Clamping device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a clamping device, and the clamping device according to an aspect of the present disclosure is designed to form an upper part of a cylindrical case accommodating an electrode assembly inside, and includes a movable block; an actuator configured to move the movable block; a fixed block fixed to one side of the movable block to limit a movement distance of the movable block; a support frame configured to move up and down in a vertical direction as the movable block moves; and a forming unit supported by the support frame and configured to form the upper part of the case.

Description

Clamping device

[0001] Cross-citation with related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0136652 dated October 8, 2024 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0001432 dated January 6, 2025, and all contents disclosed in the documents of said Korean patent applications are incorporated herein as part of this specification.

[0003] Technology field

[0004] The present invention relates to a clamping device, and more specifically, to a clamping device capable of forming a case for a cylindrical secondary battery.

[0005] Although secondary batteries have been applied in small-scale fields such as mobile devices and laptop computers, recently the direction of research is expanding to medium and large-scale fields, and they are widely used in fields requiring high voltage and large capacity, such as Energy Storage Systems (ESS) and Electric Vehicles (EV). Battery modules can be formed by housing and fixing battery cells made of such secondary batteries in a module housing.

[0006] Generally, a secondary battery consists of an electrode assembly for charging and discharging electrical energy, a case housing the electrode assembly, and a conductive structure for conducting electricity to the outside. In this case, secondary batteries can be classified into cylindrical, pouch-type, or prismatic secondary batteries depending on the shape of the case. In particular, a cylindrical secondary battery has a shape in which an electrode assembly is housed in a can-shaped case.

[0007] The manufacturing process of a cylindrical secondary battery consists of a beading process, in which the neck of a case housing an electrode assembly is recessed to form a beading section; a process of placing a cap assembly equipped with vents on the upper side of the beading section; a clamping process, in which the top of the case is bent to prevent the cap assembly from slipping out; and a sizing process, in which the case is pressed vertically to adjust its size. During the clamping process, it is crucial to bend the top of the case consistently to a set degree at a precise location. To achieve this, it is important that the device used to bend the case during the clamping process be accurately positioned at a set location in the vertical direction.

[0008] The present invention has been devised to solve the above-mentioned problems, and the objective of the present invention is to provide a clamping device in which a molding unit for molding a case can be accurately positioned at a set location in the vertical direction.

[0009] The problems of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from the description below.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a clamping device for forming the upper part of a cylindrical case having an electrode assembly housed therein is provided, comprising: a moving block; an actuator capable of moving the moving block; a fixed block fixed to one side of the moving block to limit the moving distance of the moving block; a support frame capable of moving up and down in an upward and downward direction as the moving block moves; and a forming unit supported by the support frame and capable of forming the upper part of the case.

[0011] At this time, the actuator is configured to move the movable block back and forth in a horizontal direction, and the fixed block may be positioned on one side of the movable block in a horizontal direction.

[0012] At this time, the fixed block may be positioned opposite the actuator with the moving block in between.

[0013] At this time, the device further includes a lifting / lowering frame connected to the support frame, and the moving block includes an inclined surface inclined with respect to a horizontal plane, and the lifting / lowering frame is configured such that one side contacts the inclined surface, allowing it to move up and down along the slope of the inclined surface as the moving block moves.

[0014] At this time, the lifting / lowering frame may include a corresponding surface that extends parallel to and meets the inclined surface.

[0015] At this time, the device further includes a pin coupled to the support frame to support the molding unit, wherein the pin may include a frame-side coupling portion rotatably coupled to the support frame; and a penetration coupling portion extending from the frame-side coupling portion, penetrating the molding unit, and having an eccentric cross-section.

[0016] At this time, the cross-section of the above-mentioned through-joint may have an elliptical shape.

[0017] At this time, as the pin rotates around the axis, the molding unit may be configured to move up and down due to the eccentricity of the through-connection part.

[0018] At this time, the pin includes an end portion that extends parallel to the through-connecting portion and is provided with a groove or a hole, and the molding unit may include a base portion provided with a through-hole into which the through-connecting portion is inserted; and a pin fixing portion that can be coupled to the groove or hole to restrict rotation of the pin.

[0019] At this time, the pin fixing part can be coupled to the base part.

[0020] At this time, the groove or hole is formed in a direction perpendicular to the direction parallel to the axis of the pin, and the pin fixing part may extend in the perpendicular direction.

