Battery unit hemming device

Abstract

A battery cell hemming device according to one example of the present invention comprises: a battery rotating part capable of seating a battery case in which an electrode assembly is housed, and provided to rotate the battery case; a hemming forming portion including a forming member provided to pressurize the battery case when the battery case is rotated to form a hemming portion in a circumferential direction of the battery case; and a back-up roller portion including a roller member that comes into contact with the battery cartridge when the forming member pressurizes the battery cartridge, is provided to be rotatable, and is provided to be adjustable in position in a direction close to or away from a rotation center axis of the battery cartridge.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery cell crimping device, and in particular to a cylindrical battery cell crimping device, and more particularly to a cylindrical battery cell crimping device for forming a crimped portion on an upper end portion of a cylindrical battery cell during a crimping process in an assembly process of the cylindrical battery cell.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0147911, filed on October 31, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0003] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional diagram of a cylindrical battery cell.

[0004] like Figure 1 As shown in , the cylindrical battery cell 10 includes a battery case 11 , an electrode assembly 13 , and a cap assembly 15 .

[0005] The battery case 11 is provided in a cylindrical shape having an opening portion at the top.

[0006] The electrode assembly 13 is an electrode assembly obtained by winding the negative electrode, separator, positive electrode, and separator in a state where they are sequentially stacked in a roll. The electrode assembly 13 is configured to be inserted into the internal space of the battery case 11. The cap assembly 15 is provided to seal the opening. The cap assembly 15 may include a positive electrode terminal.

[0007] The cylindrical battery cell 10 is provided with a beading portion 12 on the outer circumference of the battery case 11 for fixing the electrode assembly 13 to the inner space of the battery case 11. The beading portion 12 is provided at an upper end portion of the battery case 11.

[0008] The curling step is a step of inserting the electrode assembly 13 into the internal space of the battery case 11 and forming the curling portion 12 at the upper end portion of the battery case 11 .

[0009] Figure 2 It is a configuration diagram of a conventional crimping device.

[0010] like Figure 2 As shown in , the conventional hemming device 20 includes a battery rotating portion 30 , a battery holder portion 40 , a hem forming portion 50 , and a supporting roller 60 .

[0011] The battery case 11 may be seated on the battery rotating portion 30. The battery rotating portion 30 is used to rotate the battery case 11.

[0012] The battery holder portion 40 is provided on the upper portion of the battery rotating portion 30. The battery holder portion 40 is provided so as to be inserted into the upper end portion of the battery box 11 and rotatably support the battery box 11. The battery holder portion 40 can be provided so as to be movable downward toward the battery box 11 seated on the battery rotating portion 30.

[0013] The bead forming unit 50 includes a forming member 51 for forming the bead portion 12 on the outer surface of the battery case 11. The forming member 51 is provided to be movable in a first direction F1 toward the outer surface of the battery case 11 or in a second direction F2 away from the outer surface of the battery case 11.

[0014] The support roller 60 is spaced apart from the forming member 51 and is disposed so as to contact the outer surface of the battery case 11. The support roller 60 prevents the outer diameter of the corresponding peripheral area of the battery case 11 from increasing due to the force of the forming member 51 pressing the outer surface of the battery case 11 in the first direction F1.

[0015] In the curling step, the battery case 11 with the electrode assembly 13 embedded therein is seated on the battery rotating portion 30. When the battery case 11 rotates in the rotation direction of the battery rotating portion 30, the molding member 51 pressurizes the outer surface of the rotating battery case 11 in the first direction F1.

[0016] In this case, the supporting roller 60 supports the battery case 11 while idly rotating at a fixed position along the outer surface of the rotating battery case 11 .

[0017] Through such a process, the beaded portion 12 is provided on the outer surface of the battery case 11 along the circumferential direction of the battery case 11. The beaded portion 12 is a groove depressed on the outer surface of the battery case 11.

[0018] However, during the process of forming the curling portion 12 on the outer surface of the battery case 11, when the force of the forming member 51 pressing the battery case 11 in the first direction F1 becomes greater than the force of the support roller 60 supporting the battery case 11 from the side, the support roller 60 may scrape the outer surface of the battery case 11. The roller fixing shaft 61 of the conventional support roller 60 is set at a fixed position. The roller fixing shaft 61 is set so as not to move during the operation of the curling forming unit 50.

[0019] In the case of the conventional crimping device 20, there is a problem that, in the process of forming the crimping portion 12, debris is generated while scraping the outer surface of the battery box 11, and the generated debris acts as a factor that shortens the life of the crimping device 20, thereby causing inconvenience in maintenance.

