Notching system and notching method

Abstract

The present invention discloses a notching system including a frame, a power unit mounted on the frame and generating a rotational force at a speed synchronized with the moving speed of the electrode sheet, a jig mounted on the frame and receiving the rotational force from the power unit to rotate while in contact with one side of the electrode sheet, a contact unit mounted on the frame and supporting the other side of the electrode sheet to maintain contact between the electrode sheet and the jig through the notching area, and a laser irradiation unit mounted on the frame and irradiating a laser onto the electrode sheet through the notching holes, wherein the jig has notching holes formed on its outer periphery that contacts the one side of the electrode sheet. According to the present invention, air is blown during laser notching to remove foreign matter, plasma, and scrap, while preventing the electrode sheet from flapping due to the air, thereby enabling the formation of a precise notch line.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a notching system and method for manufacturing electrodes for secondary batteries, and more particularly to a notching system and method for manufacturing electrodes for secondary batteries by notching an electrode sheet using a laser. [Background technology]

[0002] An electrode sheet for a secondary battery is formed by applying positive and negative electrode active materials to a current collector and then drying the applied material. The electrode sheet is divided into an area where the active materials are applied and an area where the active materials are not applied, and electrode tabs can be formed by notching the area where the active materials are not applied and the area where the active materials are applied.

[0003] The notching process is a process of forming electrode tabs on the electrode sheet. The notched electrode sheet is cut to a predetermined length and stacked as a single electrode. Conventional notching devices include upper and lower mold plates each including a punching member. The upper and lower mold plates move to punch the electrode sheet to form electrode tabs. However, such notching devices have problems such as high mold maintenance costs. Furthermore, there are problems with having to replace the mold and punching members after repeated notching processes.

[0004] Recently, a notching device has been developed that uses a laser instead of a die to form electrode tabs. The laser notching device is a device that irradiates an electrode sheet with a beam to form electrode tabs.

[0005] As a technique related to the present invention, a Korean patent application discloses a laser notching system including a pattern jig and a bottom jig. This technique forms electrode tabs using a pattern jig and a bottom jig that are formed to have pattern holes pierced therethrough, which distinguishes it from the present invention in terms of structure and effect, as it can remove foreign matter by blowing air while preventing the electrode from flapping during notching without using a bottom jig. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In laser processing, blowing air is widely used in various applications as a method for improving the quality of process results by removing foreign matter generated in the laser process and smoothly removing plasma generated in the laser process that interferes with the quality of the process. When cutting a moving electrode, blowing air is a good method for improving cutting performance, but the air can cause the electrode to vibrate or flutter, causing problems in cutting.

[0007] One problem that the present invention aims to solve is to improve cutting quality or ensure cutting performance by fixing the electrode sheet at the cutting section and blowing air while controlling flapping.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a notching method and a notching system using the same that can prevent foreign matter generated during laser notching from being reapplied to the electrode surface by blowing air to remove the foreign matter, and prevent the electrode sheet from flapping due to the air.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a notching method and a notching system using the same that can prevent flapping of an electrode sheet during notching using a jig that contacts the electrode sheet.

[0010] One problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a notching method using a jig having notching holes formed therein that rotates at a speed synchronized with the moving speed of an electrode sheet, and a notching system using the same.

[0011] An object of the present invention is to provide a notching method and a notching system using the same, which improves on the existing structure in which strong air cannot be blown due to the support at the bottom of the electrode sheet, and can prevent the electrode sheet from flapping during notching, and can form a notch line on the electrode sheet by irradiating a laser vertically downward on the electrode sheet.

[0012] The problem to be solved by the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned problem, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] To achieve the above-mentioned objects, one embodiment according to the technical concept of the present invention discloses a notching system including: a frame; a power unit provided on the frame and generating a rotational force at a speed synchronized with the moving speed of the electrode sheet; a jig provided on the frame and receiving the rotational force from the power unit to rotate while in contact with one side of the electrode sheet; a contact unit provided on the frame that contacts and supports the other side of the electrode sheet and maintains contact between the electrode sheet and the jig through the notching area; and a laser irradiation unit provided on the frame that irradiates a laser onto the electrode sheet through the notching holes; wherein the jig includes notching holes formed on its outer circumferential surface that contacts one side of the electrode sheet.

[0014] The notching system can also be configured to include a first jig provided corresponding to the tab portion of the electrode sheet and a second jig provided corresponding to the bottom portion of the electrode sheet, and the laser irradiation unit can be configured to include a first irradiation unit provided corresponding to the tab portion of the electrode sheet and a second irradiation unit provided corresponding to the bottom portion of the electrode sheet.

