Notching system and notching method

Abstract

Disclosed is a notching system comprising: a frame; a power unit installed on the frame and generating torque at a speed synchronized with the moving speed of an electrode sheet; a jig installed on the frame and receiving the torque from the power unit so as to rotate while making contact with one surface of the electrode sheet; a tight adhesion unit installed on the frame and making contact with and supporting the other surface of the electrode sheet so as to enable the maintaining of the contact between the jig and the electrode sheet passing through a notching area; and a laser radiation unit installed on the frame and radiating laser to the electrode sheet through a notching hole, wherein the jig comprises a notching hole formed in the outer circumferential surface thereof making contact with the one surface of the electrode sheet. According to the present invention, air is blown during laser notching so as to remove foreign substances, plasma, and scraps, while flapping of the electrode sheet due to the air is prevented, thereby enabling the formation of a precise notching line.

Description

Notching system and notching method

[0001] The present invention relates to a notching system and a notching method for manufacturing an electrode of a secondary battery, and more particularly, 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.

[0002] Electrode sheets for secondary batteries are formed by coating positive and negative electrode active materials on a current collector and then drying them. The electrode sheet can be divided into areas where the active material is coated and areas where it is not. Electrode tabs can be formed through a notching process in the area where the active material is not coated and a notching process in the area where the active material is coated.

[0003] The notching process is a process for forming electrode tabs on electrode sheets. The notched electrode sheets are cut to a specified length and stacked into individual electrode sheets.

[0004] Conventional notching devices include a mold upper plate and a mold lower plate, each containing a punching member. The mold upper plate and the mold lower plate move as they punch the electrode sheet to form the electrode tab. However, these notching devices suffer from high mold maintenance costs. Furthermore, after a certain number of notching processes, the mold and the punching member must be replaced.

[0005] Recently, a notching device has been developed that uses a laser to form electrode tabs instead of a mold. A laser notching device forms electrode tabs by irradiating a beam onto an electrode sheet.

[0006] As a technology related to the present invention, the Korean Patent Gazette discloses a laser notching system comprising a pattern jig and a bottom jig. This related technology is distinguished from the present invention in terms of structure and effect by forming electrode tabs using a pattern jig formed with a pattern hole through it, without using a bottom jig, and by removing foreign substances by blowing air while preventing the electrode from flapping during notching.

[0007] Blowing air into a laser process is widely used in various applications to improve process quality by removing foreign matter generated during the laser process and smoothly removing plasma that interferes with the quality of the laser process. While blowing air into a moving electrode can be a useful method for improving cutting performance, the air can cause the electrode to vibrate or flutter, potentially leading to cutting problems.

[0008] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to improve cutting quality and secure cutting performance by controlling flapping while fixing the electrode sheet at the cutting section and blowing air when cutting a moving electrode sheet.

[0009] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a notching method and a notching system using the same, which can prevent foreign substances from being reapplied to the electrode surface by removing foreign substances generated during laser notching by blowing air, and can prevent the electrode sheet from fluttering due to air.

[0010] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a notching method capable of preventing the electrode sheet from fluttering during notching using a jig that contacts the electrode sheet, and a notching system using the method.

[0011] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a notching method using a jig having a notching hole formed therein and rotating at a speed synchronized with the moving speed of an electrode sheet, and a notching system using the same.

[0012] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a notching method and a notching system using the same, which can prevent the electrode sheet from fluttering during notching while improving the existing structure that could not blow air strongly due to the lower support of the electrode sheet, and can form a notching line on the electrode sheet by irradiating a laser vertically downward on the electrode sheet.

[0013] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0014] In order to achieve the above object, according to one embodiment of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, a notching system is disclosed, which includes a frame; a power unit installed on the frame and generating a rotational force at a speed synchronized with the moving speed of an electrode sheet; a jig installed on the frame and receiving a rotational force from the power unit and rotating while contacting one surface of the electrode sheet; a contact unit installed on the frame and supporting the other surface of the electrode sheet to contact the electrode sheet passing through the notching area with the jig; and a laser irradiation unit installed on the frame and irradiating a laser onto the electrode sheet through a notching hole, wherein the jig is configured to include a notching hole formed on an outer peripheral surface that contacts one surface of the electrode sheet.

[0015] In addition, the notching system may be configured such that the jig includes a first jig installed corresponding to a tab portion of the electrode sheet; and a second jig installed corresponding to a bottom portion of the electrode sheet, and the laser irradiation unit includes a first laser irradiation unit installed corresponding to the tab portion of the electrode sheet; and a second laser irradiation unit installed corresponding to the bottom portion of the electrode sheet.

[0016] Additionally, the notching system may be configured such that the contact portion includes a first roller arranged on one side of the notching area with respect to the direction of travel of the electrode sheet and a second roller arranged on the other side of the notching area.

