Battery cell beading device

Abstract

A battery cell beading device related to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a cell rotation unit on which a cell case having an electrode assembly therein can be seated, and which rotates the cell case; a bead molding unit including a molding member provided to press the cell case when the cell case rotates, in order to mold a bead part in the circumferential direction of the cell case; a roller member which comes into contact with the cell case when the molding member presses the cell case, and which can rotate; and a backup roller unit which can be position-adjusted in the direction of moving closer to or farther from the rotational center axis of the cell case.

Description

Battery cell beading device

[0001] The present invention relates to a beading device for a battery cell, and more particularly, to a beading device for a cylindrical battery cell, and more particularly, to a beading device for a cylindrical battery cell for forming a bead portion at the upper end of a cylindrical battery cell during a beading process during an assembly process of the cylindrical battery cell.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0147911, filed October 31, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cylindrical battery cell.

[0004] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a cylindrical battery cell (10) includes a cell case (11), an electrode assembly (13), and a cap assembly (15).

[0005] The above cell case (11) is provided in a cylindrical shape with an opening at the top.

[0006] The electrode assembly (13) is wound in a roll shape with a cathode, a separator, a positive electrode, and a separator sequentially stacked. The electrode assembly (13) is provided so as to be insertable into the internal space of the cell case (11). The cap assembly (15) is provided to seal the opening. The cap assembly (15) may include a positive terminal.

[0007] The cylindrical battery cell (10) is provided with a bead portion (12) on the outer surface of the cell case (11) to secure the electrode assembly (13) to the inner space of the cell case (11). The bead portion (12) is provided at the upper end of the cell case (11).

[0008] The beading step is a step in which the electrode assembly (13) is inserted into the internal space of the cell case (11) and the bead portion (12) is formed on the upper part of the cell case (11).

[0009] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a conventional beading device.

[0010] As shown in Fig. 2, a conventional beading device (20) includes a cell rotation part (30), a cell holder part (40), a bead forming part (50), and a backup roller (60).

[0011] The cell case (11) can be mounted on the cell rotation part (30). The cell rotation part (30) is for rotating the cell case (11).

[0012] The above cell holder part (40) is positioned on the upper part of the cell rotation part (30). The cell holder part (40) is provided so as to be insertable into the upper part of the cell case (11) and rotatably supports the cell case (11). The cell holder part (40) may be provided so as to be able to move downward toward the cell case (11) mounted on the cell rotation part (30).

[0013] The above bead forming part (50) includes a forming member (51) for forming the bead part (12) on the outer surface of the cell case (11). The forming member (51) is provided to be movable in a first direction (F1) toward the outer surface of the cell case (11) or a second direction (F2) away from the outer surface of the cell case (11).

[0014] The backup roller (60) is spaced apart from the molding member (51) and is positioned so as to be in contact with the outer surface of the cell case (11). The backup roller (60) is intended to prevent the outer diameter of the corresponding peripheral area of ​​the cell case (11) from increasing due to the force of the molding member (51) pressing the outer surface of the cell case (11) in the first direction (F1).

[0015] In the beading step, the cell case (11) having the electrode assembly (13) built in is mounted on the cell rotation part (30). When the cell case (11) is rotated in the rotational direction of the cell rotation part (30), the molding member (51) presses the outer surface of the rotating cell case (11) in the first direction (F1).

[0016] At this time, the backup roller (60) rotates idly along the outer surface of the rotating cell case (11) while supporting the cell case (11) at a fixed position.

[0017] Through the above process, the bead portion (12) is provided along the circumferential direction of the cell case (11) on the outer surface of the cell case (11). The bead portion (12) is a recessed groove on the outer surface of the cell case (11).

[0018] However, in the process of forming the bead portion (12) on the outer surface of the cell case (11), if the force with which the forming member (51) presses the cell case (11) in the first direction (F1) is greater than the force with which the backup roller (60) laterally supports the cell case (11), the backup roller (60) scratches the outer surface of the cell case (11). The roller fixing shaft (61) of the conventional backup roller (60) is arranged in a fixed position. The roller fixing shaft (61) is provided so as not to move during the operation of the bead forming portion (50).

[0019] In the case of a conventional beading device (20), there is a problem in that, in the process of forming the bead portion (12), the outer surface of the cell case (11) is scratched, generating debris, and the generated debris acts as a factor that shortens the lifespan of the beading device (20), causing inconvenience in maintenance.

