Battery cell beading equipment

Abstract

A battery cell beading device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a cell rotation unit on which a cell case containing an electrode assembly can be placed and which is configured to rotate the cell case; a bead forming unit including a forming member configured to press the cell case when the cell case rotates in order to form a bead portion along the circumferential direction of the cell case; and a backup roller unit including a rotatably mounted roller member which comes into contact with the cell case when the forming member presses the cell case, and which is configured so that its position can be adjusted in a direction toward or away from the rotation center axis of the cell case.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a beading device for battery cells, in particular to a beading device for cylindrical battery cells, and more particularly to a beading device for cylindrical battery cells that forms a bead portion on the upper end of a cylindrical battery cell during the beading step in the assembly process of the cylindrical battery cell.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0147911, filed October 31, 2023, and all contents disclosed in the documents of said Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0003] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cylindrical battery cell.

[0004] As shown in FIG. 1, the cylindrical battery cell (10) includes a cell case (11), an electrode assembly (13), and a cap assembly (15).

[0005] The cell case (11) is cylindrical and has an open top.

[0006] The electrode assembly 13 is a roll of a negative electrode, a separator, a positive electrode, and a separator stacked in this order. The electrode assembly 13 is insertable into the interior space of the cell case 11. The cap assembly 15 seals the opening. The cap assembly 15 may include a positive electrode terminal.

[0007] The cylindrical battery cell 10 has a bead portion 12 on the outer circumferential surface of the cell case 11 to fix the electrode assembly 13 in the internal space of the cell case 11. The bead portion 12 is provided on the upper end of the cell case 11.

[0008] The beading step is a step in which the electrode assembly (13) is inserted into the inner space of the cell case (11) and the bead portion (12) is formed on the upper end of the cell case (11).

[0009] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a conventional beading device.

[0010] As shown in FIG. 2, a conventional beading device (20) includes a cell rotating section (30), a cell holder section (40), a bead forming section (50), and a backup roller (60).

[0011] The cell case 11 may be placed on the cell rotating part 30. The cell rotating part 30 is for rotating the cell case 11.

[0012] The cell holder part (40) is disposed on the upper part of the cell rotator (30). The cell holder part (40) is provided so as to be insertable into the upper end of the cell case (11) and rotatably supports the cell case (11). The cell holder part (40) may be provided so as to be movable downward toward the cell case (11) placed on the cell rotator (30).

[0013] The bead forming section 50 includes a forming member 51 for forming the bead portion 12 on the outer surface of the cell case 11. The forming member 51 is provided so as to be movable in a first direction F1 toward the outer surface of the cell case 11 or in a second direction F2 away from the outer surface of the cell case 11.

[0014] The backup roller (60) is disposed at a distance from the forming member (51) so as to be able to come into contact with the outer surface of the cell casing (11). The backup roller (60) serves to prevent the outer diameter of the peripheral region of the cell casing (11) from increasing due to the force of the forming member (51) pressing the outer surface of the cell casing (11) in the first direction (F1).

[0015] In the beading step, the cell case 11 incorporating the electrode assembly 13 is placed on the cell rotating part 30. When the cell case 11 rotates in the rotation direction of the cell rotating part 30, the forming member 51 presses the outer surface of the rotating cell case 11 in a first direction F1.

[0016] At this time, the backup roller (60) supports the cell case (11) at a fixed position while rotating idly along the outer surface of the rotating cell case (11).

[0017] Through the above-described steps, the bead portion 12 is provided on the outer surface of the cell case 11 along the circumferential direction of the cell case 11. The bead portion 12 is a groove recessed from the outer surface of the cell case 11.

[0018] However, if the force with which the forming member 51 presses the cell casing 11 in the first direction F1 during the process of forming the bead portion 12 on the outer surface of the cell casing 11 becomes greater than the force with which the backup roller 60 supports the cell casing 11 from the side, the backup roller 60 will scrape the outer surface of the cell casing 11. The roller fixing shaft 61 of the conventional backup roller 60 is disposed at a fixed position. The roller fixing shaft 61 is installed so as not to move during the operation of the bead forming unit 50.