[0020] Figure 3 is a diagram for explaining a process of externally inspecting a cylindrical battery cell in a visual inspection device after an assembly process.

[0021] The cylindrical battery cells 10 are moved from the crimping device 20 to the visual inspection device 90 by the transfer portion 80. The visual inspection device 90 is used to externally inspect the cylindrical battery cells 10. According to the external inspection result, the battery cells 10 having scratches should be discarded as defective products.

[0022] During the external inspection, if a scratch is found in the battery cell 10, the operation of the transfer section 80 for transferring the battery cell 10 from the crimping device 20 to the visual inspection device 90 is stopped. Conventionally, when any scratch is generated on the outer surface of the cylindrical battery cell 10, it is determined to be an operational defect of the crimping device 20, and thus the plurality of battery cells 10 located between the crimping device 20 and the visual inspection device 90 must be discarded. Discarding the cylindrical battery cells 10 due to the crimping defect results in economic losses. Summary of the Invention

[0023] Technical issues

[0024] The present invention is intended to provide a cylindrical battery cell curling device. During the curling process, when the forming member of the curling forming part presses the battery box above the operating load value, the cylindrical battery cell curling device can prevent scratches on the battery box by adjusting the position of the roller member that supports the outer surface of the battery box on the side and rotates idly at the same time.

[0025] Technical Solution

[0026] In order to solve the above problems, an example of the present invention involves a cylindrical battery cell curling device including: a battery rotating part, which can seat a battery box containing an electrode assembly and is configured to rotate the battery box; a curling forming part, which includes a forming member, which is configured to pressurize the battery box when the battery box rotates to form a curling part along the circumferential direction of the battery box; and a supporting roller part, which includes a roller member, which contacts the battery box when the forming member presses the battery box and is configured to be rotatable, and is configured to be able to adjust its position in a direction close to or away from the rotation center axis of the battery box.

[0027] In addition, a cylindrical battery cell curling device according to an example of the present invention may include: a battery rotating portion, which is capable of seating a battery box containing an electrode assembly therein and is configured to rotate the battery box; a curling forming portion, which includes a forming member, which is configured to pressurize the outer surface of the battery box to form the curling portion along the circumferential direction of the battery box when the battery box rotates; and a supporting roller portion, which includes a roller member, which contacts the outer surface of the battery box and is configured to be able to idle along the outer surface of the battery box, and is configured to be able to adjust its position in a direction close to or away from the rotation center axis of the battery box when the forming member pressurizes the battery box.

[0028] In addition, the supporting roller portion may be provided so that the position of the roller member is adjusted based on the magnitude of the force with which the forming member presses the battery case.

[0029] In addition, the supporting roller portion may include: a roller center shaft, on which the roller member is rotatably mounted; and a roller position adjustment portion, which is connected to the roller center shaft and is configured so that: when the force transmitted from the battery box to the roller member by the forming member is above the operating load value, the roller center shaft moves in a direction away from the rotation center axis of the battery box.

[0030] Furthermore, the roller position adjustment portion may have a reference length and may be configured to be adjustable in length in a direction perpendicular to the roller center axis. As an example, the roller position adjustment portion may be configured to be retracted by a force applied to the roller center axis, wherein the reference length may be shortened.

[0031] In addition, the roller position adjusting portion may be provided so as to maintain the reference length when the force applied to the roller center axis is a normal load value that is equal to or less than the operation load value.

[0032] Furthermore, the roller position adjustment unit may be configured such that, when a force applied to the roller center axis reaches an abnormal load value exceeding the operating load value, the roller position adjustment unit contracts at a reference length while moving away from the rotational axis of the battery case. In this case, the roller member may maintain contact with the outer surface of the battery case and may rotate idly.

[0033] Furthermore, the roller position adjusting portion may include a gas spring.

[0034] The support roller member may further include a support body, with the roller position adjustment unit and the roller central shaft mounted on the support body. Furthermore, the roller position adjustment unit may include a first adjustment member connecting one end of the roller central shaft adjacent to the roller member to the support body, and a second adjustment member disposed parallel to the first adjustment member and connecting the other end of the roller central shaft to the support body.

[0035] In addition, the cylindrical battery cell curling device may include: a battery holder portion, which is arranged on the upper part of the battery rotating portion and is arranged so that the upper end portion of the battery box is insertable and is arranged to rotatably support the battery box; a clamp portion, which rotatably supports the battery rotating portion, and a clamp lifting portion, which is installed on the clamp portion and is arranged to move the clamp portion in a direction close to or away from the battery holder portion.

