Secondary battery manufacturing equipment

Abstract

The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a substrate on one surface of which a sheet containing a secondary battery material is positioned; a cutting member including a knife for ultrasonically cutting the sheet and a support portion to which the knife is attached and fixed; and a vibrator that receives power transmission from a power source and applies ultrasonic vibration to the cutting member, and the cutting member can apply ultrasonic vibration to the sheet to cut the sheet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - reference to Related Applications] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2022 - 0105363 filed on August 23, 2022, Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2023 - 0102321 filed on August 4, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2023 - 0102322 filed on August 4, 2023, and all the contents disclosed in the documents of the Korean patent applications are incorporated herein by reference as part of this specification.

[0002] The present invention relates to a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus, and more specifically, to a battery cell manufacturing apparatus capable of shortening the pouch sealing time and ensuring the sealing quality of battery cells.

Background Art

[0003] With the increasing technological development and demand for mobile devices, the demand for secondary batteries as an energy source has been rapidly increasing. Accordingly, research on secondary batteries that can meet various requirements has been actively conducted.

[0004] Secondary batteries are attracting attention not only as an energy source for mobile devices such as mobile phones, digital cameras, and notebook computers but also for power devices such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrid electric vehicles.

[0005] Typically, there is a high demand for lithium secondary batteries such as lithium - ion batteries and lithium - ion polymer batteries, which have advantages such as high energy density, discharge voltage, and output stability.

[0006] Furthermore, secondary batteries can be classified according to the structure of their electrode assembly, which consists of a stacked positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator membrane placed between the positive and negative electrodes. Typical examples include jelly roll (wind-up) electrode assemblies, which are constructed by winding long sheet-type positive and negative electrodes with a separator membrane in between, and stack-type (layered) electrode assemblies, which are constructed by sequentially stacking multiple positive and negative electrodes cut into predetermined sizes with a separator membrane in between. Of these, in order to manufacture a stack-type (layered) electrode assembly, it is first necessary to cut the sheet-type positive and negative electrodes.

[0007] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a conventional secondary battery manufacturing apparatus. Figure 2 is a diagram showing that the secondary battery material burns when cutting sheets using a conventional secondary battery manufacturing apparatus.

[0008] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the conventional secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 10 can cut the sheet 11 with the cutting member 20. The sheet 11 may include electrode sheets and separation membrane sheets.

[0009] Specifically, the cutting member 20 can cut the sheet 11, which is moving in a second direction (x-axis direction), while moving in a first direction (z-axis direction and -z-axis direction).

[0010] However, repeated cutting of the sheet 11 generates heat in the cutting member 20 due to friction, which can cause flying debris from the cut sheet 11 to burn onto it. More specifically, the flying debris, while in contact with the blade of the cutting member 20, rides up in the direction of the blade's inclined surface and burns onto it. Consequently, the cut surface of the cut sheet 11 may not be smooth due to the flying debris from the sheet that has burned onto the cutting member 20.

[0011] Furthermore, repeated cutting of the electrode sheet 11 may cause the blade of the cutting member 20 to become dull. When the electrode sheet 11 is cut with a dull cutting member 20, the cut surface of the cut electrode or separation membrane 12 may not be smooth.

[0012] Therefore, there is a problem in that sheet debris may burn onto the cutting member 20, or the blade of the cutting member 20 may become dull, potentially leading to poor quality of the electrodes. Attempts are being made to reduce the occurrence of such problems. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0013] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus for improving the efficiency of the secondary battery manufacturing process and for manufacturing secondary batteries with improved safety.

[0014] However, the problems that the embodiments of the present invention aim to solve are not limited to those described above, and can be extended in various ways within the scope of the technical ideas included in the present invention. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] A secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a substrate on which a sheet containing secondary battery material is positioned on one surface; a cutting member including a knife for ultrasonically cutting the sheet and a support part on which the knife is mounted and fixed; and a transducer that receives power from a power source and applies ultrasonic vibrations to the cutting member. Here, the cutting member can cut the sheet by applying ultrasonic vibrations to the sheet.

[0016] Resonance may occur when the aforementioned sheet is cut improperly.

[0017] When the sheet is cut correctly, the power applied to the vibrator may be the first power, and when the sheet is cut improperly, the power applied to the vibrator may be the second power.

[0018] The system further includes a sensor unit and a control unit electrically connected to the power supply, wherein the sensor unit recognizes the power applied to the vibrator and then transmits an electrical signal corresponding to a range of the power values ​​to the control unit, and the control unit can control the operation of the cutting member according to the electrical signal.

[0019] When the sensor unit recognizes the first power, it transmits a first electrical signal to the control unit, which controls the cutting member to operate continuously. When the sensor unit recognizes the second power, it transmits a second electrical signal to the control unit, which can then stop the operation of the cutting member.

