Tab guide alignment apparatus and method for aligning tab guide by using same

Abstract

According to exemplary embodiments, a tab guide alignment apparatus is provided. This apparatus comprises: a first rail; and an alignment block coupled to the rail, wherein the alignment block includes a second rail configured to move in a first direction with respect to the first rail, and a tab guide contact unit coupled to the second rail. Accordingly, provided are: a tab guide alignment apparatus for improving a tab guide adjustment process accuracy that depends on the skill level of an operator; and a method for aligning a tab guide by using same. In addition, the reliability of a pre-welding process can be improved.

Description

Tab guide alignment device and method for aligning tab guides using the same

[0001] The technical idea of ​​the present invention relates to a tab guide alignment device and a method for aligning tab guides using the same. This application claims the benefit of Korean Application No. 10-2024-0001963, filed January 5, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. They are widely used as the energy source for various wireless devices, such as handsets, laptops, and cordless vacuum cleaners. Recently, improvements in energy density and economies of scale have dramatically reduced the manufacturing costs of electric-powered hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Furthermore, as BEVs' ranges have increased to match those of fuel-powered vehicles, the primary use of secondary batteries is shifting from mobile devices to mobility.

[0003] Battery cells are the most basic units of secondary batteries, and improving the mechanical and electrical performance of battery cells is the most effective and key factor in improving secondary battery performance.

[0004] The technical idea of ​​the present invention is to provide a tab guide alignment device with improved reliability and a method for aligning a tab guide using the same.

[0005] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention for solving the above-described problem, a tab guide alignment device is provided. The device includes a first rail; and an alignment block coupled to the rail, wherein the alignment block includes a second rail configured to move in a first direction relative to the first rail, and a tab guide contact portion coupled to the second rail.

[0006] The above tab guide contact portion is configured to align the tab guides of the ultrasonic welding device.

[0007] The above alignment block further includes an alignment contact portion coupled to the second rail.

[0008] The above tab guide contact portion protrudes in the first direction relative to the alignment contact portion.

[0009] The alignment block further includes a position adjuster interposed between the second rail and the alignment contact portion and coupled to each of the second rail and the alignment contact portion.

[0010] The position controller is configured to move the alignment contact portion in a second direction.

[0011] It further includes a vernier caliper coupled to the above alignment contact portion.

[0012] The above vernier caliper indicates the position of the alignment contact.

[0013] According to exemplary embodiments, a method of aligning tab guides is provided. The method comprises the steps of aligning a first tab guide; moving a tab guide contact portion; and aligning a second tab guide, wherein the step of aligning the first tab guide moves the first tab guide in a first direction so that the first tab guide contacts a tab guide contact portion of an alignment block of a tab guide alignment device.

[0014] The tab guide alignment device further comprises a first rail, the alignment block is coupled to the first rail, the alignment block comprises a second rail configured to move in a first direction relative to the first rail, and the tab guide contact portion is coupled to the second rail.

[0015] The alignment block further includes an alignment contact portion coupled to the second rail, and the tab guide contact portion further protrudes in the first direction with respect to the alignment block.

[0016] The method further includes a step of aligning the alignment block by bringing the alignment contact portion into contact with the datum block.

[0017] The above alignment contact portion is aligned before aligning the first tab guide.

[0018] The step of moving the tab guide contact portion includes moving the tab guide contact portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0019] The step of aligning the second tab guide includes adjusting the position of the second tab guide in the first direction so that the second tab guide comes into contact with the tab guide contact portion.

[0020] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a tap guide alignment device and a method for aligning a tap guide using the same can be provided to improve the accuracy of a tap guide adjustment process that relies on the skill of the operator. Accordingly, the reliability of the pre-welding process can be improved.

[0021] The effects that can be obtained from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure pertain from the following description. In other words, unintended effects resulting from practicing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a secondary battery manufacturing device according to exemplary embodiments.

