Device and method for manufacturing DC fuse element automatically

Abstract

The present invention relates to an automatic DC fuse element manufacturing device comprising: a first press unit for bending and forming a material; a second press unit for piercing and forming the press-formed material; and a third press unit for piercing and forming the first-piercing formed material. The upper mold of the first press unit is divided into multiple molds, each having a convex portion formed on one side of the lower surface, and the divided molds sequentially press the material downward.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an automatic DC fuse element manufacturing device and method. Background Technology

[0002] High-precision and high-reliability DC fuses are required for stable direct current (DC) power transmission in energy storage systems (ESS) and battery packs for electric vehicles, and the fuse elements used for this are key components for quickly and safely interrupting overcurrent in high-power circuits.

[0003] A prior art for manufacturing such DC fuses is Korean Registered Patent No. 10-2569567.

[0004] However, while conventional technology discloses a technique for improving the pressure resistance and interruption capability of a fuse by brazing a ceramic tube case, metal terminal, fusible element, etc., this relates to the structure and joining technique of the finished fuse and does not sufficiently address the manufacturing of the DC fuse element, which is a core component of the DC fuse.

[0005] Since DC fuse elements are manufactured from thin non-ferrous metal sheets with a thickness of tens of micrometers or less, shape defects such as burrs, chips, notch cracks, wrinkles, and fractures easily occur during the forming process, and there is a problem in that it is difficult to ensure precise dimensional tolerances.

[0006] In addition, the spot welding process for welding lead tabs often relies on manual labor, leading to significant quality variability issues such as variations in welding current and pressure, spatter generation, reduced tensile strength, and uneven weld diameter.

[0007] In this way, if the DC fuse element is defective, the DC fuse itself cannot operate properly and fails to cut off the inrush overcurrent generated in the main fuse circuit for protecting energy storage systems (ESS) and electric vehicle battery packs, thereby failing to provide safe protection.

[0008] Consequently, there is an increasing demand for devices to manufacture defect-free DC fuse elements. The problem to be solved

[0010] The technical problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide an automatic DC fuse element manufacturing device and method capable of resolving the issues of defect rate, process deviation, and worker dependency that occurred in the conventional manual-based DC fuse element manufacturing process.

[0011] Another technical problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide an automatic DC fuse element manufacturing device and method capable of continuously producing high-reliability DC fuse elements.

[0012] The technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0013] In order to solve the above technical problem, according to a preferred aspect of the present invention, a DC fuse element automatic manufacturing device may be provided, comprising: a first press unit for bending a material; a second press unit for piercing the bending-formed material; and a third press unit for piercing the piercing-formed material. The upper mold of the first press unit is divided into a plurality of molds, each having a convex portion formed on one side of the lower surface, and the divided molds sequentially press the material downward.

[0014] Here, a position setting pin corresponding to the hole shape and position of the first piercing molded material may be formed on one side of the upper surface of the second piercing lower mold of the third press part.

[0015] Here, the second press part includes a plurality of first piercing punches, and the shape of some of the first piercing punches may differ.

[0016] Here, the third press part includes a plurality of second piercing punches, and the shape of some of the second piercing punches may differ.

[0017] In addition, it may further include a welded portion for welding the above secondary piercing formed material to the terminal.

[0018] According to another preferred aspect of the present invention, a method for automatically manufacturing a DC fuse element may be provided, comprising the steps of: a first press unit bending a material; a second press unit piercing the bent material; and a third press unit piercing the first pierced material. The method comprises the steps of: the upper mold of the first press unit being divided into multiple molds having a convex portion formed on one side of the lower surface, and the divided molds sequentially press the material downward.

[0019] Here, a position setting pin corresponding to the hole shape and position of the first piercing molded material may be formed on one side of the upper surface of the second piercing lower mold of the third press part.

[0020] Here, the second press part includes a plurality of first piercing punches, and the shape of some of the first piercing punches may differ.

[0021] Here, the third press part includes a plurality of second piercing punches, and the shape of some of the second piercing punches may differ.