[0019] In the case of the conventional beading device (20), the outer surface of the cell case (11) is scraped during the process of forming the bead portion (12), generating shavings, which act as a factor shortening the life of the beading device (20) and causing inconvenience in maintenance.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the process of visually inspecting a cylindrical battery cell using a vision inspection device after the assembly process.

[0021] The cylindrical battery cells 10 are transported from the beading device 20 to a vision inspection device 90 by a transport unit 80. The vision inspection device 90 performs a visual inspection of the cylindrical battery cells 10. Battery cells 10 that are found to have scratches as a result of the visual inspection must be discarded as defective products.

[0022] If a scratch is found on a battery cell 10 during the visual inspection, the operation of the transfer unit 80, which transfers the battery cell 10 from the beading device 20 to the vision inspection device 90, is stopped. Conventionally, if a scratch is found on the outer surface of a cylindrical battery cell 10, it is determined that the beading device 20 is malfunctioning, and multiple battery cells 10 located between the beading device 20 and the vision inspection device 90 must be discarded. Discarding cylindrical battery cells 10 due to beading failures causes economic losses. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0023] The present invention aims to provide a beading device for cylindrical battery cells that, when the forming member of the bead forming section presses the cell case with a force equal to or greater than the operating load value during the beading process, adjusts the position of the roller members that support the outer surface of the cell case while rotating freely, preventing scratches from occurring on the cell case. [Means for solving the problem]

[0024] To solve the above problems, one embodiment of the present invention provides a cylindrical battery cell beading device including: a cell rotation unit on which a cell case containing an electrode assembly can be placed and which is configured to rotate the cell case; a bead forming unit including a forming member which is configured to pressurize the cell case when the cell case rotates in order to form a bead portion along the circumferential direction of the cell case; and a backup roller unit which includes a rotatably mounted roller member which comes into contact with the cell case when the forming member presses the cell case and is configured so that its position can be adjusted in a direction toward or away from the rotation center axis of the cell case.

[0025] Furthermore, a beading device for a cylindrical battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a cell rotation unit on which a cell case containing an electrode assembly can be placed and which is configured to rotate the cell case; a bead forming unit including a forming member configured to pressurize the outer surface of the cell case to form a bead portion along the circumferential direction of the cell case when the cell case is rotated; and a backup roller unit including a roller member that contacts the outer surface of the cell case and is configured to be able to idly rotate along the outer surface of the cell case, and is configured so that its position can be adjusted in a direction toward or away from the rotation center axis of the cell case when the forming member presses the cell case.

[0026] The backup roller unit may be provided such that the position of the roller member is adjusted based on the magnitude of the force with which the molding member presses the cell case.

[0027] The backup roller unit may also include a roller center axis to which the roller member is rotatably mounted, and a roller position adjustment unit connected to the roller center axis and configured to move the roller center axis in a direction away from the rotation center axis of the cell case when the force transmitted from the cell case to the roller member by the molding member is equal to or greater than an operating load value.

[0028] The roller position adjusting unit may have a reference length and be adjustable in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the roller. For example, the roller position adjusting unit may be contractible by a force applied to the central axis of the roller, and in this case, the reference length may be shortened.

[0029] The roller position adjusting unit may be configured to maintain the reference length when the force applied to the roller central shaft is a rated load value that is equal to or less than the operating load value.

[0030] The roller position adjusting unit may be configured to contract from the reference length and move away from the rotational axis of the cell case when a force applied to the roller central axis is an overload value equal to or greater than the operating load value. At this time, the roller member may rotate freely while maintaining contact with the outer surface of the cell case.

[0031] The roller position adjustment unit may include a gas spring.

[0032] The backup roller unit may further include a backup main body to which the roller position adjustment unit and the roller central shaft are attached. The roller position adjustment unit may include a first adjustment member connecting one end of the roller central shaft adjacent to the roller member to the backup main body, and a second adjustment member arranged in parallel with the first adjustment member and connecting the other end of the roller central shaft to the backup main body.

[0033] The cylindrical battery cell beading device may also include a cell holder portion disposed above the cell rotation portion, into which the upper end of the cell case can be inserted and which rotatably supports the cell case, a jig portion which rotatably supports the cell rotation portion, and a jig lifting portion attached to the jig portion and which is configured to move the jig portion toward or away from the cell holder portion.