[0021] At this time, the pin fixing part may have a rod shape that can be fitted into the groove or hole.

[0022] At this time, the pin may further include an auxiliary fixing part connected to the end and having an arc-shaped fixing hole; and a fixing pin part coupled to the base part by penetrating the fixing hole so as to restrict rotation of the auxiliary fixing part.

[0023] At this time, the molding unit may further include a clamping rod portion extending outward from the base portion; and a molding roller portion rotatably supported at the end of the clamping rod portion and capable of pressurizing the upper part of the case.

[0024] At this time, the clamping rod portion can be rotatably coupled to the base portion around its axis.

[0025] According to one aspect of the present invention, the position or travel distance of a movable block capable of adjusting the position of a molding unit can be limited by a fixed block, so that the molding unit can be accurately positioned at a set position in the vertical direction.

[0026] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the attached drawings.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a clamping device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a semi-finished product that is the workpiece of a clamping device according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above.

[0029] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of part I of Figure 1.

[0030] Figure 4 is a view of part II of Figure 1 from the front.

[0031] Figure 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the configurations shown in Figure 4.

[0032] FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a pin of a clamping device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating the forming unit of a clamping device according to one embodiment of the present invention forming a semi-finished product.

[0034] FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view schematically showing some of the configurations illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0035] Preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail so that those skilled in the knowledge can easily implement them. However, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited or restricted by the following embodiments.

[0036] 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.

[0037] In addition, terms or 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.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a clamping device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view from above of a semi-finished product that is the workpiece of the clamping device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of section I of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a view from the front of section II of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the components shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the pin of the clamping device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating the forming unit of the clamping device according to an embodiment of the present invention forming a semi-finished product. FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view schematically showing some of the components shown in FIG. 7.

[0039] FIG. 1 discloses a clamping device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a clamping device (1) according to an embodiment of the present invention may be a device that performs a clamping process to manufacture a cylindrical secondary battery. At this time, the clamping device (1) may perform the clamping process by forming a semi-finished product (A).

[0040] The semi-finished product (A) that is the target of the clamping device (1) may be a semi-finished product of a cylindrical secondary battery. The semi-finished product (A) may include a cylindrical case (C) with the upper side (positive direction of the Z-axis) open, an electrode assembly (E) and a cap assembly (D) housed inside the case (C).

[0041] In the present disclosure, the electrode assembly (E) may have a shape in which an anode, a separator, and a cathode are sequentially stacked and wound into a cylindrical shape, but the type or shape of the electrode assembly (E) may be appropriately modified as needed.

[0042] In the present disclosure, the cap assembly (D) may be a plate-shaped assembly with a venting component installed thereon to close the open upper portion of the case (C). The structure or function of the cap assembly (D) is not particularly limited.

[0043] In the present disclosure, the case (C) may be provided with a beading portion (Cb). The beading portion (Cb) may have a structure in which the outer periphery of the case (C) is concavely recessed inward. The beading portion (Cb) may be provided along the circumference of the case (C).

[0044] These beading portions (Cb) may be provided at a predetermined distance downward (in the negative direction of the Z-axis) from the upper portion (Ct) of the case (C). The beading portions (Cb) may perform the function of supporting the lower side of the cap assembly (D). A predetermined insulating material may be interposed between the beading portions (Cb) and the edge of the cap assembly (D).

[0045] Referring again to FIGS. 1 to 3, a clamping device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention can perform a clamping process by bending the upper part (Ct) of a case (C) inward. To this end, the clamping device (1) may include a molding unit (50) that directly presses a semi-finished product (A).

[0046] At this time, the vertical position (Z-axis direction) of the molding unit (50) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be limited by the fixed block (16) and / or the pin fixing part (53). Accordingly, in the clamping device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the vertical position of the molding unit (50) can be accurately placed at the set location. This can improve the quality of the clamping process performed by the clamping device (1).

[0047] Hereinafter, the components of a clamping device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 1, a clamping device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an upper frame (10). The upper frame (10) may be a frame for supporting a moving block (12), an actuator (14), and a fixed block (16) described later.

[0049] In this embodiment, the upper frame (10) may have a plate shape extending in the horizontal direction (X-axis and Y-axis direction). However, the structure or shape of the upper frame (10) is not particularly limited as long as it can support the above components.