[0022] In addition, it may further include a welded portion for welding the above secondary piercing formed material to the terminal. Effects of the invention

[0024] The present invention has the effect of automatically manufacturing DC fuse elements and ensuring dimensional accuracy and shape uniformity of the DC fuse elements.

[0025] In addition, the present invention has the effect of ensuring quality stability suitable for manufacturing high-reliability DC fuses required in the ESS and electric vehicle fields.

[0026] In addition, the present invention has the effect of automatically manufacturing DC fuse elements to improve productivity.

[0027] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0029] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a DC fuse element automatic manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of an input section according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a supply unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a transfer unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of a first press part according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining the operation of a first press part according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a second press part according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a third press part according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of an inspection unit according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a method for automatically manufacturing a DC fuse element according to another embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0030] The present invention is capable of various modifications and may have various embodiments, and specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the invention to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that the invention includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0031] Terms containing ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., may be used to describe various components, but such components are not limited by such terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another.

[0032] When it is stated that one component is 'connected' or 'connected' to another component, it should be understood that while it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, there may also be other components in between. On the other hand, when it is stated that one component is 'directly connected' or 'directly connected' to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components in between.

[0033] The terms used in this application are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to indicate the presence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a DC fuse element automatic manufacturing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of an input section according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a supply unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a transfer unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configuration of a first press part according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining the operation of a first press part according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a second press part according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a third press part according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 9 is a configuration diagram of an inspection unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 9, the DC fuse element automatic manufacturing device (100) includes an input section (110), a supply section (120), a transfer section (130), a first press section (140), a second press section (150), a third press section (160), an inspection section (170), a loading section (180), and a welding section (190).

[0044] The input section (110) feeds the material (10) and includes an uncoiler (111) and a slitter (112).

[0045] The uncoiler (111) unwinds the wound material (10) and feeds it continuously.

[0046] The slitter (112) cuts the continuously fed material (10) to a specified standard.

[0047] The supply unit (120) supplies the material (10), which is cut and fed through the slitter (112), to the supply transfer unit (130) through a jig (121) that moves left and right.

[0048] The transfer unit (130) moves up, down, left, and right, and transfers the material (10) supplied through the supply unit (120) to the first press unit (140), the material (10) formed by bending through the first press unit (140) to the second press unit (150), the material (10) formed by first piercing through the second press unit (150) to the third press unit (160), and the material (10) formed by second piercing through the third press unit (160) to the inspection unit (170).

[0049] The first press unit (140) bends and forms the material (10) supplied via the transfer unit (130), and includes an upper mold (141), a lower mold (142), an upper die (143), a lower die (144), and a first drive unit (145).

[0050] The upper mold (141) is divided into multiple molds (141-1, 141-2, 141-3, 141-4, 141-5, 141-6, 141-7) having a convex portion formed on one side of the lower surface, and the divided molds (141-1, 141-2, 141-3, 141-4, 141-5, 141-6, 141-7) sequentially press the supplied material (10) downward.

[0051] Specifically, the first driving unit (145) first transmits a driving force, such as hydraulic pressure, to the middle mold (141-1) among the divided molds (141-1, 141-2, 141-3, 141-4, 141-5, 141-6, 141-7) so that the middle mold (141-1) presses the material (10) downward, then transmits a driving force, such as hydraulic pressure, to the first left and right molds (141-2, 141-3) so that the first left and right molds (141-2, 141-3) press the material (10) downward, then transmits a driving force, such as hydraulic pressure, to the second left and right molds (141-4, 141-5) so that the second left and right molds (141-4, 141-5) press the material (10) downward, and then transmits a driving force, such as hydraulic pressure, to the third left and right molds (141-6, 141-7) By transmitting the same driving force, the third left and right molds (141-6, 141-7) press the material (10) downward to bend and mold the material (10).

