Secondary battery shell manufacturing device

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a secondary battery case manufacturing apparatus, and provides a secondary battery case manufacturing apparatus capable of simultaneously performing a case molding process and an imprinting process. To this end, the secondary battery case manufacturing apparatus includes: a mold having a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other; a punched hole formed through the first surface and the second surface; a punch disposed to face the first surface and configured to press a workpiece toward the punch hole in a first direction; a demolding member disposed to face the second surface and configured to press the workpiece in a second direction opposite to the first direction; and an imprint member mounted on the mold release member and configured to imprint a pattern on the workpiece as the mold release member is in contact with the workpiece.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a secondary battery case manufacturing apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0002] In general, with recent rapid popularization of electronic devices using batteries such as mobile phones, laptop computers, electric vehicles, etc., the demand for secondary batteries having high energy density and high capacity is rapidly increasing. Accordingly, research and development for improving the performance of lithium secondary batteries are actively being conducted.

[0003] A lithium secondary battery is a battery including a positive electrode and a negative electrode including an active material capable of intercalating and deintercalating lithium ions, and an electrolyte, and generates electric energy through oxidation and reduction reactions when lithium ions are intercalated into and deintercalated from the positive electrode and the negative electrode.

[0004] A case of a secondary battery can be manufactured by molding a sheet-shaped blank into a square or circular can using an extrusion method and a thinning and stretching method.

[0005] The above information disclosed in this BACKGROUND section is only for enhancing the understanding of the background of the present disclosure, and therefore can include information that does not constitute the related art. SUMMARY [TECHNICAL PROBLEM]

[0006] The present disclosure aims to provide a secondary battery case manufacturing apparatus capable of simultaneously performing a case molding process and a stamping process.

[0007] However, the technical problems to be solved by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the explanation of the present disclosure described below. [TECHNICAL SOLUTION]

[0008] To solve the above technical problems, a secondary battery case manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a mold having a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other, a punch formed through the first surface and the second surface, a punch head disposed to face the first surface and configured to press a work in a first direction toward the punch, an ejection member disposed to face the second surface and configured to press the work in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and an impression member mounted on the ejection member and configured to stamp a pattern on the work as the ejection member comes into contact with the work.

[0009] The demolding member can include a demolding body disposed to face the second surface and configured to move in the first direction or the second direction, and a demolding pad mounted to be reciprocally movable with respect to the demolding body in the first direction and the second direction and configured to contact the workpiece, and the impression member can selectively contact the workpiece according to the moving direction of the demolding pad.

[0010] The demolding pad can be inserted into the punch hole as the demolding body moves in the second direction.

[0011] The impression member can include an impression hole formed through the demolding pad and disposed to face the punch hole, an impression rod extending from the demolding body toward the impression hole, and an impression portion extending from the impression rod and disposed inside the impression hole, and the impression portion can protrude from the impression hole as the demolding pad moves in the first direction with respect to the demolding body.

[0012] The impression portion can extend from an end of the impression rod in the second direction.

[0013] The impression member can further include a support member disposed between the demolding body and the impression rod and configured to support the impression rod with respect to the demolding body.

[0014] The support member can be provided to be elastically deformable.

[0015] The demolding member can further include an elastic member configured to press the demolding pad in the second direction, and a stopper configured to prevent the demolding pad from being separated from the demolding body.

[0016] The elastic member can be a coil spring.

[0017] The elastic member can be disposed between the demolding body and the demolding pad.

[0018] The elastic member can be disposed such that a longitudinal direction thereof is parallel to the first direction, and both ends thereof can be fixed to the demolding body and the demolding pad, respectively.

[0019] The stopper can include a first stopper extending from the demolding body, and a second stopper extending from the demolding pad and contacting the first stopper as the demolding pad moves in the second direction with respect to the demolding body.

[0020] The first stopper can include a first stopper body fixed to the demolding body, and a first hook extending from the first stopper body in a direction intersecting the first direction and having a first contact surface, the second stopper can include a second stopper body fixed to the demolding pad, and a second hook extending from the second stopper body in a direction opposite to the extension direction of the first hook and having a second contact surface disposed to face the first hook, and the first hook and the second hook can be sequentially disposed along the first direction.

[0021] The first contact surface and the second contact surface can be disposed in parallel.

[0022] The impression portion can protrude from the impression hole as the demolding pad moves from an initial position in the first direction by a first set distance with respect to the demolding body.

[0023] The second stopper can contact the demolding body as the demolding pad moves from the initial position in the first direction by a second set distance greater than the first set distance with respect to the demolding body.