[0034] In addition, the cell holder portion may include a holder body that surrounds the outer surface of the cell case and exposes the area where the bead portion is formed to the outside, and a pusher member that is attached to the holder body at a distance from the inner surface of the holder body, can be inserted into the cell case, and is configured to press the electrode assembly in the cell case.

[0035] The cylindrical battery cell beading device may also include a guide roll attached to the jig part so as to be in contact with the outer surface of the cell case placed on the cell rotation part, and arranged so as to be able to rotate freely along the outer surface of the cell case when the cell case rotates, and a guide part arranged to support the cell case.

[0036] The cylindrical battery cell beading device may also include a jig moving unit attached to the jig unit and configured to move the jig unit toward or away from the backup roller unit, and a holder moving unit attached to the cell holder unit and configured to move the cell holder unit toward or away from the backup roller unit.

[0037] In addition, before the cell rotation unit is operated, the jig moving unit and the holder moving unit move the jig unit and the cell holder unit together in a direction approaching the backup roller unit so that the outer surface of the cell case comes into contact with the roller member of the backup roller unit, and when the formation of the bead unit is completed, the jig unit and the cell holder unit move together in a direction away from the backup roller unit so that the outer surface of the cell case can be separated from the roller member.

[0038] The cylindrical battery cell beading device may also include a forming movement unit attached to the bead forming unit and configured to move the bead forming unit toward or away from the backup roller unit.

[0039] In addition, the molding movement section may be configured to move the bead molding section in a direction approaching the backup roller section before molding the bead section on the outer surface of the cell case, so that the molding member of the bead molding section comes into contact with the outer surface of the cell case.

[0040] The cell rotation unit may also include a mounting table on which the cell case is placed, a first rotation shaft attached to the mounting table and positioned coaxially with the rotation center axis of the cell case, and a first rotation drive unit that provides rotational force to the first rotation shaft.

[0041] The bead forming unit may also include a second rotating shaft to which the forming member is rotatably attached, and a second rotation drive unit that provides rotational force to the second rotating shaft, and may be configured so that the forming member applies pressure to the outer surface of the cell case while rotating when forming the bead portion.

[0042] The molded member may be provided with a molded protrusion along the circumferential direction of the molded member.

[0043] The cylindrical battery cell beading device may also include an alarm unit that provides a warning alarm when the roller member moves in a direction away from the rotational center axis of the cell case. [Effects of the Invention]

[0044] As described above, the cylindrical battery cell beading device according to one embodiment of the present invention has the following advantages.

[0045] When the forming member of the bead forming section presses the cell case with a force equal to or greater than the operating load value, the backup roller section adjusts the position of the roller member that supports the outer surface of the cell case in the direction opposite to the pressing direction of the forming member, thereby preventing damage to the cell case by the roller member. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0046] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cylindrical battery cell. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a conventional cell beading device. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a process in which a cylindrical battery cell undergoes an appearance inspection using a vision inspection device after an assembly process. [Figure 4] 1 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a cylindrical battery cell beading device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 1 is a diagram showing the arrangement of a bead forming unit, a cell holder unit, and a backup roller unit in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a backup roller unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which a cell case is inserted into a cell holder portion and comes into contact with a roller member of a backup roller portion in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 1 is an operational state diagram of a cylindrical battery cell beading device performing a beading process according to one embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the operating state of the roller position adjusting unit when the molding member presses the cell case with a load equal to or greater than the operating load value in one embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] Hereinafter, a cylindrical battery cell beading device according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0048] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a cylindrical battery cell beading device according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the arrangement of a bead forming unit, a cell holder unit, and a backup roller unit in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] A cylindrical battery cell beading device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a cell rotation unit (110) on which a cell case (11) containing an electrode assembly (13) can be placed and which is configured to rotate the cell case (11).

[0050] The cylindrical battery cell beading device (100) may also include a bead forming section (170) including a forming member (171) configured to apply pressure to the cell case (11) when the cell case (11) rotates in order to form a bead portion (12) along the circumferential direction of the cell case (11).

[0051] In addition, the bead forming portion (170) is intended to form a bead portion (12) along the circumferential direction of the cell case (11) when the cell case (11) rotates, and the forming member (171) may be arranged to apply pressure to the outer surface (11a) of the cell case (11).