[0036] In addition, the battery holder portion may include: a holder body, which surrounds the outer surface of the battery box and is configured so that the area where the curling portion is to be formed is exposed to the outside; and a pusher member, which is mounted on the holder body to be separated from the inner surface of the holder body and can be inserted into the battery box and is configured to pressurize the electrode assembly in the battery box.

[0037] In addition, the cylindrical battery cell curling device may include a guide portion, which includes a guide roller, which is installed on the clamp portion to be able to contact the outer surface of the battery box seated on the battery rotating portion, and is configured to be able to idle along the outer surface of the battery box when the battery box rotates, and the guide portion is configured to support the battery box.

[0038] In addition, the cylindrical battery cell curling device may include: a clamp moving portion, which is installed on the clamp portion and is configured to move the clamp portion in a direction close to or away from the support roller portion; and a retainer moving portion, which is installed on the battery retainer portion and is configured to move the battery retainer portion in a direction close to or away from the support roller portion.

[0039] In addition, the clamp moving portion and the retainer moving portion can allow the outer surface of the battery box to contact the roller member of the support roller portion by moving the clamp portion and the battery retainer portion together in a direction close to the support roller portion before the operation of the battery rotating portion, and can allow the outer surface of the battery box to be separated from the roller member by moving the clamp portion and the battery retainer portion together in a direction away from the support roller portion when the forming of the curling portion is completed.

[0040] Furthermore, the cylindrical battery cell curling device may include a forming member moving portion that is mounted on the curling forming portion and configured to move the curling forming portion in a direction approaching or moving away from the supporting roller portion.

[0041] In addition, the forming member moving portion can be configured so that: before the curling portion is formed on the outer surface of the battery case, the forming member of the curling forming portion is brought into contact with the outer surface of the battery case by moving the curling forming portion in a direction close to the supporting roller portion.

[0042] In addition, the battery rotating part may include: a seating plate on which the battery box sits; a first rotating shaft installed on the seating plate and positioned coaxially with the rotation center axis of the battery box; and a first rotating drive part that provides rotational force to the first rotating shaft.

[0043] In addition, the curling forming part includes a second rotating shaft and a second rotating drive part, the forming member is rotatably mounted on the second rotating shaft, the second rotating drive part provides a rotational force to the second rotating shaft, and the curling forming part can be configured to pressurize the outer surface of the battery box while the forming member rotates when the curling part is formed.

[0044] Furthermore, the forming member may be provided with forming protrusions along a circumferential direction of the forming member.

[0045] In addition, the cylindrical battery cell crimping device may include an alarm portion that provides a warning alarm when the roller member moves in a direction away from the rotation center axis of the battery case.

[0046] Beneficial effects

[0047] As described above, the cylindrical battery cell curling device related to one example of the present invention has the following effects.

[0048] When the forming member of the curling forming section pressurizes the battery box above the operating load value, the supporting roller section adjusts the position of the roller member supporting the outer surface of the battery box in the opposite direction of the pressurizing direction of the forming member, thereby preventing damage to the battery box caused by the roller member. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] Figure 1 It is a three-dimensional diagram of a cylindrical battery cell.

[0050] Figure 2 It is a configuration diagram of a conventional battery crimping device.

[0051] Figure 3 is a diagram for explaining a process of externally inspecting a cylindrical battery cell in a visual inspection device after an assembly process.

[0052] Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a cylindrical battery cell crimping device according to an example of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an arrangement state of a bead forming portion, a battery holder portion, and a support roller portion in one example of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a support roller portion according to one example of the present invention is schematically illustrated.

[0055] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing a state in which a battery cartridge is inserted into a battery holder portion and is in contact with a roller member supporting a roller portion in one example of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 8FIG. 1 is an operational state diagram of a cylindrical battery cell crimping apparatus performing a crimping process according to an example of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the operating state of the roller position adjustment portion when the molding member presses the battery case at an operating load value or above in one example of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] Hereinafter, a cylindrical battery cell crimping device according to one example of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0059] Figure 4 is a configuration diagram of a cylindrical battery cell crimping device according to an example of the present invention, and Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an arrangement state of a bead forming portion, a battery holder portion, and a support roller portion in one example of the present invention.

[0060] A cylindrical battery cell crimping device 100 related to one example of the present invention may include a battery rotating portion 110 capable of seating a battery case 11 accommodating an electrode assembly 13 therein and configured to rotate the battery case 11 .