[0017] In addition, the notching system can be configured such that the electrode sheet moves left and right by the unwinding section, the jig is installed to contact the top surface of the electrode sheet, and the contact section contacts and supports the bottom surface of the electrode sheet so that the top surface of the electrode sheet and the jig come into surface contact.

[0018] Additionally, the notching system can be configured such that the laser head that irradiates the laser of the laser irradiation unit is located inside the jig.

[0019] Additionally, the notching system can be configured so that a plurality of notching holes are formed in a 360-degree direction on the rim, so that the inner and outer surfaces of the wheel of the jig are connected.

[0020] In addition, the notching system may further include a dust collecting unit installed in the notching area to remove foreign substances, plasma, and scrap caused by notching, and the dust collecting unit may be configured to include a blower that generates wind to remove foreign substances, plasma, and scrap; and a suction unit that sucks in foreign substances, plasma, and scrap.

[0021] In order to achieve the above object, according to one embodiment of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, a notching method is disclosed, which comprises a step of continuously supplying an electrode sheet to a notching area where notching of the electrode sheet occurs; a step of restraining the fluttering of the electrode sheet moving by the supply; and a notching step of irradiating a laser beam to the electrode sheet, wherein the step of restraining the fluttering of the electrode sheet includes a step of contacting a jig with one surface of the electrode sheet in the notching area to support the electrode sheet; and a step of contact-supporting the electrode sheet from the front and rear of the contact surface of the electrode sheet and the jig toward the contact surface.

[0022] In addition, the notching method may include a step of rotating the jig by contacting the outer surface of the jig in which a plurality of notching holes are formed with one surface of the electrode sheet in the step of contact-supporting the electrode sheet, and the step of contact-supporting the electrode sheet may include a step of contact-supporting a pair of rollers respectively positioned at the front and rear of the notching area with the bottom surface of the electrode sheet to bring the top surface of the electrode sheet into surface contact with the jig.

[0023] In addition, the notching method may be configured such that the notching step includes a step of moving a notching hole formed in a jig at a speed synchronized with the moving speed of the electrode sheet; and a step of forming a notching line in the electrode sheet through the notching hole.

[0024] In addition, the notching method is characterized in that the notching step utilizes a plurality of notching holes formed at a position where the inner and outer surfaces of the wheel rim of the jig are connected.

[0025] In addition, the notching method is characterized in that the step of supplying an electrode sheet to a notching area moves the electrode sheet left and right, and the notching step irradiates a laser beam vertically to one surface of the electrode sheet.

[0026] In order to achieve the above object, according to one embodiment of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, a notching system is disclosed, which includes a frame; a power unit installed on the frame and generating a rotational force at a speed synchronized with the moving speed of an electrode sheet; a jig installed on the frame and receiving a rotational force from the power unit and rotating while contacting one surface of the electrode sheet; a contact unit installed on the frame and supporting the other surface of the electrode sheet to maintain contact between the electrode sheet passing through a notching area and the jig; and a laser irradiation unit installed on the frame and irradiating a laser onto the electrode sheet through a notching hole, wherein the jig is configured to include a notching hole formed on an outer peripheral surface that contacts one surface of the electrode sheet.

[0027] In addition, the notching system may be configured to include a first jig installed corresponding to a tab portion of the electrode sheet; and a second jig installed corresponding to a bottom portion of the electrode sheet, and the laser irradiation unit may include a first irradiation unit installed corresponding to the tab portion of the electrode sheet; and a second irradiation unit installed corresponding to the bottom portion of the electrode sheet.

[0028] Additionally, the notching system may be configured to include a first roller and a second roller, each of which is positioned on the left and right sides of the jig.

[0029] In addition, the notching system can be configured such that the electrode sheet is supplied in the left-right direction by the unwinding unit, the jig is installed to contact the upper surface of the electrode sheet, and the contact unit supports the lower surface of the electrode sheet so that the upper surface of the electrode sheet and the jig are in surface contact.

[0030] Additionally, the notching system can be configured such that the laser irradiation unit and the scanner that irradiates the laser are located inside the jig.

[0031] Additionally, the notching system can be configured so that a plurality of notching holes are formed so that the inner and outer surfaces of the fellowe rim of the jig are in contact with each other.

[0032] In addition, the notching system may further include a dust collecting unit installed in the notching area to remove foreign substances generated during notching, and the dust collecting unit may be configured to include a blower that generates wind to separate foreign substances; and a suction unit that sucks foreign substances.

[0033] In addition, the notching system can be configured such that the blower is positioned at a higher position than the inner side of the jig and the inner surface of the wheel frame based on the wheel frame of the jig, and the suction unit is positioned at a height encompassing the upper and lower parts based on the outer side of the jig and the inner surface of the wheel frame.

