Electrode manufacturing apparatus for electrode laser grooving

Abstract

An electrode manufacturing apparatus is provided, comprising: a conveying member that continuously conveys an electrode sheet to perform an electrode grooving process; a laser irradiation member that irradiates the electrode sheet with a laser beam to perform the electrode grooving process; and a pattern fixture located in a portion facing the laser irradiation member to support the electrode sheet, the electrode sheet being disposed between the laser irradiation member and the pattern fixture, wherein the pattern fixture includes a panel with a pattern hole through which the laser beam that has grooved the electrode sheet passes, the pattern hole having a structure that widens from front to back based on the direction of laser beam travel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0172820, filed on December 6, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This invention relates to an electrode manufacturing apparatus for laser grooving of electrodes. Background Technology

[0003] With the increasing demand from mobile devices, electric vehicles, and other applications, the demand for rechargeable batteries is also rapidly increasing. In particular, lithium-ion rechargeable batteries with high energy density and high voltage have been commercialized and are widely used.

[0004] Lithium-ion secondary batteries are classified according to the structure of their electrode assemblies, which have a structure of stacked cathodes, anodes, and a separator placed between the cathodes and anodes. Examples of electrode assemblies classified in this way can include jelly roll type (wound type) electrode assemblies, stacked type (layered type) electrode assemblies, etc. In a jelly roll type (wound type) electrode assembly, elongated cathodes and anodes are rolled up, and a separator is placed between the cathodes and anodes. In a stacked type (layered type) electrode assembly, multiple cathodes and anodes cut into units of a predetermined size are sequentially stacked, and a separator is placed between the cathodes and anodes. Recently, in order to solve the problems of jelly roll type and stacked type electrode assemblies, a stacked / folded type electrode assembly is used, which has a hybrid form of jelly roll type and stacked type electrode assembly, and has a structure in which the unit cells are sequentially rolled up while the unit cells are on the separator. In the unit cells, the cathodes and anodes of predetermined units are stacked, and a separator is placed between the cathodes and anodes.

[0005] Generally, this type of secondary battery is completed by applying and drying an electrode mixture containing electrode active materials, conductive agents, binders, etc., on an electrode current collector to manufacture an electrode, stacking the manufactured electrode with a separator, and then embedding and sealing the laminate with an electrolyte solution in a battery casing.

[0006] In this case, an electrode sheet is made by applying an electrode active material to an electrode current collector having an elongated sheet shape, and an electrode is made by slotting the electrode sheet and then cutting the electrode sheet to a predetermined length.

[0007] Typically, grooving is performed using a broach or roller with a cutting component that corresponds to the shape of the electrode. Recently, grooving has also been performed by irradiating the electrode sheet with a predetermined laser, thereby forming the electrode with more precise dimensions.

[0008] Figure 1 The image shows an electrode manufacturing apparatus using a laser, based on related technologies. For example... Figure 1 As shown, a drawback of the electrode manufacturing apparatus according to the related technology is that when foreign matter (splatter, etc.) generated during grooving accumulates or adheres around the pattern hole 42 of the pattern jig 40, it can damage the electrode sheet.

[0009] Therefore, this issue needs to be addressed.

[0010] [Existing Technical Documents]

[0011] [Patent Documents]

[0012] Korean Patent No. 10-2158708 Summary of the Invention

[0013] [Technical Issues]

[0014] The present invention aims to solve the aforementioned problems in the related art. The object of the present invention is to provide an electrode manufacturing apparatus that can effectively prevent foreign matter (spatters, etc.) generated during electrode laser grooving from accumulating and adhering around the pattern holes of the pattern fixture and damaging the electrode sheet.

