Crimping device for cylindrical secondary batteries

Abstract

A crimping apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a roller support device configured to move vertically along the axial direction of the battery housing; and a roller connected to the roller support device to pressurize an opening in the battery housing, the roller being configured to move radially along the battery housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a crimping device for a cylindrical secondary battery. Background Technology

[0002] Secondary batteries are used as an energy source in electric vehicles or electronic devices. Secondary batteries use electrode assemblies in the form of a jelly-roll, where the negative electrode, positive electrode, and separator are wound together, or electrode assemblies manufactured by stacking the negative electrode, positive electrode, and separator in a suitable order.

[0003] In a cylindrical secondary battery using a jelly roll-shaped electrode assembly, the electrode assembly is housed inside the cylindrical battery casing and connected to the negative and positive terminals.

[0004] In addition, the battery casing is sealed with a cover component while it is filled with electrolyte, and then sealed by a press-fit process. Utility Model Content

[0005] (a) Technical problems to be solved

[0006] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a crimping apparatus can be provided that can improve the efficiency of the crimping process for cylindrical secondary batteries.

[0007] (II) Technical Solution

[0008] A crimping apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a roller support device configured to move vertically along the axial direction of the battery housing; and a roller connected to the roller support device to pressurize an opening in the battery housing, the roller being configured to move radially along the battery housing.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, the roller may include at least two inclined portions with different inclined structures, and the opening may be pressurized by the at least two inclined portions.

[0010] In an exemplary embodiment, the roller may include an outer inclined portion and an inner inclined portion extending radially inward from the outer inclined portion. The opening may be initially pressurized by one of the inner inclined portion and the outer inclined portion, and the opening may be pressurized a second time by the other.

[0011] In an exemplary embodiment, the roller is configured such that, when viewed from the side, the pressing surface of the outer inclined portion pressing the opening can be formed at a first angle relative to a virtual line perpendicular to the central axis of the battery housing, and when viewed from the side, the pressing surface of the inner inclined portion pressing the opening can be formed at a second angle relative to a virtual line perpendicular to the central axis of the battery housing.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the first angle is greater than the second angle.

[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the roller can apply initial pressure to the opening through the outer inclined portion and apply secondary pressure to the opening through the inner inclined portion.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, after the initial pressurization of the opening, the roller can perform the secondary pressurization of the opening while moving radially outward.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the initial pressurization and the secondary pressurization can be performed by the downward movement of the roller.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the roller may include a buffer portion disposed between the outer inclined portion and the inner inclined portion to buffer the impact on the opening.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the roller may include a guide portion for guiding at least one of the inner inclined portion and the outer inclined portion to align with the opening.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the first angle may be smaller than the second angle.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the opening can be initially pressurized by the inner inclined portion, and then the opening can be pressurized a second time by the outer inclined portion.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, after the initial pressurization of the opening, the roller may move radially inward and apply the secondary pressurization to the opening.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the roller can perform the initial pressurization and the secondary pressurization at the same height relative to the opening.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the roller may include a stop portion formed at the outer end of the outer inclined portion for limiting radial movement of the roller.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, the roller support device is configured to rotate about the central axis of the battery housing, and the roller can slide along the periphery of the opening and apply pressure to the opening according to the rotation of the roller support device.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, the roller may be configured to rotate about a rotation axis perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, a roller drive device may be included, the roller being connected to the roller drive device, and the roller drive device being coupled to the roller support device such that the roller can move radially.

[0026] (III) Beneficial Effects

[0027] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the crimping device gradually bends the opening of the battery casing, thereby preventing deformation of the folded edge and the casing even when a crimping portion is formed on a thick battery casing.

[0028] In this disclosure, the gradual bending process of the opening is performed by a roller, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and improving process efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a secondary battery to which a crimping device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a diagram schematically illustrating a crimping device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 3 It is magnification Figure 2 Part A shows a diagram of the tilted structure of the tilted portion according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0032] Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is a diagram schematically illustrating the process of a pressing process performed by a roller according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is a diagram schematically illustrating the process of a pressing process performed by a roller according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 8 This is a diagram schematically illustrating a crimping device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 9 It is magnification Figure 8Part B shows a diagram of the inclined structure of the inclined portion of the roller according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 10 and Figure 11 This is a diagram schematically illustrating the process of a pressing process performed by a roller according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 12 This is a diagram continuously illustrating the process of a pressing process performed by a roller according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 13 and Figure 14 This is a flowchart of a crimping process using a crimping apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0039] As used in this specification, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form may include the plural form.

[0040] Furthermore, when used to interpret and assert the contents of this disclosure, expressions such as “comprise,” “include,” “consist of,” and “have” should be interpreted in a non-exclusive manner. Unless otherwise specified, they imply that the corresponding components can be built in, and therefore should be interpreted as including other components rather than excluding other components.

[0041] Here, the accompanying drawings schematically illustrate the features of this disclosure, which may be reduced or enlarged compared to the actual figures, and should be understood as being exaggerated or omitted.