[0020] Figure 3 is a drawing for explaining the process of inspecting the appearance of a cylindrical battery cell using a vision inspection device after the assembly process.

[0021] A cylindrical battery cell (10) is moved from the beading device (20) to a vision inspection device (90) by a conveyor (80). The vision inspection device (90) is used to inspect the appearance of the cylindrical battery cell (10). Based on the results of the appearance inspection, a battery cell (10) with scratches must be discarded as a defective product.

[0022] When a scratch is found on a battery cell (10) during an external inspection, the operation of the transfer unit (80) that transfers the battery cells (10) from the beading device (20) to the vision inspection device (90) is stopped. In the past, when a scratch occurred on the outer surface of a cylindrical battery cell (10), it was judged that the beading device (20) was malfunctioning, and multiple battery cells (10) positioned between the beading device (20) and the vision inspection device (90) had to be discarded. Discarding a cylindrical battery cell (10) due to a beading defect causes economic loss.

[0023] The present invention aims to provide a beading device for a cylindrical battery cell, which can prevent scratches from occurring on the cell case by adjusting the position of a roller member that laterally supports the outer surface of the cell case while idling when a forming member of a bead forming part presses the cell case more than the operating load value during the beading process.

[0024] In order to solve the above problem, a beading device of a cylindrical battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a cell rotation unit configured to allow a cell case containing an electrode assembly to be seated and rotate the cell case, a bead forming unit including a forming member configured to press the cell case when the cell case rotates in order to form a bead portion along a circumferential direction of the cell case, and a backup roller unit configured to contact the cell case when the forming member presses the cell case and include a roller member configured to be rotatable, and configured to be positionally adjusted in a direction closer to or farther from a rotational center axis of the cell case.

[0025] In addition, a beading device for a cylindrical battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a cell rotation unit in which a cell case containing an electrode assembly can be seated and configured to rotate the cell case, a bead forming unit including a forming member configured to press an outer surface of the cell case to form a bead portion along a circumferential direction of the cell case when the cell case rotates, and a roller member configured to be in contact with the outer surface of the cell case and to be rotatable along the outer surface of the cell case, and a backup roller unit configured to be positionally adjusted in a direction closer to or farther from a rotational center axis of the cell case when the forming member presses the cell case.

[0026] Additionally, the backup roller portion may be provided so that the position of the roller member is adjusted based on the magnitude of the force with which the molding member presses the cell case.

[0027] In addition, the backup roller part may include a roller center axis on which the roller member is rotatably mounted and a roller position adjustment part connected to the roller center axis and arranged so that the roller center axis moves away from the rotational center axis of the cell case when the force transmitted from the cell case to the roller member by the molding member is greater than the operating load value.

[0028] In addition, the roller position adjustment unit may be provided with a reference length and be adjustable in a direction perpendicular to the roller central axis. For example, the roller position adjustment unit may be provided so as to be contractible by a force applied to the roller central axis, and in this case, the reference length may be shortened.

[0029] In addition, the roller position adjustment unit may be provided to maintain the reference length when the force applied to the roller center axis is a normal load value lower than the operating load value.

[0030] In addition, the roller position adjustment unit may be arranged to move away from the rotational center axis of the cell case while contracting from the reference length when the force applied to the roller center axis is an abnormal load value greater than the operating load value. At this time, the roller member may maintain contact with the outer surface of the cell case and rotate idly.

[0031] Additionally, the roller position adjustment unit may include a gas spring.

[0032] In addition, the backup roller part may further include the roller position adjustment part and a backup body equipped with the roller central axis. In addition, the roller position adjustment part may include a first adjustment member connecting one end of the roller central axis adjacent to the roller member and the backup body, and a second adjustment member arranged parallel to the first adjustment member and connecting the other end of the roller central axis and the backup body.

[0033] In addition, the beading device of the cylindrical battery cell may include a cell holder portion disposed above the cell rotation portion and provided so that the upper end of the cell case can be inserted therein, provided to rotatably support the cell case, a jig portion that rotatably supports the cell rotation portion, and a jig lifting portion mounted on the jig portion and provided to move the jig portion in a direction closer to or farther away from the cell holder portion.