[0015] [Technical Solution]

[0016] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an electrode manufacturing apparatus, comprising: a conveying member that continuously conveys an electrode sheet to perform an electrode grooving process; a laser irradiation member that irradiates the electrode sheet with a laser beam to perform the electrode grooving process; and a pattern fixture located in a portion facing the laser irradiation member to support the electrode sheet, the electrode sheet being placed between the laser irradiation member and the pattern fixture; wherein the pattern fixture includes a panel, the panel including a pattern hole through which the laser beam that has grooved the electrode sheet passes, the pattern hole having a structure that widens from front to back based on the direction of laser beam travel.

[0017] In embodiments of the present invention, the patterned hole can be formed as a through hole in the panel, and the wall forming the through hole may include an inclined portion, the inclined portion forming an interior angle of 15° to 80° with the upper surface of the panel in the direction toward the laser irradiation component. Preferably, the wall forming the through hole may include an inclined portion, the inclined portion forming an interior angle of 15° to 70° with the upper surface of the panel in the direction toward the laser irradiation component.

[0018] In embodiments of the present invention, the panel may have a thickness of 1.0 mm or less.

[0019] In embodiments of the present invention, the panel including the patterned holes can be a flat panel or a curved panel protruding in the direction toward the electrode sheet.

[0020] In an embodiment of the present invention, the pattern clamp can be fixed to the upper part of the suction device.

[0021] In an embodiment of the present invention, the panel including the patterned holes may be a curved panel protruding in the direction toward the electrode sheet, and the patterned jig including the curved panel may be fixed to the cylindrical roller suction part.

[0022] In embodiments of the present invention, three to ten pattern jigs, including a protruding curved panel, can be fixed on a cylindrical roller suction unit, and electrode grooving can be performed while replacing one pattern jig with another by rotating the cylindrical roller suction unit.

[0023] In an embodiment of the present invention, a foreign matter anti-stick coating may be further provided on the surface of the panel including the patterned holes.

[0024] Foreign matter anti-stick coatings can have a coefficient of friction of 0.3 or less and a surface roughness of 0.15 μm or less.

[0025] In embodiments of the present invention, the foreign matter anti-stick coating may be formed from one or more coatings selected from diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings and AlCrN (Alcrona) coatings.

[0026] In embodiments of the present invention, the electrode sheet may include a coated portion on one or both surfaces of the electrode current collector coated with an electrode active material and an uncoated portion not coated with an electrode active material.

[0027] In embodiments of the present invention, the electrode manufacturing apparatus can be used in the grooving process for forming electrode tabs.

[0028] [Beneficial Effects]

[0029] The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention includes a pattern jig with an improved structure, which can effectively prevent foreign matter (spatters, etc.) generated during electrode laser grooving from accumulating and adhering around the pattern holes of the pattern jig and thus damaging the electrode sheet. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an electrode manufacturing apparatus according to related technologies and its usage.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a plan view illustrating an embodiment of the patterned fixture used in the electrode manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention.

[0032] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 The cross-sectional views of the pattern fixture are AA section (a) and BB section (b).

[0033] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of the electrode manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention.

[0034] Figure 5 This is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of the patterned fixture used in the electrode manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention.

[0035] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of section AA of the patterned fixture.

[0036] Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment of the electrode manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention.

[0037] Figure 8 This is a photograph illustrating another embodiment of the patterned fixture used in the electrode manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention.

[0038] Figure 9 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment of the electrode manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention.

[0039] Figure 10 This is a schematic perspective view illustrating another embodiment of the electrode manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0040] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can readily implement the present invention. However, the present invention can be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Throughout the specification, similar parts will be indicated by the same reference numerals.

[0041] Figure 2 This is a plan view illustrating an embodiment of the patterned fixture used in the electrode manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention. Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 The cross-sectional views of the patterned fixture at sections AA (a) and BB (b) are shown. Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of the electrode manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention.

[0042] like Figure 4 As shown, the electrode manufacturing apparatus 100 according to the present invention includes: a conveying member 20 that continuously conveys an electrode sheet 10 to perform an electrode grooving process; a laser irradiation member 30 that irradiates the electrode sheet 10 with a laser beam to perform the electrode grooving process; and a pattern fixture 40 located in the portion facing the laser irradiation member to support the electrode sheet, the electrode sheet 10 being placed between the laser irradiation member and the pattern fixture.

