Cutting device and powder input facility including same

Abstract

A cutting device of the present invention comprises a cutting member for cutting a powder storage bag in which powder is stored, wherein the cutting member comprises: an arrangement plate having a through hole formed therein; and a cutting blade that is provided, extending upward, at the edge of the through hole, and cuts a point spaced apart from a vertical line passing through a central portion of the powder storage bag.

Description

Cutting device and powder feeding equipment including the same

[0001] Cross-citation with related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0123416, filed September 15, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0123254, filed September 10, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Technology field

[0004] The present invention relates to a powder feeding facility including a cutting device for feeding powder stored in a powder storage bag, and more particularly, to a powder feeding facility including a cutting device capable of increasing work efficiency, work continuity, and powder flowability, and minimizing the amount of powder residue remaining in a powder storage bag.

[0005] In general, secondary batteries are widely used in portable devices as well as electric or hybrid vehicles driven by electrical power sources, and power storage devices.

[0006] Secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source not only because they have the primary advantage of drastically reducing the use of fossil fuels, but also because they produce no byproducts from energy use.

[0007] The manufacturing method of these secondary batteries consists of an electrode process, an assembly process, and an activation process.

[0008] In particular, the electrode process includes a mixing process for preparing a slurry by mixing an electrode active material, a conductive material, a binder, and a solvent, and a coating process for coating the slurry on a current collector.

[0009] Meanwhile, the mixing process prepares a powder storage bag storing powder, which is an electrode active material, fixes the powder storage bag, then injects the powder into a sewing member through the discharge port of the powder storage bag, and then injects a conductive material, a binder, and a solvent into the sewing member and mixes them to produce a slurry.

[0010] Here, in order to discharge the powder stored in the powder storage bag, the worker can discharge the powder by cutting a part of the powder storage bag to form a discharge portion.

[0011] However, the conventional mixing process had problems such as poor work efficiency, poor work continuity, and poor powder flowability because the worker had to cut the powder storage bag, and a large amount of powder remained in the powder storage bag because the discharge portion formed in the powder storage bag was irregular.

[0012] The present invention aims to provide a cutting device that can increase the efficiency and continuity of work and powder flow by cutting a powder storage bag in which powder is stored to form a discharge portion, and in particular, to provide a cutting device and a powder feeding facility including the same that can minimize the residual amount of powder remaining in a powder storage bag.

[0013] The cutting device of the present invention includes a cutting member for cutting a powder storage bag in which powder is stored, and the cutting member may include a placement plate having a through hole formed therein; and a cutting blade that extends upward from an edge of the through hole and cuts a point spaced apart from a vertical line passing through the center of the powder storage bag.

[0014] It may include a cutting blade that cuts at a point spaced apart from a vertical line passing through the center.

[0015] The above cutting blade is composed of two or more and can cut two or more points spaced apart from a vertical line passing through the center of the powder storage bag.

[0016] The above cutting blade may be configured to extend vertically upward.

[0017] The upper side of the above cutting blade may have a pointed tip that gradually narrows toward the center.

[0018] The above through hole has four edges, and the cutting blades are provided in four pieces at each of the four edges of the through hole, and the four cutting blades can form a first cutting hole and a second cutting hole corresponding to the first cutting hole in the powder storage bag by connecting two cutting blades that are in contact with each other.

[0019] The first cutting hole may have a shape corresponding to a shape in which two cutting blades that are in contact with each other among the four cutting blades are connected, and the second cutting hole may have a shape corresponding to a shape in which the remaining two cutting blades among the four cutting blades are connected.

[0020] The above through hole has four edges, and the cutting blades are provided in three pieces, each of which is provided on three of the four edges of the through hole, and when the three cutting blades are connected, a third cutting hole can be formed in the powder storage bag.

[0021] The above third cutting hole may have a shape corresponding to the shape in which three cutting blades are connected.

[0022] The above cutting device may further include a lower lifting member that moves the cutting member upward toward the powder storage bag.