[0015] The notching system may also be configured such that the contact portion includes a first roller and a second roller disposed on both the left and right sides of the jig. In addition, the notching system can be configured such that the electrode sheet is supplied in the left-right direction by the unwinding section, the jig is arranged to contact the upper surface of the electrode sheet, and the adhesion section contacts and supports the lower surface of the electrode sheet, so that the upper surface of the electrode sheet and the jig are in surface contact.

[0016] The notching system can also be configured such that the laser irradiation unit has a scanner that irradiates the laser located inside the jig. Also, the notching system may be configured such that a plurality of notching holes are formed so that the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the outer rim of the jig wheel are connected to each other.

[0017] The notching system may further include a dust collector provided in the notching area to remove foreign matter generated during notching, and the dust collector may include a blower that generates air to separate the foreign matter, and a suction unit that sucks in the foreign matter.

[0018] In addition, the notching system can be configured so that the blower is positioned higher than the inside of the jig and the inner surface of the outer edge of the wheel based on the outer edge of the jig, and the suction section is positioned at a height that includes both the upper and lower parts based on the outside of the jig and the inner surface of the outer edge of the wheel.

[0019] To achieve the above-mentioned objects, according to one embodiment of the technical concept of the present invention, a method performed by a notching system includes the steps of continuously supplying an electrode sheet to a notching area; bringing a jig into close contact with the electrode sheet in the notching area; and a notching step of irradiating a laser beam onto the electrode sheet. The step of bringing the jig into close contact with the electrode sheet may include the steps of contacting a curved surface of the jig with one side of the electrode sheet in the notching area; and maintaining contact between the jig and the electrode sheet on one side and the other side of the contact surface between the jig and the electrode sheet.

[0020] In addition, the notching method may be configured such that the step of closely contacting the jig to the electrode sheet in the notching region includes the steps of: contacting an outer circumferential surface of the jig, in which the plurality of notching holes are formed, with the electrode sheet; and closely contacting the roller, the electrode sheet, and the jig with each other at positions on one side and the other side of the notching region.

[0021] The notching method may also be configured such that the notching step includes: rotating the jig in synchronization with the moving speed of the electrode sheet; and forming a notch line in the electrode sheet through the notching hole.

[0022] The notching method is characterized in that the notching step uses a plurality of notching holes formed so as to communicate the inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the outer edge of the wheel of the jig. The notching method is characterized in that the step of supplying the electrode sheet to the notching area moves the electrode sheet in a left-right direction, and the step of notching irradiates a laser beam vertically onto one surface of the electrode sheet.

[0023] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the "Specific Contents for Carrying Out the Invention" and the accompanying "Drawings." The advantages and / or features of the present invention and the manner in which they are achieved will become more apparent with reference to the various embodiments described below in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0024] However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the configuration of each embodiment disclosed below, but may be embodied in various different forms, and that each embodiment disclosed in this specification is provided merely to complete the disclosure of the present invention and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the present invention, and that the present invention is defined only by the scope of each claim in the claims. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] According to the present invention, electrode tabs can be formed while the electrode sheet is supported using a jig synchronized with the moving speed of the electrode sheet. Furthermore, a curved jig is used to support the moving electrode sheet, and the laser irradiation trajectory is controlled in accordance with the relative speed of the moving electrode sheet.

[0026] Furthermore, the moving speed of the electrode sheet and the rotation speed of the jig are synchronized, and notching can be performed while the moving electrode sheet is supported in contact with the jig. The effects obtained by the notching system and notching method according to the technical idea of ​​the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned objects, and other objects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is an exemplary diagram of a notching system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a front view of a notching system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a rear view of a notching system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a right side view of a notching system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a left side view of a notching system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a notching system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an expanded view of a notching system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a notching system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 is a diagram illustrating a jig, an electrode sheet, and an adhesive portion of a notching system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 1 is a flowchart of a notching method according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11]1 is a flowchart of a notching method according to one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0028] Before describing the present invention in detail, it should be understood that the terms and words used in this specification should not be interpreted unconditionally and limitedly as their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but rather that the inventor of the present invention may appropriately define and use the concepts of various terms in order to explain his / her invention in the best possible way, and further, that these terms and words should be interpreted as meanings and concepts that correspond to the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0029] In other words, it should be understood that the terms used in this specification are used to describe preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to specifically limit the content of the present invention, but rather are terms defined in consideration of various possibilities of the present invention.

