Tape forming jig, jelly roll taping apparatus including same, and jelly roll taping method

Abstract

A tape forming jig according to the present invention comprises: a forming plate comprising a plate body, and a forming hole which is formed through the thickness direction of the plate body and is formed to have a diameter that is reduced from a first surface of the plate body toward a second surface opposite to the first surface; and a forming block which can enter the forming hole with a transverse section corresponding to the shape of the forming hole, which is viewed from the outside of the second surface of the plate body.

Description

Tape forming jig and jelly roll taping device including the same and jelly roll taping method

[0001] The present invention relates to a secondary battery manufacturing device and method, and more specifically, to a tape forming jig, a jelly roll taping device, and a jelly roll taping method applied to a process for taping a cylindrical electrode assembly and an electrode current collector with an insulating tape.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0117910, filed on September 5, 2023, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said application are incorporated by reference into this application.

[0003] Secondary batteries, which have high applicability according to product group and electrical characteristics such as high energy density, are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) driven by electrical power sources.

[0004] These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for environmental friendliness and energy efficiency because they not only have the primary advantage of drastically reducing the use of fossil fuels, but also have the advantage of producing no byproducts from energy use.

[0005] Types of secondary batteries widely used today include lithium-ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of each of these unit secondary battery cells, or unit battery cells, is approximately 2.5 V to 4.5 V.

[0006] Additionally, secondary batteries can be categorized into cylindrical, prismatic, and pouch-shaped battery cells, depending on their shape and the type of external case. In the case of cylindrical battery cells, a separator, which is an insulator, is interposed between the positive and negative electrodes, and this is wound to form a jelly-roll-shaped electrode assembly, which is then inserted into a battery can to form the battery.

[0007] Meanwhile, it has been pointed out that small cylindrical battery cells with form factors of 18650 or 21700 according to the prior art are not suitable for application to electric vehicles due to high resistance and heat generation during rapid charging. Therefore, a cylindrical battery cell (so-called tab-less cylindrical battery cell) was proposed that has a structure in which a positive electrode non-conducting portion and a negative electrode non-conducting portion are respectively located at the top and bottom of a jellyroll-type electrode assembly, and an electrode current collector is welded to these non-conducting portions to improve current collection efficiency.

[0008] The positive electrode collector plate coupled to the positive electrode non-coated portion may be connected to the positive terminal of the secondary battery, and the negative electrode collector plate coupled to the negative electrode non-coated portion may be connected to the negative terminal of the secondary battery. Here, the negative terminal of the secondary battery may be a battery can, and the positive electrode terminal may be a cap plate of a sealing body that seals an opening of the battery can. Such a cylindrical battery cell may secure insulation between the positive electrode collector plate and the battery can by performing a taping process of attaching an insulating tape to the upper end of the jelly roll coupled to the positive electrode collector plate before storing the jelly roll in the battery can, and then storing the jelly roll in the battery can. Here, the taping process may be performed by surrounding the upper end of the jelly roll and the space above it with an insulating tape, and then folding the end circumference of the insulating tape located higher than the upper end of the jelly roll and attaching it to the electrode collector plate at the upper end of the jelly roll.

[0009] However, there is currently no simple yet effective forming jig that can easily form the end circumference of the insulating tape and attach it to the electrode collector plate when performing the above taping process.

[0010] Accordingly, the present invention has been created in consideration of the above-described problems, and its purpose is to provide a simple yet effective tape forming jig capable of forming an end circumference of an insulating tape positioned higher than the upper end of a jelly roll, which is a cylindrical electrode assembly, and attaching the insulating tape to an electrode current collector positioned at the upper end of the jelly roll.

[0011] In addition, it is an object of the present invention to provide a jelly roll taping device and a jelly roll taping method capable of applying the above forming jig.

[0012] However, the technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems described above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0013] In order to solve the above-described problem, a tape forming jig according to the present invention is a tape forming jig applicable to a process of taping a jelly roll, which is a cylindrical electrode assembly, and an electrode current collector plate disposed on the uppermost surface of the jelly roll when the jelly roll is erected, with an insulating tape, the tape forming jig including a plate body, a forming plate having a forming hole formed through the thickness direction of the plate body and configured such that the diameter becomes narrower from a first surface of the plate body to a second surface opposite to the first surface; and a forming block having a cross-section corresponding to the shape of the forming hole as viewed from the outside of the second surface of the plate body and provided so as to be able to enter the forming hole.