[0052] The cylindrical battery cell beading device (100) may also include a backup roller unit (180) that is adjustable in position toward or away from the rotational axis (C) of the cell case (11). The backup roller unit (180) includes a rotatably mounted roller member (184) that comes into contact with the cell case (11) when the forming member (171) presses the cell case (11). That is, the backup roller unit (180) is configured so that the position of the roller member (184) can be adjusted toward or away from the rotational axis (C) of the cell case (11).

[0053] The roller member (184) may be in contact with the outer surface (11a) of the cell case (11) and may be arranged to be able to rotate idly along the outer surface (11a) of the cell case (11) when the cell case (11) rotates. The backup roller portion (180) may be arranged so that its position can be adjusted in a direction toward or away from the rotation center axis (C) of the cell case (11) when the forming member (171) presses the cell case (11).

[0054] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a backup roller unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which a cell case is inserted into a cell holder unit and comes into contact with the roller member of the backup roller unit in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] The backup roller portion (180) is for supporting the side of the cell case (11) when the forming member (171) presses the cell case (11).

[0056] The backup roller portion (180) may include a roller member (184) that contacts the outer surface (11a) of the cell case (11) and is rotatable along the outer surface (11a) of the cell case (11), and a roller center shaft (182) to which the roller member (184) is rotatably attached.

[0057] The backup roller unit (180) may include a roller position adjustment unit (187) connected to the roller central shaft (182). The backup roller unit (180) may also include a backup main body (181) to which the roller position adjustment unit (187) and the roller central shaft (182) are attached.

[0058] The backup body (181) may be attached to the upper body part (190). The upper body part (180) may be provided in a space in which the beading device (100) is installed. The backup body part (181) may be fixed to the upper body part (190). The roller position adjustment part (187) and the roller central shaft (182) may be movably attached to the backup body (181).

[0059] A bearing member 183 may be attached to the roller central shaft 182. The roller member 184 may be attached to the bearing member 183 so as to be rotatable about the bearing member 183.

[0060] The roller member 184 may be attached so as to be exposed to the outside of the backup body 181. The roller member 184 may also be disposed so as to face the forming member 171 of the bead forming portion 170. The roller member 184 may also be disposed below a forming position H1 of the forming member 171. The forming position H1 is a position where the bead portion 12 is formed on the cell case 11.

[0061] 4, the roller member 184 can contact the outer surface 11a of the cell casing 11 and support the cell casing 11 from the side while rotating along the outer surface of the cell casing 11. The roller member 184 can support the outer surface 11a of the cell casing 11 from the side in the first axial direction A1.

[0062] In this embodiment, for convenience of explanation, the direction in which the outer surface of the cell case 11 is supported is referred to as the first axis direction (A1), and the direction perpendicular to the first axis direction (A1) and parallel to the central axis (C) of rotation of the cell case 11 is referred to as the second axis direction (A2).

[0063] The roller position adjusting portion (187) may be attached to the roller central shaft (182).

[0064] The roller position adjusting portion (187) may have a predetermined reference length and may be provided so that its length can be adjusted in a direction (A1) perpendicular to the roller central axis (182). The roller position adjusting portion (187) may be provided so that it can be contracted by a force applied to the roller central axis (182).

[0065] The roller position adjusting unit (187) may be provided so as to adjust the position of the roller member (184) based on the magnitude of the force with which the forming member (171) presses the cell case (11).

[0066] For example, the roller position adjusting section (187) may include a first adjusting member (188) and a second adjusting member (189).

[0067] The first adjusting member 188 can connect one end 182a of the roller central shaft 182 adjacent to the roller member 184 to the backup body 181. The first adjusting member 188 is provided so as to be contractible when the operating load is equal to or greater than the operating load value.

[0068] The second adjustment member (189) may be disposed in parallel with the first adjustment member (188). The second adjustment member (189) connects the other end (182b) of the roller central shaft (182) to the backup body (181). The second adjustment member (189) is provided so as to be contractible when the operating load is equal to or greater than the operating load value.