[0030] Furthermore, it should be understood that in this specification, singular expressions can include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, and that similar plural expressions can also include the singular meaning.

[0031] Throughout this specification, when a component is described as "comprising" another component, unless otherwise specified to the contrary, this does not mean that it excludes any other components, but that it may also include any other components.

[0032] Furthermore, when a component is described as being "located inside or connected to" another component, it should be understood that this component may be directly connected to or in contact with the other component, or may be spaced apart at a certain distance, and in the case of a component spaced apart at a certain distance, a third component or means may be present for fixing or connecting the component to the other component, and the description of this third component or means may be omitted.

[0033] On the other hand, when an element is described as being "directly coupled" or "directly connected" to another element, it should be understood that no third element or means is present.

[0034] Similarly, other expressions describing the relationship between components, such as "between" and "immediately between," or "adjacent to" and "directly adjacent to," must be interpreted as having the same intent.

[0035] Furthermore, in this specification, terms such as "one side," "other side," "one side," "other side," "first," and "second," if used, are used to clearly distinguish one component from other components, and it should be understood that such terms are not used to limit the meaning of the components in question.

[0036] Furthermore, in this specification, terms related to positions such as "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," if used, should be understood to indicate the relative positions of the components in the drawings, and should not be understood to refer to absolute positions, unless absolute positions are specified for these positions.

[0037] Furthermore, in this specification, when specifying the reference numerals for each component in each drawing, the same component has the same reference numeral even if the component is displayed in another drawing, i.e., the same reference numeral indicates the same component throughout the specification.

[0038] In the accompanying drawings of this specification, the size, position, connection relationship, etc. of each component constituting the present invention may be partially exaggerated, reduced, or omitted in order to clearly convey the concept of the present invention or for the convenience of explanation, and therefore the proportions and scales may not be strict.

[0039] Furthermore, in the following description of the present invention, detailed descriptions of configurations that are deemed to be likely to obscure the gist of the present invention, such as publicly known technologies including conventional technologies, may be omitted.

[0040] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the XYZ coordinate axes shown in each drawing, the X-axis direction is defined as the front-to-rear direction of the notching system 100 parallel to the width direction of the electrode sheet (S), the Y-axis direction is defined as the left-to-right direction of the notching system 100 parallel to the movement direction of the electrode sheet (S), and the Z-axis direction is defined as the height direction of the notching system 100.

[0041] The electrode sheet (S) can be wound on a reel and then unwound by a device called an unwinding unit and supplied to the notching region (N). The notching region (N) is depicted in Figure 9 and corresponds to the region on the electrode sheet (S) where notching occurs in real time using a laser beam.

[0042] In notching an electrode sheet (S) using a laser beam, foreign matter, plasma, and scraps generated by notching with the laser beam are removed by blowing air. However, if the electrode sheet (S) is not in contact with the air and moves, for example, flapping, an error occurs in the position of the notching line formed by the laser beam, which becomes a problem.

[0043] That is, the electrode sheet (S) must be supported so as not to flap. However, for synchronization and productivity, the unwinding unit must continuously supply the electrode sheet (S) to the notching area (N), but the support poses a challenge because the electrode sheet (S) must be supported while the movement of the electrode sheet (S) is not interrupted. Furthermore, the electrode sheet (S) must be supported so that its constant movement speed does not change. Here, "support" means that the electrode sheet (S) moving due to unwinding moves without flapping due to air.

[0044] The notching system 100 and the notching method (step S100) using the same according to one embodiment of the present invention relate to a technology for forming notch lines on the continuously supplied electrode sheet (S) without the electrode sheet (S) flapping, and for producing an electrode by blowing air to remove foreign matter, plasma, and scraps.

[0045] FIG. 1 is an exemplary diagram of a notching system according to one embodiment of the present invention. 1, the notching system 100 is a system that performs notching to form electrode tabs (T) on an electrode sheet (S) using a laser beam and notching to cut out a portion of the electrode sheet (S). The electrode sheet (S) may be continuously fed to the notching region (N) through a device called an unwinding unit.

[0046] The notching system 100 may be configured to include a frame 110, a power unit 120 that generates power, a jig 130 that supports the electrode sheet (S) during notching, a laser device 140, a contact unit 150 that helps the jig 130 maintain contact between the electrode sheet (S) and the jig 130, and a dust collection unit 160 that removes foreign matter, etc.

