Cutting device and powder input apparatus including the same

Abstract

A cutting device according to the present invention comprises a cutting member configured to cut a powder storage bag in which powder is stored, in which the cutting member comprises: a placement plate in which a through hole is defined; and a cutting blade provided to extend upward at an edge of the through hole and configured to cut a point spaced apart from a vertical line passing through a central portion of the powder storage bag.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0123416, filed on September 15, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0123254, filed on September 10, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a powder input device including a cutting device for inputting powder stored in a powder storage bag, and more specifically, to a powder input device including a cutting device that can improve work efficiency, work continuity and powder flowability, and minimize the amount of residual powder remaining in the powder storage bag. Background Technology

[0004] Rechargeable batteries are typically used in portable devices, electric or hybrid vehicles powered by electric power sources, and energy storage devices.

[0005] In addition, secondary batteries have attracted attention as a new energy source, not only because they greatly reduce the use of fossil fuels, but also because they do not produce any byproducts that depend on the use of energy.

[0006] The methods used to manufacture this type of secondary battery include electrode processes, assembly processes, and activation processes.

[0007] Specifically, the electrode process includes a mixing process of mixing electrode active materials, conductive materials, binders and solvents to prepare a slurry, and a coating process of applying the slurry to a current collector.

[0008] In the mixing process, a powder storage bag is prepared to store powder as an electrode active material. The powder storage bag is then fixed, and the powder is fed into a mixing component through the discharge section of the powder storage bag. Conductive materials, binders, and solvents are also fed into the mixing component to mix with each other to produce a slurry.

[0009] Here, in order to discharge the powder stored in the powder storage bag, the worker can cut a portion of the powder storage bag to provide a discharge section, so that the powder can be discharged.

[0010] However, conventional mixing processes have problems, including poor work efficiency, work continuity, and powder flowability because workers have to cut the powder storage bags, and a large amount of powder remains in the powder storage bags because the discharge section in the powder storage bags is irregular. Summary of the Invention

[0011] Technical issues

[0012] The object of the present invention is to provide a cutting device that cuts a powder storage bag containing powder to provide a discharge section, thereby improving working efficiency, working continuity and powder flowability, and in particular, minimizing the amount of residual powder in the powder storage bag, as well as a powder input device including the powder storage bag.

[0013] Technical solution

[0014] The cutting device according to the invention may include a cutting member configured to cut a powder storage bag containing powder, wherein the cutting member may include: a placement plate defining a through hole; and a cutting blade configured to extend upward at the edge of the through hole and to cut points spaced apart from a vertical line passing through the central portion of the powder storage bag.

[0015] The cutting device may include a cutting blade configured to cut points spaced apart from a vertical line passing through the central portion of the powder storage bag.

[0016] The cutting blades can be configured to cut two or more points spaced apart from a vertical line passing through the central portion of the powder storage bag.

[0017] The cutting blade can be configured to extend vertically upwards.

[0018] The upper side of the cutting blade may have a sharp tip, the width of which gradually narrows toward the center of the sharp tip.

[0019] The through hole can have four edges, and four cutting blades can be provided at the four edges of the through hole respectively. Among the four cutting blades, two cutting blades that are in contact with each other can be connected to each other to form a first cutting hole and a second cutting hole corresponding to the first cutting hole in the powder storage bag.

[0020] The first cutting hole may have a shape corresponding to the shape in which two of the four cutting blades that are in contact with each other are connected to each other, and the second cutting hole may have a shape corresponding to the shape in which the remaining two of the four cutting blades are connected to each other.

[0021] The through hole can have four edges, and three cutting blades can be provided at three of the four edges of the through hole, and the three cutting blades can be connected to each other to form a third cutting hole in the powder storage bag.

[0022] The third cutting hole can have a shape corresponding to the shape in which the three cutting blades are connected to each other.

[0023] The cutting device may further include a lower lifting member configured to move the cutting member upward toward the powder storage bag.

[0024] The placement plate may have one or more openings in its edges.

[0025] The cutting blade can have a height ranging from 140 mm to 1800 mm.

[0026] The powder input device may include: a fixing device, wherein a powder storage bag containing powder is fixed to the fixing device; an input device disposed below the fixing device and having an input port, wherein powder stored in the powder storage bag is input into the input port; and a cutting device configured to cut the powder storage bag such that powder stored in the powder storage bag is input into the input port of the input device.

[0027] The fixing device may further include an upper lifting member configured to move the powder storage bag downward toward the input port.