[0024] The demolding member can further include a guide member configured to guide the relative movement of the demolding pad with respect to the demolding body.

[0025] The guide member can include a guide hole formed through any one of the demolding body and the demolding pad, and a guide rod extending from the other of the demolding body and the demolding pad and inserted into the guide hole.

[0026] The guide hole and the guide rod can be disposed in parallel with the first direction. [Advantageous Effects]

[0027] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, by the demolding member and the impression member, it is possible to simultaneously perform a case molding process and an imprinting process, thereby enabling high-speed production of a secondary battery case.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the impression portion selectively protrudes from the impression hole according to the movement direction of the demolding pad, and thus it is possible to prevent damage to the workpiece and the impression portion due to a collision between the workpiece and the impression portion in a process of transferring the workpiece, and to prevent degradation of an imprinting performance due to damage to the impression portion.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the disclosure, the embossing portion protrudes from the embossing hole only when the pattern is printed on the workpiece, thus being able to prevent wear of the embossing portion due to continuous exposure of the embossing portion and being able to prevent damage to the embossing portion due to collision between the punch and the embossing portion during a press operation using the punch. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0030] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate some embodiments of the present disclosure and together with the description, further describe the aspects and features of the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a secondary battery case manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of the secondary battery case manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 3 FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of the secondary battery case manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, from a different perspective than that of FIG. 2. Figure 3

[0034] Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a configuration of the secondary battery case manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 5 FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a demolding member and an embossing member according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 6 FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of the demolding member and the embossing member according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, from a different perspective than that of FIG. 5. Figure 5

[0037] Figure 7 FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a configuration of the demolding member and the embossing member according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 8 FIG. 8 is an enlarged view schematically illustrating a configuration of a stopper according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 9 FIG. 9 is an enlarged view schematically illustrating a configuration of an embossing portion according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figures 10 to 15 FIG. 10 is a view schematically illustrating an operation process of the secondary battery case manufacturing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. ​​DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The preferred embodiments of the present application will be explained in detail by referring to the attached drawings. Before that, the terms or words used in the scope of the specification and claims should not be interpreted as in the conventional or dictionary meaning and the concept of the terms can be properly defined in order to interpret the inventor's own invention in the best way according to the principle that the inventor must explain the terms with the meaning and concept consistent with the technical idea of the present application. Therefore, since the embodiments described in the specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are only some of the most ideal embodiments of the present application, and do not represent all technical ideas of the present application, it is important to understand that various equivalents and modifications which can replace them can exist at the time of filing the present application.

[0042] Further, as used in the specification, "include" and / or "comprising" designate the presence of stated shapes, numbers, steps, actions, parts, elements, and / or groups thereof and do not exclude other shapes, numbers, actions, parts, elements, and / or groups from being present or added.

[0043] Further, the attached drawings can not be shown according to the actual proportions in order to facilitate the understanding of the present application, but the sizes of some components can be exaggerated. Further, the same components can be designated with the same reference numerals in different embodiments.

[0044] The expression that two comparison objects are "the same" means that they are "substantially the same". Thus, the actual equality can include a deviation considered to be low in the industry, for example, a case where the deviation is within 5%. Further, when a parameter is consistent in a given region, it can mean that it is consistent from an average point of view.

[0045] Although various components are described using first, second, etc., these components are of course not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another; of course, unless there is a special description to the contrary, a first component can be a second component.

[0046] Throughout the specification, unless there is a specific contrary statement, each component can be singular or plural.

[0047] Placing any configuration "on (or under) the component" or "on (or under) the component" of the component can mean that the any configuration is not only arranged in contact with the top (or bottom) of the component, but other configurations can be interposed between the component and the any configuration arranged on (or under) the component.

[0048] Furthermore, when describing a component that is "on" or "connected" or "coupled" to another component, it will be understood that the component can be directly on or connected or coupled to the other component, but it will also be understood that other components "between" the two components can be present and that the two components can be "connected," "joined," or "coupled" through the other components.

[0049] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Further, use of "may" when describing embodiments of the disclosure relates to "one or more embodiments of the disclosure." Expressions such as "at least one of," when preceding the list of two or more members, modify the member of the list with the full scope of the language.

[0050] Unless otherwise stated, "A or B" when used in the present specification means A, B, or both A and B. Unless otherwise stated, when referring to "C~D," it means C through D.

[0051] When phrases such as "at least one of," "at least one of A, B, and C," "at least one of A, B, or C," "at least one selected from the group consisting of A, B, and C," or "at least one selected from A, B, and C" are used to describe a list of elements A, B, and C, the phrase can refer to any and all possible combinations of the elements in the list.