[0020] The system further includes a display unit electrically connected to the power supply, the display unit being capable of indicating the power applied to the oscillator.

[0021] The support portion may include a hole that penetrates the support portion.

[0022] The vibrator may include holes that penetrate it.

[0023] The substrate may further include a damage prevention layer located on one surface of the substrate on which the sheet is located.

[0024] The aforementioned damage prevention layer is 5H S ~85H S It can have a Shore hardness of [value missing].

[0025] The damage prevention layer can be PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), silicon, MC nylon (Mono Cast Nylon), Teflon (registered trademark), or PET (polyethylene terephthalate).

[0026] Alternatively, the damage prevention layer may be a high-strength and high elastic limit performance fiber.

[0027] The damage prevention layer may have a tensile strength of 20 g / d (17.7 cN / dtex) or more and an elastic modulus of 500 g / d (441 cN / dtex) or more.

[0028] The damage prevention layer can be p-aramid (para-Aramid) or UHMWPE (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene).

Advantages of the Invention

[0029] According to the embodiment, when cutting the secondary battery material, splashes generated do not adhere to the cutting member, thereby improving the quality of the electrode and the safety of the secondary battery.

[0030] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0031] [Figure 1] It is a drawing showing a conventional secondary battery manufacturing apparatus. [Figure 2] It is a drawing showing that when cutting a sheet with a conventional secondary battery manufacturing apparatus, the secondary battery material adheres. [Figure 3] It is a perspective view showing a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a drawing of the cutting member and the vibrator of FIG. 3 of the present invention as viewed from the third direction. [Figure 5] This flowchart shows the process for recognizing whether or not a secondary battery is defective. [Figure 6] (a) is a flowchart showing the process by which a user recognizes whether or not a secondary battery is defective, and (b) is a flowchart showing the process by which a secondary battery manufacturing system recognizes whether or not a secondary battery is defective. [Figure 7] This is a drawing showing a knife according to one modified example of the present invention. [Figure 8] Figure 7 is a diagram showing the degree to which the secondary battery material burns depending on the position where the protrusion is provided. [Figure 9] This is a drawing showing a knife according to another modification of the present invention. [Figure 10] Figure 9 is a diagram showing the degree to which the secondary battery material burns depending on the position where the recess is provided. [Figure 11] This is a drawing showing a knife according to yet another modification of the present invention. [Figure 12] This is a perspective view showing a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] This is a diagram showing a modified version of the substrate shown in Figure 12. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0032] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings, so that those with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains can easily implement it. The present invention can be implemented in several different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0033] To clearly explain the present invention, irrelevant parts have been omitted, and the same or similar reference numerals have been used throughout the specification for identical or similar components.

[0034] Furthermore, the dimensions and thicknesses of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily indicated for the sake of explanation, and therefore the present invention is not necessarily limited to those shown. In the drawings, the thicknesses are shown enlarged to clearly represent multiple layers and regions. Also, in the drawings, the thicknesses of some layers and regions are shown exaggerated for the sake of explanation.

[0035] Furthermore, when a layer, membrane, region, plate, or other part is "on top of" or "on top of" another part, this includes not only when it is "directly above" the other part, but also when there is another part in between. Conversely, when we say that one part is "directly above" another part, it means that there is no other part in the middle. Also, when we say that a part is "on top of" or "on top of" a reference part, it means that it is located above or below the reference part, and does not necessarily mean that it is located "on top of" or "on top of" the opposite direction of gravity.

[0036] Furthermore, throughout the specification, when a part "includes" a certain component, unless otherwise stated, it means that it may include other components rather than excluding them.

[0037] Furthermore, throughout the specification, "on a plane" means when the subject is viewed from above, and "on a cross-section" means when the cross-section of the subject is viewed from the side after being cut vertically.

[0038] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a view of the cutting member and vibrator of Figure 3 of the present invention from a third direction.

[0039] Referring to Figure 3, a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a substrate 130, a cutting member 200, and a vibrator 300.

[0040] The substrate 130 can be a flat plate. A sheet 110 can be positioned on one surface of the substrate 130. The sheet 110 can contain secondary battery material. For example, the sheet 110 can be an electrode sheet or a separation membrane sheet.

[0041] The substrate 130 can move in a second direction (D2), and the sheet 110 can move along with the movement of the substrate 130. Here, the second direction (D2) may be a direction parallel to the substrate 130.

[0042] The cutting member 200 can come into contact with the sheet 110 while moving in a first direction (D1). The first direction (D1) may be perpendicular to the substrate 130. In this drawing, the first direction (D1) is shown as one direction on the coordinate system, but this includes not only one direction on the coordinate system but also the direction opposite to it, and the same can be understood for the second direction (D2) and the third direction (D3).

[0043] The cutting member 200 can cut the sheet 110 while in contact with it. At this time, the sheet 110 can be cut in the third direction (D3).