[0014] The inner surface of the above forming hole may be formed as a curved surface rounded in the thickness direction of the plate body.

[0015] The forming plate may include a first split pressurizing portion provided on the second surface of the plate body and protruding from the edge of the forming hole toward the center of the forming hole.

[0016] The first divided pressurizing portion may be provided in plurality, and the plurality of first divided pressurizing portions may be provided at regular intervals along the circumferential direction of the forming hole.

[0017] The forming block may include a second segmented pressurizing portion that is provided to be able to enter a space between the plurality of first segmented pressurizing portions.

[0018] The forming hole may include a first hole section into which the uppermost edge of the jelly roll can be inserted; and a second hole section formed to have a diameter narrower than the first hole section so that the uppermost edge of the jelly roll cannot enter.

[0019] The above forming block may have a thickness corresponding to at least the depth of the second hole section.

[0020] The above tape forming jig may further include a first support member having an elastic length, one end of which is coupled to the forming plate and the other end of which is provided so as to be connectable to an external structure, and capable of supporting the forming plate to be positioned at a predetermined height; and a second support member having one end of which is coupled to the forming block and the other end of which is provided so as to be connectable to the external structure, and capable of supporting the forming block so as to be positioned relatively higher than the forming plate.

[0021] The first support member includes a support housing fixedly connected to the external structure; a support rod connected to be translationally movable inside the support housing; and a spring member wrapped around the support rod on the outside of the support housing, wherein one end of the support rod can be fixedly connected to the plate body.

[0022] The second support member may be configured to support the forming block so that the forming block is positioned so that it can be inserted into the forming hole when the forming plate is raised.

[0023] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a jelly roll taping device comprising the above-described tape forming jig, wherein the jelly roll is surrounded by an insulating tape having an electrode collector plate disposed on the uppermost surface thereof and an upper space of the uppermost surface of the jelly roll, and the end peripheral portion of the insulating tape is folded and attached to the electrode collector plate.

[0024] A top frame configured to hang the above tape forming jig at a predetermined height; and

[0025] It may include a jelly roll lifting unit that is placed at the bottom of the above tape forming jig and moves the jelly roll up and down.

[0026] The top frame may be arranged to be able to hang a plurality of tape forming jigs along a circumferential direction, and the jelly roll lifting unit may include an lifting rod positioned at the vertical lower portion of each of the tape forming jigs and having a backup tip at an upper portion for pushing the jelly roll toward the forming hole and a roller at a lower portion; and a cylindrical cam unit having a groove portion in which the roller is fitted on an outer periphery, and the groove portion is curved along the circumferential direction so that the lifting rod moves up and down when rotated.

[0027] The above jelly roll taping device can be configured so that each of the lifting rods located vertically below each of the tape forming jigs moves up and down once when the cylindrical cam unit rotates once.

[0028] The jelly roll taping device further includes a roll shelf provided at the lower portion of the tape forming jig and configured to support the jelly roll, and the roll shelf may include a tip passage hole through which the backup tip may pass.

[0029] The backup tip of the above lifting rod may be configured to vertically pass through a tip passage hole provided in the shelf to lift the jelly roll from the shelf.

[0030] According to another aspect of the present invention, a jelly roll taping method can be provided, which uses the above-described tape forming jig to tape a jelly roll, which is a cylindrical electrode assembly, and an electrode current collector together with an insulating tape.

[0031] The jelly roll taping method may include a step of attaching the electrode current collector to the uppermost surface of the jelly roll; a step of attaching the insulating tape to the jelly roll so that the circumference of the jelly roll and the space above the uppermost surface of the jelly roll are wrapped with the insulating tape; a first tape forming step of introducing the end circumference of the insulating tape into the forming hole of the forming plate and gathering it simultaneously toward the center of the forming hole; and a second tape forming step of introducing the forming block into the forming hole in a direction opposite to the jelly roll and applying pressure to the end circumference of the gathered insulating tape to attach it to the electrode current collector.

[0032] According to one aspect of the present invention, a simple yet effective tape forming jig can be provided, which is capable of forming an end circumference of an insulating tape positioned higher than the top of a jelly roll, which is a cylindrical electrode assembly, and attaching the insulating tape on an electrode current collector positioned at the top of the jelly roll.

[0033] According to another aspect of the present invention, a jelly roll taping device and a jelly roll taping method capable of applying the forming jig may be provided.