[0043] The pattern fixture 40 includes a panel 44, which includes a pattern hole 42 through which a laser beam that has cut grooves in the electrode sheet 10 passes. The pattern hole 42 has a structure that widens from front to back based on the direction of laser beam travel.

[0044] like Figure 2 and 3 As shown, the pattern clamp 40 may be the panel 44 itself, including the pattern hole 42, and may also include a fixing member for fixing the panel 44 to a suction device or the like. The fixing member may include a support member, a fixing device, or the like, for properly fixing the panel 44 to the suction device or the like. The fixing device may be, for example, a connection hole for screw connection or the like.

[0045] In an embodiment of the present invention, the patterned hole 42 is formed as a through hole in the panel, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the wall 48 forming the through hole may include an inclined portion, which forms an interior angle of 15° to 80°, preferably 15° to 70°, and more preferably 15° to 45° with the upper surface of the panel in the direction toward the laser irradiation component.

[0046] At the same time, such as Figure 6 As shown, the wall 48 may include an inclined portion, which forms an interior angle of 10° to 75°, preferably 20° to 75°, and more preferably 45° to 75°, based on an axis parallel to the central axis of the laser beam.

[0047] In embodiments of the present invention, the thickness of the panel can be 1.0 mm or less, preferably 0.7 mm or less, and more preferably 0.5 mm or less.

[0048] In embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 4 and 9 As shown, the pattern fixture 40 can be fixed to the upper part of the suction unit 50. That is, in the electrode manufacturing apparatus 100 according to the present invention, foreign matter (such as spatter) 80 is generated when the laser beam cuts grooves in the electrode sheet 10, and this foreign matter needs to be removed. Therefore, the pattern fixture 40 can be installed together with the suction device. The suction device is installed to communicate with the pattern hole 42 formed in the pattern fixture 40, and adsorbs the foreign matter (such as spatter) generated in and around the pattern hole 42 by drawing in air. The term "upper part" above refers to the position determined based on the direction of laser beam travel.

[0049] In embodiments of the present invention, the panel 44 including the patterned hole 42 can be as follows: Figure 2 and 3 The flat panel shown or such Figure 5 and 6 The curved panel 44 shown protrudes in the direction toward the electrode sheet. Figure 5This is a perspective view illustrating another embodiment of the patterned fixture used in the electrode manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention. Figure 6 It is shown Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of section AA of the patterned fixture.

[0050] When the pattern jig 40 includes a curved panel 44 protruding in the direction toward the electrode sheet, the pattern jig 40 can be applied, for example, to... Figure 9 The electrode manufacturing apparatus shown. That is, the pattern jig 40 as described above can be fixed to, for example... Figure 9 The cylindrical roller suction section 50 shown is used in this form.

[0051] exist Figure 9 In the electrode manufacturing apparatus shown, the electrode sheet 10 is supplied by the transfer member 20 such that the electrode sheet 10 surrounds a portion of the cylindrical roller suction section 50 as it passes through it. In this case, the pattern jig 40 is fixed to the surface of the cylindrical roller suction section 50 that contacts the electrode sheet 10, and electrode grooving is performed by the laser beam 32 irradiated from the laser irradiation member 30.

[0052] Three to ten pattern jigs 40, including a curved panel, can be fixed on a cylindrical roller suction unit. Electrode grooving can be performed while replacing one pattern jig 40 with another pattern jig 40 by rotating the cylindrical roller suction unit 50.

[0053] In embodiments of the present invention, a foreign matter anti-stick coating may be further provided on the panel surface including the patterned holes.

[0054] The coefficient of friction of the foreign matter anti-stick coating can be 0.3 or less, preferably 0.15 or less, and the surface roughness can be 0.15 μm or less, preferably 0.1 μm or less.