[0023] The above-mentioned arrangement plate may have one or more open holes formed at the edge.

[0024] The height of the above cutting blade can be 140 mm to 1800 mm.

[0025] Meanwhile, the powder injection device of the present invention may include a fixing device for fixing a powder storage bag in which powder is stored; an injection device provided at a lower portion of the fixing device and having an injection port for inserting powder stored in the powder storage bag; and a cutting device for cutting the powder storage bag so that the powder stored in the powder storage bag is injected into the injection port of the injection device.

[0026] The above fixing device may further include an upper lifting member that moves the powder storage bag downward toward the inlet.

[0027] The powder dispensing device of the present invention comprises a cutting device having a cutting member, wherein the cutting member comprises a cutting blade that cuts a point spaced apart from a vertical line passing through the center of the powder storage bag and the dispensing plate. Due to this feature, even powder remaining on the inner edge of the powder storage bag can be effectively discharged, thereby minimizing powder remaining in the powder storage bag, and as a result, improving work efficiency, continuity, and powder flow.

[0028] In addition, the powder dispensing device of the present invention has a feature in that the cutting blade comprises two or more cutting blades and cuts at two or more points spaced apart from a vertical line passing through the center of the powder storage bag. This feature enables effective discharge of powder remaining on the inner edge of the powder storage bag, thereby minimizing the amount of powder remaining in the powder storage bag.

[0029] In addition, the powder injection device of the present invention has a characteristic in that the cutting blade is configured to extend vertically upward. This characteristic enables the stable formation of a cutting hole in the powder storage bag.

[0030] In addition, in the powder injection device of the present invention, the cutting blades are provided in a number of four, each provided at one of the four edges of a through hole formed in the injection device, and two cutting blades that are in contact with each other are connected to form a first cutting hole and a second cutting hole corresponding to the first cutting hole in the powder storage bag, respectively. Due to this feature, a large powder discharge port can be secured, and as a result, powder remaining in the powder storage bag can be minimized.

[0031] In addition, the powder injection device of the present invention is characterized in that three cutting blades are provided at three of the four edges of the through hole formed in the injection device, and the three cutting blades are connected to form a third cutting hole in the powder storage bag. Due to this characteristic, a large powder discharge port can be secured, and as a result, powder remaining in the powder storage bag can be minimized.

[0032] In addition, the powder injection device of the present invention is characterized in that it further includes a lower lifting member that moves the cutting member upward toward the powder storage bag. This feature allows the cutting blade of the cutting member to stably cut the powder storage bag.

[0033] Figure 1 is a front view showing a powder injection facility according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2 is a perspective view showing a cutting device of a powder injection facility according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 3 is a front view of Figure 2.

[0036] Figure 4 is a plan view of Figure 2.

[0037] Figure 5 is a front view showing a state in which a powder storage bag is cut by a powder injection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 6 is a bottom view showing a powder storage bag in which first and second cutting holes are formed by a cutting device of a powder injection facility according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing a state in which powder is discharged from a powder storage bag.

[0040] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a cutting device of a powder injection facility according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 9 is a front view of Figure 8.

[0042] Figure 10 is a plan view of Figure 8.

[0043] Fig. 11 is a bottom view showing a powder storage bag in which a third cutting hole is formed by a cutting device of a powder injection facility according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 12 is a perspective view showing a state in which powder is discharged from a powder storage bag.

[0045] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. However, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In addition, in the drawings, parts irrelevant to the description have been omitted to clearly explain the present invention, and similar parts have been designated with similar reference numerals throughout the specification.

[0046] [Secondary battery according to the first embodiment of the present invention]

[0047] A secondary battery according to a first embodiment of the present invention comprises an electrode assembly and a case accommodating the electrode assembly, wherein the electrode assembly has a structure in which a separator and electrodes are alternately arranged. Here, the electrodes may be a positive electrode and a negative electrode. That is, the electrode assembly has a structure in which positive electrodes and negative electrodes are alternately arranged with a separator interposed therebetween.

