Carrier

Abstract

A carrier according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a center pin that extends parallel to a winding axis of an electrode assembly and passes through a winding center hole of the electrode assembly whose core and outer peripheral surface are defined when a first electrode and a second electrode and a separator interposed therebetween are wound around the winding axis; a support member located at a lower portion of the center pin and supporting the electrode assembly from below; and a base portion located at a lower portion of the support and including at least one pair of bearings configured to be rotatable on a flat surface perpendicular to the winding shaft.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a carrier, and more particularly, to a carrier for supporting and / or transferring an electrode assembly of a battery cell.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0174176 filed in Korea on December 13, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] Secondary batteries have high applicability according to product groups and electrical characteristics such as high energy density, and are therefore generally applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) driven by power supplies. Such secondary batteries have attracted attention as a new energy source that improves eco-friendliness and energy efficiency, because they not only have the main advantage of significantly reducing the use of fossil fuels, but also do not produce byproducts generated by energy use.

[0004] Currently widely used secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, etc. The operating voltage of a unit secondary battery cell (i.e., a unit battery cell) is about 2.5V to 4.5V. Therefore, if a higher output voltage is required, a plurality of battery cells can be connected in series to configure a battery pack. In addition, depending on the required charge / discharge capacity of the battery pack, a plurality of battery cells can be connected in parallel to configure a battery pack. Therefore, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack can be set differently according to the required output voltage and / or the required charge / discharge capacity.

[0005] In addition, conventional electrode assembly carriers include a component called an insert ring. The insert ring is a component required for the tape process and the electrode assembly insertion process. However, in carriers including such an insert ring, the number of equipment units for raising / lowering the insert ring during the tape process has increased, resulting in problems with abnormal placement of the insert ring when the insert ring is raised / lowered. This occasionally causes equipment floating and / or process problems.

[0006] Furthermore, when the electrode assembly is not properly seated in the process of being seated inside the carrier after the insertion ring is rotated 180 degrees, there is a problem of abnormal seating of the electrode assembly such as tilting and / or getting stuck.

[0007] In addition, there is also a problem that when the insert ring inside the carrier is deviated during the spinning process, it causes a problem in the progress of the process.

[0008] Furthermore, the insert ring is an operational management point that needs to be managed during cleaning and wear, which is also an operational issue. Summary of the invention

[0009] Technical issues

[0010] Therefore, the present disclosure is intended to be able to perform the tape winding process and two processes such as the electrode assembly insertion process and the battery case insertion process while removing the insertion ring as a management point of the carrier.

[0011] Specifically, another object of the present disclosure is to achieve structural simplification and process simplification by using a pin carrier type, compared with an insert ring carrier having a double structure.

[0012] In another aspect of the present disclosure, yet another object of the present disclosure is to improve causes of abnormal placement and deviation during the process of insert rings that lead to equipment floating and process problems by removing the insert rings from a carrier.

[0013] However, the technical problems to be solved by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other problems not mentioned herein according to the following description of the present disclosure.

[0014] Technical Solution

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a carrier for solving the above-mentioned problems includes: a center pin, which passes through a winding center hole of an electrode assembly defining a core and an outer peripheral surface by winding a first electrode and a second electrode with a separator interposed therebetween around a winding axis, and extends in a direction parallel to the winding axis of the electrode assembly; a support member, which is located below the center pin and supports the electrode assembly from below; and a base, which is located below the support member and includes at least one pair of bearings, and the at least one pair of bearings is configured to be able to rotate on a flat surface perpendicular to the winding axis.

[0016] Preferably, the base may be configured to rotate the support.

[0017] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the vector may not include an intervening loop.

[0018] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the length of the center pin may be less than or equal to the length of the electrode assembly in the winding axis direction.

[0019] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the center pin may have a shape whose radius decreases toward the end.

[0020] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the support member may support a current collector coupled to one side of the electrode assembly.

[0021] Here, the current collector may include a support portion disposed on one side of the electrode assembly; a joint connection portion extending from the support portion and connected to the first uncoated portion of the electrode assembly; and a case connection portion extending from the support portion and configured to be electrically connected to an inner surface of the battery case.

[0022] Preferably, the case coupling portion may include a contact portion coupled to an inner surface of the battery case; and a connection portion connecting the support portion and the contact portion.

[0023] Preferably, the connection portion may have a one-sided convex structure based on an imaginary straight line connecting both end portions of the connection portion in the length direction.

[0024] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the connection portion may have a shape in which an inclination thereof decreases stepwise or gradually toward the contact portion.

[0025] In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the support member may be configured such that its radius increases as it moves away from the electrode assembly.

[0026] For example, the shape of the support may be configured to match the shape of the connection portion of the current collector.

[0027] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a diameter of the support may be configured to be greater than a diameter of a winding center hole provided in a core of the electrode assembly.

