Device for producing a battery

Abstract

Apparatus for producing a battery, comprising: a housing; an angle adjuster provided to be movable with respect to the housing; and a molding disposed between the housing and the angle adjuster and having an arrangement angle that varies according to the movement of the angle adjuster to bend a plurality of electrode tabs provided in an electrode assembly.

Description

BACKGROUND 1. Field of the invention

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus for manufacturing a battery. 2. Discussion of the state of the art

[0002] Secondary batteries (hereinafter referred to as "batteries") are known as one of the energy storage media that can be charged and discharged. Batteries are widely used in various fields that utilize electrical energy. For example, batteries are widely used in mobile devices such as mobile phones, notebooks, tablets, etc., and are being sought for wider use in the field of transportation such as vehicles, aircraft, ships, etc. In addition, the demand for batteries in energy storage systems (ESS) for the utilization of surplus electricity is also increasing.

[0003] Some batteries can be formed in a structure in which an electrode assembly, electrolyte, etc., are housed within a casing. In some cases, the electrode assembly can be wound around an axis. That is, the electrode assembly can be formed into a plate shape by arranging positive and negative electrodes with a separator disposed therebetween, and the plate-shaped electrode assembly can be wound around an axis to produce a substantially cylindrical electrode assembly.

[0004] The electrode assembly may include electrode tabs for electrical connection to electrode terminals. In some batteries, the electrode tab of each electrode may be provided as a plurality of electrode tabs. In particular, the electrode tab may be formed in a flag-like shape, and a plurality of electrode tabs may be arranged along an end portion of the electrode assembly. The plurality of electrode tabs may be bent toward a central axis of the electrode assembly during processing. The plurality of bent electrode tabs may form a connection surface for electrically connecting a current collector or the like on a surface of the electrode assembly. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Some embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an apparatus for manufacturing a battery.

[0006] Additionally, some embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an apparatus for manufacturing a battery that may be used to bend a plurality of electrode tabs during a process for manufacturing an electrode assembly.

[0007] In addition, some embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an apparatus for manufacturing a battery capable of increasing a process speed.

[0008] In addition, some embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an apparatus for manufacturing a battery capable of improving processing quality.

[0009] In addition, some embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an apparatus for manufacturing a battery capable of improving the performance or quality of a processed battery.

[0010] Some embodiments of the present disclosure can be widely applied in green technology fields such as electric vehicles, battery charging stations, solar power generation, and wind power generation using batteries, etc. In addition, some embodiments of the present disclosure can be used in environmentally friendly electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, etc. to prevent climate change by suppressing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus for manufacturing a battery is provided, comprising a housing, an angle adjuster provided to be movable with respect to the housing, and a molding member disposed between the housing and the angle adjuster and having an arrangement angle that varies according to the movement of the angle adjuster to bend a plurality of electrode tabs provided in an electrode assembly.

[0012] The housing may include an interior space in which the angle adjuster and the molded part are arranged.

[0013] The housing may be provided to be rotatable relative to the electrode assembly about a rotation axis in a first direction.

[0014] The angle adjuster may be arranged in a central portion of the housing and provided to be movable in a first direction with respect to the housing.

[0015] The angle adjuster may be provided to gradually move from an initial position toward the electrode arrangement according to the rotation of the housing to change the arrangement angle of the molded part.

[0016] The molded part may include a first end portion secured to the housing. The first end portion may be rotatably secured to the housing by a first hinge shaft.

[0017] The first hinge shaft may be provided to be orthogonal to a moving direction of the angle adjuster.

[0018] The molded part may include a second end portion attached to the angle adjuster. The second end portion may be rotatably attached to the angle adjuster by a second hinge shaft.

[0019] The second hinge shaft may be provided to be orthogonal to a moving direction of the angle adjuster.

[0020] The second hinge shaft may be movably mounted to a slot located in the second end portion. The slot may be formed to extend in a longitudinal direction of the molded part.

[0021] The second hinge shaft may be formed to move within the slot in conjunction with the movement of the angle adjuster.

[0022] The molded part may include a first end portion rotatably attached to the housing by a first hinge shaft, and a second end portion rotatably attached to the angle adjuster by a second hinge shaft. The second hinge shaft may be movably attached to a slot disposed in the second end portion and move within the slot according to the movement of the angle adjuster.

[0023] The molded part may include a pressure surface that comes into contact with the electrode tab. At least a portion of the pressure surface may have a curved surface to eliminate damage to the electrode tab during bending of the electrode tab.

[0024] The printing surface may comprise a coating layer.

[0025] The molded part may be provided as a plurality of molded parts. The plurality of molded parts may be provided to repeatedly bend the electrode tab according to the rotation of the housing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent to those skilled in the art by describing exemplary embodiments thereof in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an example of an electrode assembly manufacturing process; Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an electrode assembly obtained by the manufacturing process of Fig. 1 is produced; Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an apparatus for manufacturing a battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 4 is a first operating state diagram illustrating the operation of the apparatus for manufacturing a battery shown in Fig. 3 is illustrated; Fig. 5 is a second operating state diagram illustrating the operation of the apparatus for manufacturing a battery shown in Fig. 3 is illustrated; Fig. 6A to Fig. 6C are schematic perspective views illustrating modified examples of a molded part used in Fig. 3 is illustrated; Fig. 7 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an apparatus for manufacturing a battery according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 8 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an apparatus for manufacturing a battery according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure; and Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B are schematic flow diagrams illustrating the manufacture of a battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0027] In the following, the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this is only an example, and the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described by way of example.

[0028] Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an example of an electrode assembly manufacturing process.