[0034] The effects that can be obtained through the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and other technical effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

[0035] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a plan view (a) and a side view (b) of a jelly roll with insulating tape attached before forming.

[0036] Figure 2 schematically shows a plan view (a) and a side view (b) of a jelly roll with insulating tape attached after forming.

[0037] FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a tape forming jig according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 4 is a drawing of the tape forming jig of Figure 3 as viewed from the bottom of the forming plate.

[0039] Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the forming hole portion of the forming plate of Fig. 3.

[0040] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the end circumference of a jelly roll and an insulating tape inserted into a forming hole of a forming plate according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figures 7 to 9 are process diagrams showing a tape forming process using a tape forming jig according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a jelly roll taping device including a tape forming jig according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 11 is a side view of Figure 10.

[0044] Figure 12 is a partially enlarged view of Figure 10.

[0045] Fig. 13 is a drawing of the tape forming jig of Fig. 12 viewed from below.

[0046] Fig. 14 is a drawing showing an operation example of a jelly roll taping device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, it should be noted that the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as limited to their typical or dictionary meanings, and should be interpreted with meanings and concepts that conform to the technical spirit of the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the term to best explain his or her own invention. Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are only some of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical spirit of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modified examples may exist as of the time of this application.

[0048] Throughout this specification, whenever a part is said to "include" a component, this does not mean that it excludes other components, but rather that it may include other components, unless otherwise specifically stated.

[0049] The tape forming jig described below can be applied to a taping process of pressing the end circumference of an insulating tape rolled higher than a jelly roll, which is a cylindrical electrode assembly, and attaching the tape to an electrode collector plate mounted on the uppermost surface of the jelly roll. The purpose of the taping process is to secure insulation between the electrode collector plate and the battery can by wrapping the upper circumference of the jelly roll and the electrode collector plate with insulating tape before placing the jelly roll into the battery can.

[0050] Meanwhile, it should be noted that the scope of the tape forming jig according to the present invention should not be misinterpreted as being limited to the use of forming insulating tape for jelly rolls and electrode current collectors. That is, the tape forming jig according to the present invention can be applied not only to the taping process for jelly rolls and electrode current collectors, but also to forming tape or a material identical or similar thereto in order to integrally wrap the circumference of a cylindrical structure and its upper or lower surface.

[0051] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view (a) and a side view (b) of a jelly roll with an insulating tape attached before forming, FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view (a) and a side view (b) of a jelly roll with an insulating tape attached after forming, FIG. 3 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a tape forming jig according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is a view of the tape forming jig of FIG. 3 as viewed from the bottom of the forming plate, and FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a forming hole portion of the forming plate of FIG. 3.

[0052] First, the shape of the insulating tape attached to the jelly roll to be formed using the tape forming jig according to the present invention will be briefly described.

[0053] For example, when a jelly roll, which is a cylindrical electrode assembly, is erected, an insulating tape (T) is attached to the jelly roll (20) so as to surround the upper circumference of the jelly roll (20) and the space above the uppermost end surface where the electrode collector plate (30) is located. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the upper circumference of the jelly roll (20) can be wrapped by the portion indicated as 'T1' in the insulating tape (T), and the space above the uppermost end surface of the jelly roll (20) can be wrapped by the portion indicated as 'T2' in the insulating tape (T). Here, the portion indicated as 'T2' is the portion that requires forming and will be hereinafter referred to as the end circumference (T2) of the insulating tape. In the present specification, the jelly roll taping process can be defined as a process of forming the end circumference (T2) of the insulating tape wound on the jelly roll (20) as described above, gathering it toward the center, and attaching it to the edge circumference of the electrode collector plate (30), as shown in FIG. 2.

[0054] The tape forming jig (100) according to the present invention enables the work of forming the end circumference (T2) of the insulating tape wound around the jelly roll (20) and gathering it toward the center and attaching it to the edge circumference of the electrode current collector (30) to be performed very simply and quickly during the jelly roll taping process.

[0055] Looking at the main configuration of the tape forming jig (100) according to the present invention, the tape forming jig (100) includes a forming plate (110) and a forming block (120), as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0056] The above forming plate (110) serves to gather the end circumference (T2) of the cylindrically wound insulating tape toward the center, and the above forming block (120) serves to press the end circumference (T2) of the gathered insulating tape and attach it to the electrode current collector (30).

