparatus 100 for moving a supply roller around which a sheet for manufacturing a battery is wound. A specific example of the apparatus 100 may be adapted to transport the supply roller 10 for manufacturing a battery, in particular, a secondary battery. The sheet may be an electrode sheet or a diaphragm sheet. In a specific example, the supply roller 10 may be a cut sheet called an electrode sheet and a wound cake of wound wire. As shown in fig. 1, the apparatus 100 may include a transport unit 120 configured to carry the supply roll 10. The transport unit 120 may be configured to accommodate the supply roller 10. The apparatus 100 may further comprise a guiding structure 110, the guiding structure 110 being configured to guide the transport unit 120 to carry, in particular transport or transfer, the supply roll 10. The guide structure 110 may include a rail supporting the transport unit 120. For example, the rails of the guide structure 110 may be mounted on a wall or ceiling of a factory floor, and the transport unit may include rollers, rails, or hooks to engage with the rails of the guide structure 110. In one particular example, the guide structure 120 may be configured to guide the transport unit 120 in a first direction defined by an extension direction of its track, as indicated by the arrows in fig. 2 and 3.

The transport unit 120 may include a motor (not shown) or a traction mechanism, such as a cable winch (not shown), to move in a first direction. The transport unit 120 may be configured to carry the supply roll 10 in a second direction different from the first direction. The first direction and the second direction may form an angle. Specifically, the first direction and the second direction may be perpendicular in a rectangular coordinate system. For example, the first direction may be a y-direction (as shown in fig. 1 and 3), and the second direction may be an x-or z-direction in a rectangular coordinate system in which the x-, y-, and z-directions are perpendicular to each other.

The apparatus 100 may further comprise an alignment mechanism 130, wherein the alignment mechanism 130 is configured to detect a predetermined position of the transport unit 120 in a first direction along the guide structure 110, and is configured to fix the transport unit 120 in the predetermined position in response thereto. The transport unit 120 may be configured to carry the supply roller 10 in the second direction while the alignment mechanism 130 fixes the transport unit 120 at a predetermined position in the first direction. As shown in fig. 1, the device 100 may include a controller 140. The controller 140 may perform tasks, process data, and control the functions of the components of the apparatus 100 (e.g., the transport unit 120 and the alignment mechanism 130).

As shown in fig. 1 to 4, 5a and 5b, the transport unit 120 may include a rail structure including a connection part 122 and a rail part 124 coupled to each other. The rail member 124 may include a rail, and the second direction may be defined by an extending direction of the rail member 124. As shown in fig. 2 and 4, the connection member 122 may include rollers, hooks, and/or sliding rails to engage with the guide structure 110 such that the transport unit 120 may move in a first direction along the guide structure 110. The alignment mechanism 130 may be configured to fix the connection member 122 in a predetermined position to fix the transport unit 120 in a predetermined position in the first direction in response to detecting the transport unit 120. The transport unit 120 may further comprise a carriage configured to carry the supply roll 10 in a second direction along the track member 124 of the transport unit 120, in particular when the connecting member 122 is fixed.

The alignment mechanism 130 may include a first locking member coupled to the guide structure 110 and a second locking member coupled to the transport unit 120, wherein the first locking member and the second locking member are configured to engage with each other to fix the transport unit 120 in a predetermined position. In particular, as shown in fig. 1 to 4, 5a and 5b, the second locking member may be combined with the connection member 122 of the rail structure of the transport unit 120. In a specific example, as shown in fig. 1 to 4, 5a and 5b, the first locking part may include a fixing plate 132 mounted at one side of the rail of the guide structure 110. The second locking member may be configured to contact the fixing plate 132 to fix the transport unit 120 at a predetermined position. The fixing plate 132 may extend in an extending direction (e.g., a first direction) of the rail of the guide structure 110. The second locking member may include a telescoping member 136, the telescoping member 136 being configured to extend into contact with the securing plate 132, in particular, physically in contact with the securing plate 132, thereby securing the transport unit 120 in a predetermined position. In a specific example, as shown in fig. 3 and 5a, the telescoping member 136 may be configured to telescope in the z-direction of a rectangular coordinate system.

