Electrode notching apparatus and electrode notching method

Abstract

According to the present disclosure, an electrode notching device capable of reducing the amount of fumes generated while maintaining notching quality comprises: a notching area in which an unused portion of an electrode plate is laser notched; a suction device for collecting foreign matter generated in the notching area; a suction pipe disposed between the notching area and the suction device and transferring the foreign matter to a suction device; a suction valve mounted on the suction pipe and controlling the flow rate of fluid directed from the notching area toward the suction device; and a suction valve control unit connected to the suction valve and controlling the opening and closing conditions of the suction valve; wherein the suction valve control unit may include a first suction valve control unit that controls according to preset conditions; and an electrode notching method may include laser notching an unused portion of an electrode plate with an electrode notching device; suctioning foreign matter formed by the electrode plate according to the notching through the suction pipe; and flushing the suction pipe.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electrode notching device.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an electrode notching method. Background Technology

[0003] The electrodes of the battery may generate fumes during the laser notching process. A suction pipe may be installed on the side of the notching location to remove the fumes. The fume suction pipe may be connected from the notching location to a dust collector.

[0004] The flow velocity in the pipe can determine whether fumes accumulate. Accumulated fumes can cause fires. The problem to be solved

[0005] The present disclosure aims to provide an electrode notching device capable of reducing the amount of fumes generated while maintaining notching quality.

[0006] The present disclosure aims to provide an electrode notching method that can reduce the amount of fumes generated while maintaining notching quality. means of solving the problem

[0007] An embodiment of the present disclosure is an electrode notching device comprising: a notching area in which an untreated portion of an electrode plate is laser notched; a suction device for collecting foreign matter generated in the notching area; a suction pipe disposed between the notching area and the suction device and transferring the foreign matter to a suction device; a suction valve mounted on the suction pipe and controlling the flow rate of fluid directed from the notching area toward the suction device; and a suction valve control unit connected to the suction valve and controlling the opening and closing conditions of the suction valve; wherein the suction valve control unit comprises a first suction valve control unit that controls the opening and closing conditions of the suction valve according to a preset condition.

[0008] The electrode notching device may further include an intake pipe that is mounted on the suction pipe and supplies outside air to the suction pipe.

[0009] The suction valve control unit may further include a second suction valve control unit that arbitrarily controls the opening and closing conditions of the suction valve.

[0010] The electrode notching device may further include a suction opening / closing control unit connected to the suction pipe and determining whether to open or close the suction pipe.

[0011] The electrode notching device may further include a flow measurement sensor disposed between the notching area and the suction pipe, which detects the flow rate of the fluid directed toward the suction device from the notching area.

[0012] The electrode notching device further comprises an intake valve connected to the intake pipe and regulating the flow rate of outside air supplied to the suction pipe.

[0013] The angle formed by the suction pipe and the intake pipe may be within the range of 30 to 45 degrees.

[0014] The electrode notching device may further include a suction opening / closing means disposed between the suction opening / closing control unit and the suction pipe, capable of opening and closing the suction pipe.

[0015] Another embodiment of the present disclosure is an electrode notching method comprising: laser notching a non-existent portion of an electrode plate with an electrode notching device; suctioning foreign matter formed on the electrode plate according to the notching through a suction pipe; and flushing the suction pipe.

[0016] The above flushing can be performed after the above suctioning.

[0017] The above suctioning and the above flushing can be repeated alternately.

[0018] The fluid flow rate in the suction pipe of the above flushing may be greater than the fluid flow rate in the suction pipe of the above suctioning.

[0019] The duration of the flushing process may be shorter than the duration of the suctioning process.

[0020] The above electrode notching method may further include stopping the operation of the electrode notching equipment after the flushing.

[0021] The above notching can be resumed after the above interruption. Effects of the invention

[0022] The electrode notching device of the present disclosure can reduce the amount of fumes generated while maintaining notching quality.

[0023] The electrode notching method of the present disclosure can reduce the amount of fumes generated while maintaining notching quality. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0024] FIG. 1 is a front view of an electrode notching device of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a plan view of an electrode notching device of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a plan view of one operating state of the electrode notching device of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a plan view of one operating state of the electrode notching device of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a plan view of one operating state of the electrode notching device of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a plan view of one operating state of the electrode notching device of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a plan view of one operating state of the electrode notching device of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the electrode notching method of the present disclosure. FIG. 9 is a detailed flowchart of the electrode notching method of the present disclosure. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0025] The present disclosure is described in detail below.

[0026] One embodiment of the present disclosure is an electrode notching device (1).