[0050] A clamping device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a main rod (18). The main rod (18) may extend downward (in the negative direction of the Z-axis) from an upper frame (10). The main rod (18) may be a rod for supporting the upper frame (10).

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 3, a clamping device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a moving block (12). The moving block (12) may be configured to adjust the vertical position (Z-axis direction) of a forming unit (50) by raising and lowering a lifting / lowering frame (20) described later.

[0052] At this time, the lifting / lowering frame (20) can be connected to the support frame (30) and lifted / lowered together. Multiple molding units (50) may be combined with the support frame (30) (only one molding unit (50) is shown in FIG. 1). Accordingly, the moving block (12) can uniformly adjust the vertical (Z-axis direction) positions of multiple molding units (50) at once.

[0053] In this embodiment, the movable block (12) may be movably provided on the upper surface of the upper frame (10). Based on FIG. 1, the movable block (12) may be provided to move back and forth along the horizontal direction (X-axis direction). The direction of movement of the movable block (12) is not particularly limited.

[0054] At this time, the movable block (12) may include an inclined surface (13). In this embodiment, the inclined surface (13) may be provided on the upper part of the movable block (12). The inclined surface (13) may be inclined with respect to a horizontal plane. This inclination may be intended to cause the up-and-down movement of the lifting / lowering frame (20) to occur due to the forward and backward movement of the movable block (12).

[0055] As described, the inclined surface (13) may be inclined such that its height in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) decreases as it moves away from the actuator (14). However, the direction in which the inclined surface (13) is inclined or the degree of inclination (i.e., the angle of inclination relative to the horizontal plane) can be appropriately set as needed.

[0056] Meanwhile, a clamping device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an actuator (14). The actuator (14) may be configured to move the moving block (12) back and forth in a horizontal direction. For example, the actuator (14) may be an electric motor, but is not limited thereto.

[0057] In this embodiment, the actuator (14) may be located on one side of the moving block (12). The actuator (14) may be operatively coupled with the moving block (12). Accordingly, the moving block (12) may be moved away from the actuator (14) (positive direction of the X-axis) or moved in the opposite direction (negative direction of the X-axis).

[0058] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 3, a clamping device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a fixed block (16). The fixed block (16) may be fixedly coupled to an upper frame (10). The fixed block (16) may be configured to limit the position or movement range of a movable block (12).

[0059] As described, the fixed block (16) can be positioned on the opposite side of the actuator (14) with the moving block (12) in between. Accordingly, the position or movement range of the moving block (12) can be limited in a direction away from the actuator (14) (positive direction of the X-axis).

[0060] In the clamping device (1), the fixed block (16) can be used to accurately adjust the vertical position (Z-axis direction) of the forming unit (50). As an example, the fixed block (16) can function as a reference point for the position of the moving block (12) during the initial installation or assembly of the clamping device (1).

[0061] In other words, in this embodiment, the state in which the moving block (12) and the fixed block (16) are in contact with each other can be set so that the moving block (12) is placed at the reference point. Accordingly, the moving block (12) moves in a direction closer to the actuator (14) (negative direction of the X-axis), and the upper and lower positions of the molding unit (50) can be precisely adjusted.

[0062] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the fixed block (16) is described as being placed on the opposite side of the actuator (14). However, the fixed block (16) is not particularly restricted as long as it can limit the position or movement range of the movable block (12). For example, the fixed block (16) may be placed between the actuator (14) and the movable block (12). In this case, the position or movement range of the movable block (12) will be limited by the fixed block (16) in a direction closer to the actuator (14) (negative direction of the X-axis).

[0063] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 3, a clamping device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a lifting / lowering frame (20). The lifting / lowering frame (20) may be configured to move in an up-and-down direction (Z-axis direction) according to the movement of the moving block (12).

[0064] To this end, a corresponding surface (21) may be provided at the bottom of the lifting / lowering frame (20). The corresponding surface (21) may be inclined with respect to the horizontal plane to the same degree as the inclined surface (13). The corresponding surface (21) may be in contact with the inclined surface (13) of the moving block (12).

[0065] A connecting rod (22) may be provided in the lifting / lowering frame (20). The connecting rod (22) may extend downward from the lifting / lowering frame (20) (in the negative direction of the Z-axis) and pass through the upper frame (10).

[0066] As will be described in detail later, a support frame (30) may be attached to the lower part of the connecting rod (22). At this time, the connecting rod (22) may be configured to be movable relatively along the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) with respect to the upper frame (10).

