Notching system and notching method

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a notching system and a notching method for manufacturing an electrode of a secondary battery. More specifically, the present invention relates to a notching system and a notching method for manufacturing an electrode used in a secondary battery by notching an electrode sheet using a laser.

Background Art

[0002] An electrode sheet for a secondary battery is formed by applying a positive electrode and a negative electrode active material to a current collector and then drying. The electrode sheet is divided into a region where the active material is applied and a region where the active material is not applied. An electrode tab can be formed through a notching process in the region where the active material is not applied and a notching process in the region where the active material is applied.

[0003] The notching process is a process of forming an electrode tab on an electrode sheet. The notched electrode sheet is cut to a predetermined length and stacked as a single electrode. Conventional notching devices include an upper mold plate and a lower mold plate including a punching member. The upper mold plate and the lower mold plate punch the electrode sheet while moving to form an electrode tab. However, such a notching device has a problem in that the maintenance cost of the mold is high. In addition, if the notching process is repeated to a certain extent, there is a problem in that the mold, the punching member, etc. must be replaced.

[0004] Recently, instead of using a mold, a notching device for forming an electrode tab using a laser has been developed. A laser notching device is a device that irradiates a beam on an electrode sheet to form an electrode tab.

[0005] As a technology related to the present invention, the Registered Patent Publication of the Republic of Korea discloses a laser notching system including a pattern jig and a bottom jig. This related technology is distinguished in terms of structure and effect from the present invention, which can remove foreign matter by blowing air while preventing electrode flapping during notching without using a bottom jig, by forming electrode tabs using a pattern jig and a bottom jig formed so that pattern holes penetrate through them. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] In laser processes, blowing air is widely used in various applications as a method to improve the quality of process results by removing foreign matter generated during the laser process and smoothly removing plasma that interferes with the process quality. When cutting moving electrodes, blowing air is a good method to improve cutting performance, but the air can induce vibration or fluttering of the electrode, causing problems with cutting.

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

[0008] One problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a notching method and a notching system using the same, which can prevent foreign matter generated during laser notching from being reapplied to the electrode surface by blowing air to remove it, and can also prevent the electrode sheet from flapping due to the air.

[0009] One problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a notching method and a notching system that can prevent the electrode sheet from flapping during notching using a jig that contacts the electrode sheet.

[0010] One problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a notching method and a notching system using a jig having notching holes formed in it that rotates at a speed synchronized with the moving speed of the electrode sheet.

[0011] One problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a notching method and a notching system that can prevent the electrode sheet from flapping during notching, while improving upon existing structures that could not be strongly blown with air to support the lower part of the electrode sheet, and which can form a notching line on the electrode sheet by irradiating it vertically downward with a laser.

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

[0013] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, according to one embodiment of the technical concept of the present invention, a notching system is disclosed which includes a frame; a power unit provided on the frame that generates rotational force at a speed synchronized with the moving speed of the electrode sheet; a jig provided on the frame that receives rotational force from the power unit and rotates while in contact with one surface of the electrode sheet; a contact unit provided on the frame that contacts and supports the other surface of the electrode sheet and maintains contact between the electrode sheet and the jig as it passes through a notching region; and a laser irradiation unit provided on the frame that irradiates the electrode sheet with a laser through a notching hole, wherein the jig is configured to include a notching hole formed on its outer peripheral surface that contacts one surface of the electrode sheet.

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

[0015] Furthermore, the notching system can be configured to include a first roller and a second roller, with the contact portion located on both the left and right sides of the jig, respectively. Furthermore, the notching system can be configured such that the electrode sheet is supplied in the left-right direction by the unwinding section, the jig is positioned to contact the upper surface of the electrode sheet, and the contact section supports the lower surface of the electrode sheet in contact with it, so that the upper surface of the electrode sheet and the jig are in surface contact.

[0016] Furthermore, the notching system can be configured such that the laser irradiation unit is located inside the jig, with the scanner that emits the laser positioned within it. Furthermore, the notching system can be configured such that multiple notching holes are formed so that the inner and outer surfaces of the outer edge (felloe rim) of the jig's wheel are connected.