[0044] The cutting member 200 can cut the sheet 110 using ultrasound. Specifically, the cutting member 200 can receive ultrasound waves generated from the transducer 300. The transducer 300 is fixed in contact with the cutting member 200 and can generate ultrasonic vibrations. That is, the ultrasonic vibrations generated from the transducer 300 are transmitted to the cutting member 200, and the cutting member 200 transmits the transmitted ultrasonic vibrations to the sheet 110, thereby cutting the sheet 110.

[0045] Hereinafter, a cutting member 200 and a vibrator 300 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Figure 4.

[0046] Specifically, the cutting member 200 may include a knife 210, a support 220, and a clamp 230.

[0047] The knife 210 can cut the sheet 110. The knife 210 can cut the sheet 110 through ultrasonic vibration. The knife 210 may be equipped with a blade at one end, and the blade can cut the sheet 110 by contacting it.

[0048] The knife 210 can be made of cermet. Because the knife 210 is made of cermet, the frictional force between the knife 210 and the secondary battery material can be minimized during cutting.

[0049] The knife 210 may include a first surface 211, a second surface 212, and a third surface 213.

[0050] The first surface 211 and the second surface 212 of the knife 210 can each be surfaces that extend at a predetermined angle toward a first direction (D1). Here, the first direction (D1) is the direction in which the knife 210 moves, meaning the direction in which the sheet 110 is cut. At this time, one end of the first surface 211 and one end of the second surface 212 can be in contact with each other to form a vertex 214, and the vertex 214 can be a blade.

[0051] The first surface 211 and the second surface 212 can form a certain angle with one end of each surface touching each other, and this angle can be defined as the first angle (a1). That is, the angle at vertex 214 can be the first angle (a1). In this case, the first angle (a1) may be 120 degrees or less.

[0052] Specifically, when the first angle (a1) is 120 degrees or less, the cutting quality of the secondary battery material is ensured. If the first angle (a1) exceeds 120 degrees, problems such as the first surface 211 or the second surface 212 of the knife 210 coming into contact with the sheet 110 may occur, resulting in improper cutting and potentially affecting the quality of the electrodes.

[0053] The third surface 213 may be a surface extending in the second direction (D2). Here, the second direction (D2) is the direction perpendicular to the direction in which the knife 210 moves, and is perpendicular to the first direction. One end and the other end of the third surface 213 can be positioned in contact with the other end of the first surface 211 and the other end of the second surface 212, respectively. The third surface 213 can be fixed in contact with one surface of the support portion 220. Therefore, the knife 210 can be mounted and fixed to the support portion 220.

[0054] However, the shape and orientation of the first surface 211, second surface 212, and third surface 213 of the knife 210 are not limited to those described above; any shape is possible as long as it can cut the sheet 110 while maintaining the quality of the electrodes.

[0055] A clamp 230 can be provided on the outer surface of the support portion 220.

[0056] The clamp 230 can be provided while enclosing the outer surface of the support portion 220. That is, the clamp 230 can move while coupled with the support portion 220. Specifically, the clamp 230 is connected to an actuator and can move in a first direction (D1) under the control of the actuator. As a result, the support portion 220 in contact with the clamp 230 and the knife 210 fixed to the support portion 220 can move in the first direction (D1) in correspondence with the movement of the clamp 230. That is, the knife 210 can cut the sheet 110 moving in a second direction (D2) while moving in the first direction (D1) by the clamp 230.

[0057] As described above, when cutting the sheet 110 using ultrasonic vibrations, the cut surface of the sheet 110 can be cut more cleanly compared to cutting the sheet 110 with a general knife.

[0058] The transducer 300 generates ultrasonic vibrations and transmits them to the cutting member 200. Specifically, the ultrasonic vibrations generated by the transducer 300 are transmitted to the support 220, and the ultrasonic vibrations transmitted to the support 220 are transmitted to the knife 210, thereby enabling the sheet 110 to be cut.

[0059] The transducer 300 can be fixed and positioned while in contact with one surface of the support portion 220. Specifically, the transducer 300 can be fixed and positioned on one surface of the support portion 220 that faces the surface of the support portion 220 on which the knife 210 is located.

[0060] The transducer 300 can generate ultrasonic waves by receiving a constant power from an external power source. However, if the sheet 110 is not cut properly, such as when there are defects in the cutting quality during the cutting of the sheet 110, resonance may occur.

[0061] When resonance occurs, the power applied to the oscillator 300 may increase above a certain value, which can also mean that the cutting quality of the sheet 110 is poor. In the above case, the user / manager can confirm that the cutting quality is poor by recognizing the change in the power range applied to the oscillator 300. However, the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 100 of the present invention may also include a secondary battery manufacturing system that recognizes the power value applied to the oscillator 300 and thereby determines whether the cutting quality of the sheet 110 is normal or poor. This will be explained in more detail later in Figure 5.