[0029] For the sake of simplicity of description, a z-axis direction is referred to as a vertical direction based on the Fig. 1 and the like. In addition, based on a winding axis A1 (a z-axis) around which an electrode assembly 100 is wound, a direction C1 orthogonal to the winding axis A1 is referred to as a radial direction, and a rotation direction C2 centered on the winding axis A is referred to as a circumferential direction.

[0030] With reference to Fig. 1, in some embodiments, a battery may include the electrode assembly 100. The electrode assembly 100 may include a positive electrode plate 110 and a negative electrode plate 120 arranged with a separator 130 disposed therebetween. In some embodiments, the electrode assembly 100 may have a roll shape in which the positive electrode plate 110, the negative electrode plate 120, and the separator 130 are wound around the winding axis A1. In some cases, the electrode assembly 100 wound in this manner in a roll shape may be referred to in the art as a "jelly roll."

[0031] In some embodiments, the positive electrode plate 110 may include a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode mixture layer disposed on at least one surface of the positive electrode current collector. For example, the positive electrode current collector may include aluminum, stainless steel, nickel, titanium, an alloy thereof, etc. Alternatively, the positive electrode current collector may include aluminum, stainless steel, etc., surface-treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, etc. In some embodiments, the positive electrode mixture layer may include a positive electrode active material. The positive electrode active material may include a compound capable of reversibly intercalating and deintercalating lithium ions. For example, the positive electrode active material may include lithium nickel metal oxide.In some cases, at least one of cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), and aluminum (Al) may be further included in the lithium nickel metal oxide. In some embodiments, the positive electrode material layer may further include a binder and may optionally further include a conductive agent, a thickener, etc.

[0032] In some embodiments, the negative electrode plate 120 may include a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode mixture layer disposed on at least one surface of the negative electrode current collector. For example, the negative electrode current collector may include copper, stainless steel, nickel, titanium, nickel foam, copper foam, a polymer substrate coated with a conductive metal, etc. In some embodiments, the negative electrode mixture layer may include a negative electrode active material. The negative electrode active material may include a compound capable of reversibly intercalating and deintercalating lithium ions. For example, the negative electrode active material may be a carbon-based material, such as crystalline carbon, amorphous carbon, a carbon composite, carbon fiber, etc., lithium metal, a lithium alloy, a silicon (Si)-containing material, or a tin (Sn)-containing material, etc. In some embodiments, the negative electrode mixture layer may further include a binder, and may optionally further include a conductive agent, a thickener, etc.

[0033] The separator 130 may be disposed between the positive electrode plate 110 and the negative electrode plate 120. The separator 130 may be formed to limit an electrical short circuit between the positive electrode plate 110 and the negative electrode plate 120 and allow ions to flow. In some embodiments, the separator 130 may include a porous polymer film or a porous nonwoven fabric. For example, the porous polymer film may include polyolefin-based polymers such as an ethylene polymer, a propylene polymer, an ethylene / butene copolymer, an ethylene / hexene copolymer, an ethylene / methacrylate copolymer, etc. The porous nonwoven fabric may include high-melting-point glass fibers, polyethylene terephthalate fibers, etc. In some cases, the separator may include a ceramic-based material.For example, inorganic particles may be coated onto or dispersed within the polymer film to improve heat resistance. In some embodiments, the separator may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure including the polymer film and / or the nonwoven fabric.

[0034] In some embodiments, the battery may be provided in a cylindrical shape. Additionally, the electrode assembly 100 may be wound in a corresponding cylindrical shape. The cylindrical battery may have a predetermined diameter and a predetermined height. For example, the battery may have a diameter of approximately 46 mm and a height of approximately 80 mm. In some cases, the battery having such a form factor may be referred to as a "4680 battery." In another example, the battery may have a diameter of approximately 46 mm and a height of 80 mm, or a diameter of approximately 46 mm and a height of 95 mm, or a diameter of approximately 46 mm and a height of 110 mm. In some cases, the battery having such a form factor may be referred to as a "46xx battery," where "xx" may describe the height of the corresponding form factor.In yet another example, the battery may have a diameter of approximately 48 mm and a height of 75 mm, or a diameter of approximately 48 mm and a height of 80 mm, or a diameter of approximately 48 mm and a height of 110 mm. In some cases, the battery having such a form factor may be referred to as a "48xx battery," where "xx" may describe the height of the corresponding form factor. However, the diameter and height of the exemplary battery may be modified in various ways as needed and are not necessarily limited to the exemplary ones.

[0035] Meanwhile, in some embodiments, the electrode assembly 100 may include a positive electrode tab 111 and a negative electrode tab 121. The positive electrode tab 111 may be formed at an end of the positive electrode current collector from which the positive electrode mixture layer is omitted. In the illustrated embodiment, the positive electrode tab 111 is disposed along an upper end of the positive electrode plate 110. Similarly, the negative electrode tab 121 may be formed at an end of the negative electrode current collector from which the negative electrode mixture layer is omitted. In the illustrated embodiment, the negative electrode tab 121 is disposed along a lower end of the negative electrode plate 120.

[0036] In some embodiments, the positive electrode tab 111 may be provided as a plurality of positive electrode tabs. Additionally, the plurality of positive electrode tabs 111 may be arranged in a direction in which the positive electrode plate 110 is wound. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of positive electrode tabs 111 are arranged along an upper edge of the positive electrode plate 110. Similarly, the negative electrode tab 121 may be provided as a plurality of negative electrode tabs. Additionally, the plurality of negative electrode tabs 121 may be arranged in a direction in which the negative electrode plate 120 is wound. In the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of negative electrode tabs 121 are arranged along a lower edge of the negative electrode plate 120.