[0055] When the coefficient of friction exceeds 0.3, foreign matter may accumulate or adhere, which is undesirable. Furthermore, when the surface roughness exceeds 0.15 μm, foreign matter may accumulate or adhere, which is also undesirable.

[0056] Foreign matter anti-stick coatings can have a hardness of 1800 to 2000.

[0057] Foreign matter anti-stick coatings can be formed from one or more coatings selected from diamond-like carbon (DLC) coatings, AlCrN (Alcrona) coatings, etc., but are not limited thereto. Known coating materials can be used without limitation as long as the coating material meets the requirements of the coating.

[0058] In one embodiment of the present invention, the electrode sheet 10 may include a coated portion on one or both surfaces of the electrode current collector coated with an electrode active material and an uncoated portion uncoated with an electrode active material.

[0059] In embodiments of the present invention, grooving can be a process of grooving to create electrode contacts or cutting electrodes into individual units.

[0060] Although the present invention has been described with respect to the above embodiments, various modifications and alterations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, any such modifications and alterations that fall within the essence of the invention are within the scope of the claims.

[0061] [Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures]

[0062] 10: Electrode plates

[0063] 20: Conveying components

[0064] 30: Laser irradiation component

[0065] 32: Laser beam

[0066] 36: Suction component

[0067] 40: Pattern Fixture

[0068] 42: Patterned Hole

[0069] 44: Panel

[0070] 46: Pattern clamp fixing slot

[0071] 48: wall

[0072] 49: Coating

[0073] 50: Suction section

[0074] 52: Suction Hole

[0075] 54: Suction tube

[0076] 56: Suction device

[0077] 100: Electrode manufacturing apparatus

Claims

1. An electrode manufacturing apparatus, comprising: A conveying component that continuously conveys electrode sheets to perform an electrode grooving process; A laser irradiation component irradiates the electrode sheet with a laser beam to perform an electrode grooving process; and A pattern fixture, located on the portion facing the laser irradiation component, supports the electrode sheet, which is positioned between the laser irradiation component and the pattern fixture. The pattern fixture includes a panel with a patterned hole through which a laser beam, having cut grooves in the electrode sheet, passes. The patterned hole has a structure that widens from front to back based on the direction of laser beam travel. The patterned holes are formed as through holes in the panel, and the wall forming the through holes includes an inclined portion, the inclined portion forming an interior angle of 15° to 80° with the upper surface of the panel in the direction toward the laser irradiation component. This includes the panel with the patterned holes being a curved panel that protrudes in the direction toward the electrode sheet. This includes fixing the patterned clamp of the curved panel to the cylindrical roller suction section.

2. The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inclined portion forms an interior angle of 15° to 45° with the upper surface of the panel in the direction toward the laser irradiation member.

3. The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inclined portion forms an interior angle of 15° to 70° with the upper surface of the panel in the direction toward the laser irradiation member.

4. The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the panel has a thickness of 1.0 mm or less.

5. The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pattern fixture is fixed to the upper part of the suction device.

6. The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, comprising three to ten pattern jigs of the curved panel protruding in the direction toward the electrode sheet, fixed to the cylindrical roller suction section, wherein electrode grooving is performed while replacing the pattern jigs with another pattern jig by rotating the cylindrical roller suction section.

7. The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a foreign matter anti-stick coating is further provided on the surface of the panel including the patterned holes.

8. The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the foreign matter anti-stick coating has a coefficient of friction of 0.3 or less and a surface roughness of 0.15 μm or less.

9. The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the foreign matter anti-adhesion coating is formed from one or more coatings selected from diamond-like carbon coatings and AlCrN coatings.

10. The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electrode sheet comprises a coated portion having an electrode active material coated on one or both surfaces of the electrode current collector and an uncoated portion not coated with an electrode active material.

11. The electrode manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the electrode manufacturing apparatus is used in the grooving process for forming electrode tabs.

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