Apparatus and method for monitoring the degree of wear of a rotary forming tool for battery cans

Abstract

Provided is an apparatus capable of monitoring the degree of wear of a forming tool that is used to apply pressure to a battery can in a radial direction of the battery can along a circumferential direction of the battery can while rotating the battery can to perform plastic working of the battery can in the radial direction thereof. The apparatus includes: a can workbench installed to be rotatable about a central axis thereof; a working tool installed to be rotatable about a predetermined rotation center, installed to be movable in a direction in which the working tool approaches or moves away from a can installed on the can workbench, and having a working surface disposed about the rotation center; a pressure sensor pressurized by the working surface and measuring a pressure distribution; and a monitoring unit for calculating information related to a profile of the working surface from the pressure distribution.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0038715, filed on March 20, 2024, the entire contents of which are included as part of this specification.

[0002] This invention relates to a wear monitoring device and method for a rotary forming tool for battery cans. More specifically, the invention relates to a device and method for monitoring the wear of a forming tool that rotates a battery can and applies pressure in the radial direction along the circumferential direction of the battery can to plastically process the battery can in the radial direction. Background Technology

[0003] Cylindrical batteries are manufactured by housing an electrode assembly wound in a coiled form within a metal can and then performing a forming process near the open end of the can's sidewall member. The forming process includes a crimping process, in which the open end of the can's sidewall member is plastically formed into a radially inward concavity. Additionally, the forming process includes a pressing process following the crimping process, which bends the open end of the can radially inward.

[0004] The crimping and pressing processes are performed by rotating the can containing the electrode assembly, moving the processing tool from the radial outside of the can closer to the can, and plastically deforming the can along its circumferential direction.

[0005] During the crimping and pressing processes, not only the battery but also the processing tool can rotate. The peripheral surfaces of the can and the processing tool come into contact with each other and rotate in a rolling motion to minimize scratches on the can surface.

[0006] During crimping and pressing processes, the battery can can rotate for actuation, while the processing tool is driven to rotate. Conversely, the processing tool can rotate for actuation, while the battery can is driven to rotate. Alternatively, both the battery can and the processing tool can rotate for actuation.

[0007] During crimping and pressing, machining tools wear down. When machining tools wear down and crimping and pressing do not conform to design specifications, defects are more likely to occur in subsequent processing. For example, the crimped area is relatively susceptible to damage due to the large amount of forming involved. Therefore, when processing exceeds design limits, side surface damage (side cracking) increases during thermal runaway. Furthermore, when crimping or pressing does not meet design limits, the seal between the cap covering the open end of the can and the can may weaken, or defects may occur when welding the manifold of the electrode assembly to the crimped area.

[0008] Conventionally, visual imaging is used to image battery cans undergoing crimping or pressing processes to determine tool wear and its degree. However, this method, which indirectly estimates tool wear based on the shape of the processed area, makes it difficult to accurately determine the degree of tool wear. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Technical issues

[0010] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention aims to provide a battery can processing apparatus and method capable of accurately measuring or identifying the degree of wear on processing tools.

[0011] The purpose of this invention is to provide a battery can processing apparatus and method capable of measuring the wear of processing tools during each forming process.

[0012] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is not limited to the above-described objectives, and other objectives and advantages of the present invention not described herein may be understood through the following description and will be more clearly understood through examples of the present invention. Furthermore, it is apparent that the objectives and advantages of the present invention may be embodied by the manner and combination thereof indicated in the claims.

[0013] Technical solution

[0014] During can machining, the outer peripheral surface of the machining tool forms a machining surface, which rolls while applying radially inward pressure to the can. The machining surface has a constant profile along the circumferential direction and continuously rolls through contact with the part to be machined, thus machining that part. Therefore, the wear of the machining surface also occurs uniformly along the circumferential direction. This invention is based on the characteristic of the machining tool that the profile of the machining surface, measured at any position along the circumferential direction, is constant throughout the entire circumferential direction.

[0015] To solve the above problems, the present invention can be adapted to a can processing apparatus or processing method, wherein, while the cylindrical can used for secondary batteries is rotating, it undergoes continuous plastic deformation along the circumferential direction of the can.