[0069] The first and second adjusting members (188, 189) may be arranged in parallel in the first axial direction (A1). The first and second adjusting members (188, 189) may be operated with the same operating load. The first and second adjusting members (188, 189) may be gas springs. In this case, if the force transmitted to the roller member (184) by the molding member (171) through the cell casing (11) is equal to or greater than the operating load, each gas spring may contract, thereby shortening the length of the first and second adjusting members (188, 189). Therefore, the roller central axis (182) may be configured to move in a direction away from the rotation central axis (C) of the cell casing (11).

[0070] The first and second adjustment members (188, 189) may be configured so that the roller central axis (182) moves in a direction away from the rotation central axis of the cell case (11) when the force transmitted from the cell case (11) to the roller member (184) by the molding member (171) is equal to or greater than the operating load value.

[0071] Here, the operating load value is a reference operating value of the roller position adjusting part 187. The operating load value of the first and second adjusting members 188 and 189 can be changed depending on the type of gas spring.

[0072] FIG. 8 is an operational state diagram of a cylindrical battery cell beading device performing a beading process according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 8, when the forming member 171 presses the cell case 11 with a rated load value P1 during the formation of the bead portion 12, the first and second adjusting members 188 and 189 maintain their reference lengths.

[0074] The first and second adjusting members (188, 189) do not operate when a force equal to or less than the operating load value is applied. The first and second adjusting members (188, 189) can maintain the reference length when the force applied to the roller central shaft (182) is a rated load value (P1) equal to or less than the operating load value.

[0075] Here, the rated load value (P1) is the strength of pressure applied by the forming member (171) that is preset to form the bead portion (12) on the outer surface of the cell case (11).

[0076] When the first and second adjustment members (188, 189) are at a position where they have a reference length relative to the backup body (181), the roller member (184) can support the cell case (11) from the side while rotating freely along the outer surface of the cell case (11).

[0077] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an operational state of the roller position adjusting unit when the molding member presses the cell case with a load equal to or greater than the operating load value in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] Referring to Figure 9, when the force applied to the roller central shaft (182) is an overload load value (P2) greater than the operating load value, the first and second adjustment members (188, 189) contract from the standard length, and the roller member (184) contacts the outer surface of the cell case (11) and rotates freely, moving in a direction away from the rotation central shaft of the cell case (11).

[0079] The contracted length of the first and second adjusting members (188, 189) is variable depending on the degree to which the force transmitted to the roller member (184) through the cell case (11) presses the roller central shaft (182).

[0080] As shown in FIG. 9, when the forming member (171) presses the cell case (11) with an overload load value (P2) during the forming of the bead portion (12), the first and second adjustment members (188, 189) contract and become shorter in length due to the force transmitted to the roller central shaft (182) via the roller member (184).

[0081] The roller central shaft (182) moves due to the force transmitted to the roller member (184) via the cell case (11) while the roller member (184) is in contact with the outer surface of the cell case (11). The roller central shaft (182) moves in a direction away from the rotational axis of the cell case (11) by the first and second adjustment members (188, 189).

[0082] In this embodiment, when the forming member (171) presses the cell case (11) with the overload load value (P2, see Figure 9), the position of the roller member (184) is adjusted by the first and second adjustment members (188, 189) while the roller member (184) is in contact with the outer surface of the cell case (11), thereby preventing the roller member (184) from damaging the cell case (11) during the beading process.

[0083] The cylindrical battery cell beading device (100) may also include an alarm unit (195) that issues a warning alarm when the roller member (184) moves away from the rotational axis of the cell case (11). The warning alarm notifies the operator that the forming member (171) of the bead forming unit (170) is applying pressure to the cell case (11) at or above the rated load value (P1) during the beading process.

[0084] The configuration of the cell rotation part (110) will be described below.

[0085] The cell rotation unit (110) may include a mounting table (111), a first rotation shaft (115), and a first rotation drive unit (113).

[0086] The cell case (11) is placed on the mounting table (111). The mounting table (111) may be rotatably attached to a jig part (120). The first rotating shaft (115) is attached to the mounting table (111). The mounting table (111) is rotated in the rotation direction of the first rotating shaft (115).

[0087] The first rotating shaft (115) is positioned coaxially with the rotational center axis of the cell case (11). The first rotation drive part (113) is attached to the first rotating shaft (115).

[0088] The first rotary drive unit 113 is for providing a rotational force to the first rotary shaft 115. The first rotary drive unit 113 may be a motor.