[0017] Furthermore, the notching system may include a dust collection unit provided in the notching area to remove foreign matter generated during notching, and the dust collection unit may be configured to include a blower that generates air to separate the foreign matter, and a suction unit that sucks up the foreign matter.

[0018] Furthermore, the notching system can be configured such that the blower is positioned higher than the inside of the jig and the inner circumferential surface of the outer edge of the wheel, relative to the outer edge of the jig's wheel, and the suction section is positioned at a height that encompasses the upper and lower parts, relative to the outside of the jig and the inner circumferential surface of the outer edge of the wheel.

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

[0020] Also, the notching method can be configured such that the step of closely attaching the jig to the electrode sheet in the notching area includes the step of bringing the outer peripheral surface of the jig with a plurality of notching holes formed thereon into contact with the electrode sheet; and the step of closely attaching the roller, the electrode sheet, and the jig to each other at positions on one side and the other side of the notching area.

[0021] Also, the notching method can be configured such that the notching step includes the step of rotating the jig so as to be synchronized with the moving speed of the electrode sheet; and the step of forming a notching line on the electrode sheet through the notching holes.

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

[0023] Specific matters of other embodiments are included in "Specific Contents for Implementing the Invention" and the attached "Drawings". Advantages and / or features of the present invention, and methods for achieving them, will become clear when referring to various embodiments described in detail hereinafter together with the attached drawings.

[0024] However, the present invention is not limited only to the configurations of the embodiments disclosed below, but can also be embodied in various different forms. Merely, each embodiment disclosed in this specification is provided to complete the disclosure of the present invention and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the present invention. It must be understood that the present invention is only defined by the scope of each claim in the claims.

Effects of the Invention

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

[0026] Moreover, notching is possible while the moving electrode sheet is contact-supported by synchronizing the moving speed of the electrode sheet and the rotational speed of the jig. The effects obtained by the notching system and the notching method according to the technical idea of the present invention are not limited to the above-described problems, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] [Figure 1] It is an exemplary view of a notching system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a front view of a notching system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a rear view of a notching system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a right side view of a notching system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a left side view of a notching system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a plan view of a notching system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is an enlarged view of a notching system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a cross-sectional view of a notching system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is an exemplary view of a jig, an electrode sheet, and an adhesion part of a notching system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart of a notching method according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11]This is a flowchart of a notching method according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0028] Before describing the present invention in detail, it should be noted that the terms and words used herein should not be interpreted unconditionally as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, and that the inventors of the present invention may appropriately define and use the concepts of various terms in order to best describe their invention, and furthermore, these terms and words must be interpreted as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0029] In other words, it should be noted that the terms used herein are used to describe preferred embodiments of the invention and are not intended to specifically limit the scope of the invention, and these terms are defined in consideration of the various possibilities of the invention.

[0030] Furthermore, in this specification, singular expressions can include plural expressions unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise, and it should be understood that even if similar expressions are plural, they can still include a singular meaning.

[0031] Throughout this specification, where a component is described as "including" another component, unless otherwise stated, it means that it may include any other component, rather than excluding any other component.

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

[0033] On the other hand, if one component is described as being "directly connected" or "directly linked" to another component, it should be understood that there is no third component or means.

[0034] Similarly, other expressions describing the relationships between each component, such as "between" and "immediately between," or "adjacent to" and "directly adjacent to," must be analyzed as having a similar meaning.

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

[0036] Furthermore, in this specification, position-related terms such as "up," "down," "left," and "right," if used, should be understood to indicate the relative position of the component in the drawing, and unless an absolute position is specified for these positions, these position-related terms should not be understood to refer to an absolute position.

[0037] Furthermore, in this specification, when specifying the reference numeral for each component in each drawing, the same component will have the same reference numeral even if it is shown in other drawings; that is, the same reference numeral throughout the specification will indicate the same component.

[0038] The size, position, and relationship of each component constituting the present invention in the drawings attached herein may be exaggerated, reduced, or omitted in order to fully and clearly convey the concept of the present invention or for the sake of explanatory convenience, and therefore, their proportions and scales are not strictly accurate.

[0039] Furthermore, in describing the present invention below, detailed explanations of configurations that are deemed likely to obscure the gist of the invention, such as prior art and other known technologies, may be omitted.