[0016] The can undergoes plastic deformation due to the force applied by the processing tools.

[0017] The machining tool rotates, and the can undergoes plastic deformation.

[0018] The processing tool can rotate together with the can in a rolling motion.

[0019] The processing tool can press the can radially inward.

[0020] The processing tool and the can can rotate relative to each other in a rolling motion.

[0021] During processing, the outer peripheral surfaces of the processing tool and the outer peripheral surfaces of the can rotate relative to each other in a rolling motion.

[0022] One of the processing tool and the can is rotatable for driving, and the other can be driven to rotate through contact.

[0023] Both the processing tool and the can can be rotated for propulsion.

[0024] The processing tool can be a curling cutter used to process a curled edge on the side surface of the side wall member.

[0025] The processing apparatus may also include a head that clamps the front end of the side wall component of the tank.

[0026] The processing device may also include a support roller, which is arranged opposite to the edge-curling knife, wherein the head is inserted between the support roller and the edge-curling knife.

[0027] The processing tool may include a crimping roller that processes a crimped portion at the front end of the sidewall member.

[0028] The processing apparatus may include a can worktable, at which the can is mounted in a manner that allows it to rotate about the central axis of the can.

[0029] The machining tool is mounted in a manner that allows it to rotate around a predetermined center of rotation and to move toward or away from the tank mounted on the tank worktable.

[0030] The machining tool is equipped with a machining surface around the center of rotation.

[0031] The processing apparatus includes a pressure sensor that presses against the surface being processed and measures the pressure distribution.

[0032] The processing tool can be moved from the standby position to the processing position to perform plastic processing on the can, and then withdrawn from the processing position to the standby position after the plastic processing is completed.

[0033] The pressure sensor can be installed at the position where the machining tool is in standby position and the surface being machined is being pressed.

[0034] The machining tool can be positioned between the tank and the pressure sensor.

[0035] Pressure sensors may include electronic pressure-sensitive paper that measures and quantifies and visualizes pressure distribution as numerical data in real time.

[0036] Electronic pressure-sensitive paper can provide a two-dimensional pressure-sensitive surface and output the two-dimensional pressure distribution detected on the two-dimensional pressure-sensitive surface.

[0037] Two-dimensional pressure-sensitive surfaces can be configured to intersect with the direction of movement of the machining tool.

[0038] Two-dimensional pressure-sensitive surfaces can be arranged in a planar shape.

[0039] The movement direction of the two-dimensional pressure-sensitive surface and the processing tool can be perpendicular.

[0040] The processing apparatus may include a monitoring unit that generates information related to the profile of the processed surface based on the pressure distribution.

[0041] The monitoring unit can extract the maximum pressure distribution from the pressure distribution arranged in a direction parallel to the rotation center of the machining tool, and generate information related to the contour of the machined surface.

[0042] The monitoring unit can predict the wear level of the machining tool based on the contour information of the machined surface generated by the tool.

[0043] The can processing method according to the present invention includes: bringing a processing tool in a standby position close to the can.

[0044] The can processing method includes: continuously plastically deforming the can along its circumferential direction by rotating the can and the processing tool in a rolling motion while applying pressure radially inward toward the processing tool to perform forming processing.

[0045] The can processing method includes: after the forming process is completed, returning the processing tool to the standby position.

[0046] The can processing method includes measuring pressure distribution by applying pressure to a pressure sensor using a processing surface provided on the circumferential surface of a processing tool in a standby position.

[0047] The can machining method includes: generating contour information of the machining surface of the machining tool based on pressure distribution, and determining the wear degree of the machining tool based on pressure distribution.

[0048] The can processing method includes measuring pressure distribution using electronic pressure-sensitive paper.

[0049] The can machining method includes: extracting the maximum pressure distribution from the pressure distribution arranged in a direction parallel to the rotation center of the machining tool to generate information related to the profile of the machined surface, and determining the degree of wear based on the information.

