Tab guide alignment device and method for aligning tab guides using the same

Abstract

According to an exemplary embodiment, a tab guide alignment device is provided. The device includes a first rail and an alignment block coupled to the rail, the alignment block including a second rail configured to move in a first direction relative to the first rail and a tab guide contact portion coupled to the second rail.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technical concept of the present invention relates to a tab guide alignment device and a method for aligning tab guides using the same. This application claims the benefit of Korean application No. 10-2024-0001963, filed on January 5, 2024, which is herein by reference in its entirety. [Background technology]

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, rechargeable batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. Rechargeable batteries are widely used as an energy source for a variety of wireless devices such as handsets, laptops, and wireless vacuum cleaners. In recent years, improvements in energy density and economies of scale have dramatically reduced the unit cost of manufacturing electric-powered HEVs (hybrid electric vehicles) and BEVs (battery electric vehicles), and as the driving range of BEVs has increased to the same level as fuel-powered vehicles, the main application of rechargeable batteries is shifting from mobile devices to mobility.

[0003] Battery cells are the most fundamental units of rechargeable batteries, and improving the mechanical and electrical performance of battery cells is the most effective and core element in improving the performance of rechargeable batteries. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0004] The technical concept of this invention aims to solve the problem of providing a tab guide alignment device with improved reliability and a method for aligning tab guides using the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to an exemplary embodiment relating to the technical concept of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems, a tab guide alignment device is provided. The device includes a first rail and an alignment block coupled to the rail, the alignment block including a second rail configured to move in a first direction relative to the first rail and a tab guide contact portion coupled to the second rail.

[0006] The tab guide contact portion described above is configured to align the tab guide of the ultrasonic welding apparatus.

[0007] The alignment block further includes an alignment contact portion coupled to the second rail.

[0008] The tab guide contact portion protrudes in the first direction relative to the alignment contact portion.

[0009] The alignment block further includes position adjusters interposed between the second rail and the alignment contact portion, and coupled to the second rail and the alignment contact portion, respectively.

[0010] The above-mentioned position adjuster is configured to move the alignment contact portion in the second direction.

[0011] The above-mentioned aligning contact portion further includes a vernier caliper coupled to it.

[0012] The vernier caliper shown above indicates the position of the aligned contact area.

[0013] According to exemplary embodiments, a method for aligning tab guides is provided. The method includes the steps of aligning a first tab guide, moving a tab guide contact, and aligning a second tab guide, wherein the step of aligning the first tab guide involves moving the first tab guide in a first direction such that the first tab guide contacts a tab guide contact of an alignment block of a tab guide alignment device.

[0014] The tab guide alignment device further includes a first rail, the alignment block is coupled to the first rail, the alignment block includes a second rail configured to move in a first direction with respect to the first rail, and the tab guide contact portion is coupled to the second rail.

[0015] The alignment block further includes an alignment contact portion coupled to the second rail, and the tab guide contact portion further protrudes in the first direction with respect to the alignment block.

[0016] The method further includes the step of aligning the alignment block by contacting the alignment contact portion with a datum block.

[0017] The alignment contact portion is aligned before aligning the first tab guide.

[0018] The step of moving the tab guide contact portion includes moving the tab guide contact portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0019] The step of aligning the second tab guide includes adjusting the position of the second tab guide in the first direction so that the second tab guide contacts the tab guide contact portion.

Advantages of the Invention

[0020] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a tab guide alignment device for improving the accuracy of a tab guide adjustment process that depends on the proficiency of an operator and a method for aligning a tab guide using the same can be provided. Thereby, the reliability of the pre-welding process can be improved.

[0021] The effects that can be obtained from exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure belong from the following description. That is, unintended effects associated with carrying out exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can also be derived by a person of ordinary skill in the art from exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0022] [Figure 1] This is a drawing illustrating a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2] A perspective view illustrating a tab guide alignment device according to another exemplary embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view illustrating the alignment block of a tab guide alignment device. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart illustrating a method for aligning tab guides according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view illustrating a method for aligning tab guides according to an exemplary embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0023] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. As a premise, terms and words used herein and in the claims should not be interpreted in a manner limited to their usual or dictionary meanings, but rather in a manner consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention, based on the principle that inventors may appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe their own invention.

[0024] Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the configurations shown in the drawings represent only one of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical concept of the present invention; there may be a variety of equivalents and modifications that can substitute for them at the time of filing.

[0025] Furthermore, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a specific description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, such detailed description will be omitted.

