Suction device and tab notching device including same

Abstract

A tab notching device according to the present invention comprises: a suction pipe having a suction hole formed therein such that residual fragments formed as a result of electrode tab formation can move therethrough; and a cutting device configured to cut the residual fragments flowing into the suction hole, wherein the cutting device includes a cutter configured to slide.

Description

Suction device and tap notching device including the same

[0001] Cross-citation with related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0138909 filed on October 11, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the document of said Korean Patent Application are incorporated herein as part of this specification.

[0003] Technology field

[0004] The present invention relates to a suction device and a tap notching device including the same. More specifically, the invention relates to a suction device that solves the problem of residual debris generated while forming a tap and a tap notching device including the same.

[0005] A secondary battery configured to generate electricity includes a current collector on which an electrode active material is placed. An electrode tab is formed at one end of the current collector, having a width smaller than that of the current collector body and on which no electrode active material is placed. Multiple current collectors are provided and stacked, and the electrode tabs of each current collector are welded together so that the generated electricity moves through the welded electrode tab. At this time, a notching process may be performed to cut a portion of the current collector to form the electrode tab.

[0006] During the notching process, it is necessary to suction and process the remaining debris left over after forming the electrode tab. The remaining debris can be moved and processed through a suction pipe. However, as the remaining debris moves through the suction pipe, the debris may clump together inside the suction pipe, causing a problem of blocking the suction pipe.

[0007] Furthermore, there are cases where residual fragments are formed as one long fragment while forming multiple electrode tabs, rather than as one corresponding fragment while forming a single electrode tab, and in this case, the long residual fragment may cause a problem of being more likely to block the suction tube.

[0008] The aforementioned background technology is one that the inventor possessed or acquired in the process of deriving the content of the disclosure of the present application, and it cannot be considered as prior art disclosed to the general public prior to the filing of this application.

[0009] The present invention was devised to solve the above problems, and the objective of the present invention is to prevent residual debris generated while forming the electrode tab from blocking the suction tube.

[0010] The technical problems to be solved in this document are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0011] A tab notching device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a suction pipe having a suction hole formed therein through which residual fragments formed by the formation of an electrode tab can move, and a cutting device configured to cut residual fragments flowing into the suction hole, wherein the cutting device includes a cutter configured to slide.

[0012] The cutters can be provided as a pair configured so that their ends face each other.

[0013] A pair of cutters are configured to be positioned at a cutting position where their ends come into contact with each other and at a spaced position where they are spaced apart from each other, and the cutters can be configured to cut residual fragments at the cutting position.

[0014] The cutter has an outer surface facing the outside of the suction pipe, and the outer surface of the cutter may be inclined along the direction in which the suction pipe extends from the inlet of the suction pipe toward the end.

[0015] A pair of cutters each have a cutter outer surface facing the outside of the suction tube, and the cutter outer surface of each of the pair of cutters can be inclined along the direction in which the suction tube extends from the inlet of the suction tube as they get closer to each other.

[0016] A pair of cutters can have a cross-sectionally narrowing section at their ends as they get closer to each other.

[0017] The cutter can be positioned adjacent to the inlet of the suction tube.

[0018] The cutter can be located on the outer side of the inlet of the suction tube.

[0019] The cutting device further includes a cutter housing for accommodating a cutter, and the cutter housing may include a mounting portion configured to be detachably mounted to a suction pipe.

[0020] The cutter housing includes a guide portion configured to guide the movement of the cutter, and the guide portion has a guide opening formed therein where the cutter is positioned, and the width of the guide opening may correspond to the width of the cutter.

[0021] The guide opening may have a larger cross-sectional area than the inlet of the suction tube.

[0022] The cutting device may further include a motor configured to apply driving force to the cutter so that the cutter moves.

[0023] It may further include a suction pump configured to form negative pressure in the suction pipe.

[0024] The device further includes a notching module configured to form an electrode tab, and the notching module may be provided to prevent residual fragments formed while forming an adjacent electrode tab from being cut off.

[0025] It further includes a stage where the electrode tab is located, the suction tube is located adjacent to the stage, and the cutter can be located adjacent to the stage.