[0028] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a diameter of the support may be configured to be greater than a diameter of a current collector hole formed in the center of the current collector.

[0029] Beneficial Effects

[0030] According to the present disclosure, the supporting and rotating processes of the electrode assembly may be achieved by a carrier that does not include an insertion ring.

[0031] In addition, the tape process may be smoothly performed by a structure including a bearing within the base of the carrier.

[0032] Finally, when the electrode assembly is inserted into the battery case, the insertion ring is not required during the rotation process. Therefore, the problem of tilting the electrode assembly due to abnormal placement of the insertion ring during the transfer of the electrode assembly and the placement of the insertion ring can be fundamentally prevented. In addition, the device design and structure simplification can be achieved by removing the insertion ring, and the operation management point can be eliminated.

[0033] Additionally, by adding bearings to allow the carrier to rotate smoothly, the cause of problems associated with the winding progress of the tape process can be eliminated.

[0034] However, the effects to be obtained by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other technical effects not mentioned herein according to the following description of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the foregoing disclosure, are used to provide a further understanding of the technical features of the present disclosure, and therefore, the present disclosure is not to be construed as being limited to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Figure 1 is a diagram for describing a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 2 is a diagram for describing a current collector included in a battery cell according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 3 is a diagram for describing a coupling form of an electrode assembly and a current collector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 4 is a diagram for describing how a current collector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is coupled to one side of an electrode assembly.

[0040] Figure 5 is a diagram for describing a carrier according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 6 is a diagram for describing a process of mounting an electrode assembly and a current collector on a carrier according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 7 is a diagram for describing a state in which an electrode assembly and a current collector are mounted on a carrier according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 8 is a diagram for describing in detail how a carrier supports an electrode assembly and a current collector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Fig. 9 is a diagram for describing how a carrier rotates an electrode assembly and a current collector according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the terms used in the specification and the appended claims should not be interpreted as limited to the general and dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted based on the meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical solutions of the present disclosure on the basis of the principle that the inventor is allowed to appropriately define the terms for the best interpretation.

[0046] Therefore, the descriptions presented herein are merely preferred examples for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, and it should be appreciated that other equivalents and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 1 is a diagram for describing a battery cell B according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 2 is a diagram for describing a current collector 30 included in a battery cell B according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 is a diagram for describing a coupling form of an electrode assembly 10 and a current collector 30 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 4 is a diagram for describing how a current collector 30 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is coupled to one side of an electrode assembly 10 .

[0048] Reference Figure 1 , a battery cell B according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may include an electrode assembly 10, a battery case 20, and a current collector 30. On the other hand, the present disclosure is not limited by the shape of the battery cell B.

[0049] The electrode assembly 10 includes a first uncoated portion 11 and a second uncoated portion 12. More specifically, the electrode assembly 10 has a first electrode and a second electrode (a separator is interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode), and a separator interposed therebetween is wound around a winding axis to define a core and a peripheral surface. That is, the electrode assembly 10 applied to the present disclosure may be a core-wound electrode assembly 10. In this case, an additional separator may also be provided on the peripheral surface of the electrode assembly 10 for insulation from the battery case 20. Without limitation, the electrode assembly 10 may have a winding structure known in the art.

[0050] The first electrode includes a first electrode current collector and a first electrode active material applied to one side or both sides of the first electrode current collector. Figure 1 At one end of the cylindrical battery cell B shown in the figure (in a direction parallel to the height direction), there is an uncoated portion that is not coated with the first electrode active material. That is, the first electrode includes an uncoated portion that is not coated with the active material at the long side end along the winding direction and is exposed to the outside of the separator. The uncoated portion used as the first electrode contact will be referred to as the first uncoated portion 11 hereinafter. The first uncoated portion 11 is arranged in the height direction of the electrode assembly 10 housed in the battery case 20 (in a direction parallel to the height direction of the cylindrical battery cell B shown in the figure). Figure 1The top of the cylindrical battery cell B shown in FIG. 1 is parallel to the height direction of the cylindrical battery cell B shown in FIG. That is, the first electrode includes a first uncoated portion 11, which is not coated with an active material layer at its long side end and is exposed to the outside of the separator, and at least a portion of the first uncoated portion 11 itself serves as an electrode terminal. The first uncoated portion 11 may be, for example, a negative electrode terminal.

[0051] In addition, at least a portion of the first non-coating portion 11 may include a plurality of segment pieces divided along the winding direction of the electrode assembly 10. In this case, the plurality of segment pieces 11a may be bent along the radial direction of the electrode assembly 10.