[0052] As used herein, the term "use" can be considered synonymous with the term "utilize." As used herein, the terms "substantially," "about," and similar terms are used as modifiers that generally refer to an approximation or to deviations that can occur in a manufacturing or other process. Such terms should be interpreted in the context to which they are used based on a complete reading of the specification.

[0053] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. can be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of example embodiments.

[0054] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "under", "below", "lower", "over", "upper" and the like can be used herein for describing an element's or feature's relationship to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientations depicted in the figures. For example, if a device is inverted, elements described as "under" or "below" other elements or features would then be oriented "over" the other elements or features. Thus, the term "under" can encompass both an over and under orientation. It will also be understood that the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. are used herein, when applicable, to denote different

[0055] The terms used in the present specification are intended to describe embodiments of the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0056] Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a secondary battery case manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a secondary battery case manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a secondary battery case manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, from a different perspective than Figure 3 Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a configuration of a secondary battery case manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] Referring to Figures 1 to 4 , the secondary battery case manufacturing apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a mold 100, a punch 200, a punch 300, a demolding member 400, and a stamping member 500.

[0058] The mold 100 can have the shape of a plate having a first surface 101 and a second surface 102 opposite to each other. The mold 100 can be fixed to the ground or a separate structure (not illustrated) by various types of coupling methods such as welding, bolt coupling, and insertion coupling. Hereinafter, based on the assumption that the mold 100 is fixed to the ground, the first surface 101 and the second surface 102 of the mold 100 will be described as the upper surface and the lower surface of the mold 100, respectively, which are perpendicular to the Z-axis. Figures 1 to 3

[0059] The punch 200 can be formed in a shape having a hole formed through the first surface 101 and the second surface 102 of the mold 100. The punch 200 can serve as a member for processing a workpiece A into a target shape by plastically deforming the workpiece A together with the punch 300, which will be described below.

[0060] ​​Here, the workpiece A can be exemplified as an object to be manufactured as a secondary battery case by the secondary battery case manufacturing apparatus according to the present embodiment. The workpiece A can be provided as a preformed cup shape by an extrusion process. Alternatively, the workpiece A can be provided as a sheet form made of a metal material such as aluminum. The target shape of the workpiece A is the shape of the secondary battery case manufactured by the secondary battery case manufacturing apparatus according to the present embodiment, and the design of the shape can be changed in various ways other than a rectangular hexahedron, as long as the workpiece A has the shape of a container with one side open (such as a cylinder or the like). The design of the shape and the area of the cross section of the punch hole 200 can be changed in various ways depending on the shape, area, or the like of the cross section of the secondary battery case formed by processing the workpiece A.

[0061] The workpiece A can be transferred onto the first surface 101 of the mold 100 by a separate transfer device (not illustrated). Before the operation of the punch 300, the workpiece A can be disposed in a position in which the bottom surface thereof faces the punch hole 200, which will be described below.

[0062] The punch 300 can be disposed to face the first surface 101 of the mold 100. The punch 300 can be installed to be movable in a first direction and a second direction with respect to the first surface 101 of the mold 100. The first direction described below can refer to a direction parallel to the Z axis and from the first surface 101 toward the second surface 102 based on the X-Y-Z coordinate system, and the second direction can refer to a direction opposite to the first direction, that is, a direction parallel to the Z axis and from the second surface 102 toward the first surface 101 based on the X-Y-Z coordinate system. Figures 1 to 3 Figures 1 to 3 The punch 300 can be disposed such that the longitudinal direction thereof is parallel to the first direction. The punch 300 can be disposed such that one end portion thereof (that is, a lower end portion based on the X-Y-Z coordinate system) faces the punch hole 200. The other end portion (that is, an upper end portion based on the X-Y-Z coordinate system) of the punch 300 can be connected to a separate power device (not illustrated) such as a press machine, a cylinder, or the like via a punch holder H. The punch 300 can be reciprocally moved in the first direction and the second direction by a driving force generated by the power device.

[0063] The punch 300 can press the workpiece A in the first direction toward the punch hole 200 as the punch 300 is moved in the first direction. The cross-sectional area of the punch 300 can be formed to be smaller than the cross-sectional area of the punch hole 200. Accordingly, the punch 300 can be inserted into the inside of the punch hole 200 together with the workpiece A, and press the workpiece A in the first direction, or perform a thinning stretch process for reducing the thickness of the workpiece A. Figures 1 to 3 Figures 1 to 3 The punch 300 can press the workpiece A in the first direction toward the punch hole 200 as the punch 300 is moved in the first direction. The cross-sectional area of the punch 300 can be formed to be smaller than the cross-sectional area of the punch hole 200. Accordingly, the punch 300 can be inserted into the inside of the punch hole 200 together with the workpiece A, and press the workpiece A in the first direction, or perform a thinning stretch process for reducing the thickness of the workpiece A.