[0034] In addition, the cell holder part may include a holder body that surrounds the outer surface of the cell case and is provided so that an area where a bead part is to be formed is exposed to the outside, and a pusher member that is mounted on the holder body so as to be spaced apart from the inner surface of the holder body, and is insertable into the cell case and provided to pressurize an electrode assembly within the cell case.

[0035] In addition, the beading device of the cylindrical battery cell may include a guide roll that is mounted on the jig so as to be in contact with the outer surface of the cell case mounted on the cell rotation part and that is provided to be able to rotate idly along the outer surface of the cell case when the cell case rotates, and a guide portion provided to support the cell case.

[0036] In addition, the beading device of the cylindrical battery cell may include a jig moving unit mounted on the jig unit and configured to move the jig unit in a direction closer to or farther from the backup roller unit, and a holder moving unit mounted on the cell holder unit and configured to move the cell holder unit in a direction closer to or farther from the backup roller unit.

[0037] In addition, the jig moving unit and the holder moving unit may move the jig unit and the cell holder unit together in a direction closer to the backup roller unit before the cell rotation unit is operated so that the outer surface of the cell case comes into contact with the roller member of the backup roller unit, and when the forming of the bead unit is completed, the jig unit and the cell holder unit may move together in a direction away from the backup roller unit so that the outer surface of the cell case is separated from the roller member.

[0038] Additionally, the beading device of the cylindrical battery cell may include a forming moving part mounted on the bead forming part and configured to move the bead forming part in a direction closer to or farther away from the backup roller part.

[0039] In addition, the molding moving part may be provided to move the bead molding part in a direction closer to the backup roller part before molding the bead part on the outer surface of the cell case so that the molding member of the bead molding part comes into contact with the outer surface of the cell case.

[0040] In addition, the cell rotation unit may include a mounting plate on which the cell case is mounted, a first rotation shaft mounted on the mounting plate and positioned coaxially with the rotational center axis of the cell case, and a first rotation driving unit that provides rotational force to the first rotation shaft.

[0041] In addition, the bead forming part may include a second rotational axis on which the forming member is rotatably mounted, and a second rotational driving part that provides rotational force to the second rotational axis, and may be arranged so that the forming member rotates when forming the bead part and presses the outer surface of the cell case.

[0042] Additionally, the molding member may have a molding protrusion provided along the circumferential direction of the molding member.

[0043] Additionally, the beading device of the cylindrical battery cell may include an alarm unit that provides a warning alarm when the roller member moves away from the rotational center axis of the cell case.

[0044] As described above, the beading device of a cylindrical battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention has the following effects.

[0045] When the forming member of the bead forming section presses the cell case more than the operating load value, the backup roller section adjusts the position of the roller member that supports the outer surface of the cell case in the direction opposite to the pressing direction of the forming member, thereby preventing damage to the cell case caused by the roller member.

[0046] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cylindrical battery cell.

[0047] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a conventional cell beading device.

[0048] Figure 3 is a drawing for explaining the process of inspecting the appearance of a cylindrical battery cell using a vision inspection device after the assembly process.

[0049] Figure 4 is a configuration diagram of a beading device for a cylindrical battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the arrangement of a bead forming section, a cell holder section, and a backup roller section in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 6 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of a backup roller unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which a cell case is inserted into a cell holder portion and is in contact with a roller member of a backup roller portion in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 8 is an operational state diagram of a beading device for a cylindrical battery cell that performs a beading process according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the operation status of a roller position adjustment unit when a molding member presses a cell case more than an operating load value in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Hereinafter, a beading device for a cylindrical battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0056] FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a beading device for a cylindrical battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the arrangement of a bead forming unit, a cell holder unit, and a backup roller unit in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] A beading device (100) of a cylindrical battery cell related to one embodiment of the present invention may include a cell rotation unit (110) in which a cell case (11) containing an electrode assembly (13) can be mounted and which is provided to rotate the cell case (11).

[0058] In addition, the beading device (100) of the cylindrical battery cell may include a bead forming part (170) including a forming member (171) configured to press the cell case (11) when the cell case (11) rotates, in order to form a bead part (12) along the circumferential direction of the cell case (11).

[0059] In addition, the bead forming part (170) is for forming the bead part (12) along the circumferential direction of the cell case (11) when the cell case (11) rotates, and the forming member (171) can be provided to press the outer surface (11a) of the cell case (11).