[0026] A tap notching device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a suction tube having a suction hole through which residual fragments formed by the formation of an electrode tap can move, and a cutting device including a cutter configured to cut residual fragments flowing into the suction hole, wherein the cutter may be positioned outside the inlet of the suction tube.

[0027] The cutter can be configured to slide.

[0028] The cutters can be provided as a pair configured so that their ends face each other.

[0029] A pair of cutters are configured to be positioned at a cutting position where their ends come into contact with each other and at a spaced position where they are spaced apart from each other, and the cutters can be configured to cut residual fragments at the cutting position.

[0030] A suction device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a suction pipe having a suction hole formed therein through which residual fragments can move, and a cutting device configured to cut residual fragments flowing into the suction hole, and the cutting device may include a cutter configured to slide.

[0031] A suction device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a cutting device for cutting residual fragments, thereby preventing residual fragments generated while forming electrode tabs from blocking the suction tube.

[0032] A cutting device included in a suction device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a sliding cutter, thereby preventing problems caused by pulling residual fragments while rotating to cut the residual fragments.

[0033] A cutting device included in a suction device according to one embodiment of the present invention is positioned outside the inlet of the suction tube, so that residual fragments are cut before entering the suction tube, thereby further preventing them from clumping in the suction tube.

[0034] The effects obtainable from the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure belongs from the description below.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tap notching device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a suction device and residual fragments according to a first comparative example of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a suction device and residual fragments according to a second comparative example of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a suction device including the tap notching device shown in FIG. 1.

[0039] Figure 5 is an exploded view of the suction device shown in Figure 4.

[0040] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the cutting device shown in Figure 5.

[0041] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a cutting device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a cutting device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a cutting device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a cutting device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited or restricted by the following embodiments.

[0046] In order to clearly explain the present invention, detailed descriptions of related prior art that are irrelevant to the explanation or that may unnecessarily obscure the essence of the invention have been omitted. Furthermore, when assigning reference numerals to the components of each drawing in this specification, identical or similar reference numerals are assigned to identical or similar components throughout the entire specification.

[0047] Furthermore, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention.

[0048] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments.

[0049] In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components.

[0050] The singular form of the noun corresponding to the item may include one or multiple items, unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0051] In this document, each of the phrases such as "A or B", "at least one of A and B", "at least one of A or B", "A, B or C", "at least one of A, B and C", and "at least one of A, B, or C" may include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof.

[0052] The term "and / or" includes a combination of multiple related described components or any of the multiple related described components.

[0053] Terms such as “first,” “second,” or “first” or “second” may be used simply to distinguish one component from another and do not limit the components in other aspects (130a-1) (e.g., importance or order).

[0054] Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as "coupled" or "connected" to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicationly," it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0055] Terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in this document, and do not preclude the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0056] When it is said that a component is "connected," "combined," "supported," or "in contact" with another component, this includes not only cases where the components are directly connected, combined, supported, or in contact, but also cases where they are indirectly connected, combined, supported, or in contact through a third component.

[0057] When it is said that a component is located "on" another component, this includes not only cases where one component is in contact with the other, but also cases where another component exists between the two components.

[0058] Meanwhile, terms such as "up-and-down direction," "downward side," and "front-backward direction" used in the following description are defined based on the drawings, and the shape and position of each component are not limited by these terms.

[0059] Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0060] First embodiment

[0061] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tap notching device (1) according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 1, a tap notching device (1) and a suction device (SA) included in the tap notching device (1) according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0063] A tab notching device (1) may be provided to form an electrode tab (11) on an electrode (10).

[0064] A secondary battery (not shown) may be configured to generate electricity by housing a plurality of electrodes (10) within a battery case (not shown). At this time, the plurality of electrodes (10) need to be connected to each other, and an electrical connection can be formed between the plurality of electrodes (10) by connecting each electrode tab (11) included in the plurality of electrodes (10). More specifically, the electrode (10) may include a metal current collector and may include an active material layer (12) located on the current collector. The current collector may include a configuration for the movement of electricity by forming a portion of the electrode tab (11) where the active material layer (12) is not applied.

