Electrode tab jig assembly and electrode tab welding device including same

Abstract

The present invention provides a fixture assembly for electrode tabs, comprising a first pressure member and a second pressure member for applying pressure to electrode tabs provided on a number of electrode units to gather the electrode tabs into a group, and an adjustment fixture for adjusting the pressure applied to the electrode tabs by separating the first pressure member and the second pressure member so that a distance between them is maintained at or above a set distance.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0019800 filed on February 15, 2022 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0014730 filed on February 3, 2023, and all contents disclosed in the documents of said Korean patent applications are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to an electrode tab jig assembly for collecting electrode tabs and an electrode tab welding device including the same. [Background technology]

[0003] In general, a secondary battery refers to a battery that can be charged and discharged, unlike a primary battery that cannot be charged. Such secondary batteries are widely used in smartphones, laptops, camcorders, electric vehicles, and the like.

[0004] The secondary batteries are classified into a can-type secondary battery in which an electrode assembly is housed in a metal can and a pouch-type secondary battery in which an electrode assembly is housed in a pouch. The can-type secondary battery includes an electrode assembly, a can that houses the electrode assembly, and a cap assembly that is mounted on an opening of the can. The pouch-type secondary battery includes an electrode assembly, a pouch that houses the electrode assembly, and an electrode lead that is connected to the electrode assembly and extends to the outside of the pouch.

[0005] The electrode assembly has a structure in which a plurality of electrodes and a plurality of separators are alternately stacked, and electrode tabs are provided at the ends of the electrodes. That is, the ends of the electrodes are provided with electrode tabs. The electrode tabs are connected to an electrode lead in a group.

[0006] Meanwhile, the plurality of electrodes may be positive electrodes and negative electrodes, that is, the electrode assembly has a structure in which positive electrodes and negative electrodes are alternately arranged with separators interposed therebetween.

[0007] Here, the electrode tabs and the electrode leads are joined by a welding device, which includes a guide jig for gathering the electrode tabs into a group, and a horn and anvil for welding the electrode tabs and the electrode leads. The guide jig also includes first and second pressure members for applying pressure to the upper and lower portions of the electrode tabs to gather the electrode tabs into a group.

[0008] However, the guide jig has a problem that the electrode tabs are damaged or deformed by the pressure of the first and second pressure members. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The present invention provides a jig assembly for electrode tabs and a welding device for electrode tabs including the jig assembly, which can easily adjust the distance between the first and second pressure members and can improve work efficiency by separating the first and second pressure members so as to maintain the distance therebetween at a set distance or more. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The present invention provides a fixture assembly for electrode tabs, which may include a first pressure member and a second pressure member that pressurize electrode tabs provided on a plurality of electrode units to gather the electrode tabs into a group, and an adjustment fixture that separates the first pressure member and the second pressure member so that a distance between them is maintained at or above a set distance, and adjusts the pressure applied to the electrode tabs.

[0011] The adjustment jig may include an adjustment portion provided between the first pressure member and the second pressure member, and configured to separate the first pressure member and the second pressure member so that a distance between the first pressure member and the second pressure member is maintained at or above a set distance.

[0012] The first and second pressure members may be provided to extend elongately in an overall width direction of the electrode tab, and the adjustment portion may be provided between an end of the first pressure member and an end of the second pressure member extending outside the electrode tab.

[0013] The first and second pressure members for pressing the electrode tabs may have pressure surfaces formed as horizontal surfaces, and the adjustment part may have a shape of a rectangular block so as to be in surface contact with the pressure surfaces of the first and second pressure members.

[0014] The set interval is a thickness of the adjustment portion, and the thickness of the adjustment portion may be smaller than a thickness of the electrode tabs as a unit.

[0015] The adjustment tool may further include fixing parts provided on both ends of one surface of the adjustment part positioned in a full length direction of the electrode tab and supported on both surfaces of the first pressure member.

[0016] The fixing portion and the adjustment portion may be integrally provided.

[0017] Any one of the fixing parts may be integrally provided on one side end of the adjustment part, and the other fixing part may be connected to the other side end of the adjustment part, and in this case, may be connected slidably in a direction toward the first pressure member.

[0018] A guide groove extending in a direction toward the first pressure member may be formed at one end of the adjustment portion, and a guide protrusion slidably coupled to the guide groove may be formed at the other fixed portion.