[0040] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the relevant drawings. In the XYZ coordinate axes displayed in each drawing, the X-axis direction is defined as the front-to-back direction of the notching system 100, parallel to the width direction of the electrode sheet (S); the Y-axis direction is defined as the left-to-right direction of the notching system 100, parallel to the movement direction of the electrode sheet (S); and the Z-axis direction is defined as the height direction of the notching system 100.

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

[0042] In notching an electrode sheet (S) using a laser beam, air is blown to remove foreign matter, plasma, and scrap generated by the laser beam notching. By the way, if the electrode sheet (S) is not in contact with the air and moves, for example, flapping, then an error occurs in the position of the notching line formed by the laser beam, which becomes a problem.

[0043] In other words, the electrode sheet (S) needs to be supported so that it does not flap around. However, for synchronization and productivity, the electrode sheet (S) must be continuously supplied to the notching region (N) by the unwinding section, but there are difficulties in providing support because the electrode sheet (S) must be supported while it is moving without interruption. Furthermore, the support of the electrode sheet (S) must not cause any change in the constant moving speed of the electrode sheet (S). Here, "support" means that the electrode sheet, which moves due to melting, moves without flapping caused by air.

[0044] A notching system 100 and a notching method using the same (step S100) according to one embodiment of the present invention relates to a technique for forming notching lines on an electrode sheet (S) while the continuously supplied electrode sheet (S) does not flap, and for generating electrodes while removing foreign matter, plasma, and scrap by blowing air.

[0045] Figure 1 is an illustrative diagram of a notching system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 1, the notching system 100 is a system that uses a laser beam to notch an electrode sheet (S) for the formation of electrode tabs (T) and notch a portion of the electrode sheet (S). The electrode sheet (S) can be continuously supplied to the notching region (N) through a device called an unwinding section.

[0046] The notching system 100 can be configured to include a frame 110, a power unit 120 for generating power, a jig 130 for supporting the electrode sheet (S) during notching, a laser device 140, a contact part 150 that assists the jig 130 in maintaining contact between the electrode sheet (S) and the jig 130, and a dust collection part 160 for removing foreign matter and the like.

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

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

[0049] The jig 130 is mounted on the frame 110 and has the function of moving the notching hole 135 by receiving power from the power unit 120. The first jig 131 may include the first wheel 133, and the second jig 132 may include the second wheel 134.

[0050] A notching hole 135 may be formed on the outer edge of the wheel of the first wheel 133. The notching hole 135 may be formed in a direction that connects the inner and outer surfaces of the outer edge of the wheel. That is, the notching hole penetrates the outer edge of the wheel of the first wheel 133.

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

[0052] Laser notching by the laser device 140 can form electrode tabs (T) on the tab portion of the electrode sheet (S) in contact with the first jig 131. Laser notching by the laser device 140 can also notch a straight notching line and markings that separate adjacent electrodes on the bottom portion of the electrode sheet (S) in contact with the second jig 132.

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

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

[0055] The dust collection unit 160 has the function of removing foreign matter, plasma, and scrap generated during notching, and can be configured to include a first dust collection unit 161 and a second dust collection unit 162. The dust collection unit 169 is provided coupled to the frame 110 at the lower part of the jig 130 where the notching region (N) is located. Solid foreign matter and plasma can be generated by irradiation with a laser beam, but if the foreign matter and plasma are not removed in a timely manner, recoating will occur on the electrode sheet, reducing the cutting quality. Pieces of the electrode sheet produced by notching, i.e., scrap, must also be removed in a timely manner. Here, foreign matter includes by-products such as residue from the cutting action of the laser beam.

[0056] The dust collection unit 160 removes not only foreign material generated during notching of the electrode sheet (S) with a laser beam, but also scrap generated during notching. In existing systems, scrap removal was not performed in the notching unit, but in one embodiment of the present invention, scrap removal is also performed simultaneously with notching through the dust collection unit 160.

[0057] The first dust collection unit 161 can be configured to include a first blower 163 that discharges air into the notching region (N) and a first suction unit 165 that sucks in foreign matter, plasma, and scrap.