[0065] The electrode (10) may include a portion where the active material layer (12) is located and an electrode tab (11) extending from the portion where the active material layer (12) is located. The electrode tab (11) may be formed with a width smaller than that of the active material layer (12). A sealing portion of the battery case may be located adjacent to the active material layer (12) that is not directly connected to the electrode tab (11), so that the sealing of the battery case can be sufficiently formed. In other words, it may be preferable for the electrode tab (11) to be narrower than the active material layer (12) in order to secure space for sufficient sealing of the battery case in a subsequent process.

[0066] These electrode tabs (11) can be formed by a tab forming device as shown in FIG. 1.

[0067] Based on FIG. 1, the active material layer (12) that extends long in the left-right direction can be cut along the dotted line in the front-back direction to form each electrode (10). The electrode (10) shown in FIG. 1 is depicted in a state before being cut. When the electrode (10) before being cut is formed as a single electrode (10) at one end of the active material layer (12), an electrode tab (11) aligned at the center of each active material layer (12) can be formed. In other words, based on FIG. 1, a plurality of electrode tabs (11) aligned in the left-right direction can be formed at the rear of the active material layer (12). The plurality of electrode tabs (11) can be spaced apart from each other with a constant spacing in the left-right direction.

[0068] To form a plurality of electrode tabs (11), the tab notching device (1) may include a notching module (100). As illustrated in FIG. 1, the notching module (100) may be, for example, a laser device. The electrode (10) before being cut is placed on a provided stage (200), and the notching module (100) can fire a laser at the electrode (10) located on the stage (200) to form electrode tabs (11). At this time, the notching module (100) fires a laser toward the stage (200) from its position, and the electrode (10) is moved by the movement of the stage (200) to form a plurality of electrode tabs (11).

[0069] While forming the electrode tab (11), a residual fragment (20) may be formed. The residual fragment (20) may have a groove formed in a shape corresponding to the electrode tab (11) and may be extended in one direction. Based on FIG. 1, the residual fragment (20) may be extended in the left-right direction. At this time, a residual fragment (20) may be formed such that a part of the residual fragment (20) forming the groove corresponding to the electrode tab (11) is omitted, and the part connecting adjacent electrode tabs (11) and electrode tabs (11) is cut off, so that the overall length of the residual fragment (20) is shorter than shown in FIG. 1 and it can be assumed that it is formed in multiple parts. Of course, the concept of the present invention can be applied even when such a residual fragment (20) is formed, but preferably, as in the first embodiment of the present invention, the residual fragment (20) may be connected as one and extended in one direction. Because, only the portion connecting adjacent electrode tabs (11) and electrode tabs (11) is formed as residual fragment (20), it may mean that only the space between adjacent electrode tabs (11) is cut by the notching module (100), and according to this, the end of the electrode tab (11) has no opportunity to be cut, making it difficult to create a smooth surface on the end of the electrode tab (11). Furthermore, the laser emitted by the notching module (100) can be output optimized for cutting the electrode tab (11), but if it moves toward the adjacent electrode tab (11) without forming the end of the electrode tab (11), the laser may be fired directly at the stage (200) while moving, which may damage the stage (200). Therefore, to prevent such problems, the residual fragment (20) formed while forming the electrode tab (11) by the notching module (100) may have a shape that extends in one direction. That is, the notching module (100) can be provided to prevent residual debris (20) formed while forming an adjacent electrode tab (11) from being cut off.

[0070] Since such residual fragments (20), when positioned on the stage (200), may interfere with the formation of other electrode tabs (11), the tab notching device (1) may include a suction device (SA) configured to suck in residual fragments (20). The suction device (SA) may be provided at a position where one end of the residual fragments (20) is formed and configured to suck in one end of the residual fragments (20). At this time, if the stage (200) is moved to the left relative to FIG. 1, the electrode (10) may be moved to the left accordingly, and thus the residual fragments (20) will continue to be supplied to the suction device (SA), so that all of the residual fragments (20) may be moved to the suction device (SA). Furthermore, the suction device (SA) may include a suction pipe (300) in which a suction hole (300H) is formed to allow the residual fragments (20) to be moved. The suction pipe (300) is configured to process residual fragments (20) and can induce movement of residual fragments (20). At this time, the suction pipe (300) may be located adjacent to the stage (200).