[0050] Beneficial effects

[0051] According to one embodiment, the pressure sensor is configured to be pressed by the outer peripheral surface of a machining tool that is stationary in a standby position, and the profile of the outer peripheral surface of the machining tool can be calculated based on the measured pressure distribution.

[0052] According to the present invention, since electronic pressure-sensitive paper having a sensing surface substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the processing tool returns to the standby position can be used, the service life of electronic pressure-sensitive paper can be further extended.

[0053] According to the present invention, since the degree of wear is monitored by detecting the contour of the machined surface of the machining tool between each machining operation, the defect rate in machining can be further reduced.

[0054] According to the tool wear monitoring device and method of the present invention, monitoring the wear degree of the tool will not delay the processing at all.

[0055] The tool wear monitoring device and method of the present invention can be additionally applied to conventional inspection methods, such as visual inspection, without any interference or impact. Therefore, it is possible to perform defect inspections that cannot be performed visually alone, and further verify the visual inspection itself.

[0056] The present invention is highly advantageous for applications in machining in which the forming tool rotates and thus maintains a uniform degree of wear in the circumferential direction.

[0057] In addition to the aforementioned beneficial effects, the specific effects of the present invention will be further described while describing the specific details of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0058] Figures 1 to 3 These are perspective views, front views, and front cross-sectional views of a can processing apparatus in standby mode according to the present invention.

[0059] Figure 4 It's a diagram. Figure 3 The diagram shows a front cross-section of the tank workbench in an elevated position.

[0060] Figure 5 It's a diagram. Figure 4 The diagram shown is a frontal cross-section of the head in a lowered position.

[0061] Figure 6 It's a diagram. Figure 5 The diagram shows a front cross-section of the machining tool and support rollers near the outer periphery of the upper portion of the battery can at the start of the crimping process.

[0062] Figure 7 It's a diagram. Figure 6 The front cross-sectional view shown is of the processing tools and support rollers retracted and returned to the standby position after the crimping process is completed.

[0063] Figure 8 It's a diagram. Figure 7 The diagram shows the front cross-sectional view of the tank worktable and head in the lowered and raised positions, respectively.

[0064] Figure 9 It's a diagram. Figure 8 A three-dimensional view of the machining tools.

[0065] Figure 10 It is a three-dimensional diagram illustrating the pressure applied to electronic pressure-sensitive paper by the outer peripheral surface of a processing tool in the standby position.

[0066] Figure 11 It's a diagram. Figure 10 A plan view of the outer peripheral surface of the machining tool.

[0067] Figure 12 It's a diagram. Figure 10 A front view of the outer peripheral surface of the machining tool.

[0068] Figure 13 It is a schematic diagram illustrating the pressure distribution arranged parallel to the rotation center of the machining tool.

[0069] Figure 14 This is a flowchart of the can manufacturing process.

[0070] [Description of reference numerals in the attached figures]

[0071] 10: Can processing equipment

[0072] 20: Supporting components

[0073] 23: Workbench lifting guide

[0074] 24: Pin lifting guide component

[0075] 25: Forming block guide

[0076] 26: Support block guide

[0077] 30: Tank Workbench

[0078] 40: Head

[0079] 41: Spindle

[0080] 42: Lifting pin

[0081] 45: Head drive unit

[0082] 46: Motor

[0083] 47: Drive gear

[0084] 48: Driven gear

[0085] 50: Machining tools

[0086] 51: Forming block

[0087] 52: Edge curling knife

[0088] 53: Machined surface (contour)

[0089] p1: Standby position

[0090] p2: Processing location

[0091] 60: Support roller

[0092] 61: Support block

[0093] 70: Pressure sensor

[0094] 71: Electronic pressure-sensitive paper

[0095] 80: Monitoring Unit

[0096] 90: Can

[0097] 91: Sidewall members

[0098] 92: Bottom component Detailed Implementation

[0099] The above-described objects, features, and advantages will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, enabling those skilled in the art to realize the technical concept of the invention. In describing the invention, detailed descriptions of prior art related to the invention will be omitted where it is determined that such detailed descriptions unnecessarily obscure the essential points of the invention. Preferred embodiments according to the invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same or similar parts.