[0034] In order to achieve the above object, according to one embodiment of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, a method performed by a notching system includes the steps of: continuously supplying an electrode sheet to a notching area; a step of closely contacting a jig with the electrode sheet in the notching area; and a notching step of irradiating a laser beam to the electrode sheet, wherein the step of closely contacting the jig with the electrode sheet may be configured to include a step of contacting a curved surface of the jig with one surface of the electrode sheet in the notching area; and a step of maintaining contact between the jig and the electrode sheet at one side and the other side of a contact surface between the jig and the electrode sheet.

[0035] In addition, the notching method may be configured such that the step of bringing the jig into close contact with the electrode sheet in the notching area includes the step of bringing the outer surface of the jig, in which a plurality of notching holes are formed, into contact with the electrode sheet; and the step of bringing the roller, the electrode sheet, and the jig into close contact with each other at positions on one side and the other side of the notching area.

[0036] In addition, the notching method may be configured to include a step of rotating a jig so that the notching step is synchronized with the moving speed of the electrode sheet; and a step of forming a notching line in the electrode sheet through the notching hole.

[0037] In addition, the notching method is characterized in that the notching step uses a plurality of notching holes formed so that the inner and outer surfaces of the wheel rim of the jig are connected.

[0038] In addition, the notching method is characterized in that the step of supplying an electrode sheet to a notching area moves the electrode sheet left and right, and the notching step irradiates a laser beam vertically to one surface of the electrode sheet.

[0039] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the “Specific Details for Carrying Out the Invention” and the attached “Drawings.”

[0040] The advantages and / or features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear with reference to the various embodiments described in detail below together with the accompanying drawings.

[0041] However, the present invention is not limited to the configuration of each embodiment disclosed below, but may be implemented in various different forms, and each embodiment disclosed in this specification is provided only to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains of the scope of the present invention, and it should be understood that the present invention is defined only by the scope of each claim of the claims.

[0042] According to the present invention, an electrode tab can be formed while the electrode sheet is supported using a jig synchronized with the moving speed of the electrode sheet.

[0043] In addition, a moving electrode sheet can be supported using a curved jig, and the laser irradiation area can be controlled to match the relative speed of the moving electrode sheet.

[0044] In addition, notching is possible while the moving electrode sheet is in contact with and supported by synchronizing the moving speed of the electrode sheet and the rotational speed of the jig.

[0045] The effects that can be obtained by the notching system and notching method according to the technical idea of ​​the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0046] Figure 1 is an exemplary diagram of a notching system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 2 is a front view of a notching system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 3 is a right side view of a notching system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 4 is a left side view of a notching system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 5 is a plan view of a notching system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 6 is a rear view of a notching system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of a notching system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a notching system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 9 is an exemplary diagram of a jig, electrode sheet, and adhesive part of a notching system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure 10 is a flow chart of a notching method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Figure 11 is a flow chart of a notching method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Before describing the present invention in detail, it should be understood that the terms or words used in this specification should not be interpreted as being unconditionally limited to their usual or dictionary meanings, and that the inventor of the present invention may appropriately define and use the concepts of various terms in order to explain his or her invention in the best possible way, and further, that these terms or words should be interpreted as meanings and concepts that are consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention.

[0058] That is, it should be noted that the terms used in this specification are only used to describe preferred embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to specifically limit the contents of the present invention, and that these terms are defined in consideration of various possibilities of the present invention.

[0059] Additionally, it should be noted that in this specification, singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates a different meaning, and similarly, even if expressed in plural, may include a singular meaning.

[0060] Throughout this specification, whenever a component is described as "including" another component, it may mean that the component may further include any other component, rather than excluding any other component, unless specifically stated otherwise.

[0061] Furthermore, when a component is described as being "inside or connected to" another component, it should be understood that the component may be installed in direct connection with or in contact with the other component, may be installed spaced apart from the other component by a certain distance, and if installed spaced apart from the other component by a certain distance, 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.

[0062] On the other hand, if a component is described as being "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it should be understood that no third component or means exists.

[0063] Likewise, other expressions that describe the relationship between components, such as "between" and "directly between", or "adjacent to" and "directly adjacent to", should be interpreted as having the same meaning.

[0064] Additionally, it should be noted that the terms “one side,” “the other side,” “one side,” “the other side,” “first,” “second,” etc. in this specification, if used, are used to clearly distinguish one component from another component, and that the meaning of the component is not limited by such terms.

[0065] In addition, terms related to position, such as “upper,” “lower,” “left,” and “right,” etc., in this specification, if used, should be understood to indicate relative positions of the corresponding components in the corresponding drawings, and unless absolute positions are specified for these positions, these position-related terms should not be understood to refer to absolute positions.

[0066] In addition, in this specification, when specifying the drawing numbers for each component of each drawing, the same component has the same drawing number even if the component is shown in a different drawing, that is, the same reference number indicates the same component throughout the specification.