[0071] At this time, as previously explained, the remaining fragment (20) has a shape that extends long in one direction, so it may have the following problems. Referring to FIG. 2, the problems that may occur will be explained.

[0072] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a suction device (SA) and residual fragments (20) according to a first comparative example of the present invention.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 2, the problems of the suction device (SA) according to the first comparative example of the present invention are explained.

[0074] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the suction device (SA) according to the first comparative example compared with the first embodiment may not have a separate device mounted on the suction pipe (300). When residual fragments (20) are introduced toward the suction hole (300H), it would be desirable for the residual fragments (20) to move along the extension direction of the suction hole (300H), but in reality, they may become entangled with each other. Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the entangled residual fragments (20) may block the suction hole (300H). If the suction hole (300H) is blocked, the residual fragments (20) can no longer be moved through the suction pipe (300), so additional time is consumed to remove them, which may result in a problem of increased secondary battery production time.

[0075] To overcome the above problem, a second comparative example as follows may be presented.

[0076] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a suction device (SA) and residual fragments (20) according to a second comparative example of the present invention.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 3, an intake device (SA) according to a second comparative example of the present invention will be described.

[0078] The suction device (SA) according to the second comparative example may include a cutting device (400) mounted on the inside of the suction pipe (300). The cutting device (400) according to the second comparative example may cut residual fragments (20) by rotating. The cutting device (400) may include an axis and a portion protruding radially from the axis. As the axis rotates, the protruding portion of the cutting device (400) rotates, and accordingly, the residual fragments (20) may be pressed and cut. The cutting device (400) may be provided in a pair, so that the residual fragments (20) are positioned between the pair of cutting devices (400) to cut the residual fragments (20).

[0079] A cutting device (400) that cuts by such rotation has the advantage of being able to directly utilize the driving force of the motor (430), but this method has a problem in that it pulls the residual fragment (20). In other words, based on FIG. 3, the cutting device (400) rotates and applies a certain downward pressure to the residual fragment (20), thereby pulling the residual fragment (20). Pulling the residual fragment (20) may mean that the electrode (10) connected to the residual fragment (20) is pulled. In particular, even if the residual fragment (20) separated from the electrode (10) is pulled, it will not affect the electrode (10), but if the residual fragment (20) that is still connected to the electrode (10) is pulled, it may pull the electrode (10) together, causing the alignment of the electrode (10) to be distorted.

[0080] Furthermore, since the cutting device (400) according to the second comparative example is located inside the suction pipe (300), a problem may occur in which the remaining fragment (20) is not cut until it approaches the cutting device (400). In other words, if the remaining fragment (20) clumps together on the upper side of the cutting device (400) based on FIG. 3, a problem may occur in which no separate means is provided to resolve this.

[0081] In order to prevent the above problem, an intake device (SA) according to the first embodiment as described below may be provided.

[0082] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a suction device (SA) included in the tap notching device (1) shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the suction device (SA) shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the cutting device (400) shown in FIG. 5.

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, a suction device (SA) according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Since the suction device (SA) is a component of the tap notching device (1), the following description can be interpreted as being applicable to the tap notching device (1).

[0084] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the suction device (SA) may include a suction pipe (300) in which a suction hole (300H) is formed through which residual fragments (20) formed by the formation of an electrode tab (11) can move, and a cutting device (400) configured to cut residual fragments (20) flowing into the suction hole (300H). In this case, the cutter (420) of the cutting device (400) may be positioned adjacent to the inlet of the suction pipe (300). Accordingly, the possibility of residual fragments (20) clumping together inside the suction pipe (300) can be reduced. More specifically, the cutter (420) may be positioned outside the inlet of the suction pipe (300). Accordingly, all residual fragments (20) flowing into the inside of the suction pipe (300) can be cut and fed in. Since the remaining fragments (20) that were cut are relatively difficult to clump together, the suction tube (300) can be prevented from being blocked by the remaining fragments (20).