[0062] In summary, the user can determine whether or not there are defects in the cutting quality of the sheet 110 by observing the change in the power range applied to the transducer 300, or they can also determine whether or not there are defects in the cutting quality of the sheet 110 by using a power sensor electrically connected to the power supply and recognizing the power range applied to the transducer 300. Therefore, determining the cutting quality of the sheet based on the power range applied to the transducer 300 improves the accuracy of defect sorting and improves process efficiency and electrode quality compared to conventional methods of determining the cutting quality of the sheet using cameras or vision sensors.

[0063] Referring again to Figure 4, the support portion 220 and the transducer 300 can each include holes. The support portion 220 may include a first hole 221, and the transducer 300 may include a second hole 310. The first hole 221 is a hole that penetrates the support portion 220, and the second hole 310 is a hole that penetrates the transducer 300. There can be at least one of each of the first hole 221 and the second hole 310.

[0064] Specifically, the first hole 221 is shown as penetrating the support portion 220 in a third direction (D3), but it is not limited to this, and the first hole 221 can also penetrate the support portion 220 in a second direction (D2). Similarly to the first hole 221, the second hole 310 is shown as penetrating the transducer 300 in a third direction (D3), but it is not limited to this, and the second hole 310 can also penetrate the transducer 300 in a second direction (D2).

[0065] The first hole 221 and the second hole 310 can function as flow channels, as a fluid such as air can move through them. Therefore, when heat is generated in the cutting member 200 and the vibrator 300 by the continuously progressing cutting process, the first hole 221 and the second hole 310 provide air cooling, which can cool the heat generated from the cutting member 200 and the vibrator 300. This prevents the heat generated in the vibrator 300 from being transmitted to the support 220 and the knife 210, thereby minimizing the risk of the secondary battery material burning onto the knife 210 due to heat during cutting of the sheet 110.

[0066] Figure 5 is a flowchart showing the process of recognizing whether or not a secondary battery is defective. Figure 6(a) is a flowchart showing the process by which a user recognizes whether or not a secondary battery is defective, and Figure 6(b) is a flowchart showing the process by which a secondary battery manufacturing system recognizes whether or not a secondary battery is defective.

[0067] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, in a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the presence or absence of defects in the sheet can be determined by the power range applied to the vibrator 300.

[0068] Specifically, if the sheet is not properly cut by the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 100, resonance may occur, and if resonance occurs, the power applied to the transducer 300 may be above a preset level. For example, if the power applied to the transducer 300 during normal cutting is the first power (W1), then if the cut sheet 110 is defective, the power applied to the transducer 300 can be the second power (W2). In this case, the first power (W1) and the second power (W2) can be different values.

[0069] Therefore, when a second power (W2) is applied to the oscillator 300, the user and the secondary battery manufacturing system can recognize an anomaly in the power range and take appropriate measures. This recognition of the power range is explained in more detail in Figure 6.

[0070] Referring to Figure 6(a), users and administrators can take appropriate measures depending on the power range applied to the oscillator 300.

[0071] More specifically, a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 100 according to one embodiment may include a display unit (U1). The display unit (U1) may be electrically connected to a power source (P) and may be configured to display the power range applied from the power source (P) to the oscillator 300. The display unit (U1) may include a configuration for displaying the power range, which may include, for example, a panel. Thus, via the display unit (U1), the user can recognize the current power range being applied to the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 100.

[0072] Therefore, when the power range displayed on the display unit (U1) is the first power (W1), the user can recognize that the secondary battery manufacturing device 100 is operating normally and allow the secondary battery manufacturing device 100 to continue cutting the sheet 110.

[0073] On the other hand, if the power range displayed on the display unit (U1) is the second power (W2), the user can recognize that resonance is occurring, preventing the sheet 110 from being properly cut and resulting in a defect, and can stop the secondary battery manufacturing process.

[0074] Referring to Figure 6(b), the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 100 according to another embodiment can be controlled by the secondary battery manufacturing system.

[0075] The secondary battery manufacturing system may include a sensor unit (U2) and a control unit (U3). Both the sensor unit (U2) and the control unit (U3) may be electrically connected to a power supply (P).

[0076] The sensor unit (U2) recognizes the power range applied to the oscillator 300 and can transmit an electrical signal corresponding to the power value range to the control unit (U3). The control unit (U3) receives the electrical signal from the sensor unit (U2) and can thereby control the operation of the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 100. In other words, the control unit (U3) can control the operation of the cutting member based on the electrical signal transmitted from the sensor unit (U2).

[0077] Specifically, when the power value applied to the vibrator 300 is the first power (W1), the sensor unit (U2) recognizes this and can transmit the first electrical signal to the control unit (U3). In this case, the control unit (U3) can control the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 100 so that it continues to operate normally without stopping its operation. That is, the control unit (U3) can control the cutting member so that it continues to operate normally without stopping its operation.