[0028] Beneficial effects

[0029] The powder input device of the present invention may be characterized by including a cutting device with a cutting member. The cutting member may include a cutting blade that cuts points spaced apart from a vertical line passing through the central portion of the placement plate and the powder storage bag. Due to these features, even powder remaining on the inner edge of the powder storage bag can be effectively discharged, and therefore, residual powder in the powder storage bag can be minimized to improve work efficiency and continuity, as well as powder flowability.

[0030] Furthermore, in the powder input device of the present invention, the cutting blades are characterized by having two or more cutting blades to cut two or more points spaced apart from a vertical line passing through the central portion of the powder storage bag. Due to these features, even powder remaining on the inner edge of the powder storage bag can be effectively discharged, and therefore, the amount of powder remaining in the powder storage bag can be minimized.

[0031] Furthermore, in the powder input device of the present invention, the cutting blade is characterized in that it can be configured to extend vertically upward. Due to these features, cutting holes can be stably formed in the powder storage bag.

[0032] Furthermore, in the powder input device of the present invention, the cutting blades are characterized in that four cutting blades are respectively disposed at the four edges of the through hole formed in the input device, and two cutting blades that contact each other are connected to each other to form a first cutting hole and a second cutting hole corresponding to the first cutting hole in the powder storage bag, respectively. Due to these features, it can be ensured that the powder discharge port is large, thereby minimizing the amount of powder remaining in the powder storage bag.

[0033] Furthermore, in the powder input device of the present invention, the cutting blades are characterized in that three cutting blades are disposed at three of the four edges of the through hole formed in the input device, and the three cutting blades are connected to each other to form three cutting holes in the powder storage bag. Due to these features, a large powder discharge port can be ensured, thereby minimizing residual powder in the powder storage bag.

[0034] Furthermore, in the powder input device of the present invention, the cutting device is characterized by further including a lower lifting member that moves the cutting member upward toward the powder storage bag. Due to these features, the cutting blade of the cutting member can stably cut the powder storage bag. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a front view of a powder input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the cutting device of a powder input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Front view.

[0038] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Floor plan.

[0039] Figure 5 This is a front view showing the state of a powder storage bag being cut by a powder input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 6 This is a bottom view of a powder storage bag in which a first cutting hole and a second cutting hole are formed by a cutting device of a powder input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 7 It is a perspective view showing the state of powder being discharged from the powder storage bag.

[0042] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the cutting device of a powder input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 9yes Figure 8 Front view.

[0044] Figure 10 yes Figure 8 Floor plan.

[0045] Figure 11 This is a bottom view of a powder storage bag in which a third cutting hole is formed by a cutting device of a powder input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 12 It is a perspective view showing the state of powder being discharged from the powder storage bag. Detailed Implementation

[0047] In the following, embodiments of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, enabling those skilled in the art to readily implement the technical concept of the invention. However, the invention may be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. In the drawings, for clarity, any unnecessary descriptions of the invention will be omitted, and the same reference numerals denote the same elements.

[0048] [A secondary battery according to a first embodiment of the present invention]

[0049] The secondary battery according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes an electrode assembly and a housing therein, wherein the electrode assembly has a structure in which a separator and electrodes are alternately arranged. Here, the electrodes can be positive and negative electrodes. That is, the electrode assembly has a structure in which positive and negative electrodes are alternately arranged with a separator between them.

[0050] The electrode comprises a current collector and an active material applied to the current collector.

[0051] A method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to a first embodiment of the present invention having the above-described structure includes an electrode process, an assembly process, and a charging / discharging process.

[0052] Specifically, the electrode process includes a mixing process and a coating process, wherein the mixing process mixes powder (hereinafter referred to as "powder"), conductive material, binder and solvent to produce a slurry, and the coating process applies the slurry to the current collector.

[0053] Here, in the mixing process, powder 1 is supplied by a powder input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] In particular, the powder input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention can effectively discharge powder 1 stored in powder storage bag 10, and thus can minimize the residual powder 1 in powder storage bag 10, thereby improving work efficiency and continuity as well as powder flowability.

[0055] In the following, a powder input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0056] [Powder input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention]

[0057] Figure 1 This is a front view of a powder input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the cutting device of the powder input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 The front view, and Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Floor plan.

[0058] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the powder input device 20 according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes: a fixing device 21, wherein a powder storage bag 10 storing powder 1 is fixed to the fixing device 21; an input device 22, the input device 22 being provided with an input port 221 through which the powder 1 stored in the powder storage bag 10 is stored; and a cutting device 23, the cutting device 23 being provided with a cutting member 231, the cutting member 231 cutting the powder storage bag 10 such that the powder 1 stored in the powder storage bag 10 is input into the input port 221 of the input device 22.