[0057] Specifically, the forming plate (110) may be provided with a plate body (111) and a forming hole (112) formed through the plate body (111) in the thickness direction and configured such that the diameter becomes narrower from the first surface (111a) of the plate body (111) to the second surface (111b) opposite to the first surface (111a).

[0058] In particular, the inner circumference of the forming hole (112) may be formed as a curved surface rounded in the thickness direction of the plate body (111).

[0059] For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the rounded curved surface according to the present embodiment may include a first curved surface (R1) and a vertical surface and a second curved surface (R2) along the direction from the first surface (111a) of the plate body (111) to the second surface (111b).

[0060] In the above first curved surface (R1), the diameter of the forming hole (112) can be formed to gradually narrow and then steeply narrow in the thickness direction (Z direction) of the forming plate (110) as shown in FIG. 5.

[0061] For example, when the jelly roll (20) rises from the lower portion of the forming plate (110), the end circumference (T2) of the insulating tape enters the first curved surface (R1) section, and in this state, when the jelly roll (20) continues to rise, the end circumference (T2) of the insulating tape can be folded and gathered toward the center while rising along the first curved surface (R1).

[0062] The above vertical plane is a portion of the inner surface of the forming hole (112) where there is little change in the diameter of the forming hole (112). The end circumference (T2) of the insulating tape gathered along the first curved surface (R1) can rise vertically along the vertical plane section. As a variation, the diameter of the forming hole (112) may be gradually narrowed in the vertical plane section, so that when the jelly roll (20) rises, the end circumference (T2) of the insulating tape may be gathered more toward the center on the vertical plane as well.

[0063] In the second curved surface (R2), the diameter of the forming hole (112) may be formed to gradually narrow and then steeply narrow in the thickness direction (Z direction) of the forming plate (110), as opposed to the change in the diameter of the forming hole (112) in the first curved surface (R1). That is, the first curved surface (R1) may be formed so that the center of curvature is located outside the forming hole (112), and the second curved surface (R2) may be formed so that the center of curvature is located inside the forming hole (112).

[0064] According to this second curved surface (R2), the end circumference (T2) of the insulating tape that rises along the vertical surface can be gathered almost horizontally toward the center while being guided along the second curved surface (R2).

[0065] Referring again to FIG. 5, the forming hole (112) may include a first hole section (113) into which the upper edge of the jelly roll (20) can be fitted, and a second hole section (114) formed with a diameter narrower than the first hole section (113) so that the upper edge of the jelly roll (20) cannot enter.

[0066] In the present embodiment, the first hole section (113) may be specified as the first curved surface (R1) section, and the second hole section (114) may be specified as the second curved surface (R2) section from the vertical plane. According to the forming hole (112) configuration according to the present embodiment, the jelly roll (20) may enter the first hole section (113), and the end circumference of the insulating tape may enter the second hole section (114) and be formed. That is, the end circumference (T2) of the insulating tape may enter the second hole section (114) while being folded toward the center along the rounded curved surface in the forming hole (112). In addition, the forming block (120) may enter the forming hole (112) in a direction opposite to the entry direction of the jelly roll (20) and press the end circumference (T2) of the insulating tape gathered toward the center. Here, the forming block (120) has a thickness corresponding to at least the depth of the second hole section (114).

[0067] In this way, since the top surface of the jelly roll (20) does not enter the forming hole (112), the forming block (120) can press the end circumference of the insulating tape within the forming hole (112). Accordingly, the end circumference (T2) of the insulating tape can be neatly attached to the electrode collector plate (30).

[0068] Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, the forming plate (110) may further include a first split pressurizing portion (115) provided on the second surface (111b) of the plate body (111) and protruding from the edge of the forming hole (112) toward the center of the forming hole (112).

[0069] According to the present embodiment, there are a plurality of first divided pressurizing parts (115), and the plurality of first divided pressurizing parts (115) may be provided at regular intervals along the circumferential direction of the forming hole (112). When the forming hole (112) is viewed from above, the forming plate (110) has an empty space between the adjacent first divided pressurizing parts (115).

[0070] According to the forming plate (110) as described above, as shown in FIG. 6, when the jelly roll (20) rises, the portions (K1) corresponding to the lower portions of the first divided pressurizing portions (115) at the end circumference (T2) of the insulating tape are each blocked by the corresponding first divided pressurizing portions (115) and folded horizontally toward the center of the forming hole (112), and the portions (J1) corresponding to the empty spaces between the first divided pressurizing portions (115) can come out upward through the corresponding empty spaces. As a result, the end circumference (T2) of the insulating tape can be folded in a regular shape and gathered toward the center of the forming hole (112).