[0037] For convenience of description, the positive electrode tab 111 or the negative electrode tab 121 will be collectively referred to as an "electrode tab 140" hereinafter. In the following description, the electrode tab 140 may be used to refer to the positive electrode tab 111 or the negative electrode tab 121. In addition, the positive electrode plate 110 or the negative electrode plate 120 will be collectively referred to as an "electrode plate 150" hereinafter. In the following description, the electrode plate 150 may be used to refer to the positive electrode plate 110 or the negative electrode plate 120.

[0038] Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an electrode assembly obtained by the manufacturing process of Fig. 1 is produced.

[0039] With reference to Fig. 2, in some embodiments, the electrode assembly 100 may have a substantially cylindrical shape in which the positive electrode plate 110, the negative electrode plate 120, and the separator 130 are wound around the winding axis A1. Additionally, in some embodiments, the electrode tab 140 may be bent toward the winding axis A1. That is, in the illustrated embodiment, the plurality of positive electrode tabs 111 disposed at an upper end of the electrode assembly 100 may be bent toward the winding axis A1.

[0040] The plurality of bent positive electrode tabs 111 may form a predetermined connection surface S1 at the upper end of the electrode assembly 100. The connection surface S1 may be an upper surface region of the electrode assembly 100 formed by bending the plurality of positive electrode tabs 111. In the illustrated embodiment, the connection surface S1 is formed in a substantially circular shape, and a cavity 160 is located in a central portion corresponding to the winding axis A1. In some embodiments, the connection surface S1 may be used to electrically connect the positive electrode current collector to a positive electrode terminal. For example, a current collector coupled to the positive electrode terminal may be welded to the connection surface S1.Alternatively, in some cases, the positive electrode terminal can be directly electrically connected to the connection surface S1.

[0041] Meanwhile, although not illustrated, the negative electrode tab 121 may also be bent in a similar manner to form a connection surface and electrically connected to a terminal of the negative electrode.

[0042] Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an apparatus for manufacturing a battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] With reference to Fig. 3, in some embodiments, the electrode tab 140 may be bent by a battery assembly 200. In some embodiments, the battery assembly 200 may include a housing 210. Additionally, the battery assembly 200 may include an angle adjuster 220 provided to be movable relative to the housing 210. Additionally, the battery assembly 200 may include a mold 230 disposed between the housing 210 and the angle adjuster 220, which changes an arrangement angle according to the movement of the angle adjuster 220 to bend the plurality of electrode tabs 140 provided in the electrode assembly 100.

[0044] In particular, in some embodiments, the battery manufacturing apparatus 200 may include the housing 210. The housing 210 may form the entire exterior of the battery manufacturing apparatus 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 210 is exemplified as having a substantially cylindrical exterior. However, the exterior of the housing 210 may be modified in various ways as needed and is not necessarily limited to the exemplary shape.

[0045] In some embodiments, the housing 210 may have an interior space 211 in which the angle adjuster 220 and the molded part 230 are arranged.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 210 may have a substantially cylindrical exterior, and the interior space 211 may be formed within the cylindrical shape. The angle adjuster 220 and the molded part 230 may be disposed within the interior space 211. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle adjuster 220 is arranged to extend generally vertically in a central portion of the interior space 211. Additionally, the molded part 230 is arranged in a lower region of the interior space 211 and is coupled to the angle adjuster 220.

[0047] In some embodiments, the housing 210 may be formed with an open bottom structure. That is, the housing 210 may have an opening at a bottom thereof. In this case, the molded part 230 may be exposed through the opening at the bottom of the housing 210 and may approach the electrode tab 140.

[0048] In some embodiments, the housing 210 may be provided to be rotatable relative to the electrode assembly 100 about a rotation axis A2 in a first direction.

[0049] In particular, in some embodiments, the housing 210 may have the rotation axis A2 in the first direction. In the above, the first direction may be a direction corresponding to the winding axis A1 of the electrode assembly 100. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the first direction may be a vertical direction corresponding to a z-axis direction. Additionally, in some embodiments, the rotation axis A2 may be located in the center of the housing 210. The electrode assembly 100 may be positioned such that the winding axis A1 corresponds to the rotation axis A2 of the housing 210 for processing the electrode tab 140.

[0050] In some embodiments, the housing 210 can be rotated about the rotation axis A2. Although not illustrated, in some embodiments, the housing 210 can be coupled to a drive part, such as a motor for rotation or the like. In some embodiments, the housing 210 can be rotated relative to the electrode assembly 100. For example, the housing 210 can be rotated about the rotation axis A2 relative to the fixed electrode assembly 100. In some cases, the electrode assembly 100 can be rotated relative to the housing 210. For example, the housing 210 can be fixed, and the electrode assembly 100 can be rotated about the rotation axis A2.

[0051] In some embodiments, the housing 210 may be provided to move up and down with respect to the electrode assembly 100. Additionally, in some embodiments, the housing 210 may be provided to move in a forward-backward direction and / or a left-right direction with respect to the electrode assembly 100. Accordingly, the housing 210 may be arranged at a suitable location for processing the electrode assembly 100. In some cases, the movement of the housing 210 may be replaced by the movement of the electrode assembly 100.

[0052] Meanwhile, in some embodiments, the battery manufacturing apparatus 200 may include the angle adjuster 220. The angle adjuster 220 may be provided to be movable relative to the housing 210. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the angle adjuster 220 is provided to move up and down relative to the housing 210. Although not illustrated, in some embodiments, the angle adjuster 220 may be coupled to a drive part, such as an actuator or the like, for movement.