[0078] On the other hand, if the power value applied to the transducer 300 is the second power (W2), the sensor unit (U2) can recognize this and transmit the second electrical signal to the control unit (U3). In this case, the control unit (U3) can stop the operation of the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 100. That is, the control unit (U3) can stop the operation of the cutting material. Therefore, when the operation of the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 100 is stopped by the control unit (U3), the user or manager can determine whether there is a defect in the sheet and take measures such as replacing the knife to enable normal cutting again.

[0079] In general terms, the sensor unit (U2) recognizes the power range applied to the oscillator 300, and the control unit (U3) controls the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 100 according to the power range.

[0080] When the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 100 is controlled according to the secondary battery manufacturing system, the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 100 is controlled systematically, which is more convenient for users and administrators compared to when the user directly recognizes the power range through the display unit (U1) and maintains or stops the operation of the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 100 accordingly. Furthermore, since users and administrators do not need to continuously monitor the power range during the manufacturing process, manufacturing costs such as labor costs can be reduced.

[0081] Figure 7 is a drawing showing a knife according to one modification of the present invention. Figure 8 is a drawing showing the degree of burn-in of the secondary battery material depending on the position where the protrusion in Figure 7 is provided. Figure 8(a) is a drawing showing the degree of burn-in of the secondary battery material when the first length is shorter than the second length, and Figure 8(b) is a drawing showing the degree of burn-in of the secondary battery material when the first length is longer than the second length.

[0082] The knife described in Figures 7 and 8 is a modified example of one embodiment of the present invention disclosed in Figures 3 and 4, and a detailed explanation of the same configuration as described above will be omitted.

[0083] Referring to Figures 7 and 8, a modified version of the knife 210 of the present invention may include a projection 215.

[0084] The projection 215 can be located on the side of the knife 210. Specifically, the projection 215 can be located on the first surface 211 and the second surface 212 of the knife 210, respectively. The projection 215 may be a single region protruding from the first surface 211 and the second surface 212.

[0085] The protrusion 215 may be structured to allow the secondary battery material to be removed from the knife 210 in the shortest possible time after the sheet 110 has been cut by the knife 210. That is, when the sheet 110 is cut with the knife 210 including the protrusion 215, the secondary battery material stuck to the knife 210 can be removed from the knife 210 while in contact with the protrusion 215. Therefore, the protrusion 215 shortens the contact time between the secondary battery material and the knife 210. Consequently, even if the secondary battery material is stuck to the knife 210 due to the frictional heat generated during cutting, the protrusion 215 prevents the secondary battery material from being stuck as it rises along the first surface 211 and the second surface 212 of the knife 210, allowing it to be removed from the knife 210 as quickly as possible.

[0086] More specifically, the secondary battery material can be taken from the knife 210 with respect to the protrusion initiation portion 215a. The protrusion initiation portion 215a can be defined as the region where the protrusion 215 begins, with respect to the vertex 214 where the first surface 211 and the second surface 212 meet.

[0087] Referring to Figure 8, the length from the vertex 214 to the protruding start portion 215a may be the first length (d1), and the height of the sheet 110 may be the second length (d2). In this case, the first length (d1) may be shorter than the second length (d2).

[0088] Specifically, referring to Figure 8(a), if the first length (d1) is shorter than the second length (d2), the projection 215 can have a height lower than the second length (d2) and be located on the first surface 211 and the second surface 212. In this case, even if the secondary battery material is burned onto the knife 210 by frictional heat during cutting of the sheet 110, the projection 215 allows the burned secondary battery material to be removed from the knife 210 without rising along the first surface 211 and the second surface 212.

[0089] In contrast, referring to Figure 8(b), if the first length (d1) is longer than the second length (d2), the protrusion 215 can be located on the first surface 211 and the second surface 212 while having a height greater than the second length (d2). In this case, when cutting the sheet 110, the secondary battery material may be burned onto the knife 210 due to frictional heat and remain stuck to the knife 210 above a certain height without being removed. Therefore, even if the protrusion 215 is provided, there is a high possibility that the cutting quality of the sheet 110 will be poor.

[0090] In other words, for these reasons, it is desirable that the first length (d1) be shorter than the second length (d2).

[0091] In the knife 210 shown in Figures 7 and 8, the cutting load is concentrated on the protrusion 215, so the knife 210 needs to be designed in a way that does not shorten the blade life. Also, in order to maintain the same ultrasonic amplitude transmitted to the knife 210, the mass of the other parts of the knife 210 needs to be reduced by the amount of mass increased by the protrusion 215. For example, this can be achieved by reducing the total mass of the knife 210 excluding the protrusion 215 by the amount of mass of the protrusion 215, or by designing the knife 210 to have a recess 216 together with the protrusion 215, as shown in Figure 11 later. In other words, even if the knife 210 is equipped with a protrusion 215, the total mass of the knife 210 must be the same as the total mass of the knife 210 without the protrusion 215.