[0058] Figure 2 is a front view of a notching system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a rear view of a notching system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the power unit 120, the first jig 131, and the second jig 132 are mounted on the upper plate. In order for the laser beam to be irradiated onto the inner circumferential surface of the outer edge of the wheel of jig 130, the scanner on which the lens is positioned in the first laser irradiation unit 141 is positioned to overlap with the first jig 131, and the scanner in the second laser irradiation unit 142 is positioned to overlap with the second jig 132. That is, the scanner in the first laser irradiation unit 141 is positioned on the contact surface where the first jig 131 and the electrode sheet (S) come into contact, and the scanner in the second laser irradiation unit 142 is positioned on the contact surface where the second jig 132 and the electrode sheet (S) come into contact.

[0059] The laser controller 143 is mounted on the frame 110 and has the function of adjusting the positions of the first laser irradiation unit 141 and the second laser irradiation unit 142, respectively. The first suction section 165 and the second suction section 166, which constitute the dust collection section 160, are provided on the lower and outer sides of the jig 130 and on the lower plate.

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

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

[0062] Figure 6 is a plan view of a notching system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 6, the notching system 100 is depicted as viewed from above. Frame 110 depicts the upper plate. A jig 130 is positioned in the center of frame 110, an electrode sheet (S) is positioned below the jig 130, and a contact portion 150 is positioned below the electrode sheet (S). The first jig 131, which constitutes jig 130, is positioned to overlap with the scanner of the first laser irradiation unit 141, and the second jig 132 is positioned to overlap with the scanner of the second laser irradiation unit 142.

[0063] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of a notching system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 7, the first jig 131 includes a first wheel 133, the first wheel 133 includes the outer edge of the wheel, the outer edge of the wheel has an inner surface and an outer surface formed thereon, and the notching hole 135 may be formed so that the inner surface and the outer surface are connected.

[0064] The trajectory (B) of the laser beam irradiated into the notching hole 135 is depicted. The first roller 151 and the second roller 152, which constitute the contact section 150, are positioned at the bottom of the first jig 131.

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

[0066] In addition, an inhalation controller 167 for adjusting the position of the first inhalation section 165 is provided on the lower plate of the frame 110. Yet another inhalation controller 167 for adjusting the position of the second inhalation section 166 is provided on the lower plate of the frame 110.

[0067] Referring again to Figure 7, the first blower 163 is positioned higher than the inside of the first jig 131 and the inner circumferential surface of the wheel's outer edge, relative to the outer edge of the wheel of the first jig 131. The first suction section 165 is positioned at a height that encompasses the upper and lower parts of the outside of the first jig 131 and the inner circumferential surface of the wheel's outer edge. The second dust collection section 162 can be configured to include a second blower 164 and a second suction section 166. The second blower 164 and the second suction section 166 are positioned symmetrically with the first blower 163 and the first suction section 165 around the outer edge of the wheel of the second jig 132.

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

[0069] Referring to Figures 8 and 9, Figure 8 depicts the notching hole 135 on the notching region (N). In the notching region (N), the electrode sheet (S) is in contact with the outer surface of the first jig 131.

[0070] Referring again to Figure 8, the notching hole 135 formed in the first wheel 133 of the first jig 131 is depicted. The trajectory of the laser beam (B) (1 to 4) corresponding to the region (1' to 4') of the notching hole 135 is depicted. That is, as the trajectory of the laser beam (B) passes through 1 to 4, a notching line is formed at the position 1' to 4' on the notching region (N) of the electrode sheet (S). Length (w) means the width between the notching lines. Spacing (g) means the distance between the horizontal plane, represented by the horizontal line (h) in the notching region (N), and the electrode sheet (S).

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

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

[0073] Referring again to Figures 7 and 9, the top surface of the electrode sheet (S) is in close contact with the first wheel 133, and a space is formed below the bottom surface. Compared to conventional techniques that support the bottom of the electrode sheet (S), this prevents the accumulation of foreign matter and scrap due to laser notching, and creates a structure that facilitates suction by the first suction unit 165. The first blower 163 is positioned at an angle to the electrode sheet (S) with the direction of air injection directed towards the first suction unit 165, in order to blow air to effectively remove foreign matter, plasma, and scrap in the notching region (N).