[0052] Thus, the divided molds (141-1, 141-2, 141-3, 141-4, 141-5, 141-6, 141-7) sequentially press the supplied material (10) downward, so that the material (10) of the DC fuse element is a very thin sheet metal, and thus, if the material (10) is pressed downward at once, the material (10) is prevented from being rolled up. Here, the hydraulic pressure applied by the upper mold (141) to the material (10) is 2.5 kg to 3 kg, because if it is 2.5 kg or less, complete forming does not occur, and if it is 3 kg or more, there is a problem that the material (10) is damaged. The bending forming angle is 55° to 60°, because if it is 55° or less, complete forming does not occur, and if it is 60° or more, there is a problem that the material (10) is damaged.

[0053] The lower mold (142) has a concave portion formed on one side of its upper surface that corresponds to the convex portion of the upper mold (141), and a material (10) supplied through the transfer gripper (131) of the transfer unit (130) is placed on the upper surface and contacts the lower surface of the upper mold (141) to restrict the movement of the upper mold (141).

[0054] The upper die (143) is installed to be movable up and down and provides an installation area for the upper mold (141).

[0055] The lower die (144) provides an installation area for the lower mold (142).

[0056] The first driving unit (145) provides driving force to each of the segmented molds (141-1, 141-2, 141-3, 141-4, 141-5, 141-6, 141-7) of the upper mold (141).

[0057] The second press unit (150) performs a first piercing molding of a bending molded material (10) supplied via a transfer unit (130), and includes a first piercing upper mold (151), a first piercing lower mold (152), a first piercing upper die (153), a first piercing lower die (154), a second driving unit (155), and a first piercing punch (156).

[0058] The first piercing upper mold (151) has a plurality of grooves (not shown) formed at regular intervals on one side of its lower surface, into which a first piercing punch (156) for piercing is inserted. It moves up and down by the first piercing upper die (153), which moves up and down by the second driving unit (155), and when it descends, it comes into contact with the first piercing lower mold (152) and comes into contact with the material (10) placed on the first piercing lower mold (152), thereby preventing the material (10) from moving during the first piercing molding.

[0059] The first piercing lower mold (152) has the bending molded material (10) supplied through the transfer gripper (131) of the transfer unit (130) placed on its upper surface and contacts the lower surface of the first piercing upper mold (151) to restrict the movement of the first piercing upper mold (151). A groove is formed at a position corresponding to a groove (not shown) into which the first piercing punch (156) of the first piercing upper mold (151) is inserted, and the pierced part of the material (10) is inserted and moved to the first piercing lower die (154).

[0060] The first piercing upper die (153) is installed to be movable up and down, and provides an installation area for the first piercing punch (156) between the installation area of ​​the first piercing upper mold (151) and the first piercing upper mold (151), and allows the first piercing upper mold (151) and the first piercing punch (156) to move up and down by the second driving unit (155).

[0061] The first piercing lower die (154) provides an installation area for the first piercing lower mold (152) and can release the pierced portion from the material (10) moved from the first piercing lower mold (152) to the outside.

[0062] The second driving unit (155) provides driving force to the first piercing upper die (153), causing the first piercing upper die (153) to move up and down.

[0063] The first piercing punch (156) is a plurality of such punches, and the bending molded material (10) supplied through the transfer gripper (131) of the transfer unit (130) is pressed downward to pierce the material (10) first, thereby forming a first hole (11) and a second hole (12) in the material (10).

[0064] Specifically, some of the first piercing punches (156), preferably the middle first piercing punch (156), are formed in a different shape from the other first piercing punches (156) to form a first hole (11) that is larger than the second hole (12) in the material (10) when the material (10) is first pierced. In this way, forming the middle first piercing punch (156) in a different shape to form a first hole (11) that is larger than the second hole (12) in the material (10) is intended to make it easier to short-circuit against overcurrent, etc., in order to block the circuit from overcurrent, etc. and protect the device, etc.

[0065] The third press unit (160) performs secondary piercing molding on the primary pierced material (10) supplied via the transfer unit (130), and includes a second piercing upper mold (161), a second piercing lower mold (162), a second piercing upper die (163), a second piercing lower die (164), a third driving unit (165), a position setting pin (166), and a second piercing punch (167).