[0089] When the first rotary drive unit (113) is operated, the cell case (11) may rotate together with the mounting table (111) in the rotation direction of the first rotary shaft (115) and beaded by the molding member (171).

[0090] The cylindrical battery cell beading device (100) may also include a jig unit (120) that rotatably supports the cell rotation unit (110). The cell rotation unit (110), a guide unit (150), a jig lifting unit (130), and a jig moving unit (140) may be attached to the jig unit (120).

[0091] The guide portion (150) may be attached to the jig portion (120) so as to be in contact with the outer surface of the cell case (11) placed on the cell rotation portion (110). The guide portion (150) includes a guide roll (151) that is provided so as to be able to rotate idly along the outer surface of the cell case (11) when the cell case (11) rotates.

[0092] The guide portion 150 may be provided to support the cell casing 11 on the opposite side of the backup roller portion 180. The guide portion 150 is disposed below the bead forming portion 170.

[0093] 8, the jig lifting unit (130) may be attached to the jig unit (120) and configured to move the jig unit (120) in a direction (F3) toward or away from the cell holder unit (160) (F4). The jig moving unit (140) may move the jig unit (120) in the same direction as the holder moving unit (165).

[0094] The jig moving section (140) may be attached to the jig section (120) and configured to move the jig section (120) toward or away from the backup roller section (180).

[0095] Before the cell rotation unit (110) is operated, the jig moving unit (140) can move the jig unit (120) in a direction (F1) approaching the backup roller unit (180) so that the outer surface of the cell case (11) comes into contact with the roller member (184) of the backup roller unit (180).

[0096] When the formation of the bead portion (12) is completed, the jig moving unit (140) can move the jig portion (120) in a direction (F2) away from the backup roller portion (180) so that the outer surface of the cell case (11) separates from the roller member (184).

[0097] 5 and 7, the cylindrical battery cell beading device (100) may include a cell holder portion (160) disposed above the cell rotation portion (110), configured to receive the upper end portion (11b) of the cell case (11) and rotatably support the cell case (11).

[0098] The cell holder part (160) may include a holder body (161), a pusher member (163) and a holder moving part (165).

[0099] The holder body 161 may be provided so as to surround the open portion (upper end) of the cell case 11, and may be provided so as to surround a partial region of the outer surface of the upper end 11b of the cell case 11 and expose the region where the bead portion 12 is formed. For example, the holder body 161 may have a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the cell case 11.

[0100] The pusher member (163) is attached to the holder body (161). The pusher member (163) has a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the cell case (11). The pusher member (163) may be provided to extend below the holder body (161) along the second axis direction (A2).

[0101] The pusher member (163) may be provided to apply pressure to the electrode assembly (13) in the cell case (11) when the electrode assembly (13) is inserted into the cell case (11).

[0102] The holder moving unit (165) may be attached to the upper body unit (190). The holder moving unit (165) may be configured to move the cell holder unit (160) toward or away from the backup roller unit (180).

[0103] Before the cell rotation unit (110) is operated, the holder movement unit (165) can move the cell holder unit (160) in a direction (F1) approaching the backup roller unit (180) so that the outer surface of the cell case (11) comes into contact with the roller member (184) of the backup roller unit (180).

[0104] When the formation of the bead portion (12) is completed, the holder moving portion (165) can move the cell holder portion (160) in a direction (F2) away from the backup roller portion (180) so that the outer surface of the cell case (11) separates from the roller member (184).

[0105] The bead forming portion (170) will now be described.

[0106] The bead forming portion 170 is for forming a bead portion 12 along the circumferential direction of the cell case 11 when the cell case 11 rotates. The bead portion 12 may be a groove recessed in the outer surface of the cell case 11.

[0107] The bead forming unit (170) may include the forming member (171), a second rotation shaft (173), a second rotation drive unit (175), and a forming transfer unit (179).

[0108] The forming member 171 may be disposed so as to be in contact with the outer surface 11a of the cell casing 11 at a forming position H1 of the cell casing 11. Here, the forming position H1 is the position where the bead portion 12 is formed on the upper end portion 11b of the cell casing 11.