[0042] The secondary battery 1 described in this disclosure can be any type of ordinary battery capable of converting the chemical energy of the substances stored in the battery into electrical energy and capable of being charged and discharged multiple times.

[0043] In describing the various embodiments of this disclosure, the axial direction may refer to the central axis around which the jelly roll-shaped electrode assembly 20 is wound (e.g., Figure 1 C) The direction of extension is parallel to the direction of the central axis, and the radial direction can refer to the direction that is parallel to the direction that is close to or far from the central axis.

[0044] On the other hand, the central axis of the cylindrical battery housing 50 and the central axis of the electrode assembly 20 can be formed on the same axis. Therefore, in this disclosure, the axial direction can also be understood as the direction parallel to the direction in which the central axis of the cylindrical battery housing 50 extends, and the radial direction can be understood as the direction parallel to the direction from the central axis of the cylindrical battery housing 50 toward the sidewall.

[0045] Figure 1This is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cylindrical secondary battery 1 to which a crimping device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0046] Reference Figure 1 The cylindrical secondary battery 1 using the crimping device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include a battery housing 50, an electrode assembly 20, a first current collector 70, and a cover assembly 30.

[0047] First, the battery casing 50 can be formed as a cylinder with an internal space. The battery casing 50 can have an opening 51 with an open upper end along the axial direction. The electrode assembly 20 can be inserted into the interior of the battery casing 50 through the opening 51.

[0048] The electrode assembly 20 may include a first electrode plate (not shown), a second electrode plate (not shown), and a diaphragm (not shown). The electrode assembly 20 may be wound around a winding shaft while the first and second electrode plates are prevented from contacting each other by the diaphragm.

[0049] The battery housing 50 may have a beading part 52 whose sidewall is recessed inward on the upper side of the electrode assembly 20 to fix the electrode assembly 20.

[0050] The battery casing 50 can be electrically connected to the first electrode plate via the first current collector.

[0051] After electrolyte is injected into the battery housing 50, the cover assembly 30 can be attached to the opening 51 to close the battery housing 50. For example, the cover assembly 30 can be positioned at the folded edge 52.

[0052] The cover assembly 30 may include a cover plate 31 and a sealing gasket 33.

[0053] The cover plate 31 may have a circular plate shape to correspond to the shape of the opening 51. The periphery of the cover plate 31 may be surrounded by a sealing gasket 33.

[0054] For example, after the sealing gasket 33 is placed on the folded edge 52, the cover plate 31 can be placed on top of the sealing gasket 33.

[0055] The sealing gasket 33 can extend to the upper end 51a of the opening 51 while sandwiched between the cover plate 31 and the battery housing 50, and can be bent together with the opening 51 of the battery housing 50 by a pressing process.

[0056] On the other hand, a positive terminal connected to the second electrode plate may be provided in another part of the battery casing 50, and the positive terminal may be configured to be insulated from the battery casing 50.

[0057] The above description of the construction of the cylindrical secondary battery 1 is an example to help understand this disclosure, and the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the detailed construction of the cylindrical secondary battery 1.

[0058] On the other hand, the secondary battery 1 can be sealed by a pressing process while the cover assembly 30 is attached to the opening 51 of the battery housing 50. The pressing process can be performed by bending a portion of the upper end of the sidewall forming the opening 51 inward.

[0059] Generally, the pressing process can be performed by pressing with a mold or by pressing with a roller, and depending on the thickness of the battery casing 50, it can be carried out in a detailed process of 2 to 3 steps.

[0060] In particular, as the diameter or height of the cylindrical secondary battery 1 increases, the walls of the battery casing 50 become thicker to ensure sufficient structural rigidity. When greater pressure is applied to the opening 51 to bend the casing with its relatively thick walls, deformation of the folded edge 52 or even the battery casing 50 may occur.

[0061] Therefore, the crimping process is usually performed by applying pressure to the opening 51 of the battery housing 50 through multiple bending processes, and this requires multiple crimping dies or crimping rollers 300.

[0062] However, the more individual molds used, the higher the equipment cost of each mold becomes, and the more time is required to move and precisely control their position.

[0063] Furthermore, the increased likelihood of control errors in individual molds leads to an increased possibility of product defects during the pressing process.

[0064] Therefore, in various embodiments of this disclosure, a crimping device is proposed that can perform multiple bending processes by a single crimping roller 300.

[0065] The crimping apparatus according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0066] Figure 2 This is a diagram schematically illustrating a crimping device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0067] Reference Figure 2 The crimping apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may include a roller support device 100, a roller drive device 200, and a roller 300.

[0068] The crimping device may include a roller support device 100. The roller support device 100 may be coupled to the roller 300 to support the roller 300 to move axially and radially.

[0069] The roller support device 100 can be connected to the roller 300. The roller 300 can be connected to the roller support device 100 via the roller drive device 200. The roller support device 100 can be controlled by the control unit, so that the roller support device 100 can move up and down and / or rotate.