[0023] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a tab guide alignment device according to other exemplary embodiments.

[0024] Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating an alignment block of a tab guide alignment device.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of aligning tab guides according to exemplary embodiments.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a method of aligning tab guides according to exemplary embodiments.

[0027] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, it should be noted that the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings. Based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best explain his or her invention, they should be interpreted in a way that conforms to the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0028] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention, and it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0029] In addition, when describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description is omitted.

[0030] Since the embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the present invention to those skilled in the art, the shapes and sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated for clearer explanation. Accordingly, the sizes and proportions of each component do not fully reflect the actual sizes or proportions.

[0031]

[0032] (Embodiment 1: Device)

[0033] FIG. 1 is a drawing for explaining a secondary battery manufacturing device (100) according to exemplary embodiments.

[0034] According to exemplary embodiments, a secondary battery manufacturing apparatus (100) may be configured to weld electrode tabs (ET) of an electrode assembly (EA). According to exemplary embodiments, the secondary battery manufacturing apparatus (100) may weld the electrode tabs (ET) using ultrasonic waves. Incomplete welding of the tabs (ET) may cause a decrease in the capacity of a battery cell including the electrode assembly (EA), and thus, welding of the tabs (ET) is one of the key processes that determines the performance of the electrode assembly (EA).

[0035] A secondary battery manufacturing device (100) may include a fixing module (110), first and second tab guides (121, 123), and a processing module (130). The fixing module (110) may include a support plate (111) and a pressurizing device (113). The processing module (130) may include a horn (133) and an anvil (131).

[0036] An electrode assembly (EA) may include a plurality of electrodes. Each of the plurality of electrodes may be either an anode or a cathode. Accordingly, each of the plurality of electrodes of the electrode assembly may include either an anode tab or a cathode tab. Accordingly, the electrode assembly (EA) may include a plurality of electrode tabs (ET).

[0037] According to exemplary embodiments, welding by the secondary battery manufacturing device (100) may be pre-welding. Recently, due to the increase in the energy density of secondary batteries, the number of electrodes to be welded has significantly increased, and dozens or more electrode tabs (ET) are welded simultaneously. To reliably weld a large number of electrode tabs (ET), welding of a plurality of electrode tabs (ET) may include two steps: pre-welding and main welding. As a non-limiting example, the pre-welding may be ultrasonic welding, and the main welding may be laser welding.

[0038] After pre-welding of a plurality of electrode tabs (ET), the plurality of electrode tabs (ET) can be welded together with electrode leads. The electrode leads may be external connection terminals of a battery cell. Here, a battery cell is a basic unit of a lithium-ion battery, i.e., a secondary battery. In addition to an electrode assembly (EA), a battery cell includes an electrolyte and a case. Depending on the composition of the electrode assembly (EA) and the electrolyte, a battery cell is classified into a lithium-ion battery, a lithium-ion polymer battery, a lithium-polymer battery, etc. Lithium-ion polymer batteries are increasing their market share in secondary batteries due to their low possibility of electrolyte leakage and ease of manufacturing.

[0039] Depending on the shape of the battery case, the battery cell is classified into a cylindrical battery in which the electrode assembly (EA) is built into a cylindrical metal can, a square battery in which the electrode assembly (EA) is built into a square metal can, and a pouch-type battery in which the electrode assembly (EA) is built into a pouch case made of an aluminum laminate sheet.

[0040] An electrode assembly (EA) includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. Electrode assemblies (EA) are classified into jelly-roll types and stack types depending on their assembly configuration. The jelly-roll type comprises a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator interposed between them, rolled up. The stack type comprises a plurality of sequentially stacked positive electrodes, a plurality of negative electrodes, and a plurality of separators interposed between them.

[0041] The positive electrode may include a positive current collector and a positive active material. The negative electrode may include a negative current collector and a negative active material.