[0019] The adjustment tool may further include a support portion provided at one end of the other surface of the adjustment portion located in a length direction of the electrode tab and supported by a surface of the second pressure member.

[0020] The support portion and the adjustment portion may be integrally provided.

[0021] The adjustment part may further include a protective film having elasticity on a surface thereof where the first and second pressure members are supported.

[0022] The first and second pressure members may be made of a metal material, and one surface of the adjustment portion may be magnetic so as to be attached to the first pressure member.

[0023] The fixture assembly for the electrode tab may further include an inspection member that measures a gap between the first pressure member and the second pressure member spaced apart by the adjustment portion, and determines that the measured gap is normal if it is within an input set gap range, and determines that the measured gap is defective if it is outside the set gap range.

[0024] Meanwhile, the electrode tab welding device of the present invention may include an electrode tab jig assembly. Effect of the Invention

[0025] The jig assembly for electrode tabs of the present invention includes an adjustment jig, which allows the first and second pressure members to be spaced apart so as to maintain a distance equal to or greater than a set distance, thereby adjusting the pressure applied to the electrode tabs and preventing damage and deformation of the electrode tabs. In particular, the distance between the first and second pressure members can be easily adjusted, improving work efficiency. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a jig assembly for an electrode tab according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is an assembled perspective view illustrating a jig assembly for an electrode tab according to a first embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a front view of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is a side view of FIG. 2. [Diagram 5]FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating a welding device for electrode tabs according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a fixture assembly for an electrode tab according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a side view illustrating a welding device for electrode tabs according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a side view illustrating a welding device for electrode tabs according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail so that a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs can easily carry out the present invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In addition, in the drawings, in order to clearly explain the present invention, parts that are not related to the description are omitted, and similar parts are designated by similar reference numerals throughout the specification.

[0028] [Secondary battery] The secondary battery includes an electrode assembly and a pouch for accommodating the electrode assembly, the electrode assembly having a structure in which a number of electrodes and a number of separators are arranged alternately, and the pouch includes a receiving portion for accommodating the electrode assembly and a sealing portion for sealing the receiving portion.

[0029] Meanwhile, the plurality of electrodes may be positive and negative electrodes, that is, the electrode assembly has a structure in which positive and negative electrodes are alternately arranged with a separator interposed therebetween.

[0030] 1, the ends of the electrodes are provided with electrode tabs. That is, the ends of the multiple electrodes are provided with multiple electrode tabs (hereinafter referred to as electrode tabs) 1. In addition, electrode leads 2 are coupled to the electrode tabs 1.

[0031] Here, in order to connect the electrode tabs and the electrode lead 2, it is necessary to gather the electrode tabs 1 into a group, and in this case, the jig assembly 10 for electrode tabs according to the first embodiment of the present invention is used.

[0032] [Electrode tab jig assembly according to the first embodiment of the present invention] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a fixture assembly for an electrode tab according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an assembled perspective view illustrating a fixture assembly for an electrode tab according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a front view of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a side view of FIG. 2.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, an electrode tab jig assembly 10 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is for collecting electrode tabs 1 provided on ends of a number of electrodes.

[0034] That is, the jig assembly 10 for an electrode tab according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a first pressure member 100, a second pressure member 200 and an adjustment jig 300.

[0035] First pressure member and second pressure member The first and second pressing members 100 and 200 are for compressing the electrode tabs 1 to gather the electrode tabs 1 into a group. That is, referring to FIG. 1, the first and second pressing members 100 and 200 are provided symmetrically at the uppermost and lowermost ends of the electrode tabs 1, respectively, and have a structure for compressing the electrode tabs 1 to gather them into a group.

[0036] As an example, the first pressure member 100 is disposed at the bottom end of the electrode tab 1, and the second pressure member 200 is disposed at the top end of the electrode tab 1, and is disposed so as to be movable toward the first pressure member 100 by a hydraulic device (not shown). Thus, the electrode tab 1 is gathered by the first and second pressure members 100 and 200.

[0037] Meanwhile, the pressing surface 110 of the first pressing member 100 and the pressing surface 210 of the second pressing member 200 which press the electrode tab 1 may be provided on a horizontal surface in order to increase the adhesive force.

[0038] Adjustment tool The adjustment jig 300 separates the first pressure member 100 and the second pressure member 200 so that the distance therebetween is maintained at or above a set distance, and adjusts the pressure applied to the electrode tab 1. In other words, the adjustment jig can separate the first pressure member 100 and the second pressure member 200 so that the distance therebetween does not decrease below a set distance.