[0052] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 as well as Figure 1 , the plurality of segmented pieces 11a of the bent first uncoated portion 11 may overlap in multiple layers to form a bent surface. In this case, the joint connection portion 32 of the current collector 30, which will be described later, may be connected to the bent surface. The joint connection portion 32 may be connected to an area where the plurality of segmented pieces overlap in multiple layers. In this case, welding of a predetermined area may be performed while the joint connection portion 32 is placed on the bent surface of the first uncoated portion 11. That is, the joint connection portion 32 may be connected to an area where the plurality of segmented pieces of the first uncoated portion 11 overlap in multiple layers.

[0053] The second electrode includes a second electrode current collector and a second electrode active material applied to one side or both sides of the second electrode current collector. Figure 1 At the other end of the cylindrical battery cell B shown in the figure (in a direction parallel to the height direction), there is an uncoated portion that is not coated with the second electrode active material. That is, the second electrode includes an uncoated portion that is not coated with the active material at the long side end along the winding direction and is exposed to the outside of the diaphragm. The uncoated portion used as the second electrode connector will be referred to as the second uncoated portion 12 hereinafter. The second uncoated portion 12 is arranged at the bottom in the height direction of the electrode assembly 10 accommodated in the battery case 20. That is, the second electrode includes a second uncoated portion 12, which is not coated with an active material layer at the long side end thereof and is exposed to the outside of the diaphragm, and at least a portion of the second uncoated portion 12 itself is used as an electrode connector. The second uncoated portion 12 can be, for example, a positive electrode connector.

[0054] In addition, at least a portion of the second non-coating portion 12 may include a plurality of segmented pieces divided along the winding direction of the electrode assembly 10. In this case, the plurality of segmented pieces may be bent along the radial direction of the electrode assembly 10. Figure 1, a plurality of segmented pieces of the bent second non-coating portion 12 may be overlapped in multiple layers to form a bent surface. In this case, a second current collector 30 to be described later may be coupled to the bent surface.

[0055] On the other hand, in the present disclosure, the positive electrode active material coated on the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode active material coated on the negative electrode plate may be used without limitation as long as they are active materials known in the art.

[0056] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 4 The battery case 20 is a generally cylindrical receiver having an opening formed on one side and made of a conductive metal material. The side surface of the battery case 20 and the bottom on the opposite side of the opening (based on Figure 1 The lower side of the battery case 20 is generally formed integrally. That is, the upper end of the battery case 20 in the height direction is usually open and the lower end is closed. The lower side of the battery case 20 may have a generally flat shape. The battery case 20 accommodates the electrode assembly 10 by forming an opening on one side thereof in the height direction (a direction parallel to the Z axis). The battery case 20 may also accommodate an electrolyte through the opening.

[0057] The battery case 20 may include a curling portion 21 formed at an end portion adjacent to an opening provided at an upper end of the battery case 20. The battery case 20 may also include a press edge portion 22 formed on the curling portion 21. The curling portion 21 has a shape in which the circumference of the outer peripheral surface of the battery case 20 is recessed to a predetermined depth. More specifically, the curling portion 21 may have an inwardly recessed shape in a region between an opening formed on one side of the battery case 20 and a receiving portion that accommodates the electrode assembly 10.

[0058] The curling portion 21 can provide a support surface where at least a portion of the edge circumference of the current collector 30 to be described later can be placed and connected. That is, at least a portion of the edge circumference of the current collector 30 of the present disclosure can be placed on the upper surface of the upper curling portion 21. In order to stably support at least a portion of the edge circumference of the current collector 30, the upper surface of the upper curling portion 21 can have a shape extending in a direction substantially parallel to the lower surface of the battery case 20 (i.e., in a direction substantially perpendicular to the side wall of the battery case 20). Together with Figure 1 Refer to Figure 4 The bead portion 21 may serve as a support portion for fixing the contact portion 33 a of the current collector 30 .

[0059] Refer again Figure 1The beading portion 22 is formed on the upper portion of the curling portion 21. The beading portion 22 has an extended and bent shape to surround the edge circumference of the housing cover provided on the upper portion of the curling portion 21. The housing cover is fixed to the curling portion 21 by this shape of the beading portion 22.

[0060] Next, we will refer to Figures 1 to 4 The current collector 30 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is described in detail.

[0061] First, refer to Figure 1 The current collector 30 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is accommodated in the battery case 20, is electrically connected to the electrode assembly 10, and is also connected to the battery case 20. That is, the current collector 30 provides electrical connection between the electrode assembly 10 and the battery case 20.

[0062] Reference Figure 2 The current collector 30 includes a support portion 31 disposed on one side of the electrode assembly 10, a joint connection portion 32 extending from the support portion 31 and connected to an uncoated portion of the electrode assembly 10, and a case connection portion 33 extending from the support portion 31 and configured to be electrically connected to an inner surface of the battery case 20.