[0042] The thickness of the positive electrode current collector may range from about 3 μm to about 500 μm. The positive electrode current collector may not cause chemical changes in the secondary battery to be ultimately manufactured and may have high conductivity. The positive electrode current collector may include, for example, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, calcined carbon, and aluminum. The positive electrode current collector may also include stainless steel surface-treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, or the like. The surface of the positive electrode current collector may include a micro-roughened structure to increase the adhesion of the active material. The positive electrode current collector may have a shape such as a film, a sheet, a foil, a net, a porous material, a foam, or a non-woven fabric.

[0043] The thickness of the negative electrode current collector may be in the range of about 3 μm to about 500 μm. The negative electrode current collector may not cause chemical changes in the secondary battery ultimately manufactured and may have high conductivity. The negative electrode current collector may include copper, stainless steel, aluminum, nickel, titanium, sintered carbon, and an aluminum-cadmium alloy. The negative electrode current collector may also include stainless steel surface-treated with carbon, nickel, titanium, silver, etc. The surface of the negative electrode current collector may include a micro-roughened structure to increase the adhesion of the active material. The negative electrode current collector may have a shape such as a film, a sheet, a foil, a net, a porous material, a foam, or a non-woven fabric.

[0044] A cathode active material is a material capable of causing an electrochemical reaction. The cathode active material may be a lithium transition metal oxide. Examples of the cathode active material include layered compounds such as lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2) and lithium nickel oxide (LiNiO2) substituted with one or more transition metals; lithium manganese oxide substituted with one or more transition metals; chemical formula LiNi 1-y M y Lithium nickel oxide expressed as O2 (wherein, M is any one of Co, Mn, Al, Cu, Fe, Mg, B, Cr, Zn, and Ga, and 0.01≤y≤0.7); Li 1+z Ni 1 / 3 Co 1 / 3 Mn 1 / 3 O2, Li 1+zN i 0.4 Mn 0.4 Co 0.2 Li like O2 1+z Ni b Mn c Co 1-(b+c+d) M d O (2-e) A e(wherein, -0.5≤z≤0.5, 0.1≤b≤0.8, 0.1≤c≤0.8, 0≤d≤0.2, 0≤e≤0.2, b+c+d<1, M is any one of Al, Mg, Cr, Ti, Si, and Y, and A is any one of F, P, and Cl) Lithium nickel cobalt manganese composite oxide; chemical formula Li 1+x M 1-y M' y PO 4-z X z (wherein, M is a transition metal, more specifically, one of Fe, Mn, Co, and Ni, M' is one of Al, Mg, and Ti, X is one of F, S, and N, -0.5≤x≤+0.5, 0≤y≤0.5, and 0≤z≤0.1) and may include an olivine-based lithium metal phosphate.

[0045] The negative active material may include carbon, such as non-graphitizable carbon, graphitic carbon, etc. The negative active material may include, for example, Li x Fe2O3(0≤x≤1), LixWO2(0≤x≤1), Sn x Me 1-x Me' y O z (wherein Me is any one of Mn, Fe, Pb and Ge, and Me' is any one of Al, B, P, Si, elements of group 1, 2 and 3 of the periodic table and halogens; 0 <x≤1 이고; 1≤y≤3 이며; 1≤z≤8) 등의 금속 복합 산화물을 포함할 수 있다. 음극 활물질은, 예컨대, 리튬 금속; 리튬 합금; 규소계 합금; 주석계 합금을 포함할 수 있다. 음극 활물질은, 예컨대, SnO, SnO2, PbO, PbO2, Pb2O3, Pb3O4, Sb2O3, Sb2O4, Sb2O5, GeO, GeO2, Bi2O3, Bi2O4, Bi2O5등의 금속 산화물을 포함할 수 있다. 음극 활물질은, 예컨대, 폴리아세틸렌 등의 도전성 고분자; Li-Co-Ni 계 재료 등을 포함할 수 있다.