[0067] With these configurations, the lifting and lowering of the lifting and lowering frame (20) by the moving block (12) can be performed as follows. When the moving block (12) moves away from the actuator (14) (positive direction of the X-axis), the corresponding surface (21) slides on the inclined surface (13).

[0068] At this time, the connecting rod (22) and the lifting / lowering frame (20) connected thereto are constrained in the horizontal direction (X-axis and Y-axis direction) by the upper frame (10) and are not constrained in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). Therefore, due to the relative movement of the corresponding surface (21) and the inclined surface (31), the lifting / lowering frame (20) moves upward (positive direction of the Z-axis).

[0069] Conversely, when the moving block (12) moves in a direction closer to the actuator (14) (negative direction of the X-axis), the corresponding surface (21) slides on the inclined surface (13), and the lifting / lowering frame (20) moves downward (negative direction of the Z-axis). Through this operation, the moving block (12) can uniformly adjust the vertical (Z-axis direction) positions of the molding units (50) coupled to the support frame (30) at once.

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, a clamping device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a support frame (30). The support frame (30) may be a frame to which molding units (50) are joined and supported.

[0071] In this embodiment, the support frame (30) may include a support frame portion (32). The support frame portion (32) may be placed on the lower side (negative direction of the Z-axis) of the upper frame (10). The support frame portion (32) may have a cylindrical or disc shape having a predetermined height.

[0072] The main rod (18) can pass through the central part of the support frame (32). At this time, the support frame (32) can be connected to the main rod (18) so as to be movable relatively along the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). In other words, the support frame (32) is guided in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) and can slide the main rod (18).

[0073] In addition, in this embodiment, the lower part of the connecting rod (22) can be coupled to the support frame part (32). As a result, the support frame (30) can be moved in the up and down direction (Z-axis direction) together with the lifting / lowering frame (20).

[0074] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the support frame (30) may include a pin support portion (34). The pin support portion (34) may be configured to support a pin (40) described later. To this end, a pin support hole (35) may be formed in a recess in the pin support portion (34). One side of the pin (40) may be inserted into the pin support hole (35). The structure or shape of the pin support portion (34) is not particularly limited as long as it can support the pin (40).

[0075] At this time, although not specifically illustrated, the pin support members (34) may be composed of multiple members. The number of pin support members (34) may correspond to the number of molding units (50). Multiple pin support members (34) may be arranged along the perimeter of the support frame member (32). This may be for the purpose of molding multiple semi-finished products (A) simultaneously.

[0076] Referring again to FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 4 to 6, a clamping device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a pin (40). The pin (40) may be a component that mediates the coupling of a support frame (30) and a molding unit (50). At this time, the relative position of the support frame (30) and the molding unit (50) may be adjusted according to the phase of the pin (40).

[0077] Accordingly, the vertical position (Z-axis direction) of the molding unit (50) can be adjusted. That is, the moving block (12) uniformly adjusts the vertical position of the plurality of molding units (50) coupled to the support frame (30) overall, whereas the pin (40) can perform the function of individually adjusting the vertical position of the molding unit (50) coupled thereto.

[0078] A pin (40) of a clamping device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a frame-side coupling portion (41). The frame-side coupling portion (41) may be configured to be coupled to a pin support hole (35) of a pin support portion (34). At this time, the frame-side coupling portion (41) may be rotatably supported in the pin support hole (35).

[0079] In this embodiment, the pin (40) may include a through-connection portion (42). The through-connection portion (42) may have a rod shape extending from the frame-side connecting portion (41). At this time, the through-connection portion (42) may extend to the outside of the support frame (30).

[0080] In this embodiment, the through-connection portion (42) may be a part to which the base portion (51) of the molding unit (50) described later is connected. The through-connection portion (42) may be connected to the through-hole (52) of the base portion (51), and as the inner wall of the through-hole (52) and the outer periphery of the through-connection portion (42) come into contact with each other, the pin (40) can support the molding unit (50).

[0081] At this time, the upper surface of the outer periphery of the through joint (42) may come into contact with the inner wall of the through hole (52). This is because the molding unit (50) receives gravity in the lower direction (negative direction of the Z-axis), and the pin (40) applies a vertical force opposing the gravity in the upper direction (positive direction of the Z-axis).