[0070] The roller support device 100 can move up and down axially. The roller support device 100 can move the roller 300 up and down. The roller support device 100 can move the axial position of the roller 300 relative to the opening 51 of the battery housing 50. The roller support device 100 can support the roller 300 such that the roller 300 is located at a predetermined axial height relative to the opening 51 of the battery housing 50.

[0071] The roller support device 100 can apply axial downward pressure to the opening 51 of the battery housing 50 by moving the roller 300 up and down. The force of the roller support device 100 moving up and down can be controlled by the control unit, thereby adjusting the pressure applied to the opening 51.

[0072] The roller support device 100 can rotate about the central axis of the battery housing 50. The roller support device 100 can also rotate the roller 300 about the central axis of the battery housing 50 and move it along the periphery of the opening 51 of the battery housing 50. Here, the axis of rotation of the roller support device 100 can be described as a first axis of rotation (e.g., Figure 2 (C in the middle).

[0073] The roller support device 100 can be connected to the roller drive device 200. The roller 300 can be connected to the roller support device 100 via the roller drive device 200.

[0074] In an exemplary embodiment, the roller support device 100 may include: a vertical support portion 110, coaxially disposed with a first rotation axis, and a roller support portion 130 disposed below the vertical support portion 110, and the roller drive device 200 is coupled to the roller support portion 130. However, this is only an exemplary structure, and it should be understood that any structure is possible without departing from the purpose of this disclosure.

[0075] The crimping device may include a roller drive device 200.

[0076] The roller drive device 200 can be coupled to the roller support device 100 and drive the roller 300 to move radially.

[0077] The roller drive device 200 can rotate about a first rotation axis by rotating the roller support device 100. The roller drive device 200 can rise and / or fall axially by rotating the roller support device 100.

[0078] With the roller drive device 200 connected to the roller support device 100, the roller drive device 200 can be controlled by the control unit to move radially. Depending on the radial movement of the drive device, the roller 300 can move radially inward or outward.

[0079] The roller drive device 200 can drive the roller 300 to stop at a predetermined radial position relative to the opening 51 of the battery housing 50. The roller drive device 200 can move the roller 300 radially and provide radially inward pressure to the opening 51 of the battery housing 50. The force of the roller drive device 200 moving radially can be controlled by the control unit, thereby adjusting the pressure on the opening 51.

[0080] Furthermore, via the control unit, the roller drive device 200 can drive the roller 300 around a second rotation axis (e.g., Figure 2 The rotation is centered on H). Here, the second axis of rotation of the roller 300 can be formed in a direction perpendicular to the first axis of rotation mentioned above.

[0081] In an exemplary embodiment, the roller drive device 200 may include: a roller drive portion 230, which is radially movable when coupled to the roller support portion 130 of the roller support device 100; and a horizontal support portion 210, extending from the roller drive portion 230 and coaxially disposed with a second rotation axis, to which the roller 300 is rotatably coupled. However, this is only an exemplary structure, and it should be understood that any structure is possible without departing from the scope of the purpose of this disclosure.

[0082] The crimping apparatus may include a roller 300. The roller 300 may apply pressure to the opening 51 of the battery housing 50 to perform the crimping process.

[0083] Roller 300 can be configured to move up and down axially. Roller 300 can also be configured to move radially inward or outward.

[0084] For example, roller 300 can be connected to roller support device 100 via roller drive device 200.

[0085] Roller 300 can be configured to move axially up and down via the up and down movement of roller support device 100. Roller 300 can move axially downward via roller support device 100 and provide downward pressure to opening 51 of battery housing 50.

[0086] In addition, the roller 300 can slide along the periphery of the opening 51 of the battery housing 50 by rotating the roller support device 100, and pressurize the opening 51.

[0087] Roller 300 can be configured to move radially inward or outward via roller drive device 200. Roller 300 can move radially inward via roller drive device 200 and provide radially inward pressure to opening 51 of battery housing 50.

[0088] Multiple rollers 300 can be provided. Although Figure 2 The diagram shows two rollers 300, but is not limited to them; the number of rollers can be set to provide balanced pressure to the opening 51 of the battery housing 50.

[0089] For example, such as Figure 2 As shown, when two rollers 300 are provided, each roller 300 can be positioned relative to the central axis of the battery casing 50. When the rollers 300 move radially inward via the roller drive device 200, the interval between each roller 300 can be reduced; when the rollers 300 move radially outward, the interval between each roller 300 can be increased.

[0090] In an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the roller 300 may provide axially downward pressure to the opening 51 of the battery housing 50 to form a crimping portion.

[0091] Alternatively, in an exemplary embodiment, the roller 300 may apply radially inward pressure to the opening 51 of the battery housing 50 to form a crimped portion.

[0092] The roller 300 may include: a base 310 connected to the roller drive device 200; and an inclined portion extending from the base 310 and for contacting at least a portion of the opening 51 of the battery housing 50 to provide pressure.

[0093] The inclined portion may include at least two inclined portions with different inclined structures. The roller 300 can bend the opening 51 at different angles through the at least two inclined portions with different inclined structures.