[0071] For reference, when the end circumference (T2) of the cylindrically rolled insulating tape is folded toward the center, some of the folded portions inevitably overlap each other. However, when the end circumference (T2) of the insulating tape is pressed all at once to fold it, the end circumference (T2) of the insulating tape may be crushed or folded irregularly, which may cause the insulating tape (T) to partially lift or be damaged. However, in the case of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 6, some of the end circumference (T2) of the insulating tape is first pressed by the first divided pressing portions (115), and the remaining portions, excluding the pressed portions, can be folded into the empty space between the first divided pressing portions (115) and come out. In this state, if the end circumference (T2) of the insulating tape is pressed by the forming block (120), the problem described above does not occur.

[0072] The above forming block (120) may be provided so as to be able to enter the forming hole (112) with a cross-section corresponding to the shape of the forming hole (112) as viewed from the outside of the second surface (111b) of the plate body (111).

[0073] In particular, the forming block (120) according to the present embodiment may include a second divided pressing portion (121) that is provided to be able to enter an empty space between a plurality of first divided pressing portions (115) provided on the forming plate (110).

[0074] The second divided pressurizing portion (121) may be provided in a form that can be fitted into the empty space between the first divided pressurizing portions (115). That is, the second divided pressurizing portions (121) of the forming block (120) may be provided in a form that is shaped to fit into the empty spaces between the first divided pressurizing portions (115) of the forming plate (110).

[0075] This forming block (120) can be inserted into the forming hole (112) from the upper portion of the forming plate, for example, when the jelly roll (20) is fitted into the lower portion of the forming plate (110), and the end perimeter (T2) of the insulating tape is gathered toward the center within the forming hole (112), as shown in FIG. 6. At this time, the end perimeter of the insulating tape gathered toward the center within the forming hole (112) can be attached to the electrode current collector (30) of the jelly roll (20) by being pressed by the forming block (120). In particular, the end peripheral portions (J1) of the insulating tape that have come out upward through the space between the first divided pressurizing portions (115) are pressed together by the second divided pressurizing portions (121) of the forming block (120), and then the remaining portions are pressed by the forming block (120) so that they can be regularly attached to the electrode current collector (30).

[0076] As described above, according to the tape forming jig (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the upper circumference of the jelly roll (20) and the electrode collector plate (30) placed on the uppermost surface of the jelly roll (20) can be taped together easily and effectively.

[0077] Figures 7 to 9 are process diagrams showing a tape forming process using a tape forming jig (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0078] Next, a tape forming jig (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention will be briefly described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9.

[0079] The same reference numbers as in the above-described embodiment indicate the same reference numbers, and duplicate descriptions of the same reference numbers will be omitted, and the differences from the above-described embodiment will be mainly explained.

[0080] A tape forming jig (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a first support member (130) that supports the forming plate (110) at a constant height, and a second support member (140) that supports the forming block (120) to be positioned relatively higher than the forming plate (110).

[0081] The first support member (130) may be provided such that one end is connected to the forming plate (110) and the other end is connectable to an external structure, and may be provided such that its length is elastic. The second support member (140) may be provided such that one end is connected to the forming block (120) and the other end is connectable to the external structure, and may be provided such that its length is elastic, like the first support member (130).

[0082] Specifically, referring to FIG. 7, the first support member (130) includes a support housing (131) fixedly connected to the external structure, a support rod (132) that is connected to be able to move translationally inside the support housing (131), and a spring member (133) wrapped around the support rod (132) on the outside of the support housing (131), and the support rod (132) can be configured such that one end is fixedly connected to the plate body (111).

[0083] This first support member (130) may include a first_1 support member (130A) connected to one edge of the plate body (111) and a first_2 support member (130B) connected to the other edge of the plate body (111). Accordingly, the forming plate (110) may be connected to the first_1 support member (130A) and the first_2 support member (130B) and positioned at a certain height from the ground in a horizontal state.

[0084] In addition, the second support member (140) may be configured to support the forming block (120) so that the forming block (120) is positioned so that it can be inserted into the forming hole (112) when the forming plate (110) is raised.