[0047] The frame 110 functions to connect and support the power unit 120, the jig 130, the laser device 140, the contact unit 150, and the dust collection unit 160. The frame 110 may include an upper plate, a lower plate, and four legs connecting the upper plate and the lower plate.

[0048] The power unit 120 is provided on the frame 110, has a function of driving the first jig 131 and the second jig 132 that constitute the jig 130, and can be configured to include a motor and a shaft.

[0049] The jig 130 is provided on the frame 110 and receives power from the power unit 120 to move the notching hole 135. The first jig 131 may include a first wheel 133, and the second jig 132 may include a second wheel 134.

[0050] A notching hole 135 may be formed in the outer edge of the first wheel 133. The notching hole 135 may be formed in a direction in which the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the outer edge of the wheel communicate with each other. That is, the notching hole penetrates the outer edge of the first wheel 133.

[0051] The laser device 140 has a function of emitting a laser beam and can be configured to include a first laser irradiation unit 141, a second laser irradiation unit 142, and a laser controller. The first laser irradiation unit 141 is disposed corresponding to the tab portion of the electrode sheet (S), and the second laser irradiation unit 142 is disposed corresponding to the bottom portion of the electrode sheet (S). The tab portion refers to the side of the electrode sheet (S) where the electrode tabs are formed, and the bottom portion refers to the opposite side of the tab portion.

[0052] By laser notching using the laser device 140, an electrode tab (T) can be formed on the tab portion of the electrode sheet (S) that contacts the first jig 131. By laser notching using the laser device 140, a straight notch line and a mark that separates adjacent electrodes are notched on the bottom portion of the electrode sheet (S) that contacts the second jig 132.

[0053] The contact portion 150 has the function of contacting and supporting the other surface of the electrode sheet (S), for example, the bottom surface, to maintain contact between one surface of the electrode sheet (S), for example, the top surface, and the outer peripheral surface of the jig 130, and can be configured to include a first roller 151, a second roller 152, and a position adjustment portion that adjusts their positions.

[0054] The first roller 151 and the second roller 152 contact and support the bottom surface of the electrode sheet (S) on both sides of the notching region (N), i.e., in front and behind the notching region (N) based on the direction of travel of the electrode sheet (S), thereby maintaining contact between one surface of the electrode sheet (S), i.e., the top surface, and the outer circumferential surface of the jig 130. The electrode sheet (S) comes into surface contact with the outer circumferential surface of the jig 130 in the notching region (N) through the contact portion 150.

[0055] The dust collector 160 functions to remove foreign matter, plasma, and scrap generated during notching and may include a first dust collector 161 and a second dust collector 162. The dust collector 169 is attached to the frame 110 below the jig 130 where the notching area (N) is located. Solid foreign matter and plasma may be generated by the laser beam irradiation. If the foreign matter and plasma are not removed in a timely manner, they may reapply onto the electrode sheet, resulting in reduced cutting quality. Pieces of the electrode sheet resulting from notching, i.e., scrap, must also be removed in a timely manner. Here, foreign matter includes by-products such as residue from the cutting action of the laser beam.

[0056] The dust collector 160 removes foreign matter generated when the electrode sheet (S) is notched by a laser beam, and can also remove scrap generated during notching at the same time. In conventional cases, scrap removal is not performed in the notching unit, but in one embodiment of the present invention, scrap removal is also performed through the dust collector 160 at the same time as notching.

[0057] The first dust collecting section 161 may be configured to include a first blower 163 that discharges air into the notching area (N) and a first suction section 165 that sucks in foreign matter, plasma, and scraps.

[0058] FIG. 2 is a front view of a notching system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a rear view of a notching system according to one embodiment of the present invention. 2 and 3, the power unit 120, the first jig 131, and the second jig 132 are mounted on an upper plate. In order to irradiate a laser beam onto the inner peripheral surface of the outer edge of the wheel of the jig 130, the scanner where the lens of the first laser irradiation unit 141 is located is disposed to overlap the first jig 131, and the scanner of the second laser irradiation unit 142 is disposed to overlap the second jig 132. That is, the scanner of the first laser irradiation unit 141 is disposed on the contact surface where the first jig 131 and the electrode sheet (S) come into contact, and the scanner of the second laser irradiation unit 142 is disposed on the contact surface where the second jig 132 and the electrode sheet (S) come into contact.

[0059] The laser controller 143 is provided on the frame 110 and has the function of adjusting the positions of the first laser irradiation unit 141 and the second laser irradiation unit 142, respectively. The first suction section 165 and the second suction section 166 constituting the dust collecting section 160 are provided on the lower plate below and outside the jig 130.