[0046] The support plate (111) may be configured to support the electrode assembly (EA). The electrode assembly (EA) may be placed on the upper surface (111T) of the support plate (111). The upper surface (111T) of the support plate (111) may be in contact with the electrode assembly (EA).

[0047] Hereinafter, the support plate (111) defines two directions substantially parallel to the upper surface (111T) as the X direction and the Y direction, and defines a direction substantially perpendicular to the upper surface (111T) of the support plate (111) as the Z direction. Each of the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction may be substantially perpendicular to each other. Unless otherwise defined, the same applies in all drawings for the above-described directions. The Z direction may be a direction in which the positive electrode, the negative electrode, and the separator of the electrode assembly (EA) are laminated. The Y direction may be a direction in which the electrode tab (ET) protrudes from the electrode assembly (EA).

[0048] The lower surface (113B) of the pressurizing device (113) can be in contact with the electrode assembly (EA). The pressurizing device (113) can be configured to apply pressure to the electrode assembly (EA). The pressurizing device (113) can be configured to fix the electrode assembly (EA) by applying pressure to the electrode assembly (EA) together with the support plate (111). The electrode assembly (EA) can be fixed by the pressure by the support plate (111) and the pressurizing device (113), the vertical force, and the frictional force caused by the vertical force.

[0049] The first and second tab guides (121, 123) may be spaced apart from each other in the Z direction. Each of the first and second tab guides (121, 123) may be configured to move in the Z direction. The first and second tab guides (121, 123) may be interposed between the fixed module (110) and the processing module (130).

[0050] The first and second tab guides (121, 123) can collect a plurality of electrode tabs (ET). The first and second tab guides (121, 123) can be configured to change the shape of the plurality of electrode tabs (ET). The shape of each of the plurality of electrode tabs (ET) can be changed to include a round portion (or a U-shaped portion) by movement of the first and second tab guides (121, 123) in the Z direction. By changing the shape of the plurality of electrode tabs (ET) by the first and second tab guides (121, 123), the plurality of electrode tabs (ET) can be prevented from being damaged in the processing of a subsequent electrode assembly (EA), and the reliability of manufacturing a secondary battery can be improved.

[0051] The Y-direction positions of the first and second tab guides (121, 123) determine the shape of the plurality of electrode tabs (ET) during pre-welding of the plurality of electrode tabs (ET), so accurately positioning the first and second tab guides (121, 123) in the Y-direction is very important for improving process consistency and the quality of the electrode assembly (EA).

[0052] While a plurality of electrode tabs (ET) are welded by the secondary battery manufacturing device (100), the anvil (131) may be configured to support the plurality of electrode tabs (ET). According to exemplary embodiments, the anvil (131) may be a supporting jig. The anvil (131) may be configured to fix the positions of the plurality of electrode tabs (ET) so that energy transmitted by the horn (133) can be efficiently transmitted to the plurality of electrode tabs (ET). The anvil (131) may include any one of a knurled shape and a rib shape for fixing the plurality of electrode tabs (ET).

[0053] The horn (133) may be configured to provide ultrasonic energy to a plurality of electrode tabs (ET). The frequency of the ultrasonic waves provided to the plurality of electrode tabs (ET) by the horn (133) may range from about 18,000 Hz to about 1 GHz. The horn may include a converter that converts AC or DC power into mechanical vibrations and a booster that amplifies the mechanical vibrations. The ultrasonic energy may generate frictional heat in the plurality of electrode tabs (ET), thereby welding the plurality of electrode tabs (ET).

[0054] The horn (133) may be an ultrasonic resonator and may include a structure that repeats with a spatial period that is half the ultrasonic wavelength, equal to the ultrasonic wavelength, or equal to an integer multiple of the ultrasonic wavelength. The repeating unit structure of the horn (133) may include either a knurled shape or a rib shape. As a non-limiting example, the horn (133) may include an aluminum alloy, a titanium alloy, and die steel.