[0092] In this drawing, the protruding portion 215 is shown as a sharply protruding triangular shape, but it is not limited to this shape; any protruding shape is acceptable.

[0093] Figure 9 is a drawing showing a knife according to another modification of the present invention. Figure 10 is a drawing showing the degree of scorching of the secondary battery material depending on the position where the recess in Figure 9 is provided. Figure 10(a) is a drawing showing the degree of scorching of the secondary battery material when the first length is shorter than the second length, and Figure 10(b) is a drawing showing the degree of scorching of the secondary battery material when the first length is longer than the second length.

[0094] The knife described in Figures 9 and 10 is a modified example of one embodiment of the present invention disclosed in Figures 3 and 4, and a detailed explanation of the same configuration as described above will be omitted.

[0095] Referring to Figures 9 and 10, a knife 210 according to another modification of the present invention may include a recess 216.

[0096] The recess 216 can be located on the side of the knife 210. Specifically, the recess 216 can be located on the first surface 211 and the second surface 212 of the knife 210, respectively. The recess 216 may also be a recessed area on the first surface 211 and the second surface 212.

[0097] The recess 216 may be a structure that allows the secondary battery material to be removed from the knife 210 in the shortest possible time after the sheet 110 has been cut with the knife 210. That is, when the sheet 110 is cut with a knife 210 that includes a recess 216, the secondary battery material can be removed from the knife 210 while in contact with the recess 216. Therefore, the recess 216 can shorten the contact time between the secondary battery material and the knife 210. Consequently, even if the secondary battery material is burned onto the knife 210 by the frictional heat generated during cutting, the recess 216 prevents the secondary battery material from burning as it moves along the first surface 211 and the second surface 212 of the knife 210, allowing it to be removed from the knife 210 as quickly as possible.

[0098] In this case, the radius of the recess 216 can be 0.01 mm or more. If the radius of the recess 216 is less than 0.01 mm, the recess 216 will not be recognized by the irregularities formed on the knife 210, and the secondary battery material may burn onto the area where the recess 216 is formed. Therefore, it is preferable that the radius of the recess 216 be greater than 0.01 mm. However, even if the radius of the recess 216 is 0.01 mm or more, it is not always possible to form a recess 216. For example, the length of the radius of the recess 216 must be smaller than the distance between the straight line (shown as a dotted line) extending perpendicularly from the third surface 213 with respect to the vertex 214 and the first surface 211 or second surface 212 on which the recess 216 is formed.

[0099] The secondary battery material can be taken from the knife 210 with respect to the recess initiation portion 216a. The recess initiation portion 216a can mean the region where the recess 216 begins, with respect to the vertex 214 where the first surface 211 and the second surface 212 meet. In this case, the length from the vertex 214 to the recess initiation portion 216a can be the first length (d1), and the height of the sheet 110 can be the second length (d2).

[0100] More specifically, referring to Figure 10(a), if the first length (d1) is shorter than the second length (d2), the recess 216 can have a height lower than the second length (d2) and be located on the first surface 211 and the second surface 212. In this case, even if the secondary battery material is burned onto the knife 210 by frictional heat during cutting of the sheet 110, the recess 216 allows the burned secondary battery material to be removed from the knife 210 without rising along the first surface 211 and the second surface 212.

[0101] In contrast, referring to Figure 10(b), if the first length (d1) is longer than the second length (d2), the recess 216 can be located on the first surface 211 and the second surface 212 while having a height greater than the second length (d2). In this case, when cutting the sheet 110, the secondary battery material may be burned onto the knife 210 by frictional heat and remain stuck to the knife 210 at a height above a certain level without falling off. Therefore, despite the presence of the recess 216, there is a high possibility of defects occurring in the cutting quality of the sheet 110.

[0102] In other words, for these reasons, it is desirable that the first length (d1) is shorter than the second length (d2).

[0103] The knife 210 shown in Figures 9 and 10 must be designed so that the cutting load is not distributed due to the configuration of the recess 216, which can cause the blade to break and shorten its lifespan. In addition, in order to maintain a constant ultrasonic amplitude transmitted to the knife 210, the mass of other parts of the knife 210 must be increased by the amount of mass reduced by the recess 216. For example, this can be achieved by increasing the mass of other areas of the knife 210 that do not have the recess 216, or by designing the knife 210 to have a protrusion 215 together with the recess 216, as shown in Figure 11 later. In other words, even if the knife 210 is equipped with a recess 216, the total mass of the knife 210 must be the same as the total mass of the knife 210 without the recess 216.

[0104] In this drawing, the recess 216 is shown as a circular indentation, but it is not limited to this shape; any recessed form is acceptable.