[0059] Powder 1 refers to the finely powdered electrode active material. That is, powder 1 refers to the finely pulverized positive or negative electrode active material.

[0060] The powder storage bag 10 is configured to store powder and is made of synthetic resin material. That is, the powder storage bag 10 includes a storage section in which powder 1 is stored and a hook that hooks the storage section and fixes the storage section to a fixing device.

[0061] Fixture

[0062] The fixing device 21 is configured to fix the powder storage bag 10. That is, the fixing device 21 includes a fixing frame 211 fixed to the ceiling of the building or a structure installed in the building, a coupling frame 212 coupled to the powder storage bag 10, and an upper lifting member 213 connecting the coupling frame 212 to the fixing frame 211 so that the coupling frame 212 can move vertically.

[0063] That is, the fixing device 21 can vertically move the coupling frame 212 via the upper lifting member 213 and interlock with the coupling frame 212, so that the powder storage bag 10 rises or falls toward the input device 22.

[0064] Specifically, the fixing device 21 may include an upper lifting member 213. Therefore, the powder storage bag 10 fixed to the fixing device can be inserted into the input port 221 of the input device 22, and thus, the powder storage bag 10 can be effectively cut by the cutting device provided in the input port.

[0065] Input device

[0066] The input device 22 is configured to input powder stored in the powder storage bag 10. Furthermore, the powder input to the input device 22 is supplied to a mixing device (not shown).

[0067] That is, the input device 22 is installed on the ground or structure below the fixing device 21, and includes an input port 221. The falling powder 1 is input into the input port 221 through the powder storage bag 10 fixed to the fixing device 21. Here, the input port 221 can be set as a hopper.

[0068] Cutting device

[0069] The cutting device 23 is configured to cut the powder storage bag so that the powder stored in the powder storage bag is discharged, and includes a cutting member 231 and a lower lifting member 233.

[0070] The aforementioned cutting member 231 is configured to cut the powder storage bag 10 to form a cutting hole for discharging powder 1, such that the powder 1 stored in the powder storage bag 10 is input into the input port 221 of the input device 22. That is, the cutting member 231 includes a placement plate 2311 and a cutting blade 2312.

[0071] The placement plate 2311 has a plate shape provided in the input port 221 of the input device 22, and a through hole 23111 for powder to enter is formed in the center of the placement plate 2311.

[0072] The cutting blade 2312 is configured to extend upward at the edge of the through hole 23111 and cut the bottom surface of the powder storage bag 10 to form a cutting hole for discharging powder 1.

[0073] Here, the placement plate 2311 and the cutting blade 2312 can be integrated with each other and can be made of metal.

[0074] In the powder input device 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, having the above-described structure, a cutting member 231 is disposed in the input port 221 of the input device 22, and then the powder storage bag 10 is moved downward by a fixing member. As a result, the powder storage bag 10 is inserted into the input port 221, and simultaneously, the cutting member 231 is pressed. Here, the cutting blade 2312 of the cutting member 231 cuts the bottom surface of the powder storage bag 10 to form a cutting hole in the powder storage bag 10, and the powder is discharged through the cutting hole of the powder storage bag 10 and input into the input device 22. Here, the powder storage bag 10 can be supported on the placement plate 2311 of the cutting member 231 to prevent the powder storage bag 10 from being input into the input device 22.

[0075] Therefore, the powder input device 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a cutting device 23 provided with a cutting member 231 to effectively discharge the powder 1 stored in the powder storage bag 10, thereby inputting the powder 1 into the input device 22.

[0076] Figure 5 This is a front view showing the state of a powder storage bag being cut by a powder input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 This is a bottom view of a powder storage bag in which the first and second cutting holes 12 are formed by the cutting device 23 of the powder input device 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 7 It is a perspective view showing the state of powder being discharged from the powder storage bag.

[0077] Here, the powder input device 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention has a structure that improves the flowability and discharge capacity of powder stored in the powder storage bag.

[0078] That is, such as Figure 6 As shown, in the powder input device 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the cutting blade 2312 of the cutting member 231 cuts a point spaced at a predetermined distance from the vertical line passing through the center portion O of the powder storage bag 10.

[0079] For example, the cutting blade 2312 cuts the center portion of the connecting line between the center portion O of the powder storage bag 10 and the edge of the powder storage bag 10.

[0080] Therefore, the powder input device 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention can significantly reduce the distance between the inner edge of the powder storage bag 10 and the powder cutting hole, so as to effectively discharge the powder disposed on the inner edge of the powder storage bag 10, thereby improving the flowability of the powder stored in the powder storage bag 10 and minimizing the remaining powder.