[0048] Meanwhile, the electrode includes a current collector and an active material coated on the current collector.

[0049] A method for manufacturing a secondary battery according to the first embodiment of the present invention having such a structure includes an electrode process, an assembly process, and a charge / discharge process.

[0050] In particular, the electrode process includes a mixing process of mixing a powder (hereinafter referred to as “powder”), a conductive material, a binder, and a solvent to produce a slurry, and a coating process of coating the slurry on a current collector.

[0051] Here, the mixing process supplies powder (1) through a powder injection facility according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] In particular, the powder injection facility according to the first embodiment of the present invention can effectively discharge powder (1) stored in a powder storage bag (10), thereby minimizing powder (1) remaining in the powder storage bag (10), and as a result, can increase the efficiency and continuity of work and powder flowability.

[0053] Hereinafter, a powder injection facility according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0054] [Powder injection equipment according to the first embodiment of the present invention]

[0055] FIG. 1 is a front view showing a powder injection facility according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a cutting device of the powder injection facility according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 is a front view of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a plan view of FIG. 2.

[0056] A powder injection facility (20) according to a first embodiment of the present invention includes, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, a fixing device (21) for fixing a powder storage bag (10) in which powder (1) is stored, an injection device (22) having an injection port (221) into which powder (1) stored in the powder storage bag (10) is injected; and a cutting device (23) having a cutting member (231) for cutting the powder storage bag (10) so that powder (1) stored in the powder storage bag (10) is injected into the injection port (221) of the injection device (22).

[0057] Meanwhile, the above powder (1) refers to a finely pulverized electrode active material. That is, it refers to a finely pulverized positive electrode active material or negative electrode active material.

[0058] Meanwhile, the powder storage bag (10) is for storing powder and is made of synthetic resin material. That is, the powder storage bag (10) includes a storage section in which powder (1) is stored and a hanging section for hanging and fixing the storage section to a fixing device.

[0059] Fixture

[0060] The fixing device (21) is for fixing the powder storage bag (10). That is, the fixing device (21) includes a fixing frame (211) fixed to the ceiling of a building or a structure installed in a building, a joining frame (212) to which the powder storage bag (10) is joined, and an upper lifting member (213) that vertically movably connects the joining frame (212) to the fixing frame (211).

[0061] That is, the fixing device (21) moves the coupling frame (212) up and down by the upper lifting member (213), and in conjunction with the coupling frame (212), the powder storage bag (10) can be lowered toward the input device (22) or raised in the opposite direction.

[0062] In particular, the fixing device (21) includes an upper lifting member (213), so that the powder storage bag (10) fixed to the fixing device can be inserted into the inlet (221) of the feeding device (22), and as a result, the powder storage bag (10) can be effectively cut through the cutting device arranged in the inlet.

[0063] Input device

[0064] The feeding device (22) is where the powder stored in the powder storage bag (10) is fed. The powder fed into the feeding device (22) is then supplied to a sewing device (not shown).

[0065] That is, the above-mentioned injection device (22) is placed on the ground or structure below the above-mentioned fixing device (21), and includes an injection port (221) into which powder (1) falling through the above-mentioned powder storage bag (10) fixed to the above-mentioned fixing device (21) is injected. Here, the injection port (221) may be provided as a hopper.

[0066] cutting device

[0067] The cutting device (23) is for cutting the powder storage bag so that the powder stored in the powder storage bag is discharged, and includes a cutting member (231) and a lower lifting member (233).

[0068] The above cutting member (231) is for cutting the powder storage bag (10) so that the powder (1) stored in the powder storage bag (10) is fed into the inlet (221) of the feeding device (22) to form a cutting hole for discharging the powder (1). That is, the cutting member (231) includes a dispensing plate (2311) and a cutting blade (2312).

[0069] The above-mentioned placement plate (2311) has a plate shape to be placed in the injection port (221) of the injection device (22), and a through hole (23111) through which powder is injected is formed in the center.