[0085] Furthermore, the cutter (420) can be positioned adjacent to the stage (200). Accordingly, the remaining fragment (20) separated from the stage (200) can be cut immediately and guided to move to the suction pipe (300).

[0086] At this time, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the cutting device (400) may include a cutter (420) configured to slide. Since the residual fragment (20) is cut by sliding movement, the residual fragment (20) can be cut without receiving a pulling force. Specifically, the sliding direction in which the cutter (420) moves may be left and right directions with respect to FIG. 5. In other words, the direction in which the cutter (420) moves may be perpendicular to the direction in which the suction pipe (300) extends. Since the residual fragment (20) will move in the direction in which the suction pipe (300) extends, and generally, the residual fragment (20) will be extending in the direction in which the residual fragment (20) moves, the sliding direction may be perpendicular to the extension direction of the residual fragment (20). Therefore, when the cutter (420) moves in the sliding direction, it cuts the remaining fragment (20) in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the remaining fragment (20), so cutting can be easy.

[0087] At this time, the cutter (420) may be provided as a pair configured so that their ends face each other, as shown in FIG. 6. However, the cutter (420) may not be provided as a pair if necessary, and this is explained in the third embodiment with reference to FIG. 8.

[0088] A pair of cutters (420) may be configured to be positioned at a cutting position where their ends meet each other and at a spaced position where they are spaced apart from each other. The cutters (420) may be configured to cut the remaining fragment (20) at the cutting position. When the pair of cutters (420) are at the cutting position, the remaining fragment (20) may be positioned between the pair of cutters (420) and cut, as shown in FIG. 6.

[0089] The cutter (420) may have an outer surface (421A) facing the outside of the suction tube (300). The outer surface (421A) of the cutter may face upward with respect to FIG. 6. The outer surface (421A) of the cutter may be the part that the residual fragment (20) first touches when it moves toward the suction tube (300). At this time, the outer surface (421A) of the cutter may be inclined downward as it approaches the center of the pair of cutters (420) of the suction tube (300). If the residual fragment (20) does not pass between the pair of cutters (420) from the upper side of the outer surface (421A), the movement of the residual fragment (20) is guided by the outer surface (421A) of the cutter and may be guided between the pair of cutters (420). Since the residual fragment (20) must be moved between a pair of cutters (420) to be cut, inducing the movement of the residual fragment (20) can facilitate the cutting of the residual fragment (20). In particular, the outer surface of the cutter (421A) induces movement by moving the residual fragment (20) in the direction of gravity, thereby guiding the movement of the residual fragment (20) with the help of gravity. In other words, the outer surface of the cutter (421A) can be inclined toward the end along the direction in which the suction pipe (300) extends from the inlet of the suction pipe (300). Accordingly, the movement of the residual fragment (20) can be induced in the direction of extension of the suction pipe (300).

[0090] Furthermore, the outer surface (421A) of each cutter of a pair of cutters (420) may be inclined along the direction in which the suction pipe (300) extends from the inlet of the suction pipe (300) as they approach each other. However, if necessary, the outer surface (421A) of the cutter may be formed on a part of the cutter (420). This will be further explained while describing the fourth embodiment with reference to FIG. 9.

[0091] A pair of cutters (420) may have a portion at their ends that narrows in cross-sectional area as they get closer to each other, as shown in FIG. 6. The portion that narrows in cross-sectional area is sharp like a blade, so less pressure may be required to cut the remaining fragments (20). For this shape, as previously mentioned, the outer surface of the cutter (421A) located on the upper side of the cutter (420) slopes downward as it approaches the center of the suction pipe (300), and the lower surface of the cutter (420) may extend in the left and right directions without slope. However, if necessary, a cutter (420) may have an outer surface (421A) without a change in cross-sectional area, in which case stronger pressure may be provided to cut the remaining fragments (20).

[0092] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the cutting device (400) may include a cutter housing (410) that accommodates a cutter (420).

[0093] The cutter housing (410) may include a mounting portion (411) configured to be detachably mounted to the suction pipe (300), and a guide portion (412) configured to guide the movement of the cutter (420).