[0100] Although terms such as "first" and "second" are used to describe various elements, these elements are of course not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another, and unless otherwise specified, the first element can also be the second element.

[0101] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0102] In the following text, “arranging the element at the upper (or lower) portion of the element” or “arranging the element at the top (or bottom) of the element” means not only “arranging the element in contact with the upper (or lower) surface”, but also “arranging the element above the upper (or lower) surface in such a way that another element is inserted between the element and the upper (or lower) surface”.

[0103] In addition, when an element is described as “connected to another element,” “linked to another element,” or “attached to another element,” it should be understood that the element may be “directly connected to another element,” “directly linked to another element,” or “directly attached to another element,” or the element may be “connected to another element,” “linked to another element,” or “attached to another element” by means of another element inserted between the element and the other element or via another element.

[0104] Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular expressions used herein include the plural expressions. Terms such as “consisting of” or “comprising” as used herein should not be construed as including all elements or steps of the elements described in the specification, and should be construed as excluding some elements or steps of the elements, or including additional elements or steps.

[0105] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise specified, “A and / or B” means A, B, or A and B, and unless otherwise specified, “C to D” means from equal to or higher than C to equal to or lower than D.

[0106] In the following, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0107] In the description of the implementation, "axial direction" means "the direction parallel to the core axis of the electrode assembly", "radial direction" means "the direction toward or away from the axis", and "circumferential direction" means "the direction around the axis".

[0108] Reference Figures 1 to 9 The can processing apparatus 10 according to this embodiment includes a support member 20 for supporting a cylindrical can 90 to be processed and a processing tool 50 for processing the can 90.

[0109] In one embodiment, the can processing apparatus 10 may be a crimping device that performs crimping on a portion near the open end of the sidewall member 91 of the can 90. In another embodiment, the can processing apparatus 10 may be a pressing device that performs a pressing process, wherein the open end of the sidewall member 91 of the can 90 is pressed radially inward. In all these embodiments, processing is performed while the processing tool 50 and the can 90 are in rolling contact with each other.

[0110] In this embodiment, the crimping device is exemplified as a can processing device 10. However, this disclosure is not limited to crimping devices, and it is apparent that the invention can be applied to other devices in which forming processes are performed while the processing tool 50 and the can 90 are in rolling contact with each other.

[0111] The can processing apparatus 10 includes a can worktable 30 that supports a can 90. The can worktable 30 clamps the bottom member 92 of the can 90 and supports the can 90 in a rotatable manner. The can 90 is clamped by the can worktable 30 with the bottom member 92 facing downward and the open ends of the side wall members 91 facing upward.

[0112] The support member 20 includes a worktable lifting guide 23, which guides the worktable 30 to move vertically (axially). Figure 4 As shown, when the tank worktable 30 is raised, the tank 90 moves to the processing position, and as... Figure 8 As shown, when the tank worktable 30 is lowered, the tank 90 is retracted from the processing position.

[0113] The can processing apparatus 10 includes a head 40 that supports the open end of the sidewall member 91 of the can 90 in the axial direction. For example... Figure 6 As shown, the head 40 can support and press the can 90 in the axial direction and drive the can 90 to rotate.

[0114] The head 40 includes a main shaft 41 that rotates the head 40 and a lifting pin 42 that is constrained to the main shaft 41 in terms of rotation and is capable of sliding in the axial direction.

[0115] According to this embodiment, the spindle 41 can be driven by the motor 46 in terms of rotation. A driven gear 48 is provided at the upper end portion of the spindle 41, which rotates together with the spindle 41. The driven gear 48 engages with the drive gear 47, and the motor 46 causes the drive gear 47 to rotate, thereby rotating the spindle 41. However, the rotation drive structure of the spindle 41 is not limited to this.

[0116] Reference Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 8 The lifting pin 42 is raised and lowered by a separate lifting drive unit. Therefore, the lower end portion of the lifting pin 42 can be raised or lowered to apply pressure to or release pressure from the open end of the side wall member 91 of the tank 90 in the axial direction, and the main shaft 41 can rotate the tank 90 and the lower end portion of the lifting pin 42 that are engaged with the lifting pin 42.