[0085] Preferably, the second support member (140) may also have substantially the same structure as the first support member (130), and may be configured to include a spring member and be stretchable in length. In addition, so that the forming block (120) can be stably maintained in a horizontal state without being tilted left and right, the second support member (140) may include a second_1 support member (140A) and a second_2 support member (140B).

[0086] According to the second support member (140), when the forming plate (110) rises and the forming block (120) is inserted into the forming hole (112), the forming block (120) can elastically press the end circumference (T2) of the insulating tape without being shifted left and right.

[0087] Next, with reference to FIGS. 7 to 9, the jelly roll taping method is briefly described as follows.

[0088] The electrode current collector (30) is attached to the uppermost surface of the jelly roll (20), which is a cylindrical electrode assembly. Here, the electrode current collector (30) is in the form of a metal disc and can be welded to the electrode non-conductive portion of the rolled electrode plate.

[0089] Next, as shown in Fig. 7, the insulating tape (T1, T2) is attached to the jelly roll (20) so that the circumference of the jelly roll (20) and the space above the uppermost section of the jelly roll (20) are wrapped by the insulating tape.

[0090] Next, as shown in Fig. 8, a first tape forming process is performed in which the end circumference (T2) portion of the insulating tape is introduced into the forming hole (112) of the forming plate (110) and gathered simultaneously toward the center of the forming hole (112).

[0091] Next, as shown in Fig. 9, a secondary tape forming process is performed in which the forming block (120) is introduced into the forming hole (112) in the opposite direction to the jelly roll (20) and the end circumference (T2) of the assembled insulating tape is pressed to attach it to the electrode current collector (30).

[0092] At this time, as shown in FIG. 8, when the jelly roll (20) is pushed up while the upper edge of the jelly roll (20) is in contact with the first curved surface (R1) of the forming hole (112), the spring member (133) of the first support member (130) is compressed, causing the support rod (132) and the forming plate (110) to rise simultaneously. Then, as shown in FIG. 9, the end circumference (T2) of the insulating tape is pressed by the forming block (120) entering the forming hole (112), so that it can be attached to the surface of the electrode current collector (30).

[0093] In this way, after performing the jelly roll taping process using the tape forming jig (100) according to the present invention, the jelly roll (20) can be stored in a cylindrical battery can made of a metal material. At this time, the electrode collector plate (30) can be wrapped with the insulating tape (T) to be insulated from the battery can.

[0094] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a jelly roll taping device (10) including a tape forming jig (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 11 is a side view of FIG. 10, FIG. 12 is a partial enlarged view of FIG. 10, FIG. 13 is a view of the tape forming jig (100) of FIG. 12 as viewed from below, and FIG. 14 is a view showing an operation example of a jelly roll taping device (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] Next, a jelly roll taping device (10) including the aforementioned tape forming jig (100) will be described with reference mainly to FIGS. 10 to 14.

[0096] The jelly roll taping device (10) according to the present invention may include a top frame (200) configured to hang the tape forming jig (100) at a predetermined height, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, and a jelly roll lifting unit (300) disposed at the bottom of the tape forming jig (100) and moving the jelly roll (20) up and down.

[0097] As illustrated in Fig. 10, the top frame (200) may be arranged to be able to suspend a plurality of tape forming jigs (100) along the circumferential direction. Specifically, as illustrated in Figs. 12 and 13, one end of the first support member (130) may be fixedly coupled to the forming plate (110), and the other end may be fixedly coupled to the top frame (200). Although schematically illustrated for convenience of drawing, the coupling between the first support member (130) and the forming plate (110) and / or the top frame (200) may be accomplished by a bolt fastening or a snap-fit ​​fastening method.

[0098] In addition, the second support member (140) may have one end fixedly connected to the forming block (120) and the other end fixedly connected to the top frame (200). At this time, the second support member (140) supports the forming block (120) higher than the forming plate (110) at a position where the forming block (120) can be inserted into the forming hole (112) of the forming plate (110). The connection between the second support member (140) and the forming block (120) and / or the top frame may be made by a bolt fastening or a snap-fit ​​fastening method.

[0099] The jelly roll lifting unit (300) may include an lifting rod (310) having a backup tip (311) at the upper end for pushing the jelly roll (20) toward the forming hole (112) and a roller (312) at the lower end, which is positioned at each vertical lower end of the tape forming jig (100), and a groove (321) in which the roller (312) is fitted on the outer periphery, and a cylindrical cam unit (320) in which the groove (321) is curved along the circumference so that the lifting rod (310) moves up and down when rotated.