[0053] In some embodiments, the angle adjuster 220 may be disposed in the central portion of the housing 210 and provided to be movable in the first direction relative to the housing 210. That is, in the illustrated embodiment, the angle adjuster 220 may be provided to move up and down relative to the housing 210.

[0054] In particular, in some embodiments, the angle adjuster 220 may be arranged in the central portion of the housing 210. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the angle adjuster 220 is arranged in the central portion of the housing 210, which is substantially circular in plan view. Additionally, in some embodiments, the angle adjuster 220 may be formed to extend vertically for a predetermined length within the interior space 211. Additionally, in some embodiments, the angle adjuster 220 may be arranged at a location corresponding to the rotation axis A2 of the housing 210 or the winding axis A1 of the electrode assembly 100. The above arrangement of the angle adjuster 220 may contribute to simplifying the structure of the battery manufacturing apparatus 200 and effectively transmitting a compressive force.

[0055] Meanwhile, in some embodiments, the battery manufacturing apparatus 200 may include the molding part 230. The molding part 230 may be provided to contact the electrode tab 140 provided in the electrode assembly 100 and bend the electrode tab 140. That is, the electrode tab 140 may be bent by the molding part 230 in the direction of the winding axis A1. In some embodiments, the molding part 230 may be secured between the housing 210 and the angle adjuster 220. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the molding part 230 has one end facing the rotation axis A2 and secured to the angle adjuster 220, and an opposite end secured to an inner wall of the housing 210.

[0056] In some embodiments, the mold part 230 may be provided such that the arrangement angle varies according to the movement of the angle adjuster 220. For example, the arrangement angle may be an angle formed by the mold part in a longitudinal direction with respect to a transverse plane. In some embodiments, the arrangement angle of the mold part 230 may be determined by the location of the angle adjuster 220. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the arrangement angle of the mold part 230 may gradually decrease as the angle adjuster 220 moves downward and gradually increase as the angle adjuster 220 moves upward.

[0057] In some embodiments, the angle adjuster 220 may be provided to gradually move from an initial position toward the electrode assembly 100 according to the rotation of the housing 210 to change the arrangement angle of the molding 230.

[0058] In particular, the angle adjuster 220 may gradually move downward from the home position toward the electrode assembly 100 as the housing 210 rotates. Alternatively, the angle adjuster 220 may gradually move downward from the home position when the molded part 230 comes into contact with the electrode tab 140 and the housing 210 rotates. In some embodiments, the home position may refer to a state in which the angle adjuster 220 has moved upward. That is, the home position may refer to a state in which the angle adjuster 220 moves upward and the molded part 230 is arranged to be inclined downward toward an outside in a radial direction centered on the rotation axis A2. For example, the home position may correspond to the position of the angle adjuster 220 shown in Fig. 3 is illustrated.

[0059] In some embodiments, the vertical movement of the angle adjuster 220 can change the arrangement angle of the mold part 230. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the arrangement angle of the mold part 230 can gradually decrease as the angle adjuster 220 moves downward from the home position. In this case, the mold part 230 can gradually approach the electrode tab 140. Conversely, the arrangement angle of the mold part 230 can gradually increase as the angle adjuster 220 moves upward from the lowered position. In this case, the mold part 230 can gradually move away from the electrode tab 140. The angle adjuster 220 can move up or down in the above manner to adjust the arrangement angle of the mold part 230.

[0060] Meanwhile, in some embodiments, the molded part 230 may include a first end portion 231 that is attached to the housing 210. Additionally, the first end portion 231 may be rotatably connected to the housing 210 by a first hinge shaft 232. Additionally, in some embodiments, the first hinge shaft 232 may be provided to be orthogonal to a direction of movement of the angle adjuster 220.

[0061] In particular, in some embodiments, the molded part 230 may be formed to extend in the longitudinal direction. For example, the molded part 230 may have a rod shape that extends substantially in the longitudinal direction. In some embodiments, the molded part 230 may be arranged generally in the radial direction centered on the rotation axis A2. Additionally, in some embodiments, the molded part 230 may have the first end portion 231 on one side in the longitudinal direction. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end portion 231 is provided at an outer end in the radial direction centered on the rotation axis A2. In some embodiments, the first end portion 231 may be rotatably attached to the housing 210 by the first hinge shaft 232. Accordingly, the molded part 230 may be rotated relative to the housing 210 about the first hinge shaft 232.

[0062] Additionally, in some embodiments, the first hinge shaft 232 may be provided to be orthogonal to the direction of movement of the angle adjuster 220. That is, in the illustrated embodiment, the first hinge shaft 232 may be provided as a transverse axis corresponding to an xy plane. In some embodiments, the transverse direction may be a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis A2 of the housing 210.

[0063] Meanwhile, in some embodiments, the molded part 230 may include a second end portion 233 attached to the angle adjuster 220. The second end portion 233 may be rotatably attached to the housing 210 by the second hinge shaft 234. Additionally, in some embodiments, the second hinge shaft 234 may be provided to be orthogonal to the direction of movement of the angle adjuster 220.

[0064] In particular, in some embodiments, the molded part 230 may include the second end portion 233. In the illustrated embodiment, the second end portion 233 is arranged in the direction of the rotation axis A2. The second end portion 233 may be rotatably attached to the angle adjuster 220 by the second hinge shaft 234. Accordingly, the molded part 230 may be rotated relative to the angle adjuster 220 about the second hinge shaft 234. Because the first end portion 231 is rotatably attached to the housing 210, the arrangement of the molded part 230 between the housing 210 and the angle adjuster 220 may vary according to the vertical movement of the angle adjuster 220. That is, the arrangement angle of the molded part 230 may vary according to the vertical movement of the angle adjuster 220.