The alignment mechanism 130 may include a sensor 134 configured to detect that the transport unit 120 is in a predetermined position. As shown in fig. 5a and 5b, the retractable member 136 of the second locking member may be configured to contact the securing plate 132 to secure the transport unit 120 in a predetermined position in response to the sensor 134 detecting that the transport unit 120 is in a predetermined position. The arrow in fig. 5a indicates the telescopic direction (e.g., z direction) of the telescopic member 136 to be in contact with the fixing plate 132, thereby fixing the transport unit 120 at a predetermined position.

As shown in fig. 1, 3, 5a and 5b, the sensor 134 may be mounted on the transport unit 120. Specifically, as shown in fig. 1, the sensor may be installed in the approach area 123 of the transport unit 120 passing through the fixing plate 132 when the transport unit 120 moves in the first direction. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor may be mounted on the guide structure 110. The alignment mechanism 130 may include a plurality of sensors mounted on the transport unit 120 and/or the guide structure 110. The sensor 134 may be configured to detect the first or second locking member (depending on the arrangement of the sensor 134) when the transport unit 120 is moved in the first direction to detect that the transport unit 120 is in a predetermined position. For example, the sensor 134 may be installed at one side of the transport unit 120 and face the guide structure 110, specifically, face the first locking part combined with the guide structure 110, more specifically, face the fixing plate 132 as shown in fig. 3, 5a and 5 b.

The sensor 134 may be configured to detect whether the transport unit 120 is at a predetermined position in response to detecting the fixing plate 132 when the transport unit 120 moves in the first direction. Further, the controller 140 may be configured to control a motor (not shown) of the transport unit 120 to stop moving the transport unit 120 in the first direction when the sensor 134 detects that the transport unit 120 is at a predetermined position.

The fixed plate 132 may include a recess 131, the recess 131 being configured to receive the telescoping member 136 when the telescoping member 136 is extended to contact the fixed plate 132. Thereby, it may be facilitated to fix the transport unit 120 in a predetermined position. For example, the telescoping member 136 may have a rod shape or a cylindrical shape. The recess 131 of the fixing plate may have a shape, size and orientation adapted to accommodate the telescopic member 136 so that the transport unit 120 may be fixed at a predetermined position. Accordingly, the predetermined position where the transport unit 120 is fixed may be defined by the position of the fixing plate 132 along the guide structure 110, in particular, the position and shape of the groove 131 in the fixing plate 132.

The sensor 134 may be configured to detect that the transport unit 120 is at a predetermined position in response to the sensor 134 passing the groove 131 when the transport unit 120 moves in the first direction along the fixing plate 132. For example, the sensor 134 may be configured to scan the fixed plate 132 to detect a first position on the fixed plate 132 before passing through the groove 131 and a second position on the fixed plate 132 after passing through the groove 131, thereby detecting whether the transport unit 120 is at a predetermined position.

As schematically shown in fig. 1-4, 5a and 5b, the telescoping member 136 may include a roller 137 at a distal end of the telescoping member 136, wherein the distal end may face the fixed plate 132. The telescoping member 136 may also include a telescoping portion 138 in combination with the roller 137. As shown in fig. 5a and 5b, the telescoping portion 138 may be configured to move the roller 137 toward the fixed plate 132 in response to the sensor 134 detecting that the transport unit 120 is at a predetermined position, such that the roller 137 is in contact with the fixed plate 132.

As schematically shown in fig. 1 to 4, 5a and 5b, the groove 131 of the fixing plate 132 may include a slope. For example, the inclined surfaces may meet at an angle to form a V-shape. The contact angle of the ramp may be in the range of 45 ° to 160 °, specifically 90 ° to 155 °, more specifically 14 ° to 150 °. The width of the groove 131 may be in the range of 50mm to 500mm, specifically 100mm to 300mm, more specifically 150mm to 250 mm. The depth of the grooves may be in the range of 10mm to 100mm, specifically 20mm to 50mm, more specifically 25mm to 35 mm. When the transport unit 120 is at a predetermined position, the opening of the groove 131 may face the telescopic member 136, so that the telescopic member 136 may be accommodated in the groove 131 and contact with the inclined surface of the groove 131.