[0039] As an example, the adjustment jig 300 includes an adjustment part 310. The adjustment part 310 is provided between the first pressure member 100 and the second pressure member 200 and supports the first pressure member 100 and the second pressure member 200.

[0040] That is, the adjustment unit 310 is disposed between the pressing surface 110 of the first pressing member 100 and the pressing surface 210 of the second pressing member 200, and can adjust the distance between the first pressing member 100 and the second pressing member 200 to be maintained at a set distance or more. In other words, the adjustment unit 310 can separate the first pressing member 100 and the second pressing member 200 to maintain the distance between them at a set distance or more, and thus can adjust the electrode tab 1 pressed by the first pressing member 100 and the second pressing member 200 not to be pressed below the set distance, thereby preventing damage and deformation of the electrode tab 1.

[0041] Meanwhile, the first and second pressure members 100 and 200 may be provided to extend long in the overall width direction of the electrode tab 1 (left and right direction when viewed in FIG. 3). Also, the adjustment unit 310 may be provided between an end of the first pressure member 100 and an end of the second pressure member 200 extending outside the electrode tab 1. This can prevent interference between the adjustment unit 310 and the electrode tab 1, and as a result, the problem of the electrode tab being damaged by the adjustment unit 310 can be prevented. In particular, the adjustment unit 310 may be provided between both ends of the first pressure member 100 and both ends of the second pressure member 200, respectively, so that the first pressure member 100 and the second pressure member 200 can be stably supported.

[0042] Meanwhile, the adjustment part 310 may have a square block shape so that the pressure surfaces 210 of the first pressure member 100 and the second pressure member 200 are in close contact with each other. In particular, the adjustment part 310 may be made of the same material as the first pressure member 100 and the second pressure member 200. This can prevent the adjustment part 310 or the first pressure member 100 and the second pressure member 200 from being easily worn.

[0043] Meanwhile, an adhesive layer may be further included between the adjustment part and the first pressure member. This may increase the adhesive strength between the adjustment part and the first pressure member. Meanwhile, referring to the enlarged view of Fig. 4, the pressure surface 110 of the first pressure member 100 may have a "V" shaped coupling groove 111 formed in the length direction, and the adjustment part 310 may have a "V" shaped coupling protrusion 313 movably coupled along the coupling groove 111. This may prevent the adjustment part from being fixed and shaking.

[0044] Meanwhile, the set interval may be the thickness of the adjustment part 310. Also, the thickness of the adjustment part 310 may be the same as or smaller than the thickness of the grouped electrode tabs 1. Preferably, the thickness of the adjustment part is smaller than the thickness of the grouped electrode tabs. In this way, the electrode tabs 1 can be effectively compressed by the first pressure member 100 and the second pressure member 200, and the electrode tabs 1 can be gathered into a group.

[0045] Meanwhile, the adjusting jig 300 may further include a fixing part 320. The fixing parts 320 are provided on both ends of one surface of the adjusting part 310 (both ends of the lower surface of the adjusting part 310 as viewed in FIG. 1) located in the overall length direction of the electrode tab 1 (i.e., in the length direction of the electrode tab), and are supported on both surfaces of the first pressure member 100. Thus, the adjusting part 310 can be disposed on the pressure surface 110 of the first pressure member 100 without moving.

[0046] Meanwhile, the fixing part 320 and the adjusting part 310 may be integrally provided. That is, the integrated fixing part 320 and adjusting part 310 may have a "ridge" shape. This can increase the ease of manufacture.

[0047] Meanwhile, the adjusting jig 300 may further include a supporting part 330. The supporting part 330 is provided at one end of the other surface of the adjusting part 310 located in the overall length direction of the electrode tab 1 (the rear end of the upper surface of the adjusting part 310 as viewed in FIG. 1) and is supported by the second pressure member 200. That is, the supporting part 330 guides the second pressure member 200 to be supported on the upper surface of the adjusting part 310.

[0048] Meanwhile, the support part 330 and the adjustment part 310 may be integrally formed, which may increase the ease of manufacture.

[0049] Therefore, the jig assembly 10 for an electrode tab according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes the adjustment jig 300, thereby making it possible to adjust the pressure applied to the electrode tab 1 and, as a result, prevent damage and deformation of the electrode tab 1. In particular, the distance between the first and second pressure members 200 can be easily adjusted, thereby improving work efficiency.