[0065] In some embodiments, the second hinge shaft 234 may be provided to be orthogonal to the direction of movement of the angle adjuster 220. That is, in the illustrated embodiment, the second hinge shaft 234 may be provided as a transverse axis corresponding to an xy plane. In some embodiments, the transverse direction may be a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis A2 of the housing 210.

[0066] In some embodiments, the second hinge shaft 234 may be moved according to the movement of the angle adjuster 220 and, depending on the operating state, may be arranged at a different level than the first hinge shaft 232. For example, in the illustrated state, the second hinge shaft 234 is positioned at a predetermined higher position than the first hinge shaft 232.

[0067] Meanwhile, in some embodiments, the second hinge shaft 234 may be movably mounted to a slot 235 disposed in the second end portion 233. Additionally, the slot 235 may be formed to extend in the longitudinal direction of the molded part 230. Additionally, in some embodiments, the second hinge shaft 234 may be provided to move within the slot 235 in conjunction with the movement of the angle adjuster 220.

[0068] In particular, in some embodiments, the second end portion 233 may be provided with the slot 235. The slot 235 may be formed to extend in the longitudinal direction of the molded part 230. Alternatively, the slot 235 may be formed to extend in the radial direction centered on the rotation axis A2. In some embodiments, the second hinge shaft 234 may be disposed in the slot 235 and provided to be movable along the slot 235. Accordingly, the second end portion 233 may be rotatable with respect to the angle adjuster 220 about the second hinge shaft 234 while moving in a direction approaching or moving away from the angle adjuster 220 through the slot 235.

[0069] The slot 235 can be modified in various ways as long as it can guide the longitudinal movement of the molded part 230. For example, the slot 235 may include a hole, a groove, a mechanical form, etc., to which the second hinge shaft 234 is movably mounted. Additionally, in some cases, the slot 235 may be replaced by a rail, a linear guide, etc. Additionally, in some cases, the slot 235 may be arranged in the angle adjuster 220, a separate connecting component, etc., instead of the molded part 230.

[0070] Meanwhile, in some embodiments, the second hinge shaft 234 can move along the slot 235. Specifically, the second hinge shaft 234 can be fixed to the angle adjuster 220 and can move up and down according to the vertical movement of the angle adjuster 220. Additionally, the second hinge shaft 234 can be fixed to the slot 235 and can move along the slot 235 within the slot 235.

[0071] Meanwhile, in some embodiments, the molded part 230 may include the first end portion 231 rotatably attached to the housing 210 by the first hinge shaft 232. Additionally, the molded part 230 may include the second end portion 233 rotatably attached to the angle adjuster 220 by the second hinge shaft 234. Additionally, the second hinge shaft 234 may be movably attached to the slot 235 disposed in the second end portion 233 and may move within the slot 235 according to the movement of the angle adjuster 220. The molded part 230 is as described above.

[0072] In some embodiments, the molded part 230 may include a pressure surface 236 that contacts the electrode tab 140. Additionally, at least a portion of the pressure surface 236 may be formed as a curved surface to reduce damage to the electrode tab 140 when the electrode tab 140 is bent. In some embodiments, the pressure surface 236 may include a coating layer.

[0073] In particular, in some embodiments, the molded part 230 may include the pressure surface 236 that contacts the electrode tab 140. In the illustrated embodiment, the pressure surface 236 is provided on a lower surface of the molded part 230. The pressure surface 236 may be a surface of the molded part 230 that contacts the electrode tab 140 and bends or compresses the electrode tab.

[0074] In some embodiments, the pressure surface 236 may be provided with a gently curved shape. For example, the pressure surface 236 may be formed as an arcuate curved surface with a predetermined curvature, with the longitudinal direction of the molded part 230 as an axis. The pressure surface 236 may serve to prevent damage to the electrode tab 140 during a process of bending or pressing the electrode tab 140. Additionally, in some embodiments, the molded part 230 may contact or press the electrode tab 140 while rotating about the rotation axis A2, and in this case, the curved pressure surface 236 may more effectively serve to prevent damage to the electrode tab 140.

[0075] Additionally, in some embodiments, the pressure surface 236 may include a coating layer. The coating layer may replace the above curved shape or may be applied together with the curved shape. In some embodiments, the coating layer may include a coating made of a resin material with relatively good durability and a low coefficient of friction. For example, the coating layer may include a fluororesin-based coating such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), ethylenetetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), ethylenechlorotrifluoroethylene (ECTFE), TFE / PDD (tetrafluoroethylene / perfluoro), polyvinyl fluoride (PVF), etc.

[0076] In some embodiments, the pressure surface 236 may be formed to extend sufficiently in the transverse direction to contact all of the plurality of electrode tabs 140. For example, since the pressure surface 236 rotates about the rotation axis A2 to bend the plurality of electrode tabs 140, the pressure surface 236 may be provided to have a length that is a predetermined amount greater than a radius of the connecting surface S1 formed by the plurality of electrode tabs 140. That is, the pressure surface 236 may be formed to extend a predetermined amount longer than the radius of the connecting surface S1.

[0077] Meanwhile, in some embodiments, the molding part 230 may be provided as a plurality of molding parts. Additionally, the plurality of molding parts 230 may be provided to repeatedly bend the electrode tab 140 according to the rotation of the housing 210.

[0078] In particular, in some embodiments, the mold part 230 may be provided as a plurality of mold parts. For example, the mold part 230 may be provided as 2 to 8 mold parts. The plurality of mold parts 230 may help improve the process speed or implement a more complete bending of the electrode tab 140. Additionally, in some embodiments, the plurality of mold parts 230 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the rotational direction of the rotational axis A2. For example, the plurality of mold parts 230 may be spaced apart from each other by the same distance in the rotational direction of the rotational axis A2. In the illustrated embodiment, the number of mold parts 230 is illustrated as four, and the four mold parts 230 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a distance of approximately 90 degrees.