As shown in fig. 5a and 5b, the telescopic portion 138 of the telescopic member 136 may be configured to extend and move the roller 137 into the groove 131 of the fixing plate 132 in response to the sensor 134 detecting that the transport unit 120 is at the predetermined position, so that the roller 137 contacts the inclined surface, thereby placing the telescopic member 136 at a middle position of the groove 131. This may be advantageous to secure the transport unit 120 in a predetermined position in a first direction along the guiding structure 110. Furthermore, the risk of wear and/or damage to the transport unit 120 and the alignment unit 140 may be avoided or reduced. The telescoping portion 138 may be powered (e.g., by an air-driven hydraulic cylinder) to move the roller 137, specifically, as shown in fig. 3 and 5b, to raise the roller 137 in the z-direction.

Examples of the apparatus 100 may further include an alarm unit (not shown) configured to emit an alarm signal when the sensor 134 detects a predetermined position of the transport unit 120 in the first direction. The alarm signal may be an audible signal or a visual signal. The alarm signal may be used to alert the operator that the transport unit 120 is secured in a predetermined position in the first direction. Subsequently, the operator can safely, in particular, operate the carriage to carry the supply roll 10 in the second direction without damaging the supply roll 10.

In a specific example, the apparatus 100 schematically shown in fig. 1 to 4, 5a and 5b may be configured to move the supply roller 10 for manufacturing a battery in the manner described below. The connection part 122 of the transport unit 120 (carrying the supply roller 10) may be configured to move in a first direction (e.g., y-direction) along the track of the guide structure 110. The alignment mechanism 130 may be configured to secure the connection member 122 to secure the transport unit 120 in a predetermined position in the first direction in response to the sensor 134 detecting that the transport unit 120 is in the predetermined position. The alignment mechanism 130 may be configured to secure the connection member 122 by activating the telescoping member 136 such that the telescoping member 136 extends in the z-direction toward the fixation plate 132 (mounted on the rail of the guide structure 110) to contact the fixation plate 132. Specifically, the telescoping member 136 may be received in a recess of the fixed plate 132 such that the roller 137 of the distal end of the telescoping member 136 may contact a ramp in the recess 131, thereby placing the telescoping member 136 in a mid-position of the recess 131. The carriage may be configured to carry the supply roll 10 in a second direction (e.g., the x-direction) while the rail member 124 is in particular while the alignment mechanism 130 secures the transport unit in a predetermined position in the first direction. The carriage may be configured to carry the supply roll 10 to a predetermined position in the second direction. The carriage may be further configured to carry the supply roll 10 in a third direction (e.g., the z-direction) that is substantially different or different from the first and second directions. In the specific examples disclosed herein, the first direction may be the y-direction, the second direction may be the x-direction, and the third direction may be the z-direction, as in the rectangular coordinate systems shown in fig. 1 and 3.

Accordingly, after delivery of the supply roll 10, the carriage may be configured to move in a direction opposite the second direction along the rail member 124. The alignment unit 130 may be configured to release the connection part 122 of the transport unit 120 by retracting the telescopic part 136. The connecting member 122 may then be configured to move in a direction opposite to the first direction along the guide structure 110, returning to the original starting position.