[0061] In addition, the cylindrical battery cell curling device 100 may include a curling forming portion 170 including a forming member 171 configured to pressurize the battery case 11 when the battery case 11 rotates to form a curling portion 12 along a circumferential direction of the battery case 11 .

[0062] In addition, the bead forming portion 170 is used to form the bead portion 12 along the circumferential direction of the battery case 11 when the battery case 11 is rotated, wherein the forming member 171 can be configured to pressurize the outer surface 11 a of the battery case 11 .

[0063] Furthermore, the cylindrical battery cell crimping device 100 may include a support roller portion 180 that is configured to be positionally adjustable in a direction approaching or moving away from the rotational center axis C of the battery case 11. Furthermore, the support roller portion 180 includes a roller member 184 that is rotatably arranged to contact the battery case 11 when the forming member 171 pressurizes the battery case 11. In other words, the support roller portion 180 is configured to be positionally adjustable in a direction approaching or moving away from the rotational center axis C of the battery case 11.

[0064] Furthermore, the roller member 184 may be in contact with the outer surface 11a of the battery case 11 and may be arranged to be able to idly rotate along the outer surface 11a of the battery case 11 when the battery case 11 rotates. Furthermore, the support roller portion 180 may be arranged to be able to adjust its position in a direction closer to or farther from the rotation center axis C of the battery case 11 when the molding member 171 pressurizes the battery case 11.

[0065] Figure 6 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a support roller portion according to one example of the present invention, and Figure 7 This is a diagram showing a state in which a battery cartridge is inserted into a battery holder portion and is in contact with a roller member supporting a roller portion in one example of the present invention.

[0066] The supporting roller portion 180 is used to support the battery case 11 at the side when the molding member 171 presses the battery case 11 .

[0067] The supporting roller portion 180 may include a roller member 184 that contacts the outer surface 11 a of the battery case 11 and is configured to be able to rotate idly along the outer surface 11 a of the battery case 11 , and a roller center shaft 182 on which the roller member 184 is rotatably mounted.

[0068] The supporting roller portion 180 may include a roller position adjusting portion 187 connected to a roller center shaft 182. In addition, the supporting roller portion 180 may include a supporting body 181 on which the roller position adjusting portion 187 and the roller center shaft 182 are mounted.

[0069] The support body 181 may be mounted on the upper body portion 190. The upper body portion 190 may be mounted in a space in which the hemming device 100 is mounted. The support body 181 may be fixed to the upper body portion 190. The roller position adjusting portion 187 and the roller center shaft 182 may be movably mounted on the support body 181.

[0070] A bearing member 183 may be mounted on the roller center shaft 182. The roller member 184 may be mounted on the bearing member 183 so as to be rotatable.

[0071] The roller member 184 may be installed to be exposed to the outside of the support body 181. In addition, the roller member 184 is arranged to face the forming member 171 of the bead forming portion 170. The roller member 184 may be arranged below the forming position H1 of the forming member 171. The forming position H1 is the position where the bead portion 12 is formed in the battery case 11.

[0072] Reference Figure 4The roller member 184 may contact the outer surface 11a of the battery case 11 and may laterally support the battery case 11 while idling along the outer surface of the battery case 11. The roller member 184 may laterally support the outer surface 11a of the battery case 11 in the first axial direction A1.

[0073] In this example, for convenience of explanation, the direction in which the outer surface of the battery case 11 is supported laterally is referred to as the first axial direction A1. In addition, the direction perpendicular to the first axial direction A1 and parallel to the rotation center axis C of the battery case 11 is referred to as the second axial direction A2.

[0074] The roller position adjustment portion 187 may be mounted on the roller center shaft 182 .

[0075] The roller position regulating portion 187 may have a predetermined reference length and may be provided to be adjustable in length along a direction A1 perpendicular to the roller central axis 182. The roller position regulating portion 187 may be provided to be contracted by a force applied to the roller central axis 182.

[0076] The roller position adjustment portion 187 may be provided so as to adjust the position of the roller member 184 based on the magnitude of the force with which the molding member 171 presses the battery case 11 .

[0077] As one example, the roller position adjusting portion 187 may include a first adjusting member 188 and a second adjusting member 189 .

[0078] The first regulating member 188 may connect one end portion 182a of the roller central shaft 182 adjacent to the roller member 184 and the support body 181. The first regulating member 188 is configured to be retractable under an operating load value greater than or equal to the operating load value.

[0079] The second regulating member 189 may be provided in parallel with the first regulating member 188. The second regulating member 189 connects the other end 182b of the roller central shaft 182 and the support body 181. The second regulating member 189 is provided to be retractable under an operation load value greater than or equal to the operation load value.