[0060] In addition, the beading device (100) of the cylindrical battery cell may include a backup roller part (180) that is positionally adjustable in a direction toward or away from the rotational center axis (C) of the cell case (11). In addition, the backup roller part (180) includes a roller member (184) that is positionally adjustable and comes into contact with the cell case (11) when the molding member (171) presses the cell case (11). That is, the backup roller part (180) is provided so that the position of the roller member (184) is adjustable in a direction toward or away from the rotational center axis (C) of the cell case (11).

[0061] In addition, the roller member (184) may be provided to be in contact with the outer surface (11a) of the cell case (11) and to be able to rotate along the outer surface (11a) of the cell case (11) when the cell case (11) rotates. In addition, the backup roller part (180) may be provided to be able to adjust its position in a direction closer to or farther away from the rotational center axis (C) of the cell case (11) when the molding member (171) presses the cell case (11).

[0062] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a backup roller unit according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which a cell case is inserted into a cell holder unit and is in contact with a roller member of the backup roller unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] The above backup roller part (180) is for supporting the cell case (11) laterally when the molding member (171) presses the cell case (11).

[0064] The above backup roller part (180) may include a roller member (184) that is provided to be in contact with the outer surface (11a) of the cell case (11) and to be rotatable along the outer surface (11a) of the cell case (11), and a roller center axis (182) on which the roller member (184) is rotatably mounted.

[0065] The backup roller unit (180) may include a roller position adjustment unit (187) connected to the roller center axis (182). In addition, the backup roller unit (180) may include a backup main body (181) equipped with the roller position adjustment unit (187) and the roller center axis (182).

[0066] The backup main body (181) can be mounted on the upper main body (190). The upper main body (180) can be installed in a space where the beading device (100) is installed. The backup main body (181) can be fixed to the upper main body (190). The roller position adjustment part (187) and the roller central axis (182) can be movably mounted on the backup main body (181).

[0067] A bearing member (183) may be mounted on the above roller center axis (182). The roller member (184) may be mounted on the bearing member (183) so as to be able to rotate idly.

[0068] The roller member (184) may be mounted so as to be exposed to the outside of the backup body (181). In addition, the roller member (184) may be arranged to face the molding member (171) of the bead molding part (170). The roller member (184) may be arranged below the molding position (H1) of the molding member (171). The molding position (H1) is a position where the bead part (12) is molded on the cell case (11).

[0069] Referring to Fig. 4, the roller member (184) can be in contact with the outer surface (11a) of the cell case (11) and can laterally support the cell case (11) while rotating along the outer surface of the cell case (11). The roller member (184) can laterally support the outer surface (11a) of the cell case (11) in the first axial direction (A1).

[0070] In this embodiment, for the convenience of explanation, the direction in which the outer surface of the cell case (11) is supported laterally is referred to as the first axial direction (A1). In addition, the direction perpendicular to the first axial direction (A1) and parallel to the rotational center axis (C) of the cell case (11) is referred to as the second axial direction (A2).

[0071] The roller position adjustment part (187) can be mounted on the above roller center axis (182).

[0072] The roller position adjustment unit (187) may be provided to have a predetermined standard length and to be adjustable in length in a direction (A1) perpendicular to the roller central axis (182). The roller position adjustment unit (187) may be provided to be contractible by a force applied to the roller central axis (182).

[0073] The roller position adjustment unit (187) may be provided so that the position of the roller member (184) is adjusted based on the magnitude of the force with which the molding member (171) presses the cell case (11).

[0074] For example, the roller position adjustment unit (187) may include a first adjustment member (188) and a second adjustment member (189).

[0075] The first adjustment member (188) can connect one end (182a) of the roller center axis (182) adjacent to the roller member (184) and the backup body (181). The first adjustment member (188) is provided to be contractible above the operating load value.

[0076] The second adjusting member (189) may be arranged parallel to the first adjusting member (188). The second adjusting member (189) connects the other end (182b) of the roller central axis (182) and the backup body (181). The second adjusting member (189) is provided to be contractible above the operating load value.