The apparatus 100 shown in fig. 1-4, 5a, and 5b may be configured to read and execute instructions stored on a machine-readable storage medium that cause the apparatus 100 to perform a method of moving a supply roll 10 comprising the following steps. The supply roll 10 is transported in a first direction. The predetermined position of the transport unit 120 in the first direction along the guide structure 110 is detected. The transport unit 120 is fixed at a predetermined position. The method may further comprise the step of transporting the supply roll 10 in a second direction different from the first direction. Specifically, the supply roller 10 may be transported in the second direction while the transport unit 120 is fixed at a predetermined position in the first direction. The method may include initiating extension of the telescoping member 136 to contact the securing plate 132 in response to the sensor 134 detecting that the transport unit 120 is in the predetermined position, thereby securing the transport unit 120 in the predetermined position. Specifically, the method may include activating the telescoping portion 138 of the telescoping member 136 to move the roller 137 toward the fixed plate 132 in response to the sensor 134 detecting that the transport unit 120 is in the predetermined position, thereby bringing the roller 137 into contact with the sloped surface in the groove 131 of the fixed plate 132. Thereby, the retractable member 136 can be placed in the middle position of the recess 131.

In the above-described structure, as shown in fig. 1 to 4, 5a and 5b, the apparatus 100 for moving the supply roller 10 may have one or more of the following advantages. Alignment accuracy can be improved and the risk of damaging the supply roller 10 when the supply roller 10 is moved can be reduced. The transport unit 120 may be automatically fixed at a predetermined position in the first direction, thereby improving the convenience and safety of the work of the operator. Furthermore, wear on the apparatus 100 may be reduced.

According to a specific example, the apparatus 100 may be a rolled cake transport apparatus comprising: a support frame 110; a transport part 120 movably provided in a first direction and a second direction with respect to the support frame 110 in a state of being combined with the winding cake; an alignment part 130 for sensing a position of the transport part 120 when the transport part 120 moves in a first direction with respect to the support frame 110, thereby enabling the transport part 120 to move to a predetermined position; and a controller 140 for receiving a result of the position sensing of the transport part 120 from the alignment part 130 and controlling the movement of the transport part 120 according to the received position of the transport part 120. Here, the alignment part 130 may be provided to restrict further movement in the first direction after the transport part 120 moves to a predetermined position in the first direction of the support frame 110. To this end, the alignment part 130 may include: a fixing plate 132 disposed at one side of the support frame 110; a sensor 134 disposed at one side of the transport part 120 and sensing a position relative to the fixed plate 132 when the transport part 120 moves in the first direction of the support frame 110; and a supporting member 136 for fixing the position of the transporting part 120 such that the transporting part 120 does not move in the first direction when the fixing plate 132 is sensed by the sensor 134. At this time, when the movement of the transport part 120 to a position predetermined with respect to the fixing plate 132 is sensed by the sensor 134, the controller 140 may raise the support member 136 in the y-axis direction to restrict the movement of the transport part 120. On the other hand, the supporting member 136 may include: a roller 137 in contact with the fixing plate 132; and a telescopic part 138 provided at the lower side of the roller 137, and when the movement of the transport part 120 to a predetermined position is sensed, the telescopic part 138 lifts the roller 137 in the z-axis direction so that the roller 137 is in contact with the fixing plate 132. Here, the fixing plate 132 may include a protrusion 131 (or a groove according to a viewing point) at least a portion of which protrudes and is formed in the z-axis direction, the telescopic portion 138 may raise the roller 137 to a protruding position of the protrusion 131, and the movement of the transport portion 120 may be restricted by the protrusion 131. Further, at least one sensor 134 may be disposed in one region 123 of the transport portion 120 that moves in the first direction and passes through the fixing plate 132. On the other hand, the transport part 120 may include: a first transport member 122 that moves in a first direction relative to the support frame 110; and a second transport member 124 that moves in a second direction relative to the first transport member 122 after the first transport member 122 moves in the first direction and then moves to a predetermined position.

Various modifications may be made to the examples without departing from the scope of the utility model.

List of reference numerals

10: supply roller

100: apparatus and method for controlling the operation of a device

110: guide structure

120: transport unit

122: connecting component

123: access zone for a transport unit

124: rail component

130: alignment mechanism

131: groove

132: fixing plate

134: sensor for detecting a position of a body

136: retractable component

137: roller

138: retractable part

140: controller for controlling a power supply

Claims

1. An electrode roll transfer apparatus for moving a supply roll around which a sheet for manufacturing a battery is wound, comprising:

a transport unit configured to carry the supply roller;

a guide structure configured to guide the transport unit; and

an alignment mechanism, wherein the alignment mechanism is configured to detect a predetermined position of the transport unit in a first direction along the guide structure, and is configured to fix the transport unit in a predetermined position in response thereto.