[0064] The punch 300 can press the workpiece A in the first direction toward the punch hole 200 as the punch 300 is moved in the first direction. The cross-sectional area of the punch 300 can be formed to be smaller than the cross-sectional area of the punch hole 200. Accordingly, the punch 300 can be inserted into the inside of the punch hole 200 together with the workpiece A, and press the workpiece A in the first direction, or perform a thinning stretch process for reducing the thickness of the workpiece A.

[0065] ​​The demolding member 400 can be disposed to face the second surface 102 of the mold 100. The demolding member 400 can be installed to be movable in the first direction and the second direction with respect to the second surface 102. After the punch 300 presses the workpiece A in the first direction, the demolding member 400 can be moved in the second direction and press the workpiece A in the second direction. That is, after the workpiece A is formed by the punch 300, the demolding member 400 can serve as a means for separating the workpiece A from the punch hole 200 by applying a pressing force to the workpiece A in the direction opposite to the punch 300.

[0066] Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a demolding member and an impression member according to an embodiment of the disclosure, Figure 6 FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a demolding member and an impression member according to an embodiment of the disclosure, from a different perspective than Figure 5 FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a demolding member and an impression member according to an embodiment of the disclosure, and Figure 7 FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a configuration of a demolding member and an impression member according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0067] Referring to Figures 1 to 7 , the demolding member 400 can include a demolding body 410 and a demolding pad 420.

[0068] The demolding body 410 can form the outside of one side of the demolding member 400, and can be disposed such that one surface thereof (i.e., the upper surface based on Figure 5 the mold 100. The demolding body 410 can be connected to a separate power device (not illustrated) such as a press machine or an air cylinder. The demolding body 410 can be reciprocally moved in the first direction and the second direction by a driving force generated by the power device.

[0069] The demolding pad 420 can be disposed to face the punch hole 200 between the demolding body 410 and the second surface 102. The demolding pad 420 can be moved in the first direction and the second direction together with the demolding body 410 when the demolding body 410 is moved in the first direction and the second direction. As the demolding body 410 is moved in the second direction, the demolding pad 420 can come into contact with the bottom surface of the workpiece A inserted into the punch hole 200 by the punch 300, and press the workpiece A in the second direction. The cross-sectional area of the demolding pad 420 can correspond to the cross-sectional area of the punch hole 200, or can be smaller than the cross-sectional area of the punch hole 200. Accordingly, when the demolding body 410 is moved in the second direction, the demolding pad 420 can be inserted into the punch hole 200 in a state of contacting the bottom surface of the workpiece A, and separate the workpiece A from the punch hole 200 in the second direction.

[0070] The demolding pad 420 can be installed to be reciprocally movable with respect to the demolding body 410 along the first direction and the second direction. That is, the demolding pad 420 can be installed to be movable with respect to the demolding body 410 along the first direction and the second direction independently of the movement of the demolding body 410. In this case, the demolding pad 420 can be movably connected directly to the demolding body 410, and can also be connected via a separate structure to be movable with respect to the demolding body 410. When the demolding pad 420 is in contact with the workpiece A, the demolding pad 420 can be moved in the first direction due to the reaction force generated between the demolding pad 420 and the workpiece A. Accordingly, the demolding pad 420 can selectively expose the impression member 500 (which will be described below) to the outside space.

[0071] The demolding member 400 can further include an elastic member 430, a stopper 440, and a guide member 450.

[0072] The elastic member 430 can press the demolding pad 420 in the second direction with respect to the demolding body 410. The elastic member 430 can be provided to be elastically deformable. As one example, the elastic member 430 can have the form of a coil spring capable of elongating and retracting along the longitudinal direction.

[0073] The elastic member 430 can be disposed between the demolding body 410 and the demolding pad 420. The elastic member 430 can be disposed such that the longitudinal direction thereof is parallel to the first direction. Both end portions thereof can be fixed to the demolding body 410 and the demolding pad 420, respectively. More specifically, both end portions of the elastic member 430 can be fixed to the surfaces of the demolding body 410 and the demolding pad 420, which face each other, by an adhesive, welding, or the like. Both end portions of the elastic member 430 can be inserted into the surfaces of the demolding body 410 and the demolding pad 420, which face each other.