[0077] The first and second adjusting members (188, 189) may be arranged in parallel in the first axial direction (A1). The first and second adjusting members (188, 189) may operate at the same operating load value. The first and second adjusting members (188, 189) may be gas springs. At this time, if the force transmitted to the roller member (184) through the cell case (11) by the forming member (171) is greater than the operating load value, each gas spring may be contracted, and thus, the first and second adjusting members (188, 189) may be shortened in length. Accordingly, the roller central axis (182) may be arranged to move away from the rotational central axis (C) of the cell case (11).

[0078] The first and second adjusting members (188, 189) may be arranged so that when the force transmitted from the cell case (11) to the roller member (184) by the forming member (171) is greater than the operating load value, the roller center axis (182) moves in a direction away from the rotational center axis of the cell case (11).

[0079] Here, the operating load value is the operating reference value of the roller position adjustment unit (187). The operating load values ​​of the first and second adjustment members (188, 189) may vary depending on the type of gas spring.

[0080] Figure 8 is an operational state diagram of a beading device for a cylindrical battery cell that performs a beading process according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] Referring to Fig. 8, when forming the bead portion (12), when the forming member (171) presses the cell case (11) with a normal load value (P1), the first and second adjusting members (188, 189) maintain the reference length.

[0082] The first and second adjusting members (188, 189) above do not operate when a force lower than the operating load value is applied. The first and second adjusting members (188, 189) above can maintain the reference length when the force applied to the roller center axis (182) is a normal load value (P1) lower than the operating load value.

[0083] Here, the normal load value (P1) is the strength of the pressure applied to the molding member (171) set to form the bead portion (12) on the outer surface of the cell case (11).

[0084] At a position where the first and second adjusting members (188, 189) have a reference length with respect to the backup body (181), the roller member (184) can support the cell case (11) laterally while rotating along the outer surface of the cell case (11).

[0085] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the operation status of a roller position adjustment unit when a molding member presses a cell case more than an operating load value in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] Referring to FIG. 9, the first and second adjusting members (188, 189) can be contracted from the reference length when the force applied to the roller center axis (182) is an ideal load value (P2) greater than the operating load value, and the roller member (184) can move in a direction away from the rotational center axis of the cell case (11) while coming into contact with the outer surface of the cell case (11) and rotating idly.

[0087] The contraction length of the first and second adjustment members (188, 189) can be varied depending on the degree to which the force transmitted to the roller member (184) through the cell case (11) pushes the roller central axis (182).

[0088] As shown in Fig. 9, when the forming member (171) presses the cell case (11) with an ideal load value (P2) during forming of the bead portion (12), the first and second adjusting members (188, 189) are shortened in length as they contract by the force transmitted to the roller center axis (182) through the roller member (184).

[0089] The roller center axis (182) moves by force transmitted to the roller member (184) through the cell case (11) while the roller member (184) is in contact with the outer surface of the cell case (11). The roller center axis (182) moves away from the rotational center axis of the cell case (11) by the first and second adjustment members (188, 189).

[0090] The backup roller part (180) related to this embodiment is such that when the molding member (171) presses the cell case (11) with the above-mentioned ideal load value (P2, see FIG. 9), the roller member (184) is in contact with the outer surface of the cell case (11) and the position of the roller member (184) is adjusted by the first and second adjusting members (188, 189), thereby preventing scratches on the cell case (11) caused by the roller member (184) during the beading process.

[0091] In addition, the beading device (100) of the cylindrical battery cell may include an alarm unit (195) that provides a warning alarm when the roller member (184) moves in a direction away from the rotational center axis of the cell case (11). Through the warning alarm, the operator can recognize that the forming member (171) of the bead forming unit (170) presses the cell case (11) more than the normal load value (P1) during the beading process.

[0092] Below, the configuration of the cell rotation unit (110) will be described.

[0093] The above cell rotation part (110) may include a mounting plate (111), a first rotation shaft (115), and a first rotation driving part (113).

[0094] The cell case (11) is mounted on the above-mentioned mounting plate (111). The mounting plate (111) can be rotatably mounted on a jig part (120). The first rotational axis (115) is mounted on the mounting plate (111). The mounting plate (111) rotates in the rotational direction of the first rotational axis (115).

[0095] The first rotation axis (115) is positioned coaxially with the rotation center axis of the cell case (11). The first rotation drive unit (113) is mounted on the first rotation axis (115).

[0096] The first rotation driving unit (113) is intended to provide rotational force to the first rotation shaft (115). The first rotation driving unit (113) may be a motor.