[0055]

[0056] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a tab guide alignment device (200) according to other exemplary embodiments.

[0057] Figure 3 is a perspective view for explaining the alignment block (220) of the tab guide alignment device (200).

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the tab guide alignment device (200) may include a first rail (210), an alignment block (220), and a vernier caliper (230). The tab guide alignment device (200) may be used to align the first and second tab guides (121, 123). The tab guide alignment device (200) may be used to align the Y-direction positions of the first and second tab guides (121, 123).

[0059] The first rail (210) may include fixtures (211) for securing the tab guide alignment device (200) to the LMS (300). The LMS (300) may include a transport rail and a pallet configured to move along the transport rail. The first rail (210) may be secured to the pallet of the LMS (300).

[0060] The alignment block (220) can be coupled to the first rail (210). The alignment block (220) can include a second rail (221), a rail fixing member (223), an alignment contact member (225), a position adjuster (227), and a tab guide contact member (229).

[0061] The second rail (221) may be coupled to the first rail (210). The second rail (221) may be configured to move along the first rail (210). The first rail (210) may extend along the Y direction. The second rail (221) may be configured to move along the Y direction.

[0062] The rail fastener (223) may be configured to fix the second rail (221) and the first rail (210). The rail fastener (223) may be configured to fix the relative positions of the second rail (221) and the first rail (210). After the second rail (221) moves so that the tab guide contact portion (229) is positioned correctly, the second rail (221) may be fixed to the first rail (210) by the rail fastener (223). As a non-limiting example, the fastener (1223) may include a fixing bolt.

[0063] The alignment contact portion (225) can be joined to the second rail (221). The alignment contact portion (225) can be joined to the second rail (221) by welding or by a mechanical method such as bolting. The alignment contact portion (225) can also be provided as an integral part with the second rail by a method such as casting.

[0064] The alignment contact portion (225) may be configured to contact the datum block (DB). By moving the alignment block (220) in the Y direction so that the alignment contact portion (225) contacts the datum block (DB), the alignment block (220) may be positioned correctly. More specifically, when the alignment contact portion (225) contacts the datum block (DB), the tab guide contact portion (229) may be positioned at a position for aligning the first and second tab guides (121, 123).

[0065] The tab guide contact portion (229) may be coupled to a position adjuster (227). The position adjuster (227) may be configured to adjust the position of the tab guide contact portion (229) in the Z direction. The position adjuster (227) may be coupled to the second rail (221). The position adjuster (227) may be interposed between the second rail (221) and the tab guide contact portion (229). The position adjuster (227) may be coupled to an end of the second rail (221) in the Y direction. The position adjuster (227) may extend in the Z direction.

[0066] A vernier caliper (230) may be coupled to the alignment block (220). The vernier caliper (230) may be configured to measure the Y-direction position of the alignment block (220). Accordingly, if the alignment of the alignment block (220) is deviated by repeated alignment of the first and second tab guides (121, 123) after alignment of the alignment block (220), the alignment block (220) may be realigned based on the reading of the vernier caliper (230).

[0067]

[0068] (Example 2: Method)

[0069] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of aligning tab guides according to exemplary embodiments.

[0070] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating a method of aligning tab guides according to exemplary embodiments.

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 4, at P110, the alignment block (220) can be aligned. Aligning the alignment block (220) may include moving the alignment block (220) in the Y direction so that the alignment contact portion (225) contacts the datum block (DB). After aligning the alignment block (220), a reference position (e.g., zero point) of the vernier caliper (230) can be set. That is, the fixed position of the alignment block (220) may be the reference position (e.g., zero point) of the vernier caliper (230).

[0072] Next, referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the first tab guide (121) can be aligned at P120. Alignment of the first tab guide (121) may include adjusting the Y-direction position of the first tab guide (121) so that the first tab guide (121) contacts the tab guide contact portion (229) (i.e., moving the first tab guide (121) in the Y-direction).