[0074] The first blower 163 injects air toward the jig 130, that is, toward the notching hole 135 formed in the first wheel 133, while the electrode sheet (S) is in close contact with the first wheel 133. The injected air is not injected directly onto the electrode sheet (S), so as to prevent the electrode sheet (S) from flapping, it effectively separates foreign matter, plasma and scrap from the electrode sheet (S), and the separated foreign matter, plasma and scrap are sucked in by the jig 130, that is, by the first suction section 165 which is positioned to encompass the upper and lower parts of the notching region (N) of the first jig 131.

[0075] Referring again to Figure 8, in the notching region (N) where notching occurs, the electrode sheet (S) is not flat but curved. Therefore, the size of the laser beam focal point can be formed differently across the entire notching region (N) by the spacing (g). Since the laser beam is light collected through a lens, the diameter of the cross-section of the laser beam appears different depending on the focal length.

[0076] In optics, particularly laser optics, the Rayleigh length (z R The Rayleigh range is the distance along the direction of the laser beam to the point where the cross-sectional area doubles at the waist. The related parameter (b) is a confocal parameter that is twice the Rayleigh distance. Rayleigh length (z) R This is particularly important when the laser beam is modeled as a Gaussian beam.

[0077] The minimum value of w(z) occurs, by definition, at w(0)=w0. From the beam west, z R At a distance, the radius of the laser beam increases by approximately √2 times, and its cross-sectional area increases by approximately 2 times. According to Rayleigh's length, the radius of the laser beam changes depending on the focal length of the laser beam. However, in this invention, the electrode sheet (S) where notching occurs is not flat, but forms a curved surface. Therefore, there is a difference in height between the center of the notched region (N) and both ends of the notched region. That is, the difference in height between the center and both ends of the notched region (N) results in a difference between the diameter of the laser beam at the center and the diameter of the laser beam at both ends. Such a difference can cause the notched region to be formed unevenly or interfere with the notched hole 135. To prevent such problems, the difference in the diameter of the laser beam must be within an acceptable error range. Determining this error range is related to determining the radii of the wheels 133 and 134 that constitute the jig 130. While it is advantageous to design wheels 133 and 134 with larger radii, as this reduces the height difference between the two ends and the center of the notching area, it is desirable to determine the smallest radius of wheels 133 and 134 within the tolerance range, considering economic efficiency and ease of manufacture.

[0078] If the length of the electrode tab (T) generated by the notching system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention is 20 mm, the height difference between the two ends and the center of the notching region is 0.17 mm, so it is desirable that the length of the radius of the wheels 133 and 134 be determined to be around 600 mm. The height difference between the two ends and the center of the notching region also affects the minimum width of the notching hole 135, but it is desirable that the width of the notching hole 135 be several times larger than the diameter of the laser beam passing through the notching hole 135, taking into account the change in the diameter of the laser beam due to the Rayleigh length. That is, the length of the radius of the wheels 133 and 134 is determined using the length of the notching hole 135 or notching region (N) parallel to the direction of travel of the electrode sheet (S), taking into account the change in the diameter of the laser beam due to the Rayleigh length.

[0079] The diameter of the wheels 133 and 134 may be affected by the size of the laser irradiation units 141 and 142. It is desirable that the laser irradiation units 141 and 142, which irradiate the laser beam with the laser device 140, be located vertically above the notching region (N). In order for the laser irradiation units 141 and 142 to be located vertically above the notching region (N), the diameters of the wheels 133 and 134 must be designed to be larger than the horizontal and vertical lengths of the laser irradiation units 141 and 142, as the laser irradiation units 141 and 142 must be located inside the wheels 133 and 134.

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

[0081] The notching method (step S100) can be configured to include a step of supplying an electrode sheet (step S110); a step of making the jig adhere to the electrode sheet (step S120); and a notching step (step S130) of irradiating the electrode sheet (S) with a laser beam.

[0082] The electrode sheet (S) can be continuously supplied by an unwinding unit to a notching region (N) where notching occurs. The unwinding unit continuously supplies electrode sheets (S) corresponding to strip-shaped metal plates. The unwinding unit can be configured to include multiple electrode sheet (S) supply reels and a servo motor. The electrode sheets (S) are stored in a wound state, wound on reels. Two reels are provided. One reel supplies the electrode sheets (S) currently, and the other reel supplies electrode sheets (S) as a backup. The servo motor drives the reels to supply the electrode sheets (S).