[0082] At this time, referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, in this embodiment, the through-connection part (42) may have an eccentric cross-section. This may be so that the molding unit (50) can be raised and lowered in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) by the eccentricity of the through-connection part (42).

[0083] In this embodiment, the through-connection portion (42) may have an elliptical shape with a short side having a first radius (R1) and a long side having a second radius (R2). Accordingly, the distance between the axis (X) of the pin (40) and the upper surface of the through-connection portion (42) may vary from the first radius (R1) to the second radius (R2) depending on the phase of the pin (40). Here, the phase of the pin (40) may refer to the angle at which the pin (40) is rotated around the axis (X) (indicated in FIG. 5).

[0084] As a result, the vertical position (Z-axis direction) of the molding unit (50) can be adjusted. Specifically, when the pin (40) is rotated so that the first radius (R1) faces the upper part of the through-connector (42), the molding unit (50) moves downward (negative direction of the Z-axis). Conversely, when the pin (40) is rotated so that the second radius (R2) faces the upper part of the through-connector (42), the molding unit (50) moves upward (negative direction of the Z-axis).

[0085] In this embodiment, the range in which the upper and lower positions of the molding unit (50) can be adjusted according to the rotation of the pin (40) may correspond to the difference (d) between the second radius (R1) and the first radius (R1) (indicated in FIG. 6). Meanwhile, the eccentric shape of the cross-section of the through-joint (42) is not particularly limited as long as the molding unit (50) can be moved according to the phase of the pin (40).

[0086] Meanwhile, referring again to FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, the pin (40) of the clamping device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an end (43). The end (43) may have a rod shape extending from the through-connecting part (42). At this time, the end (43) may extend parallel to the through-connecting part (42). The end (43) may face the outside of the support frame (30).

[0087] In this embodiment, a fixing groove (44) may be formed in the end portion (43). The fixing groove (44) may extend in a direction perpendicular to the axis (X) of the pin (40). The fixing groove (44) may have a slit shape. A pin fixing part (53), described later, may be inserted and coupled into this fixing groove (44). The fixing groove (44) may be modified into a hole penetrating the end portion (43), etc.

[0088] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the pin (40) may include an auxiliary fixing part (46). The auxiliary fixing part (46) may be configured to fix the phase of the pin (40). The auxiliary fixing part (46) may be coupled to the end part (43). Accordingly, the auxiliary fixing part (46) may rotate together with the frame-side coupling part (41), the through-coupling part (42), and the end part (43).

[0089] At this time, a fixing hole (47) may be formed through the auxiliary fixing part (46). A predetermined coupling member provided in the base part (51) of the molding unit (50) may be exposed through the fixing hole (47). At this time, the fixing hole (47) may have an arc shape surrounding the pin (40). Accordingly, even if the auxiliary fixing part (46) rotates within a predetermined angle range around the axis (X) of the pin (40), the coupling member may continue to be exposed through the fixing hole (47).

[0090] In this embodiment, the pin (40) may include a fixing pin portion (48). The fixing pin portion (48) may be configured to restrain the phase of the pin (40) by restraining the auxiliary fixing portion (46). Accordingly, the rotation of the pin (40) is restricted, and the upper and lower positions of the molding unit (50) can be fixed.

[0091] In this embodiment, the fixing pin portion (48) may include a pin portion (48a) and a pressure portion (48b). The pin portion (48a) may be disposed through the fixing hole (47). The end of the pin portion (48a) may be coupled to the coupling member provided in the base portion (51).

[0092] The pressure portion (48b) may extend outward from the outer periphery of the pin portion (48a). The pressure portion (48b) may have a ring shape. The pressure portion (48b) may be located on the opposite side of the coupling member with the auxiliary fixing portion (46) in between.

[0093] As a result, when the pin portion (48a) is coupled to the coupling member side while receiving force, the pressing portion (48b) can press the outer surface of the auxiliary fixing portion (46). Due to this action, the auxiliary fixing portion (46) can be restrained by the frictional force applied by the fixing pin portion (48) to the auxiliary fixing portion (46).

[0094] Referring to FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, a clamping device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a forming unit (50). The forming unit (50) may be configured to pressurize a semi-finished product (A). In some cases, the forming unit (50) may be collectively referred to as a spindle.