[0074] When the demolding pad 420 is disposed in an initial position with respect to the demolding body 410, the elastic member 430 can be installed in a compressed state rather than a neutral state. Accordingly, the elastic member 430 can always press the demolding pad 420 in the second direction with respect to the demolding body 410. Details regarding the initial position of the demolding body 410 will be described below.

[0075] A plurality of elastic members 430 can be provided. The plurality of elastic members 430 can be disposed to be spaced apart from each other between the demolding body 410 and the demolding pad 420. The plurality of elastic members 430 can be disposed in parallel to each other.

[0076] The stopper 440 can prevent the demolding pad 420 from being separated from the demolding body 410 due to the elastic force of the elastic member 430.

[0077] Figure 8is an enlarged view schematically illustrating a configuration of a stopper according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0078] Referring to Figure 8 , the stopper 440 can include a first stopper 441 and a second stopper 442.

[0079] The first stopper 441 forms the outside of one side of the stopper 440 and can extend from the demolding body 410.

[0080] The first stopper 441 can include a first stopper body 441a and a first hook 441b.

[0081] The first stopper body 441a can be disposed between the demolding body 410 and the demolding pad 420. One surface of the first stopper body 441a facing the demolding body 410 can be integrally fixed to the demolding body 410. The other surface of the first stopper body 441a facing the demolding pad 420 can be in contact with the demolding pad 420 or can be separated from the demolding pad 420 by the relative movement of the demolding pad 420 with respect to the demolding body 410.

[0082] The first hook 441b can extend from the first stopper body 441a in a direction intersecting the first direction. As one example, the first hook 441b can extend from the first stopper body 441a in a direction perpendicular to the first direction, i.e., in a direction parallel to the Y-axis direction based on Figure 2 However, the extension direction of the first hook 441b is not limited thereto, and based on Figure 2 , its design can be changed to various directions within the range of the direction intersecting the first direction.

[0083] A first contact surface 441c can be formed on the surface of the first hook 441b facing the demolding body 410. The first contact surface 441c can be disposed in parallel with the extension direction of the first hook 441b.

[0084] A plurality of first hooks 441b can be provided. The plurality of first hooks 441b can be disposed to be spaced apart from each other along the circumferential surface of the first stopper body 441a. As one example, a pair of first hooks 441b can be provided, and the pair of first hooks 441b can be disposed to be spaced apart by 180 degrees along the circumferential surface of the first stopper body 441a.

[0085] The second stopper 442 can extend from the demolding pad 420. As the demolding pad 420 moves in the second direction with respect to the demolding body 410, the second stopper 442 can come into contact with the first stopper 441. Accordingly, the movement of the demolding body 410 in the second direction due to the reaction force generated between the demolding body 410 and the first stopper 441 can be restricted.

[0086] The second stopper 442 can include a second stopper body 442a and a second hook 442b.

[0087] The second stopper body 442a can extend from one surface of the demolding pad 420 facing the demolding body 410 toward the demolding body 410. The second stopper body 442a can be disposed such that a longitudinal direction thereof is parallel to the first direction. One end of the second stopper body 442a facing the demolding pad 420 can be integrally fixed to the demolding pad 420. The other surface of the second stopper body 442a facing the demolding body 410 can be in contact with or can be separated from the demolding body 410 by relative movement of the demolding pad 420 with respect to the demolding body 410. The side surface of the second stopper body 442a can be spaced apart from the circumferential surface of the first stopper body 441a along a direction intersecting the first direction. As one example, the second stopper body 442a can be spaced apart from the first stopper body 441a along a direction parallel to the extension direction of the first hook 441b.

[0088] A plurality of second stopper bodies 442a can be provided. The number of the plurality of second stopper bodies 442a can be the same as the number of the first hooks 441b. Each of the second stopper bodies 442a can be individually disposed at a position facing the first hook 441b.

[0089] The second hook 442b can extend from the second stopper body 442a in a direction opposite to the extension direction of the first hook 441b. As one example, the second hook 422b can horizontally extend from the end of the second stopper body 442a facing the demolding body 410 toward the circumferential surface of the demolding body 410. The first hook 441b and the second hook 442b can be sequentially disposed along the first direction.

[0090] The second contact surface 442c can be formed on the surface of the second hook 442b facing the first hook 441b. The second contact surface 442c can be disposed in parallel to the extension direction of the second hook 442b. Accordingly, the second contact surface 442c can be disposed to face the first contact surface 441c in parallel along a direction parallel to the first direction.

[0091] A plurality of second hooks 442b can be provided. The number of the plurality of second hooks 442b can be the same as the number of the second stopper bodies 442a. Each of the second hooks 442b can individually extend from a different second stopper body 442a.