[0105] Figure 11 is a drawing showing a knife according to the present invention and another modification thereof.

[0106] The knife described in Figure 11 is a modified example of one embodiment of the present invention disclosed in Figures 7 to 10, and a detailed explanation of the same configuration as described above will be omitted.

[0107] Referring to Figure 11, the knife 210 according to the present invention and another modification may include a projection 215 and a recess 216.

[0108] The protrusion 215 and recess 216 can be located on the sides of the knife 210, respectively. Specifically, the protrusion 215 and recess 216 can be located on the first surface 211 and the second surface 212, respectively. That is, the protrusion 215 and recess 216 can be located together on the first surface 211 and the second surface 212, respectively.

[0109] In this case, the mass added by the protrusion 215 can be the same as the mass reduced by the recess 216. Therefore, even with the addition of the protrusion 215, the recess 216 is located together with the knife 210, so the total mass of the knife 210 including the protrusion 215 and the recess 216 can be the same as the mass of the knife 210 without the protrusion 215 and the recess 216.

[0110] As a result, the protrusions 215 and recesses 216 are added to the knife 210, which may prevent the cutting load from being distributed. Conversely, by applying the protrusions 215 and recesses 216 to the knife 210 simultaneously, the overall mass of the knife 210 can be set to the same as that of a knife 210 without the protrusions 215 or recesses 216. Therefore, the cutting load of the knife 210 is not distributed, the lifespan of the knife 210 is not shortened, and the configuration of the protrusions 215 and recesses 216 prevents the secondary battery material from burning onto the knife 210, thereby improving the cutting quality of the sheet 110 and the quality of the electrodes.

[0111] In this invention, the projection 215 is shown to be formed closer to the vertex 214 than the recess 216, and the recess 216 is shown to be formed further away from the vertex 214 than the projection 215, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the recess 216 may be formed closer to the vertex 214 than the projection 215.

[0112] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to the present invention and another embodiment. Figure 13 is a drawing showing a modified example of the substrate in Figure 12.

[0113] The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus described in Figures 12 and 13 is a modified example of one embodiment of the present invention disclosed in Figures 3 and 4, and a detailed explanation of the same configuration as described above will be omitted.

[0114] Referring to Figures 12 and 13, the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a substrate 130, a cutting member 200, and a vibrator 300.

[0115] The substrate 130 may include a damage prevention layer 131 located on one surface of the substrate 130. In this case, the substrate 130 can be in the shape of a general plate as shown in Figure 12, or it may be in the shape of a circular roll as shown in Figure 13. However, regardless of its shape, the substrate 130 can transport the sheet 110 while moving in one direction.

[0116] The damage prevention layer 131 can be located on one surface of the substrate 130 on which the sheet 110 is located, and can be located opposite the cutting member 200. The cutting member 200 can cut the sheet 110 while moving in a first direction (D1), in which case the cutting member 200 can repeatedly come into contact with the damage prevention layer 131.

[0117] The size of the damage prevention layer 131 can correspond to one surface of the substrate 130. Specifically, the size of the damage prevention layer 131 can be the same as or smaller than the size of one surface of the substrate 130. For example, referring to Figure 12, the damage prevention layer 131 can be positioned to cover the entire substrate 130. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 13, the size of the damage prevention layer 131 can be such that it covers only a portion of one surface of the substrate 130. However, even if the damage prevention layer 131 is positioned only on a portion of the substrate 130, the damage prevention layer 131 must unconditionally be positioned in the area where the cutting member 200 contacts the substrate 130.

[0118] The knife 210 and the substrate 130 do not need to be in contact with each other. This is because contact between the knife 210 and the substrate 130 could damage the knife 210. Therefore, to prevent damage to the knife 210, a damage prevention layer 131 can be provided on the substrate 130, and the knife 210 can be in contact with the damage prevention layer 131. As a result, the knife 210 does not come into direct contact with the substrate 130 and is therefore not damaged, extending the lifespan of the knife 210 and reducing equipment costs.

[0119] The damage prevention layer 131 can be coated and positioned on one surface of the substrate 130. Alternatively, the damage prevention layer 131 can be manufactured separately in another process and then fixed to one surface of the substrate 130 with an adhesive or the like.

[0120] As an example, the damage prevention layer 131 is 5H S ~85H SThe material can be composed of a material having a Shore hardness of 5HS or less. Specifically, if the damage prevention layer 131 is composed of a material with a Shore hardness of 5HS or less, secondary battery material such as sheet 110 may not be fixed to the damage prevention layer 131. Therefore, there is a high possibility that the secondary battery material will not be cut by the shear force of the knife 210 described later, and may break or detach. If the damage prevention layer 131 is composed of a material with a Shore hardness of 85HS or more, the knife 210 may wear down more severely when the damage prevention layer 131 and the knife 210 rub against each other. In this case, foreign matter such as iron (Fe) generated from the worn knife 210 may reduce the cutting quality of sheet 110 and the quality of the electrodes.