[0094] The mounting portion (411) may have a shape corresponding to the end of the suction pipe (300) so as to accommodate the end of the suction pipe (300). As shown in FIG. 5, the mounting portion (411) may be mounted to the suction pipe (300) by a press fit. However, if necessary, the mounting portion (411) may be mounted to the suction pipe (300) by a separate fixing member (not shown). Since the cutter housing (410) is detachable from the suction pipe (300), if the specifications of the cutter (420) are to be changed, the cutter housing (410) can be detached from the suction pipe (300) and replaced, making it easy to replace the cutter (420). This can be understood in comparison to the second comparative example, where the cutting device (400) is located inside the suction pipe (300) and is difficult to replace.

[0095] The guide portion (412) may have a guide opening formed therein where the cutter (420) is positioned. The width of the guide opening may correspond to the width of the cutter (420). Accordingly, the guide portion (412) may be positioned at the edge of the cutter (420), and the cutter (420) may be guided to slide consistently by the guide portion (412).

[0096] At this time, the guide opening may have a larger cross-sectional area than the inlet of the suction pipe (300). Accordingly, even residual fragments (20) that would normally be difficult to move toward the suction pipe (300) can be received by the guide opening and moved toward the suction pipe (300). Through this, it is possible to prevent residual fragments (20) from flying outward from the suction pipe (300). Furthermore, since the outer surface of the cutter (421A) described above can guide the residual fragments (20) toward the suction pipe (300), the residual fragments (20) that have entered the guide opening can be moved toward the suction pipe (300).

[0097] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, a hole may be formed in the guide portion (412) in the sliding direction of the cutter (420). The cutter (420) may slide through the hole.

[0098] Additionally, the cutting device (400) may further include a motor (430) configured to apply driving force to the cutter (420) so that the cutter (420) moves, and a suction pump (310) configured to form negative pressure in the suction pipe (300).

[0099] The first embodiment and other embodiments are described below. Content common to the first embodiment will be omitted as much as possible, and the other embodiments will be described focusing on the differences. In other words, it is obvious that if content not explained in the other embodiments is necessary, it can be supplemented through the content of the first embodiment.

[0100] 2nd embodiment

[0101] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a cutting device (400) according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] Referring to FIG. 7, a cutter (420) according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0103] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the shape of the cutter (420) is different.

[0104] The cutter (420) has a cone shape overall and can be positioned with a slanted centerline. That is, as in the first embodiment, the cutter (420) does not necessarily have to have the shape of a blade like a guillotine, but can have a shape with a sharp end that can cut the remaining fragments (20).

[0105] Third embodiment

[0106] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a cutting device (400) according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 8, a cutter (420) according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0108] The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the cutter (420) is single.

[0109] The cutter (420) may be provided as a single unit. When the cutter (420) slides and comes into contact with the guide portion (412), the remaining fragment (20) located between the cutter (420) and the guide portion (412) can be cut. In the case of the third embodiment, the inconvenience of having to align the positions of the ends of a pair of cutters (420) so that they come into contact with each other, as in the first embodiment, can be avoided.

[0110] 4th embodiment

[0111] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a cutting device (400) according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0112] Referring to FIG. 9, a cutter (420) according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0113] The fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the cross-sectional area does not decrease as it extends in the direction of extension for the entire cutter (420).

[0114] The cutter (420) may include a first portion with a constant cross-sectional area and a second portion with a narrowing cross-sectional area. The second portion may extend from the first portion. The second portion may form the end of the cutter (420).

[0115] A hole may be formed in the guide portion (412) to surround the first portion and guide the movement of the first portion. That is, in the first embodiment, the hole formed in the guide portion (412) may not come into contact with the cutter (420) when the cutter (420) moves, so it was difficult to guide the movement of the cutter (420). In the case of the fourth embodiment, if it is assumed that the first portion and the hole formed in the guide portion (412) always come into contact while the cutter (420) is moving, the hole formed in the guide portion (412) can guide the movement of the cutter (420) throughout the entire range of movement of the cutter (420).

[0116] Fifth embodiment

[0117] FIG. 10 is an exploded view of a cutting device (400) according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0118] Referring to FIG. 10, a cutting device (400) according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0119] The fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the cutting device (400) is located in the middle rather than outside the inlet of the suction tube (300).