[0070] The above cutting blade (2312) is provided to extend upward to the edge of the through hole (23111) and cuts the bottom surface of the powder storage bag (10) to form a cutting hole for discharging the powder (1).

[0071] Here, the placement plate (2311) and the cutting blade (2312) are formed as one piece and may be made of a metal material.

[0072] The powder injection device (20) according to the first embodiment of the present invention having such a structure places the cutting member (231) in the inlet (221) of the injection device (22), and then moves the powder storage bag (10) downward through the fixing member. Then, the powder storage bag (10) is inserted into the inlet (221) and at the same time, the cutting member (231) is pressed. At this time, the cutting blade (2312) of the cutting member (231) cuts the bottom of the powder storage bag (10) to form a cutting hole in the powder storage bag (10), and the powder is discharged through the cutting hole of the powder storage bag (10) and injected into the injection device (22). Here, the powder storage bag (10) can be prevented from being injected into the injection device (22) by being supported by the arrangement plate (2311) of the cutting member (231).

[0073] Therefore, the powder injection facility (20) according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a cutting device (23) equipped with a cutting member (231), thereby effectively discharging the powder (1) stored in the powder storage bag (10) and injecting it into the injection device (22).

[0074] FIG. 5 is a front view showing a state in which a powder storage bag is cut by a powder injection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 is a bottom view showing a powder storage bag in which first and second cutting holes (12) are formed by a cutting device (23) of a powder injection device (20) according to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a state in which powder is discharged from a powder storage bag.

[0075] Here, the powder injection facility (20) according to the first embodiment of the present invention has a structure that improves the flowability and dischargeability of powder stored in the powder storage bag.

[0076] That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the powder injection equipment (20) according to the first embodiment of the present invention cuts a point spaced apart by a predetermined distance from a vertical line passing through the center (O) of the powder storage bag (10) by the cutting blade (2312) of the cutting member (231).

[0077] For example, the cutting blade (2312) cuts the central portion of the connecting line connecting the center (O) of the powder storage bag (10) and the edge of the powder storage bag (10).

[0078] Therefore, the powder injection device (20) according to the first embodiment of the present invention can significantly reduce the distance between the inner edge of the powder storage bag (10) and the powder cutting hole, thereby effectively discharging the powder located at the inner edge of the powder storage bag (10), and as a result, improving the flowability of the powder stored in the powder storage bag (10) and minimizing the remaining powder.

[0079] In particular, the cutting member (231) may be equipped with two or more cutting blades (2312). Accordingly, two or more points spaced apart from a vertical line passing through the center (O) of the powder storage bag (10) can be cut, and accordingly, the powder (1) located at the inner edge of the powder storage bag (10) can be discharged more quickly.

[0080] Meanwhile, the cutting blade (2312) may be configured to extend vertically upward. Accordingly, the cutting blade (2312) can prevent cutting defects by vertically penetrating the powder storage bag (10) and form a powder discharge hole of a uniform shape in the powder storage bag (10). In particular, the cutting blade (2312) can be prevented from being damaged or deformed by the load of the powder storage bag (10).

[0081] Meanwhile, the upper portion of the cutting blade (2312) may have a sharp tip (2321) that gradually narrows toward the center. Accordingly, the cutting hole formed on the lower surface of the powder low-purity powder can be gradually enlarged, and the powder discharge capacity can also be gradually increased.

[0082] Meanwhile, the above-described through hole (23111) has a square shape with four edges, and the above-described cutting blades (2312) can be provided in four pieces, each provided at the four edges of the through hole (23111). Accordingly, four cutting holes can be formed on the bottom surface of the powder storage bag (10), and as a result, the powder discharge capacity can be greatly increased.