[0026] Since embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the invention to an ordinary person, the shapes and sizes of the components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or shown schematically for the sake of clarity. Accordingly, the sizes and proportions of each component do not fully reflect the actual sizes and proportions.

[0027] (First Embodiment: Apparatus) Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 100 according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0028] According to an exemplary embodiment, the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 100 can be configured to weld the electrode tabs ET of the electrode assembly EA. According to an exemplary embodiment, the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 100 can weld the electrode tabs ET using ultrasound. Since incomplete welding of the tabs ET can cause a decrease in the capacity of the battery cell containing the electrode assembly EA, welding of the tabs ET is one of the core steps that determine the performance of the electrode assembly EA.

[0029] The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 100 may include a fixed module 110, a first tab guide 121, a second tab guide 123, and a processing module 130. The fixed module 110 may include a support plate 111 and a pressurizing device 113. The processing module 130 may include a horn 133 and an anvil 131.

[0030] An electrode assembly EA can include multiple electrodes. Each of these electrodes may be either a positive or negative electrode. This allows each of the electrodes in the electrode assembly to include either a positive or negative tab. Thus, the electrode assembly EA can include multiple electrode tabs ET.

[0031] According to an exemplary embodiment, welding by the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 100 may be pre-welding. In recent years, the number of electrodes to be welded has increased significantly due to the rising energy density of secondary batteries, and dozens or more electrode tabs ET are welded simultaneously. To reliably weld a large number of electrode tabs ET, welding of multiple electrode tabs ET may include two steps: pre-welding and main welding. As a non-limiting example, pre-welding may be ultrasonic welding and main welding may be laser welding.

[0032] After pre-welding of multiple electrode tabs ET, the multiple electrode tabs ET can be welded together with electrode leads. Electrode leads can be the external connection terminals of a battery cell. Here, a battery cell is the basic unit of a lithium-ion battery, i.e., a secondary battery. A battery cell includes an electrolyte and a case, in addition to the electrode assembly EA. Battery cells are classified into lithium-ion batteries, lithium-ion polymer batteries, lithium polymer batteries, etc., depending on the configuration of the electrode assembly EA and the electrolyte. Lithium-ion polymer batteries have a lower possibility of electrolyte leakage, are easier to manufacture, and are increasing in popularity within secondary batteries.

[0033] Battery cells are classified according to the shape of the battery case into cylindrical batteries, in which the electrode assembly EA is housed in a cylindrical metal can; rectangular batteries, in which the electrode assembly EA is housed in a rectangular metal can; and pouch batteries, in which the electrode assembly EA is housed in an aluminum laminate sheet pouch case.

[0034] An electrode assembly EA includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separation membrane interposed between the positive and negative electrodes. Electrode assemblies EA are classified into jelly roll type and stack type depending on the assembly configuration. The jelly roll type consists of a rolled positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separation membrane interposed between them. The stack type includes multiple positive electrodes, multiple negative electrodes, and multiple separation membranes interposed between them, stacked sequentially.

[0035] The positive electrode may include a positive electrode current collector and a positive electrode active material. The negative electrode may include a negative electrode current collector and a negative electrode active material.

[0036] The thickness of the positive electrode current collector can range from approximately 3 μm to approximately 500 μm. The positive electrode current collector may not induce chemical changes in the final manufactured secondary battery and may have high conductivity. The positive electrode current collector can include, for example, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, calcined carbon, and aluminum. The positive electrode current collector may also include stainless steel surface-treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, etc. The surface of the positive electrode current collector may include a micro-textured structure to enhance the adhesion of the active material. The positive electrode current collector can be in the form of a film, sheet, foil, net, porous material, foam, nonwoven fabric, etc.

[0037] The thickness of the negative electrode current collector can range from approximately 3 μm to approximately 500 μm. The negative electrode current collector may not induce chemical changes in the final manufactured secondary battery and may have high conductivity. The negative electrode current collector can include copper, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, calcined carbon, and aluminum-cadmium alloys. The negative electrode current collector may also include stainless steel surface-treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, etc. The surface of the negative electrode current collector may include a micro-textured structure to enhance the adhesion of the active material. The negative electrode current collector can be in the form of a film, sheet, foil, net, porous material, foam, nonwoven fabric, etc.