2. The electrode roll transfer apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the battery is a secondary battery.

3. The electrode roll transfer apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the sheet is an electrode sheet or a diaphragm sheet.

4. The electrode roll transfer apparatus of claim 1, wherein the supply roll is a rolled cake of sliced and rolled electrode sheets.

5. The electrode roller transfer apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the transport unit is configured to carry the supply roller in a second direction different from the first direction while the alignment mechanism fixes the transport unit at the predetermined position in the first direction.

6. The electrode roll transfer apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the transport unit includes:

a track structure, wherein the track structure is configured to carry the supply roller in the first direction along the guide structure, wherein the alignment mechanism is configured to fix the track structure in the predetermined position in the first direction in response to detecting that the transport unit is in the predetermined position; and

a carriage configured to carry the supply roller in the second direction along the track structure while the track structure is fixed at the predetermined position in the first direction.

7. The electrode roll transfer apparatus of claim 1, wherein the alignment mechanism comprises:

a first locking member coupled with the guide structure; and

a second locking member coupled with the transport unit;

wherein the first locking member and the second locking member are configured to engage with each other to secure the transport unit in the predetermined position.

8. The electrode roll transfer apparatus of claim 7, wherein the alignment mechanism comprises a sensor configured to detect whether the transport unit is in the predetermined position.

9. The electrode roll transfer apparatus of claim 8, wherein the sensor is configured to detect the first locking member or the second locking member when the transport unit moves in the first direction to detect whether the transport unit is at the predetermined position.

10. The electrode roll transfer apparatus of claim 8 or 9, wherein the sensor is mounted on the transport unit or on the guide structure.

11. The electrode roll transfer apparatus of claim 10, wherein the sensor is installed at one side of the transport unit and faces the guide structure, and faces the first locking member coupled with the guide structure when the transport unit is at the predetermined position.

12. The electrode roll transfer apparatus of claim 8, wherein the guide structure comprises a rail configured to support the transport unit.

13. The electrode roll transfer apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first locking member comprises a fixing plate mounted at one side of the rail, wherein the second locking member is configured to contact the fixing plate to fix the transport unit at the predetermined position.

14. The electrode roll transfer apparatus of claim 13, wherein the sensor is configured to detect whether the transport unit is at the predetermined position in response to detecting the fixed plate when the transport unit is moved in the first direction.

15. The electrode roll transfer apparatus of claim 13 or 14, wherein the second locking member comprises a telescoping member configured to extend into contact with the securing plate to secure the transport unit in the predetermined position in response to the sensor detecting that the transport unit is in the predetermined position.

16. The electrode roll delivery apparatus of claim 15, wherein the fixed plate comprises a recess configured to receive the telescoping member when the telescoping member is in contact with the fixed plate.

17. The electrode roll transfer apparatus of claim 16, wherein the sensor is configured to detect that the transport unit is at the predetermined position in response to the sensor passing through the groove when the transport unit moves in the first direction along the fixed plate.

18. The electrode roll transfer apparatus of claim 16 or 17, wherein the retractable member comprises:

a roller located at a distal end of the telescoping member; and

a retractable portion coupled to the roller and configured to move the roller toward the fixed plate to bring the roller into contact with the fixed plate in response to the sensor detecting that the transport unit is at the predetermined position.

19. The electrode roll transfer apparatus of claim 18, wherein the groove of the fixing plate comprises a slope, and

the retractable portion is configured to move the roller into the groove of the fixed plate to bring the roller into contact with the inclined surface in response to the sensor detecting that the transporting unit is at the predetermined position, thereby placing the retractable member at a middle position of the groove.