[0080] The first adjusting member 188 and the second adjusting member 189 can be arranged in parallel along the first axial direction A1. The first adjusting member 188 and the second adjusting member 189 can operate with the same operating load value. The first adjusting member 188 and the second adjusting member 189 can be gas springs. At this time, if the force transmitted from the forming member 171 to the roller member 184 through the battery box 11 is above the operating load value, each gas spring can be contracted, and accordingly, the length of the first adjusting member 188 and the second adjusting member 189 can be shortened. Therefore, the roller center shaft 182 can be set to move in a direction away from the rotation center axis C of the battery box 11.

[0081] The first and second regulating members 188 and 189 may be configured to move the roller center shaft 182 in a direction away from the rotational center axis of the battery case 11 when the force transmitted from the battery case 11 to the roller member 184 by the forming member 171 is equal to or greater than the operating load value.

[0082] Here, the operation load value is an operation reference value of the roller position adjusting portion 187. The first adjusting member 188 and the second adjusting member 189 may have variable operation load values depending on the type of the gas spring.

[0083] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is an operational state diagram of a cylindrical battery cell crimping apparatus performing a crimping process according to an example of the present invention.

[0084] Reference Figure 8 When the curling portion 12 is formed, if the forming member 171 presses the battery case 11 with a normal load value P1, the first regulating member 188 and the second regulating member 189 maintain a reference length.

[0085] When a force below the operating load value is applied, the first and second regulating members 188 and 189 do not operate. If the force applied to the roller center shaft 182 is a normal load value P1 below the operating load value, the first and second regulating members 188 and 189 can maintain a reference length.

[0086] Here, the normal load value P1 is a preset pressurizing strength of the molding member 171 for molding the bead portion 12 on the outer surface of the battery case 11 .

[0087] At positions where the first and second regulating members 188 and 189 have a reference length relative to the support body 181 , the roller member 184 may support the battery case 11 at the side while idling along the outer surface of the battery case 11 .

[0088] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the operating state of the roller position adjustment portion when the molding member presses the battery case at an operating load value or above in one example of the present invention.

[0089] Reference Figure 9 When the force applied to the roller center shaft 182 is an abnormal load value P2 above the operating load value, the roller member 184 can contact the outer surface of the battery box 11 while the first adjustment member 188 and the second adjustment member 189 are contracted at the reference length, and move in a direction away from the rotation center axis of the battery box 11 while idling.

[0090] The retracted lengths of the first and second regulating members 188 and 189 may vary according to the extent to which the roller center shaft 182 is pushed by the force transmitted to the roller member 184 through the battery case 11 .

[0091] like Figure 9 As shown in , when the curling portion 12 is formed, when the forming member 171 presses the battery box 11 with an abnormal load value P2, the first adjustment member 188 and the second adjustment member 189 shrink while shortening in length due to the force transmitted to the roller center shaft 182 through the roller member 184.

[0092] While roller member 184 is in contact with the outer surface of battery case 11, roller center shaft 182 moves due to the force transmitted to roller member 184 via battery case 11. Roller center shaft 182 moves in a direction away from the rotation center axis of battery case 11 via first regulating member 188 and second regulating member 189.

[0093] When the forming member 171 is loaded with an abnormal load value (P2, see Figure 9 ) When pressurizing the battery box 11, the position of the roller member 184 is adjusted by the first adjusting member 188 and the second adjusting member 189 while the roller member 184 is in contact with the outer surface of the battery box 11. Thus, the supporting roller portion 180 associated with this example can prevent the battery box 11 from being scratched by the roller member 184 during the curling process.

[0094] In addition, the cylindrical battery cell crimping device 100 may include an alarm portion 195 that provides a warning alarm when the roller member 184 moves in a direction away from the rotation center axis of the battery case 11. Through the warning alarm, a worker can recognize that the forming member 171 of the crimp forming portion 170 is pressurizing the battery case 11 above the normal load value P1 during the crimping process.

[0095] Hereinafter, the configuration of the battery rotating portion 110 will be described.

[0096] The battery rotating portion 110 may include a seating plate 111 , a first rotating shaft 115 , and a first rotating driving portion 113 .

[0097] The battery box 11 is mounted on the seating plate 111. The seating plate 111 may be rotatably mounted on the clamp portion 120. A first rotation shaft 115 is mounted on the seating plate 111. The seating plate 111 rotates along the rotation direction of the first rotation shaft 115.

[0098] The first rotation shaft 115 is coaxially positioned with the rotation center axis of the battery case 11 . The first rotation driving portion 113 is mounted on the first rotation shaft 115 .