[0121] In this case, the damage prevention layer 131 can be made of PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), silicone, MC nylon (Mono Cast Nylon), Teflon, PET (polyethylene terephthalate), etc. Even if vibration is transmitted from the knife 210 to the damage prevention layer 131, the knife 210 will not be damaged, foreign matter such as iron (Fe) will not be generated, and the cutting quality of the sheet 110 and the quality of the electrodes can be improved.

[0122] Furthermore, since the material constituting the damage prevention layer 131 has a high thermal distortion temperature, its shape does not deform even when heat is applied due to the vibration of the knife 210 during cutting, ensuring the cutting quality of secondary battery materials even at high temperatures.

[0123] As another example, the damage prevention layer 131 can be a high-strength and high-elasticity extreme performance fiber. Specifically, the damage prevention layer 131 may be a material with a tensile strength of 20 g / d (17.7 cN / dtex) or more and an elastic modulus of 500 g / d (441 cN / dtex) or more. As an example, the damage prevention layer can be a bulletproof / swordproof material, such as p-aramid (para-aramid) or UHMWPE (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene).

[0124] As described above, the damage prevention layer 131 is configured in such a way that even if it comes into contact with the knife 210 of the cutting member 200, it will not be damaged or cut. In other words, when cutting the sheet 110, the cutting member 200 can come into contact with the damage prevention layer 131 multiple times without coming into contact with the substrate 130, so that even with repeated driving of the knife 210, the substrate 130 will not be damaged. Therefore, the cutting process can proceed continuously, and process efficiency can be improved.

[0125] Furthermore, the damage prevention layer 131 minimizes friction on the blade of the knife 210. Therefore, the sheet 110 can be cut while preventing damage to the blade of the knife 210, thereby improving the cutting quality of the electrode. In addition, frequent replacement of the knife 210 can be prevented, and process costs can be reduced.

[0126] The aforementioned battery module and battery pack containing the same can be applied to a variety of devices. Such devices can be applied to means of transportation such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrid vehicles, but the present invention is not limited thereto and is applicable to a variety of devices that can use the battery module and battery pack containing the same, and this also falls within the scope of the present invention.

[0127] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Various modifications and improvements by those skilled in the art, utilizing the basic concepts of the present invention as defined in the following claims, also fall within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0128] 100 Secondary battery manufacturing equipment 110 seats 130 circuit boards 200 Cutting parts 210 knives 215 Protrusion 216 recess 220 Support part 221 Hole 1 300 transducer 310 2nd hole

Claims

1. A substrate on which a sheet containing secondary battery material is positioned over one surface; A cutting member including a knife for ultrasonically cutting the sheet, and a support part to which the knife is mounted and fixed; and It includes a transducer that receives power from a power source and applies ultrasonic vibrations to the cutting member, The cutting member cuts the sheet by applying ultrasonic vibrations to it. The support portion includes a hole through which a fluid can move, which penetrates straight in a second direction (D2) perpendicular to a first direction (D1) which is the direction in which the knife extends. The vibrator includes a hole through which a fluid can move, which penetrates straight in the second direction (D2). Secondary battery manufacturing equipment.

2. The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein resonance occurs when the sheet is poorly cut.

3. When the sheet is cut correctly, the power applied to the vibrator is the first power. The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein when the sheet is poorly cut, the power applied to the vibrator is the second power.

4. The system further includes a sensor unit and a control unit electrically connected to the power supply, The sensor unit, after recognizing the power applied to the vibrator, transmits an electrical signal corresponding to the range of power values ​​to the control unit. The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit controls the operation of the cutting member in accordance with the electrical signal.

5. When the sensor unit recognizes the first power, it transmits a first electrical signal to the control unit, and the control unit controls the cutting member to operate continuously. The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when the sensor unit recognizes the second power, it transmits a second electrical signal to the control unit, and the control unit stops the operation of the cutting member.

6. The system further includes a display unit electrically connected to the aforementioned power supply, The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display unit indicates the power applied to the oscillator.

7. The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the substrate further comprises a damage prevention layer located on one surface of the substrate on which the sheet is located.

8. The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the damage prevention layer has a Shore hardness of 5HS to 85HS.

9. The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the damage prevention layer is made of PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride), silicon, MC nylon (Mono Cast Nylon), Teflon, or PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate).

10. The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the damage prevention layer is a high-strength and high-elasticity extreme performance fiber.

11. The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the damage prevention layer has a tensile strength of 20 g / d (17.7 cN / dtex) or more and an elastic modulus of 500 g / d (441 cN / dtex) or more.

12. The secondary battery manufacturing apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the damage prevention layer is p-aramid or UHMWPE (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene).

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