[0067] In the drawings attached to this specification, the size, position, connection relationship, etc. of each component constituting the present invention may be described with some exaggeration, reduction, or omission in order to sufficiently clearly convey the idea of ​​the present invention or for convenience of explanation, and therefore the proportions or scales may not be strict.

[0068] In addition, in the following description of the present invention, a detailed description of a configuration that is judged to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, for example, a known technology including a prior art, may be omitted.

[0069] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the relevant drawings.

[0070] In the XYZ coordinate axes shown in each drawing, the X-axis direction is defined as the front-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-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).

[0071] The electrode sheet (S) can be unwound from a state of being rolled onto a reel by a device called an unwinding unit and supplied to a notching area (N). The notching area (N) is depicted in Fig. 9 and corresponds to an area on the electrode sheet (S) where notching occurs in real time by a laser beam.

[0072] In notching an electrode sheet (S) using a laser beam, foreign substances, plasma, and scrap generated by notching by the laser beam can be removed by blowing air.

[0073] However, if the electrode sheet (S) is not in contact due to air and movement, such as fluttering, occurs, there may be an error in the position of the notching line formed by the laser beam, which is problematic.

[0074] In other words, the electrode sheet (S) needs to be supported so that it does not flutter. However, for synchronization and productivity, the electrode sheet (S) must be continuously supplied to the notching area (N) by the unwinding unit. However, since the moving electrode sheet (S) must be supported without stopping the movement of the electrode sheet (S), there may be difficulties in supporting it. In addition, due to the support of the electrode sheet (S), there must be no change in the constant moving speed of the electrode sheet (S). Here, the meaning of “support” is that the electrode sheet moving by unwinding moves without fluttering due to air.

[0075] A notching system (100) and a notching method (S100) using the same according to one embodiment of the present invention relate to a technology for forming a notching line on an electrode sheet (S) while the electrode sheet (S) being continuously supplied does not flutter, and generating an electrode while removing foreign substances, plasma, and scrap by blowing air.

[0076] Figure 1 is an exemplary diagram of a notching system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Referring to Fig. 1, a notching system (100) is a system that performs notching to form an electrode tab (T) on an electrode sheet (S) using a laser beam and notching to cut off a portion of the electrode sheet (S). The electrode sheet (S) can be continuously supplied to the notching area (N) through a device called an unwinding unit.

[0078] The notching system (100) may be configured to include a frame (110), a power unit (120) that generates power, a jig (130) that performs a function of supporting an electrode sheet (S) during notching, a laser device (140), a contact unit (150) that assists the jig (130) to maintain contact between the electrode sheet (S) and the jig (130), and a dust collection unit (160) that removes foreign substances.

[0079] The frame (110) has a function of supporting and combining with a power unit (120), a jig (130), a laser device (140), a contact unit (150), and a 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.

[0080] The power unit (120) is installed in the frame (110) and has a function of driving the first jig (131) and the second jig (132) that constitute the jig (130), and may be configured to include a motor and a shaft.

[0081] The jig (130) is installed on the frame (110) and has a function of receiving power from the power unit (120) to move the notching hole (135). The first jig (131) may include a first wheel (133), and the second jig (132) may include a second wheel (134).

[0082] A notching hole (135) may be formed in the wheel rim of the first wheel (133). The notching hole (135) may be formed in a direction in which the inner and outer surfaces of the wheel rim are connected.

[0083] The laser device (140) has a function of irradiating a laser beam and may 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) may be arranged to correspond to the tab portion of the electrode sheet (S), and the second laser irradiation unit (142) may be arranged to correspond to the bottom portion of the electrode sheet (S). The tab portion refers to the side of the electrode sheet (S) where the tab of the electrode is formed, and the bottom portion refers to the opposite side of the tab portion.

[0084] An electrode tab (T) can be formed on the tab portion of the electrode sheet (S) that contacts the first jig (131) by laser notching of the laser device (140). A straight notching line and a mark that distinguishes between adjacent electrodes can be notched on the bottom portion of the electrode sheet (S) that contacts the second jig (132) by laser notching of the laser device (140).

[0085] The contact member (150) has a function of supporting the other surface of the electrode sheet (S), for example, the bottom surface, to maintain contact between one surface of the electrode sheet (S), for example, the top surface, and the outer surface of the jig (130), and may be configured to include a first roller (151), a second roller (152), and a position adjusting member for adjusting the positions thereof.

[0086] The first roller (151) and the second roller (152) can maintain contact between one surface of the electrode sheet (S), i.e., the top surface, and the outer surface of the jig (130) by supporting the bottom surface of the electrode sheet (S) on both sides of the notching area (N), i.e., before and after the notching area (N) based on the direction of travel of the electrode sheet (S). The electrode sheet (S) comes into surface contact with the outer surface of the jig (130) in the notching area (N) by the contact portion (150).