[0100] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11, each lifting rod (310) may be provided such that a roller (312) provided at the lower end is connected to a groove (321) of a cylindrical cam unit (320), and as shown in FIG. 13, a backup tip (311) provided at the upper end is positioned vertically below a forming hole (112) of a forming plate (110).

[0101] In addition, each lifting rod (310) may be configured to move up and down in accordance with the change in height of the groove (321) to which the roller (312) of each lifting rod (310) is connected when the cylindrical cam unit (320) rotates without moving in the left, right, front, and back directions.

[0102] The above jelly roll taping device (10) may further include a roll shelf (400) provided at the lower portion of the tape forming jig (100) and configured to support the jelly roll (20). As illustrated in Fig. 13, the roll shelf (400) may include a tip passage hole (401) through which the backup tip (311) may pass.

[0103] Preferably, as illustrated in Fig. 14, a jelly roll (20) with an insulating tape (T) attached thereto may be placed on the roll shelf (400) by being contained in a roll carrier (600). The roll carrier (600) may have a hole at the bottom having a diameter larger than that of the backup tip (311). Accordingly, when the lifting rod (310) rises, the backup tip (311) may vertically pass through the tip passage hole (401) of the roll shelf (400) and the hole of the roll carrier (600) to lift the jelly roll (20).

[0104] Meanwhile, the jelly roll taping device (10) may be configured so that each of the lifting rods (310) located vertically below each of the tape forming jigs (100) moves up and down once when the cylindrical cam unit (320) rotates once.

[0105] For example, when the cylindrical cam unit (320) rotates clockwise from 0 to 180 degrees with the position of each elevating rod (310) as the origin, each elevating rod (310) can be configured so that the backup tip (311) rises from the lowest point to the highest point. And, when the cylindrical cam unit (320) rotates from 180 to 360 degrees, each elevating rod (310) can be configured so that the backup tip (311) descends from the highest point to the lowest point.

[0106] A jelly roll taping device (10) according to the present embodiment includes ten tape forming jigs (100) and ten lifting rods (310), and a roll shelf (400) is provided between each tape forming jig (100) and each lifting rod (310), and a jelly roll (20) having an insulating tape (T) attached thereto can be placed one by one on each of the roll shelfs (400). In addition, when a cylindrical cam unit (320) rotates, the ten lifting rods (310) arranged vertically below the ten tape forming jigs (100) can be configured to sequentially repeat an up-and-down motion.

[0107] Accordingly, as shown in Fig. 14, as the cylindrical cam unit (320) rotates clockwise, each lifting rod (310) rises, and each jelly roll (20) sequentially rises toward each tape forming jig (100), so that, as described above, the end circumference (T2) of the insulating tape can be formed and attached to the electrode collector plate (30) of each jelly roll (20). Thereafter, each lifting rod (310) descends again, so that each jelly roll (20) with completed taping can be placed back on the original roll shelf (400). The jelly rolls (20) with completed taping in this way can be sequentially discharged to the outside for another process.

[0108] Meanwhile, the jelly roll taping device (10) may further include a gear unit (500) that is rotated by meshing with a gear of the jelly roll (20) loading device or the jelly roll (20) removal device at its lowest end so as to be linked with, for example, the jelly roll (20) loading device or the jelly roll (20) removal device.

[0109] According to the configuration and operating mechanism of the jelly roll taping device (10) according to the present invention configured as a rotary type as described above, taping work for a large number of jelly rolls can be performed quickly and reliably, thereby improving production yield.

[0110] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, the present invention is not limited to the specific preferred embodiments described above, and anyone having ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains can make various modifications without departing from the gist of the present invention as claimed in the claims, and such modifications are within the scope of the claims.

[0111] Meanwhile, in this specification, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, and right are used, but these terms are only for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms may be expressed differently depending on the viewing position of the observer or the position of the object.

Claims

1. A tape forming jig applicable to a process of taping a jelly roll, which is a cylindrical electrode assembly, and an electrode collector plate placed on the uppermost surface of the jelly roll when the jelly roll is erected, with an insulating tape. A forming plate having a plate body and a forming hole formed through the thickness direction of the plate body and configured such that the diameter becomes narrower from the first surface of the plate body to the second surface opposite the first surface; and A tape forming jig including a forming block having a cross-section corresponding to the shape of the forming hole as viewed from the outside of the second surface of the plate body and being provided so as to be able to enter the forming hole.