[0117] In this embodiment, a structure is illustrated in which the head 40 rotates the can 90, and subsequently the described machining tool 50 comes into radial contact with the can 90, causing the can 90 to rotate in a rolling motion. However, as described above, actuation can be performed via the head 40, the machining tool 50, or both, as needed. Alternatively, the can 90 can also be rotated via the can table 30.

[0118] The support member 20 is provided with a pin lifting guide 24 to guide the lifting of the lifting pin 42. For example, the pin lifting guide 24 can be located above the spindle 41. However, the position of the pin lifting guide 24 is not limited to this.

[0119] The can processing apparatus 10 includes a processing tool 50 that approaches the can 90 in the radial direction and shapes the side wall members 91 of the can 90.

[0120] During the processing of the can 90, the processing tool 50 rotates in a rolling motion while pressing radially inward against the can 90, and the outer peripheral surface of the processing tool 50 forms a processing surface 53. The processing surface 53 has a constant profile along the circumferential direction and continuously rolls into contact with the portion to be processed provided on the side wall member 91 of the can 90 to process the portion to be processed. Therefore, the wear of the processing surface 53 also occurs uniformly along the circumferential direction. That is, the processing surface 53 has a uniform profile along the circumferential direction. Therefore, the profile of the processing surface 53 measured at any position of the processing tool 50 can represent the profile of the processing surface 53 of the processing tool 50.

[0121] like Figure 6 As shown, the machining tool 50 presses the side wall component 91 of the can 90 radially inward to cause the side wall component 91 to undergo plastic deformation.

[0122] The machining tool 50 and the can 90 rotate relative to each other in a rolling motion, and during machining, the outer peripheral surfaces of the machining tool 50 and the can 90 can rotate relative to each other in a rolling motion.

[0123] Here, one of the processing tool 50 or the can 90 can be rotated for driving, and the other can be driven to rotate by contact. Alternatively, both the processing tool 50 and the can 90 can be rotated for driving.

[0124] In this embodiment, a processing tool 50 is shown, which is a curling knife 52 that processes a curled edge on the side surface of the side wall member 91.

[0125] The support member 20 includes a forming block guide 25, which guides the machining tool 50 in the radial direction when the machining tool 50 approaches or retracts from the tank 90. ​​In one embodiment, the forming block guide 25 is disposed on one side of the spindle 41. However, the position of the forming block guide 25 is not limited to this.

[0126] The crimping cutter 52 is guided by the forming block guide 25 and is rotatably mounted on the forming block 51 configured to slide. The forming block 51 can slide, for example, via a linear motion guide.

[0127] For example, the linear motion guide may include a stepper motor capable of precisely adjusting the sliding distance and position of the forming block 51. That is, the machining tool 50 may be transported by a transport device capable of precisely adjusting or controlling the movement and position of the machining tool 50.

[0128] The machining tool 50 can be transported by the conveying device. Figure 5 and Figure 7 The standby position p1 shown is... Figure 6 The machine slides between the processing positions p2 shown.

[0129] The can processing apparatus 10 may further include a support roller 60 disposed on the opposite side of the crimping cutter 52, wherein the head 40 is inserted between the crimping cutter 52 and the support roller 60. The support roller 60 approaches the can 90 in the radial direction and supports the can 90 in the radial direction. Therefore, the support roller 60 supports the pressure of the crimping cutter 52 on the opposite side of the crimping cutter 52 via the can 90.

[0130] The support member 20 is provided with a support block guide 26, which guides the support roller 60 to move radially toward or away from the tank 90. ​​In one embodiment, the support block guide 26 is shown on the opposite side of the main shaft 41. However, the position of the support block guide 26 is not limited to this.

[0131] The support roller 60 is rotatably mounted on the support block 61, which is guided and slidable by the support block guide 26. For example, the support block 61 can be slidable using a linear motion guide. The support roller 60 can also be conveyed by a conveying device capable of precisely adjusting or controlling its movement and position.