[0097] When the first rotation driving unit (113) is operated, the cell case (11) is rotated in the rotational direction of the first rotation axis (115) together with the mounting plate (111) and can be beaded by the forming member (171).

[0098] In addition, the beading device (100) of the cylindrical battery cell may include a jig part (120) that rotatably supports the cell rotation part (110). The cell rotation part (110), a guide part (150), a jig lifting part (130), and a jig moving part (140) may be mounted on the jig part (120).

[0099] The above guide part (150) can be mounted on the jig part (120) so as to be in contact with the outer surface of the cell case (11) mounted on the cell rotation part (110). The above guide part (150) includes a guide roll (151) that is provided so as to be able to rotate idly along the outer surface of the cell case (11) when the cell case (11) rotates.

[0100] The above guide part (150) may be provided to support the cell case (11) on the opposite side of the backup roller part (180). The above guide part (150) is arranged at the lower part of the bead forming part (170).

[0101] Referring to Fig. 8, the jig lifting unit (130) may be mounted on the jig portion (120) and may be provided to move the jig portion (120) in a direction approaching (F3) or moving away (F4) from the cell holder portion (160). The jig moving unit (140) may move the jig portion (120) in the same direction as the holder moving unit (165).

[0102] The above jig moving part (140) may be mounted on the jig part (120) and may be arranged to move the jig part (120) in a direction closer to or farther away from the backup roller part (180).

[0103] Before the cell rotation part (110) is operated, the jig moving part (140) can move the jig part (120) in a direction (F1) closer to the backup roller part (180) so that the outer surface of the cell case (11) comes into contact with the roller member (184) of the backup roller part (180).

[0104] When the forming of the bead portion (12) is completed, the jig moving portion (140) can move the jig portion (120) in a direction (F2) away from the backup roller portion (180) so that the outer surface of the cell case (11) is separated from the roller member (184).

[0105] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 7, the beading device (100) of the cylindrical battery cell may include a cell holder (160) that is positioned above the cell rotation part (110) and is provided so that the upper part (11b) of the cell case (11) can be inserted therein, and is provided to rotatably support the cell case (11).

[0106] The above cell holder part (160) may include a holder body (161), a pusher member (163), and a holder moving part (165).

[0107] The holder body (161) may be provided to surround the open portion (upper portion) of the cell case (11), and for example, may be provided to surround a portion of the outer surface of the upper portion (11b) of the cell case (11), and to expose an area where the bead portion (12) is to be formed to the outside. For example, the holder body (161) may have a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the cell case (11).

[0108] The pusher member (163) is mounted on the holder body (161). The pusher member (163) has a diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the cell case (11). The pusher member (163) may be provided to extend downwardly of the holder body (161) along the second axial direction (A2).

[0109] The above pusher member (163) may be provided to pressurize the electrode assembly (13) within the cell case (11) when inserted into the cell case (11).

[0110] The holder moving part (165) may be mounted on the upper main body part (190). The holder moving part (165) may be provided to move the cell holder part (160) in a direction closer to or farther away from the backup roller part (180).

[0111] Before the cell rotation part (110) is operated, the holder moving part (165) can move the cell holder part (160) in a direction (F1) closer to the backup roller part (180) so that the outer surface of the cell case (11) comes into contact with the roller member (184) of the backup roller part (180).

[0112] When the forming of the bead portion (12) is completed, the holder moving portion (165) can move the cell holder portion (160) in a direction (F2) away from the backup roller portion (180) so that the outer surface of the cell case (11) is separated from the roller member (184).

[0113] Below, the bead forming part (170) will be described.

[0114] The above bead forming portion (170) is for forming a bead portion (12) along the circumferential direction of the cell case (11) when the cell case (11) rotates. The bead portion (12) may be a recessed groove in the outer surface of the cell case (11).

[0115] The above bead forming part (170) may include the forming member (171), the second rotational axis (173), the second rotational driving part (175), and the forming moving part (179).

[0116] The above-mentioned molding member (171) can be positioned so as to be in contact with the outer surface (11a) of the cell case (11) at the molding position (H1) of the cell case (11). Here, the molding position (H1) is the position where the bead portion (12) is molded at the upper portion (11b) of the cell case (11).