[0087] The dust collection unit (160) has a function of removing foreign substances, plasma, and scrap generated during notching, and may be configured to include a first dust collection unit (161) and a second dust collection unit (162). The dust collection unit (169) may be installed by being coupled to a frame (110) at the bottom of a jig (130) where the notching area (N) is located. Solid foreign substances and plasma may be generated by irradiation of a laser beam, and if the foreign substances and plasma are not removed in a timely manner, they may be re-applied on the electrode sheet, which may deteriorate the cutting quality. Pieces of the electrode sheet resulting from notching, i.e., scrap, must also be removed in a timely manner. Here, foreign substances include byproducts such as residues resulting from the cutting action of the laser beam.

[0088] The dust collection unit (160) removes not only the cutting foreign matter generated during the notching of the electrode sheet (S) by the laser beam, but can also simultaneously remove the scrap generated during the notching. In conventional cases, scrap removal was not performed at the notching unit, but in one embodiment of the present invention, scrap removal can also be performed simultaneously with the notching through the dust collection unit (160).

[0089] The first dust collection unit (161) may be configured to include a first blower (163) that discharges air to the notching area (N) and a first suction unit (165) that sucks in foreign substances, plasma, and scrap.

[0090] Figure 2 is a front view of a notching system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] Figure 3 is a rear view of a notching system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0092] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the power unit (120), the first jig (131), and the second jig (132) may be installed on the upper plate. In order for the laser beam to be irradiated onto the inner surface of the wheel frame of the jig (130), the laser head where the lens is positioned in the first laser irradiation unit (141) may be installed to overlap with the first jig (131), and the laser head in the second laser irradiation unit (142) may be installed to overlap with the second jig (132). That is, the laser head of the first laser irradiation unit (141) may be installed on the contact surface where the first jig (131) and the electrode sheet (S) come into contact, and the laser head of the second laser irradiation unit (142) may be installed on the contact surface where the second jig (132) and the electrode sheet (S) come into contact.

[0093] The laser controller (143) is installed in the frame (110) and has the function of controlling the positions of the first laser irradiation unit (141) and the second laser irradiation unit (142).

[0094] The first suction unit (165) and the second suction unit (166) constituting the dust collection unit (160) can be installed on the lower and outer sides of the jig (130) and on the lower plate.

[0095] The contact portion (150) can be installed on the lower plate at the bottom of the jig (130) so as to be in close contact with the jig (130) with the electrode sheet (S) interposed therebetween.

[0096] The electrode sheet (S) is placed between the jig (130) and the contact portion (150) and is arranged to move in the Y-axis direction.

[0097] Figure 4 is a right side view of a notching system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] Figure 5 is a left side view of a notching system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the first blower (163) and the second blower (164) constituting the dust collection unit (160) are installed on the inside of 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 substances generated during notching in the notching area (N).

[0100] Figure 6 is a plan view of a notching system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0101] Referring to Fig. 6, a notching system (100) is depicted as seen from above. A frame (110) depicts an upper plate. A jig (130) is placed in the center of the frame (110), an electrode sheet (S) is placed on the lower part of the jig (130), and a contact portion (150) is placed on the lower part of the electrode sheet (S). A first jig (131) constituting the jig (130) may be installed to overlap with a laser head of a first laser irradiation unit (141), and a second jig (132) may be installed to overlap with a laser head of a second laser irradiation unit (142).

[0102] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of a notching system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0103] Referring to FIG. 7, the first jig (131) includes a first wheel (133), the first wheel (133) includes a wheel frame, an inner surface and an outer surface are formed on the wheel frame, and a notching hole (135) can be formed so that the inner surface and the outer surface are connected.

[0104] The trajectory (B) of the laser beam irradiated into the notching hole (135) is depicted. The first roller (151) and the second roller (152) constituting the contact portion (150) may be placed at the lower portion of the first jig (131).

[0105] The first suction unit (165) constituting the dust collection unit (160) may be installed on the side of the notched area (N) corresponding to the tab portion of the electrode sheet (S) to which the laser beam is irradiated. Air blown from the inside of the jig (130) may flow out toward the first suction unit (165) together with foreign substances generated in the notched area (N).

[0106] In addition, a suction controller (167) for controlling the position of the first suction unit (165) may be installed on the lower plate of the frame (110). Another suction controller (167) for controlling the position of the second suction unit (166) may be installed on the lower plate of the frame (110).

[0107] Referring back to Fig. 7, the first blower (163) may be positioned higher than the inner side of the first jig (131) and the inner surface of the wheel frame based on the wheel frame of the first jig (131). In addition, the first suction unit (165) may be positioned at a height encompassing the upper and lower parts based on the outer side of the first jig (131) and the inner surface of the wheel frame. The second dust collection unit (162) may be configured to include a second blower (164) and a second suction unit (166). The second blower (164) and the second suction unit (166) may be positioned around the wheel frame of the second jig (132) symmetrically with respect to the first blower (163) and the first suction unit (165).