[0094] For example, the inclined portion may include an outer inclined portion 330 and an inner inclined portion 350 formed sequentially from the base 310 toward the radially inward side. The outer inclined portion 330 and the inner inclined portion 350 may be formed with different inclined structures on the pressure surfaces 330a and 350a that contact the opening 51 of the battery housing 50, respectively.

[0095] Specifically, when viewed from the side, the pressure surface 330a of the outer inclined portion 330 and the pressure surface 350a of the inner inclined portion 350 can be formed as virtual lines perpendicular to the central axis C of the battery casing 50 (e.g., Figure 3 The L in the figure has different angles.

[0096] For example, when viewed from the side, the outer inclined portion 330 can be configured to form a first angle with the virtual line L (e.g., Figure 3 In the case of θ1), the roller 300 can apply pressure to the opening 51 through the outer inclined portion 330, thereby bending the opening 51 to the first angle.

[0097] For example, when viewed from the side, the inner inclined portion 350 can be configured to form a second angle with the virtual line L (e.g., Figure 3 In the second angle (θ2), the roller 300 can apply pressure to the opening 51 through the inner inclined portion 350, thereby bending the opening 51 to the second angle. At this time, the first angle θ1 formed by the outer inclined portion 330 and the virtual line L and the second angle θ2 formed by the inner inclined portion 350 and the virtual line L can be different.

[0098] On the other hand, when viewed from the side, the length of the pressure surface 350a of the inner inclined portion 350 and the length of the pressure surface 330a of the outer inclined portion 330 can be equal to or greater than the length of the section to be bent in the opening 51 of the battery casing 50.

[0099] In this disclosure, as the roller 300 moves radially inward or outward, the roller 300 can sequentially pressurize the opening 51 of the battery casing 50 through the inner inclined portion 350 and the outer inclined portion 330.

[0100] For example, the control unit can control the position of the roller 300 so that the inclined portion with a larger angle in the inner inclined portion 350 and the outer inclined portion 330 first presses the opening portion 51, and then the inclined portion with a smaller angle presses the opening portion 51.

[0101] In this disclosure, by moving the position of the control roller 300, the inner inclined portion 350 and the outer inclined portion 330 with different inclinations are pressed onto the opening 51 in sequence, so that the opening 51 of the battery casing 50 can be gradually bent, and multiple bending processes can be performed by a pressing device.

[0102] In particular, in this disclosure, the applied pressure applied to the bent portion of the opening 51 of the battery housing 50 can be sequentially dispersed by a roller 300.

[0103] Figure 3 It is magnification Figure 2 Part A shows a diagram of the inclined structure of the inclined portion in an exemplary embodiment. Figure 4 and Figure 5 It is an illustrative representation of the process by means of... Figure 3 A diagram illustrating the process of pressing the roller 300 in the embodiment.

[0104] First, refer to Figure 3 The inclined portion of the roller 300 may include an outer inclined portion 330 and an inner inclined portion 350 formed sequentially from the base 310 toward the radially inward side.

[0105] Viewed from the side, the outer inclined portion 330 and the inner inclined portion 350 can each be formed with different inclined structures. In an exemplary embodiment, the outer inclined portion 330 can be formed to have a greater inclination than the inner inclined portion 350. Specifically, as Figure 3 As shown, when viewed from the side, the first angle θ1 formed by the outer inclined portion 330 and the virtual line L can be greater than the second angle θ2 formed by the inner inclined portion 350 and the virtual line L.

[0106] For example, the first angle θ1 formed by the outer inclined portion 330 and the virtual line L can be greater than 0° and less than 90°, and the second angle θ2 formed by the inner inclined portion 350 and the virtual line L can be greater than or equal to 0° and less than the first angle θ1.

[0107] At this point, a buffer portion 370 may be further included between the outer inclined portion 330 and the inner inclined portion 350. Viewed from the side, the buffer portion 370 may be formed by connecting the pressure surface 330a of the outer inclined portion 330 and the pressure surface 350a of the inner inclined portion 350, and may include an upwardly convex curved surface 370a with a predetermined curvature. The curved surface 370a can buffer impacts before the end 51a of the opening 51 sliding along the outer inclined portion 330 with a large inclination contacts the inner inclined portion 350 with a relatively small inclination.

[0108] In an exemplary embodiment, the opening 51 of the battery housing 50 can be first pressed and bent by the outer inclined portion 330, and then when the roller 300 moves radially outward, the opening 51 can be pressed and bent a second time by the inner inclined portion 350, thereby forming a crimped portion.

[0109] Next, refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 A detailed description of a crimping method utilizing a crimping apparatus according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0110] Initial alignment process

[0111] like Figure 4 As shown in (a), the crimping device can position the roller 300 on the upper side of the opening 51 of the battery housing with the first rotation axis aligned with the central axis of the battery housing. Specifically, the outer inclined portion 330 of the roller 300 can be positioned on the upper side of the opening 51, and more specifically, the outer end of the outer inclined portion 330 of the roller 300 can be axially aligned with the upper end of the opening 51.