[0063] The joint connection portion 32 and the first shell connection portion 33 are indirectly connected through the support portion 31, and they are not directly connected to each other. Therefore, when an external impact is applied to the cylindrical battery cell B of the present disclosure, the possibility of damage to the connection portion between the current collector 30 and the electrode assembly 10 and the connection portion between the current collector 30 and the battery case 20 can be minimized. At least one of the joint connection portion 32 and / or the first shell connection portion 33 may be provided. Based on the center of the current collector 30, at least one joint connection portion 32 and at least one first shell connection portion 33 may be provided, for example, in a generally radial shape, a cross shape, or a combination thereof. On the other hand, each of the plurality of first shell connection portions 33 may be provided between joint connection portions 32 adjacent to each other.

[0064] The support portion 31 and the plurality of joint coupling portions 32 may be provided at one side of the electrode assembly 10. Figure 1 , a support portion 31 and a plurality of joint coupling portions 32 may be provided on an upper portion of the electrode assembly 10. The joint coupling portion 32 is coupled to the first uncoated portion 11 of the electrode assembly 10. The joint coupling portion 32 may be coupled to the first uncoated portion 11 along a radial direction of the electrode assembly 10, for example, by welding. For example, the joint coupling portion 32 may be welded and coupled to the first uncoated portion 11 in a state substantially parallel to the lower surface of the battery case 20.

[0065] In addition, not only the joint coupling portion 32 but also the support portion 31 may be coupled to the first uncoated portion 11. The joint coupling portion 32 and the first uncoated portion 11 may be coupled by welding. When the beading portion 21 is formed in the battery case 20, the support portion 31 and the joint coupling portion 32 may be positioned lower than the beading portion 21.

[0066] The support portion 31 may include a current collector hole H2 formed at a position corresponding to the winding center hole H1 formed substantially in the center of the electrode assembly 10. The winding center hole H1 and the current collector hole H2 communicated with each other may be used as a passage for inserting a welding rod for welding between a terminal of a battery and the second current collector 30 or between a terminal and a lead tap, or a passage for irradiation of a laser beam.

[0067] The plurality of first housing coupling portions 33 may have a shape extending generally radially from the support portion 31 of the current collector 30 toward the side wall of the battery housing 20. Each of the plurality of first housing coupling portions 33 may be positioned to be spaced apart from each other along the circumference of the support portion 31. At least one first housing coupling portion 33 may be located between adjacent joint coupling portions 32. The plurality of first housing coupling portions 33 may be coupled to the inner surface of the battery housing 20, for example, to the crimping portion 21. The first housing coupling portion 33 may be particularly coupled to the upper surface of the crimping portion 21. In the cylindrical battery cell B of the present disclosure, when this structure is applied, the first housing coupling portion 33 may be naturally placed on the crimping portion 21 by the process in which the electrode assembly 10 is accommodated in the battery housing 20 with the current collector 30 coupled thereto. Therefore, the welding process of the battery housing 20 and the current collector 30 may be easily performed. The welding for coupling the battery housing 20 and the current collector 30 may be applied, for example, by laser welding, ultrasonic welding, or spot welding.

[0068] In one aspect of the present disclosure, referring to Figure 2 , the first housing coupling portion 33 may include a contact portion 33a coupled to the inner surface of the battery housing 20 and a first connecting portion 33b connecting the support portion 31 and the contact portion 33a. The first connecting portion 33b and the contact portion 33a may have substantially the same width along the extension direction. The first joint coupling portion 32 may have a greater width than the first connecting portion 33b. The contact portion 33a may have a greater width than the first connecting portion 33b.

[0069] The contact portion 33a is coupled to the inner surface of the battery case 20. When the bead portion 21 is formed in the battery case 20, the contact portion 33a may be coupled to the bead portion 21 as described above. In this case, as described above, both the bead portion 21 and the contact portion 33a may have a shape extending in a direction substantially parallel to the lower surface of the battery case 20 (i.e., substantially perpendicular to the side wall of the battery case 20) to achieve stable contact and coupling.

[0070] In one aspect of the invention, referring to Figures 1 to 4 , based on an imaginary straight line connecting the connection points between the contact portion 33a and the connection portion 33b and the connection points between the connection portion 33b and the joint connection portion 32 (i.e., an imaginary straight line connecting the two ends of the connection portion 33b in the length direction), the connection portion 33b before the sizing process may have a single-sided convex structure. For example, based on an imaginary straight line connecting the connection points between the contact portion 33a and the connection portion 33b and the connection points between the connection portion 33b and the joint connection portion 32 (i.e., an imaginary straight line connecting the two ends of the connection portion 33b in the length direction), the connection portion 33b before the sizing process may have an upwardly convex structure.

[0071] Therefore, preferably, Figure 4 As shown, the inclination of the connecting portion 33b is not constant, and based on a predetermined point, the inclination in the upper region may be less than the inclination in the lower region. The predetermined point may be located above the midpoint of the connecting portion 33b. Alternatively, the connecting portion 33b may have an upwardly convex shape based on an imaginary straight line connecting the joint coupling portion 32 and the contact portion 33a. In addition, as the connecting portion 33b moves toward the contact portion 33a, the inclination of the connecting portion 33b may be reduced in stages or gradually.