[0050] Meanwhile, the fixture assembly 10 for an electrode tab according to the first embodiment of the present invention may further include an inspection member 400.

[0051] Inspection material 2, the inspection member 400 is for measuring the distance between the first pressure member 100 and the second pressure member 200. That is, the inspection member 400 measures the distance between the first pressure member 100 and the second pressure member 200 separated by the adjustment unit 310, and determines that the measured distance is normal if it is within an input set distance range, and determines that the measured distance is defective if it is outside the set distance range.

[0052] Meanwhile, the inspection member 400 includes an infrared camera 410 that measures the distance between the first pressure member 100 and the second pressure member 200, and an inspection unit 420 that measures the distance between the first pressure member 100 and the second pressure member 200 from an image captured by the infrared camera 410 and inspects whether the measured distance is within an input set distance range.

[0053] Therefore, the fixture assembly 10 for electrode tabs according to the first embodiment of the present invention further includes an inspection member 400, so that it is possible to easily check whether the gap between the first pressure member 100 and the second pressure member 200 has decreased to or below a set gap.

[0054] In the following description of other embodiments of the present invention, the same components as those in the above-described embodiment will be designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0055] [Welding device for electrode tabs according to a second embodiment of the present invention] FIG. 5 is a side view illustrating a welding device for electrode tabs according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] The electrode tab welding device according to the second embodiment of the present invention has a structure including the above-mentioned electrode tab jig assembly.

[0057] As an example, as shown in FIG. 5, the electrode tab welding apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes an electrode tab jig assembly that presses and gathers electrode tabs 1 provided at the ends of a number of electrodes, an anvil 20 that supports the lower surface of a welding portion where the electrode tabs 1 and electrode leads 2 overlap, and a horn 30 that is disposed on the upper surface of the welding portion and welds the electrode tabs 1 and the electrode leads 2 using ultrasonic waves while pressing the electrode tabs 1 together with the anvil 20.

[0058] Meanwhile, the jig assembly for electrode tabs has the same configuration as the jig assembly for electrode tabs described in the first embodiment, and therefore, a duplicated description will be omitted.

[0059] Therefore, the electrode tab welding device according to the second embodiment of the present invention can stably weld the electrode tab and the electrode lead 2 without damaging or deforming the electrode tab 1.

[0060] [Electrode tab jig assembly according to the third embodiment of the present invention] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a jig assembly for an electrode tab according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] The fixture assembly for an electrode tab according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes an adjustment fixture 300, which includes an adjustment portion 310 and fixing portions 320 provided on both ends of a lower surface of the adjustment portion 310, respectively.

[0062] Here, one of the fixing parts 320 is integrally provided at one end of the adjustment part 310, and the other fixing part 320 is connected to the other end of the adjustment part 310, and at this time, is connected to be slidable in a direction toward the first pressure member 100.

[0063] For example, a guide groove 311 extending in a direction toward the first pressure member 100 is formed at one end of the adjustment part 310, and a guide protrusion 321 slidably coupled to the guide groove 311 is formed at the other fixing part 320. As a result, the distance between the fixing parts 320 provided at both ends of the adjustment part 310 can be adjusted. Meanwhile, the fixing part, the position of which is fixed, can be fixed to the adjustment part by a fixing means such as a bolt.

[0064] Therefore, the fixture assembly for electrode tabs according to the third embodiment of the present invention can be used interchangeably with the first pressure member 100 having various thicknesses. In particular, the adjusting jig can be pressed against the first pressure member 100 by adjusting the gap between the fixing parts 320, and as a result, the adjusting jig 300 can be prevented from coming off the first pressure member 100.

[0065] [Electrode tab jig assembly according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a fixture assembly for an electrode tab according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 7, the fixture assembly for an electrode tab according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention includes the adjustment part 310 on which the first and second pressure members 100 and 200 are supported.

[0067] Here, a protective film having elasticity is included on the surface of the adjustment part 310 on which the first pressure member 100 and the second pressure member 200 are supported. Meanwhile, the protective film may be made of a synthetic resin material.

[0068] Therefore, the electrode tab welding apparatus according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention can prevent the generation of impact force and noise between the first pressure member 100 and the adjustment part 310 or between the second pressure member 200 and the adjustment part 310, and in particular, can significantly prevent the generation of wear.

[0069] On the other hand, the thickness of the protective film is 1 to 10 μm, and it can be replaced at set intervals.