[0092] As the elastic member 430 presses the release pad 420 in the second direction, the first contact surface 441c and the second contact surface 442c can remain in contact with each other when no separate external force is applied to the release pad 420. The initial position of the release pad 420 described above can refer to the position of the release pad 420 in a state in which the first contact surface 441c and the second contact surface 442c are in contact.

[0093] The guide member 450 can guide the relative movement of the release pad 420 with respect to the release body 410.

[0094] The guide member 450 can include a guide hole 451 and a guide rod 452.

[0095] The guide hole 451 can be formed through any one of the release body 410 or the release pad 420. Hereinafter, the guide hole 451 will be described as being formed through the release pad 420 by way of example. However, the guide hole 451 is not limited thereto and can also be formed through the release body 410.

[0096] The guide hole 451 can be formed to have a shape of a hole recessed from a surface of the release pad 420 facing the release body 410. The guide hole 451 can be disposed such that a longitudinal direction thereof is parallel to the first direction. A plurality of guide holes 451 can be provided. The plurality of guide holes 451 can be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the release pad 420 along a direction intersecting the first direction.

[0097] The guide rod 452 can extend from the remaining one of the release body 410 and the release pad 420. Since the guide hole 451 is formed in the release pad 420, the guide rod 452 can be formed in the release body 410. The guide rod 452 can extend from one surface of the release body 410 facing the release pad 420 toward the release pad 420. The guide rod 452 can be disposed such that a longitudinal direction thereof is parallel to the first direction. The guide rod 452 and the guide hole 451 can be coaxially disposed. The guide rod 452 can be inserted into the guide hole 451. In this case, the guide rod 452 can be inserted into the guide hole 451 by passing through the first stopper body 441a. A circumferential surface of the guide rod 452 can be in slidable contact with an inner surface of the guide hole 451. A plurality of guide rods 452 can be provided. Each of the guide rods 452 can be independently inserted into a different guide hole 451.

[0098] The embossing member 500 can be installed on the demolding member 400, and as the demolding member 400 comes into contact with the workpiece A, the pattern P can be engraved on the workpiece A. Accordingly, the embossing member 500 can engrave the pattern P on the workpiece A during a molding process using the punch 300, so that the production efficiency of the secondary battery case can be further improved. Here, the pattern P can be engraved on the bottom surface of the workpiece A in the form of carving. The pattern P can have various shapes such as letters, symbols, numbers, figures, etc.

[0099] The embossing member 500 can selectively come into contact with the workpiece A according to the direction of relative movement of the demolding pad 420 with respect to the demolding body 410. More specifically, when the demolding pad 420 moves in the first direction in a state in which the demolding pad 420 comes into contact with the workpiece A, the embossing member 500 can protrude from the demolding pad 420 and come into contact with the workpiece A. When no separate external force is applied to the demolding pad 420 or when the demolding pad 420 moves in the second direction, the embossing member 500 can be positioned inside the demolding pad 420, thereby not coming into contact with the workpiece A. Accordingly, when the demolding pad 420 is inserted into the punch 200, it can be possible to prevent the workpiece A from being damaged due to interference between the embossing member 500 and the workpiece A during a transfer process of the workpiece A.

[0100] The embossing member 500 can include an embossing hole 510, an embossing rod 520, and an embossing portion 530.

[0101] The embossing hole 510 can be formed through the demolding pad 420. Both ends of the embossing hole 510 can pass through both surfaces of the demolding pad 420 perpendicular to the first direction. The embossing hole 510 can be disposed to face the punch 200. More specifically, the embossing hole 510 can be disposed to face a region in which the pattern P is formed on the bottom surface of the workpiece A inserted into the punch 200. The embossing hole 510 can be disposed such that a longitudinal direction thereof is parallel to the first direction.

[0102] The embossing rod 520 can extend from the demolding body 410 toward the embossing hole 510. The embossing rod 520 can have a rod shape extending from one surface of the demolding body 410 facing the demolding pad 420 toward the demolding pad 420. The embossing rod 520 can be disposed such that a longitudinal direction thereof is parallel to the first direction. The embossing rod 520 and the embossing hole 510 can be disposed at a position in which their central axes are coaxial. The embossing rod 520 can be inserted into the embossing hole 510. An outer surface of the embossing rod 520 can be spaced apart from an inner surface of the embossing hole 510, or can slidably contact the inner surface of the embossing hole 510.

[0103] The impression part 530 can extend from the impression bar 520 and can be disposed inside the impression hole 510. More specifically, the impression part 530 can protrude from an end surface of the impression bar 520 disposed to face the punch hole 200 in the second direction. A cross-sectional shape of the impression part 530 can have a shape corresponding to a shape of the pattern P.