2. In paragraph 1, A tape forming jig characterized in that the inner surface of the forming hole is formed as a curved surface rounded in the thickness direction of the plate body.

3. In paragraph 1, The above forming plate, A tape forming jig characterized by including a first split pressure part provided on the second surface of the plate body and protruding from the edge of the forming hole toward the center of the forming hole.

4. In paragraph 3, The above first split pressurized portion is plural, A tape forming jig characterized in that the plurality of first split pressurized portions are provided at regular intervals along the circumferential direction of the forming hole.

5. In paragraph 4, The above forming block is, A tape forming jig characterized by including a second split pressure section that is provided to be able to enter a blank space between the plurality of first split pressure sections.

6. In paragraph 1, The above forming hole is, a first hole section into which the upper edge of the jelly roll can be fitted; and A tape forming jig characterized by including a second hole section formed with a diameter narrower than the first hole section so that the upper end of the jelly roll cannot enter.

7. In paragraph 6, A tape forming jig, characterized in that the forming block has a thickness corresponding to at least the depth of the second hole section.

8. In paragraph 1, The above tape forming jig is, A first support member having a flexible length, one end of which is connected to the forming plate and the other end of which is connected to an external structure, and capable of supporting the forming plate at a predetermined height; and A tape forming jig characterized in that it further includes a second support member capable of supporting the forming block so that one end is connected to the forming block and the other end is connected to the external structure, and the forming block is positioned relatively higher than the forming plate.

9. In paragraph 8, The above first support member, A support housing fixedly connected to the above external structure; A support rod that is movably connected within the support housing; and A spring member is included that is wrapped around the perimeter of the support rod on the outside of the support housing, A tape forming jig characterized in that the support rod is configured such that one end thereof is fixedly connected to the plate body.

10. In paragraph 8, The above second support member, A tape forming jig characterized in that, when the forming plate is raised, the forming block is configured to support the forming block so that the forming block is positioned so that the forming block can be inserted into the forming hole.

11. Including a tape forming jig according to any one of clauses 1 to 10, A jelly roll taping device that folds the end perimeter of an insulating tape surrounding a space above the uppermost end surface of a jelly roll having an electrode collector plate arranged on the uppermost end surface and attaches the insulating tape to the electrode collector plate. A top frame configured to hang the above tape forming jig at a predetermined height; and A jelly roll taping device characterized by including a jelly roll lifting unit disposed at the lower portion of the tape forming jig and moving the jelly roll up and down.

12. In paragraph 11, The above top frame is provided so that multiple tape forming jigs can be hung along the circumferential direction, The above jelly roll lifting unit is, An elevating rod positioned at the vertical lower end of each of the above tape forming jigs, having a backup tip at the upper end for pushing the jelly roll toward the forming hole, and having a roller at the lower end; and A jelly roll taping device characterized in that it includes a cylindrical cam unit having a groove portion in which the roller is fitted on the outer periphery, and the groove portion is curved along the circumference so that the lifting rod moves up and down when rotated.

13. In paragraph 12, The above jelly roll taping device A jelly roll taping device characterized in that each of the lifting rods located vertically below each of the tape forming jigs moves up and down once when the cylindrical cam unit rotates once.

14. In paragraph 12, The jelly roll taping device further includes a roll shelf provided at the bottom of the tape forming jig and configured to support the jelly roll. A jelly roll taping device characterized in that the roll shelf includes a tip passage hole through which the backup tip can pass. A jelly roll taping device characterized in that the backup tip of the lifting rod is configured to vertically pass through a tip passage hole provided in the shelf to lift the jelly roll from the shelf.

15. A jelly roll taping method for taping a jelly roll, which is a cylindrical electrode assembly, and an electrode collector together with an insulating tape using a tape forming jig according to any one of clauses 1 to 10. A step of attaching the electrode collector plate to the uppermost surface of the jelly roll; A step of attaching the insulating tape to the jelly roll so that the circumference of the jelly roll and the space above the uppermost surface of the jelly roll are wrapped with the insulating tape; A first tape forming step in which the end peripheral portion of the insulating tape is introduced into the forming hole of the forming plate and gathered simultaneously toward the center of the forming hole; A jelly roll taping method characterized by including a second tape forming step of pressing the end peripheral portion of the assembled insulating tape by introducing the forming block into the forming hole in the opposite direction to the jelly roll and attaching it to the electrode current collector.

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