[0099] The first rotation driving unit 113 is used to provide a rotational force to the first rotation shaft 115. The first rotation driving unit 113 may be a motor.

[0100] When the first rotation driving portion 113 operates, the battery case 11 may be rotated along with the seating plate 111 in the rotation direction of the first rotation shaft 115 and may be curled by the molding member 171 .

[0101] In addition, the cylindrical battery cell crimping device 100 may include a clamp portion 120 rotatably supporting the battery rotating portion 110. The battery rotating portion 110, the guide portion 150, the clamp elevating portion 130, and the clamp moving portion 140 may be mounted on the clamp portion 120.

[0102] The guide portion 150 may be mounted on the clamp portion 120 to contact the outer surface of the battery case 11 seated on the battery rotating portion 110. The guide portion 150 includes a guide roller 151 disposed to idly rotate along the outer surface of the battery case 11 when the battery case 11 rotates.

[0103] The guide portion 150 may be provided to support the battery case 11 at an opposite side of the supporting roller portion 180. The guide portion 150 is provided on a lower portion of the bead forming portion 170.

[0104] Reference Figure 8 The clamp lifting portion 130 may be mounted on the clamp portion 120 and may be configured to move the clamp portion 120 in a direction F3 approaching the battery holder portion 160 or in a direction F4 away from the battery holder portion 160. The clamp moving portion 140 may move the clamp portion 120 and the holder moving portion 165 in the same direction.

[0105] The clamp moving portion 140 may be installed on the clamp portion 120 and may be configured to move the clamp portion 120 in a direction approaching or moving away from the supporting roller portion 180 .

[0106] Before operation of the battery rotating portion 110 , the clamp moving portion 140 may allow the outer surface of the battery cartridge 11 to contact the roller member 184 of the supporting roller portion 180 by moving the clamp portion 120 in the direction F1 approaching the supporting roller portion 180 .

[0107] When the forming of the bead portion 12 is completed, the clamp moving portion 140 may allow the outer surface of the battery case 11 to be separated from the roller member 184 by moving the clamp portion 120 in the direction F2 away from the supporting roller portion 180 .

[0108] Reference Figure 5 and Figure 7The cylindrical battery cell crimping device 100 may include a battery holder portion 160 that is disposed on an upper portion of the battery rotating portion 110 and is configured so that an upper end portion 11b of the battery box 11 is insertable and is configured to rotatably support the battery box 11.

[0109] The battery holder portion 160 may include a holder body 161 , a pusher member 163 , and a holder moving portion 165 .

[0110] The holder body 161 may be provided so as to surround the opening (upper end) of the battery case 11. As an example, the holder body 161 may be provided so as to surround a portion of the outer surface of the upper end 11b of the battery case 11 and so as to expose the area where the curling portion 12 is to be formed. As an example, the diameter of the holder body 161 may be greater than the outer diameter of the battery case 11.

[0111] The pusher member 163 is mounted on the holder body 161. The diameter of the pusher member 163 is smaller than the inner diameter of the battery case 11. The pusher member 163 may be provided to extend to a lower portion of the holder body 161 along the second axial direction A2.

[0112] The pusher member 163 may be configured to pressurize the electrode assembly 13 within the battery case 11 when inserted into the battery case 11 .

[0113] The holder moving portion 165 may be installed on the upper body portion 190. The holder moving portion 165 may be provided to move the battery holder portion 160 in a direction approaching or moving away from the supporting roller portion 180.

[0114] Before operation of the battery rotating portion 110 , the holder moving portion 165 may allow the outer surface of the battery cartridge 11 to contact the roller member 184 of the support roller portion 180 by moving the battery holder portion 160 in the direction F1 approaching the support roller portion 180 .

[0115] When the forming of the bead portion 12 is completed, the holder moving portion 165 may allow the outer surface of the battery case 11 to be separated from the roller member 184 by moving the battery holder portion 160 in the direction F2 away from the supporting roller portion 180 .

[0116] Hereinafter, the curling forming portion 170 will be described.

[0117] The bead forming portion 170 is used to form a bead portion 12 along the circumferential direction of the battery case 11 when the battery case 11 rotates. The bead portion 12 may be a groove recessed in the outer surface of the battery case 11.

[0118] The hem forming portion 170 may include a forming member 171 , a second rotation shaft 173 , a second rotation driving portion 175 , and a former moving portion 179 .

[0119] The molding member 171 may be provided so as to be able to contact the outer surface 11a of the battery case 11 at the molding position H1 of the battery case 11. Here, the molding position H1 is a position at which the bead portion 12 is molded at the upper end portion 11b of the battery case 11.