[0104] When the release pad 420 moves in the first direction with respect to the release body 410 in a state in which the release pad 420 contacts the workpiece A, the impression part 530 can protrude from the impression hole 510 and press the workpiece A in the second direction, so that the pattern P is engraved on the bottom surface of the workpiece A.

[0105] Figure 9 FIG. 5 is a schematic example of an enlarged view illustrating a configuration of an impression part according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0106] Referring to Figure 8 and Figure 9 As the release pad 420 moves in the first direction from the initial position by a first set distance L1 with respect to the release body 410, the impression part 530 can protrude from the impression hole 510. The first set distance L2 can be changed to various values in a range greater than a distance between an end surface of the impression part 530 and an end surface of the impression hole 510 facing the punch hole 200 in design. For example, the first set distance can be 0.7 mm. When the release pad 420 moves in the first direction by the first set distance with respect to the release body 410 in a state in which the release pad 420 contacts the workpiece A, the impression part 530 can press the workpiece A in the second direction, so that the pattern P is engraved on the bottom surface of the workpiece A.

[0107] As the release pad 420 moves in the first direction from the initial position by a second set distance L2 with respect to the release body 410, the second stopper 442 (i.e., the second stopper body 442a) can contact the release body 410. The second set distance L2 can be greater than the first set distance L1. As one example, the second set distance L2 can be 1 mm. Accordingly, when the release pad 420 moves in the first direction, the second stopper 442 can delay a time point at which the second stopper body 442a contacts the release body 410 to a time point at which the impression part 530 protrudes from the impression hole 510, so that it can be possible to prevent a problem in which the impression part 530 does not protrude from the impression hole 510.

[0108] The impression member 500 can further include a support member 540.

[0109] The support member 540 can be provided between the demolding body 410 and the impression bar 520. Both sides of the support member 540 can be connected to the demolding body 410 and the impression bar 520, respectively, to support the impression bar 520 with respect to the demolding body 410. The support member 540 can be provided to be elastically deformable. As one example, the support member 540 can be made of an elastically deformable material such as urethane, silicone, or rubber. Accordingly, the support member 540 can prevent the impression part 530 from being damaged by dispersing a load applied to the impression part 530 through elastic deformation of itself. An elastic deformation length of the support member 540 can be less than a difference between the second set distance L2 and the first set distance L1. As one example, the elastic deformation length of the support member 540 can be 0.2 mm.

[0110] Hereinafter, an operation of the secondary battery case manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the disclosure will be described.

[0111] Hereinafter, the secondary battery case manufacturing apparatus will be described by way of example as performing a draw reduction on a workpiece A pre-formed in a cup shape in an extrusion process. However, the operations described below can be equally applicable to a case where the extrusion process is performed on a sheet-shaped workpiece A in the secondary battery case manufacturing apparatus.

[0112] Figures 10 to 15 is a view schematically illustrating an operation process of the secondary battery case manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

[0113] Referring to Figure 10 , the punch 300 is separated from the punch hole 200 and the workpiece A is transferred to a position facing the punch hole 200 in a state where the demolding pad 420 is inserted into the punch hole 200.

[0114] In this case, as the demolding pad 420 is positioned at the initial position by the elastic force of the elastic member 430, the impression part 530 does not protrude from the impression hole 510. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the workpiece A from being damaged due to a collision with the impression part 530 during the transfer process.

[0115] Referring to Figure 11 , the punch 300 moves in the first direction and presses the workpiece A in the first direction toward the punch hole 200.

[0116] The workpiece A is inserted into the punch hole 200 by the pressing force applied from the punch 300.

[0117] In this process, as the punch 300 is inserted into the inside of the punch hole 200 together with the workpiece A, the thickness of the workpiece A is reduced in general proportion to the distance between the punch 300 and the punch hole 200.

[0118] The release member 400 moves in the first direction by the same distance as the punch 300 moves in a state in which the release pad 420 is in contact with the bottom surface of the workpiece A.

[0119] Referring to Figure 12 and Figure 13 When the magnitude of the pressing force applied to the workpiece A from the punch 300 exceeds the elastic force of the elastic member 330, the release pad 420 can move in the first direction with respect to the release body 410.

[0120] As the release pad 420 moves in the first direction beyond the first set distance L1, the impression part 530 protrudes from the impression hole 510 and presses the bottom surface of the workpiece A in the second direction.

[0121] Accordingly, the pattern P can be engraved on the bottom surface of the workpiece A in the shape of the impression part 530 by the pressing force applied from the impression part 530.