[0112] For example, the initial alignment position of roller 300 can be a preset position. Alternatively, the alignment of roller 300 can be performed by the control unit through a position sensing process using a separate sensor, and the alignment can be adjusted.

[0113] For example, when two rollers 300 are set, each roller 300 can be set apart with an initial interval G.

[0114] Initial pressurization process

[0115] Subsequently, as Figure 4 As shown in (b), the roller 300 can move downward in the axial direction. As the roller 300 descends, downward pressure is applied to the opening 51 through the outer inclined portion 330, causing the end 51a of the opening 51 to begin bending along the pressure surface 330a of the outer inclined portion 330 toward the central axial direction of the battery casing. At this time, the opening 51 can be bent to a first angle through the outer inclined portion 330, and the sealing gasket 33 can also be bent together with the opening 51 of the battery casing.

[0116] Roller 300 movement and secondary alignment process

[0117] When the opening 51 is bent to a preset height (e.g., Figure 4 At the bend point, the initial pressurization process is complete. Subsequently, as... Figure 5 As shown in (a), roller 300 can move radially outward to move away from the central axis of the battery casing. Specifically, roller 300 can be moved radially outward to a position where the starting portion of the inner inclined portion 350 of roller 300 is axially aligned with the bending point of the opening 51. At this time, the interval G' between each of the opposing rollers 300 can be greater than the initial interval mentioned above.

[0118] For example, the position where the roller 300 moves radially can be a preset position. Alternatively, for the position where the roller 300 moves radially, the alignment of the roller 300 can be performed by the control unit through a position sensing process using a separate sensor, and the alignment can be adjusted.

[0119] Secondary pressurization process

[0120] Reference Figure 5 (b) Roller 300 moves downward along the axial direction again, and as roller 300 moves downward, inner inclined portion 350 can provide downward pressure to opening 51. When roller 300 moves to the preset lowermost position, opening 51 can be bent to a second angle by inner inclined portion 350, and opening 51 can be airtightly combined with cover assembly.

[0121] Here, although it is stated that the roller 300 includes an inner inclined portion 350 and an outer inclined portion 330, additional inclined portions with other inclined structures may be further formed as needed.

[0122] For example, an additional inclined portion (not shown) may be further formed inside the inner inclined portion 350. In this case, when viewed from the side, the pressure surface of the additional inclined portion may be formed to gradually slope downwards inwards.

[0123] With the roller 300 moving radially outward, the additional inclined portion can apply additional pressure to the end 51a of the opening 51 by moving downward. The additional inclined portion can further improve the airtightness between the opening 51 and the cover assembly.

[0124] As described above, in this disclosure, since the opening 51 of the battery housing 50 is gradually bent by the inner inclined portion 350 and the outer inclined portion 330 of the roller 300 with different inclined structures during the pressing process, deformation of the battery housing 50 can be prevented.

[0125] Furthermore, in this disclosure, as the roller 300 moves radially, the inner inclined portion 350 and the outer inclined portion 330 of the roller 300 with different inclined structures can bend the opening portion 51 in sequence, thereby enabling multiple bending processes to be performed by a single pressing device.

[0126] Figure 6 and Figure 7 This is a diagram schematically illustrating the process of a pressing process performed by a roller 300 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0127] exist Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the embodiment described herein, roller 300 may further include guide portion 380 to guide opening 51 and roller 300 to align before roller 300 presses down on opening 51. In this embodiment, in addition to the alignment process via guide portion 380, with Figure 3 The embodiments described herein are the same, so the differences will be mainly described here.

[0128] In an exemplary embodiment, the roller 300 may have an outer guide portion 381 formed between the base 310 and the outer inclined portion 330. For example... Figure 6 As shown, when viewed from the side, the outer guide portion 381 can be formed by extending axially between the base portion 310 and the outer inclined portion 330.

[0129] Furthermore, the inner guide portion 382 may be formed axially between the outer inclined portion 330 and the inner inclined portion 350.

[0130] like Figure 6 As shown in (a), the crimping device can align the outer guide portion 381 of the roller 300 with the opening portion 51 of the battery housing 50 when the first rotating axis is aligned with the central axis of the battery housing (S1).

[0131] For example, the control unit can perform initial alignment by moving the roller 300 to a preset position. For example, the control unit can control the alignment state of the roller 300 by sensing images of the outer guide portion 381 and the opening portion 51 using separate sensors, and can modify the radial position of the roller 300.

[0132] After the initial alignment is completed, the roller 300 descends to apply initial pressure to the opening 51, thereby bending the opening 51 to the first angle.

[0133] Subsequently, after the initial pressurization is completed through the outer inclined section 330, as Figure 7 As shown in (a), the control unit can move the roller 300 radially outward to a preset alignment position (S2). Alternatively, the control unit can control the alignment (S2) state of the roller 300 by sensing images of the inner guide 382 and the sidewall of the battery housing 50.