[0117] The above-mentioned molding member (171) may be provided to press the outer surface of the cell case (11). The above-mentioned molding member (171) is rotatably mounted on the second rotational axis (173). The above-mentioned molding member (171) may be a circular rotating body.

[0118] The above-mentioned forming member (171) may be provided with a forming projection (172). The forming projection (172) may be provided to protrude outward along the circumferential direction of the above-mentioned forming member (171).

[0119] When forming the above bead portion (12), the forming member (171) may be arranged to rotate in the rotational direction of the second rotational axis (173) so that the forming protrusion (172) presses the outer surface of the cell case (11).

[0120] The second rotational drive unit (175) is mounted on the second rotational axis (173). The second rotational axis (173) may be arranged parallel to the rotational center axis of the cell case (11). The second rotational drive unit (175) may be a motor.

[0121] The above-mentioned molding moving part (179) can be mounted on the upper main body part (190). The above-mentioned molding moving part (179) is provided to move the bead molding part (170) in a direction closer to or farther away from the backup roller part (180).

[0122] Before forming the bead portion (12) on the outer surface of the cell case (11), the forming moving portion (179) may be arranged to move the bead forming portion (170) in a direction (F1) closer to the backup roller portion (180) so that the forming member (171) of the bead forming portion (170) comes into contact with the outer surface of the cell case (11).

[0123] Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, the process of forming the bead portion (12) on the upper portion of the cylindrical battery cell (10) by the beading device (100) of the cylindrical battery cell will be described.

[0124] Referring to Fig. 8, the cell case (11) containing the electrode assembly (13) is mounted on the cell rotation part (110). The cell rotation part (110) is moved upward and downward toward the cell holder part (160) by the jig lifting part (130).

[0125] The above jig lifting unit (130) moves the jig unit (120) equipped with the cell rotation unit (110) upward and downward in the second axis direction (A2). Accordingly, the upper part of the cell case (11) is inserted into the holder body (161) of the cell holder unit (160).

[0126] Next, the jig moving unit (140) and the holder moving unit (165) move the jig part (120) and the cell holder part (160) in the first axial direction (A1) toward the roller member (184) in the direction (F1). The jig moving unit (140) and the holder moving unit (165) move the jig part (120) and the cell holder part (160) so that the outer surface of the cell case (11) comes into contact with the roller member (184) of the backup roller part (180).

[0127] Next, the molding member (171) is moved in the first axial direction (A1) so that the molding member (171) comes into contact with the outer surface of the cell case (11). The molding member (171) comes into contact with the outer surface of the cell case (11) at the molding position (H1).

[0128] The above-mentioned molding member (171) presses the outer surface of the cell case (11) with a normal load value (P1) that is strong enough to cause the outer surface of the cell case (11) to sink.

[0129] The above-mentioned forming member (171) comes into contact with the outer surface of the rotating cell case (11), and while rotating together with the second rotation axis (173), presses the outer surface of the cell case (11) in the first axial direction (A1), thereby forming the bead portion (12) on the outer surface of the cell case (11).

[0130] The above bead portion (12) is a recessed groove on the outer surface of the cell case (11) and is provided along the circumferential direction of the cell case (11). The above bead portion (12) may correspond to a catch for fixing the electrode assembly (13) to the inside of the cell case (11).

[0131] Referring to Fig. 8, when the bead portion (12) is formed, when the forming member (171) presses the cell case (11) with a normal load value (P1), the roller member (184) rotates idly along the outer surface of the cell case (11) to support the cell case (11) in the first axial direction (A1), thereby preventing the outer diameter of the corresponding peripheral area of ​​the cell case (11) from increasing.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 9, when the bead portion (12) is formed, when the forming member (171) presses the cell case (11) with an ideal load value (P2, see FIG. 9), the roller member (184) can be adjusted in a direction away from the rotational center axis of the cell case (11) while rotating along the outer surface of the cell case (11). Accordingly, when the bead portion (12) is formed on the cell case (11), scratches can be prevented from being formed on the outer surface of the cell case (11) due to the roller member (184).

[0133] The preferred embodiments of the present invention described above are disclosed for the purpose of illustration, and those skilled in the art having ordinary knowledge of the present invention will be able to make various modifications, changes, and additions within the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such modifications, changes, and additions should be considered to fall within the scope of the following claims.