[0120] The forming member 171 may be provided to pressurize the outer surface of the battery case 11. The forming member 171 is rotatably mounted on the second rotating shaft 173. The forming member 171 may be a circular rotating body.

[0121] The forming member 171 may be provided with a forming protrusion 172. The forming protrusion 172 may be provided to protrude outward along a circumferential direction of the forming member 171.

[0122] While the molding member 171 is rotated in the rotation direction of the second rotation shaft 173 when molding the bead portion 12 , it may be configured such that the molding protrusion 172 pressurizes the outer surface of the battery case 11 .

[0123] The second rotation driving unit 175 is mounted on the second rotation shaft 173. The second rotation shaft 173 may be arranged parallel to the rotation center axis of the battery box 11. The second rotation driving unit 175 may be a motor.

[0124] The former moving portion 179 may be installed on the upper body portion 190. The former moving portion 179 is configured to move the hem forming portion 170 in a direction close to or away from the supporting roller portion 180.

[0125] The forming member moving portion 179 can be configured so that: before forming the curling portion 12 on the outer surface of the battery box 11, the forming member 171 of the curling forming portion 170 is brought into contact with the outer surface of the battery box 11 by moving the curling forming portion 170 in the direction F1 close to the supporting roller portion 180.

[0126] In the following, reference will be made to Figure 8 and Figure 9 A process in which the cylindrical battery cell curling device 100 forms the curling portion 12 on the upper end portion of the cylindrical battery cell 10 is described.

[0127] Reference Figure 8 The battery case 11 in which the electrode assembly 13 is accommodated is seated on the battery rotating portion 110. The battery rotating portion 110 is moved up and down toward the battery holder portion 160 by the jig lifting portion 130.

[0128] The jig lifting portion 130 moves the jig portion 120 on which the battery rotating portion 110 is mounted up and down in the second axial direction A2 .

[0129] Next, the clamp moving portion 140 and the holder moving portion 165 move the clamp portion 120 and the battery holder portion 160 along the first axial direction A1 in a direction F1 approaching the roller member 184. The clamp moving portion 140 and the holder moving portion 165 move the clamp portion 120 and the battery holder portion 160 so that the outer surface of the battery cartridge 11 comes into contact with the roller member 184 of the support roller portion 180.

[0130] Next, the molding member 171 moves in the first axial direction A1 so that the molding member 171 comes into contact with the outer surface of the battery case 11. The molding member 171 comes into contact with the outer surface of the battery case 11 at the molding position H1.

[0131] The molding member 171 presses the outer surface of the battery case 11 with a normal load value P1 , which is a strength to such an extent that the outer surface of the battery case 11 can be dented.

[0132] The forming member 171 may contact the outer surface of the rotating battery case 11 during rotation and may form a bead portion 12 on the outer surface of the battery case 11 by pressurizing the outer surface of the battery case 11 in the first axial direction A1 while rotating together with the second rotating shaft 173 .

[0133] The beading portion 12 is a groove recessed in the outer surface of the battery case 11, and the recessed groove is provided along the circumferential direction of the battery case 11. The beading portion 12 may correspond to a locking protrusion for fixing the electrode assembly 13 to the inside of the battery case 11.

[0134] Reference Figure 8 When the forming member 171 pressurizes the battery box 11 with a normal load value P1 when the curling portion 12 is formed, the roller member 184 supports the battery box 11 along the first axial direction A1 while idling along the outer surface of the battery box 11, thereby preventing the outer diameter of the corresponding peripheral area of the battery box 11 from increasing.

[0135] Reference Figure 9 , when the formed member 171 is formed at the curling portion 12 with an abnormal load value (P2, see Figure 9 ) when the battery case 11 is pressed, the roller member 184 can be positionally adjusted in a direction away from the rotation center axis of the battery case 11 while idling along the outer surface of the battery case 11. Therefore, when the bead portion 12 is formed in the battery case 11, scratches on the outer surface of the battery case 11 due to the roller member 184 can be prevented.

[0136] For illustrative purposes, the preferred examples of the present invention described above have been disclosed, and those skilled in the art having ordinary knowledge of the present invention will be able to make various modifications, changes and additions within the spirit and scope of the present invention, and these modifications, changes and additions should be considered to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0137] Industrial Applicability

[0138] According to a cylindrical battery cell curling device related to one example of the present invention, it is possible to prevent scratches from being generated on a battery case during curling.