[0132] Reference Figures 10 to 13 The can processing apparatus 10 includes a pressure sensor 70, which measures the pressure distribution applied by the processing surface 53 of the processing tool 50.

[0133] The processing tool 50 can be moved from the standby position p1 to the processing position p2 for plastic processing of the can 90, and after the plastic processing is completed, it can be withdrawn from the processing position p2 back to the standby position p1.

[0134] The pressure sensor 70 can be installed at the position where the machining tool 50 is in the standby position p1 and is pressed by the machining surface 53.

[0135] The machining tool 50 can be arranged radially between the tank 90 and the pressure sensor 70.

[0136] For example, the pressure sensor 70 may include an electronic pressure-sensitive paper 71 that measures the pressure distribution in real time, quantifies the pressure distribution, and visualizes it as numerical data. The electronic pressure-sensitive paper 71 can provide a two-dimensional (x, y) pressure-sensitive surface and output the two-dimensional pressure distribution detected on the two-dimensional pressure-sensitive surface.

[0137] The two-dimensional pressure-sensitive surface is arranged in a planar shape, and the two-dimensional pressure-sensitive surface can be arranged to intersect with the moving direction of the processing tool 50, and preferably, the two-dimensional pressure-sensitive surface can be perpendicular to the moving direction of the processing tool 50.

[0138] The can processing apparatus 10 may include a monitoring unit 80, which generates information related to the contour of the processed surface based on the pressure distribution measured by the pressure sensor 70. The pressure sensor 70 may provide the pressure distribution applied by the processing tool 50 as an electrical signal to the monitoring unit 80.

[0139] Monitoring unit 80 can extract multiple pressure distributions (see...) Figure 13 The maximum pressure distribution in the x-axis, and can generate information related to the contour of the machined surface, wherein the multiple pressure distributions are located at different positions in the width direction x (see [reference]). Figure 11 The measurements are taken at point 50 and arranged in a direction y parallel to the rotation center of the machining tool 50.

[0140] The monitoring unit can predict the wear degree of the machining tool 50 based on the contour information of the machining surface of the generated machining tool 50.

[0141] Please refer to the preceding attached diagrams and... Figure 14 The processing procedure of the can processing apparatus 10 according to the present invention will be described.

[0142] First, such as Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the can 90 to be processed is supplied to the can worktable 30, and the can worktable 30, which supports the lower part of the can 90, is raised along the worktable lifting guide 23. Here, the edge-curling knife 52 and the support roller 60, which are processing tools 50, are kept in the standby state at the standby position p1.

[0143] Next, as Figure 5 As shown, the lifting pin 42 is lowered so that the upper part of the tank 90 is supported by the head 40.

[0144] In this state, such as Figure 6As shown, the machining tool 50, in standby position p1, approaches the can 90 radially. For example, the machining tool 50 may be a lifting pin 42. When the machining tool 50 reaches the machining position p2, the head drive unit 45 is activated to rotate the head 40. Therefore, as the can 90 and the machining tool 50 rotate in a rolling motion, the machining tool 50 presses radially inward toward the can 90, thereby causing the can 90 to undergo continuous plastic deformation along its circumferential direction for forming.

[0145] Next, after the processing is completed, such as Figure 8 As shown, the machining tool 50 and the support roller 60 are returned to the standby position p1.

[0146] like Figures 9 to 12 As shown, the processing surface 53 of the chamfering cutter 52, which has returned to the standby position p1, presses against the pressure sensor 70. Therefore, the pressure sensor 70 provides the monitoring unit 80 with an electrical signal, such as... Figure 13 The diagram shows multiple pressure profiles arranged along the width direction x and measured along the vertical direction y.

[0147] The monitoring unit 80 extracts the profile with the highest pressure intensity from multiple pressure profiles and generates profile information of the machining surface of the machining tool 50. Then, the wear degree of the machining tool 50 is determined based on this profile information.

[0148] In the can processing method, electronic pressure-sensitive paper 71 is used to measure the pressure distribution.

