Notching device

Abstract

A notching device for cutting an electrode that is transported in a certain direction and includes a metal layer, a first insulating layer laminated on the upper surface of the metal layer, and a second insulating layer laminated on the lower surface of the metal layer, the notching device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a first light source unit located above the electrode and irradiating a laser so that the laser reaches the metal layer through the first insulating layer; and a second light source unit located on one side of the first light source unit and irradiating a laser so that the laser reaches the lower surface of the second insulating layer through the first insulating layer and the metal layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0102491 filed on August 4, 2023, and all the content disclosed in the Korean patent application is incorporated herein by reference as part of this specification.

[0002] The present invention relates to a notching device for notching electrodes of a secondary battery.

Background Art

[0003] In order to solve environmental pollution caused by the use of petroleum resources and the shortage of energy sources due to the depletion of petroleum resources, research and development on power generation based on environmentally friendly energy sources are underway. In particular, research on secondary batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged and have a high utilization rate is actively progressing, and research is being conducted on various aspects such as the materials, structure, process, and stability of secondary batteries.

[0004] Generally, examples of secondary batteries include nickel cadmium batteries, nickel metal hydride batteries, lithium ion batteries, and lithium ion polymer batteries. Such secondary batteries are not only applicable to small products such as digital cameras, P-DVDs, MP3Ps, mobile phones, PDAs, portable game devices, power tools, and e-bikes, but also to large products that require high power such as electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, power storage devices for storing surplus generated power or new renewable energy, and backup power storage devices.

[0005] To manufacture such a secondary battery, first, an electrode active material slurry is applied to a positive electrode current collector and a negative electrode current collector to manufacture a positive electrode and a negative electrode, and these are laminated on both sides of a separator to form an electrode assembly of a predetermined shape. Then, the electrode assembly is housed in a battery case, an electrolyte is injected, and then sealed.

[0006] Secondary batteries can also be classified according to the structure of their electrode assemblies, which consist of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the positive and negative electrodes. Examples of electrode assemblies classified in this way include jelly-roll type (wind-up type) electrode assemblies, which have a structure in which long sheet-like positive and negative electrodes are wound up with a separator in between, and stack type (laminated type) electrode assemblies, in which numerous positive and negative electrodes cut into predetermined size units are sequentially stacked with a separator in between. In recent years, in order to solve the problems of jelly-roll type and stack type electrode assemblies, stack / folding type electrode assemblies have also been used as a hybrid form of the jelly-roll type and stack type, in which unit cells, in which positive and negative electrodes of predetermined units are stacked with a separator in between, are sequentially wound up on a separation film.

[0007] Generally, such a secondary battery is manufactured by applying an electrode mixture, which is a mixture of electrode active material, conductive agent, binder, etc., onto an electrode current collector, drying it, stacking the manufactured electrodes together with a separator, and then housing and sealing them in a battery case along with an electrolyte.

[0008] In this case, the electrode is composed of an electrode sheet that includes a surface area coated with electrode active material and a plain area where the electrode active material is not coated. To prevent a short circuit phenomenon in which the separator contracts and the positive and negative electrodes come into contact, an insulating layer is applied to the edge of the surface area, that is, where the plain area begins.

[0009] Electrodes are manufactured by forming electrode tabs on an electrode sheet using a notching process, and then cutting them to a predetermined length. Generally, the notching process for the electrode tabs is performed using a punch and jig that includes a cutting section with a shape corresponding to the electrode tab. In recent years, lasers have been used to form electrodes with even more precise dimensions.

[0010] However, during the process of notching electrodes using a laser, a certain amount of energy or more was sometimes applied to the part of the electrode receiving the laser, causing damage to the surrounding area or resulting in poor notching quality.

[0011] To complement this, there is a need for a notching device that utilizes laser notching while preventing damage to surrounding areas and a decrease in notching quality. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0012] One problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a notching device that irradiates the same location on an electrode with a laser at different depths.

[0013] One problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a notching device that sequentially irradiates with lasers from different light sources. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] A notching device for cutting an electrode that is transported in a certain direction and includes a metal layer, a first insulating layer laminated on the upper surface of the metal layer, and a second insulating layer laminated on the lower surface of the metal layer, the notching device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a first light source unit located above the electrode and irradiating a laser so that the laser reaches the metal layer through the first insulating layer; and a second light source unit located on one side of the first light source unit and irradiating a laser so that the laser reaches the lower surface of the second insulating layer through the first insulating layer and the metal layer.

[0015] The first light source unit and the second light source unit can be arranged in order along the transfer direction of the electrodes.