[0081] Specifically, the cutting member 231 may be provided with two or more cutting blades 2312. Therefore, two or more points spaced apart from the vertical line passing through the central portion O of the powder storage bag 10 can be cut, and thus, the powder 1 disposed on the inner edge of the powder storage bag 10 can be discharged more quickly.

[0082] The cutting blade 2312 can be configured to extend vertically upwards. Therefore, the cutting blade 2312 can pass vertically through the powder storage bag 10 to prevent cutting defects and can also form powder discharge holes with a uniform shape in the powder storage bag 10. In particular, it can prevent the cutting blade 2312 from being damaged or deformed by the load of the powder storage bag 10.

[0083] The upper side of the cutting blade 2312 may have a sharp tip 2321, the width of which gradually narrows toward the center. Therefore, the cutting hole formed in the bottom surface of the powder storage bag can gradually become larger, and the powder discharge capacity can also be gradually improved.

[0084] The through-hole 23111 can be rectangular in shape with four edges, and four cutting blades 2312 can be provided at the four edges of the through-hole 23111. Therefore, four cutting holes can be formed in the bottom surface of the powder storage bag 10, thereby greatly improving the powder discharge capacity.

[0085] In particular, such as Figure 6 As shown, four cutting blades 2312 can be provided, such that two cutting blades 2312 that are in contact with each other are connected to each other. Therefore, a first cutting hole 11 and a second cutting hole 12 corresponding to the first cutting hole 11 can be formed in the bottom surface of the powder storage bag 10.

[0086] Here, refer to Figure 6 The first cutting hole 11 has a shape corresponding to the shape in which two of the four cutting blades 2312 that are in contact with each other are connected to each other, and the second cutting hole 12 has a shape corresponding to the shape in which the remaining two of the four cutting blades 2312 are connected to each other. That is, the first cutting hole 11 has a '└' shape, and the second cutting hole 12 has a '┐' shape. Therefore, as Figure 7 As shown, when discharging powder, triangular first and second cutting holes 12 can be formed in the bottom surface of the powder storage bag 10. Therefore, the discharge capacity and flowability of the powder 1 stored in the powder storage bag 10 can be improved, and the amount of residual powder can be minimized.

[0087] The cutting device 23 may further include a lower lifting member 233 that moves the cutting member 231 upward toward the powder storage bag 10. That is, the lower lifting member 233 can lift the cutting member 231, allowing the cutting blade 2312 of the cutting member 231 to stably cut the powder storage bag 10. In particular, the cutting device 23 may include the lower lifting member 233 to cut powder storage bags 10 of various heights without adjusting its height, thereby improving compatibility and processability.

[0088] The placement plate 2311 may have one or more openings 23112 formed in its edge. That is, the openings 23112 may be formed in the edge of the placement plate 2311 on the outside of the cutting blade 2312. Therefore, powder accumulated on the placement plate 2311 on the outside of the cutting blade 2312 can be pushed and fed into the input device 22 through the openings 23112.

[0089] The height of the cutting blade 2312 can be from 140 mm to 1800 mm. If the height of the cutting blade 2312 is less than 140 mm, there is a problem that the cutting blade 2312 may not cut the powder storage bag 10 or may not form a cutting hole of the specified size. On the other hand, if the height of the cutting blade 2312 is 1800 mm or greater, the powder storage bag 10 can be cut stably, but after cutting, the powder storage bag 10 must be lifted a considerable amount to remove the cutting blade 2312 inserted into the powder storage bag 10, and therefore, there may be a problem of deteriorating machinability. Therefore, the height of the cutting blade 2312 is formed to be from 140 mm to 1800 mm.

[0090] Therefore, the powder input device 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention can effectively discharge powder disposed at the center and edge of the powder storage bag 10, thereby minimizing residual powder in the powder storage bag 10, thus improving work efficiency and continuity, as well as powder flowability. In the following description of other embodiments of the invention, the same component symbols are used for components having the same function as in the foregoing embodiments, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

[0091] [Powder Input Device According to a Second Embodiment of the Present Invention]

[0092] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing the cutting device of the powder input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 yes Figure 8 Front view, Figure 10 yes Figure 8 Floor plan Figure 11 This is a bottom view of a powder storage bag in which a third cutting hole is formed by a cutting device of a powder input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 12It is a perspective view showing the state of powder being discharged from the powder storage bag.

[0093] The powder input device according to the second embodiment of the present invention is provided as another embodiment including the cutting member 231 in the powder input device according to the aforementioned first embodiment.