[0120] In the fifth embodiment, although the cutting device (400) is not located outside the inlet of the suction tube (300), it can still not pull in residual debris (20). Furthermore, since the cutting device (400) is protected by the suction tube (300) located above it, damage to the cutter (420) can be prevented.

[0121] Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the embodiments described above may be combined with other embodiments. Alternatively, unless explicitly limited in the combination of any embodiment with another, it should be considered that combinations between embodiments are possible. Any combination of any embodiment with another embodiment is deemed to be disclosed herein.

[0122] Although the present invention has been described above by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various implementations are possible within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims described below by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs.

Claims

1. A suction tube having a suction hole formed therein through which residual debris formed by the formation of an electrode tab can move; and It includes a cutting device configured to cut the residual fragments flowing into the suction hole, and The above cutting device is a tap notching device comprising a cutter configured to slide.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above cutter is a tap notching device provided as a pair configured so that their ends face each other.

3. In Paragraph 2, The pair of cutters mentioned above, Cutting positions where the ends meet each other; and It is configured to be positioned at a spaced-apart location, and The above cutter is a tab notching device configured to cut the remaining fragment at the cutting position.

4. In Paragraph 1, The cutter above has an outer cutter surface facing the outside of the suction pipe, The outer surface of the cutter is a tap notching device that slopes toward the end along the direction in which the suction pipe extends from the inlet of the suction pipe.

5. In Paragraph 2, A pair of the above cutters each have a cutter outer surface facing the outside of the suction tube, A tap notching device in which the outer surface of each of the pair of cutters is inclined along the direction in which the suction pipe extends from the inlet of the suction pipe as they get closer to each other.

6. In Paragraph 2, A pair of the above cutters are a tap notching device having a cross-sectionally narrowing portion at the end as they get closer to each other.

7. In Paragraph 1, The cutter is a tap notching device located adjacent to the inlet of the suction pipe.

8. In Paragraph 1, The cutter is a tap notching device located on the outside of the inlet of the suction pipe.

9. In Paragraph 1, The above cutting device further includes a cutter housing that accommodates a cutter, and A tap notching device comprising a mounting portion configured to be detachably mounted to the suction pipe, wherein the cutter housing is configured as described above.

10. In Paragraph 9, The cutter housing includes a guide portion configured to guide the movement of the cutter, and The above guide portion has a guide opening formed therein where the cutter is positioned, and A tap notching device in which the width of the guide opening corresponds to the width of the cutter.

11. In Paragraph 10, The above guide opening is a tap notching device with a cross-sectional area larger than the inlet of the above suction pipe.

12. In Paragraph 1, The above cutting device is a tap notching device further comprising a motor configured to apply driving force to the cutter so that the cutter moves.

13. In Paragraph 1, A tap notching device further comprising a suction pump configured to form negative pressure in the suction pipe.

14. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a notching module configured to form the electrode tab above, and The above notching module is a tab notching device provided to prevent the residual fragment formed while forming the adjacent electrode tab from being cut.

15. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a stage where the electrode tab is located, and The above suction pipe is located adjacent to the stage, and The cutter is a tap notching device located adjacent to the stage.

16. A suction tube having a suction hole through which residual fragments formed by the formation of an electrode tab can move; A cutting device comprising a cutter configured to cut the residual fragments flowing into the suction hole, and The cutter is a tap notching device located on the outside of the inlet of the suction pipe.

17. In Paragraph 16, The above cutter is a tap notching device configured to slide.

18. In Paragraph 16, The above cutter is a tap notching device provided as a pair configured so that their ends face each other.

19. In Paragraph 18, The pair of cutters mentioned above, Cutting positions where the ends meet each other; and It is configured to be positioned at a spaced-apart location, and The above cutter is a tab notching device configured to cut the remaining fragment at the cutting position.

20. A suction pipe in which a suction hole is formed through which residual fragments can move; and It includes a cutting device configured to cut the residual fragments flowing into the suction hole, and The above cutting device is a suction device comprising a cutter configured to slide.

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