[0079] Fig. Fig. 4 is a first operating state diagram illustrating the operation of the apparatus for manufacturing a battery shown in Fig. 3 is illustrated.

[0080] With reference to Fig. 4, in some operational examples, the electrode assembly 100 may be disposed at a lower portion of the battery manufacturing apparatus 200. Additionally, the position of the electrode assembly 100 may be oriented such that the winding axis A1 corresponds to the rotation axis A2 of the battery manufacturing apparatus 200.

[0081] In some operational examples, the angle adjuster 220 may initially be disposed at a position higher than the housing 210 by a predetermined amount. Additionally, the molded part 230 may be disposed in a downwardly inclined state from the second end portion 233 toward the first end portion 231 according to the position of the angle adjuster 220.

[0082] In some operational examples, the battery manufacturing apparatus 200 may approach (move downward) the electrode assembly 100 in the above state. The approach of the battery manufacturing apparatus 200 may be performed by the movement of the battery manufacturing apparatus 200 or the relative movement of the electrode assembly 100. Additionally, in some operational examples, the vertical position of the battery manufacturing apparatus 200 may be maintained as it approaches a suitable processing position. For example, when the battery manufacturing apparatus 200 approaches a position where the mold part 230 can properly contact the electrode tab 140, the position of the battery manufacturing apparatus 200 may be maintained at the corresponding position.

[0083] In some operational examples, when the battery manufacturing apparatus 200 properly approaches the electrode assembly 100 as described above, the molded part 230 can be rotated about the rotation axis A2. In some operational examples, the molded part 230 can be rotated about the rotation axis A2 by the rotation of the housing 210. That is, when the housing 210 rotates about the rotation axis A2, the molded part 230 can rotate about the rotation axis A2. In addition, in some operational examples, the angle adjuster 220 can also rotate about the rotation axis A2. Accordingly, in a state where the first and second end portions 231 and 233 are fixed to the housing 210 and the angle adjuster 220, respectively, the molded part 230 can rotate about the rotation axis A2. That is, the molded part 230 can move in the circumferential direction centered on the rotation axis A2.

[0084] In some operation examples, the molded part 230 may come into contact with the electrode tab 140 and bend the electrode tab 140. Specifically, in the illustrated operation example, the molded part 230 may first come into contact with the electrode tab 140 in an area adjacent to the first end portion 231. Here, the electrode tab 140 that comes into contact with the molded part 230 may be generally arranged on the outer peripheral side according to the inclined arrangement of the molded part 230. In some operation examples, the molded part 230 may rotate in a state where it comes into contact with or is capable of coming into contact with the electrode tab 140. Accordingly, the electrode tab 140, which is arranged on the outer peripheral side, may be bent in the direction of the rotation axis A2 while in contact with the molded part 230.

[0085] Fig. 5 is a second operating state diagram illustrating the operation of the apparatus for manufacturing a battery shown in Fig. 3 is illustrated.

[0086] With reference to Fig. 5, in some operating examples, the arrangement angle of the molded part 230 may vary. In some operating examples, the arrangement angle may be changed stepwise or gradually. In particular, in some operating examples, the angle adjuster 220 may move downward from the initial position toward the electrode tab 140. Additionally, in some operating examples, the angle adjuster 220 may move downward stepwise or gradually. For example, the angle adjuster 220 may move downward stepwise at a preset distance with a predetermined time difference. Alternatively, the angle adjuster 220 may move downward gradually at a preset speed. The arrangement angle of the molded part 230 may vary according to the downward movement of the angle adjuster 220.

[0087] In some operating examples, the arrangement angle of the mold part 230 may vary stepwise or gradually as the angle adjuster 220 moves downward stepwise or gradually. Additionally, in some operating examples, the second end portion 233 of the mold part 230 may move downward as the angle adjuster 220 moves downward. Accordingly, the arrangement angle of the mold part 230 may gradually decrease with respect to the transverse direction.

[0088] In some operational examples, when the arrangement angle varies, the molded part 230 may come into contact with the electrode tab 140 located on an inner peripheral side. That is, when the second end portion 233 moves downward, the molded part 230 may come into contact with the electrode tab 140 located on the inner peripheral side farther from the first end portion 231. In addition, the molded part 230 may rotate while in contact with the electrode tab 140 located on the inner peripheral side to bend the electrode tab 140 located on the inner peripheral side.

[0089] In some operational examples, the molded part 230 may sequentially come into contact with the electrode tabs 140 up to the innermost electrode tab 140 when the arrangement angle of the molded part 230 varies as described above. Accordingly, the plurality of electrode tabs 140 may be bent sequentially in the order of the electrode tab 140 arranged on an outer peripheral side to the electrode tab 140 arranged on the inner peripheral side. In some operational examples, the arrangement angle of the molded part 230 may vary until it is substantially parallel to the transverse direction. That is, the molded part 230 may completely come into contact with the plurality of electrode tabs 140 while the arrangement angle thereof gradually varies from an initial state in which it is arranged in an oblique direction to a state in which it is parallel to the transverse direction.Accordingly, all of the plurality of electrode tabs 140 arranged on one surface of the electrode assembly 100 can be bent in the direction of the winding axis A1.

[0090] Fig. 6A to Fig. 6C are schematic perspective views illustrating modified examples of the molded part shown in Fig. 3 is illustrated.