[0108] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a notching system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0109] Figure 9 is an exemplary diagram of a jig, electrode sheet, and adhesive part of a notching system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0110] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, FIG. 8 depicts a notching hole (135) on a notching area (N). In the notching area (N), the electrode sheet (S) is in contact with the outer surface of the first jig (131).

[0111] Referring again to Fig. 8, a notching hole (135) formed in the first wheel (133) of the first jig (131) is depicted. A trajectory (B) ((1) to (4)) of a laser beam corresponding to the area ((1') to (4')) of the notching hole (135) is depicted. That is, while the trajectory (B) of the laser beam passes through (1) to (4), a notching line is formed at a position (1') to (4') on the notching area (N) of the electrode sheet (S). The length (w) represents the width between notching lines. The gap (g) represents the gap between the electrode sheet (S) and a horizontal plane indicated by a horizontal line (h) in the notching area (N).

[0112] The notching line (C) ((1') to (4')) formed on the actual electrode sheet (S) is formed at a right angle, but as the notching hole (135) moves left and right due to the rotation of the first jig (131), the laser beam must move at a relative speed considering the speed of the first jig (131), and thus is observed as a diagonal trajectory (B) ((1) to (4)).

[0113] Referring again to Fig. 9, an electrode sheet (S), a first jig (131) in contact with the electrode sheet (S), and a pair of rollers (151, 152) in contact with the electrode sheet (S) are depicted. A plurality of notching holes (135) are formed in a 360-degree range on the wheel rim of the first jig (131) as depicted in Fig. 8. Among the plurality of notching holes (135), an area where a notching hole (135) in contact with the electrode sheet (S) is located corresponds to a notching area (N). In the notching area (N), one surface of the electrode sheet (S) is in contact with the outer surface of the first jig (131), and a pair of rollers (151, 152) constituting the contact portion (150) contacts and supports the other surface of the electrode sheet (S), so that notching can be performed without the electrode sheet (S) fluttering.

[0114] Referring again to FIGS. 7 and 9, since the top surface of the electrode sheet (S) is pressed against the first wheel (133) and a space is formed at the bottom of the bottom surface, compared to the conventional technology that supported the bottom of the electrode sheet (S), foreign substances and scraps due to laser notching do not accumulate, and a structure that is easy to suck up by the first suction part (165) can be formed. The first blower (163) may be arranged so that the air injection direction is directed toward the first suction part (165) and at an angle with respect to the electrode sheet (S) in order to effectively remove foreign substances, plasma, and scraps from the notching area (135) by blowing air.

[0115] The first blower (163) sprays 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). Since the sprayed air is not directly sprayed to the electrode sheet (S), foreign substances, plasma, and scrap can be effectively separated from the electrode sheet (S) while preventing the electrode sheet (S) from fluttering, and the separated foreign substances, plasma, and scrap can be sucked by the first suction part (165) arranged to cover the upper and lower portions of the notching area (N) of the jig (130), that is, the first jig (131).

[0116] Referring again to Fig. 8, in the notching region (N) where notching occurs, the electrode sheet (S) is not flat but curved. Therefore, the size of the focus of the laser beam may be formed differently due to the gap (g) throughout the notching region (N). Since the laser beam is light collected through a lens, the diameter of the cross-section of the laser beam may appear differently depending on the focal length.

[0117] In optics, especially laser optics, the Rayleigh length (z R ) or Rayleigh range is the distance along the propagation direction of the laser beam from the waist to the point where the cross-sectional area doubles. The relevant parameter (b) is the confocal parameter which is twice the Rayleigh distance. Rayleigh length (z R ) is particularly important when the laser beam is modeled as a Gaussian beam.

[0118] The minimum of w(z) occurs by definition at w(0) = w0, from the beam waist z R The radius of the laser beam at a distance is The volume increases by a factor of 1, and the cross-sectional area increases by a factor of 2.

[0119] According to the Rayleigh length, the radius of the laser beam changes depending on the focal length of the laser beam. In the present invention, the electrode sheet (S) where notching occurs is not a flat surface but forms a curved surface. Therefore, the center of the notching area (N) and the two ends of the notching area show a difference in height. That is, due to the difference in height between the center and the two ends of the notching area (N), a difference may occur between the diameter of the laser beam at the center and the diameter of the laser beam at the two ends. Due to this difference, the notching area may not be formed smoothly, or a problem may occur in which the laser beam interferes with the notching hole (135). To prevent such problems, the difference in the diameter of the laser beam must be within an allowable error range. Determining this error range is related to determining the radius of the wheels (133, 134) constituting the jig (130). As the radius of the wheel (133, 134) increases, the difference in height between the ends of the notching area and the center decreases, so it is advantageous to design a wheel (133, 134) with a large radius. However, considering economy and manufacturing convenience, it is preferable to determine the radius of the wheel (133, 134) with the smallest radius within the error range.