[0109] The forming member 171 may be provided to apply pressure to the outer surface of the cell case 11. The forming member 171 may be rotatably attached to the second rotating shaft 173. The forming member 171 may be a circular rotating body.

[0110] The forming member 171 may be provided with a forming protrusion 172. The forming protrusion 172 may be provided so as to protrude outward along the circumferential direction of the forming member 171.

[0111] When forming the bead portion (12), the forming member (171) may be configured to rotate in the rotational direction of the second rotating shaft (173) while the forming protrusion (172) presses the outer surface of the cell case (11).

[0112] The second rotation drive unit (175) is attached to the second rotation shaft (173). The second rotation shaft (173) may be arranged parallel to the central axis of rotation of the cell case (11). The second rotation drive unit (175) may be a motor.

[0113] The forming transfer unit (179) may be attached to the upper body unit (190). The forming transfer unit (179) is provided to move the bead forming unit (170) toward or away from the backup roller unit (180).

[0114] Before forming the bead portion (12) on the outer surface of the cell case (11), the forming movement portion (179) may be configured to move the bead forming portion (170) in a direction (F1) approaching the backup roller portion (180) so that the forming member (171) of the bead forming portion (170) comes into contact with the outer surface of the cell case (11).

[0115] Hereinafter, the process of forming the bead portion 12 on the upper portion of the cylindrical battery cell 10 by the cylindrical battery cell beading device 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0116] 8, the cell case 11 containing the electrode assembly 13 is placed on the cell rotator 110. The cell rotator 110 is raised and lowered by the jig lifting unit 130 toward the cell holder unit 160.

[0117] The jig lifting unit (130) lifts and lowers the jig unit (120) to which the cell rotation unit (110) is attached in the second axial direction (A2), so that the upper end of the cell case (11) is inserted into the holder body (161) of the cell holder unit (160).

[0118] Next, the jig moving unit 140 and the holder moving unit 165 move the jig unit 120 and the cell holder unit 160 in the first axial direction A1 in a direction F1 toward the roller member 184. The jig moving unit 140 and the holder moving unit 165 move the jig unit 120 and the cell holder unit 160 so that the outer surface of the cell case 11 contacts the roller member 184 of the backup roller unit 180.

[0119] Next, the forming member 171 is moved in the first axial direction A1 so that the forming member 171 contacts the outer surface of the cell case 11. The forming member 171 contacts the outer surface of the cell case 11 at the forming position H1.

[0120] The forming member (171) presses the outer surface of the cell case (11) with a rated load value (P1) that is a strength sufficient to dent the outer surface of the cell case (11).

[0121] The forming member (171) comes into contact with the outer surface of the rotating cell case (11), and while rotating together with the second rotating shaft (173), presses the outer surface of the cell case (11) in the first axial direction (A1), thereby forming the bead portion (12) on the outer surface of the cell case (11).

[0122] The bead portion 12 is a groove recessed in the outer surface of the cell case 11 and is provided along the circumferential direction of the cell case 11. The bead portion 12 serves as a catch for fixing the electrode assembly 13 inside the cell case 11.

[0123] Referring to Figure 8, when the forming member (171) presses the cell case (11) with a rated load value (P1) during the formation of the bead portion (12), the roller member (184) rotates freely along the outer surface of the cell case (11), supporting the cell case (11) in the first axial direction (A1), thereby preventing the outer diameter of the peripheral region of the cell case (11) from increasing.

[0124] 9, when the forming member 171 presses the cell casing 11 with an overload value (P2, see FIG. 9) during the formation of the bead portion 12, the roller member 184 may be adjusted in position in a direction away from the central axis of rotation of the cell casing 11 while rotating idly along the outer surface of the cell casing 11. This prevents the roller member 184 from damaging the outer surface of the cell casing 11 when the bead portion 12 is formed on the cell casing 11.

[0125] The preferred embodiments of the present invention described above have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, and those skilled in the art having ordinary skill in the art will be able to make various modifications, changes, and additions within the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such modifications, changes, and additions should be considered to fall within the scope of the following claims. [Industrial Applicability]

[0126] A cylindrical battery cell beading device according to one embodiment of the present invention can prevent scratches from occurring on the cell casing during bead forming.