[0083] In particular, the four cutting blades (2312) can be arranged so that two cutting blades (2312) that are in contact with each other are connected, as illustrated in FIG. 6. Accordingly, a first cutting hole (11) and a second cutting hole (12) corresponding to the first cutting hole (11) can be formed on the bottom surface of the powder storage bag (10), respectively.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 6 here, the first cutting hole (11) has a shape corresponding to the shape in which two cutting blades (2312) that are in contact with each other among the four cutting blades (2312) are connected, and the second cutting hole (12) has a shape corresponding to the shape in which the remaining two cutting blades (2312) among the four cutting blades (2312) are connected. That is, the first cutting hole (11) has a '└' shape, and the second cutting hole (12) has a '┐' shape. Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 7, when discharging powder, the first and second cutting holes (12) in a triangular shape are formed on the bottom surface of the powder storage bag (10), and as a result, the dischargeability and flowability of the powder (1) stored in the powder storage bag (10) can be improved, and powder residue can be minimized.

[0085] Meanwhile, the cutting device (23) may further include a lower elevating member (233) that moves the cutting member (231) upward toward the powder storage bag (10). That is, the lower elevating member (233) lifts the cutting member (231), thereby enabling the cutting blade (2312) of the cutting member (231) to stably cut the powder storage bag (10). In particular, since the cutting device (23) includes the lower elevating member (233), it can cut powder storage bags (10) having various heights without adjusting their heights, thereby increasing compatibility and workability.

[0086] Meanwhile, the above-described arrangement plate (2311) may have one or more open holes (23112) formed at the edge. That is, the open holes (23112) may be formed at the edge of the arrangement plate (2311) located outside the cutting blade (2312). Accordingly, the powder accumulated on the arrangement plate (2311) outside the cutting blade (2312) may be pushed into the feeding device (22) through the open holes (23112).

[0087] Meanwhile, the height of the cutting blade (2312) may be 140 mm to 1800 mm. On the other hand, if the height of the cutting blade (2312) is less than 140 mm, there is a problem that the cutting blade (2312) cannot cut the powder storage bag (10) or a cutting hole of a set size cannot be formed. In addition, if the height is 1800 mm or more, the powder storage bag (10) can be stably cut, but after cutting is completed, the powder storage bag (10) must be lifted a lot to remove the cutting blade (2312) inserted into the powder storage bag (10), so there is a problem that workability is reduced. Accordingly, the height of the cutting blade (2312) is formed to be 140 mm to 1800 mm.

[0088] Therefore, the powder injection device (20) according to the first embodiment of the present invention can effectively discharge powder located at the inner center and edge of the powder storage bag (10), thereby minimizing powder remaining in the powder storage bag (10), and as a result, improving efficiency and continuity of work and powder flowability. Hereinafter, in describing other embodiments of the present invention, the same component reference numerals are used for components having the same functions as those of the above-described embodiments, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0089] [Powder injection equipment according to the second embodiment of the present invention]

[0090] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a cutting device of a powder injection facility according to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 9 is a front view of FIG. 8, FIG. 10 is a plan view of FIG. 8, FIG. 11 is a bottom view showing a powder storage bag in which a third cutting hole is formed by a cutting device of a powder injection facility according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a bottom view showing a state in which powder is discharged from a powder storage bag.

[0091] The powder injection device according to the second embodiment of the present invention shows another embodiment of the cutting member (231) included in the powder injection device according to the first embodiment described above.

[0092] That is, the powder injection equipment (20) according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a cutting member (231), as shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, and the cutting member (231) includes a placement plate (2311) in which a through hole (23111) is formed and a cutting blade (2312) formed at the edge of the through hole (23111).

[0093] As illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, the through hole (23111) has four edges, and the cutting blades (2312) are provided in three pieces, each of which is provided on three of the four edges of the through hole (23111). In particular, the three cutting blades (2312) have a structure in which they are sequentially connected, thereby forming a third cutting hole (13) on the bottom surface of the powder storage bag (10).

[0094] Meanwhile, the third cutting hole (13), as shown in Fig. 11, has a shape corresponding to the shape of three cutting blades (2312) connected. That is, the third cutting hole (13) has a 'ㄷ' shape.