[0091] With reference to Fig. 6A to Fig. 6C, the molded part 230 can be modified into various shapes as needed. In the modified example shown in Fig. 6A, a molded part 230-1 may have a substantially circular cross-section and be formed to extend in the longitudinal direction. In the illustrated modified example, a pressure surface 236-1 may be provided as a curved surface according to the cross-sectional shape of the molded part 230-1.

[0092] In the modified example shown in Fig. 6B, a molded part 230-2 may have a substantially rectangular cross-section and be formed to extend in the longitudinal direction. In the illustrated modified example, a pressing surface 236-2 may be provided on a lower surface of the molded part 230-2. Additionally, a lower edge of the molded part 230-2 corresponding to the pressing surface 236-2 may be rounded to have a smoothly curved surface.

[0093] In the modified example shown in Fig. 6C, a mold part 230-3 may have a substantially semicircular cross-section and be formed to extend in the longitudinal direction. In the illustrated modified example, a pressing surface 236-3 may be provided on a curved portion of the mold part 230-3. Additionally, in the illustrated modified example, the mold part 230-3 may be disposed in a posture rotated by a predetermined angle S1 about the longitudinal direction such that the pressing surface 236-3 faces a moving direction D1 of the mold part 230-3.

[0094] Fig. 7 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an apparatus for manufacturing a battery according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 8 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an apparatus for manufacturing a battery according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0095] With reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, in some embodiments, molded parts 330 and 430 may be provided as a plurality of molded parts. The number of molded parts 330 and 430 may be appropriately selected taking into account the process speed or the bending effect on the electrode tab 140. For example, the molded part 330 in the Fig. 7, the molded part 330 may be provided as three molded parts, and the three molded parts 330 may be arranged at intervals of approximately 120 degrees in the direction of rotation. As another example, the molded part 430 may be provided in the embodiment shown in Fig. 8, and the five mold parts 430 may be arranged at intervals of approximately 72 degrees in the direction of rotation.

[0096] Although not illustrated, in some other embodiments, some of the plurality of moldings may be arranged to have different spacings.

[0097] In addition, some of the plurality of molded parts may be provided to have different sizes, shapes, materials, etc. from other molded parts.

[0098] Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B are schematic flow diagrams illustrating the manufacture of a battery according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0099] With reference to Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B, according to the present disclosure, the manufacturing of a battery may be described. In some embodiments, the manufacturing of a battery may include an input process S110 for inputting the electrode assembly 100 having a plurality of electrode tabs 140 arranged on at least one surface thereof. Additionally, the manufacturing of a battery may include a bending process S120 for bending the plurality of electrode tabs 140 by the mold part 230. Here, the bending process S120 may be performed while gradually changing the arrangement angle of the mold part 230.

[0100] In some embodiments, the manufacture of a battery may be performed by the battery manufacturing apparatuses 200, 300, and 400 of the above embodiments. Accordingly, in the following description, any description that overlaps the above description will be omitted or briefly summarized. However, the manufacture of a battery subsequently does not necessarily have to be performed using the battery manufacturing apparatuses 200, 300, and 400 of the above embodiments. In some cases, the manufacture of a battery subsequently may be performed by a means other than the battery manufacturing apparatuses 200, 300, and 400 of the above embodiments.

[0101] In some embodiments, the manufacture of a battery may include the input process S110. In the input process S110, the electrode assembly 100 may be input to a processing location. In some embodiments, the electrode assembly 100 may be similar to the process described above by Fig. 1 described are provided.

[0102] Meanwhile, in some embodiments, manufacturing a battery may include the bending process S120. In the bending process S120, the plurality of electrode tabs 140 provided on the electrode assembly 100 may be bent. In some embodiments, the bending of the plurality of electrode tabs 140 may be performed by the battery manufacturing apparatuses 200, 300, and 400 of the above embodiments. Additionally, in some embodiments, the bending process S120 may be performed while gradually changing the arrangement angle of the molded part 230. That is, the bending process S120 may be performed while the molded part 230, initially arranged in an inclined direction, gradually approaches and comes into contact with the electrode tab 140. Such a procedure has been described by the battery manufacturing apparatuses 200, 300, and 400 of the above embodiments.

[0103] In some embodiments, the bending process S120 may include a process S121 of moving the molded part 230 in a circumferential direction while preferably contacting the electrode tab 140 located on an outer circumferential side. Additionally, the bending process S120 may include a process S122 of gradually changing the arrangement angle of the molded part 230 so that the molded part 230 moves in the circumferential direction while contacting the electrode tab 140 located on an inner circumferential side. Such a procedure has been described by the battery manufacturing apparatuses 200, 300, and 400 of the above embodiments.

[0104] Additionally, in some embodiments, the molded part 230 may be provided as a plurality of molded parts. Additionally, the bending process S120 may be performed such that the electrode tab 140 is repeatedly bent while the plurality of molded parts 230 move in the circumferential direction. The plurality of molded parts 230 may contribute to improving the process speed or the bending effect on the electrode tab 140. An example in which the plurality of molded parts 230 are provided was described above with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 described.

[0105] Meanwhile, in some embodiments, the manufacture of a battery may further include a pressing process S130 for pressing the plurality of bent electrode tabs 140 through the mold members 230. Additionally, in some embodiments, the pressing process S130 may be performed such that the mold members 230 are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the winding axis A1 of the electrode assembly 100, and the mold members 230 thus arranged move in the circumferential direction centered on the winding axis A1.

[0106] In particular, in some embodiments, manufacturing a battery may further include the pressing process S130. In some embodiments, the pressing process S130 may be performed sequentially after the bending process S120. Additionally, in some embodiments, the pressing process S130 may be performed while the plurality of molded parts 230 are arranged in the direction orthogonal to the winding axis A1 of the electrode assembly 100. That is, the plurality of bent electrode tabs 140 may form the approximately flat surface on a surface of the electrode assembly 100, and in the pressing process S130, the plurality of molded parts 230 may be transversely arranged to correspond to the approximately flat surface.