[0072] Hereinafter, a carrier 1 capable of supporting and / or transferring and / or rotating the electrode assembly 10 and the current collector 30 included in the battery cell B will be described.

[0073] Figure 5 is a diagram for describing a carrier 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 6 is a diagram for describing a process of mounting the electrode assembly 10 and the current collector 30 on the carrier 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 is a diagram for describing a state in which an electrode assembly 10 and a current collector 30 are mounted on a carrier 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 8 is a diagram for describing in detail how the carrier 1 supports the electrode assembly 10 and the current collector 30 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0074] Reference Figure 5, the carrier 1 includes a center pin 100, a support 200, and a base 300. More specifically, the carrier 1 may include a center pin 100 that passes through a winding center hole H1 of an electrode assembly 10 that defines a core and an outer peripheral surface by winding a first electrode and a second electrode with a separator interposed therebetween around a winding axis, and extends in a direction parallel to the winding axis of the electrode assembly 10; a support 200 that is located below the center pin 100 and supports the electrode assembly 10 from below; and a base 300 that is located below the support 200 and includes at least one pair of bearings 310 that are configured to be rotatable on a flat surface perpendicular to the winding axis.

[0075] The carrier 1 may support and transfer the electrode assembly 10. More specifically, the carrier 1 may support and transfer the electrode assembly 10 and the current collector 30 coupled thereto.

[0076] The base 300 may be maintained in a fixed state. At least one bearing 310 may be included in the inner region of the base 300. Preferably, the base 300 may be configured to rotate the support 200. More specifically, the bearing 310 included in the base 300 may be structurally coupled to the support 200. That is, when the bearing 310 rotates within the base 300, the support 200 connected to the bearing 310 may also rotate together. If the base 300 rotates the support 200, the electrode assembly 10 and the current collector 30 may also rotate together while the support 200 that supports and contacts the electrode assembly 10 and the current collector 30 from below rotates. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the bearing 310 is included in the base 300, and thus the rotation of the support 200 may be made smoother.

[0077] According to this structure, the carrier 1 can perform a tape winding process of the electrode assembly 10. Here, the tape winding process is a process of winding a tape on the electrode assembly 10, which requires a 360-degree rotation of the electrode assembly 10. In the present disclosure, since at least one pair of bearings 310 is provided in the base 300, the electrode assembly 10 mounted on the carrier 1 can be easily rotated.

[0078] In addition, according to the above structure, the carrier 1 can perform the insertion process of the electrode assembly 10. For example, the carrier 1 can support the electrode assembly 10 from below. In this case, the carrier 1 can perform the insertion process by pushing the electrode assembly 10 located at the bottom upward into the battery case 20 located at the top in a rotating device for inserting the electrode assembly 10 into the battery case 20.

[0079] In addition, according to the structure of the pin carrier 1 including the bearing 310, compared with the insert ring carrier having a double structure, structural simplification and process simplification can be achieved. That is, the tape winding process can be successfully performed by the bearing 310 included in the carrier 1 of the present disclosure. In addition, the structure of the center pin 100 included in the carrier 1 of the present disclosure allows the process of fixing the electrode assembly 10 and inserting it into the battery case 20 to be successfully performed.

[0080] In another embodiment of the present invention, the carrier 1 does not include an intervening loop.

[0081] For example, refer to Figure 5 , it can be seen that, unlike conventional carriers, the carrier 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure does not include an insertion ring. In this regard, conventional carriers include an insertion ring, and in the tape process, the insertion ring is raised by a cylinder to wind the tape, and then the insertion ring is placed to complete the process. However, in this case, it is inevitable to increase the number of equipment units required to raise or lower the insertion ring during the tape process. Therefore, abnormal placement of the insertion ring occurs when the insertion ring is raised or lowered, thereby causing problems such as equipment floating or process problems. In addition, in the process of placing the insertion ring inside the carrier after the 180-degree rotation of the electrode assembly 10, there is a situation where the insertion ring is not properly placed. That is, the electrode assembly 10 has problems with abnormal placement such as tilting or getting stuck. In addition, the insertion ring inside the carrier often deviates during the rotation process, which ultimately leads to problems in the process progress. In addition, the insertion ring is an operation management point that needs to be managed during cleaning and wear, which is not easy in terms of operation.

[0082] Therefore, an integrated pin carrier has been adopted as an alternative to the insert ring carrier in the past. However, since the pin carrier, which is usually used to transfer the raw material having the center hole, is integrated with the pin, there is a problem of being unsuitable for a winding process such as a tape winding process. In addition, when the integrated pin carrier is used, there is a possibility of causing process and equipment problems in a rotary tape winding process due to the lack of a rotating part. Therefore, a carrier 1 capable of performing a winding process without including an insert ring is required.