[0016] The first light source unit irradiates a laser while moving along a first path, and the second light source unit irradiates a laser while moving along a second path, and the configuration of the first path and the configuration of the second path can be identical to each other.

[0017] The form of the second path can be a form obtained by moving a certain distance from the form of the first path.

[0018] The first and second paths may include a first section formed along the transport direction of the electrode, a second section formed diagonally from one end of the first section, a third section formed along the transport direction of the electrode from one end of the second section and closer to the electrode than the first section, and a fourth section formed diagonally from the third section and connected to the other end of the first section.

[0019] When the first light source unit passes through the second section, the second light source unit can pass through the first section; when the first light source unit passes through the third section, the second light source unit can pass through the second section; when the first light source unit passes through the fourth section, the second light source unit can pass through the third section; and when the first light source unit passes through the first section, the second light source unit can pass through the fourth section.

[0020] The first light source unit and the second light source unit can sequentially irradiate the electrodes with lasers to form an uneven shape.

[0021] The first and second pathways may include a circular configuration.

[0022] The second light source unit can irradiate a laser onto one location of the electrode that has been irradiated with a laser by the first light source unit.

[0023] The notching device according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a pattern jig located on the opposite side of the first and second light sources with respect to the electrode, which forms a path through which the first and second light sources irradiate with lasers.

[0024] The pattern jig includes a first path formed such that the first light source unit moves along it to irradiate a laser, and a second path formed such that the second light source unit moves along it to irradiate a laser. The form of the first path and the form of the second path are the same as each other, and the form of the second path can be a form in which the form of the first path has moved a certain distance.

[0025] The first path and the second path include a first section formed along the transfer direction of the electrode, a second section formed obliquely from one end of the first section, a third section formed from one end of the second section along the transfer direction of the electrode and formed at an end of the electrode closer than the first section, and a fourth section formed obliquely from the third section and connected to the other end of the first section.

[0026] The first light source unit and the second light source unit can sequentially irradiate a laser so as to form an uneven shape on the electrode.

[0027] The position of the pattern jig is fixed, and a part of the electrode can move between the first light source unit, the second light source unit, and the pattern jig while the first light source unit and the second light source unit are located above the electrode.

Advantages of the Invention

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, by irradiating the same location of the electrode with lasers having different depths, damage to the peripheral portion of the notching location can be prevented, and notching quality can be further ensured.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, by sequentially irradiating lasers with different light source units, the energy used in the laser notching process can be used more effectively.

[0030] In addition, it can include effects that can be easily predicted by those skilled in the art from the configuration according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0031] The following drawings accompanying this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention described below, serve to provide a better understanding of the technical concept of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be construed as being limited solely to what is shown in these drawings. [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of a notching device related to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a diagram illustrating the operation of a notching device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] These are the shapes of the first and second paths related to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a shape showing one of the first or second routes related to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a plan view of a notching device related to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram of a notching device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram of a pattern jig related to another embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can easily implement it. However, the present invention can be realized in a variety of different forms and is not limited to or restricted to the following embodiments.

[0033] To clearly illustrate the present invention, detailed descriptions of relevant prior art that are irrelevant to the description or that may obscure the essence of the invention are omitted. In this specification, when assigning reference numerals to components in each drawing, the same or similar reference numerals are used for components that are the same or similar throughout the specification.

[0034] Furthermore, terms and words used in this specification and in the claims should not be interpreted in a manner limited to their ordinary and dictionary meanings, but rather should be interpreted in a manner and concept consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention, in accordance with the principle that inventors may appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe their invention.

[0035] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a notching device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Referring to Figure 1, the notching device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention can notch a part of the electrode E. For example, the notching device 1 can irradiate a part of the electrode E with a laser and cut a part of the electrode E. Specifically, the notching device 1 is positioned above the electrode E and irradiates a laser toward the upper surface of the electrode E, causing the electrode E to be moved in a certain direction, thereby cutting a part of the electrode E into a certain shape.

[0037] The electrode E may include a metal layer M formed from a metallic material, an active material layer T coated on at least one surface of the metal layer M for a chemical reaction, and insulating layers S1 and S2 formed at the edges of the active material layer T and made of an insulating material.

[0038] The term "active material" can refer to an active substance that generates electrical energy through a chemical reaction with lithium ions. The active material may include a positive electrode active material coated on the positive electrode plate and a negative electrode active material coated on the negative electrode plate.

[0039] Electrode E consists of a surface area coated with an active material and a surface area without an active material. The insulating layer can be formed at the edge of the surface area, i.e., where the surface area begins. In other words, the insulating layer can be applied to the upper and lower surfaces of the surface area where the surface area and the surface area are joined.