[0066] The second piercing upper mold (161) has a plurality of grooves (not shown) formed at regular intervals on one side of the lower surface into which a second piercing punch (167) for piercing is inserted, and moves up and down by the second piercing upper die (163) which moves up and down by the third driving unit (165), and when lowered, it comes into contact with the second piercing lower mold (162) and comes into contact with the material (10) placed on the second piercing lower mold (162) so that the material (10) does not move during the second piercing molding.

[0067] The second piercing lower mold (162) has the first piercing molded material (10) supplied through the transfer gripper (131) of the transfer unit (130) placed on its upper surface and contacts the lower surface of the second piercing upper mold (161) to restrict the movement of the second piercing upper mold (161). A groove is formed at a position corresponding to a groove (not shown) into which the second piercing punch (167) of the second piercing upper mold (161) is inserted, and the pierced part of the material (10) is inserted and moved to the second piercing lower die (164).

[0068] The second piercing upper die (163) is installed to be movable up and down, providing an installation area for the second piercing upper mold (161), and allows the second piercing upper mold (161) and the second piercing punch (167) to move up and down by moving up and down by the third drive unit (165).

[0069] The second piercing lower die (164) provides an installation area for the second piercing lower mold (162) and can release the pierced portion from the material (10) moved from the second piercing lower mold (162) to the outside.

[0070] The third drive unit (165) provides driving force to the second piercing upper die (163), causing the second piercing upper die (163) to move up and down.

[0071] A position setting pin (166) is formed in a shape and position corresponding to the hole shape and position of the first piercing molded material (11) on one side of the upper surface of the second piercing lower mold (162), preferably the second hole (12), so that the first piercing molded material (10) supplied through the transfer gripper (131) of the transfer unit (130) can be placed on the upper surface of the second piercing lower mold (162) at an accurate position where the third hole (13) and the fourth hole (14) can be formed at a location spaced apart from the first hole (11) and the second hole (12).

[0072] The second piercing punch (167) is a plurality of times and presses downward the first piercing molded material (10) supplied through the transfer gripper (131) of the transfer unit (130) to secondarily pierce mold the material (10) and form a third hole (13) and a fourth hole (14) in the material (10).

[0073] Specifically, the second piercing punch (167) is installed at a spaced-apart location from the first piercing punch (156) to form a piercing at a spaced-apart location on the first piercing molded material (10), and some of the second piercing punches (167), preferably the middle second piercing punch (167), are formed in a different shape from the other second piercing punches (167) to form a third hole (13) that is slightly larger than the fourth hole (14) in the material (10) when the material (10) is secondarily pierced. In this way, forming the middle second piercing punch (167) in a different shape to form a third hole (13) that is slightly larger than the fourth hole (14) in the material (10) is the same reason as forming the first hole (11) that is slightly larger than the second hole (12).

[0074] The inspection unit (170) performs a vision inspection on the second piercing molded material (10) supplied through the transfer gripper (131) of the transfer unit (130), and includes a first vision inspection unit (171) and a second vision inspection unit (172). Here, the inspection unit (170) can also perform inspections for resistance, shear load, weight, etc.

[0075] The first vision inspection unit (171) performs vision inspection for end burrs, punching burrs, dents, and piercing defects of the second piercing molded material (10).

[0076] The second vision inspection unit (172) performs a vision inspection of the overall length, hole size, and distance between holes of the material (10) that has been inspected through the first vision inspection unit (171).

[0077] The loading unit (180) loads the material (10) that has passed the inspection of the inspection unit (170) into the storage container. Here, the material (10) being loaded is one that has passed the vision inspection results of both the first vision inspection unit (171) and the second vision inspection unit (172). Any material that has a defect in either of these is not loaded into the storage container through the loading unit (180) but is transferred to a separate place for loading defective products.