[0095] The powder injection device (20) according to the second embodiment of the present invention having such a structure can discharge powder (1) stored in the powder storage bag (10) to the injection device (22) by forming a square-shaped third cutting hole (13) on the bottom surface of the powder storage bag (10), as shown in FIG. 12, thereby minimizing powder (1) remaining in the powder storage bag (10).

[0096] Therefore, the powder injection facility (20) according to the second embodiment of the present invention can significantly increase the dischargeability and flowability of powder stored in the powder storage bag (10) and minimize powder residue.

[0097] Meanwhile, as another embodiment, only the cutting device (23) included in the powder injection equipment (20) according to an embodiment of the present invention can be manufactured separately and used. Accordingly, compatibility can be increased.

[0098] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings as exemplified above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments and drawings described above, and various implementations are possible by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs within the scope of the patent claims.

[0099] [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 1: Powder

[0101] 10: Powder storage bag

[0102] 11: First cutting hole

[0103] 12: Second cutting hole

[0104] 13: Third cutting hole

[0105] 20: Powder feeding equipment

[0106] 21: Fixture

[0107] 211: Fixed Frame

[0108] 212: Combination Frame

[0109] 213: Upper lifting member

[0110] 22: Injection device

[0111] 221: Inlet

[0112] 23: Cutting device

[0113] 231: Cutting member

[0114] 2311: Deployment Board

[0115] 23111: Through hole

[0116] 23112: Open Hall

[0117] 2312: Cutting Blade

[0118] 2321: Fleet

[0119] 233: Lower lifting member

Claims

1. Includes a cutting member for cutting a powder storage bag in which powder is stored, The above cutting member, A layout plate having a through hole formed therein; and A cutting device including a cutting blade that extends upwardly along the edge of the above through hole and cuts a point spaced apart from a vertical line passing through the center of the above powder storage bag.

2. In claim 1, The above cutting blade, A cutting device that is composed of two or more pieces and cuts at two or more points spaced apart from a vertical line passing through the center of the powder storage bag.

3. In claim 2, The above cutting blade, A cutting device configured to extend vertically upward.

4. In claim 1, The upper side of the above cutting blade is A cutting device with a pointed tip that gradually narrows toward the center.

5. In claim 1, The above through hole has four edges, The above cutting blades are provided in four pieces, each provided at the four edges of the through hole. A cutting device in which four cutting blades are connected to each other to form a first cutting hole and a second cutting hole corresponding to the first cutting hole in the powder storage bag.

6. In claim 5, The above first cutting hole has a shape corresponding to the shape of two cutting blades that are in contact with each other among the four cutting blades, The above second cutting hole is a cutting device having a shape corresponding to the shape to which the remaining two cutting blades among the four cutting blades are connected.

7. In claim 1, The above through hole has four edges, The above cutting blades are provided in three pieces, each of which is provided on three of the four edges of the through hole. A cutting device in which three cutting blades are connected to form a third cutting hole in the powder storage bag.

8. In claim 7, The above third cutting hole is a cutting device having a shape corresponding to the shape in which three cutting blades are connected.

9. In claim 1, The above cutting device, A cutting device further comprising a lower lifting member for moving the cutting member upward toward the powder storage bag.

10. In claim 1, The above layout board is, A cutting device having one or more open holes formed at the edge.

11. In claim 1, A cutting device having a cutting blade height of 140 mm to 1800 mm.

12. A fixing device for fixing a powder storage bag containing powder; An input device provided at the lower part of the above-mentioned fixing device and having an input port into which powder stored in the above-mentioned powder storage bag is input; and A powder feeding device prepared according to claim 1, comprising a cutting device for cutting the powder storage bag so that the powder stored in the powder storage bag is fed into the feeding port of the feeding device.

13. In claim 12, The above fixing device is, A powder injection facility further comprising an upper lifting member for moving the powder storage bag downward toward the injection port.

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