[0040] When an active material layer T is applied to both sides of a metal layer M, the insulating layer may include a first insulating layer S1 laminated on the upper surface of the metal layer M and a second insulating layer S2 laminated on the lower surface of the metal layer M.

[0041] After the roll press process, the electrode E is manufactured and transported in a certain direction, and the notching device 1 can cut the remaining portion in a uniform manner, except for the portion for grounding the tab on the plain area where the active material is not applied.

[0042] The notching device 1 may include a first light source unit 10 and a second light source unit 11.

[0043] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a notching device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Referring to Figure 2, the first light source unit 10 is located above the electrode E and can irradiate the electrode E with a laser. For example, the first light source unit 10 can irradiate the laser so that it reaches the metal layer M through the first insulating layer S1. That is, the first light source unit 10 can irradiate the electrode E with a laser so that it does not reach the second insulating layer S2.

[0045] The second light source unit 11 is located on one side of the first light source unit 10 and can irradiate the electrode E with a laser. For example, the second light source unit 11 can be located above the electrode E, similar to the first light source unit 10.

[0046] The first light source unit 10 and the second light source unit 11 can be arranged sequentially along the direction of transport of the electrode E. In other words, the second light source unit 11 can be located in the area moved from the first light source unit 10 along the direction of transport of the electrode E.

[0047] The laser emitted by the second light source unit 11 can penetrate the electrode E more deeply than the laser emitted by the first light source unit 10. For example, the second light source unit 11 can emit a laser so that it reaches the lower surface of the second insulating layer S2 through the first insulating layer S1 and the metal layer M.

[0048] Such differences in laser depth can be adjusted by adjusting the parameters of the first light source unit 10 and the second light source unit 11. For example, the parameters may include focusing, power, and frequency.

[0049] Furthermore, the second light source unit 11 can irradiate the same location on electrode E that has been irradiated by the first light source unit 10. In other words, the first light source unit 10 and the second light source unit 11 can sequentially irradiate the same location on electrode E with lasers.

[0050] Specifically, after the first light source unit 10 irradiates a specific location on the electrode E with a laser, the electrode E is moved a certain distance along the transport direction, and the second light source unit 11 can irradiate the specific location that the first light source unit 10 irradiated with a laser again.

[0051] In other words, while the first light source unit 10 first irradiates the laser so as to cut through the first insulating layer S1 to a part of the metal layer M, the second light source unit 11 secondarily irradiates the laser so as to cut through the remaining part of the metal layer M and the second insulating layer S2.

[0052] More specifically, the first light source unit 10 and the second light source unit 11 can irradiate the electrode E with a laser while moving along a fixed path.

[0053] Figure 3 shows the shapes of the first path 10a and the second path 11a in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Referring to Figure 3, the first light source unit 10 can irradiate with a laser while moving along the first path 10a, and the second light source unit 11 can irradiate with a laser while moving along the second path 11a. Since the first light source unit 10 and the second light source unit 11 have the same movement pattern, the configuration of the first path 10a and the configuration of the second path 11a can be identical.

[0055] Furthermore, since the first light source unit 10 and the second light source unit 11 move while being separated from each other for a certain distance, the configuration of the second path 11a can be the configuration of the first path 10a after it has moved a certain distance. In other words, the first path 10a and the second path 11a can be formed separated from each other by the distance that the first light source unit 10 and the second light source unit 11 are separated from each other.

[0056] Furthermore, the first path 10a and the second path 11a can form a region that partially overlaps. However, the first path 10a and the second path 11a do not necessarily overlap each other, and whether or not they overlap may vary depending on the shape of the cross-section of electrode E and the notching process.

[0057] The first path 10a and the second path 11a can include a cyclical form. In other words, the first path 10a and the second path 11a can include a form that is repeatedly cyclical.

[0058] Figure 4 shows the shape of one of the first path 10a or second path 11a in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Referring to Figure 4, the first path 10a and the second path 11a may include a first section R1 formed along the transport direction of electrode E, a second section R2 formed diagonally from one end of the first section R1, a third section R3 formed along the transport direction of electrode E from one end of the second section and located further towards the end of electrode E than the first section R1, and a fourth section R4 formed diagonally from the third section R3 and connected to the other end of the first section R1. In this case, the second section R2 and the fourth section R4 may be formed to intersect each other.

[0060] In other words, the first light source unit 10 and the second light source unit 11 move sequentially through the first section R1 to the fourth section R4, and while repeatedly circulating through the first section R1 to the fourth section R4, they can irradiate the electrode E with a laser.