[0083] According to the carrier 1 of one embodiment of the present disclosure, the carrier 1 does not include an insert ring. Instead, it includes a bearing 310 as a component for rotating the electrode assembly 10, and the bearing 310 may be included in the base 300 located below the electrode assembly 10. For example, a plurality of bearings 310 may be provided.

[0084] According to this structure, abnormal placement of the insert ring causing device floating and process problems can be fundamentally prevented by removing the insert ring from the carrier 1. In addition, the problem of the insert ring deviating during the process can be fundamentally prevented.

[0085] Reference Figure 6 , the electrode assembly 10 may have a substantially cylindrical roll core shape. Here, the current collector 30 may be coupled to one side of the cylinder. Figure 6 , the current collector 30 may be coupled to the lower surface of the electrode assembly 10. More specifically, the support portion 31 of the current collector 30 may be coupled to the bent surface where the first uncoated portion 11 of the electrode assembly 10 is bent. For example, the bent surface and the support portion 31 may be coupled by welding. In addition, the joint coupling portion 32 extending from the support portion 31 may also be coupled to the bent surface. In addition, the shell coupling portion 33 of the current collector 30 may extend from the support portion 31 in a direction away from the electrode assembly 10. That is, referring to Figure 6 , the housing coupling portion 33 may extend in the +X direction and the −Z direction.

[0086] In one aspect of the present disclosure, the center pin 100 may be disposed at the center of the carrier 1. The center pin 100 may have a long rod shape so that the winding center hole H1 of the electrode assembly 10 may be inserted. The diameter of the center pin 100 may be less than or equal to the diameter of the winding center hole H1 of the electrode assembly 10. The center pin 100 may have a shape connected to a center column disposed in the base 300. Since the center column of the base 300 is fixed to the base 300, the center pin 100 may also be in a fixed state. That is, the center pin 100 may not rotate.

[0087] The center pin 100 may include a body portion 110 and an end portion 120. Figures 5 to 7 , the main body portion 110 of the center pin 100 may have a rod shape disposed at the center of the carrier 1. That is, the main body portion 110 may be a generally cylindrical structure extending along the winding axis direction of the electrode assembly 10. The end portion 120 refers to an end region extending distally from the main body portion 110. The end portion 120 may have a shape whose radius decreases toward the end. That is, the center pin 100 may have a shape whose radius decreases toward the end. For example, as Figure 5As shown, the end portion 120 may have a pointed shape. According to this structure, the process of mounting the electrode assembly 10 on the center pin 100 can be facilitated. If the end portion 120 of the center pin 100 is blunt or has the same radius as the body portion 110, the radius difference with the winding center hole H1 of the electrode assembly 10 is not large, and therefore in the case of a small error, the area around the winding center hole H1 of the electrode assembly 10 is more likely to be damaged by the center pin 100. Therefore, the end portion 120 preferably has a shape whose radius decreases toward the end.

[0088] In addition, refer to Figure 7 , the length of the center pin 100 may be configured to be less than or equal to the length of the electrode assembly 10 in the winding axis direction.

[0089] If the length of the center pin 100 in the winding axis direction is longer than the length of the electrode assembly 10, when the electrode assembly 10 is inserted into the battery case 20, the electrode assembly 10 may not be fully inserted into the bottom surface of the battery case 20. Therefore, the length of the center pin 100 is preferably configured to be less than or equal to the length of the electrode assembly 10 in the winding axis direction.

[0090] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the support member 200 may include a support surface 210 and a support body 220. The support member 200 may support the current collector 30 coupled to one side of the electrode assembly 10. More specifically, the support surface 210 may support the current collector 30. The support body 220 refers to a main body portion of the support member 200 extending downward from the support surface 210. Figure 7 and Figure 8 The support body 220 has a shape extending downward from the support surface 210 and has a shape whose radius increases gradually or in stages as it extends downward. That is, the support member 200 may be configured such that its radius increases as it moves away from the electrode assembly 10.

[0091] For example, refer to Figure 7 , based on an imaginary straight line connecting the connection point between the contact portion 33a and the connection portion 33b and the connection point between the connection portion 33b and the joint connection portion 32 (i.e., an imaginary straight line connecting the two ends of the connection portion 33b in the length direction), the case connection portion 33 of the current collector 30 may have a single-sided convex structure. Figure 7 When describing the coordinate system of , based on the imaginary straight line connecting the connection point between the contact portion 33a and the connection portion 33b and the connection point between the connection portion 33b and the joint connection portion 32 (i.e., the imaginary straight line connecting the two ends of the connection portion 33b in the length direction), the housing connection portion 33 may have a convex structure in the -Z direction. For example, Figure 7The shell connection portion 33 of the current collector 30 in the embodiment of the present invention may be bent once at the connection point between the contact portion 33a and the connection portion 33b, and may be bent once in the area of ​​the connection portion 33b. Here, all bending angles may be obtuse angles. That is, the connection portion 33b may have a shape in which its inclination decreases in stages or gradually toward the contact portion 33a. That is, the shell connection portion 33 may have a shape in which the length measured from the winding axis to the shell connection portion 33 in the horizontal direction gradually increases. In other words, the radius measured in the horizontal direction from the winding axis of the shell connection portion 33 may gradually increase as it moves away from the electrode assembly 10.