[0060] The contact part 150 is provided on the lower plate below the jig 130 so as to be in close contact with the jig 130 with the electrode sheet (S) sandwiched therebetween. The electrode sheet (S) is placed between the jig 130 and the adhesion part 150 and arranged to move in the Y-axis direction.

[0061] FIG. 4 is a right side view of a notching system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a left side view of a notching system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the first blower 163 and the second blower 164 constituting the dust collecting unit 160 are respectively installed inside the first jig 131 and the second jig 132 and have the function of blowing air to the outside of the jig 130 to remove foreign matter generated in the notching area (N) during notching.

[0062] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a notching system according to one embodiment of the present invention. 6, the notching system 100 is depicted as viewed from above. The frame 110 represents the upper plate. A jig 130 is disposed in the center of the frame 110, an electrode sheet (S) is disposed below the jig 130, and an adhesion unit 150 is disposed below the electrode sheet (S). A first jig 131 constituting the jig 130 is disposed to overlap the scanner of the first laser irradiation unit 141, and a second jig 132 is disposed to overlap the scanner of the second laser irradiation unit 142.

[0063] FIG. 7 is an expanded view of a notching system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 7, the first jig 131 includes a first wheel 133, which includes the outer edge of the wheel, and the outer edge of the wheel has an inner circumferential surface and an outer circumferential surface, and the notching hole 135 may be formed to communicate the inner circumferential surface and the outer circumferential surface.

[0064] The trajectory (B) of the laser beam irradiated onto the notching hole 135 is depicted. A first roller 151 and a second roller 152 constituting a contact portion 150 are disposed below the first jig 131.

[0065] The first suction section 165 constituting the dust collection section 160 is provided on the side of the notching region (N) corresponding to the tab portion of the electrode sheet (S) irradiated with the laser beam. Air blown from inside the jig 130 is discharged to the first suction section 165 side together with foreign matter generated in the notching region (N).

[0066] In addition, an intake controller 167 for adjusting the position of the first intake part 165 is provided on the lower plate of the frame 110. Another intake controller 167 for adjusting the position of the second intake part 166 is provided on the lower plate of the frame 110.

[0067] 7, the first blower 163 is disposed at a position higher than the inside of the first jig 131 and the inner circumferential surface of the outer periphery of the wheel based on the outer periphery of the wheel of the first jig 131. The first suction unit 165 is disposed at a height that encompasses both the upper and lower parts based on the outside of the first jig 131 and the inner circumferential surface of the outer periphery of the wheel. The second dust collecting unit 162 may be configured to include a second blower 164 and a second suction unit 166. The second blower 164 and the second suction unit 166 are disposed symmetrically with the first blower 163 and the first suction unit 165 around the outer periphery of the wheel of the second jig 132.

[0068] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a notching system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is an exemplary view of a jig, an electrode sheet, and a contact portion of a notching system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] 8 and 9, Fig. 8 illustrates the notching holes 135 on the notching region N. The electrode sheet S contacts the outer circumferential surface of the first jig 131 in the notching region N.

[0070] Referring again to FIG. 8, the notching hole 135 formed in the first wheel 133 of the first jig 131 is illustrated. The laser beam trajectory (B) (1-4) corresponding to the region (1'-4') of the notching hole 135 is also illustrated. That is, while the laser beam trajectory (B) passes through 1-4, a notch line is formed at positions 1'-4' on the notching region (N) of the electrode sheet (S). The length (w) refers to the width between the notching lines. The distance (g) refers to the distance between the horizontal plane represented by the horizontal line (h) in the notching region (N) and the electrode sheet (S).

[0071] In reality, the notching lines (C) (1'-4') formed on the electrode sheet (S) are formed at right angles, but as the notching holes 135 move left and right with the rotation of the first jig 131, the laser beam must move at a relative speed taking into account the speed of the first jig 131, and therefore a diagonal trajectory (B) (1-4) is observed.

[0072] 9 again, there is depicted an electrode sheet (S), a first jig 131 that contacts the electrode sheet (S), and a pair of rollers 151 and 152 that contact the electrode sheet (S). A plurality of notching holes 135, as depicted in FIG. 8, are formed in a 360° range on the outer edge of the wheel of the first jig 131. The region where the notching holes 135 that contact the electrode sheet (S) are located corresponds to the notching region (N). In the notching region (N), one side of the electrode sheet (S) contacts the outer periphery of the first jig 131, and the pair of rollers 151 and 152 that constitute the contact portion 150 contact and support the other side of the electrode sheet (S), so that notching is performed without the electrode sheet (S) flapping.