[0095] In this embodiment, the molding unit (50) may include a base portion (51). The base portion (51) may be a base for supporting other components of the molding unit (50). The base portion (51) may be composed of a frame having a predetermined rigidity. The base portion (51) may extend downward (in the negative direction of the Z-axis) from one side of the support frame (30).

[0096] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, a through hole (52) may be provided in the base portion (51). A through-connecting portion (42) of the aforementioned pin (40) may be disposed in the through-hole (52). Through this, the base portion (51) may be supported by the support frame (30) via the through-connecting portion (42).

[0097] In this embodiment, the molding unit (50) may include a pin fixing part (53). The pin fixing part (53) may be configured to limit the rotation of the pin (40). Through this, the upper and lower position of the molding unit (50) can be fixed. That is, in the clamping device (1), the upper and lower position of the molding unit (50) can be fixed by the aforementioned auxiliary fixing part (46) and the pin fixing part (53).

[0098] In this embodiment, the pin fixing part (53) may have a rod shape that can be inserted into the fixing groove (44) of the pin (40). The pin fixing part (53) may be coupled to the base part (51). To this end, the pin fixing part (53) and the base part (51) may be coupled by a connecting part (53a) made of a predetermined frame.

[0099] Accordingly, the pin fixing part (53) can restrict the rotation of the pin (40). The pin (40) can be rotated only when the pin fixing part (53) is removed from the fixing groove (44). This pin fixing part (53) can be utilized to accurately position the molding unit (50) in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). For example, the pin fixing part (53) can provide a predetermined reference point for the phase of the pin (40), like the previously described fixing block (16) (shown in FIG. 3).

[0100] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the pin fixing part (53) is described as a rod-shaped member. However, the pin fixing part (53) can be modified into various shapes or structures capable of restricting the rotation of the pin (40). Additionally, the pin fixing part (53) may restrict the rotation of the pin (40) by being coupled to or supported by a component other than the base part (51).

[0101] Referring to FIGS. 1, 7, and 8, a forming unit (50) of a clamping device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a clamping rod portion (54). The clamping rod portion (54) may extend downward (in the negative direction of the Z-axis) toward a semi-finished product (A) from a base portion (51).

[0102] At this time, the clamping rod portion (54) can be rotatably coupled to the base portion (51) around its axis. To this end, a bearing may be provided between the clamping rod portion (54) and the base portion (51). This may be so that the molding roller portion (58), described later, presses the semi-finished product (A) along its circumference.

[0103] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the molding unit (50) may include a clamping frame portion (55). The clamping frame portion (55) may be a frame coupled to the lower end of the clamping rod portion (54).

[0104] In this embodiment, the molding unit (50) may include a roller support (56). The roller support (56) may be configured to rotatably support the molding roller part (58). The roller support (56) may be supported by a clamping frame part (55).

[0105] The roller support (56) may be configured as a pair. The roller support (56) may be positioned at a predetermined distance apart. As a result, a semi-finished product (A) may be positioned between them.

[0106] At this time, the roller support (56) can be movably coupled to the clamping frame (55). A pair of roller support (56) can be moved closer to or further apart from each other.

[0107] In this embodiment, the molding unit (50) may include a molding roller part (58). The molding roller part (58) may be configured to bend the upper part (Ct) of the case (C). The molding roller part (58) may be rotatably supported on a roller support part (56).

[0108] At this time, the forming roller section (58) is composed of a pair and can be coupled to a pair of roller support sections (56) respectively. A pair of forming roller sections (58) can be arranged to face each other between a pair of roller support sections (56). A pair of forming roller sections (58) can have their rotational center axes arranged parallel to each other.

[0109] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, the forming roller part (58) may have a shape in which the radius decreases as it moves toward the opposite forming roller part (58). In other words, the forming roller part (58) may have a tapered shape. This may be to bend the upper part (Ct) of the case (C) at an angle.

[0110] In this embodiment, the molding unit (50) may include a roller actuator (59). The roller actuator (59) may be configured to move the roller support members (56) closer to or further apart from each other.

[0111] At this time, the roller actuator (59) can be supported by the clamping frame part (55). The roller actuator (59) is composed of a pair and can be operatively coupled with each of the pair of roller support parts (56).

[0112] Hereinafter, the process of forming a semi-finished product (A) by a clamping device according to one embodiment of the present invention is briefly described.