[0092] In addition, the support portion 31 supports the current collector 30 having such a shape from below. Therefore, preferably, the support portion 31 has a shape corresponding to the shape of the current collector 30. For example, the shape of the support 200 may be configured so that its radius increases as it moves away from the electrode assembly 10, which may generally correspond to a shape in which the radius of the shell coupling portion 33 measured in the horizontal direction from the winding axis gradually increases as it moves away from the electrode assembly 10. More specifically, the support body 220 of the support 200 may have a generally conical shape in which its radius increases as it moves away from the electrode assembly 10. However, the support 200 may have a conical shape cut by a generally flat support surface 210.

[0093] According to this structure, the case coupling portion 33 can be supported and protected by the support member 200. That is, since the support member 200 having a shape substantially similar to that of the case coupling portion 33 contacts the case coupling portion 33 in some areas and supports the case coupling portion 33, the case coupling portion 33, which has not yet been coupled to the battery case 20 and is therefore in an unstable state, can also be prevented from being damaged by other components.

[0094] In a more preferred embodiment, the shape of the support member 200 can be configured to match the shape of the connection portion 33b of the current collector 30. In this case, the shape of the support body 220 of the support member 200 matches the shape of the case connection portion 33 of the current collector 30 (particularly the shape of the connection portion 33b), so that all points of the connection portion 33b can be contacted and supported by the support member 200. Therefore, the support and protection effect of the case connection portion 33 can be further improved.

[0095] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the diameter of the support member 200 may be configured to be larger than the diameter of the winding center hole H1 provided in the core of the electrode assembly 10. More specifically, the diameter of the support surface 210 may be configured to be larger than the diameter of the winding center hole H1 provided in the core of the electrode assembly 10. Therefore, the electrode assembly 10 may be fully supported on the flat surface of the support member 200. If the winding center hole H1 of the electrode assembly 10 is larger than the diameter of the support surface 210, there is a possibility that the winding area on the outer peripheral side of the electrode assembly 10 may flow downward along the inclined surface of the support body 220. Therefore, the diameter of the support member 200 is preferably configured to be larger than the diameter of the winding center hole H1 provided in the core of the electrode assembly 10.

[0096] For the same purpose, the diameter of the support 200 may be configured to be larger than the diameter of the current collector hole H2 formed in the center of the current collector 30. More specifically, the diameter of the support surface 210 may be configured to be larger than the diameter of the current collector hole H2 formed in the center of the current collector 30. Therefore, the current collector 30 may be fully supported on the flat surface of the support 200. More specifically, the support portion 31 of the current collector 30 may be fully supported on the flat surface of the support 200 accordingly. If the winding center hole H1 of the electrode assembly 10 is larger than the diameter of the support surface 210, there is a possibility that the winding area on the inner circumferential side of the electrode assembly 10 may protrude upward along the inclined surface of the support body 220 by the shape of the support 200. Therefore, the diameter of the support 200 is preferably configured to be larger than the diameter of the current collector hole H2 formed in the center of the current collector 30.

[0097] In addition, the support 200 can be in direct contact with the current collector 30. When the support 200 and the current collector 30 are in contact with each other, they do not slide due to friction. Therefore, when the support 200 rotates, the current collector 30 in contact with the support 200 can also rotate together.

[0098] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the radius of the support surface 210 may be less than or equal to the radius of the support portion 31 of the current collector 30. Figure 8 , it can be seen that the radius of the support surface 210 is the same as the radius of the support portion 31 of the current collector 30. Here, the radius of the support portion 31 refers to the distance from the winding axis to the point where the support portion 31 bends downward.

[0099] According to this structure, the contact area between the current collector 30 and the support 200 can be maximized. Therefore, the anti-slip effect during the rotation of the electrode assembly 10 and the current collector 30 can be improved. In addition, according to the structure in which the radius of the support surface 210 is the same as the radius of the support portion 31 of the current collector 30, the area in contact with the support 200 is increased, and thus the support and protection effect of the current collector 30 can be further improved.