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

[0084] The notching system 100 can bring the jig 130 into close contact with the electrode sheet (S) (step S120). The notching region (N) where the laser beam is irradiated is located in the area where the jig 130 and the electrode sheet (S) are in contact. Therefore, the electrode sheet (S) needs to be supported and not flap around. In order to prevent the electrode sheet (S) from flapping around while its movement is not stopped, the movement speed of the electrode sheet (S) must not be affected, which presented the challenge of having to move the gripper holding the electrode sheet (S) at a speed synchronized with the movement speed of the electrode sheet (S). Temporarily stopping the electrode sheet (S) is undesirable because it reduces productivity.

[0085] According to a notching system 100 of one embodiment of the present invention, the electrode sheet (S) is supported in the notching region (N) by contact with the jig 130. The step of bringing the jig 130 into close contact with the electrode sheet (S) (step S120) can be configured to include the step of bringing the curved surface of the jig 130 into contact with one surface of the electrode sheet (S) (step S121) and the step of maintaining contact between the jig 130 and the electrode sheet (S) on one side and the other side of the contact surface between the jig 130 and the electrode sheet (S) (step S122).

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

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

[0088] The first roller 151 and the second roller 152 contact the bottom surface of the electrode sheet (S), allowing the top surface of the electrode sheet (S) to make surface contact with the jig 130. The first roller 151 and the second roller 152 are in the form of unpowered idler rollers and may include a pressure spring if necessary.

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

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

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

[0092] Thus, according to one embodiment of the present invention, an electrode tab can be formed while the electrode sheet is supported using a jig synchronized with the movement speed of the electrode sheet. Furthermore, a curved jig is used to support the moving electrode sheet, and the laser irradiation trajectory is controlled in accordance with the relative velocity of the moving electrode sheet.

[0093] Furthermore, by synchronizing the movement speed of the electrode sheet with the rotation speed of the jig, notching can be performed while the electrode sheet is in contact with the jig during movement. Although various desirable embodiments of the present invention have been described above with some examples, the descriptions of the various and diverse embodiments described in the "Specific Details for Carrying Out the Invention" section are merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that they can implement the present invention in various modified ways or implement it in an equivalent manner based on the above description.

[0094] Furthermore, since the present invention can be embodied in a variety of other forms, it should be noted that the present invention is not limited by the foregoing description, and the foregoing description is provided to make the disclosure of the present invention complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the present invention, and the present invention is defined only by the claims of the patent. [Industrial applicability]

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

Claims

1. Frame and, A power unit provided on the frame generates rotational force at a speed synchronized with the moving speed of the electrode sheet, A jig provided on the frame, which receives the rotational force from the power unit and rotates while in contact with one surface of the electrode sheet, A contact portion is provided on the frame and is in contact with and supports the other side of the electrode sheet, maintaining contact between the electrode sheet and the jig as it passes through the notching region. The frame includes a laser irradiation unit that irradiates the electrode sheet with a laser beam through a notching hole, The jig is configured to include the notching hole formed on the outer peripheral surface that contacts one surface of the electrode sheet, The laser irradiation unit is configured such that the scanner that irradiates the laser beam is located inside the jig. Notching system.

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

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

4. The electrode sheet is supplied in the left-right direction by the unwinding section. The jig is provided so as to be in contact with the upper surface of the electrode sheet. The notching system according to claim 1, wherein the contact portion is configured to contact and support the lower surface of the electrode sheet so that the upper surface of the electrode sheet and the jig are in surface contact.

5. The aforementioned notching hole is The notching system according to claim 1, wherein multiple notches are formed such that the inner and outer circumferential surfaces of the outer edge of the wheel of the jig are in contact with each other.

6. The notching region is provided with a dust collection unit that removes foreign matter generated during notching, The dust collection unit includes a blower that generates air to separate the foreign matter, The suction unit that sucks up the foreign matter, The notching system according to claim 1, configured to include the following:

7. The notching system according to claim 6, wherein the blower is positioned higher than the inside of the jig and the inner circumferential surface of the outer edge of the wheel, with respect to the outer edge of the jig's wheel, and the suction portion is positioned at a height that encompasses the upper and lower parts with respect to the outside of the jig and the inner circumferential surface of the outer edge of the wheel.

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