[0078] The welding section (190) completes a DC fuse element by spot welding the secondary piercing molded material (10), which has passed the inspection of the inspection section (170) loaded in the storage box by the loading section (180), preferably the secondary piercing molded material (10) that has passed the inspection of the inspection section (170), after heat treating, applying silicone, and natural drying, to a terminal, preferably a resistance lead tab. Here, the welding section (190) welds the secondary piercing molded material (10) to 32 points (16 at the top and 16 at the bottom) on the terminal, and after the welding is finished, a vision inspection of the welding can be performed on the completed DC fuse element.

[0079] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a method for automatically manufacturing a DC fuse element according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] Referring to FIG. 10, in step S1010, the supply unit (120) supplies the material (10), which is cut and fed through the slitter (112) of the input unit (110), to the supply transfer unit (130) through a jig (121) that moves left and right.

[0081] In step S1020, the first press unit (140) bends the material (10) supplied via the transfer unit (130).

[0082] In step S1030, the second press unit (150) performs a first piercing molding of the bending molded material (10) supplied via the transfer unit (130).

[0083] In step S1040, the third press unit (160) performs secondary piercing on the bending-molded material (10) supplied via the transfer unit (130).

[0084] In step S1050, the material (10) that has been secondarily pierced and formed has a welded portion (190) spot welded to a terminal, preferably a resistance lead tab, to complete the DC fuse element.

[0085] Although embodiments according to the present invention have been described above, they are merely illustrative, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent embodiments are possible therefrom. Accordingly, the true technical scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the following claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0087] 110 : Input section 120 : Supply section 130: Transfer section 140: 1st press section 150: 2nd Press Section 160: 3rd Press Section 170 : Inspection Section 180 : Loading Section 190 : Welded part

Claims

Claim 1 An automatic DC fuse element manufacturing device comprising: a first press unit for bending and forming a material; a second press unit for first-stage piercing and forming the bending-formed material; and a third press unit for second-stage piercing and forming the first-stage piercing-formed material, wherein the upper mold of the first press unit is divided into a plurality of molds having a convex portion formed on one side of the lower surface, and the divided molds sequentially press the material downward from the middle mold toward the outside. Claim 2 A DC fuse element automatic manufacturing device according to claim 1, characterized in that a position setting pin corresponding to the hole shape and position of the first piercing molded material is formed on one side of the upper surface of the second piercing lower mold of the third press part. Claim 3 A DC fuse element automatic manufacturing device according to claim 1, wherein the second press section includes a plurality of first piercing punches, and some of the first piercing punches have different shapes. Claim 4 A DC fuse element automatic manufacturing device according to claim 1, wherein the third press part includes a plurality of second piercing punches, and some of the second piercing punches have different shapes. Claim 5 An automatic DC fuse element manufacturing device according to claim 1, further comprising a weld portion for welding the secondary piercing-formed material to a terminal. Claim 6 A method for automatically manufacturing a DC fuse element, comprising: a step in which a first press unit bends and forms a material; a step in which a second press unit performs a first piercing and forms the bent and formed material; and a step in which a third press unit performs a second piercing and forms the first piercing and formed material, wherein the upper mold of the first press unit is divided into a plurality of molds having a convex portion formed on one side of the lower surface, and the divided molds sequentially press the material downward from the middle mold toward the outside. Claim 7 A method for automatically manufacturing a DC fuse element according to claim 6, characterized in that a position setting pin corresponding to the hole shape and position of the first piercing molded material is formed on one side of the upper surface of the second piercing lower mold of the third press part. Claim 8 A method for automatically manufacturing a DC fuse element according to claim 6, wherein the second press part includes a plurality of first piercing punches, and some of the first piercing punches have different shapes. Claim 9 A method for automatically manufacturing a DC fuse element according to claim 6, wherein the third press part includes a plurality of second piercing punches, and some of the second piercing punches have different shapes. Claim 10 A method for automatically manufacturing a DC fuse element according to claim 6, further comprising the step of welding the weld portion to the terminal of the secondary piercing formed material.

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