[0100] Fig. 9 is a diagram for describing how a carrier 1 rotates an electrode assembly 10 and a current collector 30 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0101] Reference Fig. 9 , the electrode assembly 10 and the current collector 30 coupled thereto may be inserted into the center pin 100 of the carrier 1. More specifically, the center pin 100 may be inserted into the winding center hole H1 of the electrode assembly 10 and the current collector hole H2 of the current collector 30. In this case, the electrode assembly 10 and the current collector 30 may be mounted on the center pin 100 while the current collector 30 is located on the lower surface of the electrode assembly 10. Therefore, the support portion 31 of the current collector 30 may contact the support surface 210 of the support member 200. In addition, the support member 200 is structurally connected to the bearing 310 included in the base 300. Therefore, when the bearing 310 included in the base 300 is moved along Fig. 9 When the support 200 is rotated in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 3 , the support 200 connected to the bearing 310 may also rotate in the direction of the arrow. Therefore, the current collector 30 in direct contact with the support 200 may also rotate in the direction of the arrow. Finally, the electrode assembly 10 coupled to the current collector 30 may also rotate in the direction of the arrow. In addition, although not shown in the figure, the rotation of the bearing 310 may be performed by a separate power drive source.

[0102] According to the above-mentioned embodiment of the present disclosure, the support and rotation process of the electrode assembly 10 is achieved by a carrier 1 that does not include an insertion ring. In addition, the winding process can be smoothly performed by a structure including a bearing 310 in the base 300 of the carrier 1. Finally, when the electrode assembly 10 is inserted into the battery housing 20, an insertion ring is not required during the rotation process. Therefore, the problem of tilting the electrode assembly 10 due to abnormal placement of the insertion ring during the transfer of the electrode assembly 10 and the placement of the insertion ring can be fundamentally prevented. In addition, equipment design and structural simplification can be achieved by removing the insertion ring, and operation management points can be eliminated. In addition, by adding the bearing 310 to allow the carrier 1 to rotate smoothly, the causes of problems related to the winding progress of the winding process can be eliminated.

[0103] The present disclosure has been described above with respect to a limited number of embodiments and drawings, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and it is apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made thereto within the technical aspects of the present disclosure and the equivalent scope of the appended claims.

[0104] [Explanation of Reference Numerals]

[0105] B: Battery Cell

[0106] 10: Electrode assembly

[0107] 11: Uncoated part

[0108] 12: Second uncoated portion

[0109] H1: Winding center hole

[0110] 20: Battery housing

[0111] 21: Curling part

[0112] 22: Edge pressing part

[0113] 30: Current collector

[0114] 31: Support

[0115] 32: Joint connection

[0116] 33: Shell connection part

[0117] 33a: Contact part

[0118] 33b: Connection

[0119] H2: Current collector hole

[0120] 1: Carrier

[0121] 100: Center pin

[0122] 110: Main part

[0123] 120: End section

[0124] 200: Support

[0125] 210: Support surface

[0126] 220: Support body

[0127] 300: Base

[0128] 310: Bearings

Claims

1. A carrier, comprising: a center pin that passes through a winding center hole of an electrode assembly defining a core portion and an outer peripheral surface by winding a first electrode and a second electrode around a winding axis with a separator interposed therebetween, and extends in a direction parallel to the winding axis of the electrode assembly; a support member, the support member being located below the center pin and supporting the electrode assembly from below; as well as A base is located below the support and includes at least one pair of bearings configured to be rotatable on a flat surface perpendicular to the winding axis.

2. The vector according to claim 1, in, The base is configured to rotate the support. The carrier according to claim 1 , which does not include an intervening loop.

4. The vector according to claim 1, in, The length of the center pin is less than or equal to the length of the electrode assembly in the direction of the winding axis.

5. The vector according to claim 1, in, The center pin has a shape whose radius decreases toward the end.

6. The vector according to claim 1, in, The support member supports a current collector coupled to one side of the electrode assembly.

7. The vector according to claim 6, in, The current collector comprises: a support portion, the support portion being disposed on one side of the electrode assembly; a joint coupling portion extending from the support portion and coupled to a first uncoated portion of the electrode assembly; and A case coupling portion extends from the support portion and is configured to be electrically coupled to an inner surface of a battery case.

8. The vector according to claim 7, in, The housing connection portion comprises: a contact portion coupled to an inner surface of the battery case; and A connecting portion connects the supporting portion and the contact portion.

9. The vector according to claim 8, in, The connection portion has a one-side protruding structure based on an imaginary straight line connecting both end portions of the connection portion in the length direction.

10. The vector according to claim 8, in, The connection portion has a shape whose inclination decreases stepwise or gradually toward the contact portion.

11. The vector according to claim 1, in, The support is configured such that its radius increases as it moves away from the electrode assembly.

12. The vector according to claim 8, in, The shape of the support member is configured to match the shape of the connection portion of the current collector.

13. The vector according to claim 1, in, The support member has a diameter greater than a diameter of the winding center hole provided in the core of the electrode assembly.

14. The vector according to claim 6, in, The support has a diameter greater than a diameter of a current collector hole formed in the center of the current collector.

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