[0120] In the case where 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 difference in height between the ends of the notching area and the center is 0.17 mm, so the radius of the wheel (133, 134) is preferably determined within the range of 600 mm. In addition, the difference in height between the ends of the notching area and the center may also affect the minimum width of the notching hole (135). It is preferable 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) in consideration of the diameter of the laser beam that changes based on the Rayleigh length. In other words, the radius of the wheel (133, 134) may be determined by taking into account the change in diameter of the laser beam according to the Rayleigh length, but using the length of the notching hole (135) or the notching area (N) that is parallel to the traveling direction of the electrode sheet (S).

[0121] The length of the diameter of the wheel (133, 134) may be affected by the size of the laser irradiation unit (141, 142). It is preferable that the laser irradiation unit (141, 142) that irradiates the laser beam in the laser device (140) be located vertically above the notching area (N). Since the laser irradiation unit (141, 142) must be located inside the wheel (133, 134) to be located vertically above the notching area (N), the diameter of the wheel (133, 134) must be designed to be larger than the horizontal and vertical lengths of the laser irradiation unit (141, 142).

[0122] Figures 10 and 11 are flowcharts of a notching method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0123] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, the steps constituting the notching method (S100) performed by the notching system (100) are depicted.

[0124] The notching method (S100) may be configured to include a step of supplying an electrode sheet (S110), a step of contacting a jig with the electrode sheet (S120), and a notching step of irradiating a laser beam to the electrode sheet (S) (S130).

[0125] An electrode sheet (S) can be continuously supplied to a notching area (N) where notching occurs by an unwinding unit. The unwinding unit continuously supplies an electrode sheet (S) corresponding to a strip-shaped metal plate. The unwinding unit can be configured to include a plurality of reels for supplying electrode sheets (S) and a servo motor. The electrode sheet (S) can be wound on the reel and stored in a roll form. Two reels can be arranged. One reel is for currently supplying the electrode sheet (S), and the other reel is for supplying the electrode sheet (S) in reserve. The servo motor drives the reel so that the electrode sheet (S) is supplied.

[0126] In the step (S110) of supplying the electrode sheet (S) to the notching area (N), the electrode sheet (S) is moved left and right, and in the notching step (S130), the laser beam is irradiated vertically on one surface of the electrode sheet (S). In the drawing, the notching area (N) is formed at the bottom of the jig (130), that is, in the 6 o'clock direction, and the notching system (100) that irradiates the laser beam on the top surface of the electrode sheet (S) is depicted. However, on the contrary, the notching area (N) may be formed at the top of the jig (130), that is, in the 12 o'clock direction or another direction, and the irradiation direction of the laser beam may also be changed to suit the position of the notching area (N).

[0127] The notching system (100) can bring the jig (130) into close contact with the electrode sheet (S) (S120). The notching area (N) where the laser beam is irradiated is located in the area where the jig (130) and the electrode sheet (S) come into contact. Therefore, the electrode sheet (S) needs to be supported without fluttering. In order to prevent the electrode sheet (S) from fluttering while the movement of the electrode sheet (S) is not stopped, the moving speed of the electrode sheet (S) must not be affected, so there was a difficulty in moving the gripper holding the electrode sheet (S) at a speed synchronized with the moving speed of the electrode sheet (S). Temporarily stopping the electrode sheet (S) is not desirable because it lowers productivity.

[0128] According to a notching system (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the electrode sheet (S) can be supported by contact with the jig (130) in the notching area (N).

[0129] The step (S120) of bringing the jig (130) into close contact with the electrode sheet (S) may be configured to include a step (S121) of bringing the curved surface of the jig (130) into contact with one side of the electrode sheet (S) and a step (S122) 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).

[0130] Specifically, the notching system (100) can maintain contact on the left and right sides of the contact surface between the electrode sheet (S) and the jig (130) while bringing the jig (130) into contact with one side of the electrode sheet (S) in the notching area. Here, to maintain contact, the first roller (151) and the second roller (152) can be used on the left and right sides of the contact surface, respectively. (S122-1)

[0131] In the step (S120) of bringing the jig (130) into close contact with the electrode sheet (S), the outer surface of the jig (130) in which a plurality of notching holes (135) are formed is brought into contact with one surface of the electrode sheet (S) (S121), and the first roller (151), the second roller (152), the electrode sheet (S), and the jig (130) can be brought into close contact with each other (S122-2).

[0132] The first roller (151) and the second roller (152) can contact the bottom surface of the electrode sheet (S) and make surface contact with the top surface of the electrode sheet (S) on the jig (130). The first roller (151) and the second roller (152) are idle rollers without power and may include a pressure spring as needed.

[0133] The notching step (S130) may be configured to include a step (S131) ​​of rotating the jig (130) and a step (S132) of forming a notching line.