[0061] In this case, as described above, the first light source unit 10 and the second light source unit 11 can move sequentially with a time difference between them. Specifically, when the first light source unit 10 repeatedly moves along the first path 10a, the second light source unit 11 can move through a section preceding the section moved by the first light source unit 10.

[0062] For example, when the first light source 10 passes through the second section R2, the second light source 11 can pass through the first section R1, and when the first light source 10 passes through the third section R3, the second light source 11 can pass through the second section R2. Similarly, when the first light source 10 passes through the fourth section R4, the second light source 11 can pass through the third section R3, and when the first light source 10 passes through the first section R1, the second light source 11 can pass through the fourth section R4.

[0063] Furthermore, considering the transfer speed of the electrode E, the first light source unit 10 and the second light source unit 11 can irradiate the laser while moving through the second section R2 or the fourth section R4 such that the electrode E is cut in the direction in which the metal layer M protrudes from the active material layer T, i.e., in the width direction of the electrode E.

[0064] In other words, when the first light source unit 10 and the second light source unit 11 pass through the second section R2, the electrode E can be cut along the direction in which the metal layer M protrudes from the active material layer T. Conversely, when the first light source unit 10 and the second light source unit 11 pass through the fourth section R4, the electrode E can be cut in the opposite direction to the direction in which the metal layer M protrudes.

[0065] Furthermore, when the first light source unit 10 and the second light source unit 11 pass through the first section R1 or the third section R3, the electrode E can be cut in a direction aligned with the transport direction of the electrode E.

[0066] Figure 5 is a plan view of a notching device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Referring to Figure 5, according to the irradiation method of the first light source unit 10 and the second light source unit 11 along the first path 10a and the second path 11a, the first light source unit 10 and the second light source unit 11 can sequentially irradiate the electrode E with a laser so as they move along the first path 10a and the second path 11a. That is, protruding portions formed at regular intervals and recessed portions formed at regular intervals can be formed on the plain portion of the electrode E. The tab of the electrode E can be grounded to the protruding portions of the plain portion.

[0068] In relation to this, if only a single laser irradiation device is provided and the laser is irradiated only once, there is a problem that the laser penetrates deeply, creating an additional area where the laser contacts electrode E as a surface, and damaging the cut portion. Conversely, if the laser penetrates only thinly, there is a problem that uncut portions will be created, resulting in a decrease in notching quality.

[0069] Furthermore, if the notching process is performed twice using only a single laser at different laser depths, there is a risk that the notching time will increase excessively, leading to a decrease in the efficiency of the notching process.

[0070] As a result, the first light source unit 10 and the second light source unit 11 are arranged along the transport direction of the electrode E, and by sequentially irradiating the same location on the electrode E with lasers at different depths, damage to the area surrounding the notched location can be prevented, and the quality of the notching can be further ensured.

[0071] Furthermore, cutting electrode E by sequentially passing the laser through it twice is more efficient than cutting electrode E by passing the laser through it once, as it utilizes the energy used for laser irradiation more efficiently. Therefore, by sequentially irradiating with lasers by the first light source unit 10 and the second light source unit 11 in this manner, the energy used in the laser notching process can be utilized more efficiently.

[0072] The following describes a notching device 1 related to another embodiment of the present invention. Details that overlap with the description of the notching device 1 related to the previously mentioned embodiment of the present invention will be omitted below.

[0073] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a notching device 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of a pattern jig 12 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Referring to Figures 6 and 7, a notching device 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention may further include a pattern jig 12 located on the opposite side of the first light source unit 10 and the second light source unit 11 with respect to the electrode E, and forming a path through which the first light source unit 10 and the second light source unit 11 irradiate with laser light. In other words, the pattern jig 12 may be located below the electrode E.

[0075] The pattern jig 12 may include a pattern shape formed to guide the lasers emitted from the first light source unit 10 and the second light source unit 11. For example, the pattern jig 12 may have certain parts that are recessed, and these recessed parts may be paths along which the first light source unit 10 and the second light source unit 11 move.

[0076] Specifically, the pattern jig 12 may include a first path 10a along which a first light source unit 10 moves and irradiates with a laser, and a second path 11a along which a second light source unit 11 moves and irradiates with a laser.

[0077] Since the first light source unit 10 and the second light source unit 11 have the same movement pattern, the configuration of the first path 10a and the configuration of the second path 11a can be identical.

[0078] Furthermore, since the first light source unit 10 and the second light source unit 11 move while being separated from each other for a certain distance, the configuration of the second path 11a can be the configuration of the first path 10a after moving a certain distance.