[0107] In some embodiments, the pressing process S130 may be performed while the plurality of mold parts 230 arranged as described above move in the circumferential direction. That is, in the pressing process S130, the plurality of mold parts 230 may move in the circumferential direction centered on the rotation axis A2. In some embodiments, the plurality of mold parts 230 may rotate a preset number of times. In addition, the plurality of mold parts 230 may rotate as needed while moving downward toward the plurality of electrode tabs 140 by a predetermined amount or exerting a predetermined downward compressive force. The plurality of bent electrode tabs 140 may be appropriately pressed by the mold parts 230 and transformed into a more complete bending state. In addition, the joint surface S1 of the electrode assembly 100 may form a more complete flat surface state.

[0108] In some embodiments, the bending process S120 and the pressing process S130 may be repeatedly performed on each electrode tab 140 of the electrode assembly 100. For example, if the positive electrode tab 111 is arranged on one surface (the upper surface) of the electrode assembly 100 and the negative electrode tab 121 is arranged on the corresponding opposite surface (the lower surface), the bending process S120 and the pressing process S130 may be repeatedly performed on one surface on which the positive electrode tab 111 is arranged and the opposite surface on which the negative electrode tab 121 is arranged. In some embodiments, after one surface of the electrode assembly 100 is processed, the direction may be changed, and the electrode assembly may be re-entered to process the opposite surface in the bending process S120.

[0109] As described above, some embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an apparatus for manufacturing a battery.

[0110] Additionally, some embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an apparatus for manufacturing a battery that may be used to bend a plurality of electrode tabs during a process for manufacturing an electrode assembly.

[0111] Additionally, some embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an apparatus for manufacturing a battery capable of increasing a process speed. In some embodiments, the apparatus for manufacturing a battery, etc., may contribute to improving the process speed in such a way that a mold part bends a plurality of electrode tabs sequentially.

[0112] Additionally, some embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a battery manufacturing apparatus capable of improving processing quality. In some embodiments, the battery manufacturing apparatus, etc., may be provided to sequentially bend a plurality of electrode tabs from an outer peripheral side to an inner peripheral side, and such an approach may contribute to improving processing quality during the bending processing of the electrode tabs.

[0113] Additionally, some embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a battery manufacturing apparatus capable of improving the performance or quality of a processed battery. In some embodiments, the battery manufacturing apparatus, etc., may be configured to more effectively and completely bend a plurality of electrode tabs provided in an electrode assembly, and such a feature may contribute to improving the performance or quality of a processed battery.

[0114] Some embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an apparatus for manufacturing a battery.

[0115] Additionally, some embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an apparatus for manufacturing a battery that may be used to bend a plurality of electrode tabs during a process for manufacturing an electrode assembly.

[0116] In addition, some embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an apparatus for manufacturing a battery capable of increasing a process speed.

[0117] In addition, some embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an apparatus for manufacturing a battery capable of improving processing quality.

[0118] In addition, some embodiments of the present disclosure may provide an apparatus for manufacturing a battery capable of improving the performance or quality of a processed battery.

[0119] The above descriptions are merely examples of the application of the principle of the present disclosure, and other configurations may be further included without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

[1] Apparatus for producing a battery, comprising: a housing; an angle adjuster provided to be movable with respect to the housing; and a molding disposed between the housing and the angle adjuster and having an arrangement angle that varies according to the movement of the angle adjuster to bend a plurality of electrode tabs provided in an electrode assembly. [2] The device according to claim 1, wherein the housing comprises an interior space in which the angle adjuster and the molded part are arranged. [3] A device according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the housing is provided to be rotatable relative to the electrode assembly about an axis of rotation in a first direction. [4] A device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the angle adjuster is arranged in a central portion of the housing and is provided to be movable in a first direction with respect to the housing. [5] The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the angle adjuster is provided to gradually move from an initial position toward the electrode arrangement according to the rotation of the housing to change the arrangement angle of the molding. [6] The device of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the molded part comprises a first end portion secured to the housing, and the first end portion is rotatably secured to the housing by a first hinge shaft. [7] The device according to claim 6, wherein the first hinge shaft is provided to be orthogonal to a moving direction of the angle adjuster. [8] The device of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the molded part comprises a second end portion secured to the angle adjuster, and the second end portion is rotatably secured to the angle adjuster by a second hinge shaft. [9] The device according to claim 8, wherein the second hinge shaft is provided to be orthogonal to a moving direction of the angle adjuster. [10] The device according to claim 8, wherein the second hinge shaft is movably mounted to a slot disposed in the second end portion, and the slot is formed to extend in a longitudinal direction of the molded part. [11] The device of claim 10, wherein the second hinge shaft is configured to move within the slot in conjunction with movement of the angle adjuster. [12] Device according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the molded part comprises: a first end portion rotatably attached to the housing by a first hinge shaft; and a second end portion rotatably attached to the angle adjuster by a second hinge shaft, and the second hinge shaft is movably attached to a slot disposed in the second end portion and moves within the slot according to the movement of the angle adjuster. [13] The device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the molded part comprises a pressure surface that comes into contact with the electrode tabs, and at least a portion of the pressure surface has a curved surface to eliminate damage to the electrode tabs during bending of the electrode tabs. [14] The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the printing surface comprises a coating layer. [15] The device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the molding member is provided as a plurality of molding members, and the plurality of molding members are provided to repeatedly bend the electrode tabs according to the rotation of the housing.

Images