Claims

1. a cell rotation unit on which a cell case containing an electrode assembly can be placed and which is provided to rotate the cell case; a bead forming section including a forming member provided to pressurize the cell case when the cell case rotates in order to form a bead section along the circumferential direction of the cell case; and A beading device for battery cells, comprising a rotatably mounted roller member that comes into contact with the cell case when the molding member presses the cell case, and a backup roller unit that is adjustable in position in a direction toward or away from the rotational center axis of the cell case.

2. The battery cell beading device according to claim 1 , wherein the backup roller unit is provided such that the position of the roller member is adjusted based on the magnitude of the force with which the molding member presses the cell case.

3. The backup roller unit includes a roller central shaft to which the roller member is rotatably attached, and 3. The battery cell beading device according to claim 2, further comprising a roller position adjustment unit connected to the roller central shaft and configured to move the roller central shaft in a direction away from the rotational center axis of the cell case when the force transmitted from the cell case to the roller member by the molding member is equal to or greater than an operating load value.

4. the roller position adjustment unit has a reference length and is provided so as to be able to adjust its length in a direction perpendicular to the roller central axis, The battery cell beading device according to claim 3 , wherein the roller position adjustment unit is configured to contract from the reference length when a force applied to the roller central shaft is an overload value equal to or greater than the operating load value.

5. The battery cell beading device according to claim 4 , wherein the roller position adjusting unit is configured to maintain the reference length when the force applied to the roller central shaft is a rated load value that is equal to or less than the operating load value.

6. The battery cell beading device according to claim 4 , wherein the roller position adjustment unit includes a gas spring.

7. the backup roller unit further includes a backup main body to which the roller position adjustment unit and the roller central shaft are attached, The roller position adjustment unit is a first adjustment member that connects one end of a roller central shaft adjacent to the roller member and the backup body; and The battery cell beading device according to claim 3 , further comprising a second adjustment member arranged in parallel with the first adjustment member and connecting the other end of the roller central shaft and the backup body.

8. a cell holder portion disposed above the cell rotating portion, the cell holder portion being configured to allow the upper end of the cell case to be inserted therein and to rotatably support the cell case; a jig portion that rotatably supports the cell rotation portion; and The battery cell beading device according to claim 1 , further comprising a jig lifting unit attached to the jig unit and configured to move the jig unit in a direction toward or away from the cell holder unit.

9. 9. The battery cell beading device according to claim 8, wherein the cell holder portion includes a holder body and a pusher member attached to the holder body, insertable into the cell case, and configured to pressurize the electrode assembly within the cell case.

10. 9. The battery cell beading device of claim 8, further comprising a guide roll attached to the jig portion so as to be in contact with the outer surface of the cell case placed on the cell rotation portion, and arranged so as to be able to rotate freely along the outer surface of the cell case when the cell case rotates, and a guide portion arranged to support the cell case.

11. a jig moving unit attached to the jig unit and configured to move the jig unit in a direction toward or away from the backup roller unit; and The battery cell beading device according to claim 8 , further comprising a holder moving unit attached to the cell holder unit and configured to move the cell holder unit toward or away from the backup roller unit.

12. The bead forming unit further includes a forming movement unit attached to the bead forming unit and configured to move the bead forming unit in a direction toward or away from the backup roller unit, 12. The battery cell beading device according to claim 11, wherein the forming transfer unit is configured to move the bead forming unit in a direction approaching the backup roller unit before forming the bead portion on the outer surface of the cell case, so that a forming member of the bead forming unit contacts the outer surface of the cell case.

13. The cell rotating unit includes a mounting table on which the cell case is mounted; a first rotation shaft attached to the mounting base and positioned coaxially with the rotation center axis of the cell case; and The battery cell beading device according to claim 1 , further comprising a first rotation drive unit that provides a rotational force to the first rotation shaft.

14. 2. The battery cell beading device of claim 1, wherein the bead forming unit includes a second rotation shaft to which the forming member is rotatably attached, and a second rotation drive unit that provides rotational force to the second rotation shaft, and is configured so that the forming member presses the outer surface of the cell case while rotating when forming the bead portion.

15. The battery cell beading device according to claim 1 , further comprising an alarm unit that provides a warning alarm when the roller member moves in a direction away from the rotational center axis of the cell case.

Images