[0079] The first path 10a and the second path 11a may include a first section R1 formed along the transport direction of the electrode E, a second section R2 formed diagonally from one end of the first section R1, a third section R3 formed along the transport direction of the electrode E from one end of the second section and located further towards the electrode E than the first section R1, and a fourth section R4 formed diagonally from the third section R3 and connected to the other end of the first section R1. In this case, the second section R2 and the fourth section R4 may be formed to intersect each other.

[0080] In other words, the first light source unit 10 and the second light source unit 11 move sequentially through the first section R1 to the fourth section R4, and while repeatedly circulating through the first section R1 to the fourth section R4, they can irradiate the electrode E with a laser.

[0081] The position of the pattern jig 12 is fixed, and the first light source unit 10 and the second light source unit 11 are positioned above the electrode E, while a portion of the electrode E can move between the first light source unit 10 and the second light source unit 11 and the pattern jig 12.

[0082] The above description is merely illustrative of the technical concept of the present invention, and a person with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs could make various modifications and alterations without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention.

[0083] Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in this invention are for illustrative purposes only, and not to limit the technical concept of the invention, and the scope of the technical concept of the invention is not limited by such embodiments.

[0084] The scope of protection of this invention should be interpreted in accordance with the attached claims, and all technical ideas within an equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the rights of this invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 1. Notching device 10 1st light source section 11 Second light source section 12 Pattern jigs 10a Route 1 11a Second Route R1 Section 1 R2 Section 2 R3 Section 3 R4 Section 4 E-electrode T active material layer S1 First insulating layer S2 Second insulating layer M Metal layer

Claims

1. A notching device for cutting an electrode that is transported in a certain direction and includes a metal layer, a first insulating layer laminated on the upper surface of the metal layer, and a second insulating layer laminated on the lower surface of the metal layer, A first light source unit located above the electrode irradiates the metal layer with a laser so that the laser reaches the metal layer through the first insulating layer, A notching device comprising: a second light source unit located on one side of the first light source unit, which irradiates a laser so that the laser reaches the lower surface of the second insulating layer through the first insulating layer and the metal layer.

2. The notching device according to claim 1, wherein the first light source and the second light source are arranged in order along the transfer direction of the electrodes.

3. The first light source unit irradiates with a laser while moving along the first path, and the second light source unit irradiates with a laser while moving along the second path. The notching device according to claim 2, wherein the configuration of the first path and the configuration of the second path are identical to each other.

4. The notching device according to claim 3, wherein the form of the second path is a form obtained by moving the form of the first path a certain distance.

5. The first and second routes are, A first section formed along the transport direction of the electrode, A second section formed diagonally from one end of the first section, A third section is formed from one end of the second section along the direction of electrode transport, and is formed closer to the end of the electrode than the first section, The notching device according to claim 4, further comprising: a fourth section formed diagonally from the third section and connected to the other end of the first section.

6. When the first light source unit passes through the second section, the second light source unit passes through the first section, When the first light source unit passes through the third section, the second light source unit passes through the second section. When the first light source unit passes through the fourth section, the second light source unit passes through the third section. The notching device according to claim 5, wherein when the first light source unit passes through the first section, the second light source unit passes through the fourth section.

7. The notching apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the first light source and the second light source sequentially irradiate the electrode with a laser to form an uneven shape.

8. The notching device according to claim 6, wherein the first and second paths include a circulating configuration.

9. The notching apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second light source unit irradiates a laser onto one location of the electrode that has been irradiated with a laser by the first light source unit.

10. The notching apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a pattern jig located on the opposite side of the first and second light sources with respect to the electrode, which forms a path through which the first and second light sources irradiate with lasers.

11. The pattern jig includes a first path formed along which the first light source unit moves and irradiates with a laser, and a second path formed along which the second light source unit moves and irradiates with a laser. The configuration of the first path and the configuration of the second path are identical to each other. The notching device according to claim 10, wherein the form of the second path is a form obtained by moving the form of the first path a certain distance.

12. The first and second routes are, A first section formed along the transport direction of the electrode, A second section formed diagonally from one end of the first section, A third section is formed from one end of the second section along the direction of electrode transport, and is formed closer to the end of the electrode than the first section, The notching device according to claim 11, further comprising: a fourth section formed diagonally from the third section and connected to the other end of the first section.

13. The notching apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the first light source and the second light source sequentially irradiate the electrode with a laser to form an uneven shape.

14. The notching device according to claim 10, wherein the position of the pattern jig is fixed, and the first light source and the second light source are located above the electrode, and a part of the electrode moves between the first light source and the second light source and the pattern jig.

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