[0027] The above electrode notching device (1) (hereinafter also referred to as the 'notching device') may be a device capable of cutting out a non-existent portion of an electrode plate that is not coated with active material into a specific shape. As a result of the notching, a portion that grounds the electrode tab may remain on the electrode plate.

[0028] FIG. 1 is a front view of an electrode notching device (1) according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a top view of an electrode notching device (1) according to the present disclosure.

[0029] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the notching device may include a notching area (10), a suction device (20), a suction pipe (30), a suction valve (40), and a suction valve control unit (50).

[0030] The above notching area (10) may be an area where the uncoated portion (12) of the electrode plate can be laser notched. The surface of the electrode plate may include a coated portion, which is an area where an active material layer can be formed, and the remaining uncoated portion (12). The uncoated portion (12) of the electrode plate may be cut into a specific shape by laser irradiation. The remaining portion after cutting may be grounded to the electrode tab. The cut portion may be scrap. The scrap may be recovered by a separate recovery device. Foreign matter originating from the electrode plate may be generated due to cutting by laser irradiation. This foreign matter may be a major cause of fire occurring during notching.

[0031] The suction device (20) can recover foreign matter generated in the notching area (10). The suction device (20) can suck up and recover foreign matter. The suction device (20) may include, for example, a dust collector.

[0032] The suction pipe (30) may be positioned between the notching area (10) and the suction device (20). The suction pipe (30) may directly or indirectly connect the notching area (10) and the suction device (20). The foreign matter may be transferred from the notching area (10) to the suction device (20) through the suction pipe (30). The quality of the notching and the presence of foreign matter within the pipe may be determined by the fluid flow rate within the suction pipe (30). The material of the suction pipe (30) may include stainless steel plates such as STS 304. This prevents the explosion of the notching device.

[0033] The suction valve (40) can be installed in the suction pipe (30). The suction valve (40) can control the opening and closing rate of the suction pipe (30). When the opening and closing rate of the suction valve (40) is controlled, the flow rate of the fluid within the suction pipe (30) can be controlled. The suction valve (40) can control the flow rate of the fluid directed from the notching area (10) toward the suction device (20).

[0034] The suction valve control unit (50) can be connected to the suction valve (40). The suction valve control unit (50) can control the opening and closing conditions of the suction valve (40). The suction valve control unit (50) can control the flow rate of the fluid in the suction pipe (30) by controlling the opening and closing conditions of the suction valve (40).

[0035] The suction valve control unit (50) may include a first suction valve control unit (510) and a first suction valve control unit (530). The first suction valve control unit (510) and the first suction valve control unit (530) may be distinguished by whether the opening and closing conditions of the valve are automatically controlled. The opening and closing conditions of the suction valve (40) may include, for example, the flow rate of the suction pipe (30) and the opening time of the suction valve (40).

[0036] The first suction valve control unit (510) can control the opening and closing conditions of the suction valve (40) according to preset conditions. That is, the first suction valve control unit (510) can automatically control the opening and closing conditions of the suction valve (40) according to preset conditions.

[0037] The first suction valve control unit (510) may include a first control panel (511). The first control panel (511) may be electrically connected to the first suction valve control unit (510). An operator can check, set, and adjust the operating conditions of the first suction valve control unit (510) in real time through the first control panel (511).

[0038] FIGS. 3 and FIGS. 4 are plan views of one operating state of an electrode notching device (1) according to the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is an operating state view when notching is performed in the electrode notching device (1). FIG. 4 is an operating state view when notching is stopped or performed for a considerable amount of time in the electrode notching device (1).

[0039] Referring to FIG. 3, when notching is performed in the electrode notching device (1), the first suction valve control unit (510) can adjust the opening and closing conditions of the suction valve (40) so that the flow rate of the suction pipe (30) becomes the suction flow rate (VS). If notching is performed for a considerable amount of time, foreign matter may form in the suction pipe (30).

[0040] Referring to FIG. 4, when notching is interrupted in the electrode notching device (1) or when notching proceeds for a considerable amount of time, the first suction valve control unit (510) can adjust the opening and closing conditions of the suction valve (40) so that the flow rate of the suction pipe (30) becomes the flushing flow rate (VF). At the same time, the first suction valve control unit (510) can adjust the opening and closing conditions of the suction valve (40) so that the flushing opening time (tF) is shorter than the suction opening time (tS). Accordingly, foreign matter in the suction pipe (30) can be removed.