[0038] The positive electrode active material is a material that can cause an electrochemical reaction. The positive electrode active material can be a lithium transition metal oxide. The positive electrode active material includes, for example, layered compounds such as lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) and lithium nickel oxide (LiNiO2) substituted with one or more transition metals; lithium manganese oxide substituted with one or more transition metals; chemical formula LiNi 1-y M y O2 (where M is any one of Co, Mn, Al, Cu, Fe, Mg, B, Cr, Zn, and Ga, and 0.01 ≦ y ≦ 0.7); Li 1+z Ni 1 / 3 Co 1 / 3 Mn 1 / 3 O2, Li 1+z Ni 0.4 Mn 0.4 Co 0.2 O2 such as Li 1+z Ni b Mn c Co 1-(b+c+d) M d O (2-e) A e (where -0.5 ≦ z ≦ 0.5, 0.1 ≦ b ≦ 0.8, 0.1 ≦ c ≦ 0.8, 0 ≦ d ≦ 0.2, 0 ≦ e ≦ 0.2, b + c + d < 1, M is any one of Al, Mg, Cr, Ti, Si, and Y, and A is any one of F, P, and Cl); lithium nickel cobalt manganese composite oxide represented by the chemical formula Li 1+x M 1-y M’ y PO 4-z X z (where M is a transition metal, more specifically, any one of Fe, Mn, Co, and Ni, M’ is any one of Al, Mg, and Ti, X is any one of F, S, and N, -0.5 ≦ x ≦ +0.5, 0 ≦ y ≦ 0.5, and 0 ≦ z ≦ 0.1); and can include olivine - type lithium metal phosphate.

[0039] The negative electrode active material can contain carbon such as, for example, non-graphitizable carbon, graphite-based carbon, etc. The negative electrode active material is, for example, Li x Fe2O3 (0 ≦ x ≦ 1), Li x WO2 (0 ≦ x ≦ 1), Sn x Me 1-x Me’ y O z (where Me is any one of Mn, Fe, Pb, and Ge, Me’ is any one of Al, B, P, Si, Group 1, Group 2, Group 3 elements of the periodic table, and halogen; 0 < x ≦ 1; 1 ≦ y ≦ 3; 1 ≦ z ≦ 8), etc. The negative electrode active material can contain lithium metal; lithium alloy; silicon-based alloy; tin-based alloy. The negative electrode active material can contain metal oxides such as, for example, SnO, SnO2, PbO, PbO2, Pb2O3, Pb3O4, Sb2O3, Sb2O4, Sb2O5, GeO, GeO2, Bi2O3, Bi2O4, Bi2O5. The negative electrode active material can contain conductive polymers such as, for example, polyacetylene; Li-Co-Ni-based materials, etc.

[0040] The support plate 111 can be configured to support the electrode assembly EA. The electrode assembly EA can be disposed on the upper surface of the support plate 111T. The upper surface 111T of the support plate 111 can contact the electrode assembly EA.

[0041] Hereinafter, the support plate 111 defines two directions substantially parallel to the upper surface 111T as the X direction and the Y direction, and defines the direction substantially perpendicular to the upper surface 111T of the support plate 111 as the Z direction. Each of the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction can be substantially perpendicular to each other. Unless otherwise defined, with respect to the above directions, they are the same in all drawings. The Z direction can be the direction in which the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the separator of the electrode assembly EA are stacked. The Y direction can be the direction in which the electrode tab ET protrudes from the electrode assembly EA.

[0042] The lower surface 113B of the pressurizing device 113 can be in contact with the electrode assembly EA. The pressurizing device 113 can be configured to apply pressure to the electrode assembly EA. The pressurizing device 113 can be configured to fix the electrode assembly EA in place by applying pressure to the electrode assembly EA together with the support plate 111. The electrode assembly EA can be fixed in place by the pressure from the support plate 111 and the pressurizing device 113, the normal force, and the frictional force induced by the normal force.

[0043] The first tab guide 121 and the second tab guide 123 can be separated from each other in the Z direction. Each of the first tab guide 121 and the second tab guide 123 can be configured to move in the Z direction. The first tab guide 121 and the second tab guide 123 can be interposed between the fixed module 110 and the processing module 130.

[0044] The first tab guide 121 and the second tab guide 123 can collect multiple electrode tabs ET. The first tab guide 121 and the second tab guide 123 can be configured to change the shape of the multiple electrode tabs ET. The shape of each of the multiple electrode tabs ET can be changed to include a rounded portion (or a U-shaped portion) by moving the first tab guide 121 and the second tab guide 123 in the Z direction. By changing the shape of the multiple electrode tabs ET by the first tab guide 121 and the second tab guide 123, damage to the multiple electrode tabs ET during subsequent processing of the electrode assembly EA can be prevented, thereby improving the reliability of secondary battery manufacturing.