[0122] Referring to Figure 14 After the formation of the workpiece A is completed, the punch 300 moves in the second direction and is separated from the workpiece A.

[0123] Referring to Figure 15 After the punch 300 is separated from the workpiece A, the release member 400 moves in the second direction and presses the workpiece A in the second direction.

[0124] The workpiece A moves in the second direction by the pressing force applied from the release member 400 and is separated from the punch hole 200.

[0125] In this process, when the magnitude of the pressing force applied to the workpiece A by the release member 400 exceeds the elastic force of the elastic member 330, the impression part 530 can engrave a pattern on the bottom surface of the workpiece A by performing the same operations as described in Figure 12 and Figure 13 .

[0126] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, these embodiments are merely exemplary and it should be understood that those skilled in the art can deduce various modifications and other embodiments equivalent thereto based on these embodiments.

Claims

1. A secondary battery casing manufacturing apparatus, comprising: A mold having a first surface and a second surface that are opposite to each other; A punch is formed through the first surface and the second surface; A punch is positioned to face the first surface and configured to press the workpiece toward the punch in a first direction; A demolding member is provided to face the second surface and configured to press the workpiece in a second direction opposite to the first direction; as well as An embossing member is mounted on the demolding member and configured to imprint a pattern onto the workpiece as the demolding member comes into contact with the workpiece.

2. The secondary battery casing manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the demolding component comprises: A demolding body is positioned to face the second surface and configured to move along the first direction or the second direction; as well as A release pad, mounted to reciprocate relative to the release body along the first and second directions and configured to contact the workpiece, and The embossing member selectively contacts the workpiece according to the direction of movement of the release pad.

3. The secondary battery casing manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the demolding pad is inserted into the punch as the demolding body moves along the second direction.

4. The secondary battery casing manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the imprinting component comprises: An impression hole is formed through the release pad and is positioned to face the punch; An impression rod extends from the demolding body toward the impression hole; as well as An impression section extends from the impression rod and is disposed inside the impression hole, and As the release pad moves relative to the release body in the first direction, the embossing portion protrudes from the embossing hole.

5. The secondary battery casing manufacturing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the embossing portion extends from the end of the embossing rod along the second direction.

6. The secondary battery casing manufacturing apparatus of claim 4, wherein the imprinting member further includes a support member disposed between the demolding body and the imprinting rod and configured to support the imprinting rod relative to the demolding body.

7. The secondary battery casing manufacturing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the support member is provided as elastically deformable.

8. The secondary battery casing manufacturing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the demolding component further comprises: An elastic member is configured to press the release pad in the second direction; as well as A stop is configured to prevent the release pad from separating from the release body.

9. The secondary battery casing manufacturing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the elastic member is a helical spring.

10. The secondary battery casing manufacturing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the elastic member is disposed between the demolding body and the demolding pad.

11. The secondary battery casing manufacturing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the elastic member is configured such that its longitudinal direction is parallel to the first direction, and its two ends are respectively fixed to the demolding body and the demolding pad.

12. The secondary battery casing manufacturing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the stop member comprises: A first stop extends from the demolding body; as well as The second stop extends from the release pad and contacts the first stop as the release pad moves relative to the release body in the second direction.

13. The secondary battery casing manufacturing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the first stop member comprises: The first stop body is fixed to the demolding body; as well as The first hook extends from the body of the first stop member along a direction intersecting the first direction and has a first contact surface. The second stop includes: The second stop body is fixed to the demolding pad; as well as The second hook extends from the body of the second stop member in a direction opposite to the extending direction of the first hook and has a second contact surface configured to face the first hook. The first hook and the second hook are arranged sequentially along the first direction.

14. The secondary battery casing manufacturing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the first contact surface and the second contact surface are arranged in parallel.

15. The secondary battery casing manufacturing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein as the release pad moves a first predetermined distance relative to the release body from an initial position in the first direction, the imprinting portion protrudes from the imprinting hole.

16. The secondary battery casing manufacturing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the second stop contacts the demolding body as the demolding pad moves a second predetermined distance greater than the first predetermined distance relative to the demolding body from the initial position in the first direction.

17. The secondary battery casing manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 4 to 16, wherein the demolding member further comprises a guide member configured to guide the relative movement of the demolding pad relative to the demolding body.

18. The secondary battery casing manufacturing apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the guiding member comprises: A guide hole is formed, passing through either the demolding body or the demolding pad; as well as A guide rod extends from the other of the demolding body and the demolding pad and is inserted into the guide hole.

19. The secondary battery casing manufacturing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the guide hole and the guide rod are arranged parallel to the first direction.

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