[0073] Next, at P130, the tab guide contact portion (229) can be moved. The tab guide contact portion (229) can be moved in the Z direction. The tab guide contact portion (229) can be moved from a position for aligning the first tab guide (121) to a position for aligning the second tab guide (123). The tab guide contact portion (229) can be moved by the operation of the position controller (227). The operation of the position controller (227) can be based on manual operation of an operator, or based on the operation of a servo motor and a screw.

[0074] Next, at P140, the second tab guide (123) can be aligned. Aligning the second tab guide (123) may include adjusting the Y-direction position of the second tab guide (123) so that the second tab guide (123) contacts the tab guide contact portion (229) (i.e., moving the second tab guide (123) in the Y-direction).

[0075] In Fig. 4, the second tab guide (123) is aligned after the first tab guide (121) is aligned, but this is for illustrative purposes only and does not limit the technical idea of ​​the present invention in any way. That is, the first tab guide (121) may be aligned after the second tab guide (123) is aligned.

[0076]

[0077] The present invention has been described in more detail through drawings and examples. However, the configurations described in the drawings or examples described in this specification are merely embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modified examples may exist as of the time of this application.

Claims

1. First tomorrow; and Including an align block coupled to the above rail, A tab guide alignment device, characterized in that the alignment block includes a second rail configured to move in a first direction with respect to the first rail and a tab guide contact portion coupled to the second rail.

2. In paragraph 1, A tab guide alignment device characterized in that the above tab guide contact portion is configured to align the tab guides of the ultrasonic welding device.

3. In paragraph 1, A tab guide alignment device, characterized in that the alignment block further includes an alignment contact portion coupled to the second rail.

4. In paragraph 3, A tab guide alignment device, characterized in that the tab guide contact portion protrudes in the first direction relative to the alignment contact portion.

5. In paragraph 1, A tab guide alignment device characterized in that the alignment block further includes a position adjuster interposed between the second rail and the alignment contact portion and coupled to each of the second rail and the alignment contact portion.

6. In paragraph 5, A tab guide alignment device, characterized in that the position adjuster is configured to move the alignment contact portion in a second direction.

7. In paragraph 1, A tap guide alignment device further comprising a vernier caliper coupled to the above alignment contact portion.

8. In paragraph 7, A tab guide alignment device characterized in that the above vernier caliper indicates the position of the above alignment contact portion.

9. Step for aligning the first tab guide; Step of moving the tab guide contact; and Including the step of aligning the second tab guide, A method for aligning tab guides, characterized in that the step of aligning the first tab guide includes adjusting the position of the first tab guide in the first direction so that the first tab guide contacts the tab guide contact portion of the alignment block of the tab guide alignment device.

10. In paragraph 9, The above tab guide alignment device further includes a first rail, The above alignment block is coupled to the first rail, The above alignment block comprises a second rail configured to move in a first direction relative to the first rail, and A method for aligning a tab guide, characterized in that the tab guide contact portion is coupled to the second rail.

11. In paragraph 10, The above alignment block further includes an alignment contact portion coupled to the second rail, and A method for aligning a tab guide, wherein the tab guide contact portion protrudes further in the first direction with respect to the alignment block.

12. In paragraph 11, A method of aligning a tab guide further comprising the step of aligning the alignment block by bringing the alignment contact portion into contact with the datum block.

13. In paragraph 12, A method for aligning tab guides, characterized in that the above alignment contact portion is aligned before aligning the first tab guide.

14. In paragraph 9, A method for aligning a tab guide, characterized in that the step of moving the tab guide contact portion includes moving the tab guide contact portion in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

15. In paragraph 9, A method for aligning tab guides, characterized in that the step of aligning the second tab guide includes adjusting the position of the second tab guide in the first direction so that the second tab guide comes into contact with the tab guide contact portion.

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