[0073] 7 and 9 again, since the top surface of the electrode sheet (S) is tightly attached by the first wheel 133 and a space is formed under the bottom surface, compared to conventional technologies in which the bottom of the electrode sheet (S) is supported, foreign matter and scrap due to laser notching do not accumulate and can be easily sucked in by the first suction part 165. The first blower 163 is disposed at an angle with respect to the electrode sheet (S) so that the air jet direction faces the first suction part 165 to blow air to effectively remove foreign matter, plasma, and scrap in the notching area (N).

[0074] The first blower 163 injects air toward the jig 130, i.e., toward the notching holes 135 formed in the first wheel 133, while the electrode sheet (S) is in close contact with the first wheel 133. The injected air is not injected directly at the electrode sheet (S), preventing the electrode sheet (S) from flapping, and effectively separating foreign matter, plasma, and scrap from the electrode sheet (S). The separated foreign matter, plasma, and scrap are sucked into the jig 130, i.e., the first suction part 165, which is arranged to encompass the upper and lower parts of the notching region (N) of the first jig 131.

[0075] Referring again to Figure 8, the electrode sheet (S) is not flat but curved in the notching region (N) where notching occurs. Therefore, the size of the focus of the laser beam may vary depending on the spacing (g) throughout the notching region (N). Because the laser beam is light collected through a lens, the diameter of the cross section of the laser beam varies depending on the focal length.

[0076] In optics, especially laser optics, the Rayleigh length (z R ) or Rayleigh range is the distance along the propagation direction of a laser beam to the point where the cross-sectional area doubles at the waist. A related parameter (b) is the confocal parameter, which is twice the Rayleigh distance. The Rayleigh length (z R ) is of particular importance when the laser beam is modeled as a Gaussian beam.

[0077] The minimum of w(z) occurs by definition at w(0) = w0. R At a distance, the radius of the laser beam increases by a factor of √2 and the cross-sectional area increases by a factor of 2. According to the Rayleigh length, the radius of the laser beam changes depending on the focal length of the laser beam. However, the electrode sheet (S) on which notching occurs in the present invention is curved rather than flat. Therefore, there is a difference in height between the center of the notching region (N) and both ends of the notching region. That is, the difference in height between the ends of the notching region (N) and the center results in a difference in the diameter of the laser beam at the center and the ends. This difference can cause the notching region to be uneven or can interfere with the notching hole 135. To prevent this problem, the difference in diameter of the laser beam must be within an allowable error range. Determining this error range is related to determining the radii of the wheels 133 and 134 that make up the jig 130. The larger the radius of the wheels 133, 134, the smaller the difference in height between the ends of the notching area and the center. Therefore, it is advantageous to design wheels 133, 134 with a large radius. However, it is desirable to determine the smallest radius of the wheels 133, 134 within the tolerance range, taking into consideration economic efficiency and ease of manufacture.

[0078] When the length of the electrode tab (T) produced by the notching system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is 20 mm, the height difference between the ends of the notching area and the center is 0.17 mm, so the radius of the wheels 133 and 134 is preferably determined to be within 600 mm. The height difference between the ends of the notching area and the center also affects the minimum width of the notching hole 135. The width of the notching hole 135 is preferably several times larger than the diameter of the laser beam passing through the notching hole 135, taking into account the change in the diameter of the laser beam depending on the Rayleigh length. That is, the radius of the wheels 133 and 134 is determined using the length of the notching hole 135 or notching area (N) parallel to the traveling direction of the electrode sheet (S), taking into account the change in the diameter of the laser beam depending on the Rayleigh length.

[0079] The diameter of the wheels 133 and 134 may be affected by the size of the laser irradiation units 141 and 142. The laser irradiation units 141 and 142 that irradiate the laser beams from the laser device 140 are preferably located vertically above the notching region (N). Since the laser irradiation units 141 and 142 are located vertically above the notching region (N), the laser irradiation units 141 and 142 must be located inside the wheels 133 and 134. Therefore, the diameter of the wheels 133 and 134 must be designed to be larger than the horizontal and vertical lengths of the laser irradiation units 141 and 142.

[0080] 10 and 11 are flowcharts of a notching method according to one embodiment of the present invention. 10 and 11, the steps of the notching method (step S100) performed by the notching system 100 are depicted.