[0134] According to a beading device for a cylindrical battery cell according to one embodiment of the present invention, scratches can be prevented from occurring on the cell case during bead forming.

Claims

1. A cell rotation unit in which a cell case containing an electrode assembly can be installed and which is provided to rotate the cell case; A bead forming part including a forming member configured to press the cell case when the cell case rotates, in order to form a bead part along the circumferential direction of the cell case; and A battery cell beading device comprising a roller member that is provided to be rotatable and contacts the cell case when the molding member presses the cell case, and a backup roller part that is provided to be positionally adjustable in a direction closer to or farther away from the rotational center axis of the cell case.

2. In paragraph 1, A battery cell beading device in which the backup roller part is arranged so that the position of the roller member is adjusted based on the magnitude of the force with which the molding member presses the cell case.

3. In paragraph 2, The above backup roller part comprises a roller center axis on which the roller member is rotatably mounted; and A battery cell beading device further comprising a roller position adjustment unit connected to the roller center axis and arranged so that the roller center axis moves away from the rotational center axis of the cell case when the force transmitted from the cell case to the roller member by the molding member is greater than the operating load value.

4. In paragraph 3, The above roller position adjustment part has a standard length and is provided so as to be adjustable in length in a direction perpendicular to the roller center axis. The above roller position adjustment unit is a battery cell beading device that is arranged to contract from the reference length when the force applied to the roller center axis is an abnormal load value greater than the operating load value.

5. In paragraph 4, The above roller position adjustment unit is a battery cell beading device that is provided to maintain the reference length when the force applied to the roller center axis is a normal load value lower than the operating load value.

6. In paragraph 4, The above roller position adjustment unit is a beading device of a battery cell including a gas spring.

7. In paragraph 3, The backup roller part further includes a backup body equipped with the roller position adjustment part and the roller center axis, The above roller position adjustment part A first adjusting member connecting one end of the roller center axis adjacent to the roller member and the backup body; and A beading device for a battery cell, comprising a second adjusting member arranged parallel to the first adjusting member and connecting the other end of the roller central axis and the backup body.

8. In paragraph 1, A cell holder portion arranged on the upper portion of the cell rotation portion and provided so that the upper portion of the cell case can be inserted therein, and provided so as to rotatably support the cell case; A jig part that rotatably supports the above cell rotation part; and A battery cell beading device including a jig lifting unit mounted on the jig unit and arranged to move the jig unit in a direction closer to or farther away from the cell holder unit.

9. In paragraph 8, A battery cell beading device comprising a holder body and a pusher member mounted on the holder body, insertable into the cell case, and configured to pressurize an electrode assembly within the cell case.

10. In paragraph 8, A battery cell beading device comprising a guide roll mounted on the jig portion so as to be in contact with the outer surface of the cell case mounted on the cell rotation portion, and provided so as to be able to rotate idly along the outer surface of the cell case when the cell case rotates, and further comprising a guide portion provided to support the cell case.

11. In paragraph 8, A jig moving unit mounted on the jig unit and configured to move the jig unit in a direction closer to or farther from the backup roller unit; and A battery cell beading device further comprising a holder moving unit mounted on the cell holder unit and configured to move the cell holder unit in a direction closer to or farther away from the backup roller unit.

12. In paragraph 11, Further comprising a forming moving part mounted on the bead forming part and arranged to move the bead forming part in a direction closer to or farther away from the backup roller part, A battery cell beading device in which the above-mentioned forming moving part moves the bead forming part in a direction closer to the backup roller part before forming the bead part on the outer surface of the cell case so that the forming member of the bead forming part comes into contact with the outer surface of the cell case.

13. In the first paragraph, the cell rotation part comprises a mounting plate on which the cell case is mounted; A first rotational axis mounted on the above mounting base and positioned coaxially with the rotational center axis of the cell case; and A beading device for a battery cell including a first rotational driving unit that provides rotational force to the first rotational axis.

14. In paragraph 1, A battery cell beading device, wherein the bead forming part includes a second rotational axis on which the forming member is rotatably mounted, and a second rotational driving part that provides rotational force to the second rotational axis, and wherein the forming member is rotated during forming of the bead part to pressurize the outer surface of the cell case.

15. In paragraph 1, A battery cell beading device further comprising an alarm unit that provides a warning alarm when the roller member moves away from the rotational center axis of the cell case.

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