[0045] The Y-direction positions of the first tab guide 121 and the second tab guide 123 determine the shape of the multiple electrode tabs ET during pre-welding. Therefore, accurately positioning the first tab guide 121 and the second tab guide 123 in the Y-direction is crucial for process consistency and improving the quality of the electrode assembly EA.

[0046] While the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 100 is welding the multiple electrode tabs ET, the anvil 131 can be configured to support the multiple electrode tabs ET. According to an exemplary embodiment, the anvil 131 may be a supporting jig. The anvil 131 can be configured to fix the position of the multiple electrode tabs ET so that the energy transmitted by the horn 133 can be efficiently transferred to the multiple electrode tabs ET. The anvil 131 may include either a knurled shape or a ribbed shape for fixing the multiple electrode tabs ET.

[0047] The horn 133 can be configured to provide ultrasonic energy to multiple electrode tabs ET. The frequency of the ultrasound provided to the multiple electrode tabs ET by the horn 133 can be in the range of approximately 18,000 Hz to approximately 1 GHz. The horn may include a converter that converts AC or DC power into mechanical vibrations and a booster that amplifies the mechanical vibrations. The ultrasonic energy can generate frictional heat in the multiple electrode tabs ET, thereby allowing the multiple electrode tabs ET to be welded together.

[0048] Horn 133 can be an ultrasonic resonator and may include a structure that repeats with a spatial period equal to half the ultrasonic wavelength, the same as the ultrasonic wavelength, or an integer multiple of the ultrasonic wavelength. The repeating unit structure of Horn 133 may include either a knurled shape or a ribbed shape. As a non-limiting example, Horn 133 may include aluminum alloy, titanium alloy, and die steel.

[0049] Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating a tab guide alignment device 200 according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0050] Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating the alignment block 220 of the tab guide alignment device 200.

[0051] Referring to Figures 1 to 3, the tab guide alignment device 200 may include a first rail 210, an alignment block 220, and a vernier caliper 230. The tab guide alignment device 200 can be used to align the first tab guide 121 and the second tab guide 123. The tab guide alignment device 200 can be used to align the Y-direction positions of the first tab guide 121 and the second tab guide 123.

[0052] The first rail 210 may include a fixture 211 for fixing the tab guide alignment device 200 to the LMS 300. The LMS 300 may include a transport rail and a pallet configured to move along the transport rail. The first rail 210 may be fixed to the pallet of the LMS 300.

[0053] The alignment block 220 can be coupled to the first rail 210. The alignment block 220 may include a second rail 221, a rail fixer 223, an alignment contact 225, a position adjuster 227, and a tab guide contact 229.

[0054] The second rail 221 can be coupled to the first rail 210. The second rail 221 can be configured to move along the first rail 210. The first rail 210 can be extended along the Y direction. The second rail 221 can be configured to move along the Y direction.

[0055] The rail fixer 223 can be configured to fix the second rail 221 and the first rail 210. The rail fixer 223 can be configured to fix the relative position of the second rail 221 and the first rail 210. After the second rail 221 has moved so that the tab guide contact portion 229 is in position, the second rail 221 can be fixed to the first rail 210 by the rail fixer 223. As a non-limiting example, the fixer 1223 may include fixing bolts.

[0056] The aligned contact portion 225 can be coupled to the second rail 221. The aligned contact portion 225 can be welded to the second rail 221 or coupled by mechanical means such as bolting. The aligned contact portion 225 may be provided integrally with the second rail by means of casting or other methods.

[0057] The alignment contact portion 225 can be configured to contact the datum block DB. The alignment block 220 can be positioned by moving the alignment block 220 in the Y direction so that the alignment contact portion 225 contacts the datum block DB. More specifically, when the alignment contact portion 225 contacts the datum block DB, the tab guide contact portion 229 can be positioned to align the first tab guide 121 and the second tab guide 123.

[0058] The tab guide contact portion 229 can be coupled to a position adjuster 227. The position adjuster 227 can be configured to adjust the position of the tab guide contact portion 229 in the Z direction. The position adjuster 227 can be coupled to a second rail 221. The position adjuster 227 can be interposed between the second rail 221 and the tab guide contact portion 229. The position adjuster 227 can be coupled to the Y-direction end of the second rail 221. The position adjuster 227 can be extended in the Z direction.

[0059] The vernier caliper 230 can be coupled to the alignment block 220. The vernier caliper 230 can be configured to measure the position of the alignment block 220 in the Y direction. This allows the alignment block 220 to be realigned based on the reading of the vernier caliper 230 if the alignment block 220 becomes disaligned after alignment due to repeated alignment of the first tab guide 121 and the second tab guide 123.