[0113] Referring to FIGS. 1, 7, and 8, in this embodiment, the upper portion (Ct) of the case (C) can be positioned between a pair of forming roller portions (58). Next, the pair of forming roller portions (58) can be moved in a direction that brings them closer to each other by an actuator (49) for the rollers. As a result, the upper portion (Ct) of the case (C) can be pressed by the outer surface of the forming roller portions (58) and bent inward.

[0114] Next, the clamping rod portion (54) can rotate around its axis, and a pair of forming roller portions (58) can revolve around the case (C). In the process, the upper portion (Ct) of the case (C) can be press-molded along its entire circumference. Thus, the clamping process of the semi-finished product (A) can be completed by the clamping device (1).

[0115] At this time, according to the clamping device (1) of one embodiment of the present invention, the vertical position (Z-axis direction) of the molding unit (50) can be precisely adjusted by the fixed block (16) and / or the pin fixing part (53), and can also be accurately placed at a set location, so the quality of the clamping process can be improved.

[0116] 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.

[0117] [Explanation of the symbol]

[0118] 1: Clamping device 10: Upper frame

[0119] 12: Moving block 14: Actuator

[0120] 16: Fixed Block 18: Main Load

[0121] 20: Lifting / Lowering Frame 30: Support Frame

[0122] 40: Pin 50: Molding unit

[0123] A: Semi-finished product

Claims

1. A clamping device for forming the upper part of a cylindrical case in which an electrode assembly is housed internally, Move block; An actuator capable of moving the above-mentioned moving block; A fixed block fixed to one side of the movable block to limit the movement distance of the movable block; A support frame capable of moving up and down in the vertical direction as the above-mentioned movable block moves; and A clamping device comprising a molding unit supported by the above support frame and capable of molding the upper part of the case.

2. In Paragraph 1, The actuator is configured to move the moving block back and forth in a horizontal direction, and The above fixed block is a clamping device positioned on one side in the horizontal direction of the above movable block.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above fixed block is a clamping device positioned opposite the actuator with the above moving block in between.

4. In Paragraph 2, It further includes a lifting / lowering frame connected to the above-mentioned support frame, and The above-mentioned moving block includes an inclined surface inclined with respect to a horizontal plane, and A clamping device wherein the above-mentioned lifting / lowering frame is configured such that one side contacts the inclined surface, allowing it to rise and fall along the slope of the inclined surface as the moving block moves.

5. In Paragraph 4, A clamping device wherein the above-mentioned lifting / lowering frame includes a corresponding surface that extends parallel to and contacts the above-mentioned inclined surface.

6. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a pin coupled to the support frame and supporting the molding unit, The above pin is, A frame-side coupling part rotatably coupled to the above-mentioned support frame; and A clamping device comprising a through-joint extending from the above-mentioned frame-side joint, penetrating the above-mentioned molding unit, and having an eccentric cross-section.

7. In Paragraph 6, A clamping device having a cross-section of the above-mentioned through-joint having an elliptical shape.

8. In Paragraph 6, A clamping device configured such that the forming unit is raised and lowered by the eccentricity of the through-connecting part as the pin rotates around the axis.

9. In Paragraph 6, The above pin is, It includes an end portion that extends parallel to the above-mentioned through joint portion and is provided with a groove or hole, The above-mentioned molding unit is, A base part having a through hole into which the above-mentioned through-coupling part is inserted; and A clamping device comprising a pin fixing part that can be coupled to the groove or hole to restrict the rotation of the pin.

10. In Paragraph 9, The above pin fixing part is a clamping device coupled to the above base part.

11. In Paragraph 9, The above groove or hole is formed in a direction perpendicular to the direction parallel to the axis of the pin, and The above pin fixing part is a clamping device extending in the vertical direction.

12. In Paragraph 9, The above pin fixing part is a clamping device having a rod shape that can be fitted into the groove or hole.

13. In Paragraph 9, The above pin is, An auxiliary fixing part connected to the above end and provided with an arc-shaped fixing hole; and A clamping device further comprising a fixing pin portion that penetrates the fixing hole and is coupled to the base portion to restrict rotation of the auxiliary fixing portion.

14. In Paragraph 9, The above-mentioned molding unit is, A clamping rod portion extending outwardly from the above base portion; and A clamping device further comprising a forming roller portion rotatably supported at the end of the clamping rod portion and capable of press-forming the upper part of the case.

15. In Paragraph 14, The clamping rod portion is a clamping device rotatably coupled to the base portion around an axis.