[0149] According to this embodiment, since the pressure sensor 70 is pressed against the outer peripheral surface of the processing tool 50, which is stationary in the standby position p1, damage to the pressure sensor 70 can be prevented. Furthermore, since the direction in which the processing tool 50 returns to the standby position p1 is perpendicular to the surface of the electronic pressure-sensitive paper 71, the service life of the electronic pressure-sensitive paper can be further extended.

[0150] According to this embodiment, since the profile of the machining surface of the machining tool is detected after each machining operation on the can to monitor the degree of wear, the machining defect rate can be further reduced, and the monitoring operation does not delay the machining at all.

[0151] Furthermore, since the monitoring method can be applied to conventional inspection methods without any interference or influence, it can perform defect inspections that cannot be done by vision alone, and also verify the vision itself.

[0152] It should be understood that the described embodiments are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive, and the scope of the invention will be indicated by the appended claims rather than the detailed description described herein. Furthermore, the meaning and scope of the claims described below, as well as all variations and modifications derived from equivalent concepts, should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the invention.

[0153] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the illustrated drawings, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings disclosed in this specification, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications can be made without departing from the scope and concept of the invention. Furthermore, although the operational effects of the configuration according to the invention are not explicitly described in the description of embodiments of the invention, it should be understood that predictable effects will also be identified through this configuration.

Claims

1. A can processing apparatus, wherein the can processing apparatus plastically processes the axial edge of the sidewall component of a cylindrical can for a secondary battery, the can processing apparatus comprising: A can workbench, at which the can is mounted in a manner that allows it to rotate about the central axis of the can; A machining tool is mounted in a manner that allows it to rotate about a predetermined center of rotation and to move toward or away from the tank mounted on the tank worktable. The machining tool is provided with a machining surface around the center of rotation. A pressure sensor, which is pressed against the machined surface and measures the pressure distribution; as well as A monitoring unit generates information related to the contour of the processed surface based on the pressure distribution.

2. The can processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The processing tool moves from the standby position to the processing position for processing the can, and then returns from the processing position to the standby position. The pressure sensor is installed at the position where the machining tool is in the standby position and is pressed by the machining surface.

3. The can processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The processing tool is positioned between the tank and the pressure sensor.

4. The can processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The pressure sensor includes electronic pressure-sensitive paper, which measures the pressure distribution in real time and quantifies and visualizes the pressure distribution as numerical data.

5. The can processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The electronic pressure-sensitive paper provides a two-dimensional pressure-sensitive surface and outputs a two-dimensional pressure distribution detected on the two-dimensional pressure-sensitive surface.

6. The can processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The two-dimensional pressure-sensitive surface intersects with the moving direction of the processing tool.

7. The can processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The monitoring unit extracts the maximum pressure distribution from the pressure distribution arranged in a direction parallel to the rotation center of the machining tool, and generates information related to the contour of the machining surface.

8. The can processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The processing tool includes a curling knife for processing a curled edge on the side surface of the side wall member.

9. The can processing apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a head for clamping the front end of the sidewall member of the can.

10. The can processing apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a support roller, the support roller being arranged opposite to the edge-rolling cutter, wherein, The head is inserted between the support roller and the edge-rolling knife.

11. The can processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The processing tool includes a pressing roller that processes a pressing portion at the front end of the sidewall member.

12. A method for processing a can, comprising: Bring the processing tool, which is in the standby position, close to the tank; The can is plastically deformed along its circumferential direction by rotating the can and the processing tool in a rolling motion while applying pressure radially inward toward the processing tool; After the forming process is completed, the processing tool is returned to the standby position; Pressure distribution is measured by applying pressure to a pressure sensor using a machining surface provided on the circumferential surface of the machining tool in the standby position; and The contour information of the machining surface of the machining tool is generated based on the pressure distribution, and the wear degree of the machining tool is determined based on the pressure distribution.

13. The can processing method according to claim 12, wherein, The pressure distribution is measured using electronic pressure-sensitive paper.

14. The can processing method according to claim 13, wherein, The maximum pressure distribution in the pressure distribution arranged in a direction parallel to the rotation center of the machining tool is extracted to generate information related to the contour of the machined surface, and the degree of wear is determined based on the information.

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