Claims

1. A battery cell crimping device, comprising: a battery rotating portion capable of seating a battery cartridge containing an electrode assembly therein and configured to rotate the battery cartridge; a curling forming portion, the curling forming portion including a forming member configured to pressurize the battery case when the battery case rotates, so as to form a curling portion along a circumferential direction of the battery case; as well as A support roller portion includes a roller member, which contacts the battery box when the forming member presses the battery box and is configured to be rotatable, and the support roller portion is configured to be able to adjust its position in a direction close to or away from the rotation center axis of the battery box.

2. The battery cell crimping device according to claim 1, wherein: The supporting roller portion is provided so that the position of the roller member is adjusted based on the magnitude of the force with which the forming member presses the battery case.

3. The battery cell crimping device according to claim 2, wherein: The supporting roller portion further includes: a roller center shaft on which the roller member is rotatably mounted; and A roller position adjustment portion is connected to the roller center shaft and is configured so that: when the force transmitted from the battery box to the roller member by the forming member is above the operating load value, the roller center shaft moves in a direction away from the rotation center axis of the battery box.

4. The battery cell crimping device according to claim 3, wherein: The roller position adjustment portion has a reference length and is configured to be adjustable in length in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the roller, and The roller position adjusting portion is configured to contract at the reference length when a force applied to the roller central axis is an abnormal load value equal to or greater than the operation load value.

5. The battery cell crimping device according to claim 4, wherein: The roller position adjusting portion is configured so as to maintain the reference length when a force applied to the roller central axis is a normal load value that is equal to or less than the operation load value.

6. The battery cell crimping device according to claim 4, wherein: The roller position adjusting portion includes a gas spring.

7. The battery cell crimping device according to claim 3, wherein: The supporting roller member further includes a supporting body, the roller position adjusting portion and the roller center shaft are mounted on the supporting body, and The roller position adjustment unit includes: a first adjusting member connecting one end portion of the roller center shaft adjacent to the roller member and the support body; and A second adjusting member is provided in parallel with the first adjusting member and connects the other end of the roller central shaft and the supporting body.

8. The battery cell crimping device according to claim 1, comprising: a battery holder portion provided on an upper portion of the battery rotating portion and configured so that an upper end portion of the battery box is insertable and configured to rotatably support the battery box; a clamp portion rotatably supporting the battery rotating portion; as well as A jig lifter is mounted on the jig portion and is configured to move the jig portion in a direction toward or away from the battery holder portion.

9. The battery cell crimping device according to claim 8, wherein: The battery holder portion includes a holder body and a pusher member mounted on the holder body, the pusher member being insertable into the battery case and configured to pressurize the electrode assembly within the battery case.

10. The battery cell crimping device according to claim 8, further comprising: A guide portion, the guide portion including a guide roller, the guide roller being mounted on the clamp portion so as to be able to contact the outer surface of the battery box seated on the battery rotating portion, and being configured to be able to idle along the outer surface of the battery box when the battery box rotates, and the guide portion being configured to support the battery box.

11. The battery cell crimping device according to claim 8, further comprising: a clamp moving portion, the clamp moving portion being mounted on the clamp portion and configured to move the clamp portion in a direction approaching or away from the supporting roller portion; as well as A holder moving portion is mounted on the battery holder portion and is configured to move the battery holder portion in a direction approaching or moving away from the supporting roller portion.

12. The battery cell crimping device according to claim 11, further comprising: a forming member moving portion, the forming member moving portion being mounted on the hem forming portion and configured to move the hem forming portion in a direction approaching and away from the supporting roller portion, wherein The forming member moving portion is configured so that: before the curling portion is formed on the outer surface of the battery case, the forming member of the curling forming portion is brought into contact with the outer surface of the battery case by moving the curling forming portion in a direction close to the supporting roller portion.

13. The battery cell crimping device according to claim 1, wherein: The battery rotating portion includes: a seating plate, on which the battery box is seated; a first rotation shaft mounted on the seating plate and positioned coaxially with the rotation center axis of the battery box; and A first rotation driving unit provides a rotational force to the first rotation shaft.

14. The battery cell crimping device according to claim 1, wherein: The curling forming part includes a second rotating shaft and a second rotating drive part, the forming component is rotatably mounted on the second rotating shaft, the second rotating drive part provides a rotational force to the second rotating shaft, and the curling forming part is configured to: when the curling part is formed, the outer surface of the battery box is pressurized while the forming component rotates.

15. The battery cell crimping device according to claim 1, further comprising: An alarm portion provides a warning alarm when the roller member moves in a direction away from the rotation center axis of the battery case.

Images