[0134] In an exemplary embodiment, the control unit can easily align the outer inclined portion 330 via the outer guide portion 381. Furthermore, the control unit can easily align the roller 300 after radial movement using the inner guide portion 382.

[0135] Subsequently, the roller 300 descends again to apply secondary pressure to the opening 51, which has been bent to the first angle, thereby bending the opening 51 to the second angle.

[0136] In an exemplary embodiment, the second angle θ2 of the inner inclined portion 350 can be formed to be less than 0° of the first angle, and the opening 51 can be pressurized and bent perpendicularly to the axial direction through the inner inclined portion 350, thereby achieving a more airtight connection with the cover assembly.

[0137] In this disclosure, by enabling the roller 300 to move radially, the opening 51 can be gradually bent by one roller 300.

[0138] In this disclosure, the gradual bending process of the opening 51 is performed by a roller 300, which can reduce manufacturing costs and improve process efficiency.

[0139] Furthermore, in this disclosure, by gradually bending the opening 51, deformation of the folded edge 52 and the casing can be prevented even when a pressing part is formed in the thicker battery casing 50.

[0140] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a crimping device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 9 It is magnification Figure 8 Part B shows a diagram of the inclined structure of the inclined portion of the roller 300 according to another exemplary embodiment. Figure 10 and Figure 11 It is shown by according to Figure 9A diagram illustrating the process of pressing the roller 300 in the embodiment.

[0141] In this embodiment, except for the inclined structures of the inner inclined portion 350 and the outer inclined portion 330 of the roller 300, the structure of the pressing device is the same as that of the previously described embodiment. Therefore, the differences between the inclined structures of the inner inclined portion 350 and the outer inclined portion 330 and the resulting differences in the pressing method will be mainly described here.

[0142] Reference Figure 9 In an exemplary embodiment according to the present disclosure, the inclined portion of the roller 300 may include an outer inclined portion 330 and an inner inclined portion 350 formed sequentially from the base 310 toward the radially inward side.

[0143] For example, the axial height from the outer end of the outer inclined portion 330 to the inner end of the inner inclined portion 350 can be equal to or greater than the final bending height of the opening 51 of the battery casing 50.

[0144] When viewed from the side, the outer inclined portion 330 and the inner inclined portion 350 can each be formed with different inclined structures.

[0145] In an exemplary embodiment, the outer inclined portion 330 may be configured to have a smaller inclination than the inner inclined portion 350. For example, when viewed from the side, the first angle θ1 formed by the outer inclined portion 330 and the virtual line L may be smaller than the second angle θ2 formed by the inner inclined portion 350 and the virtual line L.

[0146] For example, the second angle θ2 formed by the inner inclined portion 350 and the virtual line L can be greater than 0° and less than 90°, and the first angle θ1 formed by the outer inclined portion 330 and the virtual line L can be greater than or equal to 0° and less than the second angle θ2.

[0147] Furthermore, in an exemplary embodiment, the roller 300 may further include a stop 390 between the base 310 and the outer inclined portion 330. Viewed from the side, the stop 390 may be formed extending axially between the base 310 and the outer inclined portion 330. The stop 390 may restrict the radially inward movement of the roller 300.

[0148] Figure 10 and Figure 11 It is an illustrative representation of the process by means of... Figure 9 A diagram illustrating the process of pressing the roller 300 in the embodiment.

[0149] In this embodiment, the crimping device can apply radially inward pressure to the opening 51 to form a crimped portion.

[0150] In this embodiment, the pressing process can be performed by continuously moving the roller 300 inward at a predetermined height and applying pressure to the opening 51.

[0151] Initial alignment process (height alignment process)

[0152] First, such as Figure 10 As shown in (a), during the initial alignment process, the crimping device can radially align the inner end of the inner inclined portion 350 of the roller 300 with the end 51a of the opening 51 while the first rotation axis is aligned with the central axis of the battery casing. At this time, the roller 300 can be positioned radially outside the opening 51.

[0153] For example, the height of the outer end of the outer inclined portion 330 can be the same as the height of the bend in the opening portion 51. In this case, the gap g1 between the opposing rollers 300 can be the largest gap in this pressing process.

[0154] For example, the initial alignment process can be performed by moving the roller 300 to a preset position via the control unit. Alternatively, the control unit can sense the alignment status of the roller 300 via a separate sensor and can modify the radial position of the roller 300.

[0155] Initial pressurization process

[0156] like Figure 10 As shown in (b), the roller 300 then moves radially inward, and the inner inclined portion 350 of the roller 300 can provide radially inward pressure to the opening 51. The opening 51 can be bent to the second angle by being radially inward pressured by the inner inclined portion 350 of the roller 300. At this time, the interval g2 between the opposing rollers 300 can be smaller than the interval g1 between the rollers 300 in the initial alignment process described above.