[0094] That is, such as Figures 8 to 10 As shown, the powder input device 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a cutting member 231, and the cutting member 231 includes a placement plate 2311 in which a through hole 23111 is formed and a cutting blade 2312 disposed at the edge of the through hole 23111.

[0095] Here, as Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown, the through hole 23111 has four edges, and the cutting blade 2312 is disposed at three of the four edges of the through hole 23111. In particular, the three cutting blades 2312 have a structure in which the cutting blades 2312 are sequentially connected to each other, and thus, a third cutting hole 13 can be formed in the bottom surface of the powder storage bag 10.

[0096] Reference Figure 11 The third cutting hole 13 has a shape corresponding to the shape in which the three cutting blades 2312 are connected to each other. That is, the third cutting hole 13 has a 'ㄷ' shape.

[0097] like Figure 12 As shown, the powder input device 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, having the above structure, can discharge powder 1 stored in the powder storage bag 10 into the input device 22, while forming a rectangular third cutting hole 13 in the bottom surface of the powder storage bag 10 to minimize the amount of powder 1 remaining in the powder storage bag 10.

[0098] Therefore, the powder input device 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention can significantly improve the discharge capacity and flowability of powder stored in the powder storage bag 10, and minimize the amount of residual powder.

[0099] As another embodiment, the cutting device 23, which is included only in the powder input device 20 according to an embodiment of the present invention, can be manufactured and used separately. This can improve compatibility.

[0100] Although the invention has been described above with reference to exemplary drawings, various changes and modifications can be made to it by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

[0101] [Symbol Explanation]

[0102] 1: Powder

[0103] 10: Powder storage bag

[0104] 11: First cutting hole

[0105] 12: Second cutting hole

[0106] 13: Third cutting hole

[0107] 20: Powder input device

[0108] 21: Fixing device

[0109] 211: Fixed Frame

[0110] 212: Coupling Frame

[0111] 213: Upper lifting component

[0112] 22: Input device

[0113] 221: Input Port

[0114] 23: Cutting device

[0115] 231: Cutting components

[0116] 2311: Placement board

[0117] 23111: Through hole

[0118] 23112: Opening hole

[0119] 2312: Cutting Blade

[0120] 2321: Frontend

[0121] 233: Lower lifting component

Claims

1. A cutting device, comprising: A cutting component configured to cut a powder storage bag containing powder. The cutting component includes: This includes a placement plate with through holes; and A cutting blade is provided, which extends upward at the edge of the through-hole and is configured to cut points spaced apart from a vertical line passing through the central portion of the powder storage bag.

2. The cutting device according to claim 1, wherein, The cutting blades are configured in two or more pieces to cut two or more points spaced apart from the vertical line passing through the central portion of the powder storage bag.

3. The cutting device according to claim 2, wherein, The cutting blade is configured to extend vertically upwards.

4. The cutting device according to claim 1, wherein, The cutting blade has a sharp tip on its upper side, and the width of the sharp tip gradually narrows toward the center of the sharp tip.

5. The cutting device according to claim 1, wherein, The through hole has four edges. The cutting blades are respectively provided at the four edges of the through hole, and Of the four cutting blades, two cutting blades that are in contact with each other are connected to each other to form a first cutting hole and a second cutting hole corresponding to the first cutting hole in the powder storage bag.

6. The cutting device according to claim 5, wherein, The first cutting hole has a shape corresponding to the shape of two of the four cutting blades that are in contact with each other and are connected to each other. The second cutting hole has a shape corresponding to the shape in which the other two cutting blades of the four cutting blades are connected to each other.

7. The cutting device according to claim 1, wherein, The through hole has four edges. The cutting blades are provided at three of the four edges of the through hole, and The three cutting blades are connected to each other to form a third cutting hole in the powder storage bag.

8. The cutting device according to claim 7, wherein, The third cutting hole has a shape corresponding to the shape in which the three cutting blades are connected to each other.

9. The cutting device according to claim 1, wherein, The cutting device further includes a lower lifting member configured to move the cutting member upward toward the powder storage bag.

10. The cutting device according to claim 1, wherein, The placement plate has one or more openings in its edge.

11. The cutting device according to claim 1, wherein, The cutting blade has a height of 140 mm to 1800 mm.

12. A powder input device, comprising: A fixing device, wherein a powder storage bag containing powder is fixed to the fixing device; An input device is provided below the fixing device and has an input port, through which the powder stored in the powder storage bag is input into the input port; as well as The cutting device according to claim 1 is configured to cut the powder storage bag such that the powder stored in the powder storage bag is input into the input port of the input device.

13. The powder input device according to claim 12, wherein, The fixing device further includes an upper lifting member configured to move the powder storage bag downward toward the input port.

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