[0134] The notching system (S100) can move the notching hole (135) on the electrode sheet (S) by rotating the jig (130) at a speed synchronized with the moving speed of the electrode sheet (S) (S131).

[0135] Next, the notching system (S100) can form a notching line on the electrode sheet (S) through a notching hole (135) using a laser beam (S132). In the notching step (S130), the notching system (100) is characterized in that it forms an electrode tab (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 surfaces of the wheel frame of the first jig (131).

[0136] 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 moving speed of the electrode sheet.

[0137] In addition, a moving electrode sheet can be supported using a curved jig, and the laser irradiation area can be controlled to match the relative speed of the moving electrode sheet.

[0138] In addition, notching is possible while the moving electrode sheet is in contact with and supported by synchronizing the moving speed of the electrode sheet and the rotational speed of the jig.

[0139] Above, although some examples have been given and various preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described, the description of the various embodiments described in the “Specific Details for Carrying Out the Invention” section is merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains will readily understand that they can carry out various modifications of the present invention or carry out equivalent implementations of the present invention based on the above description.

[0140] In addition, since the present invention can be implemented in various other forms, the present invention is not limited by the above description, and the above description is provided only to make the disclosure of the present invention complete and to fully inform a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs of the scope of the present invention, and it should be understood that the present invention is defined only by each claim of the claims.

[0141] The present invention can be used in the field of manufacturing facilities for secondary batteries.

Claims

1. Frame; A power unit installed in the above frame and generating rotational force at a speed synchronized with the moving speed of the electrode sheet; A jig installed on the frame and receiving the rotational force from the power unit and rotating while contacting one surface of the electrode sheet; A contact portion installed on the frame and supporting the other surface of the electrode sheet to maintain contact between the electrode sheet and the jig passing through the notching area; and It includes a laser irradiation unit installed in the above frame and irradiating a laser to the electrode sheet through a notching hole, A notching system, wherein the jig is configured to include the notching hole formed on the outer surface that contacts one surface of the electrode sheet.

2. In claim 1, the jig, A first jig installed corresponding to the tab portion of the above electrode sheet; and Including a second jig installed corresponding to the bottom part of the above electrode sheet, The above laser irradiation unit comprises a first irradiation unit installed corresponding to the tab portion of the electrode sheet; and A notching system configured to include a second irradiation section installed corresponding to the bottom portion of the above electrode sheet.

3. In claim 1, the contact portion is: A notching system configured to include a first roller and a second roller respectively arranged on the left and right sides of the above jig.

4. In claim 1, The above electrode sheet is supplied in the left and right directions by the unwinding unit, The above jig is installed in contact with the upper surface of the electrode sheet, A notching system in which the above-mentioned contact portion is configured to 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. In claim 1, The above laser irradiation unit is a notching system configured such that a scanner that irradiates the laser is located inside the jig.

6. In claim 1, the notching hole is: A notching system configured so that a plurality of inner and outer surfaces of the fellowe rim of the above jig are formed so as to be open.

7. In claim 1, It further includes a dust collection unit installed in the above notching area to remove foreign substances generated during notching. The above dust collection unit is a blower that generates wind to separate the foreign substances; and A notching system comprising a suction unit for sucking the above foreign matter.

8. In claim 7, The blower is positioned at a position higher than the inner side of the jig and the inner surface of the wheel frame based on the wheel frame of the jig, and the suction unit is positioned at a height encompassing the upper and lower parts based on the outer side of the jig and the inner surface of the wheel frame. Notching system.

9. A method performed by a notching system, A step of continuously supplying electrode sheets to a notching area; A step of bringing the jig into close contact with the electrode sheet in the above notching area; and Including a notching step of irradiating the above electrode sheet with a laser beam, The step of attaching the above jig to the above electrode sheet is: A step of bringing the curved surface of the jig into contact with one surface of the electrode sheet in the notching area; and A notching method comprising a step of maintaining contact between the jig and the electrode sheet on one side and the other side of the contact surface between the jig and the electrode sheet.

10. In claim 9, The step of bringing the jig into close contact with the electrode sheet in the above notching area is: A step of contacting the outer surface of the jig having a plurality of notching holes formed thereon to the electrode sheet; and A notching method comprising a step of bringing a roller, the electrode sheet, and the jig into close contact with each other at positions on one side and the other side of the notching area.

11. In claim 10, the notching step is: A step of rotating the jig in synchronization with the moving speed of the electrode sheet; and A notching method comprising a step of forming a notching line in the electrode sheet through the notching hole.

12. In claim 11, the notching step is: A notching method characterized by using a plurality of notching holes formed so that the inner and outer surfaces of the wheel frame of the jig are connected.

13. In claim 9, The step of supplying the electrode sheet to the above-mentioned notching area moves the electrode sheet in the left-right direction, A notching method characterized in that the above notching step vertically irradiates a laser beam to one surface of the electrode sheet.

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