[0041] The quality of the notching and whether foreign matter remains in the pipe can be determined according to the fluid flow rate in the suction pipe (30). If the fluid flow rate in the suction pipe (30) is too high, the quality of the notching may deteriorate. If the fluid flow rate in the suction pipe (30) is too low, foreign matter may accumulate in the suction pipe (30). The first suction valve control unit (510) can control the opening and closing conditions of the suction valve (40) so that the increase in the fluid flow rate is executed periodically. Accordingly, the electrode notching device (1) according to the present disclosure can reduce the amount of fumes generated while maintaining the notching quality.

[0042] The electrode notching device (1) may further include a flow measurement sensor (310). The flow measurement sensor (310) may be mounted on the suction pipe (30). The flow measurement sensor (310) may measure the fluid flow rate within the suction pipe (30). The flow measurement sensor (310) may detect the fluid velocity from the notching area (10) toward the suction device (20). The flow measurement sensor (310) may be positioned between the notching area (10) and the suction pipe (30). The flow measurement sensor (310) may be positioned closer to the notching area (10) than to the suction device (20) in the suction pipe (30). This allows the fluid flow rate within the suction pipe (30) required for the actual notching process to be verified.

[0043] The electrode notching device (1) may further include an intake pipe (60). The intake pipe (60) may be mounted (or connected) to the suction pipe (30). The intake pipe (60) may supply outside air to the suction pipe (30). The intake pipe (60) may regulate the flow rate of the suction pipe (30) so that the notching of the electrode plate proceeds smoothly.

[0044] The angle formed by the suction pipe (30) and the intake pipe (60) can be adjusted to prevent the formation of foreign matter within the suction pipe (30) and the intake pipe (60). The angle formed by the suction pipe (30) and the intake pipe (60) may be within the range of 30 to 45 degrees. The angle formed by the suction pipe (30) and the intake pipe (60) may refer to an acute angle among the angles formed by the two members.

[0045] The electrode notching device (1) may further include an intake valve (610). The intake valve (610) may be connected to the intake pipe (60). The intake valve (610) may control the opening and closing rate of the intake pipe (60). The intake valve (610) may control the flow rate of the outside air supplied to the suction pipe (30).

[0046] The above electrode notching device (1) may further include a suction opening / closing control unit (70).

[0047] FIGS. 5 and FIGS. 6 are plan views of one operating state of an electrode notching device (1) according to the present disclosure. FIG. 5 shows the state when the suction pipe (30) is open. FIG. 6 shows the state when the suction pipe (30) is closed.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the suction opening / closing control unit (70) can be connected to the suction pipe (30). The suction opening / closing control unit (70) can determine whether to open or close the suction pipe (30).

[0049] Notching can be performed by irradiating a laser onto the surface of a blank area (12) placed on an upper pattern jig (11a) and a lower pattern jig (11b) that are spaced apart along the direction of gravity. At this time, the suction pipe (30) can be opened (ON). The upper pattern jig (11a) and the lower pattern jig (11b) may be damaged by the laser irradiation and, if necessary, replaced. During the replacement process, notching is not performed, and the suction pipe (30) can be closed (OFF).

[0050] The electrode notching device (1) may further include a suction opening / closing means (710). The suction opening / closing means (710) may be positioned between the suction opening / closing control unit (70) and the suction pipe (30). The suction opening / closing means (710) may close the suction pipe (30) according to its operation. The suction opening / closing means (710) may include, for example, a linear actuator.

[0051] Referring again to FIGS. 5 and FIGS. 6, the suction pipe (30) can be opened (ON) when notching is in progress. The suction pipe (30) can be closed (OFF) when notching is not in progress, such as when the notching jig is repositioned. When the suction pipe (30) is closed, the suction of foreign matter by the suction device (20) may not proceed.

[0052] The first suction valve control unit (530) can arbitrarily control the opening and closing conditions of the suction valve (40). The first suction valve control unit (530) can manually control the opening and closing conditions of the suction valve (40).

[0053] FIG. 7 is a plan view of one operating state of an electrode notching device (1) according to the present disclosure.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 7, the first suction valve control unit (530) may include a first control panel (531). The first control panel (531) may be mechanically or electrically connected to the first suction valve control unit (530). An operator may control the opening and closing conditions of the suction valve (40) by directly controlling the first control panel (531) (MANUAL). For example, when the first control panel (511) is not operating, the operator may control the opening and closing conditions of the suction valve (40) manually (MANUAL) by controlling the first control panel (531), thereby preventing foreign matter from accumulating in the suction valve (40) while maintaining the notching quality.

[0055] Another embodiment of the present disclosure is an electrode notching method.