[0081] The notching method (step S100) may include a step of providing an electrode sheet (step S110); a step of adhering a jig to the electrode sheet (step S120); and a notching step of irradiating a laser beam onto the electrode sheet (S) (step S130).

[0082] The electrode sheet (S) can be continuously supplied to the notching region (N) where notching occurs by the unwinding unit. The unwinding unit continuously supplies the electrode sheet (S), which corresponds to a strip-shaped metal plate. The unwinding unit can be configured to include a plurality of reels for supplying the electrode sheet (S) and a servo motor. The electrode sheet (S) is wound around the reel and stored in a wound form. Two reels are provided. One reel currently supplies the electrode sheet (S), and the other reel is used to supply a backup electrode sheet (S). The servo motor drives the reels so that the electrode sheet (S) is supplied.

[0083] In the step of supplying the electrode sheet (S) to the notching region (N) (step S110), the electrode sheet (S) moves left and right, and in the notching step (step S130), a laser beam is irradiated vertically onto one surface of the electrode sheet (S). Although the drawing illustrates the notching system 100 in which the notching region (N) is formed at the bottom of the jig 130, i.e., at the 6 o'clock direction, and the laser beam is irradiated onto the top surface of the electrode sheet (S), the notching region (N) may alternatively be formed at the top of the jig 130, i.e., at the 12 o'clock direction, or in another direction, and the direction of the laser beam irradiation may be changed according to the position of the notching region (N).

[0084] The notching system 100 can bring the jig 130 into close contact with the electrode sheet (S) (step S120). The notching area (N) where the laser beam is irradiated is located in the area where the jig 130 and the electrode sheet (S) come into contact. Therefore, the electrode sheet (S) needs to be supported and not flutter. To prevent the electrode sheet (S) from flapping when the movement of the electrode sheet (S) is not stopped, the movement speed of the electrode sheet (S) must not be affected, which presents a problem: the gripper holding the electrode sheet (S) must move at a speed synchronized with the movement speed of the electrode sheet (S). Temporarily stopping the electrode sheet (S) is undesirable because it reduces productivity.

[0085] According to a notching system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the electrode sheet (S) is supported by contact with the jig 130 in the notching area (N). The step of adhering the jig 130 to the electrode sheet (S) (step S120) may include a step of contacting the curved surface of the jig 130 with one side of the electrode sheet (S) (step S121) and a step of maintaining contact between the jig 130 and the electrode sheet (S) on one side and the other side of the contact surface between the jig 130 and the electrode sheet (S) (step S122).

[0086] Specifically, the notching system 100 can maintain contact between the left and right sides of the contact surface between the electrode sheet (S) and the jig 130 by bringing the jig 130 into contact with one side of the electrode sheet (S) in the notching area. Here, to maintain contact, a first roller 151 and a second roller 152 are used on the left and right sides of the contact surface, respectively (step S122-1).

[0087] In the step of adhering the jig 130 to the electrode sheet (S) (step S120), the notching system 100 brings the outer surface of the jig 130, on which a plurality of notching holes 135 are formed, into contact with one side of the electrode sheet (S) (step S121), thereby adhering the first roller 151, the second roller 152, the electrode sheet (S), and the jig 130 to each other (step S122-2).

[0088] The first roller 151 and the second roller 152 contact the bottom surface of the electrode sheet (S) to bring the top surface of the electrode sheet (S) into surface contact with the jig 130. The first roller 151 and the second roller 152 are in the form of idle rollers without power, and may include a pressure spring as needed.

[0089] The notching step (step S130) may include a step of rotating the jig 130 (step S131) ​​and a step of forming a notching line (step S132).

[0090] The notching system (step S100) can rotate the jig 130 at a speed synchronized with the moving speed of the electrode sheet (S) to move the notching hole 135 on the electrode sheet (S) (step S131).

[0091] Next, the notching system (step S100) may form notching lines on the electrode sheet (S) through the notching holes 135 using a laser beam (step S132). In the notching step (step S130), the notching system 100 forms electrode tabs (T) on the tab portions of the electrode sheet (S) using a plurality of notching holes 135 formed in the first jig 131 at positions that penetrate the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the outer edge of the wheel.

[0092] As described above, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the electrode tabs can be formed in a state where the electrode sheet is supported using a jig synchronized with the moving speed of the electrode sheet. Furthermore, a curved jig is used to support the moving electrode sheet, and the laser irradiation trajectory is controlled in accordance with the relative speed of the moving electrode sheet.