[0157] Secondary pressurization process

[0158] like Figure 10 As shown in (b), as the roller 300 continues to move radially inward, the opening 51 passes the inner inclined portion 350 and contacts the outer inclined portion 330 of the roller 300. The outer inclined portion 330 of the roller 300 can continuously provide radially inward pressure to the opening 51. The opening 51 can be bent to a first angle smaller than the second angle by the outer inclined portion 330 of the roller 300. At this time, the interval g3 between the opposing rollers 300 can be smaller than the interval g2 between the rollers 300 during the pressure process through the inner inclined portion 350 described above.

[0159] In this embodiment, after aligning the height of the alignment roller 300 during the initial alignment process, the subsequent continuous bending process of the opening 51 can be performed at the same height. Therefore, the control unit does not require additional up-and-down movement adjustment, thereby making it easy to control the crimping device in the process.

[0160] Figure 12 The diagram continuously illustrates the process of the pressing process performed by the roller 300 according to the embodiment.

[0161] In this embodiment, except that a stop portion 390 is formed between the base portion 310 and the outer inclined portion 330, and the first angle of the outer inclined portion 330 is 0°, the rest is the same as described above. Figure 8 The embodiments are the same, so the differences will be mainly described here.

[0162] Reference Figure 12 In (a), during the initial alignment process, the crimping device descends, causing the inner end of the inner inclined portion 350 of the roller 300 to contact the end 51a of the opening 51. The control unit can control the position so that, with the first rotation axis of the crimping device aligned with the central axis of the battery casing, the inner end of the inner inclined portion 350 of the roller 300 and the end 51a of the opening 51 are radially aligned.

[0163] like Figure 12 As shown in (b), in this state, the roller 300 moves radially inward by the roller drive device 200 without axial movement, and the inner inclined portion 350 of the roller 300 can provide radially inward pressure to the end 51a of the opening 51.

[0164] like Figure 12 As shown in (c), as the roller 300 gradually moves radially inward, the end 51a of the opening 51 of the battery housing 50 can be bent toward the central axis of the battery housing 50. Here, the process of the opening 51 being pressurized by the inner inclined portion 350 can be described as the initial pressurization process. During the initial pressurization process, the opening 51 can be bent to a second angle according to the inclined structure of the inner inclined portion 350.

[0165] In this embodiment, since the second angle of the inner inclined portion 350 is greater than the first angle of the outer inclined portion 330, the initial pressurization process can be described as a process of pre-tilting the opening portion so that the opening portion 51 can be easily bent during the secondary pressurization process.

[0166] Subsequently, roller 300 continues to move radially inward, as... Figure 12As shown in (d), the opening 51 is pressed and bent to a first angle less than the second angle by the outer inclined portion 330 of the roller 300. Here, the process of the opening 51 being pressed by the outer inclined portion 330 can be described as a secondary pressing process. In this disclosure, since the opening 51 is pre-inclined by the above-described primary pressing process, the opening 51 can be bent more easily during the secondary pressing process.

[0167] On the other hand, in an exemplary embodiment, the first angle θ1 of the outer inclined portion 330 can be formed to be less than 0° of the second angle, and the opening 51 can be pressed and bent to be perpendicular to the axis by the outer inclined portion 330, thereby achieving a more airtight connection with the cover assembly.

[0168] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the secondary pressurization process through the outer inclined portion 330 is completed, the stop portion 390, which is vertically formed between the outer inclined portion 330 and the base portion 310, can restrict the radial movement of the roller 300. Therefore, wear of the opening 51 due to unnecessary friction between the roller 300 and the opening 51 can be prevented.

[0169] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the above-mentioned... Figure 12 The crimping process in (b) to (e) can be performed as follows: Figure 12 It is performed in the initial alignment state shown in (a) without requiring additional up-and-down movement of the crimping device.

[0170] At this time, roller 300 is according to Figure 12 During the crimping process from (b) to (e), the device moves continuously inward and applies pressure to the opening 51, thereby eliminating the need for up-and-down movement control of the crimping device and a separate alignment process, thus improving process efficiency.

[0171] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a pressure is applied to the opening 51 toward the radially inward side, and no direct downward pressure is applied, thus preventing deformation of the folded edge 52.

[0172] On the other hand, the process of applying pressure to the opening 51 by the roller 300 in the above-mentioned pressing process can be performed by rotating the roller 300 around the second rotation axis at the same time as the pressing device rotates around the first rotation axis and the roller 300 rotates around the periphery of the opening 51.

[0173] Next, the crimping process using the crimping apparatus according to various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.

[0174] Figure 13 It is based on Figure 2 A flowchart of the crimping process of the crimping device in an embodiment.

[0175] Reference Figure 13 When the cover assembly is placed in the opening 51 of the battery housing 50, the initial alignment process S510 of the crimping device can be performed. At this time, as described above, the crimping device can be in a state where the first rotation axis is aligned with the central axis of the battery housing, and the outer inclined portion 330 of the roller 300 is aligned with the end 51a of the opening 51.

[0176] With the crimping device initially aligned, the initial descent of roller 300 can begin S520.