[0056] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of an electrode notching method according to the present disclosure.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 8, the electrode notching method may include notching; suction; and flushing.

[0058] The above notching can be performed by laser notching the unnotched portion (12) of the electrode plate using an electrode notching device. The electrode notching device may be the electrode notching device according to the present disclosure. Regarding the notching, the description of the notching device may be followed exactly as described.

[0059] The suction above can collect foreign matter formed by the electrode plate according to the notching. The suction above can collect the foreign matter through the suction pipe (30) of the notching equipment.

[0060] The flushing above can increase the flow rate within the suction pipe (30) for a certain period of time. Through this, the electrode notching method can reduce the amount of fumes generated while maintaining the notching quality. The flow rate within the suction pipe (30) of the flushing above may be faster than the flow rate within the suction pipe (30) of the suctioning above. The opening time of the suction valve (40) of the flushing above may be shorter than the opening time of the suction valve (40) of the suctioning above.

[0061] The above flushing may be performed after the above suctioning. Additionally, the above flushing and the above suctioning may be repeated alternately.

[0062] FIG. 9 is a detailed flowchart of an electrode notching method according to the present disclosure.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 9, the electrode notching method may further include stopping the operation of the electrode notching equipment after flushing. Additionally, the notching may be resumed after the stoppage. The stopping and resuming of the notching may be repeated.

[0064] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with reference to the drawings. However, those skilled in the art or possessing ordinary knowledge may make various modifications and changes to the present disclosure within the scope of the claims. Accordingly, the technical scope of the present disclosure should not be limited to the description of the invention but should be determined by the claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0065] 1: Electrode notching device 10: Notching area 11a: Upper pattern jig 11b: Lower pattern jig 12: Mujibu 20: Suction device 30: Suction piping 310: Flow measurement sensor 40: Suction valve 50: Suction valve control unit 510: First suction valve control unit 511: 1st Control Panel 530: Second suction valve control unit 531: Second Control Panel 60: Intake piping 610: Intake valve 70 : Suction opening / closing control unit 710: Suction opening and closing means

Claims

Claim 1 An electrode notching device comprising: a notching area in which a non-non-notched portion of an electrode plate is laser notched; a suction device for collecting foreign matter generated in the notching area; a suction pipe disposed between the notching area and the suction device and transferring the foreign matter to a suction device; a suction valve mounted on the suction pipe and controlling the flow rate of fluid directed from the notching area toward the suction device; and a suction valve control unit connected to the suction valve and controlling the opening and closing conditions of the suction valve; wherein the suction valve control unit comprises a first suction valve control unit that controls the opening and closing conditions of the suction valve according to preset conditions. Claim 2 An electrode notching device according to claim 1, further comprising an intake pipe mounted on the suction pipe and supplying outside air to the suction pipe. Claim 3 The electrode notching device according to claim 1, further comprising a second suction valve control unit that arbitrarily controls the opening and closing conditions of the suction valve. Claim 4 An electrode notching device according to claim 1, further comprising a suction opening / closing control unit connected to the suction pipe and determining whether the suction pipe is opened or closed. Claim 5 An electrode notching device according to claim 1, further comprising a flow measurement sensor disposed between the notching area and the suction pipe, and detecting the flow rate of a fluid directed toward the suction device in the notching area. Claim 6 An electrode notching device according to claim 2, further comprising an intake valve connected to the intake pipe and regulating the flow rate of outside air supplied to the suction pipe. Claim 7 An electrode notching device according to claim 2, wherein the angle formed by the suction pipe and the intake pipe is within the range of 30 to 45 degrees. Claim 8 In claim 4, the electrode notching device further comprises a suction opening / closing means disposed between the suction opening / closing control unit and the suction pipe, and capable of opening / closing the suction pipe. Claim 9 A method for electrode notching comprising: laser notching a non-existent portion of an electrode plate using an electrode notching device; suctioning foreign matter formed on the electrode plate according to the notching through a suction pipe; and flushing the suction pipe. Claim 10 In claim 9, the flushing is an electrode notching method performed after the suctioning. Claim 11 In claim 9, the suctioning and flushing are alternately repeated electrode notching methods. Claim 12 In claim 9, the electrode notching method wherein the fluid flow rate in the suction pipe of the flushing is greater than the fluid flow rate in the suction pipe of the suctioning. Claim 13 In claim 9, the electrode notching method, wherein the time for flushing is shorter than the time for suctioning. Claim 14 An electrode notching method according to claim 9, further comprising stopping the operation of the electrode notching equipment after flushing. Claim 15 In claim 14, the electrode notching method is resumed after the interruption.

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