[0070] [Fixed embodiment of the present invention] FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating a jig assembly for an electrode tab according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] 8, in the fixture assembly for an electrode tab according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, a first pressure member 100 and a second pressure member 200 are made of a metal material, and one surface of an adjustment part 310 (the lower surface of the adjustment part 310 as viewed in FIG. 8) has a magnetic force so as to be attached to the first pressure member 100. That is, one surface of the adjustment part 310 may be provided as a magnetic surface 312.

[0072] Therefore, the electrode tab welding apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention can stably attach and fix the adjustment part 310 to the first pressure member 100 without using any additional member.

[0073] The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims set forth below rather than by the detailed description above, and various embodiments are possible within the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalent concepts. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1 Electrode tab 2 Electrode Lead 10 Electrode tab jig assembly 20 Anvil 30 Horn 100 First pressure member 110 Pressure Surface 111 Connection groove 200 Second pressure member 210 Pressurized surface 300 Adjustment jig 310 Adjustment part 311 Guide groove 312 Magnetic Surface 313 Combination protrusion 320 Fixed part 321 Guide protrusion 330 Support part 400 Inspection parts

Claims

1. a first pressure member and a second pressure member for applying pressure to electrode tabs provided on a number of electrode units to gather the electrode tabs into a group; an adjusting jig for adjusting a pressure applied to the electrode tab by separating the first pressure member and the second pressure member so that a distance between the first pressure member and the second pressure member is maintained at or above a set distance.

2. 2. The fixture assembly for an electrode tab of claim 1, wherein the adjustment jig includes an adjustment portion provided between the first pressure member and the second pressure member, and spaced apart the first pressure member and the second pressure member so that a distance between the first pressure member and the second pressure member is maintained at or above a set distance.

3. the first pressure member and the second pressure member are provided to extend longitudinally in a width direction of the electrode tab, The jig assembly for an electrode tab according to claim 2 , wherein the adjustment portion is provided between an end of the first pressure member and an end of the second pressure member that extend outside the electrode tab.

4. The first and second pressing members for pressing the electrode tabs have horizontal pressing surfaces, The jig assembly for an electrode tab according to claim 2 , wherein the adjustment portion has a shape of a square block so as to be in close contact with the pressure surfaces of the first and second pressure members.

5. The set interval is a thickness of the adjustment portion, 3. The electrode tab fixture assembly according to claim 2, wherein the thickness of the adjustment portion is smaller than the thickness of the electrode tab as a unit.

6. 3. The jig assembly for an electrode tab according to claim 2, wherein the adjusting jig further comprises fixing portions provided on both ends of one surface of the adjusting portion positioned in a full length direction of the electrode tab and supported on both surfaces of the first pressing member, respectively.

7. The electrode tab jig assembly according to claim 6 , wherein the fixing portion and the adjusting portion are integrally provided.

8. 7. The fixture assembly for an electrode tab of claim 6, wherein one of the fixing parts is integrally provided on one side end of the adjustment part, and the other fixing part is connected to the other side end of the adjustment part, and is connected to be slidable in a direction toward the first pressure member.

9. A guide groove is formed at one end of the adjustment portion, the guide groove extending in a direction toward the first pressure member, The jig assembly for an electrode tab according to claim 8 , wherein the other fixing portion is formed with a guide protrusion slidably coupled to the guide groove.

10. 3. The jig assembly for an electrode tab according to claim 2, wherein the adjusting jig further comprises a support portion provided at one end of the other surface of the adjusting portion positioned in a length direction of the electrode tab and supported by a surface of the second pressing member.

11. The electrode tab fixture assembly according to claim 10 , wherein the support portion and the adjustment portion are integrally provided.

12. The fixture assembly for an electrode tab according to claim 2 , further comprising a protective film having elasticity on a surface of the adjustment portion on which the first and second pressure members are supported.

13. The first pressure member and the second pressure member are made of a metal material, The fixture assembly for an electrode tab according to claim 2 , wherein one surface of the adjustment portion is magnetic so as to be attached to the first pressure member.

14. 3. The fixture assembly for an electrode tab of claim 2, further comprising an inspection member that measures a distance between the first pressure member and the second pressure member spaced apart by the adjustment portion, and determines that the measured distance is normal if it is within an input set distance range, and determines that the measured distance is defective if it is outside the set distance range.

15. An electrode tab welding device comprising the electrode tab fixture assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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