[0177] As the roller 300 descends, the opening 51 is initially pressed inward by the pressure surface of the outer inclined portion 330, which has a greater inclination than the inner inclined portion 350. At this time, the opening 51 can be bent to a first angle.

[0178] When the pressure applied through the outer inclined portion 330 is completed, the roller 300 can move radially outward via the roller drive device 200. The roller 300 moves and stops at S540 when the inner inclined portion 350 aligns with the opening portion 51 (secondary alignment).

[0179] Subsequently, roller 300 begins a second descent S550. During the second descent, roller 300 can be in a state that moves further radially outward than during the initial descent.

[0180] As the roller 300 descends again, the opening 51 can be pressurized a second time (S560) inward by the pressure surface of the inner inclined portion 350, which has a smaller inclination than the outer inclined portion 330. At this time, the opening 51 can be bent to a second angle and airtightly joined with the cover assembly.

[0181] Figure 14 It shows the use of according to Figure 8 A flowchart of the crimping process of the crimping device in an embodiment.

[0182] Reference Figure 14 When the cover assembly is placed in the opening 51 of the battery housing 50, the process S610 of initially aligning the roller 300 to a preset height can be performed. At this time, at least a portion of the inner inclined portion 350 of the roller 300 can be provided radially outward of the opening 51 at a height corresponding to the end 51a of the opening 51.

[0183] Roller 300 can move radially inward at the initial alignment height S620.

[0184] As the roller 300 moves, the roller 300 begins to apply initial pressure to the opening 51 through the inner inclined portion 350, and causes the opening 51 to bend inward S630.

[0185] The roller 300 gradually moves radially inward from the initial alignment height, and applies secondary pressure to the opening 51 through the outer inclined portion 330, which has a smaller inclination than the inner inclined portion 350, causing the opening 51 to gradually bend downward S640.

[0186] As the outer inclined portion 330 of the roller 300 gradually moves radially inward, the inner inclined portion 350 continues to pressurize the opening 51, so that the opening 51 is airtightly combined with the cover assembly.

[0187] On the other hand, the movement of roller 300 radially inward can be stopped at a preset position by the control unit. Alternatively, when the stop 390 contacts the battery housing 50, the movement of roller 300 radially inward can be restricted S650.

[0188] The crimping apparatus described above according to various embodiments of this disclosure is not excluded from application to other embodiments. It should be understood that, within the scope of the purpose of this disclosure, all components proposed in each embodiment may be selectively combined with more than one to operate, and may be applied at least in part to or mixed with other embodiments.

[0189] The above content is merely an example of applying the principles of this disclosure, and other configurations may be further included as long as they do not depart from the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A crimping device characterized by, include: The roller support device is configured to move up and down along the axial direction of the battery casing; as well as A roller, connected to the roller support device, is used to pressurize the opening of the battery casing. The roller is configured to move radially along the battery housing.

2. The crimping device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The roller includes at least two inclined portions with different inclination structures, and pressurizes the opening through the at least two inclined portions.

3. The crimping device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The roller includes an outer inclined portion and an inner inclined portion extending radially inward from the outer inclined portion. The opening is initially pressurized by one of the inner inclined portion and the outer inclined portion, and then a second pressurization is applied to the opening by the other portion.

4. The crimping device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The roller is configured as follows: When viewed from the side, the pressure surface of the outer inclined portion that pressurizes the opening is formed at a first angle relative to a virtual line perpendicular to the central axis of the battery casing. When viewed from the side, the pressure surface of the inner inclined portion that pressurizes the opening is formed at a second angle relative to a virtual line perpendicular to the central axis of the battery casing.

5. The crimping device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first angle is greater than the second angle.

6. The crimping device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that, The roller applies initial pressure to the opening through the outer inclined portion and applies secondary pressure to the opening through the inner inclined portion.

7. The crimping device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that, After the initial pressurization of the opening, the roller applies the secondary pressurization to the opening while moving radially outward.

8. The crimping device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that, The initial pressurization and the secondary pressurization are performed by the downward movement of the roller.

9. The crimping device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that, The roller includes a buffer section disposed between the outer inclined section and the inner inclined section to buffer the impact on the opening.

10. The crimping device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that, The roller includes a guide portion for guiding at least one of the inner inclined portion and the outer inclined portion to align with the opening.

11. The crimping device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first angle is smaller than the second angle.

12. The crimping device according to any one of claims 3, 4 and 11, characterized in that, The opening is initially pressurized by the inner inclined portion, and then a second pressurization is applied by the outer inclined portion.

13. The crimping device according to any one of claims 3, 4 and 11, characterized in that, After the initial pressurization of the opening, the roller moves radially inward and applies the secondary pressurization to the opening.

14. The crimping device according to any one of claims 3, 4, and 11, wherein the roller performs the primary pressurization and the secondary pressurization at the same height with respect to the opening portion.

15. The crimping device according to any one of claims 3, 4, and 11, wherein the roller includes a stopper portion formed at an outer side end of the outer side inclined portion for limiting radial movement of the roller.

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