[0060] (Second Embodiment: Method) Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for aligning tab guides according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0061] Figure 5 is a perspective view illustrating a method for aligning tab guides according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0062] Referring to Figures 2 to 4, the alignment block 220 can be aligned at P110. Aligning the alignment block 220 may include moving the alignment block 220 in the Y direction so that the alignment contact portion 225 contacts the datum block DB. After aligning the alignment block 220, the reference position (e.g., zero point) of the vernier caliper 230 can be set. That is, the fixed position of the alignment block 220 may be the reference position (e.g., zero point) of the vernier caliper 230.

[0063] Next, referring to Figures 3 to 5, the first tab guide 121 can be aligned at P120. Alignment of the first tab guide 121 may include adjusting the position of the first tab guide 121 in the Y direction so that the first tab guide 121 contacts the tab guide contact portion 229 (i.e., moving the first tab guide 121 in the Y direction).

[0064] Next, at P130, the tab guide contact portion 229 can be moved. The tab guide contact portion 229 can be moved in the Z direction. The tab guide contact portion 229 can be moved from a position for aligning the first tab guide 121 to a position for aligning the second tab guide 123. The tab guide contact portion 229 can be moved by the operation of the position adjuster 227. The operation of the position adjuster 227 can be based on manual operation by an operator or on the operation of a servo motor and a screw.

[0065] Next, at P140, the second tab guide 123 can be aligned. Aligning the second tab guide 123 may include adjusting the position of the second tab guide 123 in the Y direction so that the second tab guide 123 contacts the tab guide contact portion 229 (i.e., moving the second tab guide 123 in the Y direction).

[0066] Figure 4 shows that the second tab guide 123 is aligned after the first tab guide 121, but this is for illustrative purposes only and does not limit the technical idea of ​​the present invention in any way. That is, the first tab guide 121 may be aligned after the second tab guide 123 has been aligned.

[0067] The present invention has been described in more detail above with reference to the drawings and embodiments. However, the configurations described in the drawings or embodiments described herein are merely one embodiment of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical concept of the present invention. Therefore, there may be a variety of equivalents and modifications that can be substituted for them at the time of filing.

Claims

1. The first rail and The set includes an alignment block coupled to the first rail, The alignment block is a tab guide alignment device comprising a second rail configured to move in a first direction relative to the first rail, and a tab guide contact portion coupled to the second rail.

2. The tab guide alignment device according to claim 1, wherein the tab guide contact portion is configured to align the tab guides of an ultrasonic welding apparatus.

3. The tab guide alignment device according to claim 1, wherein the alignment block further includes an alignment contact portion coupled to the second rail.

4. The tab guide contact portion protrudes in the first direction relative to the alignment contact portion, as described in claim 3.

5. The tab guide alignment device according to claim 1, wherein the alignment block is interposed between the second rail and the tab guide contact portion and further includes position adjusters coupled to the second rail and the tab guide contact portion, respectively.

6. The tab guide alignment device according to claim 5, wherein the position adjuster is configured to move the tab guide contact portion in a second direction.

7. The tab guide alignment device according to claim 3, further comprising a vernier caliper coupled to the alignment contact portion.

8. The tab guide alignment device according to claim 7, wherein the vernier caliper indicates the position of the alignment contact portion.

9. The first step is to align the tab guide, Steps include moving the tab guide contact portion, The steps include aligning the second tab guide, A method for aligning tab guides, the step of aligning the first tab guides includes adjusting the position of the first tab guides in a first direction so that the first tab guides contact the tab guide contact portion of the alignment block of the tab guide alignment device.

10. The tab guide alignment device further includes a first rail, The alignment block is connected to the first rail, The alignment block includes a second rail configured to move in a first direction relative to the first rail, The tab guide contact portion is coupled to the second rail, a method for aligning tab guides according to claim 9.

11. The alignment block further includes an alignment contact portion coupled to the second rail, The method for aligning tab guides according to claim 10, wherein the tab guide contact portion further protrudes in the first direction relative to the alignment block.

12. A method for aligning a tab guide according to claim 11, further comprising the step of aligning the align block by bringing the align contact portion into contact with the datum block.

13. The method for aligning a tab guide according to claim 12, wherein the alignment contact portion is aligned before the first tab guide is aligned.

14. The method for aligning a tab guide according to claim 9, wherein the step of moving the tab guide contact portion includes moving the tab guide contact portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

15. The method for aligning tab guides according to claim 9, wherein the step of aligning the second tab guides includes adjusting the position of the second tab guides in the first direction so that the second tab guides contact the tab guide contact portion.

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