[0093] Furthermore, the moving speed of the electrode sheet and the rotation speed of the jig are synchronized, and notching can be performed while the moving electrode sheet is supported in contact with the jig. The above describes various preferred embodiments of the present invention using some examples. However, the descriptions of the various embodiments described in the section "Specific Contents for Implementing the Invention" are merely illustrative, and it will be well understood by those skilled in the art that they can implement the present invention in various modified forms or in an equivalent manner to the present invention from the above description.

[0094] Furthermore, since the present invention can be embodied in various other forms, the present invention is not limited to the above description. The above description is provided so that the disclosure of the present invention will be complete and will fully convey the scope of the present invention to those skilled in the art. It should be understood that the present invention is defined only by the claims. [Industrial Applicability]

[0095] The present invention is used in the field of secondary battery manufacturing equipment.

Claims

1. The frame and a power unit provided on the frame and configured to generate a rotational force at a speed synchronized with the moving speed of the electrode sheet; a jig provided on the frame, receiving the rotational force from the power unit and rotating while contacting one surface of the electrode sheet; an adhesion portion provided on the frame, the adhesion portion contacting and supporting the other surface of the electrode sheet and passing through a notched region to maintain contact between the electrode sheet and the jig; a laser irradiation unit provided in the frame and configured to irradiate the electrode sheet with a laser beam through a notching hole, The jig is configured to include the notching hole formed in an outer peripheral surface that contacts one surface of the electrode sheet.

2. The jig is a first jig provided in correspondence with a tab portion of the electrode sheet; a second jig provided in correspondence with a bottom portion of the electrode sheet, The laser irradiation unit includes a first irradiation unit provided corresponding to the tab portion of the electrode sheet; a second irradiation unit provided corresponding to a bottom portion of the electrode sheet; The notching system of claim 1 , configured to include:

3. The adhesion portion is The notching system according to claim 1 , configured to include a first roller and a second roller disposed on both left and right sides of the jig, respectively.

4. The electrode sheet is fed in the left-right direction by an unwinding unit, the jig is provided so as to come into contact with the upper surface of the electrode sheet; The notching system according to claim 1 , wherein the contact portion is configured to contact and support the lower surface of the electrode sheet so that the upper surface of the electrode sheet and the jig are in surface contact with each other.

5. The notching system according to claim 1 , wherein the laser irradiation unit is configured such that a scanner that irradiates a laser beam is positioned inside the jig.

6. The notching hole is The notching system according to claim 1 , wherein a plurality of notching members are formed so that the inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the outer edge of the wheel of the jig are in communication with each other.

7. a dust collecting unit disposed in the notching area for removing foreign matter generated during notching; The dust collecting unit includes a blower that generates wind to separate the foreign matter; a suction section that sucks in the foreign matter; The notching system of claim 1 , configured to include:

8. 8. The notching system according to claim 7, wherein the blower is positioned higher than the inside of the jig and the inner circumferential surface of the outer edge of the wheel based on the outer edge of the wheel of the jig, and the suction section is positioned at a height that includes both the upper and lower parts based on the outside of the jig and the inner circumferential surface of the outer edge of the wheel.

9. A method performed by a notching system, comprising: continuously feeding electrode sheets into the notching area; adhering a jig to the electrode sheet at the notched area; and a notching step of irradiating the electrode sheet with a laser beam, The step of adhering the jig to the electrode sheet includes: contacting a curved surface of the jig with one side of the electrode sheet at the notched region; maintaining contact between the jig and the electrode sheet on one and the other sides of a contact surface between the jig and the electrode sheet; The notching method is configured to include:

10. The step of adhering a jig to the electrode sheet at the notched region includes: contacting an outer circumferential surface of the jig, in which a plurality of notching holes are formed, with the electrode sheet; bringing a roller, the electrode sheet, and the jig into close contact with each other at positions on one side and the other side of the notched area; The notching method of claim 9, further comprising:

11. The notching step comprises: rotating the jig to synchronize with the moving speed of the electrode sheet; forming a notch line on the electrode sheet through the notching hole; The notching method of claim 10, further comprising:

12. The notching step comprises:

12. The notching method according to claim 11, wherein a plurality of the notching holes are formed so that the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of the outer edge of the wheel of the jig are connected to each other.

13. The step of supplying the electrode sheet to the notching region includes moving the electrode sheet in a left-right direction; 10. The notching method according to claim 9, wherein the notching step irradiates a